Thursday, February 28, 2019
Ice Ice Baby
The majority of the country experienced some rough weather this past weekend. Tornadoes in the south. Snow in the north. Rain in the midwest. All areas had sustained high winds. Cincinnati had gusts at and above 50 mph. Things were really howling! Check out the photos below. This is what happens when strong winds blow water off of Lake Ontario for an extended period of time. See why I love winter? These are REAL photos. They are not doctored in any way.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
A mess!
From the Jussie Smollett hoax, to the Robert Mueller sham of an investigation, to AOC's Green New Deal, to Bernie Sanders running for President... The Democrats are a mess right now. Not that it hurts my feelings or anything...
Monday, February 25, 2019
30 years together
Yesterday Tami and I celebrated the 30th anniversary our first date. It was February 24th, 1989. I was a junior in college pursuing a degree in elementary education. Tami was a single mom pursuing the same degree as me. We had some classes together and prior to our first date found ourselves hanging out with a group of other education majors in an informal, makeshift study group. We were friendly in a group chat sort of way. I thought she was nice, sweet, smart, and beautiful. I didn’t think she thought of me as anything but the token male in a group full of female education majors. I had no idea she was interested in me at all. In fact, I was so oblivious to her interests that she LITERALLY had to ask me out. I wasn’t the most confident of bachelors and I never dreamed a woman of her caliber would be remotely interested in me.
Our first date amounted to me going over to her house, watching a few movies on VHS and eating some popcorn. Jessi was 4 years old at the time and had the chicken pox. Tami’s first priority (rightly so) was as a mother. She needed to care for her sick daughter and I was way more than ok with that. From day one I got to see Tami in action as this incredible mother and that was very attractive and desirable to me. Our next few dates were similar. It wasn’t for about a month that we actually “went out” on a date alone. Most of our dates were the three of us, and again, I was more than okay with this arrangement. Jessi always came first and I came second. However, I was smart enough to see the long-term value and benefit of playing second fiddle to a 4 year-old girl. It didn’t take long, although I’m not exactly sure when it happened, that I was totally and madly in love with both of them.
30 years later Tami and I have 3 kids, 2 sons-in-law, 1 daughter-in-law, and three adorable grandchildren. We have come full circle and for the first time since our first date, find ourselves truly alone… just the two of us in an empty nest.
I can’t believe it has been 30 years since that night I drove to the far-off land of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. To a St. Bernard boy that was the other side of the world. I may as well have been driving to a foreign country. At the time I had no idea that little drive and that first date would alter my life forever. We can often look back and see turning points in our lives. February 24th, 1989 is likely the most pivotal moment of my entire life.
Thank you, Honey for 30 wonderful years of being together. It has been an amazing ride! I love you!
Our first date amounted to me going over to her house, watching a few movies on VHS and eating some popcorn. Jessi was 4 years old at the time and had the chicken pox. Tami’s first priority (rightly so) was as a mother. She needed to care for her sick daughter and I was way more than ok with that. From day one I got to see Tami in action as this incredible mother and that was very attractive and desirable to me. Our next few dates were similar. It wasn’t for about a month that we actually “went out” on a date alone. Most of our dates were the three of us, and again, I was more than okay with this arrangement. Jessi always came first and I came second. However, I was smart enough to see the long-term value and benefit of playing second fiddle to a 4 year-old girl. It didn’t take long, although I’m not exactly sure when it happened, that I was totally and madly in love with both of them.
30 years later Tami and I have 3 kids, 2 sons-in-law, 1 daughter-in-law, and three adorable grandchildren. We have come full circle and for the first time since our first date, find ourselves truly alone… just the two of us in an empty nest.
I can’t believe it has been 30 years since that night I drove to the far-off land of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. To a St. Bernard boy that was the other side of the world. I may as well have been driving to a foreign country. At the time I had no idea that little drive and that first date would alter my life forever. We can often look back and see turning points in our lives. February 24th, 1989 is likely the most pivotal moment of my entire life.
Thank you, Honey for 30 wonderful years of being together. It has been an amazing ride! I love you!
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Bob Ross
Driving in Cincinnati in the winter can be a real adventure, and sometimes even downright dangerous. The potholes are absolutely ridiculous. Fortunately I have never damaged my car driving over a pothole, but it happens quite frequently around here. Construction doesn't stop in the winter either. UGH!
