Mark’s Musings – January 4, 2017

Mark Fortune

Okay! Okay! I get it. Perhaps I went a step too far in last week’s column. As I lay here like a slug, that is, after all, my only defense, I need to address the now 1-14 Browns. What? You say, “Wait a minute Mark, the season – at least for Cleveland – is over. They are either 2-14 or 1-15. Not as I write this. Just like last week, this column is being written on Friday due to the Monday New Year’s holiday. We have an early press time again this week. So while I can prognosticate all I want, the fact remains that the one game remaining against the Steelers is in limbo. As I write this.

But you will recall that I triple dog dared the Browns to pull one out at the end. Of course, you know, we all know, even Santa knows who won. He always knows.

I am humbly going to take a bit of the credit for last week’s victory. Let’s look at it this way – in the middle of the summer on the equator – you want it to rain. You need rain for your lawn and the garden. Maybe you just enjoy a nice summer morning rain – the type that you can enjoy whilst sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee or tea. So you wash your vehicle knowing that taking that step will bring the rain. You know this happens. This is very similar to last week’s victory for the Browns. Predict a loss and look what happens.

So, in some weird way, my writing in advance that the Browns were – as I take these words from last week’s column – “quite possibly and quite probably 0-15” – the Browns were destined to win. As I said, I am humbly taking some of the credit for the win. Humbly.

Let’s turn our attention to the Buckeyes. Again, writing one day in advance. Coach Meyer is at his absolute best preparing for the big games. As someone told me this week, the Buckeyes will win because of that. The prediction: Buckeyes 21 – Clemson 17.

I briefly reviewed last year’s column that aligns with this one – and have some of the same wishes for our community. Someone takes over the West Rock plant and puts some folks back to work. The United Way hits goal due to the generosity of this community. Another public – private sector road paving project bubbles up like County Road 10 and the previous year’s County Road 12. A significant accomplishment in 2016 – Otsego Avenue paved. Nicely done.

Let’s hope for a more peaceful planet in 2017. Fewer – dare we say – no terrorist attacks this year? I know that is a lot to ask. But ask we will. Displaced people are allowed – and able – to return to their homes in cities like Aleppo and nations around the world. Christians the world over are praised for their tolerance and love for their neighbor instead of being persecuted and sadly, martyred for their faith.

In our community we wish for the continued giving and loving hearts that help make Coshocton County a great place to live, work and play.

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion