D'backs postseason (two words not expected to be used together this year)

As the years pass, I find that I like baseball more and more.  This despite pace-of-play issues.  Positive changes:  "statcast" information is amazing; the super-slo-motion cameras let us see things previously unseen.

The fun has been much enhanced by POC's connection to the D'backs, and POC & NOC living right by the stadium.  Super-convenient (and cost-effective) for tickets, parking, fun before and after.  Works great.

NOC had a fine pre-game party for us.

2017 expectations for D'backs were low, but the team got off to a fast start, navigated some ups and downs, and eventually clinched a wild-card spot - meaning a one-game playoff with the Colorado Rockies.

most of our crew . . . 

Via POC, a group of us bought tickets for the wild-card game - held October 4, 2017.  Not that I've attended many high-profile sporting events - but I'm quite sure this was the most fun we've ever had a live sporting event.  D'backs won - which was important - but (per line score below) - while they always maintained a lead, they never could quite put away the game.  Long game, exciting throughout.  The single-elimination format certainly puts the pressure on both teams.  Large/lively crowd; our group was fun per usual.

our vantage point . . . full house

Within a couple days we were traveling to visit Kerry & Luis, so we missed the championship series games v. Dodgers; that didn't go so well.  But a fun year.

baby shower

Keeping fingers crossed for a successful conclusion to Nedda's pregnancy!  So far, so good.

In the meantime - a baby shower was held at PJr/Nedda house on Saturday, September 23.  The men weren't allowed to show up until the party was nearly over.  But other than that, we understand everyone had a fine time; lots of nice gifts; lots of custom "onesies"; etc.  Thoughtful prep, food, drink, decorations.  Perfect weather.

San Francisco visit

PJ and I had a delightful visit up to San Francisco (Sept 13 - Sept 19).  Here's what happened -

Wednesday, September 13

Easy flight (after a 3+ hour delay).  Lunch with EPG at Starbelly's; grocery shopping and some errands; we get to EPG's apartment. Nicole arrives there just a bit later (by fortunate coincidence she was in the Bay Area for work this week); then we go over to Shane's place to celebrate his (very recent) birthday.  Had a lovely evening, met family; Hayden leads the decorating; charcuterie, pasta, chicken parm, chocolate cheesecake; gifts; lots of talking; fun night.

b'day party!

Thursday, September 14

In late morning NOC and PJ head downtown - Diamondbacks (including POC) are arriving in SF and staying at the Westin in Union Square so NOC has a room there - the two of them do prep stuff for the evening's events.  EPG, Shane and I do some errands and go to lunch at [don't remember the name but it was maybe my best lunch of the trip]; then we get dressed and Uber down to the Westin.  San Francisco Orchestra has a "gala" event to launch the new season - a pretty fine evening for the five of us (later six).  Drinks and appetizers at the lovely/historic City Hall; followed by dinner there; then we wander over to the orchestra venue where there is a performance headlined by Yo Yo Ma.

Red carpet etc. on arrival at City Hall

EPG lines up almost the identical seats we had for Faure's Requiem - first row behind performers and facing the conductor - this is a location that makes a difference!  For me the concert highlight, surprisingly, was Ravel's Bolero - I had been disappointed to see it on the program as it seems like a cliche-for-a-fundraiser type piece - but with our vantage point, some effective lighting, and a pretty amazing orchestra - it really worked.  We test a couple after-parties and end up spending most of our time in an outdoor setting (where POC joins us).  PJ and I did go into the performer's after-party - took a picture with Michael Tilson Thomas, however Yo Yo Ma didn't show there.  This was a really fun evening.

Great company, great seats, great performance.

PJ 'n me collar MTT, who is gracious about this sort of thing.  Cello music at after-party was a nice touch.

Friday, September 15

We meet POC and NOC for lunch at Coqueta (Pier 5) - ok, this really was my favorite lunch of the trip.  Then wandered the pier area a bit, some had ice cream, then POC had to go to work.  Errands and miscellany ensue.

Between Coqueta and our ice cream.  Perfect weather.

In early evening the five of us meet Meghan Stern at Flour and Water - where everyone knows EPG's and Shane's names (and treat us great) - a wondrous variety of pastas, they continue to hit the mark.

Shane running stuff in theater lobby.

