Early Tuesday

It is quite early (for me) on a Tuesday morning. The sun is not yet up and nature is still relatively quiet. I have been sleeping quite well the past few nights. It may be the cooler nights and the open windows next to the bed. It was a cool 56 (13c) degrees at wake-up this morning. I'm sure I could have gone back to bed for another sleep cycle, but I am well rested and awake so I donned some pajama pants and a sweater and am now enjoying my morning coffee on the deck.

It looks to be a beautiful, sunny day today. After quite a string of lazy days, perhaps I'll do a little work today. Right now I am planning to go to the Springfield Cardinals baseball game tonight. It's hard to believe that they only have one more home stand after this one. I have a ticket for Saturday night's game and one for the last home game of the season on Sept 14. I'll use my general admission pass for tonight's game and any others that I attend between now and then.
I have already renewed my Red Access Membership for next season.

I've been working on some potted plants and plant starts. I have a few cuttings that I am trying to start in water -- philodendrons, and several varieties of caladium. I am also attempting to root some hydrangea cuttings. As rewarding as flower gardening and small potted plants are, the necessary patience to wait on nature's time cycle is a little maddening to me. 
I am also trying my hand at growing a few succulents in small pots.

Although I do read quite a bit and follow a few social sites on gardening, I consider most of my gardening work to be experiments -- Let's try this and see what happens. I consider it to be a blessing that nature's will to survive is often greater than my ignorance and incompetence. 

I have books to read, work to do and a baseball game to watch.
I hope your day is as good as mine is shaping up to be.

John

Quiet is good (and random notes)

It has been a quiet week here in the Ozarks of SWMO. My riding mower has been in the shop for a couple of weeks and should be back next week. The yard and field aren't too bad as the heat and little rain have kept the grass from growing too much. I've been content to be lazy and read a lot in the past week.  

Next week the local AA baseball team will be back in Springfield and I think I will try to take in a game or maybe two. I haven't done much people-ing, so I should be okay with a solo night at the ballpark. I've also been content to have coffee at home for the past couple of weeks. Maybe I will venture out for a morning coffee shop experience next week.
Simple coffee shop conversations are generally good. If anyone in the area is up for that next week, let me know. 

I mentioned screen time in my last post and I have been doing better about not using my phone as much. I still play games on it, but not as much. I've been spending less time scrolling social media, but still spend way more time than I need to be spending on mostly nonsense. I'm afraid it will be an ongoing battle.

A couple of days ago Highlandville MO experienced its last 8 PM sunset of the year. It will be April 28th before we have another sunset that late. I have been noticing the morning sun slowly moving southward as the sun shines on the deck now and affects my morning Chromebook viewing. I can't say that I am looking forward to fall and winter. I really am more of a summer boy. 
The Farmer's Almanac is calling for higher than average precipitation for our area this winter. We are on the boundary of what will be either snow or rain. The snow is pretty, but you don't have to shovel rain!
Fortunately, our winters here are pretty mild as Midwest winters go.

I am happy that there is still another month of summer and early fall in the Ozarks is still warm enough to keep me happy. To all of my flannel wearing, fall loving friends -- Be patient. Your time is coming. 

Enjoy life, my friends!

John

A day at the ballpark

Yesterday I took in a rare day game of the Springfield Cardinals (the AA team for the St Louis Cardinals). Typically they only have day games on Sundays or an occasional weekday during May. The May day games are full of school kids that are on end of the school year field trips.
The mid-June day game caught me by surprise, but I managed my busy retirement schedule and made it to the game.
Buses of summer school kids and summer day camps were in attendance, as well as a couple of corporate groups that were taking an afternoon off from work. 

I had forgotten how shrill the screams and yells of middle school girls can be!
The kids definitely brought some life to the game. They danced and sang along to the popular songs they recognized in the players' walk-up music and they got very excited every time a Cardinal player hit a fly ball into the outfield.
A number of kids never really sat down, but were up and about and making good use of the opportunity to be more social than school might normally provide.

I also witnessed a couple of adult workers that provided such great care and compassion to a small group of both physically and mentally handicapped adults. The caregivers were definitely working and rarely had time to enjoy the game. They helped their charges by physically lifting some of them to their seats, making several trips helping them to the nearby restrooms, getting them food and drinks, and generally making sure they had an enjoyable day at the ballpark.
I was impressed by the genuine care that was shown. It was obvious that this was so much more than a job for these care givers.

