A Belated Update from Winter Park

To my family and friends==>I know I haven’t been online in some time. Two reasons: (1) I have really been feeling terrible, and I mean, terrible as a result of the urinary blockage caused by my enlarged cancer-ridden prostate and the medical regimen to address the cancer: and, (2) I have a serious a computer glitch with my internet browser Google Chrome.

On the health issue - last Wednesday I had a catheter inserted that was both painful and emotionally draining (no pun intended). This coming Monday, at 11:30am, I will report to Florida Hospital at Altamonte Springs where at 1:30pm my urologist, Thomas Cangiano, will perform outpatient procedures, including: “ureteral cystoscopy - stent insertion with C arm.” I will be zonked out. Bill will be with me, of course.

The insertion of the catheter has caused a steady flow of blood in my urine. Hopefully this will not interfere with the procedure. It has also been uncomfortable just moving around.

This is the first time in days that I have felt like sitting in front of this quirky ‘puter ... so ... please forgive me and keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

I will update as soon as I feel like it after the procedure on Monday.

Bill

Follow Up On Spurrier & Grier - Post Season Baseball

Wednesday==>Good afternoon to all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers out there in the morass known as cyberspace.

Your favorite Sunshine State blogger needs to get this posting underway because he has things and stuff to do before his baseball games in the afternoon and evening ... so ...

First, as those of you who are sports fans know, and as reported in yesterday’s posting, Steve Spurrier is no longer the Coach of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, having abruptly left the program on Monday.

This out-of-the-blue event left the sports world wondering WTF was going on. 

Well, Spurrier gave a press conference where he said that he wasn’t retiring, that he had simply quit because the program was going downhill and it was totally his fault and, therefore, it was in the best interests of the school for him to leave now.

Well, I’m sorry Steve ... this still doesn’t smell right to Billi Pod and he still feels that the true reason(s) is being covered up by you and by the school.

Moving on ...

I have no further observations on the Will Grier fiasco.

My blunt language in yesterday’s posting offended some of my loyal and faithful readers and followers ... but ... it represented how Billi Pod felt and still feels ... so ... if you were offended==>you will just have to live with it.

Now ... on to the post season sports scene ... for you, Marty, of course ...

The results from yesterday’s games ...

4:37pm==>ALDS #4 - Cardinals/Cubs from Chicago, won by the Cubs 6-4.

For the first time in the history of Wrigley Field, the Cubs clinch a post season series at home, led by HRs from Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber.

This was an very exciting game to watch as the anticipation and energy flowed out of the roaring stands and onto the field. 

The Cubs will now meet the winner of the Mets/Dodgers series for the NL Championship Series on Saturday.

8:30pm==>NLDS #3 - Dodgers/Mets, from New York, won by the Dodger 3-1, on 7 stellar innings from Clayton Kershaw, working on 3-days rest. Kenley Janson worked a 4-out save.

The win sends the series back to LA for the final game on Thursday.

Today’s games are ...

4:00pm==>ALDS #5 - Rangers/Blue Jays, from Toronto, carried on FS1.

On the mound for the Rangers (2-2) will be Cole Hamels (13-8) vs. Marcus Stroman (4-0) for the Jays.

8:00pm==>ALDS #5 - Astros/Royals, from Kansas City, carried on FS1.

On the mound for the Astros (2-2) will be Collen McHugh (19-7) vs. Johnny Cueto (11-13) for the Royals (2-2). 

The winners of these two games will advance to the AL Championship Series on Friday.

Yes, your favorite blogger will remain in his comfortable apartment in the afternoon and evening to watch both of these games.

Moving on ... 

As anticipated, Billi Pod did not watch any of the Democratic Party Debate, carried on CNN. 

So ... it is time to post this and then keep on ...

KICKING CANCER’S ASS!!

GO GATORS!!

