Happy Days

A couple great updates for me.  First and most important: my back is without pain now. The steroid injection (cortisone shot) worked perfectly. My back is pain free. The procedure was about 10 minutes and I felt a little bit of it. But, if I can have this procedures twice a year and become pain free, I consider myself lucky.

Second, I bowled another 300 last week (on Ash Wednesday).  Yea Me.  It is my sixth and, in an interesting circumstance, it is my second 300 bowled on February 22nd.  In fact, the last two February 22nd's where I bowled had a 300 game on them (2012 and 2006).  So I must have been without pain and able to concentrate on bowling. 

Finally, lent has begun. May all of you find your Lenten season fulfilling. 

Going under the needle again

Last July, I got a steroid shot in my back to reduce some pressure on my spinal cord (L4 and L5 vertebrae for people that care). Two things happened, my career as a professional baseball player was over due to the steroid shot (just kidding) and my back and leg pain went away. I knew it was a temporary solution and I can have up to 4 shots in 12 months. 

Fast forward 7 months and my back pain and leg pain/numbness is back. So, I go in Monday for my second shot in the back.  Hopefully, this one is as successful as the last one. People talk about these shots being a big deal but last time, it was painless and gave immediate relief. So lots hope for that outcome again this time.

And thank God Roland is OK after his feast at the Chocolate Buffet.

Random thoughts

OK. Time for some random thoughts. Thresa is at a Lady Redbird event (good for her) so I am home alone thinking random thoughts.

• I made supper for myself. I thought about making my famous ham and potato casserole but I did not want to have to buy a new disposal. So I just grilled out a steak and had rice with it plus a glass of wine. Ten minutes and I had an excellent dinner. Top Chef could not do that.  Unfortunately, as Thresa was leaving I found out that Thresa's event did NOT have dinner. Just snacks. Oops. I should have started earlier so we could dine together. My bad.
• Now I am watching Ramona and Beezus on TV. I recorded it from HBO because of Sara's recommendation.  It does portray the middle child very well and I see a little resemblance to Sara's childhood. I am not sure I would give it 4 stars but it is a good movie to have on while I type this blog. I do enjoy the technicolor jeep.
• I have made three of the four train reservations for our Madrid trip. This really is shaping up to be a wonderful trip.  Taking the train to various Spanish towns seems a lot better than trying to drive in a foreign country. Only 2 months until we leave. I know that primarily going to see Julie. But, it is starting to look like a wonderful trip for Thresa and I too. Plus, we really miss Julie. She is in Portugal as I type this out so she is enjoying her semester.
• Next, we are about a month away from owning a second house. To step back a minute, Thresa and I have accomplished a lot of good things in our lives. But our greatest accomplishments are our four children and the wonderful adults that they have become. And to be able to help  our children in whatever way they need is a highlight of our lives.  I just hope and pray that we can continue to be able to help our children whenever the need arises. 
• My car is in the shop to have the key scratches fixed. Thanks to Lisa's knowledge of claims, I am having my car fixed to repair two places where some JackWagon (or substitute your favorite phrase) keyed my car. 
• Finally, I am still praying for two pregnant women, Sara and some unknown family that I hope will make a huge impact on our family (if you know what I mean).

I think that is enough random thoughts for tonight. The movie really is not holding my interest too much. Maybe tomorrow before coffee.