2008 is officially here, well according to Z time.

So the rotten year is gone. The last 6 months have been
ugly. I anticipate the next several being equally as "fun
filled."

In a few weeks I'll be forty four. That will be fun. Can't
wait for another year to click over.

Anyway, here's to 2008, may God grant us a better,
happier new year.

12-29-2007, 2353L

Back from Annapolis and dinner at friends. We always have a
good time. Tonight was Champagne night. Allow me to say
that the Perrier and Jouet was just as good as the Cristal.
While the Cristal behaved like a red wine, and changed as it
breathed and adjusted to the room temperature, the Perrier
was just plain good.

We had seafood risotto. Lobster, Shrimp, clams and mussels.
It was fantastic, finished with some fresh thyme, and a bit of
parsley. Dessert was a nice chocolate souffle. Yes I spent a
lot of time in the kitchen, and it was worth every second.

Tom caught me at the airport today and scolded me for being
there. Hard not to go there when it's about all I know these
days. It is nice not going there when I don't have to. One
thing that need to be accomplished is all the Christmas stuff
put away. While good process has been made, there is still a
LOT to be dealt with.

I'm about to make a difficult decision. Whether or not I have
what it takes to do it is another topic all together.

Be good, and I am off to sleep.

All Done

Thankfully Christmas is done and over. It was a severe
disappointment. Fortunately the next one is a year away!

My primary email account is up for renewal. Rather than
pay for the access to an ISP that I never ever dial into, the
plan is to migrate over to AOL mail. Unlimited storage and
being able to access it anywhere are the main reasons (and
the free part doesn't hurt either!)

I'm taking a couple of days off of work. There are things I
need to sort out, get this rats nest straightened up, and
THINK. 2008 M-U-S-T be better than 2007 has been.
It will be impossible to deal with another year such as this
has been.

My folks have left for South Carolina. Gott sei Dank!
They'll be back around Easter. That's in August this year,
isn't it? Too bad there isn't a way to move that Holiday!

Okay- gotta scoot!

Lobster on the wrong side of the road

Today I stopped at Caroline's on Route 50 for a
lobster roll. It was worth every penny ($10.50)!
The poor kid at the register had no idea how to
make change. I gave him a twenty and two quarters.
Don't ask.

The 2310 (0410z) departure isn't going, well at least
not yet . . . no one knows what is going on. Here I sit
waiting. I'm starting to wind down and need to go
to sleep. Tarnation.

Four times today I had to swerve to the right because
some idiot in an SUV was in my lane. Four times!!
Now, what is the deal with that? I don't mind them
killing themselves, but that's now how envision my
departure from this world.

Christmas comes in about 48.5 hours. Ick. Wish
it was over. Can't wait until it's over.

O.K. time to waddle over to the bird and see what's
up . . . .

One Week Left

One week until Christmas. One week until it's over.

Today was a productive day at work. Bills, a jep. kit,
and took pictures of the incredibly imbalanced Egyptian
Air Force plane. I have NO idea how they were able
to maintain flight. To say it's alarming is, well, let's say
it is an understatement.

I've also discovered someone has been in the employee
files. An employee has nothing in their file. Nothing.
This means everything gets locked all the time. While
I have no idea why someone would pilfer it, it does
prevent me from accomplishing a very important task
today.

Yesterday some asked me what was wrong with me.
The weight loss, the changed attitude toward things.
Without going into detail, he was told that I'm in the
process of grieving the loss of a good friend. That
grief I fear will soon turn to anger, and destroy any
chance of their ever being my friend again. This
situation can only wear on me so long before I snap.

One day this week I'll go visit my Grandparents graves.
They (specifically my Grandfather) stressed that you
can't forget those who have passed, and this is a way to
show respect for them.

I've just gotten a call from HDQ with the information
needed for the report, so away I go to send it.

Get ready for snow.......

Correct, they say we're gonna get it this weekend.
It just makes me that much happier!

Seb called me from München the other day. Our
conversation helped me get a great deal of the built
up bile out of my system. Thank-you cousin! He
reminded me of how things are, and that the situation
is probably unsalvagable. One could say he was "the
voice of reason." He should be on his way back home
to Münster about now. It's been many-a- year since
I saw him at Christmas. What I'd do for some glühwein
at a market about now. Scheisse. It ain't gonna
happen.

Today has been busy on a personal level. Off to B-more.
First to Cross Keys to the Williams Sonoma store. They
didn't have what I wanted- next to Eddies of Roland
Park. Yup, they had it. - - and a nice Greek salad for
dinner tonight. Back to the airport . . then off to Christos
where I got the deal of the century. That stuff is out in
the Honda. Back to work where I await the arrival of
303 from KDOV. I want it early so I can go home.
Two bottles of Chateau neuf de Pape, and two bottles
of Perrier and Jouet. Christmas in Annapolis will be
acceptable. Too bad my family doesn't get it.

Isabelle (my God-daughter) will have her Christmas
gifts arrive at her house in Montana on Monday. I
never know where they're gonna be for the Holidays,
so I had to talk to her Mom. Somehow I'm sending
her riding gear too (horse, not motorcycle) in the same
package . . . .

My niece is buying a condo in Salisbury. Guess who
ponied up the money for the down payment? The
parents! Joan referred to it as "an advance on her
inheritance." It's about time they get off their cheap
butts and dole out some cash to someone. HOWEVER
this in no-way means their children will get an extra
penny for Christmas. Remember, the family owned
the land that the employee lot and rental car facility
are currently located on . . They got the bucks.

I've brewed a small pot of extra strong Tchibo coffee.
It's tasty to say the least. The good stuff gets used on
a "need to" basis. OH! Today's trivia: Trader Joe's
(my fav store) is owned by the folks who own Aldi!
That answers why they have so many German things
at Christmas time.

Okay-need to slog down this coffee!

Wednesday

Another day here.

Today is the day that the staff at FI are told no jobs after
January 10. I need to head there for "moral" support.
It will be a hard thing to see that go, but everyone keeps
saying there is a silver lining in every cloud. Perhaps,
but it remains to be seen. I only see clouds right now.
For me, only clouds.

Just back from lunch with Pat, Tom, and Simon. Jovial
guys, but I wasn't really there. I'm not really anywhere
right now. Life is sort of stalled, and in a loop of injury
and confusion.

So, off I go to the terminal.

Foggy Day

So here we sit. Two late aircraft. One is pushing 2 hours late.
It amazes me sometimes.

I have the Christmas Spirit of the President of Iran. The
sooner it's over the better. It was almost painful decorating
the tree. I was so not into it. If I had my way, it would not
have been put up at all. We should just skip it this year.
It seems to me that it's all commercial now.

The weather continues to degrade, leading me to believe
that there may be problems later tonight. Normally we
get the diversions- not tonight.

It's been almost a week since I've gotten a full nights
sleep. Each night I wake up at about 0030, and lay
there hashing over the events of the last week or so.
This thing is eating me alive. I want to fix it, or find
a fix, yet all cures allude me. Perhaps it isn't meant
to be cured. Maybe this is something that needs to
die, and to be grieved. The whole deal is becoming
surreal. It's almost like I'm looking in on this disaster.

As I close, a comment that life isn't what it should be
seems to be fitting. It's just not worth it anymore.

Let us prepare for winter

Today I read this on the internet, located on a site remembering
Paul Hester.

"Let us prepare for winter. The sun has turned away from us and
nest of summer hangs broken in a tree. Life slips through our
fingers and, as darkness gathers, our hands grow cold. It is time
to go inside. It is time for reflection and resonance. It is time for
contemplation. Let us go inside."

This about sums up how I feel. The winter of life is upon me.
Cold, dark, hollow, and broken. Like the weather outside, ice
is forming around my soul, choking it. Like being numb from
the cold, waiting for something to warm me up, yet knowing
spring is far, far away, and hard to imagine it ever arriving.

So much time effort invested for what is essentially nothing.
Grieving for a loss that is undeserved. Feeling part of me
dying right along with it. Drowning in self pity, self loathing,
and the unanswerable question of "why?" How did I manage
to bring this on myself? How could this have been avoided?

As I get older, not wiser, the realization of how cold the world
really is sinks deeper into my skin. It makes me think of
people in my life who have, and some who still do love me.
It makes me think that even that I don't deserve. "If you
could change your life, and never be the same, (but the
lie ain't worth the living.)"

The last time I felt this emptiness was when Pro Air shut
down. While not the same kind of animal, it forces me to
recognize that there is nothing out there for me. Perhaps
I'm defective in some way that hasn't been made apparent
to me. That would be a relief. That would be a viable
answer to the question. Cause and effect.

How is it I am so better able to put into writing what/how
I feel? Were the rest so easy.

Up since 0430.

My day started at 0430 with a phone call. While not
saying from who or exactly what was said, allow me
to share with you that I haven't been hurt this badly
for more than 15 years.

People wonder why I stay to myself. This is the reason.
No good deed goes unpunished. Kindness and
generosity are the actions of fools.

It's been a long time since I've sat down and cried
over what someone has said to me. I've done so twice
today. More reason to believe I must truly be a
terrible person, and deserve what comes my way.

Right now, I'm just numb. It's taking all I have not
to go vomit. Life just isn't worth it.

Three Weeks!

Three weeks from today is Christmas Eve. AMC will fly
both Christmas Eve, and Christmas day (and the day after)
which they normally don't do. Scheisse. Seems to me all
flights should be grounded those days. In the "olden days"
carriers pulled down flying for Christmas. Not anymore.
It's another opportunity to make a buck, so they go for it!

Last night I was asked "Are we making cookies this year?"
WE?? That means "When you making Cookies for us??"
Who knows when that's gonna happen. Probably (prolly)
what will happen is mix one day, bake another. Thank
God for my cookie scoop, and parchment paper. Both
reduce time and effort by at least 25%.

My teeth are still bothering me. It's been a problem since
MARCH. If I take sinus tablets, the gunk drains, and the
pain goes away. Right now they sort of "itch" if that makes
any sense. It's very annoying.

