After a morning of sitting around, catching up, we went for a trip up the road to the John D. MacArthur State Park, a nature reserve and beach. We never got to the beach and paid no attention to the nature reserve, but took a short walk and got back to the car. Why? Because we spent so much time catching up that we didn’t leave enough time for the visit. We had a ball game to get to.

Digression. John MacArthur founded the MacArthur Genius Awards. Helen Hayes was his sister in law.

And we did get to the game on time. The Cardinals/Marlins spring training stadium in Jupiter is well set up, seating 5000 plus, mostly in the shade. We sat behind the plate a little to the third base side. The weather was 84, no humidity, cooling breeze. Perfect.

Our last spring training venture, when the Nats were in Viera was not much fun. This one was great. The Nats held the Cardinals to 5 hits and won 3-2. A different pitcher every inning. Got to look at some of the new guys. All looked good. The Nats are on a roll.

With the new pitch clock, the game took.2.5 hours. But it will take some getting used to. As will the larger bases. More balls will hit the bases, it will be harder to throw out someone at first, etc.

After the game, we went to Juno Beach Pier, where there were quite a number of fisherman. They all had something in common. Not catching anything. On to the Jupiter Lighthouse (closed) and down Ocean Boulevard back to our home away from home.

Dinner at Carmine’s, a very, very loud and crowded Italian restaurant. The valets handle Bentleys, McClarens and Farraris. We were in an Acura and parked ourselves. It was fun. My food was ok.

Late night conversation. And this morning? Getting ready for another ball game. Split team, two games today. Ours is against the Astros. They can’t be very good, can they?