The Rom-Commers

Finished the novel “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center, an author that I’ve read before. She wrote the novel that was turned into the Netflix movie Happiness For Beginners, starring Ellie Kemper.

The great Ronald Acuna played two more rehab games in Gwinnett on Friday and Saturday, launching a 400+ foot home run to dead centerfield, giving the Braves the good problem of determining when to call up Acuna and who to send down, who to DH and play left field and who to catch. Strider will also be back next week as well.

Baseball stars who wore uniform numbers 1-10, but who are neither in the HOF nor has any team retired their uniform number.

1-Fernandez....TOR (12)...45.3

2-Tulowitzki.....COL (9).....44.8

3-Longoria.......TBR (10)...58.9

4-Grich.............CAL (10)...71.0

5-Burrell...........PHI (8)......18.9

6-Hack..............CHC (11)...55.2

7-Lofton............CLE (10)....68.4

8-Elliott.............PIT (9)........50.9

9-Nettles...........NYY (10)....67.9

10-Cey..............LAD (11)....53.7

1-Lou Whitaker DET (18)....75.1

1-Buddy Myer...WSH (16)...48.4

3-Willie Davis....LAD (13)....60.8

6-Sal Bando......OAK (10)...61.5

10-Sheffield.......FLA (6)......60.5

If Donald Trump is the antichrist, you won’t have to worry about me worshipping him as god. But if someone else is the antichrist, I just pray others don't mistakenly follow them. 

In Leichester England the public schools are teaching students in the Islamic call to prayer, on a weekly basis.

How radical Islam and the progressive Left seek to undermine America. These are the exact type of firsthand reports I hear from former Muslim speakers in Sunday School. Women are second class citizens. Those who denounce Islam are rejected by their families, and hunted down and killed. In Muslim countries the age of consent continues to be lowered to 12 and below, so older men can take young girls as their brides. Muslim communities in Michigan, Minnesota, and now Texas seek to enact sharia law, which is in direct opposition to the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Call it what you will, but Islam is not a religion, but a system of government. Thomas Jefferson warned us about this, some 250 years ago. Not sure how the US will respond to this threat. Too many are focused on comparitively trivial matters.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” - Matthew 5:8.

A sales team was recognized for winning an award from a customer, that comprises two company plants, 27 ship locations to 60 processors, including 38 people at our plant in Dallas. Our little six person team coordinates our customer’s supply chain production of more than 500 parts, involving at minimum 6 company plants (sometimes more), and at least 33 material vendors and outside processors. But sometimes flying under the radar is a good thing. Still.

I am realizing more and more just how sensitive I am. It’s not new. Things bother me. I was thinking back to the time when two employees quit because they realized how messed up what they were handling had become. When I took over for them and was working to get the mess straightened out, I was just remembering how stressed out I was. How stressful 2008 was, when I had a terrible boss. Later the stressful time when I was paired with team members who weren’t good at their jobs. Years later I snapped at a coworker who constantly drove me crazy. After covid when we went from 4 team members to three. And it’s been stressful since we’ve gone on SAP. I’d like to think I have good reasons for being stressed. Hopefully the next phase of my life won’t be so stressful.

Part of all that stress is how my company rewards good employees with more and more work. Should I feel good about this? Management knew I could handle it, keeping so many plates spinning at the same time. But man it has stretched me to the limits of my ability, and pretty much wore me out mentally each day.

My company works its employees hard. Nothing wrong with that. Some people get hired and get a taste of the work they have to do, and quickly quit. Some people these days expect a job where they get paid for showing up. Not here

Saw a list of restaurants to try, including Burger Crush on Concord Road in Smyrna. Too far away.

How to eat healthy:

1. Proteins: lean meats, deli meat, Greek yogurt, tuna, whey.

2. Carbs fruit potatoes vegetables oatmeal rice popcorn toast beans pasta

3. Fats: eggs, peanut butter, chocolate, nuts.

Cooler sweepstakes.

The Tortoise & the Hare

Wednesday night on the Braves broadcast the announcers were saying good things about Ronald Acuna. Some fans got upset that Jeff Francoeur didn’t join in the love fest, instead later changing the subject. Some say the slumping Ozzie plays better when Acuna is in the lineup, and the stats may bear that out.

