Photos from Memorial Day Parade

Every year we go to all the parades. St. Pats, Memorial Day, 4th, Labor Day.

The parade started off with re-enactors. These folks all dressed in uniforms of different wars.

Every so often they would shoot off their guns and the crowd would scream and applaud.


There's not much to say except we met Jill's Man, Thomas' family at the parade route.

We all showed a lot of enthusiasm. And to our surprise next to us were some old friends.


Bill and Charmaine Garcia.

Bill and I guessed at all year model of the old cars. I cheated and looked at the license plates.

Many of the cars had plates from the year of the car. My new glasses worked well.




Another big thing, is everyone throws candy toward the kids.

So, the kids tend to hang out in the street closer to the parade participants.

Its usually hard candy and an occasional Tootsie Roll.

I got a new white cap. And a tootsie roll.



After the parade was over I ran up to our local congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and took a photo.

I'm a conservative and she is a liberal but she is always very receptive to taking a photo.

Yes, I vote for her and even put her sign on my front lawn.

In Chicago, signs are important in political races.


That's it for this weekend.

Don't forget

Life is Great

c'ya
jim

What I Saw and Felt

I saw one of the saddest things this morning.

It actually started last week. I think Friday.

I was driving west on Touhy just past Diane's house at the intersection for the community center at Western.

Police cars and tape for a hundred yards on the North side of the street. I thought a bad car accident, lets see the damage.

I saw a big dump truck and suddenly behind the police cars, there laying on the ground a kids bicycle.

Bent in half with a school bag a few feet from it.

I got so sick and couldn't get the scene out of my mind. Days went by. Actually a week.

Today with Karolyn we were on the way to the same restaurant as last Friday. As I approached the scene I noticed ribbons and a cross on the tree and there sitting on the sidewalk a man, about 40ish.

His back hunched over, his hands around his extended legs. We knew he was related to the accident victim. But kept driving.

Of course with a tear and a throat jam.

When we got to the Restaurant Peg Murphy asked if we saw him. It seems she was in the e.r. when he came in to check on his son.

The man was the victims father.

There he was, on the spot where he lost his son. I couldn't help but think of past deaths in the family.

One day, we have our loved ones.

The next day or suddenly, the body is empty--gone.

Forever.

I rode my bike back to the scene and wanted to record the scene on my camera.

It was back to normal. No ribbons, no cross, no grieving father.


How many times was this experienced during the life of Mankind. All the grieving.

Through thousands of years. How many men and women.

Times that saw Socrates, Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt.

All the fathers in those times. I'm sure their tears and grieving was no less than this poor father today.

My eyes are tearing writing this but I felt so close to that father sitting there.

I'm sorry I didn't take a photo when the father was there.

To remind me how lucky we've been.

Is that what Memorial Day is for?

That's enough.

jim.....I'm sorry I couldn't put into words what I feel in my heart.

Where Were You?

It started as a day out with the kids.

Jimmy, JillyAnne and Myself. Jessie had to stay at home.

For some unknown insane reason, I was going to spend time with 2 of my children. We were going to a Movie. Not any movie but THE MOVIE----yes, STAR WARS.

I remember it like it was yesterday. We went into the show, ordered a big bucket of buttered popcorn and a large pop. Everyone agreed it was what they wanted.

Oh, did I mention the kids were very young. Jimmy was 3 and Jill was 2. And fought all the time just like most siblings that age.

We entered the show found 2 seats near the aisle on the left side. We all sat down and prepared for the show to begin.

If you remember, the movie starts with the story printed. I don't remember the exact words but do remember reading them to the kids. It was one of my highlights in life with them.

Jill crawled on my lap while Jimmy sat in the empty chair leaning over to hear me read in a whisper.

Just then, one of the kids wanted some popcorn and pulled on the loaded big bucket of buttered popcorn.

Soon, they both were pulling. I tried to stop it when suddenly someone gave up the fight. Up into the air went the Big Bucket of Buttered Popcorn. All over our theater seat neighbors. Buttered Popcorn everywhere and on everyone within 10 feet of us.

And being buttered popcorn, most of it stuck in their hair and on their clothes.

Dad, was not used to this and just couldn't handle it. A few screams and stupid words exited my mouth. Like a 2 & 3 year old realized what they really did.

I don't remember much more of the movie. But will never forget where I was 30 years ago today.

