At the vet clinic again

So, Snickle (or Poodle as we call him) is not himself today. Didn't eat breakfast and wasn't interested in dinner. Not looking well, not perky or really wandering around much. Off to the 24 clinic again.

Spend an hour there while they do the blood work. Liver problems but they are not sure what. He will be spending at least two nights with an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow. On intravenious right now.

We are not as worried about him as the kitten. He went through this about 3 years ago and it was just an infection. Some antibiotics, some pills and then he was fine. We will wait to hear the results tomorrow and see where we are.

And we are still going to LBI. Can't do anything by staying home except worry more.

Of course, the old lady Bonspiel is as healthy as a horse. We think she is pushing 20 but Mrs. is not sure exactly. She rules the roost and has already let the kitten know who is boss of this house.

Things will turn out fine, just like before and it WILL be a Happy New Year.

As we say at least once a day "damn cats" but we love'em.

Later,
JH

PS and no this has not turned into a cat blog.

This and that

The kitten is fine at this point, thanks for asking. In fact, he got a new place to nap thanks to Santa who brought Mrs. this nice new purse cat bed.

Otherwise, just taking down the Christmas stuff, putting away presents and getting ready for the special meeting of the LBI CC for New Years.

Also spent a couple of hours putting together a new stand for the HD TV. Then had to disconnect all the electronics, take out the old stand and hook everything back up. That went pretty well except for the missing parts and the lack of pre-drilled holes. Good thing I am a bit handy in figuring out that stuff.

Also have been following the Junior playdowns up at Broomstones. The Plainfield team for the boys is in the playoff and a win will get them to Nationals. Bob and Rachel must be pretty excited about that.

On the local curling front not much is happening. Still trying to get a team together for the club playdowns. Made a quick stop at the club on Saturday for a little maintenance and the local Trials teams of Derek and Charrissa were both there practicing.

Check out the LBI blog over here as we have internet access at the place we are staying and there may be some late night blogging.

Later,
JH

Funny paws

So, he is still cute but now we have to wait for the fur to grow back. The expression says it all "Great now all the world will see me on the intarwebz".

Later,
JH

He is home

Thanks to everyone who was emailing us. The kitten is home, we just went and got him. He is fine at this point although very ratty. I guess a couple of days in a cage with a cone on your head you wouldn't look good either. He is exploring the house and cleaning himself.

He has two shaved front paws from the IVs that he had for fluids. Will be on oral antibiotics for about a week.

So a merry Christmas after all. Mrs JH is much happier now that she has the baby home.

Hopefully DC will post his kitty story, not sure how you get a black eye from your cat.

Later,
JH

A sick kitten

The baby, pictured at right, is sick. This morning he was very, very sick with a temperature of 106.4. That is right on the edge my friends. Now, he is somewhat better. It was a really looong day. Here is the brief recap.

8:45 - kitten not good, Mrs. agrees, off to the vet.

10:00 - home from the vet, he is getting good care

11:00 - fever at 105

12:00 - off to pick up pies for Christmas in Pawling, NY

2:00 - fever spikes at 106.4 (we are driving home at this point...tears....)

3:15 - home from pie journey, drop off pies, pick up cat carrier, off to the vet

4:30 - at the vet, kitten doing slightly better (with cone on head), fever coming down

5:15 - at the emergency 24 hour vet center. Why? They can provide the 24 hour monitoring he needs right now. Cost- don't ask.

5:30 - kitten happy to see us and is purring - a good sign - temp down to 104

6:00 - home again, feed the other munchkins, check email, do some work

future at 9:00 - Mrs. will be calling the 24 hour center even though they would prefer we don't. There is no way that call will not happen. And if she wakes up at 2:00am, you bet there will be a call made then as well.

Christmas eve morning - get the blood work results, check the fever, determine if he is coming home or not. Hopefully they will figure out what is going on as sometimes these things have no rhyme or reason.

Christmas day - off to NJ hopefully and maybe home again the same day.

Why do these things always happen with pets at the worst times?

Later,
JH

The Christmas letter for 2008

Christmas is here and New Years soon follows. We have been getting Christmas letters in some of our cards. So, let's fire up the wayback machine like Coach Ray and see what happened in 2008.

The year started off by getting very close to attending a National championship. One more made take out in the Club playdowns and it was off to the Club Nationals. Won’t forget that shot for a long time.

This here blog started in February. Mike over at InTheHack was cleaning up the site and decided to not have blogging anymore. I did get to rescue a few of my old ones which are now archived here. It was a pretty painless transition and now it has expanded to four separate blogs. Thank you Google.

The curling season ended at Nutmeg and it was another successful year as we continued to grow our membership. Of course that means that the World Curling Championships were in full swing. Jennifer Jones team won the Women’s Worlds and Mrs. JH was one of the first people to call her buddy Cathy O to offer congratulations. We also took a trip to one of the flattest places on earth, Grand Forks ND. This was for the Men’s Worlds. It was a blast as always and the arena is one of the best in the world.

Spring brings the Kentucky Derby and the beginning of baseball. As usual, I picked the winning horse and then decided not to bet on him because he was the favorite. And of course Curlin then stepped up and shot down Big Brown.

When Mike got rid of blogs at InTheHack, he must have had this in mind. One of the first and best curling chat sites on the internet closes up shop. A big loss for those of us with nothing better to do than argue the merits of playdown formats.

Summer is here and my Dad gets sick. Less than a month later he passes away. Enough said.

Fall brings some emotional recovery with the start of curling season and reconnecting with a lot of good people. We put in ice a month early and it was very successful and used a ton. It also brought about a wonderful joyful event, another historic collapse by the Mets. Not only do they drop out of first but also miss the playoffs. My beloved Phightin Phils take the division and enter the playoffs.

The GNCC decides to start a curling tour for prize money and somehow I get talked into being the chair. I still blame it on the beer that Derek bought me. We also lose my cat Domino to illness after 18 years. I had him before I ever met Mrs. JH and he was definitely my cat. So, we had to replace him because two cats is not enough. Enter the kitten. We think the spirit of Domino has entered the kitten sometimes as he does some of the same things, like drinking water out of a glass.

October – the fall classic and guess who is playing, why it is the PHILLIES. Anybody want to guess the outcome? PHILS WIN!!!

Finally we return to the scene of our first meeting ten years ago. This coming year will be our 10 year wedding anniversary. That is the paper present right? Guess I will buy her a book or maybe a calendar.

Christmas and the end of the year have arrived. It will be tough without Dad. He would always take his tree and fill in any "holes" that were missing branches by drilling into the trunk and adding an extra branch. His tree was always perfect. We did get a lot of his antique Christmas stuff so that is a nice reminder.

Have a safe, healthy and happy Holiday season everyone.
Later,
JH

An early Christmas present to me

Guess what came in the mail today. Go ahead guess. Give up? Here is a hint, SUCK IT METS!

Yep, the check came today for my WINNING WORLD SERIES BET ON THE PHILS!!!!!

Made it back in February. Someone was headed to sin city so I says "here is $20, put it on the Phils to win the Series." 14-1 odds back then so a nice little Christmas bonus of $300. I do believe I may use it to buy a drink for some of my friends who are Mets fans. Just to rub it in a bit more. Or maybe send a box of tissues to David Wright who is still crying in his beer somewhere.

Now, just to parlay that on a winning horse in the Derby......hmmm.

Merry Christmas to me.

Later,
JH

Facebook, curling and snow

Do you facebook? Can I ask why? I just deactivated my facebook account. Why, because I don't have time to go there and tend a farm, update my status, send spitting llamas, take a movie test, choose my favorite color, decide if I am happy or sad, tend the farm some more, answer friend requests from people I don't know and on and on and on. Maybe I am getting like Coach Ray and am a curmudgeon.

Maybe I am becoming a technophobe. I just recently got a new cell phone. It is really hard to find a phone that is just a phone. I have a camera, I don't need an MP3 player, I don't text or email from the phone because the buttons are too small. Just a phone please and don't look at me like that. Whatever.

Anyhoodle. Playing a practice game against Olympic hopefuls Charrissa and team tomorrow. Ten ends with time clocks so that they can get a feel for the whole thing. A couple of her team have never played with clocks or the whole playdown process.

Waiting for the first snow storm of the season. Fired up the snowblower yesterday to make sure it ran okay and everything was in good shape. I do like power toys.

Later,
JH

We win

The Golden Handle playdowns completed yesterday and we won. So, we are in the GH as Nutmeg 1.

The rock discussion went well and there is positive movement on getting the rocks done. I am looking forward to faster ice from this.

Later,
JH

This and that and those and them

The Golden Handle playdowns started yesterday and we won the first game. Now have to play again today to get the Nutmeg 1 designation with a win.

Also have a board meeting to discuss the rocks. Will see how that goes. Loyal readers know the story but it should be an interesting meeting.

