We need more cowbell in the rain!

The last week has been one I'd never ever imagined, concocted, or even scripted in a dream in a million years!

Just the simple fact that I have a new text buddy who, most of the time is amazing.....yes, we've had a few rough spots but always seem to get back on track.

I had a schedule change due to vacations. A very nice change of pace! And honestly it seemed I was at the station MORE because of it as I would work, work out and then hit the Tribe game! Going to the Indians' games has become beneficial to my health as well as a great source of pleasure! I park at my office and walk over to Progressive Field. Those days I get a workout in, BONUS! The days I don't, I still get a nice downtown walk going!

One of the days I worked I totally overslept! I NEVER do that. I jokingly the day before told my relief to call me if I wasn't in at a certain time....sure enough, I jinxed myself. I got up 18 minutes before I was supposed to be at work! I called him and said, dude, I'm up but I may be a few minutes late!

God was truly on my side. I threw on an amazing outfit, gathered my lunch, and headed to work. I made EVERY SINGLE LIGHT! I was not speeding but it was a different shift than I normally work and the light pattern had changed. I got to work only a few minutes late and knew that I owed God a HUGE HUGE favor!

And then it was the Feast of the Assumption weekend! A family tradition! Sunday I went to the Indians' game which wound up being rained out and postponed. Even in a delay, I had the most delicious time at the ballpark. We played a few innings--David Huff was pitching a doozy! Then the skies opened. So I ventured up to the Terrace Club and just sat in my place on the floor watching other MLB games! 1/2 way through the delay, the most delightful little boy and his father came over to sit by me. He was a doll! We had the best conversation about beginning school and his lunch breaks at school....and how the administrators are quite annoying with how they quiet people down and get attention. It was absolutely awesome! He shared his fishy crackers with me and then when the couch opened, offered me a seat next to him on the couch!

He really was a doll and reminded me of my friend's adorable little boy, who hopefully one day I will meet.

Finally, they called the game and off I went to change for the Feast of the Assumption. I was NOT going to pass this up.

There may be a little rain in the air but it's tradition. I needed to get my Italian food fix on and light the candles we light every single year at Holy Rosary church!

I changed and headed down to Little Italy. I was meant to be there! It all came together! I was supposed to meet two friends but they got chased away by the rain. I wound up seeing my sports producer and his friend! Then I saw an old colleague, Commander Tom Stacho. I did my normal walk around and taste and squirrel away food to take home plus I grabbed some to give to my Aunt when I saw her at mass the following day....

But my highlight, besides lighting the candles and saying a little prayer, was visiting my friend's fried dough stand! ALWAYS a delight! And this year just made my week!

In the meantime, my new pal and I had been texting back and forth.....it was nice. But I was on a mission and he was going to have to wait. Especially after the skies opened again.....one downpour and I put up the umbrella. It lasted about 5 minutes and away the umbrella went! I went to Michael's stand and saw he and his lovely wife and children. After talking just a few minutes the skies opened yet again...but this was furious and would last longer. So he ushered me under his stand to safety and we all talked, shared memories, caught up, feasted on fried dough and made new wonderful memories.

At one point, it was apparent the rains would not be stopping for a while so the band in the center of the venue started playing to entertain those stranded.....and that's when the fun really began. A stand two down from Michael's had all of these instruments --cow bells, horns, tambourines, anything you could imagine. They started doling them out, passing them down so that everyone could play along with the band! It was magnificent. The kids had the most fun of course! This vivid image that will last with me forever IS truly what makes new memories --surrounded by friends, family, tradition, and the guts to live life to the fullest and make lemonade when you are handed lemons!

Friends fuel our gas tank (the heart)

When I make a friend, I plan on having them for life. Oh, I understand that God puts people into our lives and we in others' lives for specific reasons and once that task is complete, maybe we drift apart. But honestly, I don't go into a friendship thinking it will end one day.

