Wild Baseball...Local Kid Gets Roughed Up By The Reds....

Sunny, windy, with a bite in the air as I arrived at Delphos Jefferson High School yesterday...I was scheduled to work the bases this time around(only the 4th time in 13 games with the rest being behind the plate), as the host Wildcats took on Ottoville's Big Green.  Since I am scheduled to be back at Jefferson tonight, where it's again my rotation to work the plate, I agreed to let Big Steve have the dish, after having an earlier conversation with him.

The game ended up being one of the wildest in recent memory....

After falling behind 3-0 in the bottom of the first inning...the visiting Ottoville team cruised to a 12-3 lead, and appeared to be on the verge of invoking the 10 run rule after the fifth inning.  But then the game changed.  Up by 9 runs, The Big Green had the bases loaded, but couldn't push another run across run that inning...it proved to be their downfall.  Delphos put a 3 spot on the scoreboard in the bottom half of the 5th to cut the lead to 12-6...after Ottoville pushed another run across in the top of the 6th, the 13-6 lead seemed safe, but we were going to play 7 innings for sure.  Then things came undone for the Big Green...Jefferson scored 10 runs with a variety of walks, errors, mis~played fly balls, missed cutoff fielders, and the sixth inning ended with Jefferson's Wildcats in command 16-13.  That's the way it would end, as Ottoville went quietly in their half of the 7th.

I am back at Jefferson tonight as they take on Lima Perry.  The temps look to be in the mid 60s with sunshine...I may actually get to wear short sleeves for the first time this season...although the weather won't stay nice for long...sunny today and tomorrow with temps in the mid to upper 60s, then the wet stuff is scheduled to return.  But you never know what the future, especially when it comes to weather, will bring.

Luebke Gets Rocked by Reds____

After getting home, I popped a couple of beers, then showered and watched some of the Reds game out in San Diego.  With the Reds up 2-1 in the 8th and I spotted local product Cory Luebke warming up in the Padre bullpen.  Cory, from Marion Local and Ohio State, is getting a chance to stay with the parent club after a successful end to last season, and a good spring this year.  Cory is one of 4 MLB hurlers that I have had the chance to umpire behind the plate for when they were in High School and American Legion ball.  The others are Chad Billingsley(Dodgers), Jonathon Niese(Mets), and Craig Stammen(Washington)...youngest son Hal also had a chance to coach Luebke during summer high school ball a few years ago...Cory is listed as a "Friend" on both our Facebook sites as well.  Anyway with the Reds up, the Pads brought in another reliever, so I headed off to bed...not willing to give up more sleep to watch any longer.  You have to have your priorities....:)

When I awoke this morning, I checked the box scores, and noted the Reds had won, despite giving up a lead in the 8th.  The game went 11 innings, and I was dissapointed to see that Cory Luebke had been rocked for 6 runs in the top of the 11th, and got the loss.  He got the first 2 Reds, MVP Joey Votto, and Scott Rolen, retired, when the bottom dropped out...he gave up 6 runs as the Reds moved to 8 wins 3 loses on the young season, firmly in first.  Hopefully Cory will bounce back and continue the season as it was before being derailed last night.

Speaking of Hal.....and mom___

A BIG Happy Birthday to both Hal, who turns 27 today, and mom, Margaret Houseworth, who was celebrating her 60th Birthday when Hal was born in Coldwater, Ohio, on April 13, 1984.  Mom was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, in the same day, April 13, 1924.....Photos-Cory Luebke of the San Diego Padres, and from Mercer County, Ohio....Delphos Jefferson and Ottoville's Big Green played a wild one in Delphos yesterday...and the Birthday Duo...Hal Houseworth(4/13/1984) with "friends" back in 1997 in Key West...and Margaret Houseworth(4/13/1924) with me the morning I left for Vietnam on June 29, 1969....

More from West Viginia...photos and comments...

The Temperature on AccuWeather says 5 above zero...about the same as when I returned from my basketball officiating at Wapakoneta last night....tonight and by tomorrow morning, down to 5 below, so they say.  I'm not sure I can remember a winter that has been constantly below freezing for these long of stretches, in many years.  Nothing like the winter of 1977-78 in northern Wisconsin to be sure, but long enough to have me sick of it and ready for whatever March might bring.