"Tin Man" started last night on si-fi. This ain't our parents
"Wizard of Oz." Without giving away what is going on, it's
a dark look at the same book. That witch is one mean Mutha.
She's not green, She's not ugly, She certainly isn't stupid,
and she has no pity. Watch it, you won't be dissapointed!

Okay- back at it.

"Ich hasse das Winterwetter."

Me too! I hate winter weather. My brother said he "almost
went through the T.V." when the weatherman mentioned
snow/ice/sleet for Sunday. Me too. My children, I am way
too old to me messing around in bad weather. Especially
with a car I'm not used to!

Master goes to England tonight. I need to pick him up at
1820 at his house. He'll be gone for five days. Five days
of peace around here! If we're lucky he'll be in a better
mood when he returns. He will fly as follows: BWI FI
X/KEF FI LON. KEF is the best way to get to Europe
if you ask me. It may take a bit longer, but it's SO worth
it! AND, they sell dried fish at the airport in Keflavik!

Bill went out and bought Joan new diamond earrings today.
Now, she already has almost a carat in each ear, what is
he gonna buy that's better? He's gonna spend "between
eight and ten [thousand]" on them. Can I have the old ones
to sell?? So in a week he's dropped over 35K on her. I
will be interested in what he drags home for her. Unreal!

No planes tomorrow. 276 is still broken in BOH, and 304
now needs to go to DOV to recover for 276. YEAH! This
means I don't have to drag my butt back here at 0530
in the morning to prepare for an arrival. It also means
that I can have tomorrow off . . supposedly.

Okay, off I go. Gotta go have some dinner, and think about
getting 303 ready and out of here.

Der Schnee

Correct: It may snow this weekend. God Forbid!

Tom and Andrew are both sick. My tooth is bothering me
again. The one thing we all have in common: The pit!
Perhaps it's the airport that is making us all ill!

My last 2 Christmas gifts arrived today. Je suis finis!
All done! The only thing yet to do is get a bottle of
champagne, but I won't do that until right before giving
it. Christmas can't be over with soon enough for me.
Cards to send- crap. I hate doing that. It would be nice
to not have to deal with it.

Unless I am severely mistaken, I've killed a bird with
the new car. My brother tells tales me me driving around;
birds and other small animals "meet their fate" by getting
in front of me and my car. My first new car actually had a
bird hanging out of the grill, not once, but twice. TASTY!

Icelandair left 108 bags off of the Sanford flight last night.
They put them on a truck to BWI to go out to Keflavik tonight.
4pm: The truck is in Richmond...... sounds like a delay to me.
Peter is taking them to London on Saturday for his Step-
Fathers funeral on Tuesday. Flights are wide open so he
shouldn't have a problem getting on.

Okay, things around the house need to be addressed.

Guten Abend, gute Nacht !!

Enmore, Somerset, U.K.

My aunt sent me what she has on my Maternal-Grandfather
over the weekend. It was interesting, if not totally confusing
reading. Oliver John Ballam was born in Enmore England, and
no father listed on the birth records, and took his mothers
maiden name. There must have been quite the stigma attached
to being a bastard child in the 1890's. He served in Afghanistan
with the British Army prior to coming to the States. It appears
there are family members also in Kent, and Liverpool.

Growing up when asking my Paternal-Grandparents about the
family the answer was always the same: "There is no need for
you to know." (Yes, Tom, I think that is exactly what you think
it means) I know very little about any of my family. Never a
tight-knit group to begin with. I know exactly one Heger from
Germany. I know none of my family from England, unless you
count my cousin John, who is a transplant from Frederick County.

It is interesting to hear from both sides that each family started
out in France, and ended up elsewhere. What's the deal with that?
It appears the English side of the family were Huguenots who left
because of the fact they weren't catholic. The Germans could have
just ended up there because of redrawn borders or better living
circumstances. Who really knows.

Saturday I kind of hid-out after going to Christmas market. I
got about 1/2 of what I got last year for the same amount of money.
The weak dollar was VERY evident. They had what I wanted,
although much more expensive than anticipated. 10 boxes of Asbach
Chocolates was the big ticket item this year. It was good to see
they were 5 dollars less than what Amazon wants for them!

Okay- got stuff to get done.

Christmas Market

Standing in the cold with a bunch of Germans in Baltimore
this morning was not my idea of a good time. However,
$150.00 later, I was done. Prices are much higher than
last year, owing to the weak dollar, but I got what I wanted.

Dinner last night in Annapolis was really REALLY nice.
Good food, great wine, and crazy people. I tell you they
are NUTS. (or as in "History of the World NVTS) Now
that the house has been redone, it looks even better than
before.

I'm hiding in the office today. It was either that or kill a
parent. That mother of mine. There was a GREAT
temptation to take her to Cherry Hill and kick her out of
the car! When you leavin' again?? Today is also "avoid
all retail establishments" day.

Okay off I go . . .

It's over- Thanks!

Turkey day is over. God be praised! Nasty lazy family.
I hid most of the day. Got home from work at almost 3am-
then the first call at 0800. It seems I am the national "go
to" for Thanksgiving help. The food was good, although
too much, but I only had one plate and no dessert. Too fat!

Now the civic: The clutch is different from any other clutch
I've dealt with. However, I have figured out some of the
21st century features. How to work the interior light, how
to dim the dash lights, program the radio, but the odometer
still has me baffled. It will all come in time. I think I'll like
the car, but it's not the Scion!

The dealership let me write them a check for $11, 500.00.
I hope the check from the insurance company gets here
to cover it when they cash it! 4.9% financing through
Honda Motor Credit, and yes the extended electrical
warranty. The "space shuttle" amazes me to say the
least. The auto up/down on the drivers window is cool.

33 days until Christmas.

'abend!

Atomic!

The car dealership had a car they didnt' know about.
I got it for a great price. The beast even has cruise
control! The color is "Atomic Metallic Blue." Think
blue gray. I think. It was dark when I got it- so who
knows if that's really the color. When driving it away,
the entire dash is electronic. From the tachometer to
the gas "meter"- all electronic. It will take a while for
me to get used to the clutch, but all is well.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. There is a lot for all of
us to be thankful for. Without going into detail we
all know what we're grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving
everyone!

Gobble Gobble- ick

Another holiday is screaming toward us. With the event of
Thanksgiving, it means the "big one" (not you though Tom)
is just around the corner. For the first time since High School,
I am just not ready. This week despite all of the problems,
for some reason there has been great progress made. While
it's not the thing to say I hate Christmas, I hate Christmas.
All that work, time, effort, money, and headache to get some
crap you don't want, don't like, and some family member's
passive-aggressive behavior generally screwing up the day.

This time last year the lebkuchen was ordered, there was a
list of what was needed at Christmas Market (Saturday, at
the Zion Lutheran Church in B-more), cards done, everything
wrapped. Not this year. With the accident, not having a car,
(see below), work being a nightmare, it hasn't happened. Were
it not for the internet, I'd be dead meat.

Now, the car: The Honda Dealer called me this morning "We
are unable to locate the car you want." Uh, that's not what
you said on Friday when you happily took my money. SO,
I sent them an email with what I am willing to do, and spend
based on what they told me last Friday. The title for the pod
came today, and it's been sent via FedEx over to SBY so they
will write me a check and get it back out. (Please God)

Peter's Step-Father's postmortem has not been done yet,
so the funeral won't be until the first week of December.
Tomorrow we explore further options for him to travel
to LHR or MAN (EGLL or EGCC) - It will be over to the
terminal for us.

Sheherazade is blasting on the stereo. Wonder what the
neighbors think. (as if I care??) Why do I like this piece
of Russian music so? The tension. Throughout the whole
work you know something is getting ready to "go down!"

Okay- off for today.

Abend!

Good bye friend.

Today I went to the auto body shop and cleaned out the Scion.
It was a sad day, and hard to say good-bye to such a faithful
"friend." I've had so much fun with that car. We've been on
vacation twice. Lots of running around, and hauling junk hither
and fro. It did appear that the damage was truly more severe
than I thought. I walked away from the accident, so she did
what she was supposed to. Good bye my little pod!

Peter Wadsworth's Step-Father passed away this morning.
I asked British Airways for a pass: "It will take at least three
weeks." Thankfully Lis took care of business, and I've gotten
him a pass to go via Keflavik. Three weeks. Disgusting to say
the least. Don't ask me for any favors. Allow me to say how
truly wonderful Elisabet Kincaid is.

All day it's felt like snow. Cold, clamy, close. Thank God it's
too warm for der schnee. I told Seb that it would be nice if
it was in Germany, and I was there with it, but not here! I'm
simply too old for it any more!!

Andrew Conlin stopped today, he's gonna go get his hearing
test in the next day or so. This means he can go on payroll
and start officially working here. THANK GOD.

Okay- got stuff to do!

Abend!

Change

This should be an interesting week. I may be getting a new car
this week, certainly I'll be getting rid of one that I would rather
keep.

Thanksgiving is Thursday. A lot of things are going on this week.
While not a number of flights - it seems that personally I'll be busy.
My family and some friends will depend upon me to get things
together for food on Thursday and Friday. Tuesday will start
major food prep. The turkey will begin the brining process, pies,
and generally getting the menu set must be done. I'll need to
visit several stores to get what will be needed (and I hate that
part of getting ready)- so we'll see how things work out.

The "Pre-Christmas" panic has really set in. So much to get
done, and very little time. We'll see! This morning I checked
the list, and it's not quite as bad as I had thought. Whether
or not I'm done "on time" is now irrelevant. My own rules
for Holiday shopping is now "busted" so- when I'm done, I'm
done.

Seb: Can't find your Mothers new street address . . . send it
to me please!

Abend!

Christmas Tree Stands

That's right: Christmas Tree Stands. So far I've seen two
going up in the 'dena. Last year there were eight between
my house and Downs Park. For me, I'll use the nice little
tree I got last year. It's a display tree from a Department
store. While I've always been a "purist" when it comes to
a tree, this is so much easier and cleaner. It's the clean part
that is important.

My house is haunted again, my folks have returned from
South Carolina for the Holidays. They were greeted with
a nice meal. Slow roasted pork with apples, onions and
fresh sage. Oven browned baby potatoes and brussel sprouts
finished with lemon and wilted shallots. They pigged out
BIG TIME. It was really good if I do say so myself!

