Day 28: Batter Up!

Downtown in the clouds, mist of the field

Yesterday for much of the day, rain kept grackles and gophers at bay.  Rain also made the prospect of attending an evening Twins game less than thrilling for Gracie and me.  Although having Joe Mauer and Tsuyoshi Nishioka off the injured list and back on the field was compelling.  Biking to the game didn't make sense as the rain lessened but didn't stop all together.  Even though Bruce likes taking the bus downtown to the stadium, we convinced him that, given the rain, driving down would be the best option.

Gracie's seat at the game--obstructed view

After a stop for sandwiches to avoid the stadium food that a few weeks ago made Bruce sick and an aborted attempt at parking in a totally mechanized ramp, we found a ramp with an attendant for a mere $5 (about the price of round-trip bus fare for two).  Gracie entered the ramp elevator fearlessly and navigated the downtown streets like the pro she is.  Once again the stadium bag checkers were very welcoming.  Bruce got to our seats ahead of us and put Gracie's blanket down under my seat for her.  With that in place and plain water rather than the carbonated variety, we settled in.  This time, Gracie stayed put the whole game--with a little petting now and then and a brief sojourn in my lap.  The whole thing went smoothly; although, I could not get Bruce to admit that it was better than last time.  When I said I thought so and tried to get him to agree, he just shrugged.  The couple from the last game who didn't like the water incident weren't there.  The man who sat next to Gracie and me last night seemed more upset about the people who had to stand up and change seats just when Mauer came to bat with two on so that he could not see than he was with having Gracie there.  "Right now?" he said, "when I've been waiting all season for this?"  But then Mauer grounded out.  Life is like that.