Cards Game

Thursday we met Mrs. A (aka R2) at Busch Stadium for the Cards game. Despite the now $20 parking fee (which I find to be ridiculous), we had a fantastic time. Of course, when the Cards win 12-8, and El Hombre hits 2 home runs, it doesn't get much better than that.

If you are planning to bring the family, the Family Ticket Pack is the way to go. For $15 you get a ticket, pretty high up, but the view is surprisingly good, and a coupon for a hot dog and soda. A hot dog and soda at the concession stand will set you back $9, so $15 for all is not a bad deal if you are going to a game anyway. The kids enjoyed it, and thankfully want to go again.

The Infamous Laura Pic Has Arrived...

Cardinal Nation Update

League: National

Division: Central

Record: 8-4

Rank: First

Rachel Says:   Yahooooo!!

Photo: AP Photo/ Ross D. Franklin

Date Night

Last night Mike and I went to hear Laura Ingraham speak.  In case you didn't know, I'm a big fan.  The event was put on by 97.1FM talk our local talk radio station.  We were able to participate in the VIP Meet and Greet prior to the speakers.  Very cool.  Congressman Todd Akin is a class-act.  One of very few conservatives remaining in Congress.  We got to meet the 97.1 radio personalities, Colonel Gordon Cucullu and Laura Ingraham.  I was so nervous to meet her I forgot what I was going to say to her.  Pictures with her were taken separately and will be emailed so I will post it once I get it.  Unfortunately, we didn't get our photo with Colonel Gordon, and I really wish I would have.  This man is from a dying breed who truly love and appreciate this country.  

Laura was great.  I didn't learn anything new since I listen to her show daily.  I could've listened to Colonel Gordon for hours.  I feel like I keep myself pretty well informed of facts on issues, but I certainly learned a few things.   You should definitely pick up a copy of his book Inside Gitmo.  I have added it to my library list.  Or, you can go to the Inside Gitmo website for a factual account of what is really going on there.  I wish my Dad, Uncle Jim, and Uncle Ron could have been there as well as my nephew, Matt.  They all would have loved it.  Next time we will bring our nice camera, as we were very close and could have gotten much better photos.

St. Louis radio personality, Jamie Allman, from Allman in the Morning

U.S. Congressman Todd Akin

Laura Ingraham

Colonel Gordon

Happy Tea Day!!

I hope some of you out there are able to attend the Tea Parties going on.  Because Carlie has Cubbies tonight at church, we are unable to attend.  Remember, this is not an anti-Obama rally.  This is a protest of reckless government spending that has been going on for years by both parties.  It has to be stopped, and we are the only ones who can stop it.  

"A woman is like a tea bag, you cannot tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."--Nancy Reagan

I Want to Move to Texas!!

"Our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state. Returning to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution and its essential 10th Amendment will free our state from undue regulations, and ultimately strengthen our Union."

-- Texas Gov. Rick Perry, affirming states' rights as guaranteed by the 10th Amendment

Life: Beautiful

I picked up a copy of Life:Beautiful magazine, and it is so good I wanted to share and recommend it to you.  It has been out for about one year but is only published quarterly so you may or may not have seen it.  The photography is fabulous.  The stories are inspiring and from a Christian perspective.  One of the best things about it is that, currently, there are no advertisements in it.  So, you aren't paying for a magazine that is 80%+ advertising.  They can be found at Barnes & Noble and Borders among other places.  Please go out and grab a copy.  It is definitely money well spent.  I will be getting a subscription.  Here is a taste of what's inside.  (All photos and magazine summary below were taken from their website.)

Spring 2009
In this issue you’ll find:

*Stylish and whimsical spring finds for every taste and budget
*Ideas for unique garden-related gifts just in time for spring
*Tips for getting out of debt and learning how to use your resources wisely
*Information on the latest sleep research and help for getting a better night's rest

Stories include:
Blooming Branches—Flowering blossoms decorate the trees each spring.

Picnic on Bluebell Hill—Young Dorothy transplanted a few bluebells to dress up her kitchen door more than 80 years ago. Today the bluebells cover the back field of her small cottage, creating the ideal setting for a spring picnic.

