Sunday 02-27-2011

Yesterday and today were full of activity.  Yesterday, Spencer and I went shopping! That is something we (and particularly I) very rarely do. But our kitchen counter TV has been going on the fritz for several months now.  So we ventured out to Sears and the nearby local big box electronics store (HHGregg).  We settled on a 19" flat screen (Yes, we have now entered the 21st century).  Colleen met us for the final decision and lunch at La Casa del Taco. She continued on her errands and we headed out to the cabin for chicken care and BB shooting practice.

Later we went home and met Colleen to travel to Tyler and Jen's house for early supper, as I was scheduled to work a 12 hour half shift at 2000.   As we were leaving, I grabbed the mail and THERE IT WAS.  The Civil Service Commission's letter with results of the promotional test... at least a week early.  I passed.  I was number 3 on the list.  After sitting on the list as number 1 for five years, I was finally off the hook.  That is exactly how I felt.  I can't explain it.  For FIVE years there was no promotion.  On this test there would be at least one immediate spot for promotion and another within a few weeks.  Following these I should be promoted with the next vacancy probably in April.  More on this later.

Paisley turned two this week, she had a birthday party before we came.  Four two year olds, helium balloons, twisty crepe paper streamers, ice cream, a cake... the whole kid birthday set up.   We showed up while Ty was out getting glow plugs for his TDi.   Jen and her mom, Vera, were home and we got to visit with them until Ty showed with his parts.   Spencer and I were with four beautiful women.

Paisley, Dominion, Clintonville

I unloaded the tricycle which I had refurbished for Paisley.  The pic shows her on it, with her new first time hair cut.   Too cute!    She loves the bell!

Following dinner we high-tailed it back to Chillicothe in order for me to get to work.

At work the buzz was all about the test results.   I worked that evening with two of the guys on the new list... number 2 and number 5.  What a great time.  I discovered that their unit had a betting pool about who would score where on the test.  I apparently was the front runner because of the past tests. One guy (number 4) knew that I wasn't studying and won the pool because of that.

We ran a bunch and so did the other medic. In and out of the hospital, at Station 1, we batted around all the variables of the various test scores, positions and the conversations snow balled with speculation.  I'm sitting right where I want to be.  I will be promoted soon.  I didn't sweat the test.  And I won't have to work for a couple of the testees (pun intended).  LIFE IS GOOD!

We DID run a lot last night. I got home this morning in time to get ready for Sunday school class where Colleen and I and another couple were scheduled to present a lesson on current media events (the Egyptian uprising).  That went well and we came home where I crashed on the sofa at 1115.  The weather forecast called for heavy rain this afternoon.   Colleen went to her parents to be with sister Connie.  Spencer played on the computer as I slept.

Something woke me wide awake at 1215.  It was the sun coming in the east window.  I hurried and arranged for Spencer to go next door and I prepped to go for a ride.  At 1300  14 SVRoadies showed  for a ride into the wind down to Scioto Trails and up Fire Tower hill and back.  It was around 60º F, with SSW winds at 10 mph.  I finished with 30 miles.   The skies darkened as we rode homeward, back north with the wind.  Great day in the saddle!

Spencer, Colleen and I piled into the TDi for a 40 mile trip down to Beaver where I had arranged via Craigslist to buy three new 300gal water tanks for the cabin's rain water collection system.  Potentially, this should be a great set up if all goes according to plan (Does it ever?).  I'll take some pics when I pick them up in the truck later this week.

Raining tonight and 95% chance tomorrow.  Work tomorrow.  I called Ty earlier to check on the glow plug issue.  No news from Pres.  Evan relieved my crew this morning; I will relieve his crew tomorrow.  Parker should be home in NYC from working in Boston on a special private project, that hopefully won't interfere with his work at Gilt.  Spencer is upstairs sawing logs, probably dreaming of BB gun conquests.

Thursday 02-24-2011

I'm into the third day of a flu bug, feeling about half here and half there.  Lots of rain adding to the already swollen creeks.  Maybe winter's back is broken.  The birds are moving in the woods and the small critters are waking.  Flocks of robins and crows share the fields in front of our cabin. We smelled a skunk in the hospital parking lot on Tuesday night/Wed morning.  


I did get a short twenty mile ride in last Friday, I forgot to state that in my last post.

