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Category: OLD SPORT SHORTS (Page 65 of 68)

An old guy’s perspective on all sports

Retirement is not without Hassles: Playful Mooood #134

June 11, 2017 / / 0 Comments

You had to have been there, but my wife and I were having breakfast in a quaint little cafe in a garden setting this morning.  It reminded me of Monet’s Gardens that we had just visited several weeks ago in France.  (See post #86: Inspiration)  We were joking about the chicken coop that was just beyond the outdoor patio area of the restaurant.  Claude Monet also had chickens at Giverny, so the whole glorious day of seeing the colorful flowers and waterlilies surrounding the ponds on his country property was part of our breakfast discussion.  When our farm-fresh eggs and bacon were delivered, I couldn’t help but notice a painting over one of the tables in the cafe.  It was very abstract, almost child-like, but in the center was clearly the head of a cow.  A Moo-net, I asked?

I thought perhaps I could do a whole Moo-net series, should I decide to take up painting or drawing in retirement.  Cows in various settings, maybe even some chickens in the background, could fill my “empty” days, as waterlilies dominated Monet’s.  I think this shows the value of retirement travel in shaping great ideas and keeping the mind sharp.  It also demonstrates that I was in a playful Mooood today, a definite by-product of retirement.  In all seriousness, we did then talk about our next travel adventures, perhaps a better way to spend my idle time.  After all, I never was very good with paint.  There always seemed to be more of it on me than on the actual target, so the Moo-net idea is open to anyone.  Or, is this idea “udder-ly” ridiculous.  I’ll try to think of something else.  Tan Man? (see #99 Beaches).

“Megan Leavey” was a great movie, although the name doesn’t really tell you anything about what the movie is about.  Marketing 101?  It is a true story about a female Marine and her bomb-sniffing canine companion.  It inspired my to write some stories about our dogs (#133 Puppy Love).  Trust me, my dog stories are not movie-worthy, but rather great memories I will treasure forever.  Our dogs would have really been fascinated with those chickens this morning, but sadly they had to stay home because the weather was not cooperating with our plans to do something new.  At least the restaurant, Cornell Cafe, was a first and we picked up a yellow rosebush for the back deck.  It is, after all, Rose Festival time here in Portland.  The opening parade was yesterday, and festivities will continue for the next few weeks.  By the way, it did rain on our parade!

I’m going to get some extra “my time” this week, with my wife’s travels out of town.   We’ll have a birthday to celebrate when she gets back, as she gets closer to Senior Citizen discounts and retirement.  There will be no date night and I will not cook this week, so I’ll need to find new ways to keep track of the days.  I do have some errands to run, a dental appointment, and pet duties, including a trip to the doggie spa. Hopefully the weather will improve and I can enjoy some time in the sun.  I would also like to walk the pups down to Starbucks, so they can fertilize some plants, water the grass, and enjoy a treat once they get there.  The location down the street has been out of my traditional Tranquility Herbal Tea with honey the last couple of weeks, plus the weather has been too sketchy for walking that far.

It’s going to be a good week for sports.  The College World Series will start, the NBA Finals could end with a single Warrior’s victory, the Portland Timbers match up with the Seattle Sounders, the Cubs travel to the Mets, and the Orioles play the White Sox.  I’m also going to have to find a new source for my weekly fitness classes.  The 24 Hour Fitness membership that we bought turned out to not be what we thought, so we cancelled.  I know the folks in the Silver Sneakers program will miss me!

Have a great week!

Old Sport Shorts: Just a game #132

June 10, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Baseball is just a game!  I have to remind myself of that today. as players that “mean something to me” have let me down.  I can handle it when the errors are made in the field, but it’s those made outside the game that leave the worst taste in my mouth.  I should know by now that the combustible combination of youth, success, status, and wealth often leads to disappointment, and it’s no different in baseball.  These players are human beings not Super Heroes!

