Thursday July 31, 2008

Team Picture (courtesy of Jill Watson) with their 2nd place plaque in Districts.

Nick had a chance to catch during the last district game! Our team lost, but I don't think it was a big deal. Coach did not want to waste our pitching, he is saving it for State. We play Friday in Norfolk at 2:00. The League has purchased four days worth of hotel rooms for the players and coaches. Depending on our schedule, I think most of the parents will drive back and forth. I am so excited! Pete informed his co-workers that he needed to be home Friday because of the State tournament and he is coming home tonight. We've missed him! I have spent the day cleaning, now I feel better about going off and watching more games. The house was looking very neglected.

Baseball continues July 29, 2008

Nick poised to take off to 3rd. Fremont defeated South Souix City last night 12 to 3. We play Grand Island (A team) tonight in the district finals. If we win at 5:00, we will have to play them again at 8:00 because they are undefeated. We have already earned a place at State, which from what I've heard it has been since 2003 since Fremont played at State. Although, the drive to SSC is pretty, I will be very happy not to drive it again after tonight. It is very hot and muggy here and our players look a little wilted by the end of the game. Should I describe Nick uniform...no, no, I will leave that to your imaginations. Tommy has been keeping busy with his FCCLA chapter. I feel like I haven't seen him in forever. He will be coming along with us to Norfolk for State so I can catch up with him. Pete is due home late Friday night from D.C. We all miss him very much. The house is busy again now that Nicole has returned from Colorado. Nicole and Ashley and families went to Colorado to visit their grandparents. Their grandfather is ill. Their father was also there and I hear they all had a great time.

Monday July 28, 2008

Good Morning! This is my most favorite rose, Abraham Darby. He has a wonderful old rose fragrance.

Nick's team beat Norfolk last night 8 to 6. It was an exciting game, the teams were well matched. Tonight we play South Souix City again at 6:00. That is the team that beat us and put us in the loser's bracket. They have an ace pitcher that is a UNL recruit. We have defeated SSC three times before that loss to that pitcher and I am curious to see if they will use him again tonight. We have some amazing hitters on our team so I am hoping they will all pull through tonight. If we win, we will have earned a spot at State and if we do not win, we are finished for the season.

Sunday Morning July 27, 2008

This is one of my most favorite places to sit and just breathe. It is behind the garage and just seems very private and peaceful. I am still working on it. The piece of ironwork was found on the property after we moved in. We believe it was attached to the front walkway in earlier days. We found two small marble pillars (they are hiding behind the pot on the right) that were probably attached to it at some point. I tried to grow a morning glory vine on it this season, but the rabbits had other ideas. I will try again next year!

The following pictures are what I see from my little patio. The cinder block wall will eventually be covered in a flagstone facing. The gardens are a work in progress with many more roses and perennials needed to fill in the space.

Partial shade garden under a Japanese Lilac tree.

I love our large oaks. More shade gardens.

In the distance you can see Pete's tomatoes and Indian corn.

My English roses along the fence and Pete's veggie garden.

And Pete, this is for you. Your tomatoes are finally turning red. When you return from your trip you should be able to dine upon fresh tomatoes!

Update on Legion District Tournament:

Nick DH'd last night. He had a single rbi and a single. Grounded out to second and popped out to right. If you would like to listen to the games live, go to

http://www.omni-tech.net/streamer.htm

it will be on the AM1340 station at 7:00 tonight.

Blessings!

Elizabeth

Morning Surprise

A baby praying mantis is resting on Red Riding Hood Plox.

July 26, 2008

Pete has been very busy this summer. He built this raised garden bed and we have already experienced the benefits. We have had green beans, broccoli, swiss chard, egg plant and oh yes, the radishes that the grandchildren planted.

We love the the fire pit that Pete built this summer. Everyone is really enjoying this new addition to our backyard. Our grandson Zach calls it camping when we gather around the fire pit in the evenings and roast marshmallows.

Sadly, we lost our game last night. Now we must fight our way up through the loser's bracket which will require daily trips to South Sioux City until Tuesday if we win. Lucky Nick! He will spend plenty of car time bonding with Mom as Dad is off on a business trip today.

July 25, 2008

I am entering the blogging world. Families are spreading out and so much is happening and this seems like a nice way to share what is going on. Please bare with me as I learn how to do this. This summer we have been spending most of our time following around our son Nick. He plays on the American Legion Senior team. We will be heading to South Sioux City tonight for District playoffs.