Baseball World Series

This year the Baseball World Series is between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals. We have faithfully watched the first four games and cheered when the Rangers won and were sad when the Cardinals won. On Saturday we invited the kids and grands to come over for dinner and to watch game three. They brought barbecue which was excellent and finally we six settled down to watch the game. Christian - 7 yrs is playing on his first baseball team and is really into this series. Jon was equally involved and it was fun to watch these boys follow intently the game. As you may well know the Cardinals had a hit fest and thoroughly beat the Rangers. The boys moaned and groaned and the rest of us wanted to do the same. Finally when it was obvious that the Cardinals would win this game they went home.

It has been a good series with the two teams well matched. I am not exactly sure why both teams use so many pitchers near the end of the games but hope that someone will make a comment here. Happy travels.

Dog - 1, ball - 0

Max has been wanting to play with Foxy's ball which she uses in her therapy to return her shoulder to working condition. Today she no longer needed he ball and so we decided to let Max play with the ball. It is the size of a soccer ball and Max loved it. He chased it all over the motor home but couldn't seem to get it in his mouth, big surprise. Finally he came back into the living room proudly carrying the ball in his mouth. He settled down with his prize and suddenly the ball popped while in his mouth. Max was quite surprised and could smell the air departing the ball. Now what to do? It was dead! So I figure, Max - 1 and ball - 0. Happy travels.

Is it writing block?

I have been having a hard time writing this blog lately. Either I can't think of a topic, or events seem all too similar, or........... I guess I will admit to a bit of writing block. Today we decided to do something quite different and drove to Fort Worth. We really had several goals in mind and started by visiting the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. It took persistence and the help of a kind policeman to find this museum but we finally succeeded. The art works housed here fit the intent of the museum. They were clearly modern. I think. Foxy kept saying, "Where is Phyllis when you need her?" "She would know what to say about these exhibits or at least make up a good story." In addition there was a second story full of works by Richard Diebenkorn. His works were basically alike and it did not take us long to look and depart. I know that my cultural activity arrow went down considerably since I had serious trouble not laughing throughout. So I accept that my cultural couth level has been lowered. I shall not return here.

Our second goal was to visit a wonderful barbecue place, Coopers, which is located in the stock yard district. We also were about to run out of our bottle of Cooper's Dry Rub which we really enjoy especially on fish. Lunch was splendid with sausage, briskit, and pork as well as pinto beans, potato salad, and cole slaw. We washed this feast down with cold beer and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Back to the world of museums this time visiting the Kimbell Art Museum which was having an exhibit of Caravaggio and his followers. This is the only museum in the country to have this exhibit and it was splendid. This, in my opinion, was superb art which the first museum totally lacked. This artist brings you the viewer into the painting and his treatment of ordinary people is wonderful as is his work on more religious themes.

Finally we ended our visit to Fort Worth by driving through downtown and visiting Sundance Square shops looking for sports memorabilia which proved to be too expensive. We are glad that the Texas Rangers won the American League playoffs and look forward to their participation in the World Series of Baseball this next week. We will have to look elsewhere to get the shirt. Maybe my writing block is gone. Happy travels.

Texas State Fair

The Texas State Fair is held in late September through early October each year in Dallas. The grandsons had Columbus Day off and so we took them by train to visit the State Fair today. The first place we went had free ice cream so we had to start our day there of course. We heard about cows being milked and then went to see some horses but that event was called off because of their muddy field left over from our rain yesterday. We explored lots of things to eat. This fair is known for deep fried unusual food like deep fried beer or butter or candy. We did not try any of these things since they sound awful. The boys and I had hamburgers and curly fries for lunch and then we split forces and I took the boys to the midway. They tried one game but did not win any prizes. Then they went into a fun house and then we caught up with Foxy to watch an exhibition of fancy bike riding and tricks. Finally we rode the skyway gondola across the midway area and went to see a movie on dolphins which was enjoyed by all. We headed to the entrance for the train ride back to our car and home. The boys were tired but had enjoyed their day at the Texas State Fair, as did we. Happy travels.

Miniature Golf and Cards

On Friday we took the grand to play miniature golf since we had a coupon that allowed us to play for free. We did alright but all of us boys could use some expert help with our swings. It was warm in the sun and after the play was finished we went back for drinks and the boys wanted to play some of the games. They won tickets that could be redeemed for prizes and picked out a whoopie cushion among other wonderful rewards. Christian kept us entertained with the whoopie cushion the rest of the afternoon.

When we got home they wanted to play cards and we continued to learn Pitch. When Jon won a hand he began to like it better and we played it for an hour before turning to Old Hell or Oh Bother, if you so prefer. They are getting to be card sharks and give no quarter. As with Nana, they will comment when they won't let you buy a card, which happens in Progressive, "No, I need it for my business." We have a lot of fun with them and have spent nearly every afternoon when their work is done by playing and teaching them new card games. I think that Canasta is next. Happy travels.

Dolphin Tale

This afternoon we took grands Christian and Jon to the movie to see Dolphin Tale. What a wonderful movie. A dolphin gets caught up in a rope and fisherman's trap and washes up on a Florida beach. She get rescued by a young boy and taken to a place where sea creatures are rehabilitated. She ultimately loses her tail fin and the movie takes you through her many trials and tribulations as she is fitted for a prosthetic tail. This movie brings tears to your eyes and much enjoyment. We all loved it and give it four thumbs up. Happy travels.