Saturday, August 1, 2009

Mavin Gaye, My Brother by Frankie Gaye with Fred E. Basten

Any fan of Marvin Gaye would love this book. It gave such background like only a brother could know. Frankie talked about their strict religious upbringing and Marvin’s rise to fame, and of course his untimely death which led to a lot of speculation. The sad part was the Frankie also passed away just before this book came out, but not before finishing his story. I have always enjoyed Marvin Gaye’s music but now listen with a new ear.

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles Dig the Dark – lights out, why? It can disturb a nesting mother, and/or hatchlings – having them crawl the wrong way. Beachside lights should be off from March – October, or an approved color. Sea Turtles only come on dry land to nest, so seeing one is rare for many people. If you are on a walk and see one at night, do not use a white light flashlight or flash photography. If staying on the beach turn off patio lights and close the blinds. Check out www.cccturtle.org for more information. We recently watch the release of “Bree Varda” a female turtle from the Space Coast. She is taking part in an educational event following the migration of 10 sea turtles being released from different locations. See who is the first to reach 26.2 hundred kilometer marathon, that’s 1,628 miles – you can follow some of the turtles by going go www.TOURDETURTLES.org
Leatherbacks are the largest type of sea turtle. They are easy to distinguish because they have a leather looking shell, can measure up to 10 feet! Green Turtles are endanger of being extinct and have even been hunted for their meat.
Hatchlings are threatened by many things; birds, crabs and other wildlife out of the ocean, and in the ocean as well. Humans also pose a threat with lighting, replenishing sand over nests and even sand castles & holes dug in the sand for fun. Remember when you are at the beach to knock down you castle and fill in your holes.

What's in the Bag

In Your Bag – I had family members attend some games that had never been to a tournament before and little league is such a different level in more ways than one. I advised them to bring a beach bag with: towel, SPF, hair band, visor, sun glasses, drinks / snacks, camping chair, something to read during down time, wear no make up, extra face cloth, umbrella (for rain or shade – we have good parents that have canopies) and my goodness do not forget to put SPF on your feet (if in flip flops) on the back of your neck and face SPF on your ears…it happens, trust me.

Fl Softball

Playing in Florida – during the ISA FWS we had a few rain delays, not just rain but full on lighting thunder storms. Of course the Florida girls were the last to seek shelter because we are use to it. What can you do? Not a darn thing. So prepare as a parent. Bring a book or something to do if you plan on waiting it out in your car. Clear your seats well in advance in case you have to make a run for it. Keep extra towels with you or in the car. If the storm is already going seek shelter somewhere else, but keep the complaining down…no one can help.

Mark It

Drinks – this advice is something I never used but just thought about after our girls played a 3 day tournament with one day off then into the ISA Fastpitch World Series. If you buy a case of water, Gatorade, whatever, mark the caps of the bottle. Round sticker, the players initials, a dab of nail polish (well that might take some time) just something so she will know what drink is her’s because they all look alike in a dug out. We waste so much sometimes and my child will not drink after anyone…not even in her own family. So I need to remember my own tip when we get back into the games.

Photos

Hard to change your view for photos – as a person who takes over 1,000 shots per tournament I can tell you that the options for placement are limited; backstop, dugout, 1st & 3rd sidelines. On rare occasions the umps have given me the opportunity to go in the outfield behind a short fence set up for the girls games. During those times I usually stay the entire game because it is a different view. Of course you need a great lens so you can see what the heck is going on, and water because it can be hot!

Rude Parents

Rude parents – I think in anything competitive you will deal with rude kids and parents, they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. It’s hard when your child is on the receiving end of comments whether from the opposing team or their own coaches. I learned years ago to let the coaches do their job but I have also walked away when I thought they were unfairly targeting a kid who simply made a mistake. In all the time I spent watching my daughter’s softball I have only critiqued her maybe twice. I figure she knows when she did something wrong, and she hears it from if not one coach, more than one, so I am just the mom there to support. Plus the fact that her dad is one of her coaches so I am not needed to point anything out. Now that being said, you also have to deal with parents. Its one thing to have your child’s peers say something but when an adult joins in it is just immature on their half. If you want to say something, use positive phrases for your team not negative for the other. If you’re a coach, I don’t think yelling at your player in front of the entire group of spectators is an effective way to improve their game. Speaking to them with calmness would probably have much more of an impact.

Daytona

Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet, Fl – a must see, especially for those that love marine life. Visiting a place like this needs for you to take time and learn. I found a volunteer who walked and talked with me telling me lots of cool facts about what is found in Florida waters. True to life size replicas of Manatees, whales and many other creatures are on display, diagrams comparing sizes of different species of whales to humans is shown, they have tanks with live turtles, crabs, fish, coral, and so on. A lab room gives you some hands on things to do, while the rehab for sea turtles was where I spent lots of time. Xrays of things found in and on some of the rescued turtles shows just how much we contribute to marine problems. One turtle had it’s stomach pumped – out came cigarette butts, straws, a 6-pack holder, balloons – lots of balloons. The turtle died, but that could have been prevented. Also on the grounds is a bird sanctuary, and they took around an injured screech owl, which are really cool looking birds.

Daytona

Lighthouse – the Ponce de Leon lighthouse is a great stop, for any lighthouse fan or just someone in the area. The first thing you notice is the orange color which is a nice contrast against the sky since this thing towers; it is extremely tall, one of the tallest ones in the US. It is also one of the cheaper lighthouses to visit, I paid $2. The grounds also showcase some original buildings that you can go through or look into – with some good a/c! It gives a great history on not only this lighthouse but others around the world with an interactive computer screen. The climb is rather stifling with warm air blowing around but it has many landings that you can catch your breath if needed. The stairs are against the structure not in the middle like the Key West lighthouse, so at least you have a wall on one side during your long climb to the top. Once there you have a great view of the ocean and river.

Daytona

Daytona – the area we were in reminded me of an old fishing village with a touch of Key West color. I would love to spend more time there one day. It wasn’t touristy like the raceway or beachy vibe when you think of Daytona, but more calm with a slower pace.