JAY'S COMING HOME!

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Talked to Jay today on the phone... He's now in Puerto Rico...Last stop on the ship's tour... He's flying home December 12th... to Islip no less...sing now... I'm so excited...lol more later...

Wow... 2 Posts in 2 Days...

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Well... It's been a few hours since my last post... Lots went on... Had 2 different mortgage companies try to convince me to pay 2-4 points for a refinance... Mind you at very good rates... Then I called my brother to bounce the deals off him... (he's in the mortgage broker game and I had completely forgotten that...lol)

Well his company beat both of the others I had talked to... ( less points and lower rate) and I was so close to saying ok to either of the 2 I had previously spoken to... Close enough that the appraisers had called to set up appointments... Whew... I'm lucky my brother stepped in, in time.

Getting a sweet-heart deal through David, my brother [poor guy just had a tooth pulled when I talked to him]and his associate Doug... So should be sitting pretty, pretty soon... lol Time will tell... On we go...

NOW IT'S CONFIRMED

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My son Dan, the Marine, called. He had a great time sailing with his brother Jay on the tall ship, the Harvey Gamage. 7 days, from Georgia to the Bahamas and San Salvador... I'm so glad they had time together. The main reason is that as brothers go, they are very close. But, the underlying reason is that Dan got confirmation that he is to report to Gulfport on January 5, 2005, for re-deployment to Iraq.

Again, our world is turned upside down with doubt and worry for Dan's safety. But as Dan puts it, he's a Marine and goes and does what Marines do. He volunteered for this re-deployment.

Dan attended the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Gulfport on November 13th. He said it was nice, plus he got to wear his dress blues, repleat with the blood stripe of a Corporal, USMC. I'm so proud of him.

Dan's coming home for Thanksgiving... we'll have a big dinner with about 19 friends and family present. Jay won't be able to make it, as he'll still be sailing on the Gamage, but he'll be home for awhile, mid December.

Dan also advised he received another certificate of commendation from the Marine Corps, for his action and contributions at Blount Island, FL., refurbishing Amphibious Assault Tracks and A1A Abrahms tanks... He even cleaned up and rehabbed the track he used in Iraq. Now you can see why I am so proud of him.

While I have not written about Jay alot, (there's alot I don't know about what he's doing) I'm very proud of him too... He is a caring, intellegent young man who is contributing to the education of other young people. As far as Rachel is concerned, proud is a simplfied statement for how I feel about her work as a volunteer EMT. Rachel is presently re-certifying her EMT and is also in an EMT-CC class. EMT-CC is a critical care provider status capable of administering IV therapy, medications and much much more. She'll be a great EMT-CC.

So there you have my latest update. I'm not wealthy, money wise, but I am a very, very, rich man. Later...

It's November... and already it starts....

IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


Well... here it is November and it's started... elections are not until March 2005 but the mumblings and rumblings of "Who's running??" and "I think I will" and "is he running?" are rampant.

So what will I do?? I'm waiting to see where some of the current dust settles... With all that I have learned so far in being Chief for the last 6 months, I think I could accomplish more in a second year, given the opportunity. I have heard good things from a lot of people that I originally thought were loyal to the past regime... people who are complimenting me on things I am trying to change...and are surprised to see the truth of how things were previously. It's really interesting...

I would really like to see changes in the officer leadership...get some people on board who have the time to do the job...who will come out and be visible.So with different people saying they are or are not "in the race" it's anyones guess as to who will actually show up to the starting gate. Time will tell...

More news on Dan ... and Jay...

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Dan's been kinda down in the dumps lately... with finding out his life is to be turned upside down again since he'll be re-called to IRAQ in January,2005.(USMC-R) This means leaving school again...putting life on hold... cell phone on vacation...credit cards on hold with SSA. (soldiers & sailors act)... In general... phooooey...

