Jury Duty: Doing my civic duty

Well, this week I did my civic duty and went to Jury Duty. The Moore Justice Center in Viera is the only county courthouse in Brevard county where you only have to go for one day if called.

I was fortunate enough to get put on a jury panel and get picked to sit on a criminal trial. Total time missing work - 2 days. Total time for trial and deliberation - 5 hours.

From 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM on Wednesday, we heard all the witnesses and both the prosecutor and defence attorney rested their cases. We started up with closing arguments at 10:30 AM and finished with deliberation at 11:45 AM. The verdict was guilty. The judge excused the jury as she sentence the criminal to 90 days in the county jail, followed by 9 months probation and court ordered AA meetings that the judge is sure he will not attend.

Lets Go Buccos!!!

Ok. Enough of me bad mouthing the Pittsburgh Pirates management.

The season is not over yet.

Lets go Bucs! Lets go Bucs! Lets go Bucs! Lets go Bucs! Lets go Bucs!

Facebook

I have finally created a Facebook account (a few weeks ago) and it has been most interesting. I have been out of high school for 25 years now and I haven't spoken to anyone I graduated with in about 16 years. I have now reconnected with quite a few of my school mates. One even lives here in Florida and we have had lunch a couple times already.

Thank God for the Steelers and the Penguins

So far this season, the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded all but three of their opening day starting position players and only one from last year. Nothing against the new guys - McCutchen is playing well and I do like Jones bat. If I were a betting man, which I'm not, I would bet that Ryan Doumit will be out of Pittsburgh before the deadline tomorrow.

Traded or gone since last season:

Good luck Freddy, Jack, Adam (traded again to Atlanta), John, Tommy, Ian, Nate, Nyger, Xavier, Jose, Ronny, and Jason.

My cousin thinks it is all a new marketing program by the Pirates to sell more programs at the stadium. I would not doubt it one bit.

Edited for corrections.

Pittsburgh Pirate management is at it again

Well, today the idiots in charge of the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Adam LaRoche to Boston. It appears to me that the Pirates are a feeder club for Boston. I certainly hope that the Pirates get World Series rings this year if Boston happens to win it all.

All-Star Practices

The All-Star practices are going well. Scrimage game last night against the 10 year old All-Stars. Went okay. Not great. Just okay.

Anton makes the MILL All Stars

You read it hear first. Anton is a member of the Merritt Island Little League 10-11 year old All Stars!!!

The Honey Do List

From the top of the list from the home office - well at my home in sunny Florida - the Honey Do List.

Sprinklers
For those of you who have them, cutting the grass away from them sucks. I feel sorry for you but for me - AWESOME. I have completed this task. Ok, one side note, I do need to go to Home Depot to get a new replacement sprinkler head. One of them is broke. And I didn't do it.

A/C
Carla's Car was taken to Meinike with the help of Chris Bergau (who picked me up) and Suzi Rice (who took me to get it) and all is hopefully right with the world. The car was a little low on coolant and they topped it off. There must be a slow leak or something. Time will tell.

The Second Floor of our House This unit was on it's last legs in April when my parents came to visit. Sorry Mom and Dad. But fortunately it was not the middle of summer and they didn't roast upstairs in the guest room. It is getting replaced on Monday (tomorrow).

Defrost Little Fridge
The small refrigerator that I have had since college (OMG it is old) needed to be defrosted. I opened it up and to my surprise SCORE - five beers I forgot I put in there. It will be a good afternoon watching the Pirates online (I won't be drinking all of them). The fridge is outside defrosting. Must pay attention to the afternoon down pours and bring it in under cover if necessary.

Christmas Stuff
After celebrating Christmas every day for the so far this year, on Friday, i finally took the tree down and put all the Christmas stuff away. My Mom and Dad can verify that it was still up in April. We had it hidden being a Chinese screen and if we didn't point it out people didn't really notice.

Organize Kids Clothes
Um.. not so much. One job around the house I really, really dislike. Maybe even more so than working in the yard.

