We have been enjoying an extended stretch of really beautiful weather and Friday was another splendid spring day. Debi and I decided to walk (boots not needed, so not a hike) the Boardwalk at Jones Beach. It was a good choice. There were a good number of people down there, walking, running, biking, roller blading and plenty who were just soaking up some Vitamin D. But not enough people for it to seem crowded. You could almost feel the collective sense of relief from Covid, and an eagerness about the future, particularly the fast approaching summer with its abundance of outdoor activity. So, I hadn’t hiked or walked in many weeks, mostly due to Lacrosse, but now had happily gone twice in three days.

Saturday morning I drove to the Town of Hempstead STOP collection at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore. I needed to get rid of some items that cannot go out with the regular garbage – the only urgent items were a container of gasoline, (I think) left behind by one of the Landscaping Crews that noisily flood the neighborhood from April to November, and the rechargeable battery for our lawnmower, which suddenly was hot and swelling on Friday (this of course led to the purchase of an entire new mower, since the Battery had been discontinued). I was pleasantly surprised with the efficiency of the operation and could not believe that it took me less than ten minutes to dispose of the stuff safely. From there I stopped at the Pool Supply store for some PH Plus, as we are still trying to get the pool water balanced. Finally, I was off to Brookville to watch the Kellenberg Girls Varsity Lacrosse team play against Saint Dominics. Former TOGZ and Niagara University standout, Alexis Morales, is an Assistant Coach for Kellenberg, so there was my reason. It was another gorgeous day, perfect for a lacrosse game and the setting could not have been nicer. The game was well played and entertaining. I was again impressed with the level of play from both teams and am once again, feeling like there are so many very good young lacrosse players out there. St. Doms surprised me a bit, by staying close throughout the game, though they never truly threatened the Kellenberg lead, and the final score was 11-8. St. Doms is very young and could be capable of doing some damage in the future. After the game, I was able to speak with Alexis for a little bit. I had not seen her since the fall of 2018 at Canisius for a Fall Ball event. Catching up with her, definitely made my day!

Sunday morning brought another scheduling conflict between the Girls and the Boys teams that I help coach. This week, I could not catch any of the Girls game, as I was more needed in Hempstead where the Tigers were hosting Elwood. I thought this was easily the best game we have played, against a very good opponent. We had some good ball movement, assisted goals, balanced scoring, good goaltending and our typically strong effort on ground balls and defense. Oh yeah, we came away with an 8-5 victory, but what really mattered was the improvement the kids showed out there. There are only two and a half weeks and two games left in this season, they have already come a long way, and it has gone by quickly. The Girls did not fare as well. But, though they lost 8-5 to Lindenhurst, according to Coach Chris, there were many bright spots and plenty of positive things on which to build.

When I got home, I watched the end of the Islanders overtime win over the Penguins in Game 1 of their first round playoff series, before I decided to put the new lawn mower together and try it out. Wow, what a difference! My old Neuton Mower really seemed old and weak (like myself some mornings) compared to the new Greenworks machine, which was delivered earlier that morning. I wondered why I had waited so long to replace it.

Sunday night, Debi and I finished “The Wire”. Though the ending seemed rushed and lacking in “closure”, I would still recommend it. For me, it does not go in the top category along with “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones”, but only one rung below, next to “The Man in the High Castle”, “Better Call Saul” and maybe “Boardwalk Empire” (though B.E. is probably one more notch down). On the topic of Series – I am anxiously awaiting the next season of “Peaky Blinders”.

Today is Tuesday. I brought the Subaru up to Bargoil to be inspected and have a couple of things done to it. Got my workout in, just in time for the Air Conditioner Service appointment. To my happy surprise, Anthony Fusco was the Serviceman. Anthony is an old classmate and teammate of Karl’s. I was lucky enough to coach him in PAL Lacrosse and Flag Football, many years ago. He was a very good athlete and a terrific kid. I had not seen him in probably six or seven years. He is still playing Flag Football, looks good and is doing well. So for the second time in a few days, I was able to catch up with an old player, who I had coached. To see them thriving, is a great feeling!