A day at the Beach

I took Tuesday off and spent it at the beach and going shopping. My friend Carolyn took me over to Gulf Shores. It is beautiful. The beaches are all white sand and very clean. The sand was so soft under my feet, I couldn't get over how soft it was. I have always said I hate dealing with the sand on beaches, but this sand was not anything like the sand I am used to. And the water was very warm! It was a great day to be visiting the beach.




I did not come prepared to go swimming, but I almost wished I had. It was warm enough and the water was plenty warm.











This is my friend Carolyn. She has lived in Mobile all but about ten years of her life. Her husband was a Marine and she traveled with him. He was killed in Vietnam in 1968. She was left to raise her two children on her own. I have enjoyed getting to know her.












I was standing out on a sand bar here. It was quite pleasant there.









This is an open invitation for anyone to come visit me. I now know where the best beaches are - so come visit and I will take you to the beaches! Oh, there is a huge outlet mall about 15 minutes from this beach! It was quite huge, maybe not as big as Kittery, but still plenty big enough to keep you shopping all day if you like that. There is also a new Bass Pro Shop just on the other side of the Bay from me -I haven't been there yet, but everyone is talking about it.

Fishing

I went fishing this morning with Phyllis, Glen and Mike. I had a great time. Phyllis has a pontoon boat, so she took us out. She lives on Roberts' Bayou which eventually feeds into the Dog River. We actually fished in the Dog River.

This first picture is the Bayou behind Phyllis' house. Can you see the white Crane taking off from the water?

Glen is the one on the left and Mike is the one with the sunglasses. This is not a good picture of them, but I didn't tell them to look up, oh well. Glen is a deckhand on a Mississippi tug boat that pushes the barges up and down the River. Do you remember the barge that was hit last month and spilled fuel oil? Glen's company owned the barge. But it wasn't one he was working.

This is Phyllis. She had just caught the Croaker. We caught some Red Fish, but they have to be 14 inches long, and none of ours were that big. But we caught several Croakers. They actually "croak."

I know this Croaker did not look that big, but it was a keeper and I got a little bigger one later. They are apparently good eating, but I am not a big fish fan. Glen kept the fish.

We stopped for lunch at a place right where the Dog River dumps into Mobile Bay. I had a Shrimp salad. I was tired of feeding all the shrimp to the fish. So I ordered some for myself! The food was excellent. Phyllis had fried okra with her fried oyster po'boy sandwich (a very southern sandwich).

When Phyllis bit into one of her fried oysters, she bit something hard. She found this pearl. I thought that was pretty amazing.

I loved this spider's web that was in Phyllis' yard. It looked so perfect. That spider had an attention to detail.

I Am Now Official

Yesterday I finally took the time to go to the licensing commissioner's office and the DMV. I now have an Alabama driver's license in my wallat and an Alabama tag to go on my car! I had tried once to do it, but I didn't have the right paperwork. In fact yesterday I had to actually go twice because I still didn't have the right paperwork. But I finally finished the process. I am planning on going fishing with some friends on Saturday and the cost of an out-of-state fishing license is almost double that of an in-state license. So money was the final factor to force me to make the change. I still haven't put the new tag on my car - a little bit of laziness, but some reluctance as well. With the out-of-state tag, people are a little more forgiving when I make turning blunders (like going the wrong way down a one way street). I also have had the same New Hampshire license tag for 22 years! I know my tag number, in fact a lot of people had my tag number memorized. Now I am going to have to work on memorizing a new number.

One thing I do like about my new tag is that it says "God Bless America" on it and the American flag forms the background for the tag. I am so grateful to God for allowing me to be born and raised in America. I pray that He continues to bless America. I have not watched the Democratic National Convention because I do not align myself with their idealogy. But I still am so proud of our Country to be able to nominate a person of color to possibly be the next President of the United States. I am not going to vote for Senator Obama, not because of his skin color, but because of his idealogy. But I think Martin Luther King's dream was somewhat realized last evening. I applaud the Democratic Party for choosing Senator Obama as their candidate. It was an historic moment and may God continue to bless America.

Supper on the Patio

Well, I didn't get to be at Chris and Amy's with all the family tonight. But I did have a new friend, Laura, over for supper. It had cooled off enough that we were able to eat on the patio. But I hadn't counted on the grill heating up the patio. Once I finished grilling, it cooled off comfortably and we were able to enjoy the evening eating outside.

I loved being able to eat outside, but it probably was no where near as exciting as riding around in the trailer behind the tractor or riding the four wheeler all over Chris and Amy's place.

