tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70908681674381551452024-03-13T10:46:42.541-05:00The Ball TeamTina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.comBlogger945125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-10300365815902951942023-11-30T14:36:00.022-06:002023-12-03T14:42:49.452-06:00Splash - November 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5_WPb2Q0s-vC4zdy_-aGlXGOgjgDK6evM57xmnjUdlSQIIhWaPDYORketFFz_CFL99T-AzD3y3V_sS9KBMMkGTHAOYFuhxWG-mcmjqHo6_8swT13rJKehjdPAkUz_eg9Cynjr_q0W-2YuqQ-fnr22p1QzEY88gdr90QB_heY5QkMprb_GiZz3SRAnso/s4416/IMG_4493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3416" data-original-width="4416" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5_WPb2Q0s-vC4zdy_-aGlXGOgjgDK6evM57xmnjUdlSQIIhWaPDYORketFFz_CFL99T-AzD3y3V_sS9KBMMkGTHAOYFuhxWG-mcmjqHo6_8swT13rJKehjdPAkUz_eg9Cynjr_q0W-2YuqQ-fnr22p1QzEY88gdr90QB_heY5QkMprb_GiZz3SRAnso/s320/IMG_4493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This splash photo was taken at Thanksgiving at my brother Eric's house. We have been gathering there for years now, at least since we have moved to Maryland. This year we have much to be grateful for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo was taken on the back porch, after the fire they built in the backyard had died out and it was time for to come inside for pie. They just happen to be standing in birth order here - from left to right, we have, Rachel (25), Samantha (24), Charlotte (20), Josephine (19) and JMichael (15). Ezamay is right in front of the column and she just turned four last month.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-54953810688951548182023-08-31T15:07:00.001-05:002023-12-03T15:14:50.679-06:00Splash - August 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG42Y-CSGlT0Z5tJhik9NyMn9io_MNCvcwuIi9e2wXuODS7zeQ4hU-YSeGZM3gmzdo9UhKjTwnAzA6QQ2vS0PcAQJf5xelVZvzisW9JoCi81lUuYZ9SmCuobjFRpbX5Y-z5vr97fIhqAhisVqKB1UCSHZnZnGi5mLatZuHtOnaC4JoHJfdGBqxuh8j2Qc/s3124/August%2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3124" data-original-width="2473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG42Y-CSGlT0Z5tJhik9NyMn9io_MNCvcwuIi9e2wXuODS7zeQ4hU-YSeGZM3gmzdo9UhKjTwnAzA6QQ2vS0PcAQJf5xelVZvzisW9JoCi81lUuYZ9SmCuobjFRpbX5Y-z5vr97fIhqAhisVqKB1UCSHZnZnGi5mLatZuHtOnaC4JoHJfdGBqxuh8j2Qc/s320/August%2023.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The August Splash was taken at church. Look at these five in a row - from front to back, or left to right, we have Josephine (18), JMichael (15), Samantha (24), Rachel (25) and Charlotte (20). If you look closely between Josephine and JMichael, you will see a little hand at about JMichael's elbow. That is Ezamay (3), who was being very good but did not manage to make it into the photo. My brother's wife was getting baptized and we all were there to support her. And no, Josephine does not have a tattoo.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-3404650226511288332022-11-30T11:10:00.001-06:002022-11-30T11:10:00.173-06:00Splash - November 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjpCh2JjKXWd7_1vxSR0TI1NUIXSJjUsSG74XAqWAIpZGclMZOF83faOGNSxXCPCI4iF1a7gZx34uQbVVSsmGKeUbynJuAWfz-grKNNYJ-5guvnO7NWLby1Eb2BVOV4nn3Uae52l7gs8bsBlsSrZdVBRfstlfnJdTGkHXRRzVoepPdIrwfvQsk70i/s4196/November%202022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3204" data-original-width="4196" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjpCh2JjKXWd7_1vxSR0TI1NUIXSJjUsSG74XAqWAIpZGclMZOF83faOGNSxXCPCI4iF1a7gZx34uQbVVSsmGKeUbynJuAWfz-grKNNYJ-5guvnO7NWLby1Eb2BVOV4nn3Uae52l7gs8bsBlsSrZdVBRfstlfnJdTGkHXRRzVoepPdIrwfvQsk70i/s320/November%202022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> This Splash was taken at our new house! This is moving day - everyone has been working hard and there are still boxes everywhere and no one can find anything yet - but we are in a new place. This one is cozy; it's in town on a quiet street, close to stuff and still private. We have a fireplace for the first time in my life - and the kids lives - and we are loving it. Especially the shower - RAIN HEAD. That is all. Love it. Love them. November 2022.<p></p><p>Ezamay usually gets her own picture in the Splash. But do you see her? On the left. We have Samantha, Ezamay, Rachel, JMichael, Josephine and Charlotte. It was so cute to watch Ezamay help with the move. She was all about it. Picking up stuff and putting stuff away. She calls Samantha Manfa and Rachel is Rae. We love her.</p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-19612287390618762022022-10-14T10:18:00.002-05:002022-11-11T10:46:49.576-06:00COVID<p>James is not pictured on the blog enough. It's about the kids, true, but, look at my handsome husband. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-W2kjbwgOnDlK9FlHOQYhnpW48QU1XpxlnQ61pNNUAfDpVG9aZzgPnUImMMS3v8QYWDE9-mP3Vs-LHN9jvEz7K0uKR1HkCudolDRH6OkQiSrAvsCTRD4dOFOsHyZfCr-ofDACPQHck9j8FdUFVXbsYQDWc-yeoxoXRrXy94rjFv5veF61MOj2CU2/s3088/IMG_7130.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-W2kjbwgOnDlK9FlHOQYhnpW48QU1XpxlnQ61pNNUAfDpVG9aZzgPnUImMMS3v8QYWDE9-mP3Vs-LHN9jvEz7K0uKR1HkCudolDRH6OkQiSrAvsCTRD4dOFOsHyZfCr-ofDACPQHck9j8FdUFVXbsYQDWc-yeoxoXRrXy94rjFv5veF61MOj2CU2/w150-h200/IMG_7130.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDe46kE7GhQ9ImCEAgvt1djVQ3ixXEjhEDLhc8E1dygr-P8VAxe1zvzFlAg2oOnCAWogmKbY85ksOeJqWi8t98uEWK2KtWvwEmYNrne9lqSOBGiiCjU6FlVlzqE-IFEXgUSHCIB5ie6rWGI3BMdScMzDD7MdgrjRHS5fTVlBjQZ6uYB5eLkopiBH8/s4032/WNRP9759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDe46kE7GhQ9ImCEAgvt1djVQ3ixXEjhEDLhc8E1dygr-P8VAxe1zvzFlAg2oOnCAWogmKbY85ksOeJqWi8t98uEWK2KtWvwEmYNrne9lqSOBGiiCjU6FlVlzqE-IFEXgUSHCIB5ie6rWGI3BMdScMzDD7MdgrjRHS5fTVlBjQZ6uYB5eLkopiBH8/w200-h150/WNRP9759.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made him the pictures in this post because we had COVID together. He is certain that we got it from a doordash customer who came to James' drivers side window to get his delivery instead of waiting for me to take it to his door. I mean, he was politely walking over, he saved me a trip, but James believes that contact - which is not supposed to happen - transmitted COVID from the customer to James.