Journal of a Sabbatical

June 9, 1999

soccer at the dump

Reading: Before the Dawn by Shimazaki Toson

Andrea, Lisa, and Stephanie listen attentively to Coach Kevin in practice.

Normally Andrea doesn't acknowledge my presence at soccer games, but this is a practice so maybe her rules of engagement are different. I haven't been to any of Lizzy's soccer games 'cause my timing is always off. But today, she has a game after Andrea's practice. As Ms. Piggy used to say: "How convenient." So Andrea noticed I was there:

Andrea: "Daddy, why is AJ here?"
Lizzy: "Are you going to watch my game?"
AJ: "Of course, that's why I'm here."

Well, actually it's because I want an excuse to take pictures with the new camera. Isn't that what family is for? The default photo subject?

The game moved fast but most of the action was taking place far away from me. There was some good passing and good defense. I got a couple of action shots of Lizzy on defense. I haven't quite got the hang of panning with this camera, so the action shots aren't up to my usual standards, but they get the point across.

It was kind of cold to be sitting and watching. I started to feel like I wanted to play. I zipped up my jacket instead.

Andrea borrowed the camera after the game to take her own pictures. I've got some nice blurry ones of the grass amongst the excellent ones of Stephanie and Chris. She didn't want to give it back. I think she was having at least as much fun with the camera as I've been having.

Oh, yeah, in case you were wondering about the title: the soccer field is across the street from the dump so "at the dump" distinguishes it from the field "behind where the library used to be." We New Englanders are quaint like that. And yes, it really is 40 degrees cooler today than yesterday. New England weather is quaint like that.