Seventh Inning Stretch

Took a little break from America's Favorite Pastime (ahem) to take this shot ...

Go Yanks!

Yes indeed, we're Yankee fans. Heck -- it sure beats being a Pirates' fan!

Don't forget to check out Osbasso and see who else is at bat.

Happy Father's Day !

HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all you Dads out there.

If you don't think your job as Dad makes a difference... you couldn't be more wrong. I tell Mark all the time that .. My Dad is the greatest man I know. I am fortunate that he is still alive and kicking at 88.. although moving a bit slower and having had a few setbacks, his mind is still sharp as a tack.

My Dad was the kind of Dad that took me everywhere. We went fishing, to ball games, he taught me to throw and catch a baseball, how to golf, how to fix things, how to keep score as he coached my big brothers ball teams. He was patient and caring. I have the best memories of growing up with my Dad and I am so very grateful for all that he taught me and for still having him around. I was truly a Daddy's girl.
Maybe not every girl's dream is to find someone like her Dad but mine was.
After turning 50 I just didn't believe there was another guy out there like that...

until I met Mark.

Happy Fathers Day Sweetheart. <3

Woman vs. POOL

When I fought to keep my house in the divorce.. I knew it would be a LOT of work..

Among a large front lawn and upkeep.. we have a big inground pool in the back.

Last year, it began losing water, quickly. (imagine that! )I surmised after several experiments.. that the problem must be in the bottom drain. That led to the idea of draining the entire pool (9 ft deep in the deep end) to check out the possibility of a leak at the bottom.
Not an easy task.. the slope into the deep end is pretty steep and trying to get the dirty leaf infested water out so I could check the drain was a fight I was determined to win.

so.. in the battle of Woman vs. Pool.. looking at one of my bruises...

I have to say... POOL wins.

HNT - When I close my eyes...

If I could have just one wish,

I would wish to wake up everyday

to the sound of your breath on my neck,


the warmth of your lips on my cheek,

the touch of your fingers on my skin,

and the feel of your heart beating with mine...

Knowing that I could never find that feeling...

with anyone other than you.

~ Courtney Kuchta -

Yes, I admit it...

I am a chicken when it comes to certain things.

I may have mentioned in another post of things I hate, that I hate thunderstorms.

I know that most people languish in the beauty of lightning and the power of thunder, but for me... they just scare the bejeezus out of me. Even my kids enjoy sitting out on the porch watching the storm roll in while I try to find a way to distract myself from the flashes of light and the loud jolts of noise.

Last night I had one of those wake me from my sleep. As I lay there in bed, seeing the tiny sparks of light under my shade, anticipating the next crack of thunder.. I thought about how times like these.. it would be nice to have Mark near me, holding me, making love to me, comforting and protecting me from this crazy childish fear. I instead, turned on the television and watched homeowners looking to purchase their first home to keep my mind off the turmoil outside my walls.

How I wish I could enjoy storms like others do instead of dreading them. I wonder why people find them so fun when I just crumble at the first flash of lightning.

Looking at our weather report... could be a LONGGGG weekend for this gal!

HNT -- The gift... unwrapped

You all know that Mark celebrated a birthday a few weeks ago..

Part of his present was a couple pics from me...
you had the chance to see one had you clicked his birthday balloons.. and this is another..



Of course, the real treat was mine when Mark finally got to unwrap his present..

click away !!

I definitely think I got the better end of this deal

Happy HNT .. make sure you stop by and
pay homage to Osbasso !

With a Little Help From My Friends

Jen and I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone for the overwhelming response to our "State of The Relationship" posts at the end of last week. We were stunned by the quantity and quality of the heartfelt comments and the emails that many of you took the time to pen. Many of you telling similar stories, many of you simply offering words of encouragement. Some very familiar faces that we've chatted with so many times before, and some of you who have been quietly following our story, and chose these tandem of posts to voice your emotions. I won't list the names here, but you know who you are. We are trying hard to get back to each and every one of you, and are thoroughly enjoying the dialogue and the friendships we are establishing.

And as an update, Jen and I are stronger than ever. We spent a considerable amount of time together on Friday, and while these long holiday weekends without seeing each other would typically be very difficult for both of us to endure, we came out of it relatively unscathed and are looking forward to our time together today. And there's no doubt in my mind that all your comments and emails were a major factor in us getting through the weekend still very much in love. I often wonder, and I posted this question to Jen over the weekend, how different our relationship would be had we not started this blog. I can't say for sure if it would be any better or worse -- our relationship is stronger than that --- but it would definitely be .... different. But one thing is for sure, we would have missed out on a whole host of friendships. Just knowing that we're not on island here .. that there are couples out there going through similar circumstances.. learning how you dealt with it ...or didn't deal with it .. has made all the difference in the world.

Thanks again to everyone, and keep those comments and emails coming.. It means everything to us.

Mark & Jen