Friday, June 30

1:03 p.m. - It's been an interesting week....we've been trying to be at the campground at West Lake, but it's rained and stormed every day.  Plus, I've been trying to umpire in and around the Davenport area this week.  My scheduled Iowa softball games are now over.  I'm going to take care of some things here now, switch over to the truck, and head back to the campground.  The Iowa softball season ended with a bang...a literal bang of thunder along with a bolt of lightning ended the day and the season.  It didn't come without a cost...I got real wet before the games were eventually called.

Things to do

• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day
• balanced checkbook spreadsheet
• mail bill for water department
• update schedule with Arbiter dates

June

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Wednesday, June 28

6:39 a.m.

I had a busy day yesterday.  Softball went fine, then lunch and ice cream with Jason, and then came home to mow the yard.  After that, the Harrison kids arrived to spend the night.  It was in the evening that things went badly.  My dad fell at his home in the garage and my mom couldn't assist him in getting up to his feet.  It wasn't a good situation, and she called me to help.  I barely could get it done, and Dad and I had to have a heart-to-heart conversation.  Some decisions will need to be made.

Softball today and then hopefully to the campground at West Lake.

Things to do

• pack clothes in camper for weekend
• post Loud Thunder question
• answer Loud Thunder question
• pick up camper tripod
• mow the swamp
• Mail out bills on Friday 
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

    July 28 - take camper to West Lake - Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. - 4 nights

    switch umpiring gear to truck

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Tuesday, June 27

5:44 a.m. - Yesterday I went to Karrigan's to help her with her yard.  We cleared a lot of weeds and cleared a lot of limbs from the pine trees she has.  There was quite a pile of brush when we finished.  I was definitely tired.  When I got home, Tucker and Rosie were back from their doctor's appointment.  Later I tried to go over to my parents' house for a visit, but only dad was there.

They are getting some work done on their house today, so I was hoping to get over there last night to see if they needed any last-minute help.  Dad told me, though, that they had everything done they expected to do.  

Last night also, I made a purchase for the camper.  I'm hoping to pick it up either today or tomorrow.  It's a tripod stabilizer meant specifically for the type of hitch I have on the camper.  I use what's called an Andersen hitch, and it's a little different.  The tripod I have now that came with the camper can work, but it takes a lot of work to use it.  This hitch I'm hoping to purchase should make using that type of stabilizer a lot simpler.  I just have to get over to Walcott to pick it up from the gentleman that is selling it.  

Today we have softball at North Scott, and the Lancers play North.  This is my last Iowa softball date with Mr. Danner leading into my last softball week with my Iowa schedule.  Unless I work anymore youth USSSA softball this summer, I won't have any softball again until mid-August.  As usual I could use the extra money I make from umpiring/officiating, but I'm also ready for a break.   

Things to do

• pack clothes in camper for weekend
• post Loud Thunder question
• answer Loud Thunder question
• pick up camper tripod
• mow the swamp
• Mail out bills on Friday 
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

    July 28 - take camper to West Lake - Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. - 4 nights

    switch umpiring gear to truck

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Monday, June 26

5:25 a.m. - Today will be a "hodge podge" day.  I'm going to Karrigan's this morning to help her with her yard, and I'm not sure how long that will take or what it will involve.  Because of that uncertainty, I'm not sure how the rest of the day is going to go.  This is the last week of Iowa high school softball umpiring, but it doesn't start until tomorrow.  Originally, I had blocked this day off from umpiring because I thought I would be camping somewhere.  So it's four days of umpiring with four different umpires this week.  

I know I need to get some resistance training in, and I know I need to put extra focus on losing some weight.  I think I'll focus on drinking a lot of water today.

Things to do

• Mail out bills on Friday 
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Mon., 26 - OPEN

    - switch umpiring gear back to car...

    - put hitch on truck

    - put clothes in camper

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

    July 28 - take camper to West Lake - Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. - 4 nights

    switch umpiring gear to truck

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Sunday, June 25

1:56 p.m. -  A great side-by-side get-a-way adventure weekend was had!

I'm back from Darlington, Wisconsin.  Well, I got back a few hours ago, but after returning and putting stuff away, I watched a movie with Amber and Karrigan.  They left to get pedicures, and I now have some time to accomplish some things.

