Quelch Town

A Multicultural Day!

2012-01-08T18:52:00.001-05:00

Had Greek yogurt for breakfast, Taco Bell for lunch, and General Tso's Chicken for supper.

Check out my latest website and blog

2011-11-24T17:00:00.001-05:00

www.churchofthewordanddeed.org

Spiritual messages from a non spiritual believer. You are welcome to subscribe and to consider yourself a member of our group.

What is it with that red light anyway?

2011-11-13T00:38:00.001-05:00

Stupid red light on ejector pump alarm panel stays on. Plumber says pump is working. Right now, my house looks like one of ill repute.

Apple Pickers at Marker-Miller Orchards

2011-10-08T15:24:00.004-04:00

Patti and Brad October 6, 2011

Winchester Virginia

Today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better still.

2011-10-01T22:50:00.001-04:00

When one emerges from adversity, one realizes that it is that very adversity that plants the seed of appreciation for happiness.

A Blog A Day Keeps Everything Else Away!

2011-06-20T08:34:00.003-04:00

Admittedly, I like to post something on this blog once in a while. However, a daily blogger I'm not. Anyway, here's a short status: Today, it's raining in Manassas Virginia but the grass, flowers, and plants are loving it. I just finished checking/responding to my online graduate courses - whew, that's out of the way - at least for today. Last week sucked - spent Tuesday - Thursday back in the hospital and got nothing for it but a big "we don't know". Maybe this week will find some solutions. At least I haven't fallen in the past couple of days.
Father's Day was nice. I heard from everyone. PattiQ, who lives close, was here.
We need to do some visiting this month - family awaits. Pat's Dad seems to be doing OK - I do wish we could have been there with him but traveling isn't advised yet. Maybe soon.
Since I like to be out and about, I'm going stir crazy. Today, I better find someplace to go to, just for that sake of doing it.....big box stores are out (too much walking), but maybe just a little would be fine.
Now, if only I could figure out how to keep those squirrels away from the bird feeders - oh, yeah, my pellet rifle!

It's been quite a while.

2011-06-09T06:49:00.003-04:00

Blogging has taken a back seat to a few other things like moving, recovering (back surgery sucked and still does), and just getting things settled in the new house. Add to that - teaching a full load in grad school, and trying to find time to open a can of beer once in a while and you have little time left.
Virginia is hot in early June this year. Yesterday, the temp on the outdoor car thermometer read 100 and I believe it. Maybe we'll have a cool spell soon - I hope so.
Anyway, life is always good when it's still there so complaining is a bit of a waste of energy, isn't it?
Here's to a fun summer for all and hopes for a few more bike rides before the inevitable happens.

El Sucko

2010-12-04T16:07:00.002-05:00

Just a short note to myself to remind me that things suck and probably always will. Before you accuse me of not being a positive kind of guy, I really am. Right now, I'm positive that things suck.

Absence makes the blog grow fonder.

2010-11-07T19:31:00.002-05:00

No blogs for a while but here I am. Seems I get into this around the time I'm planning a trip to the beach. Anyway, Happy Veteran's Day.....everybody is a veteran of something.

Blogging again

2010-08-06T16:03:00.001-04:00

Time to update the blog so here goes. It's raining at Topsail, the roof is leaking, it's a boring day being stuck inside. Somebody is baking chocolate chip cookies - just what a lethargic, house-bound person needs on a day like this....but they're sooooooo good! Chinese tonight - hopefully it won't suck.
Better day tomorrow maybe - early bike ride is probably smart given the afternoon storms.

When does happiness die?

2010-06-01T06:52:00.002-04:00

It seems that sometimes people reach a point in life when there's no more happiness left to be had, at least in their minds. Loosing friends, loved ones, and possibly worse, one's sense of wonder, humor, and love of life pretty much puts an end to the bright side of things, leaving nothing but sadness and gloom for the future. Too bad this has to happen but it seems to be so.

Tea Party Time!

2010-04-18T09:12:00.002-04:00

I went to a Tea Party rally in Holly Ridge, NC yesterday - interesting. There was considerable diversity present, all working or middle class people united for a simple cause: lower taxes (and presumably better use of tax dollars), less government intrusion into our lives, and adherance to the concept of personal responsibility. It's hard to argue against these concepts. Unfortunately, the liberal media continues to portray these people as a bunch of red necked bigots, likely to cover their own bigotry against conservative thought.
Personally, I worry about the lack of participation by younger people (20-30 something). If they would allow themselves to become informed through their own research and not what the press stirs up through unfounded emotion, they would realize that it is they who will be footing the bill for all of these wasteful spending jaunts and giveaway programs that we are currently seeing take place.

Can you believe how much time has passed?

2010-04-14T19:39:00.002-04:00

My last post was during the big March Virginia snow storm...talk about taking a break. Well, it's April now and we're in Surf City where, at least until today, the weather has been unseasonably warm and begging one to be outdoors. It's a bit chilly now but warming up tomorrow for the rest of the week.
I've been thinking about many things lately, the economy and jobs being one of them. One of my current hot buttons has to do with the plain hard fact that it's simply too easy to be unemployed in this country.
Under current unemployment compensation programs, individuals can sometimes draw over $900/week for up to 79 weeks, hardly a strong incentive to get out and find a job. Right here in Surf City, there are help wanted signs posted in several places, fast food and grocery stores among them. Naturally, they can't come close to paying the kind of money mentioned above so where's the incentive to get out and work?
Now I admit that some sort of unemployment cushion should exist - logically at the level initially envisioned which I believe is 13 weeks, and the compensation during this 13 week period should equal something less than the prevailing minimum wage so as to not unduly enrich those who aren't active and productive members of our society.
Taking the above steps would probably go a long way towards encouraging the chronically unemployed (aka non productive members of society)to get out and find a job. In order to ensure that they keep it, benefits would be available only once during any calendar year with a lifetime limit of 39 weeks total. This would discourage those who intend to make unemployment their life's work from doing so and would certainly keep these individuals out of the taxpaying public's purse.
There you have it, like it or not, but it's high time someone began to realize that the real victim in all of this is the responsible taxpayer, not those who pray upon them in the name of social programs.

Finally, the snow is melting in my neighborhood.

2010-03-02T12:26:00.001-05:00

It's finally melting - 'bout time I say. This has been a horrific winter in this part of Virginia so far - cold, snowy, and generally one that I want to forget. I'm headed to Surf City for a while - heck it even snowed there this winter but it melted almost immediately. That's my kind of snow.

Techno Overload

2010-02-16T13:59:00.001-05:00

The past few weeks, even the past few months, have been a bit too taken up with technology and related product problems. Lately, I've come to believe that you can't get anything that is correct on the first try, the latest examples being a vacuum cleaner that was missing attachments and a refrigerator that won't work in the garage without additional accessories installed.
Sometimes, spending money on technology, or anything that has to actually work as intended for that matter, becomes a precursor to the misery that will surely follow - fixing all of its problems.
Cell phones, computers, pda's, music players, and even vacuum cleaners can all become giant pains in the butt with very little help from the innocent person who dared to commit the unthinkable and actually buy something. Doing it right the first time appears to be giving way to doing it wrong all of the time.....what in the world is up with that?

A Trip to the Army PX.

