Happy 4th of July

After a great start to a 4th of July weekend last night with some karaoke at MiHaley's with the softball team celebrating Lisa Barnes's birthday, it is on to today and the annual Rosiak 4th of July Pic Nic at Trish's Mom and Dad's. I counted up how many of these that I have been to, and this I think will be my twelfth one in a row that I have attended.

I have my giant Super Soaker that I bought for my first one ready to go again for the annual water battle. If you have never seen one of these water battles I will just say they are merciless. If there is a dry spot on you anywhere, you're getting not only wet, but drenched and drenched again just to make sure there are no dry spots. You can run, and you can try to hide, but this tactic is usually not very successful as everyone targets you.

Later tonight we may attend the fireworks, at either Cheat Lake or downtown we are not sure yet. I'll bring my camera as I try to do every year so as I can add to the album.

Have a great and Happy 4th of July.

Pay attention to your news today, there may be a large fireworks explosion over the pacific today if the little sawed off North Korean runt is as stupid as expected.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that favorite part of the week when we cease the labors for the week and take a little time out to just enjoy the fruits of our labors. Even though mine and Michelle's and probably a lot of other peoples have already started but it is the start of the weekend and another Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!!

There will be plenty to do today. If you are looking for a little cheap (free) entertainment, movies on the Mon will be playing The Tale of Despereaux this evening at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater. Bring your favorite beverage, some snacks and something soft to park your rear end on and enjoy a movies night out.

Michelle and I will be going to MiHALEY'S for a friend of ours birthday party this evening. Dan Barnes used to have Lisa's birthday party at his house, but has decided to move it to MiHALEY'S this year.

Enjoy your weekend, we will.

Getting there

Can I write a Big Ole Hairy Friday on a Thursday? This is my last day this week before a nice 4th of July weekend. I have a very time sensitive project that I have been working on the past 6 months that will be wrapping up pretty soon as we start to enter Hurricane Season. This will open up my work schedule for the Emergency Response and give me a little bit of a break. Staring at Tiny vectors all day and attributing them can wear your eyes out a little.

Michelle is talking about planning a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo sometime soon. It will probably be a weekend, so if anyone else would be interested, Maybe in the next couple of weeks we can get a schedule together and see who would like to go. Ticket's are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for kids. More details to follow if we pick a date and see who all would like to go.

It should be a very busy and eventful weekend coming up for us, so I would look for me to put up some more pictures over the next few days.

Hump Day Tidbits

* I think I am overdue for a tidbits, so let me bring one.

* Pam called Monday and said Moke got off fine, he should be in Wisconsin before heading to New York and then Germany.

* Me and Michelle will be busy both of the next two weekends. Birthday party for a Friend Friday Night and a yearly water battle this Saturday.

* Two weeks from now Val is going to have Erica and Josh's birthday party on the same day.

* No more softball games this week, but we will return to action Monday and Tuesday nights.

* Hayley has now got her first job, she has been training at the Evansdale McDonalds and will be put on the schedule for the Westover McDonalds after Thursday/ Both Michelle and I are very proud of her, she decided she wanted a job and bugged the until they hired her. Not an ounce of coaxing from either me or Michelle, we are very proud of her.

* Two work days down, two to go until my extended three day weekend.

* Kim, Robert, Brittany and Lynn are on their way back from Disney World. Leave it to Kim to find an iPod vending machine.

* Let's get this day over with, I'm ready for the weekend.

A good night for Sports II

Yesterday our softball team finally got caught up with all of our rainouts, postponed or moved games that we had to play. After falling behind 0-7, we rallied for 16 unanswered runs for a 16-7 victory to run our record to 8-5 on the season. Chris "Hector" Ostien had the hot bat and seemed to clear the loaded bases every time he came to bat. I lost track of his RBI's for the evening, but the total was notable.

After the game we stopped by to see Arron and his Pony League team with the Championship on the field right above ours. They won by the 10-0 mercy rule and secured the City Pony League Baseball Championship with only one loss on the entire season.

I did manage to get my picture taken with a very pretty girl as you can see.

Back to the Grindstone

After a great weekend of pic nics, softball, and an enjoyable post softball game at MiHALAEY'S, it is time once again to go back to work for the week.

Moke will be headed back to Wisconsin this morning and we return to our daily grind of what we do.

I do have to say it was a great weekend, but I guess all good things need to end before you can start another great thing, so it's back to work for me today. Fortunately this is going to be a four day work week for both me and Michelle as this Friday we will both be off celebrating the 4th of July weekend.

Hi Ho Hi Ho....

A Party for Moke

Pam and George had a deployment party yesterday for Moke, he will be leaving Monday Morning to go back to Wisconsin, then to New York, then to Germany (beer), then off to Kuwait and finally to his destination in Iraq.

It was a day of festivities yesterday, the food was a plenty as were family and friends. A Keg of beer and strawberry daiquiris plenty of liquor and a beer pong table was put to good use and there was going to be a big bonfire, but that was after Michelle and I had already left.

Michelle needed a little bit of solarcaine applied last night as she looked like a fresh lobster from the sun beating down on her the first part of the afternoon.


I took numerous picture yesterday and they can all be found HERE as we made quite a few Kodak moments.

A Cookout for Moke

Moke is in for an extended weekend before he is going to be deployed for duty in a few days. The last I heard his latest orders are that he is headed to Iraq, but I'll confirm this today. Pam and George have a nice cookout planned for the day, I know the grillmaster George will be at it with a lot of food from what I understand. He and Calvin have built a new grill and an extended Pic Nic Tablezilla in the back yard.


View Larger Map

If you need directions, I have provided them for anyone who may not know where to go. I know Michelle, Hayley and I will be heading to Core today to say hello to Moke and see him before he is deployed.

I have to admit that I was wrong, I never envisioned him going to Iraq, other places possibly, but with the plans on pulling our troops out of Iraq I really thought if he were deployed it would either be to Afghanistan or quite possibly the Pacific.

I'll have my camera and hopefully we can make a few Kodak Moments today.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week we all look forward to, when we take a little time out and cease the labors for the week and take just a little bit of time for ourselves to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is the dawn of yet another weekend and another Big Ole Hairy Friday.