I’ve been following the Oregon State Beavers this baseball season, and the success of their pitching staff.  My interest started in their very first game this year when they battled my Indiana Hoosiers to a 1-0 victory.  They went on to win 28 of their first 29 games and continue in the NCAA tournament with a current 20 game win streak.  Fans, including me, in this area were following the team’s success closely, and then the shocking news came out!   Their ace pitcher, Luke Heimlich, is a child molester, and I can’t get the disappointment out of my head.  How does this happen?

The reaction from Oregon State University officials remains non-existent.  How could a college athlete earn a scholarship with this on his record, and how can I even think about watching today’s game?   Is it the train wreck syndrome?  I hope for the sake of his teammates, they are able to overcome this blemish on their success, but the entire season is tainted by one player’s selfishness.  Maybe Vanderbilt will put us all out of our misery, and we won’t have to hear about this for the rest of the College Word Series?  Otherwise, we won’t know if the fans are booing or saying, “Luke?”  Or will it get worse when he’s called in to start in today’s game or a potential elimination game?  What if he even throws one pitch in a critical situation?  I found it ironic that Indiana University just recently led the college nation in adopting a policy banning athletes with a history of sexual or domestic violence, yet the team lost their first game of the season in-part against a pitcher with such a history.

Speaking of domestic violence, the Cubs’ Addison Russell was back in the line-up today after being accused on Social Media of abusing his wife.  Whether it is true or not, it also struck me as disappointing that his name was in the news for anything other than baseball.  I might have even cast-off the ugly accusations as not even possible if it weren’t for the Oregon State situation.  The combination of the two stories took away from my enjoyment of the games today.

It’s hard to understand how great athletes find themselves in troubling situations.  They were given a gift that is too many times taken for granted.  I will give Addison Russell the benefit of the doubt, but I have a much harder time in doing that for Luke Heimlich.  Was he a victim of abuse himself?  His coach, Pat Casey claims that he’ a “good kid.”  Regardless, he needs to distance himself from the team.  Several Major League teams have apparently already drawn the line when it comes to the draft.  If he does get an opportunity to play at the next level, we can only hope that he donates his time and money to supporting women’s, and little girls’ rights!

Baseball, under the grim circumstances, was not a friendly game today.  The underdogs, Sam Houston State and Davidson, fell apart late in their Super Regional games against Florida State and Texas A & M, respectively.  Also, the Cubs are off to a “rocky” start against an ugly Colorado sweep at home, dropping once again below .500 for the year.  They showed some championship-style in the sweep against the Cardinals last week, but their rivals have since proven that they are one of the worst teams in recent franchise history.  To make matters worse, the White Sox can’t get by the Indians in the standings, a team with Cubs’ revenge on their mind.  Off-field problems and poor play take the fun out of the game.  Yes, it’s just a game, but when the game isn’t going your way, it can be a nightmare!

Old Sport Shorts: Making it Happ-en #123

June 4, 2017 / / 0 Comments

It was a weekend of surprising sweeps.  The White Sox were swept in Detroit – that’s the bad news.  The Brewers swept the Dodgers, to assure their division lead – more bad news.  The best news was was the Cubs sweep over the Cardinals, always worth writing about.  The rest of the day’s round-ball news was not good with both Indiana and Oregon eliminated from the college ranks.  Oregon State added anther bit of good news to the day with a victory over Yale and a big step towards a College World Series appearance.

I started writing this early, hoping not to jinx the team by jumping the gun.  Quite frankly I was satisfied with two wins – three was probably too much to ask.  The Cubbies caused immediate concern, as Kyle Hendricks continued to struggle early in game 3.  He had to hold on to eventually get the lead in the 5th.  Hector Rondon “replaced” him in the 6th and proceeded to allow the two lead runners to reach, followed by a wild pitch and a couple of solid hits.  The Cardinals tied it up.  It was indeed time for him to go, with a runner still in scoring position! Pedro Strop got the call, and cleaned things up for Rondon, before cruising through the 7th to eventually claim the win.