2010-02-01T14:41:00.001-05:00

Normally I write about trips, family, and other stuff that is pretty bland, making few comments critical of things outside of my immediate personal life. However, today I experienced something so utterly ridiculous that it simply must be brought to light.
I went into a store to buy some items including Windex, thread, and, on impulse, a bottle of liqueur I wanted to try. The man in line behind me was buying some booze too, as were many other people (it's displayed right next to the checkout lines).
The checkout clerk (a 40 something lady) scanned my items but upon encountering the liqueur promptly and without comment departed her station. Within a few minutes, another clerk from a nearby station came up and completed the sale.
Being a curious person, I asked what happened to the other lady, joking about the possibility she was underage and therefore not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages. "No" the replacement clerk replied, "She just won't even touch a container of liquor of any type."
Now that's a fine how-do-you-do, allowing a checkout clerk to personally decide what they want to sell and what they don't want to sell! Somehow, this just doesn't seem right - get a job someplace where booze isn't on the product list.

It's Cold Down Here..Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

2010-01-09T14:50:00.001-05:00

And I mean cold as in the 20's which is pretty darn chilly for a beach town in NC. There's not much to do, outside anyway, except to take down the Christmas decorations and lights. Winter at the beach can be a dismal experience - there aren't even any people to watch because nobody's here. At least it's a change of scenery for a while, then back home for some house straightening and other, mundane chores.

New Year's Resolution...or Not?

2009-12-23T20:29:00.005-05:00

For my 2010 New Year's Resolution I am thinking about a fairly simple one, yet one that sounds somewhat selfish without explanation - to be more self centered when it comes to protecting my time than I have been in the past.
We will always have obligations that are important for sure, but they work two ways; therefore, beginning January 1, 2010, my time is priority number one. Certainly I will share some of it with others, however I expect them to do the same and that includes leaving their own comfort zones once in a while just as we often leave ours.
So, beginning this New Year's, I am officially on the me train. It has plenty of room for anyone willing to reach out and grab their own ticket!

Christmas is Coming - Right?

2009-12-13T11:24:00.001-05:00

Here we are in Virginia, getting ready for Christmas and some tripping around the Carolinas. Surf City first, then back to Virginia for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, then on to SC for New Years in Boiling Springs.
Shopping is done and hopefully shipping will be done soon as well. It's been a tough time for me, selecting gifts for people without breaking the bank and for Pat who did all the wrapping - she's a real Vanilla Ice. We got the gifts selected but I think the bank got broken. Time to replenish I guess.
Nothing else much going on - it's raining here and cold but not icy thank goodness. Soon it's off to a Christmas party/lunch combination - should be fun. We'll talk later - this season seems to be filled with things to think and write about.....least of all, a particular Grinch who tried to steal one little girl's Christmas - Bah, Humbug asshole.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho it's off to work I go!

2009-11-18T07:46:00.000-05:00

What am I thinking? heading to DC to meet with DHS and at rush hour at that. I must be crazy since I am sort of retired. We will see how long this goes on. I never thought I would actually get any work out of my newly formed company. Humph!

Rain is a pain!

2009-11-12T11:05:00.001-05:00

It's been raining for several days both at Topsail Island and in VA. Seems we're finally beginning to see some hints of Winter - ugh!
We had a great time at the beach this past Friday - Wednesday. The weather was nice until Tuesday - nice enough to have an outside seafood boil and invite the neighbors. Good thing we have a very big pot since we probably cooked 40 pounds of stuff that night and every bit got gone except about one pound of shrimp which was turned into shrimp salad the next day.
We're back in VA for a while but already planning our next ride South so here's hoping the weather cooperates.

Bored in Virginia

2009-10-23T07:05:00.001-04:00

It's boring around here these days. Patti is in SC, I am in VA, can't go to NC due to classes I have to teach. The next two weeks are pretty much filled with things to do and appointments to keep so we'll be sticking around here for a while longer.
So, today I am being my boring self with nothing special to mention....maybe the weekend will hold some ideas.

What's a retiree to do?

2009-10-05T11:59:00.001-04:00

Well, actually that's a partial retiree since school and Q Systems are still alive and kicking. Anyway, I know what I am going to do Wednesday - go to Surf City NC for a week. We picked apples this weekend and now Patti is busy making apple sauce. Looks good too but where will we put all of it?
Staying busy without spending money or eating is proving to be a challenge both to my imagination and energy. One can only ride a bike for so long. Oh well, it's a good problem to have I suppose so I will live with it.

Blog Not Lately

2009-09-15T16:03:00.001-04:00

But we've been busy. Spent lots of time in Surf City, returned to VA while Pat went to SC for a family visit. Back in VA - Internet was down, phones are noisy, etc. Teaching class tonight at Andrews AFB and then back to NC by myself for a while. Here's hoping for good weather for the rest of the week.

We're not at Surf City!

2009-08-22T15:54:00.001-04:00

Had to come back to VA for a while to teach a class, attend a lunch, teach another class. It's raining today and was a bust anyway since we spent almost 6 hours driving to a German Deli (or two), getting some picnic stuff, having the picnic, and coming back home. Soon, it's back to Topsail but for now, boredom on a rainy Saturday in Virginia.

BlogOMania

2009-08-04T22:25:00.001-04:00

What a week. Lynn, Mark, and Sara are here and it’s been fun. We’re doing all sorts of things, none especially remarkable but all entertaining. Mark got a new laptop and is geeking the days away or perhaps I should say “Blue Grassing on the Web”. We’re cruising on the Belle of Topsail tomorrow evening so hopefully the weather will cooperate. So far, it’s been mixed with pretty good amounts of sun, interspersed with a little rain and wind but not too bad. After next week, I am afraid that my time here will become very limited for a while. Too bad but maybe I can figure something out. J and B are coming mid September but I doubt I’ll be here since there’s work to be done in the DC/VA areas once again.

Later,

Brad

Rainy Day Departure!

2009-07-13T09:17:00.001-04:00

It’s raining like crazy here in Surf City North Carolina and naturally, we’re leaving sometime this morning for Virginia. I suspect this weather has settled in for a while, maybe two days or so. It’s after 9 AM and nobody but me is stirring so that means a late, very late getaway. It doesn’t matter since the garbage man hasn’t picked up the trash and I don’t want to leave until I can return the container to under the house. Hopefully, the guy will be coming down our side of the street soon. Surf City is fast becoming Trash City based on all the overflowing containers lining the streets. The town went to one vs. two day per week garbage pickup, without requiring larger rental houses to add containers, so we’re starting to see the result – trash all over the place and probably a growing rat population. Something has to give – I’ve suggested fines against homeowners who don’t provide sufficient containers and who fail to return them to the house after pickup day. Nobody in the town government seems willing to do anything to resolve the problem. Maybe I should offer my help. I could ask the state health department for assistance or perhaps get some beneficial publicity from the regional news media. We’ll see! In the meantime, the Ocean is there and looking a bit bleak right now since it’s raining so hard. We’ll be back soon.

Blogpod

2009-06-30T06:38:00.001-04:00

I never wanted an iPod but got Patti one as an anniversary present...guess what? She got me one too and it ain't half bad. It's nice here at Topsail, very hot days and cooler evenings. All in all, a good place to be.

Who in the World is....