We did just about everything we set out to do in the Darlington area.  Shawn drove Big Red, and I was a long for the ride.  We went to Monroe, Shullsburg, and Lead Mines on Day 1 Friday - we sampled some liquor at the distillery in Minhaus Brewery in Monroe, as well as sampling some beer at the brewery.  Then we went cheese shopping in Shullsburg.  And then we went to Lead Mines for the famous "ice tea".  After getting back to camp, we ended up going to the races in Darlington at the Lafayette Fairgrounds.  We were so tired, we didn't even stay up for a campfire.

The plan Saturday was to start out by getting to New Glarus, and we got part of the way to Blanchardsville, but then we ran into the biggest snag of the weekend.  Apparently there is no side-by-side riding/trails in that part of Green County, so we couldn't get there.  That was probably the biggest miscue of the trip.  From there we went back to Calamine via Hollandale to the brat feed hosted by a local ATV club. From there we headed west to Belmont, and then back to Darlington.  We were thinking about getting to camp early in order to have a campfire, but then we went to a couple of establishments in Darlington - gelato at Lucky Coffee and Gelato, a vanilla porter at City Service Brewing, and another "ice tea" at Booby's.  Then we played some bags and storms came in that rained out a campfire night.  

This morning we just had breakfast and came home.

Things to do

• Post Loud Thunder Answer
• receive compression tights with cup pocket
• Mail out bills on Friday 
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - Darlington Get-a-Way - 6 a.m.

Sat., 24 - Darlington

Sun., 25 - Darlington

Mon., 26 - OPEN

    - switch umpiring gear back to car...

    - put hitch on truck

    - put clothes in camper

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

    July 28 - take camper to West Lake - Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. - 4 nights

    switch umpiring gear to truck

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Thursday, June 22

5:54 a.m. - Softball went fine yesterday, and after getting home, it was a swim day.  The Harrison grandchildren spent the night...well, two of them.  Luke wasn't feeling well, so he went home with mom.

Today, more softball, but then it will likely be another pool day on what will be a day with temps in the mid-90's.

Things to do

• Post Loud Thunder Answer
• receive compression tights with cup pocket
• Pay beginning of month bills, including Country Companies
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - Darlington Get-a-Way - 6 a.m.

Sat., 24 - Darlington

Sun., 25 - Darlington

Mon., 26 - back from Darlington?

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Wednesday, June 21 - Hello Summer!

6:34 a.m. - Softball at Muscatine went quickly yesterday.  We were done and on the road before 1:00 p.m.; that's probably the fastest all June so far.  After that, I mowed the yard; then we went to Tucker's game.  We finished off the night in the inflatable hot tub.  

I'm going to hitch a ride for the weekend with Shawn up to Darlington for a weekend camping get-a-way.  Amber isn't wanting to go, so there is no need to take two campers.  I'm not sure yet if my brother is coming back in town; I haven't heard from him since last week.  Maybe I can get our camper out to West Lake next week since I'm on the Iowa side for softball again next week, which is the last week.

Today we have softball at Davenport West, and then I'm not sure what is happening.

Things to do

• Post Loud Thunder Question
• Post Loud Thunder Answer
• pick up prescription
• receive compression tights with cup pocket
• Pay beginning of month bills, including Country Companies
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - Darlington Get-a-Way - 6 a.m.

Sat., 24 - Darlington

Sun., 25 - Darlington

Mon., 26 - back from Darlington?

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Tuesday, June 20th

7:07 a.m. - This weekend's plans for camping have been shattered.  I stopped by Scott County Park yesterday and talk with a lady at the registration office, and she told me that the air show is this weekend.  So now camping locally doesn't seem to be a good fit, and unfortunately Amber doesn't want to go to Darlington.  It's possible that I will just be going with Shawn in Big Red for a get-a-way weekend.  

Yesterday was an exercise in patience.  Working Clinton softball at Clinton is always an exercise in patience.  After that, I came home and spent time with Tucker and Rosie.

Today with Clinton behind me, it's off to Muscatine.  All the recent rain has the grass growing again, so I'll likely see if I can get the yard mowed.  