The Olympic Trials playdown schedules are set. Derek and his crew will be at TCC attempting to make it. They ended up in a pretty good pool and have a chance. Charrissa will be at Ardsley with a great chance as there are three spots available to go directly to the Trials. Playdowns start on the 7th of January. We will be heading down to Ardsley to cheer her on. Lots of GNCC teams at both TCC and Ardsley as well. Nice to see competitive curling expanding on the East coast.

Also finishing up Christmas shopping and decorating and lights. A bit late but bonspiels have kept the weekends busy.

Think there is curling on TV this weekend but not sure if we get it on the satellite. I think is the cable system out of Ontario. Next weekend there is curling for sure with the Continental Cup. Team North America vs Team World.

Christmas is almost here, hope you have your shopping done.

Later,
JH

Snowy weekend

Yes, DC I did have a bit of a problem with a man in a kilt but so did John DeJong. Actually there was a good idea floated this weekend. Create a "trophy" for all the snow rollers. Getting historical names might be a problem but someone would rat out others that belong if their name was going on it.

Otherwise it was a fun weekend. It did snow on Saturday night and into Sunday but not much. The steak dinner was great along with Lou's meatballs which were especially good as a midnight snack. No dice but lots of darts and cribbage. Coach Ray will be unhappy to hear that after our cold and hard work they have decided to not pay for the satellite anymore. Norfolk did lose quite a few members this year and they are worried about finances.

Hopefully they get a good turnout for the mixed to help them along.

Later,
JH

Northern Bound

Off to the Great White North of CT this weekend. Norfolk men's bonspiel where the weather is cold and the snow falls in July. Okay, not really but it is called "The icebox of CT" for a reason. Predicted single digit lows for the weekend.

Should be a lot of fun as always. DC will be there as well I think and Coach Ray usually is but couldn't make it this year. There will be curling and darts and Canadian dice. There is curling on TV as well and the great steak dinner cooked over an open wood fire.

There probably won't be any blogging as Norfolk has yet to enter the technology age. Even cell phones don't really work up there.

Later,
JH

Back on the air

So, I had a post-holiday post all done and blogger lost it. Highlight, broken pressure relief valve on the heater on Sunday night. Emergency call to the oil company and it was fixed rather quickly.

Coach Ray is back on the air as well.

And we are back after almost 4 hours today. Cable was hinky for some reason, TV worked, phone almost worked and no internet. Then SMAC decided to reconnect everything and the wires weren't quite in the right places. But, obviously everything is good now. So she is now back to managing her farm.

Yep, she is now on Facebook way too much. Lots of friends. Running a virtual farm with cows, horses, chickens and fruit trees. Writing on walls. Sending spiting llamas and hatching eggs. So if you are on facebook (which I am) do what I do and just dont go there.

Later,
JH

Comfort

A nice spot in the sun laying on a stone horse. That is comfort for a kitten I guess.

This is a little better. Trying to fit in Mrs. purse for a little nap. And he has discovered how to jump up onto the kitchen counters. Now we have to hide the dry food inside a closet. I had forgotten how good kittens were at leaping.

Later,
JH

A very nice Thanksgiving

A 22 lb turkey and a five rib roast beef. 8 Adults and 7 kids from 8 to 19. Two dogs and a hamster. Three pies, ice cream and cookies. 3 ovens, two in the house and one at the neighbor next door. No smoke alarm going off for the first time in many years. After dinner drinks and a little nap for me. Some number of kids off to the movies, we veg in front of the TV watching Dirty Jobs and then the movie Run Fatboy Run.

A very nice and wonderful Thanksgiving with our bestest friends TK, AOK, Gaby, Livy, Bree, Stef and Felicia. There would be pictures but we didnt take any.

Back home now to do some stuff around the house and take care of the kitties.

And a correction to yesterday's post, curling is on TV next weekend.

Later,
JH

Happy Thanksgiving

Let us all give thanks for friends and family. Stuff yourselves today as that is what is right. Watch some football or whatever. Lots of "marathons" on the tube as well like Deadliest Catch. Have some crab (great commercial). Have the extra dessert. A little late night snack of a turkey sandwich.

Enjoy the day as you worry about how to buy Christmas presents, keeping the kitten from climbing the tree and where to put decorations that won't become "toys". Maybe an extra glass of wine will help.

Watch the curling on TV this weekend, you do have that Canadian satellite right. Probably lots of college football as well. The skins golf if that is still happening. Go outside and finish the leaves.

Give thanks to the Phils on the World Series. And somewhere David Wright is giving thanks that the Yankees are getting all the headlines right now and not the latest Mets collapse. Suck it Mutts.

As the Mrs says Happy Gobble Gobble Day!
JH

You are doing what to my what!?

Pictured on right is a very cute kitten. He went and got fixed this week. First patient of the day so we got to pick him up late in the afternoon. The vet provided instructions such as keep him quiet. Fine, we can do that. He has the guest room all to himself. So, bedtime comes and we bring him into our room to sleep with us.

Then this happens:
Hallucinatory behavior, which may progress to delirium, may occur during emergence from Ketamine anesthesia.

Yep, around midnight he is literally bouncing off the walls, attacking everything in sight including us and just freaking out. This causes Skippy mom to freak out. Call the 24 hour emergency vet clinic and explain what is happening. They told us about the above. So, back into the guest room he goes for the night.

The next day expect to open the door to the room and see him floating above the bed like something out of the exorcist. Nope, just his old normal self (sans balls), purring and just wanting pets. We called our vet to ask if he got ketemine and she says yes and then explains that the reaction happens in about 10% of cats.

He has completely returned to "normal" at this point. Of course the instructions say to not allow him to run or play on the stairs for 3 days. Riiiighhhtt, how do you keep a kitten from playing? Duct tape maybe but he seems to be fine and takes breaks when he gets a tired.

Happy (American) Thanksgiving to all.

Later,
JH

Second Again

Well for two years in a row we made it the first event final at the Harvest. And for the second time we finished runner-up. Think this is the fourth time now. Oh well, if we keep getting there maybe someday we will win it.

A great time was had by all. Always a good party on Saturday night. I am sure we will be attending next year.

Later,
JH

First event baby

Well we made it to Sunday which is always the goal at a bonspiel. Todays game we all played really well and took no prisoners. Game over after 6 ends. On to the first event final tomorrow. A different opponent as we play against a Utica team. Maybe this is the year to get my name on the trophy as a skip. We will throw the rocks and see what happens.

Not too much partying tonight, maybe till midnight then a good nights sleep for the final.

Hope my kitties are doing okay.

Later,
JH

Same old story

Off to Philly CC for the weekend tomorrow. You have heard the story about the meeting and the kissing and the marriage. But this is the ten year anniversary and Thursday is the exact date of the meeting, Nov. 20. Which is also my Dad's birthday.

He would have been 82 this year. Would have been nice to talk to him tomorrow. Maybe he can help out this weekend with some lucky breaks.

Plovers will also be in attendence. The Pres. is already scoping out places to eat, drink and be merry. Our usual place for lunch and adult beverages is called MacKenzie's. Pretty funny for those in the know.

Now about those costumes. Everything is getting effected by the economy. I was at the Party Store today looking for wigs. $25 a pop, no way. So no costumes for us. They will just have to appreciate us the way we are, old and wrinkled.

Later,
JH

The weekend

There was finally curling on TV Saturday and Sunday. The Sunday final was a great game to watch. At least it wasn't Kevin Martin playing, can't stand the guy.

And finally got the satellite dish all hooked up. Ran another cable as I was convinced the first one had a problem. So, tested this one first by hooking it up and running through the back door to the TV. No problem, okay so up on the roof, take down the other one, run the new one through the wall. To get through the wall have to cut off the connector on the end. Inside, hook it up and NO SIGNAL. Finally figured that it must be the metal fibers in the coating making contact somehow. Got that fixed and now we have HD satellite with a PVR and it works.

Because I know someone might care, Skippy is roaming free without supervision in the entire house. Even left him alone this morning when I took Mrs. to the train station.

Off to Philly this weekend for the Harvest mixed. Always a great time. Need to work out the costumes this week.

Later.
JH

Colds and kittens

So I guess we did win something at the bonspiel. Mrs. has a wonderful cold which is a typical side effect of the first bonspiel.

The kitten is FREE. He just loves to play and play with this little plastic cirle toy, kind of like the part you pull off a jug of milk. His favorite part is knocking it under the stove, then finding me and watching me get it out with a ruler. Yes, he has us trained already.

He is also a pretty good escape artist. He was scheduled for the vet today to get fixed. But he escaped the upstairs this morning and found his way to the food dish. Had to postpone the vet for a bit. Now we just have to deal with locking him in a room overnight and listening to the meowing when he is scheduled next.

No curling this weekend. Next weekend is the ten year return to the scene of the crime at the Philly club. Hmmm, maybe I should have sent them a gift registry....

