One cat household

So, those of you on FB know that we lost Bonspiel. She was the matriarch of the house and ruled all the other cats. Nobody messed with her, even the kitten got his ears pinned back a couple of times while she was still fiesty. At the end she was not so fiesty. History of cats to follow so stop reading if you don't care.

In the beginning (when I moved to CT to marry Mrs. JH) there was Bonspiel and Domino. She had Bonspiel (hence referred to as Bomps cause that is shorter to type) and I brought Domino with me. The first two nights we were together, I slept on the couch. Seems Bomps always slept in bed with Mrs and of course Domino always slept with me. However, the bed (and fighting zone) was not big enough for the two of them. So, off to the couch with the Domino I went. They eventually figured it out and things grew relatively quiet.

A couple of years passed and someone decided we needed a kitten. I blame ours friends and scotch. At an Ardsley curling club party, there was a picture of a cute kitten. Mrs immediately started buying me scotch to listen the tongue to the yes word. Well it worked and Snickle (the baby) entered the house. Bomps loved him, Domino not so much. Bomps decided he was her baby and would groom him and curl up with him. Domino would hiss and spit at the Poodle (who knows where he got that name) and the Poodle would just ignore that and jump on Domino. It all quieted down mostly.

The most stressful times were "daddy lap times". I would settle in to the comfy chair to watch TV and it became a contest for the lap. Both Domino and Bomps would want to be there. Poodle would be content with curling up by my feet. Having two cats (both 15+ pounds) fight over your lap is not really that much fun. Things always worked out. One would end up pouting on top of the couch or somewhere.

At the end of 2008, we lost Domino. At 17 or so, it was a long life. Then we lost the Poodle in the summer to what we think was a brain tumor. No life left in him at the end. This week we lost Bomps, who slipped away quietly one day.

Now, we are left with the nutball who is Skippy. Part Domino, part dog, mostly crazy. He makes us laugh every day. He has not yet found the joy of curling up in my lap but that will happen. Took Poodle almost 5 years to be a lap cat. He will curl up with Mrs on the couch if I am not here. All the better to protect her as he is known to growl when a strange noise happens.

I am sure that sometime in the not so distant future there will be another addition to the family. For now we will enjoy the "quiet" that one cat provides.

Later,
JH

Rudolph the red faced sweeper

What happens when you get bored


Rudolph the red-faced sweeper,
had a very bad delivery
and if you ever saw him
you would say he sucks

All of the other curlers
used to laugh and call him names
they never let poor Rudolph
curl in any important games

Then one tied up extra end
Santa came to say
Rudolph with your face so bright
Please make sure my draw is not light

Then all the curlers loved him
and they shouted out with glee
Santa the draw miester skip
You'll go down in history

(it is all about the skip, after all)

Merry Christmas

To all the invisible readers out there. Merry Christmas!

Santa made an early stop last night and dropped off lots of needed things. Some new toys for the camera and the workshop.

Off to NJ for a couple of days and then home to pack for a one day trip to DC. Have to squeeze in a project down there around the one in NJ. More writing which is not really my strong suit.

Curling returns after the New Year with mixed playdowns at the club. Lots of work on the ice for that. Also have to get the team together for some practice time.

Merry Christmas to all!
JH

First snow of the year

The first snowfall of the year. Makes it look like Christmas. Might even make it feel like Christmas. It started late in the day which was good and bad. Good that the party we attended last night did not get cancelled. Bad in when we got home from the party the driveway was not easy to navigate. After 5 or 6 attempts to make it up the hill which serves as the driveway finally got the car to a point where it could be parked. Not really in the driveway but more on the grass. Good thing the ground is frozen. Should be a lot of fun trying to get it moved and parked for real. At least it stayed there overnight.

The driveway is pretty steep. So steep that I need to wear ice fishing spikes on my boots to use the snow blower. So steep that the previous owner had to put in a pull off at the top after their car slid down the driveway one night. Seems they had parked it as normal, just straight up the drive. Overnight it was a freezing rain which got under the tires. The next morning the car was across the street in the neighbors yard. Just slid down the hill, across the street, over the mailbox and into the yard.

I came pretty close to recreating that last night on one attempt at the driveway. Made it almost to the top and slid back down. Was able to veer away from the mailbox and just hit the curb on the far side of the street.

But it is pretty out there right now. And I get to play with the snowblower later.

Later,
JH

The year in review

So, looking back through the year it was not a great one. Too many people leaving this orb. It seems it was a year when death was the theme. But can't dwell on that.

There were a few highlights. I made it to a National curling event for the first time and probably the last. Maybe all that curling last year just took the last bit of non-pain out of the knees. The "good" knee (the one that wasn't scoped) bothers me most days now. We had a couple of wonderful vacations in Canada and LBI. The Phillies made the World Series again and I even got to see them play at the new Yankee stadium.

The lowlights did seem to dominate the postings. Death, work, rants about this and that. Maybe I am getting to be a cranky old man. Might be time to step away from some things that just don't make me happy anymore. Have to figure out how to do that.

Work has just dominated the house the last couple of months. Too much travel for both of us. Little time to just enjoy being upright and breathing. The yard and flowers suffered greatly this summer. We spent very little time sitting on the screened in porch.

Another year has passed and a new one is just around the corner. Turn over a new leaf and move on. Happy holidays to all whatever they might be. See you in '10.

Later
JH

Tis the holiday season

Time to go get the tree and decorate the house a bit. Christmas has once again snuck up on us. Just finished up the cards to be mailed out. I have done exactly zero shopping. Have to get something so the tree is not empty.

Was looking back as I do each year at prior postings. I really fell apart in the fall. Need to figure out what happened so I can put together the holiday blog. It was a tough year I guess. Work seems to have gotten in the way of a lot of things.

The holiday post, which I know you all look forward to, should be up this weekend.

Later,
JH

Still here....kinda

So, I find myself with very little to blog about these days. Not sure why except there really is no excitement around. Baseball is over, the holidays are approaching, work is really busy, curling is the same as always and I am not a writer like DC.

The Canadian Pre-trials are over and the trials start in a bit. That will be exciting but there are so many places to read about that on the web I don't bother. I am not doing any competitive curling this year so there is nothing there either. The only thing upcoming is the return to the scene of the crime, go check out last years November posts if you need the back story. Always fun to curl at Philly, good friends and good times. Same team as always. After that not even sure what the next curling trip will be, maybe something different this year - a trip to Border CC perhaps. We are planning a trip to Cortina for the Men's Worlds so maybe just save up for that.

I guess the only thing to look forward to at this point is the holiday-year in review post.

Later,
JH

Lone tree in the forest

Or something along those lines. As a displaced Phillies fan it is a bit lonely here. Surrounded by Yankees and Mets and Red Sox fans. The Mets fans are all in hiding at least after three dismal years, two late collapses and a really awful season this year. The Sawx fans are pretty quiet as they watch the Yankees enter the fall classic. It really is just the uproar from the Yankees fans....."10,000 losses"...."26 championships"...."new stadium (complete with faulty and cracked concrete)"....etc.

So, I will hold my vigil alone as even Mrs. JH is a Yankee fan (kinda). At least her boss is a Phillies fan. Maybe I should go spend a week in South Jersey, it would be closer to work.

At least when the dust clears and the Phightins are the first NL team to repeat in 20+ years all the shouting will die down. And I will be sending off my winning bet to Las Vegas again this year.

GO PHILS, WIN IT FOR HARRY!

Later,
JH

Been awhile

Just realized it has been over a month since the last entry. Time flies. Went on vacation to LBI and there were some entries over there. Ice is all installed and even touched up the rocks to add some curl. Leagues start this week and next. A bunch of open houses were held with good attendance and local TV even showed up to do some filming.

Work has been very busy with lots of trips to NJ for meetings and such.