Telling strangers I was so sorry for the flying Buttered Popcorn. And making a memory of a neat time with my children, for life.

Life is Great. I wish I could do some of it over again.

c'ya
jim

A Tough Lesson.....

Sometimes all the talking in the world doesn't work and you must go to war.

I've been avoiding Mr. Everlast for weeks. Just pussyfooting around him. Avoiding the big hits. But now it was time. He wasn't just standing for it anymore and neither was I.

The gym is too small for the both of us. One would have to go. I was ready and he was waiting.

You can mark it for the History Books. May 23, 2007, 3:30pm.

As I approached Mr. Everlast, I could see him standing motionless. Just being coy or faking me out.

I didn't care, as it was time to step into battle.

We stared each other down, he didn't blink but maybe I did show some apprehension.

After all, it was his house. I was a visitor a guest.

It started out slow until the 2nd or third round break for oxygen.

Then suddenly I got into a groove. Heavy punches waist high and a couple powerhouses toward the top.



Mr. Everlast, was on the swing, making it difficult to hit solid.

The swinging got higher as Mr. Steel and Mr. Iron stuck ever so much harder and harder.

Soon, I would knock Mr. Everlast off his pedestal. I kept it up.


Suddenly, he caught me. I was pumping my arms backward and shifting my feet when he struck back with all his swinging might.



Those skinny but powerful legs just couldn't stand any longer. The heart was willing but the body couldn't take the punishment.

Mr. Black Everlast did it again to another challenger. This time, Mr. Everlast did it to me.

The count hit 10 and then some. The kids screamed and cried. Well, maybe not them but I did.

Mighty Jim had found his superior this day. But there would be other days in the gym and other matches.
TODAY WAS NOT MY DAY
I WILL RETURN......But I think its time for a nap..

Life is Great.
c'ya
jim

Gas--too little and too much....

On the way home from Madison I stopped by my son Jimmys house in Palatine. The men in the family got together to help put up a screen room on the back of the house.

They also discovered that a friend found a rider lawn mower in someone's garbage pile. They took it and called Jimmy in case he needed one. He said he had one but would take it for his dad--me.

The younger men picked it up and fell in love with it. They were about to race the two next to each other but the found one ran out of gas. Somehow they lifted it up and into a Honda Element and brought it home.

They tuned it, changed the oil and decided to paint it, somekind of NASCAR racing colors. Its good to be young, I stayed out of the way. And took a nap.

I needed a nap as we had tickets to a charity event for an animal shelter. It was a comedy act and with the tickets we were given a free meal at Chiopolte Mexican restaurant. It was hard to beat. $15 for the tickets--entertainment and a meal. The meal being like a giant Burrito





Its a counter operation, where you place your order and then ask you what you want on it. Sort of like picking out a dozen donuts.

Lets see I'll take a steak no chicken but that pulled pork looks so good, Yes, I'll take the steak with Pinto beans, white rice, medium salsa, cheese, guacamole and that green stuff--lettuce.

The show was good, the food was good but the friends that were with us were priceless.

Ok maybe thats too far. It was a good time. And we got home in time to take a nap.

Ooops was that my stomach. Time to look for the Tums.

Hope you had a nice weekend
c'ya
jim

Brother Bill's Madison, Wis.

It all sounded so simple.

Hey, why don't I drive up to Madison to visit you. You know we're getting old and it would be nice to get to know each other before its too late.

Are you serious. You betcha I'm serious. Maybe play Golf and I'll stay overnight.
I'll drive up Thursday morning after Nature calls and see you about noon.

I left about 9am and before I knew it, was driving on Packer Lane in Madison.

I pulled into the Mobile Home park and onto Banter lane. Sure enough there was Bro Bill waiting outside his home. Hey Brother Jim, thanks for coming, are you hungry?

If so how about some Oatmeal pancakes. Nope, how about some grease?

Within a few minutes we were at the truck stop, munching on Eggs, Hashbrown and Chicken Fried Chicken in white gravy.

After we finished it was time to look for a golf course. Bill is of course is an Elliott and an excellent athlete. Yeah, thats what we keep saying.

So Bill, how about a stroke and a half for $.25 cents a hole.

When Bill swings a golf club he looks exactly like that Badger...no not a badger....a tiger...Yeah he looks just like Tiger Woods but without the dark complexion. And the good looks. And the nice clothes.