After this we head over to opening night for Reefer Madness at the community theater Shane supports. Joined by some SF friends; we had a good group.  Very good crowd, responsive; we liked the performance; some snacks (and Lagunitas) at the concession stand.  POC joins us after the game.  Shane gives us a tour of the old theater, which we also liked.  Enjoyed talking there with everyone in our group for quite some time; then we head back to EPG's apartment.   Yup, another fun day.

By now POC has rejoined us; our theater tour has reached the stage.

Saturday, September 16

We meet POC and NOC downtown; they were having brunch (we had already eaten breakfast); then POC gets on the team bus (we felt rather surreptitiously) to head to the game.  Today was our unscheduled day - devoted to walking around town and checking out eating/drinking places.  Which the five of us did, in fine form.  And we brought along "Five Crowns."  Chinatown - where we were less impressed by the pork-buns than we were on previous trips; but the DIY fortune cookie shop made up for it.  Little Italy - we stop for pizza, pasta, beer, Five Crowns at Il Casaro - had a great seat at the window.  (Weather, BTW, was gorgeous throughout our entire visit.)

An ideal Saturday wandering, and wandering, around SF.

Then we walk up to Coit Tower (but, there being a line, we don't go in).  Then we walk down toward the waterfront and make our way up to the Fisherman's Wharf area.  Lots o' tourists walking around (ok, including some of us).  We're getting hungry and thirsty again; end up at Blue Mermaid (selected mostly for outdoor seating that accommodated Five Crowns, but the food also was fine).  Onto EPG's place for games - Five Crowns and Telestrations - plus some pretty wonderful charcuterie, beer, etc. As we enjoy that view. POC again makes the effort to join us after the game. Fun day.

Sunday, September 17

EPG, PJ and I get organized and start working our way downtown for D'backs-Giants game (thanks for tix, POC!)  Walk to Spike's for coffee/pastry; meet Shane and a short walk with him to the muni; after arrival in Union Square area we pick up NOC; then a lengthy/nice walk to the stadium.  Beautiful day!  Giants stadium was great - pretty much unbeatable setting (McCovey Cove etc.) - POC is familiar, and walked us around the place.

Very fun hanging around there (plus they have plenty of good beer and food).  By the way the D'backs were beaten.  After the game we walk to a couple POC-recommended places and end up at Black Hammer Brewing - which we really liked for light-duty sipping.  The place keeps a bunch of games on hand, we had a fine time playing "Anomia" (ok I was terrible) - a new game by us but the Amazon orders went in as we played.  In the evening we head over to Shane's place for drinks, supper, games (Telestrations round 2).  Fun day throughout.

Telestrations medalists, with participation-trophy-ists.

Monday, September 18 

EPG, PJ and me to Boulangerie for breakfast; then pack/prep.  We decide to do a little wandering in the Golden Gate Park area; walking near the California Academy of Sciences, and we decide to go in - we pretty quickly determine this place is quite the gem.  Lots of neat stuff, we were rather amazed by the coral displays - which somehow I've never really seen, or perhaps never paid attention to?  Planetarium show always impresses (this one on earthquakes).  Etc.

We liked this place, a lot.

Then a fine lunch at Nopalita followed by a bit of ice cream at Hometown Creamery.  Back to EPG's place; Shane stops by to see us off; EPG drives us to the airport (as he then heads to LA).

Our "closing lunch" for the trip was pretty excellent - except we weren't happy that the trip was ending.

PJ and I were lucky to enjoy another wonderful visit; our out-of-town kids treat us great; this trip on its face looked to be pretty heavily scheduled, but it never felt that way.  The five of us found it really easy to hang out together (unsurprising), POC made a great effort, and it was fun to meet Shane's family.  Yay.

Dharma's wedding shower

A big event - but leading up to a bigger event in just a little over two months - a wedding shower was held for Dharma on 9 September.  Me not invited but I heard from my sources that a good time was had by all.  In the preceding weeks I was overhearing lots of planning conversations by those in charge, and much more work went into it than I heard about. 

Held at Dana's place. 

A highlight:  Dharma's sister and grandmothers provided a video greeting!

Here are a few photos . . .

 

Dharma's parents (always happy to find an excuse to use this lovely photo)

a picture I like

Taken 19 August 2017 in San Diego, California (courtesy Shane)

Luxembourg festival

OK this happened nearly 2,000 miles from here in Phoenix, but I like the picture, and I like that these fine Luxembourg-connected folks traveled from St. Joe (IA), Glenview (IL), St. Paul (MN), Eau Claire (WI) and Nome (AK) to attend the 2017 version of the annual Luxembourg Festival held in Belgium, Wisconsin (weekend of August 11-13).