The Phightin's won the division and are in the NLDS battling the cold and snow. Big game tonight. How good would a Phils/Yanks WS be? Who knows, Mrs. JH could even score some tickets.

Doesn't look like we are gonna make it to Edmonton for the Oly trials. Just too much happening. Too bad as Team Jones is looking pretty good right now. A win in Oslo and playing in the final this weekend.

Curling starts for us next week. Think both of us will be taking it a bit easy this year. Mrs. back still not a 100%. I did something to the good knee and it bothers me just to walk sometimes. Guess that is part of old age. Heading to the Founder's in Plainfield with a 6 person team for those reasons.

GO PHILLIES!
later,
JH

The fun of ice making

The reason you always put the paint tank and pump outside. When a hose explodes and white paint sprays 20 feet in the air, the outside of the building is the only thing that gets messy. Except for the two guys who happened to be standing next to it when it happened.

Later,

JH

Header change again

Yep, curling has arrived with the start of the ice install yesterday. The good, a couple of new toys to play with including a nipper and a battery powered back pack sprayer. The bad, we are painting over the Labor Day weekend and it is tough getting help. Could be some long days. The ugly, well not too ugly. We seemed to be doing a lot better with the slush problem this year.

All will hopefully be done some time next week. Then the ice will be in use starting on Sept. 12.

And of course it is still baseball season. The Phightins' are holding a nice lead for the division.

Later,
JH

A fluff of fur

Yes, that is Skippy, on his perch, sleeping. The grey fluff in the middle is the tail hanging over and the white are the back feet. He likes to sleep on top of this tall cabinet. The plant is fake so at least he doesn't eat it or hurt it. Probably pretty dusty up there except we put a towel up there for him to sleep on. He is our baby after all.

Later,
JH

Mobile computing

I have entered the world of mobile computing. I am now the owner of a BlackBerry. The first thing to do is figure out how it works as a phone. Maybe because I have been working on computers for so long but I have always resisted technology upgrades. I took me a long time to get a new laptop. I always just wanted a cell phone that was a phone. But Mrs. wanted a new BB so why not get the two for one deal. Anyway, lots of things to figure out I guess. Twitterberry, Facebook, email and that phone thing. I am sure it will come in handy. Wonder if I can blog from it, hmmm, might have to look into that.

Later,
JH

Lunch time

Today we met some friends that are moving to SC this weekend. Jamie is a Food Network junkie like some of us. So, we ended up at Valencia Luncheria which was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dive. Pictures of arepas, enpanadas and ceviche are above. Everything was great. Took a menu with us as it may become a new takey outy spot for us. Pics are by cell phone, forgot the good camera.

For DC, here is the play by play. Top pic is a sliced pork arepa which Mrs. had, she really liked it. She even added some cilantro sauce to it.

Next is a ceviche which had a nice note of orange. Quite tasty.

Last pic is a carne machada arepa and a chipotle pork empanada. Both could have used more spice but both the beef and pork were tender and moist. There was a nice fresh made chipotle sauce on the table which I did add. Also had a bowl of rice and beans, also good. The corn cake was moist and not too soft.

With the fame of DDD comes the crowd. It is a tiny place with maybe 7 tables. Lots of people getting take out and all the tables were full the entire time. Will definately go on the list for takeout.

Later,

JH

Heading change

You probably didn't notice. The heading changed, yep just three more weeks till the whole process starts again. We are going to have to ice again a bit early. That means the ice installation will start around the 1st of September. A couple of cleanup project prior to the compressor going on. Our scraper blades are still in Canada at this point as well.

Everything will get done and then it will back to the cold, windowless environment that we all love so much.

Later,
JH

Moose Hunting

Skippy on the porch

Oh, what is that, is it a moose?

A MOOSE! I will catch it and bring it to you.

Okay, so not quite. Skippy likes to go to the screened in porch at night. We always kid that he is hunting moose. Well, he does get to visit with the deer that seem to inhabit the back yard. Nice six point buck sitting about 15 feet from the back door.

Skippy spent about an hour just staring. The big brave hunter that he is.

Later,

JH

Hard at work

I have achieved 20 years at my current job. I guess that is pretty good except when I look at Dad who retired from three different occupations.

For my 20th I get an extra week of pay which as we say around here is better than a kick in the ass. Would have been nice to get an extra week vacation which I always seem to run out of right about now.

So, 2 years as a programmer at an insurance company that doesn't exit anymore after college. Also spent the summer after college working at my normal summer job since Dad was laid up with a bad back and I wanted to be home to help out. Then onto the Bell system which was a job to retire at but then the original breakup occurred. Stayed for a year after that at AT&T communications then got "recruited" to the consulting firm that now employs me. Nine years total at Bell which got me some kind of pension if I remember and they can find me. Probably enough to buy a loaf of bread a month when I retire.

I am actually kind of a "youngster" in the current firm. Most of the folks have been there since the company formed in 1985. Some where there in the prior iterations as the whole thing started in 1959. They have not been there since the beginning but for some time before 1985. Original founding father Oskar Morgenstern founded the whole thing from Princeton.

Anyway, looking forward to retirement someday. Got to keep buying those powerball tickets to speed up the process.

Later,
JH

Vacation over

No posts from another country. The intarwebz were really slow in Canada. Maybe the chill in the air was slowing down the electrons. But it was a lot of fun.

Fishing was average. No problem catching walleyes and had a nice shore lunch. Did catch a really nice smallmouth and lost a largemouth right at the boat. Did well the day we went out for northerns. No pictures as didn't want to mess up the new camera. Should have taken the point and shoot with us on the trip. Next year.

The weather was good, a little rain here and there. Definately cool, only one day in the 70's really. Lots of wind a couple of days.

So back to the grind. Yankees game tonight then off to the Plainfield picnic tomorrow. Off to NJ for a meeting on Monday. Good to have a couple of days to jump start the brain before work starts.

The border was interesting this year. On the way in it was an hour line up to get through. Friday afternoon traffic and such. Wanted to know the name of the person we were going to visit. Also asked if we had our luggage which doesn't always make it. On the way back really no lineup at all, maybe five minutes. No strange questions.

Oh yeah, and the Phillies decided to bury the Mets while I was away. So all in all a nice time.

Later,
JH

Travel day

Leaving for the airport soon. Newark to Minneapolis to International Falls then a drive to LOTW.

Weather will be a bit chilly in the Great White North. But the sweatshirts and stuff are packed. Kind of like the old mantra of "it nevers rain on a golf course" it is never cold on the lake when fishing. Even bought some new lures yesterday and packed those to try out.

Next post from another country.

Later,
JH

The wilds

So, if you click HERE you will see a satellite view of the "wilds". The backwards C thing in the middle is the destination. We are off to Canada, Northern Ontario if you will, on Friday. Scale is 1 inch = 1000 feet.

Fly to International Falls, then about an hour and a half drive. Coming home we have to leave a bit more time as there is a bass tournament happening in Fort Frances (border crossing).

First cast expected to be Friday around 8pm. Sunset is 9:15pm and star gazing will commence shortly after. Hope we get to see some Aurora Borealis this year. Have to go check that out on the interwebz to see if it is good right now.

Saturday will be get fishing license, fish, eat, relax, fish, eat, relax and watch stars. The rest of the time will be "rinse and repeat" except for the license part. Although I think there is a party or something on Saturday night. There will some visiting of friends in there as well. Probably a couple of beers and some pamplemousse as well. You do remember, oh so loyal readers, that was the horse I wanted this year in the Derby? Of course you do.

Hopefully will catch some of Le Tour while away as well. There are computers and the intarwebz in the wilds so will be able to keep up that way at least.

MF will be happy as all the pictures will NOT be of cats. Probably fish, eagles, scenery, maybe bears and if we get lucky a wolf. If I get really lucky maybe a nice musky picture.

