Well it is 2001! A Space Odyssey. I remember reading that book so many years ago who would ever think that day would come. There are a few things of merit and they occurred soon into the real new millenium. Just so happens that after an 8 year absence, football in January returned to the Raiders. The Play-offs!!! Something to be whispered about on opening day and discussed in full, dreamily, for part of the summer. A long time coming for this once mighty team with 4 decades of heroes, legends and glory. And on Jan.6 of 2001 we started the new year off in a festive mood jetting westward to the land of Silver and Black as our Raiders prepared to play a Miami team unaware of the devastation which lie ahead. And on a glorious Saturday afternoon, the Raider faithful witnessed a return to those Raider glories with a 27-0 victory over those floundering fish. Now with a 10 day stay in hand, and crossed fingers, a Raven eleven beat Tennesee and wouldn't ya know it, for the first time in 25 years, the AFL Championship would be played in Oakland! On January 14, THE GAME was upon us. Unfortunately, the strength of the BLACK HOLE was not enough and when Gannon went down, along went the Super Bowl visions of yesteryear, and the season was over. Oh but what a legacy. One to fit in with the illustrious Raider past. And although it was a sad homecoming, hope returned anew for the seasons which lie ahead.

Back home, the winter passed without fanfare. Getting more involved with the Heritage activities, I was liking it even more. For the full story, go to The Heritage Health Care Center. And late in the spring, I had a hankering to get more into computer kinda stuff. I remember May 20 quite vividly! Took a trip to Syracuse, cause Utica does not have a bookstore, and purchased A Beginner's Guide to HTML. !!!!!! It is now Sept. 14 and I am still typing!!!! What a project! But definitely getting near the end! A quick summer highlighted by the afore-mentioned New York adventure and a pleasant work-related event.

Hey I am very proud of this and I do thank all my wonderful co-workers!

And upon us cometh September! Who could believe the events of Sept. 11! Our long-awaited west coast trip temporarily shelved, just a momentary setback. Back to reality! It is Opening Day for the Oakland Raiders 2001 Edition. And what has now become tradition,it is my duty to grace the fair city of Oakland with my presence! HUH? Hahah A whirlwind west coast tour hastily put together led to a barnstorming 3 days of California sunshine and frolic! The Raiders Rally kicked things off on Friday afternoon as we get to see our team and its' dynamic cheerleaders at Jack London Square. With a lot of pledges guaranteeing Seahag coolie kicking, the antics of Roland Williams got everybody in a festive mood. And though it wasn't the most awe inspiring of events, it set the tone for Raider weekend! Later that evening, a trip to Slim's in San Francisco led to a pleasant surprise. After getting hooked on the band IVY, through ROSWELL fame, wouncha know it, the incredible Dominique was in town! Great show and definitely a desire to see this band again! Saturday brought us to the Southland Mall where a collection of Raider Legends were signing autographs. It was great to see Howie Williams, Jim Otto, George Beuhler, Skip Thomas, Carlton Oates and Robert Jenkins. And how about that picture! A coupla New Yorkers surrounded by Raider glory! Hahaha They were very funny and wanted to please us New Yorkers! Saturday evening in Walnut Creek, a gallery of Linda McCartney photos of 60's rock'n'roll heroes made for an interesting diversion. Hello, Cindy! Sunday and time to head to the Coliseum. A disappointing crowd, no sell out, witnessed the Silver and Black demolish the hapless 'Hags and what a joy, basking in that warm sunshine! Sunday evening was a trip to Mountain View to see Stevie Nicks. All though the show was good, it was not something to see after a rousing Raider stomping! Oh well, back on the plane Monday and back home to good old Utica, USA!

A few days later on October 7 a little trip to the Big Apple is taken. I had a hankering to see the Rangers home opener and get to the city and be there. Me and Dickie and Pete Wam and LT drove down and spent the day. We got there kinda late so LT went to visit his sister and we set out for West 8th St. to check out Electric Lady Studio. Yeah, Jimi's old haunt. Back to the Garden to witness a Ranger victory and then a grueling trip home and off to work an hour later. Not good for one's constitution. But it was fun to get back to NYC!

A big thank-you to Janine and Sue! This past Friday a wonderful dinner was served by Chef Extraordinaire Janine and a buncha Ravenswooders ate in all their glory and GEUSSTURED the night away! A coupla Jeffs and Mike and Brad and V and Keith and Mo and Me! AND HOW DARE YOU PUT THE LID ON THE GARBAGE CAN!!! HA! I'll show ya! I will hide it.

Halloween 2001! A trip to California and Seattle! Rainy days in the northwest so only a day long trip. Enough to visit Jimi's grave and watch the Raiders get buried by Shawn Alexander and the Seahawks 34-27! Geez, let's get out of here! The glory of California high-lighted by the Oakland Raiders demolishing Denver on Monday Night Football! It has been awhile and it was fun to watch. Ten sun-swept days in southern California with our ever-incredible hosts Lenny and Deb with a big assist by Erin and James! A lotta eating and Baskin -Robbinsin' and who could ever forget K-Pax and the California Adventure. I still thought I was gonna fall out of that plane!

Hmm! I gotta free plane ticket so a westcoast trip is looming in the near future! Let's get out there and travel and have fun!And with that, we end the Life and Times of....! Hey Wait a minute!!!!! The Life and Times of... will never end cause the long, strange trip will continue as eternity beckons. What a great time piecing together this bit of Gooch history! And I am quite sure we will add to the adventure! If ya read this far, obviously you are a true friend! HAHA And I will gladly answer any questions if you have them to ask. And thus I bid adieu and see ya later, Send our regards, Gooch!Who?

There has been an addition!!!! We have moved into 2002 so if ya wanna read a little more, CLICK HERE!