Some people attack a marriage saying, "If it does not work out I'll just get divorced." WRONG!

And that's the way I address every friend I make. Yes, I'm still trying to figure out why there are some former co-workers I keep in touch with and others not. It's quite the mystery to me.

But those people I may not talk to on a regular basis are still part of my history, my life, and helped form me in some way, leaving me tremendous memories forever and only making me a stronger person from their finite stint.

So, the last few weeks have been chock full of fantastic friends who have helped me make new memories. My first stop down memory lane was Reddstone for the 50th birthday of a former co-worker. I was just touched that he invited me to share in his big day. Again, I was going alone and a bit uncomfortable to dive in to this endeavor solo, but my love, respect and admiration for Kenny outweighed my fear. And am I glad I took the leap of faith. I had the absolute best time I have had in a while. Not only did I get to see a friend I've known for at least 25 years, I saw dozens of other friends, former co-workers, and new friends. I ran into the son of a man who hired me not once but twice. I am secretly stalking Doug on Facebook (ha ha). He knows it! Just kidding everyone! I've known this family nearly my entire life ... my niece used to babysit for Doug and his sister. They truly are a part of my history, a very happy part of it! Had I not gone to this shindig, I would have really missed out on a slice of my past building up an even stronger future.

Oh, yes, I am truly blessed by those I've had in my life. And gladly I can say every day I am surrounded by so much love and laughter. We laughed at old stories, reminisced on the good, the bad, and the ugly (which all looks good now). Another person at the party also tried hiring me many times. He said, "Danielle, you were smart. You'd always get a free lunch out of me and then say something like, 'I really love what I'm doing and where I am doing it!'" He's right!

Where else could I have had a Birthday Guinness ice cream cake? It was GOOD!

And if the entire evening did not bring a permanent smile to my face, the very cute guys who hooted, whistled and hollared when I left just left me floating on cloud 9. I felt pretty and apparently others thought the same -- not the usual guys who come onto me, but really, really cute guys!

Next stop down memory lane -- a sports luncheon with Manny Acta and the boys at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. My co-worker Dave Chudowsky was emcee. How could I miss it? I really hate these things because I wind up sitting with people I don't know having to make small talk, which I lack. As soon as I walked in, I saw current co-workers, former co-workers, the PR guy for Landerhaven, who is my buddy, and felt like a queen! Ironically, my friend Mike sat me at a table right next to a woman I have known for at least 20 years. My heart jumped with joy, I could not contain the smile on my face, and again, was so happy I chose to attend this event rather than let fear keep me away.

And my final stop down memory lane this week believe it or not took me some place I'd never been in Cleveland -- Whiskey Island. Wow! I love it there! A jam packed day of Belmont racing, singing Mass for my Uncle Bill, dining with the family, and then meeting probably one of my best friends in the whole world for a cocktail or two. Well, 8 hours later, I had shared so many new memories with old and new friends alike. I'd met Katie's friends and mixed with them swimmingly well....we had a blast at Cropicana on Whiskey Island, met The Naked Cowboy (I had no idea who he was), heard a band I used to listen to often at a friend's bar, and then moved onto yet two other familiar stomping grounds surrounded by old friends!

I can not even tell you the magical week it's been....and the fantastic places I frequented is a small reason for the magical haze....but the friends fueling my gas tank (my heart) closed the deal and brought it all home sweet home!

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!

48 hours of Vitamin D

It was only 48 hours but the re-charging I may have needed. Or was it?

I consider myself to be on the cutting edge, adventurous, semi-spontaneous (as much as can be with MAJOR responsibilities) and a 'fun-loving lover of life.'

I'm proud of the reception I received when I called my best friend a while ago.

I initially emailed him not knowing that his computer has been on the fritz and he has not been reading any of the email I've sent pretty much since he left Ohio. (In some ways that's a good thing!!!)

Hearing his reaction to my initial 'fishing around,' I asked him --"Do you think there are any tickets left for the Tribe-Rays games?