Fix Boys Bikes and Carla's Bike
This one was easy. I took them to the bicycle repair place up the street and had them fix them. All appear to be in proper working order for the moment and no flat tires.

Clean Kitchen Grout
Um.. not so much. I was given the name of a supposedly very good grout cleaner by one of my work mates (thanks Jeff) and I will look for it at Home Depot when I go get the sprinkler head.

Chris - Dr for his limp
Just over a month ago our littlest - or should I say youngest as he isn't so little any more - was goofing around with his older brother at the baseball fields and fell and hurt his hip. After limping and whining for a few days, Carla took him to the doctor who had us get an xray. Nothing broken probably just a deep bruise. Well a month later, he is still limping around. The limping when he walks has gone away this week. He was running during the baseball clinic the other day and he looked like he was in pain. So off to the doctor again for another checkup. He was surprise he was still limping and suggested watching it a little longer and then taking him to an orthopedist if it is not better. Someone more specialized than he was for that type of injury. So I'm watching him. Seems to be doing okay but I haven't made him run for any distance since Monday. Will have to do that soon to see how it looks. Otherwise, get a copy of the xray and find the orthopedist he recommended.

Fix Master Bathroom Toilet Flushing
About eight months ago, I replaced the flushing unit in the master bathroom toilet. It is not the usual ball and chain flusher, no it is something different that was all they had at Home Depot. It has something called a leak guard that stops the water from running if the tank empties from a leak. Well, occasionally the leak guard catches at the top of the flush and the tank never fills back up. So you go to flush and nothing but water starting to fill the tank. Wait a minute and flush again and it works fine. So I did a little shifting of chains the other day and it has worked perfectly since. I do hope it works when Carla gets home or I may get flushed (just kidding).

Go To Dentist
I have my 6 month checkup tomorrow. I added this one to the list.

Will I ever be glad to get back to work next Thursday. I love my wife even more now than I did when she left to go to Brazil for two weeks. She works hard here while I'm at work. For those who don't know she has a full time job and works out of the house. The boys keep here busy as well as all the other stuff I listed.

Latrobe Brewery back in business

Good for Latrobe...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09162/976713-100.stm

Looks like Iron City is going to move its production to Latrobe.

Tired Little Guy

I took the boys to the baseball clinic last night. The rain held off until it was almost over. So it ended 10 minutes early. Two more clinics left. Wednesday and Friday for Chris and Wednesday and Thursday for Anton.

We got home last night after a quick stop at Dairy Queen on the way home with Jack and Julius around 8:45. Chris went straight to the bedroom and within minutes he was sleeping.

I would like to say it was all the running he did at the clinic but I think it was more the swimming today at day camp.

Carla and JL in Brazil

Carla and JL are now in Brazil and from her blog and Skype calls they both seem to be enjoying themselves.

JL even made some girl friends as they were fascinated by his blond hair. He gave them his email address. Unfortunately, he doesn't speak Portuguese and they don't speak English. Jane was there to translate for them.

Days after McLouth

Day 2 updated - Pirates are now 1 - 1. Can't figure out how to hit the ball when Mike Hampton pitches against them.

Day 2 - so far so good. Pirates are now 1 - 0 after trading Nate the Great to the Braves - boo hiss.

Pittsburgh Pirates Owners

They are at it again.

Last year they trade away Nady and Bay. Now they trade away McLouth. To the Braves no less. At least Bay and Nady went to the American League were they can't come back to haunt us. Maybe that is why the Braves released Glavine so they can pay Nate.

Good-bye and good luck Nate.

Pirates owners - you suck.

Anniversaries

Happy Anniversary to my Mom & Dad - I believe this is number 45 (May 30).

Carla and I just celebrated our 15th (May 28).

Merriitt Island Little League - Closing Ceremonies

May 29, 2009 - Merritt Island, FL - Ron Smith Park at Tropical Elementary School.

Between the rain storms we were finally able to squeeze in the closing day ceremony. A lot more people showed up than expected because of all the rain. But all in all a very nice ceremony.

