20250913

20250913 - Up in the am and doing thins around the house. L&I got ready and headed downtown and got a pretty descent parking place and walked to the Horseshoe. We got there too late for the skull session so just waited outside the rotunda for the team to walk in. We found a couple friends walking around and they stood with us, we have never been this close before and the players came by and hit our hands as they walked in, they are HUGE men! we then made our way to our seats, which were not together, one row apart and 4 seats off. We waited for everyone to show up and asked if people didn't mind scooting down and they did so at lease I was right behind L. We watched the band come in and all the procession of the pre-game and then settled in a for a nice win! We stayed long after the game was over and both OU and the OSU bands performed and it was really good. We thought the extra time would make getting out of the parking garage easier, but we sat in the car for almost and hour before we got out of the garage. Home safe after a lovely day.

20250906 + OSU 2&0!

20250906 + Up in the am and got the brisket flat in the smoker and made a list of stuff to do for the weekend. Headed to the grocery store and got some goodies for the game. Home and watched the OSU game and got a couple little things done in around the house. Chaff came over to watch some of the game and then Terrill, D, DGF13 and Hank, J and JGF7 and Chris Bowman came over to watch Xichgan get beat! The brisket was done and I had the smart idea to put it on the grill for a minute to char the fat cap... well all the juices spilled out and cause a fire and charred the whole outside of the thing... It was still good and folks ate it up. up late watching football.

20250831

20250831 + Up let Forrest out and trying to figure out what to do for the day. Called Gma&paW and they are going to come down for a cookout. I got some things done at the desk and then L&I ran to the grocery to get supplies for the the cook out. Home and things put away and L started food prep and I worked in the shop organizing couple drawers of stuff looking for brackets to fix a hanging table of J's. I got it fixed and then warmed up the grill. Tommy came over, then Gma&paW arrived. We finalized the cooking and dinner was served. GpaW did great eating, more than I've seen him eat in a long time and he was getting around pretty good. Then Doc got home and we shuffled him across the road and got him a plate of food and he ate it all up, eating like a champ. We all sat and had a nice visit on the porch. L&I helped Doc get home, Gma&paW took off and Tom stayed and we watched some football for a bit. What a nice day!

20250508 - Slabs R Cool!

20250508 - Up in the am and dropped L off at school and got to drive my E550 to work for the first time since I got her back. OMG the ride is so smooth and the power is amazing, so happy to have her back! Got to the desk and got things done, had a couple meetings, pizza with the team, took the trash out and headed home. Hannah and Hank were here when I got home, so was the chainsaw and ripping chain I ordered. I got the chainsaw put together with the ripping chain on it and fired it up, ran great. I then got the chainsaw mounted to the chainsaw mill. D showed up and L cooked dinner for us. Then D helped me get the first cut rails set up on a log and the pully system set up and we gave it a try. CUT LIKE BUTTER!!! we flattened the top of the log off and then cut one perfect plank. IT WAS AMAZING! One of the coolest things I have ever done! Got things cleaned up and headed in for the night. Casey got a hold of me today and let me know he bought the car we went and looked at the day before I went to the hospital.

20250409 - Doc's 86 & G had Enough!

20250409 - Up in the am and to the desk. I prepped a pork loin for the smoker, L home for lunch and then Hazel and I ran her back to work. Got the loin in the smoker and then back to the desk. I got all the eBay shipments ready and was ready to head out the door to get my errands done when Glass Doctor called and said they were on their way with our new glass. So I couldn't leave... Glass done, L done at school, so went and picked her up, on to the bank to get some cash and drop off eBay stuff at the shipper. Then L&I went to visit Doc where he is staying during rehab. Today was his 86th b-day, they think. Back when he was born in 1939 they didn't go to the hospital, you were born at home. And when the age of IDs and Social Security arrived you had to find someone that wasn't a family member that could vouch for your birth year so you could have a birth certificate made and get a social security card. The person Doc found to vouch for him was his first grade teacher, she was 90 at the time, but remembered that Doc was born the year of the 'high water' = 1939. After our visit L dropped me off at Sport Clips so i could get a haircut, my plan was to be there at 2pm today but the window guys messed that up... I got my hair cut, called L and she was already on the road to G's game so I walked the 1.7 miles home. Home and got the pork loin out of the smoker and it was perfect! Hazel and I had a couple pieces and then I headed to Signature's for bingo. Texting with L and G not playing again... She was furious, I was glad I didn't go... Home and we talked about how G was getting shit on by the same coaches that shit on D and how we hate it so much. G home and let us know that he talked to the coaches after the game, he has talked to them after each of their 3 games, and they gave him the same BS story. He said at one point he stood up and the coach said to him, 'Do you want to continue this conversation?' G said 'No, I quit', shook his hand and walked out. GOOD FOR HIM! So proud of him for standing up for himself and not putting up with the crap that we have seen happen to D and many other boys over the last 11 years! It sucks that the baseball program at the school is so bad. I know G will miss his friends, but we can already tell he feels better.

