Category: OLD SPORT SHORTS (Page 47 of 68)

An old guy’s perspective on all sports

Old Sport Shorts: Streak Stoppers #775

December 16, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I hope there’s no one out there hoping that my personal running streak comes to an end, but I was certainly glad to see a couple other athletic streaks come to an abrupt halt this weekend. It started with a I.U. alumni game-watch at the Ladd Tapp as the improving Hoosiers battled the formidable Butler Bulldogs in the Crossroads Classic. Notre Dame beat struggling Purdue in the opening game as our small group of fellow Hoosier supporters ordered some adult beverages to settle our pre-tip-off nerves.

The last 18 years of Indiana basketball have belonged to the Butler Bulldogs. It’s a basketball state and the Crossroads Classic is a showcase of the perennial top programs of the beloved game, now led by Butler. Since the 2000-2001 season, Butler has appeared in the NCAA tournament 13 times, ND & Indiana 11 times, and Purdue 12 times. Once this 4-team classic started in 2011, IU & Butler have 5-3 marks, Notre Dame 4-4, and Purdue 2-6. I should point out that the games are laid out so that Butler never plays ND and Purdue never plays Indiana to avoid conflicts with their respective conferences. In reality, it’s a Big East vs. Big Ten competition, even though it’s hard for me to picture the “crossroads of the Midwest” included as part of the East. Any way you look at it, however, the Big East is the big winner in this Indiana state showdown 9-7.

An un-ranked Butler team upset #1 nationally ranked IU 88-86 in 2012 and did it again in 2016 against the ninth-ranked Hoosiers. IU managed to tie their head-to-head battles 2-2 yesterday and prevented any possible Bulldog streak from developing. Throughout history, the Hoosiers maintain a dominant 22-7 record dating back to 1949-50 when both schools were classified as major. Their first meetings goes back to 1901 with two Butler victories. Indiana claimed its first Butler victory in 1903. There was a time that I remember when the Butler game was a sure victory, but that simply isn’t the case anymore. Yesterday’s buzzer beater by Freshman Rob Phinisee (#10 by the way) erased a fairly dominant Butler afternoon. It was also doubly special for Cream & Crimson fans because Phinisee was stolen out of Purdue’s backyard. In addition, the game was played with former IU star Victor Oladipo in attendance fresh from rejoining the streaking Indiana Pacers’ 6-triumph surge. Similarly, his Alma Mater now has an impressive four-game winning streak of narrow margin victories. The heart-stopping close-calls can certainly cease happening at any time, but I’d love to see the string of W’s continue to grow.

That was just the beginning of my magical weekend of sports. The red-hot Indianapolis Colts handed the Dallas Cowboys their first shutout in 15 years and squashed their momentum of 5-straight wins, speaking of impressive streak stoppage stuff. At the same time, the Chicago Bears defense ended Aaron Rodgers’ bid for another fourth quarter comeback with a timely pick-off in the end zone. It stopped his NFL record-breaking streak at 402 straight completions without an interception, and earned the “Monsters of the Midway” their first NFC North title in 8 years. I couldn’t ask Santa for a much better winning weekend, and look forward to once-again following at least one football favorite in January and maybe even February?

Retirement is not without Hassles: Holiday Parties #773

December 15, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s been an unusual week, centered around the flu and a doctor’s appointment that literally made me sick. We attended my wife’s company party a week ago, completing the first leg of our holiday journey. Tonight, my wife plays the role of gracious boss by cooking for her co-worker and his wife. As this endless string of parties continue, a week from now we’ll gather with a group of friends for our annual get-together for dinner. We chose El Gaucho Steakhouse for this year’s feast. The following day we’ll fly back to Indiana for this year’s grand finale. It’s no wonder that we’ll need a quiet New Year’s Eve to properly recuperate.

