Happy Birthday Randy Lee Hamrick

If you happen to see my nephew Randy Lee Hamrick today, make sure that you wish him the very Happiest of Birthdays.

Not sure what his plans are today, but both me and Michelle would like to extend our Birthday wishes to him on this his Birthday.

Happy Birthday Randy.

Marriage Day One

First off I want to thank everyone that helped us make yesterday happen, it just made the day that much more special. I wish I could say I grabbed a lot of pictures, my camera was with me but I did not have the opportunity to take the first picture other than the few I managed to gran with my iPhone. I understand now why couples hire professional photographers and we were no different. If anyone has any pictures from yesterday, Me and Mrs Hall would greatly appreciate the chance to be able to see them.

Michelle and I will be doing a little shopping today before packing up tonight and heading to Ocean City, Maryland tomorrow morning. She's never seen Ocean City or even the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, so I think she is going to be in for a treat. It's not too often that I just pick up and take a vacation someplace, so I am ready for a honeymoon too.

I do have to confess that every time I looked at Michelle during the ceremony I started to bawl, I kept thinking to myself there are 100+ people here and people are running cameras and I do not want to be material for a viral Youtube video of me bawling at our wedding.

I hope everyone had a good time, left with their bellies full and managed to leave with enough food to have another meal. Jean, Pam and the women at the church made all of the food for the feast and allowed everyone to enjoy a fabulous feast. I owe everyone a huge debt of gratitude.

I'm still running on nervous energy and very little sleep (I'm an early riser, so once again on behalf of me and my wife Michelle, thank you to everyone that helped us make yesterday a special day for us and the fellowship we were able to have. It was my once in a lifetime. Thank You.

Wedding Day

I'm sure there are a lot of people out there possibly reading this that wondered if they would ever see this day, heck at age 47 1/2 I was even wondering sometimes if I would ever see a day that I was going to get married. However with a lot of help and encouragement from friends and family on both sides, we have somehow managed to get to this day. This is the day I have been waiting my entire life for, the day I finally cross over from my long time bachelorhood to marital bliss with the woman I love and by the time I write my next BLOG my wife Michelle.

Yesterday evening we went into the Marilla Center and with the help of some very special people we were able transform the place into a place that Mr and Mrs George and Michelle Hall can spend a fun day with many special people our lives. I know Michelle has family that have traveled from as far as South Carolina and East Liverpool, Ohio and that her family and my family will share a special fellowship with us on this day, our day that we enter Marital bliss.

I think the question people may be wondering about me is am I nervous, the answer is not yet, but I have about 9 hours from the time I am writing this to get to the nervous or butterfly stage.

I want to thank everyone who have so selflessly helped us get even start to pull this wedding off and help make it a reality. Michelle and I appreciate anyone who has helped with the planning, to the bridal shower, to the cooking and setting up and for the assistance we will need to clean it up tonight, the baking the the running around and just the many things that people did to help us live our dream. A big heart felt Thank You from both of us, without you our stress levels would have been much higher.

Casual dress today, festive party to follow. Bring your grass skirts, your Hawaiiam shirts, put on your sandals and shorts and lets get everyone lei'd and have a great day.

Big Ole Hairy Ten Day Vacation

My nose is off the grindstone this week and I am preparing for my wedding tomorrow, for those of you who have to work I feel for you. I'm off today and all of next week as Michelle and I exchange our vows and head out of town for our Honeymoon.

Last night Michelle baked a number of cookies for our cookie table at the wedding. I never heard of a cookie table before two years ago, but as soon as I heard of it I wanted one.

If and that is a big IF the Marilla Center is available tonight (someone else may have it rented) we are going to go down and decorate for tomorrow. We can use all of the help we can get.

Just to avoid any confusion, our wedding is going to be very casual, as in Caribbean type dress, we just want everyone to be comfortable. We're both wearing flowered shirts.

It'll be a busy day for sure.

Photo Flashback Thursday

Once a week I get a chance to look back through all of my old pictures to come up with one to tell a little story about. This week is no different.

The picture that you see, even though it was not the first picture taken of the woman I am going to marry in a couple of days, this was actually the second picture taken of the both of us. Why is it so special, it was the first one that I took of the two of us.

I picked up Michelle and Hayley and we attended a WVU baseball game that day, something that we have done a number of times since then. We both like taking our "ass cushions" and go to Hawley Field to cheer on the Mountaineers. I always have to get my traditional Hot Dog, because it's not a baseball game without a good old American Hot Dog in your belly.

Hi ho hi ho, it's the last day of work as a single man I go

Hump Day

My week is halfway over, or just beginning depending on how you look at it. I'm off Friday and all next week for the wedding and Honeymoon, so I'm already on the backside of my work week even before I get my day started. Michelle on the other hand, this might be her last day this week as she is probably taking Thursday off as well.

Michelle went over tot Jes's last night to do a little more more on the wedding programs, I was trying to find a good deal for the honeymoon but not so good that it's an unpleasant experience. Nothing is finalized yet, but we have a pretty good idea and I would like some kind of a backup plan in place just in case.

I'm sure the obvious question everyone has for me is "are you nervous"? I have to honestly say not in the slightest yet. We've had helping hands and planned well financially, everything is falling into place so far. I just hope it stays like that.

Hi ho hi ho

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Well once again Monday is behind us and we are looking down the barrel of another Tuesday. I can't think of a better reason than that to do a tidbits.

* It has been 1,236 wonderful days since my first date with Michelle when we went and saw that god awful movie 10,000 BC.

* It was 459 days ago when I got down on one knee at 4:00 in the morning and proposed marriage.

* And this will be the last entry you will see on my Tuesday's Tidbits concerning this, next week I'll debut a new line but we have only 4 more days until our wedding this Saturday. I'll reintroduce the Christmas Countdown next week.

* We're still trying to decide where we want to go for our honeymoon. We're about 95% sure of where we are going, but we're still waiting to see before we finalize anything. I'll have the GPS ready =)

* My niece Amy has got a new phone, a smart phone at that but I don;t think she is very happy with it. She got a Samsumg mesmerize, but she doesn't appear to happy with the battery life of the phone.

* Hi ho hi ho

*

And the Countdown starts

Well, this is my last week of work as a single man, I'll be working until Thursday and I'll be off Friday getting ready for our wedding Saturday. So, I guess this will be 4 on, and then 10 days off!!!!!!!

