The first half of Friday was spent Landscaping and working on the Pool. I must be getting old, because by the time I finished, I was tired enough to fall asleep. I resisted that temptation and watched most of the first game of the Athletes Unlimited Women’s Lacrosse. I have been able to tune in a good number of times, this summer and have really enjoyed their product. It is a very entertaining brand of lacrosse, being played by the best players in the world. With different combinations of players, every week, I have been impressed with how well they play together and the emphasis on teamwork. The Players seem to love playing in this format and take special pleasure in creating beautiful plays – the kind that end up on ESPN. This was the final weekend of their season, I hope they did well enough to keep it going and hopefully, growing!

I could not watch the entire game because we were heading to Greis Park in Lynbrook, for a Men’s Lacrosse Game between the NYPD and the FDNY. We got there early and it was already tough to find a parking spot. By the time the game began, I could not believe how many spectators were present. The Bleachers on both sides were mostly full and perimeter of the field was lined with people. It was a great atmosphere and a great night for lacrosse. The FDNY seemed younger and jumped out to an early lead which they maintained until late in the 4th Quarter, when the Cops tied the game at 8, with less than a minute to play. So, it was on to Sudden Death Overtime! The Firemen won the faceoff and quickly found an open man who buried the opportunity, giving the FDNY a big 9-8 Victory! It was great to see Shane Wilson and Bryan Cullen, both East Meadow PAL and Clarke HS Alums, out there for the Fire Department.

Saturday, Karl and I met the Irwin Clan out at the Blue Point Brewery in Patchogue. It was my first time there, and I was very impressed, so it won’t be my last! I got Black Bass, Soft Tacos and Karl got the Scotch Eggs! It was all delicious, and of course the Beer was great, too. But the best part of the outing, was getting to spend time with good friends. Karl and Shane Irwin haven’t seen each other in at least a couple of years. I only wish we had been able to stay longer, but we had to get home in time to make it to another affair by 6:45.

Saturday Night at Garden Social in East Meadow, we celebrated the Engagement of Shane Wilson (our neighbor and very close family friend) and Toni Cintorino. It was a fairly small gathering (about 40 people) on a covered patio (grateful for that roof, because it POURED). It was really nice, with great food, drink and company. I have never seen Shane happier, and of course, wish them all the happiness in the world.