Later,
JH

Cat Freedom

DC is talking about cat freedom as well as people freedom. We are also letting Skippy roam around unfetered these days for short bits.

When he gets out of the upstairs guest room it is a short dash to the stairs and then find a toy. Play with the toy while the other cats are not sure what is happening. Snickle, the 9 year old, just stares and stares. Occasionally following him around slowly. The kitten is fast, so fast that Snickle will be staring into a corner and the kitten is three rooms away. Bonspiel, the 18 year old, just wanders away to go hid in her bed or on the couch.

The kitten doesn't really care about the other two, he is too busy running and playing.

Pretty soon he will have full roam of the house unsupervised. Then you just have to listen for the crashes as he finds new "toys" to play with, like the plants.

Oh yeah and we went to a bonspiel this past weekend. Had fun, didnt win any jewelry and got to catch up with a lot of friends. More on that over here at some point.

Later,
JH

Curling weekend

Off to Plainfield soon for the Founder's bonspiel. DC will be there as well. First game is a wonderful 8am one tomorrow morning. Have to make sure they have Bloodies made up tonight. Will go hang out tonight and catch up will all my peeps.

Of course with the new kittie in the house we had to arrange for help with him. We have a great cat sitter who is not only going to come over three times a day but will stay here with him all weekend. He gets a lot of attention and the other munchkins will appreciate the attention as well.

Later,
JH

More important things

My new work assignment has me driving to Trenton on a weekly basis. I listen to 101.5FM when I get to NJ. It is the most listened to talk radio station in the country (according to someone). They where discussing the election of course with most of the callers arguing why Barrack should not have been elected. Guess they didn't see the results that the election was over. Time to move on people.

Then on the way home, called to let Mrs. know where I was and what time I would be home. She told me this:

From the USCA:

We spoke with Pete Fenson this morning and he said that his father is still in the Intensive Care Unit, at MeritCare Hospital, 801 Broadway N., Fargo, ND 58122.

Bob's condition hasn't changed much since he was first stabilized during treatment for the stroke suffered Saturday evening, according to Pete. But Pete said that he does recognize his family and has been making efforts to try to communicate with them.

The Fenson family has set up a Caring Bridge site for Bob, which you can visit at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobfenson

We appreciate you keeping Bob and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

USCA National Office Staff

We got to meet Bob last year when his son brought him to New York for the first time ever for his birthday. Of course, we arranged to attend a Yankee game. Got his name put up on the big scoreboard. He was so happy and thrilled to be in NY, at a Yankee game, taking in the atmosphere, everything.

So many times, life jumps up and gets in the way of other "news".

Thoughts and prayers to the Fenson family. Get better Bob.

JH

Pain in the .....

Spent much of the weekend up and down the extension ladder and on the roof. We got a new satellite receiver for HD. Of course, there is a new dish and such to install. Did all that a couple of weekends ago. Found out on Friday that I needed to run another cable from the dish to the receiver in order to record on the DVR. So, off to buy cable, up the ladder to hook it up, over the roof and down to the hole drilled through the wall. Hooked it up to the receiver, which has two inputs and nothing. Still not recording although getting the signal and channels fine.

Yesterday, back up the ladder to the roof, change the connection outside and in. Move the new cable to the primary input and no signal. So, I either broke the coax somewhere when I was tacking it down or something. Now, time to get a new coax. Which means back up the ladder, hook it up and run it through the door just to test it. Then if that is okay, remove the other new one and run this one up and over and through the wall.

Hopefully this all works eventually. Curling season on TV starts soon and want to be able to record that as well as other stuff.

Later,
JH

It's Official

The GNCC Men's Curling Tour was officially launched today. We have commitments from seven bonspiels to be part of the MCT. First up will be the Calder in always snowy Norfolk. Just a little more stuff for me to do this winter.

No, I didn't go to the parade today. I will celebrate from afar. Need to get a flag or something to put out in front of the house.

So, to keep me busy until pitchers and catchers report there is curling, GNCC MCT, bonspiels, the new kittie and keeping the ice good at the club. And there will be curling on TV soon which we now get to watch in HD since we upgraded the satellite receiver.

Later,
JH

PHILS WIN!!!!!!!

YEAH BABY!!!!

SUCK IT MUTTS!!

The curse of Willy Penn is broken.

Time to mail in my winning ticket. Anybody going to Vegas soon, need to make a bet for next year.

later,
JH

PS Three and half months till pitchers and catchers report.

Post 101 on the Phillies

Just noticed I had 100 posts before this one. So much drivel to say to so few.

Anyway, game 5 "resumes" tonight. Hopefully it does not snow. Phils have an advantage by batting 4 times to the Rays 3. Less pitchers for us to use. I expect there will be extra innings unless the Phils come out red hot. But I also expect a Phils victory and a large party in South Philly tonight.

GO PHILS!

Later,
JH

Phillies and stuff

One more win to go. Ace Cole Hamels on the mound tonight. Look out South Philly, there is about to be a party breaking out.

The rocket scientist and his lovely wife won the Broomstones mixed doubles this past weekend. Looks like they will be busy again this playdown season with mens, womens, mixed, mixed doubles and club.

Coach Ray was busy yesterday with the Phillies and paper mache and 4 posts in one day.

Final open house was held at Nutmeg yesterday. So far we have 22 or so new members.

DC is getting into the hockey season with an "interesting" post rated PG-13.

And finally because I don't spend enough time on the interwebs, a new blog has been set up for the Nutmeg curling club. Hopefully other people will post to it.

Go Phils!

later,
JH

Two more to go

On a rainy, late night in Philly, the Phightins' pull one out. Nope, didn't make the end of the game. Mrs. found me asleep in the chair at 11:30 so off to bed. Knew they would win.

Big game tonight. A win and then Cole on Monday and the series is over. The curse of Willy Penn will be broken. All will be right with the world. Somewhere David Wright is crying in his beer.

Later,
JH

Three more to go

The Phils win last night. Another win tonight would be great.

3 more wins to go. Then the ticket in my wallet becomes good. A friend was heading to Vegas last February so I did what I always do. "Here is $20, bet the Phils to win the Series." So, hopefully I will be mailing that in soon.

Come on boys, lets bring this one home.

Later,
JH

Because he is cute

I have to post more pictures of Skippy. This is now standard issue office supplies. Paper clips, pens and a kitten.

This is more comfortable spot. All kittens and cats should have an expensive bed like this. Sometimes we buy things just so the cats will have boxes. Doesn't everyone?

Weekend curling results

The season is underway. So what happened over the weekend.

In Chicago - the group of plovers finally won a game on Saturday. Not sure if they made it to Sunday or not but I am sure they had a good time. They spent a lot of time downtown in Chicago enjoying the local watering holes.

In Potomac - two Nutmeg teams made the journey. One made it to the second event final where they finished runnerup.

In St. Paul - Derek and Charrissa made the trek and just missed qualifying for the playoffs. A good run through the C event and just came up short.

Later,
JH

first pic

Skippy came out from under the bed and posed for this.

New kittie

The new kittie (skippy) is here. It was a long ride to get him but he was a trooper coming home. Only cried and meowed for about 20 minutes of the 4 hours.

Of course, he was very afraid when we got him home. Put him in the guest room with the door shut. He hid under the bed for most of the afternoon and evening.

This morning he is coming out to investigate and get pets. He loves to purr and play. Now we are trying to get him to eat something.

Did you hear about the diet? It is a raw food thing, chicken, turkey, fish. So off to the store this morning to get him some trout. I dont get to eat trout but he does.

Pictures to follow as soon as he gets more used to us.

Later,
JH

GNCC Men's curling tour

Some of the loyal readers will have heard about this. Most of the wrinkles have been worked out and the rules are being reviewed.

Basically, the existing Men's bonspiels in the GNCC are going to be used. Teams will earn points based on how well they do in the spiel and money will be given out at the end of the year. First event is the Calder in Norfolk.

Somehow I got talked into being the chair for this thing. As with most things I volunteer for there was probably beer involved. But I think it can be a positive thing for the GNCC. Those are words I usually dont say.

So for those reading in the Midwest, look out. The East is trying to get better and even bigger.

Later,
JH

THE DODGERS LOSE THE PENNANT

The Dodgers lose the pennant.

A famous call in baseball gets reversed. After losing their 10,000 game this year the Phightin' Phils are on the way to the World Series. Somewhere the Mutts are playing golf and crying in their beer. Time for the pitching staff to shut down the Rays or the Sox. Time for Howard to go yard a bunch of times in the series.

Time for another World Series in Philly.

Later,
JH

New stuff

The blogosphere (are the kids still calling it that) is expanding once again. The LBI curling club decided to create a blog (there may have been beer involved). Coach Ray has entered the blogging world as well.

You can read about the shenanigans at the LBI CC annual meeting over at that blog. Some pictures as well.