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Fill up the tank
My wife told me to fill up the tank on my way home from work. Whatever you say, Dear...
Friday, February 22, 2019
It's a strange thought
It's strange to think about it, but today would have been my parents' 55th wedding anniversary. Sadly dad passed away after only 26 years of marriage to mom. It's weird to think about what life would have been like if dad were still living today.
This is not meant in any way to take anything away from Cliff. We all love him very much, and he is nothing less than a Godsend for my mom and our whole family. I shudder to think what mom's life would have been like after dad's death if it weren't for Cliff.
There is one thing that is certain. This is all part of God's plan. I don't understand it, but I know it's perfect. I have no idea why dad had to leave this earth at the age of 47, but I do know God has a reason for it. God is good all the time... not just when He does things that make us happy.
This is not meant in any way to take anything away from Cliff. We all love him very much, and he is nothing less than a Godsend for my mom and our whole family. I shudder to think what mom's life would have been like after dad's death if it weren't for Cliff.
There is one thing that is certain. This is all part of God's plan. I don't understand it, but I know it's perfect. I have no idea why dad had to leave this earth at the age of 47, but I do know God has a reason for it. God is good all the time... not just when He does things that make us happy.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
More Irony
I just love irony!
It's not really THAT difficult, is it?
Did you notice? The apostrophe in "don't" is upside down. Also the word "your" should be "you're".
SHEESH!
It's not really THAT difficult, is it?
SHEESH!
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Monday, February 18, 2019
Sveta is 11
Happy Birthday, Sveta! I can't believe you are 11 years old today.
Here she is with her Aunt Abby.
Here she is with her Aunt Abby.
Here we go!
Here we go! Baseball is just around the corner!
That's right, ladies and gentlemen. Cincinnati Reds spring training starts today!
That's right, ladies and gentlemen. Cincinnati Reds spring training starts today!
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Friday, February 15, 2019
Socialism
Socialism does not work. Period. Let me say that again. Socialism DOES-NOT-WORK! No country in the history of the world has ever successfully implemented socialism. There has never been a time that socialism has worked effectively. The most recent example is in Venezuela. Despite being set atop the most plentiful crude oil deposits in the world, Venezuela is mired in complete and total poverty. The citizens are literally starving to death. These people are so hungry they are breaking into the zoo and eating the animals. Let that sink in for a moment. Socialism does not work.
Given this information, it is shocking that there are American politicians pushing hard for Socialism in this nation. WHY? We live in the most prosperous, incredible society in the history of the world. Capitalism is the basis for this prosperity and it works. There is no disputing this fact. Capitalism works!
In the last Presidential election, Bernie Sanders was leading the Socialism charge. He almost defeated Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Now there’s a new Socialist sheriff in town. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is pushing a program called the Green New Deal. This program is so ridiculous that even some democrats are laughing at it. Some of the key points of this program are: Eliminating all air travel. Ummmm… are we going to build railroad bridges across the ocean? Eliminating all fossil fuels and gas powered cars, replacing them with all electric cars. Ummmm… This would never, ever work! Upgrading every single structure in our nation to make it more environmentally friendly. Ummmm… this would be impossible (both logistically and financially). Eliminating all cows because cow farts contain methane gas and that is bad for climate change. Ummmm… yes, the official proposal truly uses the words “cow farts”. Free health care for all. Ummmm… nice thought, but who is going to pay for it? Guaranteed income to individuals who are either unable or unwilling to work. Ummmm… you read that correctly. This plan wants to pay people who DO NOT WANT TO WORK. Ummmm… are you kidding me?
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your democrat party of the 21st century. Does this sound sane to you? I’ll help you. When this proposal first came out, many people (democrats and republicans alike) thought it was a joke. I assure this is not a joke and the democrats are quite serious. The decision is yours, folks. Vote right, or vote left. If you read this post, the choice is obvious. SOCIALISM DOES NOT WORK!
Given this information, it is shocking that there are American politicians pushing hard for Socialism in this nation. WHY? We live in the most prosperous, incredible society in the history of the world. Capitalism is the basis for this prosperity and it works. There is no disputing this fact. Capitalism works!
