WIXY's Gone Bananas

In you I want to see the good If others don't, I think they should Things that make some folks impressed Seeing that will make me blessed See things that will make me smile A smile that I might stretch a mile See good things that make me grin On busy days I can fit that in If good things are seen by everyone It might make life a lot more fun Everyone could have a smile An everlasting fashion style

She's a nature lover..... An avid book reader...... A proud band mom.... A dog lover......... A fan of winged creatures...... A devoted wife and mother...... She's Jessica! Jessica first joined the bunch on my birthday, October 30, 2007, letting me know hers was two days later. That gave me a great vehicle for introducing her to everyone who hadn't yet seen her excellent blogs. I met Jessica via Frasypoo and our common bond was marching band. It's common knowledge that I announce for the Rittman marching band here in Ohio. Jessica's daughter, Jordan is a drum major for her school's marching band. Another coincidence is both schools nickname is Indians. Jessica's husband Craig, is a very good mechanic, something Mrs74 wishes I was. So she doesn't have to worry about having transportation in summer or winter. It's also convenient because they love to go snowmobiling, something I'm sure they did a lot of in the past couple of months. Jessica has a ...

Since I have been going to the recovery blogs, I have been seeing the same person in each comment section. This common commenter is the newest member of "the bunch." Meet Syd , of I'm Just F.I.N.E.--Recovery in Al-Anon fame. Syd goes to many of the recovery blogs offering encouragement wherever he goes. In the past couple of days, he has come here to give me encouragement. Cliff Note:So have the rest of you, and I'm very grateful. From Syd's sidebar, here's how he introduces himself :"My name is Syd . I'm an adult child of an alcoholic married to an alcoholic who is learning the steps to recovery through Al-Anon. This is my journey in search of serenity." I'm honored to have Syd as part of "the bunch." Check out his blog.

One impression I did not want to leave with my last post was that I was at all arrogant. When I get a new photo on the list of folks following me, I always check out the profile and their blogs. I consider it an honor when folks want to let me know they've been here, especially when they leave a comment. Sometimes I will do some research using my site meter. It's a useful tool in letting me know the impact of past posts. I still get people coming here to read the tribute posts I wrote for Suzanne, still from around the world. You who read me on a regular basis are most important to the current writing of these posts. Without my regular readers and commenters, I would have quit doing this a long time ago. Because of those who come here and give me a virtual pat on the back when they like what I write and those who give me a virtual hug when I'm hurting, I'm still chugging along 2-1/2 years and 896 posts later. One thing I can't say enough is Thank You .

I was looking around some of the blogs today and saw some posts about this glitch with blogger. It seems that lists of followers on blogs, including this one, have been reduced. I went from 48 followers last night, to 45 this morning, and added one( thanks Syd ) this afternoon. Whereas those numbers give me bragging rights, they don't impress me overall. The numbers that impress me are those who come over here to give me encouragement in times of need, those who have commented on the three posts below and those who sent me emails to let me know they were praying for me. It's those who just come here to say "hi" or those who say "good post Cliff." Numbers don't impress me. I have felt alone in a crowded building. It feels even worse when you feel alone in a crowded church. It feels better when there are a few around and everyone shows love for each other. Those are just some thoughts as I try to get back on track. I want to thank everybody who have given ...

That's how I feel this afternoon. Our legal situation, among other things, has Kathy on the verge of a breakdown. I am doing all I can to help her. I'm back at work today and I told her that I would fix supper when I got home this evening. Don't worry, I'm a good cook. Just with all this happening, I have lost the handle on my creativity. Bear with me for a few.

I would like to thank everybody for your prayers, well wishes, and positive thoughts. The legal issues, while not settled, have been put off for several months up the road. Hopefully it will be warmer when we have to go back. We had to go to the Justice Center in Cleveland this morning. Very cold, very windy. I'm glad I'm not a person who needs a comb over, or a hair piece. Going around that area in February is my second favorite thing to do behind tap dancing barefoot in a brier patch.

Mrs74 and I have some legal matters to take care of in the next couple of days, and I may be away from the computer for an extended period of time. And for the record, all is well with our marriage and our health. There are a couple of posts at other blogs I would like to draw to your attention. I will start off by tooting my own horn. At my Whattville blog, I wrote a poem dedicated to my bird loving blog buddies . Next, the world's greatest program director/morning show co-host(tm) Sue Wilson has just written a post that some of us northern folks can agree with, titled Changes in Latitude...Changes in Attitude . Cliff Note: We all have had enough winter and are all set to put the kinky shovels away and get the lawn mowers out . Anyway Sue share with us some of the ideas gleaned from an audio book she's been listening to and why we should surround ourselves with people who have a positive outlook on life. Check it out and leave some comments. Hopefully I will be back blogging s...

