Friday Conversation:

Did you know that there is an official lawn mower of NASCAR? Me either. Jason, the fellow you see in the Q Morning Crew pictures just bought one. His old one died so he went to Menards to buy a new one. Yard Man, the official mower of NASCAR! Go figure.

As you heard on the Q Morning Crew this past Thursday my mother and father celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Tomorrow we'll all gather at a dinner in their honor in Frankenmuth. Congratulations Mom and Dad!

The balance of the weekend will be one of celebration as well. Sunday is not only Mothers Day, it also happens to be the twins 30th birthday. Cindy, her husband Tom, and son Brady, plus Tammy, her husband Brian, and son Josh and Ursi and I are all going out to breakfast. In a way I'm looking forward to it, and in a way I'm not. I love a going out for breakfast. But I also feel cheated, not getting to grill up some goodies. More on grilling in a bit. But speaking of mothers, I'm really blessed to look around and be surrounded by great moms this weekend. My mom and my wife both great women and wonderful mothers. But it's our daughters, and daughters in law that we take so much pride in. Cindy, Tammy, Ginger, Pam, and Tina. All have done wonderful things with the children they've been blessed with. Not to mention they continue to raise, Tommy, Brian, Ben, Steven, and Kevin.....oh the guys will never forgive me for that.

Now as promised, more on grilling. Here's Kramers grill tip for the month of May.......Looks like I now have to do a grilling tip each month this summer. My secret spice is Cinnamon. I use it when ever I use Bar-b-q sauce. It just adds a little bite to the taste. My favorite is what I call disaster chicken. I call it that, because the first time I used it I burned it, I mean really burned it. At any rate, I just add a dash of cinnamon over the chicken, I happen to like a lot of it, but use it to your taste. Then slap on your b-b-q sauce and see if you don't like it. When it comes to grills I'd rather use my Weber charcoal grill, before I use the gas grill. Mostly because you can slow cook on the Weber. But I have discovered if your gas grill has three burners you can slow cook on those too. Just heat up all three burners then shut the middle one off, and turn down the other two. It gives you the same effect of the Weber indirect cooking method. Next month I'll pass along my "brats in beer" recipe......Kramer

Sorry it's been so long:

I just saw that it has been two plus weeks since I last blogged. Please forgive me. I'd say I've been really busy, but that's not really the case. Maybe I've been "blog-lazy!

A couple of quick notes. As you may or may not know Paul Harvey lost his wife Angel this past weekend. She died Saturday. Perhaps that is why Paul has been absent from his broadcast the last month plus. If you'd like to send the family an email just log onto paulharvey.com, click on the "contact us" button and you'll be able to email the family. They say behind every good man, there's a great women. Angel certainly was that and then some. Did you know she created the "Rest of the Story"? Also she's in the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. It was Angel who created the "feature" news story, and she was also the creator of "kicker" story. That's the light hearted or funny story a new caster will air at the tail end of a newscast. Beyond all of that must have been a great wife and mother.

Speaking of mothers, thanks to everyone who donated to the KCQ Moms For Moms. The Underground Railroad of Saginaw this morning took in a truck load of your donations. Thanks as well to the Abbe Insurance Center for hosting Barb, Jocelyn and I this past Friday afternoon. And Happy Mothers day to all you moms. If any dad was honest with you, none of us would want your job!

While we're on the topics of moms. My mom and dad will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this Thursday. Saturday we'll all gather in Frankenmuth for a dinner with them. 60 years, wow. Ursi will tell you that while we've been married (I hope I get this right) 20 years, it seems like 75. That's life with Kramer!