So, Jay, (oldest son, 26) sailing on the Harvey Gamage... tall ship (teaching vessel) calls Dan and since he's going to be anchored off the coast of Georgia for a few days, come visit... So Dan, ever ready for travel and adventure is off for the 10 hr+ drive to Georgia from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dan (21) arrives, meets with Jay, they spend quality time together (between their two schedules, these very close brothers have not seen each other for any length of time in the past 6 months or so). Dan gets to see the ship... and ends up being invited to join them for the next 10-14 days... sailing to the Bahamas and San Salvador. WOW... What an opportunity...

Three possible problems...one.. Dan has a USMC-R drill during that time, but he has a satisfactory year since he did extra active duty at Blount Island, Fl. So he calls the base and his platoon Sgt gives him the green light to miss the drill... one down... Two was the question of whether or not Dan would need his passport anywhere along the way... Captain say... nope... Three, school... Dan says no problem, can make up the work... ok then...

Dan calls me, says don't laugh... but... Then he lays it all out. Should I go he asks? I've told my kids from early on (after their Mom had passed away)... we are never sure of what tomorrow will bring... in your lives there should be NO shoulda, coulda, woulda's... If it's not illegal and won't hurt anyone... go for it... And so he's presently sailing on a tall ship with his older brother... I am so happy for him...You go Dan... Thanks Jay!


Somewhere in the Caribbean, Dan (left) and Jay (with guitar) sing Harry Chapin songs... 

I hope to hear from them soon. Dan is going to have to hop a flight (hopefully a military jump) from southern Florida to Georgia to get back to his car... and return to Baton Rouge... and back to school.

He'll be home for Thanks Giving... and the family will be here to be with him before he goes back to IRAQ (Jay won't be able to make it as he'll still be on the ship) More about Thanks Giving later... Sometimes life's little pleasures can mean so much.

WORK- WORK - AND AN AMBULANCE ACCIDENT

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

While I am busy with 2 jobs and being Chief of a volunteer ambulance company, there are times when I just need to sit down and take a breath.

Countering my oppositions statements to membership that I'm supposed to be some "burnt out, crispy critter" (meaning some believe I cannot handle being Chief), takes energy that I'd prefer to use to better the corps. But I gotta do what I gotta do...

So there I am at work at 2AM or so Monday morning...Things at work were quiet but I had monitored my corps answering an ambulance call...A non-emergency bleeding lip on an infant. The crew of 3, driver, EMT and aide answered the alarm. Having a stable patient the ambulance headed out to the hospital with no lights or sirens, per the newest protocols for response. No emergency, no lights or sirens. A nice easy ride to the hospital until "BAM" our rig is struck head on by a an alleged drunk driver.

The baby in a car seat on the stretcher, mother and aunt along for the ride, on the bench seat. Upon the crash, everyone was thrown around. But even though injured, our EMT evacuated the ambulance (everyone was hurt somewhat) then going back to tend to the drunk driver who was entrapped in his car. When help arrived, relieved, she then collapsed with her own injuries.(found out later... she had 2 broken ribs) She's my hero.

Anyway...I'm at work with an associate listening to the driver of our ambulance calling for help and my associate says...go... get out there... and I'm gone.

The scene was, for me anyway, surreal... any volunteers worst scenario... an ambulance with patient on board gets into an accident. Bad news... But with the help of my assistant chief and a county EMS official and multiple neighboring departments, everyone, all 7 patients were transported. Knock on wood everyone except the drunk driver were treated at the hospital and released within hours.


A little dark, but you can see the car that hit our ambulance, head-on. Scary night! 

I was fine... until a friend, a local cop asked if I was ok... then I cried.

COOPERATION OR LACK OF IT...

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

It's been awhile since my last post. Been busy.

Saw most of what's left of our family at my father's unveiling recently. Had a simple but nice ceremony led by my niece. Was nice to go to dinner afterward with everyone and to learn that my niece is pregnant and soon the family will have another member.

