Friday's 'Cliff'-hanger May 30. 2008
Today was my first day out in a week and I could not believe the difference in the terrain on the way down the mountain. It was as though the trees and shrubs growing on either side of the road were about to meet in the middle and consume us as we drove by. I mentioned to Joann how the greenery was so much fuller than my last trip into town. You would have to see this to believe it. These trees were bare sticks just weeks ago and now they are full of beautiful green leaves. It's truly amazing.Â
For the first time since we moved up here one year and seven months ago I felt warm going out.  Joann had the sun roof open and the a/c on in the car and the sun coming in the roof made the a/c feel good. My Transition Lens even darkened with the sun. We saw a lot of cars with Florida plates and I am sure they thought they were back in Florida.
Tomorrow is the anniversary of a very special event in my life and I will tell you why when next we meet.
Closing with the Walk-Off Home Run by Cliff Floyd,the Rays won 2-1!!
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Love and prayers from here to there
I Broke Even Today May 30. 2008
Another ho-hum day -Â except for two phone calls it would have been a wash out because the Rays lost to Chicago White Sox.
The first call was from my friend Adith. We always have something to laugh about and that makes the call a blessing. The next call was from my Granddaughter Veronica. She was walking home having left her car at the garage to have the oil changed.  She was saying about the heat down there. She promised to come up for a visit first chance she gets. Another blessing.
The next reason for the expression "wash out" Jo-An and Susan were coming up for the weekend but Susan got sick and they have canceled.  Hopefully they will come when Susan is better.
Tomorrow I go for a PT test.  If it is OK I can have a salad on  Saturday. I hope we can get to Church Sunday.   Then on Wednesday Nancy and Tom will be here to visit. Having them visit will be the highlight of the week. They are such good friends. We will have a lot of catching up to do.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Look Before You Strike May 28. 2008
A near catastrophe today. I pushed the wrong key on the Computer and it went somewhere I had never been before. I did everything I had ever heard of to get it back to normal but nothing worked.  I called Joann she called Becky. Becky said she had no idea how to fix it. Joann worked a good part of the evening trying everything she thought might clear up the problem. By this time panic had set in with me. Joann assured me when James called he would have the solution to my problem. And so he did. He talked Joann through many steps to a final solution and everything is back to normal. Â
There is an old saying "The Proof Is In The Pudding". That applies here because I am typing this report on the very computer that would not speak to us two hours ago.Â
I might mention for any young Ladies tuned in that James is not only a Computer expert, he is a great cook.Â
I have learned a lesson this evening. Look before you strike that key.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Hopefully The Rays Will Win Next Time May 28. 2008
I knew it had to happen sooner or later. I was hoping for later. The Rays lost the game tonight.   The Texas Cowboys (I mean the Texas Rangers) won. I am not even sure what the score was maybe 10-5.  If I don't write things down immediately I am sure to lose them.
Even though it was Tuesday it was a Do Nothing Day. After I watched the Soap,  I can't miss every week day, I turned the TV to the Satellite Radio and listened to what they call Escape which is titled "Easy Listening". It sure is that.  They play the music I listened to when I was a teenager, and into the time I had with my dear Husband. He and I both loved the music of that time. Sometimes they play a tune that reminds me of a special time in my life and I catch a tear or two falling from my teary eyes.
Well, that's my day. I was disappointed in the outcome of the game but I realize they can't win them all. I just might turn that music on again to relax before calling it a day.Â
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Love and prayers from here to there
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My Door is Always Open to Friends May 26. 2008
 The game is over and we won again. We beat the Texas Rangers tonight. I have two friends who moved to Texas not too long ago. Terry I know is still a Rays fan but Marge I am not too sure about.Â
I am hearing from all my friends down Florida way about the Rays. I am so happy and thrilled that the owners put together a team that is doing so good. Â
I am looking forward to this weekend. Bill's Mom and his Aunt are coming up for a few days. On Wednesday really good friends from LSPC are going to be in the area and are planning to spend the day with us. Then early in June a Nephew from Ohio and his family are due to stop on their way to Disney. We love having company. It means the folks visiting care enough to make time for you.
Mentioning Disney reminds me of so many funny stories that I must tell you about some day when you don't have anything better to do than listen to me reminisce.
That's the news from here. Hope yours was as pleasant as mine.
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Love and prayers from here to thereÂ
Life in the great State of North Carolina May 24. 2008
When I opened the doors this afternoon the Pansies were smiling at me.  They are just beautiful. Then I looked over to the Bird Feeder and there were five Deer.  I think it is a family. I called Joann to get her camera. She came and got a couple of good pictures. It did not take long for the Deer to realize someone was watching them so away they went.Â
Days like today I realize how fortunate I am to be living here. Not only that I am with family but everything about this part of the Country is different than I have ever experienced before. It is appreciated at my age. The people here are warm and friendly. Every trip into town I am amazed at the things to see. The unusual cloud formations, the clouds hugging the tops of the mountains, one mountain peak after another as far as you can see.  There are gorgeous flowers on many of the trees and shrubs.  Some of the plants are wild, others are planted, but all are beautiful.