Tommorow is packing and organizing.

Later,
JH

Don't look now

Last game before the All Star break. Have you noticed who is in first place in the NL East? Of course you have. The Mutts are under .500 and in 2nd 3rd 4TH. They have fallen behind Florida and Atlanta. Mid season prediction, if they don't make the playoffs, the manager is gone.

Not sure how the Phightins' are winning as the starting pitching still kinda sucks. But take em as they come. Oh yeah and I think there was a recent sweep of the Mutts when I was out of town.

Good times.

Later,
JH

Goodbye Don, you will be missed

Today we say goodbye and celebrate the life of a friend. Don Greb, known as Grebbie to a lot of people passed away too soon. Some of us will gather to celebrate what he meant to us. Others will do so in private.

Always willing to help out. Always with a smile on his face. Just the essence of a nice guy.

It won't be the same without you at Plainfield.

Weekday sports

One wonderful advantage to working at home is the ability to watch sports that are on during the workday. I must admit I watched a lot of the Scotties, Brier and Worlds when I probably should have been staying at this here laptop.

This week and the next two are even better. It is Le Tour. Tomorrow sees the first mountain stage. Should be a new yellow jersey wearer by the end of the stage. Will it be Lance or Alberto? Maybe Levi will sneak in there, who knows. But watching these guys ride up really steep hills at amazing speeds is so cool.

Of course it helps to have Versus so can watch the whole thing and not the one hour recap on the network.

Later,
JH

Crackberry and FB and Tweets, oh my!

See this is why Blackberrys and Facebook and Twitter are a bad thing (DC said you should mention brand names). Pictured are the Veep (in hat) and the Prez texting or FBing or something. Not quite in the picture is the background of the Ohio river and a bunch of people on the other side of the table. It is a nice day with a interesting view and interesting people.

I have been thinking about getting an iPhone which is what the Prez uses, the Veep is old school and is texting on his cell. I don't even do that. Do I need one, no, but sometimes I kind of feel left out. Especially with the Mrs. as the crackberry is always at the ready. It does come in handy if you need to google something while driving somewhere.

I don't know, maybe I have been involved with technology for too long. I do know that I am looking forward to the techno-break next week at Lake of the Woods. Just me and the boat and the fish. Sure, there will be pictures taken which will be uploaded with the laptop. But out on the water, just me and nature.

Later,
JH

Tropicurl aftermath

Well that was fun. We actually won a game which I guess is a bonus. There were two types of teams there, ones having fun and ones who were very serious. We happened to play three of the latter in four games. As the kids say, whatever. My team had fun.

Pittsburgh CC did a nice job with the ice and the hospitality. The hotel was okay but a bit of a drive although the advertised DUI checkpoints were not a factor. We either took the shuttle or had a DD. We also made our way back and did most of the late night partying at the hotel. The club does not make anything from the bar as it is run by the ice facility. So no reason to drink late at the club and then drive.

Made a couple of side trips to Pittsburgh proper as well. Hit the Oyster House and Church Brew. Both were good and worth the trips. Never did make it to Primanti Brothers even though there was one across the street from the hotel. Maybe next year.

Would like to go again. Not sure the weekend of the 4th is a great time for the event but they have to live with the schedule of the ice rink.

Now we are home for about 10 days and then off to the wilds of Canada.

Later,
JH

Summer curling

Thursday we are off to Pittsburgh and the summer bonspiel called Tropicurl. Even though we are going, only one of us is curling. Mrs. is resting her back for the summer so she will be providing moral support, taking pics and perhaps having a glass of wine or six.

This is the first trip to curl in Pittsburgh. I hear they do a great job with getting the ice ready and they started that process today. They have their own scraper this year. Also hear that hanging out on the deck overlooking the river (not sure which one) is a lot of fun as well. Hopefully the weather will be good.

Already scouting out brew pubs and the like to visit. I want to try and make a trip to Primanti Bros. to try out the food. Need to do some draw scoping to figure out which games to win or lose.

As always it will be throw the rock and see what happens. Sure there will be updates and pics posted to FB.

Later,
JH

New car

Not really this one but it looks kinda like this. It will be a darker blue with the racing stripes. Did not get the British flag on the mirrors.

With my current work gig, there has been a lot more driving than normal. So decided it was time for a new vehicle. My 1992 Isuzu trooper has done well but it just isn't trustworthy for a two hour drive back and forth to NJ. We kinda started car shopping about a month ago. Then the "cash for clunkers" bill was being talked about. So, stopped for a bit and waited to see what happened with that. Lo and behold they are willing to give me $4500 for my truck. That is a deal that is too good to pass up.

Part of the deal is that you have to buy a new car with better mileage. No problem since the Trooper is rated at 15 mpg. The new car thing was a bit tougher. Need something for basic transportation so why not pick something interesting. Hence the mini.

Test drove a couple of them, one with a 6 speed manual and the other with automatic. I really wanted the manual but Mrs. JH may need to drive it once in awhile so we went with the automatic.

Anyway, we "built" the car we wanted and it is ordered. Got all the bells and whistles that were needed - fog lights so the old guy can see at night, cruise control for the long drives, comfy seats for the same reason and racing stripes cause they just are too cool.

Now we wait till the CFC thing kicks in and the car gets here. Should be sometime in August. Mrs. asked me the last time I got a new car. Really had to think about that. Bought the Trooper used in 1994 with a trade in on the RX7. That was new in 89 or 90. I think after that was a Mitsubishi Gallant around 91. So a good long time since a new car has graced the driveway, at least one that I have owned. Of course, with Mrs. job she gets a new one every couple of months.

Anyway, this may be the last car for quite some time. Until I get too old to drive it or they finally come out with that jet car we have all been waiting for.

Later,
JH

Off the air

I guess I have been off the air for a bit. A lot of driving and conference calls and all that work stuff.

We also lost Poodle. He was a good boy but just went down hill really fast. Vet thought it was probably a brain tumor. He was mostly blind and could not really walk at the end. Would take a step and then fall over, struggle to get up. Just no life left in him. He was only ten. Young when compared to Domino who we lost at 18 and Bomps who is still going strong at 20.

Was thinking about how we came to call him Poodle. We named him Snickle and somehow that morphed into Poodle. That was what he answered to when we called him. Bonspiel gets called Bomps on a regular basis but she answers to almost anything. Domino was always Domino.

The kitten, who is getting huge, will answer to Skippy but also Stinky Feet. Yes, who knows where the names come from.

As Mrs said the other day "He is not poor Poodle now but happy Poodle".

Later,
JH

Baseball and Pseudo-baseball

It has been a long time since I have posted about baseball. But the weekend brings the thing I hate most about baseball, interleague play. I get it, they want to generate interest in a rivalry between two teams that don't play in the same league. Makes sense for the Yankees and the Mets, Giants and A's. So what great rival are the Phillies playing, Toronto Blue Jays. Whoop de frickin do.

The Phightins don't really have a close to home rival in the American league. So, they simply rotate around against the American league East. Toronto, Baltimore and Tampa Bay. Sure there is some history there, Joe Carter 1993, Rays last year, Baltimore ??. How about we play our cross town rival instead. Right, they are in Oakland now playing the NY Giants.

At least the Muts are playing the Yankees and hopefully get a beat down. Because the games count in the standings! Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Don't even get me started on the designated hitter.

Later,
JH

The weekend

It will be a whirlwind this weekend. We are heading off to the City of Brotherly Love for a wedding. Normally weddings are okay but this one involves a curler. There will be a bunch of other curlers there as well. I know one thing, when a bunch of curlers get together a really good party usually breaks out.

We are headed down this afternoon to meet up with Prez Andrea of the LBI CC. Then we are off to dinner at Buddakan. Saturday we will hang out, probably head to South St. and hit Tony Luke's for some fine fare. The wedding is Saturday evening. A brunch on Sunday morning then hit the highway. Amount of time without drink in hand probably about 3 hours.

