Bracketology by Frank Sinatra (My Way) - the fun way to play

I have all 4 of the Final Four teams in my bracket.  Here's how - Wait for it!

(In understanding, camaraderie, and response to Philip and Karen Martin (Ark Dem-Gaz) who confessed to three brackets and former sports reporting in days of yore and boasts that his bracket (one of them) is still "alive and well.") So is my bracket. I fill out my bracket by rounds (oh, yes, I do) and by association to basketball history and tradition.

I was 26-6 after round one, all due to my Bracketology of association with my sons, my BHS Panthers, Memphis, Arkansas, or the old SWC. Brilliant Strategy.

As an example or two in the first round - Richmond was a solid pick because a former Bartlett HS athlete was signed by the Spiders and he played there until he transferred to Ole Miss. Tennessee because I have money invested in that school as my son lived in the athletic offices, choosing athletics over academics, for a few semesters. Arizona because of Josh Pastner and Houston because U of M Tigers had beaten them this season. Of course, Memphis and Arkansas, Baylor because of  Chip and Joanna, Talya, and SWC, and KY to go down in flames because of Calipari  and his duck run under cover of darkness and suspicion to KY from U of M.

The second round was a doozie. I had Miami coming out because son had the hoodie and as a toddler referred to the team as "my mammy." Don Johnson was another good reason to choose Miami (Miami Vice). Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio because the states have three vowels (Wordle) and because I detest LSU. Sentiment went to UTChattanooga but who are we kidding. TTech was old SWC and of course Arkansas.

Texas is OUT,  just because. 

I only had nine wins going to the Sweet 16.

But, I have 7 of the elite 8 - Arkansas (yes, indeed), Duke (former BHS student is alum. He is son of a classmate from Henderson State), UNC (love Roy Williams who came to BHS on a recruiting trip and was so very kind to our students. And  Papa Smurf), Houston is in Memphis' conference, NOVA (Memphis State vs Villanova in 1985). Never had the Peacocks even though my granddaughter loves the colorful birds and we have cousins in New Jersey. 

Kansas (U of M vs Kansas. Jayhawks won in Memphis' season of shame), and My-Mammy plus Don Johnson. 

That brings me to the final four - Duke (really - even with Elvis-haired Coach K whose voice kills me), UNC (love the Carolina Blue and son has a blanket and jersey). NOVA because Dana Kirk sucked on his ring instead of coaching the Tigers and NOVA went on to the finals in 1985. And, KS because the Jayhawks can out-fight a pelican.

 My final answer for winner - prior to any of the Final Four contests, without any phone-a-friend or survey is Kansas. Easy pick - Jayhawks can torment the Devil out of an Elvis-impersonator's team. And because Kansas is a part of ARKansas. 

I rest my case.

Around the Corner and Down the Street

        “Early Spring,” says the Groundhog!  Oh, how my thighs hope he is right!  My walking routine has been severely disrupted due to bad weather, cold weather, rainy weather, cloudy weather, and occasional sunshine!
         The outdoors and I have a long-established a love/hate relationship.  It dates back to the moment Mother Nature determined to exact revenge on me for being a “Girl Scout Dropout.”  Try as I may to be a good sport, I just cannot get past spiders, bugs, and mosquitos. The aversion to the camping-out routine began when I was scolded for making a production of slapping mosquitos while sitting around a campfire – on a log, mind you! The Scout Leader told me to “quit, or just go inside!”  Oh, thank you, Jesus.  I thought she’d never exile me!  At a day-trip I ended my scouting career with subtle rebellion as I wondered aloud, “Why would anyone want to cook a baked potato in the ground when you have a perfectly good stove?????”

         Visiting out of town friends for weeks during the summer sometimes meant sucking it up and going with the group for an overnight at Girl Scout Camp.  I did not sleep a wink that one night, keeping watch for creeping spiders that could, if they had a mind to, climb up the leg of the cot and creep under the sheet onto my foot, or they could stealthily fall from the porch ceiling and perch upon my hand, or shoulder, or OMG, My Face!  How could anyone sleep under those creepy conditions?
        But, I do love breathing fresh air, taking in the scenes of pretty flowers and shrubs, shy jonquils, and landscaped lawns. I adore noticing how the seasons are changing.  Walking the 2+ miles daily I have enjoyed the tone my thighs and booty have achieved, and I also know I have lost some poundage, some fluffiness. Some ladies prefer the treadmill and the stationary bicycle.  Not me….even with TV, I grow tired of the same-ole scenery afforded by the indoor treadmill, and my knees can’t take the stationary bicycle nor the elliptical thing.  It’s that old cheerleader injury that I credit for every physical limitation.
        Friends recommend Yoga and Zumba, the golden oldies version.  Oh, how I wish there were classes here without having to drive to Kennett or Piggott.  I’ve gotten spoiled and don’t even like to drive 15 miles, unless I am shopping for a new outfit.  I prefer “just around the corner” and “down the street.”  And that's how I walk...around the corner and down the street.
        For now, I’ll build up my resolve to take up the Walking Routine again, just as soon as a few more buttercups decide to wave in the Early Spring breeze! I’ll gladly lace up my walking shoes for the pilgrimage, being sure to avoid spiders, bugs, and anything else creeping onto my path.