spending more aarp money!

I've been shopping like a woman possessed!

Some of these AARP e-gift certificates I've had for three years.

Why have I just been sitting on that free cash?

Let me say, that's coming to an end.

In the last two days, I've used nine e-gift certificates - NINE!!!

Yesterday, I spent a total of $35 on six of those AARP e-gift 'cards', with four used to benefit others and two just for me.

Today, I was out shopping again, this time with those three AARP e-gift certificates for Walgreens.

The impetus was the need for Vitamin C.

Usually I would go to CVS, so I could guerilla-shop.

I kno where everything is, so I can get in, get what I need, get out!

However, I had $20 of e-cash for Walgreens, so there I went, and look what I  found... a package of pretty new ponytail holders!

They were on sale, too.

(smile!) 

i was 1 of 5 again!

"Was there another special meeting at the Savannah VA Center?"

You do realize this is Monday, right? And that I was one of five last week for Music Bingo here at the Midtown Sports Grill?

"Pardon me if I don't count how many folks you list."

It's alright, dearie, I know you have other things on your mind than math. As for me, I like to have fun with numbers. You know this is the 250th anniversary of the United States of America being a country, right?

"Well, of course I know that. It's also the 50th anniversary of your graduation from Jenkins High School, though I haven't heard of a party for that yet."

Nope, neither have I. But I did hear that this was the 150th anniversary of Anheuser-Busch! They're touring the Clydesdale horses around the USA at various historic sites and they were here in Savannah last Saturday. They were at at Grayson Stadium for its 100th anniversary!!! Well, kinda sorta. They were adjacent to the baseball stadium, but the Bananas had a game there, so it would have been too crowded for security of the horses.

"I would think so! And you forgot a personal anniversary for you. This makes 30 years since you got your PhD at FSU!"

You're right! Nice that it falls where it does with these other numbers!

"Yes, indeed. Now, what's this about '1 of 5' for Music Bingo?"

Well, there was me. Elissa came with Sandy. Plus Amanda brought Merritt along. That made five of us, so we were at a table again, instead of a booth. I like that much better, as I can stretch my legs. It also helps for dancing in my seat, which I did a lot tonight! Such great music Russ was playing all night!

"Very good!!! It's always more fun with good tunes!"

This was my card for the first game. Just look at that diagonal!!! What a story that bingo would tell!!! "Call Me" to be "Flirtin' With Disaster" over a Free Space, then there'll be "Dancing In The Dark" while I "Kiss You All Over" - mercy me, I'd have had to go home for a cool shower if those had all come up as a winner for me!

"Hahahaha!!! Yes, I know you would have!!! You can be such a sailor!!!"

Hey, I just can't help it... or just won't... take your pick! (smile!)

"So, did Sandy win again tonight?"

No, she did not. I was the only winner at our table and that was for the second game. It was "New School Rock Mix #1" and had a lot of tunes I was singing at the table. That prompted Merritt to suggest we have a karaoke night some time!!! I know Sandy would be down for that, too.

"Hey, doesn't his band have a gig at Tybee Post Theater this month?"

Yep, but I can't go. It's on June 28th, and, as I told him tonight, I have colonoscopy prep that day and night, so I'll be at home. Certainly can't be spewing body fluids all over town! LOL!

"For sure. So, what did you win?"

The second game's prize is always a free appetizer, so that's mine now! I didn't have food tonight, just a lemonade, made fresh by Chris. Really good, too! Nice and tart, but not sweet, and ice cold.

"That does sound good!"

It was, as was the music. My bingo was on the opposite diagonal to that above, starting with "Glycerine" in the lower right and ending with "Kryptonite" in the upper left. BINGO!!!

"Good one! You've even heard Three Doors Down perform that in concert!"

Right?! It was just perfect! And the couple sitting near us clapped for me! The guy told me I 'deserved to win because I was singing along to all the songs"!!! That really made me feel special!!!

"Well, it sounds like you're doing well at carrying a tune these days. That's very good! I know you've always enjoyed singing. I hope you and your friends will do some karaoke in the near future. That will be great fun!"

Yes, it will, most definitely. Now, I'm going to enjoy my House Salad along with this new "Game With Balls". In honor of the FIFA tournaments, they're using giant soccer balls to bop folks into the water for wrong answers. Tonight, the USA is taking on England for fun and dips in the channel! Later!

spreading the love, thanks to aarp gifts

What else can I call those gift certificates from AARP?

These were either won while playing a slot machine game, a la Vegas, or they were obtained by earning Reward points watching videos or such.

They didn't cost me a penny.

But today, I took a 10-buck certificate and three 5-buck certificates to Barnes & Noble and used them to buy three future gifts for others.

 

I have my brother Smitty to thank for the inspiration to make that use of the gift cards.

I had thought to use them to buy a new game, perhaps, but then I saw this. 

Smitty has been quite taken with gnomes for the last decade, and this practically screamed his name!

The sale price, down from $25, was a good reason to buy it for him, too, so that's what I did.

Then I saw this lovely and thought of Chloe.

