Banana Ball in Boise

Trevor and I flew to Boise, Idaho two weeks ago to visit my mom and my sister's family. We chose the timeframe we did for a very special reason: we were there to attend a Banana Ball game. I've been wanting to go for years, so it was so exciting that it was finally going to happen. After we weren't chosen during the lottery for tickets for the game in Sacramento, my sister (Kari) and brother-in-law (Brian) worked hard to secure tickets for us in Boise. I am so grateful!

If you're not familiar with Banana Ball, it's a highly entertaining, fast-paced version of baseball with rules designed to maximize the action. The antics of Banana Ball lead to comparisons with the Harlem Globetrotters, although there are key differences. Banana Ball games are not scripted and all six teams within the league compete to win, whereas the Globetrotters always play the same opponent and (nearly) always win. 

This was the first time that Banana Ball came to Idaho. The people of Boise, particularly at the host venue of Boise State, were really excited.

 

In the days before we flew, I was really nervous that the game was going to be canceled or postponed. Not only was the temperature in Boise topping 100°F, but the air quality was absolutely horrible, with numbers reaching well into the Hazardous level. Fortunately, the air quality improved significantly before the game. It was still smoky (and HOT) but not dangerously so. Hurray!

The game we saw featured the Party Animals vs the Texas Tailgaters. I decided to root for the Party Animals. 

The Party Animals' mascot is named Pharty. He has quite a backstory. 

Our group was seated in three different areas. Kari and I were together. 

Here is Trevor with my mom. And Brian with Timothy and Allison. 

  

We arrived in plenty of time for the pre-game festivities. 

We weren't allowed to bring water into the stadium (100°+) and the lines to buy water were outrageous. Brian stood in line to get waters for all of us. He and Allison came by to deliver them. 

While our seats were good for watching the game and the antics, they were pretty terrible for photography. All my pictures are through a net and into the sun. You can barely make out the Boise Bronco on the field toward the back. 

During the pre-game (and throughout the game) there was so much going on. It was hard to know where to look. The guy in the blue morph suit was slowly making his way toward the pitcher while teams of dancers were performing and players were in the crowds giving away stuff. 

The music is constant. Literally. Songs change every 10-30 seconds and there is no break between them. Songs play throughout the game, which is not a thing in standard baseball. There's always somebody dancing somewhere. 

Because the Boise games were played at a football stadium and not a baseball stadium, there were some quirks that were a lot of fun. One example: there were no dugouts, so all the players were just right there. 

To our left, a make-shift bullpen. 

It was a HUGE relief when the sun finally dipped enough to be partially blocked by the stadium. It was so hot and it made a big difference not to be in direct sun. 

The friends of Brian who were sitting with Kari and me left with 30 minutes on the clock to avoid the crush of 36,000 people. Timothy, Allison, and Brian took their seats. 

Kari, Mom, Trevor, and I left with 15 minutes remaining so that we too could get ahead of the masses. 

The Party Animals ended up winning the game 4-1. Yea! 

Watching Banana Ball in person is a fantastic experience, but so is watching it on TV. I was really happy to see the game on YouTube. It was great fun to watch the things I saw from a better angle... and even more fun to see the things I completely missed! 

I am so glad to have been to a Banana Ball game. I would happily go again, although ideally on a much cooler day and in real seats instead of bleachers. I'd especially like to see the original team, the Savannah Bananas, play. Huge thanks to Kari and Brian for everything they did for me to experience this bucket-list item!

I Finished My Third Quilt

I finished my third quilt!

Like my first and second quilts, this quilt was made entirely with donated fabrics. The challenge of quilting with donated fabrics is that we rarely receive large pieces. I built this quilt around the yellow, red, and light green fabrics, but there was only enough fabric for sixteen 10" squares of those colors (4 yellow, 8 red, 4 green). Since the whole quilt needs 48 squares, I had to search through our stash to find enough coordinating colors for the other 2/3 of the quilt. I ended up using a total of 8 different fabrics, with as few as 2 squares of a color and as many as 10 squares of another. It was quite a challenge to arrange the blocks into a cohesive design with such random numbers of each color. I tried a bunch of designs before settling on this one, which has a sense of symmetry (without actually being symmetrical). 