Later,
JH

Pre blogging days

DC and me contemplating our navels before we could write about it. This is LBI at its finest.

LBI here we come

The annual meeting of the LBI curling club will be held this Saturday. We are off to the land of surf and sand tomorrow. DC will be there. Coach Raysome anonymous guy will be there. Their lovely wifes will be there. The rest of the crew will be there. Could be some late night blogging occuring.

The weather has taken a turn for the better. The planning is almost done. Now just have to stock up on the beer, wine and food on the way onto the island. Monday is a holiday so it will be a nice long weekend for everyone.

The only thing we will miss is the relighting of Old Barny. Guess we have to wait till next year.

Later,
JH

PHILS WIN

Okay so I am a little late. They took care of business and now are off to LA-LA land to beat the Dodgers.

For Dan - not sure who the instructors will be for Hot Shots. Not really involved with the camp.

Otherwise, just trying to work out all the wrinkles for the GNCC Tour. More on that soon.

Later,
JH

Just a small hiccup

Okay, so the Phils didn't wrap it up last night. They will today. They will be making the Dodgers blue soon.

Later,
JH

Big day results

The Phils win the first game with very little offense. A good sign as they typically lose those games.

Our first time on the ice was fun and we didnt get hurt. Always a bonus.

The ice is not curling as much. Lots of variables to look at to determine what to do. Will keep watching and trying secret things to see what happens. It is faster which is nice.

Later,
JH

Wednesday is a big day

The Phils start the phightin' all over again at 3:00 against the Brewers. Good thing I am working at home these days. Will have to move the laptop to in front of the TV. Won't be much work done after 3:20ish or so when all the intro stuff is finally done.

Tomorrow night we hit the ice for the first time in a mixed doubles game against Derek and Charrissa. So at least we wont be out there long. Still haven't thrown a rock so this will be the first ones of the season. Should really be interesting.

Also interested to see what the ice is doing. Have heard some comments that it is not curling as much as last year but is faster. HMMM....more ice tech stuff to figure out. Only curling one night a year this season so maybe I will spend some time on other nights just watching and figuring out the ice. This needs to be a paid position if I do all that work.

Later,
JH

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

All is right with the baseball universe. The Mets choke away the final game while the Brewers win. It just doesn't get any better.

The Phightins' take on the Brew Crew while the Cubbies play the Dodgers.

It is so much fun to hate the Mutts right now. They are toast and there hopes for next year are not to finish last. They will be many, many, many players gone from that team including the entire bullpen.

One more time with gusto.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

later,
JH

One more game

The Phils win, the Mutts lose and the Brew Crew win. Phils need one win or a Mets loss and they are division champs. The Mets can miss the wild card and all will be right with the baseball world.

In a year when the Yankees miss the playoffs for the first time in 13 seasons, the Mets could have the NY sports pages all to themselves and they cant get it done. Just a great scenario. That group of players are toast until they retire if they miss the playoffs two years in a row by collapsing. Look for wholesale trades next season to clean house and rebuild the team. We could use a third baseman and wouldn't mind see Wright in Phils pinstripes.

Later,
JH

GNCC happenings

The GNCC competitive camp kicks off tonight at Nutmeg. Think they have around 32 people coming in to participate. Hopefully everything runs smoothly.

The big news that is being worked on is the establishment of a Mens GNCC curling tour. This will be a collection of current bonspiels with points awarded to teams that register. At the end of the season there will be cash prizes awarded. Details are being worked on by the rocket scientist and me. All the details will be forthcoming soon.

Early ice at Nutmeg has been a real hit. Team Gemmell has been in town, parts of Team Surka were around and lots of other folks as well.

Later,
JH

Final week

The final week of the baseball season is here and the Phils are still phightin'. Just need to win out and they get the division title. Hopefully the Mets lose a few and miss the playoffs. That would really throw that team into turmoil. Hee hee.

Of course the Phillies making the playoffs will make it a fun October and keep the betting slip in my pocket alive. Still have the hope of cashing a ticket finally for the Phillies winning the series.

Later,
JH

New curling club

Did you hear that the Columbus curling club now has a dedicated facility? Not quite along the lines of this but certainly enough room for expansion. Best of luck to Stu, Hal and the rest of the crew out there. As with any new club, they could use some funds so why not send them some. Don't forget Pittsburgh is also raising funds as they try to build a facility as well.

Off to the GNCC executive meeting tonight in Albany. I think the agenda might be slightly different than the LBI annual meeting. Our agenda as provided by President Andrea:

Agenda- cocktails followed by pre dinner snacks along with more cocktails. The dinner with cocktails of course. Dessert will follow with desset cocktails. During all of this we might disscuss new membership or just listen to the facinating stories from Jeff our GNCC rep. He can fill us in on all the exciting GNCC meeting details. Or...........we can just have cocktails instead. There will also be plenty of beach redneck quoits and Kubb throughout the weekend! Oh yeah, and cocktails!

Curling season really has started.

Later,
JH

busy, busy, busy

It has been really busy recently. Spending quite a bit of time at the club getting the ice all set for the year. Just a lot of clean up type work and of course more plumbing issues. Seems the valve on the hot water for pebble decided to give up the ghost. So, more repiping to do, oh joy.

Got the new blade for the scraper all set for use this week. Yes, another new toy to play with and it should make a big difference. Now just have to wrap up the old one for the trip to Winnipeg to get sharpened. Still haven't figured out exactly how to ship it there without it costing a million dollars.

Also started a new work project which is based in Trenton, NJ. So, have been making a lot of trips down there for meetings and such. Yesterday was a nice short 14 hour day of driving, meeting, driving.

Upcoming is the annual LBI trip for the year. Should be a lot of fun as always. Also will be getting the new kittie in a couple of weeks after we return from LBI.

And the Phightin's are tied for the wild card and half a game back of the Mutts. If the Mutts collapse again this year shouldn't they fire Charlie Manual? Isn't that the reason they dumped the last guy.

Later,
JH

By request

This is the final process, sealing everything in. So, all the lines and paint are down.

We think it came out pretty well this year. Looks nice and bright. Shorty would call it dog shit, which is a term of endearment for him.

The picture on the right is gonna be the newest member of the family. Haven't really decided on a name but "skippy" leads the way right now.

Later,

JH

One more day

Well the last couple of floods went really sloooow. Just too hot outside on Friday. So had to do another flood on Saturday morning and one last night as well. Just being extra careful that we got all the lines under enough ice. But today is scraping to get all the high spots, then pebble and scrape a bunch. Will put the rocks down to cool and should be good to go for Monday.

Ice tech clinic went really well yesterday. I think everybody got something out of it. First time in 30 years that there was a US sanctioned ice clinic in the GNCC. 23 ice men and women in attendance representing 12 different clubs. Lots of good discussion and exchange of ideas.

Time to catch up on the Phillies and hope they can pull off a sweep of the doubleheader today.

Later,
JH

Inquiring minds

DC wants to know how it went. It was stressful but successful. The white went down without a hitch, we painted the hog lines and shut down on Wednesday at 5:30p. Today was a bit longer. Painted the houses, laid all the lines, sealed everything in, just got home.

In the home stretch now, a couple more floods tomorrow and then it just scraping and pebbling to get to flat.

So, back in the chair tomorrow although there are a few minor things to do while the floods freeze. Some clean up, a little scraper maintenance and vacuum the side boards.

All in all a very successful and problem free ice install. I didn't even yell at anybody until today. Not bad.

Later,
JH

Hard at work making ice

This is the hardest part of the ice making process. No, really, this is the part where you wait for three hours or so for the water to freeze. It is just boring. In the past two years as a new club there was usually some project that took up the time. Now, we just hang out and enjoy the weather.

At least today went smoothly and ended early. Tomorrow starts the stressful bit as we paint the white and cut the circles. Both of which we have never done without Shorty's expert guidance.

Thursday is circle painting and putting in the lines. Friday is the final couple of leveling floods.

Later,
JH

Knock on wood

So far so good. Getting a bit a break this morning as ice girlfriend and the engineer had the early shift for the first flood. The engineer brought in the router setup yesterday. What a great job he did. A nice copy of the setup that Shorty used to cut the circles. It will be put into action Thursday after we paint the white and seal tomorrow.

More pics later as Mrs. JHcurl is still resting.

Later,
JH

It's Here!

A nice sunny day outside with temps around 80. We will be in the windowless big fridge for most of the day.

The ice making starts today. Seal the edges, put down a list coat of ice on the floor and set the hacks. At least there are lots of new toys to play with including a laser temperature gun. I did forget to order one toy, the battery powered backpack sprayer. The manual pump one works fine but it really gets tiring when sealing the lines.

First year on our own without the expert guidance of Shorty. Will be installing his signature hog line, a nice red one.

Later,
JH

End of summer

Really went fast it seems. Guess all the trips to South Jersey ate up a lot of time. The fall approaches, the ice is going in and the annual meeting at LBI is coming up. Hopefully the Phillies are playing in October as well.

