Paw Paws Place

I guess that I have whined enough about my lack of energy and desire to do anything. I have complained about it all, I am 71, I have had open heart surgery, and I have bad knees and back. You name it I have said it or thought it. My doctor told me to get off my butt and join a gym. I laughed and told him I did not need any exercise beyond getting up and going to work. I have really felt like crap for some time and I guess I am tired of it. I have joined a gym and have been working out for several weeks. I started out very slow and have worked up to a pretty good work out. This morning I worked out for 1hr and 12 mins which may not seem a lot to many. I go to the gym about 4 times a week and love it. It is a good start for me and I am starting to feel pretty good. I still realize that I cannot do much outside in that summer heat. I am a lucky man; I have a wife who enjoys working in the yard. When it is time to mow I now do one half and she does one half. It does make it a lot easier f...

Pat and I had an opportunity to take a short vacation this past week. It all started with us going to Jacksonville for a memorial service for the Fire Chiefs who have passed recently. I went to represent the Horne family of Bradenton and Georgia. Nancy Horne a dear friend and classmate was married to Vernon Horne. Vernon was my Assistant Chief when I was Chief of the Bradenton FD and then became Chief on my retirement. Vernon passed away and was honored at the conference this year. Nancy asked me if I would represent her and the family and I did, it was an honor to do so. On Sunday after the memorial service we headed to North Carolina to spend some time with our dear friends Gary and Harriet Gregory. We arrived about 6:30 PM unpacked and went to supper with the Gregory’s. The next morning we woke up to a nice cool rain as you can see by the pictures. Just about every day it was hot for about 6 hours and cool in the AM and PM. The cool part was ok with me as I have had all the heat ...

Once a month classmates from the "Great Class of 57" get together. The guys do breakfast and the gals do lunch. Today I thought I would take my camera along and take some pictures. As you can see we eat at First Watch which is located on Cortez Rd and 72nd street West. Today was a small gathering as some were out of town on vacation. Staring on the left you can see a portion of Nick Baden (who was ducking), Bill Howard, Sonny Smith and Sam Bell. On the right side is Bud Parent, Chuck Harwick and Gerald Hines. Chuck went to grade school with these guys so I did not know him. Our conversation around the table was about everything you can think of. Nick just got back from Alaska and told us about his trip which was interesting. Of course anytime Nick talks it is interesting. Bill Howard told about talking to his son Billy via Scape. He said it is like sitting in the same room with him We all pray for Billy's safe trip back home when his tour is up. Sam Bell told us about hi...

Big weekend for the Gallo family starting on Thursday night. We attended a Young Florida Gator Alumni function at the Mangrove Grille in Palmetto . It was a real success as many young people turned out for it. Everyone looked like they had a great time, and we did also. Saturday night we went out to supper with the Sweats (Bob & Sue). After supper came the big event of the weekend. We attended the Beatlemania show at the Manatee Players. I must admit at first I was not too excited about it. But I must also say that they did a real great job. When we got home my grandson Tyler ask if they sang certain songs. I was really taken back as he knew more about them then I did...."oh well to be young again"! Today is our day to rest and rest I will, after doing this blog here comes my easy chair. Please have a Blessed week and be a Blessing to someone this week. “ Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing i...

Kind of like the kitty in the picture, not much going on this week end. Pat and I had a very quite 4 th of July weekend which was OK by me. Saturday night we went to supper and then to a movie. When we got home Pat went over to the Marvin home to let their dog Bear out. The Marvin families from Bradenton and Va are out at the beach for the weekend. Pat opted to check on Bear and let him out rather then have him put in the kennel. Sunday morning Pat went over in the early AM and let Bear out. When she got home we went to church and then out to lunch with our friends the Newsome's . Sunday was a long day as we kind of made coach potatoes out of ourselves. But I guess that is what old folks do, well at least that's what I do. Pat needs to be doing something so I am sure it was a struggle for her. To complicate it all it has been raining for a couple of days, that makes it really dreary all day. This morning I went to Walmart and did some shopping (just to get out). While...

I hope that all of you have a Happy 4th of July and remember what are service men and women are doing and have done for us. Please watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtdIO23MKM “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” ( Jeremiah 17:9-10 )

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER: YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible ( Luke 18:27) You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest ( Matthew 11:28-30) You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you ( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 ) You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15) You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps ( Proverbs 3:5- 6) You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things ( Philippians 4:13) You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say:'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 ) You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will su...