Day 1 was a real "cruncher". Nearly crawled the final 5 miles.
Some close sailing friends joined me at the Peace Arch in Blaine, Washington, along with Phil, photographer from the Bellingham Herald. At precisely 10 am, the bubbly was cracked and all sipped...watching over our shoulders for "trouble". Toasts were given, photos were taken, and some nice words were exchanged. The rain let up for our little celebration, and the rest of the day was typical Northwest...changing to sunshine interspersed with overcast. Temperature around 60 F.
Lots of road construction is going on in Blaine. The entire Border Crossing is being rebuilt and at the moment is a mess for drivers. Had to walk an extra mile or so to get around it all; but, finally moved down Portal Way & out of town along the serene water-filled bay...my last contact with the salty Pacific Ocean. Next salty is KW (Key West).
Staying on Portal Way, also known as Old 99, I pushed SAM all the way to Ferndale. Old 99, I used to ride with Mother & Dad back in the '40s when they took us to Canada, was like trodding on an old friend. Old 99 has NO paved berm (a berm is the prepared edge of the road of current road design to incorporate a bicycle lane).
So, SAM & ME stayed on the concrete pavement. Not too frequently used anymore, Old 99 traffic was very considerate, giving us - generally - a wide birth. Only got yelled at (& the "finger") by one car. An improvement from my previous three (3) walks from Bellingham-Blaine-Bellingham in the days when this old guy was testing his mettle & old bones to find out where the collapse point was.
Drank only 1 quart of water during the 14 miles to Ferndale. Bad move. Drank three more quarts the final 12 miles to my Belligham office, where I left SAM for the night. It is essential that I have at least 1 gallon of water on board for a days walk.
Leaving Ferndale, I turned on SAMs electric motor. WOW, what a difference not to have to PUSH. But even steering SAM is not easy. She has no steerable front wheel & must be tilted off the pavement to turn, even slightly. At 160 # or so, SAM is a chore to "tilt". Would be nice to extend the handlebars to give more tilt leverage. In addition, SAMs front/drive wheel has a slight camber to the left. To keep her straight, must apply pressure all the time. That misalignment, I will correct tomorrow before leaving the office.
While waiting for my ride home, cranked up the office computers and completed processing the two (2) orders I received by cell phone during today's walk. Tomorrow, will load down ALL work phone numbers into my cell. Next order coming in, I can then not only receive/take the order; but, can phone my various factories/suppliers on the spot and have product moving to clients within 10 minutes or so.
Actually, the system works very well and my clients/factories are very cooperative by sticking with me instead of finding other suppliers, etc. Helps immensely to know your colleagues...and after 30 years of business, it is difficult to shut it down. So, Spectrum Ascona, Inc. walks with me. Thanks all for sticking by me (now, didn't a famous car maker say something like that recently???).
Ahhhh, my own bed for one more night. Nite all.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Mini HP for the 1st Time
Good Evening;
What a beautiful past 3 days in Bellingham. Tonite supposed to get us wet...but that is why I live in the Pacific Northwest...love the weather.,,clean...brisk...temprete...
For the first time, we are using our Mini HP to create our blog. Not so easy for an old secretary like me (yes, I began all of it as a stenographer...shorthand the old Greg Simplified way and typing on a fully mechanical Underwood). Fat fingers do not walk so easily on itsybitsy keys on this marvel of communication wonders. But, as it will be my link to the world for next several months, here we go...
SAM is on a strict diet. She has shed over 25 pounds in the past 24 hours and is destined to lose a few more before our quickly approaching departure for the Peace Arch. Our friend, Tom E. is carrying SAM & ME in his trailer to the arch at 8:30 am Wednesday, April 21 (I know...been saying Wednesday is April 20. chalk it up to...well, you decide).
We plan to straddle the Canada/USA boundary under the arch at 10:00 am to take a few pictures and video then...the first step of 4,082 miles to Key West.
