Now it's December

It's true!  This past weekend, I went to the Badgers' last home game of the year at Camp Randall.  Because I'm one of the biggest cold weather wimps I know, I was a little worried.  As it turns out, though, as long as you wear about four layers of clothing, the 20's aren't so bad.  Seeing Wisconsin crush Northwestern, earn a share of the Big Ten title, and hopefully secure a Rose Bowl bid was definitely worth it.  And at the end, there were fireworks.

This coming weekend, I will be in New York City.  Even though I didn't make it to California this year, at least I'll hit NYC twice!  December is in the danger zone for travel weather ... we've now entered the time of year when I can never count on being able to get anywhere.   (Also see above re: cold weather wimpitude.)  So far the forecast looks okay, so fingers are crossed.

A good day for baseball in Wisconsin

Today the Brewers managed something they haven't done since I was two years old. They made the playoffs.

Granted, there was a time when I thought they might win the division. And then there was awhile when I thought they had the wild card spot comfortably in hand. But all in all, to end a season with a day of baseball like today is not a bad thing. Days like today remind me of why, when I manage to pay attention, I do love this game.

I'm not the world's biggest Brewers fan, but I grew up on Brewers games. I've never attended a game at Miller Park, but as a child I saw many at County Stadium. My dad must be pretty happy right now. The picture above is him on the field at County Stadium ten years ago, on a day when his friend threw the first pitch. This might eclipse that experience for him. (Actually, if I know my dad, he's already predicting a loss in the first round.)

Admittedly, I don't remember much from the 1982 World Series run. My parents do have a yellowing pennant hanging down the basement with names that are still familiar to me. Paul Molitor. Cecil Cooper. Robin Yount. Here's hoping they get to add another one with some new names. CC Sabathia, Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun? Stay tuned.