Smoke Signals
The days pass slowly while everyone else is at school or work, but the week goes quickly with softball, football and tennis. Rec ball is over for the season for Olivia, whose team earned a second-place finish in the 11- to 13-year-old division. The first-place team had more of the older girls. Though they never actually beat that team, they did manage one tie against them, and Olivia struck out several of the older players to their surprise and that of their coaches. She has worked hard to master two different pitches. She will continue playing through the fall with her travel ball team. Tennis matches start this week, and I will get to attend a couple before heading back to Mississippi.
Landon continues to do well with the junior varsity football team and has been able to play quite a bit with the varsity squad. It is hard to imagine this young man, who once fit inside a football helmet, has grown into a level-headed athlete who loves the game. When the season comes to a close, he will have to shed the weight he put on for football to meet his weigh-in goals for wrestling.
Landon and his mom have had several discussions concerning whether Invisalign braces were practical. That was his choice, but his mom was not so sure it was his best option. During a visit to the orthodontist this week, the doctor agreed with Landon for several reasons. The Invisalign aligners have been ordered. Olivia goes later this week but will likely need conventional braces because her issue is different. They will have two in braces at the same time.
The September weather here continues to be much hotter than normal, just as it has been in Mississippi. Predictions call for slightly cooler weather this week in Mississippi, and I will welcome it. A few of my hummingbirds have already departed on their 2,000-mile journey, but others continue to feed hungrily. I plan to leave some feeders up through October to nourish those just passing through. I am grateful to those who have been willing to fill my feeders and take care of my cat while I am away.
For those of you who pray, we ask for your prayers for our 4-year-old great-grandson, who faces open-heart surgery for several recently discovered heart defects alongside other genetic conditions. He recently had 11 defective teeth removed to prepare his body for surgery. He is a brave little soul whom we cherish. His antics and sense of humor keep us all laughing.
The insect population here in Georgia has introduced me to a creature called a lovebug. There are swarms everywhere. When driving, they hit the windshield so frequently that it feels like rain. The washer fluid and wipers do little to clear them away. The only positive thing I can say is that they do not bite.
I would love to share your news. You can reach me by phone or text at 901246-8843 or by email at jchwagg@gmail.com.