Bird's-Eye Baseball

It's not right that anyone should have to wear long underwear the second weekend of May, but I'm glad I did.

Today Carter had a double-header at home versus Marshfield Columbus, starting at 10 a.m. The forecast called for party cloudy and windy with a high of 52. Which turned out to feel like 42 with the wind! It didn't matter that we were actually winning. That did not make us any warmer!

As luck would have it, however, the game announcer had to leave partway through the first game to go to a wedding so two of us couples went up to man the press box. Who knew it would take 4 people to replace one? It just had to be done.

So hubby got to use his "radio voice" and announce, our friend Mark ran the scoreboard and we wives became the photographers and videographers with a bird's-eye view of the ball field. Naturally, you had to walk up stairs and across a small portion of the roof to get in that room, but once the anxiety pill took effect, I was OK!

Here are quite the variety of photos with my color commentary -- not as good as a radio guy, of course.

I'm not kidding about the view from up top, am I? I thought I'd give an overwiew shot while all the bases were loaded in Game 1.

As you can see by the score, it was a good outing, Carter did not get a chance to play in that one, though -- not even pinch running. But the second game, he had his first varsity start (whoo-hoo) and played left field.

You guessed it. He had his "My mom is trying to take pictures of me" radar on. Now do you believe me? Anyway, what he didn't know is that I could get a few shots back up in the press box. They might not zoom in as well, but I got a few.

Waiting for action in left.

Tossing the ball back in after making a catch for an out!

Carter at bat!

Swing and a miss!

They had him lay down a bunt, which he did perfectly!

Didn't quite make it to first but is still a great sacrifice bunt to move the other runner forward.

Quick huddle between innings.Carter is middle on top.

You can see him in the upper right during the huddle and pep talk to get "hits!"

On his second time up, he struck out.

This gave me more time to get an in-focus picture.

Which I did some artsy-fartsy work on when I got home. I'm starting to like that color Royal Blue on a plain, black-and-white background!

When he walked on, it was fun watching from up top. I could see Carter trying to sneak behind the first baseman to watch for a steal opportunity!

And he slid safe into second.

Ready to run to third on a hit.

On a great hit by his teammate, he rounds third and heads home to score! By this time, we were racking up the points but I was just glad to see him make it around all the bases this season.

During his final at bat, with some snowflakes falling, the bases were loaded and we were ahead 11-2. He walked that time, which might count as an RBI since the winning run came in on the walk! Doesn't matter to me. As long as we got the win by the 10-run rule!

Shaking hands after the game.

Post-game quick leg-stretching run.

Post-game huddle with some high fives, I'm sure!

I realize there are a lot of games left to go. But it sure felt nice to get a sweep today!

Speaking of sweeping, I haven't gotten to my "Saturday Chores" yet. Maybe the team -- or at least one member -- could help me out... at least with the sweeping. It IS Mother's Day weekend, after all!

Worse Before Better

If we were doing things in alphabetical order, things would be Better before they became Worse. Glad we're sticking to the old adage that things will get Worse before they'll get Better. Then we know the good is still coming.

After my visit with the chiropractor yesterday, I woke up with even more pain. This is what happens when he moves things back into place and my body isn't used to it. As I was crouched over a bit, I had to remind myself it's part of the progress to making me feel better. So I had another appointment today and hopefully the Worst is over and by tomorrow's appointment, I will be all Better!

I'm hoping the same for Carter's baseball team. It felt so good to get a win under our belts this week. Now we're sinking into the "Worse" phase -- with a 10-run loss (and no hitter) against Pittsville tonight -- and hoping the Better part of the season begins tomorrow. We will have a double-header at home against Marshfield Columbus. There's a chance Carter will see some plate time. I do hope it's Better than last time!

I am wondering if this principle will apply to my dad, who definitely was getting Worse, but is now Better. I talked to my mom tonight and she said he still isn't eating much ("and he had all this good food sitting in front of him!") but at least he is finding a way down the dining hall to eat with others.That sounds way Better to me than where he was a month ago!

Remember when I told you that he was actually dancing a week ago? I have to share a story from one of the hospital workers who witnessed it. Since my sister Rayna used to work there, too, she shared it with her. See? Things really do get Worse before they get Better. Now if Dad masters the chicken dance, they'll be Great! I'll just change names to protect their privacy...

