Random Thoughts of Steve Blake

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:38:00 +0000

Our Journey: A Love Letter to Peggy

Posted on: December 10, 2025
By: Your greatest admirer, Steve

There are moments in life when words feel too small for what the heart holds. As I prepare for surgery on the 17th, I’ve found myself thinking deeply about the woman who has given meaning to every chapter of my life: my wife, Peggy. This post is my attempt — imperfect as it may be — to put into words the appreciation, love, and gratitude I feel for her.

Where It All Began

I met Peggy in 1980 while working at K-Mart. I had no idea then how profoundly she would change my life. Our first date at the Pizza Hut on South High Street wasn’t anything extravagant, but it became the foundation of a lifetime. Something in her presence pulled me in — steady, bright, and full of quiet strength. That hasn’t changed for over four decades.

Being near her has always been enough for me. Conversation or silence, adventure or a quiet evening at home — simply existing next to Peggy brings peace to my world.

What I Admire in Her

Peggy is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known, both mentally and physically. She faces life with a determination and intelligence that continually amazes me. And her knowledge of the Ohio State Buckeyes? That’s a whole separate superpower. I may not share her passion for football, but I absolutely love watching her eyes light up when the Buckeyes win — a spark she inherited from her dad. Seeing that joy is one of my favorite things in the world.

Her Care, Her Love

Letting Peggy take care of me has always pushed me outside my comfort zone. Every time she cooks for me, bakes me cookies, or looks at me with love in her eyes, I feel humbled. Part of me feels like I’m failing at the job of being a husband when she has to take care of me — but I’m learning. I’m learning that allowing her to care for me doesn’t make me less. It simply means I am loved deeply and completely by a remarkable woman.

And when I’m not well, I see the hurt in her eyes. She tries to hide it, but I know it’s there. That’s what breaks me. But at the same time, that compassion, that devotion, is precisely what gives me the courage to face this surgery. I could not do this without her by my side.

Our Adventures Together

We’ve crossed an extraordinary amount of earth together. From the beaches she loves, to the wild places that speak to me — every trip has been a gift. Alaska, with its eagles and whales, felt like magic. Walking through Ephesus, exploring Greece, Rome, and countless remote corners of the world… these weren’t just vacations. They were shared moments that strengthened our bond and filled our lives with memories I will treasure forever.

No matter how far we travel, the best part is always her hand in mine.

The Love That Anchors Us

When I imagine our future, I see us sitting on a porch someday — two people who made each other better, who weathered life together and came out stronger. Our bond is powerful. It would destroy us if it were ever broken, but I don’t fear that. Our love has been tested, shaped, strengthened, and proven through time.

Peggy, if you’re reading this while I’m in surgery — or any moment when you need reassurance — please hear this:
I have lived a life that no human deserves, a life better than anything I could have imagined, because of you. Together, we’ve cheated the standards of the world, defied expectations, and built something extraordinary.

Looking Forward

I’m excited for all the adventures still ahead — especially when I move to 80% next year and retire after that. There are new paths to explore, new memories to collect. I want to spend those years traveling the world with you, appreciating the quiet moments, and soaking in every sunrise and sunset we get to share.

You transformed me from the geek with the pen protector and the pager hanging off my belt into the man I am today. You shaped me with love, patience, and a belief in me that I never found on my own.

I will always love you, Peggy. I will always be grateful to you. And even though it hurts me when you have to take care of me, I promise that for the rest of my life, I will do everything I can to take care of you, too.

Forever Yours

Peggy, you are my partner, my strength, my peace, and my forever love.
And every day — even the hard ones — I thank God that your path crossed mine in that K-Mart in 1980.

Popular Websites through time

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:03:00 +0000

See how many of the websites you remember.

Interesting Point to Ponder

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 14:34:00 +0000

Don't sweat the petty stuff, or you will be petting the sweaty stuff.

Strandbeest - My new best toy.

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 17:14:00 +0000

It took me three lunch-times to build and works great! This might look familiar because of the previous POST where we took you on a virtual walk through Adam Savage's basement.

Here is where I got this: https://www.whatiz.com/2018/07/adam-savages-basement.html#comments

Adam Savage's Basement

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 18:06:00 +0000

While watching Adam Savage "Tested" on YouTube, he provided very detailed "Streetview" images of his basement. You can see incredible things <HERE>.

There is another room you can find yourself going into (pool table). If you find it difficult to find your way in that room, you can <CLICK HERE>.

