Wednesday

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday is yet once again in our rear view mirrors, we are chugging along with another week of work and aiming towards the weekend. 

* It has been 22,623 days since I was born, that is 21 years using my new,  new, new, and improved 1,069-day Calendar. 

* It has been 7,875 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. 

* 6,469 days ago Michelle and I had our first date together. Life has been much better since then. 

* 5,673  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 5,710 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 2,848 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 1,502 days ago today. 

* My older Brother Jonathan lived 21,273 days, I've now outlived him by 1,365 days, making me Senior Supreme Sibling once again! 

* Old roommate Gregg proposed to his fiancée 80 days ago, I'm happy for those two. 

* I have 2,262 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 364 days until I hit the age of 63. Yeah I know, I'm really older than 21. 

* There are only 248 more days to go until Michelle and I will celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary......maybe

* There are 107 days until my favorite season begins, a lot of people love different seasons, I am a Spring person who loves the Springtime. 

* 69 more days until Phil steps to center stage once again for Groundhog Day.    

* 43 more days to go until my Goodbye 2025 Blog is posted. Hopefully, I can put some better content together this year.

* There are 22 more shopping days left until Christmas 2025. We're down to double digits, quick everyone panic. 

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

* I have written 8,164 blogs in what is now 21 years of Blogging. 

* Older Drone still needs to be sent out for repairs, not a big priority at this time. My little drone is awesome and I really like it....when I take time out to fly it.  

* Are you looking to buy some Girl Scout Goodies? Well Releigh has started her campaign to sell chocolates, candles, stationary and other things. This is her store. 

* Are you looking to buy some Girl Scout Goodies? Well Bella has started her campaign to sell chocolates, candles, stationary and other things. This is her store. 

* They both have their own stores, their own campaigns and their own goals to meet. 

* Let's keep it in the same household, go give Crown of Scars a listen. It's my Nephew Moke and he tells his life story through song, so listen to the lyrics, it's pretty deep. 

* Still playing Monopoly Go, but not as often, as a matter of a fact I haven't touched it in a while. 

* This is my favorite TikTok, Kiwi can already say Alexa and he does like the Bee Gees.

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

* I think my AI skills are really expanding, I'm using a number of them doing all kinds of different tasks (other than drawing pictures). 

* Have yourselves 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.

Would you believe I get to go back to an 8 hour shift for a couple of weeks. I've been working 10's the last three weeks to make up for three Holidays that Hope had in November. I can enjoy this for about two weeks and I have to do it again for Christmas and New Years, but I get a couple of weeks where I can just enjoy a normal workday so I will take full advantage of that. 

As I was leaving this morning Kiwi and Peanut were celebrating, I guess four days of me being at home kind of spoils their no Mom and Dad time where they can plan out their mischief for the week. They had some Bee Gees playing and they were a dancing as Michelle and I were walking out the door. 

Have yoursleves a great day today, make it a special one...or treat it as any other. Your choice. 

Hi ho hi ho

Sunday

Here I sit in a quiet household, Peanut and Kiwi said this is the last of the humans four day weekend and they are worn out and want to take the day and nap all day long. The Steelers play this afternoon and they will be ready for it. 

So what is on my agenda for the day? I may start doing a little bit of formatting for my end-of-the-year blog. That is the blog post that relives everything that has happened over the last year, and is my last blog post for any year. It's also the one that takes me the most time to write as I scan through my blog month by month, looking for relevant content. I have a feeling this is going to be a tough year to do, especially when a few pets have taken over most of the content, if you know what I mean. 

Plans for the day, doing a few things around the house as we prepare for another workweek. I'll be back to 8 hour days this week and next, then it'll be back to 10 hours to make up for Christmas and those days. I had a job last month that would have been 18 months and literally double the pay, but it fell through at the very last minute. Even had my computer in hand, so I'm still at Hope living the life of a contractor. 

Have yoursleves a great day, make it special. 

Saturday

Here I sit in a semi-quiet household, Peanut and Kiwi are up playing another game of Chess. Peanut won all four games they played last year, but Kiwi the Master of everything, was convinced that he could finally beat the Chess Master. Although after thoroughly examining the board, Peanut is just kicking his little tail feathered butt all over the place. 

