Blum, Texas
Weather: low 43 degrees, high 56 degrees, partly cloudy to clear skies
The wind blew hard all night, but we were snug and warm in our home on wheels. The forecast has rain and snow showers for tomorrow, so it looks like we have found winter.
What a busy day! We were up at our usual early time, and at our doctor's office by 0800 hours. The first thing to do was pick up the lab orders and go register with the hospital. Next was the bloodletting that takes place when we have our physicals. I think the technician must have taken a pint. Wonder if that would qualify as a blood donation? Free shirt for that?
When the blood taking was finished, we went across the street to the local Burger King for a late breakfast. The breakfast was good, especially with the hospital being so busy after the holiday weekend and having to wait as long as we did.
The next thing we did was drive west on Texas 67 to the rest area and overlook on Chalk Mountain. This overlook is one of our favorite places in the area. It was even more beautiful today, with all the colors of fall spread out below us.
At 1100 hours, I had a heart stress test conducted as a followup to the one I had two years ago. Talk about a workout! I didn't have a chance to take my morning walk, and the doctor said I wouldn't need one after he was finished with me. He was right, because I don't think I have had a stress test to equal how hard he worked me today. The good news is that no problems were found, and I'm good to go with my heart for another 2-5 years.
Since we still had some time before our physical examinations, we visited our friends Jerry and Joyce while we were waiting. They are doing fine as they get ready for the holidays at their business, Midway Pines RV Park.
Finally, it was time to see our doctor. I was the first person in, and got a very good physical with excellent lab results. The only problem is that the doctor wants me to have another test run next week in Granbury. Carolyn saw the doctor after me, and her results were also good. Guess what? She still has two tests on Thursday in Granbury. So, we have these things to do, and are thinking about what we can do and still make the appointments. We may take a short trip and come back.
One thing I forgot in all this medical stuff was that we carried our laundry with us and washed it. Thinking ahead, we knew we would need to do laundry this week, so today was a good one for that since the appointments were spread out so much.
By the time we got home (back to the RV, which is home, wherever it is), it was almost dark and turning colder. Both of us are tired, but feel good about what we accomplished and the positive results from all the medical stuff. Since the weather is supposed to be bad tomorrow, it may be a day of staying snug and warm in the RV.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Hico, Texas: Home Of Cowboys And Legends
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Kimball Bend COE Park
Blum, Texas
Weather: low in Waco, Texas 60 degrees, high in Blum, Texas 63 degrees, cloudy, light to heavy sprinkles, windy
The weather is pretty nasty here in the suburbs of Blum, and the temperature has been falling since we arrived here and started setting up. About the time we had everything finished except the satellite dish, the rain started in with a heavy sprinkle and the wind picked up. I persevered and finished up with the satellite dish, so we're settled in for a few days while we see our doctor for our yearly checkups.
We're parked in the COE's Kimball Bend, located on the Brazos River before it enters lake Whitney. At one time, the town of Kimball was located here on the famous Chisholm Trail, where the river was shallow enough for the cattle to wade or swim across the river on their way to northern markets. When barbed wire was invented and started being used to fence the land, the great cattle drives stopped. Since Kimball didn't have a railroad, it gradually died and became a ghost town. All that is left of a once-thriving town are a few stone walls for buildings and some wells. I'll try to get some pictures when the weather is better.
The campground has 36 sites, all with 50 amps. Tonight, we are the only campers here, so it's quiet and peaceful. No trains, no cars, no big trucks. I wonder if we'll be able to sleep with the quiet?
There are some big pecan trees in the campground, and they're loaded with nuts. The pecans are a little small, but very tasty. I plan to pick up some before we leave.
Tomorrow will be a busy day, as we have lab work early in the morning, then a stress test for me at 1100 hours, and our doctor visits at 1500 hours. We don't think there are any medical issues, but that's why we're here, making sure. In between our appointments, we plan to wash the laundry and go to the Glen Rose library.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Whitney, Texas: Site Of The First Fishing Tournament
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low in Waco, Texas 60 degrees, high in Blum, Texas 63 degrees, cloudy, light to heavy sprinkles, windy
The weather is pretty nasty here in the suburbs of Blum, and the temperature has been falling since we arrived here and started setting up. About the time we had everything finished except the satellite dish, the rain started in with a heavy sprinkle and the wind picked up. I persevered and finished up with the satellite dish, so we're settled in for a few days while we see our doctor for our yearly checkups.
We're parked in the COE's Kimball Bend, located on the Brazos River before it enters lake Whitney. At one time, the town of Kimball was located here on the famous Chisholm Trail, where the river was shallow enough for the cattle to wade or swim across the river on their way to northern markets. When barbed wire was invented and started being used to fence the land, the great cattle drives stopped. Since Kimball didn't have a railroad, it gradually died and became a ghost town. All that is left of a once-thriving town are a few stone walls for buildings and some wells. I'll try to get some pictures when the weather is better.
The campground has 36 sites, all with 50 amps. Tonight, we are the only campers here, so it's quiet and peaceful. No trains, no cars, no big trucks. I wonder if we'll be able to sleep with the quiet?
There are some big pecan trees in the campground, and they're loaded with nuts. The pecans are a little small, but very tasty. I plan to pick up some before we leave.
Tomorrow will be a busy day, as we have lab work early in the morning, then a stress test for me at 1100 hours, and our doctor visits at 1500 hours. We don't think there are any medical issues, but that's why we're here, making sure. In between our appointments, we plan to wash the laundry and go to the Glen Rose library.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Whitney, Texas: Site Of The First Fishing Tournament
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Deer Everywhere
Waco, Texas
Weather: low 48 degrees, high 67 degrees, cloudy, breezy
Carolyn opened the door early this morning to see what the weather looked like. Suddenly, she closed the door, and said there was herd of deer outside the RV. Sure enough, there were about 15 deer lying in the grass about 20 feet away. They stayed there for the next half hour or so, when they started drifting to the woods. Later on, I saw about 25 more deer while taking my walk. This place is full of deer, and it's probably because there's no hunting allowed in the park.
After breakfast, we took a ride over to the Lake Whitney area to find the COE park where we plan to stay for a few days while seeing our doctor. By the time the trip was over, we had made a big circle around the lake and back to the RV. Most importantly, we found the COE park we want to stay in, and it is located on the Brazos river before the river flows into Lake Whitney. The name of the park is Kimball Bend, and it has about 40 sites. Part of the old Chisholm Trail passed through the park, so there should be some history to look into.
By the time we finished our trip to the lake and back, both of us were ready for some rest. In my case, I was ready for some meditation. Not sleep, just relaxation and emptying the mind. In the middle of the afternoon, I watched the Florida Gators defeat the Florida State Seminoles in college football. It was Florida's 22nd win in a row, and Tim Tebow's last game in the Swamp. Next up for Florida is the SEC championship game in Atlanta against the University of Alabama. It should be a great college football game between two very good teams. I guess you know who I'll be rooting for.
We'll be leaving this campground near Waco tomorrow afternoon and moving over to the campground we found today neat Meridian.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Waco, Texas: Wack-o
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 48 degrees, high 67 degrees, cloudy, breezy
Carolyn opened the door early this morning to see what the weather looked like. Suddenly, she closed the door, and said there was herd of deer outside the RV. Sure enough, there were about 15 deer lying in the grass about 20 feet away. They stayed there for the next half hour or so, when they started drifting to the woods. Later on, I saw about 25 more deer while taking my walk. This place is full of deer, and it's probably because there's no hunting allowed in the park.
After breakfast, we took a ride over to the Lake Whitney area to find the COE park where we plan to stay for a few days while seeing our doctor. By the time the trip was over, we had made a big circle around the lake and back to the RV. Most importantly, we found the COE park we want to stay in, and it is located on the Brazos river before the river flows into Lake Whitney. The name of the park is Kimball Bend, and it has about 40 sites. Part of the old Chisholm Trail passed through the park, so there should be some history to look into.
By the time we finished our trip to the lake and back, both of us were ready for some rest. In my case, I was ready for some meditation. Not sleep, just relaxation and emptying the mind. In the middle of the afternoon, I watched the Florida Gators defeat the Florida State Seminoles in college football. It was Florida's 22nd win in a row, and Tim Tebow's last game in the Swamp. Next up for Florida is the SEC championship game in Atlanta against the University of Alabama. It should be a great college football game between two very good teams. I guess you know who I'll be rooting for.
We'll be leaving this campground near Waco tomorrow afternoon and moving over to the campground we found today neat Meridian.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Waco, Texas: Wack-o
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Back In Waco
Waco, Texas
Weather: low in Bay City, Texas 45 degrees, high 65 degrees in Waco, Texas, partly cloudy skies
We left Bay City about 0900 hours this morning, on our way to Glen Rose to see our doctor this next week. We had been sitting in one place for about three months, so it seemed to take longer to get ready to move than normal. Maybe it just seemed longer because we're out of practice, but eventually, everything checked out with our departure reminder list, and we hit the road.
We took our normal route over to Waco, which was to go to Texas 71, west of Bay City, and followed it all the way to Texas 77, where we turned north toward Waco. At Waco, we took Texas 6 to the west, and went across lake Waco to the Speegleville Army Corps of Engineers park. We'll be here for a couple of days, then the plan is to move north to Lake Whitney to stay at another COE park while we take care of our medical stuff in Glen Rose.
About 180 miles into our trip, we stopped at a wayside park to eat some turkey sandwiches that Carolyn made from yesterday's leftover turkey. We sat at a table watching the traffic pass as we ate our sandwiches. The stop would have lasted longer, but I noticed Carolyn shivering, even though she had a jacket on. That wind was cold.
We were parked and set up by 1500 hours. The next task for me was to put the satellite dish up. After getting everything set up on the dish, it took all of about ten seconds to find the signal. If only it was always that easy to do.
Once I was finished outside, we watched the Alabama and Auburn college football game. The two teams seemed to be evenly matched to me, and Alabama eventually won the game with a late touchdown. Auburn can be proud of how they played.
Carolyn prepared a pot of vegetable soup and corn bread for supper, and it was ummm ummm good. Warming to the stomach and filling. It was comfort food on a cool evening when we were tired after a day on the road.
In the morning, we're taking a drive over to Lake Whitney to find a place to park next week. There are several parks over there, and we want to make sure we find the perfect space.
An interesting fact: I'm writing this post to the blog using the air card. This is one of the few places we've found where we've been able to connect using 3-G technology. This connection is lightning fast, and it would be great to have this kind of service all the time.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - La Porte, Texas: Long Paper
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low in Bay City, Texas 45 degrees, high 65 degrees in Waco, Texas, partly cloudy skies
We left Bay City about 0900 hours this morning, on our way to Glen Rose to see our doctor this next week. We had been sitting in one place for about three months, so it seemed to take longer to get ready to move than normal. Maybe it just seemed longer because we're out of practice, but eventually, everything checked out with our departure reminder list, and we hit the road.
We took our normal route over to Waco, which was to go to Texas 71, west of Bay City, and followed it all the way to Texas 77, where we turned north toward Waco. At Waco, we took Texas 6 to the west, and went across lake Waco to the Speegleville Army Corps of Engineers park. We'll be here for a couple of days, then the plan is to move north to Lake Whitney to stay at another COE park while we take care of our medical stuff in Glen Rose.