20220917

20220917 - Up got gas, washed car, got a sausage McMuffin, headed to Farm and got Gma&paW and on to Kent. Jack came down and got us and we carried the projector and other things we brought for him up to his room. He showed us around the room and showed us all his stuff and installed his projector. We then went to the place the Kent State Shootings happened and looked around. He then took us on a nice driving tour and showed us the buildings he goes to for classes. We ended up downtown at Ray's for a nice lunch. After lunch we went to the student center. J showed us his crash location on the way. GmaW took J in to the bookstore and got him some stuff. Back to the dorm and dropped J off. Nice visit, great to see him! We headed back to the Farm and I dropped off Gma&paW, got some fresh apples and other stuff and headed home. Home and and after a long day on the road was happy to sit and chat with L. She showed me some pics of G and the other boys and their Homecoming dates and then we watch the Buckeyes destroy Toledo. I stayed up late waiting for the boys to come home from the dance. They filled me in on the night and sounds like they had a good time.

20220905

20220905 - Up in the am, L went to Delaware to see GGmaK in the hospital and do some things at her apartment. I eventually got G up and we headed out and worked on our cars together, installing more lights. We were out there until way after dark, but got some cool lights installed.

20220728 - Sound of Music

20220728 - Up in the am got to the desk. J took off to the lake with JGF6 this morning. After work L&I got something to eat and then headed to Westerville where we met up with Gma&paB and the Coles for an outdoor play of the Sound of Music. The weather was perfect and the show was AMAZING!

20220716

20220716 - Up and LG&I headed out in the pouring rain to Springfield for G’s baseball game. Thankfully no rain in Springfield. We only have 9 boys today… G took the mound and threw a beautiful game! He pitched all 7 innings, averaged 11 pitches an inning, only allowing 3 hits, 3 runs, 1 strike out and ZERO WALKS. Gma&paF came to see the game and what a game to see! The last pitch the kid line drived it right a G, he stuck his hand out, grabbed that sucker out of the air, yelled and slimmed the ball to the ground for the WIN! The boys were ecstatic with their 3rd win in a row and the only undefeated team in the tournament! We tried to go to Roosters for a celebratory dinner but they couldn't seat us for an hour... so we went to Texas Roadhouse and had a feast. L&I sat at a table with a couple of other parents and G arranged for the staff to sing happy birthday to Jamari, it wasn't his bday 😂 After dinner we drove home, it started raining and we got home and rested the rest of the evening to prepare for a big baseball day tomorrow.

20220501 - Pizza Party

20220501 - L up early and went to church. I got some things ordered from the grad party list and then G wanted to go to Trent's so he drove over. I headed back to the house and headed up to the boys bathroom to clean it up and re-caulk it. It turned in to a much bigger project than I anticipated and took FOREVER. L was outside with Hazel edging flow beds and pulling weeds and cleaning things up outside, looks great! I headed down and started working on the grape arbor, not a lot, just pulling the vines that went up in to the trees down. I ran to get G and we then stopped and picked up some pizzas. D&DGF13, J&JGF6 were there when we got back and we had a nice dinner on the patio. The boys threw the ball a bit and the girls discussed prom. It was a nice evening. Everyone headed out and L&I cleaned things up and watched American Idol while I did some Booster stuff.

20220123 - Balls & Pucks

20220123 - Up in the am late am and L ran to get G and his friend. They came home for a minute and then we headed to G's basketball game. They were playing another team of all Gahanna kids that were sophomores and it was a hoot. It was a good game and G's team won with bragging rights. We headed home and dropped his friend off on the way. After a bit L&I headed out to shovel some of the snow that's coming down and took Hazel on a long walk. Back home and warmed up watching some good football. After a bit I headed out and picked up D and we went to a Blue Jackets hockey game. We had great seats and had a beer and some pizza and watched a good game and chit chatted the whole time. I dropped D off after the game and headed home. Home and got ready for a busy week.

