Dad 770: A Day Change

(Dad announces a change regarding his weekly blogging! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

Another great day.

After writing 770 blog posts — usually on Wednesdays — I am changing to Thursdays. This will allow me to keep you up-to-date on a more current basis after my appointments.

I will start my "new day" next week with blog post number 771. So continue to stay tuned on Thursdays to learn what is going on.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 768: Another Week

(Dad writes today. I can relate! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

I recall three beautiful days in a row. They have been our summer days.

A short blog post tonight. I've had all day to write this, but I've slept about the whole day. I must do something constructive pretty soon. Or will I just keep watching the TV tube and sleep???

Nothing else to say tonight. Another week over. Check in next week.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 767: A New Tooth Coming Soon

(Dad writes today. Is he implying he will be spending time on the beach this summer? Ha ha! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

Another sunless day. The first 20 days of May had only three totally sunny days. Remember that Summer is on its way. Not kidding! Hope our weather improves and we have some good beach days. Let us all pray for summer days to return.

Everything seems to be moving in the right way here!

I now sit waiting to get to the dentist tomorrow and start getting a new front tooth. I don't know how long it will take. Probably will find out the plan tomorrow.

I'm done writing for today, but I'll keep you up-to-date on my progress. So....

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 766: Illinois in the News

(Dad writes today. Enjoy! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

Another nice pre-summer day with the northern part of the state having the higher temperatures. Then we'll have unsettled weather through Sunday. Cooler next Monday and Tuesday. Enjoy the day! Summer is on its way!

Glen and Deb have returned from Illinois. They enjoyed their week out there. They attended Joe's last concert as director of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale (PACC). Joe directed PACC for over 25 years. Glen spoke at a reception that was held for Joe this past weekend. Glen and Deb also saw Bode in a concert at his school. A busy week for them!

While this was going on, Zachariah received a Coach of the Year award for Class 2A boys high school basketball from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Congratulations, Zach!

I was able to get a haircut from Deb on Tuesday. Only 12 weeks between cuts. Thanks, Deb!

Not much more this week. I will have to make a schedule listing all of my upcoming appointments (doctors, etc.) so we will know what's going on.

That's it for today!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 765: Tooth Trouble, Part 2

(Dad writes today. I got the hint! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

Not too bad a day. Still in a shower-y mode. Will the dampness ever stop? I think I heard that Mother's Day will be dry and nice. Good, because that is when all of the food places are busy.

Well, tomorrow I'm going to the oral surgeon. I chipped a tooth and have been playing with the hanging side for a couple weeks. It finally fell off, so now I have a good base (no pain). The oral surgeon will pull the tooth tomorrow. Hope all goes well.

After taking some time to heal, I will go to my regular dentist (Dr. Richardson) so she can build a new tooth for me. Isn't this exciting?  Not really!

Maybe my blog editor will put a picture of me showing what my tooth currently looks like. (Hint!)

ARRGH!

Dad 764: Tooth Trouble

(Dad writes today. Fun times ahead for him at the dentist! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

Another pretty good pre-summer day. Sunny with temps in the 60s. Not quite as warm as we would like to have. Please warm up.

Well, my front left tooth cracked forward right at gum level. The tooth is like it's on a hinge. Finally saw my dentist yesterday and it looks like a three- to four-thousand dollar job. In one week, we will have an oral surgeon finish the job of removing the tooth. Then the dentist will make a tooth that will fit in the area and will be held in by a couple other teeth and "wired in". Then my tooth will look much better and feel better. Let's get it done. It will be the most important and expensive dentistry in my mouth. Hoping to eliminate an expensive dentist trip, but won't succeed! Must be done. My tooth wore out! I'll keep you posted.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 763: Chin Up

(Dad writes today's post. I am typing it on my new computer! I'm still enjoying the novelty. ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

A short post today. I had planned to write a lot, but I won't.

I had to call to get our lawn mower into the shop for service. It will go in next Thursday, May 1st, which is also Tracy's birthday.

Then my cardiologist called. I have to go in to the office tomorrow at 3:00pm. I will be getting a heart monitor to wear for a day.

My one concern is I believe I have crushed a front tooth. It is sore and I can't chew on it, but my dentist is out of town. I will have it checked out next Tuesday and we'll take it from there. Always something. Keep the chin up! Always!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 762: Boys Are Boys

(Dad writes today! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here!

 

Not a bad day. Getting warmer (about 50°). Spring is on its way. It's just slow coming.

