Head East

  I haven't written in a while. We've been busy selling our house and buying a new one. Now we are packing and I'm not sure this part of the big move will ever end. We have an incredible amount of unnecessary crap. We've given some away and trashed even more and yet, I keep finding more stuff. My brother, Joel said next time he and Sue move, he is going to just burn their house down. Why didn't I think of that? Oh yeah, it's illegal.
 The sad thing is, I believe most of this country is the same way. We have so much more than we need to survive while people are dying from lack of food, shelter and basic medical help. Did that statement make you feel as bad as it made me feel?
  Jon brought Lauren's things down from the attic yesterday. I tried not to look. I need to know her things are still here, even if she's not, but I don't want to see them. It's just too painful. I agreed to let Jon dispose of all her trophies as long as I didn't see it happening. I tell myself, they were hers, and like in that old church hymn, The Old Rugged Cross, Lauren laid her trophies down. She no longer needs any of this stuff, but still, it's hard.
 Wow, I didn't mean for this post to be so seriously sad.
  On Thursday, we will head east, to our new home. I feel good about it. I hope I'm not wrong.

Don't Look Back

 Last night the Rangers lost their bid for the wild card. Although, I have chest pains every time I pick up the Dallas Morning news and see that sad photo of Mike Napoli, with the caption, "coming up short", I choose to live another day.
 If  I'm honest with myself, I know it would have been a painful playoff series. I know they need time to heal and regroup. When Colby Lewis was placed on the D L, needing Tommy John surgery, I wondered how they could go to the World Series without him. Then Felez was inflicted with the same ailment. After all those two pitchers had done for this team, it would not have been right to advance without them.
 Seriously, they need a rebuilding year. This team has given us their best over the last few seasons. And to you people who were booing Josh Hamilton last night, all I can say is, you've lowered yourselves to the level of Yankee fans. Remember, we are Texans and that kind of behavior is beneath us. You should be ashamed.
 I have had some great times watching my favorite team, the Rangers, this year. And really, that's all that matters. Thanks for another great season. I love you guys.

Giving Up The A L West

  OK, so I feel like crying. I know it's just baseball and I know baseball is only a game. It's not like the presidential debates or Jessica Simpson joining Weight Watchers. In the whole big scheme, it doesn't matter. Unless you're a fan.
  Baseball fans never forget. That's just how they are. Someday, someone will ask a meaningless trivia question, about the 2012 season. Maybe they will say, "who had the best record in baseball in 2012 and yet, did not win their division?", and it will be like a knife in my heart.
  I have a theory. I think after going to the World Series two years in a row, and having played more games for a longer period than any other team, the Rangers are just tired. Not to mention losing their two best pitchers to injuries.
  I know it's not over. They have at least one more game with someone, probably Baltimore. I don't think I can watch.
  I know there are one or two of you out there, who are taking this just as hard as I am. But if this is as far as they go, for this year, we have to thank them for another great season. Ranger fans were fortunate to watch one of the best third baseman in baseball have a stellar year. Adrian Beltre is phenomenal. I even read Lyle Lovett, while on tour this summer, changed the words to Brown Eyed Handsome Man, to say "like Adrian Beltre". That's high praise.
  Did Yogi Berra say, It ain't over til it's over, or, It ain't over til the fat lady sings? I'm not sure. But this fat lady is too sad to sing, today...maybe next spring..