GOLD!!!!

I have been fortunate enough to see the U.S.A. Men's Olympic Hockey Team win the Gold Medal twice.  The 1980 win was exciting, the U.S. defeated the former Soviet Union, and then went on to win against Sweden to take the medal.  A bunch of college kids snagged Gold on the biggest world stage.

Today's win was well earned. Now NHL level athletes, the guys in the red, white, and blue fought off a very talented Canadian team. Connor Hellebuyck's goaltending was insane! The OT goal by Jack Hughes sealed the deal for the U.S.  I'm sure Johnny Gaudreau is smiling up on that big ice rink in the sky.

Congrats to Coach Sullivan and the entire staff.  Great job by all the players to get the win.  You guys earned it!

Big shout out to the ladies team for taking Gold in their 2-1 over Canada.  Way to go!!!!

Congrats to all the U.S. athletes that earned medals.  Your years of hard work paid off.  For those who didn't get any medals, you are among an elite few that can say you were/are an Olympian.  Hold your head high!  You did yourself, your family, and your country proud!

Finally, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, you put on one heck of an Olympic Games. It was very enjoyable.  I say well done!!!!

When Lightning Strikes

I watched the Stadium Series Hockey Game last night between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning.  It was held in Tampa which was a balmy 38 degrees.  It was a perfect night for outdoor hockey.  The game was terrific and did not disappoint.

Boston dominated the 1st two periods going up 5-1.  Towards the end of the 2nd period there were several skirmishes between the teams which led to a fight between the goalies late in the period (a rarity in the NHL). From that point on the Lightning roared to life.  They tied the game in the third period and then went on to win it with a Jake Guentzel goal in a shootout.

Kudos to both teams and their staffs for a really entertaining game and to everyone involved in putting on an incredible show for hockey fans.  Great job people!!! Loved it!!! 

Hungarian Horntail

I've been on a dragon craze as of late.  When I saw the Hungarian Horntail Dragon in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire I was blown away.  It looked so cool and menacing.  

MacFarlane Toys has put out dragon statues for many years now.  I picked one up a few years back for a great price (see older post: Puff the Magic Dragon).  I was doing an internet search for dragons and saw this lovely.  I found one a few days later on eBay and ordered it.  I got it today and it's even better up close. 

 I'm hoping to scoop up a few more MacFarlane dragons down the road.  They are well made and highly detailed.  As I gather them, I'll share the pics with all of you.  Until next time. 

Shopping With Class

Ladies (Gentlemen too) looking for that unique item for that special someone (or for yourself), then check out Pink Champagne Boutique. Lots of wonderful items (many vintage) to choose from.  New items added all the time. It would be worth your while to hop onto their website Pink Champagne Boutique and see what they have.  Happy shopping!

Couldn't Bear It

 

The Rams-Bears playoff game last night was the best one of the four.  Both teams played extremely well in a hard fought game.  The last few minutes was crazy as the lead changed back and forth.  Caleb Williams threw the most amazing touchdown pass not just in last nights game, not just this season, but in the history of the NFL (not an exaggeration by any means).  The "Hail Mary" pass landed right in the arms of Cole Kemt. I have no words to describe it. Click on this link to see it:  Bears TD Pass

The game ended in a tie.  In overtime, Ram's defensive back, Kam Curl, made a diving interception of  a Williams pass to seal the deal.  Ram's kicker, Harrison Mevis, put one through the uprights ending the Bear's run through the playoffs.  

National Dragon's Day

A few posts back I showed you a dragon I got from Walmart and repainted.  I liked it so much that I bought 3 others to go with it.  I have 1 more to get (the 2 headed one).  As with the last one, I will give them all a repaint, some detailing, and a base.

Like many of you, I find dragons to be magical.  I used to love to draw them when I was a kid.  Now I just add them to my ever expanding collection of wargaming miniatures.

Enough of my rambling.  Happy National Dragon's Day!!!  Enjoy!!!

Royal Treatment

If you're into all things Pokémon, then you have to check out Kardboard Kingdom.  They're selling their wares at shows around the Greater Pittsburgh area.  Lots of inventory.  Very knowledgeable and super friendly.  Upcoming events are posted on their Facebook page (Click on the link below). Stop by and say "Hi". (Buy some stuff too!)

Kardboard Kingdom

Ring of Fire

My wife made a Buffalo Chicken Croissant Ring for dinner tonight.  She's a rockstar!!!  It is out of this world delicious!!!!  Here's a pic.  I had to share this yummy goodness!

Feeling A Little Blue

I found this toy dragon at my local Walmart.  He looked at me like one of those puppies at a shelter.  I had to take him home.  For less than 2 bucks, why not?

He was orange and purple.  Not the greatest color combo.  I got a vision in my head of what he should look like and went with it.

Behold the little critter with its makeover.  Dark blue with lighter blue on the underside and under the wings.  Some Cobalt blue dry brushing and he was mostly done.  I painted the talons, nails, and horns gray and then gave them a black wash.  After they dried, I went in with some light gray highlights.  Finished the mouth up with deep red and off white for the teeth.  Added some lime green eyes and it was complete.

I like the look.  I hope you do too.  Thanks for checking in.  More good stuff to come soon!

They're Trying To Kill Me

It's a good thing I take medication for HBP or otherwise I might be pushing up daisies by now.  The end of the last three regular season games of the Pittsburgh Steelers have been chaotic to say the least. 

In a game they probably shouldn't have won, they edged out the Lions due to some penalties which took away the game winning touchdown for the Big Cats from Motown. (W 29-24)

Last week against the Browns the Boys in Black & Gold failed to score in the final minute with three incompletions in the endzone.  (L 13-6)

Last night, The Football Gods gave the Steelers a helping hand by keeping the ball from passing through the uprights in the final seconds, keeping the Ravens out of the playoffs and giving the Black & Gold an AFC North Division Championship. (W 26-24)

Next Monday night will be a tough game for the Steelers.  The Texans are red hot.  I'll take my meds and get ready for a good old fashioned playoff brawl.  GO STEELERS!!!!!

Holiday Haul

I must have been pretty good in 2025.  Part of my Holiday Haul was a 2 player set from the new Heroscape Line Age of Annihilation (Battle for the Wellspring) which I look forward to playing with my son.  I also got 2 boxes of Honolulu Cookies.  I love them!!!  Best shortbread cookies in the world!!!!  Not pictured was a Joe Cool Snoopy T-Shirt - awesome!!  

The holidays were great.  I got to spend some quality time with family and friends.  Plenty of food, drink, and merriment. As the new year approaches, I think this will be the last post of 2025. I like to wish all of you lots of happiness, good health, prosperity, and peace in 2026. Take care and stay safe out there!