Tag: Houston Astros

Travels With Charlie Day #1 “Super-Grandma”

by reissmd, posted in Dallas

Those of you who are familiar with John Steinbeck might have read his book “Travels With Charley”.   In it, the author describes a road trip he took in a van with his faithful dog, Charley.  Steinbeck was ill with heart disease at the time (he shouldn’t have been a life-long smoker!) but completed the trip and wrote a very famous book about his trip around the USA.  Well, this will not be a trip around the USA and we won’t be with our dog.  No, our travel buddy for this trip will be our grandson, Charlie.  Followers of this blog might recall we took our oldest grandson on trips to Canada and Panama.  Now it’s grandson #2’s turn.  Charlie was put on this Earth for his grandpa. Unlike any other Reiss, Charlie is a baseball fan just like his grandpa.  With that in mind what better trip than to visit some more baseball parks. My current count is 19 down with 11 more to go in order to complete my quest to see a baseball game in every MLB park.  

Today we left for Dallas with plans to see the Astros vs. the Rangers on Sunday.  Those of you who follow the news are aware that our planning hasn’t been the best.  Texas is currently suffering a horrendous heat wave.  The expected high in Dallas today is 97 degrees.  That’s down from 102 a few days ago.  

Our flight here was uneventful as was the trip to the hotel. The hotel is amazing and it happens to be the same hotel where the Astros are staying. Grandma Patrice wanted to hang out in the lobby hoping to see one of the Astro players and get an autograph or two for Charlie. The thought of that made me sweat thinking how embarrassed I would be. I couldn’t let them venture out without me so I took a deep breath and headed downstairs. I was much relieved when I didn’t see any players around. Patrice asked various employees about when the Astros would return from the stadium, how can we find one or two, etc. To say I was uncomfortable is a major understatement. Lucky for me the hotel employees were, hmmmm, how do you say it…………. yes, professional. They wouldn’t even admit the Astros stayed at the hotel which convinced Patrice to give up her search.

With our Astro hunt coming to an end we decided to venture out to look at the town. We first took a trolley but then got off and walked around. Patrice was loving the warm night air while I was thinking about calling for paramedics. Upon returning to the hotel I spotted the Astros manager Dusty Baker. I whispered to Patrice, “I see the Astros manager”. Immediately she went into Grandma-Mode, “Where is he, where is he?”. We had passed the group and I told her “The guy in the flowery shirt is Dusty Baker”. She took Charlie and off they went while I looked for a hole to climb into. I was within earshot and could tell that Dusty was being quite nice to the duo. I grabbed a picture and then approached the group. Patrice introduced me (she and Dusty were pals by then) and she then asked Dusty, “What do you do with the team?” WHERE’S THAT HOLE?

Tomorrow we will see the Astros and their manager, (Good old what’s his name). We will have another celebrity joining us for the game and he will be our chauffeur. You will have to wait until tomorrow to see the celebrity but hopefully, a picture of Dusty will hold you for now. See below.

Super-Grandma, Charlie, and Dusty Baker
A boy who loves his grandma.

Hey, do I get some credit for recognizing Dusty?

Baseball Tattoos Day #3 “No Food, I Promise”

by reissmd, posted in St Petersburg, Florida, Tampa, Florida

Today I got off to an early start because I needed to be in Tampa by 9 AM and I wasn’t sure exactly where I was going nor was I sure of the traffic situation. When we drove there last night for dinner, traffic was crazy (not LA crazy but still quite heavy) and I didn’t want to be late today. So I got straight out of bed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Patrice was still sleeping and I didn’t want to disturb her so I silently slipped out the door and was on my way.

The breakfast buffet was excellent and I had a very luscious meal but I noticed everyone was looking at me in a very strange manner. Did I have ketchup on my chin? I knew that couldn’t be the case since I didn’t eat any ketchup. Did I forget to put on my pants? A quick look confirmed that I was completely clothed. The situation remained a mystery as I finished my meal and started back upstairs. I quietly entered the room since Patrice was still asleep. I slipped into the bathroom to get ready to leave and was greeted by this guy.

No wonder people were looking at me in a strange manner.