At the Ambulance, lots going on. It's time for the corps to be "re-certified" by the state of NY Dept of Health. No real cooperation from any of the past administration officers. No paperwork was able to be located by any of them. So, even when told "we can't find the paperwork from the last re-certification", I went looking anyway. Low and behold, there it was right in the past chiefs desk, where no one could find it.

The low depths these people go to astounds me. If they want to make me look bad as current Chief, ok... I can live with that. But don't place the our entire organiztion in jeopardy by not cooperating... That makes no sense to me. But hey, should I be surprised? Hell no, after all, the one who refused to cooperate is the ballot tampering ex-chief. Nuff said. I got the re-cert done anyway without them. Ha-ha.. Game Over. Period.

Work is going well, both at home and at the fire district where I dispatch. Have a bid in on a big job for the home business, we'll see if that comes in.

Son Dan had a drill (USMCR) this past weekend. His unit was notified that they would be re-activated and re-deployed to IRAQ in January, 2005. I'm NOT happy. I did not fair well during my son's first deployment to Iraq as part on Operation Iraqi Freedom, now know as OIF1. I almost fear for him more in this "post war" security mission than the war itself. But I am so proud of my son. He and his fellow Marines that had been deployed to Iraq before were given a half assed option of not going a second time. Dan and his fellow Marines all volunteered. I'm not happy. But I have faith and trust in my son's knowledge and abilities and can only hope he makes it through his second round unscathed as he did in OIF1. Semper Fi, Dan. ooooh rah.

OK enough for now. If I could just make it through Just One More Day.

ON LINE AT LAST !!

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

With all that goes on in my life, I often try to sit back and look at it all. I realize, though I have a life filled with many different experiences daily, once in awhile I need to make sure, I do the right thing, do for someone else that possibly no one else will. Well I don't know if this qualifies, but I had promised my cousin Lillian (our only living relative we care that we're in touch with, a great lady) to help her get set up and on the internet in short order. Turned out to be not so short order but not insurmountable.

Seems Lillian, just home after multiple knee and hip surgeries, has a lap top that she wanted to use to get on line. (she had access to the net while in rehab)...

Unfortunately, the laptop runs Windows 95 and has and old slow CD-Rom drive. But the Laptop belonged to her son Doug, who passed away and so this machine holds much sentimental value for her. However, this limited our options. I told Lillian I could add a screen name for her on my AOL account so that she does not to pay for a new account. Problem! In trying to load new AOL programming and newest software not supported by Windows 95... oy.

So ... I found an old AOL 2.5 disk and sent it to her. But, once loaded, unable to reach any of the local dial-up numbers. Anyway... We talked for ages on the phone, trying to get this thing right.... Finally gave in to CompuServe, already loaded on her system... That finally worked... And now Lill is connected... Cool...

Later...
update 7/13/05) Lillian had some problems with her laptop and it;s been upgraded to Windows 98 and she now has AOL... so all is good...lol

COMPUTER WORK, A CEMETERY AND MORE

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

Well today could have gone better... It was not what I would call a good day. But then again, just one more day is good, no matter how bad it might be.

My father died about one year ago. Being Jewish, tradition dictates his headstone be, "unveiled" about a year after his death, so that time is here and my brother and I and our cousin Lillian were to go to the cemetery and plant evergreen bushes on Dad's grave prior to the unveiling.

I spent almost 5 hours doing computer work for a client, and glad I had the extra time due to the fact that David (my brother) was driving down from Connecticut, but was leaving much later than anticipated.

So, instead of us meeting at the cemetery at about 11AM, we met at 3:30PM. Mind you the cemetery closes at 5PM sharp. So we were alittle rushed. Dig, clear, dig, plant. I wore a pair of my EMS gloves, but had on a short sleeve shirt. I am obviously allergic to something that must have been sprayed or powdered on the small evergreen bushes because I broke our in a rash on my fore arms while planting. Itchy hives but thank heavens that was all. So we continue and finally finished. It looks nice. We had previously planned to get a bite to eat after the planting, so we are driving out of the cemetery, on very narrow roads.

