Category: Chicago White Sox (Page 15 of 24)

Sox

Retirement is not without Hassles: The Couve #979

June 21, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Just across the Columbia River bridge north of Portland is “The Couve,” a nickname for Vancouver, Washington – not to be confused with Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was a “hip & cool” way to distinguish it from its big city neighbor, as more and more young people began to settle there in the new millennium. Crossing the bridge became a way of life, as workers dealt with the impossible rush hour traffic. It’s a scenic drive over the bridge, but frustrating when it frequently turns into a parking lot. I’ve crossed it only a few times since I moved to Portland 5 years ago. The first time was when I was still working to meet with a psychic in Battle Ground who wanted to advertise on the radio. I never got the business, but at least he gave me a reading. I’ve also crossed The Columbia four times on train trips to Seattle and once by luxury coach. Too often, I also fly over it to make travel connections through SEA. In the past month, however, I’ve been to “The Couve” three times by choice, including yesterday.

As I reflect on trips into Washington state, I remember visiting my high school friend Grant when he was working on his doctorate in Seattle. It must have been during the summer before I got married, and I must have flown by myself from Indiana, although I can’t remember after nearly 50 years. I only recall having Dim Sum for the first time and taking a drive close to the base of Mount Rainier. He lived in an apartment and played soccer, while I still lived with my parents and worked a summer job. It was my first experience in the Pacific Northwest, before he moved to Boston. Thanks to him I was able to see both great cities for the first time.

As I fast-forward to present day Washington state, I drove to “The Couve” yesterday for lunch. A former client and friend was in town for the Mecum Auction event, and he wanted to go to a BBQ restaurant that he had heard a lot about. I had to look it up – a place called Daddy D’s located in a Shell gas station. It was only about 40 minutes from my house and I had nothing else planned for the day. As a result, I made the drive across the bridge and bought gas down the street where it was a quarter a gallon cheaper than Shell. Since I was in Washington state, I also had to pump my own gas, a task they do for you in Oregon. It’s good to remind myself on occasion how to work a gas pump.

When Google Maps finally got me to the address, I had to do a double-take. Outside was a tented smoker and I had to enter the convenience store to find a table, nestled between the wall coolers and shelves of snacks. My friend ordered a brisket sandwich while I was drawn to “The Sherminator,” a pile of pulled pork, hot links, and coleslaw on a sesame seed bun. It was actually named after their hungry son who needed a hardy meal following a football practice. With my interest in former White Sox catcher Sherm Lollar, how could I pass it up? It stood about 8 inches high in a shallow bowl of barbecue sauce.

I’ve heard that 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman was often referred to as “The Shermanator,” as well as the nickname of the Chuck Sherman character from the American Pie movie series. Sherm Lollar retired from the White Sox in 1962, while the Terminator films didn’t come out until 1984. Consequently, I’m probably the only one who would make that particular connection. Regardless, the sandwich was great – just like Sherm.

I had just been in “The Couve” the weekend before to pick up some wine at the Farmer’s Market. We actually pre-ordered a case on our way back from Walla Walla, another Washington state adventure. The BBQ lunch was the second meal in the past month that I had with this particular friend in Vancouver, since its in the vicinity of his auction event. “The Couve” is not that far away, but the bridge always seemed like a dividing line rather than an invitation. It’s now becoming a familiar stretch of highway so there will likely be many more crossings in the near future.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Beers #966

June 8, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I didn’t get a chance to write yesterday because of a commitment to double Happy Hours – twice the fun. Yes, I did some serious “Day Drinking”. See Post #964. I scheduled both a “Leadership Luncheon” and an “After Work” rendezvous, with only enough time in between to run home and let the dogs out. I still do have some working friends that can’t have a breakfast beer, so in order to accommodate both my fellow retirees and former co-workers, two meet-ups were strategically arranged. An early Cubs game at Buffalo Wild Wings started my busy day and a late dinner at WildFin with my working wife was the finishing touch. The additional Coors Light drafts at the Home Field filled in the fleeting hours of a Friday.