Master of Art—Travel to Italy with Life:Beautiful editor Jennifer Ruisch to see divinely inspired art.

Sweet Celebrations—Transform average cupcakes into delicious, eye-catching party pleasures.

Faith of Our Mothers—Five women share testimonies about how God prepared them to succeed in the most important job of all: being a mother.

Happy Easter Part 2!!

Today the kids got their Easter baskets and had a little mini egg hunt in the backyard. Carlie was not happy that she didn't get M&M stickers with her name on them (they didn't have any with her name.) She was happy when she realized Noah didn't get the fancy soaps and toiletries (from the Wynn) that she got. Whatever, I am just glad I found some Peeps because that's the best Easter treat ever invented. I'm sure I will help them eat their Reeses Pieces carrots as well.

Happy Easter!!

We went to the subdivision egg hunt yesterday then attended the 4:00pm Easter service at church.  It was our turn to serve in the nursery for the 6pm service so that is why we went early. Although we don't normally have a 4pm service, regular attenders went at 4pm so there would be more room for visitors on Sunday.  The service was awesome!  Wish we could have recorded it because they had some Drummer Boy included.  If you have never seen Drummer Boy at our church at Christmas, I am inviting you now- it is soooo great!!

What Happened in Vegas...

Wasn't anything that needed to stay there. Overall, we had a wonderful time. The best thing about Vegas is definitely the weather. I think I managed to inhale enough second smoke to develop lung cancer. If the Dept. of Homeland Security is looking for illegal aliens, they can find about 1000 of them passing out prostitute cards along the strip in the middle of the day to anyone and everyone. Ick!!

I must say our hotel, the Wynn, was fabulous. Our room was about the size of the entire first floor of my house. A soda was $4 so I drank a lot of water. The pool was quite nice as well. Although, I don't think Mr. Wynn is happy that the Palazzo now shades his pool at 4:00pm. That was not good. They even have special elevators to take you to the pool so people aren't walking through the lobby in their flips and swimwear. It definitely keeps the riffraff out. If I return I will only stay there, or the Venetian/Palazzo, or the Bellagio. Nothing else comes close.

The Bellagio has the best Patisserie that sells the best gelato. It was so good we got it twice. And, I thought nothing of paying $7.50 for it twice, it was THAT good!! The Bellagio Cafe, however, has great food, but poor service.

On Sunday night Sara and I ventured over to MGM because they were having an All-Star Country Jam that followed the Academy of Country Music Awards. We thought the Jam would be fun. Little did we know it was sold out and that tickets were $125 a pop! But, they had the doors opened to the ballroom so we could still see and hear the artists very well (and inhale more second hand smoke outside.) We decided to stay until 10:30pm, then leave since we were tired of standing. About 10:25pm, this guy comes out and says he had been outside three times and we were still standing out there so he gave us two tickets. Scream!! He worked for Dr. Pepper (a sponsor) and had extra tix. After being inside for less than 10 minutes, we got to see a mini-concert (3 songs) by Taylor Swift. So cool. Then, Trace Adkins, John Rich, Jason Aldean, Randy Rogers Band, Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson, Heidi Newfield, Jack Ingram, and more. Awesome. The best part was when they said the winner of "Entertainer of the Year" would be performing. The awards had just been that evening so we had no idea who won. We were so excited when it was Carrie Underwood. Scream again! She sang two songs, and let me just say she is the best American Idol EVER. Anyway, hopefully I will have Sara's pics from the event and will try to post some soon.

The Miss USA Pageant will be in Vegas next Friday, the 17th. The contestants were already in town, and they were filming show promos in front of Caesars. The producers told the crowd a few times not to use a flash so the pics aren't that good. It was still cool to see.

When Miss Delaware was filming her bit, some lady in front of me said "Where is Delaware?"  I am hoping the accent meant she was from a foreign land, otherwise our public schools are sadly failing in geography.

Bellagio Fountain Show

Venetian and Mirage

Wynn Waterfalls

This gelato is so good it makes our eyes bug out! As I said, worth every penny of that $7.50!!

More contestants for the pageant.  Miss Illinois is the one you have the side view of.

