Friday Night Basketball

After work on Friday night, the C came up with the kids and we got something to eat and just hung out. We were going to to play basketball but that fell through - something about the gym needing the right insurance paperwork - so we decided to head over the high school gym where Newberg was in the second round of the OSAA basketball tourney against my mom's alma mater, Clackamas. On our way into the gym, we ran into a few friends. We sat by some more. It felt like we were part of a community. Then we watched Newberg fight back from a rough first half to win, 57-54, and move on to the Elite 8 of the 6A tourney. The crowd was standing room only and the students were crazy. A couple of times I got caught up in the emotion, as I can do, and made loud comments and yelled, especially after Taylor Braun's (tall player in picture) two-handed throw down. Bam!!! Got to love supporting the home team...

The morning started off early with a stop in back at the high school. This time, not for basketball, but for Cassie's "Solo Ensemble." This is where students play their instruments for judges for grading and insight into how to play better. I was proud of Cassie. She worked hard at preparing and put forth her best effort. The only issue I had was calling the event a "Solo Ensemble." Solos can't be an ensemble. I know that it is a gathering of solos but it is like saying "Lone Rangers." Next.

This was the last Saturday to ride before Solvang. So I headed out into the 40 degree weather with a 50 percent chance of rain for a five hour tour. It ended up being a 4 hour 20 minute tour due to just being cold. There was very little rain but plenty of wind and cold. My legs still are feeling the after effects but I think I am ready for the first ride of the season. It's going to be a hard focusing at work this week. I'll be thinking about getting to SoCal for the ride and a bit of vacation with the family.

We watch this show called "Friday Night Lights." It is a story about a small town in Texas. I just watch it to remind me of Texas. Don't get me wrong, I realize that TV shows are not reality. I don't watch the show and say that's how it is. I watch and remember. I miss San Antonio and my Texas license plate on my truck. I miss the pace and the people - not that Oregon is a bad place to be and I really love my job - it is just not Texas!