"Yesterday some of us employees went down to CCC (Continuing Care Center) to dance for the residents. We did the Chicken dance, line dance and polka. (A worker) asked the musician if he could play one more short polka because one of the female residents wanted to polka. As the 2 of them danced, the rest of us stood around, clapping to the music. As I looked across the room, I noticed a frail elderly gentleman try to rise from his wheelchair. I thought that he either had to go to the bathroom or that HE wanted to dance too. As he stood up, (a female worker) walked over to him and he started to dance with her. It was more like a shuffle in place to the music as he was so frail, but the smile on his face brought tears to my eyes. He was so happy to be dancing. Later, I asked who that man was and she said Leroy. It was one of the sweetest moments. After seeing your post and reading the blog, I thought you'd like to know that your dad is still dancing!"

See? Things really do get Worse before they get Better. Now if Dad masters the chicken dance, they'll be Great!

Powering Through

Every once in awhile my back reminds me how young I am... not any longer.

I started stiffening up a bit after that lovely spring trail run in the snow. Then I had a few long drives up north and I started the Insanity workout, too. Each little thing added a few knots and just after I powered through the on-and-off pain for one more weekend, my massage therapist had to leave town on an emergency Tuesday. And I couldn't get in to see my chiropractor 'til today.

And that almost didn't happen. After I learned that Carter's baseball game was rained out, I called to see if I could have my appointment later since we didn't have to get to town early. The message on the machine said the office was closed until Monday. Boy, I let out a large groan!

Luckily, I left a message and my chiro called me back and said that that was an old message and he could see me today. What sweet relief! My neck seriously needed to be twisted off my head. But it feels better now. I have to go back tomorrow again but I am a little bit more confident about powering forward now.

And being stubborn like I am, I certainly won't take it as a sign to slow down.

But in just in case, I parked my butt on the couch for two hours tonight to catch up on Mad Men on DVR and actually watch Glee while it was on -- instead of DVR. And since Carter has two essays to write tonight, I don't need to linger on the computer either.

Got my blanket turned on and a good book to read. I think I'll be fine.

Hot Shots

And now, some snapshots of the hot shot... with a brief running commentary, of course!

What? You didn't think I was talking about Carter, did you? Here are a few other hot shots -- and they have earned their title around the ballparks! From left: Uncle Joe, Johnny (my father-in-law) and Jimmy. Between them, they have a ton of baseball experience and knowledge... and perhaps an equal amount of charm and B.S. That's why I love them all!

 Carter may be carrying on the tradition from his side of the field!

So back to last night's game versus Auburndale... We were down 4-0 and in our last at bat, the guys turned their hats inside out and put on their "rally caps!" It worked!

 

Sort of. It was a very exciting half inning. We had the bases loaded with 2 outs and one of our best players hit a triple to drive in 3 runs! It was crazy. We just couldn't get him "home" though. So the score stayed at 4-3. Dang.

 

Post-game chat with the coaches probably telling them to keep the hitting momentum going for the 4 games we'll have Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

From the game it was straight to Spring Band Concert. Yes, I know you can't see anything. Everyone was so spread out to make room for the Middle School Band to join the High School Band for the last number. Carter is on left side, middle row. Ha.

I was zooming in just to get a picture of him playing, but he was on to me. Oh yes, he has "Mom's Taking Pictures" radar or something. He'll hold his instrument up to cover his face when he sees me.

 So I got a few long-distance, blurry shots, but those will have to do.

Just in case you needed proof he was there. Not that I won't show you again later when I have that "page" scrapbooked!

Otherwise, you can just watch the video and listen in on the number Carter was excited to tell me about a few weeks ago. He said, "Mom, we're doing a mashup from Glee, but I'm not going to tell you what it is!" And he didn't tell me. Found out at the concert it was CeeLo Green's "Forget You" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."

It did sound good. I'm not sure I know how to operate the video/sound etc on my new phone yet, though! This is terrible sound quality but I can assure you, it was good and I could hear Carter's low baritone.





And one final Hot Shot. Thanks to the HOT sun, we are saying farewell to the last bit of snow in our neighborhood...

It's only May 8th. Wouldn't you say it's about time?!

In a Nutshell

I was feeling a bit squirrel-ly today and now it all makes sense! I AM nuts!

No surprise there.

Actually it was one of those days where I was running around like a squirrel, just trying to get everything done -- and in order. In a nutshell...

Worked at home and fought valiantly not to go outside in that 79-degree sunshine. Feel my will power!

I had a quick doctor appointment as a one-year followup to see if I was still nuts. Or at least still in need of medication for my anxiety/panic disorder business. Yes, I need another refill, Doc.