The last home Football game of the year is this afternoon in Morgantown. WVU will be taking on Texas Tech who is ranked #5 right now, which could indicate a very bad game for us potentially. Don't count these boys out though, Rich wants something to make a statement and get the momentum for next year and this could very well be it. No promises, but it would not surprise me one bit if they are ready to give Texas Tech a game. 

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving Holiday, we went to the firehall like we do every year and it was once again a huge success. It is truly amazing how so many people can come together and get so much done to create so much good food and treats in a short period of time. They are some amazing people to say the least. 

Michelle has a birthday poarty to go to today, me I'm watching football. 

Have 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 again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday, although I am off today as it is a Holiday at Hope. 

Kiwi and Peanut are already up and out the door looking for some Black Friday Deals. They wanted to hit it early so that they could avoind any of the Black Friday rush sales, but I think the days of up all night and mobs have died down in the past 10 or so year since so many people now shop and buy online rather than dealing with the madness, if there really are any deals in the stores like there used to be. 

Are you looking for a little bit of High School Football? It's the semi-finals and I know we are all excited. ALL Three Monongalia County Teams advanced to the Semi-Finals. University High went down to Huntington and knocked off #2 Huntington in their house. They get to travel to Martinsburg and take them on this weekend. Morgantown needed double Overtime and a 4th Quarter comeback to beat Spring Mills. They will be hosting Jefferson this weekend. Clay Battelle had an easy time with Wirst County and should be hosting Cameron this evening in Blacksville. Cameron is their only loss this season, but that was in their house. Congratulations to all three High Schools for making the Semi-Finals and sweeping last week. Good luck to all three teams this weekend. 

Have yourselves a great day, and an even better weekend. Remember the students are probably getting ready to come back into town after their fall break, and there is the final home football game of the season tomorrow, so there shall be traffic. 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

As the aroma of turkey fills the air and the table starts to crowd with all the good stuff—mashed potatoes, stuffing, pies, and family favorites—I wanted to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.

This time of year always reminds us to slow down just a little, look around, and truly appreciate the people, moments, and blessings that make life meaningful. Whether you're spending the day surrounded by family, sharing laughs with friends, watching football, sneaking extra dessert, or just enjoying a peaceful day off, I hope it brings you comfort, gratitude, and a full plate.

Thanksgiving is about more than just the feast—it’s about connection, kindness, and recognizing all the little things we often overlook. So today, I’m thankful for you: readers, friends, and everyone who stops by to be part of this space.

May your day be cozy, your conversations lively, your food amazing, and your heart full.

Have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁🦃🍽️

Lucy's Journal

November 26

Well folks, it’s the day before Thanksgiving, and you’d think we were preparing for a royal banquet instead of a simple family feast. As usual, my crew has turned what should be a calm, organized day of cooking into a full-blown circus.

I rolled out of bed this morning to the smell of something burning—not unusual around here—and found Benny standing over a smoking skillet. He proudly announced he was “testing” different ways to cook cranberries. Not cranberry sauce. Not cranberries in a dish. Just cranberries. In a skillet. Popping everywhere like red popcorn. The kitchen looks like a Jackson Pollock painting.

Meanwhile, Trudy spent the whole morning polishing the good silverware. I tried to explain that we don’t even have good silverware—just the mismatched forks we’ve collected from yard sales—but she said, “Presentation is everything.” She also tried to iron the paper napkins. Yes. Paper.

Hank volunteered to take care of the turkey, which immediately made me nervous. Last year he tried to deep-fry one in a trash can and we nearly lost our eyebrows. This time, though, he swears he’s doing it “by the book.” I’m not sure what book he’s referring to, but the turkey is currently thawing in a bathtub full of warm water and rubber ducks. I don’t have the heart to tell him that’s not quite FDA-approved.

Molly and Pete were in charge of dessert, and I have to say, I think they did the best so far. They baked three pies—pumpkin, apple, and something they’re calling “mystery surprise.” I asked what the mystery was, and they just smiled. I’m… concerned.

The highlight of the day had to be when Benny and Trudy got into an argument over whether stuffing should be cooked inside the turkey or in its own pan. The debate escalated until Benny tried to crawl inside the oven to demonstrate his “hands-on approach,” and Trudy chased him around with a wooden spoon yelling, “Not in my kitchen!”

