Interesting April

Yes, my friends. I am quite behind on updating and posting my blog entries.

Turns out, my computer is not properly configured so I can write my entries but can not post them, at this time. Work in progress, high priority assignment!

I've been stockpiling posts and then need to activate from another computer.

Just imagine if I actually knew the ins and outs of a computer, I could actually think about using it as a second career?!?!

We experienced quite an interesting March and April to say the least.

As you may know, a dear friend was in town both months nursing a hernia and then a broken foot. He had strict orders not to fly back to the land of sunshine. Bittersweet times. Loved having him back, but not so much under those horrendous circumstances. I believe we made the best of it and did get to spend quality time together catching up and sharing new experiences.

If he did not believe I've changed since Mom's death, he does now. Just because a person does not physically change does not mean they don't grow and mature mentally and emotionally or change their spin on life after a traumatic experience. I believe, with many of the demands placed on both of us, we saw how we've grown over the last few years--especially the night his Mother's washing mashine overflowed and jammed up and I was the only person who could venture downstairs to solve the problem. Amazement radiated from his eyes seeing my calm, cool, and collected demeanor in solving this problem with a smile on my face. I must admit, I had a little coaching and help from Mom on how to "Macgyver" the problem. And it worked!

He returned to FLA just after Easter. I still stand by my feelings that he being home to spend time with his Mother on her 87th birthday as well as Easter for the 1st time in 6 years was a blessing in disguise.

Lent and the anniversary of Uncle Bill's death also brought much family time.....which was enriching and welcome.

Lucky to enjoy many family dinners, whether at my sister's or Muldoon's before we saw my nephew perform out in Collinwood, or after Uncle Bill's Mass. Auntie ventured over to help me cook all of our Easter family traditions! After she left, for some reason, I continued going crazy and baked waaaay too much! I could not stop baking, which made my family, friends, and co-workers very very happy!

Maybe I was letting off steam missing Mom so much more this year for some reason than last year. I don't understand how everything this year has been so much harder than the 1st year she was gone. But, you can't question it, just deal with it and try to proceed as best as possible.

This Easter (straying from tradition), coupled with the fact that my ill friend would be leaving a few days after Easter put me out of sorts. I knew I probably would not see my friend Craig for the rest of 2011 and that didn't quite sit well with me.

Also, due to circumstances beyond my control, no one came over to Mass at my church or heard me sing.....and our Sunday dinner changed a smidge. I know I have to roll with the punches but everything landing on my shoulders overwhelmed me....

God has a way of honing me back in, and thankfully, he did.

And so did my Cleveland Indians. Thank goodness we are in the midst of baseball season. My 1 vice, my one extravaganza, my one obsession that always calms me down (even when they lose) and brings me back to a peace-filled existence.

At month's end, after my friend safely arrived back in FLA and I was an overstuffed Kolachy, the universe began aligning again and all was right with the world!

Baseball matinee

It does not get much better than this!

An Indians-Red Sox matinee out in the open air with the sunshine god holding me in the palm of his hand.

I guess I am a loner, though I don't want to be alone forever, especially when I get old.

I enjoy hitting the ballgame at noon alone under the pounding sun in the open air, temps in the 70's.

There's nothing like watching Major League Baseball to get your juices flowing at the same time relaxing your mind, heart, and soul.

I hate to admit it, but not having a spouse or children at this juncture, this is one of my only true joys. I guess my Cleveland Indians are the children who bring extreme joy to my life.

My Mother used to tell me I was her everything, her reason for living who brought her total joy.

Well, I understand now what she was talking about.

In the course of a 3 hour baseball game, I can run through the gamut of expressions and emotions--and usually do.

There were more people on hand that have been at any game I've been to all season, except for opening day. What an exciting day!

From the very young to the very old sitting side by side enjoying the pure game of baseball. The players from both teams giving it their all. Sometimes outstanding defense and a pitching gem totally outshines a mammoth homerun.

Thursday's game simply awesome. An Indians win 1-0 still allowing me to get to my next event on time.

It really doesn't get much better than this.

The only thing that would have made it come close to perfection is either Mom sitting next to me or the man of my dreams enjoying baseball as much as me.

The shy girl always winds up in the spotlight

Never fails.

The shy girl always winds up in the spotlight, at the center of attention in extremely uncomfortable situations.

It's quite funny. I am very shy yet when I say that to my close friends, they gawk and balk at me.

When and if I get to know someone, you can't shut me up.....

Normally, I'm quiet as a mouse. I think people don't want to hear what I have to say. I don't tell great stories. I don't know a single joke. I'm not a smart ass always coming up with the funniest put down or zinger. I am not too keen on details and an awful public speaker.

I abhor going out to bars or restaurants alone. I refuse to dine alone or just sit at a bar unless I am meeting someone.

I'm ok with going to a function that means something to me and dealing with the folks I may see or meet there.

So what in the world possessed me to meet some friends for dinner, and bring my emmy award?

The story behind the story. A dear friend of mine and I chatted last June the night we found out we had each just won an emmy award. The word spread and mutual friends we have said they wanted to treat us to dinner.

Fast forward 10 months later and, tada, we all were finally able to sync our schedules and meet for a delicous multiple course dinner at Blue Canyon. The one pre-requisite: Kim and I had to bring our emmy awards because the chef had never seen one and no emmy had ever entered Blue Canyon.

Let me tell you, trudging into a restaurant with a big bag containing an emmy does not keep the shy girl out of the spotlight. Chef Brandt was overjoyed to see them up close and personal. We took pictures and had to keep them out on the table during our meal.

And what a meal we had! Mom and I had been to Blue Canyon a few times before. The food is tremendous! But I must admit, when the chef himself keeps coming out to make sure we are good and everything is going well, quite a night! We all got different meals, different desserts so we could taste and share. And every single morsel of the 5 course meal rocked my world! Oh, I will definitely be back (without emmy).