We did get a lot done this weekend, and things look like they are going to be running smooth up until the wedding date. We're getting help from all over the family and I have to say it is much appreciated. Michelle was over at Jes's yesterday making the programs to be given out, our "Wishing Well" as I have heard it referred to has been completed, we made it at home yesterday.

Mike has a keg of beer sitting ready for me at the bar and Pam and George are off Thursday and Friday to help us out.

The clock is ticking, wedding day is getting closer.

Sunday Morning Blog

First of all thanks to Michelle for asking me "Did you Write a Blog?" If it were not for those magical words I would have completely forgotten to write anything this morning. I guess I got a little too sidetracked playing Texas Hold Em on Facebook this morning. I did win a round one game for the shootout to enter round two.

We managed to get a number of things done yesterday including some much needed shopping. Clothes, decorations, pricing soda and a few other things were on the agenda for yesterday. I did get my wedding gift from Michelle, a Garmin Nuvi 1300LMT GPS. Maybe this will help me stop getting lost when I travel anywhere. Now maybe I won't get lost as much as I normally would.

Have a great day.

Saturday Morning Ramblings

Well I am exactly one week away from getting married and still have a number of things to get done.

Last night we met with Bill, the guy who is marrying us and took a trip to the venue to get a few ideas. I think we are going to do the vows nice and simple as opposed to some longer drawn out version. Bill's bucket list included marrying someone and he really wanted to do ours, so we agreed to let him do our wedding.

Took another trips to Sam's yesterday to get all the plates, cups, silverware, napkins and things like salt and pepper for next Saturday. We actually loaded the car down with stuff and we have go out and do more shopping this weekend for the rest of the food.

Beer has been ordered, flowers have been ordered, extra tables have been reserved, cake order has been delivered, but we still have a number of things to do and places to go today. It's going to be a busy day no doubt.

Happy Birthday Josh Nicholson

Today is one very special little biys birthday, today is Josh Nicholson's birthday. val had his birthday party for him last month, where he received a go cart from Mommy and Daddy.

We all met at Krepps park to help him celebrate his birthday with family, friends and lots of food and fun.

If you see the birthday boy today, make sure you wish him a very Happy Birthday.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

In case you have not noticed, there are 1 or 2 or 70,000 Motorcycles that have came to town for West Virginia Mountain Fest at Mylan Park. I would say if you are driving around today, be very careful because there are a lot of visitors around down riding motorcycles. Plan ahead, give yourself a little extra time to get to where you are going and that way you can manage to keep your sanity with all the extra traffic.

Just for the record, this will be my last working Friday as a single man.

Hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback ThursdayO

Once a week I like to use my blog as an excuse to look back through the thousands of pictures that I have on my computer from the years gone buy and share it and tell a little story about it. This weeks picture was an image from my first real GIS company that I worked for in Frostburg Maryland called VARGIS.

VARGIS was opening up a satellite office away from their Sterling Virginia base and I was in the original group of compilers that was hired by that office. There were actually just five of us, the two in the front (notice how cute the bald one is) and the three that were behind the two of us up front. There was someone from the Sterling Office and a pair of workers who had traveled clear around this rock from Hyderbad India to teach how to compile 3D geosptatial data.

It was a time in my life when I was literally commuting 600 miles a week back and forth to work for my first real GIS job that actually gave me benefits as well as a paycheck.

I sometimes miss Frostburg, I don't miss that daily commute, but I miss the office and the people that I worked with.

Speaking of GIS Jobs, Hi ho hi ho

Hump Day

Well that's two days down so far this week. If you look up over the noontime hump, you can see another weekend just off in the distance. I say that we start to head over towards that weekend and finish up this work week.

We're starting to finalize a few more things including our wedding (cupcake) order from the cupcakerie here in Morgantown. Our wedding cake will be a series of cupcakes and these ladies make the absolute best ones in town. We're doing a Reese Cup one (guess who picked that one), a very vanilla one, a Neapolitan one and rasberry lemonade.

Oh well, so much for cupcakes.

Hi ho hi ho

Happy Birthday Daniel Edwin Bell

For any of you that are lucky to see Daniel Bell today down in Kentucky, make sure that you wish him the happiest of birthdays today. If my math is correct 27 years old today, that should put him back to being born somewhere around 1984. Wow, if Daniel is 27 now how old does that make me feel?

Anyways, the picture you see if of Daniel and his lovely wife Kamey and her two lovely daughters Shaina and Taylor.

Happy Birthday Daniel Bell, enjoy this years birthday and celebrate it with three beautiful young ladies.

Happy Birthday.

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday is once again behind us and we are staring straight down the barrel of a Tuesday, can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* Mine and Michelle's fist date was 1,229 magical days ago.

* It's been 452 days since our engagement, I wonder how significant this will be after the next fact.

* 11 more days until our wedding. My final 11 days as a single man, it was a nice ride, but I'm ready to finally get to this part of my life.

* I think we have narrowed down our choice for Vacation/Honeymoon. We're liking the idea of heading to Ocean City for a few days. I haven't been to the Beach since the weekend before I started college, I guess this would be another good time.

* I hope everyone is enjoying a nice break from the ridiculously hot weather.

* Tonight at 7:00 at Krepps Park, Hillbilly Gypsies will be playing. Good times although I doubt if we have noodle salad.

* Hi ho hi ho

Back to the Grindstone

Well, this weekend has now went from present day to a place in our memories. It's time to put our noses back on the grindstone and start to concentrate on the things that help us pay our bills, that nasty little thing that always ruins a weekend called work.

Just realized this will be last full week of work as a single man as I will be taking off Friday the following week to prepare for the wedding the next day. We still have not decided on where we are going to go for our honeymoon, we've thrown a few ideas around and come up with a time frame and have estimated our budget, so now it's time to decide what we want to do and where we want to go. The clock is ticking, so I'll need a game plan sometime between now and two weeks from now when we might be leaving.

Well the good news is the NFL lockout is about over with, everyone has agreed to the terms and now the players must just approve the offer they made and the owners approved. I would say it will be settled today in my opinion.

Other than that, Hi ho hi ho

From Busy to Relaxing

Being that Michelle's bachelorette party was last night, I don;t think that Michelle is going to have any motivation at all until this afternoon. She said she had a great time last night, thanks to all who helped out or allowed her to have one, she had a huge smile on her face when she got home this morning.

