I thought our basement was water-proofed?

I have to be honest. Listening to the radio and watching the first 15 minutes of the news, you'd never know parts of Cleveland were hit with a torrential downpour--for most of the day!

I know we were because I am still recovering from it. We had three separate hits today.

I know I am not crazy and did not imagine this water logged episode. Our Pastor was driving west toward Vermilion and told us he saw multiple cars floating in water, covered in water, flipped over in the water.

It all started very early this morning. I finished at the dentist and ran into the post office. Upon my exit from the post office, the torrential rains and monsoon began. Near impossible driving conditions. I had 2 more stops to make. Each time I became a bit more soaked no matter how hard I tried to stay dry.

And then the moment of truth. Pulling into my driveway--well, I almost could not pull into my driveway because it was flooded upwards above my ankle toward my calf muscle. I knew it was going to be a bad one because the garage was beginning to flood. I did not even want to think about what may be happening in the basement.

When this happens, I get my squeegee and begin clearing the drain hole in the backyard hoping that something is covering it......I get totally soaked in the effort. I did grab my raincoat today and hike up my sweats but by the end of my drill, I abandoned the hood, let the raincoat swing open, and let my sweats just wade in the water, for they were soaked anyway!

I actually efforted pictures but it was raining so hard, I could not afford to ruin my fancy, new camera. All I could get were camera shots inside of the rains' aftermath. AND I did take 2 video movies of the debaucle inside. Of course I can not transfer the video to my blog OR to Facebook. Fits right in with the day I have been having. Well, if you actually could see the motion picture.....

Our supposedly water proofed basement is NOT water proof. There is a room beneath our sun room which leaks. However, the problem continues getting worse. Today, the water (and I still can not figure out just exactly where it is coming from) was pouring into our basement....making a clear stream from the sun room down the slope toward our wash basin.

Times 3.

Each time it would rain and pour, which happened three times today, the water would enter our home. At least it waited for me to get everything cleaned up and dry before it rained and started again!

At last count, we have 10 garbage bags and boxes of ruined items out on the front lawn as a nice little gift for our waste management friends!

Old home week

What a week! It seemed like 'old home week' for me. It began last weekend when we had a wedding at my church and one of the families I'd known since I was a tot. It was great visiting with them, if only for a few minutes!

Then, within a few days I've gotten Facebook friend requests from a college buddy, a high school classmate, and a grade school friend. Though time is of the essence these days and free moments are rare, I do enjoy keeping in touch with old friends, if only through Facebook!

My Mother almost went through the roof when we drove by Jamie's house (which I might add is directly across from my high school). She could not believe one of my dear college friends lives 5 minutes from us and we never get together. She is absolutely on the money! Hopefully I will be seeing him soon at his Cider Press party!!

But the big reunion was mid week. I was able to sneak toward work a little early because I actually wanted to spend some money at the Indians' gift shop. Their loss. They had the entire area blocked off and no where to park. Their loss was definitely my gain. I buzzed my dear friend, Monina...told her I was outside of her station and begged her to let me in! Fortunately she WAS there and had a few free moments.

You have to understand, Monina IS probably my dearest friend. However, I still had her Christmas gift in my trunk. I had been carrying it around since December!!!!!

We were able to catch up since our last chat....I handed over her gifts....and asked her to be the 'deliver-er' of 3 other gifts I had been carrying around for a few weeks.

I also was able to visit with a handful of former co-workers. What a serendipity! I have such fond memories of my last workplace. Salt of the earth people. Many of them are still on sight, which is rare. It was a different time 20+ years ago. Many people are still the same tho the physical plant has certainly changed.

