Spring Break Visit To Virginia Tech

Drove down to Blacksburg, VA last week to pick up Ben for his Spring Break. He will likely have my car next school year at his apartment but I will probably take a drive down to visit him every now and then. I'm retired, have the time and always enjoy the road trip. Some shots after my campus walk. Beautiful day, temperature in the mid '70's.

 

Caps 2025-26 Season Ends (For Ben and I)

This Fall before the season started I picked up a Caps five game partial plan and selected games when Ben would be home during school breaks. An added bonus was sitting in the same row as a friend of ours. Monday night vs Calgary wasn't just our last game of the season but likely the last time we see Alex Ovechkin in a Capitals uniform. He's the NHL's All Time Leading Goal Scorer but at age 40, he's slowing down and Father Time is undefeated.

This is likely his last season. So while we were happy to see a Caps win, we were a bit sad to see Ovi for the last time. Sure I could go to one or two of the remaining home games this season (The Caps will miss the playoffs) and celebrate the end of a great career but Ben won't be with me and it wouldn't be the same without him.

Both of us are excited for next year and I will definitely get another five game plan as Ben and I enjoy Caps game day.

Capitals Make Deadline Deals

I don't know if anyone reads this blog anymore. I started it in 2005 as a way for friends and family to see photos of Ben and other things that interest me. I love hockey and the Washington Capitals have been my team since day one when my Dad took me to games at Capital Centre. I've done the same with Ben. He loves the Caps and the sport of hockey. That said, this week was tough as a Caps fan.

The NHL trade deadline was Friday and the Caps were sellers. First they dealt Nic Dowd to the Vegas Golden Knights and then John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks. Dowd was a member of the Caps for eight seasons and Carlson for seventeen seasons, whose jersey will be hung from the rafters one day. Two solid, reliable veterans.

Ben and I are going this coming Monday night vs Calgary for the last time this season and it's likely the last time we see Alex Ovechkin play for the Caps.

I'm glad I have a photo archive going back to 2009 when I got my first digital camera.

John Carlson winds up for a shot in the 2015 Winter Classic vs Chicago

The last three members of the 2018 Stanley Cup Champions as of February 2, 2026. Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson and Tom Wilson

Nic Dowd after his goal vs the New York Islanders on February 2, 2026