I met a real life New York Yankee yesterday. I was enjoying a sandwich in the press box at Dow Diamond prior to the Loons game, when I looked to my right and there was Don Mattingly. His son Preston plays second base for the Loons. This was going to be the first game he had seen his son play since high school. Don's been busy, up until this year he had been the hitting instructor for the Yankees. That following a great career as a Yankee himself. Anyway, I looked over and said: "Don Mattingly"! He said: Wow didn't think anyone in Michigan would recognize me...I said: Are you kidding. I've been a baseball fan my whole life, and you played all those years with the Stinkin' Yankees! At first he looked at me like, what did you just say? But then he said: I take it you don't like the Yankees......To which I replied, nope, never have, never will. Hey Don welcome to Kramer's world! As it turns out Mattingly went his way, and I went mine. By the end of the day he got to see his son lead the Loons to victory, scoring from third base while the batter was in a rundown between first and second. Heads up play, just like his old man! That's it for now, more later, and I promise I won't get blog-lazy....Kramer

Friday conversation:

You'll notice some new pictures of the Q Morning Crew on the website. My daughter Cindy got a new camera recently. I noticed the pictures she's been taking, and how good they were. So she is the shooter, while Barb, Josy, Jason, and I were the target. I'd say Cindy hit the mark. Thanks Cindy.

This is going to be a busy weekend. I'll pull the Saturday 10 til 2 shift, then Sunday I'll be at Dow Diamond for the Loons game. Remember, Sunday is Lou E. Loons 2nd birthday. He'll stop by our broadcast site a little after 2. You're invited to come by, sing Happy Birthday with us, and enjoy some birthday cupcakes. By the way, some of the cupcakes will be worth prizes, and one will be worth $100.00! Oh, and I am throwing out the first pitch at the game on Sunday. I did it last year too. Leading up to last years game I practiced for several days. All that practice and I didn't even come close to home plate. This year I'm just going to wing it. Hope to see you at the ballgame.

How do you like our spring weather. As I write this we're enjoying sunshine and 78. I've seen plenty of you out in your yards, raking, and getting you flower beds ready for planting. Earlier this week Ursi and I were sitting outside visiting with Brooke, and Landon (two of our seven grandkids) when I looked down the street and someone was already watering their lawn.

During the spring and summer I love sitting on the porch, and watching folks pass by. Be it in the car, walking or riding bikes. I'm amazed sometimes at the things you see. One of my favorites are the guys (I know women don't do this) who pimp their rides. My most recent favorite was the dude, who's car had an interesting paint job. The body of the car was yellow, I mean bright yellow, and the roof, and mirrors were pink! Give me good ole black any day!

Think I've said enough. Go enjoy your weekend.....Kramer

Sunday Conversation:

In My last blog, I shared some memories of Wally Bronner. Of course Mr. Christmas has passed away. Thanks again Wally for all the memories you made, for so many!

This has been, and will continue to be a busy spring. Here's some of what's been keeping, Jim and Ursula Kramer busy.

Ursi got a new car this past week. Chevy Impala, and I have to tell ya, she looks GREAT behind the wheel. Her first trip in her new ride she had her nails done. The polish matches the color of her new car! Today, we're headed to a birthday party for My Mom. Next weekend a party for our grandson Ian. Then later this month our son Kevin turns 40....just kidding, 37, but he's getting close. 

The weather has turned, and with it several "rights of spring"! For starters, it's baseball season. The Tigers are off to an 0-5 start, ouch! The baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint, so we're hoping for a nice bounce back from the boy's of summer. The Loons, are off to a 2-1 start. Have you taken in a Loons game? You should, if for nothing else the food. I love the Philly Cheese Steak. In fact in the last year I've been on a mission, comparing PCS sandwiches at other venues. The Palace, spring training stadiums in Florida, and I'm here to tell you none can even come close the PCS at Dow Diamond! Another "right of spring" is bird poop. I told you Ursi got a new car this week, and if you're like Me you hate a dirty new car. What is it with birds? They can spot a new car, and drop several direct hits!!!  

How about a Striker update. He continues to grow, and his behavior continues to improve. We've been really lucky, in that he's not much of a chewer. He is watchdog however. He hears everything, and the bark is on. Oh, he doesn't know this, but he's having the "boy surgery next month! Yep, Striker is getting his wings clipped!

