Perspectives from NH (that's in the Upper Area of the Right Coast)

Tracking the weather for my couple of days off next week!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:37:44 GMT

Forecast for Madison, NH (03849)

		High / Low (°F)	Precip. %
Tue Jul 22	Scattered T-Storms	78°/56°	40 %
Wed Jul 23	Scattered T-Storms	79°/56°	40 %
Thu Jul 24	Partly Cloudy	81°/56°	20 %
Last Updated Jul 18 03:17 p.m. ET

The Friday Five.....

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:15:57 GMT

Friday Five -- July 18, 2008

This week's questions were suggested by </a></b></a>frieliegh.

1. If you could change one life-changing event in the life of someone important to you, would you?
A) Where would I start.....well, to be honest, I would say it would be the death of Cheryl. I have a sense that the question is looking for an accident or some sort of preventable incident...and in a way, her heart problem was.

The problem was that she didn't know she had it...no one did....but if she did, it could perhaps had been prevented, and life would have gone on for her and me.

But alas....life did not go on for her, and it took a slightly different turn for me.

I suppose there are other events that I might be able to think of, but this one sticks out boldly in my mind. (having my mother detect her cancer before it was way too late might be another I suppose)

2. Which do you think is easier to do, being friends for many years, or being life partners for many years?
A) What a difficult question.....I've had great fortune to have done both....and to be frank, neither was incredibly difficult. I've had a great life, and I've been connected with great people. This just makes things easier for me I suppose.

I was married for just shy of 25 years......and while that wasn't perfect, I have to say that the two of us enjoyed our time together, our plans for the future, and we had a lot of respect for one another.

Was everything perfect....of course not. One thing that sticks out is that I used to make a real mess of the kitchen counter....leaving all kinds of stuff there from work, the bills and other stuff. Cheryl wasn't a fan of that at all.

Yea, that's minor stuff....I'm sure we disagreements on other stuff a lot more thorny that that, but it never festered and became a big issue. We seemed to handle it and move on.

3. Have you ever walked away from someone you considered a friend?
A) I don't think so.....but I do have someone I considered a friend walk away from me for some reason....and I never exactly figured out why. When I told this story to my friend and co-worker Art at work, he is amazed that I even mention it....and that it bothers me in the least.

He tells me he has disowned many a friend over the years because of disagreements or basic differences. I guess I've never been friends with anyone with ideas, actions or anything that I found totally morally wrong....most any other disagreement is probably something I can "agree to disagree" with someone about.....too many things in life to disagree on....very little hope of finding a clone of myself....so I figure I had better cut everyone some slack.

4. If you had to choose between telling the truth and hurting a friend or lying and making them happy, which would you choose?
A) The world is not digital...it is analog. So there is no binary choices as is outlined here.

I will say that I try to always tell the truth. I was taught that it is much better to try to always tell the truth because it is easier than trying to remember which lie you told to which people and when.

So I would tell the truth.....now, holding back some of the truth might be an option....that is, to keep the person from getting very upset. I'm not talking about lying here...think of it as exposing them to the truth slowly.

5. Which would you rather hear--the truth which will hurt, or the comforting lie?
A) Hit me with the truth every time.....slow or fast. I will always try to keep a level head, and to never shoot the messenger. I am a big boy, and can generally handle the truth. Again.....finding out the truth some point after being lied to is even harder than just accepting the truth right up front.

Support the Pan Mass Challenge

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:05:07 GMT

Doreen's brother Stephen Cullen is riding his bike 192 miles over two days to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer center, and I'd like to recommend that you help the cause yourself.

You can join the ride, but if you can't do that, I'd suggest making a simple donation to his team. (Any size too....because every dollar counts and this organization is great because it ALL goes to the cause!)

Everyone knows people who have died from Cancer. (My mom died of cancer back in 1999...my Uncle Jimmy, and Aunt Gert too. Our friend Donna....the list goes on and on.)

But more importantly, we all know more and more people who are survivors too....due to the work of organizations like Dana-Farber.

One other thing about this organization.....100% of the money ends up in the hands of Dana-Farber. No big bloated organization soaking up a percentage of the donations. Thats another great thing that makes me want to support it.

Here is what the Pan Massachuesetts Challenge Website says about it's own mission:

Mission Statement
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through an annual bike-a-thon that crosses the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Since its founding in 1980, the PMC has successfully melded support from committed	cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors and individual contributors. All are essential to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing its annual gift. Our hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers.

