My new friend has calming effect on me

Holy moly!

Not even a flooded sun room and busted fridge can rattle this girl who has been talking non-stop to a nice, new, charming friend.

We spoke for hours on end last night....I finally went into the Sunroom around 430 a.m. to find a flood! No. I did not freak out. I matter-of-factly assessed the situation, got my sham wows to start mopping up the excess water and make sure my computer system was not submerged.

Well, some computer wires were damp so I asked for assistance on Facebook before I had to unplug myself from the world.

I moved the love seat, unplugged everything, got all the computer stuff to safety, texted my sister to call me when she awoke and texted a great friend who is a computer whiz.

Still not rattled. Thank you new friend.

I finally got the water up and laid down more sham wows.

I needed a few hours of sleep so I napped on the love seat until my sister called and my computer friend called me too..... I asked my sister to put an addendum on fb for folks who can help to call me since I was unplugged! My computer buddy was gonna be in the neighborhood so he was going to try and stop by as well.

I contacted Sears who said they'd be out in 3 weeks. No can do. I called a local mom and pop fridge fixer and boom --God was on my side. They were actually in the neighborhood! They fixed my problem ipso facto pronto! My very good friend put my entire computer system back together. I am ever so indebted to him for the rest of my life! I really do have good friends and Mom as my guardian angel always watching my back.

Never did the smile leave my face through this adverse situation. Thank you new friend!

The final home game of the 2010 season

I can honestly say in convincing fashion, I am not bad luck for 'my' Cleveland Indians!

For a fleeting moment, I thought I was....but after attending the last 7 games in a row and winning the last 6, I'm off the hook!

What a ride! What a whirlwind!

The last week has been surreal with a number of '1sts,' memorable moments, emotional events on and off the field, and downright fun!

Spending the 1st part of my week off with my best friend started the ball rolling.

And all week with 'my' Cleveland Indians --pinch me!

Mom IS channeling through me as each day goes by and I get even more love for the Tribe, skyrocketing interest which I never knew was possible, and such joy from watching them day in and day out.

However, the season is winding down and that sadness approaches.

I know I have one more month of baseball --and it should prove to be the most exciting baseball of the season, but 'my' Indians will not be part of it.

This is the time of the year when I don't get too down because I know once the World Series ends, we have the holidays, and then January to catch up and get everything done before Spring Training revs up. Yes, I said it. January is my 'get into gear baby' because pitchers and catchers report mid February! Whew hoo!

Fitting and wild that the final home game turned into a traditional double header.

The weather was beautiful --no coat, nothing needed!

I hit both games my friends and they were magnificent.

I've seen a bunch of firsts this week including Luke Carlin's 1st homer as an Indian and Vinnie Pestano's 1st MLB save.

But toward the middle of the 2nd game, it all started hitting me. I went through this entire season without Mom physically sitting next to me, though I know she was there.

I so miss her expertise on the game, her love of this national pastime, her pride in Cleveland and her Cleveland Indians, and the 'queen' of Jacob's Field.

I've worn her baseball jacket all week. I have not needed it until now and it was perfect.

I could not get through this night without shedding many tears.

As I glanced around the ballpark and realized that this IS my home away from home with so many memories throughout my entire lifetime....I would have a huge void in my life without baseball and 'my' Cleveland Indians.

I was surrounded by friends. At the beginning of the 2nd game, I ran into a family I'd known almost my entire life and ironically they were just one row over from me.

Even people I did not know --being in the ballpark for the last 6-7 hours, we all bonded.

My usher, Bob and his wife were on hand.

And true fans who just loved the game of baseball and could not pass up seeing the final game, though there was nothing at stake!

Even better, when the Tribe did something extraordinary, I got a text from a great friend of mine, Marc, who shares my love of the game. He made me laugh so many times during the game when I really felt like crying.

At the final out, the flood gates opened.

Everything that had built up over the last 162 games and the last 11 months since Mom has been gone came out in full force and I could not stop crying. The Indians won. It was an exciting season for the true fan. I went through the entire season Mom-less. I would miss my guys over the next 4 months....and so many other thoughts and emotions were slamming together.

Karen, my usher's wife, saw my disposition and ran down to give me a huge hug.

THAT my friends is how lucky Mom and I have been over the years. Baseball, win or lose, has only had positive effects on our lives, has given us very good friends, and has allowed us to make countless memories for the rest of our lives.

I really lost it when the entire team ran out with bags of signed baseballs and started tossing them to the fans who went the distance with them....waving....signing autographs.

Chris Perez, who just had a little baby, closed out the final game. He was the post game interview guest.

After his interview, he got his bag of autographed baseballs, and passed them out to the fans. He was the lone player left on the field yet so appreciative of the fans thanking HIM for a great year that he signed autographs for countless fans until they started turning the ballpark lights out.

I finally had to tear myself away from the ballpark knowing that soon enough, I'd be back, and so would my guardian angel.

New Tribe Skipper, Manny Acta

2nd day in a row I am hobnobbing with a Cleveland Indian.

This does not normally happen to me.

I was fortunate to attend the Press Club Luncheon with Manny Acta.


