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.
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...
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Wow... 2 Posts in 2 Days...
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... 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...
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
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.
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...
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...
Monday, November 08, 2004
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...
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...
Sunday, November 07, 2004
More news on Dan ... and Jay...
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
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.
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.
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