Here is a piece of the email letter he sent out to family and friends asking for support for his ride. (I'm sharing only the part I think he would feel OK with me sharing):

____________________________________

Dear Friends and Family,

     Believe it or not I am about to embark on my fifth Pan Mass Challenge to
raise money for cancer research. Last year I was able to raise over $6,500
due to the generosity of family and friends. The PMC is a one or two day
bicycle ride across the state of Massachusetts to raise money for cancer
research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC is the biggest
single fundraising event for Dana-Farber and raised $33 million dollars
last year alone and more than $204 million since 1980. One hundred percent
of every rider-raised dollar from last year’s ride went directly to the
cause of curing cancer.

     Last year’s ride was challenging but extremely rewarding. I was moved and
encouraged by the prayers of the many people who sent beautiful words of
support along with their donations. It was a very emotional ride at times
as I passed supporters holding signs and photos of their loved ones who
were lost to cancer. There were hundreds of volunteers at each rest stop:
serving food, repairing bikes, managing the crowd, giving massages,
etc.... One of the things that struck me during the ride was just how many
people are touched by this horrible disease and, on a more positive note,
how many people are willing to work together to put an end to it!!

     This year, on August 2 and 3, I will be taking part in the two-day ride
from Sturbridge to Provincetown, which is a total of 192 miles. On the
first day we will ride from Sturbridge to Bourne and spend the night at
the Mass Maritime Academy where I will be sleeping in a tent. On day two
we’ll be up and on the road by 5 a.m. to reach our final destination in
Provincetown.

    The PMC is an EXTREMELY organized and successful event and although the
riders are important it is really the sponsors who make the PMC what it
is. As a two day rider, I am required to raise $4,000. I realize that you
all donate to various worthy causes throughout the year and I assure you
that any amount that you donate would be appreciated. If you cannot help
at this time I ask you to please keep me and all of the riders (and all of
those directly affected by cancer) in your prayers.


                     Thank you so much and God bless you,

                     Stephen Cullen

____________________________________

So what are you waiting for.....go to Stephen's page and donate!

Below is a view of his ride! (Also, see his route on his webpage too)

my route	Stephen Cullen

route	Sturbridge to Provincetown
mileage day 1	111 miles
day 2	81 miles
total ascent	2,500 ft
degree of difficulty	most difficult
dates of ride	Saturday, August 02, 2008 - Sunday, August 03, 2008
starting location	Sturbridge
end location	Bourne
fundraising minimum	$4,000

Day One Sturbridge to Bourne

	Saturday
	Sunday

Finally....a couple of Videos about the Pan Massachusetts Challenge! (How can you NOT donate now? :-)

Love Love Love PMC

One Challenge

Rainbow

You Are NOT Alone

A PMC Hero Lies in YOU!

Go on....Donate HERE!

Signs of the Economic Downturn! Aerosmith Unemployment Rate Hits 20%

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:19:49 GMT

As the housing bubble slowly deflates, so does the economy. (I guess :-)

The latest reports by the Onion News Service shows thatr the music industry is feeling the pinch!

Their news webpage screams out with the headline:

Steven Tyler Laid Off From Aerosmith As Band's Jobless Rate Hits 20%

This can't bode well for any of us....especially those of us from the Boston Area. (Home of the band)

Anyways.....

<ok....so it's not an incredibly funny joke, cut me some slack already >

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog - Recommended from a person on the JUNK mail alias at work!

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:17:09 GMT

I can't even see this website as I type this....but I received this email from the JUNK mail list....and thought I would post it here! (at Sun we say that "JUNK is JUNK", but the recommentations from people on the alias are usually spot-on and worth-while....so I pass this on blindly :-)

__________________________________________________

Today marks the premiere of "Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog":

http://www.drhorrible.com/plan.html

or "What I did during the writer's strike by Joss Whedon". Whedon--for those of you without the google--is the creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly", among other things. "Firefly" was the best scifi show on television until BSG came along, and then became the best scifi show on television again when BSG hyperjumped the shark.

Anyway, Dr. Horrible is online. It's as random as you might expect. I chuckled. Twice. Well, the second time was more of a chortle, truth be told.

Wayne();

Cool Roadways..... (A message from my aunt)

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:33:21 GMT

As I have noted before, I don't like to forward email....but when I get something I like, I will sometimes post it to my journal.