2009-06-06T20:32:00.002-04:00

Benjamin Button? I don't know but right this very minute, in the upstairs living room, people are watching this creepy little anti-baby grow...er, young.
Me? I made it though his early years, if you can call them that, but when that octogenarian adolescent sprung from his wheelchair, I was outta there in a flash. What a stupid concept and how it all came about is based on what? A backwards clock? Personally, I would rather be counting rotations of my bedroom ceiling fan than watching that thing. Anyway, when old Benjamin, or young Benjamin - whatever, gets to his zero age, what does the little fellow do - crawl back into ..... I can't say it!

Almost Perfect Day

2009-05-30T18:31:00.001-04:00

Today was an almost perfect day. I say "almost" because I spent it all alone. The weather was ideal - sunny, around 80 and not too humid, with a nice but not overpowering breeze.
I was able to get lots accomplished too. De-rusted the heat pump cover, re configured the hurricane windows, washed the car, refinished the teak tables, and got an 8.5 mile bike ride in to boot.
Tomorrow will be a "no sweat" day, meaning that I am not gonna do anything that makes me sweaty and overworked. Maybe a bike ride but nothing too strenuous since my real job will be to get things ready for me to leave and Pat to arrive. Hopefully, I won't forget the bananas and some Oriole cookies.
I hate to depart for Virginia but it's nice to know that I will be coming back and soon. This place really grows on a person when the weather is nice.

Memorial Day Weekend 2009

2009-05-23T07:51:00.002-04:00

Its shaping up to be a nice Memorial Day Weekend. Weather-wise it's great - sunny and clear. This has been one of the longest periods I've stayed at Topsail and we've seen quite an assortment of weather - rain, wind, sunshine, and clear skies. There's a large shrimp boat trolling just off shore, a good sign that shrimping season is back and believe me, the shrimp around here are good.
We have been doing lots of entertaining this week. Friends from Long Island, friends from here, Cousin John - wow! I think today will be a restaurant day, Pat needs a break.
Later, we'll go down the street and see how Judy's yard sale is going (we've got some stuff in there too). Then, maybe to Camp LeJeune for some grocery shopping but I don't want to waste a good day on the island by shopping in the commissary. Maybe later we'll pull out that (expensive) tandem bicycle and go for a ride. I might even drink a beer this evening, who knows.
Well, here's to all those who served and who are to be remembered on this day. Without them, and the support of their families, we'd probably be a lot different a country than we are today. Later!

We are all basically screwed!

2009-05-16T16:57:00.002-04:00

It's been my practice to try to keep these blog entries light and uncontroversial but there's a time to laugh, a time to cry, and now a time to whine. First the good news. Graduation went well today at American University - lots of people walked the plank and many family members attended. The graduation speech was good, not too long, and very positive....all good things.
Tomorrow is head for the beach day and, one would think, a cause for celebration, relief, and expectation of a pretty good time. However, my excitement has been diminished considerably by the realization that our system, our way of life, the very fabric of our once great society - competence and personal responsibility, are gone. Here are some recent examples:
1. Forward the mail: Easy, right? Nope. It was to start today but was still delivered and a call to the USPS 800 number indicated that the form was never turned in by the carrier. So, I had to do another, online and at a price. Something that used to be so simple is now a problem.
2. Air Conditioning System: It has always worked fine, that is until just after our semi-annual preventative check last week when it started blowing hot air and the outside unit failed to come on. Furthermore, the preventive maintenance guy didn't even change the filter even though a new one was sitting right beside the unit - what professionalism.
3. Comcast Cable Internet: For several months now, more like for a year now, our Internet has been coming and going, as have service persons. Finally, at Comcast's urging, I switched the modem but still the thing goes down almost daily for an hour here, another hour there, etc. I scheduled a Comcast technician for yesterday, 11 AM - 2 PM and received a confirmation. Guess what? No Comcast person came and this was the second time this has happened. The story was that he called and there was no answer, probably because I was either in the bathroom or outside cleaning a gutter. The arrangement never had a stipulation that I answer the phone in order for the guy to come - heck, I made the appointment and, unlike Comcast's people, made sure I kept my end of the deal. Can you say "Fios"?
Anyway, I am venting but the point of this, and other things like the McDonald's people not understanding the difference between "Southern Chicken Sandwich" and "McChicken", and all the other crappy customer service I've been experiencing almost on a daily basis, I have concluded that we are doomed, society as we know it is over, and we're all in for a perpetually running screwing for ever.
Addendum - May 23: Tried to set call forwarding before we left Virginia but it didn't work. A Verizon person said we had it, set it up, and it worked for a day. After it stopped working, I called and now Verizon tells us the call forwarding feature we've paid for all these years doesn't work and we can't activate it since we're not at our home phone, refusing to accept the fact that the first person had it fixed briefly. Who do I switch to since both Verizon and Comcast are equally terrible?

What Nice Weather!

2009-04-29T06:58:00.001-04:00

It's been a great week at Surf City. The weather has been super - plenty of sun, not much wind. Got to take some pictures of an Osprey diving for fish and a few of a sting ray (skate) swimming in shallow water in the marsh. We're going back to VA today, hopefully returning Friday but Patti's dentist may change those plans a bit due to the ongoing implant saga - but hopefully not.
School is wrapping up - only two weeks to go, then the grading frenzy and May 16 graduation. After that, it's hopefully back to NC for most of the Summer.

We're back again!

2009-03-28T10:25:00.001-04:00

We are back in Surf City. I know that because It's been raining since we arrived. The sun is trying to come out - maybe it'll succeed and we will have some decent weather. It it going to be warmer - already 70 degrees at 10:25 AM....Happy Days!

March Beach Madness

2009-03-15T08:31:00.001-04:00

It's been about the longest time I've ever spent away from Virginia in years. For three weeks, we have bounced between Topsail Island and Boiling Springs SC. It's actually been fun despite the lousy weather at Topsail - cold, foggy, misting rain, and a strong coastal wind have been prevalent most of the time. Still, it's been restful. We'll be leaving next week and probably not returning for at least 2 weeks due to various appointments, school, work, etc. When we return, it will be Spring and hopefully the beginning of warmer and more outdoorsy weather.

Has It Really Been Since Christmas?

2009-03-02T10:12:00.001-05:00

I guess I’m not a very good blogger – at least not a consistent one given the date of my last entry. Well, it’s makeup time so here goes.

First, we’re in NC and it’s cold at the beach. A little snow fell but nothing was sticking. I guess we’re lucky because Northern Virginia has a pretty good storm going on right now.

Keeping the stream of consciousness going I have decided that I hate elevators, at least mine. The damn thing is as dependable as, well as nothing. Here it is broken down again for the second time in 6 months and fixing it costs big bucks just for the service calls alone. If it breaks once more, I may turn it into a silo.

Secondly, it’s handicapped people – some of whom are lazy little buggers. Not all of them mind you but the ones who leave their shopping carts in the handicapped parking spaces when they return to their cars. Now before accusing me of being hard hearted or anti-handicapped, I must say that my own wife is among them and is often a victim of their inconsiderate behavior. If someone is able to push a cart around a store and return it to their car for unloading, they are certainly capable of putting the thing back in the little holding shoot in the parking lot, regardless of their physical limitations. Think about it and you have to conclude that it’s pure laziness and totally inconsiderate of their fellow handicapped persons who now are either denied the use of a space blocked by the cart, or forced to get out and move it first. This is just plain rude, especially when you realize that not all handicapped people are independently mobile so getting out of a car is in itself difficult. Parking in a handicapped spot when one isn’t handicapped is illegal. Blocking a handicapped space so the next person can’t use it should be too.