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took the kids to Tilghman for a Saturday afternoon picnic. The September splash is the picture from that day. We had fun. Beautiful weather; great company; watermelon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the time we got home Saturday afternoon, James said I should take Charlotte dashing because he was not feeling well. He went to bed. I dashed. On Sunday, he did not get out of bed all day; neither did I. We stayed in our room, moaning and achy and miserable. The kids all brought us food and asked it we were still living - from the threshold of the door only. No closer. No Ezamay. Just COVID.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I texted Justin on Sunday evening and said I was not feeling good. He said, you should get a COVID test. We did. We had it. Ugh. James and I spent the whole week in bed. Days went by and we didn't pick up our phones, watch any tv or even eat. The only time I felt alive was while a HOT shower was soothing my soul It was more horrible than I can explain. And I don't want to go there again anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The second week at home was better, but hardly a good time. We slowly regained the will to interact with each other, let alone the world at large. I missed two full weeks of work and we missed two full weeks of dashing. Once we felt like we could work again, it sure was necessary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I remember early in the COVID experience I had remarked that we should all just contract it and build antibodies and get over it. Oh how wrong that is. It was the closest I think I've been to death and it was not anything I care to repeat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still, here we are. Alive and healthy and over it. The hard way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">COVID had a bit of unsuspected collateral damage - a move. Since I was late paying our rent that month, due to my sudden lack of funds, our landlord decided that our "excuses" were too much for her and she evicted us. We paid our rent - let the records show - with a late fee. Still, she said get out. So we did. And now we are in a new place (by November) and better off.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-68931979298971634252022-09-30T08:43:00.001-05:002022-10-11T08:49:56.282-05:00Splash - September 2022<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqBz7t__Smz2kHw8-bBH03g1jX0rIufT7aCdkPwTuSTqowAROxDX2GxnuFjvFITgewwNkiDmVpHy20-wFCfuEkBeQVyIHrad1TCEt1xMaMUs_BWAAep9H0_zJAogBnfbVGevpcyQen1Fld2MWpSuJ9s8YhJT8K_1B_1TvEKiBi1BYLoTjYYQYhJR5/s1544/IMG_1506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1176" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqBz7t__Smz2kHw8-bBH03g1jX0rIufT7aCdkPwTuSTqowAROxDX2GxnuFjvFITgewwNkiDmVpHy20-wFCfuEkBeQVyIHrad1TCEt1xMaMUs_BWAAep9H0_zJAogBnfbVGevpcyQen1Fld2MWpSuJ9s8YhJT8K_1B_1TvEKiBi1BYLoTjYYQYhJR5/s320/IMG_1506.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The September splash was taken at the end of the world. That's what we call Tilghman Island, Maryland. It's the end point of the road - after that it's just the Chesapeake Bay. We like to hang out there and watch the boats go by or at night the stars are AMAZING. No lights anywhere, just the calm lap of the water and the breeze of the currents. And fishermen. By day this place is great for fishing, 'cause we have seen some whoppers reeled in. We had sandwiches and watermelon - your basic Ball Team picnic.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_X36nSZEY1BnfOUmSv0V1dJf2cuNRGl6c7Lj5poPqBIyCg4oRGh8BRr_qL7tQCKJQqtZLESCZdx5dF9UiJbPXITY6kgljtw3geZpcdq37WAzQk4LfgcGBjfPmvcbSc5qye82NzhfklZv7gnNi4iwp16rPb_Gz1KGJCLrwtrFbp4kCbd6IyOatvCB/s4032/IMG_1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_X36nSZEY1BnfOUmSv0V1dJf2cuNRGl6c7Lj5poPqBIyCg4oRGh8BRr_qL7tQCKJQqtZLESCZdx5dF9UiJbPXITY6kgljtw3geZpcdq37WAzQk4LfgcGBjfPmvcbSc5qye82NzhfklZv7gnNi4iwp16rPb_Gz1KGJCLrwtrFbp4kCbd6IyOatvCB/s320/IMG_1490.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's Ezamay. Eating herself some delicious watermelon - the last one we bought this season. She will be three next month - so here she is rocking two.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-59165244888064264752022-08-31T08:19:00.001-05:002022-10-11T08:30:41.625-05:00Splash - August 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEO9cZ6tIk_VUV6C7BDxb88v0WXEPrU5CScg0eqRMtzp4rQWM0k57zDs4gsTfNLj2ceE0HzCE7qiGO4Wpfnd3EkI8kWqLcg5uIPpzV7KIfYx7qaOzFdDzYwxwxiIBDKqlCuXXPtXkM6tjZTbTG3AUs1YwOIOsxwq5oeY2ShtXO9002Cb9MuKl69p5/s4370/IMG_1624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4370" data-original-width="3370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEO9cZ6tIk_VUV6C7BDxb88v0WXEPrU5CScg0eqRMtzp4rQWM0k57zDs4gsTfNLj2ceE0HzCE7qiGO4Wpfnd3EkI8kWqLcg5uIPpzV7KIfYx7qaOzFdDzYwxwxiIBDKqlCuXXPtXkM6tjZTbTG3AUs1YwOIOsxwq5oeY2ShtXO9002Cb9MuKl69p5/s320/IMG_1624.JPG" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This splash was taken at our favorite beach - Slaughter Beach, Delaware. It doesn't sound nice at all, does it? It really isn't actually. It's littered with the remains of horseshoe crabs, very rocky and accessed only by a walk through the dunes. We love it because it is deserted. We will occasionally see someone jogging or walking a dog, but, we have NEVER seen other beach goers there. 'Cause it's our beach. Miles and miles of shoreline, no tourists, no little kids running in the sand. Just the BallTeam and the seagulls (air-rats).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2x-StKOlHbLqUmvB6IYZoff87HYTix4xItctb2tmxIgaYWA_aUkrVnNxgcxHZCB4mF2Cd2OaL1tWSdo-GE05qNAbSLxVPLOeigqo5jhgj0hE7Y5Fwuqgcu1mYv9V2enbnXaDDfFUQmU9ZYB41yXhpxfF6cKBazWBhMKX-2J9h1_W0cqkV3fH2Rw8/s4032/IMG_6876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2x-StKOlHbLqUmvB6IYZoff87HYTix4xItctb2tmxIgaYWA_aUkrVnNxgcxHZCB4mF2Cd2OaL1tWSdo-GE05qNAbSLxVPLOeigqo5jhgj0hE7Y5Fwuqgcu1mYv9V2enbnXaDDfFUQmU9ZYB41yXhpxfF6cKBazWBhMKX-2J9h1_W0cqkV3fH2Rw8/s320/IMG_6876.