Goodbye to 2008

In less than two hours the year of many changes for me will come to an end and a new and exciting year will begin. Earlier today when I was reflecting on ALL that came my way in 2008, the first thing that came to my mind was WOW! I am a much better person both spirtiually and mentally because of the Journey that I experienced this past year. Its actually hard to put it in words, and for me, that isn't easy. Ha, Ha.

My new job with the State of Idaho in the Department of Health and Welfare is going GREAT. I am very busy trying to be a sponge and soak up as much about the computer system that I will be supporting as I can. I work with a group of good people and they have made me feel very welcome. I do miss my Micron coworkers but am able to see some of them on a regular basis.

My wish for all of you in 2009 is to live each day for that day and to remember that you all are Too Blessed to be Stressed. Thank you all for your love and support and for helping me through the past year. I am very blessed.

Until next year.......

All good things must come to an end....sort of

Today is the last weekday of me being outsourced/laid off. My new job with the State of Idaho at the Department of Health and Welfare begins on Monday at 8 a.m.

It was a good day today. With the help from the kids, we went up into the attic and got down all of the Christmas decorations, lights, and tree and spent most of the day outside in the cool sunshine, stringing up the lights on the eves of the house. Sierra even got up on the roof with me and handed me the strands of lights while I attached them. Its amazing how fast the whole process took with help.

While up on the roof I had to admire all the work that we have put into the pool, deck, and bamboo garden and I just had to take a picture of it from the air.



Being that Thanksgiving was yesterday and with the new job about to begin, I was able to capture some quiet time by sitting up on the highest part of the roof and basically reflect on the past six months and a few days since The Journey began. Let me tell you, its been an awesome journey. These past months have validated that I am truly Too Blessed to be Stressed and that I am doing the right things with my life. I also realize with each passing day that I am very blessed by having Diana, Kyle, and Sierra in my life. I have a wonderful family back in Pennsylvania, and an extended in law family now here in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. My true friends mean the world to me and even though with some of them we don't get to see each other all of the time, we do enjoy each time that we can be together. My gratitude to God and all his gifts to me isn't just given/shown during this Thanksgiving holiday time but daily.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.

Stay Off the Sidewalks......

WARNING, WARNING, WARNING

Kyle and our Godson, Jackson, start driver's education tomorrow and so for the next two weeks especially, watch all around you, especially when you see a car from Phillips Driving School, it could be one of them. Just kidding. I am very proud of both of the young men as they mature. After the two weeks of D.E. they both will then have their permit and will have to drive for 6 months and for at least 50 hours before they can obtain their driver's license. Its a right of passage BUT this has been a public service announcement.

And the Journey continues ......

Things happen when you least expect it.

I have been focusing my energy on taking advantage of the going back to school opportunity from the government and trying to get everything lined up to attend a school under the nursing curriculum. Roadblocks were continually getting in my way and it was getting frustrating for me since I thought that this was what I supposed to be doing next with my life. During this time I had to continue to fulfil my weekly requirements for unemployment and make at least 2 job contacts every week. I did this with not alot of enthusiasm and, low and behold, I was called for an interview two weeks ago.

Well, I am very happy and content to be letting everyone know that this morning I was offered and have accepted a full time permanent state position with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in Boise. I begin this new chapter of my life on December 1st.

I will be working as a Program System Specialist that analyzes, plans, coordinates, and monitors the development, modification, and implementation of the automated system that the Health and Welfare department uses state wide.

I appreciate everyone's kind thoughts, words, and prayers for me and my family during these last five months and I want everyone to know that I have not regretted one day of any of it.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.

Bamboo garden is COMPLETE

All of the planting and mulching is done and here is the finished garden.

The top level has the bamboo and the bottom level has various grasses and a flowering Tropicana plant.

The rest is up to Mother Nature!

All we need to do now is plant

The bamboo/flower bed has been created and is ready for planting. We plan on getting the actual plants in the beds sometime in September. By the spring, we should have a nice natural privacy "fence" along the pool and deck side.