Down my way the trees have just finished "peak" and are
really starting to come down. Bright reds, yellows, some
purples mixed in with some remaining green. Just beautiful!

Okay, back at work and getting a DC-10 ready to go off to
a part of the world I hope never to have the misfortune of
having to go to!

Be good!!!

More than I imagined!

The insurance company gave me the figures for what they would
pay for the Scion. To say I was pleased (and relieved) with what
they are going to give me, well, that's an understatement. So off
I went to the Honda dealership, and ordered a new Civic LX, white
with no extra crap on it. They have to find one, and I'm not in a
hurry..... won't get the check for at least a week or so!

While I really wanted another xA, they stopped making them, and
I was not really comfortable getting a used (previously owned to
be politically correct) vehicle. Now if I could get my CHEAP folks
to pony up some cash! No, actually I've got it all covered.

To make the day better, someone came to me and made nice-
nice in their own way. They claimed what was said didn't come
out right, and it wasn't meant the way it came across. Good
thing!

Okay- almost time to go home. Thump and Bump return sometime
tomorrow.........

Be good!

Rest In Peace

The official word is in: The Scion has been totaled.
I had so much fun in that car. Such a good companion.
Never left me stranded, never a seconds problem with
it mechanically. The fact that I got 37mpg. on the way
to Murrells Inlet didn't hurt either. All me to also say
that while the car was broken, I didn't even get a bruise.
For that, my little car will always be special to me.
Nothing will really replace it.

Things are still the same with the individual in the office.
Their loss, not mine. The additional leg work they have
had to do over the last couple of days has been apparent.
Good. Now where's the money you owe me?

Tomorrow is an early start. 0530. Joy. Can't wait! Ferry
to EDDP/LEJ at 0830. I hope to make it an early day
as there are some things around the house that need to
be done, and just generally chill for a bit prior to the
return of the kids. (Just keep reminding yourself they
leave again in just a couple of weeks!)

I've gotten brochures on the vehicles I'm interested in.
Sadly, not a Scion. I'd have ordered one in a flash.

Be good!

Neblig Tag

Yes, very foggy today. Very. Odd it never really cleared up
even during the day, it was still kind of misty looking. Be that
as it may.

My friend Connie called me today: "You know every time I
think of what _____ said to you, I get angrier and angrier."
Get in line, my dear. Get in line. Someone from H.R. called
me about it today! Apparently said individual has a LOT of
folks out in the field mad at them, a number who refuse to
come her and work with them. Oh well. Je suis Finis. Unless
a full apology is forthcoming (my chances of winning the lottery
six weeks in a row are higher)- my assistance and friendship
have officially been terminated. Done, I tell you!

Still no word on the car. My options now, should I need to
replace the vehicle are (1) Honda Fit, (2) Honda Civic, and
(3) Toyota Corolla. I'm leaning toward the Civic. We'll see.
Everyone I know that has one loves it.

The kids return this weekend. Scheisse. I just remind
myself they disappear for 3 or so months soon, so I should
bide my time!

Okay, 803 is almost here, so I need to be certain the children
have gotten everything set-up for the arrival.

Be good!!

Obscene Phone Calls

My day started out at 0158, with not one but TWO obscene
phone calls. The number intentionally blocked. Obviously I
didn't go back to sleep for several hours. Today I'm tired,
cranky, and generally in a bad mood.

An individual who I though was a friend (key on this was
"thought"), when I went to them to express concern about
them blew me off, and REALLY insulted me. I've made it
a point to watch my language here, so I won't put in writing
what my current opinion on this individual is. Next time
they come to me with a problem, need help, or generally
want something: I'll remember what was said. Arschloch.

No news on the car. tomorrow will be another round of
[frustrating] phone calls where no one has communicated.
It's been -3- weeks, certainly something needs to be done
and a decision needs to be made. Either fix it or total it.
Make up your bloody minds already! Screw it, I'm
calling the body shop. They think it's totaled.

Time to call the insurance company.




certainly by

Retournier

Back at work. It's been an "interesting" day to say the least!
Frank is quitting. Master is in a bad mood. The mechanics
are being idiots. Who knows.

The auto body shop wants to total my vehicle. The insurance
company doesn't. It's gonna be another week before I know
something AGAIN.

The catering manager from Atlanta is in town. He was to call
me "around 1:30" - that was almost 2 hours ago, and nothing.
I'm gonna split around 4 so I can come back to push a freighter
to CHS. Tomorrows flight is 24 hours late, due to a multiple
lightning strikes on an aircraft. Apparently the aircraft is fried.

That's about it for today.

Free at last: sort of!

Today was my first day off since September 3rd. While my
work phone was demon-possessed most of the day, and I
felt extremely guilty for not being there, I took today off.
What pray tell did I do? Ran errands, tried to find some
smaller work pants (having lost 40lbs, they're a bit loose),
to no avail. I was also unable to find a pair of jeans that fit
that I was happy with. Allow me to also add in a quick "I
hate Wal-Mart" while I'm at it. White trash central.

My parents called me today. I pretended I couldn't hear
them and hung up. They didn't call back either. Good.
Stay in South Carolina, please! When they started talking
stupid, it was disconnect time.

I've been playing with youtube.com recreating my own
version of MTV. You see, in the "olden days" MTV
stood for "Music Television" they played videos that
artists had made. Yes, I have attended several "video
premier" parties- abeit almost 25 years ago.

Okay- nice quiet early evening, means "go to sleep early."
So that is exactly what I intend to do. 'abend!

The dreaded "F" word

No, not that "F" word, frost!

My departure for the park was greeted with icy windows on
the car. I was not amused. This means it's gonna happen all
the time now, and then there will be snow, ice, snain, and the
whole mess of winter. I'll pass, thanks.

My "help" for the rest of the month is being pulled to go to
Ft. Drum, and then onto Alaska for the rest of the month.
I'll make do, as I always seem able to to. Whatever, the
passenger flights are gone, so it's not too bad around here
right now. Don't get me wrong, it's busy, just not totally
out of control.

The kids haven't called me (yet) so I guess they are okay.
Llayne and Lisa are off in New Mexico with Ginny, Lis is
in Iceland (yes we've been texting and calling)- so it's
kind of quiet around here.

Okay- got stuff to do!

New Knife

Kirk Johns the visiting Stores Rep. is into knives. He got me
to buy a kit, and he "made"me a knife while he was here. It's
neat looking and extremely sharp. EXTREMELY. When he
returns, he will do some more refining. It already looks great.

Today has been a rough day. The maintenance boys are all
mad at me. I don't make the rules, simply enforce and abide
by them. Now, I am punished by them for doing so. I am
just about to the point of just doing nothing, as that is clearly
what they want.

Lis is in Iceland. Got a text message from her at 0430, and
then we called each other. Funny how easy it is to text and
call anywhere in the world now-a-days. Two rings and you're
in a far away land.

Tomorrow is just an arrival at 2010 from KSDF. I may just
let Bill meet it and put it to bed. I could use a quiet night at
home to get things done. I need to clean, do laundry, and
some other things to begin to get ready for the holidays.
My folks are gone, off to South Carolina, so I'm alone to
get done what needs to get done.

Okay- be good!

The Secret Life of Mother Teresa

Yesterday I got a time magazine off of the plane. While
waiting for the download to finish, I started reading. In
it was an article on Mother Teresa. What an eye opener.
She said that she had been devoid of communication with
God for fifty years. She had felt abandoned. Wow. If
someone like her and make it, I suppose we all can.

Today is Seb's birthday. I spoke briefly with him, he
and some friends were out for dinner in München.
Odd how we can press a few buttons on our cell fones
and be in contact with someone a continent away, in
a few short seconds.

My cousin Sheila called me today. When I saw the number
on my phone, I knew it was trouble. To make a long story
short, I ended up buying a round trip ticket for her son the
week of Thanksgiving to fly home from Nashville. You see
my cousin Denny is quite ill. They want the whole family
together for what may be the last family Thanksgiving.
I suppose it will be another 5 years before I hear from them
again.

The help I had for this insanely busy weekend was sent to
Bishkek last night- so no help until maybe Tuesday. Oh well,
I'll be dead soon, so it won't matter.

Be good!

Day 60

That's right boys and girls today is day 60. The last couple
of nights I've gotten good rest, so I'm actually sort of O.K.
right now.

For the first time in at least 2 months, I had fast food. When
I went to get the boys food, I got some myself. Chick-fil-a.
Their waffle fries have such a fresh clean potato taste. Yes,
it was bad, but it's been too long.

The auto-body shop has warned me the car may be a total
loss. IF this is the case, the replacement will either be an xD
or a Honda Fit. We'll see. They won't even start tear-down
until Monday. So I'll be sans vehicle for probably three weeks.
Fortunately Jed Clampett is letting me use his truck, then
Sunday I will change over to the Buick, as they (YEAH!!!!!!)
are leaving for Murrells Inlet. They should be pleased with
what was done for them over the summer.

The mechanics are referring to me now as "Pete's Bitch."
It's sort of funny in a not funny way. "Can you do me a
favor" always means trouble for me.

Tomorrow is Sebastian's 30th Birthday. I remember him
as a 19 year old in school. Happy Birthday, Seb. Sorry I
can't be there to celebrate with you. München this time
of the year must be a blast!

Tonight is the last Channel Mission for me until September!
Will I miss them? Uh, not really.

The V.P. of Military Sales is on the phone, need to scoot!

How many more?

Today Delta Cargo had an Honor Guard escort a body through
the process of being loaded into a hearse. Morbid curiosity
had the boys all watching. I scolded them. The whole thing is
almost too much. How many more must die for this war?
While I firmly believe we must support our President, and our
Country, it seems that we need to somehow stop the deaths in
Iraq.

Remember the Asia song from the '80's? "They fight for King
and Country, how many millions will they put to sleep?"

It appears next week I may get a day or two off! YEE HAA!
I've asked a couple of friends over for dinner, so that would
be nice if it happens. It's been too long since I've really done
any cooking for anyone where there is time to do it properly.

Okay, time to prepare for the midnight-fifteen departure.

