Here are a couple pictures from the last two Indians game I attended.

From Sunday
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/bayousteeler/20080727_037.jpg

From last night with my nephew
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/bayousteeler/20080729_002a.jpg

I was wearing a t-shirt my friend is selling in Detroit. So don't think I was rooting for the Tigers last night.

I would write about my golf game, but it is not worth it right now.

The parties yesterday were a fun time. The baseball party was from 1-4pm and the 80's party started at 4. It was fun to see everyone in 80's dress. Matt and Lauri won the trivia contest. The Hallgrens won for Best Dressed and my sister won for Best Hair/Best Food. She made McRibs sandwiches! My mom even went as far as buying a pack of cigarettes to complete her dress. Here is a picture of her: http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/bayousteeler/20080726_011.jpg
I dug out my Bill Bates jersey I wore in my senior pictures. T wore her Kent State tank top she wore to the first day of band camp in 1988.
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/bayousteeler/20080726_023.jpg
Our cruise friends from the Youngstown area made the party. They were happy to meet some more cruisers.
The only downside was the rain storm.
K and I went to the Indians game today. They lost 4-2 to the Twins.

--Bayou

Here are a couple of pictures. Just click on the links:

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/bayousteeler/20080723_021.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/bayousteeler/20080724_121.jpg

We watched an amazing t-storm hit the area. It dumped an inch of rain in a short period of time causing flash floods. It was still raining when we got up in the morning. We left for Shea and it took us almost 2 hours to get to the Journal Square PATH station. We wanted to go to Ground Zero before the game, but due to the massive traffic jam, we passed on visiting the WTC site. We made it to our seats at Shea in the bottom of the first. It took us over 3.5 hours to get there. It should have taken, maybe and hour and half or so, but traffic was bumper to bumper and stop and go. It was a quick game, lasting only 2 hours and 20 minutes. We left Shea at 2:30pm and we were home 10 hours later.

It was a fun trip and I just might have to plan one next year.

I arrived home early this morning. We had a safe trip. I think, for the most part, we all had a fun time. There are many reason why I would never want to live in the greater New York area. I don't want to list them, but I would start with the traffic.

The drive to NY was smooth. The boys watch dvds or play video games most of the trip. J only took a small nap during the drive. We ate dinner at a local mall. We did some shopping and picked up some All-Star stuff 50% off. I did not book a hotel with a pool. I cant believe there is a hotel without a pool anywhere. But, that was the only downside to the hotel.

We drove over to Staten Island and caught the ferry into New York. The sky was hazy and overcast. We did see the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. We caught the 4 to the Bronx. The Yankees beat the Twins. After the game, we ate dinner at the ESPNZone in Time Square.

More later...

Bayou is taking a couple of days off from blogging. Please check back on Friday.

I am just checking in from Ann Arbor. I golfed in the rain today and it show. My team did not win the outing toady. We were only 18 shots off the lead. I did golf with my buddy Jared. We had a good laugh throughout the day.
My back held up really good during the drive Michigan this morning. I did hit a few golf balls once I arrived at the course. I was pain free and remain pain free now. I hope that is the case tomorrow for the drive back to Ohio.

--Bayou

Bayou, DDS was not needed to remove K's tooth yesterday. He lost the tooth to the right of his missing front teeth. So, he now has a 3 tooth gap! I told him he will need to eat dinner through a straw. He was playing on a float toy in my parent's pool. Thankfully, the tooth was sitting on the float and not on the bottom of the pool.

My back is feeling much better. The meds are doing their job. I hope I will be able to swing a golf club this weekend.

The kids are in Bible school this week. They are having a good time so far. B went to the Great Lake Science Center today. Tomorrow she is working at the Calvary Mission.

Of course with this warm weather, we are spending more time in the pool. This is the weather we have been waiting for all summer along.

I went to BW3 tonight and won more glassware for the TX Hold'em tournament. It is fun going out with my brother and meeting some new friends.

Til next time,

Bayou

No trip to Atwood seems complete without some rain. After having a nice dinner with the Buss's, a t-storm rolled in. It lasted about half an hour but it was long enough to flood everywhere. Then, more fun on Sunday morning. I sprained my lower back to the point I could not move. T had to help me get into the camper. I could not help her pack up and head home or unpack when we got back home.
I did go to the doctor's this afternoon. He gave me some anti-inflammatory drug and a pain killer. I hope I am able to golf this weekend. I will be staying off my feet for a couple days, except for some exercises the doc wants me to do every day.
The kids have Bible School this week. I am sure they will have fun.