I've never even heard of the Kawaii Fun artistic toys, but there were quite a few items at the store.

This Super-Cute Kawaii Fun Activity Case sounded like just the thing for bday8 of that great-niece!

Her big sister usually gets all the new art stuff, so I want Chloe to have her own case full of goodies.

I also liked that it was on sale for half the original cost.

Onward I went to search for more discounted treasures!

That's when I found this.

it's a rainbow-themed blank book with a velvety soft outer jacket.

I remembered how Leila had liked the blank book I gave Miyah, so I think she will love this one!

It was originally marked at $18.99, but was 75% off - what an incredible deal!

All totaled, the three future gifts for loved ones cost me $1.20 at the register.

Shopping smarter is what I try to do.

After all, I just finished my 8th year of being retired.

Thanks, AARP, for helping me stretch my money.

happy birthday from loyalty clubs!

Thank you, Bath & Body Works!

That Cherry Blossom body lotion is exactly what I recommended to my niece, Aubree, for her bday14!

With my AARP $5 gift card, all of this was mine for just $3.51 - woohoo!

Thank you, Texas Roadhouse!

The free Killer Ribs is what I eagerly await with an-ti-ci-p-p-pa-tion every year for my birthday, and this will be lunch tomorrow!

However, for today's lunch, I ate the Texas Chili poured over the baked potato, while it was all good and hot.

Oh, my, how absolutely delicious!!!

It's rather pretty, too, isn't it?

It's so good, too, while it's hot.

Sure, I've eaten it warmed up before, but nothing compares to it fresh!

Next time, I'll ask for sour cream for the baked potato - that will top it off very well!

Tonight, I'll dine on the House Salad for dinner.

That's the best part of that Country Dinner - I can get at least two meals off it!

And all of that lagniappe was $4.68 for me!

Thank you, Texas Roadhouse, for the free rib basket!

Thank you, AARP, for the $5 gift card!

Thank you, Tony and Laura, for that last little bit on the Christmas gift card!

 

bananas at night, bananas in the afternoon, kinda sorta

What's with the 'kinda sorta'?

There weren't any Savannah Bananas there at all!

This is from last night's game of the Party Animals versus the Coconuts. 

It was the bottom of the second inning, there in Milwaukee, so the Party Animals were at bat, as they were the 'home' team.

Why was that?

Well, one of the players was from that area.

That's all I know about that.

As for what's going on here, the man at bat had sent a ball flying, so the Party Animal on third base had lit out for home, trying to tie up the score.

Meanwhile, it was unclear whether the hit ball had been fair or foul...

but it was clear that the runner to home was out...

but the home umpire didn't want to make the call until the first base umpire had made his decision.

As it turned out, that was a double out for the 'home' team.

 

The game went on there at the American Family Field, lickety split, and soon enough it was time for a batter to give us a show...

and that's exactly what Andy Cosgrove did!

He entered the stadium singing like a rock star, doing "Mr. Brightside" every bit as well as The Killers ever did - oh, yeah!

Then, as he neared the batter's box, he stripped off his jersey... RAWR!!!

I just wish my photo was a bit clearer of him starting his run after his hit!!!

 

That game came close to not having a 9th inning.

See, it's the bottom of the 8th inning, and the Party Animals only have one out.

The time clock shows 4:52 remaining on the 2-hour game clock.

If the clock ran out before the 8th inning ended, then that would become the last inning of play.

The Coconuts had scored 4 runs that inning.

If the 8th inning became the last inning, those runs would all count as points.

That could well mean a loss for the Party Animals!

But the game did continue into the 9th inning, with about a minute left on the game clock.

That was a close call!

Not that it mattered, as the Coconuts gained the point for the 8th inning, and neither team scored a run in the 9th inning.

Final score: Coconuts 4, Party Animals 2.

 

Fast forward to the afternoon game today.

I had other plans, so I recorded it to view later, as I've now done.

This time, the Coconuts were actually playing Banana Ball.

Yesterday, these boys from the MLB were playing like they were still in the majors, meaning they were heavy on the baseball and short on trick plays.

I think Jesse Cole must have had a good talking to them about that.

If they're going to be in the Banana Ball League, the tricks are required.

See, there he is, sporting Party Animals hot pink under his yellow tux!

 

The game had been a bit slower than yesterday's.

The only point had been in the first inning, by the Coconuts.

It wasn't until the bottom of the 7th that the Party Animals tied it up.

The Coconuts were still far behind the Party Animals in trick plays, though.

They lagged with only 6 to the 'home' team's 14 - wow!

That meant they would not get the equivalency Point in the 8th inning, nor did they get the Point for that inning.

Heading into the 9th, with 16 minutes still on the play clock, the score was Party Animals 2, Coconuts 1... and so it still was after the Loco Beach Coconuts had their last at-bat there in Milwaukee.

Woohoo, a win for the Savannah Party Animals...

but also a win for the Savannah Bananas and Jesse Cole.

Tanner Thomas, Kyle Perry, Bryson Bloomer, Garret Delano - all four played today for one team or the other, and all four had been with the Savannah Bananas when they were still a summer collegiate team at Grayson Stadium more than six years ago.