SEB: 2 days left until you're 30!

After Thought

Today was an adventure into Waverly, Baltimore City.
Oddly enough I knew where I was going! For those
"old timers" like me, think Memorial Stadium. My
task was to pick-up and pay for some hydraulic parts
that had been in for repair. One thousand dollars later,
I had a ram in the bed of the truck, and a jack strapped
into the seat next to me. Apparently it needed to be
kept upright. The guy at the store seemed amazed at
the route I had planned to come back to BWI. I guess
he figured "this guy has no idea where he is, or where
he's going." He would be incorrect. One thing I do know
is how to get around Baltimore. While there are areas
I have habitually avoided, most places are easy enough
for me to navigate.

Over the weekend it finally hit me. Wham! I'm the
person who is the "after thought." When a social
event occurs, I'm remembered after the event has
been concluded (unless a gift is involved)- or someone
is gonna go fetch some food..... movies, just going out,
or even when folks pass away. Sure there are exceptions
but we all know exactly where I'm going with this.
Am I that bad of a person? Am I that miserable to be
around that no one bothers?

George Eastman wrote: "My work is done, why wait."
I never understood what he meant by that, but it is
becoming clearer as the day goes by today. Perhaps
my being trapped like a rat here is part of the problem.
However, I genuinely believe that I am the problem.

Sundae Sunday

Here we go again. Broken plane: Arrived from LAX
with gear door damage. Soooo, instead of getting a
break, here we are sitting waiting for the ferry flight
to be approved so we can leave. Until Boeing says
it's okay to leave, we're sitting.

Our first turn was a disaster. Both the inbound AND
outbound baggage systems died. The two hour turn
became a four hour turn. It's all good. The bird left,
and now we sit.

Boeing has approved the ferry flight, so time to fuel
the bird, get a maintenance ferry permit, get some
food for the boys (they'll fly anything if they have food),
and get the push back crew lined up.

More tomorrow!

Day 55

After last nights melt-down, I'm much better. The idiots
on the ramp didn't bother to load the plane. It's been
made EXTREMELY clear that that lead is to never ever
get near one of my planes again. Never. Two flights, two
delays. buh-bye. Stay away.

The freighter left an hour early. No one bothered to tell
anyone working the plane it had been rescheduled. Last
night it was still scheduled for a 0510Z departure. When
I checked this afternoon, it had been changed to 0410Z.
So nice not to be informed.

The "help" sent in, who isn't help, arrived, and is leaving
on the flight tomorrow afternoon. Uh Huh. That's gonna
go over like a lead balloon. Another flight was missed by
wonder woman at HDQ. Now, she is an idiot.

The nephews came to visit. We fed them hot-dogs from
Iceland. They go absolutely nuts over them. Heck, anyone
in their right mind goes nuts over them. I be lovin' some
lamb! Too bad Americans don't do lamb.

Okay, the bird is on the ground in Dover, so I'm going
home. I think I could sleep for a couple of days right
about now!

Be good!

Welcome Thomas Joseph Marrapodi

Frank & Donna Marrapodi welcomed their new son
last night at 10:04pm. 7lbs 3oz, 21 inches long. Baby,
and parents are all doing well.

Today on the way to Office Depot in Annapolis, I
wrecked the Scion. There was lots of standing water
on the road, and they car hydroplaned: right into a
guardrail. Thank God, I didn't hit anyone- just hurt
the car. It could be 3 weeks before I get it back!
The damage seems to be pretty bad, as the front
wheel seems to be bent in. Scheisse. Oh well.

The plan was to take the ops van, but I decided against
it, as I thought the Scion would be safer. Maybe it
was, as I wasn't hurt. Now I need to figure out transport,
and how to get around for up to 3 weeks. Crap.

It's been so long since we had rain, and now we have
perhaps too much. The tow-truck-driver said I was
number four today, but the first one not hurt. I even
saw one on Route 50 in Annapolis today. There's a
reason for everything I suppose.

Okay back at it.

Day Five oh!

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep,
So a life well-spent brings happy death."

-Leonardo Da Vinci

I'm doomed!

Well today I finally had enough and went to
the VP to say "enough." Much to my surprise,
she said "just do it, get them started." Good.
Tom will start tonight, and Andrew one day
next week. Having help is a good thing. Having
help that I know will do the job, and not drive
me out of my mind with stupid questions.

Seb sent me an email today with surfboard pix.
Thank God I'm not the only nut in the family.
I do have to say it looks smashing, wonderful.
Maybe he'll make me one too! LOL!!

Okay- a fellow aviation victim needs something,
so off I go.

Justus:1 Amanda: 0

Today was a small victory with the MAA. Some
of the rules around here are, well stupid to say
the least. Someone refused to grant something
that would make their life easier, and well, I just
happened to run into her boss, and her bosses boss.
They will make it happen. So sad, too bad.

We have one plane today, no help, and the help
promised isn't help. So, I said it was unacceptable.
If they don't like it- too bad.

It keeps spitting rain. We need rain so badly, I'm
about ready to dance for it. Trees are dying, the
grass is brown, and it's almost water restriction time.
One bright note, it promises to be the best year EVER
for Maryland wine. We'll see.

My tooth is still bothering me. I wonder if I should
have it yanked, or do the root canal thing. Seems to
me that eventually it's gonna have to go....

Okay- back to the grind..........

Never Be The Same

Never Be the Same (Neil Finn)

LYRICS

don't stand around like friends at a funeral
eyes to the ground
it could have been you
why do you weep
for the passing of ages
you slip with the back of your hand
you're taking it out on the one you love
I couldn't believe it
but we might still survive
and rise up through the maze
if you could change your life
and never be the same

how long must I wait
for you to release me
I pay for each mistake
while you suffer in silence
I could still have an easy life
but the life ain't worth living
once more will i hear you say

we might still survive
and rise up through the maze
if you could change your life
and never be the same

don't stand around
like friends at a funeral
eyes to the ground
don't suffer in silence

'cause we might still survive
and rise up through the maze
if you could change your life
and never be the same
everytime I hear you
never be the same
and everytime I mess up
never be the same.

BLOW OUT

Yesterday on the way to work the right rear tire on the Scion blew.
So, a nice State Trooper stopped to assist (and protect from the
idiots on route 100/10)- my brother came with one of the spares
I keep at his house, and changed it. Two new tires, and $250.00
later, the pod is back at it.

ATA called today looking for help. Right, like I got folks laying around
doing nothing. Come to find out, they don't communicate either, and
the problem was eventually solved. Seems to me, they need to get
some of their maintenance children badged.

Master (Pete) returned from Atlanta last night. It took an hour from
block for him to get his bag from AirTran. The moral of the story is
don't check bags. EVER. We had a short chat, and he was excited
about the Heinz baked beans I had gotten him. Funny how little things
make folks happy.

Yesterday when 803 rolled in there was a log book entry: "Roaches in
aft galley." We had to wait for Pete to return to call the exterminator.
I've got the contact information now, so that won't happen again.
Today he was to be here at 0830, when he wasn't here by 0930, I
came in, only to discover he had just showed up. Uh huh. Good thing
I wasn't here waiting for him. There would have been a "problem"
had I been.

We had our first deicing delay today in Hahn. Winter is here boys
and girls! Several days ago I got a call from ASIG regarding our
widebodies this winter. While they love to deice, they were concerned
about the amount of time it took to shoot one, and how it "slows
down the process." Oh well!

My tooth feels much better. There are still several days of antibiotic
left to take, and with luck, no root canal. Lordy, I don't want that!

Okay- be good!

Day 45

So guess who has an abscess on a molar? That would
be me. The dentist wants to try drugs first to see if
it will clear up. It's really early in the game, so keep
your fingers crossed.

I'm really down today. I'm dead tired, don't feel well,
and honestly don't know how much longer I can continue.
Frankly, I don't know if I want to continue. Things are
sort of overwhelming me. What to do, or how to proceed
escape me. Lis has really been there for me, and she
can't begin to imagine how much that means. Life
is sort of not what I imagined it would be.

Bob the mechanic was released today. Sad to see him go.
Fortunately he starts at AirTran in a week, so he'll be okay.
Frank and his wife are due to have a baby any day now.
It makes me happy to see things good happen to people.

The changes at AMC are a disaster. I can't deal with them.
If I'm lucky the abscess will kill me in my sleep.

Day 44

Yes, boys and girls, this is my 44th day on with none off.
I'm starting to wear thin. No, not just the 25lbs of blubber
that's gone, but concentration, patience, and motivation are
all suffering. BADLY.

Tom's blog. Wow, I thought I had a big mouth. HOWEVER,
The "Star Spangled Banner" holds a special place in my
heart. While it's our National Anthem it is also a symbol of
what the people of Maryland were willing to do to protect
and defend themselves in the face of certain defeat. The
British not only lost the battle, but it turned the tide of the
war. Tom I agree completely with you.

Early this morning I got a text message from Seb. He's
gonna be 30 in a couple of weeks. What was he doing?
He's home in Münster making a surf board. Good to see
I'm not the only family member that has a different set
of priorities! It's odd not talking to him much anymore,
he's busy and doesn't really have the time for me.


My Father is going to Cambridge today. He asked me
if I wanted to go hunting with him. "Only if I can hunt
humans." That says it all. He's 75, and I worry about
him driving any real distance. The day will come soon
that I have to drive them to South Carolina. We all have
sort of come to that realization without mentioning it
to each other. They're my responsibility, and it's one
of those things that have become part of the way made
for me.

Okay- back at it. Got a freighter leaving at 1530 (1930Z).

Dance Hall Days

Yup, that's what's playin' on the radio (or internet)
right now. 1984, the summer of the first European
adventure. I remember watching it on TV in a little
hotel in Luxembourg. It seems like just a short time
ago.

Franks wife is getting ready to have her baby. Any
day now- she's had contractions, and is gonna pop
at any minute!!