And the greatest visit this week was when Mom and I took our annual trip to the Notre Dame Chicken Dinner.....where we caught up with Sister St. Jude. Sister was the best friend of our cousin, Sister Callista, who has since passed. Sister St. Jude is truly a remarkable woman. Though hampered with physical ailments of late, her sense of humor, kindness, and memory are as sharp as a tack! Mom and I were hoping to zip in and out of the dinner and be home to watch the Browns and the Tribe. When we found out Sister was on site, we had to make a visit. Our journey took us on the road less traveled and what an enriching journey we met. We had an absolutely memorable visit with our friend, one we shall never forget!

End to my emotional weekend

The lump in my throat is back.

It's the end of an era at Yankee Stadium.

Mom and I are so lucky and blessed that we had the opportunity to go this year before they begin tearing it down.

Sunday night, the final game to be held at the house that Ruth built. It's these type of games where the actual 'game' is secondary to the event itself.

Pre-game pomp and circumstance came on, and it was just riveting! What an emotional roller coaster ride. I would not have missed this for the world.

There were so many older players who came back, and of course, remembering those players who already passed.

Family members of deceased players stood in for them including, Mickey Mantle's son, Elston Howard's daughter, Billy Martin's son, Bobby Mercer's family, Thurman Munson's family member. I know I am forgetting a few folks and I apologize.

You could tell that many of the former and current players were visibly shaken.

Bernie Williams came back for the first time since his retirement and got THE biggest and longest ovation. Williams, a very humble man, was overtaken with emotion.

Don Larsen began scooping up soil from the mound he pitched his perfect game atop...

Since Babe Ruth hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium, his daughter was asked to toss out the ceremonial first pitch to Jorge Posada. She rocked! Just like her father!

Bob Shepard, who has been ill and has not been at the stadium all season, recorded a greeting so he could be part of this ceremony. Shepard has been the Yankees public address announcer for over 50 years. In fact, Derek Jeter asked him to record for posterity what he says when Jeter comes up to bat so they can play it each time he comes up to the plate until the end of time!

The game began and how fitting that Andy Pettitte took the mound.

The game itself was actually very exciting, while the announcers intermixed video vignettes, interviews, live guests and trivia throughout the game.

Though the players of today may appear to be legends, the old timers will always be my heroes. Whitey Ford was signed out of high school for peanuts. He went on to be one of the best Yankee pitchers of all time with 120 wins, 2.57 ERA, and 748 strikeouts. He is a humble man to this day. No current player can hold a candle to Whitey, Yogi, Feller, Doby, and all of the old timers who made this great game what it is today!

During the 7th inning stretch, hearing Ronan Tynen sing 'God Bless America' for the last time at Yankee Stadium brought back the huge lump in the throat.

Robinson Cano hit a sac fly to score a run and then tossed his batting gloves into a little boy sitting in the first row. To see the little boy's face brought tears to my eyes.

Babe Ruth made a comment after his 1st home run at Yankee Stadium wondering 'who will hit the last?' Well, for all you trivia lovers, it was Jose Molina!

A perfect ending to a perfect game, bringing Mariano Rivera in to close the game out as he has done so many times before. Chills went up and down my spine.

At the end, while The Chairman, Frank Sinatra belted out 'New York, New York,' Derek Jeter made a short speech and then the team took a lap around thanking their fans for their support.


I must interject that I believe the Indians' have the best fans. 455 sold out games in a row. 105,000+ filling the stadium this weekend alone for a team that is NOT going to the playoffs (but should be!!).

And then so many wonder why I love this game!!!!!!

Emotional weekend

Probably not particularly healthy but when I get very emotional and do not allow myself to cry, I get a huge lump in my throat that feels like it is going to just bust!

This weekend was chock full of those moments!

It began Friday morning (a vacation day) at 530am heading off to the hospital for Mom's procedure. I don't think I will ever feel what it's like to sleep in on a vacation day!

Things went moderately smooth today at the hospital except Mom was in even more pain than usual. It was awful. I'm not even going to go into any further detail or that lump in my throat will flare up. The good thing, all the nurses were extremely nice and Mom actually bumped into just about every one of her doctors! The nurses are quite caring and actually remember not only Mom but me too!