But when he hits the ball, it flies far.

After 9 holes it was time to cough up the winnings. Guess who walked away with MY pockets filled with his quarters. Yes, a total of .75 cents...3 big quarters. Neither of us believed it and I will NEVER let him off the hook.


As you can tell from the photo he is a bad loser.

It was late afternoon and we went into downtown Madison and sat at a sidewalk table for a few rounds of Coffee for me and something latte with ice in it for him.







Being a college town and sitting along the sidewalk, I
thought all these college chicks would walk by that looked like they just posed for
Playboys college girls issue. Well, most of the girls were just that. Young girls. Just like in any other city.

But yours truly found some retired ladies who were tour guides practicing their tour. I jumped up and started talking to them. Can you imagine that. After 20 minutes of fun talk, we were directed to a couple of old theaters that have been saved. Thanks Dr. Ruth and friend whose name I forgot.

Then it was off to dinner at Pizzaria Uno's. The original Uno's is the best Pizza joint in the world. If you ever come to Chicago, you must try their deep dish pizza. Its unlike anyone else's.

When they delivered it to our table it was a medium size pizza pan and had a metal grate under the pizza to keep it from absorbing the grease.

What the Heck is that all about. Soon the waitress Leah and Manager Cori were sitting with us as we explained their pizza was good but not a Uno's.


Then Bills friend Bonnie joined us as we were about to leave and we walked around downtown. Taking some silly photos (in their BUGHOUSE SQUARE) and having a great time teasing Bonnie.





Soon, it was time to go back the Bill's home, a small fire in the fireplace and to sleep.

FRIDAY MORNING I CONCEDED: I had to agree to Oatmeal pancakes at MALLA cafe. WOW, they were so good I just downloaded a few Oatmeal Pancake recipes from the Net.

Bill and I said goodbye. We definitely rekindled our brotherhood and friendship. And I beat him in golf...sortof.

Life is Great

c'ya
jim

It Was Time...So, I went

I made it.
Who ever thinks they're going to make it.

Who ever says when they're 18, Oh I can't wait...hurry up.

Many do not make it. For many reasons. They just don't show up.

My appointment was for Monday at 10:07am. I had an address but couldn't remember exactly where it was. 4849 N. Milwaukee.

As I drove to the address I saw a small triangular strip mall. A dunkin donuts, subway, Taco Bell and the rest of the glitzy quick food joints.

In the background was the tall office building, 4849 above the entrance.

I easily parked and walked into the building. No indication that this was it. In the lobby was a sign saying go to the 6th floor.

Sure enough the elevator stopped and there in front of me was...... THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION LOCAL BRANCH OFFICE.

Oh No, am I that old?

Walked inside, got a number and waited my turn.

I sat down away from about 20 other folks. All of them sitting nervously, fiddling with their papers or hair and shifting in their chairs.

The 300 Lb guard sitting arm raised in the air holding his cell phone playing some electronic game.

English was not the official language in this waiting room, Polish, Greek, Russian, Spanish all sounded the same.

Older men and women escorted by someone younger, whom I suspected were sons and daughters.

After checking them out, I didn't feel so bad. So, many of them were overweight. Overweight, no I think super BIG would be the way to explain them. Parent and sibling. Like a matched set.

The others were all so skinny, like the local wino's/bums on the street curbs. Baggy pants legs covering skin and bone.

And finally me, your good old born in America male. At least I spoke English.

"MR. ELLIOTT to number 7" came out from the office speaker. This was it.

Mr. Wolski was waiting for me. We talked and talked. About the Police and Florida.

Then he told me. Mr. Elliott, you will be receiving your benefits directly to your bank account within a few weeks.

By benefits he surely must mean cash, greenbacks, money. Oh, can you tell me what I'll be getting.

$59.00.

I'm sorry I thought you said $59. Do you mean $590.00.

No he reassured me. You heard it correctly. Enjoy your retirement.

Would you please leave now. And here's some Kleenex but please leave. You're getting my desk wet.

From the office speaker "Ms. Jackson number 7".... my time was up.

I shuffled out of the office, the building and into the great fast food complex.

I realized then, that my $59 benefits would allow me to have a great meal in any of these fancy sign establishments.

So, I went to McDonalds and had a Grilled Chicken Wrap $1.39 with honey mustard. And ordered a SENIOR coffee for .54 cents.

