Woodchuck Wisdom

2012-01-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

Sitting here trying to figure out just who is in charge and why do they think it's funny to start dropping snow when they know I have to drive to the Twin Cities on Monday. The last time I was there I had to deal with snow and the old Nissan does not like snow. It seems that Nissan has a design flaw that allows snow to be sucked up the air intake and causes the car not to run.

Crom has a very sick sense of humor.

2012-01-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

Had a really nice time last night meeting an old friend for dinner. Now this was the first time we have ever met in person, but we have been talking online for 3 years now. And I must admit that my luck in meeting people online has been perfect so far. Everyone of them has been super adorable people.

I met a little Bee and her spouse for dinner and then went and had coffee.

Thank you Bee for a great time. You are charming and witty with just the right amount of smart ass to pull it all together.

No pictures to protect the....well us.

2011-12-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all.

We did the annual Clam Chowder for Christmas Eve, I must say that it was better than ever and we even did French bread to go with it.

I received a really cool gift from my DW this year, 50 cars that changed the world. It is not from a design point of view, if you mean design being how the car looks, but more of from design being function and form.

2011-12-17T14:57:00.000-08:00

Did some more traveling this last few weeks. I have been to Springfield, MO twice and roamed around Saint Louis along the way. Had a nice lunch at the Chipotle Grill in Saint Louis on Delmar street when a fire broke out next door at a vintage clothing shop. Made for a fun time trying to get my car out of the parking lot with all of the police and fire trucks on scene.

The new job is going very well and it seems that this move and all has been a good thing. The down side of the move is that I still need to sell my house in the NW and that is proving to be some what of an issue.

My last hotel room had a large jetted tub in the main room right next to the bed. Sometimes an upgrade is just strange and not needed.

I could have had one heck of a party in this tub.

2011-11-25T09:37:00.001-08:00

Another Happy Thanksgiving day has come and gone. It was the first in our new home here in Indiana. Not the same table setting as last year, we had to cut back due to having two homes that need to be paid for. I will be happy when the other home in Vancouver sells. Anyway, the meal was good as the turkey was done just right. The dish we called stuffing was the best and the cranberry's were very good as well.

We were alone as a family and that seemed to make things go smoother than years past.

Time for leftovers.....

2011-11-20T08:58:00.001-08:00

Dealing with kids is one of the more difficult things one will ever have to deal with in life. I can manage a rather large customer base and challenges with in the work place, and I would rather deal with that then teenage girls right now. My DW is the only saving grace right now, otherwise, I just might sell the kids.

2011-11-19T08:15:00.001-08:00

I just returned from my visit to Texas, Dallas to be specific, where I was able to go to one of my favorite Gluten Free restaurants. Kozy Kitchen is a small place on the north end of the downtown area of Dallas. It is seemingly a place that only the locals go due to the small parking area and lack of signage. Once you enter you will be greeted by great service and really good food. Most items are GF and a great GF desert menu. The Buffalo Tacos are a must try item. The coffee was something that I don't really pay much attention too as being from the NW, I know what good coffee is all about, however, I found the coffee to be just the right amount of bitterness with a smooth texture that really hit the spot.

http://www.twigproductive.com/kozy/

The all new Woodchuck

2011-10-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have now relocated to the land of.........the land of........flat northern Indiana. I now get to play with a whole new group of Squirrels. We have a rather large one that lives in my tree in the back yard and he is really miffed that I want to park my car in the way of his path from the yard to the tree. Well as long as I am keeping him in black oiled sunflower seeds, he can live with it.

I just returned from a trip to Montreal and Quebec Canada. I did not get to see the little Bee that lives up in the Toronto area, next time.

I plan to review more Gluten Free options as I travel to new lands.

It is official

2011-07-02T21:44:00.001-07:00

The family and I are moving out East. Northern Indiana here I come.

Is this really what we need?

2010-12-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

On December 8th, a committee of the Oregon State Legislature will hold a public hearing on a new legislative concept* that would make significant changes in the fees and legal procedures enacted when you receive a traffic citation (or any other type of citation).
Legislative Concept 364 (LC 364, PDF here) has been in the works for over a year in the Joint Interim Committee on State Justice System Revenues. LC 364 would make changes to the fine structures used by courts and police officers, it would eliminate the guilty plea option from traffic citations, it would significantly increase maximum fine amounts, and more.
Currently, the fine amount written by police officers on a citation is significantly more than the minimum fine. When people show up to protest a citation, that amount is lowered, but remains higher than the minimum. For example, a Class C violation has a $143 minimum fine, police officers write $190 on your ticket and the actual fine that is imposed (on average) is $179. Lawmakers have taken the average fine amount doled out by judges and will now have officers write that amount on your citation. Here's a chart provided to BikePortland by the committee:

The committee also wants to drop the "guilty" option for traffic violations because it's redundant with the "no contest" option. Also, according to a committee memo, the guilty plea can "be a trap" and have legal consequences in subsequent civil action. Also, if you get a citation and plead "no contest" you would no longer have the option of submitting a written explanation along with your plea. Here's an excerpt from a committee memo (PDF here) that discusses the advantages of this specific policy change:
... will result in significant administrative savings, since judge’s time will not be used to read letters submitted with the plea (often for the purpose of relative small refunds) and the court will not need to issue checks for refund amounts... could also result in a significant reduction of the number of persons who appear in court at the time indicated in the summons, since the main reason many of those persons appear is the belief that making the appearance is the only way to get a reduction of the fine based on the person’s driving record.
Under proposed language in LC 364, maximum fines for violations would increase substantially (see chart below):

The committee's action on this major policy issue is based on a charter (PDF here) established by the 2009 passage of HB 2287.
If this concept moves forward, becomes a bill, and is eventually passed by the legislature, it would be declared an emergency and would thus go into effect in July 2011. A hearing with public testimony is planned for Wednesday December 8th in Salem.
To learn more about these potential changes, view all the background documents and more on the Joint Committee on State Justice System Revenues website. For details on the hearing, or to email your official comment about this proposal, email committee staffer Erin Seiler at erin.seiler@state.or.us.
(*Note: A "legislative concept" is just a draft of an idea for legislation. It only becomes an official bill after a legislator sponsors it and it is formally introduced.)