2nd Chance by James Patterson

Another outstanding book by James Patterson. One thing I am learning is not to get attached to any characters because they probably won't be around long. This second book in the Women's Murder Club series has more "didn't see it coming" plot twists than the first one. These are the kinds of books I enjoy reading. I was scrolling through the James Patterson website and noticed that book four of this series has a new member in the Women's Murder Club. Does this mean one the originals is going to be killed in the book I am currently reading? Gasp!! Hopefully I can finish it while relaxing poolside this weekend...

St. Louis Zoo Loses Polar Bear

Hope the polar bear died Monday at the St. Louis Zoo. They discovered she had advanced liver cancer, and she was euthanized. Most polar bears live 18 years in the wild and 20-22 years in zoos- Hope lived 23 years. We were just at the zoo a few weeks ago so it is sad. I was dropping Carlie off at school today, and she said her prayer request was going to be "for Jesus to raise the polar bear from the dead." They have been studying about Jairus' daughter and Christ's resurrection at school so it was probably on her mind. I told her it might be better to request that the zoo can get a new polar bear. When I asked her teacher after school today what Carlie's prayer request was, she said Carlie requested prayer that the zookeepers wouldn't be sad and be comforted. She really has a sweet heart for others.

Tuesday Travels

Last week I let you know the top 10 tourist attractions in the U.S.  Did you figure out which one I have yet to see?  Well, here it is...

If you guessed Times Square, you are correct. Go figure, the number one visited place is the spot I have yet to see. I can't really say I have even been to NYC. Yes, I have been on the bypass and seen the ghetto and Statue of Liberty (from afar), but I would like to see Soho, Greenwich Village, Tribeca, 5th Avenue, Central Park, Trump Tower and maybe even Times Square. Any takers? Next time my sister, D., is there for an extended stay for work, maybe I will invite myself along. :-)

Bracket Busted!!

Okay.  In all the years I have filled out brackets, this the absolute worst I have ever done.  Both of my Final Two lost, and I only got one of the Final Four (UNC).  I didn't enjoy watching the games at all.  Could someone please bring up some recruiting violations on Michigan State?  Please.  Pretty please.  My only consolation was that I was right in predicting two teams from the Big East in the Final Four-- I just picked the wrong two!!  Next year, I have to consider some new system of picking teams.  I also have to get over not picking teams I despise even though I know they are good (see above.)  Guess I will cheer for Villanova only because they haven't won a championship since 1985.    

Did You Happen to Catch This?

I watched this game and remember seeing the guy with the sign.  I did not, however, notice what happened to his sign at the end of the game.  Talk about a sign nazi.  I did a little research, and the NCAA does not have a rule against bringing signs to the game.  I guess this is another person on a power trip...  I will say that I am saddened by this usher's/security guard's disregard for the sign.  It's not like people haven't been bringing these signs to sporting events for the last 15 years.  Pay attention to the last 10 seconds of the video to the kid holding the sign.

Siena vs. Ohio State

John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.

March Madness: Time to Step it Up!!

Well, I survived the first weekend of March Madness, but several of the games had me holding my breath!  Did I tell you the Big East was the best conference in the land?  I think I did.  Five teams in the Sweet Sixteen is a new record.  I just wish I would have put Syracuse in there instead of West Virginia.  My bad.  Did I tell you Illinois was a completely different team without Chester Frazier and would lose if he didn't play?  I think I did.  I also think I mentioned Arizona didn't deserve to be there.  Oops.  It doesn't matter that Michigan and Wisconsin won a game because if Creighton, St. Mary's or Davidson played those teams, they probably could have won too.  

I think the biggest shocker of the first weekend of March Madness came on the women's side.  Pat Summitt's Tennessee Volunteers lost in the first round for the first time in history!!  They lost to Ball State 71-55.  There's that curse of the #5 seed again.  Speaking of the women, I really think the Lady Huskies of UConn could have beaten Chattanooga, or at least held the lead for the men in the second half.  That game was a massacre.  

Right now, the team playing the best basketball is Villanova.  That game against Duke will be something to see.  As for my team, it's time to step it up and play like the Big East Champions that you are.  Light a fire under them, Rick!!!  Go Cardinals!!!

