Mom is amazing! Everyone loves her. I know I have said this before and will say it everyday until I die, but it's worth repeating!
One good thing that has happened during my vacation is that Mom has felt up to going to all of the Indians' games (knock on wood!)....it's always a challenge but we manage.
A few nights ago we were in our seats and saw the grounds crew scampering. That is always a sign that within 15 to 30 minutes the skies will open. While we were planning our attack and escape out of the impending rain, our favorite usher, Laurie, popped over and told us that word has it the rain will hit at 915pm. She wanted to help get Mom to dryer ground. WOW! What an amazing gesture, coming from an acquaintance! So we grabbed our stuff and Laurie helped get us quickly up the stairs just under the overhang, where we sat for the rest of the game!
I'm awe-struck every day how folks (complete strangers and acqaintances) are drawn to Mom and just love her. I am invisible and think they may not be as nice if Mom were not there, but who knows...maybe Mom's charm is rubbing off on me too!
Then last night, the rains came as we were entering the ballpark. We did not have Terrace Club reservations but went up there to stay dry. As soon as we entered, the hostess jotted down our names for the standby list. For not having reservations, we got a MARVELOUS table for the entire game. Each server comes by to Mom and says hello. One darling server, Kyle, just adores Mom. He brought something out to us yesterday and said "my favorite customers!"
Mom spends time in the Terrace Club and friends know that. MaryJo the manager told Mom that Lydia Esparra had been up the night before nosing around for Mom. How funny is that!
And, though it was a kind of harrowing day yesterday, it ended nicely. First off, Cliff Lee pitched a gem of a game....All-Star caliber! Omar played his normal top notch performance....having Duane Kuiper in the yard was tremendous as well. He is also salt of the earth! A wonderful dinner at the Terrace Club topped off with their Raspberry Flan Dessert. And as we went to leave, Mom needed a little assistance. Who should come to help us than a long, lost friend, who Mom had not seen in years. Michael just started with the Indians over the last few days and was just as surprised as overjoyed to see her! Again, the love was overflowing and everpresent.
That's just the way this woman is --she IS 'royalty!'
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
'The Vacation' is dead as I once knew it
So I am on vacation this week. And it is wonderful not having to rush around to get everything done before I either take Mom to dialysis or head off to work....it's fantastic not having blaring scanners in my tender ears....or being tugged in 19 directions all at once, at least at work!
But I've realized the so-called 'vacation' as I once knew it is dead to me.
It will never again be the same.
Family and friends can flit off to foreign lands and be gone for 9 days or more enjoying the good life. Never again for moi! I can not even get to Tampa, FLA to visit one of my best friend's in the whole wide world for a long weekend!
I am more than halfway through my vacation and have not had one free moment to do all the back-logged stuff that I have been meaning to do over the last 5 years, including cleaning the awfully disgusting Kitchen Floor!
True, I took a night for Petty and we have been to a few Indians' games. But the rest of my days, so far, have consisted of dialysis....and numerous doctors appointments for Mom. Even when we are at the Indians' games, I am 'on call.' Mom is a handful, if you do it right.
Others tell me "oh, how hard could it be caring for you Mother."
Well, true. Mom has come so far from just one year ago. She's amazing and almost back to true form! That zest for life and fiesty-ness has been back for a long time! But it's all in the approach. When I do something, I like to do it RIGHT! Mom is a living human being that deserves to be pampered. Because I, by far, spend the most amount of time with her I know all her nuances--her medicines, when she should take them, how to feel the pulse in her fistula, what foods she is supposed to eat and likes, EVERYTHING! I certainly hope nothing happens to me or else Mom is screwed to the life she should live and is accustomed to living. She's my Mother who gave birth to me, raised me, and has given me an absolutely wonderful life! It's the least I can do to make her life as special as she has made mine!
Don't get me wrong, it has been AMAZING just being able to BE....to spend time with Mom, not rushing off to work, or worrying if I will get to work on time because we are waiting in a doctor's office (I am the designated 'take Mom to a doctor stooge' and spend a few days each week in some doctor's office!). A huge weight is off my back this week.
And the weather, holy cow, I feel like I AM in FLA! I always tell Craig, FLA is a great place to visit but not live because Cleveland IS just as nice from May through October if not later.
I still have 4 and 1/2 days left....and I am confident that at the end of my vacation, regardless of what I have been able to do or not do, to accomplish or again add to my 'TO DO LIST,' I will have gotten a little rest and will cherish the time and events of the week FOREVER!
