Giants

The GBoys lost to the Red Sox 4-2 but we didn't care.  Wonderful to hang with Christa and Jeff. Lovely weather, mid 70's. Before the game we had a fabulous lunch at my favorite spot, The Ramp. After the game more great food at Crogan's in the East Bay. Did I mention the Guinness, garlic fries and peanuts at the game? Our seats were three rows from the field and we got to witness the pre game ceremony of the retirement Monte Irvin's number 20. For those who don't know baseball history Monte was the first African American to sign with the NY Giants after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. Definitely a privilege to witness as only 11 Giants have had their numbers retired AND the 5 surviving Giant greats were there! Mays, Marichal, Cepeda, McCovey and Perry! The 91 year old Irvin gave a short, endearing speech of thanks and then with a smile simply asked "what took you so long?" LOVED the whole moment.

 Sadly it was also a reminder that age catches us all beating even great athletes into submission. These boys of summer are now elderly gentleman slowed by time and infirmities. Irvin was in a wheel chair but did walk to the podium with a cane, McCovey walks with two canes and even Mays seemed less mobile. Still to see these Giants, MY Giants, on a ball field together again brought a lump to my throat.  As a baseball fan how can you not enjoy seeing Willie Howard Mays, the greatest baseball player of my generation, one more time?!? Truly a thrill. We were also somewhat amused by the antics of the two drunk female Red Sox fans who sat right in front of us. The word skank immediately came to mind when they sat down. Turns out one was an attorney. I rest my case.

That's Life

For a month I've been having an affair with Haagen Daz Rocky Road.  Wish I could say it's been an affair to remember for all the right reasons but alas, NOT! Have gained poundage and now must dedicate myself to curbing my addiction and working off the extra weight. Oh rapture.  Other than that I've been busy with work and dealing with a slum lord mentality management company.  The type who hires unlicensed laborers to make patchwork repairs.  So now pipes are rupturing, plaster falling, etc.  The ONLY saving grace seems to be the suspicion that they are try to sell the property and do to a visit by the LA Housing Department have been forced to complete all repairs by Monday. Won't be accomplished of course BUT when the inspector visits I'll be so pleased to show him how there is a trickle (I could spit more) of water from the faucet in the kitchen. The result of our so called maintenance team smashing a hole in the tile to get to a leak (where there wasn't one) and not allowing the correct pressure to build for the flow before re-patching. I am supposed to get new linoleum for the kitchen on Friday.  I'm certain whichever remanents from their other properties will be what they bring to install and will care less if it matches.  As the saying goes, "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln how was the play?"  Off to the airport to fly North.  Watching my Giants vs Bill's Red Sox this afternoon in San Francisco.  Ah, the City by the Bay.  What's not to like? Batter up!