Ralph Houk

Yankee player and manager. I remember him because I'm old as manager in the early 60's – he took over after Casey Stengel. Yanks won two World Series ('61 and '62) while he was manager. He played for them in late 40' until 1954, so he was a player on several World Series winning Yankee … Read more

Good news from Farandaville

Joe passed his driver's test today. Aced it – no points off.* He was very pleased with himself, of course. He immediately started lobbying to drive to work. We'll see about that. * Second try.

Great article – Mariano Rivera: How he does it

The New York Times Magazine section this past weekend. AND, the online edition has a great two and a half minute video of Rivera's signature pitch – the cut fastball (the "cutter"). A great video, which even a non-baseball fan would likely find fascinating. Mariano Rivera, King of the Closers A-Rod gathered his thoughts. Rivera, … Read more

A Daniel Berrigan quote

Jesuit Daniel Berrigan (Full disclosure: I know him a bit; was arrested with him a few times – and how’s that for name-dropping!) turned 89 back in May. When he was interviewed on his birthday, and asked about his life, he said “Well, it hasn’t been boring.” I saw him at the Pax Christi stations o the … Read more

Father’s Day @ Farandaville

Nice day. Church, gym, reading, Grandma comes down, Yanks shut out Mets (Yay!), beautiful steaks with an Argentinian sauce (Yum!) and of course a Carvel ice cream cake.   More in the ongoing series of my trying to get decent pictures with Joe and Tim – Tim’s eyes   Joe’s “smile”? marginally better – now … Read more

A quick visit from Vermont friends

Our great friend Laurie, and her Dad Chuck stayed with us Saturday night. They had to go into Manhattan to visit a relation and make a pick-up. A great deal for Farandaville: we got a bottle of Vermont Vodka (didn’t know there was such a thing) made from milk! a Vermont maple liqueur, and a … Read more