Remembering a legend

I was a sophomore in high school when Jerome Lane of Pittsburgh drove the lane against Providence on Big Monday and shattered the backboard all over the place with a thunderous dunk.  A moment perfectly captured by Bill Rafferty's infamous "Send it in Jerome" during the broadcast.

That same year I fell in love with the Big East Conference. Growing up in New England in the 80's, it was my connection to big time athletics.  I loved Syracuse and Derrick Coleman, Sherman Douglas, The Pearl.  I loved St. John's and its stars Walter Berry, Willie Glass, and of course Chris Mullen.  I loved Georgetown with Michael Williams, Patrick Ewing and "Hoya Paranoia."

Villanova.  Boston College.  Seton Hall. Providence. Pitt.  And of course some upstart program in Storrs, Conn. under new coach named Jim Calhoun. 

Apple picking

It was a beautiful, fall Sunday afternoon. Sure the Patriots were playing just up the road in Foxboro, but it was a great day to get out of the house and travel up to Cumberland, RI to do a little apple picking with Liam.

The brisk air and bright sunshine would make anyone think of falling leaves, hot apple cider, and tossing the football around. But don't forget about apple picking.

After paying $10 for a bag, Liam went to work, filling up the bag with as many apples as he could find on the ground. Some weren't too bad, while others were best to be left alone. But the ones in the tree were especially fun to pick.

With Liam on my shoulders, he reached high and far and smiled from ear to ear when he finally got his hands on that bright, shiny, and very delicious, red apple safely in the bag.

Seeing how it is still early, and technically not officially fall just yet, I am sure we'll be making a return visit.

-JRS