20220112 + Sworn In Again

20220112 + Up in the am and LJ&G at school. I got to the PC and started moving things forward. It was an ok day with some progress. L took Hazel on a big walk and then took G to the Athletic Trainer to see if he is cleared for baseball conditioning, he's good to go, so she ran him home to get his baseball stuff and dropped him off at the high school. I finished my day, ripped the KVM out of my office, it isn't working after really trying it for 3 days... I grabbed my things and headed out to City Hall. I was sworn in for another 3 year term on the Landscape Board by the Mayor and then we had our first meeting of the year. After the meeting I waited in the parking lot for G to finish up conditioning and carry him home. Home and got some dinner and L&I watched a couple episodes of Yellowstone.

We got a nice letter from one of G's teachers today:

Hello Coach Shade & Mr. and Mrs. Winger, 

We wanted to reach out to let you know that Grant has become a true leader in our English class and a great role model to all peers, but specifically his baseball teammates.  He started working in a small book club group today with some of his fellow teammates and another student.  He was organized, made sure everyone's voice was heard, and kept the group together while we were circulating the room and hallways. We were very impressed! 

Take care, 

--

Jessica R

English Instructor

20211225 + Christmas

20211225 + Up in the am got showered and had on of the cinnamon rolls L made all before the boys got up. This is way different than years past... L got the boys up and we gathered to open presents. We took turns and even Hazel used her paws and opened her presents carefully removing the paper and retrieving her toys. The boys got things they needed and liked, L got a new phone and I got 4 OSU hats. After the openings D&G worked on their Legos and J went upstairs and put his new bed together, L got the house ready for guests. Lonie showed up and then Gma&paW, JGF? and the Coles. We had a nice lunch and then headed to the basement to open some more gifts and play a game that had everyone laughing. Out guests left and we cleaned up a bit. J headed to JGF?'s, G up to the Xbox and LD&I watched the new Matrix in the basement. Praise God for such a very nice day.

20211023 - OSU Party!

20211023 - Up in the am and taking our time getting things ready for tonight's party. L ran G to the school to catch the bus to go run in the cross country District Championships and then back home for a bit before headed out to watch him run. G ran in the 'open' race, not the actual championship due to his hip injury he's been working on. I moved, things, set things up and got things around. J came home and helped with some stuff and then took off. D showed up and he hung out and helped with all the final details. We got the chili cooking and Gma&paW showed up and D helped carry in a bunch of stuff. We then got the hot dogs cooking and nacho chees fired up. L home and drinks out, TVs on, we are ready. Soon folks started showing up and we had a good time at our annual OSU Football Party. A nice crowd, not to big due to COVID concerns. Good to visit and catch up with folks.

20211017 - Singing Portrait

20211017 - Up in the am, L had made cinnamon roles for the boys and gave them one as they slugged down the steps and put the door. All of G’s buddies gone and G&I headed to Olentangy Berlin HS for his baseball practice. I hung out and got some things done and took a walk while practice was going on. L&J got the ladder out and trimmed the ivy on the side of the house. G said there were only 6 kids there and they looked ok. We raced home, I dropped G off at the house and headed straight to the HS. I got in and found L, Nicole, GmaW and Gma&paB and we settled in for the choir concert. The concert was good and sad to think this is one of the last times we'll go to watch J do this. They did really good and it was very enjoyable. After the concert we headed back to the house and D&G had replaced one of the flood lights on the back of the house while we were at the concert. GpaW was there and he looked and acted MUCH better than the last time we saw him. G opened his bday presents and then we went out for a nice dinner. Home and relaxed a bit. Chris over to watch the Walking Dead. I stayed up with G and watched baseball.

20211008 - Toga

20211008 - Up in the am and L at school and J&G sleeping as the don't have school for whatever reason...  I got to the desk and had a call to introduce the New Hire tracking tool I have been building over the last couple days. L home, I finished my day and then L&I walked down to Creekside to try out the reopening of Signatures. The Mallons met us there for dinner. It was maybe just ok... They messed up most of our order, not what we had hoped it would be... After dinner we walked home and then L, Penn and I headed to the GLHS football game. L and Penn went and sat down, I met the Boosters at their table and helped finish up the program sales and 50/50 raffle. I waited for the raffle winner to show up, paid her and headed up to watch the game. It was a great game, probably the best we have ever seen the Lions play and a HUGE win. It was toga night and J was roaming around in his sheet. Headed home after the game. Dropped G and Trent off at Trent's so he could get his stuff and dropped Penn off and checked out their kitchen demo. Picked G and Trent up and back home. Watched some TV to finish off the night. 

20210927 - Every Pipe

20210927 - Up and a busy Monday. In the evening L&I got the sink put together and installed in the bathroom. I took me hours and every pipe I had to get it installed and plumbed in. Hazel was a big help...

20210925 - Homecoming Secrets Out!

20210925 - Up late and working on the bathroom all day. GmaB and Nicole over to take pics of J&G for homecoming. I took G to Creekside to meet up with his friends for Homecoming pics, had him jump out and he was on his own. Home and worked on bathroom more. 

L home, helped a bit and then we ran over to McClain's to watch Buckeye's game with them and they had some neighbors over. Tiff spilled the beans on J&I's Vegas secret...  L was wasn't too upset about the tattoos... Home and watched some more football. J&G out having a blast, spent the night at friends

So the only things j wanted for his 18th bday was a tattoo... So while in Vegas we checked out a couple places and then he chose one. He wanted a great big 12 legged spider with an eye that he drew for his. And he wanted it on his waist band climbing up his side. I warned him when he got a certain age the legs would start to bend and look funny. He claimed I was dumb and off we went. We got to the tattoo parlor and the guy said I've never done a 12 legged spider before. When jack described where he wanted it the guy said 'Dude, when you get older and put on some weight those legs are going to bend and look goofy'. I clapped in the background and then J decided to get the tattoo lower on his hip :-) While J was getting his the guy talked to me and asked if I was getting one. I pulled up an ambigram and he gave me a low price and I just did it... So J&I got inked for the first time together.

20210911 - Cool Dudes

20210911 - Up later in the am and we checked out. We checked our bags with the bell hop and so we didn't have to carry them around all day and headed out. We caught the bus north and stopped a couple places J saw the last couple days that he wanted to revisit. We then took a break from the heat and found a sports bar in a casino where we watched the end of the OSU Oregon game. OSU lost, BUT, because the $20 sport wager I placed had the best chance to profit if the Ducks won and I bought a 'Oregon to Win' ticket, I turned my $20 in to $110!!! We headed back out in the heat and caught the bus to the las Vegas sign where we found a local that took us past the line of folks waiting to get their pics taken and got pics for us. 

Back to the hotel, got our bags and hung out in a sport bar for a bit. I headed out and cashed out all my chips and sport tag. We then walked through to Mandalay Bay to kill some time and caught an Uber to the airport. 

We headed there early because we didn't know what traffic was going to be like, or security at the airport and didn't want to miss our flight. In hindsight we could have found a couple more places to explore and still had plenty of time. We found some neck pillow and got to the gate and just waited and watched people. We got ton the plan at 10pm PST and will wake up in Columbus.

Back at home L got the bathroom grouted today and G had a XC meet that he went down with some boys last night and spent the night and went out for a team dinner. He came in 31st out of 300+ runners in the JV race!

20210910 - Front Row

20210910 - Up in the am and J and I headed down to find the buffet. It was in the basement of the pyramid and it was MASSIVE. We got our fill and then caught the bus heading north. We got off in old Vegas, walked a couple blocks and arrive at the Pawn Stars Gold and Silver Pawn shop. We went in and checked the place out. J got a little necklace for JGF6 there. We walked across the street so J could check out a tattoo shop. We caught another bus and headed to the Strat Casino where we headed Shout on the strip for another 2.5 mile hike in the 102 degree desert day. We stopped at Circus Circus and saw a trapezes show and J found a sweatshirt. Found a couple more Tattoo shops he wanted to visit. We went in and out of casinos checking them out and when we made it to Treasure Island we caught a bus and headed back to the Luxor. Back to home base and cleaned up and killed some time resting until we got ready and caught an Uber to the Rio.

It was my first Uber ride ever and I was amazed at how easy it was and wondered why I hadn't done this before... We got the Rio and J got kicked off the casino floor while I signed up for a rewards card. J&I met up at the entrance and headed up 50 floors to the VooDoo Steak and Roof Top Lounge. I got a smoking drink and we had FABULOUS STEAKS. J had to take lots of pics of his food and we enjoyed every bite. After dinner we found the theatre and got checked in. J tried to buys us water before the show at the bar and they wouldn't even sell him water... We got our two $7 bottles of water and made our way to the front row of Penn & Teller and settled in for an AMAZING, MIND BLOWING and fun show. It was GREAT! We were right next to them and still have no idea how they do the things they do. We caught an Uber back to the hotel and J was tired and headed up to the room. I wanted to learn how to bet on a sporting event so headed to the sport booking section and the lady there taught me how to do it. I placed a little bet on the OSU vs Oregon game (my 2 favorite teams). Next thing I wanted to learn was roulette. I watched some some guys for a little bit and then dove in with the $50 I was willing to lose. I played for about 20 minutes and it was really fun. I cashed out and walked away with about $200. Up to the room, checked in with J and to bed.