The Belmont is also this weekend. Need to find a tv close to the wedding which is at 6:30. The top three - Mine That Bird, Charitable Man and Chocolate Candy. Take it to the bank.

And in case you have not noticed, the Phightin's are in first with the Muts slipping away.

Later,
JH

new camera

Because MF says we only ever take pictures of the cats, here are some of the flowers with the camera.

Wait, how did that get in there???

Another upgrade

We have entered the DSLR world. Mrs. JH wanted to take better pics and here we are. Got a Canon Rebel yesterday and I think she has already taken 100 pics. Of course they where mostly of Skippy. Today she wants to try and get some action shots. So we are off to a horse show. Up in Bethany CT. Anybody want to join, meet us there.

She wants to get some practice on the camera before the wedding in Philly next weekend. There is also a free camera class at the place we bought it on Thursday and she wants to have some practice before that.

This is her first venture into the SLR world. A bit different then when I was using my old Nikon. That was in the days of film. I asked the guy at the camera store yesterday if there was any interest in it and he basically said just for collectors and students. They don't even make film SLRs anymore. Too bad as I have 3 or 4 lenses which where not cheap. Oh well, guess technology progresses.

Anyway, there will be a lot more photos being uploaded to facebook for awhile. Will try to get some pics of the other cats and maybe some of the gardens. I don't think there will be any of cooking creations like DC.

Later,
JH

Technology upgrades continue

The new wireless printer/fax/scanner got installed yesterday. A real bonus for me as now I can print without emailing whatever to Mrs. JH and then having her print it. Now I just need to get the phone line from the adjoining room through the wall and into her office. Putting holes in walls is something I can handle.

Otherwise a pretty quiet week so far. Knock on wood, no problems with Vista yet. IE8 is a little funky once in awhile. Have to play with the settings a bit more as it still has a tendency to block some sites I visit.

Later,
JH

Almost a great game

Well, it was close. Phils lead going into the ninth 4-2. Have our closer on the mound who was "lights out" last year. This year not so much. Give up a homer to A-roid and then the Stankees score another to win.

But, a nice day at the stadium. Phightins' need to bounce back and win today to take the series.

Not much on tap for the rest of the weekend. Yard stuff and some cleaning in the house.

Later,
JH

Upgrade update

Well, everything is working great now. Discovered the problem with transferring email from my old PC to the new one. Just had to make sure the backup tool was looking at the right directory. Did that by renaming all the ones I didn't want. But I got my address book and all my email folders moved over. That was huge.

New router has solved all the problems of the wireless dropping out and not being able to get to certain websites. And added bonus of IE8 lets me get to my work website which previously I had to use Firefox to get to it.

Of course, now with the new PC I can get to facebook. Still haven't decided if that is good or bad.

Anyway, holiday weekend starts in a few hours. Off to a small party tonight then tomorrow is the big day Yankees vs Phils at the new stadium.
GO PHILS!

Later,
JH

Technology upgrade

So, my old laptop kinda stopped working. Couldn't get to my email and a couple of other sites. Really running slow. What to do but buy a new laptop. I haven't bought a PC in a long time as the last two where given to me by my company.

Get the new beast home, plug it in and here we go. First problem, wireless keeps dropping out. Okay, kinda frustrating. Check a bunch of stuff and still can't get to the website I want. Really frustrated now. Give up and load up MS office.

This morning still having problems. Discover that our wireless router is an 11b which is pretty old. Think this is the problem but have to drive to NJ for a meeting. While away have Mrs. JH verify with someone. That is the problem. Come home from NJ, off to the store and get a new router. Come home, plug it in ,set it up and WHEEEE. No problems so far (knock on wood). Can get to email and even downloaded more stuff to the PC. Will check the other websites tomorrow. One remaining problem is to get my email folders and address book moved from the old PC to the new one. Hmmmm. Might have to sign up for gmail and send it there then get it here.

Oh well, isn't technology fun.

Later,
JH

Mr. Third Husband

I think that may be my new title. Okay, back up a bit. The GNCC annual meeting was today and we have arrived home. Mrs. JH has been voted in as 2nd VP of the GNCC. It is basically an eight year path of office in the GNCC. Two years at 2nd VP, 2 years at 1st VP, 2 years as President and 2 years as immediate past President.

Not sure who was buying her the drinks or how many were involved to get her to volunteer for this. But she is on the GNCC board for a while at this point. Her first order of business was to inform me that I have to attend all the meetings as well. I guess Utica in the fall will be okay.

Anyway, the transfer of the pants in the house will take place soon.

Later,
JH

Snickle aka Poodle

Pictured is the middle "child", Snickle who we call Poodle. Just back from the vet with him. Seems he may be going blind. Still can find his way around somewhat. There may be something going on in the brain, possibly a tumor but there is no way of knowing. So, for now, we keep him in the den and kitchen with a baby gate. He is almost 10 at this point so still a bit young. Will keep him happy as possible and just watch him. He ate breakfast when we got home and now is taking a nap from the morning adventure. Of course we are going away this weekend but we have someone come in twice a day and she stopped in yesterday just to get a status update on all of them. He seems to be fine at this point, no pain that we can tell.

Later,

JH

Virtual Friday

Off tomorrow with a trip to the vets for one of the kitties. Then head up to the GNCC annual meeting in NH. Friday night cocktails at the outgoing Prez's house. Saturday is seminars including one on the 2010 Olympics. Then Sunday is the meeting. Should be fun and there will be some late nights in the cocktail lounge at the hotel I am sure. Hopefully some big news as well. More on that next week.

Preakness is Saturday. Not excited by it. Probably not gonna bet it. If I did it would be a four horse exacta box with Rachel, Mine, Friesan and Pioneer. Would throw out Papa Clem so that is probably the winner. Can't make any money off that bet so won't make it. If Friesan Fire goes off over 7-1 then a win bet on that one maybe.

Anyway, time for a cocktail I guess.

Later,
JH

Quiet week

Kinda quiet this week. No trips to NJ for work. A couple of trips out for stuff. So, not really anything to blog about. DC has been entertaining with the coffee cups.

We bought a new microwave. That was the big excitement this week. The old one was here, mounted above the stove, when we moved in. Now we have a nice new shiny one that is more powerful. Exciting!

Did you notice that the Phils are in first? Yeah, they lost two to the Muts but it is still early.

I almost forgot. We did make it to our first Yankee game at the new stadium. Can't complain but the new suite is not as good as the old one. Much higher off the field and the view is not great. But the beer is still free and cold. I think the Yankees even won the game.

Need to get out into the yard this weekend and finally cut the grass.

Later,
JH

Fifty to one?!?

You have to be kidding me, Mine That Bird? The only people who bet on that were betting numbers, names or colors. Run that race a hundred more times and that horse doesn't win once. Oh well, made a nice donation I guess. On to the Preakness.

Later,
JH

Kentucky Derby day

Bets are all made. With the scratch of I Want Revenge I went with Friesan Fire as my key horse. Good on an off track which is what it looks like it will be at this point.

Total outlay - $285. Need FF to win then a nice long for second and third. Could be a nice payout.

Simple syrup is made and steeping with mint. Bourbon all set to go. Mint Julep time around 5:00 .

Later,
JH

Kentucky Derby Thursday update 2

Okay, so given my schedule for the next two days as previously noted, here is the pick to win this year.

I Want Revenge

Favorite has won the last two and 3 of the last 5. I think that repeats again. Have to bet a lot on just a win to make any money as he goes off somewhere in the 2-1 range. Since betting the Derby is all about making money time to figure out which horse of 7 will finish second and make the payout worth it.