My own little bit of Paradise

Just a quick note to let everyone know that reads this that I am still doing well and enjoying the summer.

LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Two Weeks

Its been 2 weeks since Sierra and I have been back in Idaho and all is still going well. I have gotten alot of things accomplished and currently Kyle and I are building our version of the "Great Wall" but in our backyard.

Let me explain further. We are building a bamboo/flower bed in the open area by the pool and deck. The bamboo will grow in the raised wall bed in the back and then we will have grasses and flowers in the lower portion. In theory, this will provide for a natural privacy fence as well as bringing some color and foliage to the back yard. We have really enjoyed the back yard alot more this year and I think that the deck and pool have contributed to that.

Until next time.........

Being a Statistic

After enjoying the sunny weekend, hanging out with Diana and Sierra, relaxing in the pool, and getting back in the Idaho groove, I plan to go on Monday and start "signing up for unemployment" now that I am physically back in the state. Yes - I am going to do my part to bring the unemployment rate in Idaho down even lower.

North to Alaska !!!

Not me, but Kyle. After having a nice day with Kyle on Friday, and after Diana got home from work, we got Kyle all packed and then all of four of us headed to the airport so that Kyle could catch his evening flight to Anchorage Alaska, via Seattle. He and his Auntie Linda and a few others head out this weekend out of Anchorage for a weeks long excursion of floating the river fishing and doing some river dip netting down in Kenai. If only I would have planned it better, so that I could have went with him. At least I wouldn't have had to drive.

We Are Back In Idaho

After 4 days of driving, Sierra and I got into Boise around 5pm Thursday afternoon. Since Diana was working during this time, Sierra and I decided to swing by her job and say hello before coming to Nampa.

After getting home to Nampa (taking the back roads), and being greeted by Kyle, we unloaded the van of the cedar hope chest, antique chair, and all of the other things that came with us across the United States, and then settled into a nice reunion evening. As Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, "There's No Place Like Home".

Last Day

We woke up in Wyoming on Thursday and headed back to Idaho. It was a great drive but seemed to last longer than the previous day, even though in reality it was a shorter day. Driving through the western part of Wyoming and then Utah was ok and the sights were awesome. I enjoyed seeing all of the wind farms and really hope that this alternative energy source catches on and becomes a normal thing to see more of, even in Idaho.

5 states in 2 days.

We left Indiana on Tuesday, spent the night in Iowa, and then on Wednesday we were on the road for about 14 hours, until we stopped for the night in Laramie Wyoming. Sierra was a great co-pilot and an awesome traveler for such a long day.

Of course, she did say and do some things that really made the trip that much more enjoyable.



I am so glad that she drove back to Idaho with me. We truly made some memories.

On the road again ..........

Sierra and I headed west early Monday morning. Our first stop was back in Huntington Indiana to visit with my best friend Jerry and for Sierra to see Jerry and Jill and their sons; Chandler and Conner. The visit was great, as always, and it was good to be around them all and to once again validate that Life Is Good.

The Three Musketeers

We couldn't leave without first getting a picture of Mom, Tammy, and I.

Our "Last Supper" Sunday

On Sunday July 13th, we had our "Last Supper" in Pennsylvania up at Tammy and Lance's. The kids enjoyed the pool and riding 4 wheelers and the grown ups enjoyed watching them and talking. Cousin Patty came by to wish Sierra and I a good return trip home.

Here is Sierra showing her stuff on one of the 4 wheelers.



Since Sierra and I were leaving early the next day, I wanted to get a picture of the Hughes Family and of all the kids together, one last time. Here is the result.

Front to back: Levi, Loryn, Luke, Tammy, and Lance



Luke, Levi, Loryn, and Sierra

Do they know something that we don't?

Taken outside of Adventure Video in Philipsburg, PA yesterday.

This proves that they have a very strict return policy.

Another Career Revelation

Today was a rainy, dreary, and muggy day and so my sister and I took all 4 kids and went bowling at the local new bowling lanes. We all had a really fun time playing the two games and enjoyed the new facility and its high tech functionality and perks. Needless to say, my average of two games was only 119 and so I can remove Professional Bowler off of the career list. I should have had the automatic bumper railings programmed to come up for my player as well.