Cousin Lillian, who just got back to driving after knee and hip operations, drives a handicap equipped car, with gas pedal on the left of the brake. (left foot better than right) Well, on the first tight turn, Lillian ran into a cement/stone pylon and knocked over a huge granite headstone. Knock on wood, she was not hurt and I chidded her on not receiving the safe driver award this month. Now however, it's 4:45PM and the cemetery closes at 5PM. Workers and the supervisor come to look over the damage (extensive to right front bumber, fender and passenger door. The workers were great though, they actually helped change the flattened front passenger tire and we're on our way again.

I was going to leave while they changed the tire, since I really had to get back and finish the computer jobs for two clients, and did not know how I would be able to finish and be to my other job by 10PM. (work dispatch an fire district 10pm - 6am Monday to Friday). I contacted a co-worker and she arranged for coverage for me for 2 hours, so I did not have to be in until midnight. Good thing too, because once home (7:45) it took until 11:30 PM for the work to be complete. In any event, it was obvious, being in NYC, that if I left at 5:30 or 6:30, I'd get home the same time due to rush hour traffic. So I joined Lillian & David for a quick bite then got on the road home.

Once all the work was done, I delivered the jobs and back to work I go...

So here I am, in the radio room giving you (the reader) the daily scoop. Could have been a better day, but shit happens, I'm just glad Lillian was not hurt. Gonna take some fix-up to repair her car though. Oy... Later...

ANOTHER MEETING & A SHOW

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

Well... been awhile since my last post. Lot's goin on. Where do I begin (imagine Love Story music, "to tell the story of how great a love can be") ... no..ok...

We had another monthly meeting at the ambulance group.(Sept 2004) it went well and included a lively discussion about prohibiting life members from voting in elections in the future. You see, according to our original by-laws, once a member is in the corps for 10 years, they achieve life time member status. They could stop riding on the ambulance, (in effect take "life status") but still be considered members in good standing, eligible for all the benefits of active riding members, but without riding, doing trainings, being on a committee, etc. As life members in good standing, they could come back to the corps on election night and vote in our yearly election of officers. Some do, most don't. But since I was elected (March 2004)and a number of our life members came in to vote, there are those who believe I was elected to office (Chief) because the life members vote turned to tide. This is very possible and quite legitimate. After all, it is the life members "right" to vote in elections. Now, however, there are those in the corps that feel this should no longer be allowed. So we had a long, loud discussion about it. Nothing was resolved though. So we continue as before, for now. A group of us went to Friendly's Ice Cream Parlor after the meeting. Then I headed off to work.

In my short tenure as Chief, we've brought in five (5) new members and brought back into the fold two (2) members who left because they were unhappy with the previous administration. (and boy having them back has really pissed off the previous administration) In addition, in an effort to increase our ALS (advanced life support) capabilities, I've been recruiting. We have commitments from an EMT-CC and a paramedic. Both are from out of our district but will do in-house shifts twice a week. Once they are in, it will help quite a bit.

Recently, for my birthday, Liz & I went into NYC to see a revival of the show, Fiddler On The Roof. It was great. We love going into the city. It's so "alive".
Well, another show, I've wanted to see again was Man of Lamancha. I saw the original with Richard Kiley in 1970 or so, at the Anta Theater in NYC and have been enthralled with it ever since. So when I found out, a local production company was presenting it, we decided to go. Friends, Glenn and Sharon went with us, dinner first then the show. I thought is was terrific, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Next we want to see either Phantom of the Opera or Momma Mia. (Liz bought the tickets to Fiddler for my birthday, I owe her a show, as that was our agreement as birthday gifts we'd go to shows together.

Well that's it for now. Lot's more to say, but not now... later...thanks for reading.

MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER WEEK...

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

September 11, 2004

On this day especially, I pause to remember all those we lost 3 years ago in the terrorist attacks on our nation. Make G-d hold all of them close to him and may they rest in peace.