Weather for next week - 80's outside, 30's inside. Really not fun at all to get off the ice and go outside and just melt in the "heat".

Enjoy the last long weekend of summer.

Later,
JH

Holiday weekend

Mrs. JHcurl just sent out the schedule for ice making. What are you doing for the long weekend - BBQ, pool, beach? Us, we get to spend a long time in a windowless cold room watching water freeze. Yep, gonna start the whole process on Sunday so we can be done by the next Saturday. That way we can have the ice tech clinic folks help with the scraping and pebbling. At least we don't have to start curling right away.

On a more enjoyable topic, the Phightins' come back from an 7-0 hole to beat the Mutts last night. Back in first, hopefully to stay.

Later,
JH

Early Ice

Well, the Phils are still winning and the Mutts won't lose. At least they are playing good right now. Big series coming up this week against the Mutts.

The title?, Nutmeg got approved by the USCA for early ice. Compressor goes on next weekend and we start the process on Labor Day. Should have ice by the 6th or 7th. Getting all our ducks in a row. Mrs. JHcurl is handling the schedule and already has a bunch of time set aside for various folks including the US wheelchair team (Bronze medalists from the Worlds).

Early ice means early GNCC news. The rocket scientist has a new men's team lined up and they will be in town for some practice. One of the Canadian transplants is lining up women for a "tryout" type event and hopes to form a team for the playdowns. That should be interesting. The wheelchair team is coming in for three days I think. I get the job of lining up some games for them.

Also having an ice tech clinic in September. Lots of fellow ice men coming in. Have to stock up the ice shed with some supplies (beer) to keep them happy as they help us scrape and pebble and shovel snow.

Info on the early ice can be found on the Nutmeg site if you are interested.

Later,
JH

An online curling institution closes

Farewell to InTheHack. It is where I got my start in the world of online curling stuff including blogging.

I got to meet Mike on one of my trips to Ottawa. Nice guy and he was really forward thinking about doing stuff on the internet. I guess Gerry and Dallas are now the kings of internet curling chat. Well, they are nice guys too.

If you need some curling gloves for this season sounds like Mike still has a bunch. I will be ordering some for this year. Who knows, they might even be a collectable at some point with the InTheHack logo on them.

Thanks Mike for making InTheHack a place to meet new friends and find people to argue with over curling.

Time to head over to CZ and start up the discussions that were pending at ITH.

Later,
JH

Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda

Typically what we say after a day at the horse track. But the trip to Saratoga was great and the betting was pretty good.

Went up Saturday morning and arrived at the track in time for the second race. Watched the horses wander around the paddock and then made some bets. This was a "baby" race, all two year olds most of which had never run a race before. So it is a total crap shoot who will do well. Mrs. JHcurl picked the right winner and I had a couple to show. We ended up cashing in for $140 right away and that set the tone for the day. I think we only lost on one race and ended the day well ahead.

Had a nice meal that night at the place we stayed for part of the honeymoon. Also stayed there again and it is a very nice hotel.

Next day we are meeting some fellow curlers from Plainfield so we head for town to do a little shopping before the races. Back to the track with a table in the Terrace restaurant which is on the third floor with a wonderful view of the entire track. The betting day does not go nearly so well but still ahead overall. The rest of the crew heads out before the final race to get home at a decent hour. We decide to stay since we are staying the night and might as well hang out for a while. A really good decision was we hit the exacta and the trifecta in the last race for a win of $140. Once again puts us slightly ahead for the day. Only shoulda was we had actually picked the first four finishers (superfecta) and if we had bet it would have paid a nice $1100. Oh well.

A wonderful way to spend the almost anniversary weekend.

Later,
JH

A weekend away

First to statisfy DC, the Phillies are still in first. The Mutts take on the Fish this weekend so the Phightins' need to sweep the Bucos.

And we are taking a weekend off of traveling to NJ for a little D&B in Saratoga Springs. That's drinking and betting. Staying at the hotel where we spent part of our honeymoon and our anniversary is only a couple of days away. So that is kind of appropriate.

Hopefully the weather improves up there. They cancelled todays racing after two races because of all the rain.

Later,
JH

Curling club championship

As reported today in The Curling News blog there is now a national club championship being set up in Canada. As all my curling readers probably know there is also a US club championship. Interesting.....

There were rumblings that I heard about that the WCF was thinking about setting up a World club championship. I would think that with Canada on board this just might just be something that could occur. Of course, all the eligibility elements would have to be worked out. Who knows, probably wont happen until I am too old anyway. Got to start working on that senior team I guess.

Later,
JH

Pork roll, tomatoes and corn

Sorry DC, no pork roll which I never remember calling Taylor Ham. But Chris we did have lots of hoagies, so many that the women at the pizza place now knows Mrs. JHcurl by name.

The added bonus of spending so much time at home was the fresh tomatoes from the garden. The extra added bonus yesterday was eating a sun warm tomato in the garden while picking others. Dad would save seeds from year to year to get the biggest and best plum tomatoes you can imagine.

Also picked up some fresh corn yesterday. Stopped by a local farm I know where you go into the barn and buy it off the tractor that just pulled in from the field. Yummy describes it all.

Yesterday was spent packing up the big stuff to haul home to CT. A friend of ours drove down in his pickup to help out. Of course, driving home on the NJ Turnpike and various NY roads at 70 mph, I was a little worried stuff might fall out. But everything was fine until we got about a mile from home.

On the Merritt Parkway, our friends truck about 10 cars ahead of us. All of a sudden traffic is coming to a screeching halt and I notice that the truck is the first car in the line of stopped cars and there is stuff laying on the side of the road. Turns out that a car in front of him lost two kayaks off the top and they were headed right for him. Lucky bounces took both of them off the road but it was close.

Got everything out of the old homestead at this point. Now just have to find a place for it at home.

Later,
JH

"south" North Dakota??

Well we spent the day cleaning out the house. Had a lot of help from my cuz and his BIL and a few others. Good thing we got the 20 yard dumpster as it is almost full. Dad did not have one of anything. The least amount of stuff I found was the three chainsaws of which I think only one worked.

Was in the basement going through the myriad of tools and such. Mrs. JHcurl yells down that there is someone to see me. Turns out to be someone who I went to high school with and still lives in town and I think in the same house. I think that South Jersey (at least parts) are very much like the rural Midwest. People grow up and never leave. Spend their whole lives in the same town or at least close by. Not that that is a bad thing. I still miss the lifestyle here. It is so relaxed and down to earth. Mrs. JH would probably go out of her mind in a week. Me, I would be happy in the garden, fishing in the river and just watching the rest of the world progress into the future while South Jersey just rolled along.

Anyway, go catch up with DC in Finland now.

Later,
JH

This and That

Back to South Jersey again this weekend for more house cleaning and such. Spending so much time down there has made me realize how much I miss living there.

Pittsburgh curling club is looking into this as a way to build their club. Public land is usually a good thing and if they could get some of the funding even better.

DC is off to Sweden and Finland for vacation.

And we are off to the graveyard of favorites next weekend for a much deserved break.

Later,
JH

Busy, busy, busy

Loyal readers will know that my Dad passed away a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for all the support you guys, it really helped.

So, this makes for a very busy time with dealing with the house and all the myriad paperwork. Worst part is the IRS. I still don't have a good idea what needs to be done or what forms I need to file as the executor.

Anyway, all this means no trip to the great white North for Lake of the Woods. The fish will just have to wait a year to get caught.

But we are making a weekend trip to the "Spa", Saratoga Springs to you non-horsie types. A group of curlers are going and we will have a good time losing some money.

Later,
JH

Back on the air

Sorry for the break in posts, life gets in the way sometime.

The Phillies are still in first at the break. Just need the Mutts to start losing again.

On the curling front, our friend Georgina has a new team for the BC provincials. She added some youngsters so that should make for an interesting season.

Rumour has it that Colleen Jones is off to the seniors.

Hopefully off to Lake of the Woods in a few weeks. Should be some pictures posted if we make it there.

Later,
JH

bars with a few sheets of ice behind 'em

The title reflects part of a comment that was made to the post about the new ice damage rule.

Well, loyal reader Chris has found a picture of what this curling club may look like in the future.

Although I think maybe adding some padding to walls would help. Don't want the drunks bleeding all over the ice.

Later,
JH

Don't touch the ice

Seems the WCF might be getting serious about all the floppers out there when it comes to protecting the ice. According to this there will be a new rule in place this season. Now what is not talked about is how and who will determine if "damage" has occurred. As for the penalty, I can just see it now as they ask John Morris to leave the ice and he takes out an official with his broom.

Wonder if the same rule applies to curlers with "hot feet"? Better get those shoes fixed MF.

Later,
JH

Watch your beer

Did you see this? Now I have to bring a measuring cup when I go out to drink beer. The thing with the excessive foam happened to me when we went to the GNCC meeting and I thought the bartender just didn't know how to pull a draft.