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right across the street for the parking area is a nature trail. Out there in the marshes the Department of Natural Resources has built nests for the eagles and osprey. You can see them with binoculars, set up from the trail. After our day at the beach, we walked the nature trail. As you can see from this photo, there is precious little traffic. (I don't think there's even a convenience store in this little coastal town.) We did some poses in the street - this one is Ezamay (two years old) and Josephine (17), mimicking Samantha, egging her on to pose for the cameras!</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-83320072914549950302022-07-31T13:30:00.027-05:002022-07-31T13:30:00.172-05:00Splash - July 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9Z_j2Cq_2GGC7742qELrlAe1cpKHV4EDhg-PtRvN8_OgLFjN7Z8TKtIN_JX3DRVhEI7FTmtKOE0XqcIoMcrb8hG_RTUpApqJEWiY_RemMCyEjutt6C5z5CtjP7Y1pn5e3n6CdFb6tMv4w138AxuyAPEo_jxFRkCWJFXaJraQx_xbx5it3oxULT0Q/s3592/July%202022%20splash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2638" data-original-width="3592" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9Z_j2Cq_2GGC7742qELrlAe1cpKHV4EDhg-PtRvN8_OgLFjN7Z8TKtIN_JX3DRVhEI7FTmtKOE0XqcIoMcrb8hG_RTUpApqJEWiY_RemMCyEjutt6C5z5CtjP7Y1pn5e3n6CdFb6tMv4w138AxuyAPEo_jxFRkCWJFXaJraQx_xbx5it3oxULT0Q/s320/July%202022%20splash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our July splash was intended to show patriotic support. But, it's hot out here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still, Happy Birthday America.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYyf210P7ix-Cp9JfuGljMP4La1JnpNqb-sd5HN-l_db0xZ3gKtfxwCLk8JesdfHg7Zc6kxDmB4n1fAiDc4Fr-3kMGgVQjJLsadrT614twOxV411lD30jVUIwCj7MIpBVl_d-fRAhYU13gchTfgtL6RXUXBW6HFeBSUZaLoDFSa5KkZfInHL5AQsC/s3088/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYyf210P7ix-Cp9JfuGljMP4La1JnpNqb-sd5HN-l_db0xZ3gKtfxwCLk8JesdfHg7Zc6kxDmB4n1fAiDc4Fr-3kMGgVQjJLsadrT614twOxV411lD30jVUIwCj7MIpBVl_d-fRAhYU13gchTfgtL6RXUXBW6HFeBSUZaLoDFSa5KkZfInHL5AQsC/s320/IMG_1310.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And our sweet rascal. Giving me the thumbs up (that's my tuft of grey hair in the front seat) as we cruise along the byways - Poppy is driving us. She can say about three dozen sayings, knows tons of words and will sweetly say, you ok? if you say ow around her. She sings, laughs and talks all day. Well, not all day...girl has to have her cheese and juice. She will be three in October, so here she is 33 months old. How time flies.</div></div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-66097804162152567662022-06-30T09:44:00.001-05:002022-06-30T09:44:00.169-05:00Splash - June 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicucb8tUDcdcbc0wn5dY52tava0lsqvznv5Fk5rBa5kWMVFqjAjd4cZVHZYVrUY9FXi41_3ACifI6BXJS0o2jhbBMNs6ziKDRF_7IokHZKbQ_y-zC1WSXuD9vfvakubHgQpZfuGkUIKEgBbbw35YPryM14k0BujhiTkwjDYdwbRjz0UDOs1m6A6Ld1/s3262/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3262" data-original-width="3100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicucb8tUDcdcbc0wn5dY52tava0lsqvznv5Fk5rBa5kWMVFqjAjd4cZVHZYVrUY9FXi41_3ACifI6BXJS0o2jhbBMNs6ziKDRF_7IokHZKbQ_y-zC1WSXuD9vfvakubHgQpZfuGkUIKEgBbbw35YPryM14k0BujhiTkwjDYdwbRjz0UDOs1m6A6Ld1/s320/IMG_0836.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The splash for June 2022 is taken at Samantha's new apartment - she has a one bedroom place in Chestertown. No air conditioning, rickety steps that make you questions your life choices and a cute red refrigerator. She's got it all. It's minutes by bike from her work, and steps from the walking trail through town. Right on, Samantha. And yes, JMichael is on crutches. More on that, and Samantha's apartment, in other posts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQW00db-R1_S48Oo1neZaB8baFQFQ8RONxOn9bHBX57SNQrb4UFbx6UR0gHs0oNgJn92G1GmSvl5ssc2wEJEf9hKYsTtUfGXzrja1znKmHb_y-UdeSjqkiAr7Vfo0ejljWfehZfnQDlsjmvcPFRNCvKZmOLrYJ3wIetvs0kpcKdUp2vDELiemg1LF/s2436/IMG_0841.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQW00db-R1_S48Oo1neZaB8baFQFQ8RONxOn9bHBX57SNQrb4UFbx6UR0gHs0oNgJn92G1GmSvl5ssc2wEJEf9hKYsTtUfGXzrja1znKmHb_y-UdeSjqkiAr7Vfo0ejljWfehZfnQDlsjmvcPFRNCvKZmOLrYJ3wIetvs0kpcKdUp2vDELiemg1LF/s320/IMG_0841.PNG" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is Ezamay - do not be fooled by the mean mug - this girl wins hearts with her smile. The other day, Charlotte and I were at the grocery store with Ezamay, who is walking along and holding the cart. We turned a corner in the store, and passed another lady in the new aisle. Ezamay turned to her mom, and said, <b>loud and clear</b> - <i>she cute</i>! Charlotte and I laughed, but, I don't think the lady understood Ezamay or paid her any mind more than a smile. But, to Charlotte and to me, Ezamay was expressing her opinion - <i>she cute</i>!</div><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-44726674670514617562022-05-31T10:03:00.009-05:002022-05-31T10:03:00.166-05:00Splash - May 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIBF4mx70a28ST1YgVspe8OLbOrXtvEIwOWNCXCx-rMUefAxbUrHBm76kGkOp-ItR47SxjmeWZFHL3hiul5TJbklFKktVt7rdzFBaqIdMBV4eg3PrDlyRdz820RhhAk3HOaCsM7cR4aHh0hKJMmwSnGNl3szCuJ8rLm11qTRlp-LdNAmkPIFX68O0/s3303/May%202022%20splash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2433" data-original-width="3303" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIBF4mx70a28ST1YgVspe8OLbOrXtvEIwOWNCXCx-rMUefAxbUrHBm76kGkOp-ItR47SxjmeWZFHL3hiul5TJbklFKktVt7rdzFBaqIdMBV4eg3PrDlyRdz820RhhAk3HOaCsM7cR4aHh0hKJMmwSnGNl3szCuJ8rLm11qTRlp-LdNAmkPIFX68O0/s320/May%202022%20splash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm not one to complain, or maybe I am. {I AM looking forward to being a cranky old lady....} With COVID, and the big ladies living in different towns, and work schedules, and the price of gas, well, let's just say that's it's been a hard winter for the Ball Team. But here they all are. I talk to each of them everyday. I know they each face challenges. I know they will find a way. They have each other. This photo was taken at Grandmom's house, when we got together for Mother's day. This crew made me a Mom, Charlotte made them aunts and uncles! Just to catch you up, dear reader - they are, from left to right: Samantha (22), Charlotte (19), Josephine (17) and JMichael (14), with Rachel (24) seated in the front.