Cousin's Visitation by Jenna

My cousins have come to visit me while their dad is in Washington DC visiting the president. Their names are Hershey and Snickers. They are two chocolate labs.

Hershey is the oldest of our group at about 8 years old. But he is much older because he was a working hunting dog and it makes dogs older. He walks slower and doesn't run as much as Snickers and I do. He usually hangs out with the people and makes sure they are making it. With Mom having a hurt toe right now she is a lot slower so Hershey is her keeper right now.



Snickers is what mom calls a little shit. Of course she should know because that is what everyone still calls her. Anyway, the dog's dad gets up early every morning so they figure it should be the same while they are staying with us. Mom isn't a morning person and to be honest neither am I. So we've elected Snickers to be the one to jump in her face between 530-6AM. It gets her moving quicker so we can go for a morning swim. Snickers is more my age so we have been having a blast.

We have been getting two swims a day. One really early in the morning thanks to Snickers and then one in the afternoon. On this morning's walk, we met the cleaning lady with her dogs. They are fun for a while but then Harley gets all defensive and starts acting like a bitch. Harley is a good punting dog, but unfortunately I don't know how to kick.

I normally lead the pack because this is my terrority. But geez those boys stop and pee quite a bit. I mean we are constantly stopping to sniff something. Then Snickers pees on it and then Hershey pees on the same spot. What is with boys.

This morning we walked all the way up to the Beaver pond, but didn't see the Beaver, but just the Beaver dam. Mom decided she would stop there because she didn't think she should try the water crossings with her shoe. Come to think of it, it would not have mattered since we drenched her feet during the retrieving activity. I have to say I am learning from the two duck dogs how to retrieve and bring back the stick to my masters. Wait, I am the master. Well you know what I mean.

We spent about an hour and half up the creek. Of course to us that is not long enough. Hopefully after mom goes grocery shopping, we can head back up to either the creek or lake for more swimming. After taking orders from Mom so she could get a photo with us, we came home and had breakfast and are taking a nap. By the way, the boys also snore loudly!

I Couldn't Resist

We were driving down to Arizona on Wednesday when we noticed this sign. On the way back today, we made a U-turn so I could take the photograph...

Here It Goes Again

Click on the title to take you back in time...

WARNING PICTURES TO MAKE YOU PUKE BELOW

Friday I drive an hour and half to have that toe operated on again. Hopefully this will be the last time ever. Not sure if they will be taking the edge off, but I am not looking forward to the operation. The receptionist said I would be on my feet the next day. I am still having the doctor's note saying "I HAVE TO WEAR TEVAS TO WORK FOR WEEKS, NO MONTHS".

We are driving up early to do some big city shopping. Then we are coming straight home as I will be required to lay with my foot in the air. Oh boy I am looking so forward to tomorrow.

UPDATE: The appointment went just fine. I had a little anxiety about the whole deal, but you can't blame me considering this was my 35th shot and 3rd time of having this done. I didn't even cuss when the shots went into the nerves. Then he showed me the nail he pulled off. And that was about it.

Today, I soaked my foot to take the gauze off. The dog drank the water after I moved and gagged in doing so. Anyway, then I had to clean it with cotton balls. I couldn't do it so BF had to. BF's son had some friends over so BF said "if you hear screaming behind closed doors, it is because we are cleaning the nailbed." It was painful, but not unbelieably. I have yet to take a pain killer today, but the day is still early.

My problem is that when I am required to stay in bed, I have a hard time doing so. Any other day, I could stay in bed all day because I don't have to, but today I want to get up and do things. I want to go to work, but BF is saying no and I know deep down within 20 minutes of going to work, I'd be screaming anyway. So two more days of keeping the foot up and reading, watching tv, and making my way back and forth from the bathroom.

At least it gives me time to check other's sites.

UPDATE #2: I have reached the point of I can't be in bed anymore. My back is killing me and I am pretty sure I am developing bed soars. Tomorrow, hurting or not, I am heading back to work because I am going insane in this house. People better not piss me off because every one will be getting tickets. Have a good day.

This Recipe Rocks!!!!

You are going to read over the ingredients and say no way in hell is this going to taste good, but I will tell you it is probably one of the greatest things I've eaten in my life.