Here is an email from my Aunt Berta. There are pictures of from pretty cool roads!

________________________________________

Subject: Fun roads

Take a ride on one of these!

Civil Engineers accomplishments???

Was this done just for the view....?

Driving over then under the water....

And if this guy meets another bus going the other way...?

Up, up, up and away...

A couple more pics of the same bridge...

Another way to elevate travelers in a short distance...

I've heard of wiggly roads before but this one takes
the cake...! Actually, it looks like fun!

And even more fun at night...?

-Q

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:57:29 GMT

This is NOT my daughter Kimberly's cat Pacha.....but when I saw this picture, I instantly though of her.

I think Pacha is cuter than this kitty....but this kitty seems to have an extreme version of Pacha's cut!

I wonder if this kitty comes from NYC?

This seems to be the cat shaving capital of the world!

The wisdom of Scott Adams.....a comment on my MBA?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:19:01 GMT

Am I losing my touch? Am I less of a geek?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:00:57 GMT

Eeek.....I missed download day almost a month ago, and I STILL don't have Firefox 3.0 on my computer!

How can this be? I wasn't even using the 3.0 Beta.....

What's up with that?

I'm slipping.....life must be getting in the way.....

No worries.....I'm on the job now, downloading the latest version as I type this. I will be back in the fold soon.

Long live the Fox!

Here is the Joy of Tech cartoon on the download record!

Ok you Wii lovers.....this might be a phone for you! (Motion Game Phone?)

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:49:16 GMT

So first of all....being a Sun Microsystems guy, I have to mention that this phone is Java 3D based. (Go Sun!)

But the really "kool" thing about this phone is the rumor that it has a "motion sensor" a lot like the Wii game controller.

The phone is supposed to come with built in games to take advantage of this new feature.

Wow....I knew phones are trying to replace computers... and then GPS systems....now the replace Game systems?

I think I'll wait for "rev 2.0".

What to do, what to do.....

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:07:28 GMT

I was thinking about life today...and you know what, I've had a great life indeed. So no complaints from me for sure.

I was make a post about questions and directions I can go. Let's face it....I'm turning 50 this December, I'm working as an Engineer in the computer industry...an industry that is slowly moving to the far east, and also in love with youth.

But lucky for me, I have choices. I've saved money over the years, though I'm not exactly sure I have another skill sitting at the ready to fall back on.

What to do, what to do.....

I am about 4 classes away from finishing my MBA....I suppose that's something I shouldn't even ponder.....as the sneaker company says: "Just do it!"

My kids are growing up and are within a few years of being independent.....my house is already empty except for two dogs......maybe sell the house? (the market is not very exciting right now)

As I noted above.....I do have retirement investments, but they have been slip sliding away.....I just sent an email to my advisor to pull them ALL into cash, for it seems pretty much all my stocks and/or bonds are slipping lower and lower.

But as I said.....I'm really not suffering.....and I'm still supporting my kids schooling.....so things are actually fine.

I'm a long-term thinker / planner.....always have been.....the only issue I have is that I find myself with only a bit of a long term plan. That's fine.....it's not like my life has been all that perfectly planned....but I figure at the sort of crossroads I seem to be at right now, I need to think about "What's next".

So why write such an open and non-descript post like this?

Well, it's the way I "tee it up" for thinking.

So what to do, what to do......Stay tuned.....

Another song. with several versions..... (Original, Parody, and Chipmunk versions)

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:20:03 GMT

Rockstar - Nickelback

Popstar - Rockstar Spoof?

Rockstar - Chipmunks

Given what is going on at work today, I found it interesting to have fallen on this site.

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:28:35 GMT

The rumor mill seems to be correct again....at least on the idea that we would be having layoffs today at work.

I'm not going to go over the numbers rumored to be happening because I just have no information on what has been happening here. The moral continues to be high, though no one I know is happy to see the layoffs occure.

Lucky for us, no one on my co-workers in my department or on my project seems to have been RIF'd, so I'm happy to hear that.

I do know of two friends who were affected though.....one guy is an individual contributor who has been with the company for 21 years and is now in California. The other has been here around 17 years and is currently a Director. (FYI: Here is the BLOG of an employee I don't know who was apparently RIF'd today)

Anyways.....I found this website, www.glassdoor.com, which seems to have been created to let people "rate" the companies they work for. As far as I can see, most of the places rated are high-tech computer companies.....but who knows, your company might still be listed there.

