Dad 160: Grandsons and Great-Grandsons

(I can't believe how big my "little" nephews are. Enjoy Dad's post! -- Tracy)

Derf Here! Coming to you today from Lew's fabulous porch/deck. This porch/deck has been a greatly used addition to the old homestead. I enjoy sitting out here watching the traffic pass by. Many, many travel trailers pass by on their way to our local campground. Quite busy this time of year. The weather today could not be better. Great day to watch the flag blowing in the wind!

Well, I finished mowing and trimming our lawn a while ago and now I sit waiting for the appliance service man. Was to be here sometime before noon. Here it is a little after 1 o'clock. Will he make it today? Only time will tell. Must find the solution to why our dishwasher has a water leak allowing water to get in machine between washings. Perhaps a leaky valve or something. Hope the service guy arrives soon.

Spouse just received text message from daughter Deb. Josh and Zack just had their official annual checkups. Josh is officially 6'1" and Zack is officially 5'11". Josh is 14 and Zack is 12. They are now a size that makes me feel small when I am next to them. I do have a couple pounds of them. However, in a short time, I'm sure they will surpass me in weight. Old life is a decreasing proposition while young life is increasing. I guess that is the way life should be. Seems to work out that way.

The family is still excited about the new member. A 10-pound baby boy named Adam Lewis Tibbetts. Congratulations to Matt, Emily, Eli, and Adam. Eli now has a little brother to play with.

Still requesting prayers for sister Jean as she struggles. Thanks for your concern.

Still waiting for service guy here on the porch!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

 

A Poem... by Adam

See my hair!

See my feet!

Now please tell me that I'm sweet!

Oh, Baby!

Adam Lewis was born early this morning... 3:40 a.m. to be exact.

While he was being delivered, I was trying to get some sleep on a bench in the hospital's waiting room. (Lew had managed to get a couple hours sleep, so I thought I would try.)

Just as I was about to doze off, Matt came in and announced, "A ten-pound baby boy! 22 1/2 inches long!"

All of a sudden I got my second wind.

We got to see Adam when he was about 90 minutes old.

Enjoy the photos!

 

Love at First Sight!

 

A Day of Rest... and Waiting

I can't write a lot at the moment, but it's looking good for a baby announcement within the next 24 hours. (And that's all I have to say about that!)

We were planning on going to a Sea Dogs game this afternoon with some friends. But it was rainy, cold, and otherwise not nice baseball weather. So we decided to skip the game and go eat at the Cracker Barrel instead. It just seemed like the right thing to do. :)

Lew and I spent the rest of the afternoon reading, watching the Red Sox (win!), surfing the Internet, etc.

This evening will be spent in a similar fashion while waiting for the phone to ring....

Best Eats of the Week

We stopped to see Matt, Emily, and Eli after breakfast this morning. Everyone is still anxiously awaiting Adam's arrival... especially Emily!

In other news....

Last Sunday I bought three nectarines at the grocery store. I have eaten nectarines before, but I must say these were the best EVER. Really.

They tasted deliciously sweet.

They were also very juicy. So juicy that I ate them while standing at the kitchen sink.

I hope that I can find them again at the store!

YUM!!!

A New Family Blog

My cousin Harry's beautiful wife, Donna, has started blogging!

Please check out her blog by clicking HERE.

I have also added a link to her blog to the right of my own page under "Keeping Up With Family & Friends."

Best wishes, Donna.  Happy blogging!

(Postscript:  We're still waiting for the arrival of baby Adam....)

Still Waiting . . .

No baby yet.

Not even a peep.

I got a lot done today, and for that I am glad.

But I am ready to go to the hospital, sit in the waiting area, and finally see Adam!

Maybe tomorrow?

(Postscript:  I know my recent posts show that I currently have a one-track mind.  But can you blame me??)

Dad 159: Fixing the Weathervane

(I did not watch the repair job. And click HERE to see "foolishness" defined. Enjoy Dad's post!-- Tracy)

Derf Here! Reporting today from the Northeast. And what a day it is! The weather is absolutely beautiful. Take my word for it.