Yesterday’s mileage==>4.38 miles (or, 9,588 steps)

Total mileage for 2015==>1,157.52 miles (average 4.05 miles per day)

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Will Grier - Steve Spurrier - Post Season Baseball

Tuesday==>OK, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, your favorite Sunshine State blogger will address the two major sports issues directly ... beginning with ...

The one year suspension of Gator red-shirt freshman QB Will Grier for testing positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED).

Billi Pod says==>You are a stupid fucking dickwad and you have disgraced yourself, your teammates, your college and the State of Florida.

Your limp response that you didn’t know the over-the-counter supplement contained a PED is the equivalent of the lame “my dog ate my homework” excuse.

Thank God the Gators have Treon Harris.

The next issue is the out-of-the-blue announcement yesterday that South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier was retiring “immediately.”

WTF??

Billi Pod says==>this just doesn’t pass the smell test. The Ole Ball Coach retiring in the middle of the season, without any warning? No fucking way.

Either he was faced with the choice of “retire or be fired,” or ... there is a serious health issue involved (or perhaps something else).

Hopefully, the issue(s) will be clarified soon.

OK ... now ... moving on ... to more sports, for you Marty ...

This is what went down yesterday in the baseball post-season ... and ... yes ... Billi Pod watched all four games ... 

1:00pm==>ALDS #4 - Royals/Astros, from Texas, won by the Royals 9-6, on a 5-run 7th inning. The series is tied 2-2.

The deciding 5th game will be in Kansas on Wednesday night.

4:00pm==>ALDS #4 - Blue Jays/Rangers, from Texas, won by the Blue Jays 8-4 on the long-ball and clutch pitching from R.A. Dickey and David Price, in relief. The series is tied 2-2.

Game 5 will be Wednesday in Toronto.

6:00pm==>NLDS #3 - Cardinals/Cubs, from Chicago, won by the Cubs 8-6 on 6 HRs, a major-league record for a playoff game. Chicago leads the series 2-1.

The next game will be this afternoon at 4:37pm, in St. Louis, carried on TBS.

On the mound for the Cardinals will be John Lackey (13-10) vs. Jason Hammel (10-7) for the Cubs.

8:30pm==>NLDS #3 - Dodgers/Mets, from New York, won by the Mets 13-7. The Dodgers jumped off to a 3-run lead in the top of the second but the Mets answered with 4 runs in the bottom of the inning and never trailed again. The Mets lead the series 2-1.

Tensions were very high at the beginning of the game due to the Utley/Tejada issue, but nothing occurred during the game. Utley was present but did not play. He is appealing his 2-game suspension.

The next game is at 8:00pm tonight in New York, carried on TBS.

On the mound for the Dodgers (1-2) will be Clayton Kershaw (16-7) on 3 days rest vs. rookie Steven Matz (4-0) for the Mets (2-1).

Moving on some more ...

My plans for the afternoon and evening will be to remain in the cool and comfortable confines of my Winter Park apartment to watch the Cardinals/Cubs game and then the Dodgers/Mets game. 

Your favorite blogger will be pulling for the Cubs and then the Dodgers.

Nope ... not gonna waste my time with the Democratic Debate at 8:30pm tonight, carried on CNN.

OK, time to post this and then work on my errands and chores to-do list and continue ...

KICKING CANCER’S ASS!!

GO GATORS!!

Yesterday’s mileage==>3.05 miles (or, 6,675 steps)

Total mileage for 2015==>1,153.14 miles (average 4.05 miles per day)

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Sunday Was Excellent - Art Festival - Susan Best & Eden Bentley - Baseball - Dinner with Bill

Monday==>What an EXCELLENT Sunday for your favorite blogger here in Winter Park in the Sunshine State. So ... why don’t we just get started with all of the details.

First of all, the weather was excellent, a bit overcast but with a nice breeze that had a tinge of Fall in it. It was just pleasant to be out and about.