Acuna has great talent, that’s for sure. Perhaps comparable to Mays and Griffey. Exciting to watch. But others with great talent have come along and failed to rack up Hall of Fame numbers. Josh Hamilton. Andruw Jones. Ronald is going to have to get cranking if he is to become worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.  

Freddie Freeman made it to the majors with far fewer accolades. In his first seven seasons he “only” made two All Star teams, half as many as Acuna. But in his first seven seasons Freddie had more hits, doubles, triples, homers, RBI, runs, walks, and struck out at a lesser rate. Sure Freeman played in 300 more games due to Acuna’s injuries, but at least Freddie was in the lineup every day. Tortoise and the Hare.

In his second seven seasons Freeman ramped up his production all the more, becoming a lock for the hall of fame. Can Ronald do the same? If Acuna’s next seven seasons are a repeat of his first seven, would he fall short of Cooperstown? Double his MVPs, silver sluggers, and all star appearances and you’ve got – Dale Murphy, with fewer home runs. Acuna may be better known for stealing bases, but Murphy is also a member of the 30 HR & 30 SB club.

If Ronald doesn’t stay healthy, will the Braves offer him a contact comparable to Freeman’s? Fans will hate it, but the answer is no.

Freddie Freeman’s first 7 seasons compared to Ronald Acuna’s 7 year career. Who would you rather have on your team?

...G….R..…H….2B..3B.HR.RBI.SB CS. BB..SO...PA

0722 581 0815 145 12 165 417 196 49 368 719 3254 RA

1026 591 1084 241 16 166 586 027 15 483 909 4304 FF

AVG.OBP.SLG.OPS.WAR

289  379  525   907 25.6 RA

290  377  499   876 16.0 FF 1st 7 seasons

301  388  514   902 35.1 FF career (WAR=2nd 7 seasons)

RA: one MVP, ROY, 3 silver sluggers, 4X all star

FF 1st 7 seasons: 2X all star

FF 2nd 7 seasons: MVP, 3 silver sluggers, 6X all star, gold glove

Murphy: 2 MVPs, 4 silver sluggers, 7 all stars, 5 gold gloves

Strikeout percentage:

22.1% RA

21.1% FF 1st 7 seasons

18.7% FF career

Average games played per season:

103 Acuna

147 Freddie 1st 7 seasons

144 Feddie career

The Co-owner of an $6 Billion Sports Empire, Grant Hill Flew to North Carolina to Send a Message to 6900 Students.

BOB LEMON [SABR Bio] trails only Wes Ferrell for career home runs by a pitcher. Lemon went deep 34 times while pitching, tying him with Warren Spahn. Wes Farrell leads with 37. Lemon was the first American League pitcher to give up a walk-off home run in the World Series, to pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes in 1954. Lemon replaced Herb Score after Score was struck in the eye, off Gil McDougald's line drive on 07-May-1957.

 Good Things To Eat At Truist Park

Thursday: up early to lift weights at the gym. A movie crew was filming at the two gas stations just down the block. Hard to see in the morning sun.

Maddios Pizza for lunch. Worked until 6 pm, then scooted home to cut the grass. Dang battery gave out after ten minutes. I think it was some other issue, so I’ll try again this afternoon. Supper was ready anyway: chicken & rice. 

Watched a Hallmark movie set in Georgia, but filmed in Utah.  

Wasn’t feeling good so I skipped the gym. At least seven of us at work wore our Johnny Cash t-shirts today. Two hot issues today. Gang went to CiCis but I passed. Also passed on three fast food deals. Didn't pass on facetiming with Mill Mill, who was out on her back deck waving to passersbys on the Westside BeltLine.

Braves Nationals

Went to my first Braves game of the season last night. Game started out good for the Braves. Rookie rightfielder threw out two runners, stole a base and scored a run, and knocked in a run. If he keeps it up, I might learn his name.

Left work at 315 and made several poor decisions trying to get around the heavy traffic. Got caught by all the red lights. PIB to 285 to Ashford Dunwoody, then through Sandy Springs – Johnson Ferry to Heards Ferry to the 285 access road to Powers Ferry. Seemed like it took forever, but made it in just under an hour.

Made the 1.32 mile uphill walk in 25 minutes. 81 degrees 52% humidity. Bought a general admission ticket at the ticket booth, and was in the line at the First Base Gate by 445. Passed the time clearing up emails and checking social media. Got stuck behind a lady with a purse setting off the metal detector, then I bumped into it when I passed through.