Well, I just completed a project that has been on my mind for about a month. My weathervane has not been functioning properly for the last few weeks. After 20 years of working perfectly, it came to a halt a couple years ago. It was stuck in one direction. So two years ago on my birthday I was on the garage roof smoothing out the workings of the apparatus. Well, last year it stopped working again. So, on my birthday one year ago, I got it working smoothly once again. This year I did not climb on the roof on my birthday but did so four days after my 75th.

I might add I climbed on the roof after all family members told me not to do such a stunt. So much for listening to their foolishness.

I think I may have permanently solved the problem. It seems that the spinning of the overlapping hollow pipe was cutting into the base, causing it to bind up. Using my fix-it background, I dropped a snug-fitting washer over the base and put about a 2-inch piece of PVC pipe as a buffer. I think this will solve the problem.

It sure looks good to see the 'Ordinary' (a high wheel bicycle) weathervane rotating with the smallest of wind changes. Another remarkable repair! (I just sprained my arm from patting myself on the back.) Sure am glad to survive this repair. I must admit the handling of ladders to climb on the roof gets tougher every year. I don't know how many more years I will be able to handle this problem. Let's hope the repair is permanent. Please!

Just to follow up on Tracy's posts of the last two days, I'll add this. We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of Adam. I'm sure Emily and Matt are hoping soon. Real soon!

I have several more things to talk about, but Tracy (editor) just told me to be brief. So I will.

Please continue praying for sister Jean as she faces serious struggles in her life. Thanks.

So until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

No News Yet

I once asked a young girl to be patient, and she asked what that meant. Her slightly older sister answered, "It means to wait."

Patience is a virtue, but it's one that I have trouble with... especially when waiting for the birth of our new family member.

We are looking forward to getting "the call" from Matt any day/time now!

News of Royal Proportions

In case you have had your head in the sand for the past several hours and missed the news, Kate Middleton gave birth to a baby boy today.

I am very happy for Kate and Prince William, and I congratulate them on the birth of their son, "He Who Is Yet To Be Named."

But I am anxiously awaiting much more important news because Emily's due date is TOMORROW!  Little boy Adam will soon be with us.  Sometime this week, we hope.

Somebody alert Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC!

A Really Great Save

Lew was looking forward to watching the final round of the British Open today.

By the time we got home from church and the grocery store, the tournament had already ended.

And we had forgotten to DVR it. :(

The ESPN coverage was not quite over -- presentation ceremony, final thoughts, etc. -- so Lew did get to see that.

Around 2:15 I was on Facebook and saw that one of my friends had posted this status:

Since my favorite golfer won the British Open, I will be watching the tape-delayed coverage this afternoon. WOOOHOOOO!!!

I immediately turned on the living room TV, saw that ABC's coverage of the final round was airing from 3:00 to 6:00, and set the DVR.

Happy me!

And more importantly, happy husband. :)

Blessed Number Thirteen

Lew and I got married thirteen years ago today! God has blessed our life together, for which we are truly grateful.

Below is what I refer to as the "official photo" from our wedding day. (I wore the same dress to church last Sunday, and Lew still wears his sunglasses on the top of his head!)

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!

 

An Early Celebration

Debbie's family came early afternoon for an unannounced celebration of my father's birthday, which is really tomorrow. He will be three-quarters of a century old.

Dad happened to be in the middle of his elliptical routine when they arrived, so I was sent to fetch him. He partied in his workout clothes, as evidenced by the photo below.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Zack is digging Papa's headband. Sadie just wants a doggy treat.

(Postscript: July 20th also happens to be Debbie & Glen's wedding anniversary... as well as mine & Lew's. Happy Anniversary to all!)

Comfy Cat

It's been very hot for the last few days, and I'm tired. So instead of writing a Pulitzer-Prize-caliber post, I am going to share yet another Jerry photo.... This one makes me laugh!

 

Dad 158: Mariano Rivera, a Class Act

(I'm still hoping the weathervane will "fix" itself. Otherwise, I hope Derf will "let it go" and just admire it as a roof ornament! Really! Enjoy Dad's post! -- Tracy)

Derf Here! From the HOT Northeast. A couple of years ago we did not even put our air conditioners in the house. Well, we did put them in this year and it is a good thing we did. They are running daily from early A.M. until bedtime. Then it becomes fan time. Beach season is definitely here. Hope the visitors enjoy their visit. I really do! Honest!

