Can you believe we are into April already? I went to the Dr's yesterday and had my A1C number taken for my Diabetes I knew it was going to be good since I had really good readings the past three months but I didn't know how good, in December it was 7.4 and yesterday 5.7 an incredible turn around, now what caused this turn around? the new job? no stress? eating better more than likely a combination of the three. it's been such a long time that I felt this good and I really think I am happier.
Well on Friday Deb, Diane and I will be trekking to PA to pick up a new member to the house hold, her name is Annie and is 8 weeks old, a real cutie by the way did I mention she is a puppy? a cockapoo just like Taffy. Annie will be Diane's pup and will move on with Diane when they can find a nice Condo to purchase, Diane is really excited and I know she will do a good job in raising Annie, hopefully Taffy will welcome Annie into her house, I'll post some pictures when we get her. and before we know it there will be some weekend camping trips to talk about.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
March 2007
Well, it's March and I still am working shifts in the utilities dept which I find is not a bad thing. In fact it has been a real eye opener, I'm more relaxed and over all feel good, my body has even responded well with less fatigue and lower glucose readings, I'm looking forward to my Dr's appointment in April to see what my A1C number will be.
The job of planner/scheduler in the Research dept has been re posted to allow folks that were affected by the Jan 22nd announcement of additional closures the opportunity to apply, the posting is up foe 5 days, I'm thinking I should know something one way or another by the end of April.
The camping season is closing in on us and I vow to make it a better one than last year, last year I was in a funk because of the possibility of losing my job, now I know change is not a bad thing as long as I have the love of my family.
I made a reservation for a June camping trip to Bar Harbor Maine for 4 nights and then we will go to Freeport Maine for another two nights before heading home.
The camper has been moved from it's winter parking spot to it's summer spot for better access (will now be able to open the slide) some things that need to be done before the first trip will be to replace the gutter spouts with new and install a small water accumulator, I also ordered an 22 gal tote for dumping gray water, I want to replace the plastic wheels with pneumatic ones. oh and it also really needs a bath, and of course the truck needs a wash and wax now that warmer weather is here. that's it for now.
The job of planner/scheduler in the Research dept has been re posted to allow folks that were affected by the Jan 22nd announcement of additional closures the opportunity to apply, the posting is up foe 5 days, I'm thinking I should know something one way or another by the end of April.
The camping season is closing in on us and I vow to make it a better one than last year, last year I was in a funk because of the possibility of losing my job, now I know change is not a bad thing as long as I have the love of my family.
I made a reservation for a June camping trip to Bar Harbor Maine for 4 nights and then we will go to Freeport Maine for another two nights before heading home.
The camper has been moved from it's winter parking spot to it's summer spot for better access (will now be able to open the slide) some things that need to be done before the first trip will be to replace the gutter spouts with new and install a small water accumulator, I also ordered an 22 gal tote for dumping gray water, I want to replace the plastic wheels with pneumatic ones. oh and it also really needs a bath, and of course the truck needs a wash and wax now that warmer weather is here. that's it for now.
Friday, January 19, 2007
It's time
Time for what? Time for a post, I just got done reading an entry on my son's blog riwineguy, I find his posts very entertaining and I also left him a comment that may get some rebuttal, something like "well at least I post dad where are yours lately?" so I figure why not jot a few things down, plus I know my daughter keeps checking to see if there happens to be an update.
I did delete some posts that pertained to a few job interviews and the results of not getting the positions, as I looked back it was something I really didn't want to dwell on and it was like a lost summer. So where am I now? I took a position in our utility dept as a maintenance technician trainee starting in early January, part of my training is to train as an operator for 6 months and become qualified as a 3rd class operator so for 6 months I am working shifts, 12 hr shifts, 4:30 am to 4:30 pm and then the night shift 4:30 pm to 4:30 am. One of the benefits is that there is a stretch of 7 days off, I haven't gotten to that stretch yet but it's coming fast and I'm looking forward to it, what it boils down to is working 14 days a month, two weekends off and no lines at the stores during the week.