Looking for a movie, Journey to the Center of the Earth is what is playing for tonight's movies on the Mon at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and your favorite snacks and drinks and enjoy yet another free movie on the big screen under the stars.

Kim, Robert, Brittany and Lynn are leaving today to fly to Orlando Florida and a enjoying a few fun filled days at Disney World. This is Robert and Kim's graduation present to Brittany for graduating High School. They will both be entering WVU this fall.

Moke is home for an extended weekend before he has to deploy to Iraq. Pam is on Vacation and will be the entire time that he is in until he leaves early next week,

Moke will be in later this evening

Moke will return from his training this evening for a nice long weekend before he is deployed to the Middle East.

It was supposed to be a surprise that they were going to have for him, but since he is being deployed and in case there is anyone he may want to invite, he already knows about it.

George has built the pic nic table version of Treezilla with pic nic tablezilla at his house. He is building a new (concreting everything in place) BBQ for this weekend and there will be food-a-plenty for the party Saturday.

Thought this made a good story

Last Night

The Parrot Head nation once again again managed to do their yearly assembling around Burgettstown PA for their Western Pennsylvania style party of Jimmy Buffett fans. This year Michelle and I got to indoctrinate my Niece and her Boyfriend Lynn into the nation as it was their first trip to Margaritaville.

Jimmy didn't disappoint and put on about a two and a half hour concert in his SummerZCool tour.

Margaritaville!!!!!!

The day has finally arrived, Jimmy Buffett will be putting the fins up tonight in Burgettstown. Fins will be flying everywhere tonight and we will be there!!!!!!!!



PARTY!!!!!!!!!!

Ohiopyle

Every year I love to try to make at least one trip to Ohiopyle State park in Pennsylvania. Yesterday Michelle Hayley and I all decided to take a trip up and have a little pic nic. Michelle saw a very beautiful dragonfly that I just had to get a picture of.

If you don't know the significance, at my father's Eulogy the preacher spoke of a dragonfly and its journey's and likened it to our time on the earth and passing. being yesterday was Father's Day I had to get this picture, although Michelle was the Photographer on this picture.

Another reason to head to Ohiopyle other than to be with two very beautiful women was to find a new type of geocache. There are numerous types of caches, and I had a chance to get my very first Earthcache.

After that I took the girls to the gorge as you can see.

Happy Fathers Day

Wow has it been going on ten whole years since my own Dad had passed away. He may be gone but he still lives in all of us, especially on this day. In another Holiday that's origins are right here in North Central West Virginia, Fairmont to be specific, I would like to wish all of the fathers out there a very special and Happy Father's Day.

May your day be filled with the ones you love around you and good times.

Work and Auction

I have the time to take off, but we are running behind schedule so I will be making up some hours this morning at work in anticipation of the Tuesday Night Parrot Head gathering in Burgettstown. I need to work a few hours to help make up for when I will be out.

While I am at work, Michelle will be helping her sister and brother in law at their auction later today at the Cassville firehall.

Michelle's Coffee is done, time to wake my sweetie up.

Happy Birthday Erica Jean Nicholson.

Hey, guess who just moved a little bit closer to retirement age today! OK, she has a long way to go, but Erica Jean Nicholson is turning that ripe old age of 5 today.

Val is planning on having both her and Josh's birthday party together next month on the 12th, but this is her special day.

Happy Birthday Erica Jean Nicholson.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look forward to. When we finally cease our labors for the week and take a little bit of that needed time out to just sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is yet once again the dawn of another fun filled weekend and another Bog Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

For those of you seeking a little cheap (as in free) entertainment this evening, Movies on the Mon continues this week with the animated movie iGor. Once again I have never seen it, but this looks to be a very entertaining animated movie for the younger viewers. Take you a bag of Popcorn, your favorite beverage and something to put your butt comfortably on and enjoy the free movie outside at the Amphitheater.

Tomorrow morning don't forget that Michelle's brother in law is having an auction at the Cassville Firehall at 10:00 AM.

I may have to work a little bit tomorrow, got a tight deadline and am going to see Jimmy Buffett Tuesday night. I have the time to take off and then some, just trying to stay on schedule.

Wow

Talk about a storm last night, I was flipping through the channels last night and came upon channel 4 in Pittsburgh. I have seen a few bad storms before, but I can't remember the last time I saw such a large and damaging storm front over such a large area.

Hayley was out on the rails to trails and we called her and immediately went and got her.

An inch of rain in a half hour, over 1,000 lightning strikes per minute, tornadoes, 60 MPH wins, hail the size of eggs and just sheer chaos.

It was a time to watch TV, and contact family in the area.

I did it

I added a new sidebar on the side, as you can tell I am now a twitter and have the feed running to my BLOG. I thought that I would just give it a try to see what it's like to see if I want to keep it. Not sure if I'll keep it, so this is nothing more than a test for a few days to see if I like it.

I'm still a Blogger by heart though.

A Traumatic Day

Yesterday afternoon Hayley and her friends received some rather traumatic news. When we grow up we all have our "Circle of Friends", the people that when we are young we spend pretty much most of our time with, stay at each others houses and years later always remember.

Hayley like any other teenager has her circle of close friends. AS I type this most of them are spread about my living room. Not the first time it has happened, it is a regular occurrence only this time it may be for the wrong reason, one of them is in the hospital from a car wreck yesterday afternoon on Summers School Road.

Gracie was in a very traumatic car accident yesterday, she had to have her left arm amputated from the shoulder down. A very sad and traumatic incident for all of these kids. Please keep Gracie and all of this circle of friends in your thoughts and prayers.

The kids will be waking up here soon and heading back to the hospital early this morning.

Midweek

Wow has this week just flown by for me, two long days at work followed by two late night softball games (10:00 PM) later that night. When we do that we get home and unwound kind of late, so the amount of sleep is a little on the not enough side.

I found out yesterday Rich (Snider) is in the hospital. I read on Val's Facebook that her and Amy were heading to Mon General and then Ruby yesterday. So out of obvious concern I called to get the scoop. They are just keeping him for observation, I do not know anything beyond that at this point.