Both my wife and I went into the holiday rush this year feeling sick. Imagine how we’ll feel if we somehow make it to New Year’s? She missed a day-and-a-half of work and a corporate dinner, while I missed two days of retirement. In my case, I was just trying to be proactive about my health, and regrettably reminded my doctor of an overdue pneumococcal vaccine. In fact, I had just completed a successful exam and was ready to walk out the door when I pointed out the oversight. It was the second of the vaccines recommended to senior citizens over 65, supposedly designed to avoid pneumonia and save lives. It made my arm swell-up around the injection point and took me out of commission for two days. I have never had an allergic reaction this bad to any form of medication, so I immediately began to think that it was some sort of genocide conspiracy against the aging. One shot and it eliminates Social Security and pension payments, plus ultimately saves on medical costs to society. Merry f***** Christmas!

A healthier kick-of to the Holidays began for my wife and I at Disneyland a few weeks ago. Seasonal music and festive holiday decorations added to the Disney magic. My favorite holiday moment so far this year was watching the endless stream of performing choirs unite in a candlelight processional. “Believe…in Holiday Magic” filled the skies with fireworks. The Park is particularly impressive during the Holidays, creating vivid memories, although it seemed long in the past as I fought off chills, fever. stiffness, headaches, and loss of appetite. I did, however, still manage to do my exercises and run a mile, but only slightly over, to barely maintain The Streak before I took another 3-hour nap.

I got an early Christmas gift this afternoon, an Indiana basketball victory over state rival Butler. The men in red and white needed a last second, off-balance shot to earn the victory, as the ball somehow dropped down the chimney. HO HO HOW? Santa should be delivering a lot of I.U. apparel this year after Freshman Rob Phinisee DID IT and not THE BUTLER. Tomorrow, on the 3rd day of Christmas, I’m hoping for a Chicago Bears win over the evil Green Bay Packers. Gotta go – our next Holiday Party is about to start – our dinner guests are arriving!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Prime #769

December 12, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Infinity/Comcast finally added Amazon Prime to its lineup, giving me the freedom to watch their movies on my big screen TVs. Before, I could only view shows like Bosch and Tin Star on my computer, but with my new set-up I now have access to Goliath and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in the bedrooms, living room, and office. I’ve always used it for shopping and buying collectibles, so this makes my subscription even more practical.

A few days ago, I was in Santa Barbara enjoying a half-day of California sunshine. Pleasant weather has not been the case in Portland these past few days. It also turned out to be a bad soccer weekend with two disappointing losses from my teams, but I.U. basketball and the Bears gave me fresh hope despite the clouds. I got back in time for my wife’s Holiday Party and have now settled-in for a couple weeks at home. The next airplane will take me to Chicago for Christmas Eve, Eve.

Today was filled with errands, including a scheduled doctor appointment and shuttle service back-and-forth to the Dog spa. Yesterday, I was feeling poorly, spending most of my time on my butt watching Amazon Prime. This morning was even worse as a stomach ache transitioned into a gross touch of flu. After paying homage to the porcelain god, both sitting and standing, I struggled through day 3,615 of “The Streak” with one of my slowest times of the year. There was little energy left for the rest of the day, and my blood pressure registered at one of the lowest levels I can ever remember – that’s a good thing!

I also tried to tackle a do-it-yourself project and found myself with even less patience than ever. My wife allows me to do electrical work, having proved my worth on several occasions. I do not have her permission to work on too many things around the house, especially if there’s paint involved. In this case, she ordered three sconces for our hallway that were sitting in their shipping boxes awaiting my attention. I stared at them a long time before I felt good enough to take any action. They now elegantly cover three not so attractive electrical boxes that were left by the former owner four years ago. Tonight, the lights are shining, so I accomplished something constructive despite my puniness.