__________________________

From the site:

Get an inside look at any company or job!

Whether you're looking for a new job or you're completely satisfied where you are, your work matters, and we want you to
have all the information you need to manage your career – real reviews, ratings, and salaries from real employees.

Here's how it works:

It's a simple model – tell us what your work is really like, and get back exactly what you've put in from the rest
of the Glassdoor community.

Share a review or salary

Give us less than 5 minutes of your time to write an employer review, post your salary, or both. Your posts are anonymous and your membership is free.

Post it anonymously

Post your anonymous review or salary info for the community to see. We will never expose any personally identifiable information to other users.

Something from the Junk Mail alias at work......

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:39:02 GMT

Forwarded Message: Freaky!

Freaky!

Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:07 AM

From:

" Seeger" <>

To: "junk" <>

Enjoy :-P

http://www.jeffbridges.com/images/somethingtodo1.gif

-Rick

__________________________________

Here is what that website has on it! Try it yourself......

The Lord's prayer Goes GOLD.... (in 1974)

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:23:56 GMT

I was coming home from Easton last night when I heard a song on the radio that I just never thought would hear on a pop station. (ok...so maybe it is an oldies station.....but still)

It was a version of the Lord's Prayer (Our Father) apparently sung by a Catholic Nun, Sister Janet Mead.

She sung and released this 45 in 1974, where it went GOLD in the USA, selling over one million copies!

Of course, this being the 21st century, Sister Janet has her own website that describes her music and story behind it all.

Here is a page on her site where she posts a very special message about herself, about life, and about music. I must say that I am always in awe as I come across seemingly normal people like Sr. Janet who have such deep and compelling ideas and ideals.....and who "go for it" and in their own way are able to influence the world for good.

I suppose it is possible in everyone of us...if we just step up to the challenge!

Here is a link to a YOUTUBE version of her song that is quite good, but doesn't allow linking to it......below is another that isn't as good of a copy, but can be linked.

PS: Being the 21st century, and being a Sister with Music....it makes sense that Sister Mead would have a MYSPACE PAGE too!

Busy Couple of weeks.....slowly coming back to normal

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:35:52 GMT

The past couple of weeks have been hectic, but nothing of a very horrible nature thank God.

Kristen is down my brother in-law's house, and her leg is healing. She has been to the doctor several times since returning hone from Montana, and things are going well. Having begun physical therapy a few days ago, she is starting to put weight on her leg. (she has to put 25% this seek, 50% in two, and then up to 100% in 3 or 4) The idea is to make sure the bone is in compression which will help it heal.

I have been driving down every day to be with her for at least a couple of hours....and while we don't just sit there and talk constantly, we have probably talked more in the last week than we have in a year. (it is good for me)

This past week was a short one...with the next one a more normal 5 day work week. I don't mind my "new" routine, but I am hoping for a little more regularity at work. There have been quite a few "fires" and "must get this now" events as of late.....such is life I suppose.

Oh well...I know this wasn't a very detailed or interesting post......but I thought I should post something to prove I still exist!

All you meat eaters....Mark July 11th on your calendars!

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:22:06 GMT

That's right, July 11th, 2008.....

Chick-Fil-A is giving away free dinners (which includes an entree of choice, a side item and a Dr Pepper or another beverage of choice) to anyone coming in dressed head-to-toe as a cow!

Ok...so you don't have a full cow body suite....come partially cow-clad and get a free Entree for the trouble.

But what trouble is it anyways ...... think of the line of cow-dressers you will be with.

I mean, cow will be the new dress-code of the day.

Did I mention that the meal was FREE??!! (not free-range)

See you there! (the one near me is in Nashua)

PS: Here is an interesting "Eat Free for a year" promotion they have......camp-out and you win! (here is a list of soon-to-open stores.....!)

PPS: They are apparently a company run on Christian principles.

Manchester NH Fireworks!

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:27:58 GMT

I'm not sure I am going to get a chance to see any foreworks this 4th...but I really recommend the fireworks in Manchester, NH

Position yourself under the bridge at Arms Park.....the show is LOUD and AWESOME!

Manchester: Dusk, Arms Park. Rain date July 5. The park will close to traffic at 6 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the 39th Army Band beginning at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks display will start at dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.). Food and beverage vendors will be available on site or bring your own. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Admission is free. The east bound span of the Notre Dame (Bridge Street) Bridge will be closed to all traffic at 8 a.m. The west bound span will close at 6 p.m..