About 180 miles into our trip, we stopped at a wayside park to eat some turkey sandwiches that Carolyn made from yesterday's leftover turkey. We sat at a table watching the traffic pass as we ate our sandwiches. The stop would have lasted longer, but I noticed Carolyn shivering, even though she had a jacket on. That wind was cold.
We were parked and set up by 1500 hours. The next task for me was to put the satellite dish up. After getting everything set up on the dish, it took all of about ten seconds to find the signal. If only it was always that easy to do.
Once I was finished outside, we watched the Alabama and Auburn college football game. The two teams seemed to be evenly matched to me, and Alabama eventually won the game with a late touchdown. Auburn can be proud of how they played.
Carolyn prepared a pot of vegetable soup and corn bread for supper, and it was ummm ummm good. Warming to the stomach and filling. It was comfort food on a cool evening when we were tired after a day on the road.
In the morning, we're taking a drive over to Lake Whitney to find a place to park next week. There are several parks over there, and we want to make sure we find the perfect space.
An interesting fact: I'm writing this post to the blog using the air card. This is one of the few places we've found where we've been able to connect using 3-G technology. This connection is lightning fast, and it would be great to have this kind of service all the time.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - La Porte, Texas: Long Paper
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Full Stomachs
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 42 degrees, high 65 degrees, clear skies
As we go through our daily lives, sometimes we tend to forget how fortunate we are. Even with the economy in the tank, and the politicians doing everything they can to make us a second rate power, we need to remember that we still live in the greatest country in the world. If you don't think so, then why are so many people trying to come here?
Carolyn and I are thankful for many things on this day of thanksgiving, including our health, family, and friends. Even though we may not see family and friends as much as we would like, at least we have the opportunity. That's more than many people can say.
As I said earlier in the week, we were expecting my brother Keith and his family here from Arkansas for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, that didn't work out. Instead, it was a smaller family gathering at Terrell and Kathy's house for a very good holiday meal. Lori was there, as well as Carolyn and I. We had the usual Thanksgiving food, but what was really special was being able to share it with family.
Speaking of family, we're hopeful that Terri and Thomas will be here for Christmas. That would be the first time in several years that we will have been able to have our girls and their families together for the holiday.
When we returned home from lunch, I had some things to do to get ready to leave here in the morning. Dumping the holding tanks, checking the tires on the truck and RV (had to add some air to some of the tires), stowed everything neatly in the basement, checked the levels on the truck engine, etc. Final preparations for leaving in the morning shouldn't take much. Put away the satellite dish, water hose, and sewer hose.
As I'm writing this post, Alan Jackson is singing gospel music on television. We like gospel music, and for the rest of the year, we look forward to seeing and hearing more of it.
We hope everyone had a good holiday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Branson, Missouri: Missouri’s Entertainment Capital
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 42 degrees, high 65 degrees, clear skies
As we go through our daily lives, sometimes we tend to forget how fortunate we are. Even with the economy in the tank, and the politicians doing everything they can to make us a second rate power, we need to remember that we still live in the greatest country in the world. If you don't think so, then why are so many people trying to come here?
Carolyn and I are thankful for many things on this day of thanksgiving, including our health, family, and friends. Even though we may not see family and friends as much as we would like, at least we have the opportunity. That's more than many people can say.
As I said earlier in the week, we were expecting my brother Keith and his family here from Arkansas for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, that didn't work out. Instead, it was a smaller family gathering at Terrell and Kathy's house for a very good holiday meal. Lori was there, as well as Carolyn and I. We had the usual Thanksgiving food, but what was really special was being able to share it with family.
Speaking of family, we're hopeful that Terri and Thomas will be here for Christmas. That would be the first time in several years that we will have been able to have our girls and their families together for the holiday.
When we returned home from lunch, I had some things to do to get ready to leave here in the morning. Dumping the holding tanks, checking the tires on the truck and RV (had to add some air to some of the tires), stowed everything neatly in the basement, checked the levels on the truck engine, etc. Final preparations for leaving in the morning shouldn't take much. Put away the satellite dish, water hose, and sewer hose.
As I'm writing this post, Alan Jackson is singing gospel music on television. We like gospel music, and for the rest of the year, we look forward to seeing and hearing more of it.
We hope everyone had a good holiday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Branson, Missouri: Missouri’s Entertainment Capital
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Starting Walking Again
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 65 degrees, clear skies
I went for my first long walk this morning since about two months ago. With the long hours the job demanded, I didn't have the time, energy, or inclination to do much of anything away from work except try to rest. After being away from work for a couple of days, I started feeling better, so today was the day to see how far I could push the exercise. With a four mile walk, it's not going to take as long as I thought to get my legs back in shape.
After walking, I went to HEB to see if they had any smoked turkeys for Thanksgiving Day dinner. I was surprised to see that they did, so I picked out one that weighed about 11 pounds. All we 'll have to do is warm it up in the morning. Then I found a couple of pies that should be good for dessert.
Later in the morning, I cleaned the roof on the RV, which wasn't as dirty as I thought it would be. Then the walls were cleaned, which hadn't been done in about three months. Now the RV looks like it belongs to us.
The next task to do was to wash the truck, which also hadn't been done in about three months. The worse thing about cleaning the truck was getting the bugs off. This area is really bad for bugs, especially early in the morning before daylight. It's as though the bugs are attracted to the roads where the vehicles are. I think I had about half the bug population of south Texas on the truck. Anyway, the truck looks a lot better.
Late in the afternoon, we went over and visited Lori. Her family went to Alabama for the holiday, and Lori stayed to take care of their pets. She will be at the Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow at Terrell and Kathy's house. While we were at Lori's, she loaned us some books to read. All of the books had been autographed by the authors, which she had met at different bookstores in the Houston area. Lori picked up her love of books and reading from Carolyn and I, and we trade books back and forth. We also tell each other about new authors we like, or new books that are out.
We had leftover Chinese food for supper while watching a dvd from the library. The movie was a corny comedy with Gene Hackman and Ray Romano named Mooseport. This wasn't a movie I would have paid to see, but it was okay for a checkout from the library. As I'm typing this post, Carolyn is watching Ghost Hunters. Not really my cup of tea, but it's probably the best of that type of show.
Tomorrow's Thanksgiving Day. I hope everyone has a good holiday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Maggie Valley, North Carolina: Clogging Capital of the World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 41 degrees, high 65 degrees, clear skies
I went for my first long walk this morning since about two months ago. With the long hours the job demanded, I didn't have the time, energy, or inclination to do much of anything away from work except try to rest. After being away from work for a couple of days, I started feeling better, so today was the day to see how far I could push the exercise. With a four mile walk, it's not going to take as long as I thought to get my legs back in shape.
After walking, I went to HEB to see if they had any smoked turkeys for Thanksgiving Day dinner. I was surprised to see that they did, so I picked out one that weighed about 11 pounds. All we 'll have to do is warm it up in the morning. Then I found a couple of pies that should be good for dessert.
Later in the morning, I cleaned the roof on the RV, which wasn't as dirty as I thought it would be. Then the walls were cleaned, which hadn't been done in about three months. Now the RV looks like it belongs to us.
The next task to do was to wash the truck, which also hadn't been done in about three months. The worse thing about cleaning the truck was getting the bugs off. This area is really bad for bugs, especially early in the morning before daylight. It's as though the bugs are attracted to the roads where the vehicles are. I think I had about half the bug population of south Texas on the truck. Anyway, the truck looks a lot better.
Late in the afternoon, we went over and visited Lori. Her family went to Alabama for the holiday, and Lori stayed to take care of their pets. She will be at the Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow at Terrell and Kathy's house. While we were at Lori's, she loaned us some books to read. All of the books had been autographed by the authors, which she had met at different bookstores in the Houston area. Lori picked up her love of books and reading from Carolyn and I, and we trade books back and forth. We also tell each other about new authors we like, or new books that are out.
We had leftover Chinese food for supper while watching a dvd from the library. The movie was a corny comedy with Gene Hackman and Ray Romano named Mooseport. This wasn't a movie I would have paid to see, but it was okay for a checkout from the library. As I'm typing this post, Carolyn is watching Ghost Hunters. Not really my cup of tea, but it's probably the best of that type of show.
Tomorrow's Thanksgiving Day. I hope everyone has a good holiday.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Maggie Valley, North Carolina: Clogging Capital of the World
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Rain On Top Of Rain
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 61 degrees, high 66 degrees, heavy rain early, clearing in the afternoon
We woke up this morning to light rain that quickly developed into heavy rain that lasted most of the morning. In the middle of the afternoon, the clouds started going away and the sun came out just before dark. I had a lot of chores I wanted to get done today, but decided to not fret about it, and instead enjoyed a bonus day of rest. A few more days like this and I should be rested again.
During a short lull in the rain, I took an empty propane tank to the gas company and had it filled. We had a full tank, but since we are going 300 miles north and into the hill country on Friday, we wanted to make sure we were set for cooler weather. The propane was $2.07 per gallon, so the tank was filled for about $14.00.
On the way home with the propane, I stopped at a hardware store and bought some cleaner and conditioner for the RV roof. If possible, I'll be cleaning the roof tomorrow, along with the sides of the RV.
In the afternoon, we watched "There Will Be Blood", a movie I checked out at the library. It starred Daniel Day-Lewis, and was based on a book written by Upton Sinclair. The movie was a little dark for our tastes, but had some good acting.
Tonight, we had supper with Lori and her family. The choice on where to go was the Chinese restaurant they all raved about last week. It was good, and we had plenty left for lunch tomorrow.
The weather is supposed to be dry tomorrow, so I should be able to start getting everything ready to go on Friday. We'll also finish our preps for Thanksgiving dinner. The way we decided to do it is certainly easier than what we've done in the past.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Boston, Massachusetts: The Walking City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 61 degrees, high 66 degrees, heavy rain early, clearing in the afternoon
We woke up this morning to light rain that quickly developed into heavy rain that lasted most of the morning. In the middle of the afternoon, the clouds started going away and the sun came out just before dark. I had a lot of chores I wanted to get done today, but decided to not fret about it, and instead enjoyed a bonus day of rest. A few more days like this and I should be rested again.
During a short lull in the rain, I took an empty propane tank to the gas company and had it filled. We had a full tank, but since we are going 300 miles north and into the hill country on Friday, we wanted to make sure we were set for cooler weather. The propane was $2.07 per gallon, so the tank was filled for about $14.00.
On the way home with the propane, I stopped at a hardware store and bought some cleaner and conditioner for the RV roof. If possible, I'll be cleaning the roof tomorrow, along with the sides of the RV.
In the afternoon, we watched "There Will Be Blood", a movie I checked out at the library. It starred Daniel Day-Lewis, and was based on a book written by Upton Sinclair. The movie was a little dark for our tastes, but had some good acting.
Tonight, we had supper with Lori and her family. The choice on where to go was the Chinese restaurant they all raved about last week. It was good, and we had plenty left for lunch tomorrow.
The weather is supposed to be dry tomorrow, so I should be able to start getting everything ready to go on Friday. We'll also finish our preps for Thanksgiving dinner. The way we decided to do it is certainly easier than what we've done in the past.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Boston, Massachusetts: The Walking City
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Waking Too Early
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 74 degrees, clear skies
Today was the first day back home, with no job to get up and go to. It was great to sleep in a little (try 0430 hours) and only have to take care of a few chores.
The first thing to do was finish reviewing and polishing the final report on my assessment of the nuclear plant that I performed last week. Once I was satisfied and had that e-mailed off, we took the laundry to the laundromat. That took a little over an hour. Then I had to make our annual choices on the benefits package from the job I retired from 2000. By the time all that was finished, I was starting to wear down a little, so it was a good time for some meditation.