My neighbor, Jim, has programmed this computer to be photo/video literate. That means, after much practice, I will include photos & video in this blog as well as on Facebook (look for us under Bruce Maynard). We will also have SKYPE for all to video/conference with SAM & ME. Plan to be on line early each morning (say about 6:00am PST) and evening (time TBD). So, please, if you have SKYPE, stop by. If you do not have SKYPE, it is a supurb way to video communicate FREE with anyone/everyone in the entire world. SKYPE download/setup is quite easy.
Man, this is tuff. I'm a touch typist. Not used to this hunt n'peck stuff.
Tomorrow, my sailing friend, Raleigh, will report in to the Office for indoctrination. Raleigh, being already retired, is apparently eager to sit in for me during our walk. He will handle all office routine and keep me posted as to activities. Without Raleigh, our walk would simply not be possible.
What a beautiful past 3 days in Bellingham. Tonite supposed to get us wet...but that is why I live in the Pacific Northwest...love the weather.,,clean...brisk...temprete...
For the first time, we are using our Mini HP to create our blog. Not so easy for an old secretary like me (yes, I began all of it as a stenographer...shorthand the old Greg Simplified way and typing on a fully mechanical Underwood). Fat fingers do not walk so easily on itsybitsy keys on this marvel of communication wonders. But, as it will be my link to the world for next several months, here we go...
SAM is on a strict diet. She has shed over 25 pounds in the past 24 hours and is destined to lose a few more before our quickly approaching departure for the Peace Arch. Our friend, Tom E. is carrying SAM & ME in his trailer to the arch at 8:30 am Wednesday, April 21 (I know...been saying Wednesday is April 20. chalk it up to...well, you decide).
We plan to straddle the Canada/USA boundary under the arch at 10:00 am to take a few pictures and video then...the first step of 4,082 miles to Key West.
My neighbor, Jim, has programmed this computer to be photo/video literate. That means, after much practice, I will include photos & video in this blog as well as on Facebook (look for us under Bruce Maynard). We will also have SKYPE for all to video/conference with SAM & ME. Plan to be on line early each morning (say about 6:00am PST) and evening (time TBD). So, please, if you have SKYPE, stop by. If you do not have SKYPE, it is a supurb way to video communicate FREE with anyone/everyone in the entire world. SKYPE download/setup is quite easy.
Man, this is tuff. I'm a touch typist. Not used to this hunt n'peck stuff.
Tomorrow, my sailing friend, Raleigh, will report in to the Office for indoctrination. Raleigh, being already retired, is apparently eager to sit in for me during our walk. He will handle all office routine and keep me posted as to activities. Without Raleigh, our walk would simply not be possible.
Friday, April 16, 2010
T-96 Hours & Counting
Today, a chapter was finally closed. 30 Years after starting my Company, I fully EMPTIED my warehouse. My Office is a mess, but the warehouse is spic and span, ready for new tenants on Monday morning.
I wonder how many folks start over from scratch in their lives at least once. You might be shocked to learn that this is my 4th FULL STOP. Three previous times, I have lost - or have had taken from me - EVERYTHING of tangible value. To walk into your future with the clothes on your back is a sobering moment. To do it four times is almost criminal.
And, in 96 hours from now, I will again experience criminality renewed.
When, living a good part of your life with someone(s) you feel you simply cannot live without is irrevocably taken away...somehow...someway....I have learned that if I can just make it to that corner up ahead...that illusive corner...something or someone is there for me.
Melodramatic? Yes. But that is the way my life has been. A series of many years of bliss ending in a finality so total as to want to jump off the nearest bridge. But for me, that corner is just up ahead and by golly, I'm gonna get there if I must hump along on my tummy.
So, coming Wednesday, April 20, 2010, I begin phase five (5) of my fascinating life. Like turning a page to begin a new chapter, our (SAM & ME) walk into the unknown has already borne so much fruit as to feel like the corner is..."somewhere back thar..."
I have tried very diligently to keep my blog directed. I am, however, an unbelievable romantic demanding words such as those above to blast forth. I promise, however, that I will make a very determined effort to keep to the subject of SAM and ME and and our walk.
