Maybe it’s the hype of swine flu, but it seems like I’ve been more vigilant than usual about NOT catching the flu this year, let alone the H1N1 virus.  I feeel like I’m staying one step ahead of  a disease bounty hunter.  Anybody else taking those “extra” precautions to avoid the “bug?”

Am I really living in Columbus, Ohio?  This past summer was one of the coolest in recent memory and I loved it!  Some complained about the lack of really hot days.  Not me.  And now comes the fall and some are saying that its too cool too soon.  I face those first temps in the a.m.  before most of you, and yeah, its a bit on the chilly side.  But when it turns into a sunny 68 degree day, how do you find fault in that picture?  However, I am aware of seasonal paybacks.  Does all the good weather mean a tough winter could be in the works?  Ah, so what!  Bring it on!  Because then soon will come the spring…

I’ll be at THE TASTE OF HOME EXPO this weekend.  I’ll be sharing the stage and helping Robin Davis prepare a lovely black bean salsa.  Most everyone assumes that most men CAN’T cook.  Not true.  Now, I may not be extremely versatile, but what I make I make well and isn’t that important thing once it’s put in front of you to consume?  No complaints about my “from scratch” sauce.  And my chicken has seldom disappointed.  So…who’s the better cook in your house?  P.S.  I’ve got a cucumber/feta cheese salad that’ll knock your socks off!

Monday Night was the first official “fall game” of Monday Night Poker.  The game has been a constant as we kicked off our 16th year of playing together.  The “core group” of 5 remains intact.  The permanent “6th” player was only added after one of the regular players passed away.  The other two seats rotate a bit, but its been interesting watching our lives change and develop through the years all through the conduit of a poker table. In fact I don’t think its about gambling so much anymore.  More like betting on a sure thing that no matter what’s going on in our lives that particular night of the week will be there for us to laugh, vent, eat, drink and remember how important friendships truly are…provided of course you have the $40 buy-in.  Any long-standing traditions that you are a part of?

Steelers lost to the BUNGALS.  Congrats to long suffering Cinci fans who have tired of Pittsburgh coming to your “house” and trashing it with a Steeler victory. Okay.  That’s as gracious as I get.  The season won’t get any easier and who knows- maybe it’ll come down to another game between us for a playoff spot.  God, I hope not!

It worked last year, but we all put the weight back on.  A WEIGHT CHALLENGE for either cash or something of value is taking place again between myself and two friends from The Columbus Italian Club.  No weigh-ins during the contest.  Just one last night and one at the end in December.   But should CASH be the incentive to drop the pounds?  Don’t know, but it worked last year and apparently might again.  Especially since last year- I won!

MODERN FAMILY…love it.  A new fave if the writing stays strong.  THE GOOD WIFE…good TV.  MERCY…I’ll show some and give it another shot.  THE FORGOTTEN…I’ll probably forget it.  COUGAR TOWN…may need a little more bite.  GLEE…causes said “glee” upon viewing.  FLASH FORWARD…I’m looking forward to it tonight.  Looks like it might be a nice replacement when LOST wraps things up.  Returning faves…I like THE MENTALIST, but its too easy to figure out.  GREY’S ANATOMY…I have to watch, don’t I?  I think its a law.  And I love the comedy line-up on NBC with the exception of Jay Leno at 10p.m.

Fall season for new TV is off and running.  HOUSE is back.  Loved it!  New stuff tonight…THE GOOD WIFE looks promising and I think L.L. Cool J and Chris O’ Donnell will fair well with NCIS: Los Angeles.  Don’t know about Christian Slater and THE FORGOTTEN.  Might be just that- forgotten.  What new shows are you interested in?

Thanks again Central Ohio.  Despite a tough economy, we still managed to raise over $280,000 for Children’s Hospital last week.  Thanks for the donations, the volunteers who answered phones and for ALL THE TREATS!  We always raise a nice amount of cash and also manage to put on 3 to 5 pounds!  Thanks  aGAIN.

I took the point spread and bet the Buckeyes and won.  Despite the fact that the Buckeyes lost the game, I still walked away with money in pocket.  I almost feel bad.  Almost.  Thoughts?