Betting strategy at this point - IWR on top of a $5 exacta with 4 or 5 horses underneath ($20 or $25 bet). Then some $1 trifectas with IWR on top and 5 horses for second and 7 or 8 for third. A bet on Flying Private for show, the 3-6-9 bet (probably exacta) and the Baffert-Lukas box exacta (IWR and Flying Private).

If I get a chance tomorrow night will update who the rest of the horses are that will hit the board. Remember bet with your head and not over it.

Later,
JH

Kentucky Derby Thursday am update

Post positions are drawn and the field is finally set. Past performances are being printed out. Lots of reading to do for the next couple of days. Two roadblocks to that, going to the Yankees tonight and have to drive to New Hamsphire tomorrow for a meeting.

Early picks for the win - I Want Revenge, Freisan Fire. Dunkirk just has not raced enough. Pioneerof the Nile looks good but doesn't have a Beyer figure over 100 but will bet him anyway as Baffert won't beat me again.

More later after lots more reading.

Later,
JH

Kentucky Derby Wednesday update

Another horse dropped out, Win Willy and a horse got in, Atomic Rain. Neither are factors.

Post position draw just finished up. It is a long race with lots of horses. Post position is not that much a factor. Big Brown won last year from the far outside post 20.

Okay on to the topic. With 20 horses involved there is only one way to guarantee having the winner. Bet on every horse to win. You won't make any money unless a real long shot wins. So, now is the time to decide who can't win or finish in the top three.

The throwouts for this year.
Post Horse Odds
4 Advice 30-1 *
14 Atomic Rain 50-1 *
12 General Quarters 20-1 *
5 Hold Me Back 15-1 *
9 Join in the Dance 50-1 *
8 Mine That Bird 50-1 *
3 Mr. Hot Stuff 30-1 *
2 Musket Man 20-1 *
18 Nowhere to Hide 50-1 *
7 Papa Clem 20-1 *
10 Regal Ransom 30-1 *
17 Summer Bird 50-1 *
1 West Side Bernie 30-1 *

That leaves 7 horses to work with for exacta and trifecta betting. Of course, the 3-6-9 bet will still be made even though two of them are throwouts. And a couple of these may make it back into a trifecta bet.

Later,
JH

Tuesday Kentucky Derby update

Square Eddie is out of the Derby. Not a big deal as he was not in the betting picture anyway.

Todays angle is the dirt versus synthetic topic. I talked about this last year. Basically horses run faster on dirt than the new synthetic surfaces. Horses can also have trouble making the transition from synthetic to dirt, this factors into the California horses since a lot of tracks out there are synthetic. The Derby is on dirt (duh). Here is a list stolen from another site of the horses and what surface they have won on.

A look at what Derby field has run (and won) over:

Dirt winners
Dunkirk*
Flying Private
Freisan Fire*
Join in the Dance
Musket Man*
Regal Ransom
Summer Bird*
Take the Points
Win Willy
*-Has also run on synthetics

Synthetic winners
*-Advice
Chocolate Candy
*-Hold Me Back
*-Mine That Bird
Mr. Hot Stuff
Pioneerof the Nile
*-has also run on dirt

Won on both
Desert Party
I Want Revenge
Papa Clem
West Side Bernie

So what does all that mean, I don't have a clue. History is short on this topic as synthetics only came in about three years ago. However, last year at the Derby, synthetic only runners did not finish better than sixth. Two horses I like early are syns only, Chocolate Candy and Pioneerof the Nile. Of course, I Want Revenge came off the syns and had two huge races on dirt in NY.

It factors in somehow but I don't have a clue how.

Later,
JH

Monday Derby update

Quality Road is out of the Derby. Guess Ian could not work his hoof magic. Too bad but he was a throw out at this point so makes it a bit easier.

Who can win - I Want Revenge, Dunkirk, Pioneerof the Nile. Friesan Fire is probably in there as well but kind of flying under the radar right now. No too much written about him so far.

Who hits the board - Chocolate Candy, Desert Party, Papa Clem, Flying Private.

More work outs this week, post draw on Wednesday. Picture starting to get a bit clearer.

Time to go scour the intarwebz some more.

Later,
JH

A week and a few hours

Regular blog readers beware, the next week of posts will only be about one thing, THE DERBY! Random blog readers, welcome back.

So, early bets to worry about. Of course, the old 3-6-9 bet. And this year for the first time in quite a while, the Baffert-Lukas bet. That of course is an exacta bet on the Baffert trained horse Pioneerof the Nile and the Lukas trained horse Flying Private. The last time I made that bet as a throwaway it paid $1300 on a $2 exacta. And guess who had it. The why is because I lost some money when they kept winning races and I didn't bet on them. So, bet the exacta just in case.

In other news, Quality Road has another quarter crack but Ian is on the case so he will probably run. Ian is a former Plainfield curler who is the best in the business at fixing hooves.

More as the week progresses.
Later,
JH

I control the universe

A rant of sorts about ice making. Eyes glazing over? Go here for a cool pic or here for cute kittens.



First off a public apology to Aaron and the entire Plainfield curling club. Sorry for besmirching your ice, I would never do that and actually didn't no matter what the rumors are saying.

Anyway, back to the topic. Seems I control the universe that is the GNCC. Pretty cool huh. Whatever I say goes. So everyone should donate $10,000 to Pittsburgh so they can build a club and 32 teams should sign up for the Golden Handle next year. Okay, now that is out of the way.

There is an email chain floating around that I have decided that all GNCC clubs should send their scraper blades for sharpening to Winnipeg and not Southern Ontario. I won't mention the firms involved. Uh yeah, not really. This grew out of an idea that was floated at the ice tech clinic last fall. Why not save on shipping by gathering blades and sending them in bulk. Great idea. So, where should they go? Well the firm in Ontario was in turmoil so rather than take a chance, send them to Winnipeg. That is what is happening. Nothing sinister, no hidden agenda, just trying to get blades sharpened.

Seems the firm in Ontario got wind of this somehow and have claimed that I am controlling the entire GNCC ice making world. {sarcasm} No blades can ever go to Ontario, they eat junior curlers and sharpen blades with rocks {/sarcasm}.

So, if you hear a rumor that I control the GNCC it is true. As such, I expect each club to send someone to us to scrape our ice every day. And I will win every bonspiel that I enter next year, you will lose any game played against me on purpose.

Later,
JH
King of the GNCC

Weekend stuff

Opened up the screen porch this morning. It is kind of a room with no heat or anything. Sticks off the living room with sliding doors to get to it. Put up plastic to protect it over the winter and that came down today. The kitten spent about an hour going from perch to perch out there and is now exhausted. Sleeping somewhere that we can't find him.

Curling on TV again this afternoon if the girls (Cathy O and Jill) make it to the final. Then we will watch, otherwise probably not.

Been listening to the woodpeckers drumming since 6:30am. A rite of spring as they mark their territory and look for a mate. They have found some really LOUD spots right outside the bedroom windows. At least it is not on the house.

Off to the club tomorrow to wash the last of the paint off the floor. Also pack up the scraper blades to send to Canada for sharpening.

Have to run out and get some beer at some point. Did you know that you can't buy beer in CT on Sunday? Been that way since the late 50s. Good thing we are a ten minute ride from NY just in case.

Later,
JH

This and that

Yes, I recycle that title for blog posts quite a bit, as my friend Coach Ray says, deal with it.

The ice is all gone at this point at the club. It did not melt as fast as I though but we had a big crew and we shoveled it all into trash cans and out the door. Now, the final cleaning is to wash the remaining paint off and get it all shiny.

On the cat front, seems we have another little problem. You know you are getting old when your cat get arthritis. Our middle one, Poodle, is at the vet. He has been really snarly lately and doesn't want to be picked up. So, to prevent a late night emergency visit we took him in today. Good news, nothing serious, just some arthritis. Probably some kind of medication to put him on to ease the pain a bit.