This morning started with the Dick Inukai Foundation 5k run that my wife’s company supports. Dogs were not allowed, so our schnauzers were visibly disappointed as we headed out the door without them. Tonight is the Train and Goo Goo Dolls concert at the Sunlight Amphitheater just across the I-5 bridge in Washington state. It’s all part of another busy weekend that my wife planned to keep her occupied during these precious few days off work. She likes to keep moving, while I prefer a more sedate activity like sitting on a bar stool. I certainly couldn’t handle “Day Drinking” as a routine, but once a week is an acceptable practice. Yesterday, was an exception that led to an early bed time. Two beers say “cheers”…Three too many for me…Four makes me snore….Five never drive…..Six makes me sick. Regardless, even one leads to frequent visits to the urinal for a guy my age.

I’m more of a martini guy – eXtra dirty, eXtra dry, eXtra olives (XXX rated). Beers go right through me, but I have a lot of beer-guzzling friends that want me to join them. One even makes his own, so on occasion I try to adapt to the much less expensive alternative than preferred Tito’s Vodka. Coors Light is my with-the-guys-go-to that can be quite refreshing, although it’s like drinking glorified water. I try to rotate in a Diet Coke or two to offset some of the drowsiness that I experience from drinking hops. Beer also tends to put-on the weight, which somehow seems impossible after all those trips to the men’s room.

Not all of my meetings involve martinis or beers. In fact, I’ve missed the last couple of baseball breakfasts, including this morning’s because of the fundraiser. I sent some money to pay for items that others have found to match my interests. Yesterday, I received a few of these personal treasures in the process of “Day Drinking.” These included a couple of signed photos from former White Sox pitcher Gerry Staley, who grew up around this area; some matchbook covers from first baseman Ted Kluszewski’s Cincinnati steakhouse called Jack & Klu’s; and a bar glass with the Sox logo. There also was a 1963 White Sox Year Book, the final year of Sherm Lollar’s playing career, and an Orestes (Minnie) Minoso baseball card printed in Spanish. These came from garage sales and swap meets that my fellow collectors discovered, ever on the outlook for items that I might want. It’s very thoughtful of them and well worth a few beers or a slab of bacon for their efforts.

Old Sport Shorts: Go Home #961

June 2, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

While I’ve been enjoying being at home, most of my baseball favorites have been sent home with their tails between their legs. The Oregon State Beavers didn’t have far to go after being eliminated from the NCAA baseball tourney on their home field. The Indiana Hoosiers at least won one elimination game before being knocked out by Louisville. Meanwhile, the Cardinals swept the division leading Cubs, taking advantage of their Busch Stadium home. It was the sixth loss in seven games for the Cubbies to fall behind the Brewers in the standings. Unlike the Beavers and Hoosiers that were sent home packing, the Cubs season is far from over. At least, they get to go home and face the Angels tomorrow.

Home Field Advantage is a proven positive this year. The Cubs swept the Cards in the friendly confines of Wrigley earlier this year, while the Cards returned the favor at Busch. They will play again next week at Wrigley to break the overall series tie and determine the Pre-All-Star-Break Champion. The Cubs are 18-10 at home and the Cards are 19-12. Both have losing records on the road. This weekend’s sweep is the first against the Cubs since early April when the Braves brought out the broom at SunTrust Park in Atlanta. Chicago will host the next 7 games and will hopefully reverse their recent skid.

On the positive side, the cross-town White Sox have been far more successful of late, winning 6 or their last 7, including a sweep of the Royals and 2 of 3 against the Indians at their home, Guaranteed Rate Field. I will always know it as Comiskey Park, even though it was U.S Cellular Park when they last won the World Series in 2005. If it weren’t for the success of the White Sox at home this weekend, baseball would have been a total bummer. It only goes to prove that “there’s no place like home (regardless of what they name it.)”

