12/16/05 Christmas Time!

Wow, Christmas is just a week away. Got most of my Christmas cards out, couple more to send out tomorrow. I'll be leaving here for Southern Calif. On Saturday the 24th, and getting into Ontario, Ca. about 7pm. The Christmas eve party at Daryl & Angie's (son and daughter-in-law's) will have been going on for hours at that point, and will probably be winding down.
Oh well, I'll be pretty tired at that point anyway.
This week at work has been a bit hetic, We've got a lot of stuff that has to ship before we break for the holidays. And, a couple of people have had to be out because of "Family problems". So the rest of us have had to pick up the pace to get things done, and shipped. But so far so good, we're gittin it done.
I wanted to get some pictures on here showing how this town decorates for the holidays, but my pictures were far from showing how pretty it is. I'll put up one, but forgive my inability to capture the holiday spirit here.
I've stalled out a bit on working on my bathroom addition, it's been so cold that I'd just rather stay close to the heater when I'm home. But there's no real rush anyway, it will get done, when it gets done.
I hope that all is going well for you this holiday season. That your not feeling the stress that seems to be a part of the "season". And that you will spend some quality time with family and friends. I wish I could be with all that I love, and am close to this holiday season, but to those of you that I'm not with, know that I'm with you in my heart.
Have a Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring you even more than you wish for!
Bob.

Just Checking in!

Do you remember me mentioning the Blog I've been following for the last 6 months or so, called the "Adventures of Tioga And George"? Well I log in every few days, and note his "hit" meter. The amount of views his blog has accumulated. I checked in last night at 9:30 pm. Then tonight at 8:00 pm. His blog had 1762 views in less than 11 hours! I find that amazing.

Tonight I drove through town on my way home from work. This town really dresses up for the holidays, I'll make a point to go downtown and take some pictures of the holiday decorations, they are great. They have large Christmas cards with fiberoptic lighting that were commissioned by a local bank owner, and community activist named Brady Adams. The Christmas cards were made by the company I now work for. Each sign has speakers mounted on top of them, and play Christmas music. The town also has life sized toy soldiers on the sidewalks down main street (which is 6th street), and of course the normal tinsel and wreath decorations. If you want to check out the Christmas Cards, go to this website,
www.magicalmurals.com. To those I've already sent that link to, never mind.

Last week we had our first snow of the year, just an inch or so, but it was pretty cool to look out my door that night and see snow.


I hope everyone's holiday season is progressing nicely, and that "holiday stress" is not part of your experience.I know that I experience that stress every year because I'm never prepared. I procrastinate every year, and every year I tell my self that next year I'll take care of things early. But I never do. This year I've decided to put off feeling guilty about it till next year. "Procrastinators never die, they just keep putting it off." We'll see how long that works for me.

Talk to you later, Bob.

November Blog,2005

My thanks to those who have been checking in , also my apology, for not posting for so long. I haven’t often been in the mood to write. And when I was in the mood, my internet connection wasn’t being cooperative. I could get on the net for 5 minutes, then get kicked off, and not be able to reestablish the connection. This weekend I spent some time reinstalling my connection software, and so far so good.

So let me bring you up to date. I’m now an employee of the company I went to work for thru the temp agency. That's me, at work, in the picture above. My employers gave me the amount of pay I asked for, even though they could have given me the amount I said I would settle for. I have medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a company match of 3 percent to a simple IRA. And we get one paid “comp day” for each three months of work. Not a bad deal, especially after having spent five years in the “salt mines” driving a cab. The job is low pressure, and the owners are kicked back, easy to talk to, and just nice people. They shut down from the last working day before Christmas until the day after New Years. So I’ll have nine days off to go visit family and friends over the holidays. I am very happy I was able to find such a great place to work.

My son Raymond was able to come visit me for a week in September, we spent most of the week hanging out and working on his ailing motorcycle. We both learned a lot about our motorcycles mechanically, (we both own the same year and model) . I enjoyed the time with him immensely. Just wish it could have been longer! I know he felt the same.