At first, speechless (which is not his MO). Next, he slowly and confusedly asked, "Why? Are you planning on coming down?" And I answered, "Yes, I am."

Yet again, speechless.

I felt like I had really pulled a fast one on him, which is impossible to do.

He asked if I had gotten my ticket yet, which I had, which silenced him one last time.

Honestly, I did not believe it would happen. I was sure something would come up causing me to cancel the trip--Mom not feeling well, a development at work, any number of items to rain on my parade.

I had many tasks to complete before I could fly the friendly skies. I did not accomplish as much as I would have liked BUT more than I realistically thought I would conquer.

Being 'Miss Organized,' I had to orchestrate every movement, every action. Make sure all my ducks were in a row back here in Cleveland and then I had every minute planned out on the road.

Finally, time to depart. Things were going too well. Eerie feeling came over me.

True story: Knowing we are huge baseball fans, an acquaintance I see each Monday, Wednesday and Friday asked who the Tribe was playing? I said, "The Rays, in fact I am on my way to the game right now." They looked at me like I had gone off the deep end and could not believe I was jetting off to see my Tribe!

But, amazingly, everything went off without a hitch. I arrived early and had the most glorious 48 hours with my dearest friend in the world. How could I not enjoy my mini-vacation away from reality, responsibility and cool temperatures?!?!?!

Well, upon arriving in FLA --a little rocky as my purse spilled all over and I went fishing for lipstick, cell phone, lip gloss, keys.....I totally lost my lipstick lid which I still can't figure out since I was in the ladies room and there is only so much room in there?!?! There are huge signs saying 'do not leave your luggage unattended.' Well, I am crawling all over the restroom floor trying to gather my belongings --leaving my luggage unattended and thinking someone is going to think I am a nut looking under stalls! Great start, huh!!! Then because of my purse mishap, I missed the first shuttle tram. I'm thinking: D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R! It did get better from here on in.

The minute I arrived it was off to the Indians' Game.....with Mark DeRosa and Evan Longoria! Heaven! An Indians' Game in 92 degree temperatures! Double heaven!! I nice cool Bacardi-Diet Coke with ball park food! Tri-fecta!!!

Another true story: I was enjoying the company, the ambiance, the moment when I checked my phone and had 4 text messages. That's unheard of! Turns out, I had just been on TV and Matt Underwood and Rick Manning were talking about me on the air. Oblivious! The magic of cameras not right in your face. Apparently, Matt, who I had worked with, was telling everyone what I do and who I was....as I am taking pictures galore of my boys! Now, if that does not beat all and make a most memorable remembrance of this trip, nothing will!!!

(Sidebar --Ironically, while writing this at 339am in the morning, I am rousted. Duty calls and I must go help a family member in need. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE tending to family and friends. However, being away for 48 hours was free of interruptions such as these and totally necessary. It's too bad they only happen every 4 and 1/2 years & the only way I can get a little freedom and peace of mind back is totally leaving the state!!!)

I won't go into details of my fabulous weekend. A little mystery is good for the soul. Suffice it to say, Indians/warmth/good company/good seafood/sun/cocktails galore /jamming to really good tunes /not having to drive /not having to be in charge /not having to make any decisions /not having to wake up with an alarm clock or the beck & call of family members /laying by the pool /the list is endless.........

I really tried to enjoy every single second because Billy Joel told me --"it's just a fantasy, it's not the real thing, but sometimes a fantasy is all you need."

I knew before I knew it, I'd be back in reality and my 48 hours of Vitamin D would appear like a dream, a fantasy.

I did enjoy every single second. I knew it would soon come to an end but if I was lucky, I would try very hard to let the memories linger and incorporate, if possible, a little 'fantasy' into my every day life.

It re-charged me for the moment. Was it enough. Heck no. But, back to reality and but quick!

The freedom may be gone for another 4 and 1/2 years but I will cherish those memories forever!

