Science Night in Mason

Tonight was special for those who came out to our annual Science Night at the school. Josh and Michelle were excited to show us all the fun things they were planning for the event, including a life petting zoo, science programs, fingerprinting and other things.

We got there early and our oldest, Amanda even came with her man, Jimmy. It was great fun for all of us and the pictures tell the story....so here they are

My Daughter's FIRST Red Wings' Game

See photos for this blog entry here.

There are few things in life more fulfilling than taking part in a number of different firsts in the lives of your children. Maybe it's getting baptized, or meeting someone of importance in their lives (an idol, perhaps...or a dignitary), attending their first dance....you get the idea. Well, on Friday, February 20th of this year, my daughter Amanda and I attended her first NHL Hockey Game at Joe Louis Arena, in Detroit.

We went as guests of a good friend of mine and I was determined to make this first a special one, because we are HUGE Wings' fans at my home. From our early years together, my wife Laurie and I have always watched the Wings, listened to the Wings and been a part of everything Wings that we can. As a result, our kids knew the 'Let's Go Red Wings' chant as early as they learned 'Let's Go Blue'. (Unfortunately, Amanda went Green on us back in third grade, but we are holding out hope for Mick and Josh).

So we arrive at the Joe about 6pm on game night. It's bitterly cold and since the Joe is on the waterfront, it was that much colder! Amanda was soaking in the sights and sounds of downtown Detroit, as we made our way to the arena. Hart Plaza, the RenCen, Cobo....Windsor (just across the water from us). She reminded me of......well......ME, at an early age. Just takin it all in. It was fun to watch, actually.

Puck to ice is 7:30 on this particular evening, so we had a bit of time to walk around. I wanted to find out where some of 'Red Wings Live' was shot, so we made our way along the concourse, picking up our program and getting a photo taken near one of the many hockey posters and statues inside The JLA. Immediately after getting our picture taken, my eyes were drawn to a red banner, just down the way from where we were standing. There was a small group forming near it and the people seated at the table below it. It was Hall of Fame Winger, #9, "Mr. Hockey", Gordie Howe!

Mr. Howe was signing copies of his book, "9" that evening and to me, price was no issue. I had a small wad of spendin' cash with me and I knew that Laurie would be thrilled to know I got to meet him, despite the fact she could not...but bringing home an autograph would be a plus. So, I got in line, patiently waiting my turn to meet this incredible Hockey legend. As my turn comes, I completely forget to have him sign to the Family and just give him my name. I knew, at that moment, there would be problems for me......LOL. We shook hands, I thanked him and we made our way to the seats.

The game was awesome and Amanda REALLY wanted to see a fight. I explained to her that fights are not as common these days, due to the NHL's tighter reign on players and coaches. Fines are expensive and no team wants to lose players this close to the playoffs. No sooner had I uttered these words and 'The Mule', Johan Franzen was scrappin' with someone at the other end of the ice. Amanda was on her feet cheering and laughing at me.....for even thinking a fight would not happen at her first Hockey Game.

It was a Great experience for both of us. The Wings soundly defeated the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, 5-2 and Amanda was an even bigger Red Wings' fan at the end of the night. Mission Accomplished!

January Trip To California

Everyone in the Midwest appreciates a break from old man Winter, agreed? So, when my Mom decided that she was relocating to Sacramento (and I had time off, due to the flagging economy anyway), the choice was simple. I would offer to drive her and her belongings myself...and then enjoy a small vacation while I was at it.

The weather was nearly perfect, with the exception of that potent arctic blast that reached from Canada into Old Mexico! On our second day out, we experienced sustained winds of 45mph for more than three hours between Oklahoma City and Amarillo, TX. We ended our day just shy of the Texas border, in a little town called Erick, OK. I can't tell you how nice it was to get into a hot shower and loosen my tired muscles.....LOL.

We got on the road, bright and early the third day, aiming for the California border, but we made it as far as Flagstaff, AZ before I had had my fill of the road. Even being a truck driver by trade, it was a long day and the remnants of the previous days' winds were crossing our path regularly. It was far from the 45mph stuff, but it was still gusty and things never really did warm up, until we crossed into California on the 4th day. Which leads me to a funny story.

Picture this: It's 7:30am (Eastern Time) and we are in Flagstaff, starting our day. Knowing that we would soon be in California, I opted to wear my trademark shorts and Michigan pullover. It's a balmy 19 degrees outside! Mom thought I was ready for the looney bin, but I was firm in my conviction to start off the day like this, so she just rolled her eyes and tolerated me....for one more LONG day on the road.

We stopped for breakfast in Kingman, AZ and finally got into Needles, CA about 10:30am. WOW! 73 degrees and Sunny! Whata great day....and well worth the frosty start I had a few hours earlier.

Well, the day WAS long and we finally rolled into Sacramento about 10:30pm (EST), just in time to pick up my Sister-In-Law from work! We did all the necessary stuff, like undecking Mom's car from the tow dolly and getting only the necessities off the truck, prior to retiring to my Sister and Brother-In-Law's home for the night.

Now, Mom promised my that my work was done and the remainder of my time in California would be spent RELAXING....she fibbed. I ended up as part of the unloading crew at her new digs in Sacto, but between my Nephew, Jeffery and I, we got it done in just over an hour. Now I can relax, cus Mom is settling in and has all the time in the world to do so. This is Thursday.

On Saturday, My Brother-In-Law, Chris took me for a day at San Francisco. Now, call me strange, but I just love heading to Pier 39, getting some Clam Chowder in a bread bowl from Fisherman's Grotto and eating it, as I look out over San Francisco Bay, near the Submarine. There is something special about the salt air, Alcatraz and Angel Island in the distance and the sights n sounds of the city. I could go there solely for this treat and I do that every chance I get. But no trip to San Francisco is complete without crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, to catch sunset at Battery Spencer. See my photos here and you will see just what I am talking about!