Shaving cats....only in NYC?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:19:14 GMT

This is Kimberly's cat Pacha. (a kitty cat, not a clubbing franchise)

Kimberly's cat was given a "Lion Cut" to keep her cool for the summer.......

BTW: Is cat shaving a New York city thing?

Has anyone ever heard of this before?????

Doreen told us she used to do this with her cat when she lived there...and Kimberly says other people do it all the time in the city.

Oh well....Pacha looks cute....not very scary as I would expect a lion to be though......

My "one-day" impression of the people of the "Big Sky" State....Montana

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:47:30 GMT

I have to admit that I was only there about a day...but my impression of the people of Montana was so good that I just had to write about it.

I know we from New England have heard the stories of how we tend to be stand-offish, quiet and keep to ourselves.....almost as though we were not caring or wanting to be connected.

I used to argue that with friends in Virginia when I loved in the DC area....but even then, I could see their point. (southern warmth and relaxed comfort was very evident there, as I have found it in other places like Alabama)

But the people I met in Montana were just another level of friendly past that.

Ok...I know what you are saying.....I met mostly people in a hospital, where their job is to be happy, friendly and kind. Yes, but I am talking about everyone I came in contact with.

At the airport, the people at the rental company....so helpful. Lots of smiles.

Ok...I know you are thinking: "Their job....."

Next stop on the way to the hospital....a gas station store in what seemed like the middle of no where. I was looking for a drink a some snacks....there was a guy and woman in the store. Guy was a customer, woman working at the register.

I came in, and the woman said "Good Evening". I replied with the same and when I came back to the register with the food and asking for directions to the highway on-ramp both of them answered me, asked me how I was. I made a comment about the lack of sales tax in Montana, and we three got off onto a great conversation about Montana and New Hampshire. Both of them had wanted to travel east, and I told them about never having been to the far northwest.

It was only a short conversation....maybe 30 seconds, but they were both so pleasant and almost eager to be friendly.

Ditto at the hospital. In the morning I went outside to put one of Kristen's bags into the car, and there was a guy getting into a SUV next to me. He looked up at me and said "Good Morning, how are you?" I simply replied "I'm pretty good for the time of morning, and how are you?"

He quipped back that he had just had blood drawn, but other than that felt just great to be alive. He noticed that I had a rental, and asked where I had come from...and we got into a nice pleasant conversation about traveling.

Like the others.....he almost seemed to be concentrating on what "I" wanted to talk about....rather than what interested him. Doing that, the conversation seemed very comfortable to me...it ended comfortably, and didn't go on any longer than was comfortable for me.

I didn't think about how those Montana conversations went, and why they were so comfortable to me...but that seems to have been it. The people I spoke to let me "lead" the conversation, and were perhaps just being "friendly".

Maybe they didn't even want to talk....but they clearly didn't show it. In fact, they seemed quite engaged.

Anyways...I don't i need to figure out "why" or "how" people are nice..... but I do appreciate it when they are...and in my very limited time in Montana I sure met great people.

PS: Here is a BLOGGER who is apparently from Montana, and like it there so much he wants to keep everyone else out! I found this entry sort of funny, and hopefully done in a tongue and cheek manner.

PPS: Here is another BLOGGER with an opinion on what I will call the "diversity" of the people in Montana. (I didn't see the cowboys he refers to in Bozeman....but then again, I wasn't there for more than a day!)

Writing to my Journal and BLOG is relaxing.......

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:37:47 GMT

I have been pretty busy lately, and that's OK I suppose. But one thing that has happened is that my tension level has gone up a bit.....yes, partly because I haven't slept as much lately....and partly because I had a lot of quick and fast decisions to make. (and people who know me know I like to mull things over and plan)

So one result has been a lot fewer Journal and Money BLOG and Phone Camera BLOG entries in the past week. I could see that, but I didn't see the opposite side of that coin.....what my journal writing does for me.

Well, I felt it as I sat down to upload some of my Montana photos and think about the trip.....doing that caused me to slow-down and think. It almost felt as though I was meditating. I sort of calmed my mind down, and focused on the trip. But when I do that for a Journal entry, I try to capture more than just the mechanics of what happened....but some emotional or "feeling" I had as a result.