Picnic in the Rain

Yesterday our "Group" at the office had a picnic, but because it rained so hard, we ate inside. I took a few pictures so you could meet some of the people with whom I work.

Terri, on the far right was our hostess. She is one of the ladies that brings order to the claim files and identifies and marks the exhibits. Natalie (standing next to her) orders evidence that we need and mails the decisions out. She is newer to the office than I am - she moved here from Greenville, SC. Robbie is the supervisor of all the employees in our "Group." That is his wife and one of his three daughters in the picture.






This is Natalie's little girl. She was enjoying that cupcake.











This is Dawn and her husband Pablo. Dawn is an attorney. She writes the decisions.













Jeanne, on the far right, schedules all the hearings. Myra, in the red, has the same job as Terri. MaryLeigh (with her daughter beside her) is the Lead Legal Assistant. She does the same as Myra and Terri, except that she does extra things - like mentor and training and direct the work of Jeanne and Natalie.

All of the people in our group have been great. There were a few of the other writers that were unable to make it and the other two judges in our group were not there. But I had a good time.

Bay Bears

I went to a Mobile Bay Bears game this afternoon at the Hank Aaron Stadium, affectionately just refered to as "The Hank." Apparently Hank Aaron was originally from Mobile. The Bay Bears were playing the Chattanooga Lookouts. The Bay Bears won 7-0. It was a fun game, but it was hot. Fortunately the stadium was designed with all the seating facing east - so the sun was not beating down on us. It was hot, but not as bad as if we were in the direct sun. Had we been in the direct sun, I don't think I could have lasted two innings! It was over 100 degrees with quite a bit of humidity.

New Furniture

I have been looking for some dining room furniture. I have never had a dining room furniture set. I finally found a set yesterday that I really liked. I bought it with six side chairs and two captain's chairs for a total of eight chairs. I hope I have plenty of "dinner parties" to justify the purchase. I will attach a few pictures.

Bugs, Mosquitos and Spiders

Last week on two occasions "flying Asian cockroaches" otherwise known as "Palmetto Bugs" were found in the office at work. One was in the office right next door to me and the other was in the office just across the hall from me. I saw the one in the office across the hall from me when the lady came running out of her office screaming. I dared to glance in her office and saw it on the wall. It was at least two inches long! When it took off to fly, I didn't stick around! I have been very freaked out about them ever since. I think they are going to spray the office this week! It can't be too soon for me.

I have been plagued by mosquitos since I moved here. My arms and face are most affected because they will get me at night when I sleep. But I picked up quite a few mosquito bites on my legs over this past weekend as well. So I have been trying to stay ahead of them whenever I come in and out of my door. At night, before I go to bed, I try to find any stray mosquitos on the walls or ceilings to swat them with my fly swatter. With my ceiling fan on low and my nightly mosquito search and destroy, I have begun to feel like I am turning a corner on my battle with the mosquitos.

But now it is spiders. I am attaching a picture of a spider that has built a huge web on my patio. Fortunately I don't have to walk through the web on my way to and from the carport. This spider is fairly big. I had already killed one like this by my outdoor faucet, because I needed to turn on the faucet. I don't like spiders at all, but when they are big like this, I can at least see them. I am going to have to find out something more about these. I am hopeful that maybe he and I have a common goal in doing in mosquitos. If we do, then I will tolerate him and let him live on my patio. If not, he will probably join his brother. Because I am very uncomfortable around him.

Happy Fourth of July!

I spent the afternoon sitting on the front porch at Betty Jean's house! There were about twelve or so of her neighbors there. We made ice cream (with an electric mixer) and just visited and talked. It was a great way to spend an afternoon. Later I went to the fireworks over on the bay. The people in the car on the left of me had a 13 year old son that is an absolute avid Boston Red Sox fan - so we had quite a conversation! His mother was a medical transcriptionist and her father-in-law had a stroke that impacted his right side about 9 years ago, the little girl's name was Haley. We certainly had a lot to talk about. The people in the car on the right of me had three very little boys, Oliver, Ryan and Charles. The little boys' mother is from Bedford, Massachusetts and her husband is an officer in the air force. So we had quite a bit to talk about as well. So over all, I had a great time. Oh, I forgot to mention, one of the people from the front porch crowd is related to Elvis Presley. Her grandmother was a first cousin to Elvis' mother (their fathers were brothers).

I am including a few pictures here that I have in my album. I did not take any of these today.



Fireworks at Camden Yards in Baltimore.













Flags hanging at Union Station in Washington, DC.















Flags hanging at the New York Stock Exchange.

