Sunday, September 02, 2007

Labor Day Gratitude

The news is good around Casa Beckperson, so this post is merely a catch-up of miscellaneous happenings. Since I'm not clever enough to wrap it all up in some meaningful, profound way, let's just say that I have a lot to be thankful for this Labor Day. Here's some examples:

First, the Sox. The lead is up to six games in the AL East, thanks in large part to the rookies, which is rather odd considering the amount of money the Sox spend for big-name players. Last night's game delivered a most unexpectedly wonderful result in the form of Clay Buchholz, who threw a no-hitter in his second major league game. We caught the last six innings of the game and it was exciting as hell. Stood and applauded in the living room as he recorded the final out: a called strike three on a poor, hapless Oriole. Today, additional rookies (Jon Lester and Jacoby Ellsbury, Hideki Okajima, to name a few) provided the fireworks that led to another win. This news, coupled with the Devil Rays taking two of three from the MFYs, makes for a truly happy weekend.

Second, we had another unexpected delight on Saturday when we spent the day in Lowell, Mass. Unbeknownst to us, Lowell (an old mill town in northern Massachusetts that is frequently disparaged) has turned into an up and coming arts community. We went specifically to see the exhibit of the original "On The Road" manuscript being shown at the Lowell National Historic Park. But, we ended up having a great day of visiting some interesting art exhibits, buying some jewelry from local artisans and enjoying a nice walk around the Market Street area. We especially enjoyed visiting the "Revolving Museum," an arts collaborative currently featuring art from local elementary and high school students. If you're ever in the area, it appears that Lowell is becoming THE place to be. My sense is that many artists being pushed out of the high rent space in Boston/Cambridge are moving here - and it couldn't be better for all of us.

Finally, Bob and I are on packing tonight for 4 nights/5 days in Chatham, at the elbow of Cape Cod. And the weather is going to be spectacular: mid-70s to low-80s for highs and almost always pure blue skies. Although we could use the rain, I hope it waits for another 6 days before it makes its appearance. Looking forward to some good seafood, meeting up with a couple of friends along the way (I hope) and beautiful views at our ocean-front hotel. We are a coupla lucky people, that's for sure.

Happy Labor Day everyone.

4 comments:

Tex said...

Third, there's a crazy group of people called the SGers who heard you!

ya have fun!! I went to a Chatham game while I was on the Cape a few years back. Loved it there! PVs for weather for ya.

Keep the Fair on the board while we are gone this coming weekend!

beckperson said...

And I heard all of you too!

Wish baseball season was still going on in Chatham - would love to catch a game there.

I am so jealous of you guys going to Baltimore, but Nancy and I (and others) will keep the board warm for you until you get computer access again. I expect to hear great stories about the trip. Pictures, texts, posts...whatever way you can keep in touch, do so!

Fair-keeping is my specialty. :)

Ted D said...

becks, I hope you and Bob have a great time this week. And I'll second Tex: we heard you big time!

Tex said...

I love it in Lowell! If I do decide to move up there, it is a place Ive already thought of to live.