The Week

See the Sunday highlights of the Angels (Weaver) against the Tigers (Verlander)? Weaver thought the Tigers were showing him up with slow HR trots. Magglio Ordonez was just waiting to see if the ball was fair. (whatever happened to running whether it’s fair or foul?). Then the next Tiger went slow on purpose, prompting Weaver to yell at him. Verlander had a no-hitter in the eighth, but due to the bad blood, an Angel bunted for a hit. Verlander just stared.

USA Today says the Braves are the country’s third favorite team, after the Yankees and Red Sox, but before the Cubs.

In the mid-90’s Frank Thomas had one of the greatest all-around seasons ever, for the White Sox. He’s never listed among the all-time greats, but he finished with 521 homers, a .301 average, 1704 RBI, and 1494 runs. Not bad for an injury riddled career. The White Sox retired his number, and erected a statue.

SI took a nice approach on the Bryce Harper article, calling the phenom something to be treasured rather than reviled. Says he’s learning to play like a professional, rather than an in-your-face high schooler. I printed a copy for Will to read.

A writer from ESPN.com tracked down Steve Bartman, the now recluse of Moises Alou fame. The writer parked outside his parent’s house until Bartman drove to work. He finally confronted him that afternoon in the parking lot. Still loves the Cubs, but was hesitant to talk to the press.

Tiger is back this week. Perhaps I’ll watch some this weekend. I’ve probably been to the AAC more than Kincaid. Been there 4 or 5 times, including the last PGA. But I’ve never played golf there. I’m sure the cargo pants Tiger was wearing cost at least $100.00, and were firmly pressed.

Monday night I took Anna out to buy some running shoes. Got back at 9:15. Then Will called…he’d locked his keys in the van. Then it needed to be jumped off.

Anna’s ankle started hurting at her first cross country practice. Looked like they had fun, but she sat out the last half. More grade-schoolers than older kids. No one she knows.

Watched Source Code Tuesday night…Will had rented it. Sounds like it beat the Braves game, though Bourn had a big night. With the van in the shop on Wednesday, Will ran to RedBox to return the video.

Will is ready to buy a car, so he’s looking around on line. What fun. He’s taking care of school details, and applied for a job at the nearby Indian Hills Country Club, where David Norman works (free golf!). Glad he first shaved his beard. Also may apply at Trader Joes. School, baseball, job, yardwork…he will be busy!

Joel thinks Matthew’s “new” guitar is great. A friend in the music business trolls music stores, looking for deals and such. He knew we were looking, and called when he spotted this older guitar. Based on its quality craftsmanship and construction, it could be from the 70’s. The music store knew it was nice…the manager had sequestered it in his office. Still a decent price. Ceil’s mom was buying her grandkids iPads for their birthdays, but Matthew opted for the guitar. Good choice.

Will has taken classes with Kara for at least six years, and considers her a close friend/sister. She is the tall AAU-caliber basketball player, who played on the Flight girl’s team when Will played on the boys. She’d stand inside and rack up points, blocks, and rebounds.

Kara’s family went on all the Living Science trips with us. Like Will, they’re Clemson fans (Kara’s athletic older sister goes there). She wants to major in Physical Therapy, and will be attending Alabama Birmingham this fall. Will wants to major in that as well, and UAB is his first choice.

Kara was part of Will’s main senior gang, along with Joel, Kevin, and Alyssa. In classes Will and Kara often competed for the best grades. They both dote on Kara’s adopted 7-year old sister Kassie. Like me, Kara is has a quieter, middle-child personality.