In the last Presidential election, Bernie Sanders was leading the Socialism charge. He almost defeated Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Now there’s a new Socialist sheriff in town. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is pushing a program called the Green New Deal. This program is so ridiculous that even some democrats are laughing at it. Some of the key points of this program are: Eliminating all air travel. Ummmm… are we going to build railroad bridges across the ocean? Eliminating all fossil fuels and gas powered cars, replacing them with all electric cars. Ummmm… This would never, ever work! Upgrading every single structure in our nation to make it more environmentally friendly. Ummmm… this would be impossible (both logistically and financially). Eliminating all cows because cow farts contain methane gas and that is bad for climate change. Ummmm… yes, the official proposal truly uses the words “cow farts”. Free health care for all. Ummmm… nice thought, but who is going to pay for it? Guaranteed income to individuals who are either unable or unwilling to work. Ummmm… you read that correctly. This plan wants to pay people who DO NOT WANT TO WORK. Ummmm… are you kidding me?
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your democrat party of the 21st century. Does this sound sane to you? I’ll help you. When this proposal first came out, many people (democrats and republicans alike) thought it was a joke. I assure this is not a joke and the democrats are quite serious. The decision is yours, folks. Vote right, or vote left. If you read this post, the choice is obvious. SOCIALISM DOES NOT WORK!
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Valentines Day is DUMB!
I love my wife today more than I ever have before. If you think I’m making this statement because today is Valentines Day, you’d be dead wrong. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. While it’s true I love my wife more and more every day, I say this is especially true today because like me, she sees the ridiculousness in “celebrating” Valentines Day. We’ve never gotten each other gifts on Valentines Day and we like it that way. No overpriced cards. No heart-shaped boxes of candy. No long stemmed red roses. This whole day is a moneymaking racket and I refuse to participate in it. We don’t need February 14th to roll around in order to declare our love for each other. We do that every day no matter what the calendar says. I don’t need February 14th to roll around in order to take my wife out for a romantic dinner. We do that throughout the year whenever the mood strikes us.
I love my wife today more than I ever have before. But this is only temporary because tomorrow I will love her more than I do today.
So, happy Un-Valentines Day everybody!
I love my wife today more than I ever have before. But this is only temporary because tomorrow I will love her more than I do today.
So, happy Un-Valentines Day everybody!
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Elliott the GENIUS
My five year old grandson, Elliott is homeschooled. This means he has the best teacher in the whole world... his Mom! He was given the following word problem in math yesterday:
There are 20 students in a classroom. One day 7 parents come to visit. How many people are in the room altogether?
His answer was 28 (and he was CORRECT!)
Does anybody know why? Scroll down...
The teacher is in the room as well!
20 students + 7 parents + 1 teacher = 28.
The boy is a genius!
There are 20 students in a classroom. One day 7 parents come to visit. How many people are in the room altogether?
His answer was 28 (and he was CORRECT!)
Does anybody know why? Scroll down...
The teacher is in the room as well!
20 students + 7 parents + 1 teacher = 28.
The boy is a genius!
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Working Out
I have to brag on my wife for a moment. She has made a total life change when it comes to physical health and nutrition. The catalyst for this change is not important. What IS important is the fact that the change has occurred.
About a month ago Planet Fitness opened a location in Lawrenceburg. Tami joined the gym and has started a workout routine in conjunction with eating a more healthy diet. She has been working out regularly the last few weeks, and even met with a personal trainer (included in the gym membership). I know it’s only been a few weeks, but I can already see the results. She is dedicated to this lifestyle change and I am SO PROUD of her! One of the biggest parts of this change is that she is getting up super early to go to the gym before she goes to work. If you know Tami at all, you know she has never been a morning person (and that’s an understatement). For my entire married life, Tami’s day never started before 9 or 10 o’clock, and if she got up earlier, it was by force and she did it grudgingly. I even told her it’s kind of freaking me out to see her up and (gasp!) exercising long before sunrise. I know she will continue this routine, and it won’t be long before she achieves the goals she has set for herself.
Not to be outdone, I am making some changes myself. No, I didn’t join the gym. However, I am eating more healthy foods because that’s what my wife is preparing. But it’s good food, and I know I can stand to lose more than a few pounds. I am also going to start exercising at home. We have a treadmill and a stationary bike. I plan on using them daily to help with the fitness program.
