I found it wonderful to return home to America and be greeted by the news that Cal Ripken, Jr., had been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the third largest percentage ever. As an Oriole fan I am very excited, but I am even more excited as a baseball fan. In an age where sports stars think the game is about them, Ripken remembered that baseball belongs to the American people. While others worked hard at getting into the best parties, driving the flashiest cars, and getting noticed in the news, Ripken quietly showed up for work every day and played the game the way it was meant to be played. Congratulations Cal on your well deserved election!

We are finally back in Massachusetts, a day late and a bunch of luggage short. Our flight out of Frankfurt was delayed, which caused us to miss our connection in Washington, DC. So, we had to stay in a hotel overnight. Our luggage still has not caught up with us, and I am getting really tired of wearing this same set of clothes. Anyone in a five foot radius of me is probably getting tired of me wearing them, too. We have been told that the luggage should be here by 10:00 pm tonight. I promise not to blog again until I have had a shower.