Walter Ray Williams Jr. won't have to worry about me taking over his spot as one of the most famous bowlers. We would starve if that was my only source of income based on my ability. Ha, Ha.

All-Star update

My nephew's All-Star baseball team lost last night thus, was eliminated from the 9 and 10 year olds championship series. Regardless, I am proud of Levi for always giving 110% every single game, in spite of what the score board displayed. Sierra and I are very proud of him and glad that we were able to see him in action.

Home of the World's Largest Hamburger Challenges

A friend and I went to the famous Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield, PA last night. The food and drinks were good and the conversations were GREAT. We didn't take the 2 lb. burger challenge but a couple people did. Here is what that 2 pound burger looks like and someone who couldn't eat it all.




Denny's also holds the Guiness Book of World Record for the largest hamburger. Here is a picture of the record burger made by the Liegey family who are the owners of the pub.

All Star game - RAINED OUT

The Four Leaf Clover 9- and 10- year-old Little League All-Stars took the winner's bracket title on Saturday with a 10-1 victory over my nephew Levi's Philipsburg-Osceola All Star baseball team.

Philipsburg-Osceola hosted Curwensville this evening but the game was stopped in the 2nd inning due to the heavy rains and flooding in-field. The game will resume tomorrow with only a 40 percent chance of rain.
LET'S GO - P.O !!!!!!!

Loryn's 8th B-day

Yesterday (July 6th), my niece turned 8 years old, and where has the time gone? She wanted a birthday/pool party for her special day. Here she is with Sierra and brother Luke (sunning on the crab), before the party started.

Happy 4th of July !!!

Sierra, mom, and I just got back from the fireman's parade and also the 4th of July bash up at my brother in law's parents. We are now taking a break and then will go next door to mom's neighbors house for some more festivities.

Hoping you all have a fun and safe day and GOD BLESS THE USA!!!

Another Game Update

Tonight Levi's PO All Star team and us fans traveled to Curwensville and it was a real nail biter. The game went the full 6 innings and PO beat the Curwensville All Stars, 6 to 5. The winning continues for PO and Sierra and I enjoyed watching them. Next game is here in Chester Hill on Saturday.

The "Aunt Bubbles"

Here is my sister Tammy, or as Sierra and Kyle call her, "Aunt Bubbles" and Sierra.

All Star Nephew

On Sunday, Sierra and I got to see my nephew Levi, age 9, in action during his first Philipsburg Osceola (PO) All Star baseball game. It was an intense and exciting game. In this series they have a 10 run rule and Levi's team was ahead by 9 with Levi up to bat with no outs. Levi got a ground hit, ran to first base, and the kid that was on 3rd base was able to come in to homeplate to score the winning run. The final score was 22 to 12. All the boys were stoked to have won their first All Star game and it was so nice to be able to see it happen in person. The games continue tonight and so we will see if the winning continues. Regardless, Sierra and I will be there supporting the team.

Its Been A Month Already !!!

Can you believe it that its been a month already today since I left Idaho for my summer Journey trip to and from the east coast? They say that time flys when you are having fun and so I can confirm that I am having a blast since I can't believe that its already been a month.

Even though I am really enjoying just hanging out with my only sibling, sister Tammy and her family, and my mom and seeing all of my friends and family again, I am starting to miss my Idaho life. I do know and I am preparing myself for my Idaho life to be different when Sierra and I return towards the end of July. Diana and I talk almost everyday and she is doing a GREAT job "holding down the fort" back there while I am gone. I told her before I left that she would be fine and she has been. Kyle just returned from his football camp in Pocatello Idaho where it sounds like he had a great time and was glad that he attended it. I miss them both.

3 of the 4 Cousins

Loryn, Sierra, and Luke

All of the cousins are having a fun time together. Levi made the All Star baseball team and has been very busy practicing for a couple of hours everyday.