Michelle, of Crow's Feet fame, has bestowed upon me this really neat award. She awarded this to me for my honesty and sincerity. Now I'm to pass this on to a number of blogs considered "brilliant in content or design." So now I will pass this on to the following bloggers: Busy Bee Suz: Her blog gives us a view of her life and her family. Also she has a supporting presence on many blogs. Jeremy: A frequent visitor to many of these blogs. One who provides a service of reporting media news to those in the Greater Cincinnati area . One also devoted to his faith. Cliff Note: Go over and give Jeremy some encouragement as he's going through a very tough time. Awake in Rochester: Gives us a candid view from her part of the world. She also shares with us any joke she thinks might make us laugh. Randy, of The Way I See It fame: Sometimes he can be crude, but he's always honest. I mean this in only a good way. MsHen: She lifts up all her friends through her writing...

I just learned that I was one of the contenders for post of the day on David McMahon's Authorblog . This was for my post written Wednesday about Cursive Writing . I also want to thank all of those who have commented on this post. David, in his words, is totally committed to encouraging excellence in others. As some of my readers know, David is one of the main influences in me writing poetry on my blogs and in other's comments sections. Check out this blog if you haven't done so already. As some of my readers can attest to, David is good at encouragement.

I suffer from a severe case of sleep apnea. I have taken part in several sleep studies and it was found out about 6 years ago that while sleeping, I stopped breathing 87 times an hour. The good news was that I started breathing 88 times an hour. I also snore like a buzzsaw. I first found out about my sleep apnea about 10 years ago. I would get very tired while sitting still, especially while driving. I figured it was due to working 10-12 hours a day, an hour's drive each way to work, and not getting enough sleep at night. One evening while driving home from work, I went onto I-76/US-224 from Ohio-21. Only I don't remember getting off the ramp. I do remember driving towards the speed limit signs, through one of the breakaway(thank God) posts, the car on it's side for a couple of seconds, then resting against a seedling. I fell asleep at the wheel. I wrecked the car. I was, thankfully, only shaken up. My doctor at the time, sent me for a sleep study, which indicated that I ha...

I saw a news report last night that because of the internet, cursive writing is an endangered species. I am left handed and I have always thought cursive writing was cursed. My cursive writing has always been illegible and during elementary school we were graded on writing. My perpetual "D" in writing kept me off the honor roll several times. Also a cursive capital F is very similar to a cursive capital T. This, and my mouth, got me into trouble in the sixth grade. We were taking a true and false quiz and had to grade someone elses quiz. I got one with the letters "T" and "F" in cursive and capitalized and in my head processed them all at T's. The teacher called me up to the desk and started berating me in front of the class about that. After looking him straight in the eye and telling him in a very loud voice "nobody's perfect" which was one of my favorite phrases at the time, I was told that I had to stay in from recess for the next wee...

Welcome MrsPatJKnowsItAll . Our political pundit from Springfield, Pat J, now sleeps with another blogger. Announcing Karen's Korner . Karen will now give us her musings and a look from the softer side of the Jenkins empire. I have told you at least a half million times... .My favorite morning team in radio, Scott Wynn and Sue Wilson of WQMX fame, have this habit of exaggerating things. They also make a running joke of it. Scott wrote about this on his blog, Scott Wynn's Window , in this post . Also remember, Scott has thousands of movie reviews on his blog, the latest being Confessions of a Shopaholic . Followup on my last post : Happy Wife goes to a church called 12 Stone. Right now they are in a series of messages about marriage, which are available from iTunes. I have listened to the first two and they are great messages. I will let HWHL explain how to get the messages and study notes by clicking here .

I was introduced to Happy Wife Happy Life by Busy Bee Suz when I wrote a post about the Dave Ramsey Show once again being aired in my home area. Suz, who herself was a new member of the bunch wrote this comment: "He is a funny guy. My Friend Happy wife Happy Life is obsessed with him. well, just a bit I suppose." I then went over to Happy Wife Happy Life and checked out her blog. I commented on one of her posts, referenced Suz' comment and told her that I didn't see the Total Money Makeover on her list of favorite books. HWHL then came over to visit me and left this comment"Suzanne is correct. OBSESSED is the operative word. Just the other day I was having lunch with a friend and we got on the topic of Dave Ramsey... he had appeared at the Catalyst convention in Atlanta (which my friend had been at... and she had never heard of Dave Ramsey before Catalyst). I told her, quite honestly, that I were not married, and if Dave were not already married (to Sharon), I ...

