It just doesn't get any better than this................

What a start to the weekend! Yesterday, some really great NCAA March Madness games, although there weren't any real upsets. I did get to peek at the games a few times at work. Economists have estimated that time lost at work for "working" on brackets and watching games cost American businesses $4 billion dollars. Gee, what could Bernie Madoff have done with that kind of money?????

A couple of good games this afternoon, but they couldn't compete with a two-hour nap. (It was a long and busy week at work!) Now I'm waiting for the night games while listening to the semi-finals of the CCHA tourney - ND vs. No. Michigan. Go Irish! Later tonight the Lewiston Maineiacs start their QMJHL playoff series against Drummondville. Better keep the laptop charged up! More hockey and b-ball tomorrow. On Sunday the ND women begin their March Madness dance. The ND men are still alive in the NIT (Not Invited Tournament), but not impressing anyone.

Welcome Spring!

If this is Sunday...

...it must be snowing. For the second Sunday in a row we've had a significant snowfall. This time it's closer to 15". Bobby has plowed us out, along with his parents and a friend. He's really good at it. And, as long as he has Winston (the young English Setter) with him, he's pretty happy.

Today was a good day to stay in and curl up with a good book, which is exactly what I did, along with starting a new pair of mittens. They're Lovikka mittens - knit with a bulky yarn and fulled. They remind me of lobsterman's mittens, which are known for their warmth and tendancy to keep you hands dry. These mittens are knitting up fast, so I'm hoping to have them done relatively soon. Of course, that means a year or two for me.

By the way, the books on tap today were "The Rector's Daughter" by F.M. Mayor and "Burning Bright" by Tracy Chevalier. Mayor's book (3 stars) was finished and Chevalier's book has just about 100 pages left. Mayor's book was quite interesting - more of a commentary on the transition from the 19th century to the 20th than a love story. Chevalier's book, while far from her best ("Girl with a Pearl Earring" book and movie!), is still a good read.

Touchdown Pittsburgh! 13-0 now. I've always liked the Steelers. They're a class team. It could be an interesting Super Bowl, even without the Patriots. However, no matter who represents the AFC, I'll be rooting for the NFC, since legend has it that if the NFC team wins the stock market will end the year on a positive note. We sure could use that!

Good news. The Lewiston Maineiacs have won two games in a row, two road games to boot. It's amazing what a new coach will do for a team. The change was much needed. Good luck, Coach McAdam. I'm behind you 100%. Am looking forward to your home debut Tuesday night. I hope the fans will turn out for the game. QMJHL play is such good hockey - great skating, great kids, great fans, and a lot of fun. I'm very happy to be able to support my home town's hockey efforts! Go Maineiacs!

'ockey, 'ockey, 'ockey

"The donnybrook is on!" So says the Versus announcer as the Bruins and the Canadiens go at it. Tim Thomas just really put it to one of the Canadiens. Mon dieu! A penalty worthy check!

I love sports, but hockey is probably the favorite. Hockey players are the consummate athletes. Many times I've made the point that hockey players have to have the stamina of basketball and soccer players who zoom up and down the court/field. They need the agility of gymnasts - after all, they keep themselves upright on two very small beams (and on a slippery surface none-the-less!). They have to have the brawn and endurance of football players - all that tackling into the boards. A hockey player has to have excellent hand/eye coordination like baseball players and golfers- did you see John Tavares' goal at the World Juniors?! Oh, and of course, you can't forget the need of excellent pugilistic skills.

The B's just scored for the second time on the Canadiens. This is always a difficult rivalry for me because when these two teams aren't going at it, I'm rooting from both of them. The first cable sports I watched were "Hockey Night in Canada" (which used to have the best sports theme in the universe) and Boston Bruin hockey. The Canadiens now have Jaroslav Halak, who used to play for the Lewiston Maineiacs. Then there's the great Boston Bruin tradition. So, I guess I can look at this game and be happy whichever way it turns out!

My home hockey team, the Lewiston Maineiacs (QMJHL) have themselves a new coach. Let's hope this rallies the team. It's fun hockey and great entertainment. I really enjoy the games. It's worth the drive to visit with family and friends (new and old) and see some really good hockey - well, maybe not the best hockey of late, but... Go Maineiacs!

Hopefully some day I'll be seeing a couple of my great nephews at the pro level. They're paying their dues right now and things are falling into place for them. I one proud great aunt. Oh, and did I mention that I have 12 reasons to be a proud great aunt..........