Ocean City, Maryland - part 2

On Monday and after eating breakfast on the boardwalk, we enjoyed more of the beach and looking at some of the sand sculptures done by the beach artists. We hit the arcade again and then we went to the second amusement park off of the boardwalk. This is where Sierra actually got me on the upside down roller coaster. It was fun and I didn't lose anything, including my glasses or lunch. The rest of the day was spent in the pool and enjoying the boardwalk and its many many shops and just being on the Atlantic coast and Sierra and I being together for some quality daddy/daughter time.

I did find the old Steven's restaurant that I used to go to many many years ago but it is now a Burger King on the Boardwalk. That was a bit disappointing but understandable as well.

The weather while we were there was mostly sunny and it was nice and warm. Perfect beach weather.

The evening ended with us relaxing on the balcony and watching the boardwalk nightlife with all its people and lights.

Ocean City, Maryland - part 1

We got to Ocean City (OC) Maryland on Sunday about noon and after checking into our hotel, we hit the boardwalk and beach running, so to speak. The first thing that Sierra wanted to do was go to one of two little amusement parks off of the boardwalk. It was fun and the Ferris wheel was very tall and so it made for a great way to view alot of the OC coastline. For those of you who don't know, I used to live about an hour north of OC in Dover Delaware for about 3 years and so I would spend many many hours walking the Atlantic coast line. It was refreshing and enjoyable to be back there.




Our hotel, the Atlantic Hotel, was perfectly located right off of the boardwalk and beach. It made it so easy for us to just run up to the room when we needed to and the views from its balconies was breathtaking.



We spent the day at the beach, the amusement park, the arcade, walking the boardwalk and shopping, having boardwalk fries, and even checking out the Ripley's Believe It or Not exhibit on the boardwalk. The day was definitely an enjoyable and memorable day spent with Sierra.

Its Summer Solstice, even In Washington D.C

Happy 1st day of Summer. I left Philipsburg Pennsylvania today about 1:30pm and headed south for an uneventful 3 hour and 45 minute drive to Reagan International Airport in Washington DC. I am now sitting in the airport waiting for Sierra's Alaska Airline flight to arrive from Seattle. I am getting excited to see her. Diana called me after Sierra's plane took off in Seattle and told me that they both handled her leaving very well and now Diana is on her way back to Boise, via Portland Oregon. Kyle had Saturday football practice and will be spending the rest of the day with his best friend, Jackson, and his family until Diana makes it back to Nampa Idaho to pick him up.

After Sierra arrives, we are heading east to Annapolis Maryland and will spend the night in a hotel and then tomorrow we head about 2 hours south to Ocean City Maryland for a couple of days enjoying and relaxing on the Atlantic Coast. I reserved a hotel room right on the boardwalk for us for a couple of nights and it will be good to spend some quality daughter/daddy time. She is my beach bum partner and so I am sure that we will have an awesome time.

Career Revelation

One of the goals of this journey is to try and figure out what I am supposed to be doing next with my life and see what I want to really do when I "grow up".

One thing I do know for sure is that it won't be Yard Sale Management. On Thursday and Friday my mom and sister, Tammy, had a yard sale at mom's place. The weather was good and mostly sunny for it and they got rid of alot of things that they no longer needed. Some folks that I haven't seen in a long long time came and "shopped" and it was nice to see them after all these years. I really enjoyed keeping my 9 year old nephew, 8 year old niece, and 4 year old nephew occupied, fed, and entertained while the ladies managed the sale.

For the record, and in writing, my sister has vowed that this will be her last yard sale. (Note: my brother in law can use this blog entry as proof that he has a witness that its her last one.) Love ya sis!

We have left Music City - U.S.A.

On Monday, we left Nashville and headed back to central Pennsylvania. Since it was a long 13 hour drive on the way down, I decided that we were going to go and only drive about half way and stop and spend the night somewhere. We stopped in Columbus Ohio and got some rest and then on Tuesday made the shorter drive the rest of the way back to Philipsburg PA. We took mom's car instead of my van since her vehicle gets better gas mileage and her car did awesome and we had no problems.

Going to Nashville with mom will be a memory that I will cherish and I think mom will do the same thing.