Here are a couple pictures from my last two games at Progressive Field. The Indians beat the Rays in a 4 game series.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/bayousteeler/20080710_004.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/bayousteeler/20080711_013.jpg

---Bayou

K and I went to the Indians-Rays game last night. The Tribe scored 13 runs, en route to a 13-2 victory. It is by far the most runs I have seen the score all year. I will post a picture of me and K with our Tampa Bay hats and Indians jersey when I get a chance. My brother was also at the game with Marc and his mom and step dad. Marc is not a blood relative, but we have called him a cousin. So my aunt in Texas had her sister, brother-in-law, 3 nephews and a grand-nephew at the game, while she was home in Fort Worth.
Speaking of Texas, the San Angelo Colts made the playoffs. They tied for second place in the first half of the ULB season. But the league awarded playoff spots to both teams in second place. Who knows, I made end up travelling to TX for a championship series like I did in 2005.

Til next time,

See you Down by the Bayou

Week in Review.

Wednesday. We headed down to the camper earlier than we originally planned. Dad was not going down because he picked up an extra day at work. We made it to Atwood in time for dinner.

Thursday. We had a nice family boat ride in the early afternoon. We were going to swim, but the rain started and did not ended after dinner time. The Buss's came over and enjoyed our fire after the rain.

Friday. Happy Fourth of July. B marched in 2 parades. I went to the first parade. T's parents drove down to see her march. I then went and shot a fraternity brother's wedding. The weather was great. It was at a local golf course. I made it back to Atwood about 11:30pm. T let the kids stay up until I returned. They made it back to Atwood to see their fireworks.

Saturday. The weather was fantastic. Sunny and in the 80's. We went to Boater's Beach on the Buss's boat. I enjoyed riding in the pontoon boat. I'm normally the driver and don't get to just relax and let someone else drive.

Sunday. The Necko's came down for the day. We had fun with them. Christy is one of just a handful of friends from Perry I see and talk to on a regular basis.

Monday. The boys and I did some fishing in the morning. I was the fisherman of the day with 4 fish. K and J did not catch anything this time. We packed up and made it back home by 3. B went to baton and I went to golf in the evening.

So there you have a recap from last Tuesday to today.

I was not surprised when I heard the Indians traded CC. I was surprised it was to the Brewers. I figured it would be the Cubs. I figured the Cubs would do just about anything to win a World Series this year. It has only been 100 years since their last championship.

Our cruise documents have not arrived yet. They should arrive soon.

--Bayou

Picture Time

I took my mom to see the Indians play the SF Giants.

B and her baton troupe in the Bolivar parade.

This was not J's first fish he caught, just the largest. He did catch his first fish today at Lake Muncy. It was a small bluegill he named Nemo. So, I guess you can say...J found Nemo. J was the fisherman of the day. He caught 10 fish. K caught 2 and I caught 3. I was too busy baiting hooks and taking fish off hooks to do much fishing.

Til next time,

Bayou

Wednesday. K's team lost their playoff game. They did not play well. But, they have improved from week one. The team's end of the season party will be here next month. I will take K and his friends to the field and let them play.

Friday. K and I went to see the Indians beat the Reds in the Battle of Ohio. CC pitched 8 great innings, 4 hits and 10 strikeouts. The fireworks show afterwards was spectacular. I am not sure when I last went to a fireworks night in Cleveland, but it wont be my last. Uncle Jared drove down for the game. Thanks to a rain delay, he was able to make it to the game before the first pitch.

Saturday. We headed to Atwood for the night. It was more to get ready for the 4th of July camping trip. We boated for a little bit before heading to the regular beach. We got to swim for about 15 before we headed back to the camper. I am glad we left when we did. It started to rain as we were pulling into the dock. The storm hit in full force a few minutes after we got back to the camper. It was so bad a tree near our camper fell into the lake. Tent campers near us had their tent flatten and stuff blow all over the point.

Today. T got up early and went to work. She was back about 3:30. We had rain on and off all day. Nothing as bad as yesterday, but enough to keep everything soaked. We did have a fire and pie irons for dinner. We could of had fish. K catch a nice size white bass.

---Bayou

I am sorry I haven't posted picture lately. There is something wrong with our computer and we need to get it checked out.
Monday, I went golfing at 3. It was to play next week's match early. The weather did not look good for us to complete the 9 holes. However, after some rain on the first hole, we did not get wet. There was bad weather all around North Canton, but none on the golf course. During the round, I received a call from T. She told me K's game was moved to Tuesday due to the weather. I thought great, I can golf at my regular time as well tonight. I don't know the last time I golf 18 holes of golf at one time. But wait, if K's game is moved to Tuesday, then I can't take my mom to see Omar Vizquel return to Cleveland for the first time since he signed with SF in 2004. I never finished the second 9 holes due to a thunderstorm rolling across the area. I did shoot a 43 for the first 9, much better than the 48 from last week. Shortly after I arrived home from the golf course, Coach Tom called and let me know K's game was being moved to Wednesday. Yea, I can take my mom to the Indians game.
Tuesday was my mom's b-day. I took her to the Indians game. It was nice to spend time with just her. Omar received a nice ovation when he was introduced to the crowd. The Giants went on to beat the Indians 3-2.
Tonight is K's game, but the weather might PPD it again.