I have asked several to Please, Please, Please, critique me. I am not a writer and I need help. Everyone who has responded has denied any critique. Bewildered? You bet.!!!
SAM is a jewel. She is beautiful to look at. She is perfectly balanced. She has power to burn. She has room for much more than I want to take with us. She is also overweight.
Now don''t get me wrong. I love her dearly. She just must lose a few pounds. So, I have spent the past two days packing...repacking...packing again...and repacking again. It has paid off. I have not only coerced her to shed a few pounds, but have changed her center of gravity. That allows me to steer her with much more agility.
We, SAM and ME have walked some 50 miles in the past 36 hours. We have climbed steep hills and descended equally steep grades...and I have pushed her sweet tush over flat ground for more miles than I want to keep track of. We are, in a word, becoming familiar.
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 17, I will load SAM in her final configuration and take US out for a stroll.
I have been changing my sleeping schedule drastically. Going to bed about 9:00 pm & waking about 3:30 am. Lying awake for a couple hours going mentally through "what ifs" for SAM & ME and then off to work by 7:00 am. It's now 7:18 pm and I'm pooped. Much, I am certain, because of the trauma of shutting down 30 years of my life.
Next blog, I will talk with you about my desire for future walk-films..specifically, subject and methodology to bring folks into our walk by way of video and hopefully share their/my realities with others. I do not have a thundering desire to pull in untold $$$ for some cause...many of which I am personally afflicted by...but, rather, to tell the story of Americans SAM and ME meet along the way.
G'nite...luv U
I wonder how many folks start over from scratch in their lives at least once. You might be shocked to learn that this is my 4th FULL STOP. Three previous times, I have lost - or have had taken from me - EVERYTHING of tangible value. To walk into your future with the clothes on your back is a sobering moment. To do it four times is almost criminal.
And, in 96 hours from now, I will again experience criminality renewed.
When, living a good part of your life with someone(s) you feel you simply cannot live without is irrevocably taken away...somehow...someway....I have learned that if I can just make it to that corner up ahead...that illusive corner...something or someone is there for me.
Melodramatic? Yes. But that is the way my life has been. A series of many years of bliss ending in a finality so total as to want to jump off the nearest bridge. But for me, that corner is just up ahead and by golly, I'm gonna get there if I must hump along on my tummy.
So, coming Wednesday, April 20, 2010, I begin phase five (5) of my fascinating life. Like turning a page to begin a new chapter, our (SAM & ME) walk into the unknown has already borne so much fruit as to feel like the corner is..."somewhere back thar..."
I have tried very diligently to keep my blog directed. I am, however, an unbelievable romantic demanding words such as those above to blast forth. I promise, however, that I will make a very determined effort to keep to the subject of SAM and ME and and our walk.
I have asked several to Please, Please, Please, critique me. I am not a writer and I need help. Everyone who has responded has denied any critique. Bewildered? You bet.!!!
SAM is a jewel. She is beautiful to look at. She is perfectly balanced. She has power to burn. She has room for much more than I want to take with us. She is also overweight.
Now don''t get me wrong. I love her dearly. She just must lose a few pounds. So, I have spent the past two days packing...repacking...packing again...and repacking again. It has paid off. I have not only coerced her to shed a few pounds, but have changed her center of gravity. That allows me to steer her with much more agility.
We, SAM and ME have walked some 50 miles in the past 36 hours. We have climbed steep hills and descended equally steep grades...and I have pushed her sweet tush over flat ground for more miles than I want to keep track of. We are, in a word, becoming familiar.
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 17, I will load SAM in her final configuration and take US out for a stroll.
I have been changing my sleeping schedule drastically. Going to bed about 9:00 pm & waking about 3:30 am. Lying awake for a couple hours going mentally through "what ifs" for SAM & ME and then off to work by 7:00 am. It's now 7:18 pm and I'm pooped. Much, I am certain, because of the trauma of shutting down 30 years of my life.
