24 Fan.... Seriously!

I just watched the latest episode of 24, with Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer. This show is 100% testosterone-fueled guy show! My wife couldn't care less, I leave the episode with my heart racing. Just watched the latest on Hulu.com, a great site for tons of network programming and much more. One almost doesn't need a DVR or DVD recorder any more.

Riders on the Storm.......

Whoa, there's a major winter storm brewing here tonight. I'm in Yosemite, on my annual February trip (also do one in April). I've had a group of cross-country skiers here for the past 3 days, after driving up to Oakhurst the first night. So, this is the end of day 4 right now, we head home tomorrow. At least, if Old Man Winter lets us! The NWS has posted a winter storm warning, and the satellite shot looks impressive. So does the radar. I was actually able to drop the chains for my afternoon run, the weather was deceptively nice in front of the storm. Every morning, I take skiers up to badger Pass, at 7000', on Glacier Point Road. Then return to the 4000' valley floor. Well, the snow level is supposed to drop to 3500'. Do I need to explain more? I debated chaining up anyway tonight, as I put the bus to bed, just so I wouldn't have to do it in the morning. But, weather forecasting is an imperfect science; if they're off just a little bit, it could be rain here in the valley floor. I'll have to put chains on sooner or later (sooner), but might as well wait till it was necessary. So, the weather will be diagnosed by yours truly in the morning. I have a sneaking suspicion the chains will be coming out! Might be a little tricky heading south tomorrow on CA Hwy 41, I'm crossing my fingers on that one.
In the meantime,my wonderful mate Jacqueline is in Colorado Springs, for a memorial service for her father, who passed away last Thursday. I would be with her except that I was committed to this trip and my father-in-law's demise came rather suddenly. My heart goes out to her, and our family impacted by Bob's death. She had planned originally to fly back to watch over her dad in his final days with her brother Mike, when her dad went downhill suddenly and passed before she arrived. So, the meaning of her visit has changed from the original, now it's a celebration of the life of her dad. The memorial service is tomorrow. I sure wish I was there............

Good morning! While most of the country is in the grips of Old Man Winter, it's supposed to be 79 degrees here at my house today, woo-hoo! That sounds a whole lot better than -25 wind chills. One of my brothers sent me a Weather Channel webpage snapshot the other day, -33 where he lives, actual temperature! DAMN! Now that's just plain cold! At least if I lose my job, I won't freeze to death. And the employment picture is actually looking a wee bit better. Business has picked up, and the next 45 days don't look so bleak as the last 45 days. I heard some pretty eye-opening stories from fellow employees who obviously are suffering a whole lot more than I am. One was telling me it was either milk or gasoline the other day. Another drove into work on empty, with no money for gas for the way home. So, I guess I shouldn't complain. Of course, there'll be pressure on Dispatch by these guys (and women) because they've fallen so far behind. Meaning, I need to keep reminding Dispatch that I have bills too. I'm pretty altruistic about not griping about getting "run around" on work... to a point.

Tough Times

The sad state of our economy has caught up to me... as well as all my fellow drivers at the bus company. Hours are WAY off. It's normally a slow time of year anyhow, but it's particularly dismal right now. As a result, and after numerous requests, I've started doing computer repairs for people in the mobile home complex I live in. I was apprehensive at first, it's a bit weird to enter someone's home and start working on a totally unfamiliar computer, but oh well, I need to make some $$$. Most of the work is the usual stuff.... software glitches, viruses, familiarization lessons. I haven't run into any hardware issues yet, but that's a certainty.
Ironically, the one embarrassing thing is my inability to type! Never learned! So, it's "hunt and peck". Somehow, "computer gurus" are expected to be able to type at blazing speed....

Oakhurst in December

OK, something a bit different this time. I utilized my little PC webcam to record my blog and spare myself the "hunting and pecking" (I never learned to type). So, I hope you're able to view it OK, and won't laugh too much :) . I'm already laughing, I just saw that the audio is out of synch with the video. Dunno why, it played fine on my laptop before I uploaded it. Oh well. Enjoy.....