I am so glad I made it to my appointment. I felt so sorry for all my family/friends that didn't.

Life is Great
c'ya
jim

Did Elvis Have Red Hair...he should have.

Its another day like the Seinfeld episodes about nothing.

I had done a lot of heavy work around the house yesterday. We live on a corner and our daughter Jill lives next door.

Our lawns are green but have been taken over by Creeping Charlie. It’s a weed ivy on the ground with round leafs with bumpy edges and blue little flowers in the spring.

They do grow and if you cut them and don’t pick up the grass, they will spread like wildfire.

Well, we have wildfire of Creeping Charlie. 6 weeks ago I sprayed all the grass with a poison. It seemed to work great with dead paths where Charlie ruled.

The tough part is spraying.

Take 4 oz of poison into a 2 gallon jug of water. Pump it often and walk around the yard spraying all our grass. I also did Jill’s neighbor as he won’t spend a dime on his lawn. We call him Jedd like Jedd Clampett of the Beverly Hill Billies.

Redo the filling about 10 times and pumping a hundred times. It makes for one tired Jim.

Again lots of rest last night and not much work from me today.
But no Advil
-----------------
Ooh Ooh let me tell you about SALLY.

Tuesday we’re sitting in the front of Panerra. Georgie, Roger and me.

Suddenly a slender long red haired lass with a freckled face sat at the table next to us.

The way she looked would have had our attention except she was built like – like—Oh I can’t even say. Ok, she had very large—shall we say eyes. I mean she would be a star at that restaurant Hooters.

She joked with us for 20 minutes and then I left. I didn’t have my camera.

Today, we’re sitting inside and she appeared again in a white jogging suit with her long red hair hanging down the Elvis white suit.

It looked so white and this time she yelled hi guys.. Nice seeing you again.

We all gasped that she actually started the conversation. I jumped up and hurried to the coffee urns where she was at.

I said tell me quickly about yourself so I can say I know you.

Ok, quickly I’m going to court reporter school, my 3rd school as they all shut down when I’m attending them. My name is Sally and I’m on spring break.

Again, sadly I did not have my camera. If she reappears, I will definitely do the left arm length shot with the right arm around her.

That’s it for today. More tomorrow.
I hope its more interesting with photos.
C’ya
jim

Time To Call It Quits?

Airline Pilots have to retire at age 60. Some don't think they should.
They think they are as sharp as always. Besides the stewardess' look younger.

Same goes for boxers and other athletes. And I'm sure many other professions. Except Doctors who seem to go on and on. Of course they have younger looking nurses.

Something happened Saturday that turned my opinion about myself. I always knew my body had gone over the hill, but still thought I had it mentally. Still could do the mental job of a police.

I was at a new Niles IL community recreation center. My grand-daughter had joined a volley ball league. It seems some of the teams were actually school teams out for a little more action. Her team is just a group of friends out for a good time.

Looking at the photo of the team, I was standing there looking at them play. I looked across the court and saw outside the gym in the reception area, A FIGHT..

I ran across the floor and followed a younger man running to break up the fight. I was not going to get involved physically. A couple of girls and boys of Hispanic descent were fighting.

I ran to the front desk where 2 lilly white girls were working. I told them to call the police. They just looked at me. I spoke a little stronger, and stronger and finally after the 10th time yelled at them to call the police.

They said their boss told them not to call the police.

I still insisted they call the police. Just then my daughter, Jill, the Real Police came up to us and handled the situation properly. She told me to call the police. I hesitated to use my phone as its from a different area. But it worked perfectly in Niles.

Of course I stuck around for the police who did a marvelous job. Peace was quickly resolved and some kind of resolution. I decided that the volleyball was over and it was time to go.

After I got home I reviewed what had happened. What do you think happened?

I think I know. I had lost it. I had lost the ability to see the big picture. I had focused on some bs phone call. I would never have handled the situation that way when I was the police.

I would have reacted immediately to the desk girls blank look. Hell, I wouldn't have even asked them. I would have made the call myself.

I guess there is a time when we should retire. It just took me till now to know I really made the correct move years ago when I did.

I wonder how long the emails and blog and web page will last. Will I realize it when I don't make any sense. Or run out of stories.