If you drink Labatt blue this has been happening to you for quite a while. Look at the bottle closely next time and you will see it is 11.5 ounces. Those sneaky Canadians.

Later,
JH

Monday hodgepodge

Big Brown loses and basically doesn't finish the race. Oh well, only lost $14.

Annual meeting at Nutmeg goes well. Had it in the ice shed and even with 90 degrees outside it wasn't bad.

More curlers moving to CT as Trevor and Kitty from Ardsley will be heading our way soon.

Shorty has taken a bit of a turn for the worse. Prayers and good wishes to him and his family.

Later,
JH

Belmont Stakes

Today is the Belmont Stakes, the last of the races for the triple crown. Big Brown should win. There just isn't that much competition. I just hope it is a close race so that talking heads don't start to compare him to Secretariat. Big Red was just an awesome horse and still holds many records after 35 years. Big Brown is good but not in the same ballpark as Big Red.

So, is there a reason to bet on the race. Casino Drive has been scratched so that opens up a long shot for second. Three horses to use in the exacta, Denis Of Cork, Tale Of Ekati and Icabad Crane. Big Brown on top with those three underneath and those three with Big Brown under just in case. That is 6 bets so $12 for a $2 exacta. Might want to throw out Denis of Cork since that would probably pay about $8.

Will I bet, don't know. Might do something like a Big Brown, Denis Of Cork, All trifecta and hope for a really longshot in third. Nine horses so that is only a $7 bet.

Later,
JH

Enhanced baseball, now with sound effects!

Was flipping around last night during commercials (its a guy thing) and tuned into the Yankee game for a bit on MSG. The Yankees were in the field and whoever they were playing (Phillies fan remember) was up to bat. As each pitch came in, the sound that the ball made hitting the catcher glove was quite loud. Then, it happened. Pitch made, batter swings and fouls off the pitch and the popping sound of the ball hitting the catchers' glove still happens.

Maybe I missed something, so watch a little more. Yep, happens again and occasionally the sound of that glove smack is not quite so loud.

I guess MSG or someone has decided that it is more impressive if the Yankee pitchs sound really loud on TV, so they have added just a bit of enhancement to it. Kind of like a laugh track on a sitcom.

Later,
JH

a curler needs your help

For the tens of people that this blog reaches, let's help a curler.

Regular readers will know Andrea Stepnosky from Plainfield. Well, her company is holding a "belly buster" contest and you can help.

Simply go here and vote for Andrea. The winner of the voting takes home a small prize. So vote today. You can also re-vote every two weeks, so visit often and keep voting!

Later,
JH

A couple of items

Not much happening these days so not a lot of blog posting.

A few minor news items I guess, even some relating to curling.
Jennifer Jones and the girls are playing against the boys in the TSN skins game in January.

We cancelled out of the Cape Cod mixed. Our team kind of fell apart and rather than spend the vacation time (and gas money) we figured to save it for something else. That something else may be a trip to Germany in the fall for a bonspiel.

Our friend Shorty Jenkins is in the hospital. He is a great guy who always took the time to help us when we needed it. He is doing okay and will hopefully be home soon. Get well short stuff.
I guess the news was curling related.

Later,
JH

Holiday weekend

Its a long weekend and the unofficial start of summer. So what better thing to do then hang out with some curlers.

Tomorrow is a picnic at a curler's new house. There will be some beirut, food and adult beverages. Will be nice to see the folks that disappear in the summer.

Sunday we are off to Belmont Park to watch the horsies. Will drink some beer, make a few bets and hopefully win a few dollars. No big race that day so it is actually not too crowded and you can get close to the paddock and the rail.

Monday will be a hang out kind of day with a little yard work and not much else.

Later,
JH

Some people's worst nightmare

That will be the response I expect now that the LBI curling club has become a recognized club in the GNCC. Why, because I am now the GNCC rep for the LBI CC which means I get a voice and a vote. Regular readers know that I can get a little incensed about curling and especially curling politics.

Anyway, that was our big news from the GNCC annual meeting. They also passed a one dollar increase on the dues. Otherwise it was a pretty calm meeting.

We will still maintain our strict new member policy. If you want to join you better learn the secret hand signal and attendance is mandatory at the annual meeting.

By the way, did you notice I got the winner of the Preakness right?

Later,
JH

A little curling...kinda

One of the local free weekly newspapers has a contest every year for the best of Fairfield County. Well, Nutmeg Curling Club just happened to win the best kept secret category.

Not sure if that is good or bad. Good I guess that we get some press but bad in that people don't know we exist and there was a lot of ballot box stuffing by the members to get us the win.

Anyway, it is some publicity.

Later,
JH

Not much happening

Last weekend was quiet, just some yard work and watching golf.

If you want to bet the Preakness this weekend put Big Brown on top. Don't see a way he can lose. Only way to make any money (the only reason to bet) is to play some trifectas.

Off to the GNCC meeting this weekend. Should be some news out of that for next week.

Later,
JH

Happy Birthday Bob

Bob with his name in lights at Yankee stadium

At the Yankees with Pete and Bob

First time I think I had met Bob Fenson. What a nice guy. He was a bit overwhelmed with the whole NY experience including the subway and the cab ride from the airport. Guess they drive a little different here then in Bemidji. They had a great time at the game. Unfortunately we didn't get any foul balls our way.

The main reason they were in town was for Bobs' birthday. So Mrs. JHcurl got his name up in lights on the main scoreboard in Yankee stadium. Got a picture of it and will be sending it to them.

Of course the best part about that is Mrs. also ended up getting her picture on the scoreboard. If you have been to a game you know that in between innings a lot of time the cameras will focus in on people and they show up on the scoreboard. Well that is when they also do the birthday announcements on the board. So there is Mrs. standing there with the camera and focused on the scoreboard. We are all watching the board as well. All of a sudden there she is, bigger then life, on the scoreboard with a camera in her hand. She was so shocked that she didn't even get a picture of it. I fell out of my chair I was laughing so hard. At least she recovered in time to get a picture of Bob's name.

Later,
JH

Baseball, curling and pizza

The title represents what I am sure will be the topics of conversation tonight at the Yankees game. Pete Fenson is in town with his dad, Bob. For not so loyal readers of this blog, Pete is a curler who just happened to win the bronze medal at the last Olympics. He is also someone who really is into pizza. He was in New York last fall for the Korbel challenge and said he had pizza about 15 of the days in Italy.

So, will meet him at his hotel in a little while and then take the subway to the game. I think that will be a new experience for them.

Later,
JH

Special guest post from Mrs. JHcurl

(she posted this as a comment but thought I would post it-JH)

Mrs. JH here..

This is my first time posting on my husbands blog. I do enjoy reading his blogs and figured it was time to chirp in.

As you can see we are not wealthy by his horse betting nor do we make anything from his wisdom on curling. But the man has passion and shows it through his many posts on curling, fishing, The Philly’s, horse racing etc. We met curling and spent our honeymoon in Saratoga at the race track– do you see a trend here? Thankfully he did not ask me to go deep sea fishing for our honeymoon – might have drawn the line there.

The references JH has made about me are all true –sorry to say. I guess I feel honored he refers to me in between discussing painting concrete curling floors, what horse to bet on in the Derby and how good the Philly’s are. The life of being Mrs. JH is so glamorous. Spring is here and as he mentioned we entertain at Yankee games so my last words will be LETS GO YANKEES!!!!

Oh dear I may be referred to as the X-Mrs. JH in the next blog..

Horses, baseball and buses

Eight Belles was a sad accident. Here is a great article with a vet about how this was extremely rare. Sometimes bad things happen.

Like today at lunch as I walk out of the building. Ambulance, fire truck and a bus. Seems somebody got hit by the bus. Don't know how it happened but this is starting to be tourist season here in Manhattan. If you come to NYC on vacation, be careful crossing the street. Just because other people are walking does NOT mean it is safe to cross. Too many times I see some tourist not paying attention and just step off the curb when others start to cross. A lot of times those people are crossing against the light. Don't try this on vacation, we have years of practice.

Off to the Yankees again tomorrow with Pete Fenson and his dad. If you're reading this JL, check your email. Gonna meet Pete at his hotel and give him the whole Yankees experience by taking the subway to the game. Hopefully will have some pictures to post later this week.

Later,
JH

Sad end to a great Derby

In the articles I have read, the onsite vet said he had never seen an injury of that type on Eight Belles. Just sad, she ran a great race. To happen after the wire like that is just strange.

Big Brown is the real deal. He will win the Preakness easily unless he didn't come out of the Derby well. I expect a small field for the Preakness. Only way to make any money on that race will be to bet trifectas.

Look for a lot of articles in the coming days on getting racetracks to switch away from dirt to synthetic.

And I hope that somebody read this and bet the house on Big Brown. One of these years I will take my own advice and bet big on the horse I dont like.