System Restore Blues

Ah, Windows! Thy faults are legendary! Just another reason why I run a total of 4 computers, with a total of 7 Operating Systems! Each has Windows XP, but 2 also have Kubuntu Linux, and one also has Windows Vista as well. One of the PCs is purely a loaner, it stays out in the shed, ready to be loaned out to anyone who needs a computer for the short term, due to their PC dying, getting infested with malware, etc. Anyhow, I'm pretty religious about backups. I actually clone the OS to a separate drive, so I can restore absolutely everything if necessary. And trust me, it's been necessary, a number of times! But 99% of the populace is not so meticulous. I'm currently doing a total System Restore (off disks) of a neighbor's PC. It's a "commercial" PC, manufactured by a nationally-known company (starts with C, ends with Q...). As with most computers this day, it does not include a retail Windows disk with it. You're supposed to create a set of restore disks when you first get the computer. Of course, almost no one does. The neighbor didn't, either. That's alright, our good friends at C*****Q will be glad to send you a set, for a reasonable price (~$16). I ordered them, but the neighbor needed the computer NOW! So, I did the next-best thing while awaiting the disks... I ran Windows 2000, which of course doesn't have the damned "Activation" process, and has probably 90% of the capabilities of XP. Returned their PC, with the idea of updating to XP once the Restore CDs got here. Well, they got here really fast, and so, a couple days later, I went to install XP, as a complete "blast and reload". There's 10 CDs, no doubt because of all the bloatware included with commercial PCs. It got to Disk 4 and stopped. Just stopped. No reason given, no blue screen, no failure notice. Just stopped. I eventually had to abort, and retry. Well, now, the Restore CDs don't recognize the PC any more, and won't allow the restore process to commence!! GRRRR! I call HP (C****Q), and get tech support. He tells me that'll be $45 for the first hour. I tell him, I suspect all I have to do is FDISK the drive, right? He hesitates, says that'll cost me $45. But the hesitation said it all. I had my answer. I'm currently on Disk 4 (will it get past that point?), and so far, so good. 6 more to go.

Taft?

Hello again, this time from the small town of Taft, CA. Why Taft? I have a group here playing volleyball from the San Diego area. It's a quickie trip, we return tonight (arrived yesterday). Taft is a quaint place, tucked against the foothills on the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley. I'm sitting in a public library, using their computer, since they don't have Wi-fi or spare ethernet; just their own locked-down computers . It works pretty good, regardless.

Paso Robles?

Yes, that's right.... Paso Robles. That's where I currently reside, at Tom Bodett's favorite place; Motel 6. Not high on my list of preferred places, but this is where my company parked me for the weekend. They have this *thing* about Motel 6..... GRRRR! I can usually find much better accommodations for just a few dollars more, but oh well. Anyhow, it's a nice time of year here, the weather's cooling off, and the smell of autumn is in the air. I have a California National Guard unit (Camp Roberts is just north of here) that I'll be returning to San Diego on Sunday. So, it's time for a couple days of kickin' it here in Paso Robles! Hmmm, I wonder what "Robles" means in Spanish? That's one noun I don't know (I speak some Spanish). Oh, OK, Google Translate just informed me; it's Oaks. So, Paso Robles is "Oaks Way". Now I know *grin*. Personal opinion, there are lots of California Oaks around here, but nowhere near as much as grapevines! Man, there's vineyards everywhere. Why? California wines are shipped all over the world, to high acclaim. We're talking a serious cash crop here. It's strange, driving past miles of grapes growing on the vines is kind of calming. There's a real beauty to it.
Anyhow, as you can perhaps tell, I've had a bit of the product of those vines here tonight *grin*. It's somehow fitting, though, considering the "ambiance" of the area. Oh, and, of course, it was a California wine!! Hey, gotta help support the economy of my home state, right? In this case, I'm glad to be of assistance! Oh, and did I mention I'm getting paid to sit here and wait for my National Guardsmen? Of course! I'm not home, right? It's not all fun and games, there is an issue with my bus, although I don't think it's going to become a major issue. So, in the meantime, I'm making the best of my short-lived stay in "Oaks Way".

Weekend with Bella

Our youngest daughter was Maid of Honor in her best friend's wedding this weekend, and her husband was tasked with the photo and video recording. So, grand-daughter Bella spent the weekend with us! She really is a delight (usually), and not too much trouble at all. Still, we're reminded of the amount of work connected with small children. Yesterday, we took a walk around our mobile home complex, and started collecting flowers, each of which had to be examined and touched, of course. Her yellow shoes have slots in them, so grandpa (me...) started tucking the flowers into her shoes. She was delighted, of course, and we had a colorful collection going by the time we returned home. Here's some pictures:

Back in Mammoth Lakes

Labor Day 2008 is fast approaching, and as usual, I'm out-of-town. Mammoth Lakes is the destination this time, and it's been a great trip so far. The weather's unusually warm, but there's supposed to be a big cool-down starting tomorrow night. So much so, in fact, that they're talking snow at the highest elevations. Hmmm, there's an 11,000' mountain right next to town here. The high in town (elevation 7000') on Monday is 65 degrees, with a low in the upper 30's. Brrr, that's a bit frosty! Good thing I decided, at the last minute, to bring a sweater. Anyhow, this is "work", I'm driving the bus, but my chores are done for now. Next actual driving isn't until Monday, when we return to San Diego. So, where's Mammoth? Check below: (Click for larger picture)

Wah, wah, vacation's over....