My friends are busy organizing a college baseball trip to Seattle in early March, but my wife is caught-up in budget meetings and may not be able to go with me. At that time, we’re just returning from some business meetings in February and just a couple of weeks away from a trip to Thailand. It’s unfortunate timing, but involves both Indiana University and Oregon State, two of my college baseball favorites. If you’ll remember, last year I watched the Beavers play in the College World Series. They are the defending champions! If I book now, I can do better than a Motel 6. (See Post #766). In the meantime, it’s Prime Time!

Old Sport Shorts: Futbol #765

December 9, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Are you ready for some Futbol? It’s that “foreign” brand of action focused around maneuvering a black-and-white round-ball rather than an oblong pigskin with stitches. Furthermore, it’s decided on a pitch rather than a gridiron, and is designated a match as opposed to a game. There is no trophy or Super Bowl; instead a cup, plus your team can never get more than one point at a time. It’s top-of mind for me these next few days with the College Cup in Santa Barbara and the MLS Cup in Atlanta.

This year’s College Cup developed into primarily a BIG Ten tournament plus the Akron Zips. My Indiana Hoosiers are the the top remaining seed, so I had to see them inaction. They’ve won this 8 times already and I’ve followed them on TV and radio, hoping to make up for recent dismal I.U. basketball and football seasons. My Alma Mater was also once a powerhouse in swimming, diving, and track, with many Olympic Gold Medal conquests. I tend to follow the sport that favors my chances of winning; a true fair-weather fan! That’s also why I’m in sunny Santa Barbara. Go Hoosiers!

Futbol, in general, has gotten much more respect in recent years and certainly after the advent ofcable and conference networks. ESPN will carry these games, so watch for me in the IU crowd. I’ll be dressed in red, but so will Maryland fans. An undefeated I.U.squad got to the finals last year and lost to Stanford in a painful kick-off. Can we flash the Victory sign and make it 9?

Other Portland Futbol fans are headed to Atlanta, and 72,000 seat Mercedes Benz Stadium. TheTimbers have sent a long log ahead of their fans, hoping that many slices will be sawn off by Timber Joey’s chainsaw. Slice equals Goal for those not familiar with this ritual. Unfortunately, the home pitch makes the Atlanta United a heavy favorite, but the match still has to be played.

I’m coming back early from Santa Barbara for my wife’s Holiday Party so I can’t make Sunday’s game, regardless of the outcome of the Hoosiers and Turtles. Does anybody need a ticket? I’ll also be in the air for the important IU basketball game against rival Louisville, another round-ball battle. I should get back on the ground in time for the Timbers’ game that is part of the evening’s entertainment at her company event. In fact, her TV station is carrying the match-up for all the marbles.

When I go to bed Saturday night I’ll know three answers: Will I be buying another Timbers scarf to hang on my office wall? Will I be ready for some more college futbol on Sunday or will our season be over? Finally, will the Hoosier basketball team be able to beat Louisville in my favorite collegiate sport?

Caleb Porter, who guided the Portland Timbers to the 2015 Championship game, played at Indiana,and coached at Akron. That is the extent of my soccer knowledge, inhibited by the fact that the game was even more “foreign” when I was a kid of the 50s and 60s. Indiana has already defeated both the Maryland Terrapins and Michigan State Spartans, the other two BIG contenders for the prestigious College Cup. I’m always up for good college sports hence the reason for my spur-of-the-moment excursion to Santa Barbara, the host city. The total cost was less than $400.

My first memorable soccer experience dates back to the mid-80s and a radio station promotion involving an exhibition match by the Chicago Sting? I had a hat autographed by all the players that I framed and gave to my son. He did engage in some soccer, but mostly raced BMX bikes, played rugby, and competed in swimming & diving. Soccer was not a big part of his life either. I’ve been to a couple of Timber’s matches here in Portland, but mostly try to tune-in. It’s the festivities around the game that sparked my interest with the waving of scarves, chants, songs, and chainsaw noises. I‘ll be interested to see how the college crowds compare?