Ray and my motorcycle, in my shop.










I’ve been working on adding another bathroom to the house, and with the completion of the new bathroom, planning the remodeling of the existing one. The one I’m adding will be behind the existing one, so I’m also adding the pipes for the changes I’ll be making to the original bathroom. I spend a lot of time in the planning (I want it to be right the first time). But I’m making good progress, and should have the new one up and running in the next week or two.


The Location of my new bathroom.




I also got connected to natural gas, just before the cold weather began. Before that, the only heat I had was an electric oil filled radiator. I’d have it on in my bedroom during the night, then in the morning I’d move it to the bathroom. While having my morning coffee and cigarette, and watching the local news for 15 minutes, it would warm the bathroom enough for me to take my shower . Before moving to Vegas I had propane gas for my heat, but, because for the last five years, I have only been here for a month in the summer, and didn’t need heat, I had the propane tank removed.

I know I’ve said it before, but I really am happy to be back here. Even though the weather in the winter months doesn’t compare to Vegas, or L.A., the trade offs of a slower pace, friendlier people, and more nature around me, make up for the weather. And even though the area is growing at a fast pace, it is still, by far, an easier place to live. My plan still is to full time in an R.V. at retirement, but hopefully I’ll still be able to make Southern Oregon my “home base”.

Here’s hoping your Thanksgiving was spent with friends and family, as was mine. And that the up coming holiday’s are also spent with those you love, as mine will be.




Thanksgiving dinner at Cousin Jim and Sandi's house. Jim is the one with the beard and suspenders, Cousin Sandi to his left.
I will try to post in a more timely manner, I know I've said that before, but this time I will really try.
Till next post, my love, and best wishes to you and yours.
Bob.

09-09-05 Sorry I've neglected the blog

A view from the car window during lunch today.


If you have been checking in, sorry I haven't posted in a while. Not much to write about, just the normal day to day stuff.
But all is well, I'm still enjoying the job, still happy to be back in smaller town America. I have been anticipating the arrival of my son Ray. He's had some set backs for his trip up here this year. He's having vehicle problems, they are all running badly. But at this moment, he is approximately half way here, riding his motorcycle, which was not his first choice of vehicle to travel here. He is at a friends house, and having some problems with how his motorcycle is running. He thinks he may have gotten some bad gas. I'm hoping he will arrive tommorrow, if all goes well. He should be able to stay 5 or 6 days. After his visit I should have more to write about. And some pictures too!
The weather has been beautiful for the last month, warm days and cool nights, great sleeping weather. Sometimes so great I have trouble getting out of my warm bed. Snooze button on the alarm times 3.
So stay tuned, when I have posted a more detailed and interesting blog I'll send an e-mail letting you know about it.

8-8-05 Trying to be timely!

A view of Downtown Grants pass.


Hello everyone,
I have started my second week with my new employer. Today was good. I began my first actual production drill job. I began the dentist's ceiling panels, they will be shooting stars, constellations, and twinkling stars. I was a bit tense as I started the drilling. I use a button operated pneumatic plunging drill, and have to hit dots on the artwork that is attached to the face of the display, the drill bit is very thin ( 30 thousands of an inch, a little thicker than a sewing needle) so naturally I'm taking it slow and careful. After about a half hour of drilling, the boss comes over and tells me to relax. He takes the drill and starts working on the piece. Moving along at 3 times the speed I was. He says, " get a rhythm going, and let it flow". He put me at ease, and I "let it flow". The people I work for, and with, are very supportive. Definitely the kind of place I want to be working at. I will be doing more than just drilling. I'll be shipping products, receiving incoming supplies, assembling the light sources for the optics, learning to make the cabinets the assemblies go into, and over time will probably be trained in everything to do with this business. It will not be a boring job. I like to learn, and I enjoy being good at doing what ever I do. Just keep me out of "management"!
You Remember I mentioned the irrigation dam in my last post? Well, let me tell you a little more about it. Back in the 30's, when this area was being settled by "homesteaders", (the government granted 40 acres to people who would live on, and work the land). People needed water to irrigate the fields and crops in this wet in the winter, but dry in the summer valley. An irrigation dam was proposed, and patrons were signed up to fund and support the project. A dam was built on the Rogue river that flows through the town to the ocean. This dam supplied water in the summer months to the ranchers and farmers. This dam, and the patrons, have lost the dam to environmental activists. The activist's concerns are that natural fish passage up the river have been compromised. Even though this has never been proven to be fact, the Federal government mandated that the dam be removed. It is to be removed, and be replaced by electric pumps in 2006. I'll be sad to see it go.
A view of the irrigation dam, a couple of miles east of town. Remember, click on the picture for a larger view, click on the "back" button to return to the "blog".