Old Sport Shorts: Baseball Gods #959

June 1, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The “Baseball Gods” weren’t very good to me yesterday as my teams were mostly losers. The only exception was the White Sox who one their record 5th straight of the season. To most franchises, this would not be much of an accomplishment but the “Baseball Gods” have not be very favorable to the Sox the last few years. Young players like Yoan Moncada, Carlos Rodon, Lucas Giolito, Tim Anderson, and Eloy Jimenez lead the team that currently sits 10.5 games behind the league leading Twins in the American League Central. Last night they moved past the Indians into second in the standings with a 7-1 head-to-head victory over the Tribe. One more victory and the team will be at .500, a positive step up from last year’s 62-100 season (.383). They were a bright ray of sunshine on yesterday’s dismal scoreboard. Unfortunately, the “Baseball Gods” were unfriendly to Sox fans today.

The Cubs, on the other hand, seem to be resorting back to start-of-the-season bad form when they lost their first three series. They were on a roll until the last place Reds stopped their hot streak with not one but two series losses in May. Then the Cubs traveled to Houston and lost two out of three before last night’s extra inning Cardinals victory at the unfriendly confines of Busch Stadium. To add more salt to the wound, it was the first time the Cards had walked-off all year, to the delight of their obnoxious fans. As a result, the Cubbies are in danger of falling short in their third straight series. If you win each series, you’ll win it all, so any set-back against the rival Cardinals is demoralizing. I was surprised, however, that problem-child Yu Darvish somehow only allowed three hits through 6 innings of work after walking his first two batters. He came away with his sixth straight no-decision and still has an ERA of over 5. This one-run loss was the first example example of how the “Baseball Gods” were not on my side today.

Before the Cubs loss, I monitored the Indiana Hoosier baseball NCAA tournament opener against Illinois State. After winning the BIG Ten regular season, they fell flat on their faces in tourney action. This misfortune continued into last night’s one-run loss to the Redbirds. Indiana struggled early but came back to tie it in the seventh, only to give up the game winner in the 9th. The “Baseball Gods” were not wearing Cream & Crimson. I.U. did manage to rebound against UIC this afternoon 9-5 to stave off elimination. Will the “Baseball Gods” be there for them tomorrow and Sunday?

Yesterday’s baseball misery continued into the evening in Corvallis where the defending National Champion Oregon State Beavers started their quest for back-to-back titles. Today they are in danger of being the third Championship team in history to be eliminated the year after with two straight losses. It could even happen at home. Last night, they rallied to finally take the lead in the 7th against Cincinnati. However, they too then sadly lost by one in the 9th. The “Baseball Gods” were definitely with them in Omaha during the final game of the College World Series last June when a miss-played foul pop-up gave them the opportunity to capitalize on a second chance at-bat against Arkansas. (See Post #583). Will the “Baseball Gods” answer their comeback prayers today?

Old Sport Shorts: That’s How The Ball Bounces #950

May 23, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I happened to be watching the HBO series Deadwood, when I turned over to the BIG 10 baseball tournament from Omaha’s T.D. Ameritrade Stadium. It reminded me of last year’s trip to the College World Series where I watched the Oregon State Beavers outlast the Arkansas Razorbacks for the NCAA National Championship. The winner of the BIG 10 double-elimination tournament is an automatic qualifier for the NCAA tournament and provides a gateway to eventually go to Omaha this year. I.U. won the outright regular season BIG 10 title and finished 24th in the nation, so elimination in this tournament does not necessarily mean their overall chances are over, but will definitely affect their seeding and perhaps home field advantage.