My life is just one more day and then another... Like anyone else... But I treasure each... Some days I accomplish more than I believe is humanly possible. Others nothing. But this past week was a goody. My daughter Rachel celebrated her 22nd birthday with friends...(I had to work that day) and this week end (today as a matter of fact) I'll take her and a friend our to dinner. Happy Birthday Rachel.. Love you.

Dan called from Gulfport MS, he arrived to drill (USMCR) 1 hour late due to heavy, heavy traffic on I-10. But he arrived none the less and in formation last night my son was pinned, CORPORAL, USMC. Outstanding Dan. Proud of you kiddo. Dan also told me, double drills next 3 months and January '05 will be the 2005 active duty 2 week camp... All of this leading up to, of course, the dreadful possibility of his unit being re-activated and sent back to Iraq. Perish the thought. But Dan, being the Marine he is looks forward to whatever the Marine Corps orders him to do. Semper Fi Dan. I love you son.

Finally got in touch with Jay. An able bodied seaman on the tall ship US Brig Niagara on Lake Erie, and I offered to send him his next package of mail. He said hold on to it... He's coming home!! He'll be here this coming Monday. Alrighty then.

As for me, this past week was as hectic as ever... Seems my first 5 months in as Chief of an ambulance company somewhere on Long Island, just flew by. I have made some strides on trying to bring the corps back together after the election debacle, but it ain't easy. There are so many opposing forces. I think sometimes, some people are just doing their best to split the corps and see where the pieces crumble. It makes no sense. I have helped to bring in 5 new members in my first 5 months tenure. 3 EMT's and 2 aides. (both going for EMT certification).

Met with my fellow officers and a former Chief and current Chairperson of the Board of Directors. She (chairperson) offers, even though she opposed my running for Chief, help in any way possible. Especially in making calls to members, to help get the rigs out. Afterall, getting our ambulances out with personnel to emergency calls is our first priority. I believe she'll challenge me, if I run for Chief again next year. But whatever the future brings, I'm just trying to make a positive difference in the here and now. I am hoping the old line saying "what does not kill us, makes us stronger" holds true... Cause some of our members are truly trying to kill us.

Yesterday we got hit with 7 ambulance calls in a row... Just like Wheat Thins, the just kept comin... One after another... But we covered them all.

It's amazing to me that some members can find fault, even in the good things we do. But we try to do good things anyway. The day before yesterday, took a patient to a distant hospital (University Hospital @ Stony Brook) and when we were ready to return, I was having a conversation (and a cigarette) with a WWII veteran of the Normandy Landing. His name is Anthony and he was upset. First, he and his wife had to take a cab to get to UHSB since the ambulance company in the district in which he lives, refused to transport him (back pain from prior operation) to Stony Brook. Then, when he was finished in the emergency room, he waited over an hour (to that point) for a cab (that never showed up) to take him and his wife home. He was pretty upset.

Realizing he lived close to our district, and being a Veteran myself, I wanted to help. I asked my crew if they would have any problem transporting this man and his wife back home. Both said, "let's do it" I'm so proud of them. (I also cleared the transport with a fellow officer) You should have seen the look on Anthony's face when I told him we'd take him home in our ambulance. We did, and had some great chat about his experience in the Normandy Landing on the way. Maybe it's just me, but it's these little things we can do for others that are rewarding. Upon bringing him up to his house, Anthony and his wife thanked up profusely. It was good.

Coincidentally, and this is a funny one... The other day we had a chest pain call for a woman in a car near the expressway. Upon arrival, the woman, in her 40's looked at me and said... I know you. 10 years ago I helped delivery her baby girl. (one of my fifteen so far) Small world. She laughed and said she remembered me, that I might not remember her, with her pants on... oy... Now that's funny.(well it is to me anyway)

Alright, enough for now. Rachel's 22, Dan's a Corporal and Jay's comin home. G-ds in heaven and all is right for now. Later.