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSAX-6FGrCIwbc1n6jKOaIUZqd8qBUe0ujliSfBK3JPvJB_7yv3GSIYDq3P2xy49HyZ2qvSRbHSNeVHgo1waukMd3GU9zWbpo3N0SMDm3mLJ908Sj_3HJdfSMd6txcyqdK4Ij5XQmFfeFaQ9CSfrZWeltZTVg0ndvb2bJBUjuTehsZQQN3y6tmU1q/s3088/HJDY2069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSAX-6FGrCIwbc1n6jKOaIUZqd8qBUe0ujliSfBK3JPvJB_7yv3GSIYDq3P2xy49HyZ2qvSRbHSNeVHgo1waukMd3GU9zWbpo3N0SMDm3mLJ908Sj_3HJdfSMd6txcyqdK4Ij5XQmFfeFaQ9CSfrZWeltZTVg0ndvb2bJBUjuTehsZQQN3y6tmU1q/s320/HJDY2069.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Miss Rascal - Ezamay at two and a half. She knows how to take al her clothes off. She's starting to potty train and she will talk your ears off. You won't have a clue what the story is about, but, boy, this girl can spin a yarn. Here hers is with her Poppy.</div><p></p><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-1004035088319194242021-11-30T12:30:00.001-06:002021-11-30T12:30:00.177-06:00Splash - November 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ2CXk6uwlA/YYAkQTKZZxI/AAAAAAAAKI0/Sb3FqMwDREI0Cg4DwY2ZUK94KWyKI_N6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2048" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ2CXk6uwlA/YYAkQTKZZxI/AAAAAAAAKI0/Sb3FqMwDREI0Cg4DwY2ZUK94KWyKI_N6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9578.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The November splash is just the kids on a Sunday afternoon - the weather is getting cooler and the big ladies came by for a quick visit. This is our pre-football, being lazy look. Aren't they getting big?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Ezamay, who is two now. She can say What the heck? and What happened? and Stop. She also says, Bless you, thank you and welcome! We adults are known to fake a sneeze just to hear her cute little bless you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPHtZ3pXRhQ/YYAlEms595I/AAAAAAAAKI8/S3rRQS_g3_wxfq_VdHuJZ_81ZAvzS3K7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPHtZ3pXRhQ/YYAlEms595I/AAAAAAAAKI8/S3rRQS_g3_wxfq_VdHuJZ_81ZAvzS3K7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9584.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ezamay - two years old!</div></div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-83686371897370490752021-06-30T13:05:00.001-05:002021-08-06T14:55:19.872-05:00Splash - June 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h75NJbTwQ34/YMeafHvBkjI/AAAAAAAAJ_Q/qglPHneGawkXUmG7VDC8A_WQvrzCKzHNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/June%2B2021%2BSplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1571" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h75NJbTwQ34/YMeafHvBkjI/AAAAAAAAJ_Q/qglPHneGawkXUmG7VDC8A_WQvrzCKzHNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/June%2B2021%2BSplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The June splash was just a quick formation on the front lawn. Our neighbors tell me all the time how adorable our children are when they pose for photos. I'm kidding. It's covid; we don't talk to anyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">:)</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-51091330195119952122021-05-31T12:27:00.011-05:002021-06-14T12:33:27.208-05:00Splash - May 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgc9UlJaLIY/YMeRqTf_n7I/AAAAAAAAJ_I/WPXZlQaxyQcatDQa25jigH-LJHxjc6_dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/May%2B2021%2Bsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgc9UlJaLIY/YMeRqTf_n7I/AAAAAAAAJ_I/WPXZlQaxyQcatDQa25jigH-LJHxjc6_dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/May%2B2021%2Bsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our May splash is taken in our side yard - a beautiful canopy by a maple tree provides shade for the bright pink azaleas against the house. It's funny, because the kids will ask me what kind of plant this or that is. I didn't realize, Dad, how I was soaking up your random knowledge - this is lariope, this is a spathyofelia. {Spelling was not included in my lessons, sorry.} Plants were very important to my Dad and to his parents - we were always in the garden. I learned what was a weed and what was to be nurtured without even realizing that I was being taught. So, yes, I'll tell you if it's an elm or an oak, thanks to Dad. Happy Spring everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-54727049825384264272021-04-30T20:08:00.002-05:002021-05-03T14:01:15.331-05:00Splash - April 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOovBV-zmzo/YI37t77UDQI/AAAAAAAAJ88/N49ZuxUdOvcEQaQ3re97sHvsiQXbueBlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s650/April%2B2021%2Bsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="650" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOovBV-zmzo/YI37t77UDQI/AAAAAAAAJ88/N49ZuxUdOvcEQaQ3re97sHvsiQXbueBlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/April%2B2021%2Bsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">April's splash is always fun for me because we have a pre-set theme - an illusion. You might think that in anticipation of what I know will be our photo, I would plan and research and plot. But, sadly, no. I usually wing it - after a quick google search for inspiration. This camera trick is simple - it's all in the position and perspective. These Snap'd crackers were not even open for this shot. We put them safely back in the bin for work lunches - thank you for the prop, JT!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQzw23qu5_0/YJBIRNikM8I/AAAAAAAAJ9I/n0vJlC8-7nIto8No_eLiNgOCAca37x2eACLcBGAsYHQ/s2079/IMG_8309.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2079" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQzw23qu5_0/YJBIRNikM8I/AAAAAAAAJ9I/n0vJlC8-7nIto8No_eLiNgOCAca37x2eACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8309.PNG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And for our money shot - Miss Ezamay....18 months old!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Full of sass and sweet as can be.