When we ordered the pool table for the office, we also bought a ping pong topper so we could use it as a conference table. I hadn’t actually played ping pong since college and forgot most of the rules (more at Wikipedia). Late last week, we set up the net and it’s been non-stop ping pong during break times since then. It takes more skill and physical effort than I remember, so not only is it fun, it’s good for you!

In honor of the new Twins season, here is a picture my brother took from spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, a few weeks ago. My dad, sister and brother went there for the first time this year and had a great time. Professional hockey, golf and football are more my thing, but I’ll likely be a bigger Twins fan if they ever get that nice new stadium built…

The picture from my dad’s surprise arrived last week:

What a finish to the season too! Hope they can sweep Oakland and beat up on New York too…DK

My dad turned 60 last week and we really surprised him (even though I almost blew it the night before). I told him I was taking him to the Twins game against Detroit and out for dinner before the game. We also told him my sister couldn’t get off of work (in Duluth) and that my brother wasn’t able to visit (from Orlando).

My brother had arranged to use frequent flier miles for a ticket, though, and I picked him up at 1:30. My sister also drove down from Duluth and we all surprised my mom while she was watching my kids after school. I purchased five tickets to the game, so I took two, while my brother, sister and mom snuck in the Metrodome while my dad and I were at dinner. We had my brother come up from behind us so he could tap my dad on the shoulder and tell him he was in his seat. It took him a few moments of fumbling for his ticket stub before he realized who it was.

Despite the Twins not coming through with a win, we all had a good night. My sister arranged to have a happy birthday message displayed on the scoreboard, which we saw during the sixth inning (and should get an emailed photo of soon). We had a nice dinner the following night too at Cherokee Sirloin Room in Eagan with a few more friends and family.

Next milestone birthday: my uncle in Spokane turns 60 in December…DK

The kids started lessons again at Wise Swim School in Apple Valley this weekend. I just love the programs and instructors at this school–highly recommended…DK