On my way down to Blacksburg this morning, I had to fuel up the Jetta TDI. The mileage wasn't as good as last time: we got 435 miles out of 13.5 gallons which is an average of 32.2 MPG. Probably because of more city and less highway driving. Anyway, the overall cost per mile was still very good at $0.089.
I had a little bit of hassle finding diesel today. I was on my way and noticed that I needed to fuel up, so took an exit that I know has a couple of gas stations towards Salem. The first one, Exxon, had diesel but there was a guy there filling up a big truck, so I figured I'd keep going. The next one didn't have diesel at all so I turned west down 460 to a Chevron maybe half a mile down the road. They had diesel in this crazy old pump off to the side that was surrounded by a big oil slick and assorted mechanical debris. At least you don't have to fill this car up very often.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday Night Lacrosse
We had another game against Hidden Valley this evening. It was a gorgeous evening - cool and a bit breezy with a lot of sun. We had an excellent turnout with about 25 girls out there. Unfortunately, Hidden Valley didn't have their best players so it was rather one-sided. I was the roster manager tonight, so I didn't get to see much of the game because I was focused on making sure we got everyone in the rotation. From what I saw, we played well and won. I don't know exactly what the final score was but I think it was something like 8-5.
I did get my fill of watching a game as the guest coach for the middle school team (the regular coach was out of town on business). Most of them were on our elementary school team over the past few years, so we knew each other. We had one sub and everyone understood what positions they liked and were good at. People that don't like to run understand that they don't want to play midfield and those that are good defenders play defense. I shouted a bit and gave some basic instruction but for the most part, I was just a bystander. They played very well on both ends and won 8-3 with the three Hidden Valley tallies coming in the second half when the outcome was not in doubt (although one of their goals was a pretty sweet backhanded shot right at the end of the game). It was great fun to see some of my old players again. Hopefully, I'll see them again next year.
I did get my fill of watching a game as the guest coach for the middle school team (the regular coach was out of town on business). Most of them were on our elementary school team over the past few years, so we knew each other. We had one sub and everyone understood what positions they liked and were good at. People that don't like to run understand that they don't want to play midfield and those that are good defenders play defense. I shouted a bit and gave some basic instruction but for the most part, I was just a bystander. They played very well on both ends and won 8-3 with the three Hidden Valley tallies coming in the second half when the outcome was not in doubt (although one of their goals was a pretty sweet backhanded shot right at the end of the game). It was great fun to see some of my old players again. Hopefully, I'll see them again next year.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tix
I bought our tickets to the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Finals today from Ticketbastard (why isn't there an anti-trust case against those guys?) We are going to be at the field level in the end zone. Not as good as I would have liked, but it'll be fun.Monday, April 26, 2010
On The Road
A good game down in Franklin County tonight. The game was at Waid Park which is quite beautiful but about 45 minutes away from our house. I don't usually depend on the Garmin but it was definitely a plus this evening. Due to the distance and dicey weather (it was raining off and on all afternoon), I thought we would have a small turn out, but we had about 20 girls out there. It turned out to be a fairly nice evening after all.
We won the game 20-15. It seemed like we played a solid hour and half out there. I guess the home team was stopping the clock on every whistle. Anyway, Franklin County was much improved from the last time we played them. Across the board, I think their players improved and a few of them have turned the corner into very solid stick handlers. But they really weren't a match for our athleticism up and down the lineup.
A couple things were driving me crazy out there. First, our girls have no concept of how to clear out the front of the goal when we are on offense. If you just hang around in there, the defense can as well so it limits the room you have to maneuver. Second, too many girls really don't know how to play defense. Don't run at people, get good position and run with them. You can't just hang around in the arc waiting for something to happen and we gave up at least 3 goals on 3 second violations. Third, ground balls are still staying down too long and we aren't good enough at getting them out of a pile. We definitely lost the ground ball battle tonight.
On the plus side, the girls are keeping their heads up when the run down the field with the ball and there were a couple of nice assists. Open field ground balls were handled well with most everyone running through them. The goalie play was solid and clears were to the sidelines. Plus, everyone hustled and put in a good effort. Finally, and most importantly, I think they had fun.
We won the game 20-15. It seemed like we played a solid hour and half out there. I guess the home team was stopping the clock on every whistle. Anyway, Franklin County was much improved from the last time we played them. Across the board, I think their players improved and a few of them have turned the corner into very solid stick handlers. But they really weren't a match for our athleticism up and down the lineup.
