My husband and I went to the season opener for the Buckeyes Saturday ... we are both graduates of OSU so we really enjoy going back ... at least once a season when we can ... to experience being in the Horseshoe ... of course, along with that, there's all the crowds and traffic, but have to say that despite all the warnings of traffic troubles because of construction on 315, we had no difficulties...the biggest jam was pedestrian as we waded across the Scioto River to get to the buses to take us back to West campus to get our car. After that, it was smooth sailing.

Now for the game ... the pageantry ... the traditions .... just being there and seeing it .. being a part of it ... well, "it" is awesome. OSU honored the military that day ... John and Annie Glenn dotted the "i" during the half time show  that also featured the alumni band so there were 4 script Ohios on the field. They also honored Chris Spielman that day for his recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. His wife Stefanie and their 4 children were also there. On a more local note, we witnessed Jon Thoma punt in the game. Jon graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas in 2005 with our daughter Lauren. Having that personal connection made it even more meaningful to watch the game ... I remember watching Jon kick during his senior year at St. Thomas ... he was always a soccer player but he was recruited to kick for football that last year ... and look how good that turned out for him.

All in all, it was a pretty awesome day ... sunny, blue skies and a pleasant breeze. The military jet fly over was incredible ... you heard them ... saw them and then FELT them!!!

I was very glad my husband and I got to enjoy it together ... and in the spirit of that day, am extremely grateful to our armed forces who sacrifice so much to allow us the joys of the simple pleasures we often take for granted here in the USA. Below are some pictures from the day, along with a clip before the 4th quarter showing the stadium embracing the playing of fan favorite HANG ON SLOOPY!!!  My husband is the consummate tourist...he always has his camera and he's always capturing moments ... so thank you Steve for recording the day!

I admired Walter Cronkite. He was the reason I wanted to be a journalist. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of hearing him speak at an Ohio Broadcasters meeting in Columbus and have forever kicked myself because I didn't request an introduction. However, while digging around in a flea market in Virginia two years ago, I came across a LIFE Magazine that had my journalist hero on the cover. I had to have it!

With a renewed energy, I decided to seek Walter out and request his autograph ... on the cover of this magazine. Doug Ankerman, who worked at WHBC, helped me by finding Walter's address. So I sent the magazine, along with a letter professing my admiration for him, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the man who inspired me. Several months passed and I just kind of gave up on the idea of getting it back. And then one day, my husband called me at work and shared the news I had been waiting to hear! "There is a package for you from New York." At last, it had arrived. I was so tickled. Walter took the time to oblige my school girl request ... and he had done so in a manner I thought was most fitting ... he signed the wheel on his sailboat. This is a prized possession ... and I wanted to share it. If you are a fan of Walter's, I invite you to take some time to read the story ... it is in several files ... sorry ... had to scan each page  individually, but you can enlarge the pages. And, it is quite fun reading about him .... from the 1971 perspective. And if you have a comment you'd like to share, please do.
Send me a note: sjackson@whbc.com