How time will change....well nothing really.

2010-10-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Alas, after all this time and changes in the travel schedule, I am right back to where I started. The goal of changing employment was to reduce travel and spend more time with the rodents and wife. Not really happen here. Traveling is great for some or the single. But, when you have a family, not so much. However, being able to drive home at midnight due to a tween melt down is nice compared to being clear across the country.

I find myself looking for change yet again and wonder will it ever really change? Maybe what I need is an old BMW bike from the '50s and a leather jacket.

The Great Question

2009-11-16T19:11:00.000-08:00

If you could have anyone...I mean anyone for your super group, who would you pick? This question was asked the other day by an on air radio personality and I was just wondering to my self as to who I would put into such a musical group?

I think the first thing that would need to be set is the type of music and should you build your super group around that. I mean that I would choose Steve Harris from Iron Maiden as my bass player, but you could not really put him along side BB King. Or could you, that is the question.

After a week or so of thinking here is what I've come up with so far:

Singer

Geoff Tate - Queensryche

Bass Player

Steve Harris - Iron Maiden

Lead Guitar

Unknown at this time- possible choices might be: George Lynch (Dokken,Lynch Mob),Rik Emmett(Triumph), Brad Gillis(Night Ranger)Steven Gaines(Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Lead Guitar

Ditto-Kenny Wayne Shepherd,Buck Dharma,

Rhythm Guitar

Rudolf Schenker - Scorpions

Drums

Neil Peart-Rush, John Bonham-Led Zeppelin

As this is a list based on one's own taste in music. I do understand that there are some serious omissions in this list such as Jimi, Eric and such on Guitar. I believe that when you put together your dream group, you have a sound in mind that you are going to create and as such, putting together muscians that will actualy be able to create the sound that you want. I just don't see putting Muddy Waters with Eddie Van Halen together.

TAMS

2009-10-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Out little TAMS passed away today. May she rest in peace and forever remain in our hearts.

While I sit...

2009-03-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in the dinning room on one of the rodent's new computers thinking that the weather gods must be somewhat back to normal as it's raining, no realllllly raining here. The beautiful wind is a blowing which rattles the house a little.

I went to a 50th birthday party for friend last night and ran into someone that I went to high school with. She was 3 years behind me and I could not remember anything about her. Not even the name rang a bell. Now the fun part...she knew me. Started off on stories about me and as she was going through them....crap, I remember that...and that....and that, OK that's more than we need. Did I just go through high school and not really care about anything? I mean that this is not the first time I have run into someone that knows me and I can't recall anything. And then there is DW standing there asking more questions about things I can't even dispute if I wanted to. However, I did in fact fill this girls parent's Volvo with very large stuffed animals from Circus Circus in Reno during my senior year. Not to mention that I also filled the limousine that we had driven down as well. I then gave them out to girls back home. It seemed like a good ideal at the time.

For no reason....really no reason at all.

2009-03-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

So last week this was my commute to work. And I really thought that this would be the end of the winter driving in the Pacific Northwest.

I had visions of sunny weather with the window down and the wind blowing through my fur. But alas, I found myself driving in 6 inch's of snow this week in Everett, Washington. So much for a clean truck. I really should have know better.

Winter Driving

2009-03-08T18:11:00.001-07:00

Here we are in March and I'm still fighting snow!

I'm looking where I'm going....not that it's doing me any good.

To the right...cliff going up. To the left..cliff going down.

Good thing I have auto pilot.

The great white North....

2008-11-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

The snow has arrived.

My butt is getting cold.

The road is always fun in the snow. HWY 2 in Washington near the summit.

I loved the view out of my Hotel window in Leavenworth, WA. I just love this little place and it looks like I might be able to stay in this little town more as it is on the way from here to there.

This is just so wrong....

2008-11-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

But, it does look good.

A river runs through it....

2008-10-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

And everyone talks about how the mighty Mississippi is so large and wide.

But, here is a view of the little old Columbia river looking north from Oregon to Washington.

Yes, that is one river and the mountain range you see way in the distance is truly Washington state.

And we have killer Seagulls that will take on anything in their path.

The prior post was brought to you by the letter "S"

2008-10-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

S stands for Seaside Oregon.

The sun was shining and the wind was very light. Over all a perfect day at the Oregon coast. To bad I had to work while I was there.

More to follow soon.

So, what is the view out of your office window?

2008-10-23T21:34:00.001-07:00

I win!

First snow of the season...

2008-10-12T21:03:00.001-07:00

Nice day for a drive in the back country....

This is not looking good.....

Crap Crap I say...

Can't we just wait for winter to get here before the snow starts?

This is how the day began.

Love the fall colors....

And the river runs through a very nice valley......

Back in the land of Laptops

2008-10-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know have my own computer to use when I travel. Let the games begin.

High points of the week:

Getting inspected at the border crossing........AGAIN!

Working with Paul again.

The first snow of the season crossing over the pass on HWY 2 in Washington. (pictures to follow)

Yep, it was a good week.

I just can't win.

2008-10-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight DW had a class in downtown Portland and being the nice completely whipped DH that I am, I drove her down to the class and then went to pick her up.

Getting her there was no big deal as I drove her right to the building that the class was in. I might add that I did get her there a hour early. We went for coffee and then I went home to wait to go back into Portland and pick her up.

First off, I was not in the right spot to pick her up, so she had to walk a block to find me. Then on the way home, once we were on the freeway where 405 south bound splits to I5 north and south bound....all heck breaks loose when a small Toyota driven by a young lady decided to make a last minute lane change from south to north bound and the Dodge 4x4 with a 32 foot trailer that was driving way too fast...in the same lane....decided to do a little dance and block both lanes of traffic.

Did I have my camera...no.

My question is this...If you are going to spend $40,000 plus for a trailer and $30,000 plus for the truck to pull it with. And then put your 3 young kids and wife in the truck, why would you not spend the extra few dollars to buy the correct hitch set up to make it a safe towing experience? This dirt ball puts his family in danger because he wanted to save a few dollars. This is one of my issues with the RV market and most people that tow trailers. I also believe that his lack of driving experience played a major role in tonight's accident. Just because you have a jacked up 4x4 I've got more power type of truck does not mean that you can go out and get a big heavy trailer and drive up and down the road. When will drivers of trucks towing trailers learn to slow the crap down. The truck and trailer "jacked knifed" and blocked two lanes of traffic and the little Toyota was totalled as well.

