Well, it's Friday again. Today they are letting me off the wheel again for two days and when I come back, it will be to a new wheel. I'm starting a new position on Monday - working for Uncle Bill's shop in Redmond. I'll be doing Infrastructure Project Management - or making sure that servers get installed into racks and power, IP's, DNS entries etc. get applied - whoo-hoo!!
We are going up for the old guys' birthday this weekend and I'm looking forward to that. We were just up there last weekend for the Sportsmans salmon BBQ. He and I have done that for all of the old guys (lifers) for the last three of four years. It's fun and I like spending time with him.
I'm thinking that unless I get some feedback or really find something interesting to write about, this will be my last post. I feel that I'm just putting words on the internet - you know - doing my part to fill it up. With all of the "Green" movement going on up here in Seattle, I can't justify using up bandwidth with my rambling. HA!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Gray Monday
So it's Monday again - my worst day of the week. I hate Mondays. It's cloudy and overcast, but I think the sun will be back soon. I didn't do much this weekend, went to the gun club and sighted in my rifle - that's about it. I put a new fiberglass stock and scope on and this is the first time that I have shot it. It took me a few times to get on the paper, but after that it didn't take long and it was shooting where I was looking. On Sunday I helped Melissa with her business - she was at an antique place near our house with a few other people. It was a good day - no rain - but she didn't sell anything. First time for that.
I checked on hunting this morning and see that the kids only weekend is next month. Melissa's dad had asked me to take a look when that was going to be so we could take her son. Deer hunting starts in the middle of October - seems earlier than last year. I'm looking forward to taking the old guy and staying with cousins in Winthrop - it will be a good time. I like spending time with the old guy - he is fun to be around.
I gave my two week notice here last Friday. My contract was ending at the end of this month anyway, and I interviewed at another company last week and they offered me the position on Friday. It's an Infrastructure PM position at Uncle Bill's software house in Redmond. I'll be managing projects that will be installing new hardware into about 15 datacenters around the nation. I'm excited about starting something new.
I haven't been out taking any pictures lately - it seems that my desire and creativity kind of ebb and flow and that I have to have an idea about what I want to take pictures of before I can get motivated. I haven't had a lot of time thinking about it in the last few weeks. Busy, bored, maybe a little depressed.
I checked on hunting this morning and see that the kids only weekend is next month. Melissa's dad had asked me to take a look when that was going to be so we could take her son. Deer hunting starts in the middle of October - seems earlier than last year. I'm looking forward to taking the old guy and staying with cousins in Winthrop - it will be a good time. I like spending time with the old guy - he is fun to be around.
I gave my two week notice here last Friday. My contract was ending at the end of this month anyway, and I interviewed at another company last week and they offered me the position on Friday. It's an Infrastructure PM position at Uncle Bill's software house in Redmond. I'll be managing projects that will be installing new hardware into about 15 datacenters around the nation. I'm excited about starting something new.
I haven't been out taking any pictures lately - it seems that my desire and creativity kind of ebb and flow and that I have to have an idea about what I want to take pictures of before I can get motivated. I haven't had a lot of time thinking about it in the last few weeks. Busy, bored, maybe a little depressed.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday, July 25th
Sorry, It's been a while. I was talking to Melissa last night and I remembered that I had started this blog but had not written anything for a while. Work is slow today, so here I am. Lets see... what have we been up to this summer...
Well, we haven't been camping for one. We talked about it the other day and finding the time when all of us are at home with nothing to do is the problem.. we are all just so busy! We are looking at next month though, if we only get out for the weekend that would be nice. I would like to take the dogs with us, I know Hank likes to go camping. This weekend I'm going to pick more Blackberries. Last Saturday I picked about a gallon up in the mountains and I'm going to get more. Then Sunday I'm going up to Oak Harbor to trade some berries for some crabs that dad has been getting out by Deception pass. I'm also going to take some firewood to him. I cut some earlier this year that is small enough for their glass fireplace that they burn during the holidays. Then I'm going to come home, but on the way drop some crabs off to a friend that gave me a salmon yesterday. Good trades all around.
Melissa is sewing today - working on an order that is going to England. She is so excited, and I'm excited for her. She is having a good time with her business and we even went to look at a shop in town that was for rent. But after thinking and talking about it she is going to put that off for right now. She is still going to do the farmers market in Des Moines this weekend as last time she made a decent profit and had a good time.