I'll call it Mindy Bars because she is the one who gave it to me:

You will need:
brown sugar
butter
Pam or like spray
chocolate chips/butterscotch chips
saltines/soda crackers
baking soda
tin foil

Preheat oven to 375 F
Line cookie sheet with tin foil
Spray with Pam or like product
Place a layer of soda crackers or saltines (same damn difference) on the cookie sheet. About this time you are saying gross
Mix together in a saucepan:
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter (butter, butter)--By the way this is a fat-free dessert (HA)
Boil the fatness for 1 minute
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda--Be prepared as it will move quickly
Pour the mixture over the crackers making sure they all are covered
Bake for 8 minutes
Remove from oven and pour over chocolate chips (Optional-I like to pour some of butterscotch and chocolate chips)
Let melt for a little bit and then spread over evenly.
Let cool. Mouth watering---place in freezer

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

Breast Cancer for May

Hey folks:

Please drop over to the BreastCancer site and click on the mammogram button. They are counting as double this month. Thanks.

Utah Road Trip

I was recently at Zion National Park for EMT training. As a park ranger, we are required to hold several certifications. Besides my law enforcement training each year, I go through wildland fire training and must keep current on my EMT qualifications every two years. Besides the 24 hours of refresher required every two years, I must also have 48 hours of continuing education.

So I was over in Zion for the training. Each day after the classroom sessions, I headed out to the park to hike some of the trails. I'll post about that later. Why? Because after my one day off today, I am off to technical rescue training for the next week.

Utah is an amazing place and probably the most diverse in the way of geography. So during the 345 miles, 7 hour drive back from Zion to Arches, I snapped photos every time I came to a different zone. Click on the TITLE to view the slide show from Zion to Arches.

Easter Bygone

Easter has come and gone. What is Easter to you? When I recently said Happy Bunny Day to a friend, he responded with Happy Resurrection Day. I was born Catholic. I made first communion, but that was it. Nothing else. I kicked God and religion out of my life when I was 3 years old. So Easter to me is getting a basket full of candy and such, finding eggs hidden either outside or inside, and enjoying a good feast.

I am the youngest of seven and I am spoiled. I admit it. And you know what....I love and milk every bit of it. I have had an Easter basket hidden almost every year of my life for me to find. Of course it always hasn't been a basket, but nonetheless it has bee hidden and I have had to find it.

Last year living in California away from family, I was bumming knowing that I was not going to get an Easter basket. And that I wasn't going to have to search for it. I woke up last year and opened my door to find an Easter bag filled with plastic eggs and candy. All 8 rooms in the dorm had a bag so I deduced that the Easter bunny had brought it. I called my sister later that day and informed her that the Easter bunny had come and explained about the bag. She said "well who was it". I said what do you mean, it was the Easter bunny. And I wouldn't relent. She finally gave up and said ok.

This year, I asked BF if I would find an Easter basket hidden in the morning. He said no. He figured his son was out of that age. I am thinking, what normal person is out of a stage of acting like a kid and receiving candy. He also said well since you aren't religious I didn't think you celebrated Easter. I said getting an Easter basket and searching for eggs has nothing to do with some dude coming back from the dead. Plus many, well probably all, Christians believe the Easter bunny is the EasterPagan.

I called my boyfriend and said the grocery store was selling baskets at 50% off and I sure would love one when I came home. Plus, the EasterBunny is not religious. Although I didn't find an Easter basket when I came home, I was given some chocolates....

Collin Springs Canyon

I had been there before. I had traveled down the canyon solo before. I had been told to go to The Narrows and I had. But when I came out of The Narrows, I had seen a ruin. And back then, 3 years ago, I had attempted to get up to the ruin. Like I said I was solo and the climb I was about to partake in could have been fatal if I had fell. And for once, I listened "Polly Q would not approve". So I left the cliff ledge defeated always saying I would return with someone to at least break my fall.

And so I returned with BF, son, and his friend and of course the dog, Jenna. As we were driving out I said I hope no cars are there. We arrived to find two of them and when we left there were 3 additional ones. We actually only saw two people hiking and two at the trailhead so it was a good day.

Our first stop into the canyon was an old cowboy camp. There are still some pots hanging and a lot of trash from the olden days. We walked down to The Narrows again and initially I could not find the ruin when we first got there. I said that was the one place I wanted to make even though with two young boys, I was pretty sure we wouldn't make it. But we did. Around the corner of those Narrows was one of my favorite rock art panels. And so we arrived.