Sewing the quilt top took a fraction of the time as with my second quilt, which in turn took significantly less time than the first. Progress! I feel so much more confident sewing. Most of my corners actually match, which is a huge accomplishment for me. Binding the quilt also went much more smoothly. 

As with my first two quilts, this quilt will go to someone in need via Lutheran World Relief. It is incredibly rewarding to make something that will provide some comfort and warmth to a person who is struggling through what is probably the most difficult time of their life. I love that I am part of this. 

On to quilt #4!

The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 10: Virginia to Wyoming

This is the tenth post in a series. I recommend reading the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth posts before this one. Today I'll be wrapping up this series by selecting the city in Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming that I most want to visit, then listing my top 2 attractions in each location. 

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The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 10: Virginia to Wyoming

 

It should come as no surprise - the city I most want to visit in Virginia is the capital, Richmond. It's one of the five state capitals I haven't visited yet. There are a lot of things I want to see and do in Richmond, but my top priorities are the Virginia State Capitol and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. 

Leavenworth is a Bavarian-inspired village in the Cascade Mountains of Washington and it is the city I'd most like to visit in the Evergreen State. It looks so charming and I'm a big fan of Bavarian food. The attractions I most want to see include the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum and Blackbird Island. 

The city I'd most like to visit in West Virginia is Fayetteville. It's a very small town, with approximately 2800 people. The amount of infrastructure in such a small place is surprising, until you realize it's the gateway for our newest National Park. New River Gorge National Park is the primary place I'd like to visit. Since it's right there, I would enjoy a look at BSA's Summit Bechtel Reserve. 

Green Bay is the city I most want to visit in Wisconsin. It the oldest city in the state and is famous for being the smallest American city to have a major professional sports team. Green Bay is known as the Toilet Paper Capital of the World (!) and is where "splinter-free" (!!) toilet paper was invented. Sadly, there is no toilet paper related attraction in town; worse, the World's Largest Toilet Paper Roll is gone. When I visit Green Bay, I would most like to visit the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and Museum. 

The city I'd most like to visit in Wyoming is Jackson. Located in the scenic valley of Jackson Hole, Jackson is the primary entry point for Grand Teton National Park, which is the attraction I most want to visit. My second priority would be the National Museum of Wildlife Art. 

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That wraps up the cities I most want to visit in each of the 50 states. This was such a fun project! It introduced me to some places I wasn't previously aware of and had me really studying maps, especially  for the states where I've traveled extensively already. Not every one of the 50 places I chose is a must-visit for me, but quite a few of them are. I look forward to sharing them with you in the future!

The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 9: South Dakota to Vermont

This is the ninth post in a series. I recommend reading the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth posts before this one. Today I'll be picking the city in South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Vermont that I most want to visit, then listing my top 2 attractions in each location. 

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The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 9: South Dakota to Vermont

 

The city I most want to visit in South Dakota is the capital, Pierre. When we traveled to the Dakotas in 2023, I went back and forth about taking a 2 hour detour (each way) in order to visit Pierre. It would have meant cutting something else from the trip and there was nothing I was willing to cut. So we didn't make it to Pierre. When we do, I want to tour the South Dakota State Capitol and visit the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center. 

Memphis should be on the list of cities we've visited, not the cities we want to visit. We had everything scheduled - flights, car rental, hotels, and tickets for all of the activities we were going to do Memphis. But it was not to be. Our two-week trip ended up being a zero-day trip. Three months later, we rescheduled a portion of that failed trip, but we had to cut out Memphis because Trevor's spring break wasn't as long as winter break when the trip should have happened. All that to say, Memphis is the city I most want to visit in Tennessee. When I go, I will be visiting all the major attractions, but the two I'm most excited about are the National Civil Rights Museum and the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum.  

The city I most want to visit in Texas is Houston. One of my rules is that I can only pick cities I'd never visited, beyond the airport. In 2005, we flew into Houston, got on a bus a few steps outside the terminal, and rode to Galveston where we boarded a cruise ship. The process was reversed at the end of the trip. I'm not counting that as having been to Houston (although if I'd died stepping onto the bus, my death certificate would indicate that I had indeed been to Houston). I would like to actually experience something in Houston; specifically, I would most like to see Holocaust Museum Houston and the Eternal Gandhi Museum.