Oh this is too much for my brain. Time for a homemade super choc cupcake made by Jill next door. She not only does the police very well, but cooks too.
Ok, I had three of them.
c'ya
jim

Worn Out Again

Rode the bike for over an hour and worked out at the local gym.

Results: too tired to post.

c'ya
jim

Spat out

Wow, I'm 62 and feel like I'm a 102. I can't believe those little boys and a walk, chewed me up and spat me out.

I didn't want to get up this morning. I didn't even go to a coffee shop. No Mickey D's and no Panerra. Just let me lie down and rest.

Of course, that's just dreaming. Soon after 10am Karolyn called and said she needs a clean pair of pants for work. They had the floors rebuilt and tiled and dust was everywhere. Her and the girls at the dentist office cleaned up the office but dirtied their clothes.

Jim, get a pair of pants from the bedroom. Wait wait, which pair do you want and wait till I walk up there. Talk about piles of slacks. Oh Oh maybe I better not go there.

This is the tough time of the year. We need both winter & summer clothes to be handy.
Its another eternal battle to be waged in Spring and Fall.

So, I'll just say I found a pair and volunteered to deliver it to the office which is just 4 miles away.

I gave her the slacks and learned that she had already devoured her lunch and would need a new lunch.

I went to McDonald's which is around the corner. It was 11:30am which means no breakfasts-- just lunch.

2 McChicken sandwiches and a side salad--ranch dressing. While waiting, I noticed the sitting area was all redone and talked to the employees.

Lola laughed and made fun of all the seniors in the special enclosed glass room area. If I wanted to join them I would have to wear a gray wig....hahahehe Oh did they laugh..I did too.

When I returned to the office I found a Sausage McMuffin with egg sandwich in the bag by mistake. I ate it and called them back. The manager apologized and said he put a breakfast sandwich on the side for his lunch. They mistakenly put it into our bag. Great, its mine now.

I ate it with Karolyn and the girls. They made me a deal. Either include them in the blog or else. They seemed serious. What would you do? I made the deal. Especially after that Howie Mandel hand fold.
Both are fun girls. Laugh and make fun and enjoy life. They're good for my wife and Karolyn is good for them.. Besides, they stand together up to management--Dr. Rich.

I left and drove a block from the dentist office to a friends McDonald's office. Juan, Gladys and Olga.

I mentioned about the screwup with our order.
Olga said that they were having a manager meeting in the back room.

Hey, thats what our meeting is about, filling customers orders incorrectly. Well I wasn't at one of their McDonald's but found it a coincidence.

While there I had to take a photo of the receptionist Luz and Olga.



Olga and her sister Gladys always greet me warmly, even though I just drop in and say hello. For my effort I always get a hug from whoever is there. Today Olga and Luz. Gladys was in P.R. with Juan.

I went back home, talked to the neighbors and on one of the best days--sunny and blue skies--returned to the couch and Advil to rest until Karolyn arrived home from work.

A tough day, no exercise. Oh the life of a stay at home husband. hehe But somebody has to do it and I'm glad I'm that somebody.

c'ya
jim

The Squeeze

Today was Sunday and we got the call, don't go to Panerra and take out the grandkids with their parents to breakfast in Palatine.

We went to the Cafe 14 and had a great breakfast and the prices were not bad. But you all remember going out to eat with a 2 yr old and 3 yr old who get hungry all the time.

We all ate fast and couldn't leave the restaurant fast enough. After the millionth time hearing "I want what he has", and then crying and pushing for that toy or pancake or sausage, I knew it was time for a quick exit from the restaurant and then to their home.

After they loaded their van we stopped at the donut shop and asked the prices.

$6.75 for a dozen donuts.

Hey do you have any deals like with a coupon which we don't have.

Yes, the nice donut girl said, its $3.21 with the coupon. You two old folks look so nice we will wave the coupon.

On we went to the kids house with our stash of donuts.

We played outside for 2 hrs pushing the kids on a swing and the exciting part, shooting rockets into the air by jumping on a pumping pad.






















We returned into the comfort of the house for dessert. The kids loved the donuts and then we went home.

We were exhausted. 2 little boys must have kicked and beat us. Because thats how I feel.

When we arrived at home we just sat around for a few hours wondering how long it would take for the Advil to work.

But you know it felt good inside to have fun with the grandkids.

After the recovery I thought a nap was next but decided it was time to take a walk and try to wear off my vanilla creamed donut (s).

