Weekend Warriors.

Last Friday was the first home football game here. I went, alone, rode up on my bike it was such a nice night. The Warriors did not disappoint. We have a quarterback this year, he's a senior now, that is just plain a natural athlete and competitor. 17 or 18 years old ... you wonder if they know how many in the stands would love to trade places, be out there competing ... winning under the lights, before the crowds, on the new (second season) home field...

He scrambles, passes (more this year), kicks the extra points, attempts field goals, and punts, when need be. He's also the starting center on the hockey team, and an impressive ballplayer in the summer leagues. Again, just a competitor, and supposed to be a nice kid, characterwise, too.

My family -- mother, sister, children -- is coming up to visit briefly this weekend. The summer flew by, and if you know children's schedules these days, let's just say: their social calendars are probably busier than yours or mine. This weekend works, though, and even if we're in for some crisp autumn-like mornings, I hope we're out there paddling, as they are the perfect ages to participate on the smaller lakes now. Buddy's got to meet them too, and Mal and my mother get on well.

I'm looking forward to the weekend, and then on to September and October, which naturally, are the best months of all up here. Without any school days to interfere, and with work picking up come the meeting/activity season, I still like to get outside, and am even thinking of planning a travel weekend to a place where you can walk around outside a lot, and even maybe learn a thing or two. Someplace inexpensive too, with indoor and outdoor attractions open to the public.

Like the parks here, but more established. Like the young Warriors, I'm working on it. Happy September then, go get 'em.