Next blog, I will talk with you about my desire for future walk-films..specifically, subject and methodology to bring folks into our walk by way of video and hopefully share their/my realities with others. I do not have a thundering desire to pull in untold $$$ for some cause...many of which I am personally afflicted by...but, rather, to tell the story of Americans SAM and ME meet along the way.
G'nite...luv U
Sunday, April 11, 2010
First Nite Out
Have spent a number of nites inside our tent with SAM during the past two months. Today/tonite, however, is our first nite outside.
Worked my tush off the past two days beautifying our garden/yard. At the moment, there isn't a blade of grass out of place; all trees are trimmed; all shrubs are manicured; all lawn edges are trimmed...and the lawn is a lush deep green with very few broadleaf intruders. There is a lot of satisfaction in working on your own home...may be my last effort for quite a very long while...but then again, I do plan to return to Bellingham every month or so to do my Company paperwork, etc.; maybe I'll take a couple more days out to take a stab at keeping things at home looking sharp.
Since SAM is housed at my Office; drove there after today's yard work. Took my first post-surgery long walk with SAM...up and down some steep hills, lots of vehicle traffic on busy streets, finally reaching home after 1-1/2 hours. Knee, legs & feet are all OK. Stopped 3 or 4 times to chat with passersby and introduce SAM. Upon arrival home, set up our tent, put SAM inside together with my sleeping bag, and stood back to admire. All went according or our Warehouse practices. Bet the neighbors were taken a bit back...ours is a somewhat upscale neighborhood with strict rules, such as "no tents", "no trailers", "no boats", etc, etc. I'm certain to receive a letter before the next 24 hours go by, admonishing me for numerous rule violations.
Will sleep tonite in our tent with SAM.
Upon checking battery consumption, found that SAM consumed from 12.65 volts down to 12.35 volts during the 1-1/2 hour walk. That seems excessive, until I realized (stupid stupid stupid) that I had the front wheel caliper brake engaged for at least an hour. When I noticed the brake on and released it, SAM's motor relaxed noticeably. Probably used some heavy electrons during that very stupid stunt.
Also charged two of the three green bank batteries. Strange as it seems, the 20 watt solar panel charged it's battery up to 13.05 volts, whereas the 90 watt panel charged it's battery only to 12.75 volts. Must pay close attention to charging rates. The 90 watt panel should have put in at least 4.5 amps/hour, whereas the smaller panel only provides 1.5 amps/hour. I don't have a proper amp/hour meter to check the batteries...must use the volt meter. Perhaps I must after all invest in that $500.00 amp/hour meter. Having sponsorships is beginning to sound better all the time...but as I have already said, I'm not used to "receiving". Is a change in principals about to take place???
SAM is becoming VERY heavy. Weighs out at about 150# at the moment and must add clothes, and food. Structurally, SAM is good. Her front wheel is fixed; i.e., not steerable. To turn SAM, I must lift (say, TILT) her front drive wheel off the ground. Not a big problem on flat surfaces, but extremely difficult to do on up or down grades. Nearly lost control of her in heavy traffic on the way home. Then, too, this is my first serious walk in over two months and with the surgery and all, I am a bit weak in the feet, legs and arms. Then, too, I'm not 39 anymore !!! I will, however, ramp up our walks to be ready for Wednesday Week...April 20 departure date.
Worked my tush off the past two days beautifying our garden/yard. At the moment, there isn't a blade of grass out of place; all trees are trimmed; all shrubs are manicured; all lawn edges are trimmed...and the lawn is a lush deep green with very few broadleaf intruders. There is a lot of satisfaction in working on your own home...may be my last effort for quite a very long while...but then again, I do plan to return to Bellingham every month or so to do my Company paperwork, etc.; maybe I'll take a couple more days out to take a stab at keeping things at home looking sharp.