By evening, the house smelled like cinnamon, turkey seasoning, burnt cranberries, and chaos. But somehow, amidst all the mayhem, it felt warm—homey, even. Everyone was laughing, planning, bumping into each other, and doing their best in their own… unique ways.

So as I sit here writing this, sipping a mug of hot cider, I can’t help but feel thankful for my ridiculous, lovable crew. Tomorrow’s feast might be a disaster, a triumph, or something in between—but it’ll be ours.

And that’s something to be grateful for.

– Lucy

Wednesday

Happy Birthday Valarie Wolfe

I would like to take this opportunity to help my niece Valarie Wolfe celebrate the 21st anniversary of her 21st Birthday today and her first as a Grandmother. 

Much like me we have both decided that we are not getting any older, and instead, we celebrate anniversaries of Birthdays. Now I use the 1,100-day calendar, Val uses a 710-day Calender to achieve her desired birthday. It's the Hall Rule, that makes the number of days in a year a variable based on how many days need to be in it to not exceed 21 years of age. 

Val is a very inspiring young lady, she is battling a crippling disease head-on and doing it with a smile. She is always one to volunteer and lend a helping hand when needed or just being someone to talk to. I would not trade her for the world. 

 I'm not sure if Aaron or any of the kids have anything planned for the day, unless it was last night, but you know it will be special and memorable. If you see this amazing young woman today, make sure that you wish her a very Happy Birthday. 

 Happy Birthday Val.

Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday is yet once again in our rear view mirrors, we are chugging along with another week of work and aiming towards the weekend. 

* It has been 22,616 days since I was born, that is 21 years using my new,  new, new, and improved 1,069-day Calendar. 

* It has been 7,868 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. 

* 6,462 days ago Michelle and I had our first date together. Life has been much better since then. 

* 5,666  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 5,703 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 2,841 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 1,495 days ago today. 

* My older Brother Jonathan lived 21,273 days, I've now outlived him by 1,358 days, making me Senior Supreme Sibling once again! 

* Old roommate Gregg proposed to his fiancée 73 days ago, I'm happy for those two. 

* I have 2,269 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 255 more days to go until Michelle and I will celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary......maybe

* There are 115 days until my favorite season begins, a lot of people love different seasons, I am a Spring person who loves the Springtime. 

* 76 more days until Phil steps to center stage once again for Groundhog Day.    

* 43 more days to go until my Goodbye 2025 Blog is posted. Hopefully, I can put some better content together this year.

* There are 29 more shopping days left until Christmas 2025. We're down to double digits, quick everyone panic. 

* There are 8 days until I hit the age of 62. Yeah I know, I'm really older than 21. 

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

* I have written 8,156 blogs in what is now 21 years of Blogging. 

* Older Drone still needs to be sent out for repairs, not a big priority at this time. My little drone is awesome and I really like it....when I take time out to fly it.  

* It's still football season, Basketball is looking good from what I have seen so far. 

* Are you looking to buy some Girl Scout Goodies? Well Releigh has started her campaign to sell chocolates, candles, stationary and other things. This is her store. 

* Are you looking to buy some Girl Scout Goodies? Well Bella has started her campaign to sell chocolates, candles, stationary and other things. This is her store. 

* They both have their own stores, their own campaigns and their own goals to meet. 

* Let's keep it in the same household, go give Crown of Scars a listen. It's my Nephew Moke and he tells his life story through song, so listen to the lyrics, it's pretty deep. 

* Still playing Monopoly Go, but not as often. 

* Working 10 hour shifts both this week to make up for 2 Holidays Hope has. 

* This is my favorite TikTok, this is a bug signing. He was Penn States top recruit and Ohio State was coming after him hot and heavy. 

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

* I think my AI skills are really expanding, I'm using a number of them doing all kinds of different tasks (other than drawing pictures). 

* Have yourselves 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.

I'm working 10 hour shifts once again this week to make up for the two holidays (Thanksgiving and the day after) that my workplace has scheduled for this week. Being a contractor, if I want paid for them I have to make the hours up and I have been doing that last week and this week. This week for me only consists of three days of me actually going into the office so it's not going to be as bad as it was the past two weeks. 

