It's Tuesday morning and I'm not at work this week. However, we need to fill this space so I am offering a few ramblings before returning to some household and grandfatherly duties. I'll be back at work Oct. 1.

* * * * *

Watching our 10-year-old granddaughter learning how to play field hockey on Perkins Field just before dusk on a brisk Monday, as well as the youth football players learning that game on Sherman Field, I reminisced about my days as a volunteer basketball and baseball coach. It takes commitment, patience and, although it cuts into family and leisure time, the rewards are great. There's nothing like seeing a kid's face when he or she accomplishes something he or she has practiced to do correctly. Three cheers to our volunteer youth coaches for helping our young athletes learn the sports and the life lessons associated with them.

* * * * *

Speaking of sports, how many of you are worried about the New England Patriots? Despite their 1-2 record, some people are banking on the return of Julian Edelman (from suspension) and the debut of Cleveland Browns' outcast Josh Gordon to set the team right. However, their porous defense is what bothers me. Coach Bill Belichick has worked on the premise that his team can outscore opponents ever since Tom Brady has lined up behind the center, but I am not sure that's the case this year. The "bend but not break" defensive philosophy is pretty broken so far this year and unless some help is brought in, don't look for the Patriots to go far. They host the 3-0 Miami Dolphins this week. It's time for the Pats to make a statement.

* * * * *

Finishing up with the weather, I am liking the winter forecast put out by "The Old Farmer's 2019 Almanac." That's if the prognosticators are correct. The Almanac says the Northeast will have a milder winter, temperature wise, than last year. Precipitation will be about normal in our region and there will be shorter stretches of cold temperatures, as opposed to last winter. However, stock and stack that wood pile, fill those fuel tanks, make sure your shovel is in good working order, and be sure to have plenty of sand, salt and water (for those inevitable power outages) on hand. Winter, no matter what forecasters predict, is a season to be prepared for.