This is the "fish ladder". During the migration season, salmon return to their birth place. The ladders aid their upstream migration. Much easier than the natural barriers they have to pass on their journey "home". Where of course, they spawn,(lay their eggs) and die.



All in all, things are good with me, I feel like I'm back home. I know I'm going to have to deal with the winter blues. But from the forwarded e-mail I've received, banana's may be my salvation! If they don't work, I'll try WD-40! If that doesn't work, I'll start forwarding the messages to at least 10 people so that I'll have good luck in the next ten minutes!
Thanks for tuning in. My love, Bob.

08-03-05 Happy Birthday Ray!

Hey, today my son Ray, got a year older. He's 34 going on 25. That's correct, isn't it Ray? But all kidding aside, you can't know him and not love him. I remember the day he came into the world. What a wild day that was. I was a mature 23 year old at the time (yeah, right!) I'll forgo the details, don't want to embarrass any of the participants of the fortutious occasion. But it was quite a day to remember! Trust me.
Second day at the new job was a piece of cake, more learning, and felt like I got some production accomplished. So far the experience is going well. No attitude except good from the other employee's. Interacted a lot more today with the "boss", all good. Did a little with shipping, and some receiving. Practiced the drilling that is supposed to be my main function, and am feeling confident that I can do what is required in that area. The product is not really that complicated, but inattention to detail could lead to an unhappy customer, and then lack of repeat business, or lack of referral. One of my first drilling jobs is for a local dentist, he specializes in childrens dentistry. He had purchased some panels for his ceiling. The patient is leaning back in the chair, looking at the ceiling. He decided to put some fiberoptic lighting up there to distract the patient (child). And it was a hit with his patient's. So he is ordering more. The new one's will be stars, and constellations. With shooting stars, and twinkling lights. These will be my first project as a PHD. (Proffesional Hole Driller). My work will be viewed by hundreds of kids in the next few years. Ok, Ok, hold the applause. (I bow demurely).
Anyway, the weather has been hot (106 today), But I'm pretty happy to be back up here. It's not quite as "Mayberry" as it was when I first moved here in '94, but it still feels "down home". I know my biggest challenge will be the dreary winter months. But having a job I enjoy, should make the winter months more tollerable. So at this point in my life,(today anyway) I'm feeling up beat.
Someone (won't say who), told me they thought my "blog" seemed less personal, than e-mailing everyone I'm close to, as to what's happening in my life. I'm just not sure, I know I could do an e-mail with the same info that I'm sharing here. But unless you want to keep that email message on your computer for ever, you couldn't go back an read it later, and follow the flow of the commentary. I don't know, let me know what you think. Is the blog too impersonal? Would e-mails be better? You can leave comments here, or just e-mail me how you feel about it. Either way let me know. In the mean time here are a few pictures of where I am.
Our irrigation Dam, unfortunately soon to be removed.
A car show at the park

And my new dog, I think he will learn fast, he looks intellegent!