SEPTEMBER UPON US

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

Heard from Dan... PMI course cancelled. So he's staying at LSU. He's upset, understandably but the good news is his promotion to Corporal USMC came through. Jay is still sailing on the US Brig Niagara (tall ship)on the Great lakes and Rachel is going to get her nerve block shots after all. (a whole nother story)

Busy, busy, busy at the ambulance company. Many interesting calls and our newest members working out. Saving us in many instances from calling for mutual aid. The siren on the Chief's car died enroute to a call yesterday...But one of our members was able to jury rig a temporary fix until our tech can fix it. Finally got a clear insight into the stop CPR protocol situation. Now have to review with county medical director and local health care facility. Have to re-new our ambulance certification, but should not be difficult, even though getting little help from past chief, we should have past years copies to work from. Lot's of business to conduct in the next month, new ambulance purchase and building fix-up. Enough about the corps.

Liz & I are going to see Man of LaMancha soon. Hopefully friends will join us. It's being presented at a local theater here on Long Island. I saw the original with Richard Kiley at the ANTA theater in NYC, 1970. Looking forward to that.

It's Rachel Ann's 22nd birthday tomorrow (9/7). Gotta figure out what to get her. She is signed up for her EMT refresher and an EMT-CC course as well. Both Dan and Rachel are going to surpass my rankings very soon... That's a good thing, I'm proud of both of them.

Well, Labor Day is here already. Working today but hey... It's overtime (holiday pay) so who am I to complain. (doesn't help and nobody listens anyway...lol )

Will write more soon. I'm tired.

PROMOTION !!

IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

Heard from Marine son Dan yesterday... he got word from his reserve unit that effective 9/2/04 he is being promoted to Corporal, an NCO...

Congratulations Dan !!

SEMPER FI !!

My Lidda Geeel

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.

On TV, Archie Bunker (remember his New York accent?) used to call his daughter Gloria his lidda geeel... So do I, I call my daughter Rachel Ann ... lidda geeel. (little girl)

Fathers can talk about their kids, but Jewish fathers talk and exhibit (if they are lucky,) what we call "nochus" (pride, extreme pride and joy) From a pig tailed little one, Rachel blossomed into a wonderful, caring and intelligent young lady. Growing up with 3 guys, 2 brothers and Dad (as her Mom passed away when she was only 8 years old) was tough...But she made it through and has made me so proud.

Before she turned 18, Rachel told me she wanted to become an EMT, like me. She took the certification course and just after her 18th birthday became an EMT, like me...

During Rachel's first year as an EMT she helped save a life (using CPR) and bring a new life into this world, helping to, on an emergency basis, deliver a beautiful baby boy in the front seat of a car. These are the "up" parts of being an EMT.

Rachel has known happiness and sadness being an EMT. The events of September 11th shook all of us. But, like so many others in our local volunteer ambulance company somewhere on Long Island, NY. Rachel pitched right in and helped gather and deliver supplies for the rescue efforts at ground zero in New York City in the days following 9/11. The left picture below (while not a very good one, click on it to enlarge) shows Rachel helping the Transit Police unload supplies (water, food, clothing, sundries) for the rescue workers. Our Corps collected four truck loads (18 wheeler size) of supplies and delivered them directly to where they were needed. Rachel was part of that effort.

After the work was done, a police captain took us around ground zero. Words cannot describe what we saw. It was a good feeling to help those who were helping in the search and rescue efforts.

The other 2 pics show my ever smiling Rachel. The one on the right was taken on the Ernestina (tall ship mentioned in other posts here) the day we visited her brother Jay.

While a volunteer EMT, Rachel works for a paid ambulance service as well. I am so proud of her. I love you liddle geeel.

