The Cardinal girl pumpkin pushers ventured to Sauk Centre on the same night we were covering the home girls’ hockey game against Willmar.  We later discovered this game, against the 3rd-ranked team in the state in class AA, was covered by the staff photographer.  🙂  In his own words:

Hi Tom and Ruth, 

I just finished putting the pictures from girls’ basketball at Sauk Centre on the shutterfly site.  I got to travel to see them with Val, Lauren and Sam!  It was a gas to go to a game with my daughters, I don’t think that it has happened before as usually we’re going to see them.  

The BB girls had a good first half and then . . .  They play an inspired defense that will keep them in many a game.  As it turned out they only needed to score 13 points in the second half to win the game, BUT they only scored 6!  I felt for them as they worked their butts off.  I still think the scoring and hence the team will improve as the season progresses.  ~ Your staff photographer,  Greg

p.s.  Your shots of Victoria Heights fascinate me!  I grew up on Knut St in Ellison’s old house and then eventually across the street!  [Editor’s note:  Some editing here to protect the innocent . . . and/or the guilty.]

[Starting with the JV game . . . appears to be Kendall Kohler (45).]

[Kendall’s fellow 8th-grader, Macy Hatlestad (11).]

[Kendall on D.]

[Let’s talk about this . . .]

[JV coach Julie Hatlestad]

[The Mainstreeters must be building a basketball dynasty – I believe that was the JV’s first loss.]

[The varsity’s Kalli Bowser]

If I may be so bold as to make a fashion comment . . . and who better?  I prefer the JV’s road uniforms.  I like the large script better than the small block letters on the varsity’s (and is that orange rather than red?).  Just an observation, though I have to admit I’ve never been contacted by Alexander Julian for advice.

[And you have to complete this game before 9:00 – that’s when the DQ closes!]

[Your only option after 9:00 is The House of Lutefisk.]

[Sarah Bruzek (15) holds the role of “greeter” during player intros.  It’s kinda like being the Sousaphone player who dots the “i” for the Ohio State marching band.]

[First up, Amanda Christianson (5).]

[Karly Betterman (21)]

[Kalli (35)]

[Amanda, Dani Strater (13), Karly, Jess Syvrud (23), and Kalli]

[Greetings from Amanda.]

[Dani]

[Karly]

[Jess]

[Kalli]

[Aaaayyyyyyy!!!!]

[Amanda on the opening tip.  Looks like the ‘Streeters got a home court toss!  😉 ]

[Jess looks for a cutter.]

[Kalli at the line.]

[Karly from Amanda.]

[The Cards got off to a fast start, with Sarah (15) coming of the bench to get a quick 7 points.]

[Amanda’s role is whatever is needed.]

[Tall ‘Streeter on the line.]

[We’ve got to score, ladies.]

[Amanda]

[We’d like to limit these “meetings” because of the 9:00 DQ deadline!]

[Karly]

[Kalli leaps above the fray.]

[Did she get to keep it?]

[Kalli fights for post position.]

[Then she swishes a free throw.]

[The staff photographer ended coverage with the Cards “defending” the free throw.  😦 ]

OK, now we come to my favorite part of the program where I indulge in a little (OK, a lot) self-aggrandisement, a/k/a, the reader’s write:

Terry Lang (Ray Lang’s son) lives nearby and gives me lots of photo advice. Terry’s a pro (30 years as a Navy photographer).  I just dabble, but I know good photos when I seem them!  Nice job.  ~ KBT

Truly enjoyed the story, pictures and play by play.  See you at the game.  ~  Beth

Thank you for blogging our girls’ sports.  I am very interested in being included.  Please add my email to your list.  Thank you.  ~ Kelly

Tom,  I would love to be added to your blog spot updates!  I am Hanah Hansen’s step father!  Your photography is absolutely amazing!  Sure would love to meet you and your wife at one of the games!  ~ Kris 

Hi!  Greg and I will jump on [the Cardinal bandwagon]…whenever we can!  🙂   ~ Val

They do from the Super FANS! [Respect for girls’ sports!]  🙂   ~ Marnee’

Good morning, Tom!  Thanks for the great coverage on Abby!  So nice of you to do that. Also, sooo nice of the 4 of you to come watch. Both games!! Is it possible for me to somehow get those pictures you took of the weekend???  I am not very computer savvy, so appreciate any direction here!!!  Thanks for your help!!!  ~ Martha

