Well, just as I blogged last night, I’m already back into my “go-go” pace.  And, I’m loving it!

We left Rio de Janeiro at 6:30 last night.   Took a short flight to Sao Paulo, had a 2 1/2 hour layover and took off at 10:30 pm.   We landed at Dulles at 7:00 a.m.  I was able to get about 4 – 5 hours of sleep (I normally don’t sleep well on planes).

I had a baseball game scheduled at 8:00 am this morning.  I wasn’t too tired so I was determined to play.   It did an hour to get through customs so I didn’t make it to the ballfield until 9:00 am.   But, it was only the third inning — and we were down 6 – 2.

I wasn’t sure how I would play after being on the plane for so long.   I did drop the first fly ball hit to me in center field (I was pissed at myself)!   But, I did hit a sharp grounder to third in my first at-bat — the 3B didn’t handle it well and a run scored.  I caught the next couple of balls hit to me.   Then, we entered the last inning down 1 run.   I was scheduled to bat second in that inning.   Our first batter got on base, then made it third after a steal and passed ball.   Since we had to get in that runner to tie the game, I surveyed the field and noticed the 1B playing back.  So, I laid down a bunt along the first base line.   Both the pitcher and 1B went for the ball and no one covered the bag.  So, I made it safely to first and the run scored.   I then stole 2nd and 3rd base.  The next two batters walked.  Then, our next batter got hit by the pitch and I scored the game-winning run.  So, it was worth the effort to get out there to play ball!

I went home — did three loads of laundry — then took my Mom to a Greek Easter barbecue at the home of the wonderful Pedas family.   A bunch of my friends were there — Tavs, Ted L, Rick, Billy, Jarrod, JP, etc.   The Pedas and Tavlarides family were so wonderful and nice to my Mom.   We had a great time.

So, it was my first day back after 10 days in Brazil.   And, instead of relaxing, it was a fun day full of baseball, family and friends.   It doesn’t get much better!