I must share this story--there is a little foreign 'house doctor' who is a trip. I'm not sure what he does, why they retain him, or what purpose he fulfills, but he brings comic relief. Right after the foreign doctor who speaks no English vacated our room, the nurse came over to assure us he had NOTHING to do with Mom's procedure!

Then off to dialysis. I have no idea how Mom does this?

You would think Mom would be exhausted and spent after dialysis, but she wanted to go to the Indians' game, being the final home stand, so off we went.

We did have a few scary moments. Mom had one of her post-dialysis episodes. We had to steal away to the Terrace Club bathroom couch for about 20 or so minutes while Mom recovered.

I'm very fortunate that I know what to look for and how to remedy the problem. Within 1/2 hour, Mom was good as new!

The game itself quite emotional with the big Fausto-Sheffield fight breaking out in the 7th inning. With this turning point, you just knew we were going to win the game!


Saturday: Do you ever feel totally out of control of a situation and a missed opportunity? Well, that is how I felt today. Mom and I went to Mass. Upon entering, we saw the wrap up of a bride and groom finishing their wedding pictures, family saying their goodbyes and parishioners entering for Mass.

We knew many of the wedding goers! I grew up with them. I felt as if I had missed out on a wonderful opportunity to sing this Mass while seeing some long lost friends! My best friend from grade school had been at the wedding but had already retreated back to her hotel. I have not seen Joan in years.

She's a wonderful girl who has had, at times a very sad life. Yet she has a tremendous core group of family and friends who have helped her get through all of her trials. Her mother passed away when we were in the 4th grade. Her brother passed away a few years later on New Year's Day. She lost a very close uncle and her Father, just to name a few awful moments. Though she still had a lot of family up here, she opted to go live in the same area as her sister and brother-in-law and nephews.

I miss her. I can not believe she was in town and I could not even say hello. I felt handcuffed and a missed opportunity that I will never get back. These feelings do not happen that often, but today was one of them.


Sunday: The final game of the season at Progressive Field. To us, this is a huge deal. Baseball is part of our life. It's part of the many fibers that make us who we are, give us strength at times, entertain us, yet saddens our spirit.

Overall, a festive day with us sweeping the Detroit Tigers. After all the celebrating ended, we realized that we will not be back at Progressive Field until April 10, 2009.

Why?

Every day I run across dozens if not hundreds of items and issues where I just shake my head and say 'WHY?'

Today is no different.

I'm off so why do I have to get up at 545am?

Why, oh why does Mom have to endure such pain and sorrow and have the doctor do the same procedure he did less than two months ago? I hate to see Mom in pain and crying. She is very fragile, a great lady who should not have to be subjected to these awful things. Right?

Why, when we have been to this hospital literally HUNDREDS of times, does the girl ask 'do you know where you are going?'

Why does the doctor tell you what time to be there, what time he wants to do the procedure and then no fail, everything is running 2 hours late?

Why does every tech, who remembers Mom, forget that IV's and Mom don't mix?

Ditto last question, up to 'forget that Mom has low BP?'

Why does the doctor come out of this procedure saying 'I don't know why I had to go in, it looked ok to me?'

Why does my cell phone take pictures that are inverted and backwards, including the writing?

Why does the CDC keep running out of wheelchairs?

Why, when Mom's doctor said he was going to raise her dry weight, do the techs keep going off of the old dry weight? Does no one communicate???????

Why is it always so cold at the dialysis center?

AND WHY DID SOME JACKAL HIT MY CAR WHILE IT WAS SITTING AT THE DIALYSIS CENTER CAUSING A 36 INCH SCRATCH AND NOT LEAVE A NOTE??????

I can't believe he took him out?!?!??!

