Thoughts For Today
Today’s entry is a somewhat meandering collection of thoughts with no real connection to each other.
Thank God For The Nationals
The Phillies swept the Nationals in a 3-game series over the weekend, to put their record against the Nats at 10-2. Considering that the Phillies’ record currently stands at 29-20, that means almost a third of their wins have come at the expense of the Nationals. Unfortunately for the Phillies, but maybe fortunately for the Nationals, the two teams do not meet again until September.
My Husband, Good Luck Charm?
On Saturday, my husband and some neighbors went to the game. That makes two games for him so far, none for me. Coincidentally, both of those games featured Ryan Howard grand slams. Maybe I should send him to more games this summer!
West Coast Road Trips
The Phillies are currently on a 10-game road trip, with the first seven of those games in San Diego and Los Angeles. I’m not a big fan of these West Coast swings – 10:05 game times mean that I start nodding off around the fourth or fifth inning. As the games end too late for the results to make into the next morning’s paper, I have to turn on the computer or click on ESPN to see who won. Unfortunately patience has never been one of my virtues.
Fun With The Reading Phillies
In what I’m assuming is an effort to attract more fans, the Reading Phillies have made their Kids Club membership free this year. One of the benefits is free tickets to five different Kids Club games during the season. Of course, the parents have to buy their own tickets. Nonetheless, the four of us can attend the game for $20 – not a bad deal!
This past Sunday was the first of the Kids Club games, featuring a pre-game autograph session for the Kids Club members. Here is my daughter getting her t-shirt signed by R-Phils catcher Tuffy Gosewisch (my son is behind her, also in white):
Game time was a beautiful, sunny 75 degrees. Perfect baseball weather! Here’s a shot of the first pitch, showing some of the surrounding hills, and pretty full stands for a minor-league game:
Shown here is Reading reliever Chance Chapman:
For whatever reason, those alliterative names just seem so appropriate for baseball players.
Although the R-Phils lost to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 7-4, the kids got to run the bases after the game, and had an overall great time. They are looking forward to the next Kids Club game, on July 5.
And Finally on a Sad Note
I will most likely not be posting any entries for the remainder of the week. Yesterday morning, my husband’s mother passed away after a lengthy battle with emphysema. We will be busy the next few days with helping his dad prepare for the funeral services, and hosting out-of-town relatives. Once things settle back down, I will be back.
(photos by me)
Rants, Raves, and Random Thoughts 
Sue, please send my condolences to your husband and your entire family. My mom passed away 7 years ago; I know how difficult it can be. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
I’m hopping my Giants can sweep the Nationals in this 3 game series that starts tonight. Lincecum, Johnson and Cain against the Nats….
~ King of Cali
http://kingofcali.mlblogs.com/
Julia – Thanks for your kind thoughts.
King – The Nats were bound to win sooner or later; unfortunately for the Giants they did so last night.
Sue,
Sorry about your mother-in-law. My grandfather died from emphysema as well. Not fun to watch.
The pathetic Nats and their stadium are 2 and 1/2 blocks from where I work, an area that I call Loserville. They are a joke.
My thoughts are with you during this week.
Ken
Sue if you have been able to see two grand slams you are lucky as I am in finding $25 on the ground at Minute Maid! I hope the funeral and hosting go well for you and your husband. Sorry for the loss.
Tom
http://rockymountainway.mlblogs.com
So sorry to hear that Sue…you and your family will be in my thoughts. Please let me know if you need to vent…I am here for ya!
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Sue- I’m so sorry to hear about your mother in law. If I can do anything to help, please don’t hesitate to ask. But, I guess we’re all a little thankful for the Nationals, they’re what keeps the Rockies out of last in MLB power rankings.
Emily
http://deconstructingthoughts.mlblogs.com/
It sounds like a take one and give one back week in your house.
Great that you take you hubby to a game and they give you a win.
But it is sad and I send my prayers and condolences to your hubby for the passing of his mother.
The best thing to remember that with both pain and happiness there are memories attached to them you will remember the rest of your life.
I hope both events can make you smile both in the remembrance of a great game, and in the remembrance of a great mother.
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
Thanks Ken, Tom, Jenn, Emily, and Cliff for your kind thoughts. Things have settled down now, though the end of the school year is imminent – no more daytime blogging for a while!