The city I'd most like to visit in Utah is Moab. Billed as the "ultimate basecamp for red rock adventures," Moab is a great city to visit even for the less adventurous who want to look at red rocks, not go mountain biking on them (raising my hand). Not only is Moab beautiful in its own right, but it is where to stay to visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. 

The city I most want to visit in Vermont is Stowe. We were only about 10 miles from Stowe when we visited Waterbury so I know that it is a stunningly beautiful area. The top two things I want to do are the History Tour at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort and visiting the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. 

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What do you think of my picks? Do any of these sound like places you'd like to visit? Let me know in the comments!

The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 8: Oklahoma to South Carolina

This is the eighth post in a series. I recommend reading the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh posts before this one. Today I'll be picking the city in Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina that I most want to visit, then listing my top 2 attractions in each location. 

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The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 8: Oklahoma to South Carolina

The city I most want to visit in Oklahoma is Tulsa. Tulsa is the former Oil Capital of the World, was home to Black Wall Street, and is the Capital of Route 66. The attractions I'd most like to visit in Tulsa are Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center and the National BMX Hall of Fame and Museum.

Boring, Oregon was named for a person with the last name of Boring; the city motto is "The most exciting place to live!" My favorite fun fact about Boring is that its sister city is Dull, Scotland and those two joined Bland, Australia to form "The Trinity of Tedium." One of my best friends from college (Hi, Erin!) grew up in Boring. When I eventually make it there, I'll be touring the Guide Dogs for the Blind campus. The other main attraction in town is the North American Bigfoot Center, which I don't really see myself visiting. Does posing in front of every Boring sign in town count? Because I'll definitely be doing that. 

The city I most want to visit in Pennsylvania is Pittsburgh. There are a lot of things I want to see and do in Pittsburgh, but topping the list is everything having to do with Mr. Rogers. I'm most excited about the Heinz History Center. Another big priority is visiting the National Aviary. It looks amazing and, as a bonus, one of my friends from when Trevor was a baby recently became their Veterinary Department Coordinator. My favorite blogger lives there too, but I don't think I'd be able to meet her. 

The city I most want to visit in Rhode Island is Woonsocket. Located on the Blackstone River, Woonsocket was a major site for textile mills during the Industrial Revolution. I would love to visit the  Museum of Work and Culture, which focuses on the immigrants who came to Woonsocket to work at the mills. I would also like to see the Museum of Broadcast Technology.

The city I most want to visit in South Carolina is Charleston. It is one of the oldest cities in the US and is the oldest city in South Carolina. There are a lot of things to see. My top priority is Ft. Sumpter National Historic Park. I'd also plan to take the Old Town Trolley Tour, as their tours always provide a great overview. 

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Have you been to any of these cities? Are there other places to visit that you'd recommend? Let me know in the comments!

The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 7: New Mexico to Ohio

This is the seventh post in a series. I recommend reading the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth posts before this one. Today I'll be picking the city in New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Ohio that I most want to visit, then listing my top 2 attractions in each location. 

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The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 7: New Mexico to Ohio

 

We have visited a lot of neat places in New Mexico, but we haven't made it to Taos. I've heard so many good things and hope to visit someday. My top priorities are the guided tour at Taos Pueblo and the Taos Trolley Tour. 

Jamestown is a small town in western New York and the birthplace of Lucille Ball. It is home to the National Comedy Center, as well as the Lucy Desi Museum. I would travel significantly out of my way to visit both. 

The town I would most like to visit in North Carolina is Monteo, on Roanoke Island. My top priority would be visiting Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. I'm fascinated by the Lost Colony and want to know more. The second place I would visit is the North Carolina Aquarium. 

The place in North Dakota that I most want to visit is the tiny town of Dunseith (which apparently does not have a logo or seal of any kind) because it is home to the International Peace Garden. Ever since I learned about this botanical garden with half located in the US and half in Canada, I've wanted to go there. Unfortunately, it is a fair distance from other destinations or major cities in both the US or Canada. The North American Game Warden Museum is located within the International Peace Garden, so I'm not counting that as my second attraction. Instead, I'm picking Lake Metigoshe State Park. 