Baseball season for Josh is over after a 2-0 defeat. Now the activity is about the upcoming football season. We are ready. We'll be there.

Thoroughly enjoyed the All-Star game last night. The highlights of the evening were the introductions and getting a chance to see Mariano Rivera pitch to three batters in the eighth inning. (I am not a Yankees fan but certainly am a fan of Rivera; sorry to see him retire this year.) It was a moment to remember as Mariano entered the game to a standing ovation from all in attendance. Even the players on both squads were very gracious in their applause. Glad he won the game MVP award. Good luck, Mariano, except when facing the BoSox. (We will be watching the Red Sox as they continue to tear up the American League throughout the remainder of the season.)

Sister Jean remains in serious condition in an Indianapolis hospital. A scheduled operation is no longer possible. Hopefully a plan to handle the situation will be developed in the next couple weeks. Please continue your prayers for her as she struggles through this illness. Thanks!

It is that time of the year again. I sit here looking out at my weathervane. This weathervane worked well for 20+ years. The last three years it has worked well for about a year. Then it sticks in one direction. In the past two years -- on my birthday(!) -- I've been on the roof to loosen it up. I can see this happening again soon, perhaps on my birthday this week. It must be done and I will get it done. Can't figure out why it doesn't spin freely as it did for the first 20 years. Maybe this will be the year. Good for another 20? I hope so! Please! My climbing days are catching up with me. I'm not getting any younger. Really!

Enough for now!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

The "Pre" All-Star Game

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is being played tonight at Citi Field, home ballpark of the Mets, in Flushing, New York.

Lew and I just watched Fox's pregame festivities. The rest of my post will be my comments on that coverage.

The introduction was a take-off on the Saturday Night Live intro. I was surprised, because SNL is on NBC (not Fox).

We enjoyed the comical piece with Kevin James. We have seen quite a few episodes of King of Queens, so it was fun to see him.

Joe Torre's mini-documentary on the history of baseball in New York kept our attention.

Joe Buck's interview with Mariano Rivera was okay. (During the interview, I was wishing that Rivera had played for the Red Sox. I like him.)

I always enjoy the player introductions, but the best part tonight was what followed: People Magazine's "Tribute for Heroes". It was very touching to see the players present flags to the military veterans.

The worst part? The National Anthem. (I am referring to the vocalist's rendition, not the song itself.) Please sing this song as it's written!

Tom Seaver threw out the first pitch. He knew folks were hoping he'd throw from the rubber. So he pretended he was going to, but then he moved in closer. He was pretty funny.

Two innings of the game have already been played! Time to wrap up this post and watch. :)

How I DVR Sporting Events

Lew and I always enjoy watching the Home Run Derby... without the commercials, of course.

ESPN has it scheduled from 8 PM to 10 PM (Eastern time).

Two hours?  Seriously??

From past experience, I know this event will last more than two hours.  It is televised LIVE and always goes longer than the time slot.

When I programmed my DVR to record it, I opted to stop recording two hours later than the scheduled end time.

Here's hoping the Home Run Derby does not last over four hours!

(Postscript:  When I'm recording a sporting event, I always choose the maximum additional time.  With our DVR service, that is two hours.)

Why a Daily Blog Can Be Hard

Actual conversation:

Me: "What should I write about?"

Lew: "You want an idea for your blog?"

Me: "Yes."

Lew: "Hmmmm... Let's see...." (Long pause.) "You could talk about kitty maintenance.... Let's see.... What else?.... We lead such exciting lives.... (Another long pause.) "We should have taken a picture down at the beach; then you could have put that on there."

I wait for Lew to continue talking. Finally he does: "I'm thinking, but I've got nothing."

Nothing? I know all about that!

(Postscript: Kitty maintenance = we trimmed cats' claws tonight. Beach = we had a lovely early-evening walk!)

My Hiccup Cure

With apologies to the great movie "Mary Poppins", I am sharing the only remedy that has worked for me every single time:

Just a spoonful of sugar helps the hiccups go away,
the hiccups go away,
the hiccups go away.
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the hiccups go away,
In the most delightful way!