Hayley showed me a great way to get music yesterday, it's called VideotoMp3, all you do is paste the address to a Youtube video that you want and it will extract the audio from the video and give it to you in mp3 format. I thought it was a nice little tool if you are only looking for a song or two. I've always like Bit Torrents, but that is usually for whole albums or an entire collection.

So, today should be a nice relaxing day.

Busy Day Planned

Busy Day planned today, Michelle has to go to the beauty shop to have her hair colored, Chad has an eye appointment, I have to find time to go to Mom's and fix her computer, I have prescriptions to pick up and drop off, grocery shopping at Sam's and Wal-Mart, work in a nap for Michelle because tonight is her bachelorette party.

I would say that we have a full day planned for the two of us.

Last night after work Michelle went to Amy's for a Mary Kay party. She said that she had a great time and ordered a good deal of product. Jean is going to have the next one from my understanding, so it sounds like hosting a party worked out pretty well for Amy. I know last year Michelle had a Pampered Chef book party and we did really well.

Temps are supposed to be high today, but thunderstorms are in the forecast, so it could make it hot and muggy, but that's OK with me because in case I have never mentioned it before, I HATE SNOW.

Have a great day.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

No movies on the Mon tonight, but the big news is that they are trying to arrange for a Brad Paisley concert at the Mylan Puskar Football Stadium sometime in the near future.

Ladies, my niece Amy is having a Mary Kay party tonight at her place. Michelle and Jean are going to ride up after work, so no Milano's pizza for me tonight. Although with this hot weather I don't know if I was really in the mood for a hot pizza.

Have a great weekend.

Hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback Thursday

It's once again that time when I look back through all of my old pictures and pick just one out of my past to talk about. This has become one of my most favorite BLOG of the week to write because I get to walk down memory lane.

This week's picture was taken probably about 1973-4. When I was a kid I would go to the Morgantown Speedway out at Cheat Lake. It was a time when everyone in town would spend Saturday Night at the Speedway, because that was the place to be and the place to go. It was a 1/4 mile dirt track and a load of fun.

Like every other race car fan, I had my favorite driver, and my favorite race car driver in the 70's was Morgantown's own Mike Cole. Mike ran the semi-late division and was in my opinion the best driver at the track. (Note the stylish Evil Knievel T-Shirt and the stylish pants I was wearing).

The speedway is now gone, but it will always be embedded into my memories as a fond time of my childhood.

Hi ho hi ho

12 Years Ago

It was twelve years ago today, a day that will forever embedded into my memory as one of the saddest days of my life. It was twelve short years ago that my Father George Edward Hall Sr passed away at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

A lot has happened in those twelve years, four weddings so far (Val, Kim, Amy, and Moke) with one more coming up. He would have seen three beautiful Great Grandchildren (Erica, Josh and Kaiden) enter this world. All of his grandchildren have graduated High School with the exception of Calvin who is still in High School. One son Graduate from WVU and two Grandchildren enroll at WVU.

He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten and his legacy lives on.

Erica's Surgery

Erica jean's Surgery went well, she was in surgery for less than an hour and was home by early evening. In her honor as I am writing this, I'm eating some Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I'll help her out and make the sacrifice...lol

I guess Amy's place got hit by lightning yesterday morning. It knocked her fuse box out, killed her Bedroom TV and DVD player and knocked out her satellite. I have a 20" TV with a DVD and VHS players that I purchased about four years ago that I'm going to give her. It's been just sitting in the bedroom collecting dust, so I figure she can put it to good use.

How do you like this weather? It's Summertime baby!!!!!


Hi ho hi ho

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday is once again behind us and we are staring straight down the barrel of a Tuesday, so I can;t think of a better reason than that to do a tidbits.

* 1,222 days since mine and Michelle's first date a little over three magical years ago.

* 445 days ago I got down on one knee and proposed marriage to the woman I love.

* In 18 more days that woman will become my wife. We have the rings, have the license, have the person will will marry us and we have the venue.

* Went out again last night after work and bought more food for the reception. Jean went with us and we went to and got 60 lbs of hamburger for her to start cooking. She'll be making cabbage rolls, sambusa and baked spaghetti, so we are preparing to feed an army. There are still a number of things we will need to get before our day arrives.

* Big day of meetings today, I have a webinar that I'm hosting to an international audience and then a nice long meeting with the sequestration team.

* Erica Jean is having her tonsils and adenoids removed today, it should just be a simple surgery, so I guess that means she gets ice cream.

* Remember that NEXT Tuesday that the Hillbilly Gypsies will be having a free concert at Krepps Park, the concert will start at 7:00.

* Hi ho hi ho

Monday

One weekend is over with, but there are only four more fun days until another Friday. I guess you have to look at the optimistic side of the worst day of the week, so everything has an upside including Mondays.

Dinner last night was awesome, we found some really nice, thick and tender steaks at Sam's that we through on the grill last night for dinner. I have to confess my guilt that my taste buds love a good steaks with sauteed mushrooms and onions smothering the top of it with a delectable taste that you just want to slowly enjoy and savor. I have to say that the vacuum sealer we bought marinates steaks very well to say the least. It was a meal fit for any king and Michelle prepared them to perfection.


Anyone notice that the Pittsburgh Pirates are 5 games over .500 and 1/2 game out of first place? Barry Bonds was a tall lanky kid the last time the Pirates were above .500 this late in the season and contending for first place. Go Tribe and Go Bucs.

Hi ho hi ho

Sunday Morning Ramblings

Once again I'm up early, didn't awake before the roosters today, but still up pretty early. Michelle's Bridal shower went pretty well yesterday, I've put the pictures from yesterday up on MY SITE that Michelle has taken.

I think Michelle had a blast, even after the shower she and a close friend who she hadn't seen since High School came back to the house to catch up on things. Holley ended up taking me and Michelle out to dinner later on before she started to head back north. It was a pleasure to meet another parrothead.

Once again another heart felt thank you to Chris and Jes especially, but also to all who attended and helped Michelle with this special day. I could just tell by the look on her face, that was a very special day for her.

Back to normal, grocery shopping we must do.

Michelle's Bridal Shower

Well our big day is getting closer and closer, three weeks away from today and preparations are under way to get this party started.

Today is Michelle's Bridal shower. She is starting to get a little nervous, but I know she is also getting excited. A special thanks to her Sister Chris for all the work she has done and to the best wedding planner around, Jes thank you for all that you have done. I know Michelle really appreciates everything that you two have so selflessly done to assist her and help her get this bridal shower organized.