Tonight, in a rare Wednesday game, I travel back to Elida for the second time this week, for a boys Middle School double header...meaning I will miss my baseball rules meeting in Van Wert.  With last week snowed out, I will be getting a late start, but have plenty of time to get my requirements done.  The state rules meeting is a different story...I need to get one in, but the area ones, except Piqua, have passed or were canceled due to snow...my ace in the hole is I can do it on~line.  But this computer has so many firewalls, I cannot get logged in, so I may have to take it over on mom's computer, when I get the time.

Hal and his new bride Lisa, made it back to Ohio yesterday, after a few days extra in West Virginia...both are back at work.  I am sure the short "Honeymoon" was just that, far too short...but at least both have good paying jobs to return to, as they begin their lives together.....

Saturday____

Saturday was the busy and most important day on the West Virginia trip....after morning coffee, the guys, at least 9 of us, headed south to Ghent, West Virginia, to the Winterplace Ski Hills.  Not enough time for the guys that ski(I gave that up years ago) to do that activity, but plenty of time for a few cigars, a few beers, and "tubing" or snow boarding...I choose the beers, and cigars.

However, with my brother-in-law Pat, and Lisa's dad, Tim...we did take a few shots at the Tubing portion...Tim did great, being somewhat younger, Pat at least got down head first...I made it down, albeit backwards the entire way.  Don't know how I got turned around, and once I did, I had no clue how to get turned back forward.  But What The Hell?  I made in down safe and sound, and the old guys can at least say, we gave it a try.

Once done at Winterplace, we headed back to Geno's Pizza in Fayetteville, grabbed lunch and watched some basketball.  While we were doing that, the women were getting their hair fixed and nails done...we guys had the better time I am sure.  We arrived back at 3:30 or so, about 2 hours before the ceremony was set to begin.  Since the vows would take place at our cabin, we relaxed(except Tim who was busy getting some frozen concoction ready for the Sunday getaway breakfast), with a beer or 2 and watched some basketball before heading to the showers...meanwhile Hal and Sam were fitting into their Tuxedos....the rest of us were going to dress casual, with a shirt and tie being the "casual" of choice.

The wedding at 5:30 went off without a hitch....and shortly thereafter we headed to the other cabin(cabin in name only, as I described yesterday, these large houses were much more than mere cabins), where the catered dinner and festivities would be held into the late hours.  I must say the meals, throughout the weekend, were more than outstanding, and nothing could compare to what the caterers fixed for the post wedding meal.  Some gift openings, music, dancing, and shooting pool followed.  Some of the guys were ready for another card game...but I was bushed from the early rise, the food, beer, and ski hills...I hit the sack at about 11pm.  The next morning would see a great breakfast, fixed by Tim and wife, Kim, the New River Gorge Bridge, and a winding way back on US 60 towards Charleston...more later on that.

As I mentioned, at Elida tonight, Van Wert tomorrow, here in town Friday, for the JV portion of a key WBL contest, and a JV game at Allen East for Saturday afternoon.  That will end a busy week.  Next week basketball winds down, then we have the reception for the couple on the 19th...one final fling at basketball February 25th, then some down time before Baseball begins with scrimmages in Mid March.

back later

Photos-top/left Hal and Lisa with the "first dance"...Me at the Winterplace Hills in Ghent, WVa, catching up on some "news"...the guys with cigars and a few beers, comptenplating the tubing to come.  One of the tube runs, and Hemmelgarn celebrating his conquering the run...The location of the Ceremony, me and the boys about an hour before the vows were said, Sam the older brother being the best man for Hal, me and Patricia decked out for the first of our kids to get hitched.  Below:  Hal and Patrica as the Mother/Son song played, Patricia picked that out.. Anissa dancing with Hal and "Lamb Chop"...our daughter had a great time...and finally my beer of choice for the weekend, the Yuengling Black and Tan, along with some regular Yuengling Lager.

"February Made Me Shiver...."

Usually the beginning of February you can start getting in the mode for some warmer weather, less snow, more ice, and generally shitty weather, but a bit warmer, with the end of winter on the horizon.  Not so much this day after "Groundhogs Day".

