"Out on the road, out on the road, I'm Willy Loman, I'm Tom Joad, Vladimir and Estragon, Kerouac and Genghis Khan..." Loudon Wainwright III

So we had bought the concert tickets months ago, and who would guess that the concert would be the same night as the opening round of the 2013 Boys State Soccer Tournament in Jamestown. As it is a school night we decided to skip soccer and go to a real live show. None other than a couple of my guitar singer/songwriter heroes. The opening act at the Belle was Loudon Wainwright III, who played all new music (from what will be close to album 20) and recited a couple of long pieces that were written by his father for Life magazine, and proved to be great setups for songs. I first saw him 27 years ago at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, and, yeah, he can't sing as well as he used to, and the playing isn't nearly as crisp (or complicated) but the sense of humor and storytelling were still there.

The headliner was Mr. Leo Kottke. He is really showing the wear and tear of aging, with what looks like arthritis and/or nerve damage to his right hand, and a pretty big decline in vocal skills. But still a great raconteur with stories that tease you and then deliver punchlines that are humorous and often moving. The twins were impressed with both characters but Kottke's skill and technique wowed them the most. I wish they could have seen him 30 years ago when his playing was at the peak - breathtaking.

Pretty small crowd, hope they do better in Fargo tomorrow night. We'll be off to Jamestown where BHS takes on West Fargo at 5:00 and Century meets Minot (upset 3-2 winners over Shanley in double overtime) in the Patriots quest for a three peat.

The photo is Loudon in the glare of the spotlights, Leo requested no photos or video so I honored that.

"...just give me one extra season, so I can figure out the other four." John Prine

Having some trouble keeping up with all the stuff. Busy with work and family, everybody really busy. Didn't post on Mentahnas or Varsity Reserve soccer, or Hunter's recent master class, or the fact that the basement is 99% done except for the furnishing. My 3 car garage is still a one car garage and I do not want to put much of that back in the basement.

Oh let's see... a month ago we got hailed out and the check from insurance company won't pay half of the bill... this weekend we got big wet heavy snow but only 3-4 inches and not the 18" they got in Hettinger, ND. The Republicans in Congress really are trying to drown the government in the bathtub, and my place of work just celebrated its 40th year of existence; I have been present for the last 22.

So Planet goes off to college

The fateful day has come and gone. Dropped him off in some staggering heat, met the roommate and family, went to the ceremony, tearful goodbyes. Earthgirl took it particularly hard and has slowly been adjusting to an emptier nest.

However, due to the modern world, we have been able to facetime and text message most days. He is really liking his classes and found out last Wednesday that he is the Concertmaster for the Concordia College Orchestra. We are very proud and super excited for him. They have an SD, MT, ND concert tour in late October so we'll get a chance to see them play.

Luke and Will have really made the adjustment to Century HS very well. They are liking most of their classes and teachers, and are playing soccer on the Varsity Reserve. More updates as they come in.

Now that's something to celebrate!

Some photos from summer soccer

Summer means soccer...

Luke and Will finished up summer school 10th grade Biology last weeks with A's and then it was off to Brookings, South Dakota for the last weekend tournament of the summer. They missed Blaine because of Grandpa Tom's burial but were a big part of the Championship run through the Tri-Cities tourney in Fargo at the end of June.

They won handily over Sioux Falls Friday by a score of 7-0. Saturday morning they beat Norfolk Nebraska 2-1 though it wasn't really close. Sunday morning they beat host team Brookings 3-1 to set the stage for the Norfolk Rematch at noon on Sunday.

There were a couple of issues. 2 players who said they were coming didn't make it clear that they would only be available Friday night, Saturday the goalkeeper injured his thumb so William was in goal for the first time in years in a Championship game. It was not pretty as he got chipped with an absolutely beautiful ball at a tough angle 2 minutes in, and then got rolled up, hurt his knee, and let another in, and then went out for a ball but didn't secure it and the next thing we know it is 3-1 and 11 minutes have gone by. Final score was 3-2 Norfolk, but with 1 sub and two injured goalies it was a surprisingly close game.

There is a slight chance of summer...

A successful pig roast (and open house for the soon to be graduate)

So eleven hours of cold and driving rain and smoke and we produced one fine roast pig, which easily fed the numerous guests at the basement open house.

Here is the finished product still on the grill.

And here is a short video from my phone from 10:00 SUNDAY MORNING in the pouring rain.

How about just a little cooperation?

Joe My God! Mother Nature is just bound and determined to compensate for the drought in a single weekend. I'm trying to get ready to start the grill but it is pouring rain and thunder and lightning and I think I'll wait a couple of hours. a nap would be the sensible thing...

Here is a picture I've never posted before of Hunter and me from about 18 1/2 years and 50 pounds ago.

Spring Baseball winding down - and another career

So here we are winding down Hunter's high school baseball career. It has been a fun, if not particularly successful, season for him. He has been playing very well defensively, but the hitting has been rough.

He handles the pitchers well and always has that positive attitude. You can tell the other players enjoy it when he is in the game. Century is a very young team and his leadership is important.

And, of course, what is small town ball if not doing your own groundskeeping???

There will be another post soon as tomorrow is his high school graduation Open House at La Casa del Shorty. In case you haven't heard, we are roasting a hog and having pulled pork sandwiches with sauce from my favorite barbecue spot in South Carolina. Come and join us!

Rites of Spring

It was Will's turn yesterday as he received his "President's Academic Excellence Award." He has worked hard this year and the GPA shows it. Photo quality a little sketchy - as in from my iPhone.

This last one is from Municipal Ballpark. I wonder how many fields in America have a Cathedral for a 3rd base foul pole marker, and can see the State Capitol in Centerfield? A beautiful day for baseball.