I'm sure she'll grab a few pictures today, I hope I can teach her to take clear pictures and remain calm when her finger is on the shutter.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

If you are looking for a great movie to see and even for a better price, tonight's schedule for Movies on the Mon is the movie Despicable Me. I saw the movie on Netflix this past week and loved it, I wanted to see it in the theater last year. So, if you are looking for a little cheap, as in free entertainment, grab your favorite butt cushion, some snacks and head on down to the Amphitheater for a good evening of fun. It's also Family Fun Fest night which means the inflatable jump tent will be up and running tonight for the kiddies.

We went out yesterday after work and bought some of the food for the wedding reception. We did manage to eliminate renting any equipment that we had priced about a month ago. We came in under budget for the stuff we were going to rent and we get to keep a few nice chafing dishes. We're not done by any stretch, but we have a good start on the stock items like veggies, butter, flour, sauces etc. We still have to purchase the meat, but we're waiting till a time closer to the reception to do that. With the wedding getting closer we're now starting to finalize everything that we need to.

Hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback Thursday

Once a week I take a little bit of time to look back through my tens of thousands of digital images and pic one and reflect upon. This weeks picture is no different, maybe not one that has been lost or hidden, but one of my favorites.

I was living at Barrington North and Mom and Don were living in Georgia and had come up for a visit. They had stopped over to see me and brought Terri over with Val and Amy. Mom snapped this keeper of me and Terri on my back deck. It was a time long ago when I had hair and was much, much thinner than I am these days.

I would date the picture at around 1985 or 86 if I had to make an educated guess. I don't remember too much about the day, but I do remember that it was a day that Mom and Don were in for a visit.

Hi ho hi ho

Hump Day

Well we are past both Monday and Tuesday and up over the horizon is yet another fun filled weekend. I do have to say that work wise this week has gone by rather quickly, we have been busy with the preparation of a couple of Atlases coming up over the next 15 months or so. One a multi country effort and one a US effort that between the two will keep us busy for a while.

I found out last night that Val totaled her car yesterday evening, she is OK, the kids are OK everyone is physically OK. Her car on the other hand is probably finished with a smashed front end. I spoke to Gary first and Val later to confirm everyone is OK.

Jean was finally released from the Hospital right before then from her short little stay. She says she feels fine and is ready to go, she didn't want anyone to know she was in there, but some of us didn't listen.

Everyone is OK and it's a go for this weekend.

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Well Monday is now in our rear view mirrors and we are looking straight down the barrel of a Tuesday. I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* It's been 1,215 days since I had the pleasure of taking Michelle out on our first date. Dinner at Pizza Hut and that wonderful movie 10,000 BC.

* It has been a total of 438 days since I got down on one knee at 4:00 in the morning and proposed marriage.

* We are at 25 days until that proposal becomes marriage.

* It's Angela McClain's birthday (reminder)

* The Josh Judy Official Major League strikeout count still stands at 3. he's back in AAA Columbus, but should be called back up at various times throughout the season.

* Hi hi ho hi

Happy Birthday Angela McClain

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Angela McClain a very Happy Birthday Today. Ang has been in the family for a number of years, her and Moke go together like lamb and tuna fish (Big Daddy reference) and it has been my pleasure to first get to know her and last year help welcome her into our Family on 10-10-10.

If you get a chance to see Ang today, make sure that you wish her the very happiest of birthdays today.

Happy Birthday Ang!!!!

I don't air out dirty laundry on the internet

As much as I would like to just scream at a few people, I refuse to step to the level of some. I want to write this blog and just scream at the top of my lungs about how mad I am right now.

But I won't do that, so this is a very short blog.

Hi ho hi ho

Sunday Morning

It's another Sunday Morning, which means it's our day to get our grocery shopping done for the week. I've always liked shopping on Sundays, considering that we are busy during the week and I like fresh vegetables to take for lunch, this is the one day I can get vegetables and have them the freshest by weeks end.

Michelle and Jes went out yesterday and assembled some nice personalized gifts for the bridal shower next week. I have to say they were very creative, or at least more creative than I ever could have been, but then again I'm a guy and lack that creativity. Michelle took a few pictures, but they are on her phone, I'll wait until her Bridal shower is over with and maybe get some pictures from her so that I can share them on my blog.

Our raised Garden is growing, we pulled up our lettuce as It grew very tall and started to get a little bit of a bitter taste. Same with out Broccoli, it kept on flowering so we had to pull up all the plants. The peppers are doing well, the Cabbage is growing and I underestimated how may tomatoes are on a tomato plant, there are more growing than we will ever eat.

Have a great Sunday.

Saturday Morning Ramblings

Once again I sit here in a quiet house, early in the AM and just collecting my thoughts. I'm watching the award winning Pauley Shore is Dead on the boob tube, because it's just the best thing on TV at this hour. Sad I have hundreds of channels and a Roku and this is what I'm watching.

Michelle and Jes will be doing a little bit of shopping today in preparation of next weeks bridal Shower. Going to be grabbing a few game prizes and maybe a little bit of shopping for the wedding that is just four short weeks away from today. I've got one or two things on my todo list that I need to get done, so I might take advantage of Michelle spending the day with Jes and gather some pictures and start putting some music together for the reception.

In some sad news other than Betty Ford passing away, the NCAA has accepted the punishment WVU Football has implemented upon itself for the improper use of coaches and extra practice time under former coaches Rich Rodriguez and Bill Stewart. It includes two years of probation, loss of two scholarships last season (already done) and loss of one during this recruiting year. The good news is we are not suspended from any Bowl games, won't have to vacate any wins like Ohio State just had to nor be suspended from any Post Season or Conference Championships that this team could win in the upcoming season.

Have a great Saturday, this is what we work for.

Big Ole Hairy Good Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!


For those of you looking for soem cheap, as in free entertainment tonight, Movies on the Mon is playing the Karate Kid. So grab your favorite butt cushion or sit on the bleachers, gran you some snacks and go to the Amphitheater for a really good movie. I've seen it a couple of times, and I am pretty sure we even went to the Theater to see it. It's worth a watch if you haven't seen it before.

Hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback Thursday

It's once again that time of the week when I take a little bit of time out to look back through all of my old pictures and look for that one special picture to write a blog about.