Once inside I circumnavigated the ballpark counterclockwise, checking out the team store and outfield new concessions area. Nabbed a free All Star Game t-shirt and designated driver Coke, and stopped by the season ticket office for a bag to stash everything in.

Evidently I walked right past Marcel Ozuna (or maybe his body double?) handing out his bobblehead at the Rightfield Gate. Crazy Darryl saw him, and made it on Braves social media.

Went up to my seat in section 413 to sit for a spell. It was 615 pm. I had failed to figure out where that relocated Blooper’s Clubhouse, so I couldn’t get a picture with him (it?). Also forgot to sneak into the pregame parade around the field.

Instead I sent some texts, cleared emails, and entered sweepstakes. Had three different friends at the game, but wasn’t able to meet up with them.

The kids from Eastside Christian School sang the national anthem. Eastside is just two miles from our house.

Wore my Ted Turner #27 Braves road jersey and matching cap, since the anniversary of Ted’s managerial debut had just passed a few days ago. Received two compliments on my outfit. I’ve stopped taking pictures of unique jerseys, but made one exception (below). Also sat a Jessie Chavez #60 jersey, and a Tyler Matzek jersey. Really wasn’t looking hard. I do know that those knockoff Atliens jerseys don’t make middle aged white guys look any hipper or cooler. Not that I haven't considered getting one for myself.

Enjoyed the game. Braves played well for starter Bryce Elder, but the hated Nats got to the beleaguered Braves bullpen. At the clock struck nine I headed down to the lower level. 

Walked from right field around to the Third Base Gate, then outside to head to my car. By then the evening was cooler (75) but more humid (66%). Made it home before 10 pm – so a 7 hour adventure. Got the Ozuna bobblehead for a friend.

Ceil and Matthew had ordered a large pie from Pizzeria Lucca, so I had a slice. I had passed on the $2 hot dogs at the ballpark.

GOAT NFL QB: Sid Luckman?

When you talk about great NFL QB’s, don’t leave out the Bears Sid Luckman. Won four NFL championships over the course of 7 seasons. Luckman’s Monsters of the Midway usually bested Sammy Baugh’s Redskins. Other big winners: Otto Graham, Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Tom Brady.

Braves win again. Record now 21-21, having won 21 of their last 35…a 97 win pace. Acuna began his rehab down in Florida. Homered and made a nice catch in RF. Tomorrow he will play in AAA Gwinnett. Strider should be back soon. That Drake Baldwin dude can hit. Ozzie Albies busted out of his slump.

Met a friend last night for dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. The chicken sandwich was breaded and the salad options didn’t look that great, so I went with (surprise) the burger. Man was it good. Really thick angus beef, cooked perfectly. A good bun. Too many onions and pickles. Instead of fries I ordered the steamed broccoli, which was well seasoned….probably not super healthy.

A good time to talk to Lee. Usually we’re together in group settings, where neither of us can get in a word edgewise.

Tuesday morning I skipped the gym to get to work early, since I didn’t work late yesterday and can’t today. My former boss Rodney brought in an apple fritter for me. Dylan brought in donuts, and we also have breakfast wraps from Jason’s Deli.

A young man who’d gone to the school where C teaches had gotten into trouble, so all the teachers were writing letters affirming the young man. Today C was delivering the letter to the family when a bunch of big black SUVs drove up, and a bunch of men with guns jumped ou to search the house. C was outside talking to the mother – they were shaken up pretty bad. C cried all the way home.

Left work Tuesday at 530, after an emergency popped up at 430. Then traffic was bad. People not paying attention to the road. Still made it straight to Longhorn early, without having to speed (I wouldn’t know how to do that).

Got home at 845 and took out the trash. Watched a couple of episodes of Shifting Gears, the new Tim Allen show. Jay Leno guest starred, one of the first times I’d seen him after he burned his face and fell down the steep hill in Pittsburgh. Ceil had read where he’s taking care of his wife Mavis, who has Alzheimer’s.

Skipped the gym again today to get to work early.

What do you think about the lifetime bans being lifted for Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose? Should they be inducted into the Hall of Fame?

YOGI BERRA [SABR Bio] his 295 plate appearances are the most in World Series history. Mickey Mantle is second with 273. As a manager Yogi lost his only two World Series appearances. Berra was the Yankees manager in 1964 and won 99 games, but fell to the Cardinals in the year’s final series, 4-3. He managed the Mets in 1973, but Oakland won that WS. He appeared in the movie “That Touch of Mink”, playing himself. Take a look. Monday was the 100th anniversary of Yogi Berra’s birth.