Yes, it was a blast! Mostly because I was with 4 dear friends who I just adore. Bob, Lisa, Kim, and Amanda are 4 of the nicest people you will ever come across. The fact that I have the privilege of calling them friends such a bigger honor than all of my emmy awards combined!

Opening Day Weekend 2011

I adore the game of baseball.

I get that cherished gift & interest from my Mom. She bestowed that gem on our entire family. She received the gift from her father, my Grampa, who my Aunt says took them to see the Indians when they were all just small kids. In fact, Auntie has some of the fondest memories of her dad taking her to a ballgame, and getting -- a hot dog. Having a ballpark hotdog with authentic baseball mustard watching a game with her Dad = priceless.

To the normal fan it's a game, maybe a day off of work, a time to share a few beers with friends. To me, it's so much more.

On Opening Day, the memories come gushing back spanning my entire life --baseball memories I've collected over the years with Mom, my sister, Aunt, and the kids which will be with me forever. We have thousands and thousands.

I truly enjoy the game of baseball. Oh yes, there is nothing like winning baseball from your favorite team but I'll support them rain or shine, win or lose. I was part of the smallest crowds the Indians had Opening Day weekend 2011. It didn't matter because the weather was beautiful, baseball is back for the next 7 months, and I saw progress and hope in the current players taking the field. The Indians have always had scrappers. Guys who come to play with their A-game. They give their all, no matter the outcome.

The normal 'joe' fan looks at the daily paper and sees the final score. That's no way to watch or follow baseball. Watching every intricate play tells the story. Even in a loss, you can see how hard the guys played, glean the many bright spots, and still gain pleasure from our National Pasttime.

Opening Day Weekend 2011 brought old memories back to life and formed new ones.

The entire weekend began with a memorial service for the best pitcher in baseball, Bob Feller, who recently passed away. What a tribute. It was a beautiful memorial service recalling many memories. Though many of today's pitchers are quite talented, I believe we coddle them too much. There is absolutely no comparison to the pitchers of Bob Feller's time and today. Those pitchers way back when played for love of the game. They made no money. They had to get real jobs in the off-season, which kept them strong and tone. They could pitch a complete game and the next day be called upon again to pitch another one. None of this "You can only pitch 102 pitches and then I am taking you out no matter how well you are still pitching!"

Bob Feller also sacrificed his career in baseball for the greater good of his country, which he loved so much....and while serving his country, put his life in harms way every day he was in the military. He is proof positive that if you do the right thing and stick to your beliefs and passions, it all works out.

Then Opening Day weekend 2011 against one of our hardest opponents, the Chicago White Sox. On the bright side, our old friend Omar Vizquel buzzed back into town. I would love to see Omar come back to play or better still to coach one day. He always claims he has a special place in his heart for Cleveland and Clevelanders.

Besides the outcome, everything else was near perfection. Pre-game festivities honoring Bob Feller chilling. 3 huge banners were hung on the center field wall. Every single player wore the #19 jersey for pre-game and introductions. Then Mrs. Feller placing a baseball on the pitcher's mound for the silent 1st pitch. And then the balloon launch as we screamed 'play ball!'

I adore the videos the Indians' play on the scoreboard --they always move me. 2011 will not disappoint. So far, the videos have been tremendous...and yes, the tears came streaming down.

I was at the game with 2 friends who get it. They love the game of baseball as much as I do. 1 of them I consider to be one of my dearest friends in the whole wide world....the other person is a friend I've reconnected with on fb after oh, maybe 15 or so years. I could not have asked to be at opening day with 2 better people who realize the pureness of this game.

Of course, Mom was with us in spirit....and will always be at every single game with me. I firmly believe that she is the Indians' biggest guardian angel. They may not have gone far last year, but things are looking up.

Good friends all know my passion for the sport and how important this game is to me. I received text messages and facebook messages all day and night long wishing me 'happy opening day,' 'I know this is like a holiday to you, have fun,' and other gleeful salutations!

Another dear friend moved away in the beginning of the year. I must admit, I was a bit bitter for a smidge of time. And I do so miss him soooo but I will not let this season go by without keeping in close proximity with him to talk, message, text baseball week in, week out!

Even though the Indians lost the official opening day game, I did not feel bad. I had just seen a major league baseball game outside in the open air under beautiful weather with 2 good friends. I'd seen an exciting game from both teams. That's how I roll. I don't feel bad anymore. I know how blessed I am to be able to watch this game and enjoy every single pitch.

The Indians wound up losing their 2nd game but pulled out a huge win on Sunday. Both games were quite exciting. At least, I had a blast both days. I saw very good friends at all of the games....enjoyed balmy temps.....and can't believe how lucky I am to be able to watch my favorite team play my favorite sport.

I have a really good feeling about this team. Most people admit there are so many players they have never heard of, don't recognize, don't know where they came from.....I am proud to say I not only know the players, recognize them when I see them, know what position they play and their numbers. When you follow a team and their minor league teams, you follow the entire team. It's like watching a child born and follow their progression through teenage years into adult hood. I absolutely adore everyone from the veterans to the youngsters to the newer players we recently acquired.

I admit, I'm nowhere close to enjoying the game like Mom. She'd amaze me game after game as she totally remembered a player's stats without looking up at the big score board....she'd remember what they did last game....and in the entire series. She knew every pitch every player threw...if he was a ground ball pitcher or flyball pitcher. I adored my Mother in every way for who she was and what she instilled in me...not only with the game of baseball but life in general.

I'm no Marianne, but no one is or ever will be. I am striving to be like her and put the same passion into the game (of baseball & the game we call life) as I hope to get as much enjoyment out of both!