This weeks blog goes back a number of years, back when my sister Pam went from being a Hall to being a McClain. A day when two young kids exchanged wedding vows a number of years ago, when going for Ice Cream was the thing to do and before Moke or Calvin were even a twinkle in their parents eyes.

It was a nice day, a day when two families joined together and there was a wedlock that has lasted until this day.

Easier times, simpler times, less complicated times.

Hi ho hi ho

Hump Day

Well do I count that as two down or just one down? Who cares, it's Hump day and just over this horizon is another weekend for us to enjoy.

Last night Michelle went over and met with Jes, who has been helping us plan our wedding to go over a few things for the Bridal Shower in a couple of weeks. They are doing a little brainstorming and probably having a few legal beverages going over some games for the Bridal Shower. We're lucky to know someone like Jes and we both owe her a very bug thank you.

I think we are not planning anything this weekend so we can take some time out and get some things ready for the wedding and the bridal shower.

Hi ho hi ho

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Even though we had yesterday off, we are still looking at starting the week with a Tuesday, can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* It's been 1,208 days since mine and Michelle's first date.

* 431 days since our engagement.

* 32 days until the wedding.

* The official Josh Judy Major League Strikeout count is currently at 2. He had his second one Sunday.

* Pam and George had a 4th of July cookout yesterday, everyone had a great time. I put all of my pictures from yesterday on my picture site. I had a few I stuck on facebook, but the juicy ones are on my site.

* Hi ho hi ho

Happy 4th of July

235 years ago today, a group of men met in Philadelphia and declared that we the Colonies were going to be Independent of England and we were going to form our own country.

Today we are going to the McClain residence for a what promises to be another great cookout. Pam and the grillmaster George will once agin this year host a get together at their place full of food, fun, family and friends and Michelle and I have the honor of being able to attend.

It's going to be a great day.

The Sunday Morning After

Another annual Rosiak Party has once faded into memory. Once again Frank and Pat Rosiak put on one heck of a shindig with lots of old and good friends, plenty of food, and of course a chance for me to break out my water cannon for its annual usage.

They had a waterslide that some of us took advantage of. Layla had a lot of fun riding it and you might have even seen a portly man ride it a few times himself.

Thanks once again to Frank and Pat Rosiak, had a great time once again this year.

Josh Judy is BACK in the Majors

I had a hunch something was up yesterday, I just had a strange feeling that Josh was going to be called back up in the VERY near future. Chris Perez was added to the Teams Bereavement list and Josh was once again called up to the active roster for the Indians.

The Official Josh Judy Major League Strikeout Count continues. Count is currently at 1 and Still counting.

Josh currently has 12 saves so far this season for the AAA Columbus Clippers.

This is his second OFFICIAL (as in Regular Season) stint in the Majors.

Enjoy it Josh.

Rosiak Party

It's once again that time of the year when I break out my water cannon for an annual mega water battle that is the Rosiak 4th of July Party. My cannon and I will be attending our 14th annual water battle this year ans we are looking to soak a few people.

Yes it is the Frank and Pat Rosiak annual 4th of July Pic Nic today. An annual event that I have attended a number of years and Michelle will be making her fourth appearance at today.

There are a few days that I use for a benchmark during the summer time, one is obviously the Jimmy Buffett concert in Pittsburgh. The other is this Pic Nic that has become such a big part of my life and summer. Frank and Pat have opened their home to a slew of guests over the years and have always opened everyone with open arms.

I'll be taking my camera and my faithful water cannon to today's festivities.

Big Ole Hairy Three Day Weekend Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Three Day Weekend Hairy Friday!!!!

I hope everyone has plans for a great holiday weekend, I have a couple of cookouts we are planning on attending. The annual Rosiak 4th of July Pic Nic is tomorrow and Pam and George are going to have a cookout on Monday. Hopefully the weather holds up for the entire weekend.

Have a great day and a better weekend. Hi ho hi ho let's get this holiday party started.

Photo Flashback Thursday

It's once again that time of the week when I take a little time out and look through all my old pictures to write a blog about.

This week's picture is a picture of my grandfather and his Nephew Red. Red used to perform yearly at the Forest Festival in Elkins. Both were very talented musicians and I remember the day this picture was taken.

My Grandfather had an old recording machine, one that you put a blank record in and it would record the sound straight to the record. It was a one time thing, if you messed up you didn't get a second chance. If it was wrong, it was wrong you might as well throw the record away.

How do I know this? They were recording that day and I was behind them making a silent but audible grunting noise so I could be on the record. This was like in 1972, so to have your voice recorded was a neat thing, unlike today with the electronic devices that everyone has grown so accustomed to.

Well anyways, they made a recording and I put in my unnoticed grunt, and it came through on the record. Neither musician expected to hear my unpleasant ugh, especially when they are trying to create a work of art.

They re-recorded it and I managed to pull it off a second time and a third time. After three attempts and they could not figure out what it was, they stayed with the third track and kept it.

I was a lil stinker.

Hi ho hi ho

Hump Day

Monday, Check. Tuesday, Check. It's HUMP DAY!!!!! If you look on the other side of this hump and just past Thursday there is another weekend over the horizon.

I think we are going to start getting real busy at work, headquarters posted a release about the Atlas and linked to the website for sequestration. They even posted the announcement on Facebook, I'm sure we'll start getting a few prank map requests before the month is over with. I welcome the chance to be busy, it's been a little slow this month when it comes to requests.

The good news is, Michelle is now 100% over her migraine that has lasted since last Friday. It had her down all weekened, was still in pain Monday and yesterday morning before it all finally subsiding and getting full relief. I hate seeing her in that much pain, she's one who can take pain and this was just kicking her butt.

Hi ho hi ho

Tuesdays' Tidbits

* Well Monday is now in our memories and we are looking straight down the barrel of a Tuesday, I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* It's been 1,201 days since mine and Michelle's first date.

* It's been 424 days since our engagement.

* It's 39 days until our wedding.

* I had Michelle watch a classic movie last night we got from NetFlix, she had never seen Citizen Kane prior to last night. Rosebud.

* The annual Rosiak Party is this weekend, a party that I have been attending a number of years and Michelle and I will make our appearance once again this year.

* I'm pretty sure my niece Amy took MY 12 MP camera from the Pic Nic Sunday.

* Hi ho hi ho

Weekend Reflection

Well the weekend is now faded into our memories, but with the kids birthday party yesterday and the large number of pictures that I did manage to get and post online at my newly redesigned website. I have to say it was a great day, only Michelle had a migraine from hell and tried to sleep through it. Hopefully she is feeling a little better this morning, but we'll have to see.