Since SAM is housed at my Office; drove there after today's yard work. Took my first post-surgery long walk with SAM...up and down some steep hills, lots of vehicle traffic on busy streets, finally reaching home after 1-1/2 hours. Knee, legs & feet are all OK. Stopped 3 or 4 times to chat with passersby and introduce SAM. Upon arrival home, set up our tent, put SAM inside together with my sleeping bag, and stood back to admire. All went according or our Warehouse practices. Bet the neighbors were taken a bit back...ours is a somewhat upscale neighborhood with strict rules, such as "no tents", "no trailers", "no boats", etc, etc. I'm certain to receive a letter before the next 24 hours go by, admonishing me for numerous rule violations.
Will sleep tonite in our tent with SAM.
Upon checking battery consumption, found that SAM consumed from 12.65 volts down to 12.35 volts during the 1-1/2 hour walk. That seems excessive, until I realized (stupid stupid stupid) that I had the front wheel caliper brake engaged for at least an hour. When I noticed the brake on and released it, SAM's motor relaxed noticeably. Probably used some heavy electrons during that very stupid stunt.
Also charged two of the three green bank batteries. Strange as it seems, the 20 watt solar panel charged it's battery up to 13.05 volts, whereas the 90 watt panel charged it's battery only to 12.75 volts. Must pay close attention to charging rates. The 90 watt panel should have put in at least 4.5 amps/hour, whereas the smaller panel only provides 1.5 amps/hour. I don't have a proper amp/hour meter to check the batteries...must use the volt meter. Perhaps I must after all invest in that $500.00 amp/hour meter. Having sponsorships is beginning to sound better all the time...but as I have already said, I'm not used to "receiving". Is a change in principals about to take place???
SAM is becoming VERY heavy. Weighs out at about 150# at the moment and must add clothes, and food. Structurally, SAM is good. Her front wheel is fixed; i.e., not steerable. To turn SAM, I must lift (say, TILT) her front drive wheel off the ground. Not a big problem on flat surfaces, but extremely difficult to do on up or down grades. Nearly lost control of her in heavy traffic on the way home. Then, too, this is my first serious walk in over two months and with the surgery and all, I am a bit weak in the feet, legs and arms. Then, too, I'm not 39 anymore !!! I will, however, ramp up our walks to be ready for Wednesday Week...April 20 departure date.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Seniors Walking
So, this is Saturday evening...no work today, but went anyway & forwarded all Company phone lines to my cell phone to test the "system" of receiving business phone calls on the"road" as I walk. Seems to work ok. Thanks, Qwest.
Also activated Garmin DVD on my hp mini computer. Finally figured out how to use the basics and send the "routes" to my Garmin60csx. Now gotta figgure how to make the csx work. I'm just not one of these techies ...like my piano, gotta work for every correct note I hit.
Jon came to Bellingham today. He brought along his "Seniors Walking" documentary he entered into the Toronto Film Festival. Jon played his film for me. I sat mesmerized. After 3 minutes or so, I turned to Jon and said, "Is that really me? Did I really say those things?" "Yep!", he says. I was nearly moved to tears. I look forward to the moment Jon can put his "Seniors Walking" on the web. I believe lotsa folks are gonna like it.
Nothing much else occurred today...took SAM for a stroll for Jon & his staff to see & then for a longer hike. SAM seemed pleased. Charged up her batteries when we returned to the office/warehouse.
I am mentally ready to begin our walk. Another week & half to April 20 departure date. Am looking forward to it. Three or four folks have invited me & SAM to stop & spend the nite and have a nice bath/dinner/soft bed. My, how this is all snowballing...I just hope I am worthy of the attention and interest in this ole' man walking to Key West.
Also activated Garmin DVD on my hp mini computer. Finally figured out how to use the basics and send the "routes" to my Garmin60csx. Now gotta figgure how to make the csx work. I'm just not one of these techies ...like my piano, gotta work for every correct note I hit.
Jon came to Bellingham today. He brought along his "Seniors Walking" documentary he entered into the Toronto Film Festival. Jon played his film for me. I sat mesmerized. After 3 minutes or so, I turned to Jon and said, "Is that really me? Did I really say those things?" "Yep!", he says. I was nearly moved to tears. I look forward to the moment Jon can put his "Seniors Walking" on the web. I believe lotsa folks are gonna like it.