It was Ian Happ who made it all “Happ”- en.  I was not particularly kind to the rookie following back-to-back sweeps on the road (See #116: Ooooo), and began to make fun of his last name. I wrote my next post in an effort to say something positive about Happ (See: #116 Cubs Win). Regardless of the outcome of today’s game, I was determined to recognize Happ’s two home run, five RBI day.  His  timely homers countered Piscotty’s big blast that get things rolling for the Cardinal’s in the fourth inning.  I could really make fun of his name.

I enjoyed listening to David Ross, back in Wrigley following his “Dancing With The Stars.” fame.  He provided some great insight into the team, and was even able to get an interview with Jon Lester.   He than sang “Take Me Out to The Ballgame.”  The guy can sing and dance! Plus, the broadcast team was not confined to the lofty booth, but rather did their commentary  from the bleachers, where they seemed to more on the same level as the fans.

Anthony Rizzo made a base running error and was gunned down by Dexter Fowler, showing another way to haunt the Cubs.  Rizz then singled up the middle and Jason Heyward and Jon Jay did a little haunting of their own, reminding  Cardinals fans that they are now Cubs.  Heyward also made a sliding catch in the first that could have gone for extra bases.  Jay’s single scored Rizzo, with Heyward playing decoy, and the Cubs took a one-run lead, 7-6.  It was all they would need.

Two innings to go and the heart of the Cardinal order due to hit.  Carl Edwards Jr. took the mound in the 8th and immediately got the always dangerous Yadi Molina to ground out, makes a great grab of of Pham hot liner. and strikes out DeJong. Kogi Uehara gets the nod for the save, but has to get by Dexter Fowler after two quick outs.   Fowler strikes out and the Cubs win to claim the first sweep of the Cardinals since September 2010.

Go.  Cubs.  Go.  Fly the “W”

Old Sport Shorts: The Mighty Schwarber #119

June 3, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Since his return to the Cubs for the 2016 World Series, Kyle Schwarber has taken advantage of spotlight moments.  Despite the leg injury that left him out of the line-up most of last season, he returned just in time for the Big Show, and produced beyond expectations (See post #64:Schwarber at the Bat- for a tribute poem).

In the midst of a slow start this season, he was last seen wearing a leisure suit, (See post #101) and got some Topps attention along with teammate, Anthony Rizzo.  Schwarber started the year for the Cubs in the coveted lead-off slot, but was soon demoted to #2 in favor of Ben Zobrist.  Quite frankly, he’s played like #2!; and has since dropped to the bottom of the line-up, batting ninth today.

In this afternoon’s big game  against the Cardinals, he once again proved his “Might.”  The Cubs were down 3-1 in the bottom of the 7th with two outs.  We had already seen one “miracle,” when John Lester actually threw out Tommy Pham as he pushed his lead-off at first.  Since joining the Cubs in 2015, Lester has been taunted about his reluctance to throw to first.  Pham took a huge lead and the temptation was too much for Lester.  He let it fly!  Out!  It was Lester’s first pick-off since 2015 when he was with the Red Sox.

As Schwarber took the plate against Mike Leake with the bases loaded and two outs, would we see a second “miracle” today?   Both managers briefly hesitated against making a move, and the Mighty Schwarber once again had a Casey-like opportunity.  He did not strike out. The ball traveled into the bleachers over 400 feet away, and gave the Cubs a two-run lead. Schwarber watched it clear the fence, overshadowing his .163 batting average.  The Mighty Schwarber gave the Cubs a “W” and hopefully gave himself a big boost of confidence.  It was his first Major League grand slam, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Meanwhile, the White Sox continue to struggle in Detroit, and the Brewers continue to dominate the Dodgers and the NL Central Division.  The Sox are close to dropping into the basement of the AL Central, while also failing to keep pace with their crosstown rivals for that ultimate rematch of 1906.  The Cubs victory gives them a half-game lead over the Cardinals, but still 2 games behind the Brewers.  Could we see a third “miracle” with a Cubs sweep tomorrow night behind Kyle Hendricks?

As a fellow I.U. alumni, Kyle Schwarber is being very, very good to me!