On the WVU Football recruiting front coach Bill Stewart has continued to show he is a great recruiter. They reveived a verbal commitment from Barry Brunetti. Listed as Rivals.coms #1 Dual Threat QB in the country. We will have no less than three High School All-American QB's on the roster for the start of the 2010 season. Parade All-American Geno Smith will be here this fall.

Hi Ho Hi Ho....

Tuesdays Tidbits

* We are already at Tuesday for the week, being I had a very busy day at work yesterday and a late night (10:00PM) softball game last night.

* Late night again tonight, only this time we are matching up against Riverside Church and my old boss (great guy) and the guy I used to play trivia with at work. I know they will be out today warming up with a little wiffle ball, so we'll have to bring our "A" game tonight.

* Hey if you are looking for a nice auction to go to, Michelle's Brother in Law is now an auctioneer (they used to own High Moon Stables for you older readers) and will be having his first auction this Saturday. HERE is a list of what is being auctioned off. Jim has a knack for it, I've heard him do a little of it. Michelle and I will be there.

* One week. I am once again week or seven days from once again embarking on the Parrot Head Nation. I tried to sell to hard to Michelle last year, but if you have ever been to a Buffet concert you know words don't do it justice.

* I'm wanting to do another Music/Image movie. I think I would like to do one for Brittany being she just graduated and Michelle has given me a nice theme type idea to do.

* I think I am needing to take more pictures. I have an external Hard Drive that I use to store them, currently I have just under 12,000 memories that I have captured since I bought my first camera and took an interest in Photography.

* Finally I think I have really found a social networking site that I really like. I was a a member of MySpace for a while and I still use it, but Facebook just offers so much more including the ability to meet up again with people that I would actually want to meet up with again.

* It was a short night and a long day ahead, so Hi Ho Hi Ho........

Relaxing Day

If there is any one day of the week you need to take time out and relax, it has to be Sunday. After me deciding to retire a little early Saturday Night, my best friend, room mate and most importantly girlfriend posted on facebook that she was a lone again. When I woke up the next morning Pam asked her to help her Babysit, Val wanted her to help paint, her sister Chris was worried about her, Amy volunteered for Michelle to watch Kaiden and she would drink the six pack and Jane give the worst advice of all, dump ice water on me. Sheesh.
I figured I better do something to make her happy on Sunday or I was in for a loooooooooong week.

We decided to take a nice trip to Valley Falls in Fairmont and have a nice little pic nic somewhere close to the falls.

Michelle had a hankering for Kielbasa and I was not about to argue with her, since she is such a great cook and I do like to eat.

It was a good time, food was great, the company was great and the aesthetics of being their laying under the trees on a blanket and just staring up into the sky for a little while was very relaxing.

It was a good day, but that was yesterday. Today is work, meetings, WebX's and a late night softball game. It will be a full day to say the least.

Sunday Morning

I'm up early on this fine Sunday Morning, as I am about every other day of the week. Got up a little before 5:00 and have been surfing around on the internet as everyone else is asleep.

We changed the brakes on the car yesterday, but when we drove around last night they had a little bit of a wobble to them, but it worked itself out before we went home. We were talking about going to Uniontown to try out a Sonic, but decided that may not be wise until the car broke in. However by the time we had went to Eat N park to have dessert, they were fine.

Not too much on the agenda today that I know of, I do know we'll be starting the day off with a weekly grocery shopping trip.

Have a good day

Stanley Cup Champions

After the total meltdown by the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals in which they lost 0-5 in Detroit going down 2 games to 3 I had an epiphany. I said during the meltdown last Saturday Night that the Detroit Red Wings just handed the Stanley Cup to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

When you are talking about Professional Athletes, the difference between the best team and the worst team in the league is actually very small. These are well trained professional Athletes and any team can beat any other team on any given day. Beating a team is one thing, embarrassing them is another, especially when you are playing them in a series with a Championship at stake.

The Penguins won game six in Pittsburgh setting up the game 7 in Detroit, the same arena they were embarrassed in just six days earlier. I knew last Saturday night that when the Pens walked into Joe Louis Arena last night that they would have an edge. Detroit was the defending Stanley Cup Champions and they were playing at home where they had beat the Pens by a combined score of 11-2 in the first three meetings in Detroit.

The stage was set I stood confidently by my prediction. When the final clock read 0:00 after three periods of play, it was the Penguins who held the 2-1 lead in the score and had just won Lord Stanley's Cup.

This was the first time in 30 years that a Championship had been won in a game seven by the visiting team rather than the home team. The last time it happened in any major sport? The 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pen's are now 5-0 all time in Game 7's.

The Pens made my epiphany a reality and are bringing the Cup home. Steelers defending Super Bowl Champions and the now the Pens Stanley Cup winners. It's been 30 years since Pittsburgh was first scribed "City of Champions", they once again hold that title.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week. When we take time out from our labors for the week and take a little time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is the dawn of yet another weekend and another Big Ole Hairy Friday.

Tonight's movies on the Mon is The Longshots. If you are looking for a little cheap (as in free) entertainment, the riverfront park is the place to be.

If you are looking for some competitive motorcycle action, the Motocross National Championship is held this weekend at High Point Raceway.

I do have to start the weekend with some bad news, looks like the trip to California is on hold. I guess to window was too close for the Feds to get all the appropriate paperwork filed. That's OK< my schedule may have prevented me from going then, if we go to a later one my schedule may be a little more open. I guess there was some travel money in ourt budget, so we'll be using it sometime this year. I wonder if ESRI has an office in Hawaii..LOL

If you are at home tonight, game seven of the Stanley Cup is on. Watch the Pittsburgh Penguins get revenge for last years cup loss by winning the cup in Detroit. Go Pens.

Have a super weekend.

Might be spending Post 4th of July in California

I got into work yesterday and received an e-mail about a implementing JavaScript into an ArcGIS server training session in Redlands California on July 6th and 7th. We are going to be building a Web interface for some of our Hurricane Mapping and the Fed I report to wants to send at least one of us if funding is available to Redlands, the home of ESRI for a few days. Here is an example of what the training is about, so this could be interesting.