This coming Friday night is KCQ Rising Star at the Westown in Bay City. Four great local bands, and Whiskey Falls. Doors open at 5, show starts at 6, hope to see you there....Kramer  

Wally Bronner:

I've had several chances to spend time with Mr. Christmas. Each time I marveled at his zest for life, and those around him. Mr. Bronners passion for his faith, and his favorite holiday will live forever long after he leaves us. To his family, and those close to him, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Perhaps My favorite encounter with Wally came about four year ago. I had been shopping (one of my favorite things to do) when I ran across a red jacket. With my love for bright colors I picked it up and wore it to the company Christmas party. Someone suggested that I head to Bronners and impersonate Mr. Christmas, tape it, and play it back on the morning show. Sounded like fun to Me. However out of respect for Wally I called ahead. He agreed to escort me through his Christmas Wonderland. Upon our arrival Wally looked a Me and laughed. Then he looked at my feet, and said: "You need some red shoes. What size do you wear? I told him 10 1/2. Within minutes he produced a pair of red loafers....size 10 1/2! We spent over an hour talking with people for near and far as they enjoyed all Bronners had to offer. Afterwards, Wally gave Ursi and I a tour of the "belly of Bronners". It was there Wally gave Ursi and I something we enjoy each and every Christmas. A two foot tall Wally Bronner figurine. He autographed it for us. Wally also loaded us up with some other Christmas goodies.

Wally, thank you for not only that afternoon but for keeping the birthday of Our Savior alive, every single day of the year. Also thank you for the many, many good things you have done for the people of Mid Michigan.

You know, I guess we're lucky. After Wally is gone, Ursi and will always have Mr. Christmas in our home. Standing two feet tall. Thanks again Mr. Christmas......Kramer

Happy Easter:

Hard to believe it's Easter Sunday! What are your plans? We'll be headed to son Kevin's for dinner with him, his wife Tina, children Brooke, and Landon. Also around the table, daughter Cindy, her husband Tom, and son Brady. Honey Baked Ham....mmmmm!

In My last blog I said I would tell you what happens when the Pilot of an airliner has to use the restroom at 35 thousand feet. On My recent trip to Florida, about 2/3 of the way there, I noticed one of the pilots leaving the flightdeck, headed for the restroom at the back of the plane. (wouldn't you think they had their own "potty" up front?) At any rate, while he was in the back, I noticed the plane took a rather hard turn to the right, and a bit of a dip. Shortly after we leveled off I looked out the window. Only to see another jet whiz by in the other direction. This bad boy was close. So close, I can tell you it was a fleet member of United Airlines! In all my years of flying I have never seen anything like it. Did it spook me? Well, yea, just  a little.

Here comes the big Carrie Underwood concert a week from tonight. On your drive to the Dow tune in to KCQ at 6pm. I will be joined by Carrie for a 30 minute preconcert special. I'm really looking forward to it, and I hope you have a chance to hear it. Weather your going to the show or not, I think you'll enjoy it.

Well I'm off. Still looking to find My Easter Basket~.......Kramer

Fun in the Sun With My Son:

Before I tell you about our trip, a huge THANK YOU to Ursula for putting up with Striker while I was away. The second day of the trip he drove her nutts. He was hyper, hyper, hyper. Ursi sacrificed not getting some of her projects done, because Striker, was being a stinker. Thanks Babe, you're the best.

As for the trip. We flew out of Bishop in Flint, and landed in Orlando at 9:45 Monday morning. We got our bags, and rental car and were off to find a golf course. The course I had played every year near the airport was sold to and was turned into a housing project. As a result we were forced to find another track to play. Hunter's Ridge. With 9 holes under our belts we were off to Lakeland to check into our room. What a find, The Lamans Apartments and Suites. 65 bucks a night, with a full kitchen. Stocked with everything but food. Shortly after we hopped in the car for a 45 minute ride to Tampa, where we watched the Stinkin' Yankees play the Reds.

Tuesday morning we headed for Tiger Town. We arrived about 10:30, the gates opened at 11 for the 1pm start. When we got inside to find our seats, 5 rows from the field just beyond first base. For the next two hours we visited with those around us, and watched as the Tigers prepared for the game. And we did a little star gazing, as former Tigers Al Kaline, and Lou Whittaker were roaming around. The game was fun, and they picked up a win. After the game we headed to Imperial Lakes Golf Club for another quick 9. As luck would have it this course was right across the street from where we were staying. We liked it so much we made a tee time for the next morning.