I'm trying to get the GIS Sharepoint up and running at work, I've had it basically done for over a month, but was waiting on feedback on it. There are a few things I can add for content, but someone other than me needs to be providing those documents plus I am an editor on our Sharepoint, but it's still limited on the backend as to what I can do. 

Have yoursleves a great day. 

Hi ho hi ho

Sunday

Here I sit once again in a quiet household, Kiwi and Peanut decided to do a practice turkey over night, I don't have the heart to tell them that is needs to be baked. Spray painting a raw turkey is not considered baking a turkey. Good thing it was just a small Cornish hen and not a 20lb turkey...lol

The Mountaineers were off yesterday, but they play this coming Saturday in what will be the final game of the 2025 season. I can't reiterate enough how excited I am with the direction the program is going, Rich came back in a changed the entire culture and has them going in the right direction. It's just a matter of time. 

The Steelers are back in that 1:00 Sunday Afternoon time slot that I prefer to the late night games. I like being able to watch the game and see how it develops, those prime time games are for the birds in my opinion. 

Hats off to all three area High School Football teams as they all advanced to the State Semi-Finals over the weekend. University beat a team I didn't think they would beat and Morgantown struggled in Double Overtime against a team they shut out earlier this year in their house. Clay Battelle just rolled. 

Have yourself a great day, make it relaxing and memorable. 

Saturday Morning Ramblings

Here I sit in a quiet household, Kiwi and Peanut have decided to play with some video AI of them watching some football while taking a nap on the couch. I hope they don't spill any of that koolaide anywhere because that stuff stains and is almost impossible to get up. I will have to say Peanut is worn out and Kiwi as always is looking to play a practical joke. 

Well that long week was over with, worked 50 and banked 10 hours for this upcoming week so I can have Thursday and Friday off since they are holidays at Hope and I'm just a lowly contractor. 

I would say I will be watching football today, but who knows. I thought the Mountaineers played today but it is a bye week and they will return home next week to play their final game of the season. I'm seeing a lot of things I like and I really think Rich has the program going in the right direction with a big change in culture. 

You might notice there is less traffic around town this week, the students are off on fall break and will return on the 1st of December, which will be another anniversary of my 21st birthday. 

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

Are you looking for a little bit of High School Football? I know I am. Top-ranked Morgantown High won 56-0 last week and will be home again to take on Spring Mills, whom they beat 21-0 on their field earlier this season. University High put a 62-14 hammering on Parkersburg last week and will now travel to take on  #2 Huntington. 

You might notice that the town has a little bit less traffic after tomorrow. It's fall break for the students, a time when a lot of them go home for the week as the dorms are closed. It's one of those times that the students are here, it's football season, so there is still the game day traffic, but it will subside starting Sunday. 

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 somewhere on the internet. I like to find just one and post it up, recalling or reliving the picture to the best of my ability. Sometimes this is a pretty easy task, and sometimes it's not that easy, but one thing it has always been a lot of fun.

This pic goes back 10 years, it was on our 2015 Cruise, and it was taken on our first formal night, we had a shot taken on the grand stairway between the second the third floors. On the second floor was where all of the scenes were set up, and upstairs is were the photos are all displayed. 

The first formal night (at least back then) was when Lobster and Prime Rib were available in the main dining room. You can get it on any night, but there is an upcharge on any other night you get it. Michelle looked lovely in her dress and of course I looked nice and dapper. 

Have yourself a great day. 

Hi ho hi ho

Lucy's Journal

 Lucy’s Journal — November 19th

Dear Journal,

Today was supposed to be simple. Just a quick little adventure to round up a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Easy, right? WRONG. I should’ve known things would go sideways the moment Kiwi started sharpening a tiny fork like he was in some kind of prison movie.

The crew assembled at dawn:

• Peanut, acting like he was the world’s greatest hunter (he is not).

• Kiwi, perched on my shoulder, muttering something about “maximum gobble extraction.”

• The Quackers, waddling in formation like a discount military unit.
  And of course, me — clearly the only sane one.

Our first stop was the edge of the woods, where Peanut claimed he saw “the biggest turkey ever, like, NFL-lineman big.” I doubted it, but the Quackers were hyped, so in we went.