And the Narrows were blocked with water. Me, planning for the weather, had zip off pants and sandals of course. So I said I would wade around, see how deep it was, and the boys could strip down to their boxers. Now, I had to really go around the corner because the young boys are shy in their boxers. It was easy to walk to the corner, but around the corner was another story. And then the boys heard the splash as I went for it. It actually was walk-able, but it did not look like it. And I am not 6'1" like BF. As the boys continued to strip down, I found a log to help, but the boys didn't use it on the way over. BF made some reference to the fact that his 'boys' had headed north probably behind his lungs. Thank goodness I don't have to deal with those.


After the swim, we climbed up the trail and then up on the ledge. It drove Jenna insane because she could not get up on the ledge. As we walked down the ledge, she walked below following us the

entire way. The rock art was, well I really can't explain what it is in words.... Just something special about it. My favorite is the 'clan' holding hands. Check out more photos at: http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/ UtahAdventures

And then it was time to return to the water's edge and scream across it again. Friend was not real happy about having to go through it again so I helped him out. He still had to wade through the water, but at least it helped a little. Son jumped right in. My shirt had gotten wet on the way over because when I tried to throw it across it didn't make it. Lucky for me, I was prepared and had long-sleeve shirt in my pack.

As the boys were getting dressed and we were warming up by eating chocolate chip cookies, I looked up to see the ruin. We arrived at the ledge where I had attempted my defeat before. There below the ledge as before was a stack of rocks to step on. Now, I was a little more prepared this time as I had a rope with me. And BF had one as well. See the two of us always end up usually having to use them for some reason or another. So we attempted to gain access again. I mean people have to get up there otherwise there wouldn't be this pile of rocks tempting us. We were defeated once more, but it is now our mission to get up there. And eventually, we will succeed.

We started around the ledge and were working our way down, when Jenna freaked out and wouldn't go down this one section. We've decided to start bringing her life jacket that has a handle on it. And I know some of you are saying why does she have a life jacket, but we take her white water rafting so she needs one. Anyway, Jenna and I backtracked as the boys went forth. Luckily I caught up to them because they were heading up the wrong canyon. Males and directions. Anyway, the boys were starting to um, yea whine, by the time we were nearing the car, but we kept egging them on reminding them of the sodas in the car and waving the bag of Jenna's poop at their heads. And we eventually made it back.

Although the hike was no more than 6 miles round-trip we are all exhausted. Jenna came straight in the house and went straight to her bed and is already snoring away.

Breast Cancer

Last November I received probably some of the worst news in my life...my sister has breast cancer. I think I took it a lot worse than the rest of my family. I think mostly because I have three sisters and each one has had some form of cancer. Luckily for our family they have all fought and won the cancer battle. My oldest sister is now going through chemo to rid her of the rest of it even after the mastectomy. Each day I go here: FundMammograms and I was doing that even before my sister was diagnosed. So I ask everyone to add it to their favorites and each morning on your daily computer routine, click on it. Takes about 2 seconds. I am also adding the below letter from my cousin. If you click the TITLE of this post, it will take you to her donation page. I'm pretty sure everyone out there knows someone who has been inflicted with breast cancer or another form. Lets fight it together. Thanks all. Also, I don't get a lot of visitors so if you could send some my way to help the cause, I would be grateful.

Dear Friends and Family,
I recently accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure® on Saturday, April 15, 2006, in the fight against breast cancer. One in seven women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime and the more we raise, the more the Tarrant County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support the national search for a cure.
Please join me in the fight by pledging in support of my participation in the Race or contributing generously to Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure®. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in Tarrant County and national breast cancer research. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. Whatever you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.
Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer! Every step counts!
Sincerely,
ColleenRileyTo sponsor my participation online, click here.
To send a donation, make all checks payable to Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure®. Please be certain to write my name "ColleenRiley" on the check and mail to:
Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure® Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer FoundationP.O. Box 101568Fort Worth, TX 76185

Two View Points

The alarm sounds and I cringe. I normally roll over and exclaim that I HATE MORNINGS. Sometimes I add the F-word in the mix. But I truly hate mornings. I think the day should start in the afternoon. But of course then I would probably hate afternoons. I think more than anything I hate getting out of bed. So that alarm sounds and I know I should get out of bed, eat, and go exercise, but this bed is too comfortable to move. The dog has other plans.

If I just jump on the bed with my paws in her face, she will wake up even more and take me some place. Any place. I don't care as long as we go out farther than the backyard.