Wise adages from old people that are good advice for all ages.

Denison: according to a Free Press profile, “zoomers” (adults under 30) are “quitting the rat race, skipping the $8 lattes, and buying homes in small towns” - choosing family over career, leaving cities for smaller communities and rural living. Silicon Valley, long a bastion of millennial secularism, is witnessing a spiritual revival. Atheists like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens assured us that we don’t need God to live with meaning and purpose, but the consequences of their influence are proving them wrong. From the nihilism of abortion to the hopelessness of euthanasia, a society that commodifies and commercializes life is finding death in its place.

Nike DayBreak Waffle Racer

Left work Monday at 455 and had just enough time to stop by Goodwill before my meeting. And I did it again: I bought another pair of sneakers. For six bucks I couldn’t resist.

Nike Daybreak Mars Yard Waffle Racer. Tan with orange trim. I had always wanted a pair of the original Nike waffle racers, and I actually like them better than I thought I would. The N.364 on the back traces back to Nike founder Steve Prefontaine’s fastest mile time. Will has a similar pair.

The Braves have alternated winning by one run and losing by one run in 7 straight games – the longest such streak in MLB history.

Our meeting at JFBC was catered by Willys Mexican. 27 in attendance, including close friends Lee & Nancy and Reid & Noelle. Also from our Sunday School class: Jim & Karen, Dan & Georgia, Robert’s wife, and leader Brian. Also ministry assistant Margo, who just got engaged to Caleb’s brother.

People at JFBC that we are “related” to: Caleb’s parents John & Mary, Caleb’s brother Jack and fiancé Margo, MC’s grandmother Carolyn and her husband Lewis, MC’s uncle and his family, MC’s brother’s wife’s parents – a total of 13 people

Last night at JFBC the discussion around the table was how the older people in the traditional service in the sanctuary wouldn’t like all the flashing lights and music in the contemporary service. And they won’t. Not sure what they’ll do about combining the services.

Interesting tidbit: +/-25 years ago when FBC Woodstock completed their huge new sanctuary, attendance and membership was at an all time high. The area had been growing by leaps and bounds. But when the new building opening, attendance started to decline. They may have been a scandal with the pastor, plus new churches were springing up in the area. Ten or 15 years ago North Point planted a church in the area. As Johnson Ferry considers a new building program, I’m told they’re taking heed with what happened out there at Woodstock.

Several years ago JFBC started a church down off Monroe Drive. I think the name is Christ Covenant Church. An assistant pastor went to be the pastor, Stephen Nelson, I think his name is. Ashley & Diane Corbitt became charter members. The church has grown, mostly with young couples and singles. I’m hearing lots of good things about the church. A church in Sandy Springs was dying out, and they decided to look around for a young growing dynamic church to give their buildings and property to. This was just last year, I think. They chose Christ Covenant Church, so now Christ Covenant has two locations. Both are thriving.  

When Clay at JFBC preaches through a book of the Bible he doesn’t leave out parts, whether they be hard or controversial. I like the familiar hymns. In the contemporary often the words and tempo and music is hard to follow.

Unpopular take: there are two types of “contemporary” (“modern”) church services, the churches singing “praise songs” instead of hymns. One has actual authentic “cool” young people leading the singing. The other has older uncool people trying to be cool, singing the praise songs that the cool church was singing a year or two ago.

On the drive home Sunday night we listened to a Louie Giglio sermon on loving God, loving others, and loving yourself. All three are needed, in varying degrees. All three are related. Question: you shouldn’t love your neighbor less than yourself. Should you love your neighbor more than yourself?

GRAIG NETTLES [SABR Bio] hit the most career home runs by an American League third baseman. Nettles did play for a time in the NL but his AL total is 319. His total of 390 is third among all third basemen. He once held the record for the most career home runs without ever having hit three in one game. The current record holder is Rafael Palmeiro (569 HR). Nettles was the first Yankees captain after Thurman Munson's death. Nettles captaincy was announced 29-Jan-1982. Munson had died in 1979.

Memorable little guy: Noland "Super Gnat" Smith.

Ephesians 4:14-15: “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ”.

Elsbeth Jailed!