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-81695645709349848012021-03-31T11:48:00.029-05:002021-03-31T11:48:02.097-05:00Splash - March 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaZkho6bNmc/YEUSVreBKSI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/pmL3BEDNA0Mk2408kNQGV7ZWkra-Vz43wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1867" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaZkho6bNmc/YEUSVreBKSI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/pmL3BEDNA0Mk2408kNQGV7ZWkra-Vz43wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8023.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the March splash, I hit the Dollar Tree and I conscientiously chose the most masculine of all the St Patrick's Day accessories they offered. When we were all together this month, I told them to wear green or orange and that I would provide the spirit of St Patrick. So, I pulled out my bag of goodies, and I watched as each of the ladies chose an accessory and left JMichael with the frilly headband. What did this thirteen year old little man do with that headband? He ROCKED it. That, dear reader, is a good husband and father in the making.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEsJUjKUYCk/YEUSQzewHoI/AAAAAAAAJ4I/_oBX5dDv6HUjI_ROGtNWjgTSV1v99LgBACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_8135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEsJUjKUYCk/YEUSQzewHoI/AAAAAAAAJ4I/_oBX5dDv6HUjI_ROGtNWjgTSV1v99LgBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8135.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Miss Ezamay. This sweet beauty is now 16 months old. Her loving gaze is directed at James - Pops - and she is modeling his new hat.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-56695466819397861372021-03-03T11:22:00.001-06:002021-03-07T11:47:35.942-06:00Betterton Beach at Sunset<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As our kids get older, one thing we (we, as used here, means James and Tina) find ourselves having is more time together. It's fun. Somehow, it's more fun to act like a kid when you are decidedly not a kid, than it was sometimes when I was a kid. I think this transition comes from, well, age. I have less respect for authority but more respect for integrity; I am more comfortable in my own skin now, and I do agree with that old adage: youth is wasted on the young.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, I digress....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took Josephine to her friend Chelsea's house up where we used to live in Kent County. When we dropped her off, it was just the two of us. James said, hey, let's drive to the beach. And, since we are the adults that we have to answer to, we decided, yes. We drove over to the water. It was beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3YoSjDnye4/YEUMJf_YYSI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/ss_2kLQKv7USu0uQbYyIKckjzwbYqwDhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_8079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3YoSjDnye4/YEUMJf_YYSI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/ss_2kLQKv7USu0uQbYyIKckjzwbYqwDhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sun was about to dip under the horizon. We are looking westerly here from the western shore of the eastern shore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7c1pMKXEzag/YEUMK99G22I/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/8iQ6SdhHgQEAfzQIot1OHFXGD53RliWSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_8080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7c1pMKXEzag/YEUMK99G22I/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/8iQ6SdhHgQEAfzQIot1OHFXGD53RliWSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8080.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the other side of the marina, the moon is rising in the east.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJvdSB8beks/YEUMLKLIKjI/AAAAAAAAJ3g/3kigK_e4Qv0-uxg_klThCvLG5iKtW6XZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_8082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJvdSB8beks/YEUMLKLIKjI/AAAAAAAAJ3g/3kigK_e4Qv0-uxg_klThCvLG5iKtW6XZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8082.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The water was quite still.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nMa9_7hCOw/YEUMMXJ5_2I/AAAAAAAAJ3o/UOWEmQFDOQMuGEL5py8E1PQpj_sqBlDpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_8084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nMa9_7hCOw/YEUMMXJ5_2I/AAAAAAAAJ3o/UOWEmQFDOQMuGEL5py8E1PQpj_sqBlDpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8084.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our footprints leading away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CALvhsKFaD0/YEUQU1x2Z_I/AAAAAAAAJ4A/f5TN5YillC8dNssNb3bRjundWcN_3BQ3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_8076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CALvhsKFaD0/YEUQU1x2Z_I/AAAAAAAAJ4A/f5TN5YillC8dNssNb3bRjundWcN_3BQ3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And here we are capturing the sun before it fades away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Betterton Beach, March 2021)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQJsck6_2PI/YEUMJNoIGII/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/a06fAgMicLo6M8o8CcG5SP36oUUYcxxNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8071.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Random shot, out the back window, which is crazy - see how I lined up the tree and the pole - PERFECTLY - ???? Beasted, as JMichael would say.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0Oe7kx2xa4/YEUML6qi-2I/AAAAAAAAJ3k/pVWpEpyL2uYfq7iBYB9C_gFgPzh_qgJUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_8089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0Oe7kx2xa4/YEUML6qi-2I/AAAAAAAAJ3k/pVWpEpyL2uYfq7iBYB9C_gFgPzh_qgJUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunset over the graves and fields. So serene and striking at the same time.