Dan's Web Spot

After returning from several days in Jacksonville, FL, where the temperature was in the mid-90s and very muggy, I welcomed the return to NH weather. Once I got home, I unpacked my bag, put everything away, and then proceeded to open up some windows to air out the house.

Bird Feeder

When Samai, Elijah and Rahim showed up (I was VERY happy to see them), we had a little greeting fest, and then the boys went up to Elijah's room. While I was by the sliding screen door near the back deck, I heard the familiar sound of the metal squirrel baffle on the bird feeder in the back yard.

My first thought was BEAR, having observed a bird feeder crime scene several years ago. It was dark out, so I turned on the back deck light, but it wasn't bright enough to see beyond the deck in the rain. I searched frantically for a flashlight and found a little one that was better than nothing.

Carefully sliding the screen door open, I peered over the deck railing to confirm my initial thought: BEAR. It was a black bear, the likes of which I hadn't seen for a long time in my back yard. » More...

Elijah's 4th Grade Graduation Certificate

Well, it's now official. At 11:30 AM on Monday June 21, 2010, Elijah officially graduated from the 4th grade at Woodman Park School. He played his trumpet with the Band, and sang with the Chorus too. They sounded great!

I haven't had time to go through pictures, etc, but I hope to soon. His Mema posted several on Facebook already. I have attached a few of the "official" graduation documents, and even a photo taken during a field trip that Elijah's class took to visit Governor Lynch at the State House. Click on the items to open them...

The graduation was a lot of fun, and afterward, we got to have pizza in Elijah's classroom with him and his classmates. Great job, Woodman Park 4th Graders! » More...

Dover Baseball

Awesome game, Formax!!!

On Wednesday, May 26th, Gage Hill Builders hosted Formax for a 5:30 game. The weather was humid and around 90 degrees (a hot one). Needless to say, the kids were all dragging a bit, but we kept them hydrated at least.

Formax took an early lead and would go on to keep this lead until the finish. Our pitching was great, with many strike-outs. Our batting was great too, with great base-running. » More...

Elijah catching

Last night, the weather was absolutely perfect for baseball (except for the black flies...). Formax continued their rained-out game against Insurcomm from April 27th at Sullivan Field. They resumed the game at Beckwith, starting with the bottom of the 3rd inning, Formax at bat, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, 1 out, and the score where the game was called was Insurcomm 4, Formax 2.

Formax rallied early but Insurcomm pitching prevented Formax from pulling ahead. Elijah caught a pop fly to 3rd for an out, and made a great throw to 1st for another one... Insurcomm won the game, 8-5 (?).

Since the game was over relatively early, a second scrimmage-type game was played afterward. The batting team would go until they had 3 outs or 4 runs, whichever occurred first. In this game, Elijah got to pitch the first inning, play shortstop, and play the catcher's position a couple of innings later. He also had some great fielding, including catching a pop fly to shortstop. » More...

Ripken Coaching Certificate

Alas, it is finally official! Tonight I finally completed Coaching Youth Baseball: The Ripken Way for Babe Ruth Baseball Coaching and I am proud to announce that I am now officially a Certified Baseball Coach!

The course was fun, affordable, challenging and rewarding, and I have taken away some great information and insight into the great game of baseball. I can't believe all the practice drills and practice game suggestions that were provided...

While this is an accomplishment for me, it is also a requirement of the Dover Baseball League in order to set foot on the field in games during the season (even if it is in the role of an Assistant Coach). I am looking forward to a season full of helping and watching the players develop and enjoy themselves in doing so. We have a really promising team this year! » More...