I crack my body starting at my toes and finally wiggle out of bed. Oh boy oh boy, this has potential. I walk slowly around the house trying to wake up all senses and finally decide to eat a banana. I ask the dog if she wants to go for a run. She just wags her tail. I'm not sure if she actually understands it or if she wags her tail whenever she knows you are talking to her.

Of course I want to go for a run, walk, skip, or anything else rather than laying in this damn house watching you blog. Remember when I wanted to go for a walk so bad, I chewed through the telephone cord. ARF ARF.

I get dressed in my hot running pants and a shirt. Attempt to find my socks as the dog likes to steal them. And get my shoes.

Ok this looks positive. I already have on my collar so there is no guarantee I'm going, but it is looking positive. Everyone has on their shoes, but often times they leave me in the mornings. The door is open. See humans when my head is cocked this way, it is asking DO I GET TO GO, DO I? Did I just hear the magic word. I need to get out of the door quickly. Yippie I made it.

Ah, I am in the vehicle driving to the run spot. Still have no motiviation whatsoever. The dog knows geography quite well because as soon as I turn on the road, she goes insane.






Oh boy oh boy, we are going to the place where I chased the rabbit and got hit by the car. Yippie. I love this place because I don't have to be on a leash. Of course after the rabbit incident, I do for a little bit.






I step out and close the door. Bitch, why aren't I am getting out. I am in the car still. I want to go running. Let me out. Oh, you were just letting me out not on the street side. Nice lady. And I start running. My legs scream out in pain and say lets go back to bed, but the songs of the MP3 push me on.

Gotta stay ahead, gotta stay ahead. No human can be ahead of me. The dog stops to pee or sniff and then I hear the chain jingle and cringe because I know she is going to clip me from behind. Why does she have to be ahead of me? What is the thinking in that. Why is this person running today. Before when she ran I was tethered to her. But now I am running myself into the ground because I always have to be ahead.

Off the roads and onto the trails, down the hills, up the hills, and then 40 minutes later arrive back near the car. And the dog is walking right next to me. She knows that after getting hit by the car in the area she is not allowed to chase mean rabbits. Or is it that she is damn tired because I ran 2 miles and she ran 4 or more.





Boy just get me home. I am hungry and thirsty, and hell I am exhausted. We return to the house and both grab some breakfast. I climb back into bed and she falls to the floor in exhaustion. I hope she doesn't tell the man human we went for a run because then I will get another one when he gets home.

Historical Tequila Moment

For my going away party from California, I suggested we go the Tequila Bar up the road so it wouldn't be one of those dull boring potlucks that most going away parties had been. Well, I should say the ones I attended in California were because prior ones in Utah, Mormonville, were not. Well, of course most of those at the Utah potlucks weren't Mormons so that explains it. Anyway, the plan was to go to the Tequila Bar.

Then I made the mistake of telling Linda that I had never in my life done a Tequila shot. And well it was on that I was going to have to take that first shot with my California family.

The day finally came and I had barely eaten all day so I had planned on getting some great Mexican food in my stomach before having that first shot. Guess what, the Guest of Honor, me, arrived late and so everyone else had already ordered. I mean I ordered, but the "Linda shot" was already on the way. Heck, I even had to be told how to lick, shoot, suck. And the historical moment...

commenced.

I did finally get some food in me. And then I made a comment that I wanted everyone to do a shot with me. And even a 3 year old did one. Of course that was an accident because the waiter placed the little glass down in front of the child. Of course she thought it was a cool little water glass. Oops.


I got up to make my rounds to all the different tables to say my good-byes and take photographs. Everyone posed for me in a similar fashion as each one flipped me off over and over. I returned to my table to find another tequila shot with a note that said from Condor 307.

I also had two Coronas in there as well. The night was winding down, but Matt the Waiter brought one more from Cody the Dog. And I think it was that one that allowed me not to remember this photo...
I got in Court's new vehicle for the quick drive home. Actually he probably wasn't driving that fast, but the way I was feeling it felt like Mach 1. Anyway, as soon as I got into the car, Court asked where I was in feelings from a 1-10. I said about a 4. And we started driving. Within minutes I had to roll down the window. Court asked frequently about my level, but it never went above 5. And we made it home just fine.

We got home, Brant made more drinks, I drank them, and I answered a lot of questions from Court which I am sure is still being discussed today. But once again, it was a great send off and I don't think I even showed my mouse tattoo. Did I?

Back Home

I have left the Condors and have moved back with the Mormons. Boy, oh boy, do I miss those Condors. ha ha ha!

