Nice being away for more than two weeks’ vacation, and now real good being back home in Manhattan. Catching up to things here for the blog, which I didn’t post to very much or tend while I was away. Looking to get back in to the writing and posting and rthym right away.

While catching up on the blog and my book company biz, I’m also catching up on some Olympics action that I’d had a chance only to read about–the amazingly competitive US-Canada women’s football match from last weekend. The NBC rebroadcast I’m watching in NY on channel 450 shows what an epic seesaw affair it was. I know the US wins 4-3; the match is now heading to overtime periods, tied 3-3. It’s become a contentious contest with referees’ calls playing a key role. Canada was leading 3-2 when two calls went against them: Their goalie was flagged for holding the ball too long after a save, leading to a penalty kick; on the kick, the ball caromed off a Canadian defender, leading to a free kick which Abby Wambach nailed for the equalizer.

To this point, Canada’s Christine Sinclair has scored a hat trick, at least two of which were precise headers, and Megan Rapinoe has two goals. One of hers, the kick that tied the score at 1-1 early in the second half, was a rarity–an unassisted corner! Her other one, making it 2-2, also showed a very adroit foot. I’ve heard that Canada may file some form of protest, so I’m watching for the next controversial whistle. The US hasn’t led for a second, yet.