Tom, You are the best!  ~ Paul

Glad you have your Priorities straight!!!  [Girls hockey trumps all.] ~ Marnee’

You never cease to amaze me!   ~ Crazy

You will have to notice my cousin’s name and picture in the U of M Basketball memorabilia:  Eric Magdanz from South High School in Minneapolis.  ~ Loveya, Julie

$3 for a “circ” on the hospital bill??  Note the size of the evergreens on hole 14!  ~ Big Al

One other thing – I too have the hospital bill for my birth – It was cheaper to be born out in the hinterlands – My bill  was in the 40’s – and my mom stayed for a week.  Now I pay that much for a co-pay.  ~ Lorlee

I wish I had that pink sweater back – one of my favorites.  I was playing chess with Michael Perreton when we got the news that Kennedy had been shot.  And I didn’t believe him.  And I can’t believe it – someone has more crap than I do.  ~ Lorlee

Oh Dear! I did NOT know you caught this on camera!  😉   Hahaha! Thanks for sending it to us!  ~ Sue

Love the eagle pictures!  ~ Marnee’

Alex boys lost to Fergus 52 to 51  [December 11].  Mike Millard of Fergus scored 23.  Alex boys: Doyle 16, Deitz 15, Gorguber 8, Krivanek 8. Our defense under the net was loose. Alex also threw the ball away many times with sloppy handling, but it was a good, close game. ~ Mike

OMG! I missed this on the blog.  I totally did not realize he lost the WHOLE FINGER!  Still smiling, though.  That’s our Cam!  He needs to get ambidextrous, especially at the store… ~ Jami

A BELATED HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE LEES.  Terrific articles and pictures, you have found a wonderful journey for traveling down the road of retirement.  Both of you are looking younger and happy as you occupy your time with the wonderful interests you have found in your retirement.  When your time comes to sit in your rocking chair, if that ever happens, you will be able to write a novel on how to retire and stay young and busy.  Thanks so much for sharing.  We enjoy all and it was fun to see Alexandria all decked out for Christmas and the morning pictures of Lake Darling are terrific.   Arnie and I went with friends to a terrific restaurant at Ponce Inlet.  Good dinner with turkey and all the trimmings and interesting watching the boats and birds etc. while dining.  Keep up the good work.  We are lucky that you built in our neighborhood.  Have a good day ~ Arnie and Jo 

Yes, ladies and gents, that was painted on underwear in the photo!  Happy Thanksgiving!!!  🙂   ~ Jami

It won’t be the same without you!!!!!  ~ Annie

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!  ~ Rachel

You look really good in Green!  ~ Rita

HYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTERICAL! Where did you find that? LOVE IT!  ~ Gail

Tom:  Thanks for the nice coverage of our annual golf party!  Your photos are excellent!!   ~ Mar/Rich

Thanks for the photos…..perhaps sometime you could get an employee to take a few pictures, then we could see if you were actually present.  Merry Christmas.  ~ Paul

You are too good!!  We loved your answer!  Merry Christmas!  ~ Ruth & Jim

[Editor’s note:  Over time, it has finely dawned on me – another chromosome issue.  Women e-mail in blue Calibri 11; men e-mail in black Times New Roman or Ariel 12.  Is there a logical basis for this?]

p.s.  We did get out and about yesterday despite the dire weather forecasts.  The winery was first to see Anthony Miltich and the high school carolers.  And in keeping with recent blog discussions, I ran into an “old(?)” Victoria Heights neighbor there who I hadn’t seen in 47 years.  🙂

[Terri McCabe Steidl is obviously much younger than I am, but I grew up in the Heights playing all manner of ball with her oldest brother, and my classmate, Chris.]

[And Anthony Miltich was terrific – a James Taylor look-a-like and sound-a-like!  😉 ]

A Miltich YouTube video of “Copper Line,” a supervisor favorite and on the CD, with who appears to be Dave Stoddard, another talented Fergus Falls musician:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utAFAUmnQhM

[Miltich is an english, writing, and film professor at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls, and we added his autographed CD to our collection of “local” performers.]

The carolers are saved for the Christmas newsletter.  😉

p.p.s.  I stripped the bed this morning – it’s my job and I do it annually whether it needs it or not – and found about 47 pairs of the supervisor’s socks at the foot of the bed?  Obviously addled by this unexpected turn of events, I immediately went downstairs and stuck the sheets in the dryer to . . . wash them?