Belize

I would have to say that this was one of my most relaxing vacations I have ever taken. And for once I don't need another vacation to proceed this one.

The first two nights were spent in Belize City. And actually most of it was spent outside the city at the pool at the hotel sipping some of the best Pina Coladas I have ever tasted and starting my sunburn. It was here that most of my bug bites occurred. I think I didn't feel most of them because of the wonderful Pina Coladas. You will see those words often because I drank them often. We did take a trip into town the first day and walked around a bit. The taxi driver took the most out of the way route so we would need a taxi back to the hotel, but we were able to find our way back the 3 miles.

On some day, I think it was a Friday, we left and headed down to San Ignacio. We took the public transportation and watched the countryside whiz by at a rather calm pace. We watched a very intoxicated man fall flat on his face as we were arriving in San Ignacio. We crossed a small bridge and by small I am saying width and came into San Ignacio. The Lonely Planet had pointed in the direction of Martha's Guest House http://www.marthasbelize.com/. And we highly recommend it. It has a café which again has great Pina Coladas and nice rooms. We stayed at the Extension, which was about a 5 minute walk out of town. It was a brand new building. The only issue was the 4am rooster across the street. From this location we had two great tours...the Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, El Pilar ruin tour on Saturday and the ATM Cave Tour on Sunday (http://www.evasonline.com/page2.htm). The ruins were amazing and huge. The rock work was unbelievable. And the steps up to the places were quite a step for my short legs, however; it is said they were that way because it made the individuals bow when coming up them to the Elite. If I had trouble, think how the 4 foot Mayan had trouble. Our tour guide was Johnny and he did a great job. What was nice about all our tours is it was either just BF and I or just one other couple. Very personal. On Sunday, we did the ATM Cave tour. This required some swimming and wading through cold water. And you were not allowed to pee to warm yourself up so I am hypothermic the entire time. This cave was where they brought individuals for burials. And yes, we saw an entire skeleton. I am not posting the photo even though it is an amazing. So if you want to see it, I'll send it to you personally. The eeriness was anyway the photo was taken, she was looking at me.

We left Monday morning and headed back to Belize City to catch a boat to San Pedro, one of the Cayes (Keys). We arrived at the dock just as the boat was loading the last passengers. The individual who took my bag said they had been waiting for us. I don't think it was us they were waiting on, but it was nice to feel important. We arrived on the Caye and stayed at Coral Beach Hotel. It wasn't a bad place to stay, but it was pretty much a bed and bathroom. It was a very small room, but we didn't place on staying in the room much. On the next morning, we went on a trip out to the reef. BF did a one-tank dive while I had a private tour of snorkeling. And then we both went to Shark Alley and snorkeled together. And yes, we saw sharks. And touched one. In the afternoon, BF went diving again while I did some shopping and read out on our balcony watching the slow day rain by me. If the weather had not been rainy, I would have been on the beach.

And that is pretty much our trip. Nothing exciting really. Just some relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

More photos at http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/

New Photos

Posted some new photos on my photoblog...come on over...

http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/

The Carcass Run

Today was probably one of the funniest days of my life in terms of working with the California Condors. Court and I drove up to Sacramento to pick up a new vehicle for the project. Once we finished stuffing ourselves at Chili's we went to Modesto to pick up some carcasses. Remember we were in two separate vehicles when we went to pick up the carcasses.

This is how the plan usually goes...about two - three days before we pick them up from an organic dairy we call the place and tell them to unplug the freezers. So I guess at dairies calves die a dime a dozen. (I have no idea what that means, but it seems like a good thing to say). So Court had left about 5 messages for the owner and had never got a return call. We get there and one of the lids is up on the freezer, but they aren't bagged which primarily means they are frozen together. There are two freezer each with about 7 calves frozen together. So we search around the barn thingy we are in and find a pipe which then becomes a crowbar of sorts. And we pry them loose as best we can. We then load them into the back of the pickup truck. Remember---they are not bagged or I should say the ones on top are not bagged. So that back of the pickup truck kind of resembles this (although these ones have already been eaten by the condors and are heading to the trash). However see how that leg is hanging over the side? Well it was pretty much the same thing.



So we take off. Remember we are in two different vehicles so for most of the trip I get to watch one of the calf's tail twirl in the wind. I have to say I laughed the entire way back. We come to a four-way stop and Court goes through. Then I watch someone from the other direction go through, but about break their necks trying to see what is in the back of the vehicle. Still laughing. Minus the two people, I look at this for an hour and half...