In 1969, I was in the seventh grade at Highland Middle School, located on Ridge Road in Granger, Ohio. I was thirteen years old, and Richard Nixon had just become president. Mrs. Leiberman, our English teacher had asked all of us in class to verbalize a "why" question. Everybody had their own answers, and I'm sure I had mine, though I can't remember what this was. This one classmate posed this one-"Why do we have parents?" Most of us, at the time, thought this was a stupid question. We were asked to write an essay based on these questions. The one who posed the question in the last paragraph wrote simply, "Why do we have parents? The world would be better without them." The essay got a zero and some laughs from the rest of us, though now I wonder why these teacher read it to the class. The one that got the highest grade was about a question as to why there are wars, as the Viet Nam war was being fought at that time. But back to the one that got the...

We went out for Valentine's day dinner yesterday evening. My wife has the details of that on her blog. Today we rented Fireproof . That is a great movie which should be watched by every couple with an open heart. I hope all have had a tremendous Valentine's Day so far. Make everyday Valentines day for your mate.

Before I do anything else, I want to introduce to two new friends. They are both named Leesa . Another thing they had in common is when they first appeared on my followers list, both were wearing sunglasses in their profile photo. Now one has sunglasses and the other has a sunflower. The first Leesa currently hails from France, but originally came from San Diego. She is an English teacher in France. She is the author of several blogs, but the one I go to is called News From France . She has posted there some excellent photos and accounts about botiques, restaurants, decadent dessert items, and current events. A very interesting read and a good supporter. I just have to watch my language usage with so many teachers reading this blog. The other Leesa hails from south of the Mason-Dixon line. She gives us a view of her life and current events. Her style is somewhat snarky, but always interesting and humorous. This Leesa has been blogging since 1995 and does it to sharpen her writing ski...

Frasypoo has been one of the bunch for over fifteen months now. She comes to us from India via Georgia. I originally met Frasypoo while reading Pilgrim's blog and found that she is a very committed Christian. Like me, she was also a follower of Liquid's blog. I also found that she was very politically involved. I awarded her with the God and Country Top Banana in 2007 because of her faith and politics. She also is a dog lover and she brags a lot about her dog, Frasier. Frasypoo also dog sits on occasion for friends. She is a good friend to everybody. Frasypoo also is a loving wife. Her husband is a barber. He, like myself, is also diabetic. Frasypoo is currently learning as much as she can about diabetes. She also supports her man in all he does. Frasy hasn't found a half marathon she doesn't like either. Puts me to shame for sure. Last summer she retired her blog, This and That . A short while later, she pulled a Michael Jordan on us and restarted blogging, the new b...

As I write this, we still have a high wind warning for about two more hours. So much for the spring preview, the temps are now going down. Good news is pitchers and catchers report today to spring training. Going to work today, I was glad the current version of the WIXYmobile has better aeronomics than the older version. Made it easier to steer going over the I-480 bridge. Only dilemma was that my favorite morning show was short a body as Sue was taking a couple of days off. Scott had announced open phonelines, but I wasn't going to take my hands off the wheel to use my phone. Then as I was getting off the freeway I noticed the traffic signal was out of order. I turned on the dreaded bluetooth headset and called that in to Scott. I figured he would get it right over the air than the last time I called a traffic incident to a radio station. Cliff Note: I won't mention the call letters, but they call themselves "the big one" and their frequency is 1100-AM. Anyway I am f...

Yesterday afternoon I made a stop at the soon to be Evil Big Box Store(tm) in Medina to pick up some prescriptions for my in laws. The pharmacy associate then asked me a question I did not know the answer to, so I got out my WIXY/at&t phonecam to call my mother in law to ask. I could not hear from the hand set. I hung up and tried again. Then I noticed that my bluetooth headset was on. I hung up again then put my bluetooth on and successfully made the call. Problem was the bluetooth was in my coat pocket, and for whatever reason was turned on. Cliff Note:The only reason I even have the stupid thing is because it came free with my phone . My question to you is have you ever accidently turned on your bluetooth and found out when trying to call someone?

As you can see, my list of friends have been growing quite rapidly in the past couple of months. I have gotten some very impressive followers of my blog. As I have noted several times in the past month or so, I have some new friends that I consider it an honor that they decided to follow my almost daily musings, recovery bloggers and I'm going to introduce you to one I added to my list last week, Jenn. Jenn is a recovering alcoholic who writes the blog J-Online . Jen also has been blogging about her recovery at a site called Second Road, where other bloggers have been doing the same. This is a very cool way to encourage others. Jenn also blogs about everyday life as she travels the road to recovery as a single mother working as a professional. She lets us all look in on her world, and like the other recovery bloggers, shows us how to be grateful for the simple things in life. So far Jenn has shared 2 parts of her story on Second Road. Part one was posted on January 29 . Part two wa...

The other day, Shellmo was bragging on her husband, Greg. It seems that out of love for his fair lady, he has learned a lot about birds. That's very commendable, but on behalf the rest of us men who don't measure up, this is for you.