I told him I would LOVE to go, providing my schedule allows me the time to go. I have been working on a large Carbon Sequestration Project pretty much all this year and I have some deadlines around that time period.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, never been on the West Coast and I would love to go to the home of the software that I know so well. I'll keep everyone updated.

Painting Party

If anyone wants to lean an hand, my Niece Val is going to be painting her house Saturday weather permitting.

She mentioned it when she was over Sunday and I thought to myself I would give her a helping hand and announce it over my BLOG to help get the word out.

I'm sure she can use as many spare hands that are available and are willing to help out. I'm sure Bobby will also appreciate any help that will be available to him also.

So, if you are not doing anything Saturday and need something to do, Val and Bobby can sure use your help.

Tidbits

* Long day, softball game and you the reader gets a tidbits rather than a normal blog post.

* Tonight is game six of the Stanley Cup. It'll will be the Pittsburgh Penguins taking out their frustrations from Saturday Night against the Detroit Red Wings. The Pens played horribly Saturday evening, something tells me they will use that bad game to win the next two. You heard it here first.

* This week is shaping up like last week at work. Busy as heck and can't seem to get caught up.

* After the dame last night the team went to MiHALEY'S, but me and my sweeties decided to just veg out at home. After a long day, we were due.

* It was nice to see everyone together this weekend for Hayley's birthday party. It doesn't happen nearly enough. Maybe we should all organize an old fashioned pic nic somewhere.

* I did managed to see my nephew Randy last night, he was driving a truck in front of me on my way to the ball fields. I didn't the a chance to talk to him though. I'm thinking the last time I got a chance to talk to him was last summer. That is pretty sad.

* OK, I'm done. ;)

Hayley's Sweet 16

We managed to pull it off, with a lot of very much appreciated help, but everything I think went rather well for Hayley's Sweet 16 birthday.

I managed to make it a Kodak moment and have already put all the pictures of yesterday up on my website, hopefully I managed to get a picture of everyone.

I know Hayley was very appreciative of everyone showing up and helping her celebrate. It was also the first chance for some of Michelle's family and my family to mingle a little bit.

It was a great day, a very special thank you to everyone who made this a very special day for a very special 16 year old.

Happy Birthday Hayley Dawn Collins

I would like to take this chance to wish Hayley a very wonderful and Happy 16th Birthday. I have only known her for a little over a year, but she is someone that has had a big impact on me.

Michelle and I will TRY to throw a surprise Birthday party this afternoon at 1:00 at the house. If you know where I live you are more than welcome to come over to help us celebrate.

If you need directions, just go ahead and call me. Jopefully we can make this one for her to remember.

New Bakery in Westover

Well kind of, Ray's Bakery a long time staple in the Morgantown area for their baked goods has decided to put in Pizza Shop at it's original location. So Rose has decided to move part of the shop to Westover where one of my favorite readers spends her summer hours working and called it Rose's Bakery.

I spoke briefly with Danielle Mascioli this morning about why I had not blogged yet, and she gave me the topic of this great bakery that has came to Westover.

I guess there is another sister that will be opening up soon somewhere in the Sabraton Area but the time frame for that is currently incomplete.

Ray's has always been a favorite of mine, and I think he makes some of the best Pepperoni Rolls anywhere.

Happy Birthday to my Brother Gary

If you happen to see Gary Allen Hall today, make sure you wish him a very Happy (38th?) Birthday. I can say without prejudice that Gary is by far my favorite brother. he (in)voluntarily helped out my wrestling career every night when I was wrestling in High School. I swear he used to ask me to twist him like a Pretzel on a daily basis..LOL

Happy Birthday Gary.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes readers and I can't believe it. It is once again that time of the week when we get to cease the labors of the week and this week is long over due and take a little much needed in my case time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is one again the dawn of yet anther weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

For those of you looking for a little bit of cheep entertainment, BOPARC is having Movies on the Mon again this summer. Down at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park they show a different movie on Friday nights throughout the summer. Tonight's movie is one of my favorite, it's Kung Foo Panda that will open the season up. This is in my opinion the best movie that they will be playing all summer.

Michelle and I will be having a cookout for Hayley's 16th birthday Sunday. If anyone is interested in coming let me know so we can have enough food for everyone. This is her sweet 16th birthday, a special one for her.

I may try to fit in a GeoCache sometime this weekend. There are a few new ones around town I may try including the closest one to here.

I'm ready for the weekend, I hope you are too!!

Congratulations Brittany

I just got word this morning that Brittany has been accepted into West Virginia Universities main campus for this fall. I am so proud of her, especially when it turns out that her school of choice is my Alma Mater.

I'll be there for her next graduation too.

Drawing a blank.

It happens to the best of us, days when you sit down and try to write something readable for your followers and you just struggle to even come up with a topic to discuss other than what day of the week it is, or the weather which has been rainy thank you.

Sometimes you just need to reach down and come up with something entertaining to break the monotony. I could always start being a twitter, but I have committed myself to being a BLOGGER, even though I am sure some people may confirm I am a twit.

It's been a long week at work so far, so I'll just leave you with a little bit of entertainment for the day. Enjoy.

Happy Hump Day

Man has this been a very busy week. Between things going on at work and me trying to meet some deadlines to all the distractions associated with that and to having softball games right after work the last two nights, I am happy as a frog on a log that we are now at Hump Day and on the downside of the workweek. It's went fast, but I have been busy as heck to say the least.

Michelle has been battling with a bought of Bronchitis the past few days, but she is starting to feel a little better. We stopped over at MiHALEY'S last night and sat on the deck with the guys watching the Pen's Hockey game from the deck before a thunderstorm shortened our night of fun.

Oh well, it is hump day so Hi Ho Hi Ho off to work I go.

Tidbits

* It's been a long day for me and my brain is a little bit fried, so I'll do todays posy as a tidbits.

* When I first started writing tidbits, it was on Tuesdays and they were called...Tuesdays Tidbits.

* Softball team lost last night, it drops our record to 4-2 now with one more game left tonight at 6:00.