 

 

Old Sport Shorts: Big Klu #118

June 3, 2017 / / 0 Comments

A friend of my just gave me an Indiana University basketball program for a 1945 game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  It was six years before I was born, so to find something older than me is always rewarding.  The game itself took place in the war years, so players were lost from the starting line-up to serve our country.  The Hoosiers, were in fact coached by Harry Good, who replaced Branch McCracken on a interim basis the year before, allowing McCracken to serve his duties as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.  Coach McCracken, who’s Hurryin’ Hoosiers won the National Championship in 1940, would return to lead the team in 1946.

The 1944-45 season was unremarkable.  The team finished 10-11, 3-9 in the Conference, and did not qualify for post-season action.  They lost eight of their last nine games, including that 48-56 game against the Golden Gophers, following leading scorer Gene Faris departure from the team for his call to military service.  The game program was dated February 3, 1945, my Dad’s 24th birthday, and was distributed to fans during that unfortunate losing streak. My father had graduated from I.U. in 1942 along with my mother who was one-day younger. They married January 5, 1946, two days after the Hoosiers beat Butler 58-47 as part of an eight game winning streak in the final year of Harry Good’s tenure as interim coach.

There wasn’t much documented about the 1944-45 Minnesota Golden Gophers.  They were coached for that single season by Weston Mitchell and finished the year at 8-13, including a loss to the Hurryin’ Hoosiers just prior to the long losing streak.  I.U.’s Ray Brandenburg hit a last-second shot for that 48-46 victory.  James Copeland, from my mom’s hometown of Elwood, Indiana, had 11 points to go with Brandenburg’s 10, and Gene Faris, in his last I.U. game until he returned from war duty in 1947, led the Hoosiers with 13 points.

In my opinion, the real story of the 1944-45 Hurryin’ Hoosiers was a bench player by the name of Ted Kluszewski.  He was a 6’2″ freshman that year from Argos, Illinois and only played in two games.  Kluszewski excelled in football and baseball at I.U.  He probably joined the basketball team as a result of the attrition of players due to the war.  The war affected his life in a positive way, as travel restrictions forced the Cincinnati Reds, who traditionally held spring training in Tampa, Florida, to train at Indiana from 1943-45.  Kluszewski’s batting power drew the attention of Reds’ groundskeeper Matty Schwab and eventually team scouts offered him a contract.  Kluszewski hit .443 for the I.U. baseball team in 1945 and was a football star on the 9-0-1 team, where he earned first-team Big Ten honors as an End. The team finished 4th in the final AP poll, just behind National Champion Army.  Football kept Ted at I.U. until his graduation in 1946.  By 1948, he was the Reds’ starting first baseman, where in a controversial move, he cut off the sleeves of his uniform to accommodate his massive shoulders and biceps.

“Big Klu” was a career .298 hitter with 279 home runs and 1,028 RBI in 1,718 games over 15 years.  In ten of those years, he walked more often than he struck out, and during the 1955 season he hit 47 home runs and only struck out 40 times, a feat no one has yet to duplicate. He left the Reds in 1957, then played 100 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and traded to the Chicago White Sox at the end of the 1959 season, who were in a close pennant race.

He joined the “Go-Go” Sox in August of 1959 and powered them to the American League crown.  In the first game of the World Series against the Dodgers, he hit two home runs and drove in five for an 11-0 White Sox rout.  He ended up hitting .391 in the series with 3 HR and 10 RBI, and earned three 1960 Ford Falcons from Jim Moran, a Chicago automobile dealer.  Kluszewski also achieved notoriety in having his name misspelled on the back of Bill Veek’s ground-breaking innovation to baseball jerseys.  When Major League Baseball expanded in 1960, he was left unprotected and traded to the Los Angeles Angels for his final season.  He died at age 63, after retiring as a Reds’ hitting coach.

