Red Sox 2013

Last year was a total waste in that the Red Sox placed last in their division with 93 losses. The pass two weeks the Red Sox have been picking up new players that hopefully will be positive in the clubhouse. Chemistry in all working situations is critical for success. There were several players on last year's team that were toxic. The choice of Bobby V. did not help the situation. Looking forward to Spring training and the new year. Pitching as always will be the key. Several pitchers from last year had their worst performance of their career.

Lone Pine Foundation Award

Brookside again was chosen by the Lone Pine Foundation (Greenwich)  as one of the top schools in Fairfield County for academic gain. In 2008 and now in 2012 Brookside was in the top four schools chosen. The school received a check for $1,000 to be used to support school goals.

Linda's Recovery

Linda had her left knee replaced November 13th at Leominster Hospital. Dr. Jones did the surgery and it was a success. Linda's recovery has been coming along very well. She works extremely hard in doing her exercises to strength and stretch her muscles and other parts to her knee. Linda's sister Merri has helped out during the week while I work. Linda has now had both knees replaced and hopefully the pain will be gone.

RAISING RAISINS

My father planted several grape vines about 30 years ago. I believe they are Concord Grapes. This past weekend I cut a bowls worth of grapes. I decided to make raisins. On the internet I found my information. There are three basic ways of making grapes into raisins.
Here's How:


1.Spread the grapes out to dry on a grassy area for 15 days.

2.Remove stems and wash well under running water to remove any chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides.

3.Spread to dry again. Timing will depend on the weather and the grape.

4.When the raisins are dry enough (taste), pack in glass jars or plastic bags or containers layered with bay leaves.

5.Seal well and store in a cool, dry place.

Tips:

1.Home-dried raisins tend to be drier than commercial raisins. Before using, soak in hot water for 15 minutes.

 I tried for three days and then went to a second option:

Oven Raisins

Not everyone can afford a convenient new appliance just for drying food and not everyone has sufficient sun year round to make raisins. Or, some people just want raisins Fast! And, there is no problem with that. For these people, oven drying is the best method.

Set your oven on the "Warm" setting, it should be 150-200 degrees. Bake them this way for 17-24 hours, slowly they dry out and evenly dry to make sweet delicious raisins.

Special Note: Seedless grapes make seedless raisins. However, Grape Seeds are very Healthy and are also suitable for making "crunchy raisins".

My grapes have seeds

You can also use a food dehydrator.

Bridgeport Bluefish Game

Yesterday was 9/11/12 and many memories of 11 years ago. A friend Ron Berler and myself attended a Bridgeport Bluefish baseball game. The Bluefish got down four zip in the first but came back and scored 11 runs to win 11 to 4. The night was a beautiful night for baseball. The league is an independent league with a mixture of players old and young. Some players were former major leaguers but most were college or low minor league players. The one thing that was very noticeable was the lack of hustle by many players after hitting a ground ball. Most of the players simply trotted to first with very little effort if they thought they were going to be out. "There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time, I owe him my best." Source: The Sporting News (April 4, 1951) This is quote from Joe DiMaggio and the players should take a page from Joe's life in regards to playing the game the correct way.

Visiting Wheeler Road. Today

Went to Richie and Ashley's house today. The three of us took a walk into the back fields and woods. Ashley wanted me to show them where the cranberry bog was located. We found it but not sure if there are cranberry bushes there. Will have to check it out in the Fall. We then walked the many wooded trails. We found a hunter's blind that was deep in the woods. I located the site of a large fallen tree that we use to play around when I was young. There are many stone walls (boundary markers) that were built hundred years ago. After we went down to the pond and watched the four ducks. Later while in the back yard the four ducks walked up looking for food. Ceddy and Evi came out but the ducks and two dogs seem to get along.

Favorites

The other night at the house we were asking questions about our favorite songs, movies, etc. I thought I would like to list a few.
Favorite singer - Neil Diamond
Favorite song - Sweet Caroline
Favorite movie - Bridge Over The River Kwai
Favorite Sport - Baseball
Favorite Baseball Player - Ted Williams
Favorite Author- Kurt Vonagut
Favorite book- Catch 22
Favorite Comic -Lewis Black
Favorite Meal-Chicken Parm
Favorite Drink- Diet Pepsi
Favorite Pastime -Sudoko
Favorite TV Show - Law and Order
Favorite Basketball player-Larry Bird
Favorite Hockey Player -Bobby Orr
Favorite Football Player -Tom Brady