Chuckles (Twins 10 Astros 6 Game 136)

Other places it was Labor Day and the last day of the fair, but in our house it was preparation day. The next day my wife was due at the hospital for a thyroidectomy. She's fine, and she's going to be fine. It's just another annoying grown-up thing that reminds a person real life always wins.

We stayed busy preparing for our trip to the hospital, and the game itself didn't get much attention.

Still, when I heard about Colabello's grand slam in the ninth, I had to chuckle . In spite of all the stress and worry, knowing something magical and uncommon happened for my favorite team made me smirk to myself in an emotionally draining moment.

Thank you, Chris Colabello, for that.

Territorial Pride (Twins 9 Astros 6 -- Game 137)

The team won this game on the road, but its fans won the day for our family at home.

I've had the pleasure of meeting with many other Twins fans online, and several of them are friends who have met me at games, shared a meal with me, or even been in my house (after my wife was certain the house was cleaned to her standards). Finding friends gets harder with age, and for me spotting a person with a TC hat and an attitude is a great sign I'm meeting a person I'm going to like.

As my wife cruised through her surgery like a champ and took to her recovery with the ferocity and dedication of Adrian Peterson, I realized how many great friends we had made through Twins-related activities. Many of those friends have been there for us during this stressful time, providing us with smiles and support.

It's a heckuva thing to know a simple game of strategy can bring together a community of giving hearts. Twins fans out there who have reached out and given time and compassion, we thank you heartily. You know who you are, and we won't forget.

I may be biased, but I believe baseball fans are the best people to know. Thanks, everyone, for proving me right.

Off Day A-Hoy! (Twins 5 Astros 6 -- Game 138)

Caught bits and pieces of this game on the radio and my phone as we got permission to take my wife home for some rest, relaxation, and high-quality husband care. Everything felt a little topsy-turvy, but it looked like the Twins might get me grinning with a series sweep - I always love those.

It came close, but it didn't happen. I was already napping before the game was over, getting to some off day battery recharging a little ahead of my favorite baseball team. My wife's spirit is coming back, and we're hoping our own personal bounceback season is finished and we can return to our championship form soon.

Oh, and because I am still the creepy guy? Anyone look at the Astros' scores for the last three games? 6. 6. 6. We should keep an eye on that, guys.