Day 71

Another glorious day in Arizona. The weather this time of year is amazing. All the better for my big 4th annual trip down to Chase Field for the big Insight Bowl tilt between Arizona State and Rutgers with Rafal. In true Bob Dery fashion, I always make sure to hit the random sporting events everywhere I go. The last four years I have made the trek down to this meaningless bowl game, usually with my brother in law Scott and my father in law Max. Last year Notre Dame was out here and fore the first time there seemed to be more than 5 fans in the stands. Looking forward to it.

Anyone out there who has Sirius satellite radio needs to do me a favor and tune in tonight at 7:30 EST for the Pistons/Raptors game on channel 123. MD is doing play by play tonight with color man Rick Mahorn. If you have Sirius, tune in and give him a listen. He is a consummate professional and has a great radio voice. I am not just saying this because he is my brother, it is the truth. Of course I have Sirius not just for Howard, but so I can listen to him, but I am out in Arizona and won't be able to hear it. Good luck tonight Deez - we are all pulling for you and know you will do great.

Getting back to MD, I think about him everyday. He is going through such an unbelievable time with his divorce. The timing is very tough for him. Basketball season is his busiest time of year. Between U of Detroit play by play games and Pistons games, he is basically working every night on top of his regular shift at the station. He is traveling almost weekly. He is doing all of this while trying to figure out a balance of when and how he can see his kids and be there for them as much as he can be. I try to be as supportive as I can be, as does Leah, but there is only so much that we, as well as my mom, can do for him. Lisa has the kids out here in Scottsdale this week and Leah and I are going to see them tomorrow. We are going to go to the dog park because Jace love running around with Casey and there is an adjacent kids park there as well. It should be an interesting dynamic - this is the first time I have seen Lisa since they spilt up. It is all about the high road. I've been taking it for years with her and I will continue to do so for the sake of my niece and nephew.

As for MD - the stress that all of this is causing is very tough on him. I know things will work out for him in the end, but its a long process and takes a lot of getting used to. He will be fine. Since the stone setting I choose to keep my frame of mind positive and always believe that good things are ahead for me and my loved ones. But to quote the great Max Vermilion "its a marathon, not a sprint."

Song of the Day: "Wickedest Man Alive" by Naughty By Nature