Things to do

• Post Loud Thunder Question
• Post Loud Thunder Answer
• Pay beginning of month bills, including Country Companies
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25 - Laura Danner's birthday party

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Monday, June 19 - Juneteenth Holiday

6:13 a.m. - I don't know if this is accurate, but in my mind Juneteenth represents the end of slavery in the United States even though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two years earlier.  I didn't realize it was a federal holiday, so maybe that's why the campgrounds were busy this past weekend.

Yesterday was busy.  I went and saw mom at her horse show, and then I picked up some lunch at El Barrill and had lunch with Dad for Father's Day.  After that, I came home and took a nap, which felt great.  Then Amber and I went to the casino for her "official" birthday.  After returning, I worked on emptying the inflatable hot tub and relocating it on the deck.  I'm not happy about this move, but I don't have much input in the situation.  Earlier in the day while I was having lunch with Dad, we had quite a bit of rain occur.  The forecasters got it wrong, but it's a mistake that all of us will take.  Of course that means all the yard work I've done will need to be done again, but that's about how it goes.

Today, I'm headed to Clinton in what will likely be an event that will try my patience.  Two softball teams with struggling programs will battle, which will be good for them but not really good for the umpires.  I know my partner, but I don't really work with him very often.  The rest of the week Jason is my partner, so at least I have that to look forward to.  On the way home, I'm going to stop by Scott County Park and check out the availability of campsites.  

Things to do

• June 23-24-25-26 - West Lake/Scott County Park?....check in on WEDNESDAY the 21st
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt - hour drive

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25 - Laura Danner's birthday party

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Sunday, June 18

6:52 a.m. - Happy Birthday Amber - 50 isn't all that bad!  And Happy Fathers' Day Jim Bizarri!  

I survived yesterday without too much difficulty.  The key in an officiating marathon is taking care of the feet, staying hydrated, and supplying the old bones with enough Tylenol to get through it.  I really didn't feel too bad until the seventh game, so that was good.  Today, I'm pretty stiff and sore, and I didn't sleep very well, but all of that is to be expected.  As long as the day was, I really, really enjoy officiating basketball ... just being on the court in the game is one of my happy places on earth.  I worked with Robbie for four games, and it was good to see him, as we work together from time-to-time during the season.  And then I worked with Kraig McPeek, who is just starting out at officiating basketball.  He's doing okay for just starting out - he just needs to work on the same little things we all need to work on when we just begin.  That should be the last scheduled hard day of officiating/umpiring of the season.  There is a chance I'll work some youth softball during the July 4th weekend, but that's not on the schedule as of now.  

I'm not sure what today is going to be like.  The weather is supposed to be sort of cloudy and rainy, so I don't think it's going to be a pool day.  I do need to get in a good stretch and would think some time in the inflatable hot tub would be good for my aching muscles.  I also will head to my parents' house to see Dad and give him a card.

Things to do

• Get a Father's Day gift card - El Barrill
• June 23-24-25-26 - West Lake/Scott County Park?....check in on WEDNESDAY the 21st
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday & Fathers' Day

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt - hour drive

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Saturday, June 17 - survive it

6:17 a.m. - Someday, I hope to look back on today with fond memories of how I managed to get through nine summer league basketball games.  Later today, I hope to find myself in the inflatable hot tub trying to ease the aching of every fiber of my being.  But for now, it's the calm before the storm - the quiet before the noise.  I did get my schedule last night, and there aren't any glaring games of concern so far.  I'll just take one 20-minute half at a time, and eventually I will have finished 18 of those 20-minute halves.  

Yesterday, I did get the pool cleaned, and I restocked chemicals in the pool and the hot tub.  I also looked at the weed cutter to get an idea of where that leak might be coming from.  In the evening, Amber and I went to the casino...she was a winner, I was not.  And I read some of my book during the day, along with taking a nap.  So yesterday wasn't a completely lazy day, but I intended to be lazier than usual to prepare for today's officiating marathon.

Things to do

• Get a Father's Day gift card - El Barrill
• June 23-24-25-26 - West Lake/Scott County Park?....check in on WEDNESDAY the 21st
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10 - Court 2

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Friday, June 16

7:18 a.m. - A day off is the schedule for the day...well, a day off from anything umpiring or officiating.  There is, of course, work to do around the house.  I'm going to try to stay away from anything too strenuous to save up some energy for tomorrow's marathon officiating day.   Maybe I will wash the siding on the house and the camper today...it should be a decent day for those jobs. 