OK, The dog picture is just a joke. Something I got off the web. Click on the pictures, they get bigger! Then use the back button to get back to the blog.
Till later, My love, Bob.

08-02-05 No longer an out of work bum!

Well happily, the results of my test on Monday with this company I was sent to were favorable! The boss asked me when I wanted to start, I said "tomorrow", he said great!
So today was my first day at the new job, so naturally there was a lot of information coming into my head. Company procedures, explanation's of future duties, how to do this and that. Where to find this, what to do if I find myself with out something to do (doubt if that will happen), who is in charge of what, how to record what I was doing, and for how long, etc., etc. But for a first day it was pretty good. The boss, at the end of the day told me that Wade, the young man I will be learning the most from, told him (the boss) that he thought I will be good for the company, and that he felt very comfortable working with me. That gave my self esteem a real boost, and made me feel that I'm getting into a work situation that will be good. For both myself, and the company.
I was also told today, that the person I was to replace, wouldn't be coming back. And that I will be responsible sooner than expected, to take over the upcoming projects. So my learning curve will have to be a bit sharper than I (and they) expected. I can handle it, at least I think I can. But all in all, I have a good feeling about my current situation. I hope I'll still be saying that in the weeks, and months ahead.
I'll keep you posted.
Bob.

07-28-05 Out looking for work.

Well today I decided to "get busy", and seriously look for work. I have put a couple of applications in, but have not heard back from them. So I decided to go to a Temp agency. And after 4 hours of filling out forms,being interviewed, tested on manual dexterity (putting little pins into holes 3 at a time), and going through an hour long orientation on the rules and procedures of working for them, I was set up with an interview with a small company in town that makes fiber optic signs and displays. I know this company has been around since I moved here in '94. That's because I've driven past it a hundred times. And, I wondered what they made there. Now I know. The job starts at a whopping $8.00 per hour, but the lady at the temp service said that if they keep you they pay well. Hope that's true. Well, the interview went well, the job would involve lots of stuff I enjoy doing. Using drills, saws, and other hand tools. Learning how to put together the componets of these signs and displays. It wouldn't be just a production job where you would have constant repetition all day long. I'd be learning new stuff all the time. And it's a small enough company (10-12 employees) that I wouldn't be just another drone. I go in on Monday to take a couple of tests, they will have me drill some holes, and probably have me put something together with a screwdriver. Probably just to see if I can follow simple instructions, and determine whether or not I'm a idiot. In all likelihood, I'll be working for his company next week. Hey, it's a start!
I've got to admit, at my age looking for a job, being interviewed, and scrutinized, is very stressful. I do not like the feeling. But I know landing a job, even a low paying one, will boost my self esteem. And as everyone knows, finding a better job is always easier, if you already have one! Keep your fingers crossed for me!
I also want to thank everyone for their comments, they let me know your checking in, and make me feel good too!


This is a view from my kitchen window, so when I'm doing the dishes (rarely), this is what I see. (Click on it, it get's bigger)

Hope to be posting good news on the job front in the next couple of days!
My love to all. Bob.

07-21-05 I Have returned!

I left the L.A. area on Monday night about 10 pm. I decided it would be better to drive at night than deal with the heat that I experienced on the way down. I was right, it was so much more comfortable. I guess I should get the air-conditioning fixed on my car.

But comfortable or not, 12 hours of driving is a serious drag. And the gas prices an insult! I know, blame it on Bush.(if it makes you feel any better).

I was happy to see so many people at my Brother John's memorial Mass. And I'm very grateful to those that drove so far to pay their respects to John's memory.
Uncle Tom (Toby) and his son Abraham (Abie), from the Bay Area. Cousin's Janet & Fred,(Orange County), Sister Cheryl (San Fernando Valley) Uncle Roger & Aunt MaryAnn (also San Fernando Valley). Brother Stan & Jodi (Las Vegas). And to everyone that was there, my heartfelt thanks.