Merry Christmas Messages

2008-12-25T07:55:00.003-05:00

This is the first Christmas in my entire life that I've been without my Mother. She was, as mothers tend to be, the center piece of my childhood Christmas. As I grew up, moved away, and started my own life, I still knew that I had a Mom somewhere to visit, call, and spend some time with. Thinking about all of this, and given her very recent and untimely departure, I've been a bit sad, knowing that I would have no such visit, no call, not even a card - ever again. Then, strangely on this very Christmas Eve, I received the following email:

"Well, my wonderful sons, it's Christmas Eve and you are somewhere else. I wish for you a wonderful night and a wonderful day tomorrow and many many special days as you travel into your futures. It is such an honor to be your mom and such a pleasure as well. I love you with all my heart and soul. Celebrate the Season, celebrate your lives, and find happiness within. Merry Christmas!!"

"Mom"

The message was from another person whose last name is spelled exactly like mine and whose son had an email address almost like my own. Clearly this was a mistake. A slip of a finger on the keyboard. Totally unintended but for me, something that touched my very soul.

Realizing that this person had intended the message for one of her sons, I responded so she could redirect it and also told her my story in the process. We had a brief email dialog and then closed the conversation with a Merry Christmas and, most likely, a "the end"!

Anyway, I will always remember the accidental Christmas Greeting that I received from "Mom" the first Christmas after my own Mom passed away. Be kind to your Mom's, they appreciated it and, I know that wherever she is now, mine does too!

Merry Christmas!

Pretty Day at Topsail Island.

2008-12-15T08:18:00.000-05:00

We’re back. This has been a pretty good week or at least part of one since we arrived Friday and will leave Tuesday. Got to see some nice Christmas Decorations (they really do a great job decorating the Surf City Park and streets); met Ashley and Austin in (make that near) Shallotte to transfer Christmas presents and have lunch; looked for a new grill (didn’t find one yet); and today, since it’s due to be in the low 70s, we may get to shoot baskets, ride the tandem bike, and visit the marsh walkway. Not too bad actually. Christmas will be in Virginia (Patti Jr. doesn’t need to be alone for that day), then off to SC for New Years and maybe even back here for a short visit. I know that Pat loves to be here as much as I do and leaving, besides being a hassle from a cleaning up standpoint, is always our least favorite part of the visit. Hopefully, everyone is getting ready for Christmas. Before then, I have school work to wrap up, a new term to set up, work work to pay attention to, and probably much more to do that I am forgetting about but likely will remember after I should have done it.

What did I do Thanksgiving?

2008-12-10T19:48:00.003-05:00

Actually, I did drive to the beach after having Thanksgiving dinner with Patti Jr. She did a great job - a real turkey, dressing, sweet potato's, green bean casserole - the whole shooting match. I left about 3:30 PM and arrived around 9:30. Friday was nice, got to decorate the house. After that, downhill - cold and rainy with lots of wind. I did get everything done that I needed to do and left Wednesday. Pat's back. Bahamas don't seem to be all that great, nor does the Norwegian Cruise Line from what she has to say about it. I am going to plan a cruise for next year but it has to be on the Celebrity Line since I know they are top notch. Maybe the Mercury. Christmas shopping is underway (almost finished actually). Now we have to get things wrapped and mailed. We'll be tripping around over the holidays that's for sure.

Work is good. Semi-retired is heavy on the semi, not so much on the retired. That's OK with me. Nothing else spectacular going on - I did get my PM Certifications (Master Project Manager and Certified International Project Manager).........Whoopee!

Bradley Q. Wootten, MPM, CIPM

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T14:00:00.001-05:00

It's the day before Thanksgiving and this year, it really doesn't seem so special. This is the first Thanksgiving without Mom - in the past we've had Thanksgiving dinner with her at the Brightmore and it wasn't half bad either. Patti is in SC having Thanksgiving with her parents and sister and her family in preparation for leaving Friday for Charleston SC and a 7 day Bahamas cruise. I am here in Virginia. Had pho for lunch and frankly, I am about pho'ed out, at least for a while. I'll either stick around town and lay low, or spend Thanksgiving day driving to NC where I'll stay until maybe Monday or Tuesday since there's some legal stuff needing to be attended to. It's not like I haven't had opportunities to spend Thanksgiving with a few who've offered, it's just that I don't really want to be with anyone right now. Still, it's lonely around here, that's for sure and, while I dread the drive by myself, I'll probably find more to do there than here.

This is too good to pass up.

2008-11-03T19:21:00.000-05:00

We have a neighborhood crime watch program on our street. Forty-five households are on the roster, each assigned a week to randomly patrol the area in the morning and again in the nighttime. The county police provide support, including a small red bag with sundry equipment - flashlight, reflective vest, forms, that sort of thing. The bag is passed from house to house in accordance with the patrol schedule. Guess what came up missing? You're right - somebody stole the crime watch bag. Since it is passed from house to house, this was clearly an inside job. Can you believe it - one of the crime watcher's stole the bag. How's that for something to bolster your confidence in the program? As for me, I am starting my own program - "Watch out for the Crime Watch Patrol. They may be out to steal your car."

I Don't Know Nutten About Nutten!

2008-10-27T10:30:00.003-04:00

But Mom, you really knew everything about most everything. You taught me how to live, how to love, how to care, and ultimately, how to pass from this life to the next while leaving this one a bit better for those whom you left behind. Many people came to express these same sentiments – friends and family who love you; a museum that will enlighten and entertain those who never knew you; children who are far better people because of your influence and the model of life that you so consistently lived. While it saddens those of us left behind, the sadness is for our loss, since we know that things are eternally bright and joyful for you. There are so many little memories to recall – too many to list actually and most hiding in my mind, waiting to spring forth as daily surprises of joy and remembrance, keeping you close always. Recently on a visit you patted me on the head and said “my little boy has gray hair”. I’ll never forget that moment because I realized that having you here meant that I, a man of 63, was still someone’s little boy and I’ll remain that until the end.

In Loving Memory of Gerda Quelch Wootten, September 9, 1914 - October 23, 2008.

Your loving son,

Brad

Gone and Done It!

2008-10-02T07:19:00.004-04:00

So here's the deal for the day. I officially retired.........sort of! September 15 was supposed to be my last day but for administrative purposes it actually became September 30. Between the two dates, I was technically still working but not actually going to work, just doing some work from afar. Effective October 1 I became a "casual" employee which, I surmise, means that I work when called upon for special projects and get paid an hourly rate to do so. Today is October 2 and, guess what? I am going in to the office for a meeting. So, the question is: "Am I or am I not retired?" Tomorrow, it's hit the road time - SC for a couple of days then on to NC for a while. Naturally, I'll still be toting the corporate cell phone, logging in to email, and doing many of those same things I've always done, only just not full time or in an office (or with benefits). Maybe this isn't a bad way to go - just as long as I don't get overwhelmed with all the stuff I have to keep track of as I am doing all that going.