Barnhart's cabin at Buzzards' Roost

I went out Cabbage Hill and up Polk Hollow to Buzzards' Roost.
It had been a few years since I made it all the way back to the cabin.  The old road that we used to use going back for Presby Day Camp is now blacktoppped.  A gate half way back, just after a parking lot, ensures a quiet trip as no motor vehicles are allowed beyond the gate.
The cabin sits high on a bluff at the end of a ridge above Paint Creek.  The ridge is adjacent to our property.  We are very fortunate to have the nature sanctuary as neighbors.  The trails appear to be attended to and lightly used.  The cabin is need of some repair, I'm not sure about the Ross County Parks' plans.  BUT, the view is still pristine and outstanding!  I was able to surprise two eagles as I walked up to the end of the ridge.  They flew down and caught a convection current and spiraled up and away from me as I stood there in awe.  They went upstream and around the bend in the creek. I didn't catch them on camera, you'll just have to imagine them in the enclosed shots.

Note: the lack of corner stones by my front wheel   

The eagles flew down and then to the right.

I can imagine this area before electricity and all of our modern conveniences.  Water up there surely had to be an issue.  The land around this whole ridge system is poor and wouldn't have supported a family farm.  The cabin must have always been used for get-away or recreation. I did notice that the outhouse has been maintained. Grandfathered... I'm SURE. I don't want to get started on my "outhouse soapbox".

I'll devote a whole post on that subject someday.

The tongue of the ridge in front of the cabin.

I intentionally went up before the trees started budding, as the view quickly becomes blocked by all the foilage.  Chickadees, titmice and small wood-peckers were all out in full force in the shine of the noonday sun.  Gingerly riding out,  I met two walkers coming down the trail as I headed back up. "That's a road bike isn't it?" "Yep, it jumps onto a trail once in a while, too." It's not a practice for the faint-of-heart, though.  Lots of patience.  Lots of practice.


Chickens: 4 eggs/day which means 5 of the eight hens are working.  One is laying outside the box.... I finally found her makeshift nest. The Australorps are being picked by the Barred Cross.

Some Sdogs: Sam, Bishop, Buddy, Simon, Jack (LtoR)

Dogs:  Sampson grows weaker by the day. The Lasix is helping his heart valve problem but it's only holding off the inevitable.  He enjoys his days and is getting lots of stroking and loving.  Jack seems to sense his pal's sickness.
Sons:
No news from Preston this week. He is doing daily missions from a combat outpost.  He has posted some pics on FB, though.
Parker is working on a motion-based development with his job and another project is in the works.  NYC appears to be a target rich environment.
Ty has irons in an unnamable fire.  He and Evan both appear to be enjoying the ice cream maker that Colleen picked out for them for Christmas... you just never know.
Spencer picked out a Daisy® Buck repeating BB gun as his reward for making the high honor roll again.  I asked him what he wanted if he made it all year.  "A 410"  "What's a 410?",  I asked. "The smallest commercially available shotgun, Dad.  You know that!"
Why, of course, I did.

Catch Up 02-11 through 02-19-11

I worked Sunday (13th), Wednesday (16th) and Saturday(19th).   I had two more Codes following the one in my last post.  AND one who didn't die on us (but did subsequently)... we brought him out of his stupor and the beautiful thing is he came around and told us a JOKE!
"A man was driving down the highway a little fast.  He didn't notice the Trooper in his rear mirror, but when he did, he sped up.  So did the Trooper.   He sped up more.  So did the Trooper.  At 90 mph the Trooper flipped on his lights and the fellow dutifully pulled over.
'Old timer, you had better have a real good reason why you kept speeding up or I'm going to run you in.'  'Well, sonny, I do.  You see a few years back one of you State Troopers ran off with my wife.  I looked in the mirror and saw you following me.  I thought maybe it was him trying to bring her back.' "  Carl, a farmer and a true spirit, died Thursday.

Wednesday was our Unit's last day at Station 3 in the East end.  It was strange to know that the next work day we would be serving the public from the centralized Station 1, completing the closure of BOTH out stations; Station 4 having been closed in September.
Our administration watches and twirls thumbs as the CFD becomes less and less able to fulfill its mission.  It is a TRAVESTY that our Chiefs do nothing to mitigate our situation.
We will have 3 chief officers, 1 captain and two lieutenants over 6 firefighters if the city doesn't change the situation. One to one span of control.

John and Julie Payne's son, J Sayre Payne, made it home for a few days reprieve from his duties in Afghanistan.  I hope the people in this country appreciate the efforts and sacrifice that our soldiers are enduring.  I fear that they don't.  After Lodge Thursday I went up to visit Sayre at his Dad and Mom's house.