Perhaps my recent viewing of Deadwood was a premonition of the lack of hitting the team would experience. It’s been “dead wood” in Omaha so far, or should I say aluminum, considering the “Silence of the Bats.” The ball is not bouncing out of the park, as has been the case all year. Team I.U. leads the NCAA Division 1 schools with 90 home runs this year. They lost game one against 8th seed Iowa 4-2 and are in danger of elimination as I watch this afternoon in the loser’s bracket against #4 seed Minnesota. So far, they are “0 for Omaha” in home runs, with only 7 hits yesterday and 3 today, coupled with 5 overall errors. There are still two at-bats for the Hoosiers yet to go, but the Golden Gophers are threatening in the top of the 8th. Let’s see if the ball bounces differently from this point on?

As I switched away from the BIG 10 action (or lack of) in Omaha yesterday, I was hoping for better results from the Cubs and the White Sox last evening. In baseball, after a loss, you don’t have to wait long for another opportunity. I have multiple favorites on both the college and Major League levels, so turning to another channel can often change my luck. The Cubs assured themselves of at least a series tie with the Phillies after an Albert Almora Jr. grand slam. Because of the way the ball bounces in baseball, I do not expect a “W” in every game, but winning or tying each respective series is the key to success over the long season.

The Cubs have been hot in May (14-6) after a slow start this year. The Phillies are also on top of their division, so it’s a formidable match-up at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs have already scored three in the bottom of the 7th to get within striking distance. On another channel, Indiana did not score in the 8th, but staved off another big inning by the Gophers, holding runners off second and third with nobody out. Unfortunately, the top of the 9th was another multi-run disaster, as Minnesota’s 9 overall runs are the most that this I.U. team has given up to any BIG 10 opponent this year. Flipping back to the Cubs, they are still down 8-6 to Philadelphia after the 7th inning.

As I wait out the completion of these two games, I also need to salute my White Sox who beat THE hottest team in baseball, the Houston Astros last night, after riding a 9-1 record in the last 10 games. The Sox, 5-5 in that same stretch, have struggled this year, battling to stay in the middle of the American League Central. The Astros had won the first game at Minute Maid Park, and it would take a minor miracle and some lucky bounces to somehow stop their momentum. In fact, it took both a Triple Play, a Grand Slam, and two Eloy Jiminez homers to eventually stun them 9-4. The series finale is tonight.

The ball continues to be bouncing unfavorably today as Indiana fails to score in the 9th and is eliminated from the BIG 10 tournament. Now, back to Deadwood. The Phillies scored again in the 8th and have a three-run lead that the Cubs will have one last chance to overcome. As a result, I may need to rely on the slim chances of the White Sox to brighten my mood, or maybe tonight’s Oregon State game against USC? Let’s see how the ball bounces?

Retirement is not without Hassles: Magic turns Tragic #937

May 9, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It was a tough night in Denver for the Portland Trailblazers. We watched the final two quarters at a portable bar set up on the grassy area of the Wailea beachfront. The game was over by halftime, as the Nuggets easily proved their home court superiority. Our night went on with dinner, drinks, conversation, and entertainment Hawaiian-Style. It was our last night on the beach as part of the Oregon Auto Dealers Association conference. I once used to work with some of these folks prior to retirement, but it was my wife’s company who partially sponsored the event.

Earlier in the day, the Cubs and White Sox both won, giving me the false impression that “Maui Magic” was still lingering in the salt air. Overall, I would have to say that my teams won more than they lost, but the Trailblazer drubbing was truly tragic, as they fell behind by 31 points and lost by 26. The reception on the make-shift TV wasn’t great, but there really wasn’t much promising to see anyway. However, the setting was lovely and the variety of fresh food plentiful. It was held just off the beach path where I ran every morning near a small sandy inlet surrounded by black lava rock. The path itself extends for a little over a mile with heavy foot traffic all day long. The sunsets were stunning, as “Maui Magic” is obviously much more than the “frivolous sports” that I too often write about, as my wife might complain. It’s more like blue skies, sunshine, bikinis, cosmetic surgery, tan lines, leis, Mai Tais, palm trees, luaus, pineapple, whales, and ocean breezes.

