Ten years ago today.

Today marks the 10th anniversary of my stroke. On  May 17, 2005 I was in Orlando Florida. I have just unload a truck  of storm doors and  windows. When I got finished, I had a message from my from my dispatcher. To hold up on my return trip back to Nashville. So I took a nap in my truck. And when I got up I had no use of my right side. So that begin the journey that I have been on the last 10 years. I agree we all have had a hard time in our life. There's not many of us who have lost it all. And unfortunately I have. At the age of 46 years found myself having to start life all over again. With nothing but the clothes  had I and in $1000 in cash.  This after spending my life savings on my ex-wife. You see she was in a bad car wreck a few years earlier. And was left disable. So we spent everything we had saved up to that time for her medical care. Thinking at the time that once we went to court we would be able to recoup all of our losses. But for reasons I won't go into here the court decided to dismiss our lawsuit and left me holding the bag. A six figure bag. So we live paycheck to paycheck for the next few years. That is until my stroke.                                                                                                                                                                                   After three days in the hospital I was sent home to begin physical therapy. I was very blessed by God. Because after a few painful weeks of working with a physical therapist. I had made enough of a  recovery that  I was able to continue my physical therapy on my own at home.                                                                                                                                                                     But unfortunately but that time I had already lost my home. And was living in a one bedroom apartment.  My recovery has been slow to say the least. Yes I've made a lot of progress in certain areas of my life. I now actually own my own home. That's something I've thought that I would never have again.  I got to go play in the World Series of poker Seniors  championship back in 2013.                                                                                                                                                                                                     Then there's a thing that I don't talk about. Today I still suffer from the effects of my stroke. I have a lot of short term memory loss. That makes it very difficult for me and my working life. Then there's the pain on my right side. Simple things like holding a glass or or a fork are still difficult for me to do. My hand writing is horrible and difficult to read.  Unfortunately it's it seems as I get older. The pain becomes more intense.                                                                                                                                             So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Every day I try to give thanks to God for all that he's done for me over the last few years.  And for the wonderful family  he is brought into my life starting back in 2006. I have the MOST BEAUTIFUL LADY in the world. Who I can call my best friend. And her parents or as I call them, my step mom and dad. With out the help of Trisha and Mr. and Mrs. Pena I would never be where I am today. So Thank You to my family.    And I look forward to the day that when my journey will finally end and I'll find the all the things that I've lost . Thanks again for taking the time to read this blog. God bless you and yours.

Tune in to my least's review of Houge wines 2012 Late Harvest Riesling.
www.redneckwinesnob.com

Happy anniversary to me.

Happy anniversary to me. Nine years ago today at the age of 46  I had a debilitating stoke. With that I lost the use of my right side. On that day I started what I call " The long journey home".                                       Suddenly everything that I had work for was gone. I lost my house, my marriage. So I begin the work for my recovery. After weeks of physical therapy, I was able to learn how to walk and talk again. That was the first step of my journey.                                                                                                                                    As time passes each year I seam to make more of those steps. And this pass year was no exception. This pass year I was able to do two things on my bucket list.                                                                             In June I when to Las Vegas and played in the WSOP Seniors Championship. If you know me you know how much I love poker. I started playing poker on the  advice of my therapist. I was so bless that Trisha flew out to support me and my dream. The tournament drew over 4500 players. The 2Th biggest day one  field in WSOP. I last about 4 hours. For the most part I never won any big pots. But I was very happy with how I played. The other highlight of the trip was our nighttime visit to The Neon Museum. The museum is the home of many of the signs that once were a part of Las Vegas.                                                                     The other bucket list dream that I got to remove skydiving. I have alway want to go skydiving. But like so many other dreams, something always came up. On October 15Th I when down to Wavery Tn to Skydiving Tennessee. It was a beautiful day as we when up to 14,000 ft for our jump . I have to say it was so much fun. And one day I will try it again.                                                                                                            As I start a new year I can look back with fond memories at the year that was. And look forward to what God has in store for me in the next year.

Hash House A Go Go.

Tune in to my review of the Hash House A Go Go in the Quad Casino in Las Vegas NV.
www.redneckwinesnob.com

The poker wars.

I haven't talk much about poker over the last few months. I have been playing off and on the last few years. And I'm happy to say that I'm up to 55 wins. The last one to come on May 28th 2012 at Dave's and Busters.  I found out that I was very rusty when I was in Vegas back in December. So I was thinking before I go back I better get my skills back. Lets hope that I will do better this trip. ;-p

Trisha's # 14.

