Saturday

Here I sit in what should be a quiet household, but it is not. Kiwi and Peanut have decided they are going to do a full-on tailgate for the WVU Football game that doesn't kick off until this evening. They are ready, though, with the brats and burgers.

So what is on today's agenda? Let's see. Well, we have to do our grocery shopping this morning, and I have put the grass off for three weeks now. So, weather permitting, I am cutting this morning, but I said that last weekend as well. 

Going to Amy's this afternoon to celebrate Kaiden's 18th Birthday. She doesn't do parties every year, just for special numbers and that 18th is special. Plus Ralphie just poured a new concrete driveway, so it will be nice to see that. 

Have yourselves a great day, make some memories. 

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes, it is once again that time of the week that we all look forward 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 again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday!!!!

Are you looking for a little bit of high school football? Well wouldn't you know that we have it. University High is traveling to Fairmont to take on Fairmont Senior. Morgantown is on the road to play Spring Mills in the eastern panhandle. Clay Battelle is at home to take on Gilmer County. 

The Mountaineers do play at home tomorrow, but it is a 7:00 PM kickoff against Oklahoma State so traffic will be quite heavy around town in the early afternoon and heading into the night. It should not affect Kaiden's 18th Birthday Party tomorrow afternoon. 

Have yourselves a great day. 

Hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback Thursday

This picture feels like a quiet moment caught between the past and the future.

The Kaiden standing beside the weathered pier seems almost small compared with the enormous structure around him. The pilings stretch endlessly toward the horizon, creating a powerful sense of perspective. Yet he isn't walking beneath the pier or trying to reach its end. He's simply standing there, leaning against one of its oldest supports, looking off toward something beyond the frame.

There is something deeply human about that.

The pier can be seen as a metaphor for life. Each wooden post represents a moment, a memory, a decision, or a chapter. Some are straight, some are crooked, some are worn smooth by years of wind and water. The ocean keeps coming and going beneath them, just as life keeps moving whether we're ready for it or not.

And then there's the man.

He's barefoot in the sand, almost as if he's temporarily disconnected from everything else. His hands are in his pockets. He isn't posing triumphantly. He isn't running toward anything. He's thinking.

Perhaps he's remembering where he's been.

Perhaps he's wondering where he's going.

Or perhaps, for just a moment, he's simply allowing himself to stop.

The ocean behind him adds another layer of meaning. The water is constantly moving, while the pier remains relatively still. That's life in miniature: the world continues changing around us even when we need a moment to stand still.

The weathered wood is particularly striking. These pilings have spent years being battered by salt water, waves, storms, sunlight and wind, yet they're still standing. There's a quiet lesson in that:

Being worn doesn't necessarily mean being broken.

Sometimes the marks left by life are evidence that we've endured it.

And the perspective of the pier disappearing into the distance makes the image feel almost philosophical. We can see where the path begins, but we can't see where it ultimately ends. That's much like our own lives. We can understand our past because we've lived it. We can experience the present because we're standing in it. But the future disappears around the bend.

Maybe that's why the man is looking away from the camera.

He's not looking at the person taking the picture.

He's looking outward.

Toward whatever comes next.

There is also something beautifully ordinary about the photograph. No dramatic sunset. No spectacular pose. No grand accomplishment. Just a person, a beach, an old pier, and the ocean.

And perhaps that's the deepest meaning of all:

Life isn't made only of the big moments we remember. Sometimes the moments that stay with us are the quiet ones when we stopped, looked around, and realized how far we'd already come.

The pier continues into the distance.

The waves keep coming.

The years keep passing.

And for one brief moment, he simply stands there.

Happy 18th Birthday Kaiden Dalton

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my great-nephew a very Happy 18th Birthday today. If my math is correct- and it is spot-on accurate, and it never is, he is three birthdays from catching up to me. =)

Kaiden is an exceptional young man, someone everyone is very proud of.  Ralph and Amy have raised an exceptional young man with a very strong work ethic. I know I am as well as many family members are very proud of Kaiden, his ethics and who this young man has become. 

We will be gathering at Amy's on Saturday to help this amazing young man celebrate his first day of adulthood. A time when he can vote, register for the Selective Service (which I hope he has already done), and a whole slew of things. 

If you happen to see or talk to Kaiden today, make sure that you wish him a very happy birthday.

Happy Birthday, Kaiden. 

Lucy's Journal

September 23, 2026

Dear Journal,

Today was a very special day.

In fact, I think this might have been one of the most important adventures our crew has ever taken.

It all started this morning when Peanut came running into the living room.

"Everybody wake up!"

Kiwi poked his head out from underneath a blanket.

"What time is it?"

"Time for an adventure."

That got everyone's attention.

The Quackers stopped arguing over a piece of toast.

Gracie, who was visiting, sat up.

And then the room suddenly became cool.

A soft glow appeared near the doorway.

It was the Ghost of Maybelline.

"I heard there was somewhere important we're going today."

I smiled.

"We're going with Hayley to her doctor's appointment. She's having her 25-week checkup, and we're going to see how the baby is doing."

