Downtown Drive

Many of my friends have an aversion to driving in major downtown areas of whatever city they happen to live in.  I've never understood this.  Maybe I'm just an odd sort.

Just Call Me A Devil (Ray)

Baseball season officially begins tomorrow...

Our son has played baseball for several years, but this year will be different than the others.  This year, I am helping coach the team for the full season as opposed to filling in when needed on the occasional game.  I must say that I am excited about the opportunity to spend some additional quality time with The Boy. 

The season consists of 16 regular season games with a Divisional Tournament and our own league's playoffs adding from 2-6 games to the mix.  We begin the journey tomorrow against the Angels.

Swing Trainer

I don't understand. Why is everyone snickering at the title?

Yesterday I attended a coaching clinic for our area's little league. The clinic was actually very well run: interesting, informative, and FUN. It also gave the coaches (and prospective coaches) a chance to bond a bit. The picture above is of the prize I won at the end of the clinic: The Joe Morgan Swing Trainer.

If you coach or even just have a child that is or will be playing baseball or softball, this is a FANTASTIC tool that not only takes the place of a "Tee" for improving your form, but it shows you exactly where the ball would be going. You also don't have to waste time shagging down balls from the outfield when you're done.
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Let's See Your Bloomers

It's springtime in Chicago, and the annual sprouting of various flowers has begun.  Soon, there will be beautiful tulips of various colors in place of the greenery that seems to double in size every two days.

Of course the downside is that with the color comes pollen.  And alergies.

*ahhh-CHOO!*

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Friends For Dinner

Well, we're not actually having friends FOR dinner, but it's nice to get together with friends for a a meal.

Tonight's menu?  T-bone steaks, baked (on the grill) sweet potatoes, and grilled ears of corn. 

I know that it's been a LONG time since I posted here, but I will be making a concerted effort to regularly contribute from this point on.

(post 46 of 365)

Paella

I feel horrible that I've missed so many 365 pics lately.  And the first one that I do after decades (at least in blogging years) is yet another food pic.  Be that as it may...

Tonight I made Paella for the family.  If you're not familiar with it, it's a dish with everything in one pot/pan with a Spanish origin.  There are also many, MANY variations of it.  Mine contains chicken, sausage, shrimp, rice, tomato, and green peas.  Of course you have to season it with cinnamon and a touch of saffron, along with a few "secret" ingredients. 

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Meatloaf

Ready for the oven...

I know that I've talked about meatloaf sandwiches before, but I didn't show the actual meatloaf.  At least not before it goes into the oven.  My family loves it and my grandmother would be proud.

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