Two weeks

The long two week period encompassing Christmas and New Year's was great.

My station work wrapped up on the 23rd (although it never does end). After the ice storm passed over on Christmas Eve, I went to York to visit friends and their families. To my surprise, I got fed well and a few gifts. Watching kids at my friends' grandparents' house passing around gifts was a trip back in time for me. The little ones ran around, and the adults sat near the tree awaiting their presents. Lotsa clothes, lotsa cards, and little Keegan got a toy combine to play in the dirt with. I wonder if Tonka also included a coupon for laundry detergent...

Up to my parents on Christmas Day. It was a busy day... went to church, exchanged gifts, took a 3 1/2 hour nap, then ate dinner.

Friday the 26th, we had 153 kids at our bowling tournament in Allentown.

I slept in on Saturday, and watched college bowling in Allentown, and reconnected with some good friends. Sunday morning was spent with Uncle Dave, at church and then for breakfast. It was 60 degrees that day, so I cleaned out my car while it was still warm. I am an incurable pack rat, so I did my best to do more cleaning in my old office at my parents' house.

I was here at the station Monday and Tuesday. Thank you for my birthday well wishes.

Wednesday, another tournament... 78 at Strike Zone Alleys here in town... then up to my buddy Matt's for New Year's Eve.

We watched Dick Clark at 11:30. I love the guy, and realize it's not New Year's Eve without him... his speech is still affected from his stroke four years ago. I imagine his brain is still sharp as a tack. However, I am not a Ryan Seacrest fan, so I paid more attention to the Monopoly game I lost, instead of TV.

New Year's Day was travel day to Pittsburgh. I listened to the first half of the Rose Bowl in the car... then was peeved when I couldn't pick up any station west of Ebensburg that carried PSU. Oh well, it was 31-7 USC at that point.

Friday was another successful tournament in Pittsburgh... 108 entries and over $1500 in scholarships awarded. Thanks to Rich at Nesbit's Lanes for putting my name on the marquee.

Saturday was my first trip to Nadine's in Pittsburgh. If you watch Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Nadine's was featured on a recent episode. It's a neighboorhood bar (19 South 27th Street on the South Side of Pittsburgh)... if you go, they do allow smoking. I had the french toast, and it tastes just like my Mom's. I also had a taste of a meatball sub, and it was great. Nadine didn't make her pasta that day, but I will have some next time I go... and yes, all the specials are just $4.50.

I also ate a few meals at Kings Family Restaurants... home of the frownie. Yummy. The blackberry pie and mozzarella wedges were good, too.

Sunday meant more bowling in Lancaster. My one friend convinced me to go to the movies afterwards. I saw Jim Carrey's new movie, "Yes Man." I swear that I was looking my life story. I'm very hesitant to say yes to things I'm not sure of. Jim's character, Carl Allen, is worse. I won't spoil the plot, but it's funny, and there are plenty of parts featuring Carrey's trademark physical comedy. The co-star Zooey Deschanel was a good pick.

Before I headed home, I stopped by Stauffers of Kissel Hill... a local chain of grocery and garden stores in Lancaster County. OMG!! It's the Dutch Country version of Meijer! The bakery has sooo much stuff! I'm eating the baked oatmeal for lunch, and they have so many homemade foods. I'll be back before too long. They even carry Kerry Dowd's favorite, Vernor's Ginger Soda.

As much as I enjoyed the time off, I was kinda eager to get back to the station today. Time off is good, but I was ready to get back to my daily routine.

Talk with you at 6:00.

Buckle up,
TS