A couple things were driving me crazy out there. First, our girls have no concept of how to clear out the front of the goal when we are on offense. If you just hang around in there, the defense can as well so it limits the room you have to maneuver. Second, too many girls really don't know how to play defense. Don't run at people, get good position and run with them. You can't just hang around in the arc waiting for something to happen and we gave up at least 3 goals on 3 second violations. Third, ground balls are still staying down too long and we aren't good enough at getting them out of a pile. We definitely lost the ground ball battle tonight.
On the plus side, the girls are keeping their heads up when the run down the field with the ball and there were a couple of nice assists. Open field ground balls were handled well with most everyone running through them. The goalie play was solid and clears were to the sidelines. Plus, everyone hustled and put in a good effort. Finally, and most importantly, I think they had fun.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
First
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Perfect
One of the advantages of having a large lacrosse team is that we can run full field scrimmage at practice. This is a lot of fun for the team and also gives them a little bit more playing experience so they can learn the rules (offsides, checking, cover, etc.) Last night, we had 24 at practice, so it worked out perfectly. Nice.
We've got four days off until our next game on Monday. A nice break but the season is so short, I feel like we are missing out.
We've got four days off until our next game on Monday. A nice break but the season is so short, I feel like we are missing out.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Merge Them
Not that this would help the woeful O's, but I like the idea of getting rid of the divisions entirely. Two leagues with 15 teams each. Top 4 make the playoffs. Simple. No weak teams from the central creeping in. No unbalanced schedule. Maybe I would hate the Yankees and Red Sox a little less if I didn't have to see them on TV so often.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Victory
We had another game against Hidden Valley last night at Green Hill Park. That is one lovely place. It is also at the other end of the valley and takes a while to get to from the Bubble. I arrived a couple of minutes later than I would have liked and had to jump right in to roster mania.
The game went well. From the little of the game I watched, I saw some nice plays and a lot more passing than we featured in previous games. Our goal-tending was also much improved as the goalies now have a little more action under their belts and look like they know what they are doing now. I think HV was a little flat and didn't seem as energetic as the last time we played them, but they are still a good team with a lot of offensive firepower. We won 14-10.
I was on roster duty and I thought I was going to loose it. Maybe it had something to do with getting over there after a fairly busy day in the office, but I was definitely on edge about all of the people wanting to play wing (why girls who don't like to run want to go into a position that is well suited for a Tarahumara is beyond me). I tried to be equitable and we got some goals from a bunch of different people, so I think it worked out well.
The game went well. From the little of the game I watched, I saw some nice plays and a lot more passing than we featured in previous games. Our goal-tending was also much improved as the goalies now have a little more action under their belts and look like they know what they are doing now. I think HV was a little flat and didn't seem as energetic as the last time we played them, but they are still a good team with a lot of offensive firepower. We won 14-10.
I was on roster duty and I thought I was going to loose it. Maybe it had something to do with getting over there after a fairly busy day in the office, but I was definitely on edge about all of the people wanting to play wing (why girls who don't like to run want to go into a position that is well suited for a Tarahumara is beyond me). I tried to be equitable and we got some goals from a bunch of different people, so I think it worked out well.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
It's a beautiful day - let's play two!
We had a girls lacrosse double-header yesterday. First, there was a game with the new Franklin County team in the morning at Reserve Ave. They had some very tall players but our girls were more skillful and much quicker. We won 9-1.
Actually, I didn't see much of the game because I was the roster manager. We had 7 substitutes and try to get everyone equal playing time so there is a lot of substitution. You have to write down which players are where and tell the substitutes where they are going and who they are going in for (often with a brief explanation of the position). Initially, there was a great deal of mild complaining about positions ("Can I play center? I don't want to play defense. Can I play goalie?") but that settled down as the game progressed. That is either an indicator that they thought the positioning was fair or they saw the scowl on my face when they would ask for a position change after I'd spent 5 minutes trying to line them up in positions they hadn't played yet. It was probably the scowl.
I saw a couple of good plays: a nice give and go around the goal (not sure if it was intentional, but it worked), a few good entry passes from the midfield and an outside shot or two. Otherwise, I was buried in paperwork.
