All Over the Board… » Archive
Another day, another number
I turned 37 yesterday. I’m not sure what that is supposed to mean. Am I wiser? Perhaps. Do I look older? Probably. I used to make a big deal of my birthday, but that went out long ago. The kids think it’s pretty cool. I’m blessed to have a good family and great friends. What more can I say? For the record, I spent my birthday at church, cleaning, entertaining and grilling. I got to use my new bar, and our home was filled with beloved guests. Then I woke up this morning, and it was just another day. We’ll see what my 38th year on earth brings. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Marriage/Family, The Christian Walk
Game 5 Recap
When the rain started at 5, I was a bit nervous. But the field withstood the water, and we played. This was a mixed bag for planning. It did not count in the official standings, but when two teams wear uniforms, it’s a game. All said I used this as a chance to try different people in different positions. I could not be happier; everybody impressed me by making the most of the opportunities given. In the end, we won 12-11. What I liked: Pitching was great. Nathan and Jackson found their groove. Logan, Henry, Caleb and Sam did great. Logan got two outs, Caleb two, and Sam three. All did good enough to deserve another chance. Tre’Vaughn was old reliable and earned the save. We all hit the ball well. Many extra base … Read entire article »
Filed under: Sports
Five-Star Thursday (a day late): Freight Train
I thought of this on Tuesday, but the week got away from me. This week’s selection is Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotten. With no formal training in guitar, her big musical break came when she happened upon the Seegers and the rest is history. If you’re expecting to hear this butter-smooth vocalist, you’re in for a disappointment. Her voice is raspy, and her music is as authentic as can be. Her unorthodox style of playing was dubbed “Cotten picking” and can be found on Michelle Shocked’s “Anchorage,” which is another five-star song worthy of its own treatment. Two songs in one post – lucky you! … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reads, Screens, and Sounds
Game 4 Recap
Last night was by far our tightest game of the year. There were many lead changes, and in the end we lost 15-14. What I liked: Our hitters looked better than in the last game. There were few strikeouts and our pitch selection was good. There were several line drives, and the opposing team commented on our hitting. The arm of the opposing catcher. The kid has a rocket gun and used it to pick us off. We did a good job standing in the back of the box this game, as well as measuring distance from the plate. Our pitchers did a great job in making the other team hit and not walk. Nathan did well at keeping runners at third on wild pitches. Riley was alert and almost made a great catch in right field. Logan made … Read entire article »
Filed under: Marriage/Family, Sports, Uncategorized
The shake-down for a Twix
To all of you outside the Milwaukee area, a brief back story. Former Alderman Michael McGee Jr. is on trial for extortion and bribery charges. The charges allege he demanded money, prepaid cell phone cards, and other compensation for liquor licenses and other government action. Apparently money and cell phone minutes were not enough to satisfy his appetite. Literally. This morning’s Journal Sentinel describes one “meeting” in which he asked for cash and a Twix bar. It reminded me of the Seinfeld where George is fascinated with the Twix in the vending machine. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Food & Drink, Humor, News/Insight
Five-star Thursdays: “When you Come Back Down”
Introducing a new feature on the least-read blog in the world: Five-Star Thursdays. It’s simple: I pick a five-star song from my music collection and highlight it. Of course the rating is completely subjective, but it’s my blog, so suck it up, and leave a comment telling me I am a fool. The first entry is “When You Come Back Down” by Nickel Creek off of their eponymous album. Nickel Creek’s music can best be described as acoustic. To my knowledge, there is only one song they recorded that uses drums. On their other songs, they achieve a drum vibe by percussively playing their stringed instruments. It’s definitely an interesting sound. Their debut album consists of bluegrass or folk songs, and “When You Come Back Down” falls into the latter category. Check … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reads, Screens, and Sounds
Celebrating 15 Years of marriage
Yesterday was a momentous day for Nicole and I – it was our 15th Anniversary. We got married at the green young age of 21, and we were ready to be married. We began dating in our senior year of high school (December 1988), and by Valentine’s Day of 1989, I knew I had met my wife. I can imagine how such a bold proclamation from a 17-year old kid freaked my parents out. I made many dumb statements during that time in my life, but that one I got right. When we got married, I was finishing college and driving a school bus part time. She worked in a day care center. Now the house is her day care center, and the Honda Odyssey her school bus. I managed to … Read entire article »
Filed under: Marriage/Family, The Christian Walk