I got my IPod and earphones and took off. It was a tough going. I had to push the entire way. The muscles just did not want to move. But I did keep going and going and going. Like those boys.

After awhile I started to weaken and should have taken a bottle of water. Just in time I saw in Park Ridge a drinking fountain. Yahoo..

















After that drink, I was good for even more. I returned home and the neighbors BBQ'd
some Pork Chops and Chicken. (my daughter Jill-Thomas-and son Jack)

Yes, they say timing is everything. So, everything was ok.

I watched the Sopano's and now I am ready for bed after a nice shower.. OH NO, I don't have any clean underwear. So after the washing and drying I can take my shower and head to bed.

It was almost a perfect day. Ok it was.

Life is Great
c'ya
jim

The Panerra Front Window Boys

I wrote yesterday how I really worked hard exercising trying to get into shape.

I still awoke early and went for early coffee at McDonalds. I met some of the older guys for coffee. They were all talking and spreading money for the Kentucky Derby.

Afterwards, we sat and joked and had a great time until just after 9am.

We packed up and I drove to Panerra. To join the Front Window boys.

Again, laughing and joking out loud. Suddenly the police arrived and told us to be quiet or get out. No they didn't.

But a State Highway Trooper walked in for coffee. SHE was blonde and had the Boys cleaning off their glasses to get a better look. Just like teens at a dance, they sat whispering about how nice she was.

Jim--this Jim, got up and walked over to her. I asked her, when she was finished with her purchase, would she come over and talk to the Front Window Boys. She smiled and agreed.

I returned to the Boys and told them she was coming over. Yeah, sure she is, that'll be the day.

A few minutes later and sure enough, Mary kept her word and walked on over. What do you guys call yourselves.

Why we're the Panerra Front Window Boys, I recited. Would you please join us in a group photo.

As soon as she said yes, these Boys jumped up and wrapped their arms around her. I got pushed to the outside of the line and another woman volunteered to take our photo.

Everyone in the store was watching us. What are the old guys up to now. Whenever a young good looking woman walks in, flash goes the camera.

The woman that took the photo had a broken left shoulder and we kind of looked in shock at the way she held the camera.

So, thats what the looks are on our faces. Surprised that she didn't drop the camera and we suckered some good looking girl to stand with us in front of 40 costomers.

We exchanged some pleasantries and she went back to work...promising to always come to the front window and say hello.

Are we dirty old men....No, we're THE PANNERA FRONT WINDOW BOYS.

Last Saturday, a tv celebrity walked in: Presto, I was on her like a Cop on a donut. It was Robin Baumgardner from WGN morning news.


Hey I know you're off duty but can I take a photo. She smiled ever so nice and said sure. I asked for a big smile and another photo for Jim Elliott's Adventures.

Wow, these women sure make life a lot more pleasant.

Life is Great
c'ya

Jim

Bob Cousy's Double

After last nights late confirmation dinner, I awoke stuffed to the gills.

But being a trooper, I got dressed and went for Friday breakfast with the neighbors. They were all there and we had another nice get together. Everyone gets their own checks and you know how I feel about it.

You don't, ok here's my thoughts. I'll pay for what I ate and you pay for what you eat.

Simple isn't it. I hate when we all get one bill and share equally in paying.

But sometimes, folks like to drink before, during and after dessert. Then want to pay the same as those that didn't. NOT ME. BE COURTEOUS. PAY FOR YOUR OWN CHECK OR ELSE THROW IN EXTRA MONEY, enough to cover your enjoyments.

I was stuffed when we left The Sunrise Grill and drove home. I picked up those heavy bag gloves I recently bought and got dressed. Shorts and an Orange t-shirt to put me into the mood to do a little exercise at the local park.

This time when I hit the heavy bag, I could hear it moan...ok, maybe it was me. But my punches seemed to make the bag swing.

After a few minutes of that I moved to the basketball floor where some super seniors were playing b-ball.

I went back to my routine of running back and forth dribbling the ball. When I crossed the floor I would throw the ball against the wall and catch it on the rebound.

The first few times, I missed the wall. Then missed catching it on the rebound. But after a few trips things improved so much I took some shots at the basket.

The same thing occurred. I missed the basket. I couldn't understand why. So, I took out my camera, (you knew I had it with me) and photoed my form.

Oh My God, what happened to the spring in my legs. And lifting that right leg. I regressed from my shooting style of the 70's into that of Bob Cousy from the 50's.