Nothing much else occurred today...took SAM for a stroll for Jon & his staff to see & then for a longer hike. SAM seemed pleased. Charged up her batteries when we returned to the office/warehouse.
I am mentally ready to begin our walk. Another week & half to April 20 departure date. Am looking forward to it. Three or four folks have invited me & SAM to stop & spend the nite and have a nice bath/dinner/soft bed. My, how this is all snowballing...I just hope I am worthy of the attention and interest in this ole' man walking to Key West.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Significant Other Is Home...
Good Even'n, all.
My Significant Other arrived back in Bellingham Monday, right on schedule, flying British Air from London to Seattle; then bus to Bellingham. Apprehensive, I have been; but we had a kind and comforting reunion. She seems truly pleased with our home - inside and out - but hoped for Tulips instead of the high-tech bouquet resting on the table for her return...as I have presented upon her return these many years of our relationship. She is accepting my imminent departure for the long walk...just about the same length as Mao's walk across China in 1945...you might know that I visited Mao's home in Wuhan, China...but that is another story for a quiet future evening.
SAM is now complete. She is going through repeated packing, repacking and repacking again. All possible items to join our journey are laid out on the long shelving of my warehouse, awaiting decision...I can feel them thinking..."am I going"..."am I being left behind"..."is there room for me in SAM"..."or am I to be packed away in a dark place for some future day when Bruce may again take me out and into his life." Even inantimate objects have feelings and know very well what is going on. Each item must have dual or multiple function to be considered for our journey and I feel sad for those left behind.
I know, I'm a romantic and probably a bit off center; but, then again, being a Cancer has it's obligations...to look for the pleasure in all things and try to be fair and honest in decisions. Wish all items could join SAM and me...but, disappointment will come to some.
My very good friend, Les, was all set to look after my Company office...take in the mail, make bank deposits, keep paper in the FAX machine & generally look after things. Shockingly, Les suffered a heart "failure" a few days ago. ER brought him through and he has now entered lengthy heart rehabilitation. So, Les says he cannot be counted on to stand in for me.
I have many boating items to dispose of after purging the warehouse for the new tenents. Another friend, Raleigh, has agreed to take these items to the May 01 Boating Opening Day Swap Meet. Just what would the world be without friends !!! Mentioned that Les was doubtful to stand in for me, and Raleigh jumped at the opportunity to take his place...WOW...just what did I do to deserve these guys.
Have been using Google, Bing, MSN, and Garmin to lay out detailed routes for SAM and me. I want to use the new HP mini-computer and my Garmin 60CSX GPS to detail the journey. Have kinda settled on Garmin's "City" software. Tried all day to get it downloaded. After numerous starts/failures, phoned Garmin Tech Staff, who advised me that I needed this and I needed that, which I did not have. Pointed out that their web site made no mention of that stuff and got into a pi__ing contest with some strong willed (stronger willed than me) Techie about the shortcomings of their website instructions. Finally got transferred to "management", who, after listening to the adventure of SAM & me, started jumping through hoops. End result: Garmin is giving me what I need and asked for permission to use SAM & me for advertising...the world is full of surprises.
On Saturday, Jon is bringing "our" documentary to Bellingham for me to view. Since it is still in the "finals" competition in Toronto, it cannot be shown to "outsiders", but he wants me to see it. I think he is a bit taken by his own work and I am eager to see it. As I mentioned before, final selections will be made on or shortly after May 10.
I really don't know if anyone is reading any of this, but if you are, a word of critique is very welcome. I'm not really a writer, and welcome any/all input(s).
