Big Bertha

No, that's not one of Bethy's many nicknames. It's a golf term!

Seeing as Saturday was my birthday, Bethy let me direct all of the day's activities. So we found ourselves at the Blinkensop Valley driving range! She can crank the ball pretty straight (when she doesn't whiff). I tried to shake some winter rust. Don't know when my first round of 2007 will be, but I saved a ball token so I can get back to the range before that game comes.

A bit of a strange hockey game Tuesday night. I was reffing the game between my own team (Knuckleheads) and the Victoria Police team (the Blue Liners; clever name!). Everything was pretty much normal through the first two periods. Close score, a few penalties here and there. I did blow one call: was out of position when the cops buried one that our goalie pulled out under his pad. When I showed up, he had the puck, and I'd never seen it go in. So I waved it off to everyone's disbelief. In hindsight, I should have just asked my boys to be honest and tell me if it was in, but they let me wave it off -- and who can blame them! Also called my own guys on two straight trips to put them two men short, but they killed it off. Tossed some good buddies in the box, which is a real treat!

Part way through the third, the fire bell went off. I went looking for the rink rat, and found him a bit flustered in the front lobby area, along with smoke and some sparks falling down the stairwell! He asked us to stay in the arena area, which we did. Might as well keep playing then! After a few more minutes of action with the alarm still going, he came back in waving his arms -- told us all to head outside. So both teams gathered in the small carpeted area just inside the doors (who wants to ruin their sharpenings on pavement?). It afforded a good chance for the teams to mingle and chat -- and I'd say we have great rapport with the Vic cops now. SquareBob and I made a heroic effort to save the beer cooler from the changeroom. After about a 10 minute delay, a firefighter cleared us to head back onto the ice. He must have had pity -- perhaps he's a player too. The game finished 4-2 K-Heads, and the officiating wasn't a deciding factor, which is a victory for me!

We play Saturday night at 9pm, an earlier time than we're used to. Sounds like the boys may head out on the town after the game. Usually it's midnight on a weekday by the time we're coming off the ice, leaving little chance to hang out.

I'm working the late shift today, so I'm puttering around doing housework. On my list is to watch this overdue DVD: The Color of Money. Our video store has an Oscar section, and I spotted this flick (Paul Newman, Best Actor 1986). I remember really enjoying it years ago. Didn't realize until now it's a Scorcese movie. The original Hustler is a real gem too -- Newman is the same character much younger, and Jackie Gleason is Minnesota Fats.

We just has a new hot water heater installed, next it's a new dishwasher. Somebody stop this woman!! I thought that was my job around here.