The snow, ice, and wind has ended...for now(although the end of the weekend and early next week looks "iffy").  A bright sun is bouncing off the glazed ice on top of the snow...the temperatures are hanging around 10 degrees..  The calender says February 3rd, the weather thinks it's still January, and it doesn't look like we will get much relief, at least not over the next couple of weeks:
http://www.accuweather.com/us/oh/celina/45822/forecast-month.asp?view=table

Today we will have a busy day indeed....the day before we leave for West Virginia and the wedding of our youngest, Hal.  Taxes to drop off at the CPA, bills to pay, over to Mom's to see if I can break the ice so Mike can move out of the car port...then off to Sidney to pick up the rental car we will use to travel tomorrow.  I have a Junior High basketball double here in Celina tonight, but I doubt that will get played, given the fact that all local schools are cancelled.

 I am now guessing the van would be fine, since the conditions are improving, but what the Hell?  A 4 wheel drive mid size SUV is waiting, and that is what we will head out in tomorrow.  Sister Marty and husband Pat will follow us down, first a stop in Columbus to pick up Sam....then on to the mountains.

The wedding will be small, just immediate family members attending the Saturday ceremony...the dinner will be held Friday night, a ski hill trip for the men on Saturday morning, when the women are shopping, the Wedding at 5:30pm, Sunday a big farewell Breakfast, then back to Ohio...with us dropping off the Sam and Hal Tuxes on the way back in, Charleston, West Virginia....the reception will be 2 weeks down the road, back in Fairborn(next to Wright Patterson AFB), on February 19th.

Sunday we should be back in town in time for the Super Bowl if all goes as planned....

Of course the title of today's blog co~insides with the 52nd anniversary of the plane crash that claimed Buddy Holly, Richy Valens, and the Big Bopper....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAsV5-Hv-7U 

back later>>>>

Photos-The Level 3 is down to Level 1 this morning, but the skies cleared as the sun was rising over Celina...Clear, and Very Cold.

Bachelor Party Rewind and awaiting the Snow/Ice Fall...

A Rare Late Sunday Post.....

Usually I don't post on the weekends, but on occasion I want to get things posted and out of the way....

Hal's Bachelor Party____

After finishing up the Junior High games at St. Marys yesterday, I showered and headed south down 127, then crossed into Indiana on US 36 and steered towards the Perfect North Ski Area near the Ohio River, not far from Cincinnati.  Hal, Sam, and a half dozen or so other guys, were already there when I arrived just before 4pm.  Most had spent the day skiing, or tubing(in Sam's case)...and some were doing it for the first time in their lives.  The place was crowded and the weather for skiing was picture perfect.  Warm sun coming down, light winds, and highs in the 40 range.
  
It's been 30 years or so since I last donned the boots and grabbed the ski poles, as I had choose to let that sleeping dog lay.  I worked at a ski hill in Wisconsin back in the late 70s, and learned on the slopes of upstate New York at Snow Ridge in Turnin, along with my buddy, the late Jack Friedl, in the winter of 70-71.  I liked skiing, but at 61, and the back feeling pretty good these days, no way am I trying that anytime soon, if ever again....I'll let the younger guys go for it.

When done on the slopes, we jumped into our various vehicles, headed for I-275 and backtracked north on I-75 to Covington, Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati.  There, 15 of us, gathered in our rooms at the upscale(we had great rates because one of Hal's future brothers-in-law works for the corporation) Marriott RiverCenter, located on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, right at the river front.  Once in our rooms, the skiing guys grabbed their showers...meanwhile I walked downstairs to bar areas, and see none other that West Virginia Basketball Coach Bobby Huggins walking through the lobby with his bags...I greeted him, he said he was doing great.  It ended up just that, as his Mountaineer team, staying at the same Marriott, defeated his former Cincinnati Bearcat squad later last night.

After the clean up crew was done, we gathered, grabbed 4 cabs and headed the 10 minute drive to the Riverfront "Hooters" Restaurant, where we had plenty of beer and chicken wings, watched Ohio State survive against upstart Northwestern, by a point, and I took plenty of photos.  We let the "Hooter Girls" tease Hal as well...leaving there, we again grabbed cabs and headed to Newport...where we spent the rest of the night, downing beer, shooting pool, and riding the Mechanical Bull....