The 1959 “Go-Go” Sox also featured my first baseball hero, Sherm Lollar.  Sherm had a home run in game 4 of the series, the only other White Sox victory.  Kluszewski’s third homer came in game 6, but the Dodgers prevailed to take the World Series.  The “Big Klu” and Sherm Lollar connection is what makes the I.U. basketball program a special part of my collection.  It also brings the two sports, basketball and football, together for a brief moment in history; and recognizes my dad’s birthday that he probably celebrated serving our country.

Old Sport Shorts: Cubs win..Cubs win…#116

June 2, 2017 / / 0 Comments

It’s always worth a celebration when the Cubs beat the evil Cardinals, especially following the disappointment of six consecutive losses in California.  There was no sign of a leisure suit at Wrigley Field this afternoon.  I’ve been pretty hard on the Cubs the past couple of posts (Old Sport Shorts: #98 and #101) and especially on the rookie, Ian Happ. Happ did get a hit today in the 3-2 Cubs victory.  I’m Happ-y for him!

Dexter Fowler was presented with his World Series ring in a ceremony prior to the game, and then proceeded to hit a home run in his first at bat against John Lackey.  It was only one of two hits off Lackey.  The Cardinals scored again in the second for a 2-0 lead, but it turned out to be their final run of the afternoon.  Lackey pitched well, but Strop got the win after Rizzo scored in the bottom of the 8th on Heyward’s sacrifice.  Wade Davis shut down the Cardinals in the 9th for the save. The Mighty Schwarber still continues to struggle (see post #64)

The bleeding has finally stopped, and hopefully the Cubs can continue their momentum.  They need to sweep this series to solidify their wavering dominance over their rival and claim the top spot in the division.  The leading Brewers match up against the Dodgers this weekend, so a couple more Cubs wins could seal the deal.

The White Sox just fell behind the Tigers in the first inning of their series opener.  I’m still hoping for a rematch of the 1906 World Series.  Ty Cobb and the Tigers were on the short end of the back-to-back Cub Championships of 1907 and 1908.  It was a long time ago, I know, but after last year’s Cubs World Series victory, anything is possible!

Cubs win….Cubs win….Fly the W

Old Sport Shorts: Fake memorabilia #102

May 31, 2017 / / 0 Comments

I came across a couple of baseball treasures this past weekend.  I was able to add to my “unmatched” Sherm Lollar collection (Old Sport Shorts #5: Who was that masked man?) and I bought a glass sign that says, “COMISKEY PARK TICKET OFFICE.”  It’s a cool addition to the office.  The glass is chipped, the paint weathered, and the bottom line: fake.   The guy who sold it to me for “less than half of what he paid for it” had thought it to be an original.  He is an experienced collector who was fooled at its authenticity.  “They can just about fake anything anymore,” were his words of frustration.  I didn’t really care if it was original or not, and certainly didn’t want to pay the price of the original – if it even exists.

Caveat Emptor were the Latin words for “let the buyer beware,” I had learned back in business school at Indiana University.  With modern technology, it’s just as easy make an exact copy of something, as it is to detect if it’s an original or not.  It applies to all things of value, including fine wine if you watch the movie, “Sour Grapes.”  If there are two things that the move to Oregon three years ago taught me, wine and baseball top any list.  In my short time here, I’ve visited more wineries than ever, helped grow grapes, and have never had in my possession so many bottles.  By the same token, I’ve rekindled a childhood interest in baseball cards, become a student of baseball history, and attended more baseball card collector shows than at any point in my life.

Can I tell a fake from an original?  No.  I just like to be surrounded by baseball history and never want to run out of wine.  Would I invest in anything of value? No.  I think I would be equally happy with a fake Monet, since I also have one of those in my office.  I drink fake Coke, have a few fake teeth, and even have a fake watch.  At one time, I had a fake ID, but you don’t need one anymore if you’re of retirement age like me.  I do have a couple of originals in my collection, but none are of significant value to anyone else but me.

