HOCKEY AND CAKE - THE BEST OF BOTH WORLD

Well, you got to move on ... one hockey stick at a time!  You probably already knew that the St. Louis Cardinals did not make it to the World Series - it is now Kansas City Royals v. San Francisco Giants.  I offered to "go to bat" for the Cardinals but they turned me down.  They told me that I was not "fit" to be on their team - too short, too old and too chubby!  This is blatant discrimination - age, race and disability - just kidding!

It is sunny and comfortable today.  My husband went golfing this morning, one more round, before the snow covers the ground.  After golf, Ralphie usually cooks breakfast.  We start the weekend with a nice and relaxing morning.  This week, I decided to take care of most of the errands after work, even though I was tired but it pays off not having to run around with a long list of chores on the weekend.

This cake is on display in front of City Hall in downtown St. Louis.

TATAR

We won … my Beloved Detroit Red Wings won 3-0 against the St. Louis Blues.  The Wings came into town today and played an early game at 1130.  It was the St. Louis Blues’ last home game and Fans Appreciation Day.  In the past, there would be drawings for round-trip airfares, next season tickets, party suites and many more prizes.  We were so disappointed.  At today’s game, all we got was a tiny inexpensive towel and a $10 coupon for purchase over $50 at a shoe store.  We bought raffle tickets but did not win.  The pot was over $22K and some lucky fan went home with half of that.

The Playoffs Match-Up was already set, so the game was not important.  But it was always nice when the team you are cheering for win.  The important thing was that we had a great time.

Da Wings will play the Boston Bruins in Round 1 – a perfect Original Six match-up.  The Blues will meet Chicago Blackhawks and that should be interesting too.

Let’s hope it won’t be “ta ta” (farewell) and more of Tatar :>)

HAPPY LIKE TOTA DURING NHL PLAYOFFS

 How do you measure happiness?  Just like in the commercial asking how happy the customer is when saving money after switching insurance company - as happy as TOTA during NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Regular readers notice that I have not mentioned as much about my beloved Detroit Red Wings after the lockout ended.  I was occupied with school plus disappointed with the Wings not playing at expected level at the beginning of the "season" and the last few weeks, I could not sleep or eat (just kidding) worrying because there was a possibility that the Wings might not get into the Playoffs. 

After dropping to 10th place, then struggling just to stay alive in the last playoffs spot, I am pleased to report that the Wings climbed up to 7th place (still embarrassing compared to previous years when they would be the first team to clinch playoffs spot).  Playoffs (Round 1) start tonight with the Wings against Anaheim Ducks so I might not be able to stay up late (puck drops at 7:30 p.m. in California but that will be 10:30 p.m. St. Louis time).  Other interesting match-ups - Toronto v. Boston; Montreal v. Ottawa; Rangers v. Capitals; and St. Louis v. LA Kings.  I finally got my wish - all Original Six teams are in the Playoffs, (Blackhawks v.Wild) including Maple Leafs after so many years of missing the fun!

Today is April 30th - 38 years after the Fall of Sai Gon in 1975.  The day when the Viet Nam war was supposedly ended but a different kind of war began for the Vietnamese people, my family included, living under Communist controlled government.  We escaped by boat in 1979, survived the journey and the refugee camp and began a new life in American (New York City) on January 10, 1980.  I am reminded of how blessed we are to be living in America and grateful for the freedom and liberty we have enjoyed.  God Bless America and those who have served this great nation.

STILL UPSIDE DOWN (HOW DO YOU STOP THE FEELINGS?)

Regular readers (I don't know if I still have any faithful readers and forget about adoring fans - haa haa) know the main reason I have not been posting regularly because I am occupied with watching NHL playoffs games.  Playing Scrabbles is another reason.  My highest score is 468 points and my best word is "waxy" (I don't even know what it means!).    

In previous post, I was not clear with my comments about the new look of my silly blog.  I should have written that the new admin console caused much confusion when I first login.  I have gotten used to it but I still prefer the old format.  Blogger should know that you can't teach an old dog new tricks!  Ok, let's get back to hockey.  My world is still upside down because the Rangers are the only Original Six team still standing.  Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs never made it to the Playoffs.  My beloved Red Wings were eliminated (it's still painful writing about this) and both the Bruins and the Blackhawks did not make it to Round 2.