After the meditation, we went to HEB for a few groceries, but they were so busy we couldn't find a parking place. Then we went where I wanted to go in the first place, the WalMart Mall. We picked up almost everything we needed for the Thanksgiving meal except the desserts and a smoked turkey. The Mall was out of smoked turkeys, so we may have to regroup and do something different with that choice. I'll check with HEB tomorrow.
After getting home from the Mall and putting everything up, I made a list of what I need to do before we leave here on Friday. Remember when I wrote about using lists to help keep me focused? The last thing I did before supper was to go to the library to check out some videos to watch over the next few days. It's been about four months since we've watched a movie. It's amazing how much time a job takes out of a person's life.
My primary goals this week are to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family, get the RV ready to leave, and learn how to sleep longer in the morning.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Dallas, Texas: The Texas Star
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 50 degrees, high 74 degrees, clear skies
Today was the first day back home, with no job to get up and go to. It was great to sleep in a little (try 0430 hours) and only have to take care of a few chores.
The first thing to do was finish reviewing and polishing the final report on my assessment of the nuclear plant that I performed last week. Once I was satisfied and had that e-mailed off, we took the laundry to the laundromat. That took a little over an hour. Then I had to make our annual choices on the benefits package from the job I retired from 2000. By the time all that was finished, I was starting to wear down a little, so it was a good time for some meditation.
After the meditation, we went to HEB for a few groceries, but they were so busy we couldn't find a parking place. Then we went where I wanted to go in the first place, the WalMart Mall. We picked up almost everything we needed for the Thanksgiving meal except the desserts and a smoked turkey. The Mall was out of smoked turkeys, so we may have to regroup and do something different with that choice. I'll check with HEB tomorrow.
After getting home from the Mall and putting everything up, I made a list of what I need to do before we leave here on Friday. Remember when I wrote about using lists to help keep me focused? The last thing I did before supper was to go to the library to check out some videos to watch over the next few days. It's been about four months since we've watched a movie. It's amazing how much time a job takes out of a person's life.
My primary goals this week are to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family, get the RV ready to leave, and learn how to sleep longer in the morning.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Dallas, Texas: The Texas Star
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Back Home
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low in Luling, Louisiana 54 degrees, rainy, high in Bay City, Texas 68 degrees, clear skies
I got off to an early start this morning on my way home after a week away. So early, in fact, that I was on the road by 0430 hours. One good thing about a start that early is that the traffic was light, and I sailed down Interstate 10 to Baton Rouge and on to the west toward Texas with no delays at all. Eight hours after leaving the New Orleans area, I was back in Bay City. I was tired from the early wake up and the long hours of the last few weeks, but now I have time to get a little rest and take care of some of the work around the RV that I've been putting off.
It was good to see Carolyn again, and after we caught up with what's been happening, I did a little meditation. About mid-afternoon, we went over to Terrell and Kathy's house for a visit. It looks like my brother Keith and his family are going to be here for Thanksgiving. We discussed a menu and made lists of who is doing what, with an emphasis on trying to make the event as stress free as possible. In other words, no slaving away in the kitchen for two days. Lori and her family will also be there, so it should be a fun time.
I've got a busy day planned for tomorrow, after what I hope is a late awakening. In the meantime, I'm wore out.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Tacoma, Washington: Tackyoma
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low in Luling, Louisiana 54 degrees, rainy, high in Bay City, Texas 68 degrees, clear skies
I got off to an early start this morning on my way home after a week away. So early, in fact, that I was on the road by 0430 hours. One good thing about a start that early is that the traffic was light, and I sailed down Interstate 10 to Baton Rouge and on to the west toward Texas with no delays at all. Eight hours after leaving the New Orleans area, I was back in Bay City. I was tired from the early wake up and the long hours of the last few weeks, but now I have time to get a little rest and take care of some of the work around the RV that I've been putting off.
It was good to see Carolyn again, and after we caught up with what's been happening, I did a little meditation. About mid-afternoon, we went over to Terrell and Kathy's house for a visit. It looks like my brother Keith and his family are going to be here for Thanksgiving. We discussed a menu and made lists of who is doing what, with an emphasis on trying to make the event as stress free as possible. In other words, no slaving away in the kitchen for two days. Lori and her family will also be there, so it should be a fun time.
I've got a busy day planned for tomorrow, after what I hope is a late awakening. In the meantime, I'm wore out.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Tacoma, Washington: Tackyoma
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Job Completed
Luling, Louisiana
Weather: low 58 degrees, high 62 degrees, cloudy and rainy all day
It rained all night here, and it continued through the day. No problem for me, since I was back at work, finishing my assessment at Waterford-3 Nuclear Plant. Most of the day was spent writing up my findings. Late in the day, I met with management to give a summary of my findings and recommendations. After my presentation was completed, I was asked to come back in January to participate in a readiness review.
In the past, I would probably have started home as soon as my last day was completed. Not this time. I was still tired from the job in Texas that I left last week, and being here this week didn't allow any rest. I decided to go back to the hotel and stay the night and get an early start in the morning. When I called Carolyn and told her I wouldn't be home until tomorrow, she was disappointed but understanding.
This coming week, we will be staying in Bay City for Thanksgiving. During the week, I'll clean up the truck and RV on the outside if the weather allows. On Friday, we'll leave Bay City on our way to Glen Rose to see our doctor for our yearly physicals. It may take us a couple days to get there.
Once our business in Glen Rose is completed, we expect to go to the hill country for a couple of weeks. Finally, some rest and relaxation.
Good night, Dear. I'll be home tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Gold Beach, California: City Of Gold
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 58 degrees, high 62 degrees, cloudy and rainy all day
It rained all night here, and it continued through the day. No problem for me, since I was back at work, finishing my assessment at Waterford-3 Nuclear Plant. Most of the day was spent writing up my findings. Late in the day, I met with management to give a summary of my findings and recommendations. After my presentation was completed, I was asked to come back in January to participate in a readiness review.
In the past, I would probably have started home as soon as my last day was completed. Not this time. I was still tired from the job in Texas that I left last week, and being here this week didn't allow any rest. I decided to go back to the hotel and stay the night and get an early start in the morning. When I called Carolyn and told her I wouldn't be home until tomorrow, she was disappointed but understanding.
This coming week, we will be staying in Bay City for Thanksgiving. During the week, I'll clean up the truck and RV on the outside if the weather allows. On Friday, we'll leave Bay City on our way to Glen Rose to see our doctor for our yearly physicals. It may take us a couple days to get there.
Once our business in Glen Rose is completed, we expect to go to the hill country for a couple of weeks. Finally, some rest and relaxation.
Good night, Dear. I'll be home tomorrow.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Gold Beach, California: City Of Gold
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Almost Finished
Luling, Louisiana
Weather: low 53 degrees, high 67 degrees, cloudy skies, sprinkles late in the day
I spent most of the day doing more interviews and reading plans as I finished gathering the information needed to write my report. Tomorrow, I'll write the report as I sum up what I saw and heard this past week about the planning efforts for the outage planned for the spring of 2011. The reader might ask why evaluate the planning efforts this far out from the outage, and the answer is that these folks have never been through something like what they'll be doing in 18 months. They need all the help they can get to pull it off. Will their efforts be successful? Absolutely. The hope is that what I am doing will help them conduct a world class outage, and not a merely adequate outage.
I was offered another long term job today that would last for about two years. I appreciate the confidence that people have in my talents and abilities, but I don't want to work that hard anymore. Besides, if I took another long job, I might be there by myself. Just kidding (I think) but Carolyn says I'm too old to keep working like that. Can you imagine her saying that? Me getting old?
Even though the weather warmed up to 67 degrees, it seemed damp outside and I felt cold all day. I hope it's not a sign that I'm getting a bug. I'm seldom sick, and when I do feel under the weather, I hardly ever go to the doctor. Besides that, I don't have my personal nurse here to take care of me.
When I called Carolyn tonight, she was having supper with Lori and her family at their favorite Chinese restaurant in Bay City. I could hear all of them raving about how good the food was and what I was missing. Just for that, I had a chicken sandwich for supper. That'll show them.
Good night, Dear.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Waco, Texas: The Heart Of Texas
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 53 degrees, high 67 degrees, cloudy skies, sprinkles late in the day
I spent most of the day doing more interviews and reading plans as I finished gathering the information needed to write my report. Tomorrow, I'll write the report as I sum up what I saw and heard this past week about the planning efforts for the outage planned for the spring of 2011. The reader might ask why evaluate the planning efforts this far out from the outage, and the answer is that these folks have never been through something like what they'll be doing in 18 months. They need all the help they can get to pull it off. Will their efforts be successful? Absolutely. The hope is that what I am doing will help them conduct a world class outage, and not a merely adequate outage.
I was offered another long term job today that would last for about two years. I appreciate the confidence that people have in my talents and abilities, but I don't want to work that hard anymore. Besides, if I took another long job, I might be there by myself. Just kidding (I think) but Carolyn says I'm too old to keep working like that. Can you imagine her saying that? Me getting old?
Even though the weather warmed up to 67 degrees, it seemed damp outside and I felt cold all day. I hope it's not a sign that I'm getting a bug. I'm seldom sick, and when I do feel under the weather, I hardly ever go to the doctor. Besides that, I don't have my personal nurse here to take care of me.
When I called Carolyn tonight, she was having supper with Lori and her family at their favorite Chinese restaurant in Bay City. I could hear all of them raving about how good the food was and what I was missing. Just for that, I had a chicken sandwich for supper. That'll show them.
Good night, Dear.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Waco, Texas: The Heart Of Texas
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Several Interviews Today
Luling, Louisiana
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 68 degrees, mostly clear skies
I spent a busy day at the nuclear power plant, interviewing people and reviewing planning efforts for the outage that will be conducted here in about 18 months. The question might be asked as to why planning efforts are being reviewed for something that's not going to take place for another 18 months. The answer is that a group can never be too ready for the type of outage that this plant will be performing. The group I'm looking at has a key part in the outage, and their efforts could spell the difference between an outstanding outage, versus an ordinary outage. Believe me, outstanding is better.
The people I spoke with were very open and forthcoming about their plans, and shared their primary concerns. I was glad to see that they had many of the same concerns that I do. Now that those concerns have been identified, I have no doubt that they will be solved by the time the outage begins.
While I was talking to one of the people today, he received a telephone call from a person that I consider a friend who had worked for me several times in the past. Mark is working at an outage in Florida, and was surprised to hear I was in Louisiana. We spoke for a few minutes, and it appears he is going to be an important part of the planning process for the project that I'm looking at. When I heard that he was coming here to work, my confidence level for the site's planning efforts went up several notches.
After work, I stopped at a hamburger joint that had been highly recommended. Anita's Hamburgers offers big hamburgers with all kinds of toppings, including chili. I decided to go with the old standby, a bacon cheeseburger. It was so big, I saved part of it for lunch tomorrow. The french fries were nothing great, and certainly not on the level of McDonald's fries. The burger was pretty good.
I finally slept pretty good last night, even if I was awake by 0400 hours this morning. I can only hope I sleep that good tonight.
Good night, Dear.
More later, be safe.
