"I quit!"

Dad's had it with Pinochle. At least playing Mom. She trounced him soundly three times this morning so now he's sworn it off.  "I've got his number," Mom said probably with a slight grin (couldn't see her expression over the phone). 

"Is there a game he routinely trounces you in?" I ask. "Twixt," she says without hesitation. "I've not been able to beat him at that game." Twixt is a strategic game of bridge building between two opponents. Dad seems to fair well in games that require strategy and planning ahead. Mom flies by the seat of her pants, never seeming to play the same way twice. It's that strategy that has made Mom fluster Dad in Chess. They won't play that game anymore either. "He takes too long," she says. 

Mom had a quiet day today. Yesterday was very busy with much activity so she used the day to rest. She did spend some time hand stitching -- whatever that is. Jules brought fresh chocolate chip cookies and Mom was visited from a member of church and they shared communion. I'm beginning to think I need to keep track of all the communion. Now that's a great stat! 

Dad's new irons

The moral of this post is simple. Next time you are driving past a garage sale and your eyes are caught by the glimmer of reflective steel, pass it by. It's not the club, it's the swing. 

Dad spent about an hour blasting away with his new irons. It wasn't pretty, apparently. "I left with a sore neck, now I have a sore back," Dad admitted after returning from his practice session with the new sticks. 

Don't feel bad for him though. We're working on correcting a hitch at the top of his back swing. He tends to overswing with all his might and doesn't let the club do the work. I remind him that golf is a finesse game and hope that he finds harmony on the course. He lives for that one 300 yard drive a round and not the low score. It's what drives him. I wonder if he takes out all his pent-up frustration on that little 1-inch ball every swing. I promise Mom that whatever makes Dad happy on the course, we'll let it be. But that doesn't mean I can't work with him on being more relaxed over the ball so he's more consistent and can have a better time out there. 

The bottom line though is simple. Enjoy your time on the course and forget about everything for those couple hours. Mom wants Dad to golf. She knows he loves being out there, even if he loses a couple balls every now and then. 

If you have a husband that likes to golf and he doesn't mind playing with someone he doesn't know to well, call Dad. He's itching to get some more rounds in this year before hanging up the clubs for the season. He's great company and would really appreciate the opportunity. 

Dad's new Armours

Dad shows off his new (used) Tommy Armour irons. He's at the driving range now trying them out while Mom gets some physical therapy. I had him give me a swing demonstration... let's just say we'll pray the clubs have some magic in them. I'll put Dad's swing sequence in an animated file so all the golfers out there can post some advice in the comment field. 

A message from Dad

Dad wanted me to say:

a) He's doing well. Eating well and loving spending time at home with Mom.

b) He still gets time to watch his Red's games -- which is really important. (We'll sneak away and see a game if we can or at least watch a game with him in his favorite chair downstairs)

c) The nursing aspect of his life is challenging but he's doing a stellar job (my comment, not his). He has a signature system in place where he signs off on every pill given. He's very diligent. 

d) He still loves the Browns

e) He looks forward to golfing with his new irons. We'll rectify that this weekend.

f) He's so grateful to all the people praying and bringing meals and communion. The activity can be heavy but is very, very welcome. 

The Quinn report

Mom called during the Browns game last night. She talked all about the players and thought Brady Quinn looked really good. "In fact, both quarterbacks look great," she said. "I'm flipping back and forth between the Browns and the Indians but the Indians game must be moving quickly since I keep getting all the commercials!"

Apparently Mom was throwing up again yesterday. "That's no good Mom!" Jen said. Jen bought fresh, organic Chilean Sea Bass for dinner (she said she did it because of Jurassic Park but I have no idea what the heck she's talking about) but Mom didn't eat much of it. "Alan loved it," Jen said with a smile. 

Mom's appetite is touch and go. We try to keep various types of food in the house so she can eat what she craves when she craves it. And don't you worry Dad fans, we're taking care of Dad as well, with steaks, pork-chops and well seasoned burgers. No golf yet, but we'll squeeze nine holes in soon.