Sometimes things go better than planned . WIXYjr was having car problems this past week. The battery kept dying on him. My son in law and I went to where WIXYjr currently lives and put new battery cable ends on his car. I started it up then took it for a drive. While I was at a red light, the radio quit and the dashboard lights went dim. Lights turn green then everything come back on. I got it back to WIXYjr's and shut it off. It wouldn't even turn over again. We figured it was the alternator. I called around and that was going to cost around 300 dollars. We found a salvage yard that worked on cars that had a used one. I took the car in, and he tested everything, tightened the alternator belt, tested it again and charged me 10 dollars. Everything now works better. Can I hear a "praise the Lord"? Need a laugh? Sometimes the Evil Big Box Store(tm) can supply that for you. Mrs74 and I went there. She had to get some groceries and other items. I finally broke down and go...

Michelle Dawn tagged me for this meme and it looks pretty simple so here goes.. The ABC's of Cliff A. Attached or single? Very attached B. Best friend? My wife Kathy C. Cake or pie? Pie D. Day of Choice? Saturday E. Essential item? My Computer F. Favorite color? Red G. Gummy bears or worms? neither, as they have way too many carbs H. Hometown? Rittman, Ohio I. Favorite indulgence? food J. January or July? July K. Kids? Yes, 3 Two daughters and one son L. Life isn’t complete without? Fried Chicken M. Marriage date? March 10, 1979 N. Number of magazine subscriptions? 1 O. Orange or apple? Apple, Red Delicious P. Phobias? none Q. Quotes? "You can get what you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want." Zig Ziglar R. Reasons to smile? Making people think I'm up to something. S. Season of choice? Summer T. Tag 5 people Awake , MsHen , Brenda , Clean and Crazy , Mrs74 U. Unknown fact about me? I once owned an AMC Pacer. V. Vegetable? Lettuce W. Worst h...

Michelle Dawn is the brains behind Rusin Roundup . Right now she is going through some struggles with some health issues among other things. I felt that this is a good time to write about her and promote her blog. Michelle Dawn is one of the bloggers from Terre Haute, Indiana. She is always good to give me props, so I try to return the favor. Her husband, Randy, also writes a blog. When I was first introduced to her blog, she had mentioned that she worked in retail. I asked her where, and she told me Wal-Mart Supercenter, to which I replied "oh the Evil Big Box Store." She shortened it to EBBS for her own usage, and since left employment there. Michelle is a good friend to those around her, such as Sindi and Stacy, as well as a good mother to her two children. And she is a real good friend to those of us that she comes in contact with on the blogs. I have gotten numerous awards from her as well as being featured in her now defunct blog, Rusin's Reviews. This past weeken...

I had a post in mind, but at this point, I'm too tired to think. Instead I will give you a video by the prefab four, aka The Monkees. And while you have the time vote in my latest poll for your favorite Monkee.

Something I feel very fortunate about is those followers I have gain in the recent past who write recovery blogs. I admire these folks for the honesty they have been showing and being here for the rest of us. I have referred to them as "12 steppers" but I have felt funny in doing so. All of us should follow the 12 steps in our own way. There are reasons I feel a closeness to these dear people. My mother's parents were alcoholics and she used to tell me when she was young that she, her sister, and her brother would spend evenings in the family car while her parents were in the local bar. My mother is one of my heroes because she rose above this all to be one of the best moms around. The recovering alcoholics and addicts, as well as those from Al Anon, are big enough people who realize that they're too small to handle their situation by themselves, that they need that higher power as well as their supporting members, to help them in their journey. I have said before tha...

"I like your poems I really do Sometimes I write poems Just like you :)" Above is the first comments left on my Whattville is on the other Side of the Tracks blog by Jen . She discovered my blogs as a result of Jessica's good word about my blogging. Through Jen, I have discovered many good blogs and she has made friends with those on my list also. Jen is originally a Buckeye, having lived in Zanesville before moving to Kentucky. She is one of the cabin dwelling bloggers among my friends. She loves nature, as evidenced by many of the photos on her blog, Unglazed . She also has a great, clean sense of humor. Jen participates in a weekly feature called Weird Object Friday and sometimes finds some of the most unusual items to present for this. She will also post devotions on occasion. Jen is also very resourceful. She makes salvation bracelets that come with a card that explains the reason for all the colors of the stones in the bracelet. And with her resoursefulness, Jen is...

Here is the current favorite Bill Murray movie according to the poll on my sidebar.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Hopefully the "stinkin' rat" , as Scott Wynn refers to it, will bring us good news today.

Today, being Super Sunday, is one of the biggest eating days of the year, and most of the fare won't be all that healthy. As most know, I have some health issues. I have high blood pressure and am diabetic, not to mention that I have a weight problem. One thing I have been told to try are egg substitutes. Most who have tried them tell me that they aren't "fit to eat." Let me tell you that I find that when you scramble them with cheese and fry them in butter they taste pretty darn good.