As I said in a previous post, the last time I saw John was not a pleasant visit, but that said, we were brothers.
In our past, we have had many knock down, drag out fights. We Have exchanged harsh words, (putting it mildly). And had many differences of opinion, on many subjects. We didn't see eye to eye on anything I can think of. But we were Brothers. I loved him, he loved me.
I know there was never a question about that in my, or his mind.

John had a tumultuous life, he had to battle his demons for a long time. But he did overcome that part of his life. He overcame, and he worked toward what he wanted from life, a home, a family.
He was able to accomplish both. I just wish that he could have lived long enough to see his children become adults. But of course, every parent hopes to live long enough to see their children grow up.

I believe John, like the rest of us, did the best he could, under his circumstances, to be the best he could be. He died too soon, too young!
I don't know if he had things he wanted to accomplish that he didn't get to. I hope not.
But, for us, the still living, the message is clear. Don't wait. Get what you want to accomplish done, then when you gotta go, you can go knowing you didn't leave with unfinished business.

I'm ready, without notice, to go. I don't want to go, I love life, There are still lots of things I'd like to do. But none that would make me feel like I missed out. I'm still interested in what may happen, what can happen.
I think the trip is fascinating, who cares about the destination.

Even when I think back to the times I thought were the worst, I feel blessed to have experienced those times. A broken heart, how wonderful that I could love enough to hurt that much.
Depression, very bad feeling, and hard to get thru. But I wouldn't be me without experiencing that feeling.
Self doubt, another tough one, again, wouldn't be who I am today without going through it.
The pain, self doubt, angst, depression, fear, are all part of who I am. It would have been a pretty dull life without them.
How can you know what joy really feels like, if you haven't felt despair? I don't think you can.

I have a lot to be thankful for. And believe me I am.

07-13-05 Heading South!

I'm going to drive back down to Ca. tomorrow morning. My Brother's memorial service is on Saturday. I will use this sad occasion to tell family and friend's how much I love them. You never know if you will have the opportunity again! When my Uncle Gary was dying, I was fortunate enough to visit him the day before he died. I was able to tell him how glad I was to have known him, and that he had made a difference in my life. I will always remember his response to me. He said "ditto".

07-11-05 Sad News Today

Got the sad news today that my younger brother, Johnny Ray McDowell passed away. He turned 55 in March. He died of liver disease. He leaves behind his wife Meredith, his Son, Sean (10), and Daughter, Malia (8).
Sadness weighs heavy on my heart, especially because our last time together wasn't particulary friendly. But I know he knew that I loved him. And I know he loved me. We were brothers. Rest in peace John.

07-10-05 Hey, a new post!

I know it's been awhile since I've posted, if you've been checking in, sorry for my procrastination.
June was a very busy month, it started with me spending 10 days visiting family in Michigan (Detroit area). My sister Cheryl was able to make the trip also, and since I don't get to see her very often it made the visit better yet.
I was able this year to spend more time with my brother Danny and his family, and it was so great to get to know them better, my sis-in law Sharon, niece Amanda (13), and nephew Nick (11), what a great time I had with them, all I can say is that I wish we didn't live so far apart!