Tuesday Travels

Glacier Bay, Alaska

I have been bitten by the travel bug.  Luckily, I will be going on an extended weekend vacay to meet up with some friends in a mere 12 days.  But, that doesn't mean I can't dream of my next destination.  I found this list on yahoo of the 10 most visited tourist attractions in the U.S.  I am fortunate enough to have visited 9 out of 10.  Can you guess which one I haven't been to?  Have you been to all of them?   Which is your favorite?  Any places not listed you would recommend?  I'll let you know next week which one I have yet to visit. I guess I need to start making plans.

1. Times Square, New York City:

37.6 million

This Manhattan crossroads of commerce retains the top spot on our list, thanks to increased visitation to the Big Apple in 2008 despite the economic turndown. According to the Times Square Alliance, "80% of visitors to NYC make it a point to visit Times Square." Total NYC visit last year was 47 million, giving us an estimate of 37.6 million travelers through the "Crossroads of the World."

Sources: Forbes Traveler estimate based on figures from The Times Square Alliance and NYC & Company.

2. The Las Vegas Strip, Nev.:

30 Million

The "Neon Trail" that comprises the heart of Sin City is also part of the federal government's National Scenic Byways Program, which designates roads based on "archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities." Hard to say which of these qualities best describes Vegas, but we can disqualify "natural." Last year, total visitors to Las Vegas numbered 37.5 million; a poll by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority found that an average of 80% of visitors had either stayed overnight or gambled on the Strip, giving us our visitor estimate of 30 million.

Source: Forbes Traveler estimate based on figures from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

3. National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C.

25 million

Many of the nation's iconic public landmarks are found in the 1,000-plus acres of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, including the Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Memorials, and the Korean and Vietnam War Veterans Memorials. The Smithsonian Institution's 19 museums are also adjacent to The Mall; last year, the network of free museums drew more than 25 million visits.

Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, The Trust for the National Mall, Pressroom of the Smithsonian Institution

4. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston:

20 Million

Built in 1742 by Peter Faneuil, a wealthy Boston merchant, Faneuil Hall served as a commercial center of the city for centuries and a site for famous orations, like Samuel Adams' independence-rallying speech to colonists. Faneuil also includes the restored 19th-century Quincy Market. Today, shoppers account for a large share of visitors, and while we've excluded shopping-only malls (like Minnesota's Mall of America) from this list, Faneuil's historic significance vaults it to the status of cultural attraction.

Source: Faneuil Hall Marketplace

5. Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.:

17.1 million

The Magic Kingdom is the most popular of Disney's Florida attractions, followed by Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and we've used it as a watermark for traffic to Disney Florida's multiple theme-park complex. Magic Kingdom Park includes beloved rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Country Bear Jamboree.

Source: TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report 2007

6. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, Calif.:

14.9 million

With nearly 15 million visitors in 2007, the original Disney Park in Anaheim, California has been a stalwart American tourist attraction since its opening in 1955. Its well-known rides range from Space Mountain to the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Source: TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report 2007

7. Fisherman's Wharf/Golden Gate National Recreation Area,San Francisco:

14.1 million

The city by the Bay received approximately 16.1 million visitors in 2007 (the latest data available), and Fisherman's Wharf is its top visitor attraction (visitor estimates for Fisherman's Wharf range from 12 million to 15 million). The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes the famous gold bridge along with numerous other spaces throughout the Bay Area, drew 14.6 million visitors in 2008. It's hard to know the overlap between tourists at the wharf, nearby bridge and other areas in the National Recreation Area. We've averaged the figures to arrive at our 14 million estimate.

Sources: National Park Service 2008 Annual Recreation Visits Report, Fisherman's Wharf Merchants Association, City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Chronicle.

8. Niagara Falls, N.Y.:

12 million

The Falls, which straddle the U.S.-Canada border, have been a tourist mecca since the mid-19th century. The thundering waters are visible from observation towers, by boat and from various hiking trails and, on the Canadian side, from the Whirlpool Aero Car, an antique cable car. With statistics from the Niagara Falls Tourism Bureau and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, visitors are approximated at 12 million a year.