Disclaimer:  The above is not medical advice.  I am not a doctor... which you should already know if you are a regular reader of my blog.

Two Ladies

Lady #1: My mother's birthday is today. I won't divulge her age.... Well, okay, think "three quarters." HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Lady #2: I have neglected Pepper the Cat on my blog since we got Jerry and Kurt. Pepper is very upset with me, as evidenced by the photo below. (LOL!) SORRY, PEPPER!

Pepper in her favorite spot.

 

And Now It's "Go, Red Sox!"

Josh's game was postponed last night due to inclement weather. The game was rescheduled to tonight.

Lew and I did not attend the game. Lew worked late and then stopped in to see his mom. I wanted to stay home with our kitty Kurt. (Kurt wasn't feeling too well today, but he seems to be doing better.)

Josh's team lost, 2-0, so the tournament is over for him and his teammates. I'm sorry that they will not have any more games.

A big congratulations, however, to Josh for being an All-Star.

And I urge him to remember a wonderful thing about the baseball season: There's always next year!

(Postscript: My father assured me that Lew and I will not be blamed for tonight's loss. Phew....)

Dad 157: All-Star Baseball

(I also neglected the elliptical machine the entire time Lew was on vacation. He returned to work today, so it's time to get back to a routine.... Enjoy Dad's post! -- Tracy)

Derf Here! From a very foggy morning in the Northeast. Temperature is also somewhat cooler than it has been in the last few days. Next few days, according to the experts, will be spent waiting for thunder showers and storms. Don't always get showers when predicted. Been close a few times and hit a few times, but they have not been too bad. Even enjoyed some of the 'Boomers.' Stay tuned!

Well, the past week has been busy. Spent a few evenings at the ballpark as Josh's junior All-Star team is in the playoffs. They lost their first game 2-1 in extra innings. So, in a double elimination tournament, they must win four games in a row to win the tournament. One game has been won by the lopsided score of 17-0. Only three more needed. Hopefully tonight (weather permitting) will be another win. The bats were dead in game one but came to life in game two. The ball was flying off their bats. Hope it continues tonight. Might add that Josh pitched four innings of no-hit baseball. Only one baserunner. The very first batter reached on an error. Then made it to third base. Luckily, didn't score. Should add that the game was called after five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule. Hope to see three more games this week!

Must admit that I have skipped 12 days of elliptical activity. If all goes according to plan, I will get back on the horse today. Last year I took the whole summer off. This year I'll try to exercise at least 3 to 4 days a week. Must continue to work on the 'Greek god' look. Currently I'm not even close to compliance. Still working, though!

Received an update from Kathy last night on sister Jean. Currently Jean is in very serious condition and not feeling well at all. The road ahead will not be easy. Please keep her in your prayers. So thankful for those.

Looking forward to the MLB All-Star game next Tuesday. Go American League and hope the Red Sox keep up their winning ways. GO RED SOX!

Enough bloviating for today. I'm sure my proofreader (Spouse) and editor (Tracy) agree!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

The New Screen

Jerry and Kurt are not declawed.

This becomes a problem when a window is open, the window is one they can reach, and they see a bug, bird, or something else of interest outside.

Substitute "Jerry" for "they" in the previous sentence.... Kurt has been good so far.

Lew took a screen to the hardware store for repair. He ordered the "pet resistant" screen replacement.

The new screen was put into place today.

Both kitties are glad to have the window open again!

Jerry and Kurt inspect the new screen.

 

Lew and I Make a Difference

Josh's All-Star team lost its first game on Saturday, 2-1, in extra innings.  Lew and I were not able to attend because of Grammy's birthday celebration.

But we were able to make it to tonight's game.

Josh pitched four superb innings.  Only one base runner reached while he pitched... and that was due to a fielding error.

He also reached base four times:  a double, two singles, and a fielding error.

Josh's team won by a score of 18-0.  (It was a real nail biter!)

Glen told Lew and me that we have to attend every tournament game from here on....  Apparently our attendance was the key reason for the win....  LOL!