I would like to say Congrats to my best friend Trisha  Pena on finishing her fourteenth half marathon in 9 years. This was her first half marathon since October 2011. She would be doing this race with out even having trained for it. But I have to say, she had bad timing. For it rained the whole day. Ending with 2 inches in 24 hours. Because of the rain Trisha had wear a rain poncho and carry
an UMBRELLA the whole race. The rain  added 30 mins to her time. Despite that I think she did a GREAT job. Ones again Congrats Trisha I'm so proud of you.

2012 Las Vegas Half Marathon

Back in December I made my way back to Las Vegas to compete in the Rock and Roll Las Vegas half marathon. This would be my 5Th half marathon in three years. My first after having knee surgery. Unfortunately Trisha was not able to come out for the race. The good news was she got a new job. (Thank You God.)
The race was at night for the second year in a row. And this year the course when by the famous sign. Which made me very happy. The weather was much warmer then last year. It was a great night for the race. I was afraid that I would be much slower because of my knee, and it showed. My time was 4:16:32. One of my slower times for a half.
As far as the rest of the trip it was fun. I didn't have much luck at the poker tables, but I got to try some restaurants that I never been before. One was In-n-Out burger. it was one of the best burgers I have ever had. You can go to my podcast to hear a review of that visited. www.redneckwinesnob.com I also got to go to Tony Roams Rib's in downtown Vegas. It was the first time I been there in 20 years. Was it ever good. I will do a review of it one of these days. That a recap of my trip to Las Vegas. Till next time. Good day and God Bless.

Redneckwinesnob.com

I would like invite everyone to  to my podcast, www.redneckwinesnob.com . There you will find my reviews of wine, food and the theater. Take a look and listen, and leave comments. Thank you.

May 17Th.

As the pages of the calendar turns. We find it's  May 17Th. For most of us it just another day. But for me this is the day. You see on this day in 2005 I had a stroke. And everything I had work for the last 46 years was gone. After many weeks of rehab and hard work. I was able to learn how to talk and walk again. For that I give thanks to God. Now these day I live with issues and pain. That some one who never had stroke will ever understand. And I will live with  these forever.

With all the heart break I have had. They has been some blessing along the way. They are what I try to focus on. I will not bore you with all of them.

There is one that I will tell you about. That is my best friend. Her friendship has been such a blessing.

It hard for me to believe that it took me 47 year to meet this lady. With her help I have reach so many goals. I have now finish Five half marathon. With out her help that never would happen. It so good to have some one that believes in you so much.

So as I look back. Sometimes I just wait to cry. But I will try to smile. And try to keep moving forward.

Winner 2012

As 2012 began I starting making plans to play in the WSOP senior's event. With that I knew that I need it to brush on my skills. I had not played in months but I was lucky for fact that one of the best games was back on. After the floods of 2010 we lost our Monday night game. Then in November 2011 Dave and Busters reopen. So I starting playing again.

It take me long to get back into the groove. And it didn't take long for the other player to start hating me. Many of the player don't like my style of play. They try to bully the table, and I just out play them. They don't understand odd and out that make up the game. During one game a player called me out when I called his all in after the flop. He pared his weak Ace and I had a straight flush draw. When I hit the flush on THE TURN of course I'm sucked out on him. I will stop bitching now for give me.

As I said I played very well. I had 2 wins in two weeks. In one of themwhem we when heads up he had  a 4 to 1 chip lead on me. So what I did was when he limp in I when All In on him and he folded every time. So when we got even in chips I play my normal game and took it down.

I also had many finale tables. Where I would come in 2Th or 3Th place. One game I when to the finale table of 10 with only 2 big blinds. And I came in third place that night. With all that time off I had not forgot how to play poker. As I always said I Have Had A Great Coach.

2011

Hello and welcome back. Yes I'm still alive. I know that I have not made a post in forever. For that I'm sorry but 2011 wasn't the best year for me. As you may know I lost my mother last year. I also found myself going through some troubling times in my personal life. Of these troubles I never told anybody. This post I hope to get you up to dated with some of the highlight of the year 2011.

In April I would compete in my 2Th half marathon. The race was the Rock and Roll Country Music Marathon here in Nashville. This is know as one the toughs races in this country. After having cramps at mile 7 my pace slow down. But I would not give up and I'm happy to say that I finish with a time of 4:13:07.