So we travel the back roads for a short time before arriving in the shopping areas. We were in traffic before entering Highway 99. The people in the opposite lane were shocked, in awe, dying, etc. The Fed Ex man looked over about three times and the whole time I am laughing. He finally saw me and said what are you laughing at? I pointed forward. The best part was that Court and I had radios and were chatting about all this.

Then we entered the major highway. People would start to pass him and then almost slam on their brakes trying to look over. Or they would make a lane change behind him and then realizing what they were following quickly make another one. The best was a vehicle with three females. They pulled up along side me and Court switched lanes about then right in front of them. I thought the driver was going to puke. She put her hand to her mouth and well I can't explain the expression, but it was definitely priceless. The other two women in the vehicle were primarily doing the same. When they were finally able to change lanes, the driver was looking out her window afraid to look back towards the calves. We were laughing so hard.

Primarily the rest of the trip was people doing double takes at the vehicle. Not sure what happened when we gassed up because Court as a few islands away. And I can only imagine how it was when people came up behind him when it got dark and saw the leg sticking straight in the air. Straight out of the Twilight Zone.

So what is the weirdest you've seen driving?

I Fly, I Cry

Background: When I was five years old I had my eardrum burst. I lived in a lake town and each summer after spending the entire summer under water either in the lake or pool, I also spent one day at the doctor's office getting my ears cleaned and uninfected.

Now each time I board a plane I cringe. Mostly because I know the feeling I am going to feel during take off and landing. I also cringe because with each flight, I am becoming more and more afraid to fly. Nope, it doesn't have anything to do with 9/11. It has to do with the fear the plane is going to flip completely over when making a turn. Or that the wheels are going to snap upon landing. Or how the hell does a plane get off the ground to begin with. So more or less I hate flying.

So I board the flight. Lately I have been flying the cattle car airline Southwest where seating is wherever you would like to sit. I like to chose the first seat because it means a couple of things...when the plane crashes I will probably and hopefully be the first to die and it means I don't have to wait for the 900 other passengers to get their damn 40 bags of carrying on out of the overhead bins.

So I board and I take the first two rows if available. Lately, now that you can check-in online, I am normally the first group to board right after the screaming babies. And where do the screaming babies sit, but the first couple of rows. And each time I sit next to the mom flying with a child or more, they say I am brave. Really I secretly know that when the child starts crying because of their ears, I can cry right along with them.

My ears are so bad when the plane starts the descent that I become nauseous from the pain. And I am damn near tears. Individuals watching me squirm and wiggle to stop the pain would probably think I am some freak. But recently while flying to a funeral, I was able to lay on all 3 seats and my ears didn't hurt one damn bit. So I have learned that if I lean my head to the left that the pain disappears. So this last flight the two individuals sitting next to me thought I was snooping, which I was, into their conversation and staring at them. I finally explained when we landed that I just have the worst ears in the world.

And invisibly I wiped away my tears.

Tuesday's Readings

Hello folks:

I assume that I might possibly get more than 2 hits in the coming days since I just spent most of my afternoon reading all the blogs under my Adventurists list. I am playing hooky from work. Honestly I feel like my body is going to explode, but I have yet to have the explosion. So instead of playing Party Poker, well actually, while playing Party Poker, I read the blogs. And there were two common themes that I found on most of the ones I have listed....

1. They haven't posted since the beginning of the year
2. They are apologizing for not being around, blogging, reading, posting, etc.

And I am right there with you on the last one. I've posted here and there, but I've been terrible with reading. Plus only a few people read mine so I feel neglected and unwanted. I check in frequently with Jack only to see if he is still alive. And I frequently read Trashman to see what kind of trouble he has gotten into. But other than that I've been lame and unfriendly in reading and blogging. But I've noticed I am not alone....

Australia Rita Deputy NotFound BurgerLee AboutGaven Flirt TJsGone

Have posted similar blogs about not being around or have just disappeared like TJ.

And then we have Jenn who is as busy as any of us running here and there, cooking dinner in between, throwing in some laundry, shuffling kids, and still has enough time to blog to tell us she is doing all that. Amazing.

More so, we're lame and don't take the time to just drop a short note.

But of all the ones I read today, I would have to list my favorite is the one below. You will have to scroll down to Christmas PSA because there is already a new post. It is great. And women will notice the truth and men will hopefully get the drift.

