Papa Grande

It was the end of a long day for me.  I had watched MSU lose in over-time to Iowa and Michigan defeat Illinois 45-0.  I had made 16 pasties and since it had been a while between pasty events, I had  to spend time and energy finding all of the hardware that is used in the production of these culinary masterpieces.

All that completed I decided to watch the remainder of the first playoff game in the ALCS between the Tigers and Yanks.  The game was tied 0-0 in the fifth when I tuned in.  Soon Detroit scored two runs and all was well.  I wanted a couple of insurance runs and my wish came true.  A 4-0 lead going into the ninth.  Detroit brought in their closer, Jose Valverde, aka Papa Grande.  The closer's job is to retire the side of the opponent thus preserving the winning margin.

The last time Papa Grande had been called on was about a week ago vs the Oakland A's.  He had failed to hold the lead in that game and allowed them to win.  Something was off.  Usually his pitches are overpowering.  Now, with a four run lead, he was called upon to be the closer.  

The announcers on the televised game were Yankee fans.  One of them noted that Valverde's first fast ball was only 90 mph as opposed to his usual 94 first offering.  He later threw a pitch that was spinning, but not breaking sharply.  That indicates a lack of speed.  It was hit for a single.  Shortly after, a Japanese slap-shot artist, hit a home run.  Tiger fans held their collective breaths.  Another runner reached first and another home run.  There goes the lead.  The Tigers ended up winning the game in the 12th inning, 6-4.  I wasn't watching.

Checking social media, fans want Valverde dead.  I agree that he probably should not be put out there to preserve a victory at this point.  He, more than likely, is suffering some temporary "condition" that is affecting his performance.  It may be low testosterone,  a mild illness or lowered mental confidence.  
If the Tigers have a mind coach (hypnotist) available, put him to work.  Papa Grande will be effective again, even for today's game!  Then he can do his victory dance which enrages the opposing fans.

Missing Wife

I thought, before things go too far, that I would let it be known that my wife is missing.  Nothing to be alarmed about, but just in case, I wanted to get this on the record.  Don't want anyone suspecting dear old Ken.  Especially since I have been moving some dirt out of the crawl-space/tunnel with a wheelbarrow.  That has nothing to do with anything other than I wanted to clear some of the dirt out before I put the lawn furniture down there for the winter.  If only we lived in a climate where we could just leave the stuff out all year round.  

Last week-end we went to Toronto to help with moving Emma and family to new digs.  Suhitha's parents, Kumari(mother) and Nalaka(father), also were helping and had their mini-van, too.  These people worked their hind quarters off.  It's no wonder they are so successful in life.  The "kids" new house is very nice.  Older, but in good shape.  The rooms are large and have nice(to me) wood floors.  There is a front and back yard with grass.  There is a parkette very nearby.  The neighborhood is a mixture of younger families in condos and older people in houses, broadly speaking.  For details, check Facebook, if you are interested.

Nalaka and Kumari left Monday afternoon.  There was a cricket game he wanted to see.  I left shortly after them, bringing Luke back.  Brooke was to come later.  Not that day, but whenever.  Since their phone service wasn't in yet, I couldn't call and check on her.  I really wanted to but couldn't.  Please print out and save a copy of this, just in case.
I got home Monday night and Brooke hasn't shown up yet. It's Friday.  I'm not worried yet because with Brooke you estimate how long it will take her to do something, double that and then double that again.

I really, really hope she is all right.  Who would edit my copy?  I think I'll get drunk and listen to Conway Twitty, George Jones etc. It's funny though, I've been doing some strange things.  Digging in the tunnel and I got my air mattress out of the garage to see if I could fix the leak in it.  The last time I was with Brooke we slept on an air mattress together.  
P.S.  Just forget what I said about printing this out.

Hey, how about those Tigers.  I watched them close out the series with Oakland last night.