Maybelline's eyes lit up.

"The BABY?!"

She floated several feet into the air.

"I GET TO SEE THE BABY?!"

"Well," Peanut said, "technically you're going to see the ultrasound."

"I DON'T CARE!"

Maybelline spun around excitedly.

"I'm coming!"

---

Operation: Baby Checkup

We immediately started getting ready.

I packed some snacks.

Peanut brought a notebook because she said somebody needed to keep track of everything.

Kiwi brought binoculars.

"Why do you need binoculars?" I asked.

"Baby surveillance."

"The baby is going to be inside Hayley's belly."

"Exactly. High-security area."

The Quackers brought their little backpacks.

Gracie brought absolutely nothing.

"Why didn't you bring anything?" Peanut asked.

"I'm the sensible one."

Peanut stared at her.

"You came with us."

"Okay, maybe I'm not THAT sensible."

---

When Hayley was ready to leave, the entire crew piled in for the trip.

We were determined to accompany her.

Well...

Most of us were determined.

Peanut was mostly interested in finding out whether the doctor's office had a vending machine.

Kiwi wanted to know whether doctors accepted birds as medical assistants.

The Quackers wanted to push buttons on the elevator.

And Maybelline...

Maybelline couldn't stop smiling.

She floated beside Hayley the entire time.

"This is wonderful," she whispered.

---

When we arrived, everyone became unusually quiet.

Even Kiwi.

We waited patiently while Hayley checked in.

The Quackers sat together in the corner.

Peanut pretended she wasn't watching everything.

Gracie sat beside me.

And Maybelline floated quietly near Hayley.

She looked happier than I had seen her in a long time.

Then Maybelline said something that made everyone stop.

"I've been waiting for this."

"For what?" I asked.

"To see my sister."

I looked at her.

She smiled.

"From where I am now, I can't be there for everything. But I can still be close in my own way."

Her ghostly tail wagged.

"I've been so excited to see how she's doing."

For once, Kiwi didn't have a joke.

---

Eventually it was time for the checkup.

We couldn't all go into the examination room, of course.

So we waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Kiwi paced back and forth.

"How long does a baby checkup take?"

"However long it takes," Peanut said.

"What if they're measuring the baby?"

"They probably are."

"What if the baby moves?"

"Then they probably notice."

"What if the baby waves?"

Peanut sighed.

"Kiwi, babies don't usually wave."

Kiwi thought about that.

"Maybe this one will."

---

Then Hayley came back out.

Everyone immediately gathered around.

"How is the baby?" Gracie asked.

Hayley smiled.

"Everything looks good."

The entire crew erupted.

The Quackers started quacking.

Gracie wagged her tail.

I jumped around so much I nearly knocked over Peanut.

Kiwi flew around the room yelling,

"THE BABY IS DOING GREAT!"

Peanut smiled.

"That's wonderful."

But nobody was happier than Maybelline.

She floated right beside Hayley, tears forming in her eyes.

"I'm so happy," she whispered.

Then she looked toward Hayley's belly.

"Hi, little one."

She gently placed her ghostly paw near Hayley.

"I can't wait to meet you someday."

It was one of the sweetest moments I have ever seen.

---

Of course, Kiwi eventually ruined the emotional moment.

"DOES THIS MEAN WE'RE GETTING A NEW CREW MEMBER?"

Everyone looked at him.

"I think so," I said.

Kiwi puffed out his chest.

"I VOLUNTEER TO BE THE BABY'S OFFICIAL BIRD."

Peanut shook her head.

"That's probably going to require training."

"I am highly trained!"

"You chased your own shadow yesterday."

"That was reconnaissance."

The Quackers began laughing.

"Quack!"

"Quack quack!"

---

On the way home, everyone was talking about the appointment.

We talked about how exciting it was that the baby was growing.

We talked about what the nursery would eventually look like.

We talked about how Hayley would need lots of help when the baby finally arrives.

And Maybelline listened quietly.

She looked out the window as we drove.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing," she said.

"I'm just thinking."

"About what?"

"About how strange life is."

She smiled.

"Sometimes you spend your whole life thinking about the people you love. Then even after you're gone, you still want to be there for them."

She looked at Hayley.

"And today, I got to be."

I put my paw against the seat beside her.

"I think she knew you were there."

Maybelline smiled.

"I hope so."

---

When we got home, the Quackers immediately began making plans.

"We need a baby-proofing committee!"

Kiwi raised his wing.

"I volunteer!"

"No," everyone said.

Peanut opened her notebook.

"First item: finish the nursery."

Gracie nodded.

"Second item: make sure everything is ready."

I smiled.

"And third item?"

Kiwi raised his wing again.

"Teach the baby to say 'Go Mountaineers!'"

Maybelline laughed.

"Give the baby a little time, Kiwi."

"I'M JUST THINKING AHEAD!"

And maybe he is.

Because before we know it, there will be a brand-new little person joining our family adventures.

And I have a feeling that when that day comes, our crew is going to have one more very important member.

