Oct 29, 2012 |
When you think of California and Waves, I’m pretty sure the last thing that comes to mind is ice. But when Un-Son Number One gets his skates on, that’s all that matters.
Ethan on Ice
You’ve often read about our Second Family. We do so much together. But there are some differences. I can’t get them to watch the Yankees unless there’s a bet, and they’re still working on over three years of teaching us about hockey.
I discovered something yesterday: if they had tried to teach me while at a live game, I would have learned much quicker. The tiny puck on a TV screen does not do justice to the Game.
Ethan plays Winger for the California Wave, an amateur hockey league that practices and holds their home games at the Center Ice Arena in Ontario, CA. And yesterday, this proud Un-Mom got to watch him play!
I would love to tell you terms and plays. The truth is, I still know very little. I know a hat-trick means one player scores three times in the same game. And if the puck enters the net past the Goalie, even if it rebounds it’s still a goal.
The amateur league games are free to watch, which also makes it an even better family affair. Since warm air rises, we sat on the upper level and looked down on the ice. Julie, Jeff and Elisa had to suffer in the score box. Their bodies will chilled but the teams were hot!
Hockey is a very fast-paced game, and the score was 1-3 before I glimpsed the first goal. The action doesn’t just stay with the puck. There are players crashing each other into walls, the whoosh of skates slicing up clouds of icy dust, and burly tumbles all in pursuit of that little black disc.
Wave vs. OC Hockey
Chasing that Puck
Fight for the Goal
Defense!
Third Quarter Start
It’s exciting, challenging, and over way too fast. Even though the Wave played well, The OC Hockey Club took the game at 5-7. A minor disappointment for such a great team.
I’m glad there’s another home game in two weeks.
In the meantime, I think I’ll do some light reading.
[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK]And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 28, 2012 |
- Sometimes luck is all you need.
- Sometimes, luck will get you through the door but skill will keep you going.
- You can’t win ’em all.
- But you should always try.
- Just because you were good once, doesn’t mean you still are.
- Keep your eye on the prize.
- Don’t be distracted by the glamour.
- You can’t hit if you don’t swing: take the chance!
- Greatness is a heritage for some and a moment for others.
- Sometimes, the job is to succeed. Sometimes, the job is just to move.
- Hurts happen.
- It’s never okay to take your frustrations out on someone else.
- But sometimes, it happens anyway.
- Look up. You can’t catch what’s coming your way if you’re looking at your shadow.
- Run full force into walls. It’s the only way to go.
- Acrobatics required. Not always. But definitely often.
- Run fast. Run straight. Stop only when you have to.
- Pay attention to the game.
- Appreciate your audience.
- Success isn’t always winning. Sometimes it’s just getting farther than you were yesterday.
- No matter what, celebrate a job well done.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 27, 2012 |
We spent the day with the Second Family at one the great local attractions: Frazier’s U-Pick Pumpkin Patch.
It’s refreshing because there aren’t a lot of farms in the So Cal desert. We have to drive a distance to get to the Orchards. Entering the gates at Frazier’s is like entering a different climate.
The large fields offer quite the selection of pumpkins. It’s almost like a Dr. Seuss book: Big, Small, Short, Tall, One or Many, Take Them All.
Hanging Pumpkin
Pumpkins!
Through the Tall Grass
More Pumpkins!
This time of year, it’s a booming business. With their amazingly affordable selection, there are pumpkins for everyone.
Julie’s Pumpkins
Multi-Colored
It is, as their name states, a U-Pick patch. They grow the pumpkins on the vine and leave it to the customer to pluck them from the fields. Most of the time, they will cut them off the vine to make it easier for the younger children.
Hopie’s Find!
It’s free to enter and wander. There’s no structure or path. You can easily spend hours enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and people-watching.
They have a mini-train tour that circles the fields. It makes several stops as the Engineer tells how the pumpkins are grown and how the Corn Maze is structured.
The Pumpkin Train
We saw some wonderful pumpkins that the girls wanted to share.
Dot’s Delight
Padme’s Perfect Pick
Eating the Cinderella
I adopted Fred.
I shall call him Fred, and he shall be my Pumpkin.
Then we bought tickets for the Corn Maze.
The Corn Maze is an annual Must-Do. Each year has a different layout. My two Un-Sons assured Dot and I that they could easily get us out. *Insert laugh-track here*.
Un-Son Number One says go Thatta-way!
But Little Man says, This-a way!
