Sunday

Here I sit in a quiet household, wondering if Morgantown is still standing after yesterday. Peanut and I are out here discussing her favorite flavor of cat treats, I say it is catnip flavor because she can tend to be a finicky little bitch. 

Well WVU did what I did not think that they were capable of doing yesterday, they actually beat Virginia Tech 27-21 here in Morgantown. I really thought when we were up 27-7 that we were going to choke it away, and we just about did that as we let them back into the game, and had they converted on 4th and Goal late in the game we would be discussing a different outcome. The Mountaineers are on the road next week as they travel to Norman Oklahoma to take on the Oklahoma Sooners, a team we have not beaten since we came to the Big XII. It would be nice to stop that streak on Saturday. 

I will be traveling for work once again this week, I'm actually going to be leaving this afternoon and settling into the hotel this evening. It's going to be a 3-hour drive and I just want to start tomorrow with a fresh start where I don't have to worry about getting out the door early and then traveling, then working, then settling into the hotel. It's a nice way to add up my IHG Rewards points. 

Shopping this morning, pay some bills, and then hitting the road before the sun drops down on the day.

Have yourselves a great day. 

Happy Birthday Calvin McClain

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my Nephew Calvin a very Happy Birthday today.

 Don't ask me how old he is all I know is that all of my Nephews and Nieces have passed me up in age and I'm still only 21 (he's 22) Calvin is someone Michelle and I have watched grow up and mature more than any other family member since we have been together. 

He has matured into a fine young man and now has a beautiful wife to share his life with. I'm not sure what Jeanetta or even my sister Pam have planned for him today, but I will say it'll be memorable no matter what it may be. It has been a real honor watching this young man grown up into the man that he is today. 

 If you happen to see Calvin today, make sure that you wish him a very Happy Birthday today. Happy Birthday Calvin.

Game Day

It has been a while since one of our traditional rivals has actually made an appearance in Morgantown. While it is not a game that I am confident about, I think we have too many glaring weaknesses, I am excited to see the Hokies coming back into Mountaineer Field at Don Nehlen Stadium (who it should have been named after IMHO).

Speaking of the old coach, I got to meet him and shake his hand this past week. I was at Walzy's Hot Dogs picking up lunch and I was sitting there waiting for my lunch right beside the register, an older gentleman came in and was standing in front of the register waiting to order. Who to my shocked eyes was it, it was Don Nehlen who was there to pick up some lunch. Had a quick conversation with him about my food and how he likes them and that was about it. Didn't expect to see him, and it was a pleasant surprise. 

Well, I know where I will be working now to close out quarter three. I will be traveling to Charles Town and staying and working. Plus I have another segment close by in Harpers Ferry both this week and next week. Since it's a three-hour drive, I'll be heading down a night early each week to get settled into the hotel so I don't have to worry about that and working on the same day. That could make for a long day.

Michelle was off yesterday but will be working today as this is her Saturday to work at FD Kitchens. Hopefully, she can get off work and avoid the post-game traffic that is associated with home games. 

Did get the grass cut yesterday, or should I say Michelle was going to town on the mower yesterday as I went to get the oil changed in Pearl. This may have been the last cut of the year, but something tells me that we will pull out the mower at least one more time this year for the leaves if nothing else. 

Have yourselves a great day. 

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 once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday. 

However, let's get to the important things. How about a little bit of High School Football to start your weekend. The Undefeated University High Hawks are on the road to take on Wheeling Park. Clay Battelle plays host to Beallsville (OH) in Blacksville. Trinity travels to Paden City to play. The Mohigans still looking for their first win of the season play host to 2-1 Hedgesville. Good luck to all of our local teams this evening. 

Michelle is off today, this is her weekend to work so she takes the day before off as to not put her into Overtime. If it were up to her she would work OT, but it's the company policy that if she works on Saturday that she take Friday off. I should be off as well so maybe we can get a few things done around the house as this will be a big football weekend in Morgantown. 

Have yourselves a great day, have a great weekend. 