Today's State - Louisiana: Bayou State
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 68 degrees, mostly clear skies
I spent a busy day at the nuclear power plant, interviewing people and reviewing planning efforts for the outage that will be conducted here in about 18 months. The question might be asked as to why planning efforts are being reviewed for something that's not going to take place for another 18 months. The answer is that a group can never be too ready for the type of outage that this plant will be performing. The group I'm looking at has a key part in the outage, and their efforts could spell the difference between an outstanding outage, versus an ordinary outage. Believe me, outstanding is better.
The people I spoke with were very open and forthcoming about their plans, and shared their primary concerns. I was glad to see that they had many of the same concerns that I do. Now that those concerns have been identified, I have no doubt that they will be solved by the time the outage begins.
While I was talking to one of the people today, he received a telephone call from a person that I consider a friend who had worked for me several times in the past. Mark is working at an outage in Florida, and was surprised to hear I was in Louisiana. We spoke for a few minutes, and it appears he is going to be an important part of the planning process for the project that I'm looking at. When I heard that he was coming here to work, my confidence level for the site's planning efforts went up several notches.
After work, I stopped at a hamburger joint that had been highly recommended. Anita's Hamburgers offers big hamburgers with all kinds of toppings, including chili. I decided to go with the old standby, a bacon cheeseburger. It was so big, I saved part of it for lunch tomorrow. The french fries were nothing great, and certainly not on the level of McDonald's fries. The burger was pretty good.
I finally slept pretty good last night, even if I was awake by 0400 hours this morning. I can only hope I sleep that good tonight.
Good night, Dear.
More later, be safe.
Today's State - Louisiana: Bayou State
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I Don't Like Hotels
Luling, Louisiana
Weather: low 42 degrees, high 58 degrees, clear skies
I continued my assessment at the Waterford Nuclear Plant today, getting into more areas for walkdowns and reviews of how their radiation protection group does business. I was able to talk with more old friends and co-workers from the past, and they gave me insight to how things operate. Tomorrow, I'll be getting together with management to get into some more in-depth conversations about practices and expectations.
After work, I met two friends from the past (Rick and Melanie) and another person I met here this week (Mike) for supper. We went to a local favorite here in Boutte named Sal's 90 West Restaurant for a taste of the local seafood. Since I didn't have any particular dish in mind, I went with the small seafood platter. It included fried oysters, fried shrimp, fried catfish, fried onion rings, french fries, and hush puppies. Did you notice the emphasis on the word fried? The meal also included a bowl of shrimp gumbo. The food wasn't bad, but I couldn't eat all of it. I've had better, but had a lot worse. Maybe I was expecting too much.
The last few nights have reminded me how much I dislike staying in a hotel. Uncomfortable beds, noisy traffic, rooms not as clean as what I'm used to. Staying here has reinforced many of the reasons why we bought an RV. Our bed in the RV is comfortable, Carolyn keeps one of the cleanest places a person could find, and even though the RV is currently parked by a railroad track, we will be moving it in less than two weeks to a much quieter place. I'll be glad to get back home.
Speaking of home: I have been asked many times where home is for us. My reply is that home is wherever we are. Most people can't fathom the idea that we don't have a fixed base that we call home. If we had to be pinned down as to where we claim as home, Livingston, Texas is where we are registered to vote, our truck and RV are registered there, our income taxes are paid from there, and all our mail goes there. So I guess Livingston is it, even though we haven't been there but two days in the last three years.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Moss Hill, Texas: A Great Place To Live
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 42 degrees, high 58 degrees, clear skies
I continued my assessment at the Waterford Nuclear Plant today, getting into more areas for walkdowns and reviews of how their radiation protection group does business. I was able to talk with more old friends and co-workers from the past, and they gave me insight to how things operate. Tomorrow, I'll be getting together with management to get into some more in-depth conversations about practices and expectations.
After work, I met two friends from the past (Rick and Melanie) and another person I met here this week (Mike) for supper. We went to a local favorite here in Boutte named Sal's 90 West Restaurant for a taste of the local seafood. Since I didn't have any particular dish in mind, I went with the small seafood platter. It included fried oysters, fried shrimp, fried catfish, fried onion rings, french fries, and hush puppies. Did you notice the emphasis on the word fried? The meal also included a bowl of shrimp gumbo. The food wasn't bad, but I couldn't eat all of it. I've had better, but had a lot worse. Maybe I was expecting too much.
The last few nights have reminded me how much I dislike staying in a hotel. Uncomfortable beds, noisy traffic, rooms not as clean as what I'm used to. Staying here has reinforced many of the reasons why we bought an RV. Our bed in the RV is comfortable, Carolyn keeps one of the cleanest places a person could find, and even though the RV is currently parked by a railroad track, we will be moving it in less than two weeks to a much quieter place. I'll be glad to get back home.
Speaking of home: I have been asked many times where home is for us. My reply is that home is wherever we are. Most people can't fathom the idea that we don't have a fixed base that we call home. If we had to be pinned down as to where we claim as home, Livingston, Texas is where we are registered to vote, our truck and RV are registered there, our income taxes are paid from there, and all our mail goes there. So I guess Livingston is it, even though we haven't been there but two days in the last three years.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Moss Hill, Texas: A Great Place To Live
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tour Of Containment
Luling, Louisiana
Weather: low 44 degrees, high 58 degrees, clear skies, breezy
I finished the last training I needed at Waterford Nuclear Plant this morning, and was making a tour of the containment building shortly after lunch. The tour took about three hours, and I saw just about everything to see. There was one other area to see, but there was some work in progress that I didn't want to get in the way of, so I saved that part of the tour for another day.
It's always interesting to me to see nuclear plants that I have never visited before. Waterford is another one that's new for me, and I'm seeing things I haven't seen at other plants. Part of my assessment is to review how the plant staff conducts their day to day business with regard to radiation protection, and how their processes can be improved to increase efficiency and service. Particularly since they are going to replace their steam generators and reactor head in the spring of 2011. It may seem as though 18 months is a long time to get ready for something like changing those components, but that time will pass before they know it. I've seen several things already that I am going to suggest. By the time I leave here in a few days, I expect to recommend many others.
I saw a person today that I worked with about nine years ago, which was the last time I had seen him. He and his family are doing well, except for one of his children developing diabetes, which they are coming to grips with. It was good to talk to him, and it just reinforces what I said yesterday about usually knowing people at just about every plant I visit.
Today was a longer work day than yesterday. I didn't leave the plant until 1800 hours, and it was dark. Traffic coming out of New Orleans was heavy, and it took about 45 minutes to go 20 miles or less. I'm going to try to time getting off work so I miss most of the going home traffic.
I talked to Carolyn tonight, and she said she went to dinner with Lori and the grandkids at what used to be our favorite Chinese restaurant when we lived in Bay City. She said new owners had the restaurant now, and the food was better than ever. Her concern was that the only diners were her and Lori's family. If their business doesn't pick up, they may be closing. Too bad.
I'm a little tired tonight, with all the climbing and looking around in containment. I'll try to have a better post tomorrow.
Good night, Dear.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sequim, Washington: The Banana Belt Of America
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 44 degrees, high 58 degrees, clear skies, breezy
I finished the last training I needed at Waterford Nuclear Plant this morning, and was making a tour of the containment building shortly after lunch. The tour took about three hours, and I saw just about everything to see. There was one other area to see, but there was some work in progress that I didn't want to get in the way of, so I saved that part of the tour for another day.
It's always interesting to me to see nuclear plants that I have never visited before. Waterford is another one that's new for me, and I'm seeing things I haven't seen at other plants. Part of my assessment is to review how the plant staff conducts their day to day business with regard to radiation protection, and how their processes can be improved to increase efficiency and service. Particularly since they are going to replace their steam generators and reactor head in the spring of 2011. It may seem as though 18 months is a long time to get ready for something like changing those components, but that time will pass before they know it. I've seen several things already that I am going to suggest. By the time I leave here in a few days, I expect to recommend many others.
I saw a person today that I worked with about nine years ago, which was the last time I had seen him. He and his family are doing well, except for one of his children developing diabetes, which they are coming to grips with. It was good to talk to him, and it just reinforces what I said yesterday about usually knowing people at just about every plant I visit.
Today was a longer work day than yesterday. I didn't leave the plant until 1800 hours, and it was dark. Traffic coming out of New Orleans was heavy, and it took about 45 minutes to go 20 miles or less. I'm going to try to time getting off work so I miss most of the going home traffic.
I talked to Carolyn tonight, and she said she went to dinner with Lori and the grandkids at what used to be our favorite Chinese restaurant when we lived in Bay City. She said new owners had the restaurant now, and the food was better than ever. Her concern was that the only diners were her and Lori's family. If their business doesn't pick up, they may be closing. Too bad.
I'm a little tired tonight, with all the climbing and looking around in containment. I'll try to have a better post tomorrow.
Good night, Dear.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sequim, Washington: The Banana Belt Of America
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, November 16, 2009
First Day At Waterford
Luling, Louisiana
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 75 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, light rain late in the day
This was my first day at the Waterford Nuclear Plant, located about 20 miles west of New Orleans on the Mississippi River. With training and the security badging process being what it is, I was unable to get into the plant to start the assessment. In most jobs, a person can usually go to work almost immediately. Not so in this industry, and it's even harder since 9/11. The major holdup today was the lack of a person to show me around because everyone was busy in their current outage. I was able to get a security badge in the afternoon, but still have one class of training to attend in the morning at 0900 hours. Before the class, I'll be shown around and start looking at how things are done here.
Most of the nuclear plants I go to have people working there that I know from the past, and Waterford is no exception. I saw a few of them today, and expect to see more tomorrow.
I was finished at the plant by 1500 hours, and used the time to do a little exploring in Kenner and Metairie. The New Orleans airport is located in Kenner, which meant the traffic was heavy. No one seemed to be impatient or in a hurry, so it wasn't too bad. By the time I headed back to Luling, it was getting dark and light rain showers were falling. This area is farther east than Bay City, which means it gets dark sooner. By 1700 hours, with the clouds and lower sun, it was dark enough for the headlights to be turned on. Somehow, I managed to get off I-310 at the wrong exit, but was still able to find my way back to the hotel. After a call to Carolyn made me homesick for her, I watched a little television and read the newspaper. Such is life away from home.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sutherlin, Oregon: Three Flags Over Sutherlin
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 75 degrees, mostly cloudy skies, light rain late in the day
This was my first day at the Waterford Nuclear Plant, located about 20 miles west of New Orleans on the Mississippi River. With training and the security badging process being what it is, I was unable to get into the plant to start the assessment. In most jobs, a person can usually go to work almost immediately. Not so in this industry, and it's even harder since 9/11. The major holdup today was the lack of a person to show me around because everyone was busy in their current outage. I was able to get a security badge in the afternoon, but still have one class of training to attend in the morning at 0900 hours. Before the class, I'll be shown around and start looking at how things are done here.
Most of the nuclear plants I go to have people working there that I know from the past, and Waterford is no exception. I saw a few of them today, and expect to see more tomorrow.