ReadIt

So like every one else, I'm back, alive, and will try hard to read more instead of spending hours playing poker. But then again, I believe Blogs are just like every other fad. They explode and then die. Kind of like my body today.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

JOTR Trip

On Monday the 7th I left PINN heading south on I-5. It was 1211pm. At what time would I be arriving in the metro-LA area. Um, RUSHTIME. How the hell do you people that live in cities like LA deal with that traffic day in and day out. I called my friends because when you are going less than zero miles an hour according to my speedometer there is no need to pay attention. And then the traffic clears for a minute and rushes up to 90 before slamming back on the brakes for another hour. How, please explain to me.

I was heading down to the San Diego area for some training, but I figured since the training didn't start until the 9th and I had the 8-10th off, I would make a detour. So I made a 3 hour detour over to Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR) and to stay at the A&A Bed and Breakfast. Of course not a real B&B, but friends that I've kept in touch with so I'd have a place to crash. So about 9pm I rolled into JOTR and drove around the small housing area looking for Utah plates. Since there were only a few houses, it wasn't that difficult. Getting their attention was a little more difficult since they were in the backyard burning papers from their move. After some chats and catching up, I headed to bed in a comfortable bed unlike the prison mattress I sleep on.

I found that in southern California the sun comes up a lot earlier than northern California. And so when I walked out to the kitchen I was hoping it was like 8, but instead found out it was 645. AH Damn IT! So I chatted some more, had a brown sugar poptart with butter (something new to A&A), and some juice. Oh yea, in this B&B I had to make my own food. After spending some time with the dogs, I headed out to do some hiking in the park. This was my first time to the park and definitely will not be my last. Unfortunately, I have an injured leg so I just did little Interpretive hikes in the area.

I would be driving along when all of the sudden a bunch of rocks would appear. I took the short 1/2 mile hike to the Arch Rock. And in between all of it the desert would bloom in so many different ways. After this short hike, I headed out to the Barker Dam . And honestly, I did not and could not imagine a dam in the middle of the desert, but I was amazed at it all. In the park, there are several dams. And more than anything I was surprised to see water in the desert. I also saw some petroglyphs however they were vandalized.

After the hike, I drove up the dirt road to the gate to the Keys Ranch. There was a park ranger there and she said I could stop by and may be there would be room for me to do the interpretive hike. I didn't drop the parkie name at that moment. Looking back I should have because I would have gotten a much longer and more thorough tour. Come to find out that when BF worked at JOTR, she did as well. Anyway, I did another quick hike through the Hidden Valley before returning to the Keys Ranch.

When I went back for the tour, I dropped the parkie thingy and then BF's name and it started the ball rolling. I was then her little assistant.

After the tour, I headed out to the highway and started my way through the back roads to training. I believe I passed through some beautiful areas, but considering it was dark I am not sure.

Tomorrow I leave the southern California for my journey north. Along the way, I hope I don't see an accident like I saw on the way down and I hope I don't have to deal with an individual like I dealt with involved in that accident. N said this to me tonight "You've seen a lot for your age". And I had to answer with I'm thankful that my father could provide me with those opportunities when I was younger and instilled in me the adventure sense. So check out some more photos: http://mtnbkaz.photosite.com/

Tragedy of Life

The time was approximately 930pm on Tuesday. I was laying in the hotel room watching some lame TV when my cell phone rang. I picked it up, flipped it open, and noticed the name. Surprised to see that the individual was calling this late as I am forbidden to call after 830pm to them, I answered the phone. I could tell immediately something was wrong by her voice. She proceeded to tell me that her brother had been killed in a car accident that day. I remember clearly saying "OH MY GOD". I probably said it several times really.

And you know, I have no idea why I said it because I clearly do not believe in a deity one bit. And each time a tragic thing happens in my life such as this, I run further (or farther) away from religion. And so once again I have run.

He is 34 years old. And he will forever be 34 years old. He has a 3 year girl he is leaving behind. And she is certain that daddy is still at work and will be coming home soon.

What do you tell a 3 year old? Definitely not that God has taken her dad because she will run from religion the rest of her life. I know.

But this isn't about me. This is about a family, mostly the parents, that had endured so much pain and tragedy in their life that I find it hard to fathom. And you know, they just keep on moving through the motions of life. That is what I think they are doing...just running through the motions just to be there for their grandchildren and daughter's family. A friend of mine said "the father has been dealt the worst hand in life, how can anyone be dealt a hand like that". And I couldn't answer it. It is so true. He seems to have endured one tragedy after another. And I am not talking about a setback or problem. I am talking about serious tragedy. Just doesn't seem fair. And you hear it all the time--life isn't fair--and we deal with that. But does life have to deal you four ace of spades of tragedy. No, I believe it should be spread amongst the crowd. Not just aimed at one person.