Things to do

• Get a Father's Day gift card - El Barrill
• vacuum the pool
• add a jug of chlorine to the pool
• answer Loud Thunder trivia question of the week
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• June 23-24-25-26 - West Lake....check in on WEDNESDAY the 21st
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Fri., 16 - OPEN (now blocked)

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10 - Court 2

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Thursday, June 15

5:49 a.m. - I'm at Assumption today which is good, and Jason is my partner, which is also good.  Assumption is playing Clinton, and Clinton is not good.  This could mean complete boredom or a quick day or perhaps both.  I did get all the major yard work done yesterday, so that's a bonus.  And tomorrow I have a day off, which is also a bonus.  And today is pay day, which is another bonus.  

So it's Thursday, which means I have garbage day, and I want to get in a little exercise this morning too.  Then we will see what's left of the day.

Things to do

• update Iowa officiating registrations
• receive exhaust hanger
• receive swimming trunks
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• June 23-24-25-26 - West Lake....check in on WEDNESDAY the 21st
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason vs. Clinton

Fri., 16 - OPEN (now blocked)

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10 - Court 2

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Wednesday, June 14

7:07 a.m.  - Yesterday's softball was extra long yesterday, but we survived.  The same is likely going to occur today.  When I got home yesterday, the Harrisons were here (minus Darrin).  Before supper we headed over to Grandma Cathy's to see her new horse.  It's always an adventure with Gigi and the grandchildren and the horses.  After coming back home, we just watched television.  

Before softball I did get that extra potato salad and cole slaw given away.  I took the items to Christian Care, which is a homeless shelter in Rock Island.  I was a little nervous, but the facility was very nice and not in a scary part of town. 

Things to do

• weed wack swamp again
• update Iowa officiating registrations
• mow the yard
• receive exhaust hanger
• receive swimming trunks
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• pay bills - NW Mutual
• June 23-24-25-26 - West Lake....check in on WEDNESDAY the 21st
• Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw vs. Central City/North Linn

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason vs. Clinton

Fri., 16 - OPEN (now blocked)

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10 - Court 2

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Tuesday, June 13

6:02 a.m. - Yesterday was softball and yard work and watching t-ball.  I've had a lot of those days so far this summer.  That's okay, though.  That's pretty much what happens every June.  June softball work and yard work leads to July fun.  And t-ball is only t-ball for a short time with little ones.  

Today...more softball work, but I haven't seen Jason in awhile, so it will be nice to check in with him.  I'd like to have a little rain to water down the burning of weeds that was completed yesterday.  If I go out there now and continue to wack down the leftover weed stalks, I'll deal with a lot of ash.  

Things to do

• take food to Christian Care
• weed wack swamp
• mow the yard
• receive exhaust hanger
• receive swimming trunks
• receive Pronneke books
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• pay bills - Country Insurance and NW Mutual
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. Assumption

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw vs. Central City/North Linn

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason vs. Clinton

Fri., 16 - OPEN (now blocked)

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Monday, June 12

7:06 a.m. - We did it yesterday!  After weeks of planning and lots of help from Kourtney and Pat, Kenzie and Darren, Karrigan, Jack, and Rhonda, we pulled off a surprise birthday party for Amber!  We had Guy and A Grill cater, and we hosted the event at Kourtney and Pat's.  She was definitely surprised.  Her official birthday isn't until next Sunday, but that's also Father's Day, so we thought that would be a difficult day to host the party.  And having it yesterday definitely assisted us with making it all a surprise.  

Today it's back to normal ... softball followed by working around the house...probably mowing the yard today.

Things to do

• receive swimming trunks
• receive Pronneke books
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• pay bills - Country Insurance and NW Mutual
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell vs. North Scott

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. Assumption

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw vs. Central City/North Linn

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason vs. Clinton

Fri., 16 - OPEN (now blocked)

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Sunday, June 11

6:27 a.m. - Yesterday, we went and watched some t-ball action in Aledo, and then I came home and did some weed wacking.  I was going to just finish off Brandon's spot, but then the next neighbor down had some weeds to knock down too, so I figured it was the neighborly thing to do to take care of those as well.  It really wasn't much...couple of tanks of gas, a few plastic blades, and a little time.  After that effort, it was a lazy day and evening.  I worked on my Mexico tan, enjoyed some relaxation time, and then we grilled some burgers for supper.  It's okay to have some lazy days and evenings.  