* I'll have an all hands meeting today at work. All SAIC employees in our business unit will be meeting simultaneously through a teleconference.

* Amy and Ralphie have set their wedding date as August 8th. It was going to be later in the month but one of Amy's close friends is coming into town and that is the only weekend she can make it. As I recall she lives in Augusta Georgia, where yours truly first blessed this world with his presence.

* After last night's game, we saw the aftermath of what appeared to be a very bad motorcycle crash downtown. Lot's of police cars, ambulances and rescue squads arrived right as we were coming onto the scene. Possibility there was a fatality. Check your local news this morning.

* Tidbitted out, have a great day.

General Pics of 2009

I have finally regained control of my software and at the request of my Mother, I am placing a new album called General Pics of 2009 on my site.

Graduation Dinner

Last night, Brittany's grandfather and Grandmother John and Rita hosted a graduation dinner for the recent graduate.

Dinner was at Oliverios's Restaurant in the Wharf distric in Morgantown. A beautiful location located on the rails to trails, Oliverio's offers a very nice selection of fine Italian foods that we all dined on.

I think Brittany had a great time, surrounded by friends and family. Hopefully it will be a memory that will last her a lifetime.

Graduation weekend

It has been a weekend full of graduations. From Brittany's Night to Kayla's and a few of Hayley's friends Saturday.

A few walks:



Brittany's Walk




Anthony Brown (a friend of Hayley's) and Kayla Brown (Jean's neice) were back to back.




Josh Cayton (A friend of Hayley)



Lynn Grainger (Brittany's Boyfriend) I forgot to zoom.

A Special Thanks

Now that Michelle and I have a car up and running I would like to extend a few special thank yous.

Jean. Thank you very much for all that you have done. Loaning us your car while we got one on the road yesterday was has been very appreciated. We were looking everywhere and you once again came through.

Scott. A coworker who unselfishly loaned us his truck for a couple of days so that both Michelle and I could get back to work during the time our vehicle is down.

A heartfelt thank you to all who helped and assisted us this past week.

Congratulations Brittany

Wow how the time flies by, Brittany Dae Cummings is graduating from High School this evening.

I can't express how proud of here that I am. Michelle and I will try to be there tonight (car situation) for her graduation ceremonies at Clay Battelle High School. I have been to the school, but never been inside of it, so this will be a little bit of a surprise for me.

Congratulations Brittany.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week when we cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is once again the dawn of yet another weekend and once again a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

Both Michelle and I are actually off today, we're going to try to get another car on the road while mine is out of commission in what could be a period of time. So we are going to make sure we have at least one mode of transportation here.

I spoke to Pam who spoke to Angela, Moke will be returning home from June 26-28 before he deploys.

Have a great day and the start of another weekend.

Car Broke Down

yeah I know, this has to be the story of my life. My car is broke down and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is not a major issue, but we are preparing for the worst.

We were coming home Tuesday evening and the car started making funny noises and had absolutely no power. When I say no power, I mean 3-4 MPH top speed down hill. I'm afraid this may be something major.

We're looking to buy one of the older fleet cars from where Michelle works. I'll keep everyone informed, but right now I am borrowing a coworkers car to get me and Michelle back and forth to work.

I've had better weeks.

Moke is off and away

The day has come, Moke has finally flown out of the area and en route to his destination, Ft. McCoy Wisconsin for I believe about six weeks of training, before returning home for a couple days before he is deployed to Afghanistan.

Pam mentioned something about Kuwait, as a possible initial place he will be shipped to, but I'm sure we have about a month and a half to find out more information about his departure.

Pam, Angela and George all traveled to Benedum airport to see him away yesterday. I never did get the chance to talk to him before he left, but I'm sure I'll see him when he returns prior to his deployment.

I'll ley everyone know his contact information where he is stationed as soon as Pam or Ang hears something.

You mean the weekend is over?

It was nice to have a relaxing three day weekend, I know I needed one and I am quite sure Michelle appreciated having one also. It was a weekend of geocaches, visiting family, grilling out and a nap or two during the process.

Now however it it time to put the nose back to the grindstone and get back to our daily grind. I do have to say that I did have a chance to relax. I am refreshed so I guess that that helps me on how I face the day before me.

Memorial Day

I guess you can call this the unofficial start of summer. The Memorial Day Weekend is the starting point that many refer to as the start as opposed to labor day being the end.

The weather has been very cooperative the entire weekend. Little to no rain, in a weekend that basically called for rain all weekend. Nice enough that Michelle twisted my rm hard enough to force me to take her to Dairy Queen. OK, maybe it was the other way and I twisted her arm, but who cares. We had Dairy Queen.

If you do nothing else today, take a few minutes out and give thanks to those who have served and died protecting our freedoms. Sometimes the timing and weather of holidays cause us to forget why we have a holiday to begin with.

Enjoy your day and remember a soldier.

A day of visiting yesterday

Yesterday was a day of visiting Michelle's family in Ohio and a few Ohio Geocaches. The day started out with us finding three geocaches in Est Liverpool Ohio. One of which was cleverly hidden at the Lou Holtz Museum downtown.

First visit of the day included Michelle's Aunt Charlotte who we saw as we drove by. We stopped and talked to her a few minutes and then it was on to stop number two, Michelle's grandmother Gigi. 87 year old women who was outside in the 80 degree weather planting flowers.

The third stop of the day was at Michelle's Dad's to pick up a Iron City Beer collectible sis pack to commemorate the Pittsburgh Steeler's six Super Bowl Champions. I guess the CEO of Iron City is a good friend of Michelle's Dad and brought him a few of the collectibles.

Final stop of the day after a lunch break at the Hot Dog Shop was her Mom's to visit with her for a while. Her sister Danni just bought a new convertible Mustang, so of course Danni and Michelle went cruising around looking for good looking guys. She however got stuck with me taking her home.

It was a nice relaxing day to get out of town, I'm very happy the weather has been holding up.

Happy Birthday George McClain

If you see George McClain today, make sure you wish my brother from another mother a very Happy Birthday. If My count is correct this is either 41 or possibly 42 for George.