The second game was more competitive. We played at Hidden Valley and they had some very good players. We won 15-10 but it would have been much closer had they not had two of their better players leave for a soccer game at half (get your priorities straight!)
This time, CP took on the administrative burden of running the roster and I coached the sidelines. It was very close through the first half. I think the biggest lead by either side was 2 goals and the action was back and forth. They had one player in particular that we just could not stop. She was big and had good speed. The only weakness she had was that she really couldn't go left (very common at this age). I think she hung 7-8 goals on us until I put one of our quicker players on her (don't let her get the ball and, if she does, play her right hand). That settled things down and we got in a better groove on offense (why do girls think it's a good idea to shoot right at the goalie?)
We had a couple of plays I remember: an assist from defense to offense (a 30-yard pass right on the money), a score from defense on a 80 yard run (that might be the ticket to getting them to like the position more - if you get a free position, take it all the way and we'll hold a wing back) and a sweet top corner shot from a free position on the 8m arc (of course, I was saying shoot it low - what do I know?)
The ref was calling this game tight (but fair) and we got quite a few checking penalties (this is a no-check age group). I'm OK if we get a checking penalty from a good defensive position because it means you are trying to get the ball and got overzealous but there were a few that were just hacks and that shouldn't be happening.
We'll see Hidden Valley again on Monday and have a short practice on their field followed by a rematch. We need to work on a couple of things (good defensive position, spreading out on offense, and, of course, ground balls) and a practice will get us a chance to review some things before another game.
Actually, I didn't see much of the game because I was the roster manager. We had 7 substitutes and try to get everyone equal playing time so there is a lot of substitution. You have to write down which players are where and tell the substitutes where they are going and who they are going in for (often with a brief explanation of the position). Initially, there was a great deal of mild complaining about positions ("Can I play center? I don't want to play defense. Can I play goalie?") but that settled down as the game progressed. That is either an indicator that they thought the positioning was fair or they saw the scowl on my face when they would ask for a position change after I'd spent 5 minutes trying to line them up in positions they hadn't played yet. It was probably the scowl.
I saw a couple of good plays: a nice give and go around the goal (not sure if it was intentional, but it worked), a few good entry passes from the midfield and an outside shot or two. Otherwise, I was buried in paperwork.
The second game was more competitive. We played at Hidden Valley and they had some very good players. We won 15-10 but it would have been much closer had they not had two of their better players leave for a soccer game at half (get your priorities straight!)
This time, CP took on the administrative burden of running the roster and I coached the sidelines. It was very close through the first half. I think the biggest lead by either side was 2 goals and the action was back and forth. They had one player in particular that we just could not stop. She was big and had good speed. The only weakness she had was that she really couldn't go left (very common at this age). I think she hung 7-8 goals on us until I put one of our quicker players on her (don't let her get the ball and, if she does, play her right hand). That settled things down and we got in a better groove on offense (why do girls think it's a good idea to shoot right at the goalie?)
We had a couple of plays I remember: an assist from defense to offense (a 30-yard pass right on the money), a score from defense on a 80 yard run (that might be the ticket to getting them to like the position more - if you get a free position, take it all the way and we'll hold a wing back) and a sweet top corner shot from a free position on the 8m arc (of course, I was saying shoot it low - what do I know?)
The ref was calling this game tight (but fair) and we got quite a few checking penalties (this is a no-check age group). I'm OK if we get a checking penalty from a good defensive position because it means you are trying to get the ball and got overzealous but there were a few that were just hacks and that shouldn't be happening.
We'll see Hidden Valley again on Monday and have a short practice on their field followed by a rematch. We need to work on a couple of things (good defensive position, spreading out on offense, and, of course, ground balls) and a practice will get us a chance to review some things before another game.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Energy
I spent some money on energy on Friday and got some back for saving it. I fueled up the go-go Jetta TDI today after another 505 miles. I put in 13.5 gallons at $2.89 a gallon (not a bargain - but I didn't plan ahead and find the cheapest diesel in the area). So, that is about 37 MPG or $0.07 cents per mile for fuel on a mix of mostly city and some highway driving. Not bad.
I also sent in my DMME rebate forms. I've got $750 coming back to me from the Commonwealth for an energy audit, high-efficiency water heater and programmable thermostat. Again, not bad.