Photo Flashback Thursday

Once a week I like to take a little bit of time out, time to look at some of the 30,000+ photos that I have stored on my computer. Little lost moments in time that I either captured with a lens, scanned, or just stole from someplace on the internet. I like to find just one and post it up and recall or relive the picture to the best of my ability. Sometimes this is a pretty easy task and sometimes it's not that easy, one thing it has always been a whole lot of fun.

This week's pic goes back to last Summer and one of a rare one. It's one of the times (about once a decade) where the five living siblings here in West Virginia manage to get together and step in front of a Camera. 

The picture was taken last year when Val had a birthday party for Erica and Josh and we managed to get Gary into town for the day. We tried to emulate a photo from 1978, which was our first one together, as we were all in the same positions from that original photo. Good times went by. 

Have yourselves a great day. 

Hi ho hi ho

Wednesday

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday completed, Kiwi is still singing and I can't think of a better reason to do a tidbits. 

* It has been 21,109 days since I was born, that is 21 years using my new and improved 991 day Calender. I prefer my calendar as it is the best calendar and it is variable. 

* It has been 6,340 days since I graduated from WVU with a Degree in Geography. I also have a minor in Communications and a Minor in History. I do love my mapping and Geography.

* 4,927 days ago Michelle and I had our first date together, my life has been fulfilled ever since. 

* 4,156 days ago I proposed to Michelle, 4:00 in the morning in the back yard. It was no surprise, she knew it was coming. 

* It was 3,692 days ago in front of our closest friends and family, Michelle and I became husband and wife at the Marilla Center, then we feasted like Kings and Queens. It was a memorable day. 

* I have now lived 1,314 days longer than my Dad did and I'm still going strong. I wish this was one bullet point that I didn't have to do. 

* I have 3,802 days to go until I retire, give or take a few hundred days here or there.

* The next Backyard Brawl where we beat Pitt's ass in Football is only 362 days away. We do have Virginia Tech at home Saturday, so there is that. 

* There are 326 more days to go until Michelle and I celebrate our Eleventh Wedding Anniversary together. =)

* There are only 187 days until the start of Spring 2022. My favorite season of the year rolls around again. 

* There are 148 days until Michelle and I head to Pittsburgh to see Reba in concert. The Concert was supposed to be this August (actually it was supposed to be in March of last year) and they have moved it until the middle of February next year. So basically I bought tickets for a concert in 2022 in 2019. 

* 139 more days until Phil steps to center stage again for Groundhogs Day, he has ended his winter vacation and can once again be seen in the back yard eating the Corn Michelle puts out. 

* 109 more days to go until my Goodbye 2021 Blog is posted, I'm hoping for a big year this year. 

* There are 103 more shopping days left until Christmas 2021. You still have plenty of time. 

* The next Anniversary of my 21st Birthday will be in 78 more days. 

* I have written 6,530 blogs in the now 17 years since I started blogging. 

* Drone still needs to be sent out for repairs, not a big priority at this time. 

* If you want to listen to a Good Podcast, listen to this one. The guy who hosts it (Anthony) is a former Softball teammate. The guest is Scott Scooter Bartlett another longtime Softball teammate, they talk about Steve "Chewy" Stavar, Matt Striner and Joe Webb, all of which were former Softball teammates. Scott was my Buddy, we clicked from the first time we met. It's an hour long, but a lot of good insight on Mountaineer Sports. 

* Michelle is working this Saturday, I guess she has to work once a month now and this is her Saturday to work. It was originally supposed to be every other weekend. 

* I'm getting tired of Microsoft 365, now RTI is switching to it and it's a big headache all over the place. 

* WVU plays a Home Game this week, the Virginia Tech Hokies will come to town. I've got my fingers crossed, but I don't have much faith. 

* There are 22 days until the girls' trip this year. No boys invited, I guess this is their version of he man woman haters club. 

* Have yourselves a great day.  

* Order some Popcorn, help a kid out. 