Cheryl and I



Me, Dad, and Butch


Danny, Sharon, and Me




Amanda and Nick

I was also able to reconnect with my cousin Butch (hadn't seen him since 1980) and his lovely wife Mary.
Luckily, Dad's health has been stable. My wonderful Step-mom, Marge (Dad's wife of almost 50 years) takes very good care of him. I hope I'll be able to be there when they celebrate their 50th anniversary!
The trip was great, and I can't express the love I feel for my Michigan family adequately with words. Nuff said.
I arrived back in Vegas just before midnight on the 13th, the next day began packing my belongings for my move back to Oregon. In a few days I was ready to go, Said my goodbyes to brother Stan and sis-in-law Jodi, they have been so good to me, I hope they know how much I love them.
I headed down to Calif to spend Father's Day weekend with my Boy's, Grandkids, Mom, and Chu Cha. I am blessed (really) with a fantastic daughter-in-law, Angie. And my X's, by that I mean my pre divorce family, Cathy (x wife) and all my in-laws, I am blessed because I didn't lose them in the divorce (28 or so years ago), it is wonderful that even though Cathy and I couldn't stay together, our marriage created a family that is still a family!
I headed out from So. Calif. with my car loaded to the roof, pulling my small trailer with my Honda on it, taking it slow, and hoping for no car troubles. Made it to my house in a little over 14 hours, arrived early evening of the 21st.
I hadn't been to my house in 8 months, and the weeds had tried to take the place over, so the next day's activities would include some serious weed whacking. And unpacking.


Before and after





In the last couple of weeks I've been doing things like going to the DMV to change over my license, title and registration on the car and bike, getting set up for internet, getting trash service started, hauling off the yard clippings to the dump, etc.,etc. And of course, visiting with my Oregon family.
Cousin's Jim and Sandi had a 4th of July Bar-B-Q at their place, the whole family was there. We all ate too much then played volley ball, I'm still sore from that. It was a great day.



The Oregon Family

Monday I will seriously start looking for work (not that I want to), got to get some money flowing in, instead of just out!
I will also try to keep up on my posts in a more timely manner.
Bob.

5-30-05 Working on the Blog

When I first started my blog I mentioned a blog I was following The adventures of Tioga and George, I'm seeing if I can figure out how to do a link. If I did this right you will be able to click on the underlined text, and be directed to the Tioga and George web log in a new window, leaving my blog still on, but in a separate window. So let's see if this worked!

5-26-05 Made it through the week!

It was a long week, even though it was just four days, those 12 hour shifts can seem so long, especially during the slow hours. But that is behind me now. Now I'll just enjoy my time off until I get back to Oregon (about June 15), then begin my job search.
It will be good to get back to my house, the first week I'm always busy cutting back the vegetation that has had all year to accumulate, and cleaning windows, getting rid of the spider webs that have invaded the eaves of the house, and hunting down and destroying the wasps nests around the property, last year I found 4 large nests in the wheel wells of my old Ford van. I did have a run in with wasps last year at Cousin Jim & Sandi's place, I was borrowing their trailer to haul my yard clippings, the trailer had been sitting since last year when I had borrowed it. As I was moving it, I disturbed a nest and was promptly attacked! Got stung on my eyelid, and eyebrow. This year I will look the trailer over carefully.
The summer here in Vegas is starting early, already had four days at 104 degrees! I'm making my escape none too soon.
Stan & Jodi's retaining wall is finally finished, Stan just has to fill in with more dirt, then he will begin with the pool installation, so he has plenty to keep him busy, I'm a little sad I won't be around to help with the work, but it is time for me to move on.
Thanks for checking in, I hope I"m not boring you too much, but I do appreciate your interest in what's happening with me. So till next time, Bob.

5-19-05 One More Week!

Starting to get excited, and nervous! I only have 4 more shifts to go before I'm no longer a Taxi driver, I'm very happy about that, but of course I don't relish the idea of looking for another job, filling out applications, interviewing, and wondering if I'm taking the "right" job. But that's just part of the deal, you decide to make changes in your life, you have to deal with a certain amount of uncertainty. I always have to remind myself that I've gotten this far in life without a shopping cart and a "will work for food" sign.
I've been going through my stuff, figuring out what I can dispose of, what I should keep, (hard decisions, I may need that 2 inch wide cowboy belt someday) what I can box up now, and what will have to wait till I'm ready to roll.
I was hoping to have my '02 Honda sold by now, but so far all I'm getting is people wanting me to e-mail them pictures of the bike, and someone supposedly from Australia, who wants to know my "final price". When I asked for more info about where he was and how he expected to take delivery, I stopped hearing from him. It was probably a scam. There is way too much of that going on with the internet. You really have to be careful not to be taken in by scam artists. You know about "phishing" I hope, if not, do a search for it and be armed with knowledge, it is very easy to be "taken in" by a phony web site claiming to be a legitimate one, so they can get your username and password. When in doubt, don't click!
Hope all is well with you, all is well with me.
Below is the bike that is for sale.