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a long night for us Hoosier futbol fans. Despite numerous attempts, nothing got past the Maryland goalkeeper. The Terrapins scored twice to claim a spot in the championship game against Akron. The I.U pep band was the highlight of the evening, being the only team with this level of student support. Nonetheless, the tournament shutout or whitewash streak came sadly to an end, and Maryland will play again on Sunday, once I’m safely settled back in chilly Portland.

Old Sport Shorts: Knight-mares #759

December 3, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I’m back in the saddle after a long weekend at Disneyworld, catching up on some programs I recorded while experiencing The Nightmare before Christmas at the Park. While I was gone, I also made plans to go to Santa Barbara this Friday to watch the College Cup, the soccer version of basketball’s Final Four, where my alma mater Indiana Hoosiers will make a 20th appearance. On fifteen of those occasions they won the first game and then went on to win the National Championship 8 times – will they make it 9? The program was finally established as a varsity sport the year I graduated in 1973, after being only recognized as a club sport since 1947. A friend of mine played on one of those untouted teams.

When I was in school it was all about basketball, with Bob Knight in his second year as coach of the storied program. The 1972-73 team was his first to go to the Final Four, but at a time when UCLA was still dominant. Swimming & Diving was also a big deal on campus, having just won a National title with Mark Spitz and John Kinsella. Soccer was a non-factor on my list of sports favorites, so it became important only when the Hoosiers starting winning Championships.

This morning I watched the ESPN 30 For 30 special that brought back a lot of memories. It focuses on a controversial “choking” incident during a basketball practice session with former player Neil Reid. It was initially released as a premium incentive for app subscribers, so I was not part of the first group of viewers to first see it. I’m a big supporter of Bob Knight despite his tactics of intimidation. I’ve also seen the media make much out of nothing with disturbing exaggerations of his behavior, including an accidental “head-butting” incident that was disceivingly presented as a reoccuring loop of over-and-over strikes to the forehead head.

There were no complaints about Bob Knight until he started losing. I met him at the Maui Classic one year, but was never able to really talk with him until July 26, 2012. I bought a $50 ticket for a political fundraiser in Dripping Springs, Texas where he was speaking. I expected a big crowd, but instead it was at a private home with few Indiana basketball fans. I spent about a half-hour with him in the kitchen, discussing one of his former players that is a friend of my wife and I. It turned uncomfortable when I mentioned another friend, a popular IU broadcaster that he apparently detested. I saw the dark side that so many talk about – that Jekyll & Hyde personality.

It was shortly after our conversation and during his speech to the small group that his phone started buzzing. He tried to ignore it but the ringing persisted to the point where he took the call, promptly completed his speech, and left abruptly. It was later that night that I heard about Neil Reid’s unexpected death. Knight was under contract with ESPN as an analyst at that time and I’m sure the calls were regarding the nightmarish incident that changed both of their lives.

Knight left Indiana a bitter man and never returned to the campus. He has gotten together with his former players several times at the Workingman’s Friend in Indianapolis, but will always keep his distance from the Bloomington campus. For the most part, they continue to support him. The 30 For 30 special shows mostly his ugly side, but there were so many honorable things that he did behind the scenes for his players, the I.U. library, and the University in general. I felt many emotions as I watched the story unfold through the eyes of the camera. Most of us loathed Neil Reid and viewed him as a “snot-nosed punk,” but he gets long-overdue respect from reporter Robert Abbott. Bob Knight “The General” made his short life a Knight-mare.

Old Sport Shorts: Trophies #749

November 24, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Apple Cups, Civil Wars, and Oaken Buckets – Oh My! I’ve certainly gotten my share of college football this weekend. Who wants to win the Milk Can, Golden Boot, Leather Helmet, Victory Bell, Little Brown Jug, Bronze Boot, Golden Hat, or Old Wagon Wheel? How about a Cup in honor of Paul Bunyan or Floyd of Rosedale? Maybe it’s more prestigious to hoist the Southwestern Classic, Territorial, Heartland, Cy-Hawk, or Centennial trophy? These gimmick awards seem to be designed for teams that don’t typically earn conference or national championship hardware to fill their glass cases. They are indeed better than nothing!

