Since Topeka, Kan., we have stopped in St. Louis, Normal, Ill., Stevens Point, Wis., South Bend, Ind., Midland, Mich., and now we are in Ashland, Ohio, waiting for our game tonight. Every trip has been by bus; we haven't stepped foot on a plane since June 1. That's a lot of driving and riding around!
Each stop has its differences, but in terms of our schedule, they are pretty much the same. On game days there's usually an optional hitting session for anyone who wants to get some extra swings in. The pitchers who aren't starting that day usually go and get a workout in, as well. It's nice to get it done, so we can enjoy the game instead of working out during the action and missing parts!
I went to the early workout in St. Louis, and upon our arrival at the park, some familiar faces welcomed me. I didn't realize it then, but I have played at the ABC Ballpark in St. Louis every four years! In 2000, my club team - the Katy Cruisers - won Nationals there, then we visited in '04 and '08 for our USA Softball pre-Olympics tours! The folks at the park joked that they will put together a game for me to play or coach in 2012 to keep up the pattern!
I also had family come to see me in St. Louis. My aunt, uncle and cousins came out in their USA shirts with my name on the back. It's always cute to see my cousins smile when I wave at them! I really enjoy my family being around, especially when we're on the road so much.
We had one of our few doubleheaders in Normal. We started off playing Team NPF, which gave us some more great competition. On top of good games, we enjoy seeing friends we've played with and against for much of our careers. Both the games in Normal were TV games, so be sure to check out the schedule section on my website to see the airing dates on ESPN and ESPN2.
The team and I were also blessed with some great snacks in Normal. My third baseman from DePaul, Amber Patton, lives nearby so her mom made us some cute softball cookies from a special recipe. We ate those things up so fast!
We had our first complete day off in Stevens Point. The team bused up there the night before, but I opted to travel in (Jennie) Finch's motor home with Jennie and Kelly (Kretschman) so we could stop and watch the Chicago Bandits play Canada along the way.
We were totally free the next day, so we took full advantage to relax. Monica (Abbott) and I walked to the grocery store to get some snacks, then I walked with Kelly to get pedicures and manicures. I can't pitch with nails, so I just got my toes done - they're purple! After a while, the team went down by the pool, and (Crystl) Bustos and Jennie's uncle grilled some food for all of us. We didn't do much, but we definitely enjoyed relaxing for the day.
Dancing at the Midland Summer Solstice Block Party! Photo Gallery
The highlight of the trip so far has to be Midland. We played a game at 3 p.m., which left us the evening to go find a great dinner. Our trip there also happened to coincide with the town's summer solstice festival, so we partook in some dancing in the streets with the locals. It was tons of fun, and we made some new friends. Be sure to check out the photo gallery for pictures!
We're in Ohio tonight for one last game in the Midwest, and then it's off to Texas - Killeen and Midland to be exact! I'm just a tad bit excited. We're almost done with this leg of the trip, and most of us can't wait to see our families again. I won't return to Chicago; I decided I need a little Texas back in my life, so I'm heading home to Houston for the break!
Enjoy your summer … and keep following us on our journey! We're less than 50 days away from the big show!
Cat
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