Cleared for Takeoff at the District 13 Fall Symposium!

Saturday morning was the District 13 Fall Symposium. It was the first time Fall contests took place since the final conference eight years ago. For the District, today was also a bittersweet day. Itโ€™s one of the last events for the District before they merge with Northeastern Ohio (District 10) to form the new DistrictContinue reading “Cleared for Takeoff at the District 13 Fall Symposium!”

Reflections on a Meaningful Fall Vacation

Saturday marked the final day of my Fall vacation. Iโ€™ve had a great week off as Iโ€™ve been pretty active for most of it. I attended Toastmasters speech contests at Westmoreland County Community College. We had our family reunion on Sunday at Laurel Hill in the same pavilion weโ€™ve had the last five years. IContinue reading “Reflections on a Meaningful Fall Vacation”

The Penultimate Day of Vacation!

Friday felt like a day of rest after a busy afternoon on Thursday. I needed it since I was resting up for my trip to Slippery Rock the next morning. I watched a couple of Gilmore Girls episodes from season 1. The snow in Stars Hollow looks so pretty. In the afternoon, I took offContinue reading “The Penultimate Day of Vacation!”

Wrapping Up The Dinner Series at Primantiโ€™s!

After spending the later half of the afternoon in the Laurel Highlands, I was off to Greensburg to meet Mr. Clougherty for our last dinner meeting of the year. We met at Primantiโ€™s as originally planned. Kevin is busy coaching middle school and had a meet at McKeesport. We met for dinner at 6. Thus,Continue reading “Wrapping Up The Dinner Series at Primantiโ€™s!”

Visiting the Neighborhood and My Little Stars Hollow!

My original plans for Thursday as I was still on my week off were to go into Pittsburgh and visit one of the museums. I was thinking about going to the Andy Warhol Museum. But between the cost of admission and parking downtown, I was looking for a more cost-friendly option. The Pittsburgh Zoo andContinue reading “Visiting the Neighborhood and My Little Stars Hollow!”

Finding a College Connection at Johnstown Toastmasters!

My recap of Tuesday nightโ€™s Johnstown Toastmasters meeting is coming but before that, my โ€œcold openโ€. It took me a while, but Iโ€™m on my way with the Gilmore  Girls rewatch. I started it last Sunday, the 25th anniversary of the Gilmore Girls pilot. Currently, I am working my way through season one.  This afternoon,Continue reading “Finding a College Connection at Johnstown Toastmasters!”

It’s Anybody’s Game in the NFL in 2025!

So far, the 2025 NFL season is proving that itโ€™s anybodyโ€™s game and that parity reigns supreme. I followed the game very closely last year and even enjoyed the Thursday night games (some of the divisional rivalries). The difference in 2025 is that thereโ€™s no juggernaut so far. The last two teams to go undefeatedContinue reading “It’s Anybody’s Game in the NFL in 2025!”

The First Three Days!

This morning, I logged onto Google Slides and gave myself an honest evaluation of the first three days of my Fall vacation. Some of the events and activities that I took part in made it a great three days. Friday, I watched the newest episode of the Great British Baking Show. With a busy weekendContinue reading “The First Three Days!”

Celebrating Family and Food: A Sunday Reunion Story

Today was our Gaffron Family Reunion at Laurel Hill. For the fifth year in a row, we had it at the indoor pavilion overlooking the beach. We had a decent turnout. While we missed some people who couldnโ€™t make it, we were happy to see my uncle make it to the picnic. One of myContinue reading “Celebrating Family and Food: A Sunday Reunion Story”