I guess I sort of slow down and look inward.....perhaps calming my mind in doing so.

The end result is that while just beginning to think about the Montana trip and picking up Kristen....I began to feel the peace and calm that I normally have. So just as I had suspected long ago....I like writing Journal entries for more than just that extrovert who has been chained inside me my whole life....I write because it probably also calms that jumpy introvert as well. (introvert / extrovert, I am not sure....jumpy at times though)

Funny....I came to write when a friend of my mother (stranger to me) told me "you should write" as we both sat on the edge of my mother's hospital bed. I thought it was a strange idea that....I kind of like it all now! (was she sent to guide me perhaps?)

Anyways.....the second part of my journaling is the part about me connecting less with the mechanics, and more with the feelings.....that was a gift give me by my wife Cheryl. Early in our marriage she commented to me that I was a logical decision maker, and she was a person who made decisions based on feelings. It was difficult for both of us....not always understanding each other's reasons.

But we worked on it....both of us. She came to understand and almost appreciate my Mr. Spock-like logical approach.....and I came to see the beauty of involving one's feelings in the decision process. As a result, I sort of learned to probe myself.....to consider my feelings.....to be able to "contemplate my navel".

Many of my Journal posts are just that....attempts to expose a part of myself so that people can perhaps better understand me. (I don't think I'm all that great at communication....but it sure helps me in the process.)

I suppose there is truth in the idea that people don't generally do things unless there is something in it for them.....so posting to my Journal seems to that way for me.

Kristen is home!

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:02:46 GMT

Just a super fast update as I am on my way back to my brother in-law Ronnie's house.

Kristen and I got back this morning at about 12:30am......the trip was very hard for her given the shape of her leg, but she is resting comfortably there.

The photo to the left is of her break (ouch), and the one to the right of the rod in now in her leg.

I have more photos of the beautiful country we saw in Montana as we motored between the Livingston Heath Care Facility and the airport. (very pretty indeed)

Update on things.....

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:35:12 GMT

It has been a while since I posted....things have been busy.

Work is very busy, and that is a good thing in this down economy. (my product is shipping over 400 units a day, which is pretty good for a product that sells for between $8990 and about $30,000 ....... and the good news is that those volumes are right up to plan)

But the big news is that Kristen broke her leg while at her Field School. It was a pretty bad compound fracture of both bones in her right leg, and she was operate on this past Tuesday. (she broke it on her first day there)

She had an operation to put a rod into the bone that was then screwed to the two bones. She is feeling good, with little pain.....but she desparately wants to get home.

She has been in the hospital in Livingston Montana, and bored to tears. They have wireless internet, but she left her laptop at home. (not needing it when camping in the woods) They have no computers to get on the net....so other than the phone, she has been totally isolated!

But I got news yesterday that she was being released on Friday (tomorrow). That's great, but I had no way to get her home....so last night I went to work on that....flights for me out there (tonight) and fo the both of us home. (Friday evening at 4:00pm)

Our flights arrive early on Saturday morning, and we will probably go right to her Grandmothers house at that point. This might be better for Kristen until she gets on her feet because her house is one story and there will always be someone there with her during the day. (and I can probably go down and sleep on the couch some nights too)

So this is just a quick note to explain what has been going on, and where I will be for the next couple of days......in "Big Sky Country".

PS: I was at a meeting today at work, and while telling everyone about my plans for the next couple of days I noted that I hoped the hospital didn't have much in the way of "bureaucracy" in getting Kristen released....and my co-worker Jim reminded me that Montana was the place all the Militia and Patriot Groups seemed to be.....he suspected there would be no such thing as "bureaucracy" there :-)

Changing of the guard....Kristen leaves for Montana, Kimberly comes home for the weekend!

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:32:01 GMT

The timing almost worked, but we were a day off.....Kristen just took off for her Montana school trip for her "dig" yesterday, and Kimberly is currently on a Fung Wah bus to Boston as I type this.

I almost had them both home at the same time. (I think it has been a long time since that)

Oh well....it is good to see them bother, even if they are not together.

Kim is coming home for only a weekend.....to see Florence, her Aunts, Uncles and Cousins for a dinner to celebrate her graduation!

Everyone is excited....having not been able to go down to her graduation back on May 9th.

I will be going into South Station after I type this.........

It will be good to see Kimberly....even if it is only for two days.

New YUM Brands Feedbag meals coming to a place near you!

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:35:26 GMT