The Little Brown Jug, considered one of the oldest rivalry challenges, dates back to 1892 and goes to the winner of the Minnesota vs. Michigan game every year. If it were filled with spirits like Jack Daniels it might be worth something. Same with the empty Old Oaken Bucket or a Leather Helmet. Apple juice or Milk just doesn’t cut it, and a Bell holds nothing but air. Old Boots & Hats dipped in gold or bronze are really worth playing for?

The marquee games this week like Michigan vs. Ohio State apparently doesn’t need an incentive trophy. After all, they’re playing for Conference supremacy, the Heisman, BCS Playoffs, and National Championship. However, who wouldn’t want to claim the Jeweled Shillelagh between Notre Dame and USC. That game also has National Championship implications for the Irish. Alabama does have room for any more since their shelves are already filled with prestigious FOY-ODK awards from the Iron Bowl. Most likely they are in a closet somewhere to make room for National Championship awards.

Bottom Line: Most teams just want to win – they don’t need no stinkin’ trophies!

From picksixpreviews.com here are a list of rivalry trophies:

Anniversary Award Kent St – BGSU
Apple Cup Washington – Wash State
Bayou Bucket Rice – Houston
Battle of I-75 Trophy Toledo – BGSU
Bedlam Bell Oklahoma – Okla State
Beehive Boot Utah – BYU – Utah St
Bronze Boot Wyoming – Colorado St
Bronze Stalk Ball State – N. Illinois
Centennial Cup CU – Colorado St
Chancellor Spurs Texas – TexasTech
Commander-In-Chief ArmyNavyAirF
Commonwealth Cup UVA – VTech
Cy-Hawk Trophy Iowa – Iowa State
Don Shula Award FAU – FIU
Florida Cup Florida- Florida St- Miami
Floyd of Rosedale Minnesota – Iowa
FOY-ODK Sportsmanship Bama-Auburn
Fremont Cannon Nevada – UNLV
Golden Boot Arkansas – LSU
Golden Cannon CMU – WMU
Golden Egg Ole Miss – Miss. State
Golden Hat Oklahoma – Texas
Governor’s Cup Georgia – G Tech
Governor’s Cup Kansas- Kansas St
Governor’s Cup Kentucky- Louisville
Hardee’s Trophy Clemson – SCar.
Heartland Trophy Iowa – Wisconsin
Heroes Trophy Nebraska – Iowa
Illibuck Ohio State – Illinois
Ireland Trophy Boston College – ND
Iron Skillet TCU – SMU
Jefferson-Eppes Florida State – UVA
Jeweled Shillelagh USC-NotreDame
Keg of Nails Louisville – Cincinnati
Land of Lincoln Illinois- Northwestern
Legends Trophy Notre Dame – Stanford
Little Brown Jug Michigan – Minnesota
Magnolia Bowl LSU – Ole Miss
Mayor’s Cup SMU – Rice
Megaphone Notre Dame – Mich State
Michigan MAC EMU – CMU – WMU
Milk Can Boise State – Fresno State
Oil Can Fresno State – San Diego St
Old Brass Spittoon Mich St – Indiana
Old Oaken Bucket Indiana – Purdue
Old Wagon Wheel BYU – Utah State
O’Rourke-McFadden BC – Clemson
Paddlewheel Pitt – Cincinnati
Paniolo Trophy Hawaii – Wyoming
Paul Bunyan Axe, Slab of Bacon UW- Minn
Paul Bunyan Michigan – Michigan St
Platypus Oregon – Oregon State
Purdue Cannon Purdue – Illinois
Ram-Falcon Air Force – Colorado St
Secretary’s Trophy Army – Navy
Seminole War Canoe UF – Miami
Shillelagh Notre Dame – Purdue
Silver Spade UTEP – NM State
Stanford Axe California – Stanford
Territorial Cup Arizona – Arizona St
Textile Bowl Clemson – NC State
The Bell Ohio – Marshall
The Bones Memphis – UAB
The Saddle TCU – Texas Tech
Victory Bell USC – UCLA
Victory Bell North Carolina – Duke
Victory Bell Miami (OH) – Cincinnati
Wagon Wheel Akron – Kent State