I was finished at the plant by 1500 hours, and used the time to do a little exploring in Kenner and Metairie. The New Orleans airport is located in Kenner, which meant the traffic was heavy. No one seemed to be impatient or in a hurry, so it wasn't too bad. By the time I headed back to Luling, it was getting dark and light rain showers were falling. This area is farther east than Bay City, which means it gets dark sooner. By 1700 hours, with the clouds and lower sun, it was dark enough for the headlights to be turned on. Somehow, I managed to get off I-310 at the wrong exit, but was still able to find my way back to the hotel. After a call to Carolyn made me homesick for her, I watched a little television and read the newspaper. Such is life away from home.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sutherlin, Oregon: Three Flags Over Sutherlin
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Trip To New Orleans
Luling, Louisiana
Weather: low 68 degrees, in Bay City, Texas, high 81 degrees in Luling, Louisiana, mostly clear skies in Luling
I left Bay City about 0815 hours this morning, on my way to the New Orleans area to take care of a short consulting job at another nuclear power plant. When I left, Bay City was getting light showers, and Carolyn said it rained pretty good for awhile. The weather was good along my travel path, and traffic was fairly light. Not a bad trip at all.
The major item of interest on my trip today was the harvesting of sugar cane in Louisiana. I don't know how many acres of cane are planted here, but it's got to be a significant amount. It looked like the pictures I've seen of Hawaii, where vast fields of cane stretch out into the distance. I couldn't stop along the highway to take pictures, so this picture, along with the one below, were found on Wikipedia.
The cut cane is transported to the mill using open top trailers. Nothing is wasted, with the scraps being used as fuel at the mill. In addition to making sugar, the cane is also used to make ethanol, which to my way of thinking is a waste of a good sweetener.
When I arrived near the plant, I took LA 18 the last few miles, which winds along the west side of the Mississippi River. The river can't be seen because of the flood control levee, but the tops of the ocean going ships that go up and down the river can be seen. The road is so full of curves that the speed limit was 35 to 4o mph the entire distance that I was on it. I found the power plant without any problems, so I'll be able to drive right to work in the morning.
In the event I do any more work here, I was looking for places to park the RV. I was surprised to find four RV parks within about five miles of the plant. It's nice to have some choices. In the meantime, since I'm going to be here a week or so, I left the RV in Bay City. Carolyn stayed behind because I didn't want her to have to sit in a hotel room all day waiting on me to get off work. We don't like being apart, but doing things this way allows her to visit with family and friends, as well as have her things at hand. In addition, since I can devote all my time to the job, I may be able to finish early.
I settled for the week in Luling, about ten miles from the plant. Nothing fancy, but it'll do.
Good night, Dear.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Westlake, Louisiana: Sixtyfour Years Of Progress And Growth
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 68 degrees, in Bay City, Texas, high 81 degrees in Luling, Louisiana, mostly clear skies in Luling
I left Bay City about 0815 hours this morning, on my way to the New Orleans area to take care of a short consulting job at another nuclear power plant. When I left, Bay City was getting light showers, and Carolyn said it rained pretty good for awhile. The weather was good along my travel path, and traffic was fairly light. Not a bad trip at all.
The major item of interest on my trip today was the harvesting of sugar cane in Louisiana. I don't know how many acres of cane are planted here, but it's got to be a significant amount. It looked like the pictures I've seen of Hawaii, where vast fields of cane stretch out into the distance. I couldn't stop along the highway to take pictures, so this picture, along with the one below, were found on Wikipedia. 
The cut cane is transported to the mill using open top trailers. Nothing is wasted, with the scraps being used as fuel at the mill. In addition to making sugar, the cane is also used to make ethanol, which to my way of thinking is a waste of a good sweetener.When I arrived near the plant, I took LA 18 the last few miles, which winds along the west side of the Mississippi River. The river can't be seen because of the flood control levee, but the tops of the ocean going ships that go up and down the river can be seen. The road is so full of curves that the speed limit was 35 to 4o mph the entire distance that I was on it. I found the power plant without any problems, so I'll be able to drive right to work in the morning.
In the event I do any more work here, I was looking for places to park the RV. I was surprised to find four RV parks within about five miles of the plant. It's nice to have some choices. In the meantime, since I'm going to be here a week or so, I left the RV in Bay City. Carolyn stayed behind because I didn't want her to have to sit in a hotel room all day waiting on me to get off work. We don't like being apart, but doing things this way allows her to visit with family and friends, as well as have her things at hand. In addition, since I can devote all my time to the job, I may be able to finish early.
I settled for the week in Luling, about ten miles from the plant. Nothing fancy, but it'll do.
Good night, Dear.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Westlake, Louisiana: Sixtyfour Years Of Progress And Growth
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Easy Day
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 80 degrees, partly cloudy skies
After a breakfast of pigs in a blanket, we lazed around the RV until 1230 hours, when we met Lori and her family for lunch at Victoria's Mexican Restaurant. John was there, even though he has to be at work tonight. This was the first time we had seen him since the outage started, since I was working days and he was working nights. I might have passed him one time on the road as I was going home and he was going to work. Anyway, it was good to see all of them again, and the conversations covered a wide range of topics. We enjoyed the get together.
I had the usual chores to take care of around the RV, and took care of a couple of other things so Carolyn won't have to do them while I'm gone to New Orleans for a week to take care of a consulting job. This afternoon, I watched college football and saw Florida extend their unbeaten streak to 20 games in a row. South Carolina played them tough in a game that could have gone either way until Florida intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter that led to a touchdown and sealed the win for the Gators.
It was a restful day, and I'm looking to more of them when I finish the short job in New Orleans.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Carthage, Texas: Gas Capital of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 80 degrees, partly cloudy skies
After a breakfast of pigs in a blanket, we lazed around the RV until 1230 hours, when we met Lori and her family for lunch at Victoria's Mexican Restaurant. John was there, even though he has to be at work tonight. This was the first time we had seen him since the outage started, since I was working days and he was working nights. I might have passed him one time on the road as I was going home and he was going to work. Anyway, it was good to see all of them again, and the conversations covered a wide range of topics. We enjoyed the get together.
I had the usual chores to take care of around the RV, and took care of a couple of other things so Carolyn won't have to do them while I'm gone to New Orleans for a week to take care of a consulting job. This afternoon, I watched college football and saw Florida extend their unbeaten streak to 20 games in a row. South Carolina played them tough in a game that could have gone either way until Florida intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter that led to a touchdown and sealed the win for the Gators.
It was a restful day, and I'm looking to more of them when I finish the short job in New Orleans.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Carthage, Texas: Gas Capital of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Last Day Of Work
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 80 degrees, clear skies
The project I am working on finished the major work last night. The only tasks left are to clean up and put away equipment being used in the next outage, about 136 days away. It’s been a tough job in many ways, but we worked through the issues and the unit should be starting up in a couple of days.
This was my last day at work, so I spent some time saying my good byes to friends and co-workers. I have been asked to return for the outage in the spring, and accepted the job. My report date at this time is still undecided, but will probably be about March 1. That gives us some time to do the things we want to do, like get our medical stuff finished for the year, and spend some time in the Texas hill country. We’re also planning on Christmas in Bay City, so we’ll be busy doing our thing. I’ll have the time and energy to start walking again, and might even get to where I can sleep until 0500 hours. I could stand that.
After getting home from work, I still had time to get a hair cut, which was needed. It had been about eight weeks since the last one. Then I returned home for some meditation, which I haven't been able to do for the last three months. Tonight, we went out to eat at Bay Town Seafood in Van Vleck. It's been a couple of years since we ate there, and I had forgotten how much food they give you. I ordered the four pieces of catfish, along with cole slaw, french fires, and hush puppies. Carolyn had the fried shrimp, which consisted of nine large shrimp, french fries, a salad, and hush puppies. I was able to eat less than two pieces of fish, while Carolyn managed three of the shrimp. I know what we'll have for lunch or supper tomorrow.
I'm going to stay up as late as I can tonight in hopes of being able to sleep later tomorrow. I'll probably be wiped out by 2100 hours.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Arley, Alabama: Surrounded By Beautiful Lake Smith
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 54 degrees, high 80 degrees, clear skies
The project I am working on finished the major work last night. The only tasks left are to clean up and put away equipment being used in the next outage, about 136 days away. It’s been a tough job in many ways, but we worked through the issues and the unit should be starting up in a couple of days.
This was my last day at work, so I spent some time saying my good byes to friends and co-workers. I have been asked to return for the outage in the spring, and accepted the job. My report date at this time is still undecided, but will probably be about March 1. That gives us some time to do the things we want to do, like get our medical stuff finished for the year, and spend some time in the Texas hill country. We’re also planning on Christmas in Bay City, so we’ll be busy doing our thing. I’ll have the time and energy to start walking again, and might even get to where I can sleep until 0500 hours. I could stand that.
After getting home from work, I still had time to get a hair cut, which was needed. It had been about eight weeks since the last one. Then I returned home for some meditation, which I haven't been able to do for the last three months. Tonight, we went out to eat at Bay Town Seafood in Van Vleck. It's been a couple of years since we ate there, and I had forgotten how much food they give you. I ordered the four pieces of catfish, along with cole slaw, french fires, and hush puppies. Carolyn had the fried shrimp, which consisted of nine large shrimp, french fries, a salad, and hush puppies. I was able to eat less than two pieces of fish, while Carolyn managed three of the shrimp. I know what we'll have for lunch or supper tomorrow.
I'm going to stay up as late as I can tonight in hopes of being able to sleep later tomorrow. I'll probably be wiped out by 2100 hours.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Arley, Alabama: Surrounded By Beautiful Lake Smith
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
One Day To Go
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 53 degrees, high 78 degrees, clear skies
One more wake up, and I'm outta here! Actually, one more day of work, and then I'll be finished with my commitment for this outage. It's customary at these jobs to take 2 to 4 hours at the end of the last day to check out. So, by the middle of the afternoon, I'll be on my way home. Who knows, maybe I'll get home in time for some meditation. If Carolyn is up to it, we may go out to eat to celebrate.
The last of the project's work should finish tonight. Tomorrow will be a day of finishing paperwork, writing lessons learned (and there were plenty), and telling friends and co-workers goodbye. Since I have agreed to return for the next outage in the spring, I should be seeing most of these folks again.
This time of the year is our favorite season. With the heat and humidity that this area has most of the year, this season is even more enjoyable. I have been able to be outside some during this job, and have enjoyed the milder temperatures. In another few weeks, the weather usually becomes colder with rain and clouds most of the winter. That kind of weather is miserable, and is why we're planning to spend some time in the hill country. The temperatures may be cooler, but there should be less rain and clouds.
Carolyn was feeling the effects of the vertigo that she suffers with again today. We were invited to supper with Bill, a friend and co-worker, but had to decline because she was feeling so bad. That meant I had to cook supper, so a quick stop was made at the local DQ for hamburgers. How's that for quick cooking? No dishes, pots, or pans. Easy clean-up, etc. Only one problem - the cashier forgot to give me the senior discount.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Dothan, Alabama: Peanut Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 53 degrees, high 78 degrees, clear skies
One more wake up, and I'm outta here! Actually, one more day of work, and then I'll be finished with my commitment for this outage. It's customary at these jobs to take 2 to 4 hours at the end of the last day to check out. So, by the middle of the afternoon, I'll be on my way home. Who knows, maybe I'll get home in time for some meditation. If Carolyn is up to it, we may go out to eat to celebrate.
The last of the project's work should finish tonight. Tomorrow will be a day of finishing paperwork, writing lessons learned (and there were plenty), and telling friends and co-workers goodbye. Since I have agreed to return for the next outage in the spring, I should be seeing most of these folks again.
This time of the year is our favorite season. With the heat and humidity that this area has most of the year, this season is even more enjoyable. I have been able to be outside some during this job, and have enjoyed the milder temperatures. In another few weeks, the weather usually becomes colder with rain and clouds most of the winter. That kind of weather is miserable, and is why we're planning to spend some time in the hill country. The temperatures may be cooler, but there should be less rain and clouds.