Watched the last two episodes of Elsbeth. So good. She got thrown in jail, in the same lockup with all the people she had worked to bring to justice in previous episodes. So they weren’t happy to see her. One of the inmates was fatally stabbed, and Elsbeth figured out who the killer was – the warden. Such a good show. Even Ceil liked those two episodes.

For three bucks the Wendys Son of Baconator is the best burger around. Two never-frozen all-beef patties. Two slices of cheese. Two strips of bacon. Tomato. Lettuce. Tasty pickles. Onion. Catsup. Mustard. Hold the mayo. Good stuff. I had one today.

I think that nowadays I am an even more careful driver than I’ve ever been before. I go out of my way to be in the safest lane. I’m constantly scanning the cars around me, and the cars looking to pull out from side streets. I don’t drive next to big trucks, either staying behind them or passing on by them. I’m extra careful in the rain, slowing down even more and watching out for puddles. I will take a route with less traffic, even if it takes a little longer. Oftentimes the fastest route is more dangerous, and stressful. I’ll take the road less traveled.

Sunday: after church we stopped by Whole Foods. The parking lot is always super crowded, but C wanted to be dropped off up front. I did find a good space, and went inside since she had forgotten her phone. Dropped C off at the house and went to pick up chicken sandwiches from Moxie Burger. Was after 2 pm before we finished lunch. Then she went out on an errand.

Drove down to Anna’s for supper. She cooked: broiled chicken, onions, asparagus, rice, salad. Very good. A&C have six weddings this year – two in Raleigh.

Up early to go to the gym this AM. Walked in to find only two ladies on the 20 treadmills. One lady was on the end treadmill – directly across from the treadmill I usually use, and next to the other treadmill I sometimes use. I wanted to give the lady some space and not crowd her, so I took the third treadmill down the row. This happened to be the treadmill that the rude Indian man usually takes. A couple minutes later I saw that man working out with weights. Later he headed over to the treadmills – and selected the treadmill directly across from the lady.

Then hard rain on the way to work. Pulled in to the parking lot and it really started coming down, so I had to wait in my car for a few minutes. Gave me time to fish out my umbrella. Tonight we have a “training” class at church. Dinner was served.

When Eric Karros set the Los Angeles Dodgers career home run record, he passed RON CEY [Wiki Bio]. Cey hit 228 for LA before leaving for the Cubs in 1983. Karros hit his 229th on 13-Jun-2000, and finished with 270 for the west coast version of the Dodgers. Duke Snider is still the franchise record holder with his 389. Cey was drafted in the 19^th round of the 1966 MLB June Amateur Draft. No one else drafted in the same round even made the majors. Cey appeared in an episode of the television show “ER” in S1.E22; "A Change in Policy", aired 27-Feb-1985.

Tour of the Town

Friday night I picked up a Chick-fil-A salad for Ceil. She had stayed down at W&MC's until 7 pm. While I was out I grabbed another Son Of Baconater burger for me. Picked out a PG-13 movie to watch. Turned out to be a little racier than C usually likes, but she said she liked it.

Today she wanted me to drive her around. Atlanta traffic was heavy. (1) RaceTrac (2) gassed up her car at BP, (3) a shoe store in Westside Provisions, (4) a coffee shop that C should've walked to but we drove, (5) across the street to Anthropologie - should've walked but drove, (6) parked at Sam Flax on Northside for C while (7) I walked across the street to Goodwill.

It's cold and rainy here - 60 degrees - and I wore shorts and a t-shirt. So at Goodwill I didn't see a good t-shirt but found a nice grey Goodfellas sweatshirt for 3 bucks. Also a nice new white long sleeve t-shirt that I kinda "needed" as well as a nice dri-fit blue hoodie to wear at the beach. 

Then Northside to 75/85 south to Freedom Parkway to North Ave and over to Ponce. Took East Lake to go south of downtown Decatur past Agnes Scott, to (8) drop something off that Matthew needed at Kimball House. 

Then Ponce to (9) the Dekalb Farmers Market. I had planned on going somewhere while C shopped, but the parking lot was a zoo, so I just sat in the car and cleared out emails and stuff. C said it was crazy inside as well. Every time the parking space in front of me would open up, I would move up one spot closer to the door. Over the hour that C shopped I moved up 4 times. Once a carload of "ladies" thought that I had stolen the spot they wanted, but I was obviously there first. They stopped their car and stared at me, but finally moved on. 