Our group is posed in the Luxembourg American Cultural Center, standing beneath a stylized "tree" hanging with photos of Luxembourg immigrants.  (As I understand it, a small fee entitles you to hang a photo, plus select immigrant families are honored yearly.  My mom of course also loved this kind of thing, and the Gales and Bormann families were featured a few years back.)

L-R Ernest M. Gales, Romie & Joy Gales, Therese Gales, Alison & Barb Haag, Carol Gales

At left is the original photo from which the above version was cropped (received via text message) - shows quite a bit more of the "tree".

Of course I checked out the original photo quite closely, as explained per zoom/caption below.

In a way, a fourth generation was overseeing the three generations in attendance . . . nice.

Didn't take long to find - at top left portion of the photo - wedding portraits of
my estimable grandparents - (L-R) Veronica Dockendorf and Ernest J. Gales, and
Philomena Kohlhaas and Mike Bormann.

Birthdays etc. (July-August)

2017 is a year filled with celebrations, observances, etc.  Here are four that took place in July-August (sorry to say we missed Kerry's and Luis's birthdays, which were observed back in VA; we shall remember this when we visit them in October):

1.  POC's 40th birthday was celebrated with a weekend in Portland (not involving PJ 'n me).  But we also had a fine gathering for POC at our house on July 9.  Chicago style pizza, Portillo's, fun crowd; NOC had coordinated video clips from family and friends unable to attend in person - with an editing assist from NRG, this was a highlight of the evening.

Observing POC's 40th birthday in fine style . . .

2.  Patrick's 31st birthday coincided with a visit to Phoenix by he and Shane.  Lots of events scattered across several days, fun throughout.  Shane got the VIP tour of all sorts of Valley spots, including a few of our favored restaurants.  Lots of work was done organizing various games for Patrick's b'day party, was a great evening.  The time went too fast, glad we will visit SF relatively soon.

EPG and Shane (clockwise from upper R) - Chris & Dharma prep'd dinner; Parlor;
a rather amazing post-Parlor bowling picture; Richardson's.

Games at 31st b'day event. (Mike B. carried our team.)

The crew observing Patrick's 31st birthday.

3.  A group of us attended the Stone brewers' reception event - fourth year running - remains a nice late-summer break.  CPG, PJr, PJ and I drove over with Lon and Emily (Friday 18 August), returning on Sunday.  Nicole was already in CA on business so drove down with Patrick and Shane.  A major surprise:  Kerry made the trip - though work stuff prevented her from arriving until after the brewers event.  Wasn't expecting to have all five children there, that was a nice surprise.  We made up for lost time into Friday evening, then Saturday-Sunday as well.  As we were belatedly marking PJr's 30th birthday, Michael C. made sure we had bus transportation up to San Marcos, etc., all worked really well.

San Marcos, CA

Now with Kerry!!

Saturday in San Diego.

All seven in one spot - nice.

4.  The Phoenix crew gathered at the Rokerij on August 26 - a more focused observance of PJr's 30th birthday, v. nice.  PJ and I drove down with Mina and Saeed; the evening started with a visit to Chris & Dharma (wedding planning in full swing, initial unveiling of items purchased on Dharma's recent India trip!)

Lovely evening, fine planning by NRG, lots of nice comments for the birthday boy . . . 

Minnesota, Mason City, St. Joe (15 - 20 July)

Another fine Midwest pilgrimage.  Here's what happened (per usual, click on photos to enlarge) -

Saturday in the Twin Cities.

Twin Cities - things started here after an easy flight on Saturday, July 15.  Lunch with Mark/Therese; then drove up to New Brighton (where we were staying overnight); then traveled with Cecilia and Steve onto Bad Weather Brewing where met up with Mark & Therese plus Nick & Maeve (and Beau & Jude!)  We discussed many things and learned that BWB is as good as recommended; then said goodbyes to Nick & Maeve & fam; then onto Surly mega-brewery.  Where the six of us had dinner and discussed many other things.  Lots of activities on a Saturday evening in this part of the TC, so Steve took us home via a scenic route.  That included Betty Danger's Country Club - quite a spot (even if we didn't try the Ferris wheel, a surprising amenity).  A fine evening indeed (other than my scheduling blunders which got in the way of a Haag family appearance, aarrgh).