My contract at work is about up and I'm waiting to see if they are going to extend me or not. I kind of think they will, but I need to get an answer soon so I'll know whether to send resumes or not. I'm kind of undecided if I want to stay here if I had a chance to do something else. The money is good but there is so much going on here that most people have difficulty getting everything done. It might be that corporate culture getting in the way also, but I know that the people I work with have a lot to do. I really find it hard to get my projects the attention that I think they need.
Ok, without going in to a lot of detail that's about it. Hopeful;ly I'll remember to update this more often.
Well, we haven't been camping for one. We talked about it the other day and finding the time when all of us are at home with nothing to do is the problem.. we are all just so busy! We are looking at next month though, if we only get out for the weekend that would be nice. I would like to take the dogs with us, I know Hank likes to go camping. This weekend I'm going to pick more Blackberries. Last Saturday I picked about a gallon up in the mountains and I'm going to get more. Then Sunday I'm going up to Oak Harbor to trade some berries for some crabs that dad has been getting out by Deception pass. I'm also going to take some firewood to him. I cut some earlier this year that is small enough for their glass fireplace that they burn during the holidays. Then I'm going to come home, but on the way drop some crabs off to a friend that gave me a salmon yesterday. Good trades all around.
Melissa is sewing today - working on an order that is going to England. She is so excited, and I'm excited for her. She is having a good time with her business and we even went to look at a shop in town that was for rent. But after thinking and talking about it she is going to put that off for right now. She is still going to do the farmers market in Des Moines this weekend as last time she made a decent profit and had a good time.
My contract at work is about up and I'm waiting to see if they are going to extend me or not. I kind of think they will, but I need to get an answer soon so I'll know whether to send resumes or not. I'm kind of undecided if I want to stay here if I had a chance to do something else. The money is good but there is so much going on here that most people have difficulty getting everything done. It might be that corporate culture getting in the way also, but I know that the people I work with have a lot to do. I really find it hard to get my projects the attention that I think they need.
Ok, without going in to a lot of detail that's about it. Hopeful;ly I'll remember to update this more often.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tuesday May 10th
Katie and Roe are back home in Atlanta now. They left yesterday after being here since May 29th. I wish the weather was better for them, but you know ALGORE's Global Warmin' has screwed up the weather. I think they had a pretty good time though. They did a good job of taking advantage of some indoor tourist attractions---like the Experience Music Project, Seattle Aquarium and the Chihully Glass Museum (I think watching a glass blowing exhibition was one of the highlights of their trip). Hailey is a darling baby...very happy and enjoying the world around her. Roe is a wonderful, attentive Dad and is very patient when she gets fussy.
The first weekend we went up to the island to visit family, do the "tour" and meet Hailey's GREAT grandparents, aunts and uncles. We did as best we could with all of the rain.
Melissa and I are talking about going somewhere there is "SUN" for a weekend. It would be nice to get out of here for a few days and refresh. Melissa is voting for the Sonoma Valley area--wineries, sun and heat all sound great.
I put some new photos up on my Flickr page (link on the right) if you wanted to go take a look. A lot of these I have been just ignoring until I could find the time and desire to work them over in Photoshop. Last Friday was the day and today I posted the ones that survived the editing process.
Melissa's daughter, Katie, is leaving for Nepal in less than a week. We are beginning to realize that she will really be gone and very far away (and out of touch) for most of the summer. It will surely be an experience of a lifetime and we wish her a wonderful trip.
The first weekend we went up to the island to visit family, do the "tour" and meet Hailey's GREAT grandparents, aunts and uncles. We did as best we could with all of the rain.
Melissa and I are talking about going somewhere there is "SUN" for a weekend. It would be nice to get out of here for a few days and refresh. Melissa is voting for the Sonoma Valley area--wineries, sun and heat all sound great.
I put some new photos up on my Flickr page (link on the right) if you wanted to go take a look. A lot of these I have been just ignoring until I could find the time and desire to work them over in Photoshop. Last Friday was the day and today I posted the ones that survived the editing process.
Melissa's daughter, Katie, is leaving for Nepal in less than a week. We are beginning to realize that she will really be gone and very far away (and out of touch) for most of the summer. It will surely be an experience of a lifetime and we wish her a wonderful trip.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday May 23rd, 2008
Whew... where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that I was writing my last post.
Well, lets see... In the last week several people whom I have know passed away, I picked up another project (unofficially), the weather has turned back into winter from the one or two days of spring that we had and Katie and Row's visit has gotten a week closer!
It seems we have picked up on the property bug again and are searching for that "perfect spot" east of the mountains. One that has lots of trees, a well, lots o' critters that can be hunted, and a creek if possible. We have found several candidates and are planning on going over for a look around the middle of next month. We are narrowing down 4 or 5 (maybe 6) in the same area so we can see them on the same weekend.