In the display cases in the pool room, you might find what is called a Strandbeest. Now, these are crazy mechanical devices that are power by wind. When the prop is spinning, the legs will walk across the floor, table, or beach. Here is a <YouTube video> that shows a very big version of that model of a different model in Adam's Basement.

See if you can find the following picture... The first is Adam's Strandbeest model.

-->

Cameron trying to get something done.

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:48:00 +0000

It was hot and frankly, this would have been an all-day job. Although Cameron needed help, I kinda have to be on Christopher's side on this one.

Dollywood Steam Engine

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:24:00 +0000

While we were in Pigeon Forge TN last week, we rode this train. It is an authentic steam engine from WWII. As noted on <This Website>, "While many people assume that the Dollywood trains were custom built for the theme park, the locomotives were actually constructed in the late 1930s and early 1940s! During WWII, these steam engines played an important role in America’s war effort." The mear sound of that engine starting its journey and the commanding billowing black coal dust was an experience with the sound, sight, and feeling rather than just seeing a train leave the station.

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 12:51:00 +0000

Yesterday, Peggy and I went out to get a new battery for my "Battery Backed-Up" Garage door opener when we discovered the battery was dead... (Queue Montage of June 11th). Well, as it turned out, Lowes has it on their website but not in their stores. So, the web showed Walmart also carries those batteries but as it turns out, "web only order." So with that a bust, we did have an extra set of house keys made, and we can now get in the house if the power goes out again.

While we were out hunting and gathering, we encountered incredible torrential downpours. Fortunately, and as usual, I was able to drop Peggy off right at the door. At one point, (Walmart) I ended up sitting in the car for perhaps close to ten (10) minutes waiting for the rain to subside enough that I could get to the back of the car and get my Bumbershoot.

We were a bit more productive at Walmart. As a result of the power pole siesta debacle on June 11th, we not only found the garage door battery was inoperable, but also our cordless house phones were bad. We got the replacements and now good-to-go until the next significant power interference.

It is typical. We invest in contingency plans and then never test them. So, it goes to reason that when a power failure occurs, we then test all battery backed up devices. UPSs, Laptops, Garage Door Openers and hopefully NOT smoke detectors.

Columbus Arts Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 18:19:00 +0000

Well, I know this is being posted a bit late but, life and work get in the way of our plans.

Here is my update for today... On the way home from work on Friday, we encountered some really strong straight-line winds that damaged a lot of trees and power poles. As a matter of fact, the main power to our part of Columbus was interrupted when two poles decided to get lazy and lay down.

When we got home, neither of us had a key to the house. You might ask, "Why would someone as wise and highly intelligent as Peggy, not have a key to the house?" Yep, it was all her fault. Here is the rationale that prompted a change in our key carrying habits. We were smart... (In hindsight, maybe not) in that, we got a garage door opener that has the built-in battery backup so if the power goes off, the door will still open and thereby, free access to the house. The problem was that we did not do any risk analysis. The question should have been asked, what happens if the battery goes dead... With hindsight being 20-20, now we thank of it. So, we now have a contingency plan should the battery fail again by having a key as the backup.

During this tragedy, I was impressed with AEP's "Smart Power" project. I actually had an opportunity to work on that project but unfortunately fell through and a story for another time. As soon as the power when out, AEP email us letting us know. The problem was the information in the email was off a bit. Their original estimate was restoral completed by 9:30 pm the NEXT day. Well, it was back on and the garage door opened within hours of the power pole siesta event. We did actually call a locksmith but the power was back on before he was able to get there.

On Saturday, Peggy and I volunteered at the Columbus Arts Festival and worked at the Grange Acoustic Lounge. We spent a good four (okay, 3 1/2) hours doing hard manual labor. We did the same thing (I think) last year but did not work that hard then because we were not on "setup detail". I am not that "In to" the whole art scene but the acoustic lounge had some good music and I love acoustic music. So, it really wasn't that bad.

Duck, Duck... No, seriously, DUCK!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 12:42:00 +0000

We went to another baseball game yesterday and was very pleased with the outcome despite the fact that we had to drive clear to Mount Sterling, OH for the game.

The score was 16-6 and our team WON! They had such a good time. As shown in the video, Christopher (and the other players on our team) was doing a lot of defensive moves to prevent interactions between their bodies and the ball.

I remember a few games ago, Christopher took a direct hit from a fastball in the belly (just below his sternum). I will say that there is plenty of sounds that are excruciating to hear and that was one. It actually knocked the wind out of him for a time but sucked it up (no pun intended) and took his base like a champ.