Today is day 43 without a day off. Not a lot of sleep
tonight- but maybe tomorrow. The bird is supposed
to leave at 0020 (0420Z)- we'll see. It's turning and
burning from Atlanta right now. The changes with
the AMC contract are, well, interesting to say the least.
Constant phone calls about stupid things. "Are you
at the plane?" "No, it's in Atlanta." "Can we raise the
ACL?" Why ask? You're gonna do it anyway! Today
they have called -4- times to ask the tail number.

The giant ($400 a day) fork lift is gone, the engine has
been transfered to the other stand. The only things
left to do are ship it out, and get 276 ready to go to CHS
on Thursday Morning.

Have I mentioned my folks are going to Murrells Inlet in
a few weeks? Yup! Upon arrival they will get to see all
the neat-o things I got for them. It is so nice there.
quiet, calm, and peaceful! I would even venture to say
the beach is great in December.

The flight is a two stopper tonight- and isn't booked that
heavily. So with luck it will be uneventful.

Okay be good!

.... on final

So I survived the weekend. How, I don't really know.
Fortunately we've had problems with the MD-11 fleet,
and several ferry in/out flights have been scrubbed,,,,
HOWEVER, the impending nightmare of the end of the
week looms closer. They may actually send me some
help. We'll see.

Master (Peter Wadsworth) has been sending me text
messages with chores to get done for him. We're gonna
have to have a little "come to Jesus" talk when he gets
back. In case he's forgotten, I'm the Station Manager,
and not vice versa. Last week I asked him to do ONE
thing for me. It still hasn't been done. He also has a
way of getting angry and lashing out when he is wrong,
so the matter will have to be handled with quite a bit
of diplomacy.

For those that didn't know, I've had a thing for a row
house in the city. The specter keeps raising it's ugly
head. While I genuinely fear living in most parts of the
city, and know that it's a bad idea to have a house I won't
be living in full time- I still "lust" after it. My Grandparents
had friends that lived in a TINY house on Port Street.
That is essentially what I want. They used to tease them
that it was "Port Alley" because it the street ended at a
park. Now that's been 35 or so years ago. That are isn't
what it used to be.

Today while doing ground handling bills, I discovered a
freighter that was billed as a passenger aircraft. a $600
turn was billed out as almost $4000! Obviously the bill
is going back for correction. Most of my work is caught
up. However, with my current state of exhaustion the
work took entirely too much time to do. So the bills, checks,
returned ID's, liquor drops, and other sundry items are
out on the dock awaiting FedEx pick-up.

Okay- perhaps more later!

Spencer James & Uncle Seth

The nephews came to visit today. They like to "hang"
with me, and just chill. Spencer grabs my laptop and
insists on playing with it. Seth just wants to talk with
me about cartoons. While really tired, it was nice to
have them around. Those two boys mean the world
to me.

Once again it's pushing 11pm (2300 in aviation speak)
and where am I? At the pit. KBWI. The bird leaves
at 0510Z, or 0110L. Six crew memeber on a freighter
holds the promise of being tight. Not my problem, eh?
These bizarre departure and arrival times are rapidly
killing me. Perhaps it's self fulfilling prophecy! The
whole week is full of them.

Tonight there is an IOE captain. He will finish his
lesson on "thou shalt respect the Station Manager"
tonight. Fortunately the person doing his check is
a fan of mine, and will assist in making certain the
attitude adjustment is complete. Arschloch.

Annapolis was such a zoo today. The boat show, and
usual foot traffic were intense. Luckily West 'naptown
wasn't too bad. I went to the British Shop and got
some things, then on to Trader Joe's. That is one
place I just love. They don't sell crap, and don't over-
charge for what is there.

Okay- the children should be here soon. 'abend!

Exhausted

Today the engine change on the DC-10 and it's ready
to go. In 4 hours I should be on my way home to bed.
It's been a trying time, but beneficial, I suppose. It's
surprising how different they look when removed from
the wing and the cowl is off.

Guenter came down from JFK to help out today, and
will need to come back down next week (please, God)
to help again. The upcoming week is going to be a
nightmare. Tuesday into Friday will be just the worst
imaginable. We'll see.

Pete and I had a nice long conversation tonight. It's
the first time we've just sat and talked for quite a while.
I absolutely think the world of him. He really is one
of the smartest people I've ever met. He's made such
a difference at work.

The weather has turned chilly. Last night the heaters
came on in the warehouse. It was odd hearing them
come on, and smelling them for the first time of the
season. Now if we could only get some more rain! It's
so dry out. Bad dry.

Okay- be good!

The whole fleet

The whole DC-10 fleet was here earlier today. So were
an MD-11 or two. Tomorrow we have 2 MD-11's, one
was a surprise, the second, who cares.

Friday, don't even want to think about it. Lordy. It
seems to me, either I get help or die. Probably die.
I've asked for help. No response. It will be ugly Friday
if I can't use Andrew. (That's a hit to call me, son)

My brother goes to Garrett County tomorrow to take
delivery of his appliances- yeah, one step close to a
place to hide out!

For those who are interested, no my attitude has
not changed.

Be good!

One less flight!

Tomorrow I've gone one less flight to contend with? Why?
The number 3 engine on the freighter is blown. I've never
seen such internal damage from over-temp. Never.

No, my attitude hasn't changed since yesterday. No it won't
change either. It was hard to get out, and feels much better
having said what was said. Done.

Things are moving along for Tom and Andrew. Thank God.
From what I see, they'll each have work. The best part is
that they won't be able to wander the world for World.

Last night I went to sleep early, and was dead. Dead I tell
you. The phone rang at 11:55pm. Guess who didn't sleep
the rest of the night. Scheisse.

Okay- See you at the pit!

A new week.

Today I was in the car with a friend. They seemed so shocked that
I don't think people like me. Why? Fortunately this area of the
World Wide Web would be unable to hold the myriad of reasons I
feel this way. When I'm gone no funeral. No one would come.
While in no way am I suicidal, it'll be a relief when all of this is done
and I'll no longer have to contend with it.

No, I do feel like I'm not a nice person (and have never claimed
to be one)- I do feel like most folks just use me. The fundamental
guise of this is simply told in these little words: "I don't matter."
It's not depression. It's not the job. It's been that way as long as
I can remember. May I also add I am unable to trust people.
Each person I have trusted completely has made a driven point
to betray said trust. It's not that I need therapy. It's not that I
suffered some trauma. These are simply the facts of life as they
appear to me.

One thing I will tell you is this: Everyone makes their own way.
My way was made for me, and now I must travel it. While there
are occasional detours, the path it set. Maybe I allow myself to
be injured by the callous nature of many around me. Perhaps
my choice of who to befriend is flawed. I know no other way.
While my deepest desire is not to be like this, it is as much a fact
as the rising and setting of the sun.

Don't feel sorry for me. Never pity me. I've resigned myself
to how things are, and must live with them. Don't worry or
fret. (not that anyone would or will!) Life is what it is.

Screaming Demon

HOME! YEAH! While at the gate in Atlanta, a clearly nouveau rich
mother bother the gate agent with "my nanny isn't sitting with us."
Uh oh, they are seated behind me. Sure enough her little angel
"Ry-Ry" screamed his head off. Wouldn't listen to anyone, nor would
he shut up. It made for a most unpleasant trip.

Upon stopping at the office, I discovered nothing (NOTHING) had
been done in my absence. After expressing my extreme displeasure,
the boss got an email detailing what was not done. I've also asked
for help 2 days this week. No help? Some flights are going to go
uncovered. So sad, too bad.

For some reason it is hotter and more humid here in Maryland than
Atlanta. Who knows. I must also add this is better than ice and
snow.

Recurrent training is done. Gott si danke! Fortunately it only
happens once a year. Several days were a waste of time. Some
things I won't use at all. Who knows.

Okay this week holds the promise of being a nightmare, so I'll
close now.

Almost home

Tomorrow I get to go home. YEAH doesn't quite get how I feel.
Recurrent training has been, well, odd to say the least. It seems
that no one was really prepared or up to doing what was needed.
Haz-Mat, GSC recurrent, and "ground school" have been a wash.
The new weight and balance program is interesting, but still has
many many flaws. I can't imagine it being ready in three weeks.

My friend Anne died this week. She didn't care what she said
when she said it. She seemed to have had a hard life, and now
she is at rest. Some folks didn't like her, but she was the bomb!

I'm really tired. The sitting around all day has been the making
for nasty long BORING days. Pete Wadsworth tells me that
nothing has been done while I've been away. Pete said that
supplies haven't been put away, bills and mail not touched. I
just don't understand how someone can come into a station and
do nothing. To the point they come in to work and don't even
bring a calculator with them. Now, come on. When I did that
kind of job, I was already dragging my stuff with me on the
very first road trip I did (a 3 day trip that turned in to 5 weeks)

Okay- I need to think about sleep. Be good!

Blue Moon On Monday

Greetings from Peachtree City, Geoooorrrgia.

Day one of recurrent training is done. I surprised the DG
instructor with a sign she didn't have. The batteries for
the surfire flashlight are lithium, and cannot be carried on
passenger aircraft . . anyway.

Tomorrow is GSC. BFD. It amazes me that what used to
be 3 days is now SEVEN. Just shoot me. Will I let them
give me shots? Uh, no. Not without my personal physician
first having approved them. It just aint' gonna happen.

Gotta scoot- Now, any idea what Blue Moon means?
It's not the Duran Duran song!

Break-up Week

Three couples I know have called it quits this week. One has not
yet "finalized" the deal, but it's gonna happen. Sad. Glad I didn't
get married.

Last night I answered my phone to hear "Turning Japanese" on
the other end. It took me a second- but then I realized the joke
was on me. VERY funny.

Such an odd floundering week. Work has been a bear, friends
having problems, and well the family has been in rare form.
My Brother and Mother had birthdays this month. Yesterday
we were to celebrate both. My other Brother and Niece ignored
the fact it was his birthday. To say he was offended, well that
is an understatement. Ignore their birthdays and there is hell
to pay!

There is so much more going on, yet I haven't got the words
to describe how I feel, or how (of if) I'll deal with it/them.
Sometimes I completely fail to understand the world around me
and the people with whom I interact. Once again there is
a feeling of being "lost" and disconnected from just about
everything. I feel like I'm a bad person, and no one likes me.
Before going into a wild tirade or writing what is so deeply
personal that it's hard to express, rather I'll stop here.