It has been a very strange 1st Series.  No one expected teams such as the Penguins and the #1 seed Canucks performed (uncharacteriscally) poorly.  I saw the above vanity plate at the Blues parking lot, how appropriate!  Too bad, the Toronto Maple Leafs goalie could not do exactly what he needed to do, "STOPUCKS"!     

HERE WE GO! (IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!)

According to my book, this is the most wonderful time of the year - the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs started on Wednesday, April 11th. There are many great match-ups such as the Blues v. Sharks or the Caps v. Bruins. No home ice advantage for my beloved Red Wings being #5 seed, currently tied the series at 1-1 against the Predators #4. (It still does not sound right for Nashville to have a strong hockey team. Isn't the town supposed to be only about country music?) Already there are surprises with the Kings #8 leading the series 2-0 against the Canucks being #1 while the Flyers #5 won the first two games against the Pens #4 - that just goes to show that sometimes home ice does not guarantee winning.

These photos were taken at the April 4th game. Traffic was not too bad so we got to the arena early enough for me to take a few photos during warm-up. The last time the Wings were in town was at the November 2011 game. It was good seeing the "boys" again. Everyone is healthy, ready for the playoffs. The Wings played at the level expected but they still weak on power plays. No scoring the first 2 periods. In the third period, the Wings got a 2-man advantage but were sloppy and allowed a short-handed goal. I love short-handed goals but not when against my beloved Red Wings. When the Blues scored the 2nd goal three minutes later, I was furious and we walked out of the arena.

Well, three minutes after we left, Franzen scored, then tied the game with his 2nd goal of the night. Bertuzzi scored the winning goal at shootout. (My sincere apology to the "boys" for walking out on them and for not having faith that they would come back and win the game. My husband kept saying to me, "Oh ye lil faith!". We thought the Blues would win the President's Trophy for having the most points in the league. I even tried to get tickets for the last home game since it is Fans Appreciation Day and there would be many giveaways that included round trip airline tickets and iPad. We did not get the tickets because the game was scheduled on April 6th - Good Friday. When it comes to faith v. hockey, I know my priority!

DA WINGS IN ST. LOUIS (MERRY CHRISTMAS, FATHER RICH)

These photos were taken at the December 6th game. The Wings lost again, for the 2nd time, to the Blues. My husband was able to get off work early, and we got to the arena enough time for the warm up. Last time, the game already started when we arrived. So, the Wings could not blame me for being a "jinx" since they lost whether I was there watching and like my husband said, "blowing kisses" to the boys while they were warming up!

The day after the game, I saw Father Rich after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Before I could say hello, he said, "Well, the Blues beat your Wings again." (Father Rich saw us at a Blues v. Wings game and since then he gave me a hard time about being a Red Wings.) I thought since I already planned to go for Reconciliation before Christmas, I might well say what was on my mind. "Yes, Father, I am sure you will enjoy it more when the Blues finally won their 1st Stanley Cup." Father Rich did not have anything else to say because my response reminded him that the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup 11 times. Merry Christmas, Father. Remember that when it comes to hockey and my beloved Red Wings, don't mess with me!

TUESDAY TWO - FOOL ME TWICE, SHAME ON ME

I sort-of temporarily ran out of material for Tuesday Two posts so this photo captured at 2:06 in the 2nd period of the 2nd visit (Tuesday, December 6th) by the Detroit Red Wings to St. Louis, will have to do. Notice that I left out the word "beloved" when referring to the Wings. They lost again 1-2 to the Blues. Must be too much milk and cookies! They fooled me in the 1st period when they "seemed" to play well but somehow could not score on power-play and too many turn-overs. At one point, the Wings could not clear the puck out their red zone and they looked more like players that just came up the minor! The next game is in April 2012. Will I be fooled again? The 3rd time (if the Wings losing the game) will be a sham, not a charm.

DA WINGS IN ST. LOUIS

We went to the first match-up game of the 2011-2012 season between St. Louis Blues v. my beloved Detroit Red Wings. It was Tuesday (November 15th) evening so we did not get to the arena until after work. The City Hall parking lot (across from the arena) was full when we got there. We had to wait for the attendant to remove the barricade to open up more parking space. We missed the warming up, not that I did not already take enough photos of "the guys" from previous games.

