Kiera's Second T-Ball Practice (August 29, 2009)

Saturday was Kiera's 2nd T-Ball practice and we were all there. Some of the same friends from Blastball but the difference is obvious. Jumping on the base no longer results in the "honk," there is much more running, and the field has grown. Her first run to first base resulted in the jump on the bag; a habit from last year. In any event, it was a fun time and we are all eager for the games.

Kiera - Waiting for the ball?

Aaron - Peeking around the fence.
Rebbecca - Into the "game."
Samantha - Watching the action.
Rebbecca and Gianna - ?!
Matthew - Checking the field play (which field though?)
Aaron - Hiding from the camera.
Gianna - When's it my turn to bat?
Gianna - Please, none of this kissing in public!
Gianna -It tickles.
Sheila - A Daabo's pride.
Kiera - Ready to bat (and that's no propeller on the helmet.)
Kiera - Eye on the ball.
Kiera - If you guessed a pink bow, you're right (thanks Aunt Sam).
Kiera -Whack!
Aaron - Nice hit Kiera!
Gianna -I don't want to look - tell me, is she safe or is she out?
2nd Baseman - Oh Boy! Does this mean we all have to wear pink ribbons on our helmets?
Gianna - Can I look yet?
Gianna - I knew she'd make it home!!! We Steketee girls are tough!
Gianna - Ahhh. I think I'll take a little nap.
Rebbecca - Oh no you won't!
How does he think he can play without a glove? He better be careful or he might be substituted for 2nd base (and not as a player).
There were friends for Kiera all around.
...til later.

Skins (Patriots) August 28, 2009 (Preseason)

A little diversion for Sheila and me as the Nats were on a road trip: a Redskins game. The Skins played the Patriots in their third preseason game and played them well before losing on a field goal in the closing minutes, 27-24. Our seats were high and the "lens" was left at home limiting me to a PS camera. The pics are not the action type but give a flavor of our evening (night).

They must have known I was coming as the fellow in front of us had his cap properly adjusted and turned toward me. Go Nats!

Although there was plenty of "Go Skins" cheering at the game and much excitement, the final score was a disappointment following a well played game.
On leaving the stadium here is a view of the parking lots and car exodus. We had a distance to walk and by the number of cars already leaving it was clearly not our intent to hurry.
Back at the car with the stadium in the background. It was a walk - but a wonderful night.
...til later.

Nats (Brewers) August 24, 2009

A few pics from the August 24, 2009, Nats and Brewers game at the Park. The Nats lost 7-1.

Starting pitcher for the Nats was Collin Balester. He is another of the younger SPs at 23.

Another pic of Balester.
Another...
and another.
This is a pic of Ryan Braun, the Milwaukee Left Fielder, who is having a great year. His BA is at .310 and he is 3rd in the league in Runs; 4th in the league in RBIs; and 2nd in hits. He hits for power and is a key player in the Brewers lineup. Braun was also an All Star player this year.
Another pic of Nyjer Morgan, fast becoming a fan favorite. This was before his broken hand put him on the DL.
Ryan Zimmerman at first with Prince Fielder, both of whom were All Stars this year.
Josh Willingham at bat.
Prince Fielder at bat. Fielder is 4th in the NL with 36 HRs.
Prince Fielder and Adam Dunn at 1B.
Willie Harris moving quickly on a fly ball to left field.
The catch was made at the wall and the ball can be seen in the webbing. Great play.
A closer view. Notice the taut forearm. There's no limit to the conditioning...
Rob Dibble, one of the Nats' MASN TV announcers in his booth.
Mike Morse running between second and third. He was received by the Nats in exchange for Ryan Langerhans from the Seattle Mariners and spent a month+ in Syracuse (the Nats AAA minor league team) before being called up to Washington. Morse is 27 and although a utility fielder plays mostly IF positions.
...til later.

Prince William Forest Park (August 15, 2009)

Needing some exercise and not having visited the Prince William Forest Park for years, Sheila and I headed to the south end of the county on a Sunday afternoon two weeks ago for some easy trail hiking; emphasis on easy. The park contains some 15,000 acres and is really a "hidden" jewel in Prince William County. The area has a long history in the county and much of the attention was attributed to its proximity to Quantico Creek. In the 1930s, the area began drawing national attention. In 1935, 11,000 acres of what is now the park was set aside as the Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area. The area then became a project of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps - for you non historians and youngsters) which set up camps for children and engaged in logging and crushing on-site rock, among other things. In 1936 the National Park Service turned its eye on the property and began accumulating additional parcels which now comprises the full Park. In the 1940s the OCS (Office of Strategic Studies - precursor to the CIA) used the park land for the training of spies. Well, that was yesterday. Today the Park provides 37 miles of hiking trails, bicycle trails, and camping. You can fish in the Park (even trout - although I've not tried it). Again, it's a "hidden" jewel.

Nevertheless, we just wanted a trail; an easy one at that. We picked the Turkey Run Ridge Trail which was only about a mile and half with gentle undulations - meaning no steep inclines!

The trail begins in the area of the Turkey Run Education Center and begins with a descent; meaning that the return is an ascent. The planning obviously wasn't foolproof.

It was sunny and warm, almost hot or so it seemed by the time we finished.
It looks black but our trail marks were actually blue.
Sheila on the descent.
Stooping to avoid a cobweb.
Nearing the point of no return.
Again, the Park Service leaves the dead wood and debris as it falls or, in this case, stands. Seems like some chewing has taken place on the bottom portion although we saw no animals on the trek including - no turkeys. No comment please.
Although not marked, I have to believe this was the Turkey Run.
At the end, it was nice to sit and rest. Cooler weather and we'll be back for more.
...til later.