Still a Hammer. Still frantically refreshing Gamecast on ESPN on my phone when the match isn't on "regular" tv. A bunch of kids and a beautiful Beloved keep me busy. Hoping the injury bug passes and the table continues to look good. Trying to get a trip planned to see the Bolyn before the end of the season and the end of an era. COYI!

2-1. What else is there to say?

We're back baby.

It is rough enough growing up a University of South Carolina Gamecock fan. For years, talk of the "Chicken Curse" has reigned supreme in Columbia, SC. Now, the curse is dead, killed by Ray Tanner, Dawn Staley, Curtis Frye, Steve Spurrier, and the greatest of them all, Michael Roth.

What fresh hell is this? Is there really a chance? Can West Ham pick up six and Southampton zero? An old-school Carolina fan would expect West Ham to crush in the next two matches, erasing the goal differential, only to see Southampton score in extra time to win. But, I'm no longer an old school Carolina fan. Jackie Bradley, Jr. cured that. Until my last breath, I hope.

(I know none of you know who these people I referenced are. Suffice to say, they are awesome in certain circles of the World)

Is this the most important one?

As a general rule, I panic much later than most. This season, I have not been too concerned as I could always see the way off the bottom. Today might be my tipping point. There are no more "stretches" which are vital. This is the stretch.

sighing softly

One half of a pretty good team. One half (plus) just plain awful.

I am getting excited

Ahh, the new season approaches and the pre-season matches have looked good. While it is over 100 degrees where I am every day, I expect to turn on the TV for the first match to see England gripped in early Winter. I will drink a refreshing sports beverage and toast the beginning of a hopefully fantastic season.

With plenty of time to spare

Yesterday's close score apparently does not do justice to the actual events. What a shame, I was hoping that near-certain safety would loosen up the team a bit and they would put forth a great effort. ESPN says Hull just lost by giving up a tying goal at the very end. That removes all irrational doubt about the Hammer's scraping through and guarantees one more year in the top flight.

My off-season wish is not to hear a public peep from the owners other than "We are trying to put together a good team for next season." I don't want to hear how tough the situation is or how you made such a bad investment only because you love the team so much. We know how bad it is. If you make it better, we will believe you are the greatest businessmen in the World. We will think you hung the Moon. Just shut up about it and get to your business. For now, it appears you are trying to make excuses for an inevitable failure.