But I've realized the so-called 'vacation' as I once knew it is dead to me.
It will never again be the same.
Family and friends can flit off to foreign lands and be gone for 9 days or more enjoying the good life. Never again for moi! I can not even get to Tampa, FLA to visit one of my best friend's in the whole wide world for a long weekend!
I am more than halfway through my vacation and have not had one free moment to do all the back-logged stuff that I have been meaning to do over the last 5 years, including cleaning the awfully disgusting Kitchen Floor!
True, I took a night for Petty and we have been to a few Indians' games. But the rest of my days, so far, have consisted of dialysis....and numerous doctors appointments for Mom. Even when we are at the Indians' games, I am 'on call.' Mom is a handful, if you do it right.
Others tell me "oh, how hard could it be caring for you Mother."
Well, true. Mom has come so far from just one year ago. She's amazing and almost back to true form! That zest for life and fiesty-ness has been back for a long time! But it's all in the approach. When I do something, I like to do it RIGHT! Mom is a living human being that deserves to be pampered. Because I, by far, spend the most amount of time with her I know all her nuances--her medicines, when she should take them, how to feel the pulse in her fistula, what foods she is supposed to eat and likes, EVERYTHING! I certainly hope nothing happens to me or else Mom is screwed to the life she should live and is accustomed to living. She's my Mother who gave birth to me, raised me, and has given me an absolutely wonderful life! It's the least I can do to make her life as special as she has made mine!
Don't get me wrong, it has been AMAZING just being able to BE....to spend time with Mom, not rushing off to work, or worrying if I will get to work on time because we are waiting in a doctor's office (I am the designated 'take Mom to a doctor stooge' and spend a few days each week in some doctor's office!). A huge weight is off my back this week.
And the weather, holy cow, I feel like I AM in FLA! I always tell Craig, FLA is a great place to visit but not live because Cleveland IS just as nice from May through October if not later.
I still have 4 and 1/2 days left....and I am confident that at the end of my vacation, regardless of what I have been able to do or not do, to accomplish or again add to my 'TO DO LIST,' I will have gotten a little rest and will cherish the time and events of the week FOREVER!
Welcome home, old friend!
Omar is back, well at least for 3 games!
The crowds paid him homage! The Indians Front Office paid him homage with a wonderful pre-game 'thank you, Omar' Video. Afterward, Omar got an amazing standing O for at least 5 minutes if not more where he graciously waved at the crowd, placed his hand on his heart and blew kisses into the stands!
My eyes were not dry, and I'm sure there were many others feeling the same way!
The Prog is our home away from home....a lot of magic happens there! A lot of memories are made!
When the opening line-ups were announced & Public Speaker Announcer Bob Tayek read Omar's name, the throngs of applause.....you just knew, win or lose, it was going to be a magical evening!
During pre-game warm-ups, Omar went through his normal ritualistic moves....as well as signing autographs for the adoring fans.
The next momentous occasion: Omar comes out on the field during the bottom of the 1st inning and the fans go wild! Then Omar comes up to to bat and gets yet another standing O. The umpires and both teams were tres cool to let him stand up there and wave at the crowd again....
And then it goes without saying that Omar's prowess in the field has not changed once bit. He is simply amazing! He razzles, he dazzles the crowd with his acrobatics and skill.
And he's not so bad up at the plate. A perfectly executed suicide squeeze bunt which Casey bobbled, but even if he hadn't, not sure if he would have gotten Omar!
The Indians lost but the fans, as usual, were treated to something extra special.....
You can count on that night-in and night-out at Progressive Field, especially for the true Indians fans!
Thank you, Omar!
Monday, June 23, 2008
'I felt so good like anything was possible'
Just what the doctor ordered! What a fabulous night!
I missed it! I did not realize how MUCH I missed it until I was living it again and 'runnin' down a dream!'
First, going to see an act that I really wanted to hear...Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers! Gearing up for a great night ahead!
Then just hanging out with friends, special friends who are there through thick and thin.
And something that NEVER happens...my friend actually drove. I am always the one schlepping people around. I honestly did not know how it felt to have the night off from driving. To have someone pick me up at my house and drop me off at the end of the night. I kinda liked it! It was great just enjoying the scenery, jamming to Petty all the way!
I was the 'GPS' since Yak is not from here and had never been to Blossom. In fact, every step of the way I was giving a little tour of our great city...not as good a tour guide as Flynn, but Flynn knows everyone and every inch of this city!