Productively got through my work "to do" list so we could go to Carter's 3:45 p.m. baseball game vs. Auburndale. We were down 4-0 and during our last at bat, we loaded the bases and brought in 3 runs. Very exciting but we still fell short. Meanwhile, I had delightful visit with my former pastor who retired 5 years ago from my church -- but had welcomed my church membership when Carter was just one week old.

After the game, it was a quick return to school for Carter to shower and get dressed up for the Spring Band Concert. That was wonderful, as always, and was kept under the rumored 2 hours, so that was good. Afterwards, Carter wanted to stop at Culver's with some friends, so we did for a bit and got home just shy of 10 p.m.

It's way past my bedtime. Jim still has work to do. And Carter, naturally has homework.

I am hitting the hay (do squirrels do that?) and will post a variety of photos tomorrow -- even video. Until then, go a little nuts! It's fun.

Lucky No. 7

If my math is correct, today was the 7th baseball game of the season for our Assumption Royals. I do know my math is correct when I say they now have one win!

Whew! Broke that losing streak just in time.

It was a beautiful day for a game. Temps were in the low 70s and it was sunny and not too breezy. Just a nice day at Witter Field to kick some butt against our arch rivals -- Wausau Newman.

Well, it wasn't exactly a butt kicking.

We were down early 2-0, then rallied to tie it 2-2, then went ahead 4-2 and they scared us with a late run, making it 4-3. But in the end, we stayed on top! I guess game #7 was our lucky number!

Hubby and I worked from 6:30-2:30 today so we could get to the game. In our "too early" morning hurry, I forgot to grab my "big" camera. I still took a few shots with my "purse camera" so this is what you get for highlights...

Carter (#9 far right) and teammates stand quietly for the pregame prayer and Star-Spangled Banner.

Reverence on the pitcher's mound.

Our outfielders stand at attention, too.

Gametime chatter in the dugout -- Carter and his buddy Nick.

Carter got to pinch run again. Here he takes a pretty big lead off first while keeping an eye on the pitcher.

Stealing second on a wild pitch! Yay, he made it safely... and game Mom a reason to do laundry tonight!!

Ready for anything at second base. Unfortunately, the next batter got out so he didn't get to score. But he got some playing time during a win, so that is special.

Stay tuned tomorrow when we play Auburndale ... same beautiful weather forecast and hopefully same home-field advantage!

We Walk Because They Walk

When we are thirsty, we go to the faucet or the fridge and pour ourselves a nice, cold cup of water. It's so automatic that we never think about the water NOT being there.

If you've ever had a plumbing problem where you had to go any length of time without it, you realize how handy it is to have water at your finger tips. We need it for cooking, bathing, laundry and nourishment, just to name a few. We are lost without that convenience. And I, for one, admit I take that for granted.

Did you know that women in Kenya (and many other countries) walk 7-8 miles round-trip to collect water, carrying 5-gallon containers on their heads? Who is this water for? Well, their families, their animals, and their husbands working in the grazing fields. They do this for them. And it isn't easy.

Water and food -- everyday necessities -- are hard to come by. Do we care? And is there anything WE can do?

Yes!

I participated in a CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk today in Wisconsin Rapids to do my small part to help. These CROP walks are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local volunteers to raise funds to end hunger. A quarter of the money raised for each walk remains local -- for food pantries, etc -- and the rest is used around the world. Maybe providing food and water or maybe sending engineers to develop easier ways to access these resources.

Today, I roped in my friend Christine to walk with me -- for the company...

 

And roped in Carter to walk with me -- for the life lesson. Anytime we can teach our "entitled" youth of today about how good they have it and how easy it is, really, to help others, we should!

One of the themes of these events is "We walk because they walk." The "they" could be those women walking 8 miles for their water or any number of impoverished classes of people.

For us, it turned out to be a glorious day for a walk. And our 2-mile route looping across the Wisconsin River on one bridge and crossing back on another, was nothing compared to countless miles barefoot in extreme heat. But I hope we all could relate to their hardships while realizing, once again, how easy it is to help people in need.

I didn't raise a lot of money in donations ahead of time, but every little bit helps. I think among our estimated 50 walkers today we raised more than $8,000. And they're still counting. What an incredible $2,000 gift to aid our local food pantry and "Neighborhood Table" free meal program. Every dollar really does make a difference!

If you want to learn more about the program, visit http://www.cwsglobal.org/. Who knows, there may be one in your community and you just didn't know about it. Or you could start one. Or support a similar effort. Either way, do something!

More than 200 million children will go to bed hungry tonight, and millions are at risk of malnutrition. Can we, who have the luxury of sitting at a computer writing or reading this, just sit back and do nothing?

How about just starting with a prayer... And see where that leads you.