George is one that has always been there for me, especially on car issues and I still owe 1,00,003 favors to.

Wow this is cheap

Just saw this mini laptop on the internet for $279. Mice cheap price if you are looking for a cheap laptop.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week when we cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is once again the dawn of yet another weekend (three day one at that) and another Big Ole Hairy Friday.

I have to love it and to me this is the unofficial start of summer, even though softball has already started for the year. No snow and warm days ahead.

Tonight Michelle and I are going to have Colasessanos Pizza for dinner. We had our first one last week, but tonight we have a couple frozen kits we are going to make at home.

Bright and early tomorrow morning Michelle, Hayley and I will be heading to East Liverpool Ohio to visit Michelle's Dad. We'll also stop and visit her mom and sister on either the trip up, or the trip back.

Hopefully the weather holds up all weekend.

For those of you who have never ridden the PRT

The PRT is down for the summer for maintenance. For those of you who have never had a chance to ride it, here is a Ride from end to end. From the Medical Center to Walnut.

Not much to say today, just looking for a little educational video for some of you who may never have ridden it.

Happy Birthday Pam

I would like to take this time and wish my sister Pam a very Happy Birthday today. She was off yesterday taking Moke to Camp Dawson, but today is her day. The day that is all hers and may all good things come her way today.

Make sure you wish Pam a very Happy Birthday today.

Tidbits

* Well there was a change of plans and assignments, Moke is reporting this morning at 5:30 AM and will be deployed to Afghanistan for a tour of 14 months. Pam called me again yesterday and gave me the latest update. I would have liked to have seen him before he left, but conflicting and changing schedules unfortunately prevented this.

* Trish, Layla and Arron stopped by yesterday evening. I felt bad because the birthday girl brought us some birthday cake to share.

* It's Humpday, the weekend (and a three day one at that) is getting closer.

* This is going to be a short BLOG, not too much to say beyond what I have already said.

Testing a feature

Testing Microsoft Virtual Earth

Happy Birthday Trish

Happy Birthday Trish!!!! It's no too often you find a friend like this, so when you do you definitely keep them around. She is a joy to be around and a trustworthy friend. Happy Birthday Trish.

A Good Night for Sports

Yesterday was an awesome day for sporting events. There are days when the planets just align perfectly and everything works your way, yesterday was one of those days.

The day started out with the softball team returning to form and picking up our third win of the young season to run our record to 3-1. This years team has gotten back the the fundamentals that we seem to had forgotten last season and guys are having fun once again, or at least having fun during the game AND post game.

After the game we headed to MiHALEY'S to watch the end of the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 victory and taking a 1-0 Eastern Conference Finals lead in the best of 7 series against the Carolina Hurricanes.

To close the night out, the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Washington Nationals 12-7 to give me a nice sports tri-fecta on the day.

Back to work kind of day, how about a tidbits

* This would be a lot nicer if this was NEXT Monday instead of today, a day that I have to return to my labors so I can enjoy myself.

* Just a little clarification from a critic. Kayla, who I blogged about a couple of days ago is Jean's Niece. It is Jean's younger sister Sandy's daughter. They managed to finish as first runner up in the states tennis tournament over the weekend.

* I have a softball game tonight at 8:00. This my least favorite time to play, because it is too early of a game to take a nap before and too late of a game after work. It's kind of the worst of both worlds for me.

* Pam left me a message and clarified that Moke was being shipped out to Wisconsin next Tuesday rather than Monday.

* I stopped over at Farida's this afternoon to help her hook up her TV set. She bought a TV stand with 16 WRONG pieces and a small separate note at the bottom of the box saying not to use the pieces in the bag. Too late, they should have told me that before it punched up through. Her and Jean will return it later this week and we'll do it again...with the right parts.

* Michelle planted a bunch of flowers around the house this afternoon. We moved all the firewood we had stored and she planted a flower garden in the planter behind it.

* Ran into Mom yesterday morning at Wal-Mart. Just like us, she was doing a little grocery shopping on a Sunday Morning.

* Hi Ho Hi Ho, it's back to the grindstone I go.

Moke is going to be deployed

Pam called me yesterday evening with a little bit of news. I guess Mokie has received his orders and is to report to Camp Dawson this coming Saturday morning and will be shipped to Wisconsin for two months for training before being shipped overseas for 18 months in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

I spoke briefly with Pam and she had a friend who had someone deployed the same way and said this could mean either he is going to be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

He will report to Camp Dawson Saturday Morning and be in Wisconsin by Monday.

A Day of Geocaching

Yesterday morning Michelle and I were contemplating what we could do for the day and she mentioned Geocaching. I know you have to twist my arm to get me to go out with a GPS and find things, but I was willing.

We decided with all of the things that were going on around town that that there would be too many muggles around for us to effectively do it so we decided to go out of town to do it.

After a little bit of thinking I decided that we should go to Philippi, a place Michelle had never been to Philippi nor had she ever seen its historical covered bridge
.

ON our way we decided to also stop at the International Mother's Day Shrine to find a cache and as we were on our way to Philippi we stopped by the Anna Jarvis Birthplace.

Now I do have to confess that driving to Philippi I managed to see something standing right beside the road that I had to turn the car around and drive back to get a few pictures of it. How often are you driving along the road to see a goat standing on the side of the road? after I turned around and turned around the second time to return on our trip to Philippi, our roadside goat's mate also decided to stop by for an appearance after she heard there were photo ops. I mean seriously if you are a goat and someone is taking your mate's picture to post all over the world wide web, wouldn't you also want some of this exposure?

I know a goats life probably isn't that exciting, so this has to be the highlight of their lives.

On the return trip home we took the scenic route of the scenic route and stopped at Colasessanos Pizza for dinner. I have to say it was the first time I have ever gotten the chance to try it and both Michelle and I gave it two thumbs up and a very good pizza. I think I will have to add it to one of my favorite Pizza's that I have ever eaten.

Good Luck Kayla

I got home last night and had a chance to log onto facebook and saw a very pleasant surprise. Kayla Brown has advanced to the State Finals as ha;f of the number two doubles team and will be playing for a State Championship .

