Miss Clementine!

Happy 90th Birthday to Our Nana!  

Miss Clementine Nowakowski

Miss Clementine...back in the day!

We started with a pedicure and manicure....yes...that's Nats foot too!

She wanted steak and potato for lunch...yes she is from the Midwest!

Had this Wheel of Fortune cake made for her!

A wish and a prayer!

Model T Ford

Been enjoying watching the US Open!  Is it me or are the retired players totally against "nobodies" doing well....sorta like they don't deserve it or haven't earned it?   Oooo well, what do I know?

Our gal has be in Alabama coaching Caroline.  Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been cooperating.  Caroline had to play two singles and on doubles match yesterday.  And a singles and dubs match today.  As a matter of fact, she just lost in dubs and they are headed across the boarder to Georgia.  Yay, me I get to go pick her up around 11 p.m. tonight.

Anyway, Natalie has run into many friends while at the junior tourney and has been enjoying it.  This week she plans on coaching a few lessons, I pray I won't have to ball feed while she coaches.  But hey, whatever it takes.

But first, we will celebrate our Nana's 90th birthday tomorrow.  Just a few months back, I didn't think she was going to make it, but here we are.  God is Good!  Crazy to think about all the changes in our world she has seen.  We love to listen to her point of view when she saw or used something for the first time, like an electric wash machine.  Or getting run over by a car when she was 7 years old....thank goodness it was a skinny tire...according to her.  A skinny tire = Model T Ford.  Y'all.....my mom was run over by a Model T Ford in 1931.....CRAZY!   ahhhaahhaha  Anyway.....Think we will start our day with a pedicure and manicure.

Well, let's see what this week brings....Love and Blessing....Sherry!

I'm Officially Old

Sooo much to catch you up on, sorry for the delay....not enough hours in my day.  Ok, so Natalie and I headed to Charlotte on Thursday afternoon.  With a stop in Columbia for dinner with friends.  We met with American soldier Andrew's family.  A college friend of Natalie, who happens to be a boom operator and is keeping us safe.  We enjoyed dinner with Jenny, Greg and Erica.  As well with visiting with Audrey and her beautiful new daughter Dagny.  We even were able to exchange a few texts messages and pictures with Andrew, who of course wishes he was having dinner with us....but he has work to do, on our behalf.  A wonderful family and visit!

Miss Dagny and Miss Natalie!

We continued onto our hotel in Rock Hill for the night.  Nat's appointment was at 7:45 a.m., so we were up and out early.  Although our bodies and minds wanted to stay in bed.  Made our way to Dr. Anderson's office, which to our surprise was filled with staff and patients.  The x-ray showed that Natalie was healing well, but the break was still visible.  Again, due to lack of blood supply to that area, very hard to heal the break, will take a while.  But all was going well.  The stitches were removed and of course....had to bleed a while.....nothing is ever easy for our gal.  With the bleeding stopped and the new "toe" splint in place we received our next plan of action.  Which is.....splint for two weeks, no driving, can shower.  Then to the boot for four weeks.  Then to shoe with insert.  Recheck October 30th.

The bone graph was done here.

Site that was used to harvest the bone for the graph.

There you have it.  We left the office hopeful and excited with the news.  The little things as they say.  Made our way home with a couple of stops along the way.  Did beat the holiday and race traffic, thank goodness.  Had to make it quick, because Natalie had a coaching job to get home to.  She was to escort a junior player to Birmingham for a tourney Friday evening.  So, we had no time to waste.

Coach Pluskota in Action!

Just about home and Nat received a text saying that they wouldn't leave for Alabama until Saturday since the gal didn't play until the afternoon.  Nat was excited, because then she could go with me to watch Coach Pluskota (her brother) coach his second regular season high school game.  So, after a quick nap out the door we went.  Join by Jaynie and Sadie, we went to watch high school football, and had a blast.

Yesterday morning, I dropped Nat off with Caroline and they made their way to Alabama.  Unfortunately, horrible weather kept all the matches off the court.   And they had an 8 a.m. match, Nat's favorite...hahahahha....NOT!   Oooo the joys of junior tennis, glad its her and not me!  Want to share a text I got from Nat this morning....soooo funny:

"That moment yesterday when I'm crutching into the hotel and a mom and her daughter go are you Natalie Pluskota and I'm like yes.  And the mom and girl go....OMG my daughter was a ball kid for you a long time ago....I'm officially old!"