Off to a Yankee game today.

Later,
JH

Derby final update

The final decision is..........Colonel John wins the Derby. Bullet work at Churchhill, trainer is a Baffert disciple, Nakatani will ride his horse through a wall to win, bred for distance.

Big Brown might hit the board or more likely will finish about 7th. I am throwing him out.

Others that I like and will box with the Colonel. Z fortune - 2nd in the Ark. Derby with a 102. Monba - better of the two Pletcher horses, this may be his year in a wide open field. Gayego - Ark. Derby winner with a 103, seasoned jock Mike Smith aboard.

Ones to consider for the exactas and trifectas - Eight Belles, Pyro, Denis of Cork, Recapturetheglory.

As stated previously, probably wont bet a tri, there are 15 horses that could finish third.

Good luck to all.

Later,
JH

Derby update for Thursday

Looks like 3-6-9 is a bet.

Big Brown pulls the 20 post....hmmmm...gonna use up a lot of gas in the tank to avoid the crowd into the first turn.

Got the past performances which will get read on the train tonight.

Most likely betting scenario at this point.

Big Brown on top in a exacta with 5 horses underneath. Even if the top two finish that way should still pay around $40.

4 horse exacta box throwing out Big Brown with a Pletcher horse. He has to win sometime. Will also have "Baffert lite" in there as well.

Maybe a win bet on the filly. Probably no tri bet this year, too many horses that could finish third.

Certainly shaping up a race of "never happened" or "hasn't happened since".

Later,
JH

Derby update for Wednesday

Have been doing a lot of reading. Seems all the experts agree, no one knows who will win. Even the post position draw probably won't help sort out that problem. Might be time to go to the well for the "non-expert" method of picking horses.

Bet 3-6-9 trifecta. Long story short, on our honeymoon in Saratoga, these were the numbers Mrs. wants to play for a trifecta. We had been losing for 3 days and I looked at the odds and they were off the board. So, I don't bet it and it comes in and pays $4,800.00. Ever since, bet those numbers if there is nothing else I like.

Don't lose to the trainers. This could be Pletchers' year, so probably will bet his horses. No Baffert or Lukas but always bet them as well.

Bet the hot jockey. Probably try this as well.

Past Performances will be available tonight from Daily Racing Form online for free so will have those to pour over tomorrow. Probably wont help.

Picks will be out before Saturday.

Later,
JH

Derby update for Monday

Here is a wierd connection, this guy who repaired the hoof on Big Brown, used to curl at Plainfield.

So where are we in the choices? So far, Big Brown, Colonel John, Pyro, Gayego are in the mix although one will probably get thrown out. If past history is any indicator, bet the house on the one I throw out. Others that I will be looking at are Z Fortune, Recapturetheglory and Bob Black Jack. Why those are intriguing is due to their past Beyer numbers. Not gonna explain what that is but in the last 20 years, only one horse with a Beyer under 100 has won the Derby. So they get considered.

But seven horses is too many to bet so there will be more digging when the past performances come out late Wednesday. Also, the post position draw will be done that evening.

It is an exciting week.
Later,
JH

Yankees time

As loyal readers will know, Mrs. JHcurl entertains clients at Yankee games in a suite as part of her job. We start with a couple of games next Sunday and the following Wednesday. Along with this there is usually a couple of curlers that show up to these games. So, on May 7th the skip of the Olympic bronze medal team will be in town and will be attending the game. Guess I need to start paying attention to the Yankees and if they are playing well. I don't think they are right now.

Yep, Pete and his dad are coming to NY. Don't think either has been to a game so should be a lot of fun. Of course, all the games are crazy this year since it is the last year of the stadium. The atmosphere should be rocking (hee).

Later,
JH

First Saturday in May

I know, I know, it is next weekend. But the event I probably look forward to the most in sports is "the most exciting two minutes in sport". Of course, that is the Kentucky Derby. This the time of year I spend many hours scouring the internet to find all I can about the horses.

Over the last few years this has paid off since the reason I do all that is to make some hopefully "good" bets. The best of those was 2002 when I had the exacta for $1800. That was fun. Made some money the last two years but nothing big.

This year could be one of those years. The big question mark is Big Brown. Is he really the monster that he has shown or not?

My normal betting strategy is to throw out the favorite. But with Big Brown probably going off in the neighborhood of 3-1 that makes him worthwhile to play. Get a longer shot underneath and the exacta could be really nice.

The rest of the field looks rather even though there will be some to throw out. Probably end up with 4 or 5 horses I like and then try to set up some exactas and trifectas to make a few coins.

A lot will come down to the post position draw on Wednesday. Then the past performances will be out probably Thursday. So Friday will be a study day and then over to OTB in CT to make the bets.

Look for a post next week with the picks. For now, Big Brown will hit the board somewhere IMHO.

Baseball Chokes

Based on the comment by MF to this, I did a little googling to find out some more info. Here is an article in SI that includes some stats on the probabilities.

Of note, the '64 Phils are number 13, the Yanks-Bosox come in at 7 and the Mutts are number 5.

From the article -
What the math says: 499-to-1 against. The Mets' playoff probability peaked at 99.80 percent after the action of Sept. 12, when they held a 7-game lead over the Phillies with 16 games to play, and some favorable wild-card permutations as a backup.

So, the sucking includes the fact that not only did they not win the division (HA!) but also missed the wild card (double HA!).

The added bonus is that now all my friends who are Mets fans can't bring up 1964 anymore.

Thanks for reading MF.

Phils-Mets this weekend starting tonight (at Philly), so get to watch the boys play some games. ESPN Sunday night game as well.

Later,
JH

Spring has sprung

So, no more curling for a while. At least not until the Cape and possibly the Crush. Of course there is also the annual meeting of the LBI curling club held on location down the shore.

Now is the time for baseball and the annual turmoil that is rooting for the Fightin' Phils. I grew up in Southern New Jersey (or more correctly South Jersey, an entry for a later date) and became a Phils fan at 8. Listening to Harry Calas and Rich Ashburn on the radio and watching Schmidt hit all those dingers ("It's outta here"). Still catch a game on TV whenever they are playing the Mets (boo) or the Braves (double boo). The last few years have been making a bet in Vegas on them to win it all. Got one for this year as well.

As part of Mrs. JHcurl's job she entertains clients at Yankee Stadium as loyal readers will know. Get to go there for about 15 games a year. Not bad but have never been an AL fan. Still hate the DH, always will. Takes away too much of the strategy of the game.

At least the Phils are not 10 games out of first yet like a couple of years ago. And there can always be another collapse by Mets which was the greatest thing to happen in sports for quite a while. Now there is the 2007 Mets instead of the '64 Phils that people will use as the "greatest choke in baseball".

Anyway, off-season posting has begun and will touch on who knows what.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds aftermath

Got home with no problem on the flights. Always a good thing. It is always kind of a culture shock when returning to NY from somewhere small. Both how crowded and congested it is here in the East and the amount of open spaces there are elsewhere. On the ten minute drive to the Grand Forks airport went a back road and passed maybe 5 houses.

It was a fun time. The committee did a great job. The final was a bit boring. Scotland just couldn't get anything going it seemed.

I think the Tuesday to Monday schedule works well for attending and viewing. Dont get burnt out or tired before the final weekend rolls around.

Probably won't be in Moncton next year. Since the girls are going to the Scotties as Team Canada, we will probably go to Victoria instead if we go anyway.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - final evening

Final evening. The closing dinner was fun. Got to meet Dr Double finally.

Kevin gets his gold. Good for him.

Time for bed. More tomorrow. With pictures of the new team Canada and their new fifth.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - final morning

Lots of activity today at the hotel. People checking out and then the game. Lots of folks will be heading to the border after the game.

Jennifer, Cathy O, Jill, Dawn and Jennifer will be there today for the game.

Will be a big crowd for the final, probably the biggest of the week.

Not sure who I am rooting for today.

Off to the closing dinner tonight and then the airport tomorrow.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - Saturday night

Canada looked a lot better this afternoon. Scotland should give them a good battle tomorrow.

Glad that Norway won tonight. Helps the Aussies in the Olympic points.

Nice little ceremony at the hotel for the girls today. Quite a crowd to cheer for the World Champions.

Grand Forks has done a really nice job with these Worlds. Pretty good crowd tonight for the bronze game, probably 1500 or so. Expect the joint to be jumping tomorrow.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - Friday late night

Okay, I now know how to beat Kevin Martin. Leave him an outturn draw to the button. Wow, can't believe he missed that shot. Good for the crowd as Canada plays tomorrow so the place will be jumping.

Got to hang out a bunch with the World Champions tonite. Our friends Cathy O, Jill and newest friend Dawn. Yep, the Women's World Champs are in town. Mrs. JHcurl is still down there drinking with them, me I am in bed soon.

