I didn’t look back. Because I hate looking back.

But to the best of my recollection, I’ve not written a column in at least a month.

For those who can’t stand me … You’re welcome.

For those who missed me … I’m back!

I just couldn’t find time. I had lots to write about, as it seems I’m angry all the time anymore. Bu never found the time to put my thoughts to paper, which is what my “counselor” encourages me to do.

For one week I was on vacation. But the week before vacation I took time getting a little ahead in the office so life was a little easier for my co-workers. The week after vacation — actually the past three weeks — I‘ve been trying to get caught up. I’m still no there.

Anymore, vacations are hardly worth the effort.

The same goes for Monday holidays when you work in the news business.

They’re pretty much worthless.

Anyway, I have another vacation week to schedule. I need to get away from Galion and leave the laptop at home. So, I’m taking suggestions. Anyone got a nice quiet place on a beach or on a mountain they want to give up for week?

Just kidding … well, kind of.

Anyway, I feel the need to write.

Perhaps it will clear some of this congestion out of my head.

Way to go Tigers!

What a start to the sports year for Galion High School athletes.

The golf team is playing in the state tournament at NorthStar Gold Club in Sunbury. Action started Friday and ends today. That’s great news. The better news is that four of the top five players on Bryce Lehman’s team are underclassmen.

But that’s not all!

Kayley Gimbel will represent Galion in the state girls tennis (individual) tournament next weekend at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason. You can count Kayley’s singles losses this year on one hand, the one she hits her forehand with.

She’s had a great season, as did her Lady Tigers teammates, who like the golfers, will be pretty much back in full when school starts next year.

Both squads won Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference championships this season. Even more impressive, both teams sailed through their league schedules with perfect marks.

Throw in the Lady Tigers’ volleyball team and you have three conference championships in Tiger Town.

There is a lot of youth on this volleyball team, too, but coach Jamie Valentine has managed to build the team into a cohesive unit. They’ve beaten some teams no one expected them to beat and have gotten better each week.Who knows how they’ll when the tournament trail starts next week. But don’t count ever count them out.

Kudos Tigers!

But wait, there’s more.

The football team is markedly improved in Matt Dick’s second season as head coach. The Tigers could end up at 7-3 this season, a pretty remarkable turnaround from last year.

Galion’s two varsity soccer teams also are much improved in their second season in existence. There haven’t been a lot of wins by either team yet, but you can tell by watching them that the competitive edges the more experienced have is shrinking. And the enthusiasm for soccer in Galion has never been higher.

On Wednesday night, the boys team celebrated Senior Night. On Thursday night, the girls team had its “Kick for the Cure” game to help raise money and bring awareness to breast cancer. By the way, the Lady Tigers won their regular season finale 1-0, to finish at 2-13 on the year.

And yes, both celebrations were on the Tigers’ home turf, also something new this season for the soccer teams.

Today, Galion’s two cross country teams are vying for MOAC honors at Amann Reservoir.

If you enjoy the sport and want to see one of the top runners in the nation — yes, in the nation — come out to the reservoir about 9 a.m. and take in the performance of Buckeye Valley’s Zach Kreft in the varsity boys race. He’s expected to win. By how much is the unknown. His top time this season is 14:29 at a race in Hilliard in September, one of the best — if not the best — time in the nation this season.

Also on Saturday, long-time Galion coach George Guins will coach his final league meet as the leader of the Tigers.

George came to Galion in the fall of 1977 and immediately took over the Tigers’ track and cross country teams. This community is better off because of the passion George ran his programs with. Yep folks, that’s 40 years.

Through those years I got to know George a little.

I learned to appreciate him a lot. His positive attitude and his enthusiasm will be hard to replace.

On Friday morning — at 5:45 a.m. — former members of the Galion cross country and track teams were expected to gather at Galion High School to join George on a final run.

Thanks for the memories George.

That was a big disappointment

The Cleveland Indians broke my heart again.

Wednesday night’s loss to the Yankees knocked the Tribe out of the baseball playoffs. For a team with one of MLB’s longest winning streaks, this loss hurts a lot.

But I guess they all do.

I couldn’t watch Wednesday’s game. I turned it on for about 30 seconds, got a bad vibe .. and turned it off.

I think that was a good thing. I probably saved myself from having to replace a broken remote control.

It’s election time in Galion

The Nov. 7 general election is just a few weeks away.

My only comment to Galion voters: Don’t let all the negativity on social media turn you off.

There is a lot of good information available on the Internet. Unfortunately, social media users will have to wade through a lot of … well, crap … in order to get to the good stuff.

Take the time to learn about your favorite candidate and get out and vote!

Absentee voting has already started. You can read more about it in today’s print edition or online.

One last thought

It’s been a wacky weather year.

I’ve not yet heard a flu-report from the CDC in Atlanta. Perhaps they are as confused by Mother Nature’s radical departure from normalcy as I am.

But I’m predicting a terrible flu season.

And I don’t want to catch it from you.

Get a flu shot. I’m going to get one.

I don’t want to catch your version of that disgusting malady.

And start washing your hands and sanitizing your grocery carts now, so it becomes a habit by the time cold weather arrives.

Thank you in advance.