Carolyn was feeling the effects of the vertigo that she suffers with again today. We were invited to supper with Bill, a friend and co-worker, but had to decline because she was feeling so bad. That meant I had to cook supper, so a quick stop was made at the local DQ for hamburgers. How's that for quick cooking? No dishes, pots, or pans. Easy clean-up, etc. Only one problem - the cashier forgot to give me the senior discount.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Dothan, Alabama: Peanut Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Plans Coming Together
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 57 degrees, high 78 degrees, clear skies
Only two more early morning wake ups for this job. Getting up at 0400 hours is probably the hardest thing about what I’m doing now. The long hours are tiring, but it took awhile to get used to waking that early after not working for two years. Once I get to work, I’m fine. The constant interaction with people and demands of the job keep me alert until I get home. After eating supper, I slowly start to decompress so that when it’s bedtime, I don’t have any problems going to sleep.
Carolyn and I are still discussing whether to take the RV to New Orleans or if Carolyn will stay here while I’m over there taking care of a job commitment. I should be able to finish the job in 7-10 days, and we plan to be in Bay City for Thanksgiving. If she goes with me, she won’t know anyone there, and I’m sure the long hours alone will start to wear on her. This would be an easy decision if we were going somewhere else after New Orleans . If that was our plan, we would take the RV with us. Oh, well, we’ll work it out.
Today, we made the appointments for our physicals for the week of November 30. With lab work, doctor visits, a stress test for me (no problems, just the periodic test every couple of years), and other things that may come up, we thought we would have a busy week. Since our doctor and his nurse understand our RVing lifestyle, they made all the appointments for the same day. Lab work early in the morning, stress test at 1100 hours, more tests for Carolyn at 1300 hours, and see the doctor at 1500 hours. It will be a busy day! Have I said how much we appreciate having a doctor who understands our lifestyle? In addition to the medical stuff, Carolyn has a checkup scheduled with our dentist for the week of Thanksgiving. I love it when a plan comes together.
Before now, we haven’t planned beyond getting the medical stuff finished, so now we can start thinking about where we want to go until Christmas.
Weather: low 57 degrees, high 78 degrees, clear skies
Only two more early morning wake ups for this job. Getting up at 0400 hours is probably the hardest thing about what I’m doing now. The long hours are tiring, but it took awhile to get used to waking that early after not working for two years. Once I get to work, I’m fine. The constant interaction with people and demands of the job keep me alert until I get home. After eating supper, I slowly start to decompress so that when it’s bedtime, I don’t have any problems going to sleep.
Carolyn and I are still discussing whether to take the RV to New Orleans or if Carolyn will stay here while I’m over there taking care of a job commitment. I should be able to finish the job in 7-10 days, and we plan to be in Bay City for Thanksgiving. If she goes with me, she won’t know anyone there, and I’m sure the long hours alone will start to wear on her. This would be an easy decision if we were going somewhere else after New Orleans . If that was our plan, we would take the RV with us. Oh, well, we’ll work it out.
Today, we made the appointments for our physicals for the week of November 30. With lab work, doctor visits, a stress test for me (no problems, just the periodic test every couple of years), and other things that may come up, we thought we would have a busy week. Since our doctor and his nurse understand our RVing lifestyle, they made all the appointments for the same day. Lab work early in the morning, stress test at 1100 hours, more tests for Carolyn at 1300 hours, and see the doctor at 1500 hours. It will be a busy day! Have I said how much we appreciate having a doctor who understands our lifestyle? In addition to the medical stuff, Carolyn has a checkup scheduled with our dentist for the week of Thanksgiving. I love it when a plan comes together.
Before now, we haven’t planned beyond getting the medical stuff finished, so now we can start thinking about where we want to go until Christmas.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Fishing
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 67 degrees, high 78 degrees, mostly clear skies
The work in the containment building should be finished in about two days. That means containment will be closed and the start up process for the reactor will begin, ending the outage. Everyone is glad to see the end of the outage coming, but today I heard someone say it was only 138 days before the outage in the other unit begins. At least I'll have some time off once I finish the little job in New Orleans. Maybe I can catch up on my meditation.
Yesterday, one of my co-workers was talking about some fishing he did the night before off the pier in Palacios. He caught about 40 sea trout, but only four of them were large enough to keep. The fish hit everything he threw at them, including natural and artificial bait.
When we lived in Florida, I did a lot of fishing. Fresh water, salt water, it didn't matter. If I had the time, I was fishing. One time I went salt water fishing with my dad and uncle on a party boat. I became so seasick that I didn't wet a line the whole trip. I don't think I have ever been as sick to my stomach as I was that day. As soon as I was back on the dock, the sickness went away.
At one time, we lived on a lake located in the Ocala National Forest for about four years. That was fisherman's heaven. If I wasn't fishing on our lake, I was fishing on another lake in the area. Bass, catfish, crappie (we called them speckled perch), bream and more were caught by us. If we caught it, we ate it.
Like most things, over time other interests took my attention, such as raising a family and golf. I've fished a few times since then, but the interest is not nearly as great as it was then. Could it be that I'll develop that interest again?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Alabaster, Alabama: The City for Families
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 67 degrees, high 78 degrees, mostly clear skies
The work in the containment building should be finished in about two days. That means containment will be closed and the start up process for the reactor will begin, ending the outage. Everyone is glad to see the end of the outage coming, but today I heard someone say it was only 138 days before the outage in the other unit begins. At least I'll have some time off once I finish the little job in New Orleans. Maybe I can catch up on my meditation.
Yesterday, one of my co-workers was talking about some fishing he did the night before off the pier in Palacios. He caught about 40 sea trout, but only four of them were large enough to keep. The fish hit everything he threw at them, including natural and artificial bait.
When we lived in Florida, I did a lot of fishing. Fresh water, salt water, it didn't matter. If I had the time, I was fishing. One time I went salt water fishing with my dad and uncle on a party boat. I became so seasick that I didn't wet a line the whole trip. I don't think I have ever been as sick to my stomach as I was that day. As soon as I was back on the dock, the sickness went away.
At one time, we lived on a lake located in the Ocala National Forest for about four years. That was fisherman's heaven. If I wasn't fishing on our lake, I was fishing on another lake in the area. Bass, catfish, crappie (we called them speckled perch), bream and more were caught by us. If we caught it, we ate it.
Like most things, over time other interests took my attention, such as raising a family and golf. I've fished a few times since then, but the interest is not nearly as great as it was then. Could it be that I'll develop that interest again?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Alabaster, Alabama: The City for Families
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Plans A Little More Solid
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 68 degrees, high 74 degrees, cloudy skies
Rain fell most of the night as the outlying weather from the hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico moved north toward Mississippi and Alabama. We were glad to see it not come this way with an outage in progress.
Our plans are becoming a little more solid than Jello, now that we’re nearing the end of the outage. The major decision we have to make now is whether to take the RV to New Orleans or leave it here in Bay City . If we leave the RV here, that means we would have to stay in a hotel while in New Orleans , and I don’t like that idea. If Carolyn goes with me, she wouldn’t have her “things” with her. That wouldn’t be good for her or me. If she stays here, that means I still have to stay in a hotel, and I think I have made my feelings about hotels clear. Dirty, noisy, etc. There are positives to leaving the RV here, such as the convenience of not having to pull it over to New Orleans and back, difficulty in finding a place to park, the short time that the trip to New Orleans will require, and so forth. We’ll see what the final decision will be.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Greenville, Alabama: City Of Smiles
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 68 degrees, high 74 degrees, cloudy skies
Rain fell most of the night as the outlying weather from the hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico moved north toward Mississippi and Alabama. We were glad to see it not come this way with an outage in progress.
Our plans are becoming a little more solid than Jello, now that we’re nearing the end of the outage. The major decision we have to make now is whether to take the RV to New Orleans or leave it here in Bay City . If we leave the RV here, that means we would have to stay in a hotel while in New Orleans , and I don’t like that idea. If Carolyn goes with me, she wouldn’t have her “things” with her. That wouldn’t be good for her or me. If she stays here, that means I still have to stay in a hotel, and I think I have made my feelings about hotels clear. Dirty, noisy, etc. There are positives to leaving the RV here, such as the convenience of not having to pull it over to New Orleans and back, difficulty in finding a place to park, the short time that the trip to New Orleans will require, and so forth. We’ll see what the final decision will be.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Greenville, Alabama: City Of Smiles
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Messy Rain
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 68 degrees, high 72 degrees, cloudy skies, rainy
The rain created a messy day at work, especially for the people who have to work outside. Fortunately, most of us work inside, but if we’re going to the containment building, we have to walk about 300 yards on the outside, which is not a lot of fun if it’s raining.
Work continues to move along, and we continue to solve little issues as they come up. No show stoppers since earlier in the week, so what we’re seeing now is more like normal. At the current rate that work is being done, the containment building should be closed late Thursday or early Friday. It doesn’t really matter to me if it extends past Friday, since that is my last day. I have been asked to come back to help prepare for and execute the next outage, which starts in late March. The date for returning has not been set at this time, If I do that, I will need to make sure that Carolyn and I have the time to do some of the things we want to do.
Some folks might ask why we’re going to Glen Rose for our physicals. When we lived in Bay City , we had a doctor that we trusted and felt comfortable with. About three years ago, he had to retire for medical reasons. At that time, we were living and working in the Glen Rose area. From time to time, we had a need to see a doctor up there, and developed a relationship with the doctor that we now consider our primary care physician. He understands our lifestyle, which some doctors seem to have a problem with. If we’re in another state and need to call him for a prescription renewal, he takes care of it for us. He works with us in scheduling our physicals and tests so as little time as possible is used for the scheduling. In other words, he doesn’t spread the visits out over a period of a month or more, but tries to do everything in a week or so. Finding a doctor like this is one of the hardest things that full-time RVers are faced with.
We received the sad news that Nancy, one of my cousins in Florida, passed away unexpectedly. I hadn't seen her but one time in the last 20 years, and my last telephone conversation with her was when I called her to let know my mother had passed away in 2007. That conversation ended badly because of some statements Nancy made. At times like this, I wonder what I could have done better at that time.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Miami, Florida: The Magic City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 68 degrees, high 72 degrees, cloudy skies, rainy
The rain created a messy day at work, especially for the people who have to work outside. Fortunately, most of us work inside, but if we’re going to the containment building, we have to walk about 300 yards on the outside, which is not a lot of fun if it’s raining.
Work continues to move along, and we continue to solve little issues as they come up. No show stoppers since earlier in the week, so what we’re seeing now is more like normal. At the current rate that work is being done, the containment building should be closed late Thursday or early Friday. It doesn’t really matter to me if it extends past Friday, since that is my last day. I have been asked to come back to help prepare for and execute the next outage, which starts in late March. The date for returning has not been set at this time, If I do that, I will need to make sure that Carolyn and I have the time to do some of the things we want to do.
Some folks might ask why we’re going to Glen Rose for our physicals. When we lived in Bay City , we had a doctor that we trusted and felt comfortable with. About three years ago, he had to retire for medical reasons. At that time, we were living and working in the Glen Rose area. From time to time, we had a need to see a doctor up there, and developed a relationship with the doctor that we now consider our primary care physician. He understands our lifestyle, which some doctors seem to have a problem with. If we’re in another state and need to call him for a prescription renewal, he takes care of it for us. He works with us in scheduling our physicals and tests so as little time as possible is used for the scheduling. In other words, he doesn’t spread the visits out over a period of a month or more, but tries to do everything in a week or so. Finding a doctor like this is one of the hardest things that full-time RVers are faced with.