Old Sport Shorts: Turkey Bowl #746

November 22, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s been a few posts since I’ve covered the world of sports, and what better day than Thanksgiving? The turkey is in the oven and the Bears are in the Lions den. Here in the Northwest it’s a breakfast game with an early start, as opposed to an afternoon start back home in Indiana. Today, it’s da bird and da Bears!

Turkey Bowls started in 1876 with an annual clash between college foes Yale and Princeton, but games between the University of Michigan and the Chicago Maroons (University of Chicago) in the 1890s are credited for “the beginning of Thanksgiving Day football.” Professional football games on this day also date back to the 1890s with the Allegany Athletic Association of Pittsburgh. For the Chicago Bears, “Turkey Bowls” began against the Chicago Cardinals in 1922 and then switched to the Lions in 1934. For the Lions, owner George A. Richards organized games on Thanksgiving as a gimmick to sell tickets and to continue a tradition begun by the city’s previous NFL teams. Richards also owned WJR radio and was able to negotiate an agreement with NBC to carry his games across the network. This is why the Lions are still associated with today’s holiday.

The Bears last played on Thanksgiving in 2015 and beat the Packers after losing to the Lions in 2014. However, they never played in the 60s when I was growing up. As a result, during Thanksgiving dinners with my cousins, the TV was always on in the background but without the “Monsters of the Midway” the games rarely attracted my interest. We had our own version of the Turkey Bowl in my high school years, with memories of a dusting of snow on the field where we played. It was only a victory if no one got hurt. I’ve actually also been to a college game on Thanksgiving Day between the Texas Longhorns and state-rival A&M.

With regard to other sports, the Maui Invitational Basketball Classic brings back memories of round-ball and turkey. Gonzaga won last night over a Duke team that I thought might challenge the I.U. undefeated season of 1976, a record that has stood now for two-thirds of my life. The Zags still might do it, as they savor the victory with a Thanksgiving meal by the beach. I may return for this turkey tradition in 2020, along with the Hoosiers. Also, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving weekend without the Old Oaken Bucket battle. It’s been played annually since 1920, with Purdue leading the all-time series over Indiana 73-41-6. The Boilers have won the first and last meeting but Indiana will have home field advantage tomorrow. I like to refer to it as the “Toilet Bowl,” where one team or the other barely earns enough victories to qualify for a consolation bowl game. Tomorrow is no exception, with equal 5-6 records! Who will get the gravy?

Without much rest from the Sunday Night’s huge victory over the Vikings, an injured Mitchell Trubisky, and the home field advantage for the Lions, I don’t harbor much hope. In fact, it’s one of the shortest turn-around games in NFL history. Da Bears lead the NFC North with a 7-3 record and a 1.5 game advantage on the defending division champion Vikings. We’ll start our drive to Bend before the game ends this morning, but I’m glad I got a little taste of Bears football to start my 68th Thanksgiving.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Zebra Reunion #743

November 20, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Last night, it was my wife’s turn to joyfully reconnect with an old high school friend. They were Zebras together back in Rochester, Indiana, just down the road from my high school in Elkhart. While they chatted about the good old days over dinner & wine, her classmate’s husband and I tried to establish some common ground. We had all gotten together for the first time back in Austin where all of us lived nearly 10 years ago, and I remembered very little about our initial conversation. It takes some time to loosen the rust from a school girl relationship, so we let the women catch-up while we made small talk. We politely got along, obligated to keep each other entertained while the two of them got back together again after all these years.

