Things missed...

I am asked (almost) on daily basis what I miss from America. Beyond any doubt missing family (and old friends) is at the top of the list.... having said this, there are a lot of little things that I do miss. These other little things are not anything that I can't live without... but when I get to have them I really enjoy every bit of them. So... (from time to time ) I am going to start sharing them in no particular order.


BASEBALL

I have often talked with Irish friends about this wonderful sport, but unfortunately it is one of those things that can't be truly appreciated or learn about on the TV. The TV never really captures the speed of the ball... the sound of a bat cracking... the taste of sunflower seeds... the cheer of the crowd... the warmth of a summer's breeze... or the distance the ball travels for a home run. Watching baseball on TV is like reading about love... you have to really experience it first hand to really appreciate it.

When we first moved to Ireland I had some baseball withdrawals. It was just strange to not know what was going on, and to not even realize that the world series was going on... There was one particular day, however, during our first summer when I thought that I had made an amazing discovery. We had the 'North American Sports Channel'! It was a beautiful summer's day... we had all of our windows open... I was wearing shorts... and I even had some sunflower seeds! I settled into our little two seater couch.... propped my feet up on the coffee table and started to watch the game! I can't tell you how excited I was! That is.......... until the end of the first inning when the 'free view' ended and the channel turned off.

Since that time I have really had to let go of baseball. I know that I could pay to watch it online... or I could pay for the channel and watch live games at 2 am.... but it just wouldn't be the same... and I just wouldn't have any other baseball fans around to talk about it with.... :(

Wipe the tear from your eye... I have survived without baseball. In fact, I have adapted and found a love for other sports (rugby, soccer and the gaelic sports).

This summer, however, I really have fallen back in love with the game. I have gotten to see my nephew play a few games (in fact we are going to one tonight), and while in Atlanta last weekend I was able to go to my first Braves' game (but more about that later)!



My nephew (Brandon) saving the game by striking out the last batter of the game while the bases were loaded!




My niece (Brooke) on her tippy toes watching the action! She is a baseball fan in the making!


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