The same friend who sold me the Comiskey Park sign, also threw in an original Sports Illustrated poster of Walt “No Neck” Williams, another White Sox player like Sherm Lollar that few care about but me.  As part of the “deal,” I’m also getting a fake copy of the Chicago Daily News from September 25, 1920 with the headline, “EIGHT OF WHITE SOX INDICTED.” It’s got fake yellow coloring, fake creases and folds, and fake photos of the infamous Black Sox players accused of throwing the 1919 World Series.  It will still look good in my office, and the price was right.  It is r”rare” when the White Sox make the World Series, let alone give it away.

Fortunately, I also doubt that my son is anxious for my death just so he can inherit my valuable collection of fakes, unknowns, and has-beens.  I did leave them for him in my will, anyway since I do have a fake Ernie Banks jersey with a certified autograph, and other signed items that I witnessed personally.  They will all probably be deemed fake sometime in the future.  Sorry, kid!

Old Sport Shorts: Oooo for California #101

May 31, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Well, the “Anchorman” outing (see Post for Old Sport Shorts #98) to California ended 0-6, with the Cubs getting only 3 hits and 1 run for Jake Arrieta in the final game of a “leisurely” road trip.  I suggest we burn those costumes and approach the next road trip with a more serious attitude.  In the meantime, get ready for the Cardinals.  Not only can the Cubs snap their longest losing streak in recent memory, but also take control of the Central Division.

No more leisure suits.  No more jet-lag inspired baseball.  No more leisurely attitude.  An attitude that was no better demonstrated than Ian Happ’s lackadaisical, “happ-hazard” throw to the plate that allowed the winning run to score for the Padres.  His place in the Majors may be short-lived. In fact, he may not be there long enough to get his leisure suit back from the cleaners!

There was some confusion earlier this year between my son and I on who was going to renew the subscription to mlb.com.  He finally paid the bill and today’s game was the first I was able to watch on his dime.  He has a lot of dimes to go to repay me!  I happened to tune-in around the 7th inning, and watched the Cubs squander a chance to score a tie-breaking run.  I then knew that when the Happ throw went high that the more aggressive Padres were in control for good.

The weather looked good.  The Padres played well.   Arietta had it together, but Joe Maddon  probably should have left him in to hit.  Russell looked rusty as a pinch-hitter, and then shit “happ-ens.”

Ooooooh for California was an embarrassment,   Don’t look back.  Crush the evil Cardinals.

Old Sport Shorts: #98 Cub woes, Sox hopes

May 31, 2017 / / 0 Comments

It’s been five straight losses for the Cubs – three to the Dodgers and two to the Padres.  I can’t remember the last time that has happened, but it used to be the norm before last year’s Championship season.  This particular road trip started with the Cubs adopting an “Anchorman” theme for their traveling attire.  Their Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) outfits attracted a lot of attention, including a special baseball card featuring Kyle Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo that Topps produced for the occasion.   Disco-era dews, gold chains, and flashy suits were supposed to set a carefree tone for the trip west.  Instead, the World Champion Cubs have played like Ron Burgundy!

After some quick research, the Cubs did have a five-game skid back in July of last year, so it’s no reason to panic.  The rest of their division have struggled, as well, and the Cubs only remain 1.5 games behind the first-place Brewers and tied with the Cardinals.  However, they are only 2 games ahead of the last-place Pirates.  It’s not so disturbing that they lost to the Dodgers, but San Diego is 21-33 for the season.  The Cubs are now below .500 at 25-26, after a decent first half of the month.

It’s too early to tell if the Cubs can regain their swagger from last year.  They have not been plagued with injuries, just poor starting pitching.   Also, Kyle Schwarber, despite great expectations, is hitting a miserable .174 with only 8 home runs, and only Miguel Montero (.309) is hitting over .300.  They’ve also only scored 8 runs during this five-game losing streak, while giving up 29.  The month of June will tell the tale, as they return to division play at Wrigley with a four-game series against the Cardinals.

It’s time to fly the “W” again, as Jake Arrieta takes the mound today with a disappointing 4.92 ERA.  Jake has struggled in his starts so far this season, so let’s hope he can get it together in sunny San Diego.  The last time the Cubs won back-to-back World Series, it wasn’t easy either.  Back in 1908, they won 99 games, but still needed two key umpire decisions to even return to the Series.  We’ll need that kind of magic this year!