Wednesday morning we were on the tee at Imperial Lakes, at 7:55am.  It was foggy for the first few holes, and by time we got to number 5 the sun had popped up, and off came the pull overs. After 18 holes we headed back to Tiger Town to watch the Tigers and Houston Astro's. In this game, the Tigers started the opening day line up. By the 4th inning they were up like 11-1. Needless to say they won. Then it was back to the room to chill before all you can eat ribs at "Sonny's"!

Thursday up early again with a 7:55 tee time. It was a much cooler morning, and the pull overs didn't come off until the 10th tee. After golf it was off to Orlando to kill he rest of the day, and catch a 5:30 flight back to Mid Michigan.

It was a great four days of sunshine, baseball, and golf with My son. I don't think he'll mind if I share an email he sent me on Friday morning.

Hard to believe the trip has come and gone! What a great 
time. Thank you for being my travel companion! The 
baseball and golf were great, but the best part was your 
company. I really enjoyed spending a few days with you. 
 
This trip ranks right up there as the best experiences of my 
life, so thanks. I hope we can plan to do it again in 2010.
 
Love,
 
Ben

Sunshine and 70's here I come. Hope you don't mind, I'm bringing My son:

Monday morning, my son Ben and I are flying off to Lakeland for a few days of Tiger spring training baseball and more than several rounds of golf. What makes this trip so exciting is the bond the two of us have. Of course it goes back to the day he was born, but just like my dad shared with me, I shared with Ben my love for the game of baseball.

A few years back Ursi asked me to explain to her my love for the game. I explained how my dad use to always share stories of the game. Dad was a foreman at the tank plant in Grand Blanc. The plant manager knew how much he loved baseball, and whenever the Tigers were in town, he would alway give dad his season tickets for at least one game of the homestand. They were great seats, a few rows from the field down the first baseline. So, from an early age I've been hooked.

When Ben was about 3, I took him to his first Tiger game. We would go to maybe a half dozen times a year. In 84, when Ben was 8 the Tigers won it all. I know he remembers it, because we talk about 84 all the time. Gibby's home run, what Tiger fan doesn't remember that? During his childhood I always dreamed about taking him to Lakeland for spring training. My dad, his grandfather did take him once years ago. But Monday, he and I will at last, make that trip together.

Now, Ben shares his romance for the game with his two sons. I hope one day he can treat his boys to spring training. If not, maybe he'll have a chance to make memories a little later in life. Just like his dad will in the next few days. 

Kramer

Sorry:

As in sorry it's been so long since my last blog. Been kinda busy!

Barb's back and it's been a fun, yet busy week. We are putting the finishing touches on the announcement for the KCQ Country Music Fest. That happens tomorrow morning at 7:10. The whole staff is excited, and I think you will be as well.

After the big announcement, I'll be leaving on vacation. Again my son Ben and I are headed to Lakeland, for spring training and golf. He called today to put the finishing touches on our plans. I maybe ready to come home after our first day. We land in Orlando at 9:45. We're playing a quick 9 at a course in Orlando. Then driving to Lakeland, check into our room. Freshen up, then driving to Tampa to watch "The Stinkin' Yankees". The only reason I agreed to watch the Yankees? They're playing the Reds! Remember I was born in Cincinnati. Then we drive back to Lakeland. That's gonna be one long day. But, you bet we're looking forward to it.

That's all for now, Striker is crying, he wants to go upstairs and be with Ursi. I swear sometimes he thinks he's her shadow.

Kramer

Don't Miss Our Thursday Morning Broadcast!

This week has been a blast so far. Now, wait don't go telling Barb: "Kramer didn't miss you while you were on vacation"! But what's the point of a vacation? To get away from your normal day to day, and recharge! So, while she and Prince Charming are away, we've gotten away from normal day to day, with guest co-host. Linda Mc Gee, a long time friend of the radio station, and one of Saginaw's best friends joined me in studio Monday, and Tuesday. Then this morning, my bride, Ursula joined in the fun. Then there's the rest of the week!