No matter how many responsibilities we carry on our shoulders, no matter how alone we feel each and every day, God is carrying us during our toughest times. And, it's ok to dream. It's healthy to savor endearing moments and memories. And frankly, having the blessed life I have, I continue to make new memories each and every day. I still try to enjoy every single second, because it could be snatched in a heart beat.

There's no place like home!

I pride myself in being a world traveler.

I LOVE to travel and see this great country, this world in which we live.

When it involves a new ballpark, baseball stadium, sporting or music event, palm trees, sandy beach, the tropics and a cocktail--even better!

Somehow, everywhere I go makes me realize how lucky I am to be a Cleveland girl.

Mom and I were blessed to hit the big apple last week while I was officially on vacation. We have many sidebar stories --most of them great, a few of them atrocious! Many of them I will share over the coming days and weeks. I've been to New York before. I even sang on Park Avenue in the ritzy part. I enjoy seeing new places, experiencing new restaurants and happenings. Expanding my horizons!!!!!

This trip, I realized that Cleveland is the city for me --at least over New York. And I realized that my way of traveling is different from others. We were with someone else who was not as organized as myself. Hopefully, that won't happen again!

I enjoyed the skyline, Yankee Stadium, and just being 'on vacation.' The folks were even very nice to us, probably because everyone is nice to Mom.

My experience made me appreciate our weather (30 out of 31 days of sun in July), Lake Erie, Cleveland sunsets, lesser traffic jams, fewer 'wandering people,' cleaner streets, lower prices, less stress, all the high class restaurants inhabiting C-Town.......

But that is what makes this country great. We can travel, see new places, make memories, learn new things, and re-visit the places we absolutely adore!

NEW Yankee Stadium --here we come!!!!!!!!!!

Music makes my world go round

God, first and foremost, is the center of my universe.

Then Mom and my family and very close friends.

And then my world spirals out of control! However, it's neck and neck as to what keeps me glued together. That would be MUSIC and Cleveland Indians' Baseball.

Music is an extremely important part of every single day. I love days when I have Cantor practice because I just belt it out for over an hour....and every weekend singing each Mass is also a joyful time filled with music!

Taking it one step further, it seems most events and moments in my life have music attached, specific songs down to a specific line for a specified memory!

I was driving into work today and heard two songs which totally took me back.

1st I heard Seals & Crofts 'Diamond Girl.' I was immediately transported back to the 70's when my family would drive to Fort Lauderdale, Florida playing Seals & Crofts, Three Dog Night, and so many more 8 Track Tapes! We stayed at the Sherwood. They had the big cockatoo that welcomed you when you pulled onto their grounds. One year the entire family gathered there during a two week span! It was GREAT! Every day a new family member was either checking in or checking out! I also met one of my first loves there. I can not even remember his name, though I want to say it was David. He was a cutie. He had an older brother and a younger brother. We all went to a game of the Little League World Series together. Oh, I did not lead on that I was totally infatuated with this kid, but I was. And then summer vacation was over, we parted and he was gone forever.


Then the next song that came on was The Scorpions 'Rock you like a hurricane.' More of a bittersweet memory. Mango man broke up with me at The Scorpions concert. But for the 6 months we were going out, it was paradise! He was HOT. All my friends said he looked like a top model for GQ, and he did! He DID have me at hello! Interesting story really. He worked at our local grocery store. He came up to me one day telling me how wonderful I smelled! Well, in actuality, he smelled great! To this day I do not know what cologne HE wore, but I'd like to find someone who wears it!

I would not give up that 6 months for anything! Ironically, when my friend Jodi and I traveled to Atlanta to see our pal Pat and take in a Braves game, we saw Mango man in a local bar! WOW, what a blast from my past!


I could go on forever, because honestly, I have a favorite line from every single song I love....and usually that line is attached to a tremendous memory!

Thank you, God, for giving us music and giving me my wonderful appreciation of ALL musical genres!