* Hi ho hi ho

Monday

Here we go once again sticking our noses back onto the grindstone for another fun-filled week of doing what it is that we do for a living. It's time to start another week of changing the world and making it a better place. Here's to everyone that helps do that. 

Is it hard to believe that it is already the middle of September, where in the world did our Summer go? It seems like it was just yesterday that Hayley and Tyler were getting married and we were at the Beach, and here we are three months past that. At least the weather is being cooperative for us. 

I should be around town and in Marion County this week working. I should find out this morning what the specific game plan is as those are the only places I have paperwork for and I don't have any travel approval this week. My boss was on vacation last week, something happened to her back up so we had a third Supervisor last week probably overseeing too many people in the field, so little communication last week. Plus we implemented a new Office 365 email system that has probably been a logistic nightmare for the people supporting IT. Not going to be a productive week, but we'll see what we can do. 

Have yourselves a great day.

Hi ho hi ho

Sunday Morning Rambling

Here Peanut and I sit on a quiet Sunday morning, we're sitting here talking about 9-11. I was telling her where I was and what I was doing on that fateful morning 20 years ago. She likes hearing me talk and makes a pretty good listener, unlike Kiwi who like to do all the morning talking. 

What's on my agenda for this week, I have no approved travel this week so I will be working around town this week. My Boss was on vacation last week and away from any communication, so we'll probably put some cases I have worked to death around town and prepare for me going to the Parkersburg area next week. 

WVU had their way with Long Island University yesterday. Nothing to get too excited about, the outcome was already pretty much pre-determined as this was a warm-up game for us. I'm not going to complain about a 66-0 win, but there still are a lot of concerns. 

Plans for the day include us doing our grocery shopping and things of that nature this morning. The Steelers are playing at 1:00 against Buffalo for the start of the 2021 NFL Season, so it's a football weekend. 

Have yourselves a great day. 

17 Years

Wow has time flown by, do you believe that it has been 17 years since my first post on Blogger. It was 17 years ago today that this all started, me sitting down at a computer and writing a journal of what was or is happening in my life. September 11, 2004 was when I first posted my first blog. Just think in four more years my blog will be able to buy a beer...lol

This blog has seen a lot in those 17 years, my career ups and downs, Michelle and my relationship from the very beginning and a few births, marriages, deaths, and other events all chronologically cataloged for anyone to read, see or reference. 

It has been tedious at times, challenging at times, and my honor at times. I think my favorite blog in all 17 years was This One where I publicly announced that our Brother Search had been found. My Wedding Day would have been #1 if it were not for me finding Jonathan. 

Thank you for reading the past 17 years worth of blog posts, it has been my honor to write them. Here is to the next 17 years. 

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 once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday. 

However, let's get to the important things. How about a little bit of High School Football to start your weekend. The Undefeated University High Hawks are on the road this week as they travel to Wellsburg to take on Brooke. Undefeated Trinity travels to Millerport Ohio to take on that team. Clay Battelle hosts Valley Whetzel in Blacksbille this evening. Good luck to all three teams in action tonight. Morgantown who is still looking for their first win of the year is off this week. 

I'll be coming home this evening after working all week in Wheeling. 

Because tomorrow is a special blog, the WVU Mountaineers try to get on their first win of the year as they play host to the Long Island University Sharks at 5:00 tomorrow afternoon. I guess this means there will be a few drunk people around town tomorrow..lol

Have yourselves a great day. 

Hi ho hi ho

Photo Flashback Thursday

Once a week I like to take a little bit of time out, time to look at some of the 30,000+ photos that I have stored on my computer. Little lost moments in time that I either captured with a lens, scanned, or just stole from someplace on the internet. I like to find just one and post it up and recall or relive the picture to the best of my ability. Sometimes this is a pretty easy task and sometimes it's not that easy, one thing it has always been a whole lot of fun.

This weeks pic goes back 21 years. It was the summer of 1999 and Dad had came out of the hospital and wanted to have a big thank you picnic for everyone. 

This pic is of all the Grandchildren and extended family for the picnic. They were all so young back then and this just seems like it was yesterday. Just a little reminder that time goes by quickly, enjoy it. 