 

So, how about some stats for the six teams in this Banana Ball League?

Well, somebody is keeping up with those!

The Bananas are half a game out of first place, which is sewed up by that Texas team I have not yet seen play.

Everyone else is three games or more out of the running, but the season is still young.

I'll pay more attention after July to who looks good for the championship.

Go, Party Animals!!!

(smile!)

world ocean day on my beach!

Such a bright sunny forecast for this World Ocean Day!

I've had the curtains pulled back, letting all that sunshine in!!!

I even went outside at one point, but not to bask like a lizard.

Was it to go to the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography for their events?

Nope!

It was to address the man wielding the leaf blower next door.

They keep blowing the leaves into my yard.

As I told him and his boss, I cannot even see my driveway anymore for all the leaves and dirt that have been transferred over here.

I was polite, and they were polite, but they didn't stay long.

I guess if they couldn't play with their toys they would just go home.

Hahahaha!

I kept my cool, and kept it cool in my house with some "Deadpool"!

Hard to believe this rom-com, superhero, action flick is a decade old!

That's what I told my first niece when I sent her that picture.

"Remember seeing that on Valentine's Day and getting a rose at the cinema?" 

Yes, yes, she did!

Then she placed an order for the dvd of that movie to view at home, even though it would be months before it was available for that.

Then she and I watched it on the day she picked it up!

Good times, very good times!

I'll get to relive those for the next three days, as I have Ryan Reynolds - and the music of George Michael - for a 72-hour rental.

Very nice!!!

Now, though, I'm getting ready for a bit of baseball this evening!

Thanks to The CW, I'll be watching another new team in the Banana Ball league.

This time, it's the Savannah Party Animals - running rampant since 2020 - versus the Loco Beach Coconuts!

That team is new to the league, having been formed just last year, just like the Indianapolis Clowns were.

I'm thinking their origin town may be Cocoa Beach, Florida, but who knows?

According to their web presence on fb and instagram, "Loco Beach" isn't a real place, but "a state of mind".

I'm ready to watch them play ball.

This is a two-game series, just like the ones for my bday68 weekend.

I'd missed the Saturday night game, but caught most of the Sunday afternoon, which are the ones I usually prefer for baseball in the summer.

The Clowns won the first game and lost the second.

I wonder how the Coconuts will fare against the Party Animals?

That's a team that tends to beat the Bananas on a frequent basis.

I think my money will be on the pink and black for this two-game series!

They'll be in front of a crowd of almost 42,000 screaming fans, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the gorgeous American Family Field.

No worries of rain delays, as it boasts a retractable glass roof that can be put into position in ten minutes!!!

Isn't technology amazing???

Okay, gotta go!

Stay tuned for a watch party at my house on June 20th.

The Party Animals will be taking on the Texas Tailgaters at 7 PM and the game will be aired live on The CW into my living room on my Element!

Woohoo!!!

ice cream as summer nears!

First, let's start with the dessert, shall we?

Most assuredly, YES!!!

Mickie Townsend was holding the bowl with three scoops of vanilla ice cream as I approached the table.

Yes, please!!!

Farther down, someone was waiting with caramel syrup and chocolate sprinkles.

That's perfect!!!

There were other choices, but those two toppings, and that flavor of ice cream, were exactly what I wanted.

I even made sure to bring little Lactaid pills with me for the occasion! 

This was the first public performance for the VBS kids and the ice cream social was to lure in folks who weren't their family.

A free musical at Asbury Memorial Church?

Of course I was there!!!

I even clapped along with the "Snowball Mountain Challenge" songs.

Next year, I intend to be a volunteer again.

I've missed being part of VBS! 

And I did mention something about summer coming up, didn't I?

Well, that's for real, as the WSAV weather song confirms.

It's practically a monotone, but there are some slight temperature shifts.

I guess that makes it more of a chant than a melody!

Speaking of chanting, the physicist is off doing that right now!

He calls it "Sesshin" and it's in Minnesota/Wisconsin, which is confusing, as I am sure it is only in one state.

He'll be going from that Buddhist retreat to his gal in Ohio, so I won't see him until sometime in July.

Meanwhile, I've busied myself with errands today, like depositing an actual check in the bank. 

I don't get many of those!

This one was from a settlement that AARP had with someone in California about video privacy protection.

Thanks for including me and others in that suit!

That $96.56 doesn't sound like much, but it will buy me entrance to four plays or musicals or concerts.

Thank you!!!

While I'm expressing my gratitude, let me give a shout-out to Zaxby's!

They gave me 50% off on any order and I used it for this Grilled Chicken Zenzations Zalad.

Talking to my stepmom last week about Conner's graduation brought to mind our meetings at the Zaxby's or Wendy's in Bluffton from time to time.

This salad was one of our favorites.

Trust me, it fills the take-out box; I took out half for tonight's dinner.

Yes, that means I had my dessert first!

(smile!) 

That ice cream sure was good as an appetizer!!!

(smile!)