This is my blog, so I am going to say it. Why did Eric Wedge take Cliff Lee out of the game?? I know that every single person has their own spin. And the sports writers and baseball people will have the normal generic pad answers they always pontificate. I also know that during the Manager's press conference, there are certain questions the media is not allowed to ask Wedge. There are certain topics the media can not second guess the manager or his staff about.....or even bring up. Just listen to some of the Manager's press conferences after each game. There is dead silence at times with absolutely no one asking the hard questions that should be asked. It's very awkward to listen to and embarrassing at times.

Bottom line, even if Minnesota scores a run or two, the Indians might come back?

It's not like we are in first place (even though I STILL believe if we win and Chicago has a total melt down, we can come back). But, it's not like we are in first place battling to stay atop the division...

There were still 4 innings to go. Keep Cliff in. Let him win or lose this game. If the Indians come back, as they did, he wins. If he loses, he loses the game and not some weak bullpen job.

I am a true Indians fan and go to every single game that I am not working. I think of myself as well versed in baseball and the talent on this Cleveland Indians' team. Sometimes you have to throw about the rule book. Sometimes you have to throw away the strategy and just play hard with a lot of heart!

I am not impressed with a lot of the decisions Eric Wedge has made this year. The guys must play well. If the ball goes through Peralta's legs, it's not Wedge's fault. But so many of the plays and strategies put into play are directives from Wedge, and frankly, this year, he's not cutting it!

Come to think of it, I have not been impressed with any of our Major League Teams' coaches --sorry Romeo and Mike....

We have the talent (on most fronts)! Maybe our owners need to open the pocket books, and hire high class, big name coaches and managers to take us to the BIG SHOW!

It's nice to be honored by your peers

I won! I won my 7th Emmy Award!

Every once in a blue moon I guess I do need to pat myself on the back, but it is very uncomfortable. Really!

I walk a fine line. I like sharing my accomplishments (not in a boastful way) yet I don't want to be the one to share them!??! My head is spinning!

The morning after I found out I won, many people at Church asked me 'what's new?' For the life of me I could not bring myself to say "I won an Emmy last night." I said something bogus like, "oh, things are busier than ever" or something absolutely ridiculous!

At the Indians Game that day up in the Terrace Club, I saw one of my best friends from College who I had not seen in years. He said 'how have you been, what's new?' Same thing. My Mother and the woman we were with were chomping at the bit and finally said 'last night she won her 7th Emmy!!' I know, I have issues!

It is nice to be honored by your peers, especially for something you believe in or something you worked really hard at accomplishing!

I was actually nominated for 3 Emmy Awards and wound up winning 1 with a group of my peers in the Breaking News Category for our coverage of The Shooting at SuccessTech.

I congratulate all of the winners. And the phrase "it was just an honor being nominated" is not a load of "do-do." To be nominated for an Emmy Award is just as sweet! Really! I think I have been nominated 15 times or so and have won 7. Actually, not a bad batting average. But those years I lost, it truly WAS a great honor just being nominated, especially if I was in the company of folks I deemed my heroes or mentors!

I could not accomplish a single thing in this life without the good Lord above. Thank you, Jesus for making me who I am, giving me the gifts I possess, and walking through this life with me every step of the way!

For a complete list of all the winners, please CLICK THE ATTACHED LINK!!!

Remembering 9/11

Quite the surreal day. It seems like forever since the Twin Towers went down yet it seems like it was only yesterday.

A day that should be remembered, if only to prove that Americans and the United States are strong and will not let a catastrophic event such as that defeat us.

Yet, a day that should not have a lot of fanfare, which connotes 'celebration.'

I was away from the television this September 11th and besides the flags at half staff and the date on the calendar, I did not see much to remind me of that fated day.

I guess each September 11th, each of us should reflect in our own way on what happened back in 2001 and strive to be stronger and united while we cherish our freedoms and families. Ultimately in the end, hopefully the righteous will triumph and defeat evil.

God is good

Mom has this saying she uses often, but does not overuse. When times are tough yet situations seem to work out, she says 'God is good.'

When a friend or stranger goes above and beyond, she says 'God is good.'

