The Last Word...

Marilyn Monroe born this day in 1926. Lou Gehrig began his career as a Yankee starter after first baseman Wally Pipp complained of a headache to manager Miller Huggins. 2,130 consecutive games later...

Initially the plan was to take Mom to watch a baseball game. Only problem being she's allergic to the sun and she has issues with wind and dry air. So instead, I did the right thing. This afternoon was spent doing the family thing as the winds roared.

I have now resided in North Texas for seven going on eight years. This is the first time I have dealt with the phenomenon of high heat, dry air, and heavy wind gusts. Since this calendar year falls on the same days as 1980 and since the summer of '80 was the hottest on record in Texas, I asked a few people if this is how it was the weeks leading into June 1980. The answer I keep hearing is 'this is rare what we are seeing.' I remember being in Chicago in the summer of 1980 and remember the reports of North Texas getting above 100 70 days and not getting below 80. Weirder still was watching the Cowboys annihilate the Seahawks 51-7 on Turkey Day 11/27/80. Guess who the Cowboys play on that very same date this year? History always finds a way of repeating. This is why I can never forget!

One non-sports observation I am happy to share with you: Numerous times this afternoon stories were being exchanged within the family that you actually believe happened just a few years ago when in truth we were going back almost 30 years. I am also guessing that when you look at family you want to view them as you best remember them-young, alive, and vibrant. All that is applicable when speaking upon issues of character. The fact is my darling sister is nearing that age of retirement in sports (unless you pursue politics) and Mom has now turned 26 for an umpteenth time. There is never enough time to play catchup and ones personal interests change. That's life! We did have fun going down memory lane where once again I let Mom have the last word :) ...

The US Open is now less than two weeks away. I will watch that with complete attention span. Tomorrow I will have camera and clubs ready for the annual work golf tourney to benefit the Texas Youth Baseball association. Jeff Russell and Brian James are the leaders of that endeavor. For the second year in a row we shall play aty the Great Southwest Country Club in Arlington. My partner in crime Sara will also be along to what she does best. It's going to be 97 and hot. I look forward to my once a year duffing of the ball...

A 67 pitch 9 run 7th inning gave the Rangers a colossal beatdown to the A's on getaway day 14-6. Jamey Wright just didn't have it. Still above .500 with the Tribe in town for four. I look forward to watching Cliff Lee, CC Sabathia, and Rafael Carmona do their thing.

To a great month!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will