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-25962518544104070802021-02-28T10:19:00.032-06:002021-03-02T10:34:13.624-06:00Splash - February 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHRAQDb7sS8/YD5l-NjEQCI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/cKA1LWN5S2U3nM9I1vruZMv9EACoe5yGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8021%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHRAQDb7sS8/YD5l-NjEQCI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/cKA1LWN5S2U3nM9I1vruZMv9EACoe5yGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8021%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The February splash is just five kids on a couch. I am always amazed at how big they get. And how similar they look - Samantha and Josephine are like twins when they dress alike. Rachel and Charlotte look alike and JMichael is right there with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And through all of the growth and change some facts remain the same - they will always hold their baby brother - even if he is as big as they are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And truth be told, if I could write on the walls, I would.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>{</b>Charlotte, 18; Josephine 16; Samantha 21;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rachel 22 and JMichael, 13<b>}</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIoe0RHcL2I/YD5olXTcFmI/AAAAAAAAJ2w/GnSo0JT1fRslhjTgDybrNPYIw1mC1ZKtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIoe0RHcL2I/YD5olXTcFmI/AAAAAAAAJ2w/GnSo0JT1fRslhjTgDybrNPYIw1mC1ZKtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And James, with Ezamay, popping in a for a photo bomb.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-HPlHAWAcI/YD5mDjSHAnI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/hark7iMjXhcB8a7ABXtuU7pR6gYixQfdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-HPlHAWAcI/YD5mDjSHAnI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/hark7iMjXhcB8a7ABXtuU7pR6gYixQfdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8024.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, Miss Ezamay - giving momma a sweet kiss.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{16 months old}</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-60459583717717923272021-01-31T07:35:00.000-06:002021-02-23T11:33:55.221-06:00Splash - January 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bx7Kkrrphww/YDUE2PmjReI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/5gu01z9S55EoXGndZ9zTWQHDDNOpMhZDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/January%2B2021%2Bsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1878" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bx7Kkrrphww/YDUE2PmjReI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/5gu01z9S55EoXGndZ9zTWQHDDNOpMhZDACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/January%2B2021%2Bsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good riddance to 2020.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"That is all I have to say about that." - Forest Gump</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was looking forward to 2020. I mean, the number itself is very symmetrical. And it's crazy divisible. Plus, Christmas was on a Saturday; Valentine's Day was on a Friday. The outlook was all roses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even the BallTeam had a big year - Samantha turned 21. Charlotte turned 18. Josephine turned 16. JMichael turned 12. Ezamay turned ONE. And yes, Rachel turned 22 (and James and I turned 53), and that's great, but look at that - five out of eight had milestone birthdays in one year. One very bad year that needed five more bright spots. Take <b>THAT</b>, corona-virus.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Here's that cute one year old....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKIBcet9osA/YDU2KDSL0JI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/fj8ErbcK0VkaqjtccXSriU4RA3i8Jv2OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKIBcet9osA/YDU2KDSL0JI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/fj8ErbcK0VkaqjtccXSriU4RA3i8Jv2OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7745.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She climbed up in the rocker all by herself. Such a big lady.</div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-86697433842083327122021-01-26T13:27:00.002-06:002021-01-26T13:27:15.471-06:00951<p>This post is actually number 951. We are close to One Thousand posts. Oh my! Any comments on what day I will post number 1,000?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpK11ycc-zA/YBBs2PVW3rI/AAAAAAAAJys/LEJ2py7z70ALprQyJwKaCXutvTimMVhkgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpK11ycc-zA/YBBs2PVW3rI/AAAAAAAAJys/LEJ2py7z70ALprQyJwKaCXutvTimMVhkgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-59171866766483758722020-12-31T11:54:00.002-06:002021-01-02T12:04:38.938-06:00Splash - December 2020<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdfnucdkMeM/X_C0BwURNVI/AAAAAAAAJvw/dqJZLgJfzqcZ8w7qJe7jO7ABH0gkQMfjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7480.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdfnucdkMeM/X_C0BwURNVI/AAAAAAAAJvw/dqJZLgJfzqcZ8w7qJe7jO7ABH0gkQMfjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7480.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know I usually put up the splash picture first when I post my monthly picture of my BallTeam, but, man, is this a great photo of Ezamay, or what? Charlotte caught this beauty a few days before Christmas. I just love that smile....she's a precocious one year old, so don't leave her unattended, but, she's sweeter than peach pie.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMuvAXjb7vw/X_Cz8YGvZBI/AAAAAAAAJvs/wfoW0gExEl4DE_URYIDQZguuzpk6KgR6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/splash%2BDec%2B2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMuvAXjb7vw/X_Cz8YGvZBI/AAAAAAAAJvs/wfoW0gExEl4DE_URYIDQZguuzpk6KgR6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/splash%2BDec%2B2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our December splash - on Grandmom's front porch. I just love that they have fun together.