-Bayou

Has it been 10 years already? My sweet little girls hits double digits in age. We has a small gathering to celebrate B's b-day. Right about the time the storms hit, T took B and her friend to see a movie as part of her birthday. She is saving her birthday money for a Nintendo DS system. K used his Christmas and birthday money for his, so B is following his lead.
I will post a picture of B from her party in a later post.

Happy Birthday B!


Love,

Daddy Bayou

K had his first baseball tournament game tonight. They scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th inning and held the other team scoreless in the bottom of the 7th to force extra innings. We went on to score 7 runs and needed each of them. We got the 3rd out after they scored 6 runs. K through the runner out at first for the last out. He did not have a great game at bat, but he was real solid in the field. We play again on Monday.

Final Score
Gold 24
Grey 23

Welcome to Bayou's Travel Service, or the latest baseball trip I have scheduled. This will be the first baseball trip without my buddy from Michigan, but he has prior plans the week I am planning this trip. I am taking my 2 boys and going to NYC with a friend and his boy. We will be seeing two day games, one each in Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium. It is the last year for both stadiums. My sons have both been to Yankee Stadium, but not Shea. My friend has never been to NYC at all, so it will be 2 new stadiums for him and his son. We are heading to NYC in July for this trip.

Here is the list of stadiums I have seen a game in, plus any other family who were there as well. The word retired by a stadium means baseball is no longer played in that stadium or the stadium is no longer standing.

Tampa (T,B,K,J)
Boston (T)
Baltimore (T)
NY Yankees (T,B,K,J)
Chicago White Sox (T)
Minnesota (T,B,K)
Cleveland-retired (T)
Cleveland Progressive Field (T,B,K,J)
Detroit-retired(T,B)
Detroit Comerica Park (T,K)
Kansas City (T)
LA Angeles (T)
Oakland (T)
Texas-retired
Texas Ameriquest Field (T,B,K)
Seattle-retired (T)
Florida (T)
Atlanta-retired (T)
Atlanta Turner Field
Philadelphia-retired (T)
NY Mets (T)
Washington-retired (T,B,K,J)
Chicago Cubs (T)
St. Louis-retired (T,B,K)
Houston-retired
Pittsburgh-retired (T,B)
Milwaukee-retired (T,B)
Cincinnati-retired (T)
Arizona (T,B)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Colorado
San Fransisco-retired (T)
San Diego-retired (T)
Montreal (T)

T: 34 stadiums
T: 29 stadiums
B: 11 stadiums
K: 8 stadiums
J: 4 stadiums

Toronto is the only major league I have never visited. T and I will increase our stadium count on our Labor Day trip this year. Maybe next year I will plan a trip to Chicago and Milwaukee and get my boys to Wrigley. We'll see.

--Bayou

This week T and I did most of the landscaping we wanted to complete before our party next month. Speaking of the party, we are hosting K's baseball team post-season party the same day. The baseball team will be here from 1-4 and then the 80s party from 4 til ??? It will be a busy and fun day. T said "We might as well have both parties on one day, because I have clean the house once before the party and once after the party".

Saturday. We went to the Bolivar Strawberry Festival. B marched with her baton troupe. Afterwards, we went back to the camper with some friends.
Sunday. It was both Father's Day and my wedding anniversary. T and I have been married for 12 years now. The kids gave me a card and my new gas grill. The grill was also part of my anniversary gift. K and I went to see the Indians beat the Padres 7-3. T, B and J went to T's brother store in Cuyahoga Falls. There was an Irish Festival going on along the river walk. We went back to the camper for another night at Atwood.
Today we made it into Nana's pool for the first time this year. I went to golf from there. I was rusty and shot 48.
Tomorrow went are going to plant grass in the back yard and put mulch in the front yard. So, if you are not busy and want to help...come on over.

--Bayou

Friday was the last day of Cub Scout Day Camp. K caught 2 good size catfish. We could of had dinner with what he caught. He ended up having a fun time all week and is looking forward to camp next year.
We had less than a hour after camp to get ready for the season ending baseball game. We only had 9 players show up for the game. But the nine who showed up came to play. K went 2 for 4 with a couple of RBIs and fielded his position well. Then, the lighting came. With 1 out in the top of the seventh, the ump called the game.....with K's team holding onto a 2 run lead......YES, WE WON!!!!!!!! We scored 5 in the bottom of the 6th to take the lead and held on to the lead.
But with the thunderstorm in the area it meant the after game party here at the house was cancelled. We will try to rescheduled it after the tournament game next week.

Happy Flag Day (today)
Happy Father's Day (tomorrow)
Happy Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Bayou, 12 years! (tomorrow)

One last thing, the big announcement will not happen. SD Myers called me last week and wanted to know if I would consider working for them over the summer. I said I would think about it. However, they would want me to do some training. With this training it would not be worth me going to work for them this summer. My old boss said I could do the training in December this year and work next summer. I am open to the idea as long as it is not every week. So, we will see what happens later this year.

-Bayou