ODDS, ENDS & UPDATES

HOORAY! CUBS WIN!!!!

Did any of you watch that World Series Game 7 last night? That was one for the ages - a dramatic, emotional, roller coaster ride of a baseball game!  All I can say is, "Wow! And Double Wow!"

What more could a baseball fan ask for? The Cubs hadn't won in 108 years, the Indians hadn't won in 68 years. The game was tied & went into the tenth inning. A Cleveland starting pitcher came in as a reliever for three innings after pitching two days before. A Chicago reliever threw ninety pitches over three consecutive games - unheard of in the baseball world. Players stepped up time & time again until finally the Cubs were victorious.

I love my Giants & we've had quite a ride for the past six years with three World Series titles (which I certainly hope isn't over yet!) but if we had to lose this year, at least we lost to the World Champions!  Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs' organization, players & fans - you all earned every bit of it!  And to the Cleveland Indians - you put up a hell of a fight, hold your heads high! Your time will come.

PAUL'S BOOTS REVISITED

A couple months ago I posted the story of Paul's Boots - my best friend, M'Lynn's, tribute to her Australian husband. To refresh your memories, Paul passed away a year ago July while planning to hike the Appalachian Trail. Although both he & M'Lynn knew he would never make the 2000+ mile trek, she had the idea of finding some hikers to carry his boots along the trail.

Her idea snowballed into REI getting involved & filming a documentary about Paul's Boots on the trail. The 37 minute film is currently on Netflix & the You Tube video has over 165,000 views as of tonight! Go to www.youtube.com & search for "Paul's Boots" to watch it. It is truly remarkable but make sure you have a box of tissues handy. M'Lynn & I email every few days with the latest count of viewers....just amazing how this has played out.

REI flew M'Lynn & Paul's brother, Arthur, to Maine for the conclusion of the months long journey of Paul's Boots. Arthur carried his boots the final five miles up steep terrain while cramping up & struggling but he refused to give up. It was Arthur's first time overseas & his first time in the U.S.

I had the pleasure of meeting Arthur when I drove up to Reno to visit M'Lynn at her family reunion. REI graciously agreed to fly them home to Australia from Reno so M'Lynn could spend a few days visiting with her family who she had not seen in person in 18 years. If you haven't watched the documentary, I promise you that it will be 37 minutes well spent. The stories of the hikers are inspiring & moving. REI did a magnificent job of producing this film & M'Lynn did an incredible job of bringing to fruition her loving gesture for Paul.

CATCHING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS

Finally, I just want to say a few words about one of the good things about growing older. At the age of 66, I can say that I have had friendships that date back 45 years. Having a history with people who have been in your life for decades is a warm, comforting feeling.

This past weekend Lou & I drove up to Virginia City, Nevada, (about 2-1/2 hours) to reconnect with an "old jumper friend", Dave, who I had not seen in around 25 years. My ex-husband was a skydiver & we literally spent every weekend at the drop zone for many years when I was in my early 20s. There were so many people who I felt a close kinship with - M'Lynn was initially a skydiving friend.

Anyway, Dave is having some health issues (getting old sucks in that respect) & we have been saying via email that we should get together sometime. I finally said, "Sometime is now." Dave & his wife, Breck, opened a Kettle Corn shop in downtown Virginia City & moved there a few years ago. We had a great visit & reminisced about the good old days.

It was a very special day - AND their Caramel Corn is to die for!  Dave even made me some of their special Chocolate Caramel Corn.  If you are ever in Virginia City stop by & check it out. They give free samples!