The Newest Grand Ole Opry Duet Stars

On Sunday after a nice BIG breakfast at a Bob Evans restaurant, we drove to downtown Nashville and toured the Grand Ole Opry Hall of Fame and Museum. Inside we got to see Elvis Presley's Gold Plated Cadillac and alot of other country stars, both past and present, memorabilia. Afterwards, we went up the street a couple of blocks and toured the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, which is the Ryman Auditorium. This is where mom and I made our "staged" debut on the actual stage that all the stars, such as Loretta Lynn and many many others got their start. It was an amazing day as well and a trip that I will always remember.

Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry

Saturday night mom and I had a nice evening at the Grand Ole Opry House and enjoyed a nice show watching such stars as Little Jimmy Dickens, Jean Shepperd, Marty Stuart and even Michael Jackson's brother who crossed over into country music, Jermaine Jackson. We also were present when the Southern Blues Band called the Carolina Chocolate Drops made their Nashville debut and they even got a standing ovation. It was a neat experience and they were very good.

Here is mom and I outside the Opry House before the show.

Stopping by "AJ's" house

On Saturday mom and I took a 3 hour tour of the stars homes in the Nashville area. It was amazing to see the homes of some famous people including Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, George Jones, Minnie Pearl and Carrie Underwood. There was about 40 homes in all that we saw but my favorite was probably the sprawling estate of Alan Jackson.



What do you think? Pretty nice huh?

We have arrived at Music City - Nashville

Mom and I left Philipsburg Pennsylvania at 3:30am and drove 13 hours today, with some stops through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and arrived at our final destination of Nashville Tennessee. Mom worked last night and got home about 9:30pm and then by the time that she got to bed she said she got about 2 hours of sleep total. I drove the whole time and she doozed off and on. When we got checked in at the Fiddler's Inn here in Nashville, we had a second wind and decided to walk around the area to see whats about.

We found Ernest Tubbs record store and went in and looked at all the sights. Inside the store was a statue of Mr Tubbs himself and one of his tour buses. It was kinda cool for what it was. The following picture is of mom and I in the record store.


We decided to grab a little dinner and drink at The Music City Bar and Grill but did not get to see Little Jimmy Dickens, who is a regular Friday afternoon customer.

We are now relaxing in our room and will get some much needed rest for a busy day tomorrow of Touring the Nashville Stars homes and then spending an evening at the Grand Ole Opry.

For being a Friday the 13th it was a great but long day.

Hugh Hefner, eat your heart out!

These bunnies are hotter than Hugh's will ever be.
Of course, it has been in the 90s here in PA.


Lucky and Cuddles


Thumper and Oreo

Since my sister and her family have been at the Delaware beach all week, I have been keeping these little ones watered and feed and they are starting to grow on me. I bet they will be glad for my niece and nephews to get back cause I haven't taken them out and walked them. Seriously, they go for walks.

Its been a great week visiting with some friends and family and just relaxing and trying to stay cool. Mom is doing really well and her attitude and demeanor is very positive. We are getting along great and having a good time. We will leave early tomorrow morning for our long drive down to Nashville Tennessee. We have tickets for the Grand Ole Opry for Saturday night and I am actually looking forward to going and seeing some of the performers. On that note, I am going to hit the hay so that I can get up about 2:30am to start the drive. Until next time.......

I made it to Pennsylvania!!!

I am now in Pennsylvania and it was a nice drive cross country. The highest I paid for gas along the way was $3.99/gallon. On Friday, I got to spend some time with my sister Tammy and her family and getting reacquainted with my nephews and niece before they headed down to Indian River Inlet in Delaware for their annual week beach vacation. My sister has 4 bunnies that I am assisting with their care. I feel very useful.

Its unseasonably hot here and has been in the low 90s everyday so far. I am staying at my mom's house and she is doing good. Her house doesn't have central air but yesterday I found her window air conditioner and got it put in the front window for her. With it going and the two window fans upstairs, the place is liveable. I notice that I am drinking alot of water and sweating alot more. Hopefully this will be good for my overall health and weight. Ha, Ha.