Since I generally go to the games by myself and usually enter with a General Admission pass, I rarely stay in one place for the entire game. I was able to find a couple of different vantage points and switched seats or found comfortable places to stand and watch the game and the crowd.

A thought occurred to me during the game --
The Springfield team has several Latino players that I figure are here on visas of some kind. They are from Mexico, Venezuela, and Panama. Other minor league teams also have MLB hopefuls from other countries on their teams. 
I'm sure they have the monetary protection of the MLB to protect them from having their visas revoked and being deported, but I wonder how our current administration and Sec. Noem feel about this particular set of migrants that are taking our US jobs.

I didn't mean to go there when I started this post, but the effects of the corruption and bigotry of our current political system invades our everyday lives -- even as we go to ballgames or out to eat at a favorite Latino restaurant.

It's still early in the season (about midway) and there are plenty of games to go to. I've been to a few games each home stand and will likely continue that pattern. I enjoy my solo trips to the ballpark, but have also enjoyed seeing a few friends at a game. If you are in the area and are planning on going to a game, drop me a message and maybe we can connect at the ballpark. 

John

Wednesday Wisdom: baseball and life

Here's my Wednesday Wisdom take for today -- Have Recognize a good day!

I guess you can really do it either way. 
Have a good day - seems like a purposeful way to approach the day. It implies that you will do something to facilitate having a good day.
Recognizing that it is a good without having to do anything to achieve it is more of an awareness of the good that surrounds us.

It is an unfortunate reality that recognizing the good around us often means that we have to recognize and dismiss the bullshit that also demands light in our world -- at least when people are concerned.
Much of the good and beauty in my world rarely involves other people. Mostly I get to recognize the beauty around me in the chatter of the birds and the colors and scents of the flowers.

Last night I got to experience a good people moment that was mostly observation with only minimal interaction.
I did go to the AA Springfield Cardinal game. It was a well attended night with the reserved areas booked to small groups instead of set aside for Red Access Members. I took my $2 brats and cheap beer down to the tables in the General Admissions family area. It was pregame so there weren't many people there yet.

I noticed a young boy (maybe 8 or 9 years old) come up to the rail in front of me to watch the players warming up. His family was sitting at a table behind me -- Mom, Dad, teenage sister. 
Soon it was picture time. Mom took a pic of the kids together, which was cool since the younger brother obviously thought the world of his big sister. Then Dad took a pic of Mom and kids, followed by Mom taking a pic of Dad and kids. As they passed by me to return to their table I asked the dad if he wanted me to take a pic of the four of them and he politely declined.

I think he got overruled.
A moment later I felt a tap on my shoulder and he asked if they could still take me up on the offer as Mom handed me her phone. 
After the pic, Mom and young son headed off somewhere and Dad and daughter remained at the table with the food and drinks and they were talking to each other! When Mom and son returned the conversation expanded to the four of them. No phones were out. They were just a young family enjoying being together at a baseball game.
Sometimes, just being aware of what is happening around you can make for a good day.

After finishing my brats and beer and as the pregame festivities and National Anthem ended, I moved to a better vantage point to watch the ballgame. But I am glad I got to observe the moment and take a pic to help them remember the night.
I know it's just a small thing, but it is not at all an insignificant thing in today's chaotic world. 
There is just something right and beautiful about going to a baseball game. 

John

Two Dollar Tuesday

Two Dollar Tuesday is the promo at the Springfield Cardinal's Tuesday home games. 
No, you don't get in for a $2 ticket, but brats and hots (hotdogs) can be had for the low, low price of just $2 each.
Between the rain and my being out of town for a few days, I didn't make any of the games during the last home stand. I am looking forward to taking in the game tonight. I've been using my Red Access Membership this season and have enjoyed going to a number of games. We will be back at the ballpark on Friday (the 13th). Friday will be a double celebration as 1) it is my birthday, and 2) it is Cancer Survivor Night.
Chris will be there and cancer survivors will be recognized as a part of the evening festivities.
Friday night Fireworks are a thing for Friday home games. I haven't stayed for them yet this season. Whether we stay this week or not will be up to Chris.

That's summer.
I don't have a very productive nor active life.
I mow my big yard, tend to my flowers, smoke cigars, sip bourbon or tequila, read books, and follow a little baseball. 

I did try something new last Saturday night. I watched the UFC PPV event at a theater. 
Honestly, it was better than watching it at a sports bar, and it was also less expensive. Even adding concessions to the $20 ticket was less than I would have spent at a sports bar. Plus I had a nice comfortable reclining theater seat and was easily able to hear the broadcast. I will probably do that again for future PPV events.

