Broomball, Basketball, Bruises and Beth (sorry Holly you don't start with a B)

Cold weather doesn't keep me inside. (well not all the time) On Saturday we had some people over to play games and a little broomball on the pond out back. After putting on a few layers of clothing and trying a bit unsuccessfully to get a fire going (even with the magic lighter fluid ?!?!) we made do with our Christmas lights around the pond and started playing. We quickly remembered that our roughest opponent was the ice- notice my brother Nick flat on his back. I didn't win any hosting awards after I whacked this nice girl in the shin with my broomstick. We were even on the same team. I soon found out that she is a hockey player and a little hit wasn't going to stop her- however she did leave with a very large parting gift in the shape of a goose (or ostrich) egg on her leg. Sorry Jeannine! Last night Amy, Mom, Dad, and I went to the Girls Basketball game in Cook. When I was 16 I started babysitting for the Youngstrom family. Emily was in preschool and Darby was just barely a year old. Now they are both taller than me, Em is driving, and they both are amazing B-ball players. It was a blast watching them play. They've got some skills.


Darby is on the Junior Varsity team. She was a lot of fun for me to watch. I've made it to some games over the past years, but you know that point when it moves beyond a bunch of girls running up and down the court just trying to get it into the hoop? Well they are past that and it is great to watch her decision making and all the skills she has acquired. She's gonna be a great baller. (Already is I guess)

Emily is on the Varsity team and has been for some time and will most likely be scoring her 1000 point this season. (Only her sophomore year) I am sure her height helps her out a little, but her skills are what give her the real advantage. Along with being a great player comes the not fun part of being double teamed often and fouled constantly. She manages though and still puts up the stats.

This makes me realize that I am old and to top it all off- This summer is my 10 year High School Reunion. It doesn't seem possible. Bummer for me is that there is a good chance I will be in Sierra Leone when this happens so Holly, Beth and I had our own little pre-reunion last Thursday. It has been MANY years since the three of us were together so we had some catching up to do. Both Beth and I have spent time away from the mainland in warmer climates recently so I had someone to commiserate with. Beth has just returned (to America :)) from Hawaii and arrived just in time for the extreme cold and winter snow storms.
We spent some time reminiscing about camping trip to the BWCA, school trip to Europe, learning who is where from Cook and just a lot of time laughing. I love when you are able to be with old friends and feel right at ease. I miss these two and am so thankful we were able to get together- and learn a few things while we were at it. (Don't hold the baby too close, Hawaii is not America, your phone can attach to your radio. :-)) I hope to get together again soon.