I watched the accident in slow motion as it happened. I believe that what I saw is the way it happened and that I can tell you what was the major cause of the accident as well as the pieces that could have kept the accident from happening. Had the driver of the truck been paying attention and reacted sooner it might not have happened. Had the driver of the truck had some kind...any kind...of sway control on the trailer, it might not have happened. Had the driver of the truck been doing the speed limit instead of driving too fast, it might not have happened. Had the driver of the truck had the brake controller adjusted correctly, it might not have happened. And if the Toyota had not made a lane change, it might not have happened.

No one was hurt in the accident except for the 911 operator that I yelled at.

I do feel sorry for the young driver of the Toyota, was it her fault, yes and no. She put the thing into motion, but the driver of the truck had many opportunities to make it stop before it became an accident.

By the way, my favorite holiday is coming up this month, my mood should improve.

This might be a little over the top...not

2008-10-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

A Rogue Ale press release:

A limited release fresh-hop beer, Independence Hop Ale was brewed in two 50-barrel batches, following the harvest cycle of the hops. The first batch was brewed with 500 pounds of fresh, unkilned Centennial hops. The second was brewed a week later with 750 pounds of wet Cascade hops picked, stuffed into sacks, driven 77 miles to Newport and tossed in the brew kettle before they had a chance to start drying. After fermentation, the two batches were blended together. The result is a light copper-colored, unfiltered ale marrying the two distinctive hop characters of each batch.Independence Hop Ale is brewed with 8 ingredients: Two-row, Munich, Caramel Wheat and Carafoam malts, fresh, unkilned Centennial and Cascade hops, proprietary Pacman yeast and free range coastal water.

I would like to point out the part in "bold" print. I'm all about giving one's self to the ale gods, but this takes it to a whole new level.

As a Rogue Nation member in good standing, I am a little upset that I was not called up to be the designated driver.

I feel like I'm in Blazing Saddles...

2008-09-23T21:05:00.001-07:00

Picture the scene in the movie with the Governor responding to the question...Do I dare say...Dare, Dare....

I keep going back and looking at a mid-life type of "I'm going to catch hell" kind of dilemma.

I have found a street rod type of 1963 BMW R69 bike. It has a custom front suspension with a Norton wind screen, Ducati fuel tank and period style saddle bags. The paint is black with red fogged into the tank around the leg rest. The frame is painted red to match the fogged in color on the tank and fenders. The engine is from a later model BMW 1000cc bike with custom built stainless steel spoke wheels. I'm to scared to even take pictures of it as DW has been a good sport listening to me talk about it. But, I do believe that if I start bringing home pictures of it I just might find myself sleeping with the worm in a bin.

I don't really think I need or even want the bike. It really is pretty and needs a good home. I just am at that point when I think I should have a mid-life thing and I would rather plan it out so that I don't waste it on something completely stupid like fur implants or such.

World Domination Summit..Part two.

2008-09-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

World Domination Summit..Part two.

Yes, once again the Hamster party has met and confirmed that the Northwest is secure and accounted for by WC and RS. MonkeyDragon was there to take notes and document the event....film at eleven....and rejoice with a nice Rogue Gin with a splash of soda water. WC went for the Rogue Rum, while Squirrel drank the Rogue 200 meter IPA with a I2PA chaser. TR drank a nice Juniper Pale Ale, also known as Yellow Snow Ale while the leader drank lemonade. The royal part did get to meet the next generation of the Hamster party members as both of my rodents and little Squirrel were there as well. Even the head of the Squirrel household was there to give us legal advise.

TR and WH are two of the nicest guys one could spend time with, charming and down right funny.

However, I will take the blame for not checking with the Tacoma Glass Museum to see if the the tour day was in fact the one day of the year when the museum is closed for it's big gala.

One does not live by bread alone.

2008-08-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have no ideal why that comment comes to mind, other than the fact that I don't eat bread made from wheat and this is where the issue starts.

Try and find a nice burger served on a bun not made from wheat flour, NOT going to happen. This is why I should own stock in Chipotle Grill as I eat there more than I do at home. When I travel it's Chipotle for lunch and it's Chiptle for dinner. You know you have been somewhere to often when you walk in and are asked if it will be the usual? And this happens in both Seattle and Portland locations.

For those of you that are wondering, is Chipotle Grill Gluten free? The answerer is yes as long as you don't have the "hot" sauce and the flower wraps.

On a side note, I took the littlest rodent with me on today's travels. All I can say is, OMG, does she ever stop talking? The answerer to that questions in a definite NO!

It's All Fun

2008-08-03T21:36:00.001-07:00

and games until someone tell's on me!

Thinking of the river...The Rogue River that is...

2008-07-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

Most people don't think of the upper section of the Rogue as a place to go visit and think about life. I find that the upper section is full of visual poetry and calming sounds. This is a fun little drop to play in on a hot summer day or during the cold spring run off from Mt. Mazama (Crater Lake)

This is another section of the Rogue that travels through a collapsed lava tube. Great fun in a inflatable kayak. I could sit for hours in the twilight and listen to the rushing water as it flow to the sea.

The upper section of the Rogue is not seen or used by many as it is so close to Crater Lake that most everyone drives right by these sites. The real beauty here goes unseen by the masses.

Any true Rogue Nation member knows these spots well...........Mr. Squirrel.

Pictures

2008-07-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that I was snowed on in June. I'm not overly fond of snow as it makes for a cold butt.

Dreaming of the early days on the river. Spring run off always makes the rivers more fun.

Out for a nice hike.

As a Druid, one must always stop and spend time with the locals.

Life without a computer...

2008-06-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Means that you never know when a post might be in order. I have lots of pictures to show everyone, however, blogger does not seem to want to help with the upload of said pictures. Later maybe?

For the month of June, I've been snowed on while traveling to Central Oregon, burnt in Northern California, blown away in Central and Eastern Washington. Good times have been had by all.