The city I most want to visit in Ohio is Cincinnati. There is a lot of interesting history, as well as unique foods and fun traditions in Cincy. I most want to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and William Howard Taft National Historic Site.

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If you have recommendations of places to go in these states, let me know in the comments! 

The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 6: Montana to New Jersey

This is the sixth post in a series. I recommend reading the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth posts before this one. Today I'll be picking the city in Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, and New Jersey that I most want to visit, then listing my top 2 attractions in each location. 

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The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 6: Montana to New Jersey

 

The city I most want to visit in Montana is Bozeman. Bozeman is a primary gateway to Yellowstone National Park, which I very much want to visit, but since it's about 90 miles away I'm not going to count it for the purposes of this post. Instead, I'll focus on attractions that are in Bozeman. First is Museum of the Rockies. My second pick is Downtown Bozeman Walking Food Tour. 

Gering is the city I most want to visit in Nebraska. It's tiny (only 8500 people) but it has a Runza, which is now my first requirement for any city I go to in Nebraska. Gering is the closest city to Scotts Bluff National Monument as well as the Legacy of the Plains Museum, both of which I am very interested in visiting.  

The next place I'd like to visit in Nevada is Virginia City. Virginia City was a mining boomtown from the 1859 Comstock Lode. Much of the town has been preserved. I'd like to visit The Way it Was Museum and take the Murder, Mystery, and History Tour by the Virginia City Outlaws. 

On my next trip to New Hampshire, I'd like to go to Manchester. Manchester is New Hampshire's largest city and is known for its history as a textile manufacturer. I am most interested in visiting the Currier Museum of Art and SEE Science Center. 

The city I'd most like to visit in New Jersey is West Orange. Thomas Edison was perhaps West Orange's most famous resident. My top priority would be Thomas Edison National Historic Park. I would also enjoy a visit to the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. 

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What do you think of my picks? Have you visited any of them? Do you have suggestions of other places to go? Let me know in the comments!

The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 5: Massachusetts to Missouri

This is the fifth post in a series. I recommend reading the first, second, third, and fourth posts before this one. Today I'll be picking the city in Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Missouri that I most want to visit, then listing my top 2 attractions in each location. 

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The City I Most Want to Visit in Each State, Part 5: Massachusetts to Missouri

 

 

The city I most want to visit in Massachusetts is Provincetown. While I've been to Cape Cod, we didn't make it all the way to the tip where Provincetown is located. This town is most famous for being the landing site for the Mayflower in 1620. I would most like to visit the Province Lands Visitor Center at Cape Cod National Seashore. The other attraction that interests me the most is the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. 

I am most interested in seeing Grand Rapids during my next visit to Michigan. Grand Rapids is home to the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum (although not the Presidential Library; they're typically colocated, but in this case the Library is 130 miles away in Ann Arbor, another city I'd like to visit). The other attraction I'd like to see is the Grand Rapids Public Museum. 

The city I'd most like to visit in Minnesota is Duluth. Duluth is a port city located on Lake Superior, and is the largest and busiest port on the Great Lakes. Fun fact: The Port of Duluth is the world's farthest inland port accessible to oceangoing ships. When I make it to Duluth, I want to take a narrated boat tour of Lake Superior and the Duluth Harbor, then visit the Lake Superior Zoo. 

Natchez is the oldest continuous settlement on the Mississippi River and also is the city in Mississippi I'd most like to visit. The top two attractions I want to see are Natchez National Historical Park and the Natchez Museum of African American Culture. 

Independence is the city I most want to visit in Missouri. It is best known as the main starting point for the hundreds of thousands of pioneers who traveled west on covered wagons along the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails. I would love to learn more about this history at the National Frontier Trails Museum. Independence was also home to President Harry Truman; the Truman Presidential Library and Museum is my other priority when I visit. 

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Have you visited any of these cities? What else do you recommend I do there? Leave any suggestions you have in the comments!