It takes 'all of the above' to get us to where we are. And, if you are like me, I need all the help I can get.

Guess what? What day is it? Well, it is Friday, April 10, 2020, and, I am glad I can check it in the little box on my computer screen because truth told, I, otherwise, would not have had a clue. I notice some things in my morning ride-about with Mr. Bentley. The driveways at most houses still have multiple vehicles parked. That shows a good number of folks are staying home. I also notice that more attention is being paid to yardwork making everything look just a wee bit nicer. I assume that's because of folks wanting to get outside of the confinement space for a little fresh air. I know many who have their yards done by those who are in the business. Many in our immediate area have it done weekly. Thus far, we still do our own. The wife is a yard person with everything that comes with it. She can spend hours working in the yard. I typically mow the front yard and she does the back yard. She does the weed-eating and the blowing off of the residue. She does the pruning. She does the flower beds. She even trims limbs off the trees. It's in her blood. Her twin sister born 18 months ahead of her is the same way. Their mom was widely known for her green thumb. She could grow just about anything. We are enjoying the greenery while we can because we've been through too many summers to not realize the scorching that will soon arrive in our area. Thankful we are still able to do what we do. Thankful we have a place to do it, and, also thankful we can enjoy it all. Amen.

You may have seen the notice about the passing of Al Kaline, (1934-2020). He was one of my baseball heroes. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980, you should check out his lifetime stats to see how greatness is defined. That also carried over to his personal and public life. I want to close today's edition with what I wrote about my connection to Al Kaline from early August of last year.

~ Back when I was growing up, I lived and breathed baseball, beginning with Little League and progressing through Dixie Youth. I'm not ashamed to say I slept with my glove at night. It was a Wilson Al Kaline signature glove. He was the player I followed. Recently, I had the opportunity to get an authentic Al Kaline autographed baseball. A fellow in our local fellowship is donating his sizeable collection of sports memorabilia to be auctioned off as a fundraiser for our youth ministry. I jumped at the chance to get the Al Kaline baseball. I checked and found a high value for the ball and made it a donation to the youth ministry. It means next to nothing to most folks but it does mean something to me. Here is an extract about him on his Baseball Hall of Fame page: "Offensive consistency became Kaline’s hallmark over the years, hitting at least 20 home runs and batting .300 or better nine times each. A superb defensive outfielder with a strong throwing arm, he also collected 10 Gold Glove awards. In the 1968 World Series, Kaline’s only appearance in the Fall Classic, he batted .379, hit two home runs and drove in eight to help Detroit knock off the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. 'You almost have to watch him play every day to appreciate what he does,' said veteran pitcher and former Tigers teammate Johnny Podres. 'You hear about him, sure, but you really can’t understand until you see him. He just never makes a mistake.' By the time Kaline’s 22-year big league career ended in 1974, the lifelong Tiger and 18-time All-Star had collected 3,007 hits, 399 home runs and a .297 career batting average. 'People ask me, was it my goal to play in the majors for 20 years? Was it my goal to get 3,000 hits someday? Lord knows, I didn’t have any goals,' Kaline once said. I tell them, 'My only desire was to be a baseball player.'" Enough said!

I believe I had a similar attitude when I was playing because I only wanted to play ball. Period. Did I ever dream about playing in the big leagues? I can't say for sure, but, I do remember playing some games against some really outstanding players. I was really good, especially, when I played teams that were not so good. You know. Big fish. Little pond. However, not all teams fit the definition of being not so good. The really great teams made me aware of a more realistic perspective. Little fish. Big pond. I still have my Dixie Youth uniform. I think it might be a size 14. They made them last back then, out of wool. I'm not sure if there are any photos of me wearing my uniform. There might have been one or two in mom's stuff, but, I don't remember ever seeing any. I do remember playing. I actually even remember some of the games. I particularly remember one game where I made a huge error. It likely cost us the game. Isn't it interesting how that one still makes my gut tighten up? I let down my team. I know I hit a few home runs. I also know when pitching I hit a few batters. I played consistently for maybe four or five years. I can remember many of my teammates. My coaches. They no doubt helped me become who I am today. I'm not sure how but I think one is supposed to say stuff like that. That is why I put it in. ~

Well, until next time, let's all continue to do our best to do our best to follow the prevention guidelines we have been given. We are doing that here. May God bless. Amen. .....More later.