I knew it was early in the season and there are many changes in the line-up with "old guys" being replaced by the "new kids", but the Wings' power plays were terrible. In the first period, the Wings could not score even when the Blues got a 5-minute penalty for personal misconduct (late hit from behind). Second period was not any better, the Wings passing was lousy and so many turnovers in the neutral zone. Even when #5, 13, 40, and 93 were on the ice, there was no scoring! The Blues had more shot-on-goal than the Wings in the third period. The Blues won 2-1 .

Watching the Wings skating around the rink (they sure did not play hockey the way I expected - blaah), the players looked like they already ate too much Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. I am glad we did not spend our hard-earned money on the tickets. Last year we purchased club seats that included food/drink and a hockey stick to be autographed by the Blues players after the game. This year we just bought "cheap" tickets. Actually the seats are center-ice and just right below the suites level. Or I finally reached a point in my life with an attitude, "been there done that" - how much food could I eat or how many more autograph sticks do I really need?

Next game is again on Tuesday, December 6th. I just hope the guys don't play like as if they were stuffed with cookies and milk!

TOTA IS HAPPY - LIFE IS GOOD

It has been hectic yet lot of fun and excitement and the followings were what happened in my boring life.

Saturday, March 12th – I waited for this day for so long and it finally arrived! What so special about this 12th day of March? If you guessed it had to do with hockey game and my beloved Detroit Red Wings, that would be correct. There is extra special treat with both Mike Modano and Pavel Datsyuk back from injury. (Modano did not play when the Wings were in St. Louis in December and January) Madano, a native son of Michigan (Livonia), finally came home after playing 18 seasons with the Dallas Stars, plus 6 seasons with Minnesota North Stars. Modano played a total of 1,487 games, tying Wayne Gretzky, 15th on the NHL career list.
On Sunday, we went to St. Patrick’s festival at our parish. We bid on a few items. It was nice to see people were still very generous with both donations and bidding. When I last checked, someone was willing to pay $3,300 for complete dental work, braces included. One person donated a week stay at a condo in Orlando, Florida. The bid went up to $1,450. I thought of LG and wish I was able to win the bid! We were the highest bidders on two items, a set of dinner silverware and a digital pictures show plus music and videos including clock and calendar in 8” aluminum and wooden finished frames.

The snow came on Sunday night, continued into Monday morning, just enough to mess up the roads during the morning rush traffic. The rain started in the afternoon into the evening. I was so glad I did not wash Luc on Saturday. I tried not to be so obsessed with Luc (it’s only earthly possession).

Monday evening I attended the City Council meeting. I thought I should get back to my civic duty.

On Tuesday, when we got home from work, we found water all over our basement. Part of the carpet in my husband’s home office was soaking wet. The storage room had water in one corner. Good thing all my Red Wings posters were ok. We got most of the water out using the steamer and have to re-arrange all the items. This is the first time it happened. CP said because we had a lot of snow following by the heavy rain which caused the water no where to go or the ground could not absorb quick enough.

Wednesday, March 16th – Da Wings snapped the Washington Capitals’ 9-game winning streak. It was a treat to watch these two great teams play. How could I not love the game of hockey?

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

It looks like the St. Louis Blues did not find the four-leaf clover and no Irish luck when it comes to playing against my beloved Detroit Red Wings.

I took the above photo at the March 14th game in 2009 and the Wings won 5-2. The photo below was taken at last Saturday game, March 12th and again the Wings won 5-3. Not only the Wings won the game, they dominated with penalty kills and puck possession.

Last night, the Wings broke the Washington Capitols' 9-game winning streak in a great game at the Joe. Henrik Zetterberg scored twice. It would have been so nice had he gotten the hat trick. Better luck next time, Zetty.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone. If you drink too many green beer, get a ride and absolutely don't drive!

FRIDAY SKY - SNOW AND MY FALLING RED WINGS

I got up around 9:30 this morning and saw that the snow has been gently falling after we went to bed around midnight. Why staying up so late, TOTA, you probably are asking? We came home after the Blues v. Wings game and I was up all night worrying about my falling beloved Red Wings. They lost 2 of the last 5 games. And it was just my luck that the two games the Wings lost were the Blackhawks game on December 17th (we were there) and last night against the Blues (and we were there)!