The training is going well and while I didn't get a warm reception when I first arrived (because the people I work with felt someone else should have gotten the job) they are warming up to me, I think partly because of my wiliness to learn and the fact that I'm keeping busy on completing my requirements and not just going along for the ride.
I still am in the running for the planner scheduler position in lab services and the posting finally came down, I think they are just waiting for the new CEO's re-structuring announcement on Jan 22nd, which could bring another round of cutbacks and layoffs, it certainly isn't the same company that I signed on with 26 years ago, but then again there aren't many companies that have stayed the same.
So, what happens if I am offered the position in research? It will be another decision that will have to weighed, I really kind of like what I'm doing now and learning all aspects of the operations of the powerhouse, the problem is I don't know how what the future is for the dept and what the companies vision for the dept is.
It has been quite an adjustment for the family and their support is very much appreciated, I didn't know a dog (taffy) could sleep so much, she sleeps with Deb all night and then sleeps with me when I get home from nights...Truly a dogs life is not so bad.
I look forward to 2007, watching both my children follow their dreams, I now see them going on their own vacations and making adult decisions, it makes me proud to see their accomplishments and know that they are having a positive effect on the future tomorrows children. (for those who don't know Diane and Jack are both elementary school teachers)
And I also have a wonderful wife, words cannot express how lucky I am.
I did delete some posts that pertained to a few job interviews and the results of not getting the positions, as I looked back it was something I really didn't want to dwell on and it was like a lost summer. So where am I now? I took a position in our utility dept as a maintenance technician trainee starting in early January, part of my training is to train as an operator for 6 months and become qualified as a 3rd class operator so for 6 months I am working shifts, 12 hr shifts, 4:30 am to 4:30 pm and then the night shift 4:30 pm to 4:30 am. One of the benefits is that there is a stretch of 7 days off, I haven't gotten to that stretch yet but it's coming fast and I'm looking forward to it, what it boils down to is working 14 days a month, two weekends off and no lines at the stores during the week.
The training is going well and while I didn't get a warm reception when I first arrived (because the people I work with felt someone else should have gotten the job) they are warming up to me, I think partly because of my wiliness to learn and the fact that I'm keeping busy on completing my requirements and not just going along for the ride.
I still am in the running for the planner scheduler position in lab services and the posting finally came down, I think they are just waiting for the new CEO's re-structuring announcement on Jan 22nd, which could bring another round of cutbacks and layoffs, it certainly isn't the same company that I signed on with 26 years ago, but then again there aren't many companies that have stayed the same.
So, what happens if I am offered the position in research? It will be another decision that will have to weighed, I really kind of like what I'm doing now and learning all aspects of the operations of the powerhouse, the problem is I don't know how what the future is for the dept and what the companies vision for the dept is.
It has been quite an adjustment for the family and their support is very much appreciated, I didn't know a dog (taffy) could sleep so much, she sleeps with Deb all night and then sleeps with me when I get home from nights...Truly a dogs life is not so bad.
I look forward to 2007, watching both my children follow their dreams, I now see them going on their own vacations and making adult decisions, it makes me proud to see their accomplishments and know that they are having a positive effect on the future tomorrows children. (for those who don't know Diane and Jack are both elementary school teachers)
And I also have a wonderful wife, words cannot express how lucky I am.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
A bump in the road
June 20th, a day I think I'll remember for a long time. After working for my company for 25+ years they announced that the plant will be closing and no longer manufacturing, needless to say I have been on a emotional rollercoaster, sometimes up and sometimes down. While we have been on a few trips this summer no where's near as many as last year camping has lost some of it's zest, while camping I have spent more time thinking and worrying about what will happen and where we will be. That has taken a lot of the fun out of it, so we have spent more time around the house catching up on some of yard work and enjoying each other's company, I thank my wife Debbie for her upbeat attitude constantly telling me we will be alright, we have cried and we have laughed over the past 3 months, we have contemplated moving and staying, looking at pro's and con's of each.