 

I've been watching the news closely today to see if I can find anything that will help show the world that my governor is perhaps the worst governor in the land. She said that Trump's withholding of federal funding (because of two "transgender females" – that is, BOYS – participating in Maine girls' sports) is taking a lot of meals and other benefits from a lot of students. If Mills would use any common sense and let boys do boys' sports only – like most other people are doing – then she will not lose all the money Maine could get. She is certainly not a very serious or smart governor. But we knew this before she was on the President's radar for a lawsuit. Hoping for a quick victory for POTUS. I don't think one can impeach a governor! TOO BAD!

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Dad 761: Spring Is Here... ?

(Dad writes today. We are in agreement that Spring has gotten off to a shaky start! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

Another great-looking day from inside. However, it is still cold outside. Please warm up for the spring.

This whole move to spring has been very annoying. It seems that every other day there is a snow storm in Maine. We are fortunate to not be getting the small snow storms in Southern Maine, but we still are getting rain. 

So we have another storm coming for the weekend. We hope the storms stay up in the ski areas. We want the skiing people to be happy, but we don't need more snow. They got more than five inches yesterday up north.

Let's get the warm days of spring here soon!! Please!

I'm through with my complaining!!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 760: Spring Snow, Soon Mow

(Dad writes today. I worked late, so I'm posting it a few hours after he penned it! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

Not a bad day. It's 3:04 P.M. and the temp is around 40 degrees. Spring is trying to emerge. Will it ever get here? I hope soon!

Supposed to rain and snow tomorrow. We have had annoying snow the last couple weeks. The good thing about it is that the snow is completely gone the next day. It looks like spring outside with no snow. The grass surely needs some coloring to show it has some life. We hope that tomorrow's snow is the last and doesn't stay on the ground. 

Mowing will be in order in about a month. Must get the front tire of the tractor repaired. Want it to work good for Lew. (I miss not plowing snow and not mowing. Old is not great!)

Done writing for today.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 759: Josh Here, There, and Everywhere

(Dad writes today! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here!

Cloudy and temps in the 40s today. Just an average day. No storms in sight so we'll take it. Bring the end of March on!

News of the Week!

Josh is home after three months on his oil ship in the Gulf of America. We had a good visit with him when he came by a couple days ago. He will be home through June to be a member of his friend's wedding on the 29th.

Josh has been in Maryland the last couple of days to catch up on papers for the ship. Today he and Sam are leaving for a ten day trip to Thailand. He showed us some pictures of the beaches there, and it looked great. Bon Voyage! See you on your return!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 758: Happy Spring!

(Dad writes today. Spring is on our minds! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! The day is fairly nice. Started off with some fog but cleared up over the day. The big story for today is Spring is now in the air and we are getting ready for the opening of the seasonal food places.

The Clambake is now open weekends on Thursdays and Fridays. Ken's Place is opening this Friday for the summer. Ready for some clams and other food from Ken's.

Winter is over. Let the fun begin!

Spring is tomorrow!!!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 757: The Rockets!

(Dad writes today. We already are looking forward to basketball next winter! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! A brief report on the weather. Temps in the 40s. Sunny and the wind is not strong. A fine day!

One subject today....

We have finished our basketball season with Zach's team, the Rock Falls Rockets. They won their regional playoffs. The team was treated to a steak dinner before competing for the next step. They then won their sectional to become one of the final eight schools in their class in Illinois. The Elite Eight!

The team then played for a chance to make the Final Four. They played a team from the Chicago area. The Rockets played a good first half, but the second half didn't go as well. The opposition was tough, and the Rockets didn't get any help from the officials. They lost to a rough team which seemed to get all the calls in the second half. I think they were fortunate to end the season with no serious injury.

Nine seniors graduate this year, so next season will be a building year. We will be watching. Saw all the games this year. Go Rockets!!! A good way to spend our winter season.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 756: Rockets Rising

(Dad writes today. Best wishes to the Rockets! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! A damp, dismal day is our only choice for today. Should be done with snow for the year. Along the coast we should see a lot of grass in the next couple of weeks. Set your clocks ahead this weekend.

 

I will talk about only two things today.

 

Lew's brother, Wayne, was taken to the hospital last Friday. The doctor sent him home yesterday, although he is still weak and will have difficulty caring for himself. Lew was surprised by this decision. He spent a long afternoon helping Wayne get home and then getting some materials that should help Wayne recover. Please keep both Lew and Wayne in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks!

 

A happy story follows....

 

A couple years ago grandson-in-law Zach's basketball team won its regional championship, but then lost the next game to end their season. After winning their region again this year, they played "the next game" last night. A steal and a pass to a breakaway team member led to the game-winning basket at the buzzer. A two-point win for the Rockets! Congratulations to Zach and his whole team from Rock Falls, Illinois. They play for the sectional championship Friday night. It will be tough to go too much further, but it has been a fine season.

