Author Archives: Brian Hale

Gogi is Licensed to Wed

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gogi_courthouseOn Friday Gogi and I drove 2 hours across Ohio to the Hocking Hills County Courthouse to obtain a marriage license.

Taking that drive is like a time machine across a land where the memory of Yankees and Rebels charging across the fields to the whistle of grapeshot and booming cannon fire is still vivid.  Corn – corn, I say, as far as the eye can see – and then beyond.

At the courthouse the guard at the door directed us up the marble steps to the second floor.  The vaulted atrium has stood solemn since 1923, when presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge may have delivered speeches from the courthouse steps.

The Hocking Hills area is a lush green world rife with history; a portal into a simpler time. We’re looking forward to coming back next week to Old Man’s Cave Chalets.

Meet Weston – the Lead BAGSFOW Ringbearer

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weston_sparklerNow that you’re all familiar with Will – it’s time to meet his younger brother Weston.  Weston is being called into service as the lead BAGSFOW Ringbearer. His new cousin, Andrew, is the Assistant Ringbearer.

Weston’s best at making sure that Will doesn’t get too cocky  about his prodigious brain power – since Weston also tests at the top of the charts.  I can only imagine what these two are going to do with all that mental ammunition!

Stay posted for more info on what Weston’s up to this summer!

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Cheers to BAGSFOW

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Gogi in SLC airportCheers to everyone preparing to attend BAGSFOW – we have officially begun the trip!

One of the reasons we enjoy the trip from Reno to Ohio is the layover at Salt Lake City airport.  They have two brewpubs with a nice IPA at each one.  The Gordon Biersch Brewery also has special wi-fi enabled tables with outlets so you can seamlessly keep the business running whilst enjoying a pint.

Two Weeks to BAGSFOW

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gogi_bikingTwo weeks away from BAGSFOW – and things are coming together at a furious pace.  I can’t believe how soon we’ll be there.

A huge hurrah to Gogi for shepherding the whole process.  Hopefully after all the preparation she’ll have a chance to enjoy the aloha love and relax.

She sure looks pretty taking the exercise bike for a spin – if that was a real bike she’d be halfway to Ohio by now.


brian_bikingYou can tell I’m especially serious about preparing for BAGSFOW – or why else would I be posing on an exercise bike?

What, you’re supposed to move your legs too?  Just doing my part to save the planet – by conserving energy.

Tim and Lily

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The BAGSFOW best man is my friend Tim. Tim and I met in high school and have kept in close touch all these years. For the last 30 years Tim has had the unique opportunity of being an orchestral guitarist for the world-famous Cincinnati Pops Symphony Orchestra.  Tim is an integral part of the Ohio music scene and maintains a busy schedule scoring and performing music.

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Lily was performing as a jazz singer in Dayton when she met Tim.  Music is just one of their many common interests.  Having Tim and Lily around the karaoke machine will help turn BAGSFOW into a world-class musical event!

This is the fifth post in a series of notable events for people appearing at BAGSFOW – if you have an announcement – let us know!

Meet Will

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will_dem_smallHi everyone – meet Will.  Will is my nephew, and is my sister Melissa’s oldest son.

Aside from his youthful good looks Will has one other major characteristic – he is really smart. The tests prove it, and he freely admits it.

You might think you’re smart – but you’re not – at least compared to Will.

I encountered Will’s mental acuity when he  almost beat me at checkers last Christmas – the game was a draw.  From the stunned expression on his face I could almost hear his brain  repeating “this does not compute”. It’s unlikely he’ll let that happen again.

will_2_sparklersAt BAGSFOW, when Will’s not dominating at the gaming table or performing other feats of cerebral dexterity he will play a very important role managing the technical aspects of the event.

At right we see Will performing a bit of nuclear fusion in his spare time.  Now if he can only invent a way to clean his bedroom!

This is the third post in a series of notable events for people appearing at BAGSFOW – if you have an announcement – let us know!

Hocking Hills KOA & Gem Mine

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gem_miningFolks of all ages agree that Hocking Hills Gem Mine is loads of fun! Whether you purchase a bag or a bucket you are sure to find a variety of gem stones. Our gem rough material includes gems like sapphire, amethyst, peridot, obsidian, moonstone, emerald, garnet and more. If you choose a bucket you may also find items like fossils, shark teeth, polished gem stones, arrowheads or a cut and polished gem stone ready to be mounted. Buckets are great for families or groups to share. Ask about availability of our Specialty Buckets that contain beautiful genuine cut and polished gemstones like emerald or sapphires along with all the goodies of our standard buckets.

Logan/Hocking Hills KOA
29150 Pattor Rd
Logan, OH 43138
800.562.0251 Reservations
740.385.4295 Information
mine@hockinghillskoa.com

 

Congratulations to Madeleine!

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mads_grad_soloMadeleine Rose Hale, Brian’s daughter,  graduated this summer from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Gender and Women’s Studies – which she plans to parlay into a law degree.

This August Madeleine heads to the Netherlands for a 6 month post-graduate program at Utrecht University.

This is the first in a series of notable events for people appearing at BAGSFOW – if you have an announcement – let us know!

Dear Old Mom & Dad

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dorkstalkingFred is 32 years old and he is still single. One day a friend asked, “Why aren’t you married? Can’t you find a woman who will be a good wife?”
Fred replied, “Actually I’ve found many women that I have wanted to marry, but when I bring them home to meet my parents, my mother doesn’t like them.”
His friend thinks for a moment and says, “I’ve got the perfect solution. Just find a girl who’s just like your mother.”
A few months later they meet again and his friend asks, “Did you find the perfect girl? Did your mother like her?”
With a frown on his face Fred answers, “Yes, I found the perfect girl. She was just like my mother. You were right, my mother liked her very much.”
The friend said, “Then what’s the problem?”
Fred replied, ” My father doesn’t like her.”

Be sure to visit the funny category to see all the posts!

 

Tecumseh Outdoor Drama – Boy’s Night Out

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tecumseh_horseWitness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700’s. (visit site » )

The huge, outdoor stages of the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre afford the audience a unique viewing experience. You will sit beneath the stars in the beautiful amphitheatre as sheer spectacle surrounds you with a herd of galloping horses, live military cannon in action, and the most dazzling battle sequences offered on the American stage.

Often emulated within the outdoor drama industry, “Tecumseh!” continues to set the standard for innovative production techniques. Over 100 people are involved each summer in bringing this exciting drama to life. The sights and sounds of natural elements serve to heighten this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

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