For The Love Of The Game- I heart it.

GrandmaOnDeck has championed women's softball for 41 years by selling ads, running concession stands, providing transportation, keeping score, cooking dinner for teams and the beat goes on. Many ladies out there have had grandma's cookies over the years. I love to see the ladies play with such awesome skills. I love to go to ball parks and watch people like Jennie Finch and Monica Abbott "Bring it." I like to watch balls being launched, spectanfabulous catches, and speed on the bases and eating popcorn. I have watched many play ball through younger years, high school and the wonderful college years. I love the NPF Draft and the NPF games. At 82 I now get to ball games sometimes. But I am savvy with social media, keep up with the games, through radio talk shows, websites. Twitter, Facebook and more. I am still in there supporting by promoting softball on line..tweets, re tweets, and mentions. Posting and re posting Is a good thing for all of us. February is Women In History month and The opening of NCAA Softball season. I would like to salute those who pioneered the sport before us.

There are many women like Joan Joyce, who played before leagues were formed, and before Title IX. These coaches who brought teams forward to success because they played ball themselves and for the love of the game they became coaches and passed it forward. There are Coaches out there like Carol Hutchins of Michigan who has spent many years coaching the game and building character-that's what they do. Mike Candrea of Arizona, Sue Enquist former UCLA both have spent many hours doing the same and showed the world that the young players deserved an equal place on the playing field as the boys enjoy. It is hard for me to mention them all , but I know there are hundreds of you who have made an impact in the world of  Women's sports and I heart you for your efforts. Young Softball Ambassadors of now: Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott, Cat Osterman, Samantha Ricketts, Lea Amico and many others who took up the reins and are coaching, teaching and working in the sports world. Some went on to broadcast on national networks like Michelle Smith, Jessica Mendoza, Barbara Jordan to share the great experience of Women's Softball. Others are working as sports trainers and in sports management. And, I must not forget the women umpires, they have come a long way too.

Then I must mention The Commissioner and President, Cheri Kempf, National Pro Fastpitch League, a world cup pitcher and a former coach at Austin Peay. Gaye Lynn Wilson-Vice President of NPF development who coached at Daytona State College, University of Florida. They both are bringing The NPF into to the now with television, radio, newspaper and social media. Games are being played in better venues with a great increase in attendance.

To the young players, who want to be professional softball players, learn about the women in your sport who pioneered for equality an recognition, Know their their struggles, know their passions, and love for the game.

Here is the sight to read the history of the National Pro Fastpitch League and the accomplishments they earned. http://profastpitch.com/about/history/

Why I became A Member of A Senior Center

Why I joined the Senior Center in Mt. Juliet. My husband passed away and I needed something to do to help fill my time. When this happens you feel lost at dinner parties with your friends. You try to revisit places you went and enjoyed with your spouse-not the same. During my working career I helped raise funds to build a Senior Center in the community where I lived. How proud the community was of... Sica Hall , named after our beloved Dr. Sica.

Even though I expanded my circle of friends through the years, and joined service organizations something was still missing. I asked my self the question ; "what would you really like to do".
I would like to travel but not alone. I like to play bingo a lot. Then I would like to learn to paint. The list just grew. I did some of my list but something was still missing.

At this point I thought about Sica Hall Senior Center. But I am not at a point I feel like a senior. What is it suppose to feel like? So I set out to find out.

The center was filled with on the move seniors. They were healthy and happy. Some were handicapped but were there having fun. There was something there for everyone. Also there were socials, bingo.craft shows, art, day trips, music, lunch. fitness center and so much more.

I found the something I was looking for. The center was comfortable, warm, and friendly. It was like home where I could go have coffee and talk. I don't have to be alone unless I want to have some time to my self.

The Older I Get The More Clutter I gather!

It occurred to me that each day I add to my many years of life I also gather clutter, not just material things, but thoughts and beliefs that are no longer the way of life. There is no secret about getting old- it is what it is, but it makes no sense to live out your life in the yester-years. Be aware of what is going on around you.

Surround your self with activities that keep you healthy and moving. Don't be afraid of walking each day alone. Get a cell phone to call for help if needed.I walk with a four wheel walker and that cell phone in the basket is my security, and I see friends outside in my neighborhood as I walk. Sometimes they join me.

I love to read books and have learned to order my books online. Yes, I won a Kindall and have learned how to use it. I can down load books from the library as well. This brought about learning about WiFi as well. So with a little practice I started a book club at our community senior center. Now I have 12 new friends in the Imagination Traveler's Book Club.

Chain reaction ! The book club members communicate through email. Another project learning to set up groups in email contacts, and setting up a book club membership list on Excel spreadsheets.
Next came the social media 101 on the computer. What a learning experience this has been.  Don't get me wrong- I still believe in writing personal thank you notes and special cards and sending them through snails mail.

So the lessons this vintage soul has learned is :
Always be aware of what is in the now.
Exercise your brain as well as your body.
Keep growing and learning.
Share your days with others.
Ask for help if needed -you may be strong but everyone needs help once in a while.
Put The new techie phones down and listen to what people have to say.
Improve communication skills

Remember, as you grow older and gain those laugh wrinkles it is better than worry warts.

Baby Sitting A Trpopical Fish

 My next door neighbor ask me if I would baby sit her tropical fish while she was out of town for a week. I have done a lot of baby sitting before;children, dogs, cats and yes even a bird but a fish never.

I said yes, and the fun began. She brought the little fellow over and introduced him as "Pinkie". Her grandchildren name him because of his color.

