Spartans hang tough

We watched Friday night and this afternoon and it was fun to see the Spartans in great form. You can be sure next weekend will be basketball TV time. How did they lose to the Buckeyes?

More later.

Go Spartans!

Another big weekend of basketball on tap. I did not complete a brackett this year but if I had I would have put Michigan State through to the final four at least. Tonight they are playing Kansas and it will be a big win if they can pull it off.

The week at home has been slow. The temperatures are OK but nothing like Florida. Spring appears to be coming as the lilac buds are showing and the crocuses are blooming. Of course this also means the oak leaves need to be cleaned up and the there are about a ton of twigs and branches in the yard. I have been trying to do a little yard work everyday that it is not raining and above 50 degrees. The golf carts have been out and Steve and I actually did manage 18 holes last Sunday. There is no roll on the course and the greens are a little slow but it was nice to play our course.

I am looking at 2 robins building a nest in the front yard trees now. The change of seasons is good.

One more sign. I know it is a catchy slogan but would you really want a guy that specializes in leaks putting your new roof on??

Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs

Thought it would be interesting to post some of the signs I have seen lately that made me take a second look.


Yes these are the shuffle board courts at my parents. If you can't play on the courts what can you do on them??


When was the last time you trespassed on a lake? This was posted on little pond.


Gospel, country, bluegrass, should we add jazz, rock and roll and classical?




Can't think of what to say about this one.

Wednesday in Florida

BINGO! That is what I have played the last 2 nights in Florida. Mom is a BINGO fanatic and loves the organized events in the mobile home parks. We played Monday night in the neighboring park and did not have any luck but last night in her park I was able to claim a BINGO worth $22. The (mostly) ladies are all very astute at watching and listening and I felt like a real novice. They play several games on the same card starting with a regular BINGO then different configurations such as a hot dog, double postage stamps, and flags and finish with a cover all. I won on a love letter BINGO, which consist of all of the B's and all of the bottom numbers plus the upper two number in G and O. I guess it was a hard one because the with the next number called someone had a cover all. Lucky for me the last number they needed was a B or they would have won both games with one letter.

Today we visited the local flea market. This is a hugh affair in many Florida cities now. There are venders of all kinds and a large farmers market too. It would be easy to spend the better part of a day here but we limited our shopping to a couple of hours and even at that mom had to wait Dad and I out in the car. Then swimming and hitting golfs. Quite a day.

Happy Saint Patricks Day

On Sunday night we were able to watch the space shuttle from Bradenton. We actually watched the TV broadcast of lift off and then went outside and within a minute could see the intense orange flame and contrails. Of course I did not have my camera then but after it disappeared from sight I went back in and was able to still take these shots of the remaining contrails. It is quite amazing that from over 150 miles away we were able to see this event. It makes going to see a live liftoff something that would be even more amazing. I might have to put that on the bucket list.
The weather continues to be nice in Florida but I sure do miss Steve and Mike.

Alligator or Crocodile?

Fortunately this wasn't on the golf course but we are always warned about letting the gator have your ball.

I am now enjoying the sunshine in Bradenton with my mom and dad. Steve is heading back toward Perrysburg tonight and will be at home with Mike this week while I continue to play. We have enjoyed the time away together but I am sure Mike will enjoy having company at home again.

Good Times

When I see that I have not posted since Tuesday I realize how busy we have been. We golfed on Wednesday afternoon with Fort Myers business friends and then on Thursday afternoon with Perrysburg friends who are spending their winter in Fort Myers. Lots of fun both days with wonderful weather florida weather. We arrived at Carol's on Thursday night and have enjoyed Naples for a couple of days. Now it is north on I-75 to Bradenton for a visit with Mom and Dad. It is so hard to believe the weather can be cold in Ohio when it is so nice here.

Beautiful Sunshine in the Sunshine State

It was great to land at the Fort Myers airport yesterday and see the sun shining and to take my sweater off because it was too warm. I wonder if the warmth and beauty get lost on those who live here all of the time. Maybe we Northerners appreciate it more because it is out of the ordinary for us. Maybe it is because I am on holiday even if Steve is working. Whatever the reason it has been an elixir for my mood. I met up with a friend today and we had lunch overlooking a beautiful setting. All cares seem to melt into the atmosphere here. I have gladly left the rest of the world behind for a few days. The visible netting is to keep the birds out.

Basketball Sunday

Steve, Rocky Rocket, and Enos


The Toledo Rockets finished their home basketball season yesterday and we were invited to attend the game with our new neighbors Enos and Kathy. When Rocky the Rocket mascot stopped by the suite I had to take a picture. Toledo won 74- 69. We attended 3 games this season and Toledo won 2 of them so we are looking for our permanent invitation next season. (their record was much worse than 66%) On another basketball note my Spartans should soon be declared the Big Ten Basketball champs and will probably get a #2 seed in the NCAA March madness.

I want to also take a minute to say thanks to all of you who sent an extra prayer, thought, or hug last week. It was a rough week for me. The grieving process is long but life is good and we will go on.

Friday Morning Sunrise Picture

John Michael Stanford

December 26th, 1980 - March 6, 2008

The reality of your death has hit me like a ton of bricks this week. Every moment that I have been OK has been replaced with that awful pain from the center of my being that cries out no, no, no. I have been taken back to last year in my brain over and over and I cannot escape those terrible moments. But one year ago you did leave and I know you are not suffering anymore. And that is what I hang onto now. I know you could not go on in the condition you were in. I know you gave it your all and that is all any mother could ever ask for. I hope you are looking down on us now and seeing that we are doing OK. We have recieved much love and care this year by our family and friends. They have truly sustained us through the darkest days.

This morning I watched a beautiful sunrise. A new day is dawning and we will continue with our lives but you will always be there John. We love you and miss you.

Great Joy

I have been steeling myself for a one year anniversary. It is not a celebratory date. It occurs tomorrow. So today in preparation I want to remember how happy John made us. I want to remember how much joy he brought into our life. I want to remember and be thankful for the time we had together. I will remain positive and joyful of his life. He was special and I am thankful for the time we did have. But I miss you John. Your legacy lives on.

Tuesday Oh My...

I have not gotten anything done for several days. Even my pictures are boring. No reasonable excuse, just the end of winter blahs. I am trying to stay focused on Florida next week and a visit with Mom and Dad.

We did have dinner with Kristen and her parents yesterday and it went very well. We cooked the Christmas turkey Mike got from Bass Pro. As involved parents, we all seem to have very similar ideas on how the wedding plans should progress. That is great. Kids are still thinking June of 2011 for the wedding.That gives us all plenty of time to figure out the details of budgets and living arrangements.