Today there isn't much on the calendar.  Amber is heading with her girls to supper later on, and I'd like to get some exercise in.  The forecast is for rain, but it doesn't appear that we are getting much rain right now...maybe it's still on the way.

I'm scheduled to referee nine summer basketball games next Saturday at Monmouth College.  I'm nowhere close to being in good enough shape for that.  It's going to be ugly. 

9:00 a.m. update -  I got in a strength training workout and spent some time in the inflatable hot spa.  We still are having sprinkles, and I wanted to get in a little running today, so I'm still contemplating that.

Things to do

• receive swimming trunks
• receive Pronneke books
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• pay bills - Country Insurance and NW Mutual
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell vs. North Scott

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. Assumption

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw vs. Central City/North Linn

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason vs. Clinton

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette vs. Wilton

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Saturday, June 10

6:34 a.m. - Yesterday we got through softball.  Kraig is doing really well for only working about a year.  I wish more people would start to get involved.  After softball, Amber and I went to a celebration of life for Dick Smock.  He was a good dude, and it's too bad he was called away from us too soon.  

Today we have t-ball in Aledo to watch Brooklyn and Brinley, and then I am coming back home - hopefully to have some quiet time.  If I have the motivation, I may try to cut some weeds over at Brandon's.  I think I'd like to also stop in and see mom and dad at their place. 

I'd like to get some camping in this weekend and next weekend.  I could get the camper over to West Lake and just see how things go.  Maybe I could get a spot with full hook-ups if I got over there on a Wednesday or Thursday, maybe even earlier and just get some evening camping in...I could swap the car with the truck pretty easily or even just transfer my umpiring stuff over to the truck.

I took a peek at our SAT scores from the school year.  They weren't as good as I had hoped, but they were better than last year.  

Things to do

• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• pay bills - Country Insurance and NW Mutual
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell vs. North Scott

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. Assumption

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw vs. Central City/North Linn

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason vs. Clinton

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette vs. Wilton

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole vs. DeWitt

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason vs. Central

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason vs. Wilton

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason vs. DeWitt

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason vs. North

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill vs. Durant

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law vs. Dubuque Senior

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek vs. Bettendorf

July 28 - Mexico

Friday, June 9

5:24 a.m. - Yesterday I was able to finish the ditch weeds and mow the dryer part of the swamp.  We then went to Tucker's game and then went to the casino for supper and slot play.  No, I wasn't a winner, which makes me a loser.  All of this was after softball at North Scott.  Today it's softball at Muscatine.  And after that I'm not sure what I'm doing.

Last night the big news on the cable news talk shows was President Trump's federal indictment.  Now of course the Republican followers are calling all this politically motivated.  It's quite amusing watching the coverage.  FoxNews is focusing its efforts on Hunter Biden.  Last night Marjorie Taylor Green was a guest on Laura Ingram's show.  The credibility of those two people is laughable, but there they are blasting away.  If Hunter Biden or any Biden did something corrupt, I hope they are called out and prosecuted.  Trump, Biden, whoever....our leaders aren't above the law.  Bring up the charges; give the defendants their day in court, and allow a jury of their peers to make judgement.  

Things to do

• pick up shirts at Burke's
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• post a Loud Thunder answer of the week
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• pay bills - Country Insurance and NW Mutual
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Fri., 9 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Kraig McPeek

Sat. 10 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun. 11

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek

July 28 - Mexico

Thursday, June 8

6:29 a.m. - It's official, the ground squirrels in the backyard have to go.  There were cute at first...now they are just being destructive.  Time for them to leave.  