Later that fall it was time for me to put my pink shoes and compete again. In October Trisha and I would drive up to Mo. for the Inaugural Rock and Roll St. Louis half marathon. As a driver I have done this trip a million times. With a good co-pilot and good conversation we found our self at our downtown St. Louis motel. The morning of the race Trisha and I walk to the starting line. Yes we where that close. (Only a mile) The weather was perfect about 50 degrees and partly sunny. And the course was one of the best I have scene. I really enjoyed that walk around St. Louis. I turn in a time of 3:51:35. That is about 15 minutes off my best time. The big news coming from that race was that Trisha set a Personal Best Time cutting over a minute off her time.

Then in December it was time for the Rock and Roll Las Vegas half marathon. This would make my 4Th race in 12 months. Plus the race would be ran at night. It was the first time for this race to take place at night. The weather that night was cool and windy. As the race when on we had a lite rain. And again I had cramps so my time was not I had hope for. I turn in a 4:06:40 not bad for 45 degrees and rain.

Well that the good things that happen in the year 2011.In my next post I will try to get you up dated for this year. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

May 17Th.

Once again it May 17Th. For most of us it just another day. But for me this the day. You see on this day in 2005 I had a stroke. And everything I had work for the last 46 years was gone. After many weeks of rehab and hard work. I was able to learn how to talk and walk again. For that I give thanks to God. Now these day I live with issues and pain. That some one who never had stroke will ever understand. And I will live these for ever.

With all the heart break I have had. They has been some blessing along the way. I was able to do some wonderful mission work with my church. I started playing poker was part of my rehab. Now I have over 50 wins in the league's around Nashville. Believe it or not. I was the champion of season 2 of the Twitter Poker Tour. Which was a on line poker tour. I met a lot of great people from the poker game. We have had some really good times. Then there Las Vegas. Oh Vegas what can I say. That trip I have made 4 times. To think all those years I when to Fla. Not knowing what was waiting for me in Las Vegas.

Last but not least. There my best friend and her doggies. It hard for me to believe that it took me 47 year to meet this lady. With her help I have reach so many goals. I have now finish 4 half marathon. With out her help that never would happen. It so good to have some one that believes in you so much.

So as I look back. Sometimes I just wait to cry. But I will try to smile.

An Amazing Athlete. An Amazing Feat

If you been a reading my blog for any length of time. You know
that I have had the blessing of knowing a beautiful lady by the name
of Trisha Pena. Trisha is the most amazing best friend a person
could ever have. She would be a blessing to anybody’s life.
By just being a part of your life. And she is an amazing poker
player. But what most people don’t know is that Trisha is an
amazing athlete in her own right. And that is the Trisha Pena that I
want to introduce to the rest of the world.

Back in 2004 Trisha decide it that she wanted to compete in a half
marathon. So with little or no training Trisha enter the “The
Tom King Classis”. On that faithful Saturday morning she set out on
her journey. And finish her first half. I will have to tell you
I done 2 half marathons myself. And I spend months training for a
race. To think that she did this race with no training is an amazing
feat. But she would not stop there. About a month later she
enter the Country Music Half Marathon. Once again she did a
great job. To me that was a short turn around to do a 2Th race.
Over the next few years Trisha would compete in one to two races
per year. Improving her time in each race. To the point where she
turn in a time of 3:25:52. In the 2008 Country Music Half Marathon.
Cutting over 30 minutes off her best time. To celebrate this
great accomplishment Trisha signs up for the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon.
That is a 26.2 mile race. On that day I was playing poker. Trisha had
signed me up to receive text messages. So I could keep up with her
progress. I have to tell you ever time my phone when off. I was
so excited. But when I got the text to tell me she has finished.
I was yelling at the top of my lungs. You will never know what an
accomplishment that is. Trisha I know that I have said this
before. I hope you know how proud of you I am of you. And you
should be to.

As 2009 came to an end Trisha finished her 10Th half
marathon when she completed in the Las Vegas Half Marathon. And
in September she completed in the Woman’s Half Marathon here in
Nashville. That was her 12Th half marathon in seven
years. That is an amazing accomplishment. By an amazing lady.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

Trisha I'm so proud of your accomplishments.

But I'm just as proud to call you my friend.

My Tribute to Nana

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. You have to forgive me. So much has happen over the last 8 months. And much of these things I am still trying to come to terms with. As most of you know I lost my mother in January. The following is tribute my niece Rebekah worte for her.

Thank you for being here today as we gather not to say goodbye, but to say see you later to a wonderful person. Even in death, Frances, my grandmother, my Nana is still with us. Whether it is a gerbera daisy blooming in the spring, a Rod Stewart song playing on the radio or someone enjoying a piece of watermelon on a hot summer day we can see reminders of her everywhere we look.