I also sent in my DMME rebate forms. I've got $750 coming back to me from the Commonwealth for an energy audit, high-efficiency water heater and programmable thermostat. Again, not bad.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Trouble Island
For such a small country, Iceland seems to be causing Europe (especially the UK) a lot of trouble these days. First, they spew toxic financial products and now volcanic ash shuts down air travel. Maybe we need to make some sacrifices to Odin or something.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
5%
Now we are 5% through the MLB season. The Orioles have one victory and eight losses. I'm going to look at this in the best possible light - at least now I don't feel like I need to pay attention to this team. Plus, it's lacrosse season. So, I've got stuff to keep me occupied.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Cross (culture) check
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
65
Interesting fact: Of all the people in human history who ever reached the age of 65, half are alive now. Given that about 6% of the people who were ever alive are alive today (pdf), that is a pretty big change in the historic demographic mix.
Friday, April 9, 2010
O No
Gonzales strikes again! Now that I've digested my dinner, I can think about that putrid game. I can deal with guys giving up hits, but walks are killers in the last inning. It's still early blah...blah...blah but you've got to win most games you are up a run in the 9th.
O-K
At least the O's won't lose 'em all this year. Last nights game was fun to watch. Atkins showed up, Roberts got a hit and Matusz showed some guts. The Rays got jobbed by the umps a few times (hate that even when it goes your way) and Gonzales almost blew it again but it all worked out in the end. On the TV broadcast, Roch did a decent job of replacing Jim Palmer. Opening day in the Yard today!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
O boy
I watched the first couple of Orioles games this week and I'm worried. I didn't have high expectations, but I was hoping for .500 in a very tough division. If they can't beat the Rays in a series, who are the going to beat in the AL East (besides the Blue Jays, of course)?
The opening game loss was the hardest because the new big bucks closer blew it. The second was all about Longoria having a great night (which he will have many of). But the O's are going to need some luck this year and they just didn't have it in two games that they could have won.
I know we are only 1/80 of the way through the season and there were many positive things about the games (Millwood and Guthrie both pitched reasonably well, Jones looks very comfortable at the plate and Tejada might actually be able to play a competent third base) but a team like this needs to win some close ones to get momentum.
The opening game loss was the hardest because the new big bucks closer blew it. The second was all about Longoria having a great night (which he will have many of). But the O's are going to need some luck this year and they just didn't have it in two games that they could have won.
I know we are only 1/80 of the way through the season and there were many positive things about the games (Millwood and Guthrie both pitched reasonably well, Jones looks very comfortable at the plate and Tejada might actually be able to play a competent third base) but a team like this needs to win some close ones to get momentum.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Bags
An airline I'm not familiar with is planning on charging for carry-on bags. I'm OK with this idea. Charging for checked bags has had the predictable consequence of increasing the amount of carry on luggage. When I travel for business, I carry on for efficiencies sake and it is really annoying to not have enough room in the overheads because everyone is trying to save a buck or two. I don't blame the people, I blame the airlines for the pricing structure.
When I travel with my family, we will check bags and it is annoying to have to pay (if not on Delta where I'm a frequent flier). If you had to pay the same in either case, it would encourage people to do what makes the most sense for their travel plans and luggage requirements. If you really don't need any luggage, then you shouldn't have to pay for it.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Jefferson
A couple of pics from our little walk up Mt. Jefferson on Sunday. It was a beautiful day for both man and beast.
Final
That was a great NCAA final game last night. Duke seemed to have the upper hand for most of the night, but Butler battled back at every turn in the game. When it came down to the end and the ball was in Hayward's hands driving to the basket, I thought it was all over. That shot clanged out but was really close. Even the last second desperation heave at the end hit the rim. An exciting finish to a well played game.
I hope the NCAA lacrosse tourney features a great game like this one.
I hope the NCAA lacrosse tourney features a great game like this one.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
16
Rode 16 miles today with Jack. It's a flat course, but I'm pretty impressed that a six year old would do that with no complaints.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Spreading
Driving by Palo Alto High School the other day and what did I spy with my little eye but ground ball drills. Lacrosse is spreading like a weed.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
300
Not the movie. That's my cycling mileage on Ruby this year to date (excludes the bit of mileage I put on my mountain bike and single speed). Not too bad considering the crappy weather we had for the first two months of the year. My goal is 2010 miles this year. It should be possible if I can average 250 a month for the next 6 good riding months and then fit in what I can towards the end of the year.
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