For this weekend we don't have much planned except a Memorial Day get together at Melissa's folks house - that should be fun (no... really!). Tomorrow I'm going up to see my folks for a few hours (and breakfast) and to see if I can get some Iris pictures from around LaConner - they should be up and colorful now. Hopefully the weather will cooperate a little bit for things this weekend.
Well, lets see... In the last week several people whom I have know passed away, I picked up another project (unofficially), the weather has turned back into winter from the one or two days of spring that we had and Katie and Row's visit has gotten a week closer!
It seems we have picked up on the property bug again and are searching for that "perfect spot" east of the mountains. One that has lots of trees, a well, lots o' critters that can be hunted, and a creek if possible. We have found several candidates and are planning on going over for a look around the middle of next month. We are narrowing down 4 or 5 (maybe 6) in the same area so we can see them on the same weekend.
For this weekend we don't have much planned except a Memorial Day get together at Melissa's folks house - that should be fun (no... really!). Tomorrow I'm going up to see my folks for a few hours (and breakfast) and to see if I can get some Iris pictures from around LaConner - they should be up and colorful now. Hopefully the weather will cooperate a little bit for things this weekend.
Friday, May 16, 2008
May 16th, 2008
So, I haven't been on here for a couple of weeks - just as I thought it might shake out. I get busy and forget about adding stuff here - then I don't think that I have anything to say or I don't feel like writing. I guess this is more about me than anything else.
Kimberly got married this week!! I'm so happy for her and Ronnie, but a little down because she is my little girl. She always will be (along with Amanda and Katie), but as a Dad this is a big step. I knew this day would happen and didn't give it much thought until it did. I wish I could have been there but I don't have any time off working as a contractor. If I don't work I don't get paid.
Katie, Row and the baby will be here in a couple of weeks and we are looking forward to that. I think it will be a real eye opener for Roe, I don't think he has been exposed to anything like this before.
The weather has FINALLY gotten nice!!! I woke up this morning and the bids were singing and the sun was coming up - it was awesome. We have been looking forward to summer for a long time and it's great that it finally decided to show up. Last weekend I cut and hauled about 2 1/2 cords of wood - boy was I sore!!! This weekend I'll get about another 1 1/2 cords more and we should be set for the winter. I like to cut wood - it reminds me of when I HAD TO cut it with Dad - and what a good time I had with him even though I didn't see it at the time. I always remember when Grandpa Branca had his lot cleared off for the new sports shop and dad and I cut the trees there. I don't know how many nights and weekends we hauled wood but it seemed like a long time - weeks.
Work is going well. I'm managing 4 projects now but one will go away in a couple of weeks (hopefully) so I can concentrate on just three. We have had meetings with vendors this week and I'm bored while the engineers are sitting around the table talking - so I thought it would be a good time to get this updated.
Kimberly got married this week!! I'm so happy for her and Ronnie, but a little down because she is my little girl. She always will be (along with Amanda and Katie), but as a Dad this is a big step. I knew this day would happen and didn't give it much thought until it did. I wish I could have been there but I don't have any time off working as a contractor. If I don't work I don't get paid.
Katie, Row and the baby will be here in a couple of weeks and we are looking forward to that. I think it will be a real eye opener for Roe, I don't think he has been exposed to anything like this before.
The weather has FINALLY gotten nice!!! I woke up this morning and the bids were singing and the sun was coming up - it was awesome. We have been looking forward to summer for a long time and it's great that it finally decided to show up. Last weekend I cut and hauled about 2 1/2 cords of wood - boy was I sore!!! This weekend I'll get about another 1 1/2 cords more and we should be set for the winter. I like to cut wood - it reminds me of when I HAD TO cut it with Dad - and what a good time I had with him even though I didn't see it at the time. I always remember when Grandpa Branca had his lot cleared off for the new sports shop and dad and I cut the trees there. I don't know how many nights and weekends we hauled wood but it seemed like a long time - weeks.
Work is going well. I'm managing 4 projects now but one will go away in a couple of weeks (hopefully) so I can concentrate on just three. We have had meetings with vendors this week and I'm bored while the engineers are sitting around the table talking - so I thought it would be a good time to get this updated.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 29th
Well we went to Eastern Washington last weekend to:
1) Try to get a Turkey (the season is open)
2) Look at a piece of land
- We didn't get either one.