I personally want to thank all the managers and coaches, parents and family, volunteer umpires, and all the MILL Board members for a great season.

To the Reds - good luck in the District 22 Tournament.

Fall ball isn't as far away as people think.

Memorial Day 2009

A day to remember all the soldiers who have lost their lives making this country what it is today. I am thankful for their service and to their families who have lost the most.

I took this photo when Anton and I were in Washington, DC visiting the World War II Memorial. These gentlemen were on an Honor Flight from South Dakota and they all served in our country in World War II and/or the Korean War. It was very touching listening to them talk about their experiences in the war. Both kids and parents shoke hands with them and thanked them for what they did for us. Many of them lost friends and family during that war.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my mom and my wife and my sisters and all the moms out there. If it were not for you, a lot of us would not be here.

A Boy and His Cell Phone(s)

It was bound to happen. Jean-Luc's cell phone has finally died. Carla is out with him now getting him a new one. Not exactly sure what happened to it yesterday, but it won't stay closed or open and some of the buttons stopped working.

This is his third one now (I'm not counting the two Firefly phones we got for him as they were pay as you go) and after the third strike he will be out. He better take care of this one or it will be a looooooooooong time before he gets another one.

Recap: Phone number one - went through the washing machine and - surprise, surprise, surprise - it stopped working. Phone number two - it's identical replacement - dropped numerous times, slapped out of his hand and onto the ground most recently. Stopped functioning yesterday. Phone number three - just purchased for him. Only time will tell....

Washington DC Field Trip

It was a fun and educational trip to Washington, DC with Anton. We went with a group of parents their kids from the 6th grade from April 30 to May 4. Click here for the photos.

There is a lot to see in Washington. I look at this trip as a "see everything you can and decide where you want to go when/if you come back to DC" trip. We squeezed in a couple museums and at least one monument each day.

We flew out on Thursday April 30 in the morning. We met our tour guide, Jeff, at the baggage claim at BWI. We loaded up the bus and headed into DC to get some lunch at the Pentagon Mall. After lunch we headed for Arlington National Cemetery where I learned they average 25 funerals a day. An indication that our World War II veterans are going to see their friends lost in the war all those years ago. We were late for dinner so we had a chance to do a little shopping as our reservations were moved about 1 hour and 15 minutes. After dinner, we had time to stop at the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial before heading to our hotel. Check in was quick as Jeff and Kurt (our groups organizer) ran in and got all the room keys. Up to the room and some needed sleep.

Friday, May 1 - We started out early by heading to the International Spy Museum. Why they wouldn't let us take pictures in there is beyond me? If all the stuff in there was still supposed to be secret, it wouldn't be in there. Then we walked down a couple blocks and went to Ford's Theater. A park ranger gave a talk on the events leading to and the death of President Lincoln. Then across the street to a gift shop. Some of those on the group went into the Petersen House - where President Lincoln actually died. We had lunch, then a quick stop by the Supreme Count and on to the Capital Building. We stopped by the Library of Congress after that. Very impressive. The National Archives was next. The Magna Carta, Declaration Of Independence, and the Constitution were on display. No flash photography so they didn't come out very well. Then on to dinner and ending with the Lincoln Memorial.

Saturday, May 2 - We got tickets to go to the top of the Washington Monument first thing in the morning. The tickets were for 4:00 PM so we had lots to do this day. The first stop was the World War II memorial. We were in luck as there was an Honor Flight there from South Dakota with about 100 veterans. The kids and parents went around to some of them and shook there hands and thanked them. The veterans appeared to be very touched and some told stories of what they did and what battles they were in. This was by far the favorite part of the trip for me. Then it was on to the Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials. The White House was the next stop. Our names were on the list so we walked into the front of the East Wing through a lot of very large rooms and then out the back of the wing. Dashed over to the bus to grab the cameras (none allowed in the White House) and took pictures of the kids in front of it. We saw lots of protesters and from some photos taken by other parents it appeared at least on parent and a child were protesting to legalize pot. After that was the Smithsonian for lunch and the museums. A quick trip over to the Washington Monument and up to the top we went. Then back over to the Smithsonian. A quick trip down the street to the ESPN Zone to let the kids blow off some steam on the video games while the adults watched the Kentucky Derby (our tour guide won the pool money - my horse came in third). Then on to dinner and ending up at the Air Force Memorial.