Happy Father's Day

I'd first like to say Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! Honor your father and your mother.

It's nice to celebrate these special occasions, but I guess with everything I have been through over the last 5 years, we've learned to cherish each day and celebrate each day as if there were no tomorrow. Right now, EVERY DAY is Father's Day, Mother's Day, happy to be alive day, happy to be an American day, Easter Season & Christmas Season all rolled into one, treat others with respect day, fawn over people as if it were their birthday day, thank you for giving me life day, be kind to all day and the list goes on! I sure wish others had these same values!


But I would like to thank my Mother and my Father for getting together so that I am here today. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad divorced when I was a little girl, so I really don't know my Dad very well, or his side of the family. It appears to have been an amicable parting and I saw my Father on a regular basis as a little child. However, as I grew into an adult, he was not obligated to visit me anymore.

I've never felt jipped because my Mother has been Mom and Dad to me. She is an amazing person and has always given all of us more love than anyone could ever imagine...she also gave us everything we always needed and probably everything we wanted! She would do without so we had the latest clothes, the latest gadgets, a nice house and pretty much everything!

I did and still do feel bad for my father. He has really missed out on some great life happenings. He has never once heard me sing. I just thought about that last week as I was cantoring the Mass. He has never been on one of the fantastic baseball trips that Mom used to take us all on. We had some GREAT times and have hundreds of tremendous memories --not only from our baseball trips to other cities, but just to Cleveland Stadium, Jacob's Field and Progressive Field! He does not know the great friends I have from Hiram to my work friends. They are all the salt of the earth. And I think, maybe God has put great people in my life because I am missing out on the 'father figure!' My family, when we were all living together, shared great times every single day. We'd watch a movie and just laugh. We'd sit around the dinner table and something funny would come up causing my sister to start her laughing wheeze....To this day we'll all start reciting lines from 'While you were sleeping'! Unfortunately, with everyone being so busy and moving on with their own lives, there are not as many memories being made. But the memories I do have will last me a lifetime, and unfortunately, my Father has missed out on that aspect of our life.

And there were always great male figures in our family that were tremendous role models. My Uncle Johnny lived with us for a few years while he was on dialysis. He was amazing. He was a teddy bear underneath but always taught us the meaning of respect which came with his Air Force background. I wish I would have had more time with Uncle Johnny but the short time we did have together was wonderful! One of his greatest gestures to Mom was our Cleveland Indians' Season tickets. He, too, had a love for the game of baseball. That's one reason we really never want to relinquish them! Uncle Johnny is in our heart always, and when we are at an Indians' Game, we know he is right there with us!

Then there was Uncle Bill. We lived in close proximity for much of my life. He's still only 20 minutes away. He was and still is yet another father-figure to me. I remember when I was a little girl just walking downstairs (we lived up, Auntie and Uncle Bill lived down), knocking on the back door and bothering them all the time....having treats together....watching television (either thrillers like Perry Mason, or Hee Haw or a myriad of other shows).....going to shows or the zoo to see the monkeys.....playing with their cat BIDA.....going to the race track and watching the horses run....and to this day, buying him stuffed animals (cats especially) to add to his collection. The joke is that whenever we go somewhere, even if Uncle Bill does not go with all of us, he always winds up getting some kind of gift!

Two other uncles who also played a part in my growing up: Uncle Tommy (RIP) and Uncle Casey. Uncle Casey is still alive but living in FLA so unfortunately, I really don't get a chance to spend time with him. But the stories I hear and the great pictures of him as a little child are so adorable! I have really been blessed with having a wonderful family. There were so many other uncles as I was growing up. My Mother's family was so rich (not necessarily with money but with so many other wonderful attributes!)....and I am just pleased as punch and blessed to be a part of this family!

(Uncle Casey, Grandma, Uncle Johnny, Auntie Annette, Mom, Uncle Tommy, Grandpa)

Uncle Bill and Dani and Bida