What is rugby?

Good question! Rob and I went to Cornell today to watch the Cornell A team play Columbia and the B team play the Faded Red. Stood in the cold....on the pitch....near the horses....with a nice view, but I didn't figure out what was going on. But it sure was fun. I have all winter to figure out this sport. Ian will kill me if I attend another game this year.

I do know that EMT's play a vital role in the sport. An ambulance was leaving when we arrived and EMT's tended to the leg of one of the B team players during the 2nd game.

Ian is wearing #22 and using his XC skills to move the ball.

The Faded Red team consists of alumni rugby players. The guys who show up to play are very good...the fanatics and the best from previous years. They were big. You may notice Ian is not in this picture. If I had a camera with a serious lens I could zoom into that pile of players where you might see Ian's hands frantically trying to push the ball out.

This is called a scrum. I don't know why or even what the players are doing. But sometimes they moved around in a circle and it was interesting.

I love this video clip. Ian is tossed the ball, misses and recovers the ball. I don't know if that is good or not. But check out #16. He had to leave between the halves to attend Glee Club (a very big deal at Cornell!) The coach wouldn't let him leave until he told the alumni why he had to leave. I should have recorded that scene! Rugby players are rather crude folks.

The house with Ian in it....

Ian came home late Friday night for a long weekend. Immediately, the house had a different feel and I loved every minute of his time home. When your contact is reduced to FaceBook comments, texts and phone conversations that begin with, "have you....did you.... and you have to...." ---you forget how much fun he can be!

Ian spent time with his old friends, spent time on the computer, ate, watched a little mindless television and slept.

Ian missed his bed so much he slept in it all day.

Ian slept on the couch when he wasn't in his bed.Ian even slept in the chair...but woke up while I was getting the camera.

Apparently, sleep is not a priority at college. I hope sleep rates somewhere in between rugby and Keystone Light!

Cornell has very strict computer use policies and Ian is being good. He waited until he came home to add music to his ipod since his downloads never involve any cash transactions. I can assume he is violating some copyright laws. Better to be arrested at home than at Cornell!
While Ian slept, I pretreated, washed, dried and folded 4 loads of laundry and cooked his favorite foods. Not something I am noted for...but I did miss him.

Ian's dad took him back to Cornell on Tuesday. I kissed him goodbye before I left for work. I fell back into controlling mother mode and called him a round 10 to make sure he was awake and reminded him to get his shoes by the door, his textbooks on the table and the last minute wash in the dryer. He reminded me...quite vehemently...that he takes care of himself all day at college and has survived.

Ian called me around 1. He forgot his clothes.

Yes, Tom and Ian share the same measure of common sense.

My 5 minutes of fame....

I read every inch of the paper and laugh hysterically when people are quoted saying something really stupid...and it happens all the time. Last week, I was interviewed and I was scared to death....I certainly had a lot to say but you never know what will make it into print. I can live with this....

Say Yes to Education program piques interest in Syracuse school board election

Big Change For Hilary

After 23 years as the best waitress in western New York, Hilary has burned the apron and moved forward. Sunday night was her last night at Applebee's and the place was packed with diners wishing Hilary well (and tipping well too!)

One of Hilary's long time customers is employed at Fredonia State and has always recognized Hilary's drive, enthusiasm and talent. She convinced Hilary to apply and Hilary is now officially a SUPERVISOR for the Faculty Student Association (FSA) at SUNY Fredonia.

Hilary has a pension, sick days, vacation, benefits and room for advancement. I have no doubt she will be running the entire food service operation in a few years.

Congratulations...I am proud of you. And you are not the only one who waited until she was 40 to join the official "race to retirement."