The reason I was in a hurry was that I didn’t want to be late for my visit to Loretta Zanetti at her Erasable Inc Med Spa. I met Loretta last year at a meeting in Los Angeles and reconnected when she agreed to give a webinar on tattoo removal for my friends at Homeboy Industries. As I mentioned on Day #1 of this trip I have been volunteering at Homeboy removing tattoos. When I met Loretta it was clear she is an expert in this area and I wanted to learn as much as I could from her. I asked if I could shadow her for a couple of days and she agreed.

I arrived on time at Loretta’s workplace, Erasable Inc [https://erasablemedspa.com/]. The office is beautiful and I spent the day watching Loretta and her staff treat a number of patients. Between patients Loretta and her assistant gave me things to read, showed me some of their cases, and consulted on some of my problem patients. It was the most productive hours I have had learning this new skill. The best part is that I get to go back again tomorrow.

At night it was finally time for baseball. I was all set to watch the Astros end the Tampa Bay Rays 13 game home winning streak. Unfortunately, the Rays had other ideas and are now 14-0 at home this season. Apparently, the citizens of this community haven’t gotten the message because the attendance was less than 11, 000. I would be willing to bet the Dodgers had more fans show up tonight and they didn’t even have a game scheduled. At the game, we were accompanied by our friends Zara and Chuck from Jupiter, Florida, and Loretta’s husband, Mike. Loretta is not what you would call a baseball fan. Mike on the other hand makes me look like a baseball no-nothing. Luckily he is young so I could spout out some information about little-known players from before he was born. It was great sitting next to a baseball fan since it is rare for me to find one. Apparently, they are very rare in Tampa Bay.

One of our grandsons is collecting small bats from MLB teams and we got him one from the Rays tonight. I find it interesting that they put you through a metal detector and won’t let you bring an opaque bag into the stadium in order to prevent anyone from bringing in a weapon. But once you are in the stadium they are willing to sell you a bat. Hmmm, not sure of the logic.

Okay, I am not going to knock in any runs with this thing but I could certainly bash in a few heads.

No head-bashing for me. Instead, it is back to Erasable Inc Med Spa for more education.

Until then…….

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #3 “Getaway Day…… Maybe” June 6, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Kansas City

Our plane leaves tonight which leaves us time for ………..MORE BBQ. 

Today we had lunch at Q39 which gets its name because they specialize in BBQ and they are located on 39th street. [1000 W. 39th Street; Kansas City, MO 64111] The place was recommended by my friend Jeremiah with the Astros.   Judging by the quality of the food I have to say that Jeremiah must enjoy the team’s trips to KC. They don’t serve our favorite (baby back ribs) but their spare ribs left us with nothing to complain about.  

Prior to heading to the airport, we made a short stop at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.  We had previously been to 8 presidential libraries [JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and George W. Bush] and this one didn’t disappoint.  They had some great videos making me feel like I am not as much of history-phile as I thought.  It was quite hot when we arrived at the library but luckily we were able to hydrate while at the library. Please check out the photos on arrival and departure.

Dehydrated upon arrival at the library.
After a little hydration, we look and feel better.

I am sure you realize that was just a little playful fun.  The photos were complements of Nick Nikkah in KC.  We met Nick and his incredible store that makes figurines using a 3D printer and the same technology that he used to make those photos that I inserted in front of the library.  In addition to being a nice guy, he also has an amazing shop.  Check it out at:

3DHQ (3D Headquarters) 

www.3dheadquarter.com 

Www.Facebook.Com/3dhqkc 

Instagram @3dhq.kc

Then it was on to Kansas City International to board our flight to LAX via Phoenix.  Upon arrival, we were informed that our flight was delayed and we would not make the connection to LA meaning we would have to spend the night in Phoenix.  Is this a joke?  Is this really happening?  As you know, I married up and Patrice suggested we try to get a different airline.  The check-in agent looked up United and Delta without success.  I pulled out my phone and found a flight from PHX to LAX on Southwest.  American doesn’t have an agreement with Southwest so if we don’t get to PHX in time, we are out of luck. I hope this works but I am mentally ready to spend the night in Phoenix. 