Off to Atlanta in a few hours, recurrent training takes place
this week. ICK!

....... j.

Oopsie!

Today the Company realized they don't have coverage for
me while recurrent training is going on. Oh well, they've
known about it since MARCH. They tried to get me to change
dates, but I just won't.

On a brighter note, Tom and Andrew are now in the process
of getting hired. Andrew and I have birthdays one day apart.
We'll either get along great, or kill each other. I think it will
be a good fit. Boys, your drug-test paperwork is in my office,
along with ID paperwork. The rest should be here in a day
or so. It will be an interesting adventure.

Tonight will be a LONG adventure. 0320 departure for
Ramstein. It's gonna suck- but tomorrow will be a fallow day.
The weekend will be busy, and I need to pack for the week
in Atlanta. Dread that: I avoid the place like the plague.
Who knows when I will be able to get ready - but it needs
to be addressed. Whatever.

My "home office" project is almost done. There are some
things that need to still be moved, and I need some addtional
storage solutions for paperwork and the like. The best thing
is not buying stamps. The new dymo will take care of that
for me. The lighting in the area needs to be addressed too-
but that is gonna have to wait, you know??

The other day I got some new cookware off of Ebay. It will
either be for me, or probably a great gift for someone. Sitram
is a French company, and makes an excellent product. I
may even replace my All Clad with this stuff.

Okay- gonna split for a while. Be good!

One day closer to death

Although my schedule isn't as bad as Tom's (but he's a whore)
the next two will try me. Today early morning, tomorrow late
night. Saturday, 6am to 8pm. Can't wait for that joy ride.

My brothers house is coming along nicely. He hopes to be in
sometime late next month, just in time for Winter! All he's
gone through will be worth it. The next challenge will be
dragging all of his stuff out of storage and getting it in the new
house. The old house should come down any time now. He
wants that done just as badly as the new house being finished.
Ask him about the State grant he got. 20K for a septic system.
You see, we have a "flush tax" in Maryland- and because of
where he lives, the grant money comes easy. He applied and
was approved almost immediately.

Last night at 1am (or should I say "this morning?") HSN was
selling Christmas junk. Battery powered light up wreathes.
Need a plastic Christmas tree and plastic decorations to go
with it? They got it and will ship it to you. 3 months to the
day from the "big event." Give me a break, can't we wait
another month or six weeks?? Is that too much to ask?

I'm battling sleep right now- so another pot of my super duper
traffic stopping extra caffeinated coffee. This is an exact
science requiring mixing several different types of beans in
order to maximize the punch. Let me get at it while my
eyes are still open!

It's here

Fall, that is. The other day I was parking one of the MANY aircraft
that roll through this station and noticed trees changing color. While
I enjoy the colors, and the change of temperature, I loathe what
comes next.

Today a good friend sent me an email to tell me that their marriage
is over. To say I'm shocked and extremely distressed by it doesn't
say it correctly. She is one of the only people I've ever known that
has been a consistent friend to me. If I could make it right for them
I would.

On a brighter note, my desktop is working properly! We ran all
the stuff from the Intel website. Windows XP didn't have the
drivers needed for the mother board. So, my little home office
will come back to life. I'll be able to print stamps, fax, and do
all the all the good stuff that is difficult now.

Another tin bird is hitting the ground, so it would be good to meet
it!

Featherd and Tin birds

The Egrets are on the move for the incoming fall season.
There were a number of them in the park again today along
with Great blue and regular blue herons. A doe let me get
within 5 feet of her. She just looked at me as if to say" I
see you and don't really care."

We had 4 MD-11's today. Three at the same time. It
was not a pleasant situation. To say it require me to
run around like a nut is an understatement. One on F-16,
one on E-3, one on E-8. ASIG actually did a great job today.
They really came through.

Tonight I'm going to start reading "In the wake of the
plague." It details the black death in Europe in the 14th
century. The things it changed, and how it shaped the
world as we know it today.

Okay- Be good!

Along came a spider

A black widow spider that is. She lives out behind the
warehouse. While I'm not fan of spiders, she is actually
really cool. She just works her web, and leaves us alone.
Normally I'd kill a spider, but this one has my respect.

We remain extremely busy. if we live through the
weekend, we'll all be happy. Four tomorrow, and
Four on Friday. Did I mention we have to drop an
engine on a plane to fix a line?

So far this week, I've been "volunteered" to handle
hotel reservations, build fly-away kits for aircraft,
and hunt down a manifest because someone was
too lazy and stupid to make proper provisions to keep
it in a safe place. When I explained I would try, the
response was "it's a safety issue, you have to." Uh huh.
We'll see.

Okay- gonna go home in a bit. Be good children!

It's coming!

Last night I ran the heater in the car. Same thing this morning.
The cold is coming. Ick.

While the break from intense heat is nice, I dread the coming
winter.

Work has been a bear, so this is gonna be short. Be good!

Defenders Day

What you ask?? Defenders day. Today we celebrate the Battle
of Baltimore during the War of 1812. Think "Star Spangled Banner"
should you be uncertain. The British had burned DC, then headed
north to "clean out the nest of pirates" better known as B-more.
Obviously they were unsuccessful. It forces the question: Were
we in the same situation today, would the residents put forth the
effort and make the sacrifices to save the city. (Answer: NO)

It's much cooler and dryer out. While in Downs Park we saw two
deer, and (count 'em) 22 egrets! What we thought was a noisy
great blue heron turned into a pond full of egrets. It wasn't a
Bodega Bay moment (okay, anyone get that reference??), but
really kind of neat.

Now down to brass tacks. Things here are insane. I'm worried
Pete is going to drop, or hurt himself. He's exhausted. Today
I asked if he were by some chance German, instead of of the
obvious Liverpudlian he is. What did he do? Give me MY
look of death. We're all tired and on edge. Someone help us!

Okay- off I go, work's a waitin'!

Dans le marais

Yes, boys and girls, it's a swamp out there. This morning when
leaving Downs Park I was soaked. Soaked as in put a towel on the
seat! It's been no better here at work. A LARGE supply order
showed up today, and by the time I was done with it, guess who
was soaked again? This is that odd time of year when the weather
in Maryland isn't happy.

Tomorrow starts the blitz. Four wide bodied aircraft descend upon
me starting at 1305. There is only one day until the 24th that we
will only see one bird. Joy! We have all day/night operations some
days, and guess who will not be a happy camper before it's all over
with?

Yesterday and today I've been thinking about "status symbols."
A Rolex watch, a Mercedes Benz, a fancy computer. The more
I think about these things, the less appeal they have. Why?
Well the folks I see with a Rolex on are normally the type of
person I won't associate with. The car: someone I know has one
and just the thought of being in the same category as them, uh
no. Funny how things change in importance to you. Don't for
a second get me wrong, I like nice things, but not at the expense
of myself.

Okay, time to go fight with the computer in the stores area!

FINALLY, caught up!

Today's work day started at 0515. We had a ferry in from
Leipzig, Germany, ETA 0618. It rolled up to the gate at
0632. Being a quiet Saturday, I got the bird done, the docs
stocked, and made a quick run to Annapolis, and to my
brothers house. My nephew Spencer is 10, and he needed
gifts (those are his words, not mine!) so he got some video
games.

Back at work, I settled in to get ground handling, security,
and cleaning bills done. Then I tackled the August Landing
and Parking report. Everything is done and caught up!

Have I mentioned that ASIG sucks? We took a 20 minute
delay for a departure schedule to leave 10 minutes after
our departure. Yes, I went through the roof. Yes, I told
them I would NOT pay for the flight. They better get
their act together!

Time to get the bird ready to go!

Low and slow

We've returned from what was a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. (Oddly enough, The Talking Heads
"Once in life time" is playing on the radio!) The
DC-3 is a tiny bird, but what a unique experience!

She accelerated down 15-33, and the angle suddenly
changed- we were level; the tail was off of the ground.
Shortly after, so were we! The trip took us across
Anne Arundel County, then down the bay to Thomas
Point. A big slow turn up to Annapolis then across
South Baltimore and Ft. McHenry then back to BWI.
What whould have taken a few minutes on a jet
took an hour.

I must confess, when the tail lifted I got goose bumps.
To think the aircraft I was on had been built in 1937.
This aircraft was state-of-the-art in it's day. It was
THE way to go. "Flagship Detroit" is the oldest flying
DC-3 in the world.

Peter Wadsworth went with me. I wondered why he
wanted the aisle. Answer: to watch the cockpit, and
what was going on up there! Each of us were allowed
to rotate in and out of the cockpit and take as many
pictures as we wanted. The views of the area were
super. Some of the houses on the shore are truly
monsters. (Seb, remember the house in Severna
Park? These were 4-5 times bigger) Everything is
green and lush, and there were some gentle white
caps on the bay.

Many thanks to Brian Hammond for letting me in
on this, and Shawn Byers for giving me the information
needed to make it happen. What an incredible voyage!

Who could sleep?

American Airlines has the "Flagship Detroit" here.
It's a DC-3. Last night Brian Hammond told me
they were going to give rides on it today. I called
Shawn Byers at the MAA, and he told me it was true.

Obviously I didn't sleep last night for being so excited.
I was on the phone at 0730 with American to get "on
the list." Yes, aero-geek here was number one.

In 3 hours, I'll be on board, and I CAN'T WAIT.
When we get back, I'll post again. This is a once in a
lifetime opportunity, and there is NO way it's going
to pass me by.

Nothing.

That is what was done while I was away. Nothing.
The place looked neat, but nothing was done. Why?
Several reasons: 1) The person who was here to
cover for me is lazy. 2) It wasn't the way he does
things, so he didn't do it. 3) He is almost blind.
4) He was "just covering" for me. Today I've been
a crazy person getting things done and caught up.
Tomorrow, Landing Reports and bills. LOTS of
bills.

Hot pink. Yup, the new hang tags are hot pink.
Hideous. While I understand they need to change
them each year - - - hot pink? Bleck. I got 30
of them, and mailed most out today. The rule is
one per SASE. No stamp: no hang tag. So easy,
yet each year, I get them without anything.