My one goal is to seek employment and stay with my company here in Groton, next week is a big week for us, two interviews with our research division, Time will tell how this bump in the road affects our ride in life....... I thank God for the support of my wife and family.
So this blog was about camping and while I haven't posted much about that I do hope to update this as much as possible with what goes on in our life and if you like to read about wine please check out my son's blog http://riwineguy.blogspot.com/ good reading and he know's his stuff.
My one goal is to seek employment and stay with my company here in Groton, next week is a big week for us, two interviews with our research division, Time will tell how this bump in the road affects our ride in life....... I thank God for the support of my wife and family.
So this blog was about camping and while I haven't posted much about that I do hope to update this as much as possible with what goes on in our life and if you like to read about wine please check out my son's blog http://riwineguy.blogspot.com/ good reading and he know's his stuff.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Vacation Time
Were heading out this afternoon, although it looks like a gloomy week ahead of us. Not going to far, We will be going to Nomandy Farms in Foxboro MA until Friday and then back to our nice state park Rocky Neck in Niantic CT for the July 4th holiday and returning home July 7th.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Egret 2
We had a very quiet weekend, just Deb and I. We went on a couple of nice bike rides, spent a couple of hours down by the beach, however the sun did not co-operate but it gave us a chance to try out our new beach chairs, I really like them!
And Saturday early evening after our nap with had a pleasant surprise, Joan and Pete stopped by and visited, which was really nice.
The site we were on was Egret 2, very nice and private definitely will be back to this one!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Relay For life 6/3/2006
This weekend was the relay for life, our team was called AnnGeri in honor of Debs mom Ann who died of brain cancer and my mom who died of breast and lung cancer, we pulled our camper in Friday night the day before the walk helped set some things up and retired for the night.
The rains came Friday and night and did not let up until the relay was over Sunday morning but the walk went on with a tribute to the survivors.
We had some real troopers helping us with our walk,
Our survivor...Poppy!
It was a real trip getting the camper out after the deluge of rain, another memory and a lesson learned, it will be the last time I pull into a field for camping!.
It was for a great cause and I got to spend some great time with my kids Diane, Johnny and my daughter in-law Katie.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Memorial Day 2006
We went to Rocky Neck State Park (again) staying on Egret 8, we like Egret because it is a back loop and not as much traffic as the others. I called Deb Thursday and told her I was going out that night and I had taken Friday off, why not jump start the weekend off early? it was so nice setting up and no one else in the park, literally there was on 3 sites occupied.
We woke up Friday morning to some special guest....Turkeys! so cool to see them out and about.
Friday was spent going to the grocery store getting all the fixens for the weekend, then I had a Dr's appointment came back and watch the rest of the campers file in.
Saturday was French Toast and sausage and then a nice bike ride, actually three bike rides for the day, my favorite was when Deb went down to the beach with Pete and I, Pete took a nice picture for us! you know if you click the picture it comes up full size?
Sunday was the family picnic and MargretsB-day (i'm sure I spelt her name wrong...shoot me..lol) The picnic did not go off with out incident, Margaret (how's that?) was involve in a pedestrian/bicycle accident....long story short she went to the hospital and got checked out bruises and cuts and returned before dark for presents and cake. want the whole story?...call Pete.
So who was there? Joan and Jim, Poppy and Pat, Diane, Mac, Joey, Lisa, Margaret, Moria, Martin, Stacy and kids, Joan's sister.....can't remember her name....damn!.. Joan and Pete, Carrie and Bill, Karen, Billy and Michelle, Austin, Bailey, Taylor and Michael. I think I got everyone.
We woke up Friday morning to some special guest....Turkeys! so cool to see them out and about.
Friday was spent going to the grocery store getting all the fixens for the weekend, then I had a Dr's appointment came back and watch the rest of the campers file in.
Saturday was French Toast and sausage and then a nice bike ride, actually three bike rides for the day, my favorite was when Deb went down to the beach with Pete and I, Pete took a nice picture for us! you know if you click the picture it comes up full size?