Though that in itself was a huge deal, there was an even bigger story unfolding.

This was the first time I had been back to the Terrace Club since Mom's 80th birthday bash and since she passed away. I knew I'd see old friends. I was looking forward to seeing familiar faces, I just did not know who they would be.

The 1st person I saw when I walked in was Kristan Dolan. Yes, she is related to the Indians' owner and she helped me plan Mom's party to a tee! But more importantly, Mom and I had gotten to know Kristan's Mom and Dad --two of the nicest people you could ever know. They immediately took a liking to Mom the minute they met her --the normal response when people met Mom.

I then saw Mary Jo, the manager. She and Mom were very close.

Many of the servers, the chefs, the bartenders....

The initial reason for me being back in the Terrace Club took a back seat to all of the emotions which came bursting through and I became teary-eyed and very shaken.

I had attended the luncheon alone so I sat at a table alone for a while. That was quite awkward. I hate events such as these. But, it was actually good I was alone because being back just knocked the breath out of me.

All of the great times Mom and I had there came rushing back and I was very overwhelmed. I have a feeling I will get this way time and time again until the day I die.

The lunch was fabulous as usual. And the presentation was tremendous. CLICK HERE for an article I wrote regarding Manny Acta's Terrace Club Event.


After his speech and the question & answer period was over, I was fortunate to chat with some staffers including Bob DiBiasio and Curtis Danburg. I shared Mom's story with them both and gave them copies of Mom's Christmas letter. I refreshed Bobby D's memory on how Mom sent him a letter way back when asking if any Indians could send her daughter 'sweet sixteen' birthday cards. Well, Mom came through. For my 16th birthday, though it was around Christmas and the off-season, I wound up getting birthday cards from all over the world from Cleveland Indians: Bo Diaz from Venezuela, Dave Duncan, Dave Garcia, Jerry Dybzinski, Rookie of the Year Joe Charboneau, Duane Kuiper, Wayne Kirby, and so many more! Mom always came through for me!


Then I waited in line to meet Manny Acta, get his autograph and take a picture with him. But more importantly, I told him that my mother passed away on the day he was named Cleveland Indians' manager. He and his team have the biggest Guardian Angel up in the Heavens and he better take advantage of that! He was very cordial, took the letter and said he would hang it in his office. Hopefully, if he does, it will inspire him and bring my Cleveland Indians --Mom's Cleveland Indians-- the luck they need for many years to come!


I managed to hold myself together until I walked out of the banquet hall. The minute I reached the elevators, the flood gates opened and never stopped the whole way home.

They were tears of joy. Even though Mom is gone, she continues making memories with me --making Cleveland Indians' memories with me, and it feels good!!!

Sandy Alomar, Jr.

What can I say.

My family has been so lucky and blessed through the years with all of our baseball experiences. We must have thousands of memories.

I was not about to pass up this next event for the potential of yet one more Cleveland Indian Memory.

Yesterday at work I found out that Sandy Alomar, Jr. was going to be taping something in studio. I made sure it was ok to come in and sit in studio during the interview. Everyone said no problem.

I have been meaning to mail Sandy a note, a few articles I have written on him, and a copy of Mom's Christmas letter.

I figured why mail it when I could give it to him in person.

And that I did.

Now the last time we all saw each other was years ago and I'm sure he did not remember me with all the people he meets...but I brought up a few stories to depict the history we've had together.

My oldest niece was/is his biggest fan. He called her a few times during his stint with the Indians....and I jogged his memory at how he mocked me when he saw me wearing a Herbert Perry t-shirt.

Good times!

I watched the taping with Matt Underwood, which was tremendous, and then approached him after the show.

Again, something I don't feel comfortable doing but it was like Mom was channelling through me and everything she would have said to him came out through me.

I first said hello to Matt, who I had worked with many many years ago. That sort of broke the ice hopefully showing Sandy that I was not really a crazy person (though I am!!).

Then I told him I had been meaning to mail some items to him and was thankful for the opportunity to give them to him in person.

I don't know if he read them. I may never know. But I certainly hope he took the time to read my articles which praised and honored him and depicted how endeared the city of Cleveland is to he and his family.....I also hope he read our annual Christmas letter. I tried to instill on him that he and the team have a heavy-hitting Guardian Angel in Heaven and they better call on her when they need her!

G.A. strikes again

More and more I have the feeling that God has assigned a specific guardian angel to watch over me (just like 'It's a Wonderful Life') because I'm such a handful! A misfit!

I can not believe what happened Tuesday. Yet, it all worked out (sort of). It usually does.

Running later than usual for work. I grab my 5 bags and pack the trunk. Off for a jam-packed day of merriment and mayhem.

Fast forward 9 and 1/2 hours.

Where are my house keys?

Nowhere to be found. My first clue was when they were not in the normal hiding place in my car. Re-thinking my every step. I had an idea of what happened which egged me on even more.

They were not in the door so I had them when I left.

I was locked out. Thank goodness Mom was feeling well enough to open the front door.

Once inside, every bag, every nook, every cranny and pocket examined inside and out.

Nothing.