The whole phenomena of seeing an event through the eyes of someone who has never experienced something is a blast! Seeing my friend's reaction to the "Blossom Experience" made the concert and everything surrounding it even heartier!
Now, tradition has it, before a concert at Blossom: FISHER'S!
So a group of us all met up at Fisher's for pre-concert cocktails...and 2 of my dearest friends shared some great news that they are expecting again! Their 4th child! We are all keeping our fingers crossed for a little girl in their world of three boys!
Now more than ever, we all had to celebrate!
Nothing like being out in the open air, enjoying the company of good friends, drinking a corona with lemon and just taking it all in!
I warned Yak, he was gonna be baptized into the whole "Blossom scene" with the drive from Fisher's to the venue. And unfortunately, I was right! What normally takes about 20 minutes, 30 minutes tops took us almost an hour! The traffic was horrendous BUT true Blossom traffic, especially for a sold out show! So we continued to jam to Petty, the Beatles, and back to Petty as we made our way up the winding road.
Oh to be young again....seeing the young kids dashing out of their cars while we were at a standstill and peeing in the woods.....I remember it well, unfortunately!
I guess some things NEVER change! Every car you drove by had Petty blaring out of the speakers....
Finally, we made it into the venue. Fortunately, we had a parking pass so we were kinda close. Parked our car, and tried to catch WHERE we were (will get back to that later!).
I'm just soaking it all in. I can not verbalize the wonderful feeling of going to a rock and roll concert at Blossom Music Center with good friends!
First order of business, rain and all, hitting the restrooms on the way down. We did our business and then made our trek down the huge Blossom Hill. As you enter, there were signs "no mud sliding." That just about says it all. The day's rain covered the entire lawn and it was as slick as a sheet of ice....trust me I know....I have mud all over my black flip flops and almost wiped out a few times!
But, what a rush! I loved people-watching and seeing the vast range of the crowd. I think of myself as fairly young and hip still...had people my age but the amazing thing was the large group of really young kids--late teens into early twenties for Petty. And these girls had little summer strapless frocks on with their flip flops! I loved it!
Two things that really took me back to my college days: the smell of Marlboro Lights 100's which emanated from various lawn locations and the line of 10 guys strategically standing in a line on the outskirts of the wooded area all taking a pee at the very same time....what a hoot!
Once inside the pavilion, the concert is about to start. Unfortunately, our traffic melee made us miss most of Steve Winwood.....
We grabbed our brews and continued to dance the night away for the next two hours! At least I know I still have it. Stood the entire time dancing and never felt better! Just an AMAZING SHOW! Oh man, I just love the acts who sound like their records when performing LIVE...and Petty sounds better than ever! The night went to quickly! Next thing I know he's playing my favorite song 'American girl' as the last song of the night.
After the concert, again, some things never change. The mass exodus up the hill and folks start 'mooing!'
We made our way to the parking lot where we 'thought' we parked. Now mind you, Yak is not familiar at all with this venue so it is all on me. We searched high and low. My phone, which is on it's last legs, was about to die but I ventured on my own to an area where I thought the car was and voila, a sight for sore eyes! I called Yak and just as I had weaved him over to where I was, my phone conked out! It's all good!
Lesson learned: Oh there were many during this amazing experience...but it made me realize that I am not yet old....I still have a lot of living and zest for life inside of me....and hopefully, I always will!
I missed it! I did not realize how MUCH I missed it until I was living it again and 'runnin' down a dream!'
First, going to see an act that I really wanted to hear...Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers! Gearing up for a great night ahead!
Then just hanging out with friends, special friends who are there through thick and thin.
And something that NEVER happens...my friend actually drove. I am always the one schlepping people around. I honestly did not know how it felt to have the night off from driving. To have someone pick me up at my house and drop me off at the end of the night. I kinda liked it! It was great just enjoying the scenery, jamming to Petty all the way!
I was the 'GPS' since Yak is not from here and had never been to Blossom. In fact, every step of the way I was giving a little tour of our great city...not as good a tour guide as Flynn, but Flynn knows everyone and every inch of this city!
The whole phenomena of seeing an event through the eyes of someone who has never experienced something is a blast! Seeing my friend's reaction to the "Blossom Experience" made the concert and everything surrounding it even heartier!
Now, tradition has it, before a concert at Blossom: FISHER'S!