We kept it pretty well together, with me, as the oldest(and dad) keeping an eye on Hal, so he wouldn't get too many spirits.  I did well until the last bar, when the boys poured a few shots into him, while I was shooting pool....but we made it back to the Marriott in one piece, once there, Sam and Matt, one of Hal's baseball and high school buddies, decided it was time for a White Castle run.  They came back with $47 worth of White Castle products...including 40 "sliders" 20 with cheese, 20 without...a dozen orders of fries, and some chicken rounds.  Talk about revolting!  This morning, I think there were still a dozen or more "items" left.... because some of the guys never made it back to the hotel last night...but by the time we headed out of Kentucky through Cincinnati this morning, a full head count was made, everybody accounted for...and I think the hangovers were minimal.

All-in-all a safe and good time...we did our share to help the local economies of the Tri-State....between $70 lift tickets, several hundred in hotel bills, over $300 at Hooters, cab fares, and gawd knows how many beers and shots at the local bars?  I say we did more for the economy than that asswipe Obama has done in his 2 miserable years in office.

The Iceman Cometh____?

Now with one of three phases of the upcoming marriage of my youngest out of the way, we can concentrate on the next 2 portions.  The wedding in West Virginia next weekend, and the reception in the Dayton area on February 19th.

But first off it appears we will have a major weather problem on our hands starting late tomorrow night, and lasting into the mid and late mid-week.  Hopefully if the predictions are correct(and we are hoping they are not), the mess that appears to be coming will be gone by the time we head east and south towards the mountains of West "by god" Virginia on Friday.

For right now however, they are calling for up to 20 inches of snow north of Celina towards the Michigan line and in Northern Indiana.  We are on the border of snow and the predicted Ice, looking like more ice at this time, which could cause power outages and much worse.  Once the ice/snow storm is finished, brutal cold and winds are expected.  As of now it appears that West Virginia may miss the worst of the storm...our problem is getting through the mess in Ohio and getting there by Friday night, with the wedding set at the lodge for 6pm Saturday.

Stay Tuned....

Top Left:  Hal, 3rd from left, with two of his future brothers-in-laws and his future father-in-law Tim.  The table at Hooters when the night was still young, Hal gets his own "hooters", Hal with Powell and Stump two old school mates from Celina.  Sam, taking his turn on the "Bull". And Stu, Hal's Celina and college buddy, who helped get this party together riding....but all good things end,   Turn out the lights, Hal's Party is just about over!

Below, more photos:

Stump Gets Tossed....











I take my one and only ride of the night... and below the Marriott RiverCenter in Covington, Kentucky

The Holiday Season Ends....

Here it is January 3, 2011...and the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year Holiday Season has ended...it came to me with a nice 11 hour nap last night and early this morning.  Just enough to recover from the food and football bowl fest at Rick's acres over in Noble County in northern Indiana.  Clint, Rick, and I, got together for our annual beginning of the new year.  Rick and his wife, Toni, set out the spread, and we 3 with some help from Rick's sons, dug into the wide variety of food...Chili, wings, shredded beef, veggies, cakes, chips, dips, and more varieties than we really needed.  We washed that done with a half dozen different brands of beer.  I started and stuck with Coors...the first time I had downed that in years.  We retreated to the garage for a half hour or more to partake in some Indian Tabac cigars that I had brought along.

As far as the Bowls...football bowls that is.  Well suffice to say, being in Big Ten country, they were a disappointment...the Big Ten contingent got it handed to them...Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State got clobbered by SEC teams, while Wisconsin was a loser in the Rose Bowl, and Texas Tech squeezed by Northwestern.  This leaves the Big Ten at two wins and five loses, with just Ohio State against Arkansas tomorrow night in the Sugar Bowl to repair some much wounded pride.  We finished off the day by watching some old westerns...and after crashing in the basement den, Clint and I headed out yesterday morning about 9:30.  Once home, I sat watching some NFL yesterday recovering from the day before, and I decided about 7pm it was time to catch up on some much needed sleep...and that is just what I did....11 1/2 hours and a shower later...here I sit.

With the long holiday(about 7 1/2 weeks for me if you consider it starts 2 weekends before Thanksgiving on our trip to Wisconsin)...it was time to tabulate the damage done to my weight loss progress over the past 116 months.  When I stepped on the scales this morning I discovered I was only up about 2 1/2 pounds over the entire 7 weeks...and only up 2/tenths of a pound since New Years morning...considering what I downed on Saturday, I am pleasantly surprised to say the least.  The slight gain over the period still leaves me down 23 pounds or so over the 16 months...I have yet to check the Blood Pressure this morning, and given all the salt laced goodies I had on Saturday, I may hold off on that a day or so....my next checkup is January 19th, with a blood draw on the 18th, so I have a couple of weeks to "purge" myself.   All in all, I am less than disappointed with the "Holiday Results".