The Derby picture keeps getting clearer as horses keep dropping out. Looks like I Want Revenge will be at the top of the heap this year. Of course, I will not let the Baffert horse get overlooked. More on that as the time gets closer and the actual nominations occur.

Later,
JH

Another baseball voice passes

Harry Kalas, one of the voices I grew up listening to, passed away today. He and Rich Ashburn were the best announcers in the game. A sad day for Phillies fans everywhere.

Need more TVs

An almost perfect day today. Headed to the club to push some water to the drain on the finally melting ice. Home in time to watch the end of the 3-4 game, Norway vs Swiss. This afternoon is the semi final of the Men's Worlds, the Masters and the last two derby preps - Blue Grass and Ark. Derby. Then off to a fondue dinner with friends. Oh yeah and it is raining so no guilt about not doing a little yard work.

Tommorow more of the same. Head to the club in the morning to close off the heater vents to keep the birds from nesting in them. Then the Masters and the final of the Worlds. Maybe squeeze in a little yard stuff tomorrow.

Now if the Phightins' would just start to win all would be right with the world.

Later,
JH

It's frozen

So, head to the club last night to push some water down the drain and get the clean up started. Well, not so much. Seems our compressor system never went off. So, we still have ice.

We share the system with the hockey rinks next to us. The entire system is computer controlled. Guess they didn't get the settings quite right. Hopefully sometime today they will get it figured out and it will start to melt. Until then, guess people could go and skate if they wanted.

Later,
JH

It's melting

The compressor is off. The rocks are off the ice. There was skating and broom ball and a cookout. Yes, the season is finally over after an extra month when we put in early ice for September. Now the clean up starts. Push water to the drain, get the logos out of the ice and wash the floor at some point.

On the horsie scene, The Pamplemousse is out for at least six months. I Want Revenge had a huge Wood Memorial, Pioneerof The Nile looked okay in the Santa Anita. Quality Road had his Beyer figure upgraded to a 111 for the Florida Derby. Those three are on top right now. Time to start looking at who will finish strong to knock one of them off the board. And who to throw out.

The Phils weren't phightin' too good last night. Long season.

Later,
JH

It is the meltdown

This weekend brings the best harbinger of Spring. The melting of the curling ice. That starts to happen on Sunday afternoon. Before that there is a trip to Plainfield on Friday to enjoy some of the fish fry at the Squeal and a little bit of partying. Saturday night is the awards dinner for Nutmeg. We came close to winning the competitive league but my brain checked out for the last couple of games, so not so much. We did have a different team win this year, which is nice.

Saturday is also the Wood Memorial and the Santa Anita Derby. So the horsies are getting straightened out. Look out for The "grapefruit" (pamplemousse), he could be my pick in the derby.

With the ice gone, time to catch up with some none curling folk. That time of year. Catch us while you can.

Later,
JH

This and that

The Florida Derby jelled the scene for the most exciting two minutes in sports a little bit yesterday. The monster that everyone was talking about, Dunkirk, finished second. May not have enough graded stakes earnings to make the Derby. Quality Road established himself as the front runner by winning. Still a month to go so a couple more prep races. Time to start the annual research project.

The Phightin Phils open the season next Sunday against the still hated Braves. I should say the defending World Series champion Phightins'. Hamels and Utley need to get healthy soon.

The curling club is still open for another week then the best part of the season happens next Sunday. MELTDOWN! So done for this year.

Yeah, the Men's Worlds are starting this Saturday as well. Will watch a few games. Hope the US does well and Scotland wins. Just can't root for Martin.

Later,
JH

It is over

The end of curling season for me came last night, at least the physical part of throwing rocks. The mental portion ended when I got back from Utica after the Nationals. Both last week and last night at least twice I couldn't remember if I had the hammer and really didn't care.

Glad it is done at this point. Now there is nothing left except the melting of the ice in a couple of weeks. We will be attending a party where curling is happening as we are heading to the Friday night fish fry at the Bonsqueal in Plainfield. Then back to Nutmeg on Saturday for the final in house spiel and dinner (no curling). The plant goes off on that Sunday.

All that is just in time for baseball to arrive. First Yankee game in the new stadium is April 30. The phightin' Phils make a trip to the Yankees this season in May. Have to try and get tickets for that (are you reading this Mrs. JH?)

Also time to start the annual vision quest to determine who not to bet on in the Derby. If you check the posts from last year, I did pick the winner and did not bet on the winner. So watch this space for the horse I throw out and bet the house on it.

Later,
JH

She will be missed

Just back from the memorial service for Elisabeth. Elisabeth Calder Childs, now to be remembered along with Francis Dykes and Raymond Kayser. The 5 and under Women's Challenge will now be the Childs Challenge.

A wonderful, thoughtful and uplifting service. Grandkids spoke and sang. Ned and Star gave wonderful eulogies. There was a lot of laughter and some tears. Folks from near and far attended. The church was overflowing.

The altar was decorated with the things she loved the most, pansies, a curling rock and a small pine tree.

It won't be the same going to a bonspiel at Norfolk without her sitting in the warm room. Thanks for allowing us to stay at Coolwater when we visited. And yelling at us for smoking.

Rest in peace.

Almost over

The curling season is winding down. I found I had no energy to play last night. So, that is fine. Baseball will soon be starting, Kentucky Derby hype is under way and I can't wait for the ice to melt.

But it is a busy time right now. The Women's Worlds start on Saturday so will be following the girls from Canada in that. Derek and Charrissa are off to the mixed nationals so there is that to follow as well. We will be heading down to Plainfield in a couple weeks for the Friday fish fry during the squeal. Then back to the club for the final Saturday night party and turn off the ice on Sunday.

Lots of summer projects at the club which include - trying to fix the leaky boards for better flooding, setting up a wireless repeater for the warm room, installing new cameras and monitors for the near end and adjusting the far end cameras. Most of that won't start till June probably since we all need a break.

Later,
JH

What a week

Finally home. Get back from Utica and then right to the Golden Handle for the party and the finals.

Utica was great. We played well and took all the teams to last rock except for the last game against Washington. We kind of ran out of gas in the second half of that game. Not disappointed in how we played. A couple of shots here and there and we are in the playoffs. We had Illinois worried when we stole the first two ends from them.

Now to catch up on email and work and laundry.

Later,
JH

T minus one and counting

Tomorrow we load up the car and head to beautiful grey Utica. Everyone is ready. Derek is throwing some rocks since he hasn't had a chance to curl for awhile.

The drugs are all bought, lots of advil and robax. Pack the ice packs for the knees.

Practice Saturday evening at 6:30 then opening ceremonies on Sunday and first game at 4pm.

Mrs. JH will be heading up on Sunday late and probably won't make the first game. But she will be tweeting and the Nutmeg blog will probably have some entries as well.

One game at a time and one rock at a time. Throw the rock and see what happens.

Later,
JH

A good weekend

Made it to the first event final. A really good weekend of practice for the upcoming Clubs. Just couldn't quite get the rocks in the right spots in the final and finished runner up. Not bad at all.

It was fun and the boys played well especially Joel at lead. Now just have to carry that momentum to Utica this weekend. This week will be getting organized and then we leave on Saturday morning. Practice on Saturday evening and then first game is Sunday afternoon.

Also have to get out and get rid of the snow sometime later today. Maybe I better go check the long range forecast for this weekend.

Later,
JH

One down

A win in our first game. Play the second this afternoon. The first game was close, tied going to the last with hammer. Open hit to take one and the win. The boys all played really well.

Later,
JH

Team practice

Three quarters of the team are playing this weekend at Ardsley in the McKay-Douglas. It will be good to get on the ice together prior to next weekend. Derek still in Denver so he is the missing piece. They have 26 teams so should be plenty of games.

First time in years that I will be traveling back and forth for this event. Typically get a room there even though it is only 45 minutes or so. But with the big travel week coming up decided to go the cheap route.

