"Take Us Out to the Ballgame!!!"

To pick up where I left off, I eagerly awaited Ms. Asta Marie's arrival from Pittsburgh. Thanks to my trusty feathered friend, the Heron-Cam, she did get here safely. I asked her how she enjoyed the ride, but I'll let her tell you all about it herself. I think she did fine, though.



As soon as she had recovered from her flight and gotten her land paws, we took off for Dolphin Stadium (the professional football stadium that is used for baseball too). We had great seats, just a few rows up right behind home plate, so we could see everything.



We got there early, in time to see the groundskeepers getting things ready. We counted 28 men on the field, with brooms and blowers, hoses, and other equipment. Frankly, I had to contain myself, because I go a little nuts when I see equipment like that -- but in view of the special occasion, I took a deep breath and remained quiet.



We saw the manager talking to the umpires before the game.

And best of all, we saw my favorite player, Albert Pujols. A little later, 'cause Asta Marie wanted to see if she could catch a ball, we moved over to third base and guess what, soon after, a ball came right into our section.

The game was a tense one, right up to the last out of the ninth inning -- but my redbirds won and I knew Dogdad and Mom would be really happy. Not to mention my pal Gussie over there in Mayemphis and anyone else who is a Cardinals fan.


Asta Marie was the perfect companion. Since we're just about the same age, we had lots of things in common to talk about -- even though we've grown up in very different places. We ate hot dogs, and soft pretzels, and we even shared a carton of Edy's slow-churned ice cream (vanilla, of course). What a treat!! And she barked just as loudly as I did when the Cardinals scored a run!!!
Interestingly enough, right in front of us were two guys with Red Sox hats and t-shirts -- we thought perhaps Agatha and Archie had sent them so that we'd remember there are other teams contending for the playoffs in that other league. (Not to mention that the Red Sox had walloped the Cardinals in 2006 when they both were in the World Series, but never mind.)


Then came my dilemma. Since the game was such a good one, we stayed right until the end -- which meant that Asta Marie would have to travel home in the dark. I discussed this with Mom when we got back to our place, and she thought it would be safer to ask Asta Marie to spend the night and fly back to Pittsburgh with the Heron-Cam in the morning. Asta Marie thought about it and when we assured her that she would have her privacy, she agreed.

We all had peanut butter kong bedtime snacks and then Asta Marie curled up downstairs in Just Harry's comfy crate while Just Harry and I went upstairs. First thing in the morning, after breakfast, a few barks, and a little walk, she put on an adorable chapeau and flew home with our Heron-Cam (lucky guy!!).



So yes, pals, I had a swell time and the minutes with Asta Marie just flew by. I hope she felt the same way; but discretion prevents me from saying more, other than that I was honored to have my very first date ever with such a beautiful, fun-loving wire lady.


Thank you Ms. Asta Marie. Thank you Cards for giving us such a sweet evening.

Jake