Tomorrow Ursi is back and we are both just sitting here at home this evening, all excited. About what? We'll chat with Carrie Underwood tomorrow morning. Carrie will share with us a very unique opportunity you'll have the evening of her concert at the Dow in late March. Plus Ursi, and I plan to ask her about her appearance on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. It should be fun. I think you'll find Carrie to be very down to earth. If anyone has reason to have their head in the clouds it would be this young lady. But if memory serves me correctly from our visit with her at the CMA awards, she's really grounded.

Fridays show should be interesting. I have no idea what's going to happen. My sister Mary will be joining me in studio. I really think she wants to tell stories about when we were kids. To be honest I think she wants to throw me under the bus!

Back to working with my wife. I think this is something every couple should do. No, wait I don't really mean that. I'm sure that's not possible, but if it is give it a go. When I got home I asked if she had as much fun as I did? Thankfully, she said yes.

Meanwhile, back at the house Striker was alone! Leaving a puppy alone for the first time is always stressful. We weren't worry about him. We were worried about the couch and the lazy-boy! All was well when we got home.

Oh, by the way....T-minus 11 days til Lakeland Florida!...Kramer

Easy Like Sunday Morning:

Hey hope those of you who attended the Bucky Covington show had a great time. Friday afternoon I had a chance to spend some time with Bucky. While I have interviewed him during CMA week, just chatting with him Friday, I found him to be very humble. He's not surprised by his success, but he is certainly humbled by it. Overall Bucky is living his dream, and feels very fortunate to share it with you his fans!

The weekend has been relaxing. Grandsons, Zach, and Brady were here Saturday night, running around and having a blast. And yep, Striker the Labradoodle was right in the middle of it.

Barb is on vacation this coming week. While we will miss her, I have lined up some guest co-host. A long time friend of the radio station, and a long time friend of the city of Saginaw, Linda Mc Gee will join in the fun Monday, and Tuesday. My wife, Ursula will help wake you up on Wednesday, and Thursday. Yep it's take your wife to work week. I always love it when Ursi comes in. She has been such a big reason for my success in radio, ( yes, it's her fault!.....lol....) it's just a joy to share the studio with her. Friday, I'm hoping to have my sister Mary join the morning fun.

Also this week, look for Carrie Underwood to join us for a chat on Thursday morning. Along with Carrie, Ursi and I will release details on one of the COOLEST THINGS, 98FM KCQ has ever offered to our listeners. Our entire staff is buzzing about this. All I can tell you is if you're lucky enough to be one of the 6 winners, you will go where few ever go. Even in a 30 plus year radio career I have never had this opportunity. But you will!

Now, just two weeks away from my trip to Florida with my son Ben. I saw him this weekend and he says he worried about lifestyles clashing on this trip. I'm a morning person, and he's a night owl! I simply told him.....we'll just go without any sleep!

Hope you have a great week, and you enjoy my trio of guest host while Barb is off on a well deserved vacation.......Kramer

Busy, but fun weekend:

It's Sunday morning, and I'm trying to decide if I really want to go out in this rain. If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you know Sunday is my day for shopping. But, do I really want to go out in this rain......Yes!

It's been a busy weekend, but fun. Friday I did a live broadcast from the Mid Michigan Boat Show at SVSU. Got home for a nap, only to be surprised by a visit from our daughter in law, Pam, and grandson Zach. Not long after they left our son Ben (my Florida traveling companion) his wife Ginger, and grandsons Benji, and Ian dropped in. That was a big surprise. They live in Swartz Creek but were on their way home from a family outing at Great Wolf Lodge. We visited, then Ben and I trucked it over to St. Thomas to bring home fish dinner for everyone.

Saturday, it was up and off to Chesaning for another broadcast from La Clair sales, and a winner for the Bucky Covington show this coming Friday night. Hope to see you there. The afternoon, and evening included another visit from grandson Zach. He hung out here while mom and dad went to dinner, shopping, and had their taxes done. Zach's a card. He knew I bought cookies for his visit, but I wouldn't let him have any til he finished his dinner. Grandpa won that round.

If you're wondering about Striker, at times, so do we! He hasn't swallowed anything like a pushpin, but we think he'd like to have at the cat. The two of them do not get along. What, it's been nearly 6 weeks, and you'd think they by now there would be some sort of understanding between the two. No such luck. But Ursi and I are working to that end. Wish us luck!