I venture back outside to look through the car again with a fine tooth comb.

Nothing.

My theory: while I was placing the 'bag lady's' bags inside the trunk, I left the house keys on the ledge by my back license plate. You know what that means?! They flew off in transit.

I walk the length of my driveway and am going to cover every inch of the street in front of my home.

Voila! They ARE in the street just outside my driveway apron --snow covered and unfortunately, a bit mangled. My favorite purple, dog print a bit twisted. But, I've found my keys! Absolutely NOT a chance of recovering them without a guardian angel watching over me...by my side constantly....keeping me out of trouble!

Never again will I doubt Mom, myself, Jesus, and his choice for my Guardian Angel (G.A.)--who picked the short straw!!!!

Talk to my guardian angel

I don't know how I do it.

My Mom tells me on a regular basis, 'you are perfect.' Well, she's got a slightly skewed vision. First being my Mom. Second, well, being my Mom!

But, if I were 'perfect,'

• my house would be clean and organized with a library, game room, workout room, photograph room, Christmas room, guest bedroom, craft room, etc., etc.
• the excess clutter would be gone or organized
• I'd keep in touch with those I care for, those I consider friends
• My house would be decorated from head to toe
• Holiday shopping would be complete
• Our family Christmas letter would be signed, sealed and delivered
• I'd really weigh the blatant lie depicted on my driver's license
• My singing resume tape (which does not exist yet) would be reeling in requests to do weddings, funerals, parties, singing the National Anthem at any sporting event, especially the Cleveland Indians' Games
• My Facebook requests would not tower above 30
• Workouts would be a daily occurrence
• 8 rolls of undeveloped film would not be gathering dust on the buffet
• My cell phone would not be taking backward /inverted pictures AGAIN!!!!!!!

Oh, the list is endless bringing the sad and true realization to life that I am not perfect.

Getting back to my initial premise. I don't know how I do it. This leads me to believe that I AM doing something right! I manage to keep my head above water, take care of Mom, and arrive at work every day clothed (don't laugh!).

All credit goes to my Guardian Angel.

Mom told me today to speak with and thank my Guardian Angel everyday. Well, I DO believe in angels and my Guardian Angel. But I was toying with Mom. I said, "Mom how can I talk to her and thank her if I don't even know WHO she is!" She got a bit miffed! In reality, I know and have always known that I could never get through a day without the good Lord above, Mary, and all the Saints and Angels watching over me.

Thank you, dear Guardian Angel, for keeping this misfit on track as best as you can and giving me a pretty darn good life!

Nightmare at Progressive Field

The day was coasting along flawlessly. A little Zoo action, the baseball exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and off to Progressive Field!

As usual, the masses start greeting Mom since we are regulars (I am just her invisible sidekick!).

An absolutely PERFECT night for a baseball game. And we have missed our boys. They had an awful road trip but they are not that bad. They have a great team and we just need to get all the cylinders spinning together!

Things were humming along. The Shaw band, just back from Beijing, played the National Anthem. What more could we ask for on this perfect night. There has to be a catch!

And sure enough, the catch strolls in and sits in the row right behind us. A group of young kids who do not look like they are old enough to drink but most of them are drinking. They are loud, obnoxious and every other word is the 'f' word. Finally, a woman sitting a few away from us turned around and told them to please be quiet.

Well, this turns out to be the least of our worries.

In the 4th inning, Mom takes a bite of her grilled dog and begins choking. It was awful. Absolutely awful. I did not panic too much. However, it was proven again that Mom has a guardian angel over her at all times. A lovely woman sitting right in front of me, slowly turned around and began monitoring Mom. I knew deep down inside she must be a nurse. Mom kept trying to work the piece out on her own. She could still talk a bit and was not turning blue yet. Finally, after about 3 or 4 minutes, Mom got the pesky piece of hotdog out of her throat.

Turns out the 'guardian angel' in front of us WAS a nurse. She told Mom that she had plans for her but was hoping she could work out the item on her own. Basically, the woman saved Mom's life.

But wait, there's more.

The jackal sitting behind us, the drunken idiot revved up again and after some great play, hauled off and whipped Mom in the neck with his shirt. It was again, AWFUL! At this point, I have had it. I got up, checked to make sure Mom was ok, was not bleeding and did not have anything broken. I then proceeded to tell him that I was going to get an Usher and if that did not work, the Police. How in his right mind could he strike an elderly woman with his shirt. He said he did not do it on purpose. Not acceptable. This guy is toast.

He apologized profusely to Mom. She is better than I. She gladly accepted his apology impressing how badly he hurt her. We are all really lucky he did not strike her in her dialysis arm because that would have opened and she may have bled to death. It is an extreme challenge taking care of Mother 24/7 which no one, and I mean NO ONE has any clue.

After about 1 more inning, maybe not even. He and his group left giving their tickets to 4 other more civilized folks never to be heard from again.

The bright side is that Mom began feeling better on both fronts, and our boys put their hitting shoes on, especially the fabulous Casey Blake!

Maybe my ritual at the Zoo REALLY DID WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!?!???!!!!!!!!!!