I have two high school classmates that live here in Portland, so I know the value of lasting friendships. We were also together at Indiana University, so our connection dates back over 50 years. My wife is 5 years younger, and at our age many former friends are lost through attrition, so getting together is often now or never. Fortunately, in every circle of friendship there’s always at least one that forms the glue that keeps everyone together. My wife’s friend is one of those people, who happened to be visiting Portland. In this case, their reunion took place over 2200 miles away from our original Hoosier homeland. It made me reflect on my own past.

My 50th high school reunion is approaching next summer and I have mixed feelings about attending. Three of my best friends from high school have died, and I have not done a good job of staying in touch with the rest – nor have they with me! The two friends here in Portland are a year younger and therefore part of the graduating class behind me, so they are not part of this upcoming reunion plan. There were over 1000 people in my senior class and only a few that I miss or ever even think about. I was known by the nickname “Smiley” that I could never find endearing. Many probably only know me by that name, so it may not be a reunion at all but rather just another networking event, with me wondering why I never connected with all of these fellow students that also roamed the hallowed halls?

I have but only one Facebook friend out of these 1,000 in my class alone, and she was never part of my inner-circle back then. She organizes our reunions and simply uses social media to communicate with her fellow EHS Blue Blazers. I have one other indirect FB connection through the daughter-in-law of who was once my closest pal. I now know of his grandchildren, but little is left of our friendship that seemed to have deteriorated as a result my divorce nearly 20-years years ago. We’ve only gotten together on occasion since that time, with my new marriage and moves to Illinois, Texas, and Oregon. I can’t really explain what happened other than the fact that life got in the way. I have to smile when I see his grandson on Facebook because it reminds me of how he looked when we first met in elementary school- braces and all!

I have stayed in touch with the wife of a close high school friend. My wife and I had dinner with the two of them just before he passed away suddenly. We had sadly discussed the death of another best buddy before I took her to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Together we ceremoniously spread her husband’s ashes along the right field line – something I will never forget. My wife’s reunion with her friend last night was a somber reminder that neither of these great friends will be attending my high school reunion. Another close friend that I would have enjoyed seeing was found dead at his laboratory office on Thanksgiving morning long ago, so he will not be there either. I have a photo with these three lost com-padres at our 20th reunion, the last time we all got together. I could also not help but think of how close the spelling was of the last name of my wife’s classmate compared to my friend’s widow – double “pp” instead of “tt.” It was a subtle reminder of how precious friendship can be, and that some reunions unfortunately never come to pass!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Sunday #742

November 18, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I remember when Sunday was not just another day, as it tends to be in retirement. In fact, I rarely even recognize it now except as the day the trash needs to go out. For my working wife, it is still a special weekend day of not having to go to the office. She likes to start her “Funday” by giving our two pups a long walk, something she believes I am remiss on doing during the week. Since I run every morning, it’s become a ritual of compromise that we now refer to as a “Schnauzerthon.” Our 100-year old, gimpy schnauzer Tinker can’t handle the distance any more, so we bought her an Air Buggy that allows continued participation in the fun. We take turns pushing her along through the park with schnauzer-sister Tally on a leash. When Tinker is in my control, we surge ahead at my faster running pace, she gets the youthful sensation of a puppy chasing the ducks at full speed, her ears pinned back by the wind – as if I could possibly run that fast any more.

When I was a kid, I went to Sunday school, another miserable day in the classroom. Soon my stubborn resistance made life unbearable on everyone at home until they just let me sleep-in, my favorite activity as a child. Even at this age, Sundays were still an ominous signal that a week of work was soon about to begin, and I was already looking forward to retirement. Once in the job force, Sundays were all about getting ready for that Monday morning alarm, hoping to ease the pain of the worst day of the week. As far as I was concerned, the weekend was over when I finally got out of bed on Sunday. Church was still not on my agenda, only disrupting a rare opportunity to sleep-in late. Please forgive my laziness!