Yea....OK....Nat...you are old at 24....ahahahah now that's funny on sooo many levels!  So, sweet that they remember Natalie.  Guess it was a good experience for the young player, so that's good!

Well, Caroline won this morning and will play again at one.  I guess she will play a total of 4 matches today if she continues here winning ways.  Hope the matches are done by game time, or our gal will not be a happy camper.  Oooo well, the price of being a working girl!  Guess, I can send her updates.

Our Nana will turn 90....yes 90 on Tuesday.  So, been preparing a lil family celebration.  Excited to have found someone to bake her a cake and decorate it with a Wheel of Fortune theme.  Her favorite T.V. show.  Yesterday, my son Ed took her and me out for a birthday dinner.  She really enjoyed herself and time with her first grandson.

I think that catches you up on everything!  Hope our world finds PEACE and soon, so we can bring Andrew and all soldiers home to their families.  God Bless American!  Love and Blessings ....Sherry!

HHmmmm What Kind of Jobs....

Wow....29,001 views of our blog....THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  We appreciate your interest in Natalie and her life as a professional tennis player.  As you know, part of the life in injuries....unfortunately.  And the current injury has our gal going bonkers sitting on the sofa just ain't her style.  Must say tho, she has had many friends either sending her awesome care packages, thank you Jan.   And several cards and notes have been delivered too, always brings a smile to her face when something arrives in the mail.

And many thanks to her friends that have reached out to Natalie and or come by to "rescue" her from the sofa.  Last night a dear friend (Lauren) from high school took her out for dinner.  Before that she watched Sadie play softball thanks to Nic and Jaynie.

The one thing that has been happening that brings mixed emotions are job offers.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm very proud that soooo many think enough of Natalie that they are offering her some amazing positions.  But it only confuses her more as to what she wants to do.  Being very emotional due to the injury only makes the pressure (lack of better word) of turning down the job offer ten times worse.  When the injury happened we received some medical opinions that stirred Natalie in the direction of decision.  That with the job offer phones calls was becoming toooo much.  So, had to set her down and let her know that now is the time to heal, not the time to make decisions.  First, we don't know what the outcome of the surgery will be, therefore she shouldn't think her playing days are over.  Unless of course she just doesn't want to play anymore, which I truly don't think is the case.  Second, she can't take a job in the condition she is in, the foot needs to be up and no weight bearing.  Third, it is NEVER good to make major decisions when you are filled with emotions.  It is a time to step back and let God guide you, as hard as that maybe with the outside trying to swoop in.

I can sense you are wondering....hmmm what kind of jobs.  Ok....here are a couple of examples:  Assistant tennis coach at a Division 1 university, tennis coach at a new tennis center in Florida, tennis coach for private lessons at complex here in Georgia.   Yes, all are great jobs, all of which will be available in the future, maybe not at the same places but nevertheless it will be easy for her to obtain a job.  For she has many options with her degree and experience.  So, definitely no need to rush a decision to go into the "normal" working world.

Many thanks to those of you that have offered Natalie a job.  She is very excited every time she is contacted.  Excited to know she has options.  Everyone like to know they are wanted, a great feeling indeed!

Tomorrow, we will head to Charlotte for that early Friday morning doctor's appointment.  Looking forward to hearing the latest and next step to the process.  For, we are ready to get this party re started.  So, let me get my hump day party started.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

A Slap in the Face

Hello Friends!  Many of you may remember the blog I wrote back in June about the U.S. Open Playoff Series.  The one that spoke about Natalie's partner Hunter being "told" not to play in the Atlanta mixed doubles tournament with Nat.  That caused Nat to have to find a last minute partner, thank goodness for Ricky!  Anyway.....spoke about Hunter and one of the gals that won the NCAA dubs title would be getting a "wild card" into the US Open, therefore he shouldn't play with Natalie.

