The Daily Triangle

by Laura

Tonight Harold convinced me to venture over to the Durham Bulls game to catch some end-of-season excitement.  Also, it was 2 for 1 night, and the $4.50 price tag fit into our newly revised budget, provided that Noodle subsists off scraps for a few days.

First, we investigated the revamped American Tobacco Campus next to the ballpark. Durham has done a bang-up job of turning old-time tobacco factories into historical districts.  Everyone loves an historic district.  No immoral corporate practices to be remembered here!  It’s infinitely more calming to focus on the impressive water features.

Harold contemplates the next stepping stone.  Also, the alarming rate of lung cancer.

The Lucky Strike Tower, a former hallmark of industry.  There’s a grassy area and some charming picnic tables below.  After a little research, I also discovered that Durham has made the lighting of the tower an annual Christmas tradition, akin to the tree-lighting in Rockefeller Center.  

Among the fountains and lawns, we spotted a sushi bar, Cuban food, and several other eating spots, including Tyler’s, which seemed like the perfect place to stop for some bar grub.  My BBQ nachos were indeed both unhealthful and delicious.  I also noticed there were about 50 beers on tap. So – yay.

As for the game itself – I’m sure you’d love to hear my play-by-play:

Warm-up:  It’s Carolina night, somehow, and the dance team is here.  I hope (to no avail) that the Duke dancers will appear, and there will be a showdown.  Why must my dreams never come true?

First Inning:  This week’s issue of Time Out New York has ideas for fall.

Second Inning:  Little girl tries to cut from second plate to home during ballpark contest.  Human interest moment!

Third/Fourth Inning:  I debate funnel cake vs. ice cream in a plastic hat.  In a last minute bid, frozen custard wins.

Fifth Inning:  Harold has to take me on a walk around the ball park so I don’t get restless.  I gaze longingly at the kids allowed to play in the jungle gym area behind right field.

Sixth Inning: I actually watch baseball.  5 errors are committed.  The ball goes between someone’s legs.

Seventh Inning:  7th inning stretch turns into 7th inning kvetch (Har!) and I “suggest” that we go home.

Post-Game:  I do my part to reinforce gender stereotypes by writing this post – whoopsies! I really do love you, though, Durham Bulls.  Keep those small-town ball park antics going.   I’ll be back for more frozen custard next year!