Took a little road trip today to Minnesota. East Grand Forks has a Cabela's. Lots of browsing and Mrs. bought some clothes. Pretty cool place, could have spent a whole bunch of money.

All right, off to bed. Semi tomorrow at 1:30 local time, breakfast at 11:00. The girls are signing autographs at noon, may go stand in line just for a laugh.

Still the having a great time. Want to go to a great event, Edmonton, December, 2009, Canadian Olympic trials, be there. It will be some fabulous curling and a great party.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - Thursday evening

Well, the US lost. They need a win and some help at this point. Don't see them beating Canada tonight. So, they are toast.

Got to root for the Aussies at this point. I met Hugh and his old team about 15 years agos on my first trip to Ottawa. Got to hang out with them at Lowell a bunch. They are great guys. So, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi ,Oi, Oi.

The Fighting Souix (University of ND) are getting hammered in the NCAA hockey. The town will be drinking tonight. Drowning their sorrows.

Off to the last draw of the round robin. Mrs. JHcurl is hanging in there. Took a nice nap this afternoon and she is ready to go for the last game. Me, as always, I am hoping for tiebreakers so there is more curling. Three teams tied for fourth and there is a 10:30pm game tonight, yeah baby, I am in.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - Thursday morning

Good morning campers. Good day for the US yesterday. Played their best game of the week so far against Germany. Game always looked in control. Great job. Still have a way to go with all the teams tied with 4 losses. China v Aussies right now will sort out something.

Canada with a loss to China. China played great the last 4 ends. Canada looks disinterested sometimes. Just playing to get to the weekend.

Good crowd yesterday and seems to be getting bigger everyday. DBZ has done a great job.

Off to the arena.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - Wednesday morning

The draw last night was a bit boring. Would have liked to see Germany put up more of a battle. Canada gets 3 in the first end and the game was over. The Aussies put up a good fight. They only had 6 seconds left to throw the last rock. Just a bit heavy for the tap back needed.

There is a "casino" in the hotel. Well, 4 or 5 blackjack tables. Interesting. There is also an indoor water park here. Not sure if Grand Forks is a destination that people go to for vacation.

Not at the morning draw this morning. Seems the shower is not working quite right. Had a nice cold shower this morning.

well, more later I am sure. Have to get to the Broken Broom Lounge today.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - first live draw

Hey, we made it. Travel was a breeze. We have arrived in the flatest place I have ever been, Grand Forks. I think the closest hill is 14 hours away. Anyway, we are here.

Went to the 2pm draw. What a fabulous arena. Really, really nice. Too bad there are not 16,000 people here. You are missing it. The crowd was a bit down since the US decided to lose to France. They just are not playing at the top of the game. Too many half shots. Back to the action tonight to watch the big Canada-Germany match up.

Caught up with Don Barcome and his brother Earl. I have to say, given the choice, I would hang with Earl. Actually told Donny that and he agreed.

Also caught up with briefly Dallas Bittle of Curling Zone fame. He looks good and it was great to see him out and about.

Hans the ice man also stopped by for a quick visit and got to pick his brain briefly about ice stuff. Interesting that he thinks painting the concrete is the future for most clubs. Guess we need to look into that again soon.

Grand Forks seems like a nice little town, haven't seen a lot of it yet. Guess when you live on the East Coast and work in Manhattan, everything seems small. Did I mention it is really flat here?

Anyway, more later. Mrs. JHcurl has survived the trip and is currently napping (her natural state) as I type this entry.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - pre-travel day

Seems like Mrs. Jhcurl is better after this so we will be heading to the airport tomorrow for Grand Forks. The fever is gone and the coughing has pretty much stopped.

Didn't get to see much curling yesterday. WCSN wasn't showing anything and only caught a bit of the Can-Aus game. Looks like the field is rounding into shape. The Czechs have to be the big suprise so far. Along with the Scots not performing well.

Can't wait to get there to see this great arena. Will make the evening draw for sure and possibly the afternoon draw.

Off to pack and get organized. Car service picks us up at 5:30am tomorrow morning.

Later,
JH

Men's Worlds - day one

Well, not there yet so it was a multimedia day of watching curling. Both on the web and then on the satellite dish.

The US team looked pretty good although the tenth end was a bit scary. Norway throws a touch less weight on that tap back and the entire top of the four foot is closed off. No way that last shot would have been there. I think they got away with one. A big win as Norway will be in the playoffs I think.

Canada looked impressive in the night game. A bit suprising that it took nine ends to put away Denmark but the game was really over before that.

The ice looked great with one funky spot on the outside that seemed to fall. Happened in the US and the Canada game. Looked like there were quite a few people there. Certainly more than we had at Lowell.

Still hoping to get there on Tuesday. Working on getting Mrs. JHcurl better before then.

More curling to watch today on WCSN and hopefully on CBC website. Lots of internet chatter about viewing options being blocked for various locations. Will have to figure out how to pretend to be from Canada so I can watch at CBC.

later,
JH

In sickness and in health

Right now it is sickness. Mrs. JHcurl is in bed with 101 fever. Off to the Doctor soon to hopefully get her better. Remember we are leaving for the Men's Worlds next Tuesday. This could be a repeat of Glasgow.

The year 2000, the last combined Worlds in Glasgow along with the first Senior Worlds (I think). First time we met Shorty and Ray. Along about Tuesday she gets sick and spends the next two and half days in bed in the hotel. Nice way to enjoy your first trip to a World's.

So, hopefully she can get better quickly. I dont think spending time in bed in a hotel in Grand Forks will be very much fun.

later,
JH

The plug is pulled

The season is over. The compressor went off yesterday afternoon. There was skating and cleaning out the bar. Now just have to clean up the melt and do some minor maintenance.

No more curling until the summerspiel in Cape Cod. Then September will roll around and we will be back to making ice.

Off to Grand Forks, ND next Tuesday morning for the Men's Worlds. Still working on getting internet access in the arena. Hope to be doing some live blogging from there. If not, there will be blogs done late at night or early morning. Look me up if you are there.

later,
JH

5 year old sings Canadian National anthem

You can see this on youtube here. It is at an Oilers game in Edmonton.

What does this have to do with curling you may ask? Well the young lady in question happens to be the daughter of World Champion curlers who live in Edmonton. Not sure if I should be naming names so I will leave that up to you, loyal readers.

Her current five year old ambition is to be a singer and a dancer. She is even enrolled in a performing arts school at this young age.

Feel free to guess in the comments.

later,
JH

US vs the world

The state of US curling seems to be ebbing at least on the World level. I fully expected Team McCormick to be in the final or at least make the playoffs easily. Doesn't look that way now.

Is the addition of so many new curlers watering down the field? Is there not the dedication needed to produce at the World level? Is it the lack of great competition in the US? Not sure, probably some combination of factors. When you only have 7 teams playing down for the Worlds out of the entire country that is not a good sign.

Of course, the rest of the World is catching up to Canada and doing it a lot quicker than the US seems to be. Russia, Japan and China all spend lots of time in Canada playing the best. Seems to be working well for them.

Hopefully the men don't bomb out in Grand Forks.

Enjoy the US curling in the 2010 Olympics because if it keeps going this way, that might be the last time for a while.

Later,
JH

Mixed Nationals and Women's Worlds

Well, team Connecticut ran into a buzzsaw in the semis and lost a close one in the Bronze game. Good for them though, they played hard all week and finished at the top of the heap after the round robin. Just tough luck in the semi.

The Women's Worlds starts today as well. Supposedly there is coverage here and here for the US games. The first one says that the draw starts on Monday so not sure what that means. The second link shows that today's game will be available tomorrow. So, I guess not much in the way of live coverage. Will be watching TSN to see Mrs. JHcurl's girls anyway. With the time difference there will be a lot of late nights this week watching curling.

Later,
JH

Mixed Nationals

So, it all comes down to the final game. AZ, WI and CT win the final game and a four way tie for first (or fourth). That means the playoffs will be decided by the draw to the button or the draw shot challenge or whatever they are calling it these days.

Best of luck to newest Nutmeggers Derek and Charrissa with teammates Sean and Rachel. This could be their year with Washington (ie Brady's) out of the picture. Go guys go.

Arizona is an interesting team as only one player actually lives in Arizona. Just one more question to the USCA, how does a team qualify from Arizona when only one player lives there? Does that mean if I pick up a player from Texas I can qualify from there next year? Seems kind of odd but who am I to question. Oh yeah, I am the rabble rouser from the East Coast. Rest assured fine readers (if there are any) you will never see my name on the USCA board or even the GNCC board for that matter. Hell, I can't even ever expect to be president of Nutmeg since I am deemed "to passionate" about certain matters. Whatever, I just want to make great ice at the club and throw some stones.

Okay, enough ranting for now. Go Derek, Charrissa, Sean and Rachel. Bring home the hardware to the East Coast and show those Midwestern snobs we really can curl.

Later,
JH