We’ve eaten at some great restaurants and stayed in two luxurious Maui resorts. I’ve finished several books, been inspired to complete some previously half-baked poems, had a memorable walk in the rain under an umbrella with my wife, and enjoyed a breakfast cheeseburger. We decided not to do a boat tour this time, satisfied with our recent Phuket adventure. We also returned to some of my wife’s dining favorites, including Roy’s, Leilani’s On The Beach, and Gannon’s. We will definitely come back again, probably to next year’s convention on the Big Island. It’s always tragic to say Aloha to “Maui Magic.” Big Apple here we come!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Did You Miss Me? #934

May 7, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Did you miss me? I’m back on the internet after a few days of technical frustration. I’m never sure who’s out there when I sit down at the keyboard – if anyone, but I certainly miss what I call my daily therapy. It’s the ability to express whatever is on my mind, with the small chance that someone else might someday be interested. However, it’s pretty hard to claim any sense of frustration when all you do all day is soak in the Maui sunshine. It’s now time to cool off in our air conditioned luxury suite. I don’t mean to rub it in, but retirement is a great blessing!

My wife has one last event to attend tonight for the Oregon Auto Dealers Association. She’s here as a media supporting sponsor with me as her plus-one. Tomorrow we will head back home to Portland to be briefly reunited with our schnauzer puppies. She’ll head back to the office for two days, while I will organize a couple of lunches with my buddies. There will also be some laundry to do before we head to New York City for more of my wife’s business. I’m glad I have the retirement freedom to tag-along on her travel schedule. We always manage to combine business and pleasure, as she continues to practice for retirement in a few years.

I’m anticipating tonight’s game 5 of the NBA Playoffs as the Trailblazers travel to Denver with hopes of regaining the series edge. In the meantime, the Cubs battery continues to struggle against the lowly Marlins, but the White Sox did win their second game in a row against the Indians. “Maui Magic” did allow for a couple of small victories after the “tragic” set-backs of the past few days. It’s the last night for the magic to reappear before we head home. We might get a chance to go to what could be the final game in Portland before we hit the road again.

In a few days, we’ll be exploring Broadway Theater with shows like Tootsie, Beetlejuice, and Pretty Woman. I will also get to see a Yankees game in support of my sense of masculinity. The Maui beaches will then be a distant memory, but I will miss the sunshine. Whether I was missed by you is the real question? Hopefully, I will have the time and technology to present more of “Retirement is not without Hassles,” as we continue our coast-to-coast-to-coast road trip. Please stay tuned.

Old Sport Shorts: More Maui Magic #932

May 4, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I continue to refer to a post card that I sent my dad, a lifelong Cubs fan, from Hawaii over 15 years ago. “It’s a magical place where the Colts and Cubs win all the time.” In 2003, the Colts were down 21-0 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at halftime and 28-7 at the end of the 3rd Quarter. This particular Monday Night Football game was on the big screen in an Island bar sometime in the middle of the afternoon. I remember walking out in disgust but seeing the final score later that day as 38-35 Colts in overtime. I couldn’t believe it! The Colts scored 3 touchdowns in the final four minutes and Mike Vanderjagt hit a game-winning field goal in the extra period for the victory. That’s when I first began to believe in “Maui Magic!”

That same year my wife bought me a Chicago Cubs Hawaiian shirt. After the miraculous Colts comeback victory the night before, I was fashionably ready for the Cubs playoff series against the Florida Marlins. It looked like “Maui Magic” would continue as the Cubs jumped out to a 4-run first inning lead, but in extra-innings they lost 9-8. Fortuitously, I decided to give the gift shirt one more chance and they won three straight by scores of 12-3, 5-4 and 8-3. By that point the shirt and I were inseparable and that’s when I wrote the postcard home. The Cubs needed just one more victory to finally make it to the elusive World Series. Unfortunately, it was time to return home to Indianapolis.

