On The Road Again

Cheryl Leitner backs up onto the shuttle lift.

Scott Winkler came over to give Zena a "lift" when he took over the controls.

All aboard and on the road heading for the airport.

Last Day

We headed out in mid-morning but had a bit of time in the morning to visit with people and say good-bye. This is Jeanette Thompson who served in Iraq and was injured there. Jeanette is somewhat new to the sports venue but she is in good running for a strong performance in the world championship.

Kathy is the head person on the Paralympic Olympics. I don't know what her actual title is but she's the head honcho...and nice as can be.

Eric Hightower has spina bifida and he is from Glendale, Arrizona. He's a charming young man and he too will be a strong contender in the world championship.

Now, it's time to get to the shuttle and off to the airport. :)

Olympic Rings

The Olympic rings are so easily recognized and have made my heart swell with pride each time the games are going. I love those rings, love the feeling I get when I see them. I know Mike just go nutty when he looks over as I'm writing/typing about the Olympic rings and he sees the smile on my face. He says I don't have a poker face...whatever I'm feeling shows on my face.

Right now, along with the rings, I love the sight of my sister in front of the rings, the U. S. and Olympic flags displayed behind her. How terrific is that? :)

We had some stranger visiting in the center take a picture of the two of us. Love ya' Zena!

Scott Winkler stretches out for a nap between activities.

The throwers get together in the dining area for an impromtu coach session. Others were there, I got a picture of just this one table.

Those Olympic rings again. :)

We'll be packing up and leaving tomorrow. Good thing. The Altoids tin is empty. :( The mints from Chik-Fil-A are gone...the chicken nuggets didn't lst long at all. :( This is the last Pepsi - Jacob and Maria had gotten some onto the campus for us. Coca-Cola sponsors the Olympics so there's no Pepsi products available around there.

It has been an amazing week!

Long Shadows

Taking a break in the late afternoon before the evening's workout, Shirley Reilly of Tucson, relaxes in one of the shady area on the campus.

Tina Kaufman-Cain of the U. S. Olympic Committee, pauses to pose for a picture with Zena in front of the Olympic Rings.

Scenic view abound throughout the campus. Those teal blue chairs look so inviting!

As the shadows grow long, the throwers prepare for an evening practice session.

And, the practice continues till well after sunset.

Another Visit

Jacob and Maria stopped in for another visit before actually heading out from the area. Those two little ones are adorable and we all had a nice visit.

What A Surprise!

Zena and I were both surprised beyond belief to learn John and Kelly had also traveled over to Chula Vista and would be visiting at the OTC!  How exciting that Zena would also be meeting his wife and two little ones. :)

Baylee had no hesitation at all in climbing out of the vehicle and giving Aunt Ogie a big hug. I love that she was smiling up at Grandma, too!

Zena was all smiles as she nestled Ashlee in her arm and led the way inside, out of the heat of the day.

After the initial greetings, we went up to the activity center for some fun and games. Kelly and Zena played a couple games of pool. I'm not sure what the outcome was beyond the sheer fun of the game.

John and Kelly went a couple rounds of table tennis, too.

Guess who won? :)

Don't you just love that Olympic moment with the outstretched arms?

A group picture before departing...John wanted the banner overhead, I wanted the people below. We compromised. Somewhat.

It was such a surprise that John and Kelly had come over. It was great that they were able to spend the time getting to visit the center and meeting Zena. I know it meant the world to her having that time with Hi Baby and his family.

The Retriever

Jacob and Maria came back again the next morning with the kids and it was nice that they were able to go down on the practice fields and interact with Zena as she did her routine.

That is her coach out at the far left and Jacob is walking back with Davis after going out with him to show him how to retrieve Aunt Ogie's club and bring it back to her.

Zena has only the one arm for momentum as she throws. That said, she does a heck of a job. Obviously else she wouldn't be on TeamUSA representing the U. S. In the world championships!

It didn't take long for Davis to get the hang of it. It was so very hot out there but that little guy ran and ran  retrieving that club for Aunt Ogie.

Made her day, too! Zena was loving it that Davis was coming right up to her to hand that club back. He had a smile on his face each time, too. :)

Grandma kept giving him his sippy cup to drink water between runs. Gotta keep that little guy hydrated while he works out. :)

After a nice visit, Jacob and Maria prepared to head out. We said good-byes in the parking area, while scrambling to find a bit of shade.

I am so glad they were able to visit!

Expected Visitors

Zena was ecstatic to learn Jacob and Maria were going to visit with the kids so she would have a chance to spend time with them. This was Davis first ride with Aunt Ogie and he was a bit hesitant to start. That didn't last long!

We were on our way to lunch when they arrived so we all had lunch together.

One of the competitors on the throwing team, Scott Winkler, stopped by to meet the little ones. What a guy!

Look at that, she's all smiles! And what a cutie she is. :)

It was wonderful that they were able to make the trip over! I know it meant a lot to Zena, too.

Food Stuff

It took all that was in me to overlook the fact that juice from the beans was on my plate...and running into the couscous.

The food was yummy and I really enjoyed the meals at the OTC. It was nice that there wasn't a cost, too! Yum!

Zena didn't think so. She had cereal for a few meals. :)