My parents, and several friends have suggested
I consider moving to South Carolina. It's so nice
there. Now to find a job there!

Okay- gotta go yell at ASIG.

Can I puke now?

Tuesday I go back to work. It holds the promise of being
a nightmare. Nothing has been done for two weeks, and
nothing has been prepared for September.

September is shaping up to be an absolute horror. We have
32 international arrivals on the books, as of Friday. I
truly don't know how I'm going to handle it. I think some of
the flights (ferry stuff) will have to be met by ASIG, and
they're just going to have to deal with it.

My older brother came over yesterday, it was a really great
surprise. We wandered around the Annapolis area, and
stumbled on a place where they sell lobster rolls! Only on
the weekend, but woo-hoo, lobster rolls!

There are so many shows on about house flipping. Now, I
don't think it is something I'd wanna do, but there have to
be as many disaster stories as there are success stories.
Face it, one disaster could wipe out many successful jobs.....

Tomorrow is the 'last day of summer' enjoy it, we'll be
scraping ice off of our windshields before long!

Back Home

Drove home last night, and boy was it nice to sleep in my own bed.
It was an uneventful trip home, no traffic problems, no crazy folks
either!

Today was "get lottery ticket" day- 330 million tonight! Can you
imagine getting that much cash? Quit the job, move away, and
be the slug I was always meant to be. I'd have a little farm with
some cows and ponies from Iceland. No cats!

Tomorrow my nephew Seth is going to the park with me. He is
really looking forward to the time with me. It's been a few weeks
since we've done anything, so it will be a good time.

OH! I took pictures of the house............ so I need to figure out
how to upload them!

Family Kingdon

For the first time in probably 40 years I went to Family Kingdom
today. The only real changes were that the southerners that had
worked there have been replaced by Eastern Europeans. The
same is the way things are in Ocean City, Maryland.

Last night was a lunar eclipse. Tonight an incredibly high tide.
There is a tidal creek at the amusement park, which kept getting
higher and higher with ocean water. Too bad I didn't go to
the beach to see what it looked like.

Today was a bum day. Wandered over to the water front in
Murrells Inlet and got some nice fish for lunch, and then
pretty much vegetated the rest of the day. I even took an
afternoon nap! It was nice and quiet- so I took advantage of it.

This time next week, I'll be back at work. Crap.

Abend at the beach

Tonight was spent at the beach. Watching the sun go down.
Watching the moon come up.

The water is like the bathtub. Two foot waves rushing the shore.
Seeing the moon play peek-a-boo with clouds. Further inland
seeing the lightning from the storms of earlier today. I can't
begin to express how incredible it was. Ghost crabs were on
the beach making their best effort to escape capture. My croc's
did a great job catching one. They're hairy little beasts.

Were I to live on the beach, you'd be able to call me Mr. Prune.
I'd be in the water 99.999999999999% of the time.

Be good, be safe!

Not the same!

Last night we went to a "creek front restaurant"- and
I made the ERROR of ordering soft shelled crab. Now,
had I asked about them, I wouldn't have gotten them.
They were finished with white wine and tomatoes. NO
crab taste at all!

My friends children are closer to death than they could
possibly imagine. I think the parents know that too.
If there was some speed tape in the car, someone would
have their mouths taped up.

Yesterday I explored Pauleys Island. You gotta have some
SERIOUS bucks to live out there. However, I can't imagine
a house surviving a hurricane. They are built on stilts, with
an all frame construction, and that combination does not mix
well with 125 m.p.h. wind. Still, it would be incredible to
have a house directly, smack-dab, front-and-center on
the Atlantic Ocean!

If I have to watch any more cartoons on TV, I swear I'll
scream......................

Sandy Toes

When going to the beach tonight, there was an enormous
amount of shell debris there. None of the previous visits
had this amount of "rubble" on the beach. It must be
from the storm. Upon returning home, I had sandy toes.

My little friends come tomorrow. I've gotten things
together for their arrival, things for dinner are put in
place, beverages are iced down, and all the towels are
washed and in place.

On the news today they said the Carolina Low Country
are 14 inches below normal in rain, yet I see overflow
ponds that are full. The 'gators at the park seemed happy
in the water, and the pelicans are on the loose. So it
can't be that bad.

There is a local seafood market that had fish tacos. I
want some.

More tomorrow!!!!!

Spot the Marylander!

Last night I was down at Pawleys Island. The van across from me
had an ez-pass stuck to the windshield. Sure enough: Maryland tags!
I've noticed most of the Maryland tags down here also have an ez-pass
attached somewhere to the car.

It's cool and rainy in Maryland. Not here! Sunny warm and breezy!
Today has been another veg day. Oh, I've been out and around, but
not to the beach. The news claims there are rip currents "from the
storm." What storm?

Tonight's dinner: T-Bone steak, oven roasted baby potatoes, and
glazed carrots. While at Kroger today, I got the fixin's to make a
tasty pot-roast later in the week, when company comes!

Take care, and be good!

Monday!

What did I do today?? Almost nothing! YEAH!!!!!!!!

Wandered up to Belk (they have great boxer shorts),
went to the stone store and ordered a piece of granite
for a pastry board, and went to see Hairspray again.
It was only 6 dollars, and it's a reminder of home.

Being a vegetable isn't too bad. Actually it's well,
WONDERFUL! Being away from work is wonderful,
time away is fantastic! My threats and intimidation
worked wonders for how the place looks. Being the
only child who is really interested in coming here, it
only makes sense. Why the other brothers don't want
to come here is beyond me.

The pool is a minute by foot away, the beach is -3- miles
down the road. (and it's an incredible beach)- so, so, so,
quiet. Better than a hotel, washer dryer, (hello, it's a house!)
and a full kitchen.

Funny turn left out of the development onto 17N, and there
is everything, turn right onto 17, nothing. NOTHING.
It's kind of nice being at the edge of development. Need a
pizza, no problem. It's just as quick to see an alligator.

Be good, and don't miss me!

SUN-day

Friday arrival, Saturday supplies, Sunday relax.

I broke down and bought a Sprint Wireless Broadband card.
The jury is still out. Text, and email are fast, however some
graphics are quite slow to load. I do have to say, that could
be the location I'm in. We'll see. It has just become tedious
dragging to Litchfield every day. Now: I can REALLY veg!

Today was wander up to Myrtle Beach day. Lordy do the
folks drive s-l-o-w down here. It's not called the fast lane
for lack of a better name. I got behind someone today that
should have either been in a parking lot, or dead.

Yes, I have started to relax. I don't think I've worried or
had a care about what's going on at work at all today. It
feels good not to care!

Off to the beach for an evening stroll!

At The Beach

One of my biggest concerns for vacation was internet access.
While I can go to Litchfield Plantation, it's down the road, and
it means getting "cleaned up" to use the facility. Last year
there were no wireless networks here at the condo. This
year there are 4, one of which is non-secured! Guess who
is "borrowing" some access.

Today will be a day of exploration. There are some local places
that need a look-see. I want to go to the beach, and maybe
go to the movies. I stayed in bed until 9am. That hasn't
happened for, what, a year?

Since my last visit here, the place has been painted. They did an
INCREDIBLE job. Each edge is crisp, clean, perfect. It was
worth every penny it cost. There is no doubt while here you're
at the beach. Lots of green in here, being my favorite color, it's
a good thing.

Be good today!

Seven Hours Fifty Minutes Flying Time

That is correct, I made it in under mapquest time.
45 minutes under mapquest time!

There was no traffic around DC, my vehicle was at RIC
in about 2 hours.... unreal.

On my way to Starbucks at Litchfield (free internet,
you know)- saw a 5 car pile up.How this possibly could
happen in a speed zone so slow, I'll never ever know.

The same lady is here at Starbucks that was last year,
and she was just as nice. I paid with a 20 and told her to
keep the change. She couldn't believe it!

Okay- got stuff to do to get ready to be nuts for two weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finis: Next stop the "Palmetto State!"

Just home from the last day of work. Another 16 hour day.

Tomorrow, actually today, I blast off for 29576. The car is
loaded/packed the gills. There is a cooler full of goodies, like
lamb hot dogs from Iceland, sausages from Germany, water
from Iceland, and some other "beverages."

Oddly there is not a set schedule, or a time table (yes,
foreign to all of us)- just gonna play it by ear. When I
get there, I get there.

There were a lot of goodbyes today, probably glad to be rid
of me!! I'm certainly glad to be out of there.

I'll post again either tonight, or on Saturday. BE GOOD!

T-Minus One

One day left. One day. It holds the promise of being hideous.
First arrival of the day 0930, last departure of the day 2130.
My replacement said "You've got a 4am departure Friday Morning"
"Uh, no I don't, YOU do." Get a life.

My clothes are packed, and tomorrow will be pack the vehicle day.
Lots of stuff here at work to be loaded in the vehicle, as I kept it
here to keep it safe. I hope I don't forget anything!

Did I mention I feel like crap? Yup, just in time to go away, and I'm
sick. With luck, sleep, and a bit of care, travel will be okay on Friday.
I just told the guy that cleans the office I'm going to Spring Grove for
vacation. Poor Jim: He believed me!

3 Strange Days

Three more days until V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!

Friday morning, it's down the road for me.
Mapquest says "8 hours and 24 minutes." Uh huh.
I don't see that happening, but we'll see. Last year
travel was on a Saturday, and a total nightmare! The
Washington, DC area was something with luck won't be
quite as bad.

Tomorrow will be a 14 hour day. Oh goodie! There are
things that need to be done, and with luck, I'll get them
done! Supplies need to be ordered, an inventory of the
computers, printers, and fax machines needs to be done.
Not to mention an arrival and departure 13 hours apart!

My first week of vacation will be solo. While the house
is ready, I still have a list of things I want to get for the
place. I plan to go to the park to walk each day, instead
of the Chesapeake Bay, it will be the Atlantic Ocean.

Okay- gotta get up too early, so to bed early!

VACATION

It's getting closer, and closer. Vacation is two weeks away.
Lots to do before leaving, and lots to do when I get there.

