Been a while

Yeah, I know. This space has been inkless for too long. Life has gotten in the way. I will try to get back in the habit of filling this up.

Good news tonight for Royals fans. The team hangs on for a 5-4 win in Dayton after jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first to win its second consecutive game. Two in a row hasn't happened since November.

James Reimer gets his third consecutive start and backstops the effort. The recent additions seem to be paying off, adding speed and some scoring punch to the lineup. Remember, this was a team that had been shut out two straight games. They seem to have found some offense.

Promising signs

What a difference a lead makes. After constantly playing from behind, the Royals got off to a quick start tonight building a 3-0 lead after one period on their way to a 6-2 win over Idaho -- the team's first at home.

Despite being outshot, the Royals played better defensively, and the offense found it's balance with several players grabbing multiple points. Goalie Danny Taylor made several key saves as the Royals held off the Steelheads' charge in the third as Idaho cut it to 4-2 before the Royals put the game away.

Royals head out on the road for four games with Northern Divison teams before returning home Nov. 9 against Dayton.

Familiar look

Although the uniforms were a different color - Royal blue instead of regal purple -- the outcome was pretty much the same for the Royals tonight, dropping another game, this time to the Cyclones, 5-3.

Hard to believe six months ago I made an 8-hour car trip to see the Royals play what turned out to be their last game of the season against the Cyclones in the playoffs. At the time, the Cyclones and Royals were two of the best teams in the conference.

Things sure have changed. The Cyclones came into tonight's game with 1 point on the season, while the Royals had a total of 2.

Tonight, the Royals again got down early. On the season they've been outscored 9-3 in the first period. D-zone breakdowns and playing from behind are costing the Royals. The Royals need to get it turned around soon before they fall too far behind.

Keeping it in perspective

You don't have to be a runner to enjoy Don Stewart's story in the Reading Eagle about Conrad Weiser cross country runner Zach Barker and his mother.

What happened?

What happened to fall? Only a couple days ago it was beautiful fall weather. Sure did take a turn today with snow north of us and lots of wind locally. It was a toss up today whether people were talking about the weather or the Phillies and how weather delayed their celebration plans.

Royals come up short again

Another disappointing loss for the Royals tonight, 3-2, to Augusta. Royals had chances throughout the game and scored in the third but failed to get Danny Taylor off the ice for the extra skater in the final minute. Another night of taking too many penalties didn't help the cause.

Good day for a race

Good weather and an even better turnout for Fitzy's 5K in Wyomissing this morning. The course winds skirts the grounds of the Reading Public Museum and onto the trail near the Stone House and out to the Wyomissing pool before doubling back on the opposite side of the museum grounds and back up to Sleepy Hollow.

Rough start

Royals got off to a rough start tonight against Johnstown. Got down 1-0 before evening the score, then gave up a goal a little more than 3 minutes later. Johnstown opened up a 5-1 lead by the end of the second, courtesy of some sloppy defensive play by the Royals.
Royals got back to 5-4 with a goal with 33 seconds remaining in the third with the goalie pulled. Johnstown controlled the faceoff and netted another with a half-second to go to win 6-4. Royals had two PPGs, but gave up three PPGs and a shortie.
The game did feature a good tilt between DelMonte and the Royals' Tyler Doig, who also netted a goal and had two assists on the night.
Royals will need short memories and a quick recovery for Sunday's 5 p.m. start against Augusta.

Hockey's back

The Sovereign Center should be rocking tonight with the Royals home opener against Johnstown. It'll be nice to see our "rink friends." We haven't seen them since the Royals lost to the Cyclones in the playoffs.

Weather looks like it will clear by Sunday for Fitzy's Run in Wyomissing. Check it out if you're in to running and looking for nice 5K course and a worthwhile fundraiser for brain tumor research. See you there.

Time for R&R

Projects are finished. Just some minor touching up to do, so it'll be time to relax.

Picked up our Royals tickets today -- home opener is Saturday. Looking forward to seeing some live hockey. It does mean I'll miss Hockey Night in Canada and the latest fashion statement from Don Cherry. He always seems to outdo himself. That's the thing with Cherry -- never know what he's going to say or wear.

No easy project

That's what my dad always says. He's usually right, too. Three boxes of ceiling tiles and still come up eight short after damaged and "oops" tiles come into play. Had to get another box. Saving those for tomorrow.

Then there's the ceiling fan that should have been simple to replace. Just rewire the new one and ... wait, why doesn't the ball on top of the downrod fit the existing fan box? Swap some parts and we're back in business.

Vacation prep

Spent the afternoon getting ceiling tiles, paint, brushes ... a week's worth of vacation. Oh, yeah, can't forget the ceiling fan that's been sitting in the basement for a year waiting to be put up.

Royals rebound

Royals play better than in season-opening loss to Elmira and come from behind to defeat Trenton 4-2 tonight. Ready for the home season to get under way next weekend.

Good start to a fall day

First really crisp day got off to a good start with a 90-minute run at Nolde at sunrise. Only a couple other people -- dog walkers -- on the trails at that hour. The fall scenery makes the time go faster.