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-57776163789971617522020-12-25T10:15:00.002-06:002021-01-02T12:17:32.099-06:00Christmas 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFLrePmSsdE/X-3152TuzvI/AAAAAAAAJug/-dx2kNLu8xMExGvrtmh3xgeRaXrXRs4JACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/SWNA7616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFLrePmSsdE/X-3152TuzvI/AAAAAAAAJug/-dx2kNLu8xMExGvrtmh3xgeRaXrXRs4JACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/SWNA7616.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our sweet little tree. I'm not one to decorate, so this is doing something. One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is sitting out in the front room with our tree at night. We talk about Christmas past and reconnect after a long year of duties. It's a peaceful time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdgG7A5FxBA/X-314NpcuWI/AAAAAAAAJuc/L9vZFJBhScc9DrdjVmRnQxZvV6zepyEJACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_7196.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdgG7A5FxBA/X-314NpcuWI/AAAAAAAAJuc/L9vZFJBhScc9DrdjVmRnQxZvV6zepyEJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And these five - our BallTeam. Here we are on Ma's porch in Salisbury. Our best Christmas gifts ever. And more work than a new toaster.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9R3AIfXo9sY/X-3111xwMpI/AAAAAAAAJuY/28OcGMVMdAAHBGqkh4mYtdkWRPDVpR0WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_7480.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9R3AIfXo9sY/X-3111xwMpI/AAAAAAAAJuY/28OcGMVMdAAHBGqkh4mYtdkWRPDVpR0WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7480.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Brownie Bite had a big Christmas. She was very entranced by the lights and packages. She pulled at the ornaments, but, hey, you gotta learn, right? Such a sweet and beautiful smile. One year old.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQekQCpDeQs/X-311S0T-AI/AAAAAAAAJuM/tO-Kvo5KcCUXH6HzAc9MJ9YXkryhlUSpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_7474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQekQCpDeQs/X-311S0T-AI/AAAAAAAAJuM/tO-Kvo5KcCUXH6HzAc9MJ9YXkryhlUSpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ma got the ladies mugs. (Serendipitously, I had given Josephine a cappuccino mix I knew she wanted.) They all had cappuccino in their mugs - the picture on their mugs is four young women, each with different hair and clothes, but, the caption says "We are more than just sisters. We are like a really small gang." Spot on, Ma. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYGB_0QFNDs/X-311e7hNLI/AAAAAAAAJuU/UHayegrR9yUuxsMFfiR-1CPNmd1ztAMSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_7469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYGB_0QFNDs/X-311e7hNLI/AAAAAAAAJuU/UHayegrR9yUuxsMFfiR-1CPNmd1ztAMSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7469.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The BallTeam and its honorary captain, Ezamay.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHiUM76vV1s/X-31xE9n6eI/AAAAAAAAJuE/JGVn1BGkW4suEw2i31FQfd1ri4jn5ie6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_7209.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHiUM76vV1s/X-31xE9n6eI/AAAAAAAAJuE/JGVn1BGkW4suEw2i31FQfd1ri4jn5ie6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7209.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ma and her great-granddaughter, Ezamay.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-11044378965690659692020-12-15T12:11:00.002-06:002021-01-02T12:16:55.847-06:00Five Below<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRVBGwqHBTC3A3KBcfSampjzh31Lvw-rkqXsv1-FfhAGCz4cwKd1NZcNL0vUO8cEKmLXPew6Lg1TrTnD3jVQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> The little ladies were doing some Christmas shopping and I was hanging out with my favorite little human, Ezamay. Shockingly, the staff at Five Below just laughed at our trick instead of asking us to adhere to proper shopping protocols. Good for them.<p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-56114163706822928102020-12-11T12:57:00.001-06:002021-01-26T13:07:25.283-06:00Beachy Winter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to take time off from the law office at the end of the year. December is not an ideal time to go to the boardwalk and beach, but, it does have its own charms. We picked up some sales and some warm Fisher's caramel popcorn.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMwz25RdWAw/YBBmLP4oa7I/AAAAAAAAJx8/fnPpMnSuE94xB9C0TfulsxH8r3SyZinTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1832/IMG_7691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="1374" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMwz25RdWAw/YBBmLP4oa7I/AAAAAAAAJx8/fnPpMnSuE94xB9C0TfulsxH8r3SyZinTACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7691.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked the boards and strolled through the shops. Josephine's friend Adrian came along. This shot is off of the end of the island at the inlet - the VA line is just in front of these young men - about ten miles out.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpriReagryM/YBBmKt269tI/AAAAAAAAJxw/Askr62qVdi0WYwVSBeA6t2O45CHQo-MxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1295/IMG_7690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpriReagryM/YBBmKt269tI/AAAAAAAAJxw/Askr62qVdi0WYwVSBeA6t2O45CHQo-MxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7690.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ezamay loved all the sights on the boardwalk and walked a lot of the way herself. She greeted all the dogs and while we were pushing her in the stroller, she waved at all the people.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnXljxs3uUI/YBBmKlMdQrI/AAAAAAAAJx4/mokEjGUbjUEpo0KE79pYcGCr1Y3Zi1kkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1295/IMG_7689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnXljxs3uUI/YBBmKlMdQrI/AAAAAAAAJx4/mokEjGUbjUEpo0KE79pYcGCr1Y3Zi1kkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7689.