It was nice to sit down with everyone for an extended period of time, like a few hours and just reflect on pic nics gone by.

As the days festivities wound down and as we reflected upon the days past as we watched the next generation get into their food fight and create their own memories, A strange thing happened. At my father's funeral, the preacher told the story of a Dragonfly and related it to my Father's life. He was a huge influence on my all of our lives, including my niece Val who has a dragonfly tattoo that she had done this year. I looked on George McClain's back and what did I see, a dragonfly. It was as if my father was there at a place we used to celebrate at to check in on everyone, to see how his family had grown.

It was a very nice day and a memorable one.

Birthday Party Today

Tha annual Erica / Josh Birthday party has now moved to the next level, Val and Bobby's house has been outgrown by the number of people planning on attending. This year Val has decided to do it the Old Fashioned Pap Hall way, we're doing it at Marilla Park. I think someone needs to bring a little CCR and play on the boom box, that and a food fight and it will feel like 1987 all over again.

It'll be nice to spend the afternoon with everyone, it's one day I always look forward to during the summer and I love to get lots of pictures.

As of right now (7:00 AM) Michelle is a 50/50 on making it. We usually do our Sunday shopping and around 8:30-9:00, she has had a very bad migraine all weekend after being up all night. We have already completed the weeks grocery shopping, note to everyone no on is at Wal-Mart at 4:00 AM, and she has given herself a shot in an attempt to get some rest. This the worst Migraine I've ever seen her have. I've suggested going to the hospital, but she is just trying to suffer it out. I guess the change in barometric pressure and the stress of the upcoming wedding.

Hopefully Michelle can either feel better or get some rest and join the fun.

Let the party begin.

Saturday Morning Blog

Well I am writing this blog a little later than I normally would, I did get up earlier but the couch and the TV were calling my name and I has to answer that call.

Not too much going on for us today, we have to take Hayley to work at 1:00 and probably do part of our weekly grocery shopping and then go buy a couple of birthday gifts for a couple special little kids who are having their birthday party tomorrow. Other than that, this will probably be an uneventful day, but you never know what the day holds.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

I like these short two day work weeks, two days off, two days on and now after today another two days off!!! It's almost like I have had a weeks vacation, which to tell you the truth I haven't had a full week off paid from work in about 20 years or so. I never took a whole week at once since Helmick. Until this August that is for the wedding/honeymoon.

Nothing really on our agenda this weekend, other than probably some wedding stuff and some shopping.

Oh well, hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback Thursday

It's once again photo flashback Thursday, the one blog of the week when I get to take a little bit of time out and look back through all of my pictures from the years gone by. It's nice to take a little time out every week and reflect on parts of your life.

This weeks picture is a picture of my Sister Terri and Cathy. It was taken during a time period when I was staying with them while in college and she was having one of her get togethers at the house. I'm not sure of that is from a Christmas party, or just some random get together from days gone by.

Marriage License Day

After a great day yesterday at the Jimmy Buffett concert, we met some great people and partied with them, the storms held of until after we were out of there and I had the best location to tailgate (Against the road) it has come to an end. This was mine and Michelle's fourth Buffett concert together and it may have been one of the funnest ones that we have been to yet.

On to today, we're both off work once again today. Today's festivities however include us going and applying for and obtaining our Marriage License. We're within the 60 day time period that they are good for with our August 6th date, so we are going to get all the official paperwork to make it legal when that day gets here.

Hope you people working today have a great hump day.

Fins Up

Your normally scheduled Tuesday's Tidbits has been interrupted this week so that we may bring you the following Margaritabville Blog.

Yes today is the day that the Parrot head Nation will assemble in Burgettstown PA, where people will be wearing clothes of all colors and pretending they are on some tropical island for a few hours tonight in PA.

Michelle and I will be once again going to see Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band this evening, this will be our fourth year that we have made the trip to see Jimmy. Michelle has a Parrot in her office (Paper One) named Fin that is packed up and ready to once again make that trip with us this year.

To anyone who has not experienced this pleasure, you don;t know what you are missing.

Fins UP!!!

Big Ole Hairy Monday

Yeah today is Monday, but it's kind of like a Friday to me. I work today and then I am taking the next two days off for the Jimmy Buffett Concert tomorrow night in Pittsburgh. So even though today is Monday, it's like the start of a weekend so it's not so bad.

Today;s BLOG is going to be like my workweek, short and sweet.

Hi ho hi ho.

Oh, PS. Happy 148th Birthday West Virginia

Happy Birthday Erica Jean Nicholson

Today is a very special day to one little girl in this family. While it may be Father's day today, more important than that it is Erica Jean Nicholson's Birthday. If my math is correct she will be 7 on this day.

I can remember that day like it was just yesterday. Everyone was at the hospital waiting for the new addition to the family, Nick was pushing Gary up and down the halls in a wheel chair having fun, Bobby was watching Scooby Doo, Amy was as nervous as any Aunt to Be could ever be and I was fortunate enough to be there that day to grab a few pictures.

Val is planning both Erica's and Josh's Birthday party together next Sunday at Marilla Park. Traditionally this has been one of my favorite days of the year, this year it has grown and I am just as eagerly anticipating seeing Erica and Josh celebrate their birthdays.

If you see or talk to a very special little girl named Erica Jean Nicholson today, make sure you wish her a very Happy Birthday.

Happy Fathers Day

Today is Father's Day a day that like Mother's day has it's origins in North Central West Virginia. Father's Day had their first observance took place in 1908 to honor the 210 Fathers that were killed in the 1907 Monongah Mine explosion.

The picture I posted covers two people, my Father and my Grandfather. Both men were very influential in developing me to the person I am today, and both of them are missed today.

My Grandfather raised me until I was 13 and the time of his passing, my Father was my rock of security up until the day he died. I owe both of them a lot and am very Thankful that I had two wonderful men to influence me in my life.

They are both missed and honored every day of my life.

Happy Father's Day

Saturday Morning Ramblings

Here I sit once again in a quiet household in the early AM, collecting my thoughts while everyone else is losing a battle with the sandman. I'm an early riser so I am already up and at em this morning.

I am on the first of four days out of five where I will be off from work. Weekend then work Monday then off Tuesday and Wednesday for a concert.

