September 20 Olivet vs Bluffton

Saturday: I drove today to Olivet, Michigan--the longest solo drive yet that I have made in my very nice 2025 Honda CR-V. What a breeze it is to drive this car! Attending at least one of the home football games of Chris is my goal each football season. I'd like to do more home games--but scheduling a Friday-night sleepover with one of the grandchildren is difficult enough without considering the football schedule too. But I made a definite exception this week and told Aidan that we would have to shoot for next weekend instead. It worked out really well, though, because Aidan had a "festival" at school that he wanted to attend Friday night.

Anyway, it's a very beautiful drive to Olivet--at least in my opinion; but I love farm land, rows of corn, silos, barns ... just the quiet and quaintness of the country, so far away from the concrete, gray, monotony of city-life. I breathe better in the depths of my soul when I am out in the country!

But ... did I pull over and take any pictures of that beauty? No, I did not. I meant to, truly; but I didn't want to be late for the game which began at 12:30. I pulled into the $5 parking lot at 12:25 and by the time I walked over to the stadium I had missed the kick-off. Rats.

Thankfully, Ella was already seated at a very nice place in the bleachers. She waved to me and I joined her there. Diana, Emma, and I thought Kaity were on their way to the game too. However, Kaity didn't come. I was sad about that; but I was also thankful that I got to spend time with her Thursday night (which I haven't gotten to do in a very long time).

The Comets (Olivet) got the first touchdown early in the first quarter, but the Beavers (Bluffton) ended up winning the game 37 to 28. It was a frustrating game. Our Chris was "booted" on both lower arms due to injuries--I believe both of his little fingers are presently broken, and he has other hand injuries as well. Since he is a senior this year and part of the advisory board of the football team, he had to change his jersey number to a lower one. He used to be #31 (which my long-sleeve T-shirt has on it), but now he is #15 (just like he was in high school).

Here are a few pictures I took while at the game:

See the "boots" on Chris's arms? It must be very frustrating to be plagued with injuries when he so badly wants to play. He practices with the team and, obviously, he works out and keeps in shape.

Here is Ella, unwrapping his "boots."

Ella ironed this on to her shirt last night and in the process, burned her arm. I recall "iron" burns back in the day when I actually used an iron. Ouch.

Nice pictures of Chris and Ella. Both of them are very photogenic. They have been together now for close to five years!

Here is Chris and his mom. Diana has quite a few health issues--and I am sad for her. The kiddos are worried about her too. I'm glad I got to spend some time with her today.

Sorry about the loss of another game, Comets. It's difficult to LOSE--nobody likes it! But I am glad I was there to see the game, and spend time with Ella, Emma, and Diana. Emma and I have made arrangements to maybe take a walk tomorrow afternoon--do you know how long it's been since we've done that?!?!? I can't wait!