Now that I have found the Wax for my hair I don't even mind the Static Season.
Just a note I saw on the Computer news today that Charlotte, N.C. is the #1 city in the U.S. to live. I happen to think it is Brevard but as long as it is in North Carolina I won't make a fuss.
By the way, the Rays won tonight 2-0. Makes for a happy day.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Variety is the Subject Tonight May 22. 2008
No game tonight. That is no Rays game. Nothing worth while on TV so maybe I will get to reading the book I received for Mother's Day from Joann.  I do not like to read, never did. This is a book written by Jeff Klinkenberg titled "A Pilgrim Among The Alligators".   I have read the last Chapter because it is all about his Mother who was a good friend of mine.
I went to a Podiatrist to get my toe nails cut which is required because of the medication I am on. He is new in town and I think we are going to work very well together. I went to Dr. Strickland in St. Petersburg and really was happy with his work. Â
Getting ready to go I had trouble with the Static in the air. I could not get my hair to stay in place. One of the natives here told me what to do in such a case. You use Hair Spray. I asked Joann to pick me up a can of Hair Spray on one of her many trips into town. Well, she came home one day with a new product. Said it was supposed to be really good for static. So today I tried it. Reading the instructions on the bottle I noticed it is called Wax. Never had my hair waxed before have you?
It really worked though - kept my hair right where I put it. I will get it washed out first thing tomorrow morning. Hopefully my head will stay on the pillow all night.Â
The Rays are back home tomorrow and play the O's.  I tried watching the Yankees game but it is not the same. Sorry John. So I will be in my recliner tomorrow evening waiting for DeWayne, Joe and Todd to say "Play Ball".
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Love and prayers from here to thereÂ
Star Sighting May 21. 2008
On the way home from the PT test we stopped at the Post Office. Remember we don't get mail delivered out here. While I sat in the car waiting for Joann to come out I saw a man that should be known by the title of "Good Ole Boy". I was star struck, could not take my eyes off him. He had a straw Cowboy Hat on with gem stones around the band. A red kerchief around his neck. A blue shirt made from the material in a blue kerchief. Of course Jeans and Cowboy Boots.Â
There are a lot of Ranches around here. He must be the Boss Man of one of them.Â
Had a call from Becky yesterday and she brought me up to date on her comings and goings.
Talked with Barbara and John, my dear friends from Florida. John and I discuss the great team the Rays have this year (they lost today I think 9-1) but they are playing like the Big League Team that they are.
Barbara brings me up to date on our friends at Church. She told me not to tell but she has developed an interest in the Rays also. I promise I won't tell, Barbara.
That's about it for today. Hope you all had a good day.
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Love and prayers from here to thereÂ
Trying Again May 20. 2008
Last night I wrote the days events and was just ready to sign off when everything went dark. I am just thankful Joann was still down here. I can't stand total darkness. Joann hurried to open the doors because there was a moon shining brightly but the light from it could not make it through the trees. She got all the candles lit and I have a Lantern Bill gave me and also a neat little Lantern that a young Lady named Melissa gave me a while back. So now, with all that I was no longer in the dark.Â
However, I was missing the game between the Rays and the Oakland A's. Well, our house phones didn't work but Joann's Cell phone did so she called James out in California and asked him to check the score of the game after half an hour.Â
Joann curled up on the Sofa and just started to doze off when the power came back on - one hour later. I hurried and got the game on. Joann retired for the night but I stayed up to watch the game. It was so exciting I thought I would not be able to sleep but the win made everything A-OK.Â
The story that got lost was about a Deer that was in our back yard eating those beautiful new leaves. I watched him from the doors and when I coughed he ran with the wind.Â
Speaking of wind we are expecting a heavy thunderstorm in our area with high winds so I am going to close now and get this going so as not to lose it also.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Memories from Yesterday and Today May 18. 2008
Went to Church this morning. They were having Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons.  All men.Â
Hurried home to watch the Ball game. Sorry to say the Rays lost to St. Louis 5-4. Better luck tomorrow. I will be up till the wee hours because the game is being played in California and it starts at 9:30 PM.Â
Had a picture from James showing me the temperature 102 degrees in Las Vegas. He said the cement pavement was about to melt. That reminded me (here she goes again) on one of our trips to California we stopped in Reno, Nevada and it was so hot they were frying an egg on the sidewalk in front of a Restaurant. We went in for a bite to eat but did not order eggs.
Also, had a phone call this evening from Marge, a dear friend from my Church in Florida. She and Hubby Elliott have moved to Texas. We, of course, talked about the Rays and how well they are doing. Also, compared notes on this one and that one.
It is always a delight to talk with my friends from LSPC.Â
Then came a call from Daughter Becky. She was on her way to her Studio. We talked about my health and her health and of course Politics.Â
My Dad used to tell me never ask a woman the following questions:Â How old? Weight? Religion? Republican or Democrat?