Hey, now, August's been fun! We've been on vacation the entire month, that's why. Unfortunately, vacation has to end, mine ends in another day. The bus company is "welcoming me back" in typical fashion; I have a 16 hour day my first day. I'll be REALLY wishing I was back on vacation, after 1 day on the job. Oh well, there's bills to be paid, and the whole idea here is to keep working towards our retirement, so we can be "on vacation" for the rest of our lives. Boy, does that sound good! Anyhow, we had a great visit with our daughter and two grand-daughters in New Mexico, and I enjoyed day rides on the motorcycle (it came along in the bed of the pickup), as well as a 3-day drive in the truck to see relatives in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Fort Collins. Originally, that was supposed to be a "ride", on the bike, but inclement weather forced a change of plans. Jacqueline stayed with her daughter and grand-daughters, except she did get in one day ride with me, the day before we returned to San Diego.
The original vacation plans had me meeting my brothers Tim and Rob in Gunnison for a week of riding, but a medical emergency with Rob's son deep-6'd that plan. I had to scurry to improvise another plan, but it all worked out pretty well. Pictures and video are posted on my webpage.

Languished Log

Yeah, it's true.... it's been too long since I last posted. Sorry! It's not like nothing's happened..... I've done two trips to the Sierras; one to Yosemite and one to Kings Canyon. It's just that neither trip had me staying there, which was probably just as well, since the smoke from all the fires California has been battling obstructed the view just about everywhere, and with the air quality so bad, and summer temps hovering near 100 degrees, I pretty much laid low and hung out in my motel room during the day, venturing out at night for walks. I stayed in Oakhurst for the Yosemite trip, and in Fresno for the Kings Canyon trip. Oakhurst is an historic foothills town, located at about 2800' elevation. I stayed in Fresno on the Kings Canyon trip, not much positive to say about Fresno .
More recently, it's been mostly local stuff, ComicCon has been going full-blast all week here. Fortunately, I only got stuck with working the shuttles (boring, mundane...) one day. And now, vacation is just around the corner! Like, as of tomorrow afternoon, when my run is finished, I'm ON VACATION!!!! Woo-hoo!!!!

Java Joe's

Yup, that's right.... Java Joe's. That's where I am right now, burning off a few hours until the boat containing my passengers arrives from Channel Islands National Park. In case you haven't heard of that one, maybe it's because you can't drive there. Pull out the old atlas and look off the California coast, near Ventura. There they are, several islands with names like Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and San Miguel. My hikers went to Santa Rosa, I dropped them off several days ago, today they return, tired, smelly, but content (I hope). The return to San Diego should be uneventful, and it's only a couple hundred miles, "local" for me *grin*. So, anyhow, I found this cozy little coffee shop called Java Joe's, and lo and behold, they have free wi-fi. Right now I'm enjoying some blues while working on my cup of java and posting to my blog. Gee, sounds like I'm a real Netizen, hey? Can't say I'm "20th century"! I just noticed the spellchecker did NOT prompt me on "Netizen", obviously the spellchecker's not "20th century" either.

That time of year....

Welcome back! I guess I'm overdue to post, as well. But, it's that time of year at the bus company... work, work, work! A lot of the work this time of year isn't particularly difficult, just often, long hours. A lot of SPAB runs; School Pupil Activity Bus. Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, you get the idea. I'm working today, had a 17-hour day yesterday.

Kicking back in Santa Clarita

Hello again.... once more, I'm on the road, although a real shortie this time. Just an overnight trip, with a San Diego high school group, performing (choir & band) at a couple schools in this immediate area yesterday, overnight at a local motel, and they are spending today at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Hopefully they'll be exhausted and sleep all the way home *grin*. I had the "noisy bus", the Freshmen. I let them have at it, though, because they were singing (LOUDLY), and generally having a great time. So, to heck with it, let them be happy. They're happy, I'm happy! My buddy Don is along, it's a 2-bus move, and it's supposed to be hot here today (94 degrees), so we'll be getting a late checkout, then drive directly to a theater and watch "88 Minutes" with Al Pacino. By the time that's over, the worst of the day's heat should be just about over. Burn off about 3 hours, then it's time to return to Magic Mountain, pick up the kids, and leave at 2100. We should be back to the school by 2330 or so, back to the yard around midnight. Just another "bus driver" kind of day!

Time to collapse

Well, I'm home........ and BEAT! The trip is over, and exhaustion has set in. I got home, opened up one of the beers I'd brought home off the bus (one of the perks), drank it, and became very lethargic in short order. Told Jacque it was time for a nap. We laid down, fell asleep almost instantly, and were awakened (from a DEEP sleep) about 45 minutes later, by dispatch. Hmmm, I'm working tomorrow. OK, I can do that. Tonight, we're going to bed EARLY!

