Editor’s note:  We had some computer issues this week.  Got a new one for the new year because I’ve almost worn the letters off the keyboard on my old one.  But because technology exists only to create frustration, the new one would not respond to my operational coaxings . . . or even to my threats of physical violence!   Ultimately, it took Jami, a metallurgical engineer, working in conjunction with grandson Tom at Purdue, pretty much an entire ‘work day’ to de-bug the d*mn thing!  I’m still on the old one – afraid the new one will blow up if I touch it!  Now I’ve worked with computers, on the job and in retirement, for . . . over 30 years?  Why is it they continue to get less and less user friendly?  I asked the kids, what do “old people” do when they get computers.  Danny said, “They take them to a computer store and pay someone to the set up the blankety-blank-blank thing.”

[And there you have it, proof positive that the headline was dead on, i.e., correctamundo!  This game was Tuesday night, and I didn’t notice until it was pointed out to me that player statistics panels have been added to the southside scoreboard.  Makes it easier now as from where sit I don’t have to shoot through the basket at the northside scoreboard.]

But first, in other news . . .

[On Friday, we had a sun dog, a preliminary event to celebrating Danny’s birthday (a day late) at Doolittle’s and then on to SAWA to see a Cardinal basketball player of the future.]

[On Sunday, we de-Christmasized the house and decided to ‘wined’ down the day accordingly.]

But, back to the game . . .

[By the luck of the pre-draft lottery, Kiyana Miller (21), sophomore G/F, was randomly selected as the warm-up player of the game.]

[Warm-ups were interrupted by a meeting of the captains at center court . . .]

[So, how do you guys handle having to drive on Division Street?]

[Well, how do you guys handle driving on Broadway?]

[Cool it!  Kohler’s listening in!]

[First time fans . . . they knew they were on camera!]

[Back to warm-ups with Kiyana.  With her in this picture, sandwiched with Brooke Heggie, is Gretchen Revering (25), senior guard.  Gretchen is the designated 3-point shooter.  At one time in the game when the Cards were floundering a bit, she came in a hit a big ‘3’ to right the ship again.]

[Winding up with Kiyana, finally got her shooting.  She seldom shoots in games – ballhandling and defense are her fortes.]

[The first-time fans are still there.]

[Emma Ziegler (1)]

[Kendall Kohler (3)]

[Macy Hatlestad (11)]

[Brooke Heggie (45)]

[Cheyenne Hendrickson (55)]

[And Brooke wins the tap in the “Home of the Cardinals.”]

[Kendall and team on aggressive ‘D.’]

[Macy sets a pic for Kendall . . . or is it the other way around?]

[I remember this . . . Carly Dropik (33), a/k/a, Instant Defense, came in and immediately got a steal.  Unfortunately, her shot attempt was knocked away as she was going in.]

[Macy drives . . . and undoubtedly crashed to the floor underneath the basket.  Oy!  (Or should I say, “Ouch”?)]

[And it looks like the ref is signaling an over-and-back on the Tigers.  Either that, or signaling he knows the capital of Burkina Faso?]

[I’ve got 38 . . . I’ve got 12 . . . I’ve got 22 . . .]

[Emma leaps attempting to deflect a pass . . . to prevent her coach from being hit!]

[Brooke with a freebie.]

[Cheyenne and Emma rush to aid a fallen Tiger?]

[Macy again has an uncomfortable reunion with the floor.  Ouch!]

[A time-out to discuss the evening’s dining arrangements . . . or Chaucer?]

[Cheers for me!  Captured a jump shot in action – lookin’ good, Brooke.]

[Cheyenne at the line . . .]

[Macy drives . . .]

[Carly, Carly, Kendall.  With the lead, the Cards were obviously fouled a lot at the end. While usually pretty good from the line, we had issues this time.  Better foul shooting would have put the game away earlier.  But that’s nit-picking a win where strong defense again ruled the day.  🙂  ]

The Cards then went down to Willmar on Friday night and came home with a 71 – 47 win. We are now 9 – 2 on the season.

No normal man ever fell in love after thirty when the kidneys begin to disintegrate.  ~  H.L. Mencken

Up next:  Hockey, hockey, and more hockey.