T-minus 3 weeks and counting. I told myself, I would not allow myself to start looking forward to my vacation to sunny Fla until I reached the three week mark. Well it's here. Plus the "boys of summer", the Tigers have reported to Lakeland for spring training. So, three weeks from tomorrow Ben and I fly out for a week of sun and fun. Here's hoping we have good weather, and a great time. I know we will have both, because there will be no snow, and father and son, golfing and watching baseball.....for the two of us, that's a slice of heaven on earth.

Ursi, continues to spend her time in the sewing room, creating and teaching. She met a gal, Debby online a few weeks ago, and she was at the house Monday this past week to learn the embroidery trade from Ursi. I, sit back in amazement of what she can do with her machine. She goes, sometimes non stop at her hobby, but it makes her happy. And you know what they say: "If momma aint happy...."!

Have a great week ahead, and maybe we'll see you at the Machine Shop for the Bucky Covington show Friday night.

Kramer

Striker update:

Our new pup Striker gave us a BIG worry this week. Monday, Ursi got a hold of me and to let me know that Striker had swallowed a push pin. The 2000 version of a thumb tack. We got a hold of the vet, who told us to bring him right in. The doc wanted to take an xray to see exactly where it was. So I left him behind, and as instructed I called about 2pm to see if it was okay to pick him up. The voice on the other end of the phone, said could I come at 3, the vet wanted to talk to me. Oh, this can't be good. I went home, got Ursi, and at 3 bells we were back at the vets. He showed us the xray, and sure enough there it was in his stomach. The vet said: "we have three ways to go, you can take him to MSU, and they can get it out with a scope, 2, we can open him up and grab it, or, 3, we can wait 48 hours and see if he passes it. We opted for choice 3 and brought him home. All monday night we treated him like a newborn. For the love of God, he's got a push pin in his gut! Off to bed we went. Just as I was getting ready to hop in the shower, Ursi came busting through the bathroom door, with tears in her eyes, and voice shaking she said: "we have a push pin"!!! Ah, all is well with our Striker.

So, are you ready for Valentines day? If you have tickets for the Trace Adkins show at the Dow, come early for the pre-concert party. We'll see you then, or chat with you on the radio in the morning.

Kramer

Now that was a snowstorm!

Boy, the last 24 hours has been something! It's been a while since we've had a foot of snow at one time. Gave us a chance to use our new toy. Our son Steven, bought a quad with a snowblade, and we bought his snowblower. Got a great deal, thanks Steve, and it payed for itself in just one day. We have a double driveway, so it sure came in handy there. After our double was done, we blew out four neighbors. Including an elderly couple that lives on the corner, and the guy across the street who never shovels. In fact he proudly tells us he doesn't own a window scrapper. How do you survive a Mid Michigan winter without a scrapper?

Now that this storm is out of the way what's next? Only Mother Nature knows for sure.

Seeing how you check in to read my blog, I've got a little secret to tell you. Well, I can't tell you the whole thing, but I can tell you this. Be listening as we get closer to the Carrie Underwood concert at the Dow. The Q Crew has teamed up with Carrie's record label for a most unique opportunity for you. That's all I can say at this point, but trust Me when I tell you this is going to be AWESOME! Can't wait to share the rest of the details with you.

Kramer

Happy Monday:

A Giant upset in the Super Bowl last night. The outcome was as I hoped. The Giants took it to the Pats. While it would have been nice to see the Pats go 19-0, it was great to enjoy a competitive game. Poor Barb, now she has to put up with another Manning getting all the endorsement deals for the next 12 months.

A lazy Monday, got some running to do, then get ready for a visit from Brooke, and Landon two of our grandchildren. They'll be spending the afternoon with us. Looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. It's nice to have a break, and this break helped me get over that virus that had me last week. While the cough is lingering, over all I feel much better.

Winter is getting old, but now that football is over we can focus on spring right around the corner. Back in late November, our son Ben emailed me. The heading was "A Passing Thought". He wondered if I'd like to head to Florida for a father, son, golf and spring training (baseball) get away. I emailed him back and told him to hold that passing thought. We're headed to Lakeland the first week of March to do just that. This will be a lot of fun. I remember taking him to his first Tiger game. Now, we'll enjoy spring training, and several rounds of golf in the Florida sunshine.