Basketball resumes tomorrow night at Elida...tonight we begin the 2nd half of the Dartball season with a 3 game series at St. Johns against defending champions Hopewell.  I batted .339 for the first half, about a 100 points below what I finished at last year....as a team we had the 7th best record in the 8 team league, finishing at 6 up 15 down for the half...I cannot imagine doing worse on a personal or team basis this half...at least I hope not.  So here it is...time to lose a few pounds(still a handful away from my goal of 180), finish off the basketball season, get ready for Hal and Lisa's wedding...and prepare the body for baseball come late March.  I have at least 3 Vietnam Reunions to attend this year, and Patricia and I plan on taking a long vacation in the late summer(providing gas isn't $5 per gallon)...so here we go with the New Year, hopefully it will be good for all, well for all except our Marxist Prez and his progressive lemming followers and the lame stream media...the can all go straight to Hell.  That is one thing I will not waver on in 2012...my dislike for those that would destroy this Republic and turn us into a nation of servants...we are looking more and more like Europe and you gotta wonder if their plans are even more sinister than that.  Stay Tuned!

back later>>>>

Photos-Clint, Rick, and Me, enjoying a Indian Tabac Robusto in the garage between halves of football and handfuls of food and beer...Rick's youngest Guy, along with Clint...the view of the pond on the 17 acres from the basement/den picture windows in their new house...last year at this time it was just getting under roof....now it's complete except for the basement/den waiting for it's cosmetic work.  And finally Rick, doing what we did most of the New Year's Day...sitting, watching football with beer and snacks in hand.

Cincinnati Reds~Hangover after the Clinching?

The off again on again trip to Centerville to hook up with youngest son Hal, was eventually put back on yesterday afternoon.   Even though the Reds had clinched the NL Central with the dramatic Jay Bruce "walk off" home run on Tuesday, we decided to go, and see if the Reds would continue to push towards opening the playoffs at home, or be content to(in all likelihood) face the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round.  Once we saw the starting line-up for Cincy, we knew that latter was probably in the cards.

The Cincinnati starting lineup looked like a hold over from the Louisville Bats Triple A team, the Reds affiliate.  But the weather was perfect, clear, no wind, and about 72 at game time.  The traffic was reasonable, and with Hal driving from their place in Centerville, we arrived in plenty of time...after stopping at Skyline Chili for  supper and a beer, much cheaper than Ball Park fair, we headed out looking for a 'scalper' to secure good tickets.  Since the division was clinched, we figured to get decent seats for a good price...it didn't take long.  Without much wheeling and dealing, we secured seats right behind the Reds first base dugout, for $25 each....about 2/3rd of face value.

The Reds started Johnny Cueto on the mound, but other than that, Cincinnati went with subs and minor league call ups....it showed, and despite getting the starters in late for some pinch hitting efforts, Cincy fell 2-0.  That loss, while not guaranteeing a road opener in next weeks first round, made it likely that they will open in Philadelphia next Wednesday.  That will be a tough series, but the Reds have shown a penchant for making things happen....I am looking forward to it, especially since my Mom,  Uncle Jack DeVore, and their late brother, my Uncle Bill, grew up in the shadow of Philadelphia...Jack as was Bill, is a rabid Philly fan...making it even more interesting.

The game went fairly quick, so instead of spending the night in Centerville, I decided to head home and sleep in my own bed...I arrived well before 1AM, and got up early this morning...just in time to take old Reagan in for a trim and bath.....the Airedale is now 12 years 3 months old....and this may indeed be her last grooming before she leaves Planet Earth...but she has defied the odds thus far, and continues to amaze us with her continued "hanging in there".