Until next time...............

Welcome to Hoosier Country

On Monday, June 2nd, I left Weeping Water, Nebraska and made the loooooooooong drive through the flatlands of Iowa, through Illionis past Chicago, and into northeastern Indiana to my best friend Jerry's place. Total time that day was about 14 hours, with stops. All of this driving was also done without the use of cruise control. Turns out that a recall notice was issued by Chrysler on a lock spring in the steering wheel area that if and WHEN it failed the airbag light would stay on and the horn and cruise control would not work. I was able to validate that recall and so while I was still in Iowa, I made an appointment to get it fixed in Indiana when I got there. The appointment was for Tuesday and since the part had to be brought in from Chicago, the van was ready for pickup on Wednesday and everything works perfect once again.

The Bauers ~ Conner, Jill, Jerry, and Chandler


Jerry, his wife Jill, and their son's Chandler and Conner spoiled me while I was there. Jerry took a few days off and since the boys were already out of school we spent our days by the pool, sitting around the fire pit, going fishing but only catching frogs, and just enjoying the time hanging out together and talking.

The Indiana weather called for at least a 70% chance of rain and storms everyday while I was there but it held off until I got to Pennsylvania. Life and the weather was definitely good while I was there. Huntington Indiana is about an hour and half north of Indianapolis and to the best of my knowledge they haven't been hit with any of the flooding issues up their way.

I look forward to seeing them all again in July when Sierra and I make our way back to Idaho.

I am not in Kansas anymore Toto!!!!

Sunday morning, June 1st, I left Wichita amongst the black clouds and rainy weather and after running to Wal-Mart and buying a new headlight bulb and replacing it in the store parking lot, I headed north to Weeping Water Nebraska, south of Omaha to spend the rest of the day and evening with the best man at Diana and I's wedding, Ed, and his family.

Ed is now a retired Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force and is living his dream of being a farmer, while having the security right now of working as a civilian out at Offutt Air Force Base. He and his family live on almost 5 acres in a nice setting on a dead end street. Its a perfect location. When I arrived, Ed was clearing some brush and trees and doing his "farmer" chores. After a nice and relaxing dinner prepared by Robyn outside under one of the walnut or locust trees we got things cleaned up and then Ed gave me the grand tour of the farm. The 20 plus chickens weren't impressed by my presence but soon ignored me just the same. It was nice to see all of the gardens that Ed has planted and listen to his vision of what he wants to someday soon do fulltime in the farming industry. He is well on his way and with Ed's determination and drive I know he will reach his goals and be very successful at his business. Its good to see that someone knows what he is supposed to be doing. Hence, the reason for my journey...........



Robyn home schools their three children; twins Megan and Madeline and their son Joshua and is an awesome pianist. In fact, Robyn played all the music at Diana and I's wedding. I didn't get a chance to hear Robyn play her baby grand piano but hope too in July when I come through Nebraska again on the way back to Idaho. The time Ed and I had talking about old times over a few beers in the barn was a nice and relaxing ending to a great day.


The Milligans ~ Megan, Ed, Joshua, Madeline, and Robyn

The Kansas Cousins

While in Wichita I stayed with my cousin Mary and her family. Mary is married to Marcus and together they run a pest control business. Marcus has been driving Volkswagon Beetles for many, many years and even drives a new style yellow beetle bug now and so I think that "bugs" are in his blood. Mary and Marcus have two sons, Nathan and Thomas. Its been about 11 and a half years since I have seen Mary and it was so nice to spend some time with them.

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun

And I am having a fun time. Can you tell by the lack of posts since Colorado? I plan on getting caught up on posting this weekend. I haven't tried too hard to get access to internet much. Its been two weeks today since my last official day at Micron.

Thanks to everyone for their hospitality along my travels and for the kind thoughts and prayers that are sent along the way.

Stay tuned............

"Off to see the ......."