This is is not the first time Kayla and a doubles partner have advanced to the state finals, she did it last year also playing number 3 doubles.

Good Luck Kayla and bring a State Championship home with you.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look forward to. It is the time we start to cease of labors for the week and take a little time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is the dawn of yet another weekend and another Big Ole Hairy Friday.

We were supposed to have a scheduled make up softball game for when we were rained out on May 4th against Team Budweiser, however no one has heard anything about any games this weekend so my guess is that we will not be making them up this weekend. When we were rained out, they specifically targeted this weekend to make them up, but like I said no one has heard a word about it yet.

This weekend is the 140th Commencement for West Virginia University. Eberly College will be hosting their commencement Sunday Afternoon. This years guest speaker is former WVU Academic All-American Quarterback Oliver Luck. The guest speaker when I graduated was David Selby, but I ahve also heard E. Gordon Gee and Governor Joe Manchin speak as well. I may pop in to hear Ollie speak.

This evening we will be venturing over to the Ostien's for a little weekend kickoff BBQ. Chris had tossed around the idea of us defending our Steeler's Trivia Champions Trophy, however we have decided to be like Jerome Bettis and retire on top.

Hopefully there is a little break in the weather this weekend, I hate the rain but not as much as snow.

Way to Go Penguins

I'm not a big Hockey Fan, but when I do watch it involves the Pittsburgh Penguins and the playoffs. Last night was supposed the be the climax game of a classic series. A game seven to win this memorable and hard fought series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. This was supposed to be the rubber match and the winner was to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The game didn't meet my expectations, but the Penguins won pretty handily 6-2.

The Penguins now advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, if they can manage a win in this best of seven series they will be playing for the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row. Maybe this is the year they win it all, the Steelers did.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today 64 years ago George Hall Sr started his life right here in Morgantown West Virginia. A simple and loving man who fathered five children, seven Grandchildren, and three Great Grandchildren while spending his life working in the coal mines and having some of the most memorable cookouts of my lifetime.

Cookouts were often and plentiful, along with water battles which lead into food fights and were were even lucky enough to catch it on tape when we were lucky.

It'll be going on ten years since he passed away this summer. Ten years and a lot of things have happened, times I would have loved for him to see and been able to share with him as so many of the rest of his children and grandchildren would have like to have done.


We have had Graduations, marriages, births, Proms, Career beginnings and changes and quite a few holidays that just missed that George Hall Sr element. I know I miss him as I am sure everyone else does also.

So, Happy Birthday dad.

We have a winning streak

Yep, I am starting to think we have found that winning form that just hasn't been there the last two years in softball. We have added some new personnel, but with Casey coming back and adding a few solid players, we have found our fundamentals that helped us win so many games over few year stretch.

We won last night 6-5 with solid defense, teamwork, a few strategic coaching moves and hustle. It seems like we are actually good again.

After a nice hard fought 6-5 victory over Mylan Pharmaceuticals, we headed over to MiHALEY'S for a few beers, some good food and a little bit of a trivia battle between Chris and Ryan.

These are the times that I look forward to all year. These are also the days I will look back upon when years after I have played my last inning.

I love this team and this game.

Michelle says to tell everyone hello. Maybe she can do a guest blog sometime (hint hint)

OK, I'm a Geography Geek

I just found this, Wikimapia.

Possible Softball/MiHALEY'S kind of day

Well, weather permitting we will be playing softball this evening at Libratore Field, the after the game the team will be heading to MiHALEY'S for a few beers and some food.

Like AI said this will be weather permitting, because the weather has not been too softball cooperative in the past couple of weeks. You could say it has been down right bad weather to play in if they did try to play.

For what it is worth, I did cut my hair this past weekend, so it if gets cold or snows it was my fault and I apologize to everyone.

Had a Nice Mothers Day

We had a nice, but long and busy Mother's Day yesterday. It started off with Me and Michelle grocery shopping and then us visiting her Mom at the Flea Market, Mom, Jean and then her Sisters for a great cookout in which her sister slaved all day over fried chicken. Of course it was in a box from Wal-Mart with todays date on it, but she did a great job.

Stopped by Mom and Gerald's first for a little bit of conversation about how nice Brittany looked for her Prom the night before. We caught them before they went out to lunch.

Then it was on to Jeans to say hello to her. Gary was on his motorcycle and getting ready to take a ride when we first got there. Rich's Son Rick and Trudy were there too, it was nice to see them.

Then it was over to Chris's for a cookout on a nice Sunday afternoon.

Great day, can't believe the weekend is over with. Doctor's appointment this afternoon for me. Just a routine visit.

Happy Mother's Day

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the mothers around the world a very Happy Mother's Day today.

This is a holiday that's very origins are right here in North central West Virginia in Grafton. Father's Day was first observed in Fairmont, but Mother's day started it all off as far as celebrating the Mothers.

So to My Mom, Jean, Michelle and everyone else who is a Mother, I wish you a very Happy Mother's day.

Brittany's Prom

Tonight I got to see Brittany before her prom and also had the chance to meet Brittany's boyfriend Lynn for the very first time. I was very impressed with this dapper young man, I know Brittany is pretty fond of him and Kim and Robert just can't enough good things about him. I can see why everyone was impressed. They made a very good looking couple as we met them on their way into the Erickson Alumni Center for her Senior Prom.

Kim has also taken a number of pictures, so I would look for her to publish them somewhere.

Up early on a Saturday Morning

I'm up early this morning, long before anyone else even thinks about getting up. I guess this comes from me going to bed last night at about 8:00, but these are the results. I have always been a and probably always be an early riser, something that was bestowed to my by my grandparents from my youth. I am, was and always have been an early morning person. I'm usually the one who wakes up the rooster.

Let's see, todays weather is calling for a high of 78 which I like, but a 40% chance of Thunderstorms which isn't exactly to my liking considering it has been raining for some time now.

This evening is Brittany's Prom and I'll try to meet her at the Erickson Alumni Center to get a few pictures. I have not been to the new alumni center, but it looks very nice.

