Viper Ray

Welcome to the world of my dad. At 75 years young he is a tailback for the Louisiana Bayou Vipers, a semi-pro football team in the Southern Spring Football League. Not his first rodeo, he was previously on the Hammond Headhunters and I think another team that I've forgotten the name of (he's hard to keep up with!).

He proudly carried the ball in the first play of the game last night against the Brookhaven Tri-County Heroes. The Vipers emerged the victor, 32-15.

Of course I was on the sidelines with Mabel II.

Border Photoshop action by Steve Rich of Another "Rich" Collectible
Thanks, Lisa and Evelyn for introducing me to this action. I love it!

Game face, aka Losing Face (the Vipers were behind during the first half of the game)

Finally, a score for the Vipers!

I like this shot because of the players whizzing by

After the game they're all smiles.
L-R: Coach, daddy, team owner

IF YOU ELECT ME I'LL SET THE RETIREMENT AGE AT 55!
LET RAY SHOW YOU THE WAY!

My dad—a policeman and later lieutenant for the Baton Rouge Police Force—has a long list of accomplishments: he was published in a hunting magazine; mentioned in a book called Race and Democracy: The Civil Rights Struggle in Louisiana, 1915-1972; won numerous gold medals at the Senior Olympics; played competitive tennis; won 2nd place in a local art contest. I'm sure I've left something out, but as I said before, I can't keep up!

Hope this inspires YOU to do something great! I'd love to hear about other senior citizens who ignore their physical age and approach life with the same gusto. Go dad!

Updates before I leave...

Upate #1: Last Friday hubby wanted to celebrate his birthday by watching the Texas Rangers play the Yankees. Unfortunately, the Rangers didn't get the memo. Oh, they were there on the field, dressed, looking like professional players and all, they just didn't show up to PLAY BALL! But afterwards there was an awesome fireworks display which made up for the loss. Hubby also met up with two of his financial advisor buds who sat two sections over. We had a great time despite the lackluster effort from the team.

Look who threw the first pitch! I had fun texting everyone that I just shot Matthew McConaughey. My son texted back and told me to put the gun down and turn myself in. :)

Harrison was really struggling. I believe he pitched 6 innings before they finally pulled him out.

A-Rod and Jeter. I have another very clear one of A-Rod but he's...er...adjusting his...uh, trousers. 

Update #2: On Saturday I had planned to clean the entire house, do laundry, shop for my trip, and cook a big pot of chili for my boys to take home for meals next week. I tackled the dirtiest job first--cleaning the bathrooms. Afterwards I became extremely ill and spent the rest of the day on the couch moaning and groaning and running back and forth to the bathroom. It wasn't pretty.

Update #3a: By Sunday, I was feeling marginally better so I did my best to ignore the stomach cramps which persisted (but not as bad as the day before) and went to the grocery store to gather things for the Mother's Day BBQ. I even went to Kohl's to buy some jeans for my trip. I am happy to report that I was able to buy one pair of jeans in a size 8! I am 5 lbs. away from my goal weight that I set last May. And if I continue with whatever illness I've acquired, I may get there by the end of the week. :/

Update #3b: Although my daughter wasn't able to be with us, it was a pleasant afternoon. It made my heart happy to hear the boys say how much they miss their sister and how our family gatherings aren't the same without her. I remember the days they fought like cats and dogs. Now they love and care about each other and it's a beautiful thing, man.

Update #4: Off to Portland tomorrow afternoon where I will have 3-1/2 days with my daughter. I am so excited to see her and also see some of the things I missed on the last trip. She is so much fun and we pretty much like the same things. On Saturday when I hit the big FIVE-OH I will return to Dallas to hopefully spend time with my boys and whoever else might join us at our favorite Mexican restaurant!

Y'all be good while I'm gone now, ya hear?! Until then a few more bird and squirrel photos:

What seeds? I don't see any seeds.

Doesn't this remind you of ET?