Her instructions were: you don't have to change the water, it is good for a week. Give him just three pieces of fish food every morning. Don't give him more because it will just dirty up the water. Piece of cake I thought. The first morning I followed instructions and gave him three pieces of food. Then I thought i would look at him and just talk. He ignored me.

The next day I saw a video on the Internet showing an oriental man with four gold fish in a bowl. He had trained them to follow his hands like you would a wand. At the same time he move the left hand left and the right hand right. To my great surprise two fish swam to the right and two to the left in a synchronized swim. Aha! I am going to train Pinkie.

The next morning I tapped on the glass and started moving my right hand to the right around the bowl. Pinkie didn't move. I kept moving my hand in the same motion every day and talking to the fish. He did turn once and I thought he was turning his back to me. Well, I knew I would not have him trained by the time his owner came home but at least I tried. It was worth the effort. I felt I had a little buddy.

So when Ann returned home she came for Pinkie. For the last time I walked up to the fish bowl and tapped on the glass. To my surprise Pinkie rewarded me by swimming up to my finger as if to say "Good Morning"

To sceptics the picture is of Pinkie and the story is so true. With a little effort you can even communicate with a fish.

Older People Are Happy: Life Begins At 40 And 50 And 60

Older People Are Happy: Life Begins At 40 And 50 And 60 There are many misconceptions about a person who reaches the age to be referred to as senior citizen can no longer be active. As an 84 year old I found it is not the case. The label just doesn't fit. I like to use an adjective that a friend of mine uses "vintage". I live in a gated retirement community where 55 plus is a requirement to buy a house .
There are over 100 clubs and as many activities. One of the gentlemen tennis player's just won the National Men's singles in the Senior Olympics As long as "Seniors" keep active they are happy and healthier.

This fact of being active compels me to tell you about one of my neighbors Mary. She is 85 years old, raised 9 children, and has been part of the foundation and backbone of her church. She teaches Sunday School, participates in the church Women's Council, and many other church functions. Mary also participates in many of our retirement community functions. Mary was diagnosed with leukemia this year and is undergoing chemotherapy. She is in a lot of pain with spinal stenosis. She can't attend church but she still does her church work by Skypeing. Yes, that is right! She is looking into an application that will allow her to speak and her computer will write. She only asks that she lives long enough to see her youngest grandson enter college in three years.

This brings me to the point of my reason for writing this blog. Not every Senior has the surroundings that I do. Not everyone has family and neighbors like I do. There are many living alone and do not get out much because they can't drive, don't drive at night and don't feel safe. There are many in nursing facilities who need activities. There are so many new technologies like, music downloads to share, games to play. books to read, and yes computers to share pictures. like Mary's Skype is a wonderful way to share with friends and family. The new voice applications will  help people with arthritic hands to voice a message. New digital frames to store family pictures is another great way to help.

But another way to help keep our Seniors in the loop is join and volunteer at your local Senior Centers to build, improve and expand for all the community to share. Activities and meeting friends is the best way to keep happy and healthy for all. As long as seniors can stay healthy and happy their life span will grow.

Sportsmanship For Fans

If you are a sports fan or involved in sports in any way you have heard the phrase "good sportsmanship". I have heard it all my life. But as I watch sports on TV and listen to social media or attend an event I begin to wonder if fans feel they are exempt.

Yes, I have heard bad remarks against umpires-foul language against them, against players and coaches. I've witnessed fans using I- phone applications and filming every move a pitcher makes and putting it out on social media with their own opinions. Have we lost the meaning of sportsmanship?


Parents, relatives, and fans expect players to play with integrity, respect for teammates, coaches, and umpires. I remember hearing college coach Bettye Jean Williams say many times: " Play hard, play smart, play fair"  If we didn't have other athletes out there who would be the opponent?  Opponents are simply athletes who love the sport and are in it to be the best they can be. Should they be treated like enemies?


We lead by example. Young people go to sports events to see their role models play. They look up to them and learn good sportsmanship makes winners. What message do they get when people in the stands are being disrespectful to anyone involved in the game. Yes, even being rude to the opponent's fans.

Good Sportsmanship means showing respect for the game, and everyone involved; coaches, players, umpires, owners and anyone needed to have a game. A little more sportsmanship from everyone would help improve and expand the sport. We all love a good game.

More National Pro Fastpitch On TV -Attainable.

It has taken a long time and a lot of hard work to get women's softball in the spotlight. The 2015 Women's College World Championship Tournament proved a point to all who watch on ESPN that the women's games provide an exciting entertainment for all ages. The stands in The Hall of Fame Stadium were packed with a record crowd. Softball ratings on TV were bound to be higher and the social media channels were buzzing through the hold series of games.

So, what's the point in making this statement! Why haven't the National Pro Fastpitch Women's League been on TV more. It takes a lot of money to provide national coverage. It takes a lot of advertiser's to get involved. Advertiser's will go for the highest exposure for their advertisements.

20 of the best players from the WCWS games graduated from college and have been drafted by NPF.
18 players will be selected to make up the USA Softball Team. There are many highly skilled players who will not be able to play softball as a chosen career. They do not have the equal opportunity as the baseball players do. There is no room to continue to play unless the league expands.

There are ways to help promote the growth of the league and gain TV coverage.

Partnerships have been a great backing for the league. MLB has been a great partner with NPF. This and more partnerships geared toward advertisements will help pay for TV coverage.  ASA, and Independent leagues should Look into franchising a team in the NPF. Companies can partnership with NPF and create a budget for the TV coverage. Title Ix brought about a big change for women in sports. Now let the companies share some of their advertising dollars and help build the Pro Fastpitch League's TV exposure.