Woolly End Renovations

Today started another renovation project at "Woolly End" House.  The whole indoors is dusty and messy from the tear out of the carpet and the beginning of installing real wood floors, 2 3/4, 4 and 5 inch boards, tongue and groove.  Of course there was the proverbial "discovery" of an anomaly that the original wood floors in the dining room and kitchen were 1/8 of an inch higher than the new floor, requiring another visit to Home Depot for a 1/8 inch underlayment.  But we are underway and halfway through the install of the living room at this writing.  Numerous obstacles have arisen like the stone fireplace trim was not quite 3/4" above the subflooring, some of the lumber was warped, etc., etc.  Normal stuff.  It may be months before we are truly finished but we are started!

My Favorite Sergeant - Jonathan Fiore

Jonathan was promoted to sergeant this past week (effective July 1).  When he was a groomsman in a military wedding this weekend, I took some photos of him in his uniform and his medals!  We're proud of him.

Branch B. Rickey

Speaking of Baseball, Commissioner Selig has announced his retirement effective 2012.  As a result of that announcement, several names will be mentioned as his potential successor.  One of those, Brian Ross, Sr. Editor, of Minor League Baseball News postulates in his article that the President of the Pacific Coast League, Branch B. Rickey, who is commonly called "Branch Rickey, III," is an apt candidate.  Brian's assessment of Branch, as a great visionary and good for baseball, is one in which I heartily agree.  Branch's reputation is one of honor, integrity and grace; his values -- truth, excellence and fair play; and his training, from his grandfather and father's knees -- teething on baseball, weaning on history and learning compassion, equity, and dependability towards his fellowman (and woman).

I have been blessed to call him my "boss" and to be considered his colleague and right-hand in his work as the President of the Pacific Coast League.

Minor League Baseball News - MLB Commissioner

2009 Baseball Winter Meetings - Indianapolis

Baseball held its Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana December 7-10, 2009.  What an amazing choice -- northern city, with skywalks connecting the hotels, shopping, restaurants.  A clean city with a dusting of true winter but most enjoyable for the variety of venues close in to the Convention Center. 

Two highlights for me were the Indianapolis Art Museum with its juried paintings, sculptures and glass exhibits which include a Monet, several Gaugins, a Remington and two Chihuly vases.  My favorite by far was the Benson painting, Sunlight.  A woman standing and shielding her face from the sun bathed in white light.

The second was the Soldiers Memorial where toy soldiers stood guard over the light strewn monument.  At night the buildings to either side had a pyramid of green rectangles topped with golden stars.

St. Petersburg

The Pacific Coast League held its Fall Meetings in St. Petersburg, Florida in mid-October.  Minor League Baseball University, held at MiLB Headquarters, and the PCL GM Seminar, held at the Renaissance Hotel, were the two integral parts to the continuing education process.  Each club in the 16 team league led a 10 - 15 minutes segment on a topic of interest.  Some of the ideas included a mug club, reading program for kids, crisis management, etc.


Frank accompanied me on this trip and we were able to spend an extra day visiting the gulf coast, as well as Frank and I under the Banyan tree, seeing the sailboat races, posing for pictures in my new straw fedora and Frank loving the sea.

The Best Letter Carrier

Nicke made her debut as an "official" letter carrier for All Hallows Eve -- quite the hit with some of the "regulars."