After almost a full day at the park, we're back in our motel room--tired, but glad to be back here.  Here's a synopsis of our day:

First of all, when we arrived at the park, I was extremely surprised--this was no ordinary park for a kids' tournament.  It was (is) fantastic!  Besides the normal baseball fields, there was a playground for the little ones, with special "flooring" that would protect the kids from harm should they fall.  Channie had a blast there!

The next things we noticed was that there was a restaurant-type room, huge, surrounded by glass, and with a variety of food items and drinks.  There were tv's all around the dining area with various programs (mostly sports) on them.  NO FOOD OR DRINKS were allowed in ice chests or any other form, so all foods and drinks had to be purchased, but their prices were pretty good--and the servings were rather large.  Best of all, though, was that it was air conditioned and the seats were very comfortable.  This, of course, was my favorite place, and soon to be the fav of most of the adults there.

Next, we noticed that the dugouts for the boys were true DUGOUTS--just like professional teams.  Of course, that presented a problem when the rains came, 'cuz the dugouts had water in them.  The first game that our boys played had to be stopped two or three times because of the rain, but they managed to do OK.  The game ended in a tie score, but that's OK.  Their second game, played right after the first (but a couple of hours late because of the rain) was not as well played.  They lost this one rather badly, but they gave it their best--and that's what counts.

We haven't gotten the schedule for tomorrow, but they will play probably in the morning.  Exactly how we will handle the day hasn't yet been decided.  Randi and I just do what they tell us, so.....

On to other things:  When we got back to our room, I noticed that the garbage was still in the kitchen and the wet towels were still in the bathroom.  I checked at the desk, and WE have to empty our own garbage and we have to bring our dirty towels to the desk for them to give us more.  This has never happened to me in a motel before, but what are you gonna do!

Randi was pretty bored most of the day, but I think she's OK with that.  It makes for a long day when all you do is sit around and watch a game that you're really not interested in.  I, on the other, am very tired, but I enjoy watching the kids play, so I think I had a better day.

I spoke with Sid a couple of times today, and he was also bothered by rains.  Well, we've been asking for rain--and we're getting it.  He wasn't able to accomplish what he wanted, but he'll try again tomorrow. Our mower did get fixed, though, and that's a big thing.

Well, not much else going on here right now, so---Have a great evening and a wonderful tomorrow.

"Sports do not build character.  They reveal it."   --Heywood Broun

NOTE:  If there is one thing I have noticed--for the most part--at these tournaments is the way the kids treat each other.  So, from that point of view, I am sure that these young boys are developing into fine men.  So many times today, I heard those "magic words" of "please, thank you, you're welcome"--I also saw many of these young people helping the little ones who were playing around the area, including our little one--helping them on the slides, on the bleachers, and wherever.  I was proud to see that!