My Significant Other arrived back in Bellingham Monday, right on schedule, flying British Air from London to Seattle; then bus to Bellingham. Apprehensive, I have been; but we had a kind and comforting reunion. She seems truly pleased with our home - inside and out - but hoped for Tulips instead of the high-tech bouquet resting on the table for her return...as I have presented upon her return these many years of our relationship. She is accepting my imminent departure for the long walk...just about the same length as Mao's walk across China in 1945...you might know that I visited Mao's home in Wuhan, China...but that is another story for a quiet future evening.
SAM is now complete. She is going through repeated packing, repacking and repacking again. All possible items to join our journey are laid out on the long shelving of my warehouse, awaiting decision...I can feel them thinking..."am I going"..."am I being left behind"..."is there room for me in SAM"..."or am I to be packed away in a dark place for some future day when Bruce may again take me out and into his life." Even inantimate objects have feelings and know very well what is going on. Each item must have dual or multiple function to be considered for our journey and I feel sad for those left behind.
I know, I'm a romantic and probably a bit off center; but, then again, being a Cancer has it's obligations...to look for the pleasure in all things and try to be fair and honest in decisions. Wish all items could join SAM and me...but, disappointment will come to some.
My very good friend, Les, was all set to look after my Company office...take in the mail, make bank deposits, keep paper in the FAX machine & generally look after things. Shockingly, Les suffered a heart "failure" a few days ago. ER brought him through and he has now entered lengthy heart rehabilitation. So, Les says he cannot be counted on to stand in for me.
I have many boating items to dispose of after purging the warehouse for the new tenents. Another friend, Raleigh, has agreed to take these items to the May 01 Boating Opening Day Swap Meet. Just what would the world be without friends !!! Mentioned that Les was doubtful to stand in for me, and Raleigh jumped at the opportunity to take his place...WOW...just what did I do to deserve these guys.
Have been using Google, Bing, MSN, and Garmin to lay out detailed routes for SAM and me. I want to use the new HP mini-computer and my Garmin 60CSX GPS to detail the journey. Have kinda settled on Garmin's "City" software. Tried all day to get it downloaded. After numerous starts/failures, phoned Garmin Tech Staff, who advised me that I needed this and I needed that, which I did not have. Pointed out that their web site made no mention of that stuff and got into a pi__ing contest with some strong willed (stronger willed than me) Techie about the shortcomings of their website instructions. Finally got transferred to "management", who, after listening to the adventure of SAM & me, started jumping through hoops. End result: Garmin is giving me what I need and asked for permission to use SAM & me for advertising...the world is full of surprises.
On Saturday, Jon is bringing "our" documentary to Bellingham for me to view. Since it is still in the "finals" competition in Toronto, it cannot be shown to "outsiders", but he wants me to see it. I think he is a bit taken by his own work and I am eager to see it. As I mentioned before, final selections will be made on or shortly after May 10.
I really don't know if anyone is reading any of this, but if you are, a word of critique is very welcome. I'm not really a writer, and welcome any/all input(s).
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Closing A Chapter
Been a very emotional week; closing down tenancy of my Company warehouse. Every item I touch...give away...throw out...or pack away for some later date...is fraught with memories. A simple label on shelving brings tears remembering Christiane's careful penmanship..."09-6", the ID of a popular Instant Bow Ribbon. The ribbons are all gone now, as are all candy boxes, all decorator bags, twist-ties, candy cups, and yes, also Christiane, who died January 12, 2001, after fighting breast cancer for over 10 years. It's tough to lose ... tougher still to put away all the tangibles, leaving only memories, many of which are yours alone.
Some consolation???Christiane's loss was so much more traumatic, desperate, and final. I simply turn the page of life to begin my new chapter...my walk into my future.
But, that is the way it is on this stormy Saturday morning in Bellingham. Up at 4:11am, battling Alisha and Sarah in Tennis on Wii...try to do battle every morning as it gets the snaps' firing upstairs; mixing up some blueberry pancakes (Christiane called them "Saddleblankets") with diced banana, and thinking thru the day's activities to set priorities. Esther returns on Monday after 3 months celebrating Fastnacht in Switzerland. MUST have our home spic n' span for her return; not really much to do as I'm kinda always ready for visitors.