First game is this afternoon.

Later,
JH

"new" rocks

Got to play last night for the first time since we did the rocks. Wow, what a difference. Faster, more glide and the houses are nice and lively now. The next step in the process is to try and get them matched up a little better. Have all the blueprints we did after we sanded them. Will need to go through them and see what the differences are in running surface width. Then move some handles around to get some better pairings.

If you are coming to the Golden Handle expect 24-25 second ice with about 4 feet of curl on draws. Still a little too much curl on takeouts but that will calm down as the rocks get a bit more play.

Now just have to retrain all the newbies in how to throw a handle on these rocks. Need 3 to 4 revolutions or they just wander around down the ice.

Later,
JH

It's a rant so maybe stop reading now

Warning: strong language will follow.

I hate fucking chat room trolls. I just hate them. They piss me off and get me all irate so I want to reach through my PC and yank their lungs out. The reason for my outrage:

"She has played two chumps so far...how can you say that she is the class of the field early. Lin and Clark will battle it out to see who goes winless and who gets one win."

This was in response to a post I had made at curling zone about the Women's Olympic trials. It was a short two line post that said McCormick was looking very good after two games. Then this fucking idiot decides to post the above. Of course it was an anonymous post and they didn't have the balls to post their name. Good thing cause I might be on a flight somewhere to kick their ass.

Ruined a perfectly good day. I thought about what to post in response to that for a long time. The thing about trolls is they are looking for reaction hence the name. I guess it is the nature of the beast. Any chat type site will over time become a place where dickheads will troll. Their pathetic lives are so bad that is the only way they can get some happiness.

Mission accomplished for this asshole I guess as I did finally respond. Maybe I just need a thicker skin and need to ignore the trolls.

Later,
JH

Multi-media curling

This was the day yesterday.

At the club at 7:30 to scrape, hang out to watch some of the curling to get an idea of how the rocks are now. Home for lunch, interwebz stuff and a quick nap.

Scotties comes on at 3:00 so have to watch that of course. US trials start at 6:00 so Mrs is following on the crackberry. Scores and tweets from Derek.

Dinner, another quick nap. Scotties back on at 10:00 with Team Canada playing. Mrs. following the men's trials games on the crackberry. Jennifer Jones steals two in some end at midnight so I can go to bed.

Today will be much the same. Watching the Scotties, following twitter, listening to the audiocast from the Trials and also have to run up to the club for an ice committee meeting.

Derek is also posting on the Nutmeg blog from the Trials if you are interested.

All curling all the time at for the next week or so.

Later,
JH

A rousing success

Went to the club this morning to scrape and watch the first game with the reconditioned rocks.

What a difference, more speed, more glide to the rocks and the houses are more reactive.

Will wait to see what happens after a few more games and layers of pebble but hard to believe it will slow down much. Most of the Nutmeggers on the ice where throwing draws through the house for the first couple of ends. A good sign that it is much faster.

Can always add some more curl now that we have the speed but won't do that till next year.

Later,
JH

Adventures in ice making

Tonight starts the big adventure for Nutmeg. We are "doing" the rocks. What that means is we are attempting to get more speed out of them and perhaps a bit more curl. How is that done? By applying a bit of sandpaper to the bottom of the rock in just the right fashion. We have a couple of experts coming in to show us the technique and do all the rocks.

Finally got to prove to certain doubters that "it is not the ice" which has been my mantra for two years. The doubters borrowed a good stone from Canada and then a bunch of people threw it. Guess what, it was a whole lot faster than our rocks.

So off to the club tonight for a few hours of rock work. Even if we can get a extra second of speed that would be great. Crossing my fingers.

Later,
JH

By popular demand

Well maybe not "popular" but there was one comment about pictures of the other cats. This is the old lady of the house, Bonspiel. We think she is around 18 years old or so. This is the first picture in many years with her eyes open.

This is the former kitten who is now 10. Snickle is his official name but we call him Poodle. Have no idea where that came from but that is what he answers to.

New picture on right of the kitten in mid-leap. One of his favorite games, I throw the mouse which is in the lower left corner and he leaps after it. A lot of times he catches it in mid-air.

Later,

JH

Lots of curling coming up

The season of champions time of the year has arrived. That means there is a whole bunch of curling on TV and the internet. I have a feeling that next week I won't get a lot of work done and will be moving my laptop in front of the TV.

Starting on Saturday are the US Olympic trials with Nutmeg's own Charrissa playing for a spot in Vancouver. Also starting on Saturday is the Canadian Women's championship, also known as the Scotties. The Scotties will be on the dish so will be watching Cathy O and Team Jones try to defend their title from last year.

On the US side, Team Lin starts the trials on Saturday as well. Loyal fan and husband Derek will be in Denver and will be audiocasting some of the action over the web. For the first time, the semi finals and finals will be broadcast live on Universal Sports. We get that channel on the cable system so will be watching that as well.

Of course, I happen to be at a bonspiel during all of the semi final and final action. Good thing they have satellite at Ardsley. Will be recording the US games for later viewing. With both the Scotties and the Trials being in the West will make for some late nights of viewing.

Later,
JH

"Back" from Norfolk

Well, we won the first event but lost a player in the process. Mrs. JH's back did not hold up for the final. She threw one rock and went down on the ice. Good thing 1 of 4 was still there as she went and got geared up and played the rest of the game. We won the game pretty handily and captured the Childs cup. The event is named for Elisabeth and there was a moving tribute to her before the final.

Fun was had by all especially our group as we closed the bar both nights. With only ten teams at the spiel there was no Saturday night curling which really made the event low key. Hopefully next year they can do something to attract more teams.

Nice to have today off from work with just normal stuff to do. Hopefully gonna get a practice game in tonight with the guys. Also playing in the McKay-Douglas with 3/4 of the Nationals team in a couple of weeks.

Later,
JH

Off to Norfolk

This weekend is the Norfolk mixed which is a great event and a little sad with only 10 teams playing. Also, this will be the first visit to Norfolk since Elisabeth passed. It wont be the same without her watching from the warm room.

Coach Ray and Mrs. Coach make their first appearance of the year on the ice. DC will also be there and he will be playing with 1 of 4 from the Coach Ray brood who is in town for some reason. I predict there may be some late nights spent in the bar at the club. Good to help out Norfolk financially.

Even get Monday off as a holiday to recover. First time in 20 years I think I have had President's day off. I get one extra holiday a year which moves around based on the calendar.

Later,
JH

Enough with the snow

More effing snow. Just enough in the forecast that we had to cancel curling last night and then we don't get that much. That sucks.

The Club Nationals (cool) draw is up at the USCA site. The big rematch against Potomac happens on Wed. at 4pm. We got seeded eighth which is pretty much what we expected. Now to surprise some folks and win a few games.

Off to Potomac Friday morning by Amtrak, a new adventure.

Later,
JH

Weekend wrapup with a Monday bonus

The GNCC Senior Men's Championship completed at Nutmeg on Sunday. Winning rink was from Philadelphia with Rod Waters and Tony Steiert. They had a great game against Stu Graves from Broomstones. This is the 55 and over group and it was the 25th time that Rod has played in it (do the math). Damn, I hope I can still drink beer without a straw at that age.

Sunday night was the super bowl party for Nutmeg and a small birthday celebration for this here blogger. Yep, another year above ground.

Today was interesting. Mrs. JH has a VP coming in on Thursday to go on sales calls with her. So we did a little driving to figure out the route and times. CT to LaGuardia to NJ and back. Just 4 hours or so in the car, nice way to spend a Monday. She gets to do it all over again on Thursday and then get home whenever. Then we have to get ready to catch the train to Maryland on Friday morning.

Heading down to Potomac for the GNCC Mixed Championship. Derek and Charrissa are playing and somehow Mrs. got talked into being the GNCC Chair of the Mixed. So, we will be heading down to watch and email results and blog about it over here.

