The Kassel Family Project Life 365

John and three other boys put in some extra work at the ballfield today. John looked really good all around and he said that he feels like he can translate that to the tournament this weekend. I am crossing my fingers!

I watched John almost hit a home run on the Antimi Blue field today at practice. It was dead center field, and it was literally a foot from being out. I couldn’t help but think, “Where is THAT kid on game day?” He has struggled at the plate something awful this year. No amount of batting practice is going to fix whatever is going on mentally when he steps up to the plate during an actual game. It was interesting to listen to him on the way home from practice.

Instead of bragging about the hit, he said, “Mom! I had two great hits at practice today.” I said, “See. You CAN do it.” He gave me a sideways look and mumbled, “Now, I just need to figure out how to do that in a game.”

I didn’t respond because he is right. It is so damn hard to watch your kid struggle and know that you cannot do anything about it. Baseball is such a mental game and it is all about confidence. Here is to hoping that this gets him moving at least a few steps in the right direction.

By the way, he did brag a lot about the near home run to Andy and Laura when he got home. I cannot blame him, because it was a beautiful hit. It was just one foot short of 220 feet and what would have been his first over-the-fence.

I am sorry, Mom. I know you told me to never give into the urge to make a lattice-top pie, but I did. I completely blame your son-in-law since he had been hinting at it for a while. After making a cherry pie and doing okay on the lattice, I decided that straight edges are boring. So, I bought a pastry wheel and will be making homemade blueberry pie soon. You were definitely right when you said that you cannot overstuff a pie with a lattice top, but I promise only to make them now and then.

Ever wonder what a baseball family does in between games? Well, we move the “tent village” back and hang out. It is a lot of talking, playing on phones, drinking a beer or two, and just relaxing with the “family.”

Andy did some work on our recipe database, so I can edit recipes again. Of course, I wouldn’t need to edit recipes if I put them in the correct categories when I entered them, but what can you do? He also set up an “Ice Cream” category under Desserts. Thanks for helping me, Andy!

This is another reason why we love CycleX so much – shop cats! This is Barlow. Brinker is soaking up the sun by the front door.