So, on the topic of computers, does anyone have any input on what I should get for myself and for the oldest rodent in the house? I will be using mine for work and goofing off. Oldest rodent will be using it for high school class work.

The garden tour is just 2 weeks away and I have so much to do. I think that I shall drink from the Rogue Rum bottle and sit back and enjoy what we have done so far and ignore the rest. It's not that I really drink rum or even want to drink rum. It just sounds good to drink rum with a umbrella in the back yard.

On the road again.

2008-06-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Since taking a new position this spring, I have enjoyed the lack of travel that came with the change flow of life. However, all good things seem short lived as I must now start traveling again on a somewhat regular basis's. The travel will be one to two nights a week during the summer months and then I can go back to less travel come the winter months when sales slow down and customers don't want to see me as much.

And due to the lack of a computer to travel with, up loading pictures will come at less regular intervals for present time.

And just for the record...I flipp'in snowed on me Wednesday....Snow in June. I have pictures to prove it. Stay tuned.

In all of the excitement of last week....

2008-05-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

of my sweet DW turning 29 again. It seems that one furry little rodent has tried to forget the pending doom of another Birthday in the woodland creature house. But thanks to friends in the blogging world, not going to happen.

1st Birthday in a new house, job, and stage of my life. Just how does that change anything that is going on or the point of view at which you look at things in your life? The answer....it does not change a thing! Who has time to contemplate life, the universe, and everything? We all know that the answer is 42 and I good with that.

Thank you to my littlest rodent for making me breakfast today. I had a very nice omelet with toast. And the omelet was fluffy just the way it should be.

I have Rogue Hazelnut spiced Rum, and Tequila if I should decide that I want to celebrate with a little drink later tonight.

Birthday plans for the weekend. I will be working in the yard all day Saturday on the drip system for watering the plants. And Sunday, mow the lawn, pull weeds, and general yard work. Am I the party rodent or what?

Update: Please note that I'm over the age of 42. But, just like ladies holding onto 29. I'm going with 42.

I want....

2008-05-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

A nice new toy to play with....

But I'm getting a

I'm so lucky......No wait, DW is going to be the lucky one as this is to replace her computer.

Blogging from the lobby

2008-05-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

At a Holiday Inn Express Sunny/Raining/Sunny Washington.

Nothing to report at the moment.

Question:

Why do things break as soon as I leave town?

DW's putter dies just as I'm about 3 hours away. CRAP!

Bad Religion - I Want To Conquer The World

2008-05-19T22:10:00.001-07:00

I humble summit for the theme song for the new world order

2008-05-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Brother Christian with your high and might errand,
Your actions speak so loud, I can't hear a word you're saying.
Hey Sister Bleeding Heart with all of your compassion,
Your labors soothe the hurt but can't assuage temptation.
Hey man of science with your perfect rules of measure,
Can you improve this place with the data that you gather?
Hey Mother Mercy can your loins bear fruit forever?
Is your fecundity a trammel or a treasure?
And I want to conquer the world,
Give all the idiots a brand new religion,
Put an end to poverty, uncleanliness and toil,
Promote equality in all my decisions
With a quick wink of the eye
And a "God you must be joking!"
Hey Mr. Diplomat with your worldly aspirations,
Did you see the children cry when you left them at the station?
Hey moral soldier you've got righteous proclamation,
And precious tomes to fuel your pulpy conflagrations.
And I want to conquer the world,
Give all the idiots a brand new religion,
Put an end to poverty, uncleanliness and toil,
Promote equality in all of my decisions
I want to conquer the world,
Expose the culprits and feed them to the children,
I'll do away with air pollution and then all save the whales,
We'll have peace on earth and global communion.
I want to conquer the world! [x4]

And if elected, I promise Fresca for everyone.

And did I mention?

2008-05-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

The entertainment?

The exercise room with a pool?

Room 42

2008-05-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

As we all know...42 is the answerer to life, the universe and everything. This was a good sign.

I wish they would lower the mirrors to accommodate woodland creatures.

Somebody get me a rope. I need out of here.

One old Woodchuck

2008-05-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

Is smitten with a little Squirrel....

She is so cute....to bad they have to grow up.

Sometimes it sucks to travel...

2008-05-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Things are not looking so good.

One might say this looks like crap.

Crap I say

Crap...Crap I say!

And yes, this is the view out the front windscreen.

On the topic of kids

2008-04-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

And we are obviously buying less and conscious of all our choices - escaping the consumerism of elaborate do-it-yourself decor and prepared cuisine, the soccer mom mystique, and the bored, lazy, 'gimme' kids.

Sometimes a quote comes along that really fits the way you think and live. This is one of those quotes, and the best part is that it comes from my DW. When you spoil you kids with love and a learning environment, no problem. I do believe that some parents do really take care of their kids and teach them to be strong non-whining adults that work to support themselves and intern teach the next generation to do the same. Then there is the rest of the parents that are raising whining think that they deserve everything but don't want to work for it spoiled brats that will complain about the government full time, but are the first ones there with their hands out and still think the should get more.... assbites!

Then again some people complain about the way we raise our kids saying that we are way too strict and should lighten up on them. We just want them to have more opportunity's that we do/did and to be strong adults that can carry on a conversation with other people that also have brain that is functioning.

And if you don't like the way I'm teaching my children........

Silly me!

2008-04-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Thursday is take you child to work day.

All this time I thought it was...put your child to work day....silly me!

You should have seen the look on the tween's faces when I told them...SO, you still have to do the chores.

Then and now

2008-04-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Then.....

Now....

I do find the new steed to be a little easier to see over the wheel.

Almost a real mountain

2008-04-17T21:17:00.001-07:00

Living in the great Northwest allows the viewing of many mountains during one's travels. I love the Portland area except for the fact that Mt Hood is just such a poor excuse for a real mountain. It is a nice mountain as mountains go, the fact is that it's just there.

Then we have day's like today where one truly sees Mt Hood as she is and one must admit what a fine mountain she is.

Disclaimer: These pictures were taken through a dirty front windscreen while traveling at a high rate of speed and at a distance of approximately 100 miles from the mountain.