On our Sunday flight back to the mainland, Carlos Zambrano had pitched a scoreless four innings, but in the bottom of the 5th “Maui Magic” turned Tragic! While watching in the Los Angeles airport bar during our layover, the Marlins took a 2-run lead and avoided elimination by a final score of 4-0. Nonetheless, the shirt and I were still confident that the Cubs could certainly win at least one of the final two games, but we would have to do it from the living room couch. I still had a Maui tan but it wasn’t enough, as a 3-0 lead in the 8th started to crumble when Cubs fan Steve Bartman made a bad name for himself. To make an all too familiar nightmare story short, the Cubs ultimately lost the series and the shirt was promptly exiled to the back of my clothes closet.

Now, 15 years later, “Maui Magic” has returned. The Portland Trailblazers have won two consecutive NBA Playoff victories, including a gutsy record four overtime victory last night over the Nuggets. However, I will have to once again leave the island before they can ultimately wrap-up the series. We may even see Game 6 when we’re back in Portland. Unfortunately, I’ve already learned that you can’t take “Maui Magic” home with you. In addition, the Cubs have claimed a series victory over the Cardinals, regardless of tomorrow’s outcome. A grand slam home run by Cubs catcher Taylor Davis, a career first, tied the game after Yu Darvish fell behind 5-1. I knew it would take even More Maui Magic to offset Darvish’s characteristic slow starts. Yu continues to be a disappointing investment, but Javier Baez continued to save the day with his 10th HR of the season. This was after the St. Louis infield muffed his twisting foul pop-up, gifting a game winning second opportunity.

You can’t put “Maui Magic” in a bottle and take it with you. You just have to enjoy it while you’re here. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to work for the White Sox, although they did at least win one game against the Red Sox while we were here. Also, Indiana baseball has lost their series against Illinois, while Oregon State stumbled against Oklahoma State. It continues to be an effective tonic for the Cubs, as the postcard originally proclaimed. Maybe we can come back again to help the Colts!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Hawaiian Time #928

May 2, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I would have to say that the Hawaiian Islands have been poetically inspiring these past few days. There was plenty of time on the five-hour plane ride to write. We were also up early this morning with the three-hour time difference from Portland. Dinner last night was at 7:30 but really 10:30 for us. Most importantly sports scores have gone my way with the Cubs, White Sox, and Trailblazers all recording victories. As I wrote to my dad years ago, “Hawaii is a magical place where {insert favorite teams} always win.” (See Post #49). I hope this continues for the next 7 days that we are on Maui.

It’s a bit cloudy today, so burning these pail shoulders shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve started reading Into the Wild, a book by Jon Krakauer. I actually stole it from our anniversary hotel room in tiny McMinnville, Oregon last week. The Big Apple, New York City is next week. Both cities are mentioned in the silly poem that follows. Yesterday’s poem (See Post #927) was a bit personal and heavy, so I felt that that today’s effort should be lighter. My wife and I were walking along the beach path this morning and we saw a partially clothed statue of Buddha, reminiscent of our recent trip to Thailand. (See Post #884). She couldn’t help but laugh about “Buddha Butt.” I know it’s sacrilegious and disrespectful but that’s what sick humor is often all about:

Buddha Butt

Thailand islands,
Maui sun.
The Big Apple,
Among all we’ve done.

McMinnville magic,
Wrigley vines.
Phoenix to Tucson,
Temples and shrines.

O’ Canada yet,
San Francisco next.
Each new adventure,
A bucket quest.

It’s been a good year,
Of traveling around.
And next fall,
We’re Egypt bound.

We’ve been to the top,
And even underground.
We’ve searched the world,
And here’s what we’ve found:

From naked David,
To tomb of Tut.
Nothing’s sexier,
Than Buddha Butt.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Week in Review #922

April 27, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I spent some time this past week cleaning out and finishing up some of the poetry starts on my Evernote app. Whenever I get an idea, I store it on my phone and work on it from time to time. There are still hundreds of these snippets on file, and while I wait at the doctors office or have some down time I use them for inspiration. I added three new poems to the blog this week, but have written little about my other activities. I decided this morning to catch you up on my retirement life. Whoever you are?