Sunday, May 3, 2009 - The Newseum was the first stop. We had to take the Metro as the bus was having some engine issues. There has been a lot of news going on around the country and the world. Newspapers dating back into the 1700's. Part of an antenna from the top of the World Trade Center that came down on 9/11. And a very good 4D presentation at the end. Mt. Vernon was the next stop on this rainy day. George had a big house and lots of property. The Holocaust Museum was the last thing before dinner. Very emotional. I still can't believe some people claim it never happened. We were back at the hotel early enough this day for the kids to do some swimming.

Monday, May 4, 2009 - Our last day of the trip. We drove to Gettysburg, PA to see the new visitors center and the 360 cyclorama. Very realistic representation of the Battle of Gettysburg. Then on to lunch at the Dobbin House. A stop back by the visitor's center to pick up a battleground tour guide and then to the two hour tour. We made a couple stops along the way to get some pictures but with all the rain most stayed on the bus. When this was done, it was back to BWI to head home to Florida.

I am glad to be home and sleeping in my own bed. It was a trip that I will remember for a long time. I hope all the kids on the trip will as well.

Boy Am I Tired

This is how it went.

I woke up this morning around 5:35. I showered and went to the family room to sit and watch the last 10 minutes of a Twilight Zone episode (one of the newer ones). I changed the channel so we could watch the news at 6:00. At 6:08, I got up to put the coffee on. I was then told to go wake Jean-Luc up as he had to finish some home work. I did that and went outside to get the newspaper. I proceeded to set the table for breakfast, get the milk out, and get the coffee on the table.

We almost always (97% of the time) read the paper while we eat breakfast. I had a doctor appointment at 8:30 so I was in no hurry as the boys went off to get ready for school. Chris had to be there by 7:30 to get a paper signed by his teacher and then go to do the WTTT (school TV station) stuff. So around 7:05 I asked Carla what I need to take with me when I dropped off her camera for repair at Best Buy on my way to work (the new 2 week old camera's strap had come undone and it dropped onto the cement at the baseball field yesterday afternoon). I took the camera and lens, the receipt, and my briefcase out the door to the car. The boys had put all their school stuff into it already. We all marched in a kissed mommy goodbye.

I dropped Chris and Anton off at school about 7:25. Jean-Luc and I stopped to get gas and then went to the ATM to get some money. Since JL didn't have to be at school just yet, we stopped by the Lazy Bean Cafe and I got a coffee. JL got a bagel with cream cheese (must remember to by some) and a cherry smoothie or something like that. We left there and I dropped Jean-Luc off at school.

I was at the doctor's office at 8:10 and was told I was early. Of course I was early, I'm a Steinmetz! I sat down and started to read my book. I was aware of other people signing in and sitting down. The nurse was calling names and I wasn't hearing mine. I wasn't too concerned as I was early. I got into reading my book and more people came in and got called back. I was starting to think I was forgotten as it was not 8:55 and my appointment was at 8:30. All the other people were just there for lab work it turned out. I noticed them walking out with the white cotton ball and white tape on their arms. Just as I was about to get up and ask if I was forgotten, the door opened and I heard my name.

The time was about 9:05. I got weighed and the nurse asked when the last time I had an EKG done. My answer was never. So we went to the room to get an EKG done. Took longer getting all the little diodes hooked on than it did to actually do the test. Then off to the other exam room for temperature and blood pressure readings. Then wait for the doctor.