In the early afternoon I walked over to the WINTER PARK AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL, which is the only juried art show to feature Florida artists exclusively. Central Park has crammed with  exhibition tents and visitors.

Elodie Bentley, who lives in NC and is the ex-wife of my dear friend Judge Randolph Bentley, who left us way too early, had advised me that their daughter, Eden, would be at the show with a friend, Susan Best, who was exhibiting her award winning art work.

I hadn’t seen Eden since Randy’s funeral service so ... when I got to the festival I got directions to where Susan’s tent was and ... tada ... there they were.

In the first photo it is Eden on the left and Susan on the right. In the selfie it is, left to right, Susan, me, and Eden.

We had a nice visit. Susan is from Lakeland where there is another Susan Best, who is an attorney and one of my Facebook friends. Small World.

I was very impressed with Susan’s work. I understand why she won an award in last year’s festival.

So ... Eden and Susan==>it was nice being with you.

I then spent about an hour just walking around the festival. The quality of most of the works was absolutely breathtaking.

Then ... since I was in the general area, I decided to check out the Winter Park Public Library at 460 E. New England Avenue.

The library is located in a 3-story building. I went inside to just check things out ... and ... WOW ... what a first-class operation. I was really impressed.

I got the details regarding what I need to do to get a card and, you can bet on this, I will get my card this week, without a doubt.

When I left the library I then walked back to the apartment for the second phase of my day ... drum roll ... some baseball ... 

Which was ... for you Marty ...

4:10pm==>ALDS #3 - Royals/Astros, in Texas, won by the Astros, 4-2, on a gutsy 7-inning performance from Dallas Keuchel and a 2-run HR from Chris Carter. The Astros now lead the series 2-1.

8:10pm==>ALDS #3 - Blue Jays/Rangers, in Texas, a must-win game for the Jays, who won 5-1 on stellar performances from starting pitcher Marcho Estrada and the bullpen and a 3-run HR from Troy Tulowitzki. The Rangers now lead the series 2-1.

In between the ball games my son Bill III aka The Bill and I had dinner at our favorite restaurant in the Winter Park area, the Outback Steakhouse on Aloma Avenue.

As usual, the food was excellent. Bill had his usual sirloin steak. I did something just a bit different ... I had their AWESOME french onion soup, with a baked potato and steamed veggies. Terrific.

And then, as is our habit now ... on the way back to the apartment we stopped at Krispy Kreme for the usual sinful chocolate glazed donuts.

Moving on ...

With the walking I did going to and from the art festival, including going to the library, and my usual walking regimen during the games, at midnight I had recorded 6.17 miles, making the total for the week 36.20 miles, for an average of 5.17 miles per day. This was in the top 3 weeks for all of 2015.

I do admit to being a bit tired when I finally crashed around the usual 2:00am ... but ... it was worth it because Sunday had been an outstanding day.

Moving on ...

Today your favorite blogger plans to remain in his cool and comfortable apartment to watch ... tada ... baseball for the afternoon and evening ... and, again ... for you Marty ... 

1:00pm==>ALDS #4 - Royals/Astros, from Texas, carried on FS1.

On the mound for the Royals (1-2) will be Yordano Ventura (13-8) vs. Lance McCullers (6-7) for the Astros (2-1).

4:00pm==>ALDS #4 - Blue Jays/Rangers, from Texas, carried on FS1.

On the mound for the Blue Jays (1-2) will be knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (11-11) vs. Derek Holland (4-3) for the Rangers (2-1).

6:00pm==>NLDS #3 - Cardinals/Cubs, from Chicago, carried on TBS.

On the mound for the Cards (1-1) will be Michael Wacha (17-7) vs. Jake Arrieta (22-4) for the Cubs (1-1).

8:30pm==>NLDS #3 - Dodgers/Mets, from New York, carried on TBS.

On the mound for the Dodgers (1-1) will be Brett Anderson (10-9) vs. Matt Harvey (13-8) for the Mets (1-1).

