Always have a deck of UNO cards in the loge

Day two of vacation and the task at hand was to top day one. I never say never but I knew it was going to be nearly impossible! No, not impossible. We had a fighting chance as my family had the opportunity to enjoy the Indians' game from a loge. I've been quite lucky and blessed through the years to have sporadic opportunities to enjoy my favorite sport, my all-time favorite team from the confines of a loge, or even one time, from the field boxes. Now that was a tremendous experience for Mom, me and our family!

And, sure enough! We topped day #1 of vacation! First, just having the entire family together (except my nephew, but he has enjoyed a loge before!) was quite an experience! We all like baseball. The kids used to go to the games more with Mom and I when they were younger, but I know deep down inside they will always cherish this game, the Cleveland Indians' memories we made through the years and have a special place in their hearts for our Tribe!

It was just a beautiful day --well, until the rain delay! More to come on that!

The Pittsburgh Pirates were in town, a national league treat we don't see very often. And honestly, whenever my family gets together, there is an abundance of laughing, everyone talking at once, and feasting on delicious food!

So, the game was cruising along.....and then the clouds opened and we were in the midst of about an hour rain delay. Now, let's get this straight. We are in a loge. We did not have to scramble up the stairs to dry land. We had sufficient quantities of foodstuffs. We were surrounded by family and friends. The Indians were playing other baseball games on the huge scoreboard. And, most importantly, Sara brought -- The UNO cards! For the next hour or so, an entertaining display of who possessed the best UNO skills and ruled the roost!

In the midst of our UNO marathon, every so often, a radar check on everyone's smart phones. Yes. When the smart phone showed a clearing, our faithful grounds crew scampered out and started removing the tarp to loud cheers!

Our boys were playing baseball in no time....

Boy, did we get our money's worth! Not only did we sit through a rain delay, extra innings my friends! But wait, there's soooo much more.

With 2 on in the 11th inning, rookie Cord Phelps (who I'd just met the day before at batting practice) steps up to the plate and hits a walk-off homerun. His 1st homer to win the game! The Indians beat the Pirates 5-2 in 11 innings.

Yes, day #2 certainly topped vacation day #1. Can I keep the streak alive?

2 damsels in distress!

Mom and Dani's excellent adventure.

It was an excellent adventure except for about 10 minutes. But then because I have an outstanding friend, those 10 minutes were erased and replaced with awe and gratitude!

We decided to make the trek to PNC Park to see our boys--on the hottest day of the year! My car thermometer registered 98 degrees, and not the musical group!

But we were buzzing along, great car, jamming to Siriusly Sinatra, having an exquisite day. Until I missed one wrong turn.

We were on vacation. We could take a little excursion and sight see. Which we did. But having been to Pittsburgh numerous times before, it's circles and bridges and highway and hardly anywhere to turn off or turn around!

Finally, I got to the Rite Aid Parking lot so I could call my college buddy, Gary. What a gem. I've found in life that my best buds are my college buddies with a handful of grade school and high school folks as well!. After that, once you get in the business world, it's every man for themselves and forget about it.

Gary not only gave me directions but said, "stay put, I'm coming to get you!" We were in awe and so thankful for having such a wonderful friend!

As Mom hit right on the nose, he has not changed a bit.

We followed him back to his restaurant, "Big Jim's," which was recently featured on Guy's "Diner's, Drive-ins, & Dives."

For the next few hours we enjoyed the company of good friends, excellent food and not having to worry about anything.

When you say in the coming weeks, months and years, "where were you when Farrah died?" or "where were you when you learned about Michael Jackson?" Mom and I were with Gary at Big Jim's spending quality time with good people.

Gary got us to PNC Park, where Mom and I enjoyed yet more quality time together doing what we love best: watching the boys play baseball! I love PNC Park. Mom enjoyed it though she states she likes Progressive Field better.

We are truly blessed. A safe trip visiting good friends and new adventures with those we love. Who could ask for anything more.

Well, we would have liked a win, but heck, it was a good time all in all.

When we arrived home, a perfect ending to a near-perfect day. My cousin Johnny had left a message. What a hoot. He said, "I know you are not hearing this right now or getting this right now and the reason I know that is because we just saw you on TV in Pittsburgh at the game....they just gave you a shout out Dani and her Mom....."

Life is good....