"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.