Yesterday was another productive day.  I had softball at Bettendorf and stopped to visit Greg and Georgia and Dalton.  I hadn't seen Dalton in awhile, so it was good to see him.  I also met Greg's dog Winston and Dalton's cat.  On the way home, I stopped to get some liquid chlorine for the pool...dang having that pool sucks.  After getting home, I fixed my turn signal bulb in the HHR, and then Amber and I rode with Jack and Rhonda to Ava's softball game.  That was a busy day.

Today...more of the same.  I'm off to North Scott again this week to work some softball.  I still have the rest of the weeds in the ditch, and the pool needs cleaned.

Things to do

• pick up shirts at Burke's
• finish the weeds in the ditch
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• post a Loud Thunder answer of the week
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• pay bills - Country Insurance and NW Mutual
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Thurs., 8 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Ralph

Fri., 9 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Kraig McPeek

Sat. 10 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun. 11

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek

July 28 - Mexico

Wednesday, June 7

6:31 a.m. - Mr. Cahill and I got through softball in the morning, and then I went and got the oil changed in the HHR.  Sometimes I wonder if I keep the vehicles to umpire and officiate or umpire and officiate to keep the vehicles running.  After getting home, I tackled the weeds in the swamp.  That was a big, crappy job.  Brandon wanted to use the new weed cutter, and he got a big chunk of his weeds down.  The weather forecast is calling for rain this weekend; as long as it's not a lot of rain, the down weeds should be okay....I'll be doing some more burning again perhaps next week.  I started wacking the ditch again too, but I got tired, so I only got half done.

Today it's softball at Bettendorf.  I haven't been there for awhile.  Then I'm not sure what I'll be doing.  Amber said something about going to Ava's game in the evening.  

Things to do

• pick up liquid chlorine for pool at Sentry Pool
• finish the weeds in the ditch
• fix the gas leak on the weed cutter
• post a Loud Thunder answer of the week
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• pay bills - Country Insurance and NW Mutual
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Wed., 7 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Vern 

Thurs., 8 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Ralph

Fri., 9 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Kraig McPeek

Sat. 10 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun. 11

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek

July 28 - Mexico

Tuesday, June 6

6:53 a.m. - Yesterday was a back to work day...softball at Assumption and then back home to mow the yard.  After that, Amber wanted to go on a bike ride, so we rode in Milan along the bike path.  After that, Karrigan made tacos, so we went and had tacos at her new place.

Today I'm at North Scott for freshmen softball.  Jim is a good guy to work with, so that should be fine.  The weather temps are a little nicer too, which helps.

The three missing men in that partial building collapse have been recovered.  What a tragic mess of a situation that is.  Now the first of what I'm sure will be many lawsuits has been submitted.  That building is now going to need to come down.

Things to do

• post a Loud Thunder answer of the week
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• wack the  rest of the swamp
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Tues., 6 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Cahill

Wed., 7 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Vern 

Thurs., 8 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Ralph

Fri., 9 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Kraig McPeek

Sat. 10 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun. 11

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek

July 28 - Mexico

Monday, June 5

6:24 a.m. - Yesterday we went to the basketball clinic and got that done.  It wasn't all that productive, but it was short and accomplished the task of getting in a clinic.  The best part was spending time with the fellas on the basketball crew.  It's always good to get together with them.  After getting home, I then immediately went to Aledo to pick up the weed trimmer that was serviced.  Now I can get to work on the remaining weeds in the back swamp.  And speaking of weeds in the swamp, I decided in the afternoon yesterday to tackle the burning job.  The conditions were right to get that accomplished....now a big rain won't wash a bunch of mowed weeds down into Brandon's yard.  Of course now that I've burned off the dry dead stuff, it's apparent that I need to mow again.  I'd like to get a little rain in first to deal with the burnt ash, and then maybe work on that section and the ditch again.  I've definitely cut into the the to-do list. 

As I was burning dead grass yesterday, the Harrison grandchildren arrived for a sleepover.  We watched a little Trash Truck, and then we went to bed.  Little Luke allowed me a better night's sleep than prior experiences.

It's back to umpiring today...and this week I work all five weekdays with five different partners.  I know all of them, so it's no big deal, but it's an interesting mix.  I hope today I can get back home and mow the yard.  If that goes well and quickly, I might get the weed trimmer out to start in on the remaining tall grass that needs taken down.

