Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Dinner for 2

Mum's more prepared smile at Casa D' Angelo
newer carpet, fresher smell, some of the original decor
I ordered something I couldn't normally obtain or make -- mussels


Lois and Marcus went out on Tuesday for dinner. It was nice, quiet and the coffee was good, not baked like it is sometimes.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Following when I should be leading

view never changes ... I asked the GM about more training for the next level, he said, "2 weeks".

Short array of pictures from the tri-birthday party




Diane hosted the tri-birthday party for Joe, Thomas, and Jessica, with other guests including family and Logan, Amanda, and Chewy (aka Lilly).

We had a nice lunch, then pie, cake, and a chance to sit in the sun and shade. Thanks all!

Monday, May 28, 2007

Happy Memorial day


Beyond the picnics, the races, the "day off work", remember those who've served.

thanks

Sunday, May 27, 2007

not much

health is a bit of an issue ...
cough, hack, sneeze and the world continues.

Thomas and Lois made it to church today. They are still allergic to ... no, not each other, but something.

Thomas had a new "toy", FIOS, fiber-optic cable for phone, internet and soon -- TV to purge the scourge of Comcast from the area. Verizon will, undoubtedly raise prices like Comcast, but won't be able to do so like Comcast (no competition in the area for a long time).

Sunday, May 20, 2007

quick note

passed test and review ... have new minor rank at work.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Finals

I lost my high speed connection ... having to find other ways around it.

I got a sinus infection and haven't slept well. This Wednesday, I take my test and review board to move up a rank at work. If successful, I'll change shirts, get a raise, and have a new title. I will undoubtedly be hounded for a while. I understand the next rank is easier.

Mother's Day!

flowers courtesy of Loves

What I missed


Congratulations Joe!

Friday, May 04, 2007

Way to mow

Lois said, "I want the exercise", so she mowed a few (several) passes of the grass today. Thomas was ill, she interfered with him mowing, so ... she got in on the act.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Actual size

Size does not fit most people.

cough, hack, damn



Thomas missed out on golf today, curse his allergies that he doesn't correct. Remember, when you can't improve your game ... cheat!

other photos from one day off work

Photo collection 1
Photo collection 2
Please don't mind the commentary and be warned that the rest of that "other blog" contains material you may not want to read. It's not bad, but certainly not for the rational minded person.

visitors

of course those pesky humans came too, but Sampson and Argos were in FW this weekend.

Big Shoes


Big Shoes
Originally uploaded by MDH, II.
Art downtown or rather driving into town, the shoes too big to fit ... art from the sole?

Monday, April 30, 2007

Easter Thanks


Not only am I thanking God and Christ, but also my sister.

Thanks Diane for the movie!

Table for 4 or more

Beth, Tom, Argos, and Sampson came to FW this weekend. They were all behaved -- perhaps the canines more so. Sampson was comfy on the sofa wanting some cuddle time with humans. Argos was in his metal den (cage) so that the typical 2-3 am wrestle-fest of the canines did not take place.

Beth and Tom walked to church and later met up with friends. It was a short, brief, visit. As I wasn't here for very long, I'll ask that Thomas or Beth write about it.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Midway

I'm looking to move in June (ish) to a place midway between work and good ol' FW. If anyone has old stuff that you don't want and is still usable, I would be happy to eliminate it from your "stuff pile".

I have a suspicion, that when I move, I'll get a notice from the USPS that they have an opening and that I can start. Gee -- still driving 30-45 minutes daily, but now -- for better pay. Yeah, I wouldn't mind that. I don't know if they will contact me, but with mildly-inconvenient circumstances, I could really see that happening.

Wish me luck, that would be great news for me! I'd have more time and more cash and better benefits.

Email from the Sprite

Dearest Uncle Marc
I take slightly chewed and slobery pen in paw to write you this quick note. I am a puppy therefore I MUST chew, destroy and generally cause Chaos. That IS my job. Your job is to let me nap on you, rub my tummy and generally love my fat fluffy self. It has always worked this and it always will. Thank you for your support. Now I believe I need a tummy rub and perhaps a treat. I am growing you know!
Love
The fat fluffy golden retriever puppy

Wednesday

Lake across from work
park
Fingers out-stretched to the lake.

That was Monday. On Wednesday, the weather was bad, the traffic was worse, including a serious accident with injuries on the road I travel. It made me run late as well. The injuries (EMS present and cars beyond totalled) were more important than my being "only on time".

I was on time for work, but barely, met with the DM to pre-review. I had to clean some areas before we began for the closing crew did not do such a good job. I note this because it is important later. The crew might have hurried through it and not done a good job, or were so busy that completion of task within the time frame was not realistic or possible.

My meeting lasted a while and during lunch, the DM took me out, so that where we were wasn't occupied by our butts. We talked there, more about non-work related things. I don't think we got as far as we could/should have. The afternoon then was real work. The place was dry and slow. I got a few things done for my self-assigned homework. I got pictures of screens for a training manual for myself and any who follow my course.

I also used MS screen print to send screen pictures to my account, but they never transmitted. What a piece of crap that system is. Anyway ... the business picked up around 3:30, then train-like sped up and forward continually. By 5:30 we were "hoppin" and there were people waiting to sit. That was great business -- great to see it alive and moving, but

we were short on people, very short on people
we were short on supplies and ran out of supplies

At 8:00 the rush ebbed and I was sent out, after my 11.25 hour day. I am quite sure there was a second rush.

The morale was grim that night. Not only had it been busy and they had their butts kicked, but there was a perspective of unfairness between chiefs -- in the eyes of a young man. His opinion of a manager was docked a few points. I listened and understood his opinion. I had a front section job, so didn't work as hard as the Indy pit crew were last night. They were fast, sweaty, and eager. I wish I had something to give them all. I think they did friggin' great.

I am trying to put together a manual for work, but some parts I need didn't come through email -- thanks, work! I would naturually guess a file-size limitation, but that isn't likely considering work. I'll have to do it the less efficient way then and photograph the screen -- larger pics requiring much more work and luck not getting any glare. My manual won't be done this work, for sure.

I included the lovely pictures, for the day wasn't lovely, but the people there are. They are hard-working and dedicated. Sadly, I don't think their efforts are recognized often. One person there noted that [the same person] was seeking another job and if offered would drop this one for the other. Now ... the job doesn't pay too well (imagine that), and the benefits are dubious, but it is a job. The last few weeks of nastiness will take its toll on those working and I'll see a few people drop out, no doubt.