Squirrels, sports and a Sunday stumble in Redlands

Sunday morning Mia the Wonder Dog gave me those big saucer eyes, jumped, and put his two front paws on my ottoman. Time for a walk. The routine started during COVID when I was a teacher’s aide. As a paraprofessional I was clutch, although one school banned me from the laminator. 

We crossed the wash and headed for Redlands. It's  one of the most beautiful small cities in in the state. Think Ashland, Oregon without the Shakespeare festival. We got the Bowl, though.

The start of prep sports and the home remodel with Cal-Trans Girl have been a trip. Speaking of trips, CTG made five of them one day between Highland and Redlands, checking on our army of vendors, handing them drinks, doling out ice cream.  “M-V-P, M-V-P.”

Cliff’s notes on my Sunday sojourn: Mia barks at squirrels in Smiley Park … I fade in the hot sun like the Yanks in Game 5 … Scribe takes header on Buena Vista Street and passes out (“Down goes Murphy! Down goes Murphy!)” … Kindly resident offers phone and I promptly forget CTG’s number, then remember when it’s too late. Murphy’s Law.

I staggered back to the Corolla unclear what day it was or if the prep football season had begun. Just another manic Monday.   

Thanks to the Redlanders who offered water, a phone, and kindness. 

PASS THE KETCHUP

The Lonyae Miller (new coach at Ontario Christian) I reported. My old colleague Eric-Paul Johnson nabbed the Cole Fornelli deal. I didn’t know Alex Pierce was at Rancho Cucamonga. Last time I saw him he was at Eureka Burger in Redlands. Now I’m hungry.

I HEART REDLANDS

Sharing my zeal for Redlands is new Redlands East Valley girls volleyball coach Shelby Dawson who helped lead Summit High to two Sunkist League titles in four years. She also played at the University of Redlands.   

“I fell in love with the Redlands community and wanted to stay here after graduating,” Dawson said.

When hired by REV this year, Dawson was already coaching club and officiating.

REV is led by Daphne Marquez, Sophia Lee, Sophia Chavez, and Harmynee Wilson.

BOYS IN BLUE (BOO)

During the World Series we were in Allen, Texas visiting CTG’s daughter Felicia, the Redlands High grad. She is mom to baby Kira Bell – or “KB,” get it? Mamba mentality. Felicia and hubby Tenari Tenari (no misprint) are Steeler/Laker/Dodger fans. Ugh.

I pull for the ailing San Francisco Giants, whom AI wants to change to Moribund Giants. Reminder to self to change birthplace to Moribund. It has a ring.

Reach John Murphy at berdooman@gmail.com and follow at @Prep2Prep.com.