Snow....

2008-04-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

I know that you can't really see it, but trust me it is there. SNOW...in the middle of April and I'm driving in it on my way to Coville Washington.

Kids

2008-04-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

Don't ask how we got to this point, just accept that fact that we did.

Small Rodent one = SR1
Small Rodent two = SR2

ME: Speaking of Mas Tequila, who sang the song and what band was he in. I will accept any one of the three..

SM2: Nirvana?

ME: Close, you see the singer did sing in a band whose lead guitar player went on to play for a band from Seattle that in 1981 was the opening band for one of the other bands that the singer was in.

ME: clue...he is called the "Red Rocker"

DW: David Lee Roth??

ME: Very close, although this is the only singer for Van Halen, most consider the other guy to have replaced Roth.

DW: Sammy Hagar?

ME: We have a winner.

SM1: So what does Sammy Hagar have to do with Seattle?

ME: Well in his early days he sang for Montrose with Ronnie Montrose in the band. Ronnie Montrose later went on to play for a band called Black and Blue out of Seattle who was the opening act for Van Halan in 1981. Sammy later went on to be the lead singer for Van Hagar in the '90s.

It was at this point the DW walked out of the room muttering something about cultural literacy or misspent youth....

WTF people...

2008-03-30T23:12:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought that I could put the winter hat away for the season....

I end up driving home in this crap!

Snow you say...It's almost April for someones sake.....

What does one have to do to get out of the snow?

I may need to get a smaller hat and deal with it.

An update on the "Candy Land Bakery"...well I took the small rodents to the bakery this weekend to prove that I don't make this stuff up as I go along. As I pull up to the bakery, the nice little yellow ginger bread decorated house, I hear from the back seat of the new steed, "O snap, I was sure he was making that one up". This proves my theory of stories, prove them when you can and baffle them when you can't.

I know that this will happen..

2008-03-27T19:51:00.001-07:00

and just like a train wreck..I keep going back for more.

I found a great little Gluten Free bakery today and purchased some nice little goodies for my children. Tonight I set up the little surprise with a nice drawn out tale of the bakery and how I taste tested all of these fine breads and such.

EL: So dad, what is the name of the bakery?

me: Candy Land Bakery

Ray: no really, what's the name?

me: CANDY LAND BAKERY, what do you think, I make this stuff up as I go along?

Everyone: Yes.

Herumph!

Please note, My DW repeated the whole thing again just to make sure I got it.

Double herumph!

Nothing

2008-03-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm doing the best furry Jig that I can and still nothing....nothing I tell you. Oh why can't I come up with anything funny or practical to say????

DW is still happy that I'm home more. I guess I lost the bet on that one. I said three weeks, four tops and she would be begging me to go back on the road. But, for now she is still happy. At least as happy as wives can get.

No little Squirrel as of yet. I'm calling everyday around the 9am hour as daddy Squirrel does not get up before then to get the latest update. I should start backing that time up so that he gets used to getting up earler.

Our other house sold today. Wahooo on that one.

I think that DW and Meritt should get together sometime. Although I must admit I do believe that the universe as we know it might end.

I've picked out the restaurant and coffee shop for when TR and WH come to the Northwest. One must return the favor of the great time that I had when I had dinner in their home state. I would expect that Rogue Squirrel might attend the festivities.

I tried to send Meritt pizza the other day and didn't make it happen, so I should send her coffee beans instead. Why you ask, why not? One does wonder if she has a grinder? I guess that I could send them one bean at a time using UPS, that should crush them by the time it gets delivered.

I have 100 pink flamingo for the front yard of Squirrel to announce the arrival of the little Squirrel. I was worried that 100 might be over the top.......naaa.

See, I told you nothing.

Mr. Unwanted...after thought...alternate to composting...

2008-03-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

As I arrive downstairs today to do my morning "daddy" stuff. I find that one of my small rodents has made me a sandwich for my lunch. I think to myself, how wonderful and nice my kids are. Only to have the larger of the rodents pop off, "I put mustard on that one by mistake and I don't like mustard, so I thought you could eat it".

I love my kids

I love my kids

Does anyone want a small child?

2008-03-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

First kids are cute....just look a the little "poopie" and then someone puts smell into the poop and then you can't wait for the kid to use the toilet. But, they are still cute anyway. However, as they move into the tween years the cuteness starts to wear off and then you have teenagers and there is nothing cute about teenagers.

I'm talking with one such teenager tonight when the term "I know" comes out of her mouth. At this point Mom just walks away mumbling something about "since you know, well you can just do it yourself" or something along those line. The teenager in question starts yelling "that's not what I meant....I'm sorry...". At least that is what I heard, however, I'm not fluent in "teenager" and I made not have translated it correctly. I mention that she should not say "I know" to her mother. She replies to me that it's a bad habit that she is trying to break. And my response to her..."you have been saying it for the last 5 years, so you must not be trying very hard! Although you are very trying." As one might suspect, this did not go over very well. I do believe that I picked the wrong time to give up the road.

I had my first overnight travel this week. That make only two nights since I took the new job..wahoo! I do like my new endeavor as it gets me back to working with the customers more. It's sort of like a big game of Risk and the competition is the other player and you need to kill all of their army's and win.

I love my new steed although I do miss my black GMC. We had 86,000 miles of fun and games together. I still have the GMC as the old company has not come to get it yet. It is sitting in my old house that is up for sale, so I go over and sit in the drivers seat every now and again for old times sake. The new Toy is a fine running steed and she gets really bad fuel mileage. The sun roof is nice and I do like having four full size doors for the not so little ones to get in the back seat. The only really bad thing about the new steed is the fact that other drivers don't take me seriously in the truck. With the GMC I could bluff my way down the road and other drivers would move out of my way. With the Toy..they just laugh at me...crap crap I
say.

I'm off to play with my Peeps and drink coffee.

Need I say more?

2008-02-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

You can't cut down the tallest tree in the forest with a herring – it just can't be done (honest).

The most dangerous of animals is a clever sheep

Never trust strangers in suits of armour carrying chickens

European swallows don't migrate

Coconuts don’t migrate.