Soccer...Ohio State ties Number #1 Ranked Akron_____

While Hal and I were in Cincinnati, oldest son, Sam was working the video for the Ohio State Men's Soccer game with top Ranked Akron.....The Zips had not given up a goal in over 1000 minutes this season. The Buckeyes put an end to that string, and after losing the lead, they tied the game at 2-2 with just 2 seconds remaining in regulation.  The game ended tied...the video(which Sam shot, and wasn't happy when the crowd blocked him out after the tying goal) is here:(takes a few seconds to load)

 http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?&db_oem_id=17300&id=725459&DB_MENU_ID=&SPSID=87752&SPID=10409&DB_OEM_ID=17300

The crowd was well over 7200 fans, and the story is on the OSU Athletic Website:

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87752&SPID=10409&ATCLID=205003540&DB_OEM_ID=17300 

All-in-all it was a busy night for the Houseworth guys.....Junior High football double header tonight at St. Henry....busy weekend of football as well. 

back later>>>>

Photos-At Cincinnat's Great American Ball Park...the Division Crown is showcased.  The view from our seats...Cueto starts for the Reds, but the rest were subs and minor league types.  Hal and the Old man in our first base seats...at bargin prices.  And Ohio State Soccer does something that nobody has done in 10 1/2 months..scores on top ranked Akron in a 2-2 tie...the video attached is oldest son, Sam's work.

Hal Gets a Chance to Teach/7 Days until Salmonfest 2009

Yesterday approached 70...got a little cooler and windy later in the day...today back to the 60s, some rain coming later, and then tomorrow begins a wet and cool stretch that may last until I head for Michigan or longer.

Dartball League starts November 9th....St. Johns is the home of the league tournaments and banquet this year, so guess by elimination I am the League Prez...more busy work.

Tonight Jr High Football at Crestview in Convoy...just a couple of games to follow, then the November 7th games at Westview will end my football work...as I head into Basketball season in mid November.

Hal gets to teach High School{for 6 weeks}___

Since completing his Masters in High School History/Social Studies Education this past summer, Hal began working full time working with Autistic youth...he made the cut in several interviews for High School teaching positions, but was not offered a full time job. No surprise in this job market, most teachers are staying on longer(most 35 years or more), and the permanent teaching jobs in most areas of Ohio and the Midwest are few and far between.

Hal worked his Masters Student Teaching at Fairborn High School near Dayton and Wright-Patterson AFB last school year, and got an interview there but no job for this school year. He got a call earlier this week that one of the regular teachers needed time off until the Christmas Vacation comes along in mid-December, and they asked Hal if he would teach High School History in this teachers place until that time....He made his changes in his work schedule and took the offer. He'll be busy, working basically 2 full time jobs until Christmas.

I'm sure he'll do fine, and after all, this will look good on his Resume'...Hal wants to be a High School History Teacher, and this cannot hurt, and he is looking forward to it.....I'm leaving in an hour or so to take his Diplomas and his Teachers License to him...we will meet up in Piqua, about a 45-50 minute drive for each of us...Good Luck Hal, your mom and I are sure you'll do fine and enjoy this challenge.

The Michigan Salmon Fishoff....7 days and counting___

Stocking up on Cigars, Drambuie, and Beer. Also will begin to check my fishing poles and tackle box to make sure lines, baits, and lures, are in order----Next Thursday afternoon{or Friday morning early, depending if Tom is around in Dreshler} Nick and I will head for Tawas City, Michigan, and the mouth of the Au Sable River, and west shore of Lake Huron.

Last season we kind of flew by the seat of our pants and did well...this year we have things planned out...hopefully the Salmon and the weather cooperate. I am stoked.

Off to Piqua___

back later>>>>>

Hal's Masters Diploma/Teaching License(Ohio), and I hope we can bring a few of these home again this year, and maybe expand our variety.

Red Sky in Morning/Easter Rehash

Taking a look out the landing window just minutes before sunrise this morning, the old adage "Red Sky in Morning, Sailor's Warning" seems to be coming into focus for the western Ohio region. We are talking 90% chance of rain, and that should arrive before noon. The chances of getting my game in at Ottoville tonight and the MAC League game at New Knoxville tomorrow, seem to be slim indeed. I can't complain much though, so far, counting scrimmages, I've umpired in 17 or 20 scheduled games. Sam and I got a double dip in at Haviland on Saturday, in sunny, albeit, windy and coolish temps...yesterday for our family Easter get together, we had sunshine and 55 or so.

A few items to cover this morning.....