Graduation and Home

I graduated from "Judicial College" on Friday and after some delays at the airport I finally arrived home at 11:30 last evening. It was a long four weeks, but well worth the time. I learned a lot. I am including a few pictures here and I just downloaded my whole disc on my winkflash (use the link on the side).



We will get "official" pictures from the photographer, but I had a couple taken outside. This is Judge Cristaudo. He is our Chief Judge in our Agency. I really respect him.










We were sat in groups at round tables for the entire four weeks. These were my tablemates. We really enjoyed our time together. Marie Greener has been assigned to Syracuse, Kathye Scully-Hayes is now in Wilkes-Barre, and Rob Ringler is assigned to Albany. I think there were 43 in our class. But there are four classes this summer. We were the second class.






I had included this picture on an earlier post to show you the side of my house. I took this picture on May 10th. Notice the "banana palms" just in front of the bushes alongside the house. Then look at the next picture.








This picture was taken today, June 28th. There has only been seven weeks between the two pictures and look how much those "banana palms" have grown! Isn't that just amazing? I don't think even corn grows that fast and that big, does it? I am amazed.

Grace Life Church

I just returned from church at Grace Life Church. I have attended there all three weekends I have been here in Baltimore. I have really enjoyed their services and the challenges from the Word of God. They are a young congregation, mostly college kids and medical students. They are a multi-ethnic group and they meet in an old bank building. Check out their website: http://www.gracelifechurch.com/GraceLifeBaltimore/index.html I suspect this is something like the churches Walter and Laura have been involved in and hope to continue to be involved with. They have just begun a series on Revelation. Today's message was built on the letter to the church at Laodocia. The pastor remarked that America today is similar to Laodocia was at the time of Revelation, wealthy, and basically full of themselves. He challenged the congregation to allow Christ to change them, to be more than lukewarm. I appreciated the services at this church.

But I have to tell you, I am ready to go home! Even though I am going home to Mobile, where I basically do not know a soul. I need to get back to a routine and where I can have access to a car to go where I want to go, when I want to go there. I know I am whining. I am sorry. Baltimore is a great city, and I am glad I have had such quality time here. But I am ready to go to Mobile!

Baltimore/Washington

Beth and her friend came to visit me this week. I was so pleased to have them visit. I had to be gone during the two days, but we filled the evenings. We were able to get to an Orioles game. They played the Pirates and won. After the game there were fireworks at the stadium. They were really great fireworks. They left on Saturday, but not before we went to DC to look at a few of the sites.
We went to the Lincoln Memorial first. I have been there numerous times, but each time, it still impresses me - even when there is huge crowd of people. He was an amazing man in a very difficult situation.









I also went to the Supreme Court Building. Beth and Robin had already left, but I asked someone to take my picture. I told them to make sure the statement "Equal Justice under the Law" was in the picture. They asked if I was a lawyer! I wonder how they could tell!








I had not seen this Albert Einstien statute before. The book on his "lap" has the theory of relativity and some other mathematical equation. I was "sitting at his feet" but I don't think it helped.









The Vietnam Memorial Wall is always a striking view. Beth is looking at the wall where David's father's name is etched.

On the Inner Harbor walkway there is a stage where there is always something going on. Today there was an Elvis impersonator. He was drawing a huge and loud crowd. I know it wasn't "him" so much as the draw that Elvis still has, even though he has been dead over 30 years!

Baltimore, My New Home away from my New Home in Mobile!

Actually for the next four weeks I am in training in Baltimore. I am in a Residence Inn, so I have a little "studio" for the time I am here. It is small, but it will work for me. So far the real difficulty is staying awake during the last half hour of class. For some reason about 3:45 in the afternoon, I have gotten really sleepy! I am fighting to stay awake at that point. If anyone has any tricks to staying awake during the worst part of the day, I would welcome them.

I was able to get to the Red Sox game last night at Camden Yards. The Orioles won! I was disappointed, since the Red Sox had won all the other three games. But it was still fun to go an cheer for the Red Sox. There were enough Red Sox fans at the game that it was almost like being at a home game for them. Everyone around us were cheering for the Red Sox. There were two lone Orioles fans. They were pretty good natured about the whole thing, but it was kind of funny to hear everyone chanting "Let's go Red Sox!" when they were supposed to be saying "Let's go O's".

If anyone is going to be through Baltimore during the month of June, come look me up. I have an extra bed and a pull out couch!

Mobile, Alabama, My New Home

I arrived in Mobile on Thursday evening and got the keys to my new house on Friday morning. The moving truck was here when I arrived. They had the truck completely unloaded by 2:45. I have been cleaning and unpacking boxes since. I still have dozens of more boxes to unpack - but I am making some progress. I thought you might want to see pictures of my house.