“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” The word delight is defined as “something that gives great pleasure.” Nana was truly a delight to those who knew her and she delighted in living life. She loved to travel. She and her two closest friends, Jimmie and Johnnie, otherwise known as The Golden Girls, packed their bags and went to places many of us only dream of going. She always had a smiling face and a warm embrace to offer. My grandmother was one of the kindest, sweet spirited people I’ve ever known. Josh might beg to differ as she got after him with a fly swatter a time or two, but I’m sure he deserved it.

Nana was a strong woman. She survived a world war, a great depression, a civil rights movement, and she put up with Leon for 65 years; that in and of itself was a feat. She raised five great kids and helped bring up her three grandchildren.

She spent 20 years working on a street corner. She wasn’t the kind of crossing guard we fear. You know the ones blowing their whistles and waving wildly as you drive by. She was kind and considerate, impacting lives without even realizing it.

Nana loved to cook and we all loved to eat. She spent many hours in her tiny kitchen on Susan Drive whipping up this and that, making sure supper was on the table by noon every day for Papa.

It’s the little things that make up a year and the years that make up a life. It’s the little things that make memories and I have an abundance of those. As I prepared for today, I sat and tried to remember my earliest memory of Nana, but there are so many truly special moments that they all jumble up and I can’t recall which was first. My grandmother and I shared a special bond and I will never forget the times we shared. She was always up for doing what I wanted to and never rushed
anything.

Growing up I’d spend summers at her house where we’d walk with the ladies at the church and deliver meals on wheels. Whenever I was sick, I always went to Nana’s. She’d take care of me and cook my favorite meal – chicken and dumplings. In the later years of her life I’d spend at least one day a week with her going to the grocery, taking her to the doctor, cleaning the house, whatever she needed done. No matter how old I was or what we were doing, Nana always tried to make everything special. We often sat in the living room where she always had a good story to tell and advice to offer. When I needed a shoulder to cry on or just wanted to ramble about my life, she was always there to listen.

Consistent – that’s was Nana was. Always there for anyone who needed something, anyone who needed her. A friend, a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, and sister. Not many people are blessed with the opportunity to know someone steadfast and true like Nana was. We should all be thankful for the years we had with her. It’s hard to put into words what Nana meant to me and to everyone in this room. She was a special lady that will be dearly missed. I’m sure each of you here today could tell a story of how she touched your life. Nana wouldn’t want us to mourn her death, but to celebrate her life.

We may no longer see her, but she will always hold a special place in our hearts and is looking down on us from Heaven. I’ll end today by reading a poem she chose for her service many years ago.



Miss Me but Let Me Go.

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free



Miss me a little - but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me - but let me go



For this is a journey that we must all take

And each must go alone

It's all a part of the Master's plan

A step on the road to home



When you are lonely, and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me - but let me go

Happy Anniversary,

Happy Anniversary to me! It was 1 year ago today that I made life styles changes that would have profound effects on my life. You see after many months my Dear friends Trisha Pena convince me that I could lose weight with her help. This after many failures on my own. And with her help by March 25th of 2010 I was able to lose and to keep off 50 pounds. I can’t tell you how my life has change for the better. Trisha I would to like say “Thank you” for all you help, support and love that you have shown for me over the last 4 years. I don’t know if I could have made it without you. Love You Trey

Music City 10k

Forgive me for taking so long to get this post up. But my life has been going through so many changes. Some good some bad. But the big news coming out of July
was my 4Th of July walk. As many of you know I competed in my 2Th 5k. And after the great time I had in that race I decided to see if i could do a 10k. So I entered the Music City Fourth of July 10k.This race took place in downtown Nashville. As always I was blessed that dear friend Trisha Pena took time out of her day to come down to show her support and to take photos of the race. If you would like to see the photos of the race. Just go to my Facebook page.

The course not a easy one but a very enjoyable one. We would start in front of the Sehermerhone Symphony Center. Head up 4Th ave then cross over the Gateway Bridge. From there the course would take us pass LP Field , The Metro Court House. Through downtown pass TPAC, The state capital and down Broadway. I'm very happy to say I turn in a time of 1:45:43.Not bad for my 1St 10k on a tuff road course. As always I must say " Thank You "to Trisha for all your love,support and believed in me. Trisha I could't have done this with out your help.

