The Pirates may not be off to a great start, but today was a breathtakingly beautiful April afternoon and their home opener was the best way we could think of to take advantage of it. I never thought about the hospital even once, even though one of my interns played (sanctioned) hooky and came along.

It was Josie’s first live baseball game, and I can tell she is going to be a big fan even though she rolled her eyes every time Mike started on about designated hitters. Honestly, just because we live in a National League town these days doesn’t mean that she’s not an American League sort of girl.

The Pirates lost, and Bill "Suzie's boyfriend" Mueller wasn’t in the Dodger’s lineup, but the gorgeous weather, the time off work, the company of family and friends and a good dinner afterwards more than made up for it. And, (swear!) I met and chatted up the mayor of Pittsburgh. Josie grabbed his hair and gave it a good yank, just for good measure. Not impressed by city officials or pitchers that can hit the ball, that one.