So a group of us all met up at Fisher's for pre-concert cocktails...and 2 of my dearest friends shared some great news that they are expecting again! Their 4th child! We are all keeping our fingers crossed for a little girl in their world of three boys!
Now more than ever, we all had to celebrate!
Nothing like being out in the open air, enjoying the company of good friends, drinking a corona with lemon and just taking it all in!
I warned Yak, he was gonna be baptized into the whole "Blossom scene" with the drive from Fisher's to the venue. And unfortunately, I was right! What normally takes about 20 minutes, 30 minutes tops took us almost an hour! The traffic was horrendous BUT true Blossom traffic, especially for a sold out show! So we continued to jam to Petty, the Beatles, and back to Petty as we made our way up the winding road.
Oh to be young again....seeing the young kids dashing out of their cars while we were at a standstill and peeing in the woods.....I remember it well, unfortunately!
I guess some things NEVER change! Every car you drove by had Petty blaring out of the speakers....
Finally, we made it into the venue. Fortunately, we had a parking pass so we were kinda close. Parked our car, and tried to catch WHERE we were (will get back to that later!).
I'm just soaking it all in. I can not verbalize the wonderful feeling of going to a rock and roll concert at Blossom Music Center with good friends!
First order of business, rain and all, hitting the restrooms on the way down. We did our business and then made our trek down the huge Blossom Hill. As you enter, there were signs "no mud sliding." That just about says it all. The day's rain covered the entire lawn and it was as slick as a sheet of ice....trust me I know....I have mud all over my black flip flops and almost wiped out a few times!
But, what a rush! I loved people-watching and seeing the vast range of the crowd. I think of myself as fairly young and hip still...had people my age but the amazing thing was the large group of really young kids--late teens into early twenties for Petty. And these girls had little summer strapless frocks on with their flip flops! I loved it!
Two things that really took me back to my college days: the smell of Marlboro Lights 100's which emanated from various lawn locations and the line of 10 guys strategically standing in a line on the outskirts of the wooded area all taking a pee at the very same time....what a hoot!
Once inside the pavilion, the concert is about to start. Unfortunately, our traffic melee made us miss most of Steve Winwood.....
We grabbed our brews and continued to dance the night away for the next two hours! At least I know I still have it. Stood the entire time dancing and never felt better! Just an AMAZING SHOW! Oh man, I just love the acts who sound like their records when performing LIVE...and Petty sounds better than ever! The night went to quickly! Next thing I know he's playing my favorite song 'American girl' as the last song of the night.
After the concert, again, some things never change. The mass exodus up the hill and folks start 'mooing!'
We made our way to the parking lot where we 'thought' we parked. Now mind you, Yak is not familiar at all with this venue so it is all on me. We searched high and low. My phone, which is on it's last legs, was about to die but I ventured on my own to an area where I thought the car was and voila, a sight for sore eyes! I called Yak and just as I had weaved him over to where I was, my phone conked out! It's all good!
Lesson learned: Oh there were many during this amazing experience...but it made me realize that I am not yet old....I still have a lot of living and zest for life inside of me....and hopefully, I always will!
Happy Anniversary Father Gary!
Father Gary is celebrating his 30th anniversary as a priest. What a feat in today's times! And, he's great at his craft. My church is very lucky and blessed to have him as our current Pastor!
When Mom was the parish secretary, I think her love of baseball and enthusiasm for the game rubbed off on Father Gary. Mom would get Father to go to some Indians Games with her...they'd have a nice dinner up in the Terrace Club. And the rest is history! He is now a huge baseball fan and Indians fanatic!
His family, friends, and parishioners are well aware of his 'hobby!'
So in honor of his anniversary, the parish threw him a 'surprise' baseball party with all the fixin's! We had the freshly grilled hotdogs lathered with authentic ballpark mustard and the works.....popcorn....snacks.....and 3 festive baseball decorated cakes. Father Gary had kinda figured this part out. What we were able to keep a surprise was his main gift: an authentic Indians' jersy with his name on the back! It fits! He loves it and vows he will wear it to the games!
Happy Anniversary, Father Gary! Many more and hopefully those 'many more' will be right here at OLP!
When Mom was the parish secretary, I think her love of baseball and enthusiasm for the game rubbed off on Father Gary. Mom would get Father to go to some Indians Games with her...they'd have a nice dinner up in the Terrace Club. And the rest is history! He is now a huge baseball fan and Indians fanatic!