Not too much on our agenda for the day, by the end of the year I am looking to buy a new car. I'll have the Rodeo paid off and I think I'm going to purchase a new car for the first time. We stopped at a few places yesterday to start our research, Michelle really liked a Jeep Compass, at the Waterfront Jeep Dealership.

I did vaguely mention a few weeks back that I had to go to the Doctors for a procedure to be done. I had a very large mole on my back that needed to be removed and biopsied. I had the procedure done a few weeks ago and I got the call from my Dr with my results back and it was benign.

Maybe it's time for a nap. =)

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

No movies on the Mon this week, they are going to be taking a three week break from their schedule and will return in July with the Karate Kid. I'm sure all the constriction downtown is part of the problem.

For me and Michelle it's work today, off two days, work one day, off two more days for the Buffett concert, work two days and then another two days off, followed by a full week at work then a three day weekend. Woo Hoo, I'm excited to get out of the office for a while.

Photo Flashback Thursday

Maybe the more appropriate title for this blog should be "Every Boy needs a Dog". This boy growing up was no different, and this was my companion Rocky. I had had dogs that I was attached to previously like Dad and Jean's dog Mitzi, but Rocky was MY first dog.

Rocky was my buddy and was a very friendly dog, he would always get excited when someone he knew would show up, always happy to great someone. I had begged Grandma Hall and begged her for a dog, and she finally gave in and this was my dog.

We went to the city pound to get a dog and he and I instantly connected, I knew this was going to be my dog.

Rocky was with me through some tough times in my life, I got him not too long after Grandpa Hall passed away and he was there with me when Grandma Hall passed away and I entered into a new life.

Hi ho hi ho

Hump Day

This week is actually going by pretty quick, so I can't complain. Weekend is just over this horizon that we need to go over.

We finally got a chance to really eat out of our urban garden last night, we picked a bunch of lettuce yesterday morning and ended up making some very nice steak salads with the lettuce that grew in our raise garden on the patio. We had taken some herbs out of there before, but this is the first time we were able to make a meal out of what was grown in our garden. It feels like a monumental achievement.

Not much else to say today, other than the garden it was pretty much and uneventful day. So I guess it's hi ho hi ho

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday is once again behind us and we are staring straight down the barrel of a Tuesday. I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* 1,187 magical days since I was blessed with the opportunity to take the love of my life out on our first date.

* It's been 410 days since I got down on one knee in the wee early morning and proposed marriage.

* 53 Days until that becomes a reality and we become man and wife.

* 7 more days until we head off to Margaritaville for the fourth straight year together. This will be my fifth Jimmy Buffett Concert and Michelle's fourth.

* A big shoutout to Josh Nicholson. I heard from the tooth fairy (otherwise known as Mommy) that he had perfect teeth yesterday when he went and visited the dentist.

* For you music lovers looking for a little cheap (as in free entertainment), tonight at 7:00 at Krepps Park Boparc is going to have their first Concerts in the Park series with An evening of Jazz with special guests Curtis Johnson and James Moore. This will be the first concert of the year. You might want to put on your calender that the next one will be on July 26th with, the Hillbilly Gypsies putting on a free show.

* Our garden is really kicking some butt, I actually saw the first tomatoes of the season a couple of days ago. Our lettuce is ready for the first harvest and might even be dinner tonight.

* Hi ho hi ho

Back to the Grindstone

All good things must come to an end, and that includes time away from work we call weekends. It's time to take our noses and stick them back on the grindstone for another week so that we can enjoy the creature comforts that we all so much like.

It was a pretty nice weekend weather wise, we really didn't get into too much and stayed home for the most part of the weekend. It's nice to have an occasional relaxing weekend, and for Michelle and I, this weekend was one of them. The weather was awesome, but we were movie watching home bodies this weekend with the exception of running Hayley too and from work, shopping and an occasional meal.

I'm relaxed, maybe it is a good time to head back to work. With that said hi ho hi ho

Sunday

Mid morning Sunday and Michelle and I are getting ready to go and do breakfast, take Hayley to work and do our weekly grocery shopping today. It's just a typical Sunday morning for us, nothing exciting planned, just routine.

We did receive some very good news this morning, jean will be allowed to use the church to cook for the food for mine and Michelle's wedding. That'll make it real nice and allow her to have a large kitchen with biog ovens to prepare the days feast.

Have a great day and get out and enjoy the weather.

Early Saturday Morning Ramblings

I sit here once again on an early Saturday morning, quiet place and I'm pretty sure everyone in the household has been attacked by the sandman and is in lala land.

I have to say that the events that have transpired at WVU this week and culminating yesterday with the resignation of a very good man with a lot of integrity, Bill Stewart, has me at a level where I am absolutely disgusted by my Alma Mater.

I'm not saying Bill Stewart was a world beater as a head coach, but the man was 28-12 was WVU's head football coach, that is a .700 winning percentage. Six of those 12 losses, one play was the difference in the game, meaning a fumbled ball, a dropped pass or a missed field goal was the difference in the game.

Last seasons defense was one of the nation's best, despite playing through many injuries the defense was among the nations elite.

Bill Stewart had two downfalls as a head coach, but neither constituted this. One he put faith in an offensive coordinator that really was not ready. I didn't question Mullen's knowledge of the game, it was his in game management skills where he was that was his shortcoming. Bill Stewart stuck with the man, he believed in the man, but I guess for this fickle fan base it wasn't enough to have a defense that one games instead of the offense. Bills second downfall was his clock management skills. Don't even want to go there, but neither of these should have been enough to be treated like he was.

This fan base has put blind trust into a lawyer who has lied to this fan base, is very deceptive and I honestly am not liking right now. His own son would have been, nit could have but would have been the first pick of the past springs NFL Draft and Oliver advised him to return to school. First pick of the NFL draft is an instant Millionaire, set up for life with the stroke of a pen and Oliver advised him to return to school. Like I said he would have been the first pick of the draft, Denver already stated it and he chose to return to school. This spring, figure out how many Millions that decision cost his own son.

Rant over and I would really like to extend a heart felt thank you to Bill Stewart. You have more integrity in your pinky than that snake in the grass lying Athletic Director could ever fathom.

I am as disgusted in my alma mater as much today as I was a few years ago with the Heather Bresche incident.

Rant over.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

Looking for a little cheap entertainment, as in free? Movies on the Mon tonight will be playing How to Train Your Dragon tonight at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater on the River. So grab yourself something soft to sit on, your favorite beverages and snacks and head on down for a free family movie.