This game is fraught with emotions due to the controversy in Game 2 when Chase Utley fractured the leg of Mets SS Ruben Tejada on a hard slide breaking up a potential double play. Utley was subsequently suspended for Games 3 & 4 but he has appealed that ruling. A decision is expected before game time.

With all of the baseball I will postpone my usual errands and chores day until tomorrow.

Moving on ... 

Time to post this and then get settled in for my baseball and to continue ... 

KICKING CANCER’S ASS!!

GO GATORS!!

Yesterday’s mileage==>6.17 miles (or, 13,492 steps)

Total mileage for the week==>36.20 miles (average 5.17 miles per day)

Total mileage for 2015==>1,143.92 miles (average 4.04 miles per day)

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

The Gators Are For Real - Post Season Baseball - Winter Park Arts Festival - Dinner With Bill

Sunday==>Yes, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, my Florida Gators won 21-3 on the road against the 4-1 Missouri Tigers, spoiling their Homecoming, like they did ours last year. Boo-hoo! NOT!!

With this win over the defending SEC East champions the Gators moved to 6-0 and took a major step forward in the SEC East race.

Folks, this is a real team, not just a blip on the 2015 early season radar. We have an adequate offense, headed by the ever maturing red shirt freshman QB Will Grier, and an in-your-face defense that has only given up five touchdowns in 15 red-zone trips.

Coach Jim McElwain has done a terrific job in getting his freshman-laden team to believe in themselves and to play with a consistently positive approach. Yes, the remnants of Coach Will Muskrat’s disgraceful era are now gone.

The Gators will travel to Baton Rouge for next Saturday’s game against the LSU Tigers and that running machine known as Leonard Fournette. The game is at 7:30pm carried on ESPN.

Yes==>IT IS GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR!!

Moving on to some more sports ... 

On the baseball post season ... for you Marty ...

The Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-3, in St. Louis, to tie the series 1-1. A bizarre two error second inning did in the Cards.

Game #3 is Monday in Chicago. The time has not been set.

The Dodgers beat the Mets in a 5-2 comeback win with a 4-run rally in the 7th inning, keyed by a hard slide that sent Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada to the hospital. Zack Grienke got the win over Noah Syndergaard. The series is tied 1-1.

Game #3 will be on Monday in New York. The time has not been set.

Now ... about the games today ... again, for you Marty ...

4:10pm==>ALDS #3 - Royals/Astros, in Texas. On the mound for the Royals (1-1) will be Edison Volquez (13-9) vs. Dallas Keuchel (20-8) for the Astros (1-1).

8:10pm==>ALDS #3 - Blue Jays/Rangers, also in Texas. On the mound for the Jays (0-2) will be Marco Estrada (13-8) vs. Martin Perez (18-5) for the Rangers (2-0). This is a “win or go home” game for the Blue Jays.

OK ... enough sports ... let’s move on to Billi Pod’s plans for today ...

Well, first, in the early afternoon I will walk over to the downtown area of Winter Park for ...

WINTER PARK AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL - “The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried art show to feature Florida artists exclusively.  Held annually on the second weekend in October, this community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art, live entertainment, children’s activities and more.  The festival is held in beautiful Central Park located along historic Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park.”

I will spend a couple of hours at the festival and then come back to the apartment for the Royals/Astros game.

Then, around 7:00pm my son Bill III aka The Bill will come to the apartment to pick me up for dinner at our favorite Winter Park restaurant, the Outback Steakhouse, on Aloma Avenue.

We had invited Scott Warner to join us, but unfortunately, he is out of town on vacation. Oh well ...

So, it is now time to post this and then get ready for the art festival ... and to continue ...

KICKING CANCER’S ASS!!

GO GATORS!!

Yesterday’s mileage==>4.19 miles (or, 9,156 steps)

Total mileage for 2015==>1,143.92 miles (average 4.04 miles per day)

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”