When parishioners come up to her amazed at how far she has come back, she says 'God is good.'

This weekend our church held their annual Chinese auction and picnic.....this year's festivities echoed the Olympic theme in honor of the recent Beijing Olympics because it was a 'Chinese' auction. Parishioners were urged to wear garb from their country or 'olympics-oriented' attire as well as bring a dish from around the world! There were games for the children....a fun time for all involved!

Parishioners and businesses donated some wonderful auction gifts. We bought a number of tickets for the auction, not necessarily to get a gift, but to support the church we love!

On a whim, we put a ticket in almost every little auction baggie and more than one in those that we actually would not mind winning!

When they got to one of the auction items and called Mom's name, I realized that God IS good and he has total control over what we do down here.

I also realized that God knows, at times, I need a 'sign' in this crazy world that he is still there.

Mom won 2 hats which say 'God is good all the time.' She also won a t-shirt which tells you who to call when you get into the top 10 binds and trouble spots --like Matthew, Mark, Jude, etc....just one of the most imaginative shirts I've seen!

God IS good!

Don't stop believin'

Music keeps me young and energized! I don't know where I would be without it!

I'm the best person to go to a concert with and the worst!

I live in the moment at each concert I attend...take it all in.....enjoy it to the fullest. My short term memory, on the other hand, hinders my concert experience.

We can be on the 3rd song and though I danced and sang to the opening song, for the life of me, I can't remember its name! Doesn't mean I am not enjoying myself, just means my memory is shot!

I take pride in knowing a little bit about music and when I go to a concert, I am immediately drawn to one of the band members and watch them all night. I close my eyes and see if the group sounds just as good live as on their recordings. And, I just love listening to the harmonizing and backup singing. A good group has perfect harmonies, complementary back up music.

Enter: Heart and Journey! Cheap Trick was pretty darn good too...but Ann and Nancy Wilson are always spot on. God gave Ann a strong set of pipes! Journey is one of the tightest groups around. Neal Schon is a genius and a crazy guitarist! Jonathan Cain is my man in this band. He's part of a great collaborative team, keyboards, guitar, harmonica and vocalist. When I think of Journey, I think of phenomenal keyboards and Jonathan Cain never lets us down!

(Cheap Trick)

The night was great (except for the little usher man that would not let us take any pictures! The website said cameras ARE welcome --small, disposable and digital but he reprimanded me and from there I just acquiesced and enjoyed the sweet sounds!).....

I could not ask for anything more! A great friend....beautiful weather....and supreme music to sing and dance to all night long!




Just 5 guys --2 guitarists, keyboards, drummer and vocalist --that really pack a powerful punch! They rocked. They were on the money and never let up. Their new stuff is tremendous. Can't wait to get 'Revelation' and jam to 'After all these years!'

There is absolutely nothing like listening to your favorite songs performed LIVE by the original band mates (most of them) under a beautiful starlit night! Pinch me!!!!

Flat as a pancake

I just love my little car. It's old. But over the years I've become even more attached to it making it harder and harder to part with it.

I know one day I will get a new fangled car with satellite radio, a camera to view the scenery when backing up, and so much more....one day...

After stressing over the periodic problems I have when starting my car, I totally missed the tell-tale signs of a 'flat as a pancake' rear tire.

I did hear something flapping in the wind as I left for work. I just thought it was yet another creak.

It drove fine. Never even felt like I had a flat tire until a good samaritan woman honked and told me my tire was flat.

I still could not believe it. My baby was driving perfectly!

I only had a few more blocks to go for work. I arrived at work in hopes of finding someone to help me. George helped me put air in the tire to see if there was a slow leak or if a nail was visible.

I fear coming down at the end of my shift having yet another flat tire. My boss and the girl I relieve are gems! Rita said I could go up the street to get my tire fixed and Lisa said she would set on the desk until I got back.