The news media is all ga-ga that the American Navy has dispatched 3 of the 4 half assed "Pirates" that held the American ship and Captain hostage over the past few days, and of course the lap dog media is saying what a hero Barack Obama is for having the guts to order the use of force..."use of force, in a time where Americans were being held hostage" Wow! How quaint....congrats to the Navy Seals who performed their duties...the only thing that surprises me is the Barry actually let them take out a few of his Islamic brothers....guess they weren't family? One thing Obama is, he's a politician, and with his poll numbers down and the economy in the tank, Barry must have figured he could get the sheeple back in line, by doing something besides bowing down and kissing the ass of the Saudi King...but by the looks of other blogs and the Internet, he has scored some political points.

Happy Birthday to Mom and Hal

---------------------

Margaret Houseworth, born Margaret Helen DeVore in Chester, Pennsylvania,

on this date in 1924, turns 85 today....she is with the "rest" of the family completing her winter in Florida, with oldest Mike and at youngest Kelly's place outside Naples....meanwhile her youngest Grandson Hal Stanley Houseworth turns the big 25 today. Hal is back down in Fairborn, Ohio, after spending most of Easter with us...or out on the town with old local friends....Hal was born on mom's 60th birthday at Coldwater, Ohio.

Yesterday we had Easter Dinner at our place, and my niece Molly and her husband Aaron, had the youngest member of the family Lilly here, Lilly was born the day before my 60th birthday, March 15th, in lower Michigan.

Over the past few years, rather than a sit down big dinner for Easter, Patricia has opted with sister Marty to have Buffet type combination meals of meats, deserts, salads, and side dishes....this seems to work out best for all. yesterday we had several kinds of meats(London Broil, Burritos, and home made Chicken Noodle Soup), along with many side dishes, fruits, salads, and deserts(Coffee Cake, Upside Down Cake, Apple Pie), and many other items, more than enough that 11 of us made only a partial dent in it.....the holiday get together worked out well, and we all go a chance to meet Lilly.

Hockey News

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The NHL and IHL both ended their regular seasons over the weekend, with mixed results for our family favorites....

In the International Hockey League, the defending league and cup champions, Fort Wayne Komets, finished on top again this season in the 6 team league, and enter the 2 rounds of Turner Cup action with all the momentum they need...taking 13 out of their last 14 games to finish ahead of the pack.

Meanwhile in the National Hockey League, my favorite team, the Philadelphia Flyers, and Sam's, the Columbus Blue Jackets both staggered into the playoffs. The Flyers needing only 1 point in their final game, for home ice advantage, blew 3 leads at home and lost to the NY Rangers, thus after holding 4th place for most of the winter, end up tied with Pittsburgh, but losing the tie breaker and have to open at the Pen-queens, led by Cindy Crosby and Michelle Maulkin, rather than having home ice....The Blue Jackets who held 6th place since January managed to blow that, and fall to 7th, where they will now face defending champion Detroit. As Sam(who has tickets for the first ever playoff game in Columbus) said...It's not that they can't beat the Red Wings(the 2 teams tied the season series at 3 games a piece), it't the influx of Red Wing fans who will pay any price to infiltrate Nationwide Arena in Columbus to make the Columbus home games look like neutral ice. Columbus has not been in the league to form a strong rivalry with any one team...but I can tell you, Blue Jacket fans despise Red Wing fans, especially the band wagon trash from the Toledo area(the same set of losers that root for Michigan Football over Ohio State)...we all sort of wish Islamic infested Toledo would cede to Michigan...it would make the IQ of the state go up by a few digits for sure. {sarcasm alert, it's only sports}

A rainy Monday it's going to be.....at least around here, enjoy the start of the week regardless.

back later>>>>>
photos-logos-Top Left-The sunrise before the rain moves in over the city of Celina this morning, as taken from my staircase landing window./The beginnings of our family Easter Buffet set up and Patricia holding the newest member of the family Lilly(born March 15th)/The Blue Jackets can no longer be made fun of...after 8 season they finally make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, question is, can the win at least one from the Red Wings? And The Flyers of Philadelphia and the Komets of Fort Wayne are back in the playoffs...the K's will try to defend their IHL Turner Cup Championship.

Weekend Wrap/Rain, Gun Shows, Red River Gorge Hike, etc

Spring came to western Ohio over the weekend, and in some cases with a vengeance. Celina and south got plenty of rain, my guess is we received an inch or two at the house, those folks like Rick in northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne and northwest Ohio like, Van Wert, Delphos, Lima, and especially Findlay to our north and Northwest got dumped on, probably 4 or more inches and more on way for tomorrow...the steams, rivers, and roadside ditches will be overflowing...hopefully the promised dry weather after tomorrow will take root.