My wife and I are headed to Hawaii next week, only to return for a day before another trip to New York City. As I result, we’ve packed a lot of errands and activities into this week’s social calendar. Naturally, I had time to watch all the updates available for my favorite television series, including Game of Thrones, The Curse of Oak Island, Billions, Schitt’s Creek, and Fosse and Verdon. It will be several weeks before I get back to them again, since I’ll have more constructive things to do. I also went to the chiropractor, got a new prescription for my glasses, cooked dinner, called my sister, talked with my son, enjoyed C’est Si Bon on date night with my wife, finished our wills, took a financial seminar, did my daily runs, and went skiing. This weekend my wife’s youngest daughter is visiting her sister here in Portland, and they will all go wedding dress shopping. Both daughters are getting married this year. Right now, I’m waiting for my wife to get out of bed so we can take the dogs on their highly anticipated Schnauzerthon. They are restless!

Along with some lighter bedtime reading, I am slowly making my way through, The Girls Who Went Away, the disturbing stories of young expectant women who were forced to give their babies away for adoption. It’s a very emotional book, especially for an adopted child like myself. I will write more about it under the “Diary of An Adoptee” category on this blog. A blood relative suggested that I read it, and I’ve found it to be very eye-opening. I may never know the true story of what my birth mother went through, but I’m sure it’s even worse than what I’ve imagined. There are some heart warming moments when mother and child are finally reunited later in life. Honestly, this is probably not going to happen for me.

On the lighter side, I continue to refer to the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die calendar on my desk. Easter Island; Jerusalem; Jiagsu, China; Northern Ireland; Lhasa’s Potala Palace; Mount Yoshino, Japan; and Seville, Spain are all yet to be personally explored. Only Tuscany and Greece were already crossed off my list. The bottom line is that I’ve really only seen about 20% of the world and will realistically only only visit about 35% in my lifetime. The calendar continues to reference places that I’ve never even thought of visiting.

Sports have been a big part of the week, as the Trailblazers move on to the second round of the Playoffs. Their buzzer-beating victory over the Thunder was one of the most exciting I’ve watched. Also, the Cubs have been playing better baseball, winning three game series against both the Diamondbacks and Dodgers. The White Sox continue to flounder near the bottom of their division. Indiana University baseball moved to the top of the BIG conference and into the National Top 25 polls, but then lost their opener against Minnesota. #2 ranked Oregon State was surprised by Nevada. It was also the week of the NFL draft, with little interest for me. In addition, the Portland Timbers were off to a rocky start before defeating both Columbus and Toronto on the road.

Last but not least, I did finally get to the ski slopes this season. It was a beautiful day on the mountain but the snow was a bit sticky. There were also some icy spots in the shaded ares, and my day started on my butt. The fall didn’t hurt, but I badly scratched my exposed back sliding backwards down the hill. With the spring-like weather, I did not have on the traditional layers of clothing that would have normally protected my skin. The tumble, followed soon after by another slip, also destroyed my confidence, as I struggled to regain any form. It was difficult to turn in the slushy areas and this took a toll on my legs as the day went on. I have to admit that at my age I did consider hanging up my skis, but there were also some moments that will probably get me back on them again next year. My goal is to ski into my seventies, but balance is getting to be more and more of an issue.

I’m ready to leave my comfortable life as a homebody and hit the road. We’re in an area of Maui that we’re very familiar with, so it should be relaxing before the Oregon Auto Dealers Convention begins. I’ll have to attend some dinners, receptions, and seminars reminiscent of my working days, She also has television business in New York the following week, so we’ll go to some Broadway Shows and I have tickets to a Yankees game with a friend’s son. Retirement life is busy…and good, despite a few scrapes.