Like I said -- I don't have a very productive nor active life.
Time to tend to the flower beds.

Just another day in the life of John

John

64 years, 11 months -- How did I get to be this old?

It's cool and foggy on this Tuesday morning and I am enjoying my morning coffee and quiet time indoors today. It's a nice warm feeling after sleeping on the deck and waking up to the damp air and water dripping down the deck screens.

It will warm up nicely today and I am looking forward to going to the Springfield Cardinals baseball game tonight. I generally go to the games by myself, but tonight I will be with some of the other chaplains from Mercy Hospital. 

I have to get my 2-3 hours of yard work today. I should probably do more, but I find that around three hours per day is enough to give me something to do every day but keeps me from getting tired of always doing work in the flowerbeds, garden, and yard. I generally do a bit more on mowing days, but sitting on the mower isn't really work; it just takes time.

I am one month away from my 65th birthday.
I am really not very active and have become comfortable with my inactivity. The gardening stuff in the spring and summer helps a lot, but doesn't really make up for the fall and winter inactivity. I should get back to the habit of long daily walks. Today, I might use the push mower for the yard area around the house. Once I logged three miles doing the walking/mowing together. It will take longer to use the push mower this time since the spring rains have really caused the grass to grow and I'm a little late at getting to it.
No worries. Time is something I have plenty of.

The fog is burning off and the day is going to be sunny and warm. I might put in a little extra time today and then take tomorrow off and go to the SGF Cards day game.

I'll say it again -- Retirement does not suck!

John

People from this past week

I mentioned that I participated in the Aurora Mercy Hospital National Day of Prayer event last Thursday. The other volunteer chaplains that serve there are a pretty cool group of people. Also present were several of the staff and co-workers. The event began with a story that was unfolding, even as we gathered to give thanks and pray for the hospital and staff.

On Tuesday of this past week, severe storms came through the area. There were strong, damaging winds, and a couple of tornadoes throughout the Ozarks. Parts of Aurora ad been hit hard and many people were still without power while we met on Thursday afternoon. Early Thursday morning an older man showed up at the hospital for breathing treatments that he couldn't do at home because he was out of power. 

Here is what was discovered that morning:
Although this was not his first time coming in for treatments, it was the first time he had mentioned that he was walking nearly two miles to come to the hospital for his treatments. On Wednesday evening, he walked home in the rain.
He lived alone and hadn't had anything to eat in two days.
When the Director of Nursing was made aware of his situation, she got busy!

First, he was given food to eat.
Then the kitchen staff got busy with what they had on hand and funds were used to go to the store and buy more supplies. More than a hundred sack lunches were prepared and then hospital staff and volunteers went out into the community to check on people and deliver food and hot coffee to some of the areas that were still without power. They found many older people that had been literally trapped in their apartments due to mobility restrictions and no elevators (power outage, remember) to and from their apartments.
Local law enforcement was notified so that they could make continued well checks on the area, and the Red Cross was called and were out serving in that area within a matter of hours.

That little rural hospital with just a couple dozen rooms really stepped up to serve their (our) community as soon as they found out that there was a need. It was a proud and moving moment to be associated with such compassionate people, and it was an honor to pray for them and to thank God for placing them in a position to show his love to our neighbors.

It was a pretty cool Thursday and well worth the exposure to other people!

Then last night (Friday) I decided to take in a Springfield Cardinals' baseball game. It was a double header. During the hour and a half rain delay (geez, more rain) I visited with a couple that volunteers at the crisis cold weather shelter. It was really good to run into them and talk during the rain delay. 
As the game was getting ready to begin, I received a text from another friend that had seen my FB post. They were also at the game. It was good to sit and chat with friends.

Today will be a nice day to get caught up on some yard work. It is sunny, but will only make it to around 65 (18c) degrees. The ground is still saturated from the week's rainfall, but there is much to be done. I'll take care of some of it today.
One of my hummingbird feeders got blown off its hanger during a storm, so I'll have to see if it is damaged. The feeders just went up on Wednesday and only took a few minutes to attract some birds. Most of our little friends are black chinned or ruby red throats, but I'm pretty sure that we've also had some Mexican violetears in the past. I hope we get them again this year.

It is time to get busy.
May all of your people encounters this weekend be pleasant ones.