Then 285 north to (10) Perimeter Mall. Hopefully the last stop. 

Today we're supposed to go over to Anna's for Mother's Day. Caleb is going to cook. Matthew and Will have to work. 

Conan Awarded Mark Twain Prize

I watched the awarding of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Conan O’Brien, on Netflix. In his acceptance speech Conan gave a long and moving tribute to Twain. Conan remarked how when he was just starting out 40 years ago with nothing, he was turned down for his dream job to be a writer on Late Night With David Letterman - only now to now be presented the award by Letterman himself.  Conan’s parents both passed away only 3 months ago.

After Conan's acceptance speech, he had a conversation with Mark Twain himself, Then Adam Sandler and Conan rocked out on guitar, accompanied by bandleader Max Weinberg on drums, the stage filled with several dancing Mark Twains. See my earlier blog post about the Mark Twain Prize.

Winnie doesn’t like going out in the rain, or walking on wet grass. When I went to bed at 1045 on Wednesday night it was sprinkling, and Winnie seemed more interested in playing and going upstairs than going outside. Then at 145 she woke me up and acted like she needed to go outside, which is rare. So I got up and took her outside. Very quiet. She didn’t do anything. After she looked around a bit she was ready to go back inside and upstairs.

Urgent nationwide recall for 1.8 million eye drops that could cause permanent blindness.

A secret government unit is planning to dim the sun. What could go wrong? Supposed to help with climate change. Pretty sure Bill Gates is behind this. If all the people wanting something done about climate change would just quit burning so much dang gas by not being such a lead foot on the roads, and the air wouldn't be so polluted. Ya think?

STAN HACK [SABR Bio] early in his career, his convivial nature & positive attitude sometimes went too far. He was often carried home drunk by teammate & drinking buddy Pat Malone. Ii was said, “He has more friends than Leo Durocher has enemies!” Hack was never a serious contender for a league MVP, but the respect he had in the games showed when he placed 7^th, 15^th, 8^th, 12^th, 20^th, 19^th, 26^th, and 11^th from 1938 through 1945. In an era not known for stolen bases, Hack led the NL with 16 and 17 in 1938 - ’39. He almost killed the importance of the stolen base single-handedly when he was thrown out 18, 19, 15, 18, & 22 times from 1936-40, leading the league each year.

Braves win again this afternoon.

Back to the Burger Bar

Thursday lunch at the downtown Norcross burger bar. My bacon cheeseburger was great, slightly larger than the bun. Also hash browns. The lunch was to interview coworker Leo, so I had to spend a good chunk of time describing what our team does – when I could get in word edgewise. So I was the last one to finish eating. Luckily we had planned on staying there longer than usual.

Worked past 6 pm. As I was leaving coworker Daniel asked if the hot order he’d helped me with had shipped. I had been too busy to check. It hadn’t. He sent a note to the plant. Got in this AM and it still hadn’t shipped, so I had to call in a truck to deliver it.

Supper last night was leftover BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, and slaw. C had accidently ordered two heads of organic cabbage, so we’ll be eating lots of slaw.   

Braves win in extra innings. What did I tell you about that rookie? What’s his name? Drake Baldwin? They say he can hit. And the guy that everyone hates – Eddie Rosario – scored the winning run. Then the Braves sent him down after the game, and called up an infielder.

I put the Braves April schedule below my computer screen, but they’ve been winning so I haven’t replaced the April schedule with May. Next up are 13 games with the Pirates, Nationals, and Red Sox. Hopefully they can gain some ground on the Mets. Braves play 17 straight days.

After the gym and RaceTrac this morning I stopped by Burger King for a free bacon egg & cheese croissandwich. Also some hash brown tater tots. Coworker Dennis had some donuts, but fortunately I was too late to get one. Took advantage of Wendys Free Fry Friday. Tried their $3 Son of Baconator bacon cheeseburger. Pretty good. Ceil stayed with the girlies until seven, so I picked up supper: a Chickfila cobb salad her her, two more Son of Baconators for me.

My struggle to reduce my To Do emails continues. Today was quiet, but I couldn't even work it down to 25 emails today. Customer was closed. I worked all morning trying to catch up on stuff I am behind on. I continued to get email after email. Most take 15-30 minutes to resolve. You’d think I’d be able to work on projects to get ahead, but instead I fall further and further behind. Why I have to work thru lunch and until six every night, and on weekends. So looking forward to retirement.