Until next time, dear Journal...

Today wasn't about mischief, finding bottles, chasing snipes, or invading concession stands.

Today was about family, hope, and getting a little glimpse of someone we've all been waiting to meet.

And judging by the smile on Maybelline's face...

the afterlife has never felt quite so close to home.

With happy paws, excited feathers, cheerful quacks, wagging tails, and one very happy ghost,

Lucy 🐾

Wednesday

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday is once again over with, time to get back to making this rock a better one to live on. 

* It has been 22,901 days since I was born, that is 21 years using my new,  new, new, and improved 1,069-day Calendar. Mom is at 30,550, which would make her 28 according to my new and improved calendar. 

* It has been 8,156 days since I graduated from WVU with a Degree in Geography. I love what I do and am thankful to still be working in my field. Has it really been 22 years? 

* 6,749 days ago, Michelle and I had our first date together. Life has been much better since then. 

* 5,953 days ago, I proposed to Michelle in the backyard at 4:00 in the morning. I've been the luckiest guy since that fateful day. 

* It was 5,990 days ago in front of our closest friends and family; for the most part, Michelle and I became husband and wife at the Marilla Center. It was a great day with friends and family. 

* I have now lived 3,128 days longer than my Dad did and I'm still going strong, slowing down but still going. 

* Michelle has been living a clean and productive life and beat that alcohol demon 1,782 days ago today. 

* My older Brother Jonathan lived 21,287 days, I've now outlived him by 1,632 days, making me Senior Supreme Sibling once again! 

* Old roommate Gregg proposed to his fiancée 360 days ago, I'm happy for those two. I asked him a couple weeks ago if they set a date yet, he said we would be the first to know. 

* I have 2,004 days to go until I retire, give or take a few hundred days here or there, but I love doing what I do. Who knows, though, doing what I do I may never retire.

* There are only 325 more days to go until Michelle and I celebrate our 16th Wedding Anniversary.

* 161 more days until Phil steps to the center stage once again for Groundhog Day. I'm still mad at the damn rat

* 114 more days to go until my Goodbye 2026 Blog is posted. 

* There are 107 more shopping days left until Christmas 2026. 

* There are 92 days until I hit the age of 63. Yeah, I know, I'm really older than 21. 

* It has been ∞ (infinity symbol) days since I have hated both Pitt and Penn State.

* I have written 8,491 blogs in what is now 22 years of Blogging.

* Still working 10's this week and probably next week as well. 

* They are taking out the turn at the top of Van Voorhis Road, it is now open and you top the hill differently. 

* Progress on my Selfie in Space, right here. We are ready for liftoff and holding. 

* Not much else going on, I can always see on the ring camera when Michelle gets another Amazon order for the baby and watch them deliver it. 

* Have a great day. 

* Hi ho hi ho

Monday

All good things must come to an end—but if you’ve got to wrap up the weekend, today’s a pretty exciting way to do it. Now it’s time to take our collective noses and press them firmly back onto the grindstone of life. Back to work, back to the hustle, back to doing our part to make this spinning rock a better place.

Kiwi and Peanut both decided this morning neither one of them want to go to work with me today, they were up all night studying and mastering the fine workings of the office stapler. Since most of my products are electronic and digital, they decided to go to work with Mommy for their stapler internship. They plan on mastering the age old trade and then moving on to another resume builder, licking stamps and putting them on envelopes. They are so talented. 

I am still working the 10-hour shifts and have been since May, and plan on continuing that for the immediate future, as we are trying to make GIS the statement of record for all things geospatial. We really do have a great team between the three sites (Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Strasburg, Ohio). I created a product for data integrity over the past year that they are going to use when we contract out our flyover data capture the first week of October. Plus, the large analysis I did using 150 million vehicle data point locations that we had to identify well roads, which is not exactly a dataset you can create from public data, especially when it is specific to your company. I really do enjoy what I do, and believe it or not, I don't watch the clock, and my days fly by.

Have yourselves a great day. 

Hi ho hi ho

Sunday

Here I sit in a semi-quiet household; Kiwi and Peanut are still talking about last night's game as they switch from being WVU fans to Steelers fans today. They are still both complaining about last night's game being past their dad's bedtime, and they had to remain quiet as he slept. The Steelers play the Patriots this afternoon, and they both hate them. 

You know, I did run into an old picture of me yesterday, one that I knew existed but didn't have a copy of it. Yes, that is your favorite blogger years and years ago. It was actually about a month or so before my niece Valarie was even born. Back to October of 1983, I was walking up and down Sunnyside after we had just beaten Pitt 24-21, or the game Jeff Hostetler beat them with a late touchdown in the 4th quarter. I think I was walking up to the Bullpen to meet Smitty to the best of my recollection. 

So what is on today's agenda? Watch some football and prepare for the upcoming week at work. I know we have our menu planned, and Meatloaf is on today's menu. I get to peel the potatoes because you can't do instant mashed potatoes with homemade meatloaf. 

Have yourselves a great Sunday.