John

April Showers and Questions about Easter

It is a rainy Saturday in the Ozarks of SWMO. Fortunately, the rains held off until last night's baseball game was completed and I was back home. With the light winds from the northwest and the back deck shielded from most of the rain, it made a wonderful sleeping area. Light steady rain, occasional rolling thunder, temps in the mid 60s (17c) -- yeah, I slept quite well!

I don't know if today's games (day/night double header) will be played or postponed, but I think I'll pass on the afternoon game. Cold and wet is no way to enjoy baseball.

There are things to do around the house on a rainy day, and I'll probably get some of them done. I'll also enjoy a movie on TV and do some reading. I haven't been very good at writing and posting this month, so it seems like a good day to do that, too. I was going to post some Passion Week thoughts on Thursday, but had other things to do that morning.

Questions I have about the death and resurrection:

Did Jesus die for our sins?
While this is the common belief of most Christians today, the idea of substitutional atonement is debated and nuanced among many different Christian faiths. 

Did Jesus live just to die for us?
Or did Jesus live to teach us how to live and die because he became human?
Was his death sacrificial or was it just another rebel of Rome being crucified?

One of the things that Jesus said from the cross was, "It is finished."
That was just before he died.

If all of what Jesus came to accomplish was finished on the cross, was the resurrection a necessary part of the Christian belief?
Is it necessary to believe in the resurrection of Jesus to be saved?
Is it necessary to believe in the resurrection of Jesus to be a follower of Jesus?

I know! I know!
It's this kind of heresy and questioning that has separated me from my former life as an evangelist, but apparently my faith is too weak to just accept things without having my questions addressed. I don't even need answers. Reasonable explanations will suffice. 

For what it's worth, I am a follower of Jesus.
After decades of trying to understand life from a human perspective, I am only now trying to learn about life from a spirit perspective.
There are many challenges in changing this perspective, but that's a post for another day.

John

Wednesday Wisdom (and baseball)

It was a bit cool at the ballgame last night. 
And it might be cool and wet at tonight's game.
Brrr... and baseball shouldn't go together, but it is early in the season so it isn't entirely unexpected. I am looking forward to warmer evenings at the ballpark. 

**Wednesday Wisdom**

Go outside.
Go to a park or nature trail.
Sit by a lake or stream.
Connect to the earth.
Observe nature.

If you know me, you know I'm not much of an outdoor activity kind of person. I don't hike, bike, or exercise by doing outdoor sports. Other than a little gardening and sitting on a mower for a few hours every couple of weeks, I don't even do much work outdoors.
I just like being outside. 

There is something special about being aware of the activity that takes place in nature.
As the foliage starts to bloom in the spring, the birds and insects get busy. We have bluebirds, house wrens, and sparrows nesting in our bird houses. I'm thinking of adding a couple more houses for the many birds. The hummingbirds should be back this week and I need to get my feeders out.
As I was clearing the flowerbeds, I noticed all of the seeds were gone from the seed heads that I left for the finches and sparrows to feed on over the long winter. 
Even though we live in a semi-rural area, because of the open space (grass fields) there isn't a lot of wildlife. There aren't many trees for squirrels, and rabbits are just hawk food if they venture into the open fields. Occasionally we see deer in the treeline and I have seen foxes in the area, as well. Mostly, we just have birds and bugs.
It is enough.

Get out.
Enjoy nature.

John

Baseball

Previously, I mentioned that I am looking forward to baseball this year. The opening home series for the St Louis Cardinals AA team had some sucky weather so I didn't go to any of the games. But the Baby Birds have been playing well on the road and return to Springfield tonight for another home stand. I have tickets to tonight's game, as well as for Saturday's doubleheader, and will be using the general admission pass for the games on the other nights. I am kind of looking forward to it!
I typically go to games by myself, walk around as I feel like it, and just enjoy watching the game. I'll need to make a plan to go easy on concessions if I am going to go often. 

I've also been enjoying watching the St Louis team this year. It's the first year that I've been able to watch them since we moved to this house five years ago. Well, I suppose I could have paid for a subscription, but I'm too cheap to pay to watch baseball in my own home.
It's weird how the simple things we enjoyed for free in the past have become commodities in our capitalistic world today. But with a free app from T-Mobile and some creative digital help I am now able to watch Cardinal baseball from the comfort of the deck. 
I am looking forward to many summer nights, watching baseball, smoking cigars, sipping bourbon or tequila, and enjoying my own snacks and convenient between inning breaks. 

I'll see you at the ballpark!

John