Well, hello there again on Wednesday. Tuesday, if this column made it online.
We are in full force for the winter sports season, which for all public schools, started Friday.
And what a start it got off to.
Because I live there, it just made sense for me to stay close to home and take in the girls basketball season opener at Havre de Grace, where the Fallston Cougars came for a visit.
It really hasn't been all that long ago when Fallston was the talk of Harford County girls basketball. The Cougars were state champions in consecutive years, winning the Class 3A title in 2009 and the 2A title in 2010.
Those wins started a string of success for Harford County girls hoop programs. Joppatowne also won the 1A title in 2010, while Aberdeen posted back-to-back state titles in 3A play in 2012 and 2013.
Patterson Mill continued the run just nine months ago, winning the 2014 1A crown.
Ok, but back to Friday's opener, because I'm absolutely sure there were no 2015 state champions on the floor in Havre de Grace.
What there was though, were two teams giving what they had in an effort to get their respective seasons off to a winning start.
Somewhere on these two sports pages, the results of that game are posted. If you haven't seen it, I'll save you from looking. Havre de Grace upended Fallston, 37-32. That's not a misprint.
In a game that was by no means pretty for either team, there was reason to celebrate on both benches. No one got hurt and no one was ejected. I'm sure from a coach's standpoint, there were other reasons to celebrate, but also a few to commiserate on, too.
It was a good win for a Havre de Grace team that has actually improved the past couple of seasons.
Nothing else really jumps out at me as a surprise over this first few days of the new season.
Taking a look away from the high school circuit, have any of you been paying attention to the Wesley College football team?
Two Aberdeen graduates, Brenton Barnes and Kennard Squirrell, are members of the Wolverines football team, which is playing in the Division III national semfinals this Saturday. The game will be televised at noon on ESPNU.
The opponent, Mount Union from Alliance, Ohio, is a familiar one. The Purple Raiders have ended the Wesley season in three previous meetings at this level. Wesley fell in 2009, 2011 and again last season. That score was more like a basketball game, with Mount Union winning, 62-59.
Something tells me this year will be different. I think the ball just might bounce Wesley's way in this one and send the team onto the National Championship.
Now, on an final note for this year. This is my last column. That is for 2014.
Vacation days await and I will likely be busier than I want to be. Oh, 'tis the season. To each of you, a sincere wish for a Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year.