Albatross: 1. (n) A web-footed bird, of the genus Diomedea, of which there are several species. They are the largest of sea birds, capable of long-continued flight, and are often seen at great distances from the land. They are found chiefly in the southern hemisphere. 2. (n) A sea bird flavoured refreshment sold in cinemas by a person who may (or may not) be a woman. You do not get wafers with albatrosses.

I'm on a roll....

2008-02-25T19:42:00.000-08:00

And as I'm reading these to you know who...all she says is "when did you get that letter and when were you in K Mart?".

WC reporting for Duty

2008-02-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

I have returned. Let the next invasion start right after Tea.

Last Time?

2008-02-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

I sit here at the airport going through my normal routine waiting for my flight to California. I'm looking around and relize that this will be my last time here for a while. As many of you know, I've resigned my position with my current employer and have decided to take a position with a company out of Canada. I will be traveling less and what travel I will do will be by truck.

Changing jobs and moving from what I love to do to something that I'm sure to love just as much, but the unknow is always challageing at best. I'm looking foward to being home with my DW and kids (chickens not included) and trying to become domesticated.

My flight calls...more soon.

This might get me into trouble...but's it is funny anyway!

2008-01-21T15:15:00.000-08:00

RED SKELTON'S RECIPE FOR THE PERFECT MARRIAGE

1. Two times a week we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, good food and companionship.............She goes on Tuesdays; I go on Fridays.

2. We also sleep in separate beds............Hers is in California, and mine is in Texas

3. I take my wife everywhere...........but she keeps finding her way back.

4. I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary.
'Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!' she said...........So I suggested the kitchen.

5. We always hold hands...........If I let go, she shops.

6. She has an electric blender, electric toaster and electric bread maker.
She said 'There are too many gadgets, and no place to sit down!'
So I bought her an electric chair.

7. My wife told me the car wasn't running well because there was water in the carburetor.
I asked where the car was. She told me, 'In the lake.'

8. She got a mud pack, and looked great for two days........Then the mud fell off.

9. She ran after the garbage truck, yelling, 'Am I too late for the garbage?'
The driver said, 'No, jump in!'

10. Remember: Marriage is the number one cause of divorce.

11. I married Miss Right. I just didn't know her first name was Always.

12. I haven't spoken to my wife in 18 months............I don't like to interrupt her.

13. The last fight was my fault though................My wife asked, 'What's on the TV?'
I said, 'Dust!'

Can't you just hear him say all of these?
I love it........these were the good old days when humor was just clean and simple fun.
And he always ended his programs with the words, 'God Bless'

If I'm going to help this guy....

2008-01-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

I better get a bigger truck!

Day three

2008-01-09T16:36:00.000-08:00

And just for the record, I had over 400 miles of this stuff. Or a lot worse that this depending on how you look at it. I'm not easy to intimidate when it comes to driving on snow. You might even say that I like driving on snow better than dry blacktop. Just ask Squirrel, he has been sideways more than once in the passengers seat. However, I was getting tired of snow this trip.

Snow no matter where you go.

At least the sun was out for part of the trip. Everything tends to look better covered in snow.

Three days, 1585 miles total, over 400 on snow or ice. Good thing I had my eyes closed so much.

Hi, I'm WC...

2008-01-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

And I will be your Dam tour guide...

If you have any Dam question or need any Dam information, please let me know.

Now if you all will please get into the Dam train, I will be operating the Dam train on the Dam tour today.

The Dam volunteers thank you for coming on this Dam tour.

Day two in the snow

2008-01-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

One might want to slow down.....maybe? I mean the speed limit is 75mph.

Time to run around in the snow.

I just love this picture, that's why it is here twice. It's the road to nowhere.

Trees sometimes look better in formal wear. (snow)

How was your day?

2008-01-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Mine started with a very nice sunrise in the Columbia Gorge.

Then somewhere over the rainbow....I see this looming storm.

But, why can't I go this way?????

I just knew that was not going to be good.

And a way we go.

Calling on the Troops...

2007-12-30T18:30:00.000-08:00

Meritt wrote:

I wish there was a little stuffed Meritt to go with you and see all these fabulous sights. Sigh.

And then Squirrel wrote:

I vote we start traveling with a coffee bean in honor of Meritt. I vote for a Starbucks Christmas Blend bean or a Mexican Double Dark from Trader Joes. Either one will fit the profile perfectly.Or we can try and find a Martha Stewart doll?I'll leave it up to WC.

And then I wrote:

Or we can try and find a Martha Stewart doll with a coffee bean...

I'm in. Everyone start looking for one now and I'm thinking that after a year or so, we can send it to here with with pictures of where she has been.

I need help on this one. Everyone start looking today and please help me find what we need to cheer up Meritt.

Last trip of the year-coming home

2007-12-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

Very large fountain in the main part of downtown Idaho Falls, and the water is still running.

Squirrel ready to work at anytime...ya right....

I'm not driving! I thought that you were driving?

What do you mean that you have 50 miles of road closed due to weather? I don't care that you have 4 trucks messed up on the road, I just want to go home. And might I point out that at this point I was slowing down to 55 mph.

Now this is more like it.

Woodchuck sings

2007-12-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

Click Here

I'm singing the song from the one hit wonders....The Squirrels.

What did you do today?

2007-12-18T20:09:00.000-08:00

A Woodchuck and a Squirrel drove through this....

And this....

Please note the two...that's two snow plows..

And did I mention this????

I-84 was closed today and we had to find a new route around the accidents to reach our final destination. We had to slow down due to the cows on the road.

And last but not least.....

Just in case you counting?

2007-12-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

3 Days

1500 miles plus miscellaneous mileage around town

Starbucks every 300 miles or more as needed

Snow and Ice...we have it all...

must see two customers and fill as time allows

Wahooo!

And my trusty steed is dirty.....

Warning

2007-12-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

The old Woodchuck and Squirrel are getting back on the road Monday. Pleased be warned and stay off the road in you are in Oregon or Idaho.......

Oh the thigs we do.

2007-12-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

I don't normally do these type of things, but here goes.

Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Western Regional Trainer-Towing Products
2. NAPA Auto Parts, independent owner
3. Jaguar, Saab, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Parts sales
4. Semi-Truck driver
4.1. Bouncer at an Irish Pub

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Anything Monty Python or Mel Brooks
2. Mad Max
3. Animal House
4. The Outlaw Jose Wales

Four places you have lived:
1. LA, California
2. Auburn, WA.
3. Wilsonville, OR.
4. Tigard, OR.

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
2. Star Trek
3. Farscape
4. Benny Hill

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Rogue
2. Illinois
3. Snake
4. The White Salmon

Four websites I visit daily:
1.http://www.memorylaneclassiccars.com/
2.http://www.automobilemag.com/
3.http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/home
4.http://www.pubcrawler.com/Template/index.cfm
4.1. And TR, WH and Meritt. Can't forget friends.

Four of my favorite foods:
1.Bread
2.Shrimp
3.sushi
4.Real, and I mean REAL Irish Bread Pudding

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Rogue River
2. Rogue Pub
3. Illinois River
4. White Salmon River

World Domination Summit

2007-11-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

The World Domination Summit has reach a conclusion. Please await your orders from your glorious leader.

As you can see, the summit was guarded by the Royal Penguin Guard.

snow...snow....snow

2007-11-23T20:15:00.000-08:00

A free Herring or Walnut to who ever can guess my location.

38 States or 74%

2007-11-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

And from what I see of my travels for 2008, I should add 7 more to the list of states I've been too.
And to think that only four short years ago, the number of states that I had been to was only five.

Let's send Squirrel....

2007-11-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

It seems that being sick is just not an option. When the customer was called on Monday to let him know that I would not be there on Tuesday due to illness, the response was..."he has to be here, I've got four customers coming, he has to be here.".....Let's send Rogue Squirrel in my place? It's only a 15 hour drive and Squirrel likes to drive, OK, not as much as I do. And more important here is that I've no ideal where I'm going with this rant!

Let's hear it for Mama Squirrel that will be giving us the newest member to the Rogue Nation, a very cute little Squirrelette sometime in late March or early April. YAAAA Mama Squirrel!!!!.. oh, and you too RS.

Now I remember, you can't be sick with this company. It was much more of an issue in my head. So, let me roll around in self pity and we will move on.

And Squirrel, please remember that if you little girl grows up the way you want her too, she will be kicking you ass by the time she is 12 or so...........

World Domination Summit 2007

2007-11-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Coming to Kentucky in late fall of 2007.

It seems that I have been called to appear before the Almighty Hamster at a Summit involving Rum and Tequila.

The hell with it all.....

2007-11-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

For those who are about to Travel.......

We fall on the floor and laugh at you.......

It seems that my flight from Calgary, AB. that was going to leave the airport on Friday at 1pm, was in fact destine to never happen. What was in fact destin to happen was that I got to spend another night in Calgary and depart at 7:30am on Saturday. The bright side of this, and yes there is a bright side, is that I did not have to spend the night without my luggage. It seems that if the plane does not leave the gate, it's hard for them to loose it. Good to know.

So, how would you answerer this question from the US Boarder agents?

I show you leaving the country on Friday and not returning, care to explain this???

That's what I said.....

So to recap, I got to come back through the US customs process twice. Can I have a gold star now please?

It also seems that Starbucks is giving Timmy's a run for the coffee in Canada now....go Starbucks.

I Survived!!!

2007-11-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

I survived SEMA again. Six long days.

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

I'm like a kid in a candy store at the SEMA show, and this year I did not get any time to walk around...nope....nothing.......can you say hostile work environment?

Details later

Luggages update

2007-10-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

I received my luggage on Thursday at 5:30AM.

Then taught my topics on Thursday all day, went to dinner, arrived at the hotel at midnight. I then got back up at 3AM to get on the airport shuttle at 3:30AM so that I could be at the airport by 4AM to get on the airplane by 5:30AM to depart at 6AM.

Next week I'm off to Sacramento, CA.

And why do I fly again???

2007-10-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Portland to Montreal, sounds simple. I was going to be in Montreal by 5:10pm with my luggage and life is good. WRONG.

Portland to St. Paul to Montreal.

What really happened:

Portland to St. Paul to Detroit to Montreal.

I arrived in Montreal at 1am.

Let's recap the flight of my luggage:

Portland to St. Paul to who the hell knows where. lost, gone, missing, not with me anymore, "D" all of the above.

So, now I sit in Three Rivers in the same cloths I flew out in on Tuesday. I did shower.

I think that I might do the training session in a speedo on Thursday.

I need to learn how to use "carry on" type of flying.

Pictures to follow.

There are days

2007-10-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Where you just sit back and life is good.

So just where does time go?

2007-10-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here wondering what happens to "Time". I've started this post about dozen or so times in the last three weeks to no avail. The projects at work are getting longer and less fun to do. And my schedule is no longer my own to create. I'm at the whim of DA 1 or is that DA 2...anywhoo, and he is making sure that I don't have time to do my job. But, wait...does anyone really know what my job is? I sure don't as it keeps changing every time I check email.

Old Job:
I was working in the Western Region of the company which meant that I covered 15 western states and 1/2 of Canada. I was a technical resource for the District Sales force that worked in the Western Region. I did installs of our product and worked with the technicians in the field to overcome any problems. I solved issues and worked with customers to make them happy. I control my schedule to work with customers and District Sales Managers.

New Job:
I now travel the whole US and Canada. I'm not allowed to talk with customers. I don't do installs. Someone else sets my schedule. I'm not even allowed to clean my truck without written permission of the National Football League. OK, just kidding on the last one.

Travel for the last month and next month:

Seattle, WA.
Surrey, BC.
Houston, TX.
Three Rivers, Quebec
Sacramento, CA/Reno, NV/Boise, ID
Las Vegas, NV.
Billings, MT.

Let's start a new TV show, " Where in the World is Woodchuck"...OK, let's not.

On a bright note, I've lost over 20lbs on my Gluten Free diet over the last 3 months. At this rate, I just might fade away in 12-13 months....alright, 15 months, but who is counting?

So, back to time. Does anyone really have enough time to do what they want when they want how they want? I picked the wrong year to give up Rum. I don't drink Rum, never have drank Rum. But if it made Captain Jack Sparrow cool, why not me? I'm also back on Coffee, don't know why I ever left, Americano here I come.

