Let's Play Ball!

Sunday we went to see the Cincinnati Reds play the Houston Astros.

Thinking it was going to be a fantastic experience, it didn't meet expectations! After 9 innings and about 3 hours it was 0-0!! Just as we were leaving, as we'd had enough, the Astros scored a home run (match ended 0-2).

Glad that we went. Will look to go to a basketball game or another sport which doesn't always stop and start.

At Last, The Family Is United in Atlanta

Although we were supposed to meet on Friday at around 7pm, it wasn't until Saturday 24 hours later that the BA flight from Heathrow, via Orlando in this instance, arrived at concourse E.

We all checked into the local hotel. The receptionist recommended the bedrooms overlooking the runway, as apparently children like to look out and watch the planes take off.

Sounded a good idea, until we all wanted to go to sleep!!

If It's Not The Volcano, It's Thunderstorms

I've been counting the days for the family to arrive in Cinci. Having meticulously planned my flight to Atlanta and the family's from Heathrow I thought everything would go to plan. But oh no.

Severe thunderstorms in Atlanta meant that the airport was closed! The plane from Cinci was low on fuel so was diverted to Augusta. The plane from Heathrow was diverted to Orlando, where the cabin crew were told not to fly to Atlanta until the next day (24 hours later)!

Therefore, I stayed in Atlanta airport for 24 hours and slept for about 2 hours on the floor. Great start to the family get together, not.

The Stig... Not!

So after failing my US practial driving test in style, I picked up my own car (not rental this time).

I'm really chuffed with it, and... it's not a VW!

It's a 2007 Acura TL and is lovely to drive (even has heated front seats!).

"Go Mason Go"

This evening I was invited to a High School Lacrosse game by a colleague whose daughter was playing in the quarter-finals.

Before the game, there was lots of girlie shrieking... apparently it's a motivational thing!!

I had a fun time, but didn't have a clue what was happening! Lots of running around with a fishing net and goggles. I'm sure this must have originated under the sea.

Unfortunately, Mason lost 13-10. However, it's only a game isn't it?!

"Launch The Damned Thing... The Ball Looked Good Until You Hit It"!

Encouraging comments from my friend, turned golf coach.

Yes, I was invited to play golf again (third time). I was very fortunate to be playing at a private golf course.

Whilst approaching the ball after my first tee-off (please note it was straight down the middle), a young lady came up and offered me a beer. Well, as it was 85 degrees and I had played a magnificant shot I thought I deserved it. I asked the lady whether there would be another beer available on the second tee...

I had a wonderful time. So peaceful, fantastic company (great Irish humour). What else would one want to do on a Sunday afternoon. SUPERB.

The 'Special One' Does It Again!

As I'm in America and they don't seem to have the world's most famous sport on regular TV (maybe they will if they ever win the World Cup!), I went round a colleague's house to watch the European Champions League final.

And yes, Jose Mourinho did it again.

Can you remember what he said a few years ago?... "Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one.".

I wonder what he's saying now?!

A Step Closer To Getting An American Drivers License

This afternoon I decided to turn up and have a go at the written multiple-choice drivers test.

Even though I've been driving for 22 years I'm still being asked to prove I can drive! Well, I managed to pass my written test (need a minimum of 75% to pass out of 40 questions). I was very excited to have got past the first hurdle. In a couple of weeks I'm taking my practical test.

Straight after I went to a couple of local car dealers. The Honda Accord is nice, but a bit boring and I really dislike the cloth seats (they remind me of a sofa!). I sat in a Lexus IS which was gorgeous, but the rear leg room was too small (something I've been told to not forget!). Therefore, I'm looking into the larger Lexus (second hand pre-certified). Apparently all the parts are covered for 100,000 miles. So watch this space.... Bet I end up with another VW!!

My Music Centre!

Having not bought anything for the appartment, I decided to splash out and buy a cheap stereo!

All I can say is that customer service is a class above what I'm used to in England.

Having spent 5 minutes talking to the salesman about Top Gear (not to generalise, but every American seems to love the programme) and telling him who I worked for I received a 10% discount. Music to my ears (no pun intended).

I'm A Sucker For Punishment - 6.46am Tee-off

Having thought my atrocious game of golf the other week would have put off my friends, I was asked to join them for a 6.46am tee-off this morning. Nothing like a lay-in on a Saturday (5.30am alarm!).

Can't believe I did this, but I bought a second-hand set of golf clubs and many balls. Well, I still played badly but averaged 7 a hole (a slight improvement than last time).

Another Rental Car!

I decided to choose a non-European and non-American rental car this time. The third rental car in three months!

Surprisingly, the Hyundai Sonata is a good car to drive.