Bucket List

My oldest brother turned 62 this fall and remarked that he needs to write down his bucket list, the list of things he wants to do before he kicks the bucket.  I have not made a list, I have done a lot, experienced many of the wonders of the world.  But there are a few things left on my to do list. Riding in a blimp is one.  I passed the Goodyear blimp someplace north of Jacksonville Florida this morning.  Riding in a hot air balloon and landing a plane on skies on a glacier are also on the list.  The last time I checked K-2 aviation in Alaska offers the glacier landing.  

Happy Thanksgiving

The turkey is in the oven.  If my middle brother who lives 28 miles away makes it over, we will have mom and dad and all four kids together for the second time in 30+ years.  We kind of scattered across the country and have seldom coordinated travel schedules.  I suspect we will not have too many more opportunities.  Mom is slipping fast and dad appears to be running down.  86 years have taken a toll. Spend the day with those most important to you. Happy Thanksgiving DG

Florida coast

We are visiting family near the space center in Florida.  I ran down to Port Canaveral this morning for fresh fish and a glimpse of the Atlantic this morning. 

One of my daily blog reads has passed the million page view mark.  A major accomplishment in blogger land.  The secret fear of all is throwing a party and not having anyone show up, or writing a blog and having no one read.  Congratulations to John at Going Gently http://disasterfilm.blogspot.com/2013/11/fame-at-last.html?showComment=1385468571979#c1787602432750314374 Stop by for a daily glimpse into the life of an animal lover in a small Welsh village.

Spo Meme

Spo, the dear, has created a meme of his own. http://sporeflections.wordpress.com/2013/11/20/the-blogger-meme/

What you like most about being a blogger?

For me it is all about the pictures.  The blog gives me a place to share pictures of travel and everyday life, with a little text to explore what I am thinking.

How many bloggers have you met?

Three, but sadly all of them have moved on from blogging to FB and other media.

Do you ever go back and read your old entries?

Rarely, but once in a great while.

Do you share your job skills here?

No, I try to maintain a separation between my personal life and my professional life. Client confidentiality and an employer who claims ownership of everything related to my work, make this my best option.

Have you changed your views about anything thanks to blogging?

The value of the everyday mundane.

Do your coworkers know about your blog?

Not that I know of.  But I am careful not to say anything I would be embarrassed by if they do find the blogg.  I work in DC, always assume that someone is watching what you are doing.

What advice would you give for successful blogging?

Make posting a habit, something that you just don’t feel right about if you don’t do it.  

What is your opinion of aardvarks?

We need more of them. I am in favor of an aardvark in every bed.

Do you publish everything you write ?

Nearly

If you could make ‘three rules’ for blogging, what would they be?

1# Do it, even if you don’t think you don’t think you have anything to say today.

2# More pictures, fewer words.  

3# Tell us about your life, we are all voyeurs at heart.

Do people help you write your blog?

No,

Who are your blogger super-heroes?

Spo, Ken, Walt, John Gray - my day is not complete without checking in.

Final question (if you dare!) :

Have you slept with any of your fellow bloggers?

Nope

Hotel Options

So a friend asked me to check out a hotel in Savannah the she is thinking about using for a meeting. Great hotel, but all residential around it. No restaurants within easy walking distance.  Such a shame.  Nice place, elegant lobby. 

Fall Color

It has been kind of a bland fall here in the DC area. It really makes the and the brightest stand out. 

Train time

One of the reasons I wanted to live in DC was the metro system. I love commuting by train.  I have 30 minutes of me time to read, blog, or just watch the world go by.  No traffic, less stress. 

You are free to browse across the country

My first airline trip since they decided my Kindle or your Playstation won't make the plane fall out of the sky.  It is nice, being able to read, not having the flight attendant screaming that if you don't turn it off now, she will turn this plane around.  Now if we can address the plague of idiots trying to carry on everything they own and stuff it in the overhead bins.

It's Beginning to Look a Little Like Christmas

The first Christmas decorations showed up at Target in September, but now that Halloween has passed things are getting serious.  I kind of like it, though by Christmas I will be ready to pack it in. Lately I am hearing a song in my soul. 

Who is Looking at You

Countries look over one another's shoulders, always have, always will.  No one should be surprised by this.  Countries know and do things that would be harmful if others knew about them. Disclose results in the death of people trying to protect their country.  

Saturday morning conference sessions

Election Day

I voted this morning.  An off year election for state offices.  I skipped an election a couple of decades ago, and spent the next four years telling myself,I can't complain I didn't vote for or against the idiot.  Go vote, be entitled to your opinion. 

Clear and cool

Clear and cool this morning,headed into DG's office.  We are going to try to get back to posting regularly. This will mean less travel and more everyday life,observations and gripes.  Likely a running commentary on bicycle commuting.  Good Penguin weather this morning as we head into DC.