The Continuous Journey Home

As I continue to try make my way back to the life I once had. On June 12Th I took my latest step. I was able to take part in the C.M.A St Jude 5k road race. This was my 1st 5k road race. Unlike the 5k I did in April, the course for this race was through the streets of downtown Nashville. And it was a much tougher course then I was used to. At 8:00 the gun when off so we head down 3Th ave. Then we turn on James Robertson Parkway and took that thought the Bicentennial Mall. And as we turn on 6Th ave I hit the 1 mile mark. As I moved on down on 6Th ave and turn on Harrison St I had the biggest surprise. My dear friend Trisha Pena was waiting there to cheer me on. I have tell you my eyes were filling with tears as I saw that pretty red head cheering me on. After I left Harrison I when down 5Th Ave and turn on Jackson Ct. From there we when up 4Th ave where Trisha was waiting to cheer me on to the 2mile mark. I was able to hit the 2 mile mark with a time of 33:15. Then we when up Gay St for about 1/2 mile and turn around and when back down to Gay and 3rd. There we made the turn for home. When I crossed the finish line Trisha was waiting for me with a hug and bottle water. And I needed both. Because it was almost 9oF that day. And I'm so proud to say I turn in a time of 50:33. That betters my time from April by all most 4 1/2 min. At this time I would like to say "Thank You" to Trisha not only for the photos and coming out but for all your help. And to you for taking the time to read this post.

Day 5

Day 5 started at 5:45. But my meeting was cut short. You see Friday is always the longest and busiest day of a World Changers project. As the day begin it was my job to see to the last minutes needs of the crews. On Fridays I will spend the early part of the my day running from one site to the other. As the crews run out of material we try to use the left over material from the finished sites. By noon I had already drove 120 miles. That was more then I did on Tuesday and Wednesday combine. I told you I would be busy. But then lunch time came around i was only able to stop for 15 minuets. Because word came some of the crews were starting to finish up. Now my job became to run the unused supplies back to Metro Roofing. This year was a lot of stuff that need it to be return. And I was busy. But after 10 hour of nonstop running came the words I was dying to hear. We were done. I was so happy. I drove over 210 miles on Friday. This year Nashville was bless with over 280 volunteers from Tn, TX, Sc.Ne,Ar,IL,Ms, and Ga. These crews replace 10 roofs and did dry wall work for 4 homes that was flooded. But because these crews so fast they were able to rebuild 1 wheel chair ramp and do flood clean up for 10 other home owners. This was unplanned work that was need it so bad. This year we spent $ 40,000 on supplies.And we provided over $ 130,000 of free labor to Nashville. As i close this post i must say Thank You to all the volunteers who paid $280 to work in Nashville. And to Kevin and Le Ann Hale who work so hard to see that all the job sites done on time, To our host church Park Ave.Baptist Church. To my Friends who prayed and gave me support during this long week. And I would like to say Thank You to GOD for letting me be a part this week.

Day 4

Day 4 started at 6:30 with my daily meeting with Kevin and Le Ann. After that I hit the road hard. One of our crews need it supply to finish there job. A day early at that. So I when to Metro Roofing to get what they lack to finish that job. Thursday's are one of ours busiest day. As the crews start wine down. We runners will take extras supply form one job site and take it to a other site. And that what I did till lunch. I was so happy to have lunch today and be able to sit in a cool room. But after lunch I was back on the road. As it got hotter I got busyer. I when form job site to job site. Leaving what the crews need it to finish and taking what they didn't. And now 2 of our crews are done with one day too go. With any luck the other will be done early tomorrow. I sure hope so because today I got done at 4:00. And I drove 120 miles today. It was one long, hot and busy day. But I sure enjoy doing it. If i don't post anything till this weekend please forgive me. I will not be home till late. And I have to get up early Saturday morning. So I may not have time post anything till then. Thanks

Day 3

Day 3 started at 5:45 am. Yes I know it early! After getting up I headed to west Nashville. For my 6:30 meeting. But sad to say the rain came on the way over. So our crews were late to get started. With that my day was real slow till when the rain stop. And with that i was off to the races. Le Ann had me running all over town. Till lunch. And the crews really got to work after the rain. Many of the roof jobs the kids have the old roofing rip off. And had the new decking down. And are starting to put down the new roofing. I was able to get all my stop off around 12:00 and headed to lunch. After lunch I had a run 2 stops. So that keep be busy till 2:15 and then the rain came back. Work came to a stop again. With the rain so heavy everbody had to pull off the sites around 3:00. So my day ended early. I drove 91 miles to day. And a lot of work got done today. It was a good day all in all.