Opening Day

AND AWAY WE GO:  Today was a day we've been waiting for since last October. Today it was back to Seattle Mariners' baseball, which makes us very happy. :)

The home opener is always full of pomp and circumstance ... and fireworks (although daytime fireworks aren't as impressive as post sunset fireworks).

They rolled out the red carpet for the Mariners' starting lineup.

Former Mariners' second baseman Joey Cora threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Of course, the REAL first pitch of 2015 was thrown by ace Felix Hernandez. Can you see the ball?!

There's only one day a year when you're going to see all the players batting .000.

At the end of the day, last year's American League MVP was batting .250 after his four at bats - one homer and three strike outs.

The Mariners were up 4-1 when reliever Fernando Rodney came in and closed the deal. Like a whole lot of other fans in the stadium, Annabelle turned her hat to 2 o'clock, as Rodney wears his crooked (as a hat tip to his deceased father).

It was a lovely day at the ballpark. The Mariners won 4-1 and they're in first place, undefeated! :)  Hope springs eternal. 

Here's the field crew, working the green after the game. 

We can't wait to get back there. 

ONE WEEK:  One week from today, a Falcon 9 rocket topped by a Dragon capsule is set to blast off from our planet.  MPA can't wait to have a field reporter on site for the event!

Follow this link to find out about Falcon 9's capabilities and services - and its price tag: 
http://www.spacex.com/about/capabilities

Check out this lovely photo of SpaceX's Dragon capsule during its last International Space Station run, CRS5.

Image: SpaceX

EARTH DAY EVENT:  Speaking of our planet, NASA has announced an Earth Day event, #NoPlaceLikeHome.

                              Image: NASA
Per their press release, "There are (so far) 1,800 known planets beyond our solar system, but among all of them, there's no place like Earth. This Earth Day, April 22, NASA is asking you to share pictures and video of your favorite places on Earth using social media – and tag them #NoPlaceLikeHome."  Specifically,  participants are invited to post photos and videos that answer a simple question: What is your favorite place on Earth?

Sounds like fun! I'm sure we'll have some photos to share.