We received the sad news that Nancy, one of my cousins in Florida, passed away unexpectedly. I hadn't seen her but one time in the last 20 years, and my last telephone conversation with her was when I called her to let know my mother had passed away in 2007. That conversation ended badly because of some statements Nancy made. At times like this, I wonder what I could have done better at that time.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Miami, Florida: The Magic City
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Preps For Leaving
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 82 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Warmer weather is back in the area, and we're expecting some rain the next couple of days. I hope there's some cooler weather before long.
I was off work today, and spent some time getting things ready for our departure in about eight days. When I arrived here, I took everything out of the truck toolbox, as well as the fifth wheel hitch, and stored it in the RV basement. That should give some idea how big the basement is, and it still had plenty of room after all those items were in there.
The truck tool box was repacked and the fifth wheel hitch was installed on the truck. The step ladder was strapped in place on the bed of the truck between the legs of the hitch. There are still a couple of items to put in place in the basement, but most of the work is finished. When we leave, about all that will be left to do will be the normal things we do when we're on the road.
After all that work, it was time to go to the WalMart Mall to get our shopping fix. The grocery shopping didn't take, since we have enough food to last us for our remaining time here, and we would rather use that than carry it down the road Carolyn found a couple of throw pillows for the couch to replace two others that she's going to use for something else.
We met Lori and the grandkids for lunch at Pizza Hut. An hour and a half later, we had finished lunch. Eating with them reminds me of when our girls were younger and still at home. Meals were a time for everyone to talk about what was going on and discuss the events of the day, whether it was politics, the economy, religion, or whatever came up. We find that meals with them are still the same, and the grandkids seem to like the back and forth that goes on.
After lunch, we made our weekly stop at the library, then finished up by taking a short ride in the countryside so Carolyn could see what has or hasn't changed. When we got home, I watched a little television until I couldn't avoid doing some mediation. Ohhh, how restful. Now I think I can watch Florida against Vanderbilt tonight. Of course, I would be watching even if I didn't meditate today.
A little elaboration is in order for part of last night's post. I mentioned how much I enjoy working with a longtime co-worker. What I didn't mention, but may have come through is how much I like Bill, the radiological engineer in the country.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Houston, Texas: Capital Of The Sunbelt
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 56 degrees, high 82 degrees, partly cloudy skies
Warmer weather is back in the area, and we're expecting some rain the next couple of days. I hope there's some cooler weather before long.
I was off work today, and spent some time getting things ready for our departure in about eight days. When I arrived here, I took everything out of the truck toolbox, as well as the fifth wheel hitch, and stored it in the RV basement. That should give some idea how big the basement is, and it still had plenty of room after all those items were in there.
The truck tool box was repacked and the fifth wheel hitch was installed on the truck. The step ladder was strapped in place on the bed of the truck between the legs of the hitch. There are still a couple of items to put in place in the basement, but most of the work is finished. When we leave, about all that will be left to do will be the normal things we do when we're on the road.
After all that work, it was time to go to the WalMart Mall to get our shopping fix. The grocery shopping didn't take, since we have enough food to last us for our remaining time here, and we would rather use that than carry it down the road Carolyn found a couple of throw pillows for the couch to replace two others that she's going to use for something else.
We met Lori and the grandkids for lunch at Pizza Hut. An hour and a half later, we had finished lunch. Eating with them reminds me of when our girls were younger and still at home. Meals were a time for everyone to talk about what was going on and discuss the events of the day, whether it was politics, the economy, religion, or whatever came up. We find that meals with them are still the same, and the grandkids seem to like the back and forth that goes on.
After lunch, we made our weekly stop at the library, then finished up by taking a short ride in the countryside so Carolyn could see what has or hasn't changed. When we got home, I watched a little television until I couldn't avoid doing some mediation. Ohhh, how restful. Now I think I can watch Florida against Vanderbilt tonight. Of course, I would be watching even if I didn't meditate today.
A little elaboration is in order for part of last night's post. I mentioned how much I enjoy working with a longtime co-worker. What I didn't mention, but may have come through is how much I like Bill, the radiological engineer in the country.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Houston, Texas: Capital Of The Sunbelt
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, November 6, 2009
New Reactor Head In Place
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 51 degrees, high 78 degrees, mostly clear skies
The new reactor head was placed on the reactor vessel today, and by the time I return to work on Sunday, the outage should be well on the way to finishing up. There's a lot of cable connections and testing to be done, and the rest of the outage still has work to do, but the outage is drawing to a finish. As I said in an earlier post, my last day here is next Friday. After I take care of previous commitments, I may come back and help out with the second outage. My part in that outage would probably start a little sooner than this last one did, but we haven't decided when at this time.
Since Carolyn and I renewed a long lasting custom of going out to eat on Friday nights, we have tried two different places in bay City. Tonight, we went to another new place, a Chinese buffet. The quality of the food was about what you would expect, and there was plenty of it. It wasn't the best Chinese food we've had, but it wasn't the worse, either. I can remember when I would have really tore up a buffet, but now I'm the one that gets hurt. We seldom eat at buffets any more, primarily because we don't feel we can eat enough to make it worthwhile.
I have known the person I am working with for about 20 years. I consider Bill to be the best radiological engineer I have ever met or worked with. He and I have worked together on numerous projects, and when I was building teams to carry out those projects, Bill was always been the first person I called to be a part of the project. Even though I considered myself to be "retired" when he asked me to be part of this project here, it wasn't hard to make the decision to work with him again. Isn't it great to be able to have the opportunity to work with people like this?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Pueblo, Colorado: Steel City Of The West
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 51 degrees, high 78 degrees, mostly clear skies
The new reactor head was placed on the reactor vessel today, and by the time I return to work on Sunday, the outage should be well on the way to finishing up. There's a lot of cable connections and testing to be done, and the rest of the outage still has work to do, but the outage is drawing to a finish. As I said in an earlier post, my last day here is next Friday. After I take care of previous commitments, I may come back and help out with the second outage. My part in that outage would probably start a little sooner than this last one did, but we haven't decided when at this time.
Since Carolyn and I renewed a long lasting custom of going out to eat on Friday nights, we have tried two different places in bay City. Tonight, we went to another new place, a Chinese buffet. The quality of the food was about what you would expect, and there was plenty of it. It wasn't the best Chinese food we've had, but it wasn't the worse, either. I can remember when I would have really tore up a buffet, but now I'm the one that gets hurt. We seldom eat at buffets any more, primarily because we don't feel we can eat enough to make it worthwhile.
I have known the person I am working with for about 20 years. I consider Bill to be the best radiological engineer I have ever met or worked with. He and I have worked together on numerous projects, and when I was building teams to carry out those projects, Bill was always been the first person I called to be a part of the project. Even though I considered myself to be "retired" when he asked me to be part of this project here, it wasn't hard to make the decision to work with him again. Isn't it great to be able to have the opportunity to work with people like this?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Pueblo, Colorado: Steel City Of The West
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Lists
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 78 degrees, clear skies, light breezes
Now that we know when we will be going to New Orleans, I have been making a list of chores to do before we leave here. Clean up the truck, wash the outside of the RV, check the tires, straighten the basement.... Wait a minute! I'm still having trouble keeping the basement neat. How in the world will I ever get that big basement arranged to my satisfaction? So much room, and so little to put in it. Aha! I've got it. Buy enough junk to fill the basement up. Then the problem's gone. Another problem arises, however, when I think about it. I went to a lot of trouble to reduce our junk and the weight we carry around, and then I want to load it back in? I don't think so. Maybe what I should do is quit obsessing about how straight the basement is. As long as I can find what I want, I should be okay.
Speaking of lists, I wonder how many people depend on lists to make sure they don't forget what they need to do? I started making lists while I was still working full time because I was so busy and it was important to get everything done on time. The lists worked so well at work that I started doing the same thing at home. Again, the lists did a good job for me, and I suggested to Carolyn that she might want to try making a list to keep up with what she needed to do. Well, that suggestion went over like a lead balloon at the time. However, she has become more open to using a list when she has a lot to do, and sometimes depends on me to help her with them. One thing I have learned is to not push the lists on her, but to let her take the lead. Experience is a great teacher.
Slowly, but surely, work keeps progressing. Another issue came up today, but it appears a solution has been developed. We'll know whether the solution worked or not when we go to work tomorrow. By the end of the weekend, we should be to the point that all we'll lack is finishing up. Of course, that's all we lacked when this outage started about 35 days ago.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Pine Bluffs, Wyoming: Frontier Crossroads
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 78 degrees, clear skies, light breezes
Now that we know when we will be going to New Orleans, I have been making a list of chores to do before we leave here. Clean up the truck, wash the outside of the RV, check the tires, straighten the basement.... Wait a minute! I'm still having trouble keeping the basement neat. How in the world will I ever get that big basement arranged to my satisfaction? So much room, and so little to put in it. Aha! I've got it. Buy enough junk to fill the basement up. Then the problem's gone. Another problem arises, however, when I think about it. I went to a lot of trouble to reduce our junk and the weight we carry around, and then I want to load it back in? I don't think so. Maybe what I should do is quit obsessing about how straight the basement is. As long as I can find what I want, I should be okay.
Speaking of lists, I wonder how many people depend on lists to make sure they don't forget what they need to do? I started making lists while I was still working full time because I was so busy and it was important to get everything done on time. The lists worked so well at work that I started doing the same thing at home. Again, the lists did a good job for me, and I suggested to Carolyn that she might want to try making a list to keep up with what she needed to do. Well, that suggestion went over like a lead balloon at the time. However, she has become more open to using a list when she has a lot to do, and sometimes depends on me to help her with them. One thing I have learned is to not push the lists on her, but to let her take the lead. Experience is a great teacher.
Slowly, but surely, work keeps progressing. Another issue came up today, but it appears a solution has been developed. We'll know whether the solution worked or not when we go to work tomorrow. By the end of the weekend, we should be to the point that all we'll lack is finishing up. Of course, that's all we lacked when this outage started about 35 days ago.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Pine Bluffs, Wyoming: Frontier Crossroads
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Plans In Jello
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 78 degrees, clear skies
The project at work continues to move right along, and we are starting to see the daylight at the end of a tunnel that seemed without light for a long time. Our plans have firmed up more to the point that they are more in the Jello stage than in the smoke stage. At this time, it looks like my last day on the project here will be Friday, November 13. Wait a minute. It seems I remember a popular series of horror movies with Friday the 13th in the title. Should I leave or stay on the 13th? Well, since I'm not superstitious (at least I don't think I am) I'll go ahead and leave. That will give us three days to get everything ready to leave here and get over to New Orleans to fulfill that commitment. Once that little job is finished, we'll come back to Bay City for Thanksgiving with Lori and her family, as well as Terrell and Kathy if they are here. After Thanksgiving, we'll go to Glen Rose for our annual physicals. We're not sure how long the doctor will keep us tied down, but if we have time before Christmas, we'll spend some time in the Texas Hill Country.
It may be my imagination, but I think the economy is picking up. What do I base that opinion on? There are more trains passing by the RV, and they're longer. That barometer seems to be as good as anything the government economists use to make their declarations. By the way, there's a train passing by as I write this sentence. It's so close, the RV is vibrating. When we come back for Thanksgiving, we're probably going to find a place a little quieter. It may not be as convenient, but there's something to be said for quiet.