We talked 'til 3 AM.  He is an engaging, resourceful young man. Be careful, Sayre.  Come home with all your guys and begin another phase of your life.   His in-country "take home" lesson was that they had to be most careful of the home-made, land mine-like IEDs.   For him it's the small ones.  The ones made of two boards bound together, bicycle seat springs holding them apart, and contacts that, when compressed, explode a small amount of chemicals contained in,  perhaps, a Bic® pen.  These IEDs are anti-personnel and intended to inflict harm to a single soldier.  As I understand it Pres is mostly dealing with the much larger vehicular-targeting version which have huge proportions of High Explosives... both are devastating non-the-less. Sayre felt that when the insurgents stood to fight they were basically committing suicide.  Most of the time the other side's goal was to harass the superior force of the USArmy.

More to follow...  Sdad

02-11-11

Seems like all I ever get posted is "I'm at work."
Right now I'm 36 hours into what should be 43 straight.  I came in yestefrday at 1300.  Last night was light with only one call after midnight, so I was able to sleep and get up early to cram for the latest promotional test. We took it at 0930 this AM.  I have sat at the top of the Lieutenant's Promo Lists for the last three tests with noone leaving and therefore no promotions. This time 9 days after the last test ran out a captain retired, leaving the guy on the Captain's list and then me high and dry...  and having to take the %&#@ test ONE MORE TIME.

I really didn't study for this test. I am ambivilent about the prospect of taking the promotion with all the political turmoil going on in the Department right now.  It is a bit of a moral delimna for me in that I have always been what I consider to be a "striver".  One who is on a continuim of advancement and growing in every aspect of life.  To not "grow" in this area is a bit of a twin-horned animal (see Rob't Persig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance).   I have discussed these feelings with Colleen, but I am not settled yet with the concept of not trying hard at things.  "We'll see"

Layer upon layer in 34º F

Speaking of trying hard, I got out the carbon bike on Sunday for my first ride of the year.  TEN of us met at
Rver's Bend in 34F,5-10 mph windy conditions.We headed out through town and down Bridge St to
Three Locks Road over Higby Bridge and back in Old Rt 35 and Lancaster Rd . We split at Ginger Hill, where eight riderrs went on for more hill climbing and Ron H and I continued on Charleston Pike into town for a respectable 30 miles. It was great to get back in the saddle again.

Road grit is not your friend.

I will post this and ad some more with pics tomorrow. It's time to try and sleep some
before the next call comes in.

Post script:
Just before shift change...
My partner and I at 0700 had a full blown code in a truck on N Bridge St... too near the hospital to have an engine back us up. TWO men... one driving the other doing three people's jobs in the back.   Three days later, we heard he was still in ICU and not coping well.
Later on the 11th we were informed that the Mayor and Fire Chief have decided to shut down Station 3.
BRILLIANT decision (sarcasm). This is supposed to happen next Friday.

Fall in the Winter 02-04-11

Home again, home again. Jiggity, jig.
Continental/United's corporate motto is "Work Hard, Fly Right".
My response is... "It's NOT working.  You are doing it WRONG."  Your jet was late leaving the gate, late into the air, the last flight out of CLE to CMH left three minutes early; but only after I did a six and a half minute mile sprint across two concourses and
through an underground tunnel.

Pawn Star neighbors Tattoo and Bail Bondsman

The commuter/hopper had had it's gate changed.  I ran right past it going to the originally posted gate. Turning back and running,  I saw the jetway pull away from the side of the plane.

I could accept all of that IF the C/U customer (dis)service people:
•  had at least acted like they cared... They didn't.
•  were of service... "That's not our policy"
•  made a difference... "We'll book you on the first flight in the morning".
•  hadn't smirked when I spoke of hotel rooms, rental cars OR Heaven Forbid... A    REFUND! It was here that My Coco complimented me with ," I've never seen you stay so CALM, when I know you were SO MAD."  Maybe I'm growing mellow... Not!

Pawn Star

Many thanks to Bro-in-law Bob and son Ty for rescuing us from CLE on a cold Thursday eve.  Bob picked us up at the baggage claim and shuttled us South for about an hour as Ty drove North from Columbus; meeting us just above Ashland.  We dropped Ty off at his warm and electrified home ( their E had been off for nearly 42 hours).  We pulled into 159 around 0130.  I had a beer.  Colleen was asleep before I popped the cap.


Colleen made it to work.  I...
dropped Spencer off at school...
picked up the mutts from "Doggie Jail" and the groomers...
switched cars from the Westfalia (now back in hibernation) to the TDi...
made a beer run (B double E double R U N)...
went to the Temple and wrote my report for the evening's Trustees' Annual Board Meeting...
AND made it out to the cabin by noon, in time to help Ben, Mark and Dave with the beginnings of the campfire and the stove fire inside.   Home at last.

Later, after the crowd built... a great act needs a BIG audience...  I took the fall.

Friday Campfire at the cabin.

