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.