One more thing - sort of ironic. This morning, I visit the dentist. I like to refer to him as Dr. "Unreasonable and Non-Customary" since that's what the insurance company puts on their paid claims forms when they deny a considerable portion of his bill. As a "casual" employee, I no longer have dental insurance and, typical for me, ole doctor expensive has just raised his prices. That's what happens when you have a dentist with children and a college fund. I am gonna ask for a cash discount and, maybe do some comparison shopping. Keep them choppers in good shape - dental floss is your friend.
PS: Regarding that post below about "ain't gonna happen".....I lied!

Well, Alrighty Now!

2008-09-14T15:56:00.001-04:00

Just a postscript to my July 14 comment about retirement, no way, ain't gonna happen, etc. My how things change. More to follow.

A Quick Little Note

2008-07-24T11:54:00.001-04:00

It’s no wonder that we have an obesity problem in this country. I ran to McDonald’s to pick up a Southern Chicken Sandwich meal for lunch (highly unusual since I rarely eat lunch out) and guess what? Along with the meal came another, free, chicken sandwich. Naturally, I had no choice but to take it, and having done that, it simply wouldn’t be right not to eat the thing. So, now I am double chickened and loving it. But, didn’t I read somewhere today that McDonald’s earnings were lower than expected for the quarter? Now we know why? Blame the chicken.

Retire? Me? In this economy?

2008-07-14T15:06:00.001-04:00

That simply ain’t gonna happen and I am pretty much reconciled to that. Pat is in Surf City with Ginger and Ashley who are visiting from Savannah and Pawley’s Island, respectively. Work here in Virginia is going as usual so I won’t bore anyone with more of that story. What a weekend. I went to the pho places on both Saturday and Sunday – lots of pho, that’s fo sho. Anyway, it’s not bad and probably healthier than a burger and fries (which I must say I am about ready for).

Maybe sometime in August I’ll get to go back to the beach, doubtful in time for Alex’s wedding unfortunately since there’s a real conflict during that week, work-wise.

Oh well, when life’s not a beach, it’s a bitch but all, in all, I can’t complain too much. Yes I can! Nope, I shouldn’t! Oh heck, you know I will don’t you?

I am here and they are there!

2008-06-14T09:28:00.001-04:00

It’s a beautiful day in the [Surf City] neighborhood but, unfortunately, I am not there. Patti is playing host to the kids and all are probably getting ready to bask in the sun today. I am at work – been working 12 hours a day since last weekend. Wow! That’s gonna stop as of Monday and hopefully I can recoup some of the extra time spent at the office and direct it towards some personal activities.

How many times have I planned my great escape? Too many and, thus far, neither has stuck. That, I promise, is about to change. Recognition, defined as the acknowledgment of achievement, service, merit, doesn’t exist in this place. It’s becoming more obvious that loyalty is not a two way street and being taken for granted is the norm. I’ve seen significant turnover and, lately and it’s been in the ranks of those whose contributions and abilities should be the most valued. Inequity is rampant and there seems to be a pervasive attitude that those who have been here and proven themselves should be happy with their lot in life and so what if inequities exist?

The “so what” is that those very people, the proven ones whose efforts have brought about what successes we’ve experienced, can leave and get significantly better deals from companies that know virtually nothing about them, save what’s in their resumes. Strange how they can be so valued by a stranger while being ignored by the very organization that benefited most from their presence.

I’m ranting aren’t I? Makes me feel good though and it’s all true. Personally, I like to think of it as God’s way of preparing me for the next phase of my life and it certainly ain’t at this place.

Anyway, here’s to those who are, and will be, elsewhere, doing other things, and living in a world where equity still exists. For me, that’s coming, and soon!

Well, it's gonna happen as least partially!

2008-05-08T19:43:00.002-04:00

We'll be off between May 17 - June 1 but will be spending some time at J & B's place for unanticipated reasons. Then, back to Surf City. Retire? How silly a thought that was. Two key staff already resigned during the preceding week so retirement on the heels of that would not be in keeping with my upbringing. However, and be warned, I am gonna do it and soon.
I've wanted to post some thoughts regarding the ongoing political antics but after giving it careful consideration, have decided to let it go since neither candidate (of the three) has jumped out and hit me as the greatest of choices. We have the anti-christ and Beelzebub on the one hand, and War boy on the other. Seems like there are not many options for us to choose from. We either experience calamity and perdition that ultimately leads to the end of times, or keep fighting a war that has no end in sight and hasn't even helped lower oil prices.
Me? I am all for letting this one ride and finding a candidate who will end the war, be racially agnostic, and put such words as non-discrimination and equal opportunity into the definitional context from whence they were originally derived. Anyway you look at it, and regardless of who wins in November, there will be, for entirely different reasons, rioting in the streets.

It's Been a Long Time Baby!

2008-04-25T19:58:00.000-04:00

Since January 31? Wow. I've been to Topsail twice since then and haven't taken the trouble to make a blog report. The fact is that I've been very busy doing little or nothing except teaching. Four courses last term and this one, and in the foreseeable future as well. Also, work has been steady every day - shall we say staying at a level entirely within my comfort zone.

Not being one to make idle promises, I see a great opportunity coming on May 15. The planets are aligning nicely in that: a) it's the end of the pay period at work, b) graduation is May 17, and c) the term break goes between May 17 - June 3. All together, that means I can quit my day job effective May 15, do the podium thing at graduation on May 17 and then hit the road for the beach, not returning until around June 2 in preparation for class to begin.

Will I do it? Only time will tell but the attraction is tremendous so stay tuned.

A Blog A Day - Is Just Too Many!

2008-01-31T08:12:00.001-05:00

I know. It’s been over a month hasn’t it? Maybe that’s because there’s nothing going on. Maybe it’s because there’s too much going on. Perhaps it’s because I just haven’t felt like posting a blog entry until now. Well…………it’s all of the above. We’ve actually returned to Surf City (MLK Weekend) and are planning another trip for President’s Day. Since it’s about as cold there as it is in Northern Virginia, there’s not a lot of excitement related to being around warmer weather. Retirement still looms somewhere in the future. My projected date to throw the switch, like the stock market (and probably because of it to some degree) goes up and down. Maybe I should just accept poverty and pull the plug now but I’m too security minded to do that.

This isn’t a good time anyway what with the weather, my evening teaching schedule, and the sheer fact that I’ve not found anything better to do than working and making money. That’s gotta change one of these days, I know. It’s the “when” that eludes me for now.

In the mean time, we’re healthy and about as happy as someone whose life revolves around going to and from work can be. Maybe by the time I make the next entry in this blog I will have things figured out.

Blogging and Slogging through Christmas

2007-12-19T11:17:00.001-05:00

It’s closing in on Christmas and all through this place,
Time is progressing at the slowest possible pace.
The socks and the shoes are filled with the usual stuff,
And the suits and the ties are all loaded with fluff.

While I in my office sit idly by,
Wishing and wishing for time to just fly.
And who, pray tell should soon to appear?
But an unwelcome visitor slowly drawing near.

It’s nobody special but still somewhat of a pain,
And likely whose mission my mind but to drain.
I’ll sparkle and spangle and make my impression,
Holding back my real feelings and thoughts of depression.

For one of these days, and I mean coming soon,
My life will be filled with the sun and the moon.
The wishing and hoping will then quickly turn
To smiling and doing, while this place I do spurn.

You ask for my meaning and what’s at its source?
That’s simple enough – its retirement, of course.