It didn't hurt at all.  Their reaction was nothing short of hilarity.  Red Skelton never got a better laugh than I did on that icy, snow covered ground.  I loved it.  Fred said, "When they make the book about our campfire Fridays and turn it into a movie, THAT will surely be one of the highlight clips."   Guffaw. Snort. PfffffffT. Hee Haw. HarrrDeHarrrr.   I loved it.

The truth is that we all walked with sidling steps to avoid the sheet of ice underfoot. The days, while we were in LV, were cold and snowy, then it became not-as-cold and rainy; resulting in the sheet ice that shut down much of the Midwest USA.  For us at the Friday campfire it was no deterrent. We all pushed our vehicles into the throes of old man winter and came out for the camaraderie and whatever food (liver puddin' on wafer crackers with spicy mustard..mmm, mmm) and beer was to be served.  We chopped that ice with shovels and spud bars.  We spread ashes from the fire to create grit.  And we still slipped and slid, laughing all the way. We all jerked and strained to stay upright. It was a funny sight.

Moses waiting on the sheep.

Throughout the afternoon I was on the phone and iNet with Parker in NYC, who is presenting a new motion based media plan to his boss. Man oh man,  I love this new iPhone!

I also spent a good bit of time looking for eggs within the vicinity of the coop. With the fresh snow,  I thought for sure that I could track to where those C'kens were hiding them!   I didn't.  They did leave me three new ones in the boxes by the end of the day, though. Fred gets his sheep on Saturday.

Evan, I hope you get over your flu.  Megan posted today that Pres got back from his multi-day mission. Numerous IEDs found and one bad guy taken into custody. Stay safe, son.

Wednesday 02-02-11

Hello from Lost Wages.
Visiting Sister Beth for the first time, Colleen and I have been fully immersed in the culture of SouthWest Nevada.  Casinos, Canyons, Red Rocks, and Dam(n) tours have filled our past few days.  We have contributed a thing or two here, too.  Straight from OHIO we brought the lowest temps to this valley in the last 15 years. This morning it was 26 degrees F on the patio at 0600 (home was 28).  Don't worry, we did our best to enhance the local economy by NOT winning a dime more than we brought to lose at the games.

Fremont Street

Beth and G'son Gabe reaching for the High Scaler

We have really won a lot at getting to know our NV family.  Beth had previously dragged her S.O., George, home to visit us in OH; so while we knew him a little,  it's been interesting getting to know the two of them in THEIR environment.  George has lived in LV since '93 and Beth for about 7 years.  He is a former MN lawyer with a quick witt and gentle humor and laugh.



Beth is still the desert-dwelling, 5' 2',  ball of fire, opinionated, lovable sister "Bethie" as always.  She is happy at working parttime as a waitress in a local restaraunt and playing Keno;  three of her kids live  in S CA about 4-5 hours away.  George has kids back in MN and works at his law work here as well as being an excellent poker player.


Beth's youngest daughter, Niece Cinda, her husband, Dave and their 3 yo son Gabriel live nearby in North LV.  Monday evening Dave and Cinda hosted us at a BBQ with friends at their home. I was a little more than disappointed that there was no CORNHOLE tournament planned.  I guess that they just haven't discovered the real pleasures of leisurely living.  After promising tonight not to carry Gabe around "by his ears" (even though, like all five of MY sons, he LOVED IT) I elicited a few cogent comments from Cinda.  We now know that we love each other and that she "is secure in her phobias".  Gotta love that kind of talk.  Gabe is a great little boy and he can't help it if he has an over-protective, older mom... in defference to a happy life,  I'll stop this diatribe short... gotta love those over-protective older moms. (GRIN)

At home, Spencer seems to be thriving in his adopted homes. Connie and Paul along with Alfred and Gretta all report nothing but smooth sailing in our absense.  I know that they wouldn't tell us even if he broke an arm, in fear of us running straight home in that event. It's good to experience that kind of love. FWIW, our dogs,  fish, and chickens are in an unknown state of being as I type this missive.

 In the Atrium of the Bellagio: The Year of the Rabbit (me)

This morning at 0700 PST, 1000 EST, when my watch (on Afghani time) read 1730,  I got my first phone call from Preston. It was garbled but it was good to hear his voice for the first time in a month.  Their misssions are long and frequent.  I will be reporting more when I can give a better report.

Tyler (and family) is one of the 56K AEP customers still without power in Columbus following the ice storm on Tuesday. Evan has been keeping in touch and I am really pleased to report that Parker's Falconry video is off the ground (pun intended).

I need to wrap this up for now, as I am using George's lap top and am losing battery quickly.
I will post some relavent pics after I get home.
Bye for now.
Sdad