Sunday morning in New Brighton.

Hiking at Lime Creek (Sunday)

Mason City - Angie visits House house in the morning of Sunday, July 16; with Liam, Josh, Tilly and doggy.  Lots of action, fun (and coffee).  PJ and I hit the road for Mason City - easy travels - we settle in briefly at Steve & Liz home, then go for a fine walk/hike in the "Lime Creek Nature Center" - lovely, accessible, we hadn't previously visited.  After which we have visions of visiting an in-town brewery (too bad, closed on a Sunday afternoon, not surprisingly), so instead we take a driving tour of Mason City.  PJ and I rather surprised/embarrassed about how little we've seen - after all these years - of quite a lovely town.  Hadn't realized how the Frank Lloyd Wright homes were right around the corner from S&L place.  Also did a drive-by on the new house S&L are purchasing near an in-town lake - looks like a clear winner.  Also a winner - Sunday eve weather - pretty delightful to hang around on the patio and chat about many things.  Then onto dinner at the Thai restaurant, another success there.  We chatter into the evening, a fine day; we need to spend more time in MC (if not up at Lake Superior).


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St. Joe -  breakfast/goodbyes on the morning of Monday, July 17; we much enjoyed the MC stopover.  Onto St. Joe!  Where EMG seems to continue doing just fine.  Stuff we did:

I like this photo of EMG and PJ, with church and hill farm in background . . . 

 1.  Government set-aside acres on the hill farm have been planted in some sort of seed mix that includes lots of wildflowers.  We were just a bit past the prime, but there was plenty of amazing color there.  Plus it's a lovely setting, with backdrops of the village and church, or the river, or the hill farm itself.  Visited there on Tuesday, July 18.



2.  On that same day, EMG drives us over to the Ray Gales bottomlands.  Similar plantings of wildflowers in the set-aside acres; quite beautiful.  We also drove down very near to the river, and spent some time walking beside it.  I have never been there in summertime without a mosquito plague, but this year's dry weather allowed us to wander down there at our leisure.  Which was very beautiful, we much enjoyed.

With my dad in the Ray Gales bottomlands on a lovely July afternoon.

3.  On that same evening, PJ and I walked over to the cemetery; to see Grandma; to see Mary; to see other relatives; just to see the place - such a compelling setting as we look down from the cemetery toward the church, or out toward the corn fields, or across to the hill farm purchased by Nick Gales, where Ernest J and Veronica raised their family and where we spent so much time in the 1960s and 70s.  An utterly mosquito-free summer evening - highly unusual, highly enjoyable.

Church with cemetery hill behind.  The late 19th-century immigrant builders picked
a good site and erected a beautiful church.  It was hard to hear that - for the first
time since this church was built in 1894 - Sunday Mass will no longer be held here.

Glad for the chance to visit.

Lovely evening to linger.

4.  We head up to Algona on Wednesday, July 19 to visit Caroline.  We had lunch at her place, then back to her room for talk/talk/talking plus looked over some of her photo books (including recent reunions out at the farm).  EMG was gracious enough to be our fourth for a game of 500 - first time we had played the game since our last visit when Clarence was there - this is thoroughly enjoyable even if Caroline and PJ win all three games.  (Including one epic comeback from very deep in the hole.)  The card-playing of course required sampling the Bormann bourbon along with various fine nibbles.  Somehow we spent a good seven hours there!

Well, at least EMG and I made them work - it took 1,530 points for them to beat
us in the final game.  Yes, this was fun.

Morning Mass was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, always nice to see the church and attendees.  Twins baseball as background in the evening (they were hosting the Yankees and Mighty Aaron Judge).  PJ put together some meatloaf and taters plus a few other things, which carried us through rather nicely.  Saw EMG's new pickup!  Visited Tom & Joyce on Thursday morning and were given coffee mugs decorated with adult-coloring-book-inspired designs (a new concept by us).

Can't beat this kind of afternoon!  Chatting, card-playing, snacking . . . with
two folks who have always been there.

Something very enjoyable during those days:  the chance to talk about all kinds of stuff with EMG.

Easy return drive to the airport; we meet Steve House to exchange stuffed-animal-for-Josh's-backpack; easy flight back to Arizona.

Will look forward to the next trip.


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