Source: Niagara Falls Tourism (Visitor and Convention Bureau) and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn./N.C.:

9.04 million

America's most visited national park is neither the Grand Canyon nor Yosemite. With more than 800 miles of protected trails, this natural wonder hosted approximately 9 million hikers, birders and drivers last year.

Source: National Park Service 2008 Annual Recreation Visits Report

10. Navy Pier, Chicago:

8.6 million

Opened in 1916, this Chicago landmark on the shore of Lake Michigan has served as a campus and military training facility. Today it hosts 50 acres of shops, restaurants and exposition facilities. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Children's Museum are here, along with a full calendar of nighttime fireworks shows.

Source: Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority

Happy Birthday, Carlie!!

We celebrated Carlie's 5th birthday yesterday. Time continues to fly by. We kept things simple and spent the day at the zoo with Grammy and Pawpaw Rodgers followed by dinner at Il Vicino. She is growing into quite a little lady.   She changed clothes after the zoo so she could wear her "favorite outfit."  Every gift was accompanied by a "Thank you so much" or "I really appreciate it." And, she will be writing her own thank you notes. Now Carlie is enjoying all of her gifts, and can't wait to start kindergarten so she can use her new lunchbox.

Is the NCAA Selection Committee smoking crack??

Seven? Seriously, seven teams from the Big Ten in the Big Dance... that's a Big Joke! Are these people on crack? Did they borrow some pot from Michael Phelps' stash and smoke it in the board room? The Big Ten barely deserved 4 spots in the tournament. Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota do not deserve an invite. They don't have a winning record against teams in the top 50, and only one of the three won 20+ games this season. I'm sorry, but if you can't win 20 games in a season, you don't deserve a ticket (unless you win your conference tourney.) Why don't they give a bid to Indiana too, I think they managed to win one conference game. By the way, Arizona shouldn't be going either.

Naturally, Illinois gets dinged with a #5 seed. Much too generous in my mind, especially if Chester Frazier can't play. If Frazier is still injured and can't play, look for them to succumb to the curse of the #5 seed and exit in the first round. All I am going to say about Michigan State is that I could gather up 5 college age guys from a north side playground in St. Louis that could give them a game. All you have to do to beat them is play a half-court game, if you run with them, you are toast.

Davidson, Creighton, and St. Mary's should have received bids. No, they aren't from "power" conferences, but unless they are given a chance and some recognition at tourney time, they won't be able to recruit top players. I'm hoping some teams from lesser known conferences do really well this year and provide some great Cinderella moments.

There is no dominant team this year. On any given day, any of these teams could win (except Chattanooga.) Did you catch the "live" look in when North Dakota State was announced. Their entire gymnasium was filled with delirious fans jumping up and down yelling "Yeah!!! We get to get our butt kicked by Kansas!!! Yahoo!!!!" If you want help on your brackets, all I can tell you is that I have said since January that the Big East has the best teams in the country this year. Am I picking a Big East team? Maybe. Maybe not. I will probably go with my favorite coach in the land, but I won't tell you who that is.

I'll update next Monday with how my picks are going. Until then, enjoy the tourney!!

Ha Ha, you lost, Bruce!!

Yeah!!!... Followed by "Oh crap, I hope Chester Frazier can play or we won't be in Portland long."

Book Review

You may have been wondering why it has taken over a month to finish 1st To Die by James Patterson. I don't read that slow, in fact I read the entire book in one weekend. The reason for the delay is I have been patiently waiting until I received the 2nd book, 2nd Chance, before I wrote a review. Well, I am STILL waiting for 2nd Chance from the library, but I went ahead and updated the sidebar so you know what I will be reading next. On with the review...

I haven't read any James Patterson novels before, but had heard a lot of good things. I also love all things mystery. Matlock. Murder, She Wrote. McBride. Jane Doe. Mystery Woman. Without A Trace. I digress. This is a GREAT book. It centers around the murders of newlyweds, and a group of women (Women's Murder Club) who collectively solve the crime. They aren't housewives, the club consists of a detective, an asst. district attorney, a journalist, and a medical examiner. The story has a ton of plot twists, and "I can't believe that just happened" moments. It keeps you guessing right to the end. I only hope the second in the series is as good. (I'm sure it is, or there wouldn't be eight of them.)

Have you read this book? Did you like it?