2011 Field Day

No hiking this weekend.  Once again, it's Field Day, the weekend that we break out the big radios.  As in year's past, I've done the cooking for our amateur radio group and it's a big job since we usually have about 40 people show up.

 

So even though I didn't hike this weekend, there was a lot of running around, and otherwise being on my feet all weekend.

 

This year, I only camped out on Saturday night.  Friday night, after helping to set up all of the equipment and get dinner, I departed our Field Day site to attend the San Jose Giants game with Duane and our son, who was having a Cub Scout night at the Giants.  Loads of fun, I always enjoy going to the local game.  They are always so much more interesting than the major leagues, with lots for the kids to do and see in between innings.  When we walked into the stadium, we had a bit of a start since instead of their usual orange jerseys, the Giants were wearing pink jerseys.  Apparently it was breast cancer night (with fundraising as well).  A good time was had by all, but there was no joy in Mudville that night.  The Stockton Ports won.

 

Saturday was spent cooking, attending a class on packet radio, and after dinner was over, getting a chance to work the HF phone station.  So much fun, but a lot of work and very tired!

Not Exactly Resting

Although today was supposed to be a rest day, there wasn't much rest involved. (Is there ever?)

Friends of ours needed a babysitter. Since we were taking our son (with his TBall team) to the San Jose Giants vs. Modesto Nuts game tonight, free tickets courtesy of the San Jose Water Company, I suggested we take their children too. (I'm not sure how, during this drought, the San Jose Water Company can afford to give everyone free tickets, especially when they are planning a rate increase.)

Duane and I had practice at being parents of a larger "family", which took a bit more time and attention from both of us. We both got some "girl time" too. We did all of the traditional things one does at a baseball game. We ate hot dogs and popcorn, watched the audience participation contests between innings, and did the 7th inning stretch.

The children had a fantastic time watching the game and enjoying the experience, and sorting sorting through their baseball cards, a memento of the occasion. Best of all, there was a fireworks display following the game, which the San Jose Giants lost 2-3. Less than five minutes after shepherding the children back into the car, they were all sound asleep.

After dropping the children off, Duane and I returned home and prepared for tomorrow's hike at Almaden Quicksilver park.