Oui Wii

2007-12-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

Here’s a story about this year’s Christmas Shopping exercise that is sort of timely and should be easy for some to relate to – the saga of the Wii.

We wanted to get one to give as a gift to Austin, our 15 year old Grandson. Looked all over the place, both here in Northern Virginia, and in NC, both Wilmington and Jacksonville, checking all sorts of stores from Best Buy and Circuit City to Wal-Mart, GameStop, and various military exchanges in those areas. Enroute back to VA from NC, we took Hwy 301 and checked the Wal-Mart’s, SAMS, and Best Buys along the way. NO LUCK!

Finally, back in VA, we found one in a GameStop in a mall…bought it. Two days later, the local Best Buy had about 20 of them stacked up at the front door – Ha. Naturally, they were gone the next day - after a certain someone decided they wouldn’t mind having a Wii. So, the search started again. This time – Wal-Mart Online – ordering the $700 bundle. It’s been arriving “unbundled” and I am still waiting for the 6 games that were to be received about a week ago.

A few days after ordering the bundle, while stopping by the local Wal-Mart one morning, guess what? Six Wii’s for sale – so naturally, for no good reason, I had to buy another one….destined for who knows but we got the thing.

If I had a dozen of Wii’s, I’d park my truck in a Best Buy parking log and scalp them, probably making a decent profit in the process. Anyway, we ended up with 3 of the devils for Christmas. I just hope they work.

A much awaited entry to my blog!

2007-11-08T08:27:00.001-05:00

Finally, this afternoon, it’s back to Surf City for the Veteran’s Day Holiday. Maybe this little trip will cure some of the boredom I’ve been experiencing of late. Hell, I just realized that I’ve got so much “been there, done that” in my past that the challenges are waning and quickly. I think I’ve even read the entire Internet – twice, memorized every bar code and SKU number at Best Buy, and single handedly pumped the equivalent of ten Saudi oil wells worth of gas into my cars.

What’s next you ask? I wish I knew but I don’t. Maybe nothing – it’s the final challenge isn’t it? (Truthfully, I’ve always wanted to sell hot dogs on a fishing pier. Now where do you suppose I would find one of those?)

Visits to NC

2007-10-30T14:49:00.001-04:00

Well, I guess I lied – didn’t make it for Columbus Day Weekend since Patti was in SC visiting her folks and I didn’t want to go it alone. We’ll now shoot for Veteran’s Day (November 12), and a return in two weeks from then for Thanksgiving. Hopefully it won’t be too cold by then since I’ve got a new seat for the mountain bike and want to try it out.

Weekend was a Success!

2007-10-02T20:32:00.001-04:00

This past weekend was a success – both weather and other wise. We arrived at Surf City Thursday evening around 7 PM so had 4 nights, leaving Monday around noon. Warm, nice weather; some good bike rides; and all the usual stuff to do. Interesting coincidence while we were at ACE Hardware visiting with Chuck. Pat recognized her cousins Angela and her daughter Beth (and baby) in the store. The coincidence comes in since Angela lives in PA and was visiting Beth. Anyway, we were all able to go out to dinner at Daddy Mac’s on Sunday – not a bad place in my opinion, and we got to visit afterwards. (Note: The Key Lime Pie that the Gift Basket on Surf City sells is great – never pass it up when given a chance to have some.)

When we left, the usual “I don’t wanna go” feelings set in and the gravitational pull of retirement to the beach increased a bit. One of these days…….!

My other success while there was getting the network camera up and running once again – but for how long I wonder? (Maybe I should be more optimistic.)

I am going back for Columbus Day weekend if I can muster the energy to make the drive – bet I will.

That’s it for now.

Brad

So, I'm coming back

2007-09-25T12:49:00.001-04:00

Finally, after about 6 weeks I am heading back to NC and Surf City. Seems like it’s been forever and, as you can read from some of my other postings, I’m still in the threat mode when it comes to retirement. Maybe this trip will be the one where it finally sinks in that I would rather be there than most other places – the “Decider” we’ll call it (not to be confused with that other Decider mind you). I’ll let you know how things go when I get there…..mood swings and all!

What Else? The Beach!

2007-08-24T19:36:00.000-04:00

I am in VA and Patti is still in NC at the beach. Ginger arrived today and will stay until next Saturday, giving Patti some company after a week by herself.
Tonight, A. C. Flora is having a reunion for my class in Columbia SC. Too bad that I was unable to make it since it would have been fun to see all of the old high school crew. Maybe next time????
Nothing going on here. Working, biking, computering (is that now a word?). As Jackie Gleason once said "One of the days......" and I will hang it up so fast everyone will be flabbygasted.

Finally, I am there!

2007-08-10T09:06:00.001-04:00

Finally, after a month of hearing about all the fun in the sun stuff going on down here, I made it back. Only for the weekend (and a hot one at that so it appears), but hey, I got back to Surf City one more time during the summer.

Everyone seems to be having a good time – Jenny and Boe (Pat’s Mom and Dad) are here for 10 days. Pat has enjoyed a steady stream of company (Ginger, Ashley; then Betsy, Austin, Abigail; then Lynn, Mark, Sarah; now Jenny and Boe; me (I feel like company anyway); the Ginger again. Wow! Good thing we upsized the refrigerator.

Well, I need to start the day – maybe with a nice, hot bike ride to the south end of the island – then, breakfast, or death depending on how hot it is out there. Too bad it won’t be beer time for another 8 hours….wait! I’m on vacation so beer time is whenever it needs to be, right?

The house is open and I am not in it - again!

2007-07-25T15:07:00.001-04:00

Patti is back in Surf City, probably through August (and, as usual, I am here working). It’s a busy place at the beach this summer. Ginger and Ashley arrived Friday. Betsy, Austin, and Abigail came Sunday so all 5 are there now. They leave Saturday and Lynn, Mark, Sara arrive for a week. The day after they leave, Jenny and Boe get there for a 2 week stay. Somewhere in the mix, I am going to take some time off and go down myself. Wow, it’s a revolving door. The weather is good. The new fridge is in and working. The roses are blooming…..and Northern Virginia sucks, at least when I know I would rather be in Surf City NC.

Surf City on the 4th of July

2007-07-05T10:24:00.000-04:00

It’s been a long time coming but I am finally posting again. We have been at Surf City NC since June 29 and will be here until July 8. The weather has been great until today (raining but will probably clear up by the afternoon). Most days have been in the low 80s and not too humid. We’ve had a good time so far – not eaten out too much except for the 38^th Anniversary dinner at the Atlantis on North Topsail and that was pretty good, with a view of the Ocean from their 7^th floor restaurant that can’t be beat and the food was outstanding.

The Surf City Fireworks display on July 3 was great too, dinner and fireworks watching on Bob’s deck where he also shot off some South Carolina fireworks after the town’s display ended.

Last night (the 4^th) we all were shooting off our South Carolina fireworks (mine was pretty wimpy by the way but I didn’t spend $200 on it either) when Bob’s mulch caught on fire, the cops came, and everyone ran like hell. I hid our fireworks in the shower room until the heat was off. Nothing but a warning but there are still a lot of fireworks (look like mortar rounds) left so I guess we’ll be seeing some more cops in the near future.

We have the Bradley Family Reunion Saturday at Cedar Island and the McEachern’s home. I guess since I am a Bradley namesake, I will go and be happy his name wasn’t Philpot or something. Anyway, I am back to vacationing and not blogging for now.