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Dad 755: Two Basketball Stories

(Dad writes today. Let's go, Rockets! ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Another nice day during which the snow is melting (temp around 50° now). The sun is out and Spring is on its way. Bring it on.

 

A short post today. Everything seems to be going in the right direction around here. So I'm going to give you two short basketball stories.

 

I think I heard that the conference that Duke plays in, the ACC, has never had a freshman named "ACC Rookie of the Week" for more than 10 weeks. That just changed as an 18-year-old from Newport, Maine was named for the 11th week for the honor. Cooper Flagg is a 6'9" young man who has taken the college basketball season by storm. I remember watching Cooper win a Maine state championship a few years ago with his brothers. (His twin brother, Ace, will play for the University of Maine at Orono next year.) When Cooper was still just 17 years old, he was predicted to be the number one draft pick in the NBA draft later this year. Go for it, Cooper!

 

The second basketball story is that the high school varsity boys team from Rock Falls, Illinois is going into the post-season starting tonight. The team is coached by my grandson-in-law Zach, who is married to my granddaughter Kelsey. We have watched all his games this year on my TV (via online streaming). The team's record is 20+ wins and only about eight losses. If they win tonight, Zach's players will play for their regional championship on Friday. Go Rockets! Maine family will be watching!

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Dad 754: Barrels of Money

(Dad writes today. I'm posting late because I worked late. I'm back to three workdays per week.... What was I thinking? LOL! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! Another nice looking day from the inside looking out. Was 13 degrees a little earlier. Now it is 19 degrees at 11:00 AM. Only a little over one week left in February. Whoopie!

Still watching Trump barreling through his signings of new laws. Boy, are the Dems up in arms as he and Elon find a lot of lost funds. I want better use of spending our tax money. It seems we have a multi-trillion dollar habit of throwing money away. Maybe start paying down debt. Now that is a novel idea. Hope our distinguished senators and representatives will do the right thing. So far they have failed to do much right. Par for the course. Carry on, Donald and Elon. We are with you!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 753: More Snow, Less Spending

(Dad writes today. I'm officially back to my three-day workweek. ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! Another nice day looking out from inside. However, if you walk outside, please wear a warm coat. The weather is still cold. We will have a snowstorm tonight that will bring a fair amount of snow. Where we are on the state's southeastern coast could get a lot of sleet or rain to keep our totals down. We should get around six inches all over the state. Bring it on. Yes, our winter weather is with us. Our pattern of snow every two or three days is catching us up on snow totals. We have a good base now to add some more!

Following the Democrats complaining about having an audit of government spending. They are complaining about a "constitutional crisis" and illegality of the audit. I say keep looking for the corrupt spending of our "honest" government officials. We may be able to somehow balance the budget and start paying down our debt. That's a novel idea. Don't see how an audit is against the law. Do you? The Dems need mouthwash!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 752: Snow, Snow, Snow

(Dad writes today. At the bottom of his hand-written paper, he wrote "Short enough?" Yes, it is. Thank you, Dad! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! A great looking day from the inside but very cold outside. We are in a pattern where we have annoying storms every other day. However, tomorrow we are expecting a larger storm, predicted for about six inches. Then Sunday more snow of between seven and eight inches. Then another storm on Tuesday. At least we are getting through February.

Otherwise, everything else seems to be going along in an uneventful way. We'll take it.

I'm done writing for today.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 751: Filling the Cabinet

(A brief post by Dad today.... ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! Another beautiful day if you're looking from the inside out. It is cold and the snow has stopped at two or three inches. My doctor appointment is tomorrow, and the prediction is for very cold weather but no storms. 

I'm not too sure about my doctor visit. I'll be glad to get it over with. A lot of issues.

Been listening to our fabulous senators checking out Trump's choices for his cabinet. Most Republicans try to build up the cabinet choices. The Democrats have learned nothing and try to tear down all the choices. What else is new?

More next week....

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dad 750: Pardon, It's Cold!

(Dad writes today. Brrrr...! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! Hello from a cold Maine, although there is not a lot of snow along the coast where we live. Did have a plowable storm a couple days ago. Only been plowed out twice this winter, but this time was the only one that really needed it. Was seven degrees below zero in Portland this morning. A little colder in Scarborough. My hometown of Sanford was 19 degrees below this morning and warmed up to 18 degrees around noon. No new storms over the next few days. Keep the snow in the ski areas.

Happy to have Kamala & Joe gone. Now to get the Democrats to allow Trump to have the people he wants for his cabinet and government, but a change in governing is not what the Dems want. Joe certainly did a job with the number of pardons he granted. He has pardoned anyone that could have helped put him in prison. But he is gone! That's what is important!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!