Really Random Thursday, 11/9/23

 We went to an elementary cross country meet last Thursday afternoon. I think there were three schools competing.

In 5th and 6th grade boys, Gabe finished 5th.

In 5th and 6th grade girls, Ruby finished 4th.

In 4th grade girls, Ella and Amelia did very well too.

Mark has been refereeing sports for a long time--52 years in fact. He began in college and, with a short break while he was a traveling salesman, has been consistently reffing all those years. While he does football, basketball and girls softball, this year he decided it would be the last year for Friday night high school football. As he says, the boys are always 16 to 18 years of age, but he keeps getting a year older.

He was unable to ref what would have been his final Friday night game because of his kidney stone. It was disappointing--an anticlimactic way to end his varsity football career. And then his good friend called and said plans had been made for him to complete his career in a playoff game. Without having to actually ref the game. 

He wore his uniform, did all the pregame activities, came on the field for the coin toss and spotted the ball following the opening kickoff.  At that point, all the players stayed off the field, and over the loud speaker the announcer made a really nice announcement about it being his last game. He got hugs from coaches and players before he walked off the field. 

He was able to sit in the stands and just enjoy the game. An added bonus, which I had known all week but was a complete surprise to him, was that Christa came with Ella, Gabe and Levi (Charlotte was performing in a play and Aaron was reffing a playoff game).

It was such a nice tribute and great way to end his Friday night career.

On Saturday, Mark went to see Charlotte's play, as he had been unable to attend the previous week.

On Sunday we left for a few days at the coast. It was such a nice, relaxing time. We were able to have lunch with good friend, Jullie.

Beautiful flowers.

I didn't take many photos this time. We always like it when it's foggy.

And we did have one beautiful sunset.

I'm ready to go back.