5-11-05 About this blogging thing

Still learning how to use this blog site, yesterday I added a "hit counter", it took quite a while to figure out how to add it, the blog program tells you what you can do with your blog, but doesn't really step by step show you. And since I'm not very computer savvy, half the time I don't know what they mean by "add HTML tag" and other terms that have no meaning to me. Another thing I don't like is that when you open the blog, your reading from newest post to oldest, so if you haven't been there in a while, you are missing stuff that came before, unless you scroll down to where you left off the last time you were there.
I tried to figure out how to add pictures to the blog, you have to use another sites program to add them, went to the other site, set up the account, but can't get it to run. I'll try to get that figured out today.
Well I've only got two more weeks to go as a cab driver, if I can manage to do eight more shifts without getting in an accident, being robbed, or assaulted, I'll be happy. Had some ass that ran a red light almost broad side me the other night, a VERY near miss, took a half hour for my heart rate to return to normal! The hooker in the back seat took it better than I did, talking on her cell phone "Shit, we almost got hit! Yeah girl, I'm goin over to the New York, New York to see if I can hook up."
You can add comments to my blog, all you have to do is click on "comments", and it will show you comments, and you can leave your own. Add your name if you wish, or you can be anonymous, others will be able to read your comments too, so watch your language, kids might be reading the blog too!
P.S. Check in often, be happy, stay healthy, pursue your dreams! Bob.

5-6-05 Still learning how to use this site!

I've got to play around here a little and figure out how to post pictures, do "links" etc. I'll get it figured out.

Some of you know what my plans are generally, for everyone else I'll give you an update.

I've been in Vegas now a little over 5 years. It's been a good experience, the weather is great, but it's just another big city (and growing too fast), so I've decided it's time to be leaving Las Vegas.

I only have 4 1/2 years to go, to begin receiving Social Security benefits. In the time I've been in Vegas, I've been able to get way ahead on the mortgage on my house in Oregon. I've got more work to do on the house to get it to where it will sell at a good price. A couple of years, working on it in my spare time. Then, I'm thinking I'll be able to bank enough of the proceeds to finance an extended road trip, full time RV style. My timeline for this is 2 to 4 years depending on circumstances. But that is my goal.

I'll be going back to Oregon the middle of June, after a 10 day trip to Michigan to visit with my family.
Hopefully, I'll find a job quickly, and get started on the finishing touches on my house. I know the time will fly by, and at my age, the sooner I get started the better!

Also, this last Christmas I rekindled a relationship with Chu Cha, who I was seeing about 15 years ago, we have both come a long way since the time we were together. We love each other, but know that things may not always turn out as we would like them too. But we are working on it, and will give it our best effort, aided I hope by our maturity!

So I hope that helped you get caught up on what's going on with me, and puts blog installment #2 on the record.
Bob.

5-5-05 First ever blog!

Ok, so I decided to give this blogging thing a shot (this one is free), based on a web log I've been following. The one I've been following, is a guy about my age, that is out there on the road traveling around in a motorhome, and posting a log of his adventures. (Tioga & George Adventure blog) And that is something I hope to be doing in the next year or so. So I thought I'd get started on the web log now, so that I could get some experience on how to do it. So this is my premier blog! I'll be learnig how to use this site to keep you informed on what I'm up to at the moment, what my plans are, and some general chit chat. You can add the web site to your favorites list and check in every so often to see what the heck I'm up to. I may post daily, weekly, or hourly, who knows? So as soon as I figure out how to send you a link to "My Blog", you'll be hearing from Me! Bob.