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Charlotte says this will be E's Santa picture. So cute. She has fun wherever she goes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CMHoaawpkM/YBBmKlLLr3I/AAAAAAAAJx0/-3kzzNUPUz0273wcZ1UBbOQ90LRhkAQEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1295/IMG_7688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CMHoaawpkM/YBBmKlLLr3I/AAAAAAAAJx0/-3kzzNUPUz0273wcZ1UBbOQ90LRhkAQEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7688.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James and I sat on the big Adirondack chair. I love the beach.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OjQImlMZz0/YBBmLoAkAuI/AAAAAAAAJyA/pbn6Ggx4iA8cr9v0-RvE4u7A6gGzfma8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1334/IMG_7692.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OjQImlMZz0/YBBmLoAkAuI/AAAAAAAAJyA/pbn6Ggx4iA8cr9v0-RvE4u7A6gGzfma8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7692.PNG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And these angels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James and Josephine sprout wings.</div><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-52705029061004328972020-12-01T14:41:00.004-06:002020-12-01T14:41:38.012-06:00Splash - November 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzR0snYKHvA/X8aqHxqa_FI/AAAAAAAAJsU/xsbuxnCoCzMIPizDBoQWQ67HIhGU1_BpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/November%2B2020%2Bsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzR0snYKHvA/X8aqHxqa_FI/AAAAAAAAJsU/xsbuxnCoCzMIPizDBoQWQ67HIhGU1_BpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/November%2B2020%2Bsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our November splash is all five - autumnal colors were a complete accident - and the beauty only nature can express. Beauties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-87388508445803077422020-11-29T09:27:00.000-06:002020-12-31T10:17:08.350-06:00Sunrise<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGJ6VW0osZo/X-3tjNS2wjI/AAAAAAAAJts/KGmV5CFwrBY0P7J8tppNpMdcGpX9IZr2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGJ6VW0osZo/X-3tjNS2wjI/AAAAAAAAJts/KGmV5CFwrBY0P7J8tppNpMdcGpX9IZr2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7130.JPG" /></a></div> With a house filled with four pretty daughters, we have seen many boys come and many boys go. Sometimes they stick around for a season, some, only a date or three. The picture here was taken at sunrise at a dock not far from our house. We happened to be on a dock at sunrise because Josephine was seeing a boy - Adrian - and it was his birthday. For his birthday, Adrian wanted to watch the sun rise with his girlfriend. So, James and I double dated with them and drove them in the dark to the dock so we could watch the sunrise. Adrian and Josephine walked out to the end and sat on dock, but, since James and I have seen more sunrises, we stayed closer to the car. The colors and the light were worth the early morning drive. Josephine is no longer dating Adrian - they are just friends - but, what a great birthday request, right?<br /><p></p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090868167438155145.post-75132513734854155782020-11-16T09:34:00.002-06:002021-01-02T11:45:36.506-06:00School - socially distant<p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe you remember in our story that our fourth daughter, Josephine, decided in the ninth grade that she did not like people She began high school in a new town and made a valiant effort to be a part of her new community. She tried out for the volleyball team but, decided it was not for her - she wanted to concentrate on academics. After a few weeks of trying to start conversations with people she thought could be her friends, and a two weeks of being rejected, lunch in the library - poor soul - she was adamant that she could home school herself. So, she found a program online and we pulled her out of ninth grade. We enrolled her in Acellus - an online platform for home schooled kids. She had straight As and she set her own schedule. When tenth grade began, she decided it was time to return to school. COVID, in the meantime, had closed the schools. </div></div><p></p><p>Josephine sat for the ninth grade finals through Easton High School and passed with all As. So, she enrolled back in school as a sophomore, but, was still online as was the whole county, and the whole country.</p><p>As the pandemic lessened, the high school offered that a small number of students could return to campus. To my surprise, Josephine wanted to go. Her thinking, she said, was that the social distance would make everyone eat lunch alone. So this photo is her first official day of school in the tenth grade. This patch would only last less than a week - COVID shut us back up in the house. But - what I learned here from my beautiful little wonder is that if you want something, you have to make it happen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-rL329hLeg/X-3ydnGcpOI/AAAAAAAAJt4/2Gz7-0LZKqEtT7LIDuJqUKe46b8owVMQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-rL329hLeg/X-3ydnGcpOI/AAAAAAAAJt4/2Gz7-0LZKqEtT7LIDuJqUKe46b8owVMQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7097.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p>She didn't like people - she found an online school. She wanted an in person teacher - she went back to the classroom with all its restrictions. Basically, if she sets her mind to it, she gets it. </p><p>The outrageously fun part of all this for me is that I remember that house full of toddlers and babies and how James and I would always say to them, You can do this, you solve the problem, you fix it. Turns out that might have been good advice, right?<br /></p><p>Also, please note Josephine has ten fingers up - for tenth grade. Also, on her hand, see where she wrote her classroom numbers in order? Plus, she had a map in her pocket. She never did get lost. Why? Because she was prepared. Prepared is her middle name. That black thing hanging from her wrist her is her mask. She wouldn't let me take a picture of it with it on.....</p>Tina - Ball Team Co-Captainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10418102808046562865noreply@blogger.com0