Sailing with Jay

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As mentioned in the a recent post, Current Events 8/27/04 (not very current though) Liz, Rachel and I went out to visit Jay on the tall ship Ernestina while they were docked in Greenport, NY.(Long Island) in May of 2003.(a birthday present for me)

It was a bright but chilly May day and we went for a short sail on Peconic Bay off eastern Long Island. Only by having joined Jay on this marvelous old tall ship, can I get an inkling of why he loves sailing as much as he does. What a great feeling to be under sail (which all guests and crew raised). Jay taught me how to perform various tasks while under way. Then (at my idiotic request) Jay offered to show me how to climb up the masts. This is done via a rope ladder, but the scary part is to get on the ladder, one must step over the side of the ship. OY... (hey guys that's water out there...) well...I accomplished getting on the ladder but only went up half way. (what a chicken) Jay says working on and sailing on tall ships as rid him of his fear of heights.

In the pics here, I'm the guy with the beard and the scared look on his face trying to look fearless and like I'm really liking this...(I really did though) Pic of me was taken by Jay from above (obviously) and the pic of him on the ladder (the guy with no hair and sun glasses...was taken by, you guessed it... me. (click on pic to enlarge)


 

What a great time we had. I was scared stiff but would not have missed being with him for the world. More pics follow, Liz, Rachel and Jay's college friend Liz.

My Liz... (bestest friend)

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aka Betty..aka Bettyann...Really Elizabeth. Liz and I met, about 15 years ago...She worked in the office at one of the printing companies my wife and I dealt with. Fran (my wife) and I ran (and I still do) a small computerized mail list business from our home.

Periodically we'd make a list delivery to this particular print shop and we'd chat with Liz. Always concerned and always saying a prayer, Liz often asked about how Fran was doing when she was sick.

About five years after Fran passed away, and knowing that Liz liked to dance, and we all gotta eat, I called Liz, out of the clear blue, to ask if she'd like to go to a fire department installation dinner with me. To my delight, Liz agreed and we've been dating ever since. I'll add more pics, as Liz and I have had plenty of experiences...trips and events...plus I now have a decent digital camera...lol To boot, she's my best friend. more about US follows...

My Franny

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Fran...My wife of 19 short years...Mother of my three children. Died September 18, 1991. Fran contracted and suffered terribly from bone cancer for 1 1/2 years. Due to the wonders of some medical science, her condition went undetected for over a year and from the time she was actually diagnosed until her death was only 4 months...

I am so fortunate to have had the support of family and friends during Fran's last 4 months. My brother and my parents came down from Connecticut quite often, David (my brother) often stayed with me for days on end, forsaking his family and business to be with us. The ambulance corps I belong to also helped immensely, transporting Fran to and from hospitals and doctors on a regular basis and never a complaint.

During the last four months of Fran's short life, (she died a month shy of her 39th birthday) she was only home for 13 days. My sons and I were members of a Boy Scout Troop here on Long Island in NY and one day while we were away at the hospital visiting Fran, the troop came by the house and constructed a handicap ramp for easier access to the house for Fran, who was unable to walk or sit due to the bone cancer, has to be transported on a stretcher. The ramp was a great help.

It's hard, relating what death is to young children. Our kids were only 8, 10 and 12 when Fran died. I did the best I could, and with each visit to see Fran, I had the kids say goodbye as if it might be their last chance. Fran knew the end was near by the 2nd week in September. We talked about what the future might be without her. She filled me with such hope that I could carry on without her. I did not want to believe a word of it and would have done anything, including selling my soul to the devil to be able to trade places with her. That was not to be. Fran passed away quietly in my arms, in the early morning hours of September 18, 1991. She was one of a kind.

More than 300 people attended her funeral. While her father and brothers thought the funeral was more like a circus than a solemn rite, it seemed like everyone that knew Fran and was touched by her was there. Our children's teachers of various years, principals of the schools they attended, ladies of the PTA, leaders of the Girl Scouts, Cub & Boy Scouts, scouts themselves, friends and relatives were there. All wanted to bid Fran goodbye. There were over 100 cars in the procession to the cemetery. I could not believe the outpouring of love from our community.