Now, the stress is gradually leaving my system. And when I came across the little Amish woman sitting in the waiting room with me, it totally left.

There is always someone worse off. This little Amish woman was in town with her son, who recently had a kidney transplant. He must come into Cleveland each month for his checkups and tests. They had a three hour drive back to Sugar Grove PA. I felt awful. My 'inconveniences' are REAL hardships for so many others.

And the kicker--they finished with my car first but I'm fairly sure she got there before me. Just doesn't seem fair.

Unassuming hero makes history

It was electric! Exciting! You just knew something special was about to happen!

And it did.

Cliff Lee, one of the most unassuming individuals around, made history by just doing his job, what he loves!

Lee became the 1st MLB pitcher to reach 20 wins this season.

Lee is the 1st Indians pitcher to win 20 games since Gaylord Perry achieved that milestone back in 1974.

Cliff Lee said it himself, all cylinders were working. He was on his game and his fellow teammates did their job behind him in the field and with their big bats!

What a magical night for everyone in the stands.

Cliff Lee was just named the American League Pitcher of the Month for August '08 after going 5-0 with a 1.86 ERA, tossing a complete game during that span.

It was a treat to experience this historical night with Mom. She was tired from dialysis but was determined to go to the game. All cylinders were working on our end too! I was lucky enough to have the night off or we would not have been able to witness history together!

Thank you, Jesus! We are truly blessed! Life is good! God is good! We are not gonna ever let anyone tell us differently!

(last photo courtesy: Chris Kunz)

I will continue wearing white shoes!

I know Labor Day has passed, but I will continue wearing white shoes!

First of all, I am a rebel at times (ok, stop laughing those of you who call me miss goody two shoes!)....

I have a very cool pair of white flip flops with some bling that have a few more fancy steps in them!

And most importantly, on a day when it hits 92 degrees, anything goes! I certainly hope we continue having these balmy temps deep into September, October, and further!

Ahhh, Cleveland will soon sprout palm trees everywhere, and oh, how I would love that!!!!!

For Jerry's Kids

This time of year has always been bittersweet for me, even as a little girl.

Whoever the infamous 'they' are claim that summer is over come Labor Day. I think that is poppycock. I was in my cousin's wedding at the end of October wearing this wonderful long, hot purplish dress in 87 degree temperatures!

I don't like to see Spring and Summer go. I am a girl of the tropics!

As a youngster, this time of year meant back to school. Now, I loved school but that meant vacation was over.

As an adult, it still means back to school --waiting for buses to and from work...and 20 mph school zones whenever I go anywhere throughout the day!

It meant baseball season was almost over, which is an awful time of the year.

It also meant and still means the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for Jerry's Kids. I would get set up in the living room like a sleepover stocked with blankets, pillows and snacks (and of course my homework because many times school had already started) and 'try' to stay up all night to see my favorite performers and listen to the testimonials from people suffering from this horrible disease. Jerry was and is one of my favorite entertainers. What a story he has to tell. A few years ago on the telethon, he too, was suffering from an illness. Today he looks wonderful after battling back himself.

Times have changed. The telethon used to be on so many stations including WJW. Now, it's hard to find. It was an 'event,' though for a sad cause. There were more firemen out collecting money as we ventured to the Indians' games and Air Show each Labor Day Weekend.

I loved the Jerry Lewis portion but always cherished coming back to Cleveland and seeing Big Chuck and Lil John performing crazy skits to get the giving people of Cleveland to help this cause. And through the good and rough economic times, we did! WJW also had 'local celebrities' galore who I always loved seeing. They may be Cleveland celebrities, but they made us proud. The likes of Drew Carey, Michael Stanley, Barnaby, Del and Tom, Jack Carlin, Klinger, and so many more....

God Bless Jerry Lewis for taking a cause he believes in and making it one of his life's missions. He and all of his 'dedicated' who donate their time, efforts, talents, and so much more for his kids have made a difference in this world, whether they know it or not.