The turkeys were there - at least they were before hunting season. All of the locals I talked to said "they were everywhere just last week". But now that hunting season is underway it seems that they have disappeared. Thats just like a turkey - hang around until someone shoots at you or your buddy then go hide...
The land deal went south on Sunday afternoon when we were driving home - that is a LONG trip. Then there were questions we had, and we weren't too happy with the Realtor - it seemed like he was telling us what we wanted to hear and to "pay full price" because he wanted us to have the land without offer/counter offer proposals. We asked him about the gold mine that was just approved after YEARS of wrangling and specifically asked if it might affect this acreage where we were looking. The realtor said that the mine was several miles off and that it wouldn't have any impact on what we were looking at. Well, Melissa looked into it yesterday, wrote a couple of emails and made a phone call to the USFS and they told her that traffic (dumptrucks) from the mine would be on the road less than a mile from the property and that mine employees would be traveling to the mine on the road that we would use to get to the property!
CRAP!!!!
So I talked to the Realtor yesterday afternoon and told him to send our earnest money check back and that we were not interested in the property any longer. Melissa and I were/are disappointed that this property won't work out for us because it was really nice up there and it would have been a great get away spot that eventually we wanted to live on. Bummer.
We will just keep looking and putting our money away until we find another one - maybe a little closer! But overall it was a good weekend because:
1) We got away from the city and saw some country that we had never seem before and..
2) I got to go Turkey hunting and be out in the woods by myself for a few hours and...
3) We got to spend time together and do the things we like to do like.... go to garage sales...
LOL!!!
.... Next weekend.... Clam Digging on the coast!!!!
1) Try to get a Turkey (the season is open)
2) Look at a piece of land
- We didn't get either one.
The turkeys were there - at least they were before hunting season. All of the locals I talked to said "they were everywhere just last week". But now that hunting season is underway it seems that they have disappeared. Thats just like a turkey - hang around until someone shoots at you or your buddy then go hide...
The land deal went south on Sunday afternoon when we were driving home - that is a LONG trip. Then there were questions we had, and we weren't too happy with the Realtor - it seemed like he was telling us what we wanted to hear and to "pay full price" because he wanted us to have the land without offer/counter offer proposals. We asked him about the gold mine that was just approved after YEARS of wrangling and specifically asked if it might affect this acreage where we were looking. The realtor said that the mine was several miles off and that it wouldn't have any impact on what we were looking at. Well, Melissa looked into it yesterday, wrote a couple of emails and made a phone call to the USFS and they told her that traffic (dumptrucks) from the mine would be on the road less than a mile from the property and that mine employees would be traveling to the mine on the road that we would use to get to the property!
CRAP!!!!
So I talked to the Realtor yesterday afternoon and told him to send our earnest money check back and that we were not interested in the property any longer. Melissa and I were/are disappointed that this property won't work out for us because it was really nice up there and it would have been a great get away spot that eventually we wanted to live on. Bummer.
We will just keep looking and putting our money away until we find another one - maybe a little closer! But overall it was a good weekend because:
1) We got away from the city and saw some country that we had never seem before and..
2) I got to go Turkey hunting and be out in the woods by myself for a few hours and...
3) We got to spend time together and do the things we like to do like.... go to garage sales...
LOL!!!
.... Next weekend.... Clam Digging on the coast!!!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday, April 25th
Happy Birthday Katie!!!!! Whoo-Hoo!!!!
It's a nice day here in Bellevue, the sun is shining in my window and I'm looking forward to going east of the mountains with my wife this weekend. Originally it started out as a Turkey hunting trip (still is), but now we are going to look at a piece of property also. I have ALWAYS wanted a place in the woods that I could "escape" to and just relax.
Next weekend we will be going to the coast AGAIN to dig razor clams - Dad is HOOKED!!!!
Do you like the Jack Nicholson photo below? It's from the movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". I used it at my last job because it was really crazy some times and a lot of the time we just made up stuff as we went along!
It's a nice day here in Bellevue, the sun is shining in my window and I'm looking forward to going east of the mountains with my wife this weekend. Originally it started out as a Turkey hunting trip (still is), but now we are going to look at a piece of property also. I have ALWAYS wanted a place in the woods that I could "escape" to and just relax.
Next weekend we will be going to the coast AGAIN to dig razor clams - Dad is HOOKED!!!!
Do you like the Jack Nicholson photo below? It's from the movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". I used it at my last job because it was really crazy some times and a lot of the time we just made up stuff as we went along!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Plangnet Daily Blog!!!
This is a test of the new Plangnet Blog. We can write stuff here and send the link to all of our friends and family!!!!
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