The only two good things about Sunday that I remember were Chicago Bears games and Murder She Wrote. There was no Sunday Night Football back then so no conflicts between these two great television events. Without fail, every Sunday night at 8 p.m. I set up the ironing board in front of the TV and pressed my suits and shirts for the week, eliminating one of the hassles of getting ready every morning. By the time Jessica Fletcher solved the murder and my clothes were laid out, I began to feel the depression of another weekend gone by! It always seemed like the time passed so quickly, despite all my efforts to savor the precious hours. Suddenly, I was back in the office and Saturday was five seemingly endless days away!

Casual Fridays were also non-existent back then, so it meant a stuffy suit every day and five to iron every Sunday. The thought of also ironing a sixth suit for church was just another excuse not to go. Later in life, I bought a steamer to take the wrinkles out of my suits, and even though church services became more casual, I still didn’t go. Football is now on nearly every day and so are re-runs of Murder She Wrote, so neither says Sunday anymore. It’s now all about trash, “Schnauzerthons,” afternoons with my wife, no suits to press, and trips into wine country.

Old Sport Shorts: Round Ball Rainbows #734

November 11, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

There has been surprisingly little rain here in Portland in October and November, so far. Yet, I continue to see Rainbows, at least the variety my good friend equates with a positive attitude. I had struggled with a lot of black clouds in my world of sports, starting with the shortcomings of the Cubs in the Wildcard playoff, and a disappointing last-minute Brett Favre touchdown pass to beat my Bears. There was a rare 3-0 loss by the IU soccer team against Kentucky and another miserable stretch of IU Football to darken my spirits. To add to my despair, the once-hated Purdue Boilermakers were having some success on the gridiron, including an envious victory over the even-more-evil Ohio State Buckeyes. The Oregon Ducks, my adopted team on the West Coast were proving to be a bad choice for a favorite, and Notre Dame, an equally detested IU foe, remained undefeated. I can’t seem to get behind the Seattle Seahawks, but that would prove to be just another losing personal cause. My sports mood was clouded with emotions of envy, jealousy, loathing, and dislike, as my teams continued to falter. There might have been rainbows, but I couldn’t see them.

In the past few weeks, the sun has broken through and the birds are beginning to sing. Basketball season has tipped-off with the Hoosiers, Ducks, Indiana Pacers, and Portland Trailblazers all off to fast starts. The round ball has led to rainbows, and that good fortune has extended to other sports. After that brief Wildcat soccer set-back, the IU soccer team rebounded with nine straight games and completed the BIG Ten Double as both regular season and tourney champs with a perfect conference record. Even the perennially pathetic IU football team is now 5-5 thanks to a victory over Maryland. Unfortunately, they face-off against Michigan in Ann Arbor next, but can still be bowl eligible if they can somehow get by PUrdue for the Old Oaken Bucket. To make the rainbows even brighter and the beer taste better, the Portland Timbers advanced to the MLS Conference Championship against Kansas City that they won just 3 years ago on their way to the title. It all came down to penalty kicks over the arch-rival Seattle Sounders. The miraculous finish happened on the same day that streaking IU defeated Maryland in a similar penalty-kick scenario. Double Rainbows thanks to another round ball!

As icing on the rainbow cake, the Chicago Bears just won their third straight game to stay on top of the Vikings and Packers. The Indianapolis Colts also won their third straight game against the Jaguars. Purdue football has slipped back to reality, the 8-5 Pacers bested the Heat, and the Trailblazers topped the Clippers to go 9-3. It’s chilly here in Portland but the sun is shining on all my teams right now. It doesn’t even matter if it’s a round ball or a sphere, it’s still bouncing my way. For once, it’s good to be me when I’m surrounded by rainbows!