Not really too much on Mine or Michelle's agenda for the weekend, but that is always subject to change. I hate sitting inside and the weather has been beautiful, maybe a geocache or two may be in store.

Have a great friday, Hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback Thursday

Once a week I take a stroll through all the thousands if not tens of thousands of pictures that I have managed to acquire overt he years and pick one and tell a little story about it.

This weeks picture comes from about six years ago, when Nick and Terri owned the Country Inn on Rt 73. This weeks picture was from a poker run. They were the last stop of the run, meaning that they had to provide a meal and it was the place where everyone congregated at the end of the run.

I remember this being a very busy day at the Country Inn until one drunken idiot pulled out of the parking lot doing a wheelie with his girlfriend on the back of the bike. She fell off and cracked her head on the pavement of Rt 73, meaning the police came and the majority of the people and bikes you see in this picture (as well as any money Nick and Terri would have made with such a large crowd) were gone.

I think they did additional poker runs, but they were never the final stop where all the money is made again.

They did have one heck of a crowd for a while.

Hump Day

Monday, Check. Tuesday, Check. It's Hump day!!! The day of the week when you are able to look up over the horizon and see another weekend in the distance.

Michelle bought a nice King Sized bed from her brother in law yesterday, it was nearly brand new and he picked it up and was going to take it to auction, but they called us first. made us a heck of a deal and even delivered it for us, can't beat a heck of a deal like that.

Not much to say today. so it's a short blog.

Hi ho hi ho

Happy Birthday Hayley

18 years ago today my beautiful daughter Hayley Dawn was born. I don't know where the time has gone, but it sure has gone fast. This picture is from her home visit before she started kindergarten. She has grown into an amazing person.

Ed surprised her Sunday by buying her an iPhone, I am going to take her out for a girls day and go shopping next weekend. She wants to buy summer clothes and get a manicure.

Kevin is taking her out for dinner tonight and when she gets home we will have cake and ice cream.

If you see or talk to Hayley today please wish her the happiest of birthdays.

Hayley we love you and hope you have a great day:)

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Well Monday is now behind us and we are looking straight down the barrel of a Tuesday, can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits.

* Let me start out by wishing Hayley Dawn Collins a very Happy 18th birthday. She turns 18 today and we're hoping to see her. Yes she lives here, but you know those young adults. If anyone wants to send her money, I'm sure she'll spend it..LOL

* For those of you counting, it has been 1,180 days since mine and Michelle's first date.

* 403 Days since I got down on one knee early in the morning and proposed marriage.

* 60 days remaining until the wedding.

* We finally got our first round of wedding invitations sent out, yesterday. We still have a few more to send once we get a few addresses to go with them. Please send them back so we can get a headcount.

* Our garden is doing very well. I'm actually quite happy with how it is developing so far. Yum fresh vegetables.

* Oh, the kids have been playing a four man monopoly game the past few nights outside under the canopy. Hayley won Friday Night and her boyfriend Kevin won Sunday night. I told Chad he needs to invent a better set of rules.

* Hi ho hi ho

Back 2 Work

All good things must come to an end, including weekends and this one was no different. It's time to take our noses and stick them back on the grindstone and get back to work for yest another work week.

Tomorrow is Hayley's birthday, but I started a couple of days early and got her an iPhone yesterday for her 18th Birthday. She was worried about breaking it, so I bought her an Otter Box to go with it. iPhones are very durable, but I figured this would allow her a little extra sense of security because she is so hard on phones.

Anyways, it's back to work today. Hi ho hi ho

Happy Birthday Gary Allen Hall

If I were allowed to design the best little brother in the whole wide world, I would not have to look very far for the mold because I already have him. If my math is correct, this should be Gary Hall's 40th Birthday today and I am REALLY starting to get old.

If you have the opportunity to see Gary today, you know he likes to work, make sure you wish him a Very Happy Birthday today.

Happy Birthday Gary.

Late Morning Ramblings

Thanks to Michelle for reminding me that I have not done a blog today, I am such a slacker. It had completely slipped my mind and I would never have given it a second thought the rest of the day. That would have killed one heck of a streak with consecutive days that I have posted at least one blog, a streak that goes back a number of years and one that I wouldn't exactly want to start over.

Michelle has her next to last hair appointment this morning before the wedding, I guess the next one will be the morning of the wedding, and I'll be running the errands today as she gets pampered.

It's a Sam's Club kind of day!!

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

I have to love this weather this week, it has been absolutely beautiful and my kind of weather. Hot with sunshine and perfect weather for my garden to keep growing. We should be starting to harvest some of the crops in the next month or so and I am rather excited about that.

If you are looking for something cheap to do this evening, as in free, BOPARC now calls it Family Fun Fest & Movie at Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater on the river. Tonight is the first movie of the year and tonight's movie begins at 9:00 AM. It's a kiddie favorite tonight with a free showing of Yogi Bear




Hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback Thursday

It is once again that time of the week when I get to write one of my favorite Blogs, A time when I actually take a little bit of time out and look back through all my old pictures and pick one and blog about it.

Today's Picture is from August 14th, 1975 and that's me in the back row with the yellow baseball cap peeking through standing in front of Suburban Lanes owner Steve Lorenze. It was taken from a program that then Sheriff Charlie Whiston had implemented. It allowed school aged children to go to Suburban lanes during the summer and have one free game of bowling. Considering I basically lived there playing Pinball, I participated in this routine on a daily basis. I still talk to or work with a few people in this picture believe it or not.

That was a great summer, I remember we used to take snap and pops and put into the bowling ball holes and roll it down the lane and then try to hit the snap and pop on the next ball if it fell out. It was good times, it was innocent times and it was a summer filled with pinball (Top Card was my favorite game) and riding my bike all over the place.

Days gone by that I sure do miss.

Hump Day

Well with the convenience of a Holiday on Monday, we have already reached Hump Day where you can see another weekend in the not too far off distant future. Woo Hoo!!!!

I do have a Dr's appointment this morning, it was scheduled last February and they are just now able to get me into the specialist to do what he has to do. Nothing to worry about, just going to see a Dermatologist, shouldn't take that long and I should be back at work later this morning.

How do you like this weather as of late? I Love it!!! No rain, nice warm weather and this is my favorite time of the year. Have I ever mentioned that I hate snow?

Hi ho hi ho