We finally split up, with Dot and Un-Son Number One going one way, as I let Little Man lead me to the exit.
Lost in the Corn Maze.
After we regrouped and headed out, we drove down the street to the Pizza Factory and earned back our calories.
Yumm with a Slice of Fun
The kids entertain themselves differently than when Julie and I were kids…
“Snape. Snape. Severus Snape.”
We’ll be carving our bigger pumpkins on Monday, and I can’t wait! Tomorrow (Sunday) we’re going to Un-Son Number One’s hockey game.
And now if you’ll excuse me, Fred and I are going to watch the Game. All I can say, since they beat my Beloved Yankees, is
“Let’s Go Tigers!”
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 26, 2012 |
I could give you a litany of writer’s excuses… too distracted, too busy, too lazy, writer’s block, no inspiration…
But the real reason I didn’t have a post for Friday is this:
I managed to aggravate my early-onset arthritis with the yard work I did on Wednesday, and as you can see, typing has been a bit difficult for me.
Tomorrow I’ll be back in business, complete with a Trekaroo review of the local Pumpkin Patch. That’s where this photo was taken years ago. It reminded me so much of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, that I had to get it!
The Pumpkin Grinch
And now, before I aggravate my finger with more typing, and aggravate you with more typos, I’m off like a dirty shirt!
Have yourself a wonderful Friday evening, and watch out for ghoulies and goblins!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 25, 2012 |
I grew up in Michigan before we transplanted to California many years ago. [Okay, not that many…]
We lived in the LP (Lower Peninsula), just under an hour outside of Detroit. My Grandma lived in Alpena, and every summer my Dad would drive us up there for a week or longer. I loved summers in Alpena, because it also meant we would visit Mackinaw.
Mackinaw City on the northernmost tip of the Lower Peninsula is connected to the Upper Peninsula by the famous Mackinac Bridge: This five-mile suspension bridge is the third longest in the United States, and 12th longest worldwide.
Mackinac Bridge [Photo courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
There are so many wonderful memories of visiting Mackinac City and the Bridge. But the one memory I’ve yet to make is staying at the Grand Hotel.
Have you seen the movie Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour? It was filmed at the Grand Hotel. It’s such a romantic, historical location. Such a beautiful movie. I highly recommend it!
So imagine my jealousy I mean jealousy I mean thrill for Danny and his family when I heard they were making the drive across the Bridge to take the Ferry (cars aren’t allowed on Mackinac Island). I begged for a plane ticket photos and they obliged. Until I get there myself… I’m living vicariously through their story and these photos.
“Let’s see. What did I like best? That’s easy. Sitting on the world’s longest covered porch (660 ft) in a rocking chair, sipping a beer and looking out on the Straits of Mackinaw. It wasn’t a terribly relaxing weekend (a LOT of walking) so that brief respite was delicious.
I would take Mackinaw Island in the fall over any other time of year. First off, the rates are much lower. It’s also much less crowded. And the colors. Oh, the colors.
Laura and I marveled at the fact that we’ve been all over the world, but this was only her second time on the island. And she’s never seen the other side!
The smells are awesome. Whether it’s the ubiquitous fudge shops, the many restaurants or just the crisp, clean smell of fall. Even the horses leave an odor that makes you smile and think “Pure Michigan.”
My favorite island sound? The clopping of hooves. Hearing it right outside your hotel window is magical. It made me wonder if there is a relaxation cd with that sound. I would love to fall asleep to that every night.
The shops are so eclectic ( I bought juggling pins in one, a green Guinness soccer jersey in another) so there’s something for everyone.
And whatever form of recreation you prefer, it’s all there. Walking, biking, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, golf. No cars, skateboards or roller blades, though.
I could go on (haven’t even talked about history which is, for my money, the richest part of the island) but I won’t.”
Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Room 366, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Straits of Mackinac [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Hallway, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Big Porch Ale from the Cupola Bar [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Breakfast at the Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
World’s Longest Porch [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Porch View, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Horse-Drawn Carriage [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
This image was taken from inside the Cupola Bar. The seating reflections make it look like there are displays in the trees.
Mackinac Island, MI [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Mackinac Island [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Exterior, Room 416 [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Somewhere in Time Suite [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
The Grounds, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
The Lawn, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
You may also enjoy reading:
Dear Michigan…
Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
Dear Amy, I’m Just So Sorry For Your Loss.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE MOVIE:
[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK]