At the Beach - Not!

2007-05-21T07:08:00.001-04:00

Here’s another much delayed post about my favorite subject – Surf City at Topsail Island NC. Patti is there this week, entertaining her Mom, Dad, Sister, and two Cousins. I am here as usual, doing my corporate thing and spending the week getting grades completed and posted for my graduate courses. School starts next week so even the long weekend won’t get me to NC this time. The highlight of my weekend was a bowl of Pho – go figure!

Looks like the weather will be nice for everyone at Sunkiss – I hope so. Maybe one day soon, I’ll be able to trade work for personal time and spend endless hours doing what I want to be doing. This place surely doesn’t provide any type of personal gratification, as it once did. I suppose that’s God’s way of getting me mentally prepared for retirement.

Soon, it’s gonna be my time and I can’t wait.

Weekend at Surf City

2007-04-19T14:08:00.000-04:00

I finally got to Surf City this past weekend. Friday and Saturday were great. The weather was fairly warm and we were able to plant 6 rose bushes, get the beds edged and mulched, and wash the house. However, the big Nor’easter blew in on Sunday and shot the rest of the weekend all to heck. Between the rain and very high winds, it was basically a nasty few days until we left. We did manage to upgrade the TV in the den and had a decent time just being down there. One lesson I did learn was to watch out for the fire ants – ouch! Believe me – ouch!

One big plus was finding out that we are in a more favorable flood zone, the result of that was a drastic reduction in flood insurance…lucky us!

Hopefully, we’ll return soon – before Memorial Day I hope. I suspect Patti is planning to spend some time entertaining visitors during the summer so she’ll enjoy that I am sure.

Is global warming a myth?

2007-04-07T07:47:00.000-04:00

The day before Easter 2007 and the ground in Northern Virginia is covered with snow. It's 30 degrees outside to boot.
Now I am not out to debunk the theory of global warming but lets get real here - snow in April? It's Springtime for goodness sakes. Heck, it was 32 degrees at Surf City NC last night and 22 degrees in Spartanburg SC. Assuming that the oil companies don't have an interest in perpetuating the myth then who does? Maybe, just maybe, the entire thing is a plot to sell books, movies, and news stories do you think? Or, perhaps it's a way for certain would be elected officials to gain some notariety.
Regardless, I for one am skeptical of the whole concept because, to [very loosly] paraphrase Will Rogers, I only know what I see and what I see is what I know. Right now I see very cold weather at times and in places where in the past it has been warmer, drier, and generally more in keeping with the season. Global warming? I wish.

Easter is coming but where is Spring?

2007-04-05T08:25:00.001-04:00

It’s almost Easter Sunday but where is Spring? After what looked like it was off to a good start, it seems to be eluding us, at least in Virginia and, unfortunately for my weekend plans, on the North Carolina Coast too!

Patti is enroute to Surf City NC. I had planned to leave this afternoon for there as well but given the weather forecast for the next few days (40s – low 50s) I am not sure I want to use a couple days of vacation just to sit inside and wish for warmer weather. Betsy, Ashley, Austin, Abigail are going to be there Friday through Sunday so Patti will not be alone. Maybe the weather will warm up and I can adjust my schedule a bit, going down next week instead.

Nothing else is happening around here – same old cycle of work-school-eat-sleep-work, etc. but I guess that’s better than some of the alternatives. Anyway, here’s wishing a quick warm up to the weather and a Happy Easter regardless.

Back from Surf City

2007-03-19T06:53:00.001-04:00

We had a nice, albeit cold, weekend in Surf City. Not too much outside activity since it was pretty cold down there still (in the 30s and 40s), but still enjoyable just getting away. Coming home to Virginia was an easy trip but when we got to the house, since the weather had been warm last week, we nearly froze – it was 57 degrees inside and took the better part of the evening to warm the place up. This morning, scraped ice from the windshield as usual – hate it! Got to work early (5:45 AM) and found the usual batch of emails to wade through. Boy, is retirement going to be sweet.

Anyway, here’s to hitting the ground running. School starts back this week – 2 full online courses, one over full class at Ft. Belvoir, and the usual small 6000 course.

I’ll make it though………..believe me!

A week of batching it is about to end!

2007-03-12T07:24:00.000-04:00

Patti is coming back from SC today after spending a week with her parents, celebrating their 65^th Wedding Anniversary. They went to Charleston for a couple of days, actually staying in Mt. Pleasant. From what I can tell from the phone conversations, they had a great time and the weather was good throughout their stay. Naturally, during this same week, I spent most of my time foraging for food and entertainment. Its sure boring being home alone, especially on weekends. Maybe next Friday we’ll go to the beach for a few days. I’m up for that – more than a few days would be even better.

It's Time for Some Sunshine

2007-02-21T07:18:00.001-05:00

Granted, Northern Virginia isn’t upstate New York, but the recent ice storm has really left its mark on most of us around here. It was so bad last week that we flew the coup for the NC shore. Since we’ve been keeping Snowy (our daughter’s dog), and she absolutely hates going out and trying to walk on the frozen and icy ground, the sandy (albeit cold) beach was a welcomed break.

We’re getting a bit warmer this week and with a little sunshine, followed perhaps by a good rain, all of this will begin to fade into memory. Hopefully the sun will not only shine on the ground, but also on all of those depressed souls who have been shut in their houses and driveways, and shut out (literally) from their ice encrusted cars.

Cold weather sucks. Snow and ice suck. Temperatures in the teens and single digits suck. Global warming is a figment of Al Gore’s imagination. If it’s true, how do they explain 22 degrees at the NC shore?

Here’s to spring, summer, and never ending paydays.

Consumer Alert #1: Avoid Buying Anything from Yahoo Auctions Website. They Don't Honor A Buyer Protection Agreement.

2007-02-08T07:56:00.001-05:00

Avoid Yahoo Auctions!

Problem: Purchased a Sidekick II from seller on Yahoo Auctions. Sent money, never received product. Yahoo refused restitution and essentially washed its hands of the problem.

Below is an extract from Yahoo's policy as stated on their Auction webpage (and noticed after the fact - shame on us): http://auctions.yahoo.com/phtml/auc/us/legal/additionaltos.html:

“Because Yahoo is not involved in the actual transaction between buyers and sellers, in the event that you have a dispute with one or more users, you release Yahoo and its affiliates ………..”

So, as can be seen from their disclaimer, purchasing from Yahoo is truly a "buyer beware" proposition. Lesson learned? You bet! Hopefully this will help others avoid a similar situation and send them to eBay, Pay Pal, etc. who appear to have a stronger commitment to buyer safety.

DoNut Diplomacy

2007-02-04T13:40:00.000-05:00

Here's one for the "don't that beat all" department. For a while now, I've been noticing (along with other's I know as well) that people are becoming so self absorbed that their actions reflect little or no awareness, let alone concern, of others. Recent examples of note include the young lady who recently passed us on the left, while we were stopped and signaling a left turn and the pedestrian in front of us, seeing our intent to make that turn, started crossing the street and almost got hit by the impatient little driver.