One last tidbit, I was stopped at TSA because I forgot I had a small bottle of water in my backpack.  The TSA agent couldn’t deal with my bag because he was intensely reviewing another traveler’s backpack.  He was removing everything and finding NOTHING.  I finally asked another agent if she could just remove the water bottle and give me my bag.  She helped me out and I said I was very thirsty and could I just drink the water in front of her.  No sir, you will have to go outside and go through TSA again.   So read carefully friends.  A doctor, with 3 wonderful children, 4 wonderful grandsons, and a family with an impeccable record of service to others is stopped from drinking some bottled water beyond the TSA monitors.  Do you feel safe now?

Hopefully, you will next hear from me in Los Angeles.  Don’t bet on it. 

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #3 “Play Ball!” June 5, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Kansas City

If my papa was still living, today would have been his 108th birthday.  He died back in 1989 at the age of 75 and I am convinced that he died because he hated baseball and couldn’t bear the thought of watching another game.  I, on the other hand, love baseball.  As a kid, I used to listen to the Dodger games and calculate batting averages per at-bat. I still remember listening to Vince Scully describe the action in 1960 when Norm Larker was battling Dick Groat for the NL batting title.  If you have heard of Norm Larker I would be shocked.  Larker had modest success in MLB but one thing of note is that he was the Houston Colt 45’s first 1st baseman.  The Colt 45’s became the Astros and they are part of the reason that we are in KC.  We saw the Astros play the Royals today thanks to the kindness of my friend and REISSTRAVELBLOG follower Jeremiah who works with the team.  

But before baseball, there is always time to eat. We are staying at the The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection (at the recommendation of Jeremiah).  This is a lovely Marriott with a storied history and we could not be happier with the accommodations,  The place is old but our room is spacious and the staff has been doting on us since arrival.  This morning we had breakfast at the hotel (which was included in our stay) and it was superb.  I had the Norwegian Benedict and Patrice had the French Toast. Both selections were excellent and the service was also A-1. 

Norwegian Eggs Benedict
French Toast

After a brief rest, we were off to see the Astros vs the Royals.  For some reason, Google took us on some small roads instead of the freeway.   There was very little traffic and the countryside was gorgeous.  We were fortunate there were few cars because at one point we saw a sign that said single-lane highway ahead.  And indeed the two lanes of traffic became one.  Lucky for us no one was coming in the other direction.

One Lane Ahead
They weren’t kidding. Sorry about the focus, I wanted to get out of there ASAP!

We arrived safely at Kauffman Stadium (named after the now deceased owner of the Royals) which I was told is the only stadium in the MLB that is named after an individual.  Are you telling me that Oracle, Petco, Citi, and Safeco are not people?  I was just informed that Seattle no longer calls their stadium Safeco.  I guess Safeco got married and changed her name to T-Mobile. 

Kauffman Stadium and the staff were great.  We were politely directed where to go and even got a ride on a golf cart from the parking area to the stadium office where we were to pick up our tickets (no mistaking this place for Dodger Stadium).  I had to show my ID to get the tickets (are you telling me that my blog has not made my face a household icon in Kansas City?).   We then proceeded to the gate. After handing my ticket to the young lady I lamented that my pockets were full of junk and she escorted us past the security monitors saying, “You are a friend of the players, you can go right in”.  Wow, I don’t get treated that well at my own office. 

The game was great.  Astro slugger, Yordan (that has been difficult to type because my computer keeps on changing it to Jordan) Alvarez had a single, triple, and a home run, leading the Astros to victory.  I was hoping he would get one more at-bat and get a double to hit for the cycle.  He did come up but unfortunately, he got hit by the pitch.  That pitch would have killed me but he didn’t seem to notice it.  Jeremiah confirmed that Alvarez was fine but they did have to check the ball for damages.  It was a great game and I really loved it. Patrice loved it too.

Patrice enjoying baseball by reading her book.

After the game, we of course had to have dinner.  Hmmm, how about some barbecue?  We dined at Gates Bar-B-Q [1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64110].  It was good but did not compare to Jack Stack from last night.  

Gate’s ribs. Good, not great. The beans (not shown) were very good.
Burnt Ends sandwich which was recommended by another customer in line. It was very good. As were the peach pie and yam pie (not shown).

All this eating is really wearing me out.  I need to rest.  See you tomorrow.

Hey, Patrice, want to go get some ice cream?