Just getting ready for the snow tomorrow and the rest of the week will be quiet. Except for maybe the panic calls on Thursday from someone who is lost in NJ.

Later,
JH

Stuff and stuff

Spent most of Tuesday digging out from under the pile of email. Work stuff, Nationals (cool) stuff, ice stuff, other stuff. Then I decide to come down with a really nice head cold. I blame Derek, can't be the skips fault ;-)

Spent a lot of the week looking for team jackets. You wouldn't think it would be that hard. But with the short turnaround we are limited to something local or at least in the US. Too bad, Performance had a really nice jacket but just can't risk a hold up at the border. I remember Mrs. JH taking 3 months to get a pair of curling shoes across the border. Think we settled on an Adidas jacket at this point.

GNCC Senior Men's happening at the club right now. Haven't been there yet but will be tomorrow and Sunday.

What else. Trying to get the driveway cleared. Lots of ice so a little at a time as it melts a bit.

Sunday is the Nutmeg super bowl party where we have fun and almost watch the game. Guess I will root for the Steelers. Lots of friends in Pittsburgh and who cares about the other team (Cardinals?). Can you tell I really follow football.

Sunday is also another step closer to Super Seniors or Masters or whatever they call over 55 curling. Yep, it is the birth day. Another orbit around the sun as Coach Ray or DC might say. Hey, at least I won't be the oldest skip at Club Nationals. There is actually someone older than me there.

Challenge round curling happening as well. Just watching the results and not really rooting for anyone except Dean and Sandra. Have to support the East after all since we don't have clue how to curl. Except if you happened to notice that three of the teams in the Women's Olympic Trials are from the East (Lank, Brown and of course Charrissa).

And the cats, one is currently howling for dinner. The one that stopped eating a while ago.

Later,
JH

We make it, finally

Finally the Club Playdowns have ended. Lots of tiebreakers and the playoffs got moved to Monday. We lost the championship game to Chris and the Potomac boys after Chris made a great shot in the ninth for a three spot. Needed to score two in the tenth to tie and just never got rocks in the right spot.

But we won the next game and got the second spot to Nationals. That is so cool to type, after all these years I finally get to a Nationals. It was a really long weekend but in the end we won the games we had to and made it. The goal was six wins and that is what we had.

Now we have to get team jackets and get some practice time in before Utica. But first a little rest as I am looking to get a sub for curling tonight. Last thing I want to do right now is throw a rock.

Congrats to Chris, Mike, Ron and Michael for winning the GNCC Club Championship again. We will see you in Utica.

Later,
JH

One more

Hopefully just one more game to play. Championship finals at 8:00am Monday. Rematch of last year.

Throw the rock and see what happens.

Later,
JH

Northward bound

Well, not that far really, just up to Broomstones for the weekend starting tomorrow. Off to the USCA Club National Playdowns or the fake nationals as we call it. First game is Thursday afternoon at 4:00. Have to get the old, creaky knees ready for at least 6 games. And ten ends, 4 extra rocks to throw and practice before the game, more rocks. Hopefully I got that many in me. Already planning to pack lots of drugs, all legal of course (or at least they are in Canada).

Mrs. may pop up on Saturday or not or may head down to Plainfield for the Saturday night haggis party or not.

Later,
JH

Very sad news

Elisabeth Childs has passed away, we have lost a great soul.

Elisabeth opened her home to hundreds over the years so they had a place to stay during bonspiels in Norfolk. She was always present in the warm room to watch games when she could no longer curl. Any trip to Norfolk included a stop at the house to say hello.

She will be greatly missed by many.

Condolences to the entire Childs family.

Iran and Pakistan? Really?

At the bottom of the post is the list of the countries that visited here from the sitemap. I have no idea if it is accurate or not, could be some secret CIA plot using multiple routers to track the cats.

Why do they come here? Thailand - cats (delicious), Brazil - curling since they are challenging the US for a Worlds spot (leave Todd an inturn draw), GB, which I guess includes Scotland - ice (maybe internet friend John), Canada - lots of friends up there and some blogs I follow including this guy, Finland - maybe Markku (my favorite male curler), Norway - maybe Dordi (my favorite female curler).

The US is of course the big total. Besides Coach Ray and DC (who always get linked so not this time) there is Texas Dan, plovers, and a bunch of lurkers (PM from MN, MF from MD). There is also a bunch from California, no idea.

Anyway, here is the list, draw your own conclusions.
United States (US) 2,015
Canada (CA) 129
United Kingdom (GB) 19
Sweden (SE) 6
Finland (FI) 6
Austria (AT) 3
Pakistan (PK) 2
Brazil (BR) 2
Mexico (MX) 2
Portugal (PT) 1
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA) 1
France (FR) 1
Norway (NO) 1
Germany (DE) 1
Spain (ES) 1
Romania (RO) 1
Italy (IT) 1
Bermuda (BM) 1
Thailand (TH) 1
Philippines (PH) 1
Venezuela (VE) 1
Singapore (SG) 1
Argentina (AR) 1
Guatemala (GT) 1
India (IN) 1
Chile (CL) 1
Australia (AU) 1
Puerto Rico (PR) 1
Jamaica (JM) 1
Iran, Islamic Republic of (IR) 1

Dry spell

Just like Coach Ray and sometimes DC, my muse seems to have left for the moment. Although DC usually has an excuse like vacation.

It was a boring week, what can I say. The most exciting thing was the possibility of new drinking vessels that may be available.

The weekend, a bit of a practice with the club playdown team. Football I guess, although not a big fan. Golf is on again now, so maybe on Sunday afternoon. Guess it is the winter doldrums. I could take some pictures of the cats sleeping, which is what they do best. Could always start on the basement cleaning but it is a bit cold down there.

Guess I will just wait for the next snow storm to arrive on Monday.

Later,
JH

Curling watching weekend

So, as expected, watched a whole bunch of curling this weekend which included Friday afternoon and Monday morning. Even caught a little bit of the skins on TSN since Ardsley has a satellite system.

After the dust settled, Charrissa and team make it to the Trials in Denver. Did a bunch of blogging over here while I was down there watching. Too bad Derek lost out or we could have had two Nutmeggers heading to the Trials. Pretty exciting anyway.

On top of all that of course we get more snow and ice which I finally got to get out of the driveway today.

Next up, club playdowns. Thirteen mens team headed to Broomstones in a couple of weeks. As long as Derek and I can avoid extra end games we should be okay.

Later,
JH

So much to do

Between following the regional Trials on the web and watching Twitter while trying to squeeze in some work. Have a feeling that the blogging might drop off a bit this week and weekend.

We are heading down to Ardsley tonight to catch some of the action. Maybe I can talk Mrs. into bringing a laptop and I can do some live blogging. Maybe not.

Huge game happening right now at TCC - Fenson vs Mellerup. Should be interesting, wish I could be there for that one.

Still haven't taken down all the Christmas decorations yet either. That will get done at some point, maybe tomorrow. Saturday is out as we are heading to Ardsley probably early to beat the snow. Then staying down there overnight. Oh well, guess there is always Sunday afternoon.

The kitties have all returned to normal, thanks for asking. If anyone has a cat with liver issues, try some of the OTC stuff called SAM-e from Nature Made. Seems it really helps, just a quarter of tablet (50mg) once a day is supposed to keep their liver in order.

Later,
JH

All is well

Snickle is home. He came home on Friday. He is eating and seems much better. So, that is over for now.

We are also home after the long New Years weekend in LBI. Pretty sure we will be returning to that house for the fall. Really nice place.

Finally got a team together for the Club Playdowns. Registered this morning and we are set.

Olympic trials start this week and we will be heading to Ardsley to support the locals.

Now just trying to get back into the swing of work and such.

Later,
JH