Sunday was the family picnic and MargretsB-day (i'm sure I spelt her name wrong...shoot me..lol) The picnic did not go off with out incident, Margaret (how's that?) was involve in a pedestrian/bicycle accident....long story short she went to the hospital and got checked out bruises and cuts and returned before dark for presents and cake. want the whole story?...call Pete.
So who was there? Joan and Jim, Poppy and Pat, Diane, Mac, Joey, Lisa, Margaret, Moria, Martin, Stacy and kids, Joan's sister.....can't remember her name....damn!.. Joan and Pete, Carrie and Bill, Karen, Billy and Michelle, Austin, Bailey, Taylor and Michael. I think I got everyone.
It really was a nice weekend, next weekend we are going to take the camper up to Fitch high school for the relay for life walk, kind of like a home base for our team. 24 hours to benifit Cancer research.
You can also check out all our pictures at Webshots, just click the link on the right called "Our Photo Album"
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Rocky Neck 5/20/06
Once again we ventured to Rocky Neck, a blustery weekend it was and even a couple of rain showers, and don't ask we didn't find the pot of gold.We stayed on Egret 4 again and this time Joan and Pete joined us, the regulars Diane, Poppy and Pat came for a burger and a fire, only the brave few would not relent to mother nature.
And the rest you ask? where could they be?
There they are!
We will be here next weekend for Memorial Day, hopefully Katie and Johnny will stop by when we have our annual picnic on Sunday.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Wine Spoof
Another rainy weekend so what better thing to do than to take a few minutes and update my blog, were hoping the outlook for next weekend will be better and another camping trip to Rocky Neck will await us. But for now I will have a little fun with my buddie riwineguy.
The newest bottle has arrived. I am debating whether or not to share this glorious news already. But seeing as it is raining, I'll share. First, the story. I had been craving this bottle since its release back in October. It is the one wine I plan on maintaining a vertical(same wine, consecutive vintages) of for hours to come. I know it was available at local shops, but declined purchase because of the cost ($6.99), I figured I'd save up the cash by not buying beer a week. Then, Wine Spectator names it Wine of the Year! The wine sells like hot cakes at every store in the area and the world. I kept my eyes peeled, but it seemed that everywhere was sold out. Until last Sunday when I stumbled across it in Better Value. Sure enough wine.com, who was out of the wine two weeks ago, and still didn't have any left. I checked with my Taffy for approval of the purchase, even though its my beer money paying for it. Once she said yes, I ran back to the store, Now about the wine (insert drumroll here....)! A bottle of 1984 David Tower Cranberry Apple, This wine is the flagship of all Massachusetts wine and the Commonweath Winery. It is the wine that has pushed cranberries from its New England throne. Oh baby am I pleased! This one will age quite nicely in the garage.
The anticipation was to great I had to uncork this baby, I knew from the moment I put the cork screw in and the cork split into a million pieces it was going to be special, the first taste was bitter and went down with a mild burning sensation, my lips puckered and my eyes rolled, my first reaction was to spit however I swished and swallowed, sadly the remainder of the bottle saw it's way to the back yard where the grass eventually turned brown. Truly a remarkable and rememorable experience.
Till next time, arivaderchi!
Johnny, I love you
The newest bottle has arrived. I am debating whether or not to share this glorious news already. But seeing as it is raining, I'll share. First, the story. I had been craving this bottle since its release back in October. It is the one wine I plan on maintaining a vertical(same wine, consecutive vintages) of for hours to come. I know it was available at local shops, but declined purchase because of the cost ($6.99), I figured I'd save up the cash by not buying beer a week. Then, Wine Spectator names it Wine of the Year! The wine sells like hot cakes at every store in the area and the world. I kept my eyes peeled, but it seemed that everywhere was sold out. Until last Sunday when I stumbled across it in Better Value. Sure enough wine.com, who was out of the wine two weeks ago, and still didn't have any left. I checked with my Taffy for approval of the purchase, even though its my beer money paying for it. Once she said yes, I ran back to the store, Now about the wine (insert drumroll here....)! A bottle of 1984 David Tower Cranberry Apple, This wine is the flagship of all Massachusetts wine and the Commonweath Winery. It is the wine that has pushed cranberries from its New England throne. Oh baby am I pleased! This one will age quite nicely in the garage.