Perhaps worse still was the recent donut incident. Being the nice guy that I am, I took a dozen of the little death pills to work, knowing that I wouldn't eat one but thinking it a nice, Friday morning gesture for my coworkers. The donuts went quickly. Later, upon entering the kitchen where they were located, I was shocked to see the empty donut box just sitting on the counter about 2 feet away from a garbage can. So, someone, obviously severely lacking in upbringing, ate the last one and didn't even see fit to throw the empty box away. This must be the same person who takes the last paper towel and neglects to put another roll on the holder.

All I can say about incidents like these is "Hey, Dude, Yo Momma Failed Miserably!"

A quick update.

2007-01-28T21:18:00.000-05:00

Well, once again, the beach house is occupied but not by me. Patti and Patti Q are there this week. Everything is working and fine so I am glad they’re there. This week will be a typical one for when I am batching it – eat pho, drink beer, heat leftovers, go to work, teach my classes, and do it all over again. This week doesn’t look too busy so work will be tolerable (I hope). Maybe I’ll win the lottery or something – but then again, I probably won’t since it’s doubtful that I will even play it.

Back from Topsail Island and it's turned Winter all of a sudden!

2007-01-17T11:35:00.001-05:00

January isn’t normally a month when you’d expect to see people sun bathing at the beach but last week they were doing just that on Topsail Island. It was warm, in the 70s every day between Jan. 12-15, and totally clear. Between weather like that, and traffic like what you experience in the Northern Virginia area, I suspect it’s God’s way of preparing a person for retirement. I’ll get back there soon but in the mean time, I guess I will have to keep the weather as a fond memory since it’s cold as all get out around here today and likely to stay that way for a good while now. Topping it all off – this office I am in isn’t all that toasty either. Oh well, better to be in a bad situation with good thoughts than to be in no situation at all. The end for this day!

Off and Running in 2007

2007-01-09T10:34:00.001-05:00

2007 is off to a………start. The weather in Northern Virginia has been good and then bad and then good again. PattiQ broke her ankle/foot (bad) but has over 9 weeks of vacation saved up that she will otherwise loose in March so she can afford the time off (good).

Snoe has an ear infection (bad) but the Vet gave her a shot and some pills that seem to be working (good).

Patti is doing well (all good) and I am too (sort of good anyway). Work is still here (bad) but I still have a job (good – actually two jobs so double bad and good). Our parents are hanging in there (all good) and so is everyone else from what I can tell and, naturally, that’s good too!

Happy Birthday to Ginger by the way. Wonder what she’s up to today? Oh yeah – work (bad)!

Going to Topsail this weekend and dragging both broken foot and bad ear along with us. I hope the weather is (good)!

Later,

BQ

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T15:52:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year 2007! Here’s hoping that this year is at least as good as, and hopefully even better than 2006. Things were pretty good last year for sure so, all considered, I can’t complain. However, one must always hope for, and expect that life will continue to improve as we move through its little bumps and grinds. One thing for sure, it’s a rainy January 1 and I’m still in a good mood so that’ not a bad sign. Naturally, we will have the lucky dinner tonight – greens, black eyed peas, ham – all that old fashioned good luck food…..and hopefully some of the left over turkey too (Snoe will like that for sure).

We started off the New Year with a very interesting event – looked up at the tree just behind the house and there was a full sized Bald Eagle sitting right on top. Naturally, I ran for the camera and actually got some really good shots of it sitting there and one in full flight as it flew away. The do live around the Potomac River and the Occoquan but I’ve never seen one ever before. Here's a picture of the thing.

Work starts back tomorrow but should be quiet since the government is closed and most of our folks are getting a free day off (those working at government facilities anyway). We’ll have a slow day in the office I hope.

Here’s to the New Year and all the good that it will bring to everybody.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-24T20:15:00.001-05:00

It’s Christmas Eve and Patti and I are together, alone at Surf City. It’s extremely quiet down here with very few people in the houses or cars on the roads. The weather has been all over the map – rain storms through yesterday, today was beautiful, sunny and clear. We didn’t go out much except to Maxway just to buy some junk. The Christmas lights on the house look pretty good and I think I’ll leave them up for a while longer.

We’ll see Mom around 10 AM tomorrow and then back here to enjoy our last day before returning to good ole Virginny and work. Hopefully, next week will be quiet and peaceful in the office – I suspect it will be just that since most everyone is off, including the clients.

Jenny and Boe are in Boiling Springs, with Patti’s sister and her family. Who knows where the rest of the folks are but it’s not here with us. Patti Q is home alone which seems to be the trend for how she spends holidays. Ginger, Lynn, and Betsy are probably spending Christmas at home as well.

Anyway, Merry Christmas to anyone who reads this – likely only me.

Later,

Where's the action?

2006-12-14T06:57:00.001-05:00

What a boring few days. There is absolutely nothing going on but work, school, and sleep. With the exception of my daily quest just to get up and down, in and out of the car or a chair without screaming, there’s nothing happening. Hopefully, things will get better soon and all will be back to normal (“back” being the operative word here). Anyway, life could be worse and Christmas is coming soon and that tends to make everything better.

Happy Birthday!

2006-12-12T06:39:00.001-05:00

The guy in the red hat is having a birthday today. Rumor has it that he’s about 39 years old but nobody can verify that for certain since his birth certificate is locked up in the National Archives Building, between the Declaration of Independence and the original version of the Star Spangled Banner. Regardless, he’s dressed like a cross between a Three Musketeer and Mary Poppins but hey, that’s better than the birthday suit he wanted to wear today and we do all wish him a very Happy Birthday!

Nighttime Posting

2006-12-10T09:12:00.001-05:00

It’s 3:15 AM and here I am grading assignments from one of my online graduate courses. This will teach me to eat Mexican food close to bedtime.

Christmas Cheer Edition 1 - Fruitcake

2006-12-09T20:10:00.000-05:00

So, here's a little ditty honoring the fruitcake or reasonable facsimiles thereof.

First the Fruitcake Lady of Jay Lenno fame: http://www.jibjab.com/jokebox/jokebox/jibjab/id/149182/jokeid/48257

http://llnw.jibjab.com/jokebox/jokebox/jibjab/id/294381/jokeid/80916

And now, for my favorite fruitcake recipe:

You'll need the following:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups of dried fruit
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of brown sugar
lemon juice
nuts
1 bottle of whisky

Sample the whisky to check for quality.

Take a large bowl. Check the whisky again.
To be sure it is the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.
Repeat.
Turn on the electric mixer, beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one teaspoon of sugar and beat again.
Make sure the whisky is still okay. Cry another tup.
Turn off the mixer.
Break two leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers pry it loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the whisky to check for tonsisticity.
Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who cares?
Check the whisky.
Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
Add one table. Spoon of sugar, or something. Whatever you can find.
Grease the oven. Turn the cake tin to 350 degrees. Don't forget to beat off the turner.
Throw the bowl out of the window, check the whisky again and go to bed.

It's still there!

2006-12-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

Good to see the blog is still there. Christmas shopping is on the schedule for today. One thing I just learned is that panatone makes great French toast and, most likely, fattening French toast too.

This is the one and only first post to my blog

2006-12-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

I'll start this off by saying that there is no plan or grand design as to where this blog is going but it's a cinch that this is where it starts. Like a train moving through the countryside, what you see will vary by what that day's ride had to offer - perhaps some humor, sarcasm or plain old bitching, and maybe even some enlightenment from time to time, but whatever it is, you can be certain that it's mine.