Things to do

• post a Loud Thunder question of the week
• mow the yard
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• wack the  rest of the swamp
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Mon., 5 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Lennie

Tues., 6 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Cahill

Wed., 7 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Vern 

Thurs., 8 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Ralph

Fri., 9 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Kraig McPeek

Sat. 10 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun. 11

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek

July 28 - Mexico

Sunday, June 4

5:46 a.m. - Softball yesterday was on the agenda.  I worked six games in Muscatine at a USSSA tournament.  My partner was good to work with, which was nice, as I hadn't worked youth games in a long, long time.  The weather didn't really help the experience...temps were in the mid-90's, and there wasn't much of a breeze.  And the six games were consecutive.  I did three on the bases first followed by three on the plate in the heat of the day.  I was pretty pooped afterwards.  I listened to the Rockridge game on the way home and watched the end of television.  Congratulations Rockets - back-to-back-to-back state titles.  That's only been done twice before by any team in the state.  It's such an incredible run they are having.  And Kendra Lewis very well could be the national player of the year this year.  Then after the game I of course watched some NCAA college softball, as the World Series is currently being played.  After that, I got in the inflatable hot tub to help my aching bones and muscles.  I'm not exactly a "spring chicken" anymore.  I don't know how the hell I'm going to do nine basketball games next Saturday.  I'm going to be taking a lot of Tylenol.  

Today it's off to a basketball clinic.  I'm not exactly excited about a basketball clinic in June, but we'll get it over with.  Plus, I'm going with Marcus and Shawn and Tucker, so it will be fun to get "the band" back together.  After that, I'm probably headed to the backyard for some pool time, as temps are forecasted to be very hot again today.  I thought about mowing the yard, so I'll keep thinking on that one.  I also need to pick up my weed trimmer.

I wonder if we can do some camping this coming weekend?  The temps are forecasted in the mid-80's, which is doable.

Things to do

• burn the dead weeds
• mow the yard
• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• be sure UT regional money gets into checking
• pick up Stihl weed trimmer from Huffman's
• wack the  rest of the swamp (after it is serviced)
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Sun., 4 - Joe's clinic at Knoxville - 8:30 a.m.

Mon., 5 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Lennie

Tues., 6 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Cahill

Wed., 7 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Vern 

Thurs., 8 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Ralph

Fri., 9 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Kraig McPeek

Sat. 10 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun. 11

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek

July 28 - Mexico

Saturday, June 3

5:24 a.m. - The Rockets softball team won it's semi-final yesterday and advanced to the state championship game!  It was a whole lot different going down this year as simply a spectator.  We sat with Shawn, Mary, and Marcus, so it was nice to sit with "the crew".  We didn't get back until around 9 p.m., so it was off to bed after getting my umpiring clothes ready for today.

Before heading to the game yesterday, we had some pool time, and before that I was able to get some weed-n-feed down on the grass in the front yard and down the sides of the property.  I also got in a lift and completed a little ski-walk, so I got my exercise for the day.  

Today is an experiment day.  Am I too old and grumpy to umpire youth softball?  It's been a long time since I was up early to start at 8 a.m. on a Saturday for some games.  Today I have five games; I hope the temps are set to cool down a little.  I'm going to have to get used to some things I haven't done in awhile like keep a timer and remember all the rule differences.  I'm with the same partner all five games, so that's good.

I'm not sure what's going on after the games, but I hope to be home by 3:30 to watch Rockridge on television.  They play Beecher, who has traditionally been a good team with multiple state finals appearances.  

Things to do

• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• be sure UT regional money gets into checking
• pick up Stihl weed trimmer from Huffman's
• wack the  rest of the swamp (after it is serviced)
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Sat., 3 - Work USSSA at Muscatine - 8 a.m.

Sun., 4 - Joe's clinic at Knoxville - 8:30 a.m.