That’s when we heard it.
GOBBLE.
Not a friendly gobble.
A warning gobble.

Peanut bolted immediately. So much for the world’s greatest hunter.

Kiwi, on the other hand, puffed up like he was ready to rumble. “Show yourself, feathered coward!” he screeched.

Then it stepped out.

The. Biggest. Turkey. I have EVER seen.
This thing looked like it bench-pressed pumpkins for fun. It glared at us like we were dinner.

The Quackers retreated in reverse. Kiwi whispered, “We may need backup.” I whispered back, “We are the backup.”

The turkey took one step toward us and Peanut came flying out of a pile of leaves yelling, “RETREAT! RETREAT!” Kiwi immediately abandoned the mission and dove into my coat pocket. The Quackers formed a panicked V-formation and flapped away even though they cannot fly. It was chaos.

We made it home with:

• No turkey

• A story

• A vow to buy our Thanksgiving bird frozen from the store like normal humans and animals

Peanut swears he wasn’t scared. Kiwi claims the turkey “cheated by being huge.” The Quackers have pledged never to speak of today again.

As for me? I’m just grateful we escaped without becoming part of its Thanksgiving dinner.

Until next time,
Lucy 🦃🦆🐾

Wednesday

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Tuesday's Tidbits

* Monday is yet once again in our rear view mirrors, we are chugging along with another week of work and aiming towards the weekend. 

* It has been 22,609 days since I was born, that is 21 years using my new,  new, new, and improved 1,069-day Calendar. 

* It has been 7,861 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. 

* 6,455 days ago Michelle and I had our first date together. Life has been much better since then. 

* 5,659  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 5,697 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 2,834 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 1,488 days ago today. 

* My older Brother Jonathan lived 21,273 days, I've now outlived him by 1,351 days, making me Senior Supreme Sibling once again! 

* Old roommate Gregg proposed to his fiancée 66 days ago, I'm happy for those two. 

* I have 2,276 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 262 more days to go until Michelle and I will celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary. 

* There are 122 days until my favorite season begins, a lot of people love different seasons, I am a Spring person who loves the Springtime. 

* 83 more days until Phil steps to center stage once again for Groundhog Day.    

* 50 more days to go until my Goodbye 2025 Blog is posted. Hopefully, I can put some better content together this year.

* There are 36 more shopping days left until Christmas 2025. We're down to double digits, quick everyone panic. 

* There are 15 days until I hit the age of 62. Yeah I know, I'm really older than 21. 

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

* I have written 8,148 blogs in what is now 21 years of Blogging. 

* Older Drone still needs to be sent out for repairs, not a big priority at this time. My little drone is awesome and I really like it....when I take time out to fly it.  

* It's still football season, Basketball is looking good from what I have seen so far. 

* Are you looking to buy some Girl Scout Goodies? Well Releigh has started her campaign to sell chocolates, candles, stationary and other things. This is her store. 

* Are you looking to buy some Girl Scout Goodies? Well Bella has started her campaign to sell chocolates, candles, stationary and other things. This is her store. 

* They both have their own stores, their own campaigns and their own goals to meet. 

* Let's keep it in the same household, go give Crown of Scars a listen. It's my Nephew Moke and he tells his life story through song, so listen to the lyrics, it's pretty deep. 

* Still playing Monopoly Go, but not as often. 

* Working 10 hour shifts both this and next week to make up for 2 Holidays Hope has. 

* This is my favorite TikTok, sing along. 

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

* I think my AI skills are really expanding, I'm using a number of them doing all kinds of different taks (other than drawing pictures). 

* Have yourselves 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.

As us Humans are slaving away, Kiwi and Peanut are ordering Pizza and spending the day watching Disney movies with animals. Peanut likes The Lion King, Peanut likes Rio and it's not hard to figure out why they like those genres of movies. 

Me I'm working longer days this week and next to bank hours for next week. Two Holidays are coming up, and the life of a contractor has some negative perks, and no holidays happen to be one of them. No biggie, I get a four-day weekend NEXT weekend, not this one coming which I don't mind one bit. 

Have yourselves a great day

Hi ho hi ho