On the other side of my grandkids, Cameron was running around during the games playing with the other kids around the park and a big part of his audience was girls... That's my grandkid!

Days like today...

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 11:09:00 +0000

I know I am typically up and excited to hit this world with a smile. But, it takes days like today to realize how blessed you really are. I am going through some challenges with one of my spiritual mentors. This blog is a place where I present the random thoughts and experiences in my life but I
want it to be upbeat and refuse to add negative things. So, this is about a negative as I will get. We have enough negative stuff on the news and social media and sometimes we need a break for that garbage.

On the upside, last night one of my church teachers was out and I got to teach the older kids. I really enjoy this age group although the energy level of a couple could be turned down.

We discuss the Trinity and how each Person of the Trinity had significant physical, visual, and spiritual experiences in the history of mankind. If you look at the Bible as a whole, you can see the hand of God build, comfort, chastise and bless us, despite our sin nature.

A moment back

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 10:15:00 +0000

It is presently 49°F this morning and I had to wear a jacket. What is up with the Weather! You know if I have to revert to weather discussion, I do not have that much to report this morning.

So, here is one from 2009. We took Christopher down to Big Walnut Creek and let him fish. Love the expression...Enough said...

Another game in Orient

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:54:00 +0000

Christopher

Last night: we got to go to Christopher's baseball game in Orient Ohio. It was excellent weather for me, but Peggy ended up with a blanket around her. The image on the left shows Christopher getting a hit even though it was a foul ball.

This was Christopher's first year playing baseball and is doing well. One particular play, I think he was a bit confused as to where to throw. It was a hit right down first base and got past the first baseman where Christopher got the ball. It was too late to throw to first so, Christopher should have cut the boy off at second. The boy heading at first base but could have run to second but fortunately hesitated and stayed on first. So, Chris should have automatically thrown to second to cut him off but instead, throw to first. That play was a result of Inexperience and next time he will know what to do. At one point, Christopher was on first and his dad, Chris was the first base coach. Chris told Christopher to steal second. This time Christopher hesitated and they throw him out.

Cameron

Christopher's team will not be getting first place awards this year but will gain a ton of experience. Every person on the team will play the whole game because they only have eight (8) kids on the team. As a matter of fact, if one of the boys happens to be on vacation during a specific game, the team will be allowed to play but will get an automatic out each inning. If two kids are out, the team will have to forfeit the game.

Again, this was nothing more than inexperience and the first time he tried to steal a base. All that said, I am really impressed how quickly he is coming along for his first year.

In other news, the boys just got out of school for summary break and the first thing Cameron wanted was a Mohawk. Now. the school they attend do not allow this hairstyle, so the moment Cameron started summer break, he went to the barber and got a haircut. I thought it was awesome even though, Crystal may have used the word "goober". Well, all I know is he really liked getting it but in reality, he will not take care of it with the necessary products to keep it standing up. That is okay, he likes it, I like it, and dog-gone-it, he is adorable.

Kayak Fishing Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:49:00 +0000

Last weekend, a friend and I started off early on Saturday heading down "Little Walnut Creek" to do some fishing in our kayaks. The water was up a couple feet and a little fast but I was prepared for the conditions. Although it was a bit muddy, my first cast proved that the day was going to be great. I landed a HUGE minnow... Okay, it was a little smallie that was a perfect specimen of what we were hoping to conquer.

This was the first time I was on this body of water and I was pleasantly surprised. This creek has several laydowns, sections of the bank that was very rocky, and decently deep water without a lot of "fast" water. It started out like this was going to be a good day.

Now the rest of the story...

The water was not that cold... No, it wasn't me that dumped his kayak. I really felt bad but, this was his first kayak and he needed to be baptized in water... When I got my kayak, I had to know the limits of the craft and now, he knows his limit. Okay, he was just getting in the boat but still...

We began paddling upstream until we got tired and when floating down this lazy river fishing as we drifted downstream. We still had the morning on the water and basically, caught nothing outside of what I caught on my first cast.

Play Ball!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 11:02:00 +0000

Christopher

Last night Peggy and I went to another ball game. Chris did not get on base this time. He can usually get on base in a game, but this team was a bit above our team.
The game was in Orient, Ohio so it was a little bit of a trip and believe the next one or two games might there or someplace other than our usual field.
I was expecting the game to be called because we had these pop-up showers and it was expecting to rain. It turned out that we didn't get any rain and the temperature dropped to where I went back to the car and got a sweatshirt for Peggy. I thought it was excellent.
After the game, Peggy and I went to Kroger to pick up a few things for my Mother-in-law and get some protein bars for work (for me). I have been enjoying the CLIF Builder's Protein Crunchy Peanut Butter. They contain 20 grams of protein and taste great.