Mon., 5 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Lennie

Tues., 6 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Cahill

Wed., 7 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Vern 

Thurs., 8 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Ralph

Fri., 9 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Kraig McPeek

Sat. 10 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun. 11

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek

July 28 - Mexico

Friday, June 2

5:20 a.m. - I survived yesterday...first bit of good news was that the junior high games at Northeast Gooselake were double-booked.  There was only supposed to be one umpire, but there was a mistake and I and another guy both showed up.  The A.D. acknowledged the error and agreed to pay both to work.  After the games, I headed into Bettendorf - got some food at Culver's, got my hair cut at Great Clips, and then I filled the HHR with fuel - a little cheaper in Iowa.  I then arrived on site at Pleasant Valley and tried to take a little snooze before the next double-header.  The games went fine; I'm reminded once again that Iowa softball is just better, and I'm reminded once again how I don't want to work Iowa varsity softball at night.  It's just too long of a night.  We didn't get done until around 9 p.m., and that's just not right on summer break.

I did work with a partner I hadn't seen for awhile, and he's struggling.  He is really skinny...too skinny, and I was afraid he was really ill.  Fortunately but unfortunately he's gone through a hard divorce, and I know all to well what that is like.  He's hanging on, but he continues to beat himself up with questions that don't have answers.  He doesn't like his new job, his relationship with his children has changed, and life just looks a lot different than it used to - and it is a lot different that it used to be.  That doesn't mean he can't make the most of the path that he's now on, but that is much easier said than done.  I feel bad for him, and I know what he's going through...it sucks.  

Yesterday I also found out that Chase had a court date earlier in the week that he didn't attend.  I contacted him about it, and he admitted that he didn't attend but called in to report his absence.  I still try to advise him and encourage him in directions, but I realize that my advice and encouragement don't go very far with him - he sure makes life tough on himself, and I told him that.  Of course, he responded by telling me it depends on your perspective.  He always seems to have a rationale that seems to support his decisions.

The weather has unexpectedly caused me more work...this was something I warned Amber about, and it has come true.  She was dead set on me attempting to mow the swampy area behind our house.  I told her if I mowed the weeds and it rained that it would just make for a bigger mess than already exists.  And last night and now this morning we got rain.  I don't even want to look outside to see the results.   On another note, once the rain passes, it might be a good time to spread the weed-and-feed that has been on my to-do list.  I know we needed the rain...area farmers really needed the rain.  And the rain wasn't/isn't widespread, so we were very fortunate to get the rain...but now I'm going to be doing a lot of raking heavy wet weeds to try to get everything dried out to eventually burn.

Today we are supposed to go to the Rockridge game.  I'd honestly prefer to stay home, but I think I'm going to get overruled.  

Things to do

• send $100 check to Wilbur Bogart - 37675 HWY E, Green Ridge, MO  65332
• spread weed and feed in front yard
• answer the Loud Thunder question of the week
• pick up Stihl weed trimmer from Huffman's
• wack the  rest of the swamp (after it is serviced)
• transfer UT regional arbiter money to checking
• June 23-24-25-26 -- Springfield trip - Double J  https://doublejcampground.com/ -$62.00 per day

June

Fri., 2 - open

Sat., 3 - Work USSSA at Muscatine - 8 a.m.

Sun., 4 - Joe's clinic at Knoxville - 8:30 a.m.

Mon., 5 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Lennie

Tues., 6 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Cahill

Wed., 7 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Vern 

Thurs., 8 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Ralph

Fri., 9 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Kraig McPeek

Sat. 10 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun. 11

Mon., 12 - 10 a.m. at Bettendorf with Steve Connell

Tues., 13 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Wed., 14 - 10 a.m. at Central with Duane Rakestraw

Thurs., 15 - 10 a.m. at Assumption with Jason

Fri., 16 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Chuck Schuette

Sat., 17 - referee at Monmouth Shootout - 8:30 a.m. ; Kraig at 1:10

Sun., 18 - Amber's Birthday

Mon., 19 - 10 a.m. at Clinton with Brad Ebersole

Tues., 20 - 10 a.m. at Muscatine with Jason

Wed., 21 - 10 a.m. at West with Jason

Thurs., 22 - 10 a.m. at North with Jason

Fri., 23 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sat., 24 - BLOCKED OPEN

Sun., 25

Mon., 26 - BLOCKED OPEN

Tues., 27 - 10 a.m. at North Scott with Jason

Wed., 28 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Cahill

Thurs., 29 - 10 a.m. at DeWitt with Chris Law

Fri., 30 - 10 a.m. at North with Kraig McPeek

July 28 - Mexico