Our Day

Church.

Picnic with friends at Two Lights State Park.

Visit Grammy.

Energy level of zombies: No beach walk.

Load of laundry. (Necessary... low on clean undergarments.)

Glad Lew has two more days off!

Happy Birthday, Grammy!

Another beautiful day here!

Verlie (a.k.a. Grammy) turned 85 years old today.  She is still in rehab at the place up the street from us.  Lew brought her a fish sandwich from Ken's Place for lunch, and we also brought her an ice cream cake from Friendly's.  Wayne got some balloons.  We had a regular party in the little dining area at the rehab center.  Party animals... that's what we were.

Lew and I took a late afternoon walk on the beach.  He doesn't have to go back to work until Wednesday, so we hope to have additional beach walks over the next three days.

We are rounding out our day with "at home" stuff.  Lew is watching a couple episodes of "Storage Wars" while I get caught up on my computer tasks.  I'm also doing one load of laundry -- all towels -- because I haven't done laundry for almost two weeks!  One load a day for the next three days, and I should be all caught up.

So that's our next three days...  beach walks and laundry!  The excitement never ends.  :)

A Bathing Suit Record

So it might not really be a record, but I have hand-washed my bathing suit two days in a row. This is significant because I do not typically make great efforts to model my bathing suit.

I never did swim in the lake yesterday, but my bathing suit certainly needed a good rinsing. Reason: Eli....

1) I picked him up a few times when he was covered with sand.

2) I was holding him while he ate a cupcake. He is not a neat cupcake eater. Not at all.

3) I was also holding him while he ate some crackers. When someone gave him a carrot, he placed the dip-laden crackers on my shoulder. (I also later became a table for the carrot!)

Today was a very different bathing-suit-wearing adventure: Lew and I went over to the home of our breakfast buddies and enjoyed some time in their pool. It was H-O-T outside, so the pool was refreshing. And Carole even made dinner for us!

A wonderful two days. :)

The Fourth

Happy Birthday to the United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Happy Birthday to my dear friend Suzy. (Fifty years! Woohoo!)

Lew and I spent the day at the lake with some family and friends.

I am very blessed!

My sweet little Eli. :)

 

Dad 156: Give Blood, Feel Good

(I am listening to the sound of mowing as I type this. Enjoy Dad's post! -- Tracy)

Derf Here! It is a beautiful sunny summer afternoon here in the Northeast. This is the first sunny day in many days. I must get out and finish my lawn mowing that I started under cloudy conditions on Monday. I was rained out before completing the task. As soon as I'm done writing this I will be on the tractor completing the lawn mowing.

Here I am in the afternoon writing this blog. Why? Because I forgot to write the blog upon my return from grocery shopping this morning. Subsequently I have been told to keep it short. I will oblige. I will try to improve the substance of my blog next week. Really!

I just returned from the Red Cross blood bank. Another one of my three trips annually to donate 'double reds.' They were very busy upon my arrival but sorry to say there was no one donating when I left. Hope they have some walk-ins soon.

Sister Jean is back in the hospital. Please keep your prayers coming. She is on many antibiotics and her scheduled July 22 operation is still planned. Hoping to meet this date for a possible life-saving procedure. Thanks for your concern.

Hope to improve my level of expertise next week, but for now I must go mow. Sooooo....

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Dinner Guests

We had a rainy vacation day.

It was a good night for spaghetti, so Lew made some.

Matt, Emily, and Eli joined us.

It was a wonderful time!

"Tia, PLAY!!!"

 

Heidi's Blog

Heidi is the younger of my cousin Kathy's two daughters. Heidi got married in Fall 2011 (my Dad, a.k.a. Derf, wrote about the wedding).

She started blogging in January but didn't keep it up... apparently a New Year's resolution gone bad. But she's back at it, so I thought I would give her a shout out:

Hey, Heidi! In your own words, "Don't fail at blog." You can do it!

Sanguinely Saporous (the title of Heidi's blog, of which both words I had to look up) is about her attempt to follow the Paleo Diet. From what I can tell, this is something at which I would fail miserably. But I think Heidi will succeed.

And I do hope she continues blogging. I love her wonderful wit!