You Say Potato and I Say Potah-toh

Tonight starts the first night of Fall bowling. Why it's called Fall bowling is a mystery to me. Every- Month-of-the-Year-Except-June-and-July bowling would be more accurate. But I suppose that's a potato/potah-toh kind of thing.

No matter the name. It will be interesting to discover what happens when I lace up my bowling shoes. After two months of no practice, having a bowling ball in my hand could prove to be dangerous for anyone near me. Perhaps it would be wise to wear a warning sign.

Things are interesting at my house. I've been dog sitting for both my kids this week. Even though the dogs do generally fine, in loyal doggie fashion they always listen for "Mom" or "Dad" to come back and take them home. 

Ever vigilant, Brady watches the door.

Tinker Bell does, too.

And there's one other critter at my house who also will be extremely pleased to see Mom or Dad arrive.

They eat my food and scavenge my litter box. The scent of cat poo breath is making me gag. When will those filthy barking beasts go home? 

Tuesday Ladies League

Last year I joined a bowling team. It was the first time I'd bowled since high school. I told my teammates not to expect much. In fact, my main contribution so far has been my exceptionally high handicap.

However, I've discovered trying something a little new and different can pay off. We have a blast on our girls night out laughing, talking, and even enjoying a cocktail or two. I've met a lot of funny and terrific gals.

My season 2 of bowling started in August, and guess what? Last Tuesday I bowled the best game of my (admittedly limited) bowling career. Doubters see evidence below.

Yes, it's true. I bowled a 158. Of course I followed that game by bowling a 108, but no matter. I got a taste of success. Sometimes if you keep plugging away, wonderful things can happen. Heck, I even got a story out of bowling. "The Tuesday Night Ladies League" appears in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Reboot Your Life (now available in bookstores and on Amazon). It tells how stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new energized and inspired me.

This week bowling night brought another surprise bonus.

A former bowling teammate brought her therapy dog (in training) to the bowling alley. His name is Woody, and he's quite the handsome fellow. He laid quietly on the floor while zillions of bowling balls rumbled down the alley before crashing into pins. What a good boy. I know he's going to make an awesome therapy dog.

Have you tried a new activity lately that made you feel great?