The Great Michigan Mushoom Hunt 2011

Got our game in at Delphos Jefferson yesterday, sunny and pleasant...only the 4th time I've worn a short sleeve shirt in over 30 games umpired this season.  I did the plate(as usual) as Jefferson came from behind to defeat visiting Kenton 3-2.  Tonight, if the rain/storms hold off, I will be over at Elida for a game between the Bulldogs and Paulding Panthers.   Tomorrow afternoon off to Bellefontaine for a game before the Michigan trip....some make-up league games scheduled when I get back.  No Regional or State game this year, marking the first time in the past 3 years I have not been involved past District level.   That's OK...I just wish they would give some younger guys, who are worthy, some Regional and State games, instead of some of these recycled old farts my age...who can neither see or move well enough to work a high level.  The politics has been old for years, and it just doesn't change...if being honest, causes me to get clipped out of future final weekend games, so be it.  The truth is the truth, and the state powers that be, wonder why younger officials and umpires drop out or move onto college officiating?....it's called the "Good Ol' Boy" system, and it is stinks...being around a long time doesn't make you worthy or qualified to do a Regional or State Final.  It shouldn't disqualify you either...if you keep yourself in good shape, and actually move around the diamond to get into position to make a correct call.... but enough of that rant!

Michigan Mushroom Hunting____

Thursday morning Rick, his sons, Clay and Guy, and our old college buddy Clint, take off for Michigan...Boyne City is the location, and the annual Mushroom hunt and Boyne City Mushroom Festival are on the agenda....we should return Sunday or Monday.....

I have missed the last two trips, because of District Baseball...this year I blocked out this weekend and days leading to it...plus we are leaving about a week or 10 days earlier...hopeful of some better luck.  2007 and 2008 were great, when we camped in Mesick, the past 2 years have been dry, and we have now moved the camp some 35 miles north.  The weather looks wet, but seasonable for upper lower Michigan in mid-May....will have photos and details/results when I return.  I also will finally get to meet my cousin Moe Houseworth in person, if all goes well...Moe, who I met through Genealogy Research, lives not far from Boyne City, and will be there for the weekend festival...so we plan on a little "family reunion"....


Yesterday, after our MRSI Board Meeting, I finally got out and planted a number of Sunflower and other seeds....with the wet weather and the cold, I held off, but the results, hopefully we equal the past two season...or perhaps be even better....time will tell.

Chores to take care of....one more blog post tomorrow before I head north...

back later>>>>

Photos-Michigan Morel Mushrooms...and Rick, Clint, and PRH, on our last hunt that all 3 of us attended, 2008 near Mesick...now being 30 pound less, maybe I can outrun the younger guys in finding the elusive Morels....maybe?