Finally!

My beloved Celtics are back and proved it by beating the Lakers in what can only be described as an ass kicking last night. They destroyed Lakers by an impressive 39 points and made it look soooooo easy. Final score was 131-92 in game six of the series.

I grew up watching the Celtics with my father who was a big fan and I remember the huge Celtic/Laker rivalry of the 70's and 80's in the days of Kareem, Magic and Larry Bird. After the Celtics hit the skids I became a huge Bulls fan because of MJ - but after he retired I lost interest in the NBA. Still always followed college ball but didn't have much interest in pro ball for a long time. The past couple of years I've started watching Cleveland because of the phenom LeBron James but have never gotten passionate about him or the Cavs. This year the Celtics have had a re-birth so I've had something to get excited about once again. I am thrilled they were able to get their 17th championship.

My friend Chow and I traveled to Dayton, Ohio last Friday to see an outdoor jazz concert. The artist were Rick Braun and Richard Elliot. Opening act was Mindi Abair - a female sax player. She was smokin and I think she actually had the better band than the headliners. Although we were stuck sitting in a downpour prior to the show, we had a great time and plan to go there to see another show in the near future. It is a small outdoor pavilion - very intimate. Was surprised by the size.

I was stunned to get home late that night and learn of Tim Russert's passing. Wow! I've spent every Sunday for the past 17 years watching him. I record Meet the Press every week in case I miss it live. I really didn't know much about him personally and spent most of the day Saturday watching MSNBC specials about him and learned that he was actually a very remarkable man. His passing leaves a huge void for those of us who are political junkies. Doesn't seem right to have such a big deal election coming up and him not here to oversee it all. His shoes will be hard to fill. Let his death be a reminder to all of us to cherish each moment, never forget to tell others how important they are to us and to live fully and firmly in the present moment because the next moment is promised to no one.

I am going outside to put some herbs in the ground before the rain. Hugs to all.