Until then, let's have some fun in the morning on the radio, and get together at the upcoming concerts.

Kramer

How ya doing Mid Michigan?

This was not My best week. After Snowfest in Frankenmuth I came down with a virus, that kicked My butt. As a result I missed a couple of mornings with you and Barb. Now I'm taking a four day weekend to try and kick this thing. It's nasty, the cough remains, other than that I am feeling better.

Enough snow already. If I'm not mistaken we've had well above our average snowfall this winter. But that's okay, at least it hasn't been a bone-chilling winter. One of the great thing about this time of year is the number of concerts that tend to roll through our area. Trace Adkins in a couple of weeks, at the Dow. Followed by Bucky Covington at the Machine Shop, and now Carrie Underwood at the Dow. Hope you can make at least one of these shows. It will help break up the cabin fever I'm sure we're all starting to feel.

Our family is doing well. Zach's birthday party went well last weekend. Due to this stinkin' virus I had to miss that party. There will be others but again you hate to miss any of them.

Ursi is keeping busy with her embroidery. She is so creative. Not only did she make all of our Christmas gifts this holiday, she is always dreaming up projects to make others happy. I'll go shopping and bring home shirts and have her do the KCQ logo on them for Me. Right now she's making herself a purse for the spring and summer.

Striker is coming right along. He's now up to 19 pounds. (he weighed 7.5 when we brought him home on December 21st.)  His leash training is going very well. He's got heeling, stopping down pat. Now we're working on "stay". Most of the time he's a good boy, but at others he just can't sit still. Beyond that he sits, and shakes on command. We're working on "lay down", still some work to do there. Overall, he seems happy and content.

Hard to believe tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday. Should be a great game. Not sure who to root for. I think I'd like to see New England win and have a perfect season. Then on the other hand, half of Me would like to see the Giants pull off the upset. All we can hope for is a great game, and not a blow out. Then there's the commercials. Always entertaining to watch those.

Speaking of sports, are you looking to take in any of the indoor football games. Both Flint and Saginaw have teams. Everyone I've spoken to says they are great fun. Won't be long and My favorite, baseball will be back. Looking forward to another summer of fun at Dow Diamond and the Loons. And then there's the Tigers. They should have a great offense, but it's all about the pitching. We'll see. Speaking of the Tigers, I have a very special week coming up in March. I'll tell you more about that in blogs to come.

Again I look forward to any comments or questions you may have. Pass them along.

Have a great Super Bowl weekend, and we'll chat again soon!.......Kramer

Hi again:

First, I must correct my last blog. I said I have 5 grandson, when really there are 6. Once again bad Grandpa. Oh, the party was fun. Most everyone of the little ones showed up in football gear. Some adults to. Food was good, and so was the company. The party was held at Brady's other grandparents, Tom and Nancy Coutcher in Vassar. Great people, always willing to open their home. Or in this case garage. Tom built a really nice garage, that has a kitchen, bath, and plenty of room. He even has a drum kit. Yep by the end of the night I was Ringo Starr.

Another party this weekend. Zach, Steven and Pam's son turned three earlier this week. The party for him is Saturday. I love it when Steven and Pam throw parties. Steven's a meat buyer, and you can always count on great eats. Christmas Eve he did prime rib, that was out of this world. What will he serve Saturday? Don't know, but I promise you this, I'll eat my share.

Ready for an update on Striker, the Labradoodle? He continues to grow. His training at times is a breezy, while at others a challenge. He's paper trained, and his leash training is going very well. I explain a blog or two ago about how that works. I'm so proud of him. He is nailing the sitting part when I stop. Just this evening I took the leash off of him and he was perfect.

Well better go. Ursi just got home from shopping.....she's doing all she can to stimulate the economy! 

Have a great rest of the week....and maybe we'll see you at Snowfest Friday night.

Kramer

Hey there:

Wow has it gotten cold. Don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of cold. 20 with no wind I can handle. But this single digit, with wind thing is more than I can handle.

I love Saturday mornings. For starters I get to sleep in. It's also my time to hit the store. I'm a rare male, one who enjoys grocery shopping. So you just might see me at the Meijer later today.