Apparently, even Joe Madden has finally bought a leisure suit, so they haven’t totally given up on the “Anchorman” theme.  Hopefully, they can salvage one game today and head home in style.  If not, I would certainly not miss the Ron Burgundy look.

Meanwhile, on the south side of Chicago, the White Sox are 3.5 games behind the division leaders, Minnesota and Cleveland.  The Indians, hoping for World Series revenge against the Cubs, are in a better position to get there than the defending Champions.  The Indians have won 27 games, keeping pace with the Major League leaders, including the Red Sox, who battle the White Sox today.  White Sox fans gave Chris Sale a standing ovation in his return to the Windy City last night, and proceeded to get the win 13-7.  The White Sox won the series opener after taking 3 out of 4 from the Tigers.  They hope to recapture their momentum with Mike Pelfrey on the mound against Drew Pomeranz.  Let’s see if we can “Guarantee” a home field victory for the Pale Hose!

While Cleveland is looking for revenge, I’m still looking for a Cubs vs. White Sox World Series rematch.  Another Cubs World Series would be even sweeter if they could beat the White Sox and get retribution for the 1906 loss.  Let’s Go Back-to-Back!

Retirement is not without Hassles: D-Day Revisited #89

May 22, 2017 / / 1 Comment

Another long bus ride with yet another tour guide that I can’t fully understand.  I think she spoke  for a full two hours without taking a breath, then read us the entire Bible.  You can’t stop verbal diarrhea with Imodium!

When we do get off the bus, my wife is always 10 steps ahead of me.  But only after 10 a.m.- before that she walks while I run.  I then slow down for the remainder of the day, while she speeds up.  She’s as frustrated as anyone with the lethargic, unruly pace of group travel: in her words,”like herding cats.”  I guess cats don’t follow directions very well!

Our first stops were Caen, Sword Beach, Juno Beach, and Gold Beach – Arromanches.  A museum film explained the Mulberry Operation, the remains of which still litter the shore line.  Its construction allowed 220,000 soldiers, 530,000 tons of supplies, and 39,000 vehicles to pass through Normandy following D-Day.

We had sauerkraut for lunch again today – standard fare in the Normandy region?  Between Hitler and sauerkraut,  two reasons to dislike Germany.  I did take German in High School and College, but have yet to travel there.  Germany also gave us the polka and the accordion from yesterday’s theme luncheon.   Their influence in Northern France still exists despite our efforts to drive them out!

A very emotional stop was next – to see the American Cemetery on Omaha Beach – 10,000 white marble crosses, all identical with the exception of those of Jewish faith.  It was a gorgeous sunny day as we paid tribute to those who died for and served our country.  Words can’t express my gratitude for my Father and other veteran’s who gave me this beautiful day to honor  them.

Further on down the road, we parked to gather sand from Omaha Beach.  Hopefully, there will be enough for everyone to take home.  We bought and filled a commemorative glass bottle  to remind us of what a bad day is really like.  American Veterans thank you!

Security was an issue with every monument we visited.  One of my fellow travelers was practically down to his underwear while trying to pass through the metal detectors.  I joked that he must have “a mind like a steel trap.”  It turned out to be his belt buckle, and he’s not even from Texas!

I went up to “thank” one of our Veteran’s on our tour for his service, while standing on Omaha Beach.  He is from “The Big Buckle State” (and wearing the Texas Star on his shirt to prove it), and served in Vietnam.  He was paraphrasing a Commander’s harsh words to his men in trying to get them to move up the cliffs, rather than freeze there in shock like sitting ducks.  “There are two types of men on this beach, those that are dead and those who will die.  Now let’s move!”  It sounded like something John Wayne might say!

Today gave me plenty to be thankful for – I’m counting the ways.  I’m particularly thankful that when this trip is over in four days, I won’t have to go back to work.  Let’s motor on back to the boat and toast  to our good retirement fortune.  Wine Time!

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