Have yourselves a great day. 

Hi ho hi ho

Wednesday

Tuesday's Tidbits

* 4 Day weekend completed, time for me to hit back on the road for a few days. Sounds like another great reason to do a tidbits. 

* It has been 21,102 days since I was born, that is 21 years using my new and improved 991 day Calender. I prefer my calendar as it is the best calendar and it is variable. 

* It has been 6,333 days since I graduated from WVU with a Degree in Geography. I also have a minor in Communications and a Minor in History. I do love my mapping and Geography.

* 4,920 days ago Michelle and I had our first date together, my life has been fulfilled ever since. 

* 4,149 days ago I proposed to Michelle, 4:00 in the morning in the back yard. It was no surprise, she knew it was coming. 

* It was 3,685 days ago in front of our closest friends and family, Michelle and I became husband and wife at the Marilla Center, then we feasted like Kings and Queens. It was a memorable day. 

* I have now lived 1,307 days longer than my Dad did and I'm still going strong. I wish this was one bullet point that I didn't have to do. 

* I have 3,809 days to go until I retire, give or take a few hundred days here or there.

* The next Backyard Brawl where we beat Pitt's ass in Football is only 369 days away. After this past weekend, I'm worried. 

* There are 333 more days to go until Michelle and I celebrate our Eleventh Wedding Anniversary together. =)

* There are only 194 days until the start of Spring 2022. My favorite season of the year rolls around again. 

* There are 155 days until Michelle and I head to Pittsburgh to see Reba in concert. The Concert was supposed to be this August (actually it was supposed to be in March of last year) and they have moved it until the middle of February next year. So basically I bought tickets for a concert in 2022 in 2019. 

* 146 more days until Phil steps to center stage again for Groundhogs Day, he has ended his winter vacation and can once again be seen in the back yard eating the Corn Michelle puts out. 

* 116 more days to go until my Goodbye 2021 Blog is posted, I'm hoping for a big year this year. 

* There are 110 more shopping days left until Christmas 2021. You still have plenty of time. 

* The next Anniversary of my 21st Birthday will be in 85 more days. 

* I have written 6,523 blogs in the now 16, nearly 17 years since I started blogging. Saturday will be 17 years. 

* Drone still needs to be sent out for repairs, not a big priority at this time. 

* I did find DiCarlos last week, guess what we will be having Friday night for dinner. 

* I'm working in the Wheeling area this week, just a little closer to downtown than last week. 

* I'm getting tired of Microsoft 365, now RTI is switching to it. 

* WVU plays a Home Game this week, this is the easy throwaway game that we should be able to handily beat the opponent. I don't know though, I'm losing faith. 

* There are 29 days until the girls' trip this year. No boys invited, I guess this is their version of he man woman haters club. 

* Have yourselves a great day.  

* Order some Popcorn, help a kid out. 

* Hi ho hi ho

Labor Day

Woo Hoo it's Labor Day. I am extending my weekend as well and not working today either. Michelle and I scrapped the smoking idea yesterday due to the rain and are going to tackle it again today. 

I am traveling for work this week, I just won't be leaving until tomorrow morning and will be returning home Friday Morning this week. Traveling to Wheeling once again and ironically I will not be going to my brothers place, but I'll be in his neighborhood...literally. But that starts tomorrow. 

Had a nice relaxing day yesterday considering all the rain that we got. There was a nice nap involved and I will be up early firing the smoker up for dinner today. We've got a pork butt that we are smoking as well as our roasting ears. 

Michelle learned yesterday that her long-time hairdresser has passed away. Someone who has had some health problems that escalated and lead down that final path. She had been doing both Michelle's and her sister Chris's hair since they moved to Morgantown 30+ years ago. 

Have yourselves a great day today, enjoy your day off. 

Sunday Morning Rambling

Here I sit in a quiet household, Peanut and I are sitting here coming up with a grocery list for the day and talking about yesterday. 