This is the street front of my house.














My house sits on a corner, so this is the side view of my house. Notice that I have a carport instead of a garage. But the house does come with quite a bit of storage room.

This is the one room I am pretty much finished unpacking - my bedroom. I have more closet space in this room than in my house in New Hampshire.










I haven't really unpacked in my living room, but I thought I would show you how bright the room is. The windows are huge; they go down to about a foot from the floor!











I don't have a porch, but I do have this covered patio. My porch furniture fits here just fine. The back yard is completely fenced in and very private. I have banana trees in the yard!


Come visit sometime!

For Sale

A cozy four bedroom cape in Manchester, New Hampshire. I have put my house on the market. It is a cute place with plenty of bedrooms for a growing family. Here is a link to the market listing. Anyone interested?

http://www.mlsfinder.com/nh_nneren/kw_538/index.cfm?action=listing_detail&property_id=2715987&searchkey=683b2e88-91c5-185e-888d-4f58ea0c72e5&npp=10&sr=1

The summer look.

The winter look.

The Goodbye's Have Begun

I have begun saying "Goodbye" to friends and co-workers. I have some great friends. I am going to miss them. Sunday friends from my old office here in Manchester "kidnapped me" and took me to a surprise going away brunch.

These are some of them from that party. These individuals were all candidates for the same position as me. They all were sporting these red sweat shirts with an "L" on the front indicating "Loser." They were such good sports about it. The guy on the far right currently has my old job as the Director of the Manchester Hearing Office. He has just been selected to fill my current position as the Boston Regional Attorney.

These are the ladies from my Tuesday night Ladies Bible Study. They took me out for dinner on Tuesday night, our last time together. I am going to miss these ladies. I have been having the Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study in my house since the fall of 1991. I don't think any of these ladies were from the original group, but some have been coming for a long time! They are such a great group of friends.

Yesterday the people in my current office gave me a send off as well. Some of these people I have worked with for quite some time, even before I started working in Boston. The gentleman on the far right I have worked with, in some capacity, since 1995, but I have known him since about 1988. The lady standing next to me on the far left, is the current Regional Chief Judge. She has only been in the Regional Office since October. I have very much enjoyed working with all of these people.

Of course what is a "send off" without food! Oh my, it has been good food. This is a cake one of the ladies from my Tuesday night had made for me. Those are real strawberries making up the flowers! This was a great cake!











I thought I would show you a picture of my new office in Mobile. When I was in Mobile, I did not go into the office, I just drove by.












This part, however, is the most impressive part of the office building. This is the parking garage, attached to the back of the building. All the employees have FREE covered parking at the building! In our office building in Boston the spots are in great demand and simply not available. Even if they were available they cost $380 a month! So to be able to park for free and to keep the sun from beating down on your car all day will be simply great!


Mom and Dad are coming on Saturday and the "For Sale" sign will show up on my lawn on Saturday as well. (Anyone interested in a cute red cape in Manchester, just let me know.) I have about two more weeks before I leave for Mobile. Today is my last day in Boston - so I better get started.

The Garcia Family

Some of you might remember my friends the Garcias. I haven't seen them only but briefly over the past four or five years. We finally got together for a long afternoon of visiting and chatting. I thought I would publish a few pictures that Clarissa took with my camera yesterday.


These are six of the seven kids. Aaron is away at college. He is studying at Liberty University in Virginia. He intends to become a pastor.










These are the three girls, Miranda 13, Vanessa 12 and Clarissa 17. Clarissa is also going to Liberty next year. She is going to study nursing, with a minor in music. She taught herself to play the piano! She is very talented. I heard her at a competition recently where my friend Kenny was competing.









This is Jesse the youngest. He is five. He looks exactly like Ric, his Dad. Ric works at Velcro (for those that do not know it, Velcro was invented by someone in Manchester and the original plant is here). He works 10 hour shifts, four days on and three off. So he was working this weekend and I did not get to see him.






This is Jeremiah, he is eight. His nickname is Jerry. So that makes him Jerry Garcia - he doesn't look like he belongs with The Grateful Dead!










This is Javier, he is 16; a sophomore in High School. All these kids are home-schooled and are doing really well academically. Jav plans on college and then to military. He wants to be an Officer in the Marine Corps.










This is Naomi (the mother) and me. We had a great visit. I had made clam chowder and cornbread. I had a plate of veggies and crackers and cheese along with some fresh fruits. So we had plenty to eat and visit over all day.