I was talking to one of the people I used to work with, and he asked me where we were living. I replied that home was wherever we were, and that we take our home with us. That answer seemed to puzzle him, and I explained that we were full time RVers, with all that entails. He seemed intrigued when I said that if we didn't like a place, we moved. If we don't like a neighbor or the noise or whatever, we can move. If we get bored, we find another place to go to. If we visit family, we take our home and all our comforts with us. In other words, in most ways, we are footloose and fancy free.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Greenville, South Carolina: G-Ville
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 52 degrees, high 78 degrees, clear skies
The project at work continues to move right along, and we are starting to see the daylight at the end of a tunnel that seemed without light for a long time. Our plans have firmed up more to the point that they are more in the Jello stage than in the smoke stage. At this time, it looks like my last day on the project here will be Friday, November 13. Wait a minute. It seems I remember a popular series of horror movies with Friday the 13th in the title. Should I leave or stay on the 13th? Well, since I'm not superstitious (at least I don't think I am) I'll go ahead and leave. That will give us three days to get everything ready to leave here and get over to New Orleans to fulfill that commitment. Once that little job is finished, we'll come back to Bay City for Thanksgiving with Lori and her family, as well as Terrell and Kathy if they are here. After Thanksgiving, we'll go to Glen Rose for our annual physicals. We're not sure how long the doctor will keep us tied down, but if we have time before Christmas, we'll spend some time in the Texas Hill Country.
It may be my imagination, but I think the economy is picking up. What do I base that opinion on? There are more trains passing by the RV, and they're longer. That barometer seems to be as good as anything the government economists use to make their declarations. By the way, there's a train passing by as I write this sentence. It's so close, the RV is vibrating. When we come back for Thanksgiving, we're probably going to find a place a little quieter. It may not be as convenient, but there's something to be said for quiet.
I was talking to one of the people I used to work with, and he asked me where we were living. I replied that home was wherever we were, and that we take our home with us. That answer seemed to puzzle him, and I explained that we were full time RVers, with all that entails. He seemed intrigued when I said that if we didn't like a place, we moved. If we don't like a neighbor or the noise or whatever, we can move. If we get bored, we find another place to go to. If we visit family, we take our home and all our comforts with us. In other words, in most ways, we are footloose and fancy free.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Greenville, South Carolina: G-Ville
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Last Major Problem Solved
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 53 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies – Perfect!
It appears the last major problem with the work on the new reactor head has been solved, and the project is moving along. Refueling of the reactor was completed today, and it appears as though we are set to place the reactor head on the reactor vessel on Friday. There has been a lot of stress associated with this job, and there was a noticeable change in attitudes when the latest problem was solved. Fortunately, the stress hasn’t affected me so much, unlike many other outages I have worked in before. Being “retired” gives me a different perspective on a lot of things. The way I fought the stress before was by playing a lot of golf. Since I've "retired", I don't feel the stress, which means I hardly ever play golf. I'm going to have to find some time to play again.
I still have to fulfill a commitment to perform an assessment for another plant near New Orleans, but have not quite worked out all the details on when that will be. I do know that it will be within the next three weeks. Then we're on our way to Glen Rose for physicals. At this time, we expect to celebrate Thanksgiving in Bay City.
I've been noticing a lot of the younger people that we see appear to have tattoos. That's just the tattoos we can see. I'm sure there are many that remain covered most of the time. There is an older man that works with us that had tattoos put on his arms when he was what he calls young and stupid. In the last five or six years, he has spent a lot of money trying to have the tattoos removed, with mixed results. some of them came off, while others have parts missing. Can you imagine what all these young people will look like 20 or 30 years down the road, when they have gained weight and wrinkles? The dermatologists and plastic surgeons will have a gold mine to cash in on.
More later, be safe.
Today's State - Maryland: America In Miniature
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 53 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies – Perfect!
It appears the last major problem with the work on the new reactor head has been solved, and the project is moving along. Refueling of the reactor was completed today, and it appears as though we are set to place the reactor head on the reactor vessel on Friday. There has been a lot of stress associated with this job, and there was a noticeable change in attitudes when the latest problem was solved. Fortunately, the stress hasn’t affected me so much, unlike many other outages I have worked in before. Being “retired” gives me a different perspective on a lot of things. The way I fought the stress before was by playing a lot of golf. Since I've "retired", I don't feel the stress, which means I hardly ever play golf. I'm going to have to find some time to play again.
I still have to fulfill a commitment to perform an assessment for another plant near New Orleans, but have not quite worked out all the details on when that will be. I do know that it will be within the next three weeks. Then we're on our way to Glen Rose for physicals. At this time, we expect to celebrate Thanksgiving in Bay City.
I've been noticing a lot of the younger people that we see appear to have tattoos. That's just the tattoos we can see. I'm sure there are many that remain covered most of the time. There is an older man that works with us that had tattoos put on his arms when he was what he calls young and stupid. In the last five or six years, he has spent a lot of money trying to have the tattoos removed, with mixed results. some of them came off, while others have parts missing. Can you imagine what all these young people will look like 20 or 30 years down the road, when they have gained weight and wrinkles? The dermatologists and plastic surgeons will have a gold mine to cash in on.
More later, be safe.
Today's State - Maryland: America In Miniature
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Fajitas For Lunch
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies
Slowly, but surely, the problems are being solved at work. We are working through the last major obstacle to moving the new reactor head on to the reactor vessel by about Friday of this week. Once that happens, we will be about eight days from starting the reactor up. It can't happen too soon.
The project served lunch to us today, which consisted of beef and chicken fajitas, yellow rice, refried beans, freshly made tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips. There's only one problem I had with all that great food. As I have gotten older, my appetite seems to be getting smaller and smaller. Most of the time, a simple ham sandwich is plenty to last me until supper. I have found that if I eat a large lunch, I tend to get sleepy for about two hours. In a job like this, it's important to stay on top of your game all the time, and walking around sleepy is not the way to do it. In addition, since my appetite is smaller, my stomach seems to have gotten smaller, and it actually becomes painful to eat that much food. I can remember when I was younger that I could eat everything in sight, then went looking for more. Two hours later, I would be hungry again. Now, it's amazing how little it takes to feel full. Sometimes, getting older is the pits.
Speaking of getting older, the most obvious sign to me that I'm getting older, other than the fact that my hair is turning more blonde, is the aches and pains I feel when I first get up in the morning. It usually takes an hour or so for me to limber up, and that's one of the reasons I enjoy walking early in the day. By the time I finish my walk, I can usually move without creaking or groaning.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Scranton, Pennsylvania: Electric City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 72 degrees, clear skies
Slowly, but surely, the problems are being solved at work. We are working through the last major obstacle to moving the new reactor head on to the reactor vessel by about Friday of this week. Once that happens, we will be about eight days from starting the reactor up. It can't happen too soon.
The project served lunch to us today, which consisted of beef and chicken fajitas, yellow rice, refried beans, freshly made tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips. There's only one problem I had with all that great food. As I have gotten older, my appetite seems to be getting smaller and smaller. Most of the time, a simple ham sandwich is plenty to last me until supper. I have found that if I eat a large lunch, I tend to get sleepy for about two hours. In a job like this, it's important to stay on top of your game all the time, and walking around sleepy is not the way to do it. In addition, since my appetite is smaller, my stomach seems to have gotten smaller, and it actually becomes painful to eat that much food. I can remember when I was younger that I could eat everything in sight, then went looking for more. Two hours later, I would be hungry again. Now, it's amazing how little it takes to feel full. Sometimes, getting older is the pits.
Speaking of getting older, the most obvious sign to me that I'm getting older, other than the fact that my hair is turning more blonde, is the aches and pains I feel when I first get up in the morning. It usually takes an hour or so for me to limber up, and that's one of the reasons I enjoy walking early in the day. By the time I finish my walk, I can usually move without creaking or groaning.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Scranton, Pennsylvania: Electric City
Not all who wander are lost.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Refueling
Bay City, Texas
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 74 degrees, clear skies
The last two days, the weather has been the kind of weather that folks in this area look forward to in the fall: cool mornings, warm afternoons, clear skies, and no wind. It’s the kind of weather that makes a person want to be outside.
Daylight saving time switched back to the old time this morning, but I woke up at 0300 hours, well before the alarm went off at 0400. I don’t know about everyone else, but I would rather leave the time at one or the other, than to have these changes every spring and fall. Now it’s going to take me a couple of weeks to adjust.
The project at work is moving along, and the few issues we still have to resolve are not nearly as difficult as the ones we had earlier. The station began loading fuel into the reactor today, and that should complete in a couple of days. By the end of this next week, we should be placing the new reactor head on the reactor vessel and making the final preparations to perform the testing of all the new components that will have been installed. Start up of the reactor will not be far behind, and electricity will begin flowing again to over one million homes and businesses.
When I came to work today, a beautiful full moon was hanging in the pre-dawn darkness, which reminded me that Halloween was last night. The last few years, we have been in parks where there were not any children, so the day has tended to become a non-event for us. This year, I heard of a new way of allowing children to partake in trick or treating that has started, where groups of parents will gather in a church or other parking lot and have what is called “Trunk or Treat”. The parents raise the trunk or open the back doors of their vehicles and play host to the little trick or treaters like that, instead of going through neighborhoods with them. I’ve heard several people say that they don’t partake in giving out treats anymore because of the potential liability that might arise. It’s a shame that things have gotten to this point, because when our kids were at home, they enjoyed going around the neighborhood and getting all sorts of goodies. It’s good to know that some parents are still trying to do something for their kids on this day of fun.
More later, be safe.
Today’s Town – Niagara Falls, New York: Cataract City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 74 degrees, clear skies
The last two days, the weather has been the kind of weather that folks in this area look forward to in the fall: cool mornings, warm afternoons, clear skies, and no wind. It’s the kind of weather that makes a person want to be outside.
Daylight saving time switched back to the old time this morning, but I woke up at 0300 hours, well before the alarm went off at 0400. I don’t know about everyone else, but I would rather leave the time at one or the other, than to have these changes every spring and fall. Now it’s going to take me a couple of weeks to adjust.
The project at work is moving along, and the few issues we still have to resolve are not nearly as difficult as the ones we had earlier. The station began loading fuel into the reactor today, and that should complete in a couple of days. By the end of this next week, we should be placing the new reactor head on the reactor vessel and making the final preparations to perform the testing of all the new components that will have been installed. Start up of the reactor will not be far behind, and electricity will begin flowing again to over one million homes and businesses.
When I came to work today, a beautiful full moon was hanging in the pre-dawn darkness, which reminded me that Halloween was last night. The last few years, we have been in parks where there were not any children, so the day has tended to become a non-event for us. This year, I heard of a new way of allowing children to partake in trick or treating that has started, where groups of parents will gather in a church or other parking lot and have what is called “Trunk or Treat”. The parents raise the trunk or open the back doors of their vehicles and play host to the little trick or treaters like that, instead of going through neighborhoods with them. I’ve heard several people say that they don’t partake in giving out treats anymore because of the potential liability that might arise. It’s a shame that things have gotten to this point, because when our kids were at home, they enjoyed going around the neighborhood and getting all sorts of goodies. It’s good to know that some parents are still trying to do something for their kids on this day of fun.
More later, be safe.
Today’s Town – Niagara Falls, New York: Cataract City
Not all who wander are lost.
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