CA Adventure

Hello again, this time from Lompoc, CA. I, and a couple fellow drivers, are in the mddle of a 5-day trip with a group of buyers of flowers for a big national chain, hitting greenhouses from Gilroy, CA to San Diego. We started by deadheading (driving an empty bus) to San Francisco, then heading south. It's a busy, busy trip, but one I do every year. Like I said, currently we're just on the edge of Lompoc, here for a couple more hours. Then on to Santa Paula, then to San Diego County.

Unexpected emotions

Hello again, this time from sunny San Diego, where the temps were in the 80's today, Easter Sunday! So, of course, we got on on the motorcycle for a while. Jacqueline and I are "recovering" today; we helped youngest daughter Melissa move her mother (my ex-wife from 25 years ago) to a new location. It was supposed to be "quick and easy" for our part; just load up some stuff in my truck to take to Melissa's house, and our part was done. Except, it became bigger, and bigger, and bigger as the day went along. Their truck broke down, after we'd already realized that her mother had LOTS more stuff than we'd originally been led to believe. Bear in mind, Jacqueline and I did this to help out Melissa and her husband Jordan, not the ex-wife. So, it became a debacle, exacerbated by my ex-wife's total lack of preparedness. I told Jacqueline that night, after we were finished, that we both earned quite a few "brownie points" on the Karma Ledger (grin). The biggest surprise for me, however, had to do with seeing my ex-wife for the first time in many years. Without going into details, let's just say life hasn't been very kind to her, although most of her problems were self-induced. I really didn't know if I was going to be angry, melancholy, nostalgic, detached, or what. Well, as the day wore on, and her lack of comprehension about how her failure to be prepared for this move was adversely affecting us, I found myself getting annoyed at her. I kept my emotions close to the vest, but couldn't believe this was a woman I'd loved at one time. I couldn't see a shred of the person I once knew. She seemed old, worn out, tired, self-immersed, unaware, and generally difficult to deal with. I guess mixed with the feeling of annoyance was a feeling of "what a tragedy". Our paths have diverged beyond belief.

Mammoth March Madness

No, the title of this posting has nothing to do with college basketball....and everything to do with what's moving in to Mammoth Lakes as I type this. I guess it's been beautiful weather here for weeks... sunny, dry, pleasant. Until we arrive. There's a storm moving in, a late-winter cold system pushing down from the north. There's not supposed to be a ton of snow, maybe a foot max, but that's plenty enough to screw up the roads. My fellow driver and I chained up last night while the storm was just starting to get going. Good thing, the road we had to go up was a sheet of ice, with 4-wheelers sliding all over the place. They, of course, had no chains on. The bulk of the system is supposed to hit today, with heavy snow from 1100 to 2300, or so they say. We have no spare chains, no chain tool, no extra cross-links so what we have is what we'll have to make do with. I'd presumed the other bus had the extra stuff, since he came up before me, and the shop usually send the "care package" on the first bus. I found out yesterday he doesn't have it. Oh well, hopefully no broken cross-links. Anyhow, I'll post a few pictures, there's not much snow yet, but more on the way, and it's been really windy.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

I thought maybe this year was going to be the end of a LONG string of years with snow trips to Mammoth Lakes; after all, that's where I met my (now) wife, that's where a lot of the "steel" in me today is from. I was subjected to a trial by snow, not fire, there, many times. I've watched as the trips have dwindled consistently, year after year. In my peak years, all of the '80's, into the early '90's, I ran at least 20 trips a winter! My peak year was 24 Mammoth ski trips. But that was a long time ago, now. Nonetheless, I've continued to run at least several trips a year. Until this year. When the one sure trip I have done in the past was scheduled, but there was a conflict with another trip I *had* to take, I figured 25 years of tradition had come to an end. Well, not quite yet. It appears I'll be heading for Mammoth in another couple days, after all. It may even be kind of like some of those legendary trips in the early '80's.... you know, before AIDS. Everything imaginable (and then some) happened on those buses. Believe me.... I was there! Well, the trip this weekend might be kind of similar... in a distant sort of way. You see, I'm bringing a gay group to mammoth, and I hear they "like to party". I guess I'll be diverting the rear-view mirror (boy, does that take on a new meaning!) and watching the road ahead. REAL closely *grin*. I dunno, maybe this is the "end of the road" for my Mammoth trips.... kind of like the boxer who wants one last fight, well past when he should have retired, maybe it's time I hang up on the mammoth trips. After all, I got a wife out of the deal, right? And much more than just a "wife", she's my soul-mate, my friend, my lover, my confidant. So hey, I'll do this trip, with an open mind (that's the only thing that's open), and we'll see how it goes.