I would like to wish Jenny Ostien a very Happy Birthday. Chris has a dinner planned for her in Pittsburgh, but Michelle's Mom is coming in and I want to get some pictures of Brittany's Senior Prom, so unfortunately we won't be able to make it this evening.

I wonder if I can get a geocache in before it really starts to rain today?

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week we all look forward to, when you can take a little bit of time of and cease your labors for the week and take some time and enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is the dawn of yet another weekend and another Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!

This is going to be an event filled holiday weekend to say the least, whether Mother Nature cooperates or not.

WVU Baseball will be playing a Double Header tomorrow at 3:00 against Cincinnati and play the rubber game on Sunday Afternoon.

Tomorrow evening I am going to go to Erickson Alumni center to see Brittany. She will be attending her Senior Prom and I would like to get a few pictures of her at this memorable event. Seems like just yesterday they were wheeling her out of the delivery room.

Michelle's Mom will be paying us a visit this weekend. Sunday is Mother's Day and two of Susie's three daughters live here, so she is making the trip down to visit.

Sunday is Mother's Day.

Don't let the weather ruin your weekend.

Rain, rain go the heck Away

Anyone else tired of all this rain that we have been having? I mean it's bad enough that we flooded a few days ago, and that we had to play softball in the rain, but it is still raining?

OK, we get it, our local water table is full and has plenty of H2) for a while, you can bring on the sunshine and nice weather. I'm ready for the 8o degrees and the birds singing. I'm ready to see girls running around in bikini tops and shorts, I'm ready for it to stop raining and bring on the nice weather.

The students are leaving or getting ready to leave town, now is the time to be out and driving around town and stopping at dairy Queen for that extra large ice cream cone.

I know it's on the other side of this rain, but I just love the sunny weather.

Dumbest iPhone application

First Win of the Season

Even thought we played in Lake Morgantown last night, we managed to pull out a 15-9 win for our first victory of the 2009 season. A day after all of the rain had set in to Morgantown and everything was water logged, we played a good seven innings of softball last night.

After the game the team wanted to go to MiHALEY'S for Cinco de Mayo. As most of you know I write this the night before so it posts in the early AM, at the time I am actually writing this I still haven't decided on whether I am going to walk across the street yet.

Maybe sometime in the near future the weather will warm up and dry up.

OK who ordered the rain with an extra helping of flood.

Wow was yesterday a day, flooding everywhere around town including Michael next door. It got so bad in his back yard he even went out and moved his boat. He has a 16'-18'boat in his backyard that he had to move to his front yard. Needless to say it floods quick down there.

I actually didn't really see or hear the rain. I was busy working and I was listening to a few of the comments on the Eric and Kevin Show on WVAQ and how everyone was calling in and talking about it. After I got out of an 8:30 meeting I walked outside to hear a few people comment on how badly it rained out.

We did have a scheduled 10:00 PM game last night, but it was cancelled so no game.

Time Moves Too Fast

Is the weekend already over? Are you kidding it seems like it just started and now I am a couple of hours from returning to the office for the week. Yuck, I guess it to the grindstone.

Yesterday was a good day however, Michelle and I stopped by to see Nick and Terri at their new abode for the first time since the day she actually moved. She has everything organized and you could just tell that they were happy to just be able to finally relax and not have to worry about everyone else.

After we left Nick and Terri's, Michelle and I brought out the iPhone and programmed the GPS and grabbed a couple easy geocaches. It was a short three day weekend, but a productive and memorable one, that's for sure.

Saturday Afternoon Baseball

Yesterday Michelle and I finally made it to our first WVU baseball game of the year. I usually try to get a few games in each season where I can go and cheer the WVU Baseball team. I guess we picked the wrong day to go, because we lost to Rutgers 7-12 on the Dollar Day Saturday. I guess we should have went the night before when WVU hammered Rutgers 13-1, but when it came to Saturday Rutgers was the better team.

The two teams will play their third and rubber game of the series this afternoon at 1:00 if anyone is interested in going. Maybe WVU can salvage the better part of the three game series against the Scarlet Knights.

Dinner at MiHALEY's

Gary called me yesterday afternoon and said he would like the chance to try MiHALEY'S for dinner, so him Jean, me and Michelle enjoyed a nice dinner and a little entertainment from Floyd Cowger.

Floyd used to play down at Nick and Terri's and was a regular down there, but since they closed my opportunities to see him have been very slim. However he has started playing MiHALEY'S as well as a few other bands who used to play at Terri's.

I had my Hot Sausage Hoagie, Michelle has wings, Gary had a super thick Mushroom and swiss burger amnd Jean had Fillet Mignon and Seafood Alfredo. Everything was absolutely perfect and Michael once again hits one out of the ball park with his food.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that favorite time of the week that we all look forward too, when we cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is once again the dawn of yet another weekend starting with a "Big Ole Hairy Friday".

This has to be my favorite blog of the week, it's always delivering news we all want to hear and reminds us to take a little time out of our busy schedules.

Speaking of busy schedules, like mine last week where I was working late every day, I started my weekend yesterday afternoon as I am off today. I can only bill 80 hours and I have them all in. I'm salary which means AI could work more, but I won't make a nickel more so I'm staying home and relaxing a little bit.

Michelle has to work today, but she has a Doctor's appointment this afternoon to follow up on the issues of a few weeks ago. She has been feeling fine, so no worries. We'll have her out finding a geocache or two this weekend one way or another.

Speaking of geocaching, is anyone ready to give this thing a try and go with me and Michelle? We can look for easy or hard ones if anyone would have some free time and would like to go. We can do easy terrains or ones that make you have a heart attack, we can customize the search to your wants or needs.

It's calling for rain all weekend, I'm wanting to clean out the inside of the Rodeo this weekend. Give it a little bit of a spring cleaning since I just got it inspected and it's a the start of summer.

If anyone is looking for a little cheap but fun entertainment, WVU baseball is playing at home this weekend against Rutgers. 7:00 tonight, 3:00 tomorrow and 1:00 Sunday. Admission is $5.00 at the door and it really is a good time with fairly priced concessions.

Enjoy yourselves, life's too short and make sure you live it to the fullest.