The anticipation was to great I had to uncork this baby, I knew from the moment I put the cork screw in and the cork split into a million pieces it was going to be special, the first taste was bitter and went down with a mild burning sensation, my lips puckered and my eyes rolled, my first reaction was to spit however I swished and swallowed, sadly the remainder of the bottle saw it's way to the back yard where the grass eventually turned brown. Truly a remarkable and rememorable experience.
Till next time, arivaderchi!
Johnny, I love you
Happy Mothers day
You are gone but oh so not forgotten, this day you are thought of much like the spring flowers, so full of life.Today we remember all the good times and smiles you brought to us, We will try not to be sad because we know your in a good place, no more pain, no more sadness, a sunny spring day everyday,
Saturday, May 06, 2006
May 6th
No camping this weekend, it's gorgeous this morning and I actually contemplated spending the night in the camper anyhow, I have the duty for the next two week so it is always good to be near a phone or good reception, Today will be spent cleaning up the house, company coming tomorrow after we have a mass for Ann (Mom) we sure do miss her!
Bryce Canyon
Just a photo from our trip to Vegas, Bryce Canyon a magical place....Deb and I felt very much at peace, a surreal moment....I was glad to share it with her.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Rocky Neck Egret 4
We stayed on Egret 4, I wasn't very successful backing in and in fact it took me quite a few tries, the weather was awesome, breezy and cold at night, when we arrived the ranger told us to take any empty site pull in and come back and register.
Just like we planned we had chili and wings on Friday and hot dogs and burgers on Saturday, for visitors we had Poppy, Pat and Diane on Saturday, the heat came on a lot, Sunday morning when I woke up because it was cold I found the battery went dead so the furnace wouldn't come on, it didn't help that I left the outside light on.....Oops.. Thank goodness for the Honda 2000i generator!
I really had a nice relaxing weekend!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Rocky Neck Opens
Deb emailed yesterday, Rocky Neck opens this weekend ....wanna go?.....absolutely, so that is where were off to friday afterwork Rocky neck state park in Niantic CT, how can you beat the price $15.00 plus a $3 processing fee.
Chicken wings and chili are on the menu for Friday, Nathans hot dogs and burgers for Sat night.
The only bad thing about Rocky Neck....No pets.... sorry Taffy you have to stay home with Diane.
Chicken wings and chili are on the menu for Friday, Nathans hot dogs and burgers for Sat night.
The only bad thing about Rocky Neck....No pets.... sorry Taffy you have to stay home with Diane.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
1st Trip
Easter weekend was our first trip of the 2006 camping season, we headed out Thursday evening afterwork, Deb got out of work an hour early so we could go together, Deb would go to her class from the campground. We stayed at Strawberry Park in Preston CT, it was early in the season so it was like half price, good thing because I wouldn't stay there for full, it has been about 4 years since we sayed there, and we haven't missed anything it was just like I remembered, way to many park models, reminded me of a trailer park, and our site was nothing but dirt, Taffy and I stayed and got camp set up while Deb went to class, we had a nice evening as thunderstorms moved through, Friday afternoon Johnny came by and visited and told us all about his interview for the Griswold teaching job, I think he has a very good shot, anyways it was great to chat with him, not to mention he beat me at sequence. Then an old co-worker of Deb's came by with her husband, Cindy and Mark we had hot dogs and burgers and great conversation, also Deb found out her old job is open with the town, could life be taking another turn for Deb?...stay tuned...
Saturday we had Poppy and Pat over for kilbasa, hot dogs and burgers, and we were surprised to her from our camping buddies Joan and Pete back from Florida, a little early because of an injury, so they came by and we had a great time, even diane came out and spent some time with us, it's going to be a great season, I sleep so much better and so refreshed, it really is a stress relief for me!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
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