His family, friends, and parishioners are well aware of his 'hobby!'
So in honor of his anniversary, the parish threw him a 'surprise' baseball party with all the fixin's! We had the freshly grilled hotdogs lathered with authentic ballpark mustard and the works.....popcorn....snacks.....and 3 festive baseball decorated cakes. Father Gary had kinda figured this part out. What we were able to keep a surprise was his main gift: an authentic Indians' jersy with his name on the back! It fits! He loves it and vows he will wear it to the games!
Happy Anniversary, Father Gary! Many more and hopefully those 'many more' will be right here at OLP!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Never too old for love
Mom and I were honored to be invited to a good friend's 90th birthday party! Frank Oklessen turned 90 years old and looks like he is in his 60's! He said he hopes all of us can make it to his 100th birthday party and we gladly accepted!
I'm not sure how his sister-in-law did it, but Kay kept this baby a secret! About 100 of his family members and closest friends gathered for lunch. He had no idea. He walked in and got tears in his eyes. He was overwhelmed as he went from table to table.
There was a display area with pictures and a high tech slide show picture frame that kept scrolling through Frank's life from childhood to today!
It was a wonderful afternoon. A reminder on how important family and friends are, especially as we get older.
Frank lost his wife, Anne, 2 or 3 years ago. They were married a very long time. They were inseparable. The last function we saw them at was my niece's graduation party. Shortly thereafter Anne passed away, I believe.
The big news today was that 90-year-old Frank has a new girlfriend! He was pleased as punch that Kay flew her up for his party. She was down in Florida and was planning on coming into town...however, surprised him by coming in a little early!
It was such a re-assuring lesson which I witnessed first hand, that life goes on and can be joyous and beautiful even after we lose someone dear and near to us.
And it gave me hope that love can find us at any time, any place, and at any age!
Happy Birthday, Frank! We love you!
I'm not sure how his sister-in-law did it, but Kay kept this baby a secret! About 100 of his family members and closest friends gathered for lunch. He had no idea. He walked in and got tears in his eyes. He was overwhelmed as he went from table to table.
There was a display area with pictures and a high tech slide show picture frame that kept scrolling through Frank's life from childhood to today!
It was a wonderful afternoon. A reminder on how important family and friends are, especially as we get older.
Frank lost his wife, Anne, 2 or 3 years ago. They were married a very long time. They were inseparable. The last function we saw them at was my niece's graduation party. Shortly thereafter Anne passed away, I believe.
The big news today was that 90-year-old Frank has a new girlfriend! He was pleased as punch that Kay flew her up for his party. She was down in Florida and was planning on coming into town...however, surprised him by coming in a little early!
It was such a re-assuring lesson which I witnessed first hand, that life goes on and can be joyous and beautiful even after we lose someone dear and near to us.
And it gave me hope that love can find us at any time, any place, and at any age!
Happy Birthday, Frank! We love you!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Happy 1/2 birthday!
Usually, I hate being in the spotlight. I get very uncomfortable when folks draw attention to me.
However, it's my 1/2 birthday!
Mom was kind enough to remember and I am going to celebrate!
When I was a little girl, having a birthday so close to Christmas, I often got slighted just a bit. I'm used to getting one gift for both my birthday and Christmas and oftentimes, that gift was wrapped in Christmas wrapping. Just the way it is!
However, Mom would celebrate my 1/2 birthday to make up for it!
One year, a very very dear friend of mine actually sent me a 1/2 birthday card with half a check for a million dollars....said I'd get the rest of the check on my 'real' birthday! I'm still waiting!!!!
I decided to celebrate this 1/2 momentous occasion because my real birthday last year was awful! Just awful. I'd like to forget I ever became a year older last December and do over TODAY!!!!!
However, it's my 1/2 birthday!
Mom was kind enough to remember and I am going to celebrate!
When I was a little girl, having a birthday so close to Christmas, I often got slighted just a bit. I'm used to getting one gift for both my birthday and Christmas and oftentimes, that gift was wrapped in Christmas wrapping. Just the way it is!
However, Mom would celebrate my 1/2 birthday to make up for it!
One year, a very very dear friend of mine actually sent me a 1/2 birthday card with half a check for a million dollars....said I'd get the rest of the check on my 'real' birthday! I'm still waiting!!!!
I decided to celebrate this 1/2 momentous occasion because my real birthday last year was awful! Just awful. I'd like to forget I ever became a year older last December and do over TODAY!!!!!
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