Real English Twelve-up for grabs

I spoke to my dad on the phone yesterday.  We usually talk on the phone once a week, but we email daily.  

Dad:  Hey Glenn, how are you doing?
Glenn:  Alright, thanks.  How are you feeling?  How is life? work? 
Dad:  I've been better but basically can't complain for a guy who is closing in on 67.  Anyway, how has the week been so far in Japan?
Glenn:  This week began on a low note Monday when Japan was ousted from the WBC by Puerto Rico.  Did you watch the game?
Dad:  Yeah, what was the manager thinking when he gave the sign for a double steal with the clean-up batter at the plate?  Is that what they call "small baseball"?  Weak!
Glenn:  I read some articles about that in the paper.  A lot of writers are debating that call.  But needless to say, the two-time defending champions, losing to Puerto Rico, was an upset.  
Dad:  You got that right. And after that, with all of the favorites out of the tournament, the title was up for grabs!
Glenn:  Uh-huh.  On Tuesday, the Dominican Republic beat Holland, who was really the surprise of the tournament.  They held their own and played better than most people expected.  And then on Wednesday, the Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico and raised the trophy!  
Dad:  And Japan came home empty-handed.  
Glenn:  But maybe they were pleasantly surprised when they got back on Wednesday because the cherry blossoms began blooming in Tokyo, about 8 to 12 days earlier than usual.  I saw it on TV and it looked really beautiful.  Now they are in full bloom.  
Dad:  How about in Osaka?  
Glenn:  Not yet.  But Kyoko told me today that the blossoms are beginning to bloom in Utsubo Park, a park near here.  
Dad:  I read in the paper that many Japanese go to "cherry blossom viewing"?  Is that true?
Glenn:  Yep.  It is a big event here.  People prepare food and drinks and sit under the blossoms...like a picnic.  I usually do it too, but I don't like to do it at night, because it is too cold.
Dad:  Do you guys have any plans to view the blossoms?  
Glenn:  Yeah, this Sunday, we plan to go to Shukugawa, about an hour walk from the house, which is famous for cherry blossoms.  But the weather forecast for Sunday is overcast and rainy...so we will see how it goes.  
Dad:  Gotcha son. Anyway, hope the week ends on a high note for you. Thanks, you too!