This morning was supposed to be raining also but was able to walk from my parking garage to the office. (Typically a 10 to 12-minute walk if going at a good clip).
Okay, enough for this morning.

USGS graph

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 31 May 2018 11:38:00 +0000

USGS graph shows the real-time level of one of my fishing spots. Big Walnut at Reese.

The actual URL: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/uv?site_no=03229500

Do not let anyone steal your joy!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 31 May 2018 10:10:00 +0000

Good morning to everyone. I hope you have an incredible day. One of the scriptures that I live by is in John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." I am a firm believer that we can choose to allow others to steal our joy. This scripture says that we do NOT have to allow that to happen simply by claiming the written scripture.

I know we are not impervious to challenges in life just like everyone but, keep in mind, Christians are not perfect just forgiven. The Bible says Matthew 5:45 that it will rain on the just and the un-just alike. When people in this life tries to steal your joy, remember you know the author of humanity and He says, He came that we can have an abundant life of JOY.

All of this to say, JOY comes when your priorities are set correctly.

Remember JOY is (J)esus, (O)thers, then (Y)ourself.

So, have an incredible day and find your favor with God and do not let anybody steal your joy!

Blast from the past...

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 30 May 2018 17:03:00 +0000

I just happened to be looking around at lunchtime and found a link to my original WHATIZ site. I was blown away by how BAD my writing was back in 2006. I love the fact that I can look back at the crazy stuff that I was going through. The link will not (unfortunately) show any of the pictures but it was wonderful just reading about the past.

That said, I remember a time when I had an option to copy (at the time) the contents of Whatiz.com into a book form and thought, "Why would I want to do that?" Well, I wish I would have done that just to capture the pictures.

If you would like to reminisce by means of an old website/blog, go to www.archive.org.

So, let's start this off with what is happening right now...

I am working at Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Institute as a System Analyst II. Peggy is still at Grange Insurance as a Business Analyst.

A couple weeks ago, Peggy, my brother Danny, sis-in-law Jill, niece Brittnii and her boyfriend got back from a week at Unico (Riveria Maya, Mexico) all-inclusive resort. It was a week of a lot of floating and one day of incredible fishing. Apparently, we did well. We caught 48 Mahi Mahi all being 10-15 lbs each but one my brother caught that was like 30 lbs.

I had an incredible time with Peggy and family and really needed the rest.

Hopefully, you can see the pictures (HERE)

Congratulations, Buckeyes!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 18:34:00 +0000

Lake Stevens In West Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:24:00 +0000

medeor shower

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 01:48:00 +0000

Computer Crash...

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:23:00 +0000

Something you never want to happen but is inevitable... The proverbial computer crash. It makes me sad. So, I'm spending on trying to revive it the morning...

This is just wrong...

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:48:00 +0000

Sleeeeeeppppyyyyyyyy....

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:03:00 +0000

Emotional Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:38:00 +0000

I find it amazing but a blessing that God has built us in such a way that the perceived pain of a loved one can cause us to feel our own pain and react in weird ways. Recently, I got three little stitches that needs to come out and instead of going clear out to the doctor's office, I asked Peggy to simply remove them. For whatever reason, Peggy is having a psycho-physical reaction to taking them out. In her mind, she feels as though she is (or will be) hurting me. The reality is, the spot where the stitches are has lost all feeling and cannot hurt. It was the same way for me when she had surgery recently so, I do not understand but get it...

I also know that when you are in a situation where a demand for action is called for, this reaction goes away. Perhaps this reaction is specific to our loved ones only. I remember a time when my son cut his hand and needed stitches, I was perfectly fine when I know he needed to be taken to the hospital. While we were sitting in the examination room, the doctor shot Chris up with Novocaine and began to stitch him up. I suggested to Chris that he should look away but, he was all about watching the doctor stick that needle in his hand stitch after stitch. It was not until I know he was in good hands (no pun intended) and the stitches was going in that all of a sudden, I began to pass out! I immediately had to sit down and look away. When everything was over, the doctor said Chris did very well and asked him if he wanted a Popsicle. Chris replied, "Sure but, can you give my dad one too?"