Today is also a special day. We'll gather as a family and celebrate Brady (one of our 5 grandsons) birthday, he's 4. Birthdays are a big deal in this family. There's always a party. Brady's parties always have  a theme. Today it's football. You're supposed to show up in football wear. I can go to my closet and pull out no less than half a dozen pieces of baseball (Tiger) gear. But not a stitch of football garb! Bad Grandpa! Maybe I'll put some black stuff under my eyes, and wear a "breathe right" strip! I'll post some pics sometime next week.

Speaking of football, who do you like in this weekends championship games? I'm going Pats, and Pack!  Both teams have awesome QB'S. And this Farve guy in Green Bay, is really "Father Time" Amazing!

Hope you'll join us at Snowfest in Frankenmuth Friday night. We always have a blast. It's the biggest night all week long in the warming tent.

Striker update: Our pup continues to grow. And it seems he gets more active everyday. As time goes by, we've also discovered he's a mamma's boy. Where ever Ursi is in the house, that's where he wants to be. Oh he digs hanging out with me, but when it comes to mom, he's her shadow.

Well off to the store, have a great weekend, and stay warm!

Kramer 

 Well here he is! Striker! What;s a Labradoodle? A cross between a standard poodle, and a lab. He'll grow to about 45 to 65 pounds. We're hoping for 50 something. I know what you're thinking, he looks like a lab. Some have poodle fur, Striker appears to be a straight hair.

Ursi and I have had a number of dogs over the years, but frankly we don't think we've ever had a smarter one. Striker is 8 weeks old, and already he sits, and shakes on command. Now it's on to leash training. Just this afternoon when I got home from work we took one of our many walks. During these walks we work on his training. We us two verbal commands to start.  "Heel", to get the dog to walk at your left heel. Upon stopping I'll pull up on the leash and say "sit". If he doesn't respond I push on his butt til he sits. Today, as we were walking he sat without the verbal command. So, we are making progress.

So, now that I have bragged on our new pride and joy it's time for a nap.

Oh by the way. If you ever have any questions, about dogs, grandkids, wives, radio, or whatever pass them along. I'll answer them as we go.

I really dig this blog thing

Kramer

Wow, this is exciting! K.P. just clued me in on how to do this.

I will attempt to kick back with a cup of joe from time to time and give you a peek inside my life. Don't look for anything to earth shaking. I'm really kind of a simple guy. I come to the station, Barb, and I do our thing and I head to the house. A house that as you may know has been somewhat empty since September. That's when Ursi and I lost our Collie. After he died we really had a big void in our lives. That void has been filled with our new pup, Striker. The next time I log in I'll tell you a little more about him, and maybe post some pics.

Hope everyone had a great holiday season. Ursi and I sure did. We spent Christmas Eve at our son Stevens house. He, his wife Pam, and son Zach hosted their 10th annual party. Steve is a meat buyer. So anytime he has a party you know you are going to eat good. This year Prime Rib. Yum. After our visit there, we drove to my sisters in Swartz Creek for the Kramer Christmas Eve gathering. A gathering that grows year after year. Ever been to a Christmas party and not know who some people are? It happened to us. Christmas morning we visited our Daughter Cindy, husband Tom, and grandson Brady. Is there anything like wathing a young child on Christmas morning? Later that afternoon, daughter Tammy, and our first grandson Josh joined us for dinner. Yep, more food! Then on the 30th we gathered with all of our children and grandchildren at son Ben's home in Swartz Creek. He and his wife Ginger were great host. All the grandkids spent time upstairs playing, until Santa arrived. A wonderful time, and again more great food.

Before I log off I wanted to say one more thing. Thank you! Thanks to each and everyone of you who make 98FM KCQ a part of your day. Everyone here is passionate about radio and bringing you the best product we can. But we would be nothing without you. I mean that. Without you our annual Christmas program for needy families would be nothing. Each year you come through in such a huge way. I just wish you could see the faces of the moms and dads when they pickup your gifts. It, well at the risk of pulling of a Hillary, brings tears to my eyes. Thanks again, and we'll blog again soon.

Kramer