The scion is officially a ramp vehicle. It just made sense to
have the inspection done. When we're busy sometimes two
cars are needed, and making deliveries to work is so much
easier. The stickers are purple this cycle. In a few weeks the
new parking stickers come out, they're going to be $396.00
each. I remember when they were $20.00. In the olden days
you got a sticker for your bumper. Things certainly have
changed!

My brothers house is coming along well. They should be able
to have appliances delivered in a couple of weeks. He said he
is looking forward to not having to drag things back and forth.
It will be nice to motor to the other end of the state and have
a place to hang out.

Be good!

August Arrives

Today's question: Where be the rain?

In a little over 2 weeks I go on vacation (although I prefer the
European "holiday"). To say I can't wait is the understatement
of the year. Work Work Work Work- that's all I do, but sooooon
that will stop.

My friends Michelle and Kevin are coming for the second week
of sun and sand. That will give me time to settle in, and do some
of the things I wanted to get done before having company.

Although unofficial, it looks like we won't have any military business
until August of 2008. Lord only knows what they will do with me
for the next 10 months. Whatever.

Okay- almost time for shakey baby to roll in from Ramstein!

Poison Poppies

Sleep. Can't seen to get enough of it. The heavy schedule and
repeated delays are getting to me. Last night I was gone by, oh
say 2145. It was too much to keep my eyes open - T.V. on with
no sound, and the laptop fired up. Both went nighty-night, and
so did I.

The nephews come home this weekend. They have been gone for
two weeks. Obviously I miss them, they are anxious to get home
too. Each in their own way are the neatest little kids I know.

A couple of days ago I finally got an email from Sebastian. He is
in fact NOT dead. Like the rest of us, he's going through some
changes. Poor kid. (Although he isn't a kid, he'll be 30 this year!)
Life is never easy, is it?

Today I'm listening to some retro 80's station via iTunes. They
are playing stuff I don't remember, which leads me to believe
it must be a British station. Another song I don't remember is
coming on now. ???

Pete Wadsworth lost my brand-new sunglasses over the weekend.
He was almost dead in the sun. I let him borrow them- and gone.
Now I get to go hunt for a new pair. They were really nice too.
The moral here is don't let Pete borrow your glasses.

Okay- we have too many folks in the shop with no Airport ID's
so I need to go baby sit.

Bennie, Betty and the soft shelled crab

It's been a long week, and it's only Wednesday. No, it's only Tuesday.
I think... yes, Tuesday. I'm tired, worn down, and ready for a break.

Today I met with some old friends in Centerville on the Eastern Shore.
Odd, no matter how much things change, some things stay the same.
It was as if we had just all been together last week. None of us ever
thought we would be so far apart. Florida, Texas (not a total surprise),
and Maryland. funny how we met on such foreign turf! Now, I'm sort
of sad: maybe because I'm so tired, maybe because I know we may never
be together like that again.

Right now I feel lost. I've wasted so much of my life!

Time On Earth

Way back in 1987 when I move to the 'dena (hon), I heard
a song on 98 Rock. It was by a group I'd never heard of
Crowded House. The song was "Better be home soon." It
was like the song was written for me.

Obviously I went out and got the album (Temple of Low Men)
and played it to death. Played it when I was happy. Played it
when I was sad. Then I got their first album, which was self
titled "Crowded House." Played that to death. There are some
incredible songs on it. Finally album number three arrived on
the scene. "Woodface" was another album that was a constant
player. Happy, Sad, hot, or cold it got played.

Finally "Together Alone" came out. It was tuned more for their
native audience in Australia/New Zealand. While there were
songs on it I really liked, it was well, just okay.

Then they broke up. Travis sort of took their place, but I still
played and played the albums I loved. One of the band members
hanged himself several years ago. The whole thing was so sad,
and sealed the fate of no reunion. No going back.

This year they reformed, rebuilt, and rebounded. A new album was
to be released July 10. "Time on Earth" is it's name. I've had it
two days, and have played it to death. One song in particular that
just does it for me is "English Trees." I must say that this album
has made a crap week tolerable, and made me smile more than
any other thing this week (maybe even the entire year)- It's like
welcoming an old friend back that has been gone, as in missing, no
contact, for morethan a dozen years. Funny I can tell you where
each album was purchased. This one came from Amazon!

Today being Friday the 13th lived up to it's reputation. It was horiffic.
The freighter never left. It broke. Twice. The MD-11 left late, while
the arrival was early- and they were on opposite sides of the cargo
area. When I came home I smelled like a combination of diesel,
kerosene, sweat, and turbo-oil. YUM! We're gonna try again in the
morning, so I need to go to sleep.

..........and thank you to you-know-who for making things right today!

Fried Gatoraide

The heat in B-more has been quite intense. Yesterday I went
through 4 liters of gatoraide. Today I have been chasing mechanics
around to get them to drink. I remind them "you're no good to me
dead."

Yesterday morning I thought the house was being attacked.
This morning it was as if a giant robotic woodpecker was attacking.
The roofers were up there working. I had forgotten they were
coming. The new roof will be a lighter color to attempt to deflect
some of the heat of summer. I wanted white. No one else would go
for it. Most of the lights have been replaced with CF bulbs. They
produce less heat in addition to saving electricity. Every bloody
dime counts!

In just about a month I go on vacation (I prefer the European term
"Holiday") to Beautiful South Carolina. The drive is a bear, but ahhhhh
the peace and quiet. The beach, the just "being away" factor.............
The family condo is so nice! There are a few changes I plan this trip.
We'll see.

Okay- the storm us upon us- so I'm gonna pull the plug on this thing!

Hey Groundhog: You're dead!

Yes! I mean that. That bugger ate the leaves off of my pepper plants.
The next day, he ate the peppers. He's nibbled at the flowers too. Now
the question is this: Poison him, or trap him? Either way, he's gone.

The fig tree looks GREAT lots and lots of figs. The kohlrabi all look good
too. Soon, I'll be able to harvest a meals worth. Tomatoes are in top shape
too-------and the farm stand has corn! The fruit this year has been great.
Last week I lived on fresh fruit.

We've all worked really had this week. Today was catch up on paperwork
day. Bills, landing reports, supplies, the whole thing. Fortunately all of it's
done. Thankfully all is gone.

Peter Wadsworth has been a very bad influence on me this week. I'm so
thankfully to him for it. It was good for me. Now if I could have some pizza
or a really bloody steak, I'd be even happier!

Hurry up vacation!

Welcome, July.

No, I don't mean that!

Tonight after sunset the clouds had an odd red glow to them.
It reminded me of the back ground in the "Hall of the Presidents"
in Disney World. It's been a long time since I was there. My
last Did-knee trip was with Seb. (by the way, you are dead, aren't
you??) It's been 5 years since setting foot in Florida, and I was
ready to build there. Now, I plan on looking for something in
South Carolina.

My brother and nephews drove back from Murrells Inlet today.
He was there 4.5 days. Who drives 8+ hours for a trip that short?
I tell 'ya, I can't wait to head there. The beach, the quiet, the local
seafood, and just to be away. It's still a ways off- but I can feel it
coming!

The famous DC-10 (N14075/351) returned to service tonight.
I kind of missed her. Nothing, NOTHING flies like a DC-10.
While I love the MD-11's. . . . the 10 is still special to me. To
think there will never be another tri-jet is really sad. The next
deal will be the 787. The engines on that bird are HUGE! They
have chevron nozzles on both bypass and hot sections. Can't
wait to see one in person!

Okay, be good. More later!

Don't leave the plantation.

Today I'm out running errands, and having a nice day to myself.
The work cell rings. "We need 804" the voice on the other end
says. "What time?" I ask. "Six fifteen"- so blast home, put on
some jeans (had shorts on) shoes ( had sandals on)- grab the ID
and keys.......out the door.

Now, it's 2125, and I'm just leaving work. I may start calling it
"The plantation" rather than just the pit. Something is going to
need to change. For the last two weeks I've been fighting a cold.
Unless I get a couple of days- it's not gonna get better.

One day they're gonna call me and I'll either be dead, or too far
away to fix their lack of forethought.

OH! There is a groundhog living in the front yard. The little bugger
has eaten all the leaves off of my pepper plants, and has started eating
the flowers in the yard. One of us needs to go. Can you guess who it's
gonna be?

Okay- off I go to home. Laundry awaits!

At least the weather has been nice!

Today took me to the Mars/Wal*Mart in Glen Burnie.
I was taken aback by the large number of large people.
It made me feel tiny. Lest I forget, tattoo's too. Lot's and
lots of 'em!

While in Mars, the number of plain white trash customers
was amazing, in fact that is all that was in the place! My
business was conducted in a hurry- then out I went. Ick.

Last weekend I got sick, and am finally starting to feel human
again. I'm still coughing a lot, but the fever is gone. In
reality it I never felt really terrible, it was just a drag being ill.
More than likely it was brought on by a lack of sleep. Too
many hours here at the pit.

My family leaves on Monday for South Carolina. Thankfully
a little peace and quiet will accompany their departure. In
eight weeks that's my destination. Sun, sand, and relaxation
are on the agenda.

Okay- off I go, gotta check on the bird, and get some more
"busy" work done!!

YESTERDAY (6-15) SUCKED

First, welcome to the club Tom. Don't think it will be the
last time you get the "kiss" either!

Foolish me ignored two of my personal commandments,
and was appropriately rewarded for it. I've corrected one
item, yet the other cannot be. I'm still irritated over it.
I'm hurt, and it's all my own fault. Most of you know there
are few things I'm good at, but I can bear a grudge to the
grave.

ASSIG continues to be problematic. While the rates I pay
them have increased by 50%, service levels continue to drop.
It's so frustrating giving them every opportunity to improve,
yet not only do they not improve, they continue to slide into
an unrecoverable situation. I can think of no aspect of the
service received that has even stayed on a level field.

Tonight is an annual ritual that I am so looking forward to!
Soft shelled crabs! Normally this is a Saturday event, and
yes, I had asked to have the evening off tomorrow- but it
didn't happen. My goal today is to prevent my bad, sad,
mad attitude spill over into the event.

Okay, I need to go hunt for the pet cage that I bet never got
taken off of the aircraft last night. Scheisse.