Well, we heard that Hunter and his new partner have been in New York training and getting ready.  Only to find out today, when the list was released that they DID NOT receive a wild card.  In fact, they are first alternate.....a slap in the face.   Boy does this story sound familiar???  Yes.....alll TOOOO!  It is a shame that college players continue to be treated in the manner.  Shame ......Shame!  Oooo well, the secret society of tennis continues another day!  

Our gal is doing well.  The swelling is down which has caused the splint to become lose.  Tending to rub and aggravate the toes.  Lucky for Natalie, we will leave on Thursday for Charlotte.  We have a 7:45 a.m. appointment on Friday morning, so there is now way I'm getting up at 3 a.m. to drive there.  So we will see the doc and then head for home.  Natalie will be traveling to Birmingham that evening to escort a junior player to a tourney there.  Make a lil money for herself, a great opportunity considering her current situation.

Sure am missing being at the U.S. Open this year.  We have enjoyed it the last two years, and were looking forward to Nat's chances for getting into the mixed and ladies dubs draws.  Dreams dashed for one more year.  Enough said, Love and Blessings....Sherry!

5th Graders at Thomas Crossroads Elementary School

Good Evening ...almost Good Morning!  Natalie, Nic and I really enjoy visiting with the 5th graders at Thomas Crossroads Elementary School.  Many thanks to Mrs. Lorrie Shaffer for the invite and willingness to put our gal ....and her brother to work.  And to Principal Dr. Simmons for a nice greeting and escort, sure to miss seeing the "big guy" on a regular basis.  Used to work with him, in another life.  He got a charge out of Natalie telling the story of jumping up and hanging on the door frames and the retired Principal Hattie Dunn always would catch her.  Or getting caught climbing any pole or pillar in the school and Principal Dunn would alllllwayyyys catch her.  YES, she was a monkey too!

Anyway, Natalie and Nic made a great team.  They were asked to speaking about the importance of setting goals.  Our gal started out and at the point of talking about her re evaluating her upcoming goals in light of her injury she choked up.  The eyes welded up to surprise of her brother.....who most graciously took over the conversation to allow her a moment to regroup.  Yea, not a dry eye in the room.  I guess, down deep she really isn't ready for her pro career to be over, guess time will tell.

Sooooo very proud of Natalie and Nic and their efforts today.  The kids were fully engaged and relating to them.  Was so very awesome to witness, a proud mom moment for sure.  I was able to record some of the presentation, the audio is not very good, forgive me.  But thought you might like to hear part of what they spoke about with the kids.  Please enjoy!  Love and Blessings....Sherry!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWZa8dZw9h4&feature=youtu.be

She is Bored

Good Morning from a muggy Georgia!  A bit of an update...Natalie has been complete off meds for three days.  She doesn't like the way they make her feel, so she puts up with the pain instead.  That's my girl, I'm the same way.  But for real, she is doing great as far as the foot is concerned.  However, she is driving me nuts cuz she is bored.  Nat is so used to be very busy, it is hard for her to sit on her bum.

Having said that, I took to Facebook and posted a message to my teacher and coaching friends.  Asking them if they need a visitor.  I mean.....can you think of a better way to rehab then being surround by a bunch of toothless wonders?  Fielding questions and hopefully inspiring young minds to set goals is a great way to spend her time.  Sooooo if you need a visitor to your classroom or to speak to your team, just let me know.  For I have to fill 5 more weeks of time....UGH!

We continue to pray everyday that this bone graph will work.  And appreciate your continued prayers.  Must thank those of you that have contacted Natalie via phone, text, twitter,  and snail mail.  She really appreciates you taking the time, so do I...thank you, thank you!

Not quiet a week since Loree left us!  Yes, left us!  That's how we feel, deserted!  I mean couldn't she just blow off her senior year of college and just stay here with us....GEEEEZZZZ!??  But for real, Loree was a great  addition to Team Pluskota and we miss her every day.  Love you Ree Ree!

Guess it's time to ready for Natalie's first school visit of the fall.  She will be going to Thomas Crossroads Elementary School.   Which is the school she attended.  Some how she has convinced her brother Nic (firefighter) to go with her, not sure how.  So, the kids are in for a treat, the tag team are headed their way.   Until the flip side of this school visit.....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!