Good news! Jon advises me that his ("our") documentary film has been chosen as a finalist in the Toronto Film Festival. Seniors Walking is scheduled to be reviewed by a much larger audience (judges) on May 02. Final selections are to be made by May 10 or so. Jon is elated and confident his film will do well. He...me too...is eager to start receiving my HD video cards of my walk so he can continue the saga of this ole' man walking into his - and other's - future. April 20 departure still looks good.
A unique and wonderful thing happened yesterday. SAM has an empty space between the solar panels (above) and the "passenger" compartment (below). I wanted to use this space to carry along a pillow and quickly accessible spare/dry clothing, etc. After nearly 2 months searching, finally found "Marc", owner of Signs by Tomorrow on Iowa Street. He took one look at SAM, marveled and began immediate construction of a custom-molded plastic tray to fit SAM's empty space. He offered that if he could hang his advertising on SAM, he would charge only 50% for his tray. "You bet," But Marc lied to me. His beautifully crafted tray fit perfectly. He handed me his sign and flatly refused my money. I'm not used to "receiving". I am and have always been the "giver". Now I'm struggling with becoming a "receiver". Thanks, Marc.
I have a new consideration. During the past few months, my hands have become increasingly sore. Dr. Ross, my Primary Physician, said not to worry, but the soreness has now become complete with all fingers on both hands and moving into my wrists. Seems like arthritis to me. As with all things to do with my body, I put mind over matter and the pain goes away. But in the quiet peaceful moments alone, my hands remind me - constantly - that change is underway. Now, I am facing a new realization that just possibly I really am getting on in age.
Well, it just goes to show how much I must take special care of this body. I trust I am up to the challenge.
Some consolation???Christiane's loss was so much more traumatic, desperate, and final. I simply turn the page of life to begin my new chapter...my walk into my future.
But, that is the way it is on this stormy Saturday morning in Bellingham. Up at 4:11am, battling Alisha and Sarah in Tennis on Wii...try to do battle every morning as it gets the snaps' firing upstairs; mixing up some blueberry pancakes (Christiane called them "Saddleblankets") with diced banana, and thinking thru the day's activities to set priorities. Esther returns on Monday after 3 months celebrating Fastnacht in Switzerland. MUST have our home spic n' span for her return; not really much to do as I'm kinda always ready for visitors.
Good news! Jon advises me that his ("our") documentary film has been chosen as a finalist in the Toronto Film Festival. Seniors Walking is scheduled to be reviewed by a much larger audience (judges) on May 02. Final selections are to be made by May 10 or so. Jon is elated and confident his film will do well. He...me too...is eager to start receiving my HD video cards of my walk so he can continue the saga of this ole' man walking into his - and other's - future. April 20 departure still looks good.
A unique and wonderful thing happened yesterday. SAM has an empty space between the solar panels (above) and the "passenger" compartment (below). I wanted to use this space to carry along a pillow and quickly accessible spare/dry clothing, etc. After nearly 2 months searching, finally found "Marc", owner of Signs by Tomorrow on Iowa Street. He took one look at SAM, marveled and began immediate construction of a custom-molded plastic tray to fit SAM's empty space. He offered that if he could hang his advertising on SAM, he would charge only 50% for his tray. "You bet," But Marc lied to me. His beautifully crafted tray fit perfectly. He handed me his sign and flatly refused my money. I'm not used to "receiving". I am and have always been the "giver". Now I'm struggling with becoming a "receiver". Thanks, Marc.
I have a new consideration. During the past few months, my hands have become increasingly sore. Dr. Ross, my Primary Physician, said not to worry, but the soreness has now become complete with all fingers on both hands and moving into my wrists. Seems like arthritis to me. As with all things to do with my body, I put mind over matter and the pain goes away. But in the quiet peaceful moments alone, my hands remind me - constantly - that change is underway. Now, I am facing a new realization that just possibly I really am getting on in age.
Well, it just goes to show how much I must take special care of this body. I trust I am up to the challenge.
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