I still love and miss my Franny-anny after 12 years. As is recorded on her headstone, She was the Wind Beneath Our Wings.

an APRIL Fool....am I

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(l/r)My daughter, Rachel (EMT), my son, Dan (Lpcl/USMC) and me. Prior to Memorial Day Parade, 2004 somewhere on Long Island. I'm so proud of both of them.

I was elected Chief of a local Volunteer Ambulance Corps here, somewhere on Long Island NY in March 2004, by a one vote margin. It was an election filled with controversy and thus divided the corps. Half for the incumbent Chief and one more than half in my favor.

None the less, I took office on April 1st (fittingly,April FOOLS day) and am trying to bring the corps together again. Of course this is no easy task. With over 60 active members I must remember as Chief, the direction in which I, and my fellow officers lead the corps this year will probably only suit half the corps. But I'm trying. It won't be easy as there was post election ballot tampering.

As an aside, after I was elected Chief, my kids bought me a custom made Chief's baseball cap. I was honored, however some of those in the corps saw this as my highest and first priority was to get a Chief's hat. I wear the hat with pride, what was I to do tell my kids... sorry some people are upset about the hat so I can't wear your gift? Some people can be so petty, insensitive and cruel. But I deal with it.

Anyway, this event (the parade) was my first as Chief in 2004. Many of those participating in the parade returned to headquaters for a BBQ afterwards. It was a nice ending to my first event.

Current Events 8/27/04

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Well... heard from my son the Marine last night...
 

He just got started this semester at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA...But... he now has been given the chance to become a Primary Marksmanship Instructor and go to Quantico VA for 2 weeks in October... wow.. what a great opportunity for him... I am so proud... Anyway... he called and asked my opinion, should he do it, just having gotten back into school and all... I told him... GO FOR IT!!... Gotta act when opportunity knocks and this sounds like something Dan really wants to do... Of course he'll have to get his professors to go along with his missing 2 weeks of classes that he'll have to make up... but Dan can do that easily...I hope he gets to go... oooh rah Dan...

Also heard from oldest son Jay the other night... He's back in port at Erie PA after a long sail on the Great Lakes. Jay is an able bodied Seaman sailing on tall ships. He's sailed on a number of ships like the Corwith Cramer a tall ship and part of Sea Education Association's (SEA)armada. Also sailed with the Ernestina - the official tall ship of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Then down to Florida for a stint on the Heritage of Miami and presently on the US Brig Niagara out of Erie PA...

Last year while the Ernestina was docked at Greenport, Long Island around the time of my birthday (May) Jay took his sister Rachel (I'll get to her shortly), my best friend Liz and me on board and for a short cruise on Peconic Bay. Awesome. Jay used to be afraid of heights...but not any more... he and I started to climb up into the sails... I only went up halfway and Jay took pictures...Hey at 55 years of age, I'm glad I got half way up there... scared only describe's one of the emotions I felt up there...exuberant over the fact that my son was above me on the rope ladder was more like it... he's some sailor. Knows his stuff too. Can't wait till he's home again for awhile.. miss him lots...

I'll write more later... gotta bring Rachel into the picture here... so watch for it... She's an EMT like me and rides with a paid service and volunteers as well. she's up next... Later...

My First Thoughts

DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.


I've named this site "JUST ONE MORE DAY" because it fits my hectic life style. Within this blog, you the reader may gain insite as to the crazy life I love and lead. Whether you are friend or foe, enjoy the show.

My son, Dan, a USMC reservist and LSU student got me into this... Here's hoping I can make and keep it interesting. I'm lousy at individual e-mails and writing snail mail... So maybe those I care for, those who do and don't (possibly)care for me, can visit and see what's happening in my hectic life.

If what you read here is interesting to you... you may leave a comment... there is a button on the page to hit in order to do so. Comments are more than welcome or you can e-mail me at ambula1@optonline.net if the feeling grabs ya. Thanks for reading my blog and visiting Larry's Mind.