I think this is yet another by product of the empty nest. We both realize we are getting older, and we can feel our bodies breaking down. Knowing I retire in six short years, Tami and I have decided we want to be in good physical condition so we can enjoy our retirement years. It doesn’t do any good to retire if you’re too fat or too out of shape to do anything.
Watch out world! Before you know it we’ll be crowned Mr. and Mrs. Senior Citizen!
About a month ago Planet Fitness opened a location in Lawrenceburg. Tami joined the gym and has started a workout routine in conjunction with eating a more healthy diet. She has been working out regularly the last few weeks, and even met with a personal trainer (included in the gym membership). I know it’s only been a few weeks, but I can already see the results. She is dedicated to this lifestyle change and I am SO PROUD of her! One of the biggest parts of this change is that she is getting up super early to go to the gym before she goes to work. If you know Tami at all, you know she has never been a morning person (and that’s an understatement). For my entire married life, Tami’s day never started before 9 or 10 o’clock, and if she got up earlier, it was by force and she did it grudgingly. I even told her it’s kind of freaking me out to see her up and (gasp!) exercising long before sunrise. I know she will continue this routine, and it won’t be long before she achieves the goals she has set for herself.
Not to be outdone, I am making some changes myself. No, I didn’t join the gym. However, I am eating more healthy foods because that’s what my wife is preparing. But it’s good food, and I know I can stand to lose more than a few pounds. I am also going to start exercising at home. We have a treadmill and a stationary bike. I plan on using them daily to help with the fitness program.
I think this is yet another by product of the empty nest. We both realize we are getting older, and we can feel our bodies breaking down. Knowing I retire in six short years, Tami and I have decided we want to be in good physical condition so we can enjoy our retirement years. It doesn’t do any good to retire if you’re too fat or too out of shape to do anything.
Watch out world! Before you know it we’ll be crowned Mr. and Mrs. Senior Citizen!
Monday, February 11, 2019
Another Shutdown?
Is our government headed toward another government shutdown? The Democrats have shown absolutely no interest in negotiating a deal that will allow for the building of a border wall. Drugs, criminals, human trafficking, and illegals by the thousands are pouring over our southern border every single day? Are the democrats REALLY okay with this? A border wall may not fully stop that flow, but it would slow it down considerably.
I recently heard it put like this...
“Heaven has a wall, a gate and a strict immigration policy. Hell has open borders. Let that sink in.”
I recently heard it put like this...
“Heaven has a wall, a gate and a strict immigration policy. Hell has open borders. Let that sink in.”
Sunday, February 10, 2019
More Snow!
Soooooo... It snowed again today. This is getting real old, real fast!
Or in my case, "I'm moving to Texas!"
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Friday, February 8, 2019
KISS
This is what happens when the rock bands of your youth become senior citizens. Gene Simmons? Is that you? I don't think you'll "Rock and Roll All Night" anymore. More like an "early bird special" for dinner, and in bed by 9.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
GLITTER
Glitter is the bane of my very existence. It gets everywhere and it never, ever goes away.
Although I don't totally agree with this sign, it does make a good point.
Glitter should be banned from the earth forever!
Although I don't totally agree with this sign, it does make a good point.
Glitter should be banned from the earth forever!
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Half Anniversary
Happy Half Anniversary to these two newlyweds! I can't believe it has been six months already. Congratulations, Thomas and Abby!
Here they are on their first date in September of '17.
Here they are on their first date in September of '17.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Being an adult
Isn't it funny how we change? When you're a kid, you only think about being an adult because you think you will then be allowed to do whatever you want, whenever you want. While this is true, you don't think about all the stress and responsibility that comes with "adulting". Make no mistake... being an adult has its advantages, but it's not always fun.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Burning Fat
As the weather warms up this weekend, my mind instantly turns to grilling outdoors. I might as well take advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures. Lord knows it will turn cold again soon enough!
Friday, February 1, 2019
Gravy?
As the calendar turns to February, I am still trying to thaw out from the deep freeze of the last three days. Thankfully temperatures are going to be much higher this weekend. It's a reprieve and I'll take whatever I can get.
Meanwhile, I have been so cold lately, soaking in a tub of hot gravy doesn't sound like such a bad idea!
Meanwhile, I have been so cold lately, soaking in a tub of hot gravy doesn't sound like such a bad idea!
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