Cousins. It was an uneventful drive yesterday from Colorado Springs Colorado to Wichita Kansas. The scenery was about the same, flat farm lands, but I made it to my cousin Mary's in about the suggested time according to Google Maps. Since I got here alittle later than expected we went right to dinner since we all were pretty hungry. Went to a nice burger place and got to ride in Mary's new Volkswagon GTI (I think that is what it is). Nice car and the first 6 speed that I have seen. After dinner we came back to the house, the boys showed me their tree swing and how they can jump off the top of the house without breaking any part of their body. They both have "long boards" that they zoom down the road and are quite good with them. To be that agile again. Ha, Ha. The evening was relaxing with us sitting around their daylight basement where it was cooler and just talking and relaxing. We then were able to watch their version of COPS, Wichita style, the commentary was the best.

It thundered stormed in the middle of the night and I noticed the wet roads this morning but it will be a good day. I think some of Marcus's family is coming over this afternoon for a visit and I plan on taking some pictures and will post them as I can.

The Colungas

Here is a picture of Joe, the dad; Mutsuko, the mom; Tomas, Velia, and Diego. The famous Pikes Peak of Colorado Springs Colorado is in the background just above Joe's head. Joe was one of Diana and I's groomsmen in our wedding party way back in December 1992 and we have kept in touch since then.

Its been a fun and enjoyable day, spending time with Mutsuko and the kids and when Joe got home from work we enjoyed a nice Alaskan Amber together and then a good Chicken Curry meal cooked by Mutsuko. I plan on leaving tomorrow morning sometime, heading for Wichita Kansas but hope to come by maybe on our way back to Idaho in July.

Thank you Joe and Mutsuko for your hospitality, friendship and love. Thank you also to Diego, Tomas, and Velia for sharing your home with me and making me feel so welcome. Keep being GREAT kids.

In Colorado Springs

Arrived in Colorado Springs about 5:30pm Wednesday afternoon. I haven't been to Colorado since 1988 when I was in the Air Force and was in retraining tech school and forgot how beautiful the state is. Passing through Denver just before rush hour wasn't as bad as I expected. President Bush was here in Colorado Springs for the Air Force Academy graduation, which is located about 20 miles from where my friends live, but I missed all of that traffic as well.

I am staying with our friends Joe and Mutsuko Colunga while here in Colorado. Last night after a nice dinner prepared by Mutsuko we relaxed and enjoyed some visiting and then played some Rock Band video game. It is so nice to see all of them again after about 6 years when we last got together during my San Antonio Texas trip. The Colunga children; Tomas, Velia (twins ~ age 11, and Diego (who will be 9 next month) are great kids and this morning for breakfast, Diego, even made me one of his famous cheese omelets. It was delicious. Joe is a Major in the Air Force Reserve and had to go to work today because of the Staff Assistance Visit that is being done and so Mutsuko and I and the boys will hang out and run some errands and enjoy the day. Velia spent the night at a friend's house last night and is going to be hanging out with her friends today. She reminds me of another soon to be 12 year old that I know, with her social calendar.

Stay tuned for some pictures, after I get batteries for my digital camera today.

Heading to the East Coast - Tuesday May 27th

Well, after picking up my new Dell laptop at DHL in Boise this morning when their doors opened, (the computer was supposed to be delivered on 5/20 by got "delayed" by DHL), I headed east.

Before getting to Philipsburg Pennsylvania I plan on stopping at various destinations along the way. Today's first day's journey took me through eastern Idaho, down south to Ogden Utah, and then over to Green River Wyoming, which is west of Cheyenne. I am spending my first night at Super 8 in Green River and will head down to Colorado Springs Colorado tomorrow. Its been a nice and relaxing first day and the rock scenery is amazing.

May 23rd, 2008 - THE END

Well, my official day at Micron was Friday, May 23rd after 12 plus years of working for them. My job was transitioned to India and will be done going forward by them. The Materials Management department was cut in half. There were 2 of us that were asked to leave in November 07 and then the other 4 of us were asked to stay on and train our replacements through the Steady State of the Transition. It is bitter sweet and I am looking forward to what I am supposed to be doing next.

The Journey is about to begin. Stay tuned.