It is always so nice to be in my toasty warm robes and slippers, looking at the blanket of fluffy white snow covering my backyard. I planned to stay inside all day, sitting in my recliner (with the view – top photo), reading and relaxing. My husband has been up since 8:00 a.m. to make the pies (apple and pumpkin). He already cooked the fillings on Wednesday. This afternoon CP will be making the perogies. We are planning to attend midnight Mass at St. Louis Cathedral on Lindell Boulevard.

The Darling #13 Datsyuk was not in the line up due to a broken hand during the game against the Vancouver Canucks. The hockey god has played a pretty good joke on me. I was looking forward to seeing Mike Modano in the Red Wings jersey and he also suffered a hand injury last month. I took photos of Marian Hossa when he was with the Pittsburgh Penguins and also with the Red Wings. Hossa was injured 2 weeks ago and was not in the line up when we were at the game in Chicago last week. Two years ago, we got tickets to see the New Jersey Devils but Martin Brodeur was out due to an elbow surgery. No wonder, Chris Osgood (during his 2 years with the Blues) ran away so fast to the locker room when he saw me coming towards the ice rink at a practice at St. Louis Mills. Words around the NHL that when players see an old chubby short Asian woman, they should avoid any eye contact or not be in the area because she is a jinx!

Chris Osgood would have been among the 10th active goalies with a 400th win if the Red Wings did not squander the 1st period. The Wings came back strong the 2nd and 3rd period but still lost 3-4 to the Blues.

However you are celebrating the Holidays, wishing you and your family blessings and may peace and love filled your hearts and your homes!

TUESDAY TWO ON MONDAY

I thought the above photo showing the scoreboard at the September 30th pre-season game when the Chicago Blackhawks visited St. Louis was perfect for this Monday, November 22. The Blues scored 2 goals, and the time was 22.2 minutes left in the 2nd period. It is perfect for this post on this 22nd day of the 11th month. This Monday post will take the place of the regular feature of the weekly Tuesday Day theme.

You probably ask, "So what is so significant about this post?". Well, being a hockey junkie, I found fascination in everything that has to do with the games. So, that is the significance!

A hockey game would not be exciting without a few punches being thrown, penalties being killed and the possibility of a short-handed goal being scored - life is good!

TUESDAY TWO - BACKUP GOALIES

If there was a category for "the most friendly goalie in the NHL", Ty Conklin (former Red Wings, current Blues) would win the award. I captured the above photo of Hannu Toivonen and Conklin during the warm up before the game (September 30th) when the Hawks came to St. Louis. Toivonen played 23 games as a Blues during 2007-2008 season.

I remembered seeing Conklin chatting with other goalies during warm up when we were at another game. Looks like Toivonen and Conklin were just saying hello and asking, "how are you doing, how is the family". Or could be just trash talk like, "Do you feel lucky, punk?", or "Don't let that puck get thru your 5th hole."

We got tickets to see the Penguins when they come into town on Saturday, October 23rd. We hope to say hello to Dan Bylsma and get his autograph. I hope Brent Johnson has forgiven me for being a "jinx" after I got his autograph when he was with the Blues in 2004, he was injured and traded to the Coyotes. I will be sure to take a photo of Conklin having a friendly chat with Johnson.

NO KANE, NO ABEL (THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS)

No, I am not talking about the Kane and Abel British novel by Jeffrey Archer, nor the 1985 miniseries. I definitely am not referring about the duo rappers from New Orleans.

On Thursday, September 30th we went to the St. Louis Blues pre-season game. I usually don't care for weekday games because it is too much trouble rushing from work, meeting up with my husband then fighting rush hours traffic going downtown to Scottrade Center. I would be willing to go thru all the trouble only when my beloved Detroit Red Wings are in town. This time, it was the Chicago Blackhawks. They are the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion and one of the Original Six (you know I am a big fan of the Original Six), so I made an exception and went to the game.

I should have known that it was pre-season and St. Louis was not good enough for all the big players to participate. I waited at my usual spot ready to take photos when the players were coming out to the ice for a 20-minute warm up. Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp and the captain Jonathan Toews did not make the trip. The Blues won 5-1 since all these goal scoring forwards were not in the game. For a hockey fanatic like me, one more week before another exciting season, it could not come soon enough!