I waited maybe 5 minutes and the doctor came in. He looked over everything. I was given a clean bill of health. Blood pressure was good (he said it has never been an issue with me), EKG couldn't be better, I had lost two pounds from the prior visit six months ago, good cholesterol was up and bad cholesterol was at the same spot it was last visit (good sign), kidneys and liver functioning normally, and my blood sugar was okay but still creeping up to the dreaded 125 mark. He mentioned that if it measures 125 two times in a row that indicates diabetes (which runs in the family and why I have six month visits now instead of yearly). He told me to exercise a bit more and do watch what I am eating (portion control). I mention I would be coaching my little one in fall baseball again this year (roped into that by the Little League President - he is going to manager). The doctor said running around with the kids would be a good thing and definitely wouldn't hurt. And that was the end of the appointment.

Then the drive to Orlando after stopping at Publix to use the restroom. There was no way I was going to make it to Orlando without using the restroom.

I was on my way to Orlando at 10:04. I got to Best Buy to drop off the camera and lens for repair. The camera would be sent off to Nikon for repair but lens' don't get repaired. They get replaced. The man helping me told me to go to the camera area and get a new one and they would exchange it out for me. I walked over and talked to the same lady who sold us the camera and lens two weeks ago and she called someone over to help me as she was helping someone else. That person arrived and I told him I needed a new lens for exchange and he looked in the locked bin and they had none there. He checked his computer and they had none in stock. Just my luck. Now what to do. I go back over to the man helping me with the repairs and I told him they don't have any in stock. He checked the computer and said there are two on order but he doesn't know when they will be in. They have two in Kissimmee, one in Altamonte, etc... all places I really did not want to be going to as I should have been at work by now. Since I love my wife a lot, I decided to go to the Kissimee location down by The Loop and get the new one there for her. They gave me store credit for the lens and warranty and off I went with my receipt for the camera and headed to Kissimee. The time 11:23.

We had been to The Loop a couple weeks ago when we bought the camera. We had a late lunch at Mimi's Cafe that day. I got to The Loop and saw the Best Buy across the street. I thought about turning at the light but decided to go straight as there had to be an entrance right there. No such luck. I had to go down to the next light and make a u-turn (legal at that light). I went back to the other light with Best Buy on my left and turned there. There is the entrance but there was no cut through the median. I had to go make another legal u-turn at the next light. Hard place to get to. The lady there was very helpful and I was out the door with a new lens and warranty and headed to work at 11:53.

I decided since I missed all morning anyway, I might as well run the other errands I had to do. I stopped at Michael's to get some modeling clay for Anton. It says it never dries out on the label - we shall see. We are good at making liars out of labels. Well, modeling clay ain't cheap. Twelve small blocks (various colors) cost me $48.44 (there goes some of that money I got out of the ATM this morning). Then I went to the Sports Authority to get a bucket of wiffle balls ($39.99 - WOW) and a baseball batting tee ($24.99) for the boys to use at home. Anton needs to start swinging the bat. We switched him back over to the right side of the plate after batting lefty forever. Chris can use some swings too. So can Jean-Luc. So another $70 spent there. Chris may need a new helmet but I can't buy that without him.

I head to work and get in at 1:00. Now my work day starts and boy am I tired.

I've decided I'm staying in tonight and not going to the Merritt Island High School baseball game. And I have little steaks to cook for dinner. And some tater tots. And some green vegetable that I'm sure we have in the pantry (if the little lizard didn't eat everything).

Merritt Island Little League

Tonights make up game between the Rays and the Tigers was postponed again due to rain. It will be rescheduled for another day.

Washington, DC 6th Grade Field Trip

Won't be too long now. At the end of April, Anton and I will be on our way to DC to take in all the sites in and around DC.

Merritt Island Little League

Tonights games : Rays vs Tigers and Indians vs Orioles : have been cancelled due to rain. The game is shifting to tomorrow - Wednesday at 6:30 PM at Audubon Field 1.

Tomorrows game: NMILL Yankees vs White Sox : has been postponed until after spring break. I did not hear the reason.

Christmas Tree Update

It is now March 31. Is your Christmas Tree down yet? Ours is still up. I am not certain when we will get around to taking it down. My parents will be coming down in a few weeks... we could have Christmas in April with them.

I am sure I will get tired of looking at it at some point in time. But it will give my mom something to blog about while she is here.