What happened to that 6 inch vertical leap I had. Look, my left foot is on the floor. Never leaving. Is it true---OLD WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP...

After many breaks for rest, I started to make some baskets. But chasing down the missed shots tired me out.

During my timeouts and the seniors timeouts I would go over and join in conversation. Perry was asking about if we knew any mobsters.

Griffin was talking about the recent playoffs.

It was like morning coffee at work. Men just being men. Talking sports and tough guys. Wow, that must be why I miss going to work everyday. The conversations with the boys.

So, I left after 1 1/2 hrs. When I got home the boys were cleaning the pool. All the scum on the bottom. Makes me visualize what they mean when they call people pond scum.

It was tiring watching them, so I took a nap.

Thank you Lord, Life is Great.

c'ya
jim

Sara's Confirmation Day

Do you ever experience those days that are special to us. The days when we should celebrate whatever it is.

Well, today was supposed to be Confirmation day for my granddaughter Sara Ann.

On days like this I cringe. Oh please, lets be different this year and enjoy it.

But---Noooo, it was the usual.
At 9am this morning.
It was:
do you know where your shoes are,
do you have your shirt ready.

Are you sure.
Make sure you take your shower right now as Jack must take his right after you take yours.
Why are you not ready.
In just 3 hrs we must leave for Church.
Enough of this already.

Why does someone--she'll remain nameless--suddenly become Miss Micro Manager.
One day a nice easy going Granny the next the Queen of Nervous-ica....
----------
I must tell you about the service. We are occasional-practicing Catholic's. I will try to write from a neutral viewpoint.

At first I saw only men doing the ceremony. The ladies were to the left in the photo.
I have two daughters and I noticed this first.

I also have two boy. Which means I have been to 4 of these confirmations.

So right off the bat I had a chip on my shoulders.

But soon, that feeling faded when the Bishop got up to talk.

He gave a sermon not on how we should lead our lives but on why we were Catholic's and what we believed in. Which I heard many times before.

But he explained why we have our beliefs. One by one.

It actually was interesting and not from the 1950's.

I guess the Church is changing its attitudes.

Just before the end of the services, this occasional-practicing Catholic waited for the procession to walk toward the back of the church.

I grabbed the Bishop before he could relax. Shook his hand and said thats the best serman I have ever heard. You're the Greatest. But THE HAT has got to go.

He said "WHAT!" and looked at me like I was nuts. Then said "Thanks" laughing as he rushed to someone else. I felt he was trying to escape, I knew this as he's not the first.
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Of course I took a hundred photos: before-during-after services.














Afterwards we went to Moretti's for dinner. Had great conversations with friends and relatives.
Heard the girls all laughing and enjoying themselves.

Fun with family & friends is special... It makes the nervous moments and work worth it.
Maybe the photos will say it better.

c'ya
thanks for visiting
jim--12:30 at night and I'm tired. maybe I should edit this tomorrow.

Try To Liven Up

I've been trying to lose weight and get into shape.

Why because I bought some Heavy Punching Bag gloves. Later,
last friday I went to the local Park district fieldhouse that has
boxing equipment.

As I walked in I noticed some old guys playing basketball.

Hey Elliott they shouted. Ok 2 of them. One was an old detective Jim Griffin who we would refer to as "THE DRIBBLER". As in basketball dribbler. Jim is 75 yrs old
and one of the youngsters of the group. Someday I'll write some of my experiences with him.

A TRUE LEGEND IN HIS TIME...

Perry, who is 77, asked me to play.

I can barely think about moving without having shortness of breath.

So, that friday I started dribbling the ball across the half court by myself.

First, just a little more than a walk. then a jog and then a few good runs. But after every trip I would sit on a nearby bench and catch my breath.

I was wiped out until this morning. Of course I've been trying to walk and ride my bike during that time, but still trying to recoop from friday.
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Today, when I awoke I couldn't get going.

I emailed a friend, who is 80, how I felt. She wrote back Try To Liven Up...

so I went to Panerra.

Met the front window ladies, then the booth ladies, the rich guy and his wife, finally ending up with the back table group.

After all the nice women, Wow was I feeling great. Somehow, talking to women can really LIVEN ME UP!!

So Great I went home, did some laundry and took a nap.

Life is great

c'ya
jim