This will be the third time I have come to be with the family in some aspect because of a tragedy. And each time it seems the tragedies get worse. And really all I can do is stand next to them, let them know if they keep waking up life will get better, and give them my support. Because at this time in my life, I can't say I know what or how they are feeling. Honestly, even if you've had a death in your life, I have to say you still cannot know what or how this family is feeling.

Please keep them in your thoughts.

A Long One Pine Day

CAUTION!!!! CAUTION!!!!CAUTION!!!
This contains gross and disgusting photos towards the end. For you sick people, scroll straight to the bottom

The day normally starts at either 8 or 10 AM. And it continues well into the darkness of night. The day starts with gathering gear, equipment, good books to read, and food. A drive out a dirty dirt road to a make shift parking lot is what sets the moment. The 30-40 pound pack that feels more like 100 pounds is slapped upon my back and the hike to

starts. It takes me about 25 minutes to hike the less than 1/2 mile. I figured over time it would get easier, but it hasn't. Of course it seems like the hike is up a 90 degree angle. As you might notice the last little part is straight up hill. Actually the whole damn hike is uphill with a short reprieve of flatness that seems uphill. Once at the tree, I drop my pack. Then I take off my shirt and start twirling it around my head...oops that is my other job. But I do take off my shirt to let it dry off.

After catching my breath, peeing (for some reason I always have to pee), and catching my breath again, I set up the days office.

I gotta say that I can't complain about my corner office. Has some of the best views in the world.

I primarily sit for hours on end looking through the scope, reading my book, using your tax dollars and mine to sleep, and exercising (not too frequently though). So what is it that I look at? Well the birds of course....

And then the other birds I don't need to watch, but enjoy doing so

Then eventually, I look down the trail and see my relief in site. And I take my last round of signals, pack my stuff, and wait to turn the chair over to her. But the day isn't even over yet. Later that night I must return to this canyon, slip on a pair of gloves, and head up the hill with a backpack full of rabbits (dead of course) or a calf.

At approximately 2030 - 2100 (8-9), we drive out to the parking area and pull one of the carcasses out. I usually gag as soon as the lid is pulled off. These days my partners try to make me puke by making gagging sounds, inspecting the carcass, or like the other day touched something wet and then smelled her hand. I just walk away, compose myself, and attempt to finish the job. The first carcass is hiked up the hill to the facility. If we are taking a calf, we use a modified like wheel barrel thingy. If we are taking rabbits, we throw them in backpack and walk them up to the facility. P and I used the wheel barrel thing to take up two bags of rabbits because we had more to haul down. Probably about 6-7 in each bag. The deal was that I would place the rabbits and he would pull the old even more smelling carcass from the flight pen. Pulling the old carcass is actually when I gag the most rather than placing the fresh ones. I would place the rabbits in the ISO pens.

While I was placing the second bag of rabbits, P prepared the carcass hauler to take down the old carcass. I think he did a pretty good job.

Unfortunately, he was in the front on the way back to the blind and the smell welcomes the retching full blast. He was a trooper and definitely will receive a gold star (yes, we use them frequently) for being in the back on the way back down.

Now, normally P and I would then pull the second carcass and drive it up to Hilltop to place for the free flying birds. Tonight was also a 'pick up all old carcasses and take to trash can'. Tonight we lucked out because our supervisor came along and he went to Hilltop to do other repairs and finished up the work for us. The first Friday of every month we load up all the old ones and take them to the dumpster. Today was the first Friday. So J loaded up all the old carcasses.

Then they are taken to the dumpster. Now, I got out of the last part kind of. Well yea, I got out of it. So we had some vehicle issues to contend with so they drove to the dumpster and I shuttled vehicles and then met up with them. They were almost finished. I slipped back on a pair of gloves, walked to the back of the truck, and gagged my way out of it. I would have succeeded, but they informed me about how when it is raining it is worst. And then J said you can't even do this during those times...and he bent down and took a big whiff of the death. I gagged away as they were laughing. And then when I was near my dorm, I heard J gagging as well. I was still gagging.

I walked into the laundry room, stripped down, and took a shower. And they wonder why I don't eat before I place those dead things.