Guess I had better close before I ask any of the above questions.
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Love and prayers from here to thereÂ
Tomorrow is Another Day May 17. 2008
Not much to talk about tonight. The game was not televised up this way so I had to follow it on the computer. It's neat how they do it but not as neat as watching it on TV.  By the way, we lost but it took 10 innings to beat us.Â
I have my clothes laid out to wear to Church tomorrow. Joann made me a beautiful necklace. It is built around a Black and White Cameo with Silver and Black and Pink beads. I will wear it with a Silver Gray blouse, Black slacks, Black Jacket, and a Black Straw Hat. First straw hat I have worn this season.
Jo-An sent me the St. Pete Times about the Rays being the best team in their division. It was such a treat to receive it and so kind of her to send it.Â
I also received a letter from a friend that I graduated from H.S. with and that was a pleasantry.
Well, I said I did not have much to talk about so I better finish so I can get some rest - don't want to fall asleep in Church tomorrow morning.Â
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Love and prayers from here to there
Something for Every One May 17. 2008
As I look out my doors I see the most beautiful green leaves on what were just tall sticks last week.  I have always been fascinated by leaves - why I don't understand. My Daughter Becky used to send me fall colored leaves from Oregon when she lived there. I would make them into a wreath for our front door and always have some left over to put in bowls on the Dining Room Table. Maybe my interest in leaves and nature come from the fact that I lived in the city and there were no trees near my home. We did have a patch of grass in the front of our apartment.Â
Well, Baseball has taken over the C & L ranch. I say ranch because Joann tells me there were 5 Deer in the back yard this morning. In case you don't know the Rays are in first place in their Division. All my St. Petersburg friends are as excited as I am. Many have called. Had a call from John M., my friend from the Bronx who grew up with all the famous Yankees in his back yard. I will still root for the Yankees except when they play the Rays, John.Â
My team is playing in St. Louis now and so far they are ahead 3-0 top of the 7th. The Cardinals are leading their Division also.
I know you will understand if I get back to the game.
P.S. We Won! 3-1
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Love and prayers from here to there
You Can't Win Them All! May 14. 2008
Guess it would be dull if your team won all their games. I have been waiting for the Tampa Bay Rays to become a winning team for 10 years. Bill took me to the very first game and there was a full house. GTE had a nice cushion on each seat. Bill and I still have ours.Â
I had a message from John V. about the first two games. He is a Red Sox fan from Boston. Talked with John M. and he is a Yankee fan from the Bronx and he was happy for me. His wife Barbara M. never has been a baseball fan but watching the game last night converted her.Â
Talked with Becky and she said the Rays even made the Seattle newspaper. I think when Boston lost today that allowed us to maintain the lead in our Division.Â
The game is at 4 PM tomorrow so I will have to hurry home from a Pacer check at the Hospital - can't miss the game.Â
Hope you all enjoy the games as much as I do. Win or lose the Rays are our team.
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Love and prayers from here to there
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? May 13. 2008
This title was suggested by Joann and I will tell you why. On the way down the mountain this morning at the Pig/Chicken farm there were two Roosters and one Hen about to cross the road in front of us. The Roosters went on over but the Hen hesitated and I could read her lips as she said "here comes that Lady in the big white car". After we passed she crossed the road to get to the other side. I can't believe that at least one of the Roosters did not stay with her.Â
All of this reminds me of a time my friend Margaret and I were in Canada on vacation with my Parents and we went to a Carnival. We got on a ride called "The Whip" at every turn it would whip the car around and you would be lucky not to end up with whiplash. We shared the ride with a couple and the young man had his arm around the young woman but when it came to the whip part he grabbed the rail holding us in the car.Â
I will never forget her comment - "Bruce, why did you disarm me"?
Well, that's it for today. I must get back to the Rays/Yankee game. We won last night and the score in the fifth inning is Rays 1 those Yankees 0. Would be a good game if it ended that way.
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Love and prayers from here to there
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Good Company and Good Food May 11. 2008
I was feeling a little down Friday evening, for Joann that is, because James and Veronica were not going to be with her for Mother's Day. She was down here working on her Beading (she has another Show coming up in July) when we heard a noise upstairs. She jumped up, ran up the steps, and there were Veronica and Matthew coming down the steps. What a happy surprise. Bill knew about their coming but kept the secret.Â
Becky and James could not make it but both called and we had a nice phone visit with them.
Joann and I both got lovely gifts.Â
V & M left about noon today and we miss them so. Everyone was taking pictures so we have them to look at until they return for another visit.Â
We had a great dinner this evening. All made by Chef Leone.
Pasta Sauce over Capellini and Meatballs.  I ate so much I am stuffed. Oh well, I will eat light tomorrow.Â
Bill starts his trek through the Academy tomorrow. We wish him well. It's going to be lonely around here without him.Â
The day will be complete when I hear that V & M have arrived in St. Petersburg safely. I hope your day has been as happy.
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Love and prayers from here to there
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