In addition to the rains, we saw plenty of warm weather, Saturday reached 72, and yesterday, despite heavy morning showers, got into the 60s...cooler for today(50) with north winds...60 tomorrow with heavy rains, then back to sunshine and the 40s for the rest of the week.

Both Fort Wayne(55 miles) and Lima(35) had gun shows over the weekend. I met up with Pearson at the Indiana location Saturday morning, we stuck around for 3 hours..Rick bought some boots, I was going to buy a handgun for my collection but forgot about the "home state" rule...If I purchased one, being from Ohio, they would have to take my money and send me the weapon...Hell with that I thought, and didn't purchase...plus the registration of these is something I would rather not do. We headed up north to Rick's Ranch...he has 17 acres complete with ready permits, electric, 3 car workshop, garage, and a large pond...{see photos from the first blog post of 2009}, he plans on building a new house there down the road, within the next couple of years...it was kinda muddy but with the gravel drive we headed back, parked the vehicles, walked the property and smoked a cigar, while bullshitting for an hour or two....I left about 4pm for Celina, got home to sunshine, and warm weather, and fired up another cigar, and popped the caps on a couple of Miller Lites.

Yesterday dawned wet, but still warm...and I decided that I still wanted to look for another gun...have been looking for a snub nosed .38 Special for awhile...so I headed to Lima...being in Ohio, it has obvious advantages for me over Indiana. To my welcome surprise, despite the old fairground barn buildings(all 4 of them) being not as nice as the Fort Wayne Coliseum...it cost only $4(compared to $6 at FW) and no parking fee(compared to $4), so I was ahead of the game already...when I got inside the 4 connected fair buildings, I saw a much larger supply of almost everything(except for new gun dealers that required "registration")..ammo, used guns, parts for antique guns, antique guns themselves, and "junk"....I ended up doing 2 walk-bys of each building, searching for what I might want, before making the 3rd and final trip...where I made an offer to a private dealer for a new, in the box Taurus .38 Special with a 2" barrel. I offered, he counter offered, and we made the transaction....I also picked up a few boxes of ammo, which was in pretty good supply of most(but no all) types. I paid for it, walked out into a major downpour, got to the car, and headed home.

I got home, watched the Duke/UNC basketball game, where my Blue Devils dropped a 8 point decision to their hated rivals, in what in reality was a boring ass game...something rare for those 2 schools...I went outside fired up my 5th cigar of the weekend and tossed down a couple of cold ones....and that ended the long weekend for me..except some tube time.

Hal's Red River Gorge Hike_______

While heading for Fort Wayne on Saturday, my cell phone rings, and it's youngest son Hal on the other end..."71 degrees in Kentucky, and we are heading for Daniel Boone Park, and plan on hiking the Red River area"...having hiked the Hocking Hills of southeast Ohio during my college days at Athens and Nelsonville, I know a little about hiking hilly areas...and the Red is even more mountainous and hilly than those places in SE Ohio..., well I told him, just don't drink and do it...smarter than I, he says the didn't plan on drinking and hiking...I get a call from him yesterday, later afternoon, telling me to check the e-mail and take a look at the photos from their hike. We did and his mom almost had a fit...they had some pretty good shots of the terrain below, with the boys(all in their mid 20s) hanging over the cliffs...Hal admitted some of the photos were "staged" for effect, but some were pretty close to the edge....thing is, they made it back alive. A few of photos are posted here.

Today I have a board meeting at noon, and Sam and I will meet up in Schumm tonight for the North vs South(us) Dartball All Star game....Sam, Cowboy, and I are the representatives from St. John, and will meet 9 other guys to go 12 on 12 against the north boys at 7:30pm.

That should top off a busy day, and give us time to get ready for tomorrow's predicted downpour.

back later>>>>

photos-The Taurus .38 Special w/2" barrel... 4 shots from Hal and friend's Red River Gorge Hike this past Saturday...(11) Hal sitting on the rock overlooking the Gorge...(2) Levi(the Dog), Nick, Styer, and Hal...(3) Hal holding on to a dead looking branch over looking the Red, and(4) Styer standing on the road, making the fall, look mighty far.