Well, for the most part, we had a pretty productive day yesterday, got laundry done, made a trip to Sams Club, and then had to put a new battery in Ice, the cold cranking amps just weren't there so we just replaced the battery with a much better one. Went up to the graveyard to waste some time and stopped by a local vegetable stand to pick up some corn for dinner today. 

After that, I told you I'm not very confident in this year's Mountaineer team and yesterday's 24-30 loss just confirmed what I had already known. I think we made a bad hire when Dana Holgerson left. Everyone wants to believe in Neal Brown, but he's way overpaid, in way over his head and I have seen no progress from this team since he's been here. He's too worried about having fun with the guys and being their big brother more than he is in doing what he is paid to do. I think it is time for the Board of Governors to start putting pressure on the President, the Athletic Director, and the guy we employ as a Head Football Coach. Rant Over. 

Today we've got a pork butt that we are going to toss into the smoker. I know we are going to do some roasting ears that we bought yesterday for dinner. 

I hope everyone has a great day. 

It's Football

Here I sit the quiet dawn of football morning, all happy to know that College Football season is now starting. Peanut is excited and Kiwi is still sleeping saying not this stuff again. 

The Mountaineers start their 2021 campaign and taking on bordering state rival the Maryland Turds (or Terrapins if that floats your boat) in College Park this afternoon for a 3:30 PM Kickoff. The Mountaineers are a slight favorite, but we have also been put on the upset watch meaning we are one of today's favorites who could be upset. The game is in Maryland and Maryland's coach Mike Locksley was actually on the shortlist back in 2007 to replace Rich Rodriguez after he left for Michigan. Should be a good game. 

I can't make a prediction, WVU does return Jarret Doege last seasons starting Quarterback, but he had to be pulled in the 2nd half of the bowl game against Army as was Running Back Leddie Brown, and none of last years receivers had me very confident that any of them could make a routine catch last year. However it is a new year, a revamped Offensive Line and hopefully the bugs are all worked out as we begin Neal Brown's third year as the WVU Head Football Coach. 

I'll be watching with great anticipation this afternoon that we can in fact win the game, but I do have to say I'm not that confident coming into this season. I would welcome the opportunity to prove my gut is wrong and that this is a solid football team, but that will have to be done on the field. 

Have yourselves a great day and a great start to the 2021 season. 

Let's Go!!!!

Big Ole Hairy Labor Day Weekend

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 once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday and a Labor Day Weekend. 

I'm home from my week of traveling and I'm ready for a nice long weekend. I'm off today and may head back out either Monday or Tuesday morning to travel once again. 

However, let's get to the important things. How about a little bit of High School Football to start your weekend. Undefeated and uncored upon University High is at home taking on Parkersburg South. Undefeated and unscored upon Clay Battelle is hosting East Hardy. Trinity High School starts its season tonight by hosting Bridgeport Ohio. Good luck to all of these teams tonight and continued success. Morgantown High visits the WV Bridgeport this evening to take on the Indians. Bridgeport's game last week against BU was canceled due to Buchanon Upshire's COVID problems, so this will be their first game of the year. The once-mighty Mohigans got their butts handed to them last week and that's why they get the last mention in this blog. 

Other than that, we're looking for a nice weekend at home. 

Have yourselves a great day and the start of a greater weekend. 

Photo Flashback Thursday

Once a week I like to take a little bit of time out, time to look at some of the 30,000+ photos that I have stored on my computer. Little lost moments in time that I either captured with a lens, scanned, or just stole from someplace on the internet. I like to find just one and post it up and recall or relive the picture to the best of my ability. Sometimes this is a pretty easy task and sometimes it's not that easy, one thing it has always been a whole lot of fun.

This pic goes back to the year 2005 and I think this was Calvin's Birthday party at Pam and George's house years ago when they were putting on the addition and remodeling.

This picture however is early in Amy and Ralph's dating life, long before Kaiden or Kynlea and when she had no kids but did have a pet Ferret. I don't think she had it for very long, but they did have one briefly. 

Have yourselves a great day.

Hi ho hi ho

Wednesday