The only thing keeping me going right now is that I have a great family, good health, and I'm waiting for new as to which country will be next for the picking in the glories empire of the Hamster.

So where have all of the Woodchucks gone?

2007-09-25T22:27:00.001-07:00

Let us just take a little look at the last few weeks, shall we?

I spent a few days in sunny and very hot (but it's a dry heat) Arizona.

And I'm on one of the largest tour attractions in the US and what do I take pictures of????

Why a new Aston Martin of course, what else would you expect?

And then there was this little road with all of these turns and very steep. I think it was in San Fransisco somewhere. My little black steed was as playful as a kitty that just could not wait to pounce on the fun. However I must admit that some of the people taking pictures were just a bit put out when I kept cutting the rear loose to make the turns. The tyres sound really good spinning on the brick.

Oh the fun of it all.

Do on to others..

2007-09-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

The following names have been changed to protect the stupid:

When you manage people, one should always try to live by the rules they enforce on others. It just sets a good example.

So, when we(we as in the Training Team, all three members of it) had our weekly conference call today to go over our 15 minutes of material in one hour or more. The new boss decides to read DA1 the riot act because he has to get on an airplane to fly to where the boss (DA2) is sending him and only has 20 minutes to be on the call. After chewing DA1's butt for 5 minutes he then says "now, let's get back on topic because I have to leave soon for personal reasons". WTF are you talking about? DA1 can't use the excuse of flying and getting on an airplane, but you can use the excuse that you need personal time. Does this mean I can use the excuse that I'm fat so that I can take a 30 minute nap at 2pm everyday? Sorry, I can't travel because I'm doing something of great importance that does not involve work.

So, anyhoo. I had the large tree at the new house trimmed up by non other than Woodchuck's Tree Service. It seems being a Druid runs in the rodent gene. Mr. Woodchuck the tree guy did an outstanding job. The tree never looked better and should grow up nice and happy.

And to prove that I'm growing up, I started a project of fixing the front door lock and when I realized that I had no clue as to what I'm doing... I called a locksmith and had it repaired right the first time and did not have to pay extra for my screw up. Yep, that's me all grown up.

DA=Dumb Ass

Where do I start?

2007-09-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

Three weeks of MIA in the world of mayhem and outright silliness.

Let's recap the weeks, shall we?

Week one:

1700 miles.
6 Starbucks.
Reno
Las Vegas
Flagstaff
Phoenix/Mesa
116 degree, but it's a dry heat.

Week two:
200 miles
Still 116 degrees, and who the blimey cares that it is a dry heat?
5 Starbucks
Training on a new product line by a used car salesman. He has an answer for everything, even if it's made up on the spot.

Week three:
1600 miles
Starbucks...can't remember
I think that I've worn the fur off my butt from so much time in the truck.
Cooled down to 102 degrees. Still a dry heat and still nobody cares. It's hot...really hot...way too hot.

Week four:
Home this week. I need a nap.

As I drove across Nevada.

2007-08-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

I just had this feeling that someone was following me. Everywhere I went as I drove 65..ok...70mph there was this guy right on my butt, in and out of turns, up and over hills. I felt like I was in the movie "Duel"

OK, 75mph for those of you that know me. But no more than that....well maybe 80mph every now and again.

Out with friends

2007-08-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

At the recycled arts festival. Nice guy, just a little larger than life.

Did I mention

2007-08-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

The really big mountain Lion.....OK, maybe it was a chipmunk...but it was really big.

What do you get...

2007-08-15T19:42:00.001-07:00

when you give a Woodchuck a big hill, even bigger rocks?

And a Bike.....

Did I mention that the rock was really big.

Update: The bike is just fine, thank you very much.

Where to begin?

2007-08-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been MIA for sometime now as work has been kind of "sucky" as of late. My daily work emails have gone from 3-4 to 25-30 with the new boss. For those of you that have been counting, that make 3 of them now. It make for a really fun day when all three call and tell you to do something different and the same time.

So where have my travels taken me in the last three weeks?

Detroit. Here I am at the airport looking for TR.

Watching Nevada burn.

And moving to a new house just 7.1 miles away. They say that most accidents happen within 5 mile of you home, so we moved just to be safe.

The base in Yorkshire has been established.

2007-07-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

We have heard from our leaders in England.

Everyone wait for the signal and let the invasion begin!

Why I hate flying anything other than Alaska.

2007-07-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

Well Hello Mr. Woodchuck.

How are you today, Mr. Woodchuck?

Did you know that your flight has been canceled and that you are going to have the day from Hell, Mr. Woodchuck?

I must admit that the agent for Northwest Airlines was very nice and polite, however she still said those nasty words, "I'm sorry, your flight has been canceled today and we can't get you to where you want to go until tomorrow. I hope that this is not a inconvenience for you?"

Information that the reader might want to know at this point: It's 6:30am Eastern time in Detroit, MI and I'm suppose to get on an airplane at 9:00am and arrive in Portland, OR at 11:55 am Pacific time.

At this point I start the over one hour of witty banter with the agent about how Northwest Airlines is going to in fact get me to my destination today and not wait until tomorrow.

So, just why is the flight canceled I asked the agent in my clam sweet voice, to which she replies, weather. I'm not sure she was ready for me to pull out my cell phone and call the Alaska Airlines MVP hot line and ask if they were having any issues due to weather in Portland today? The answer was no at which point the agent for Northwest Airlines changed her story to, I'm not really sure, but it is canceled.

What did the agent and I talk about for over a hour while people were yelling for her to hurry up, why how she was going to get me to Portland of course.

Can you get me to Seattle...no

Denver...no, and why would you want to go to Denver, I thought that you wanted to go to Portland?...I have the Alaska agent on the phone and she can get me to Portland if you can get me to Denver.

LA...no

Any where in California...no

Chicago...no

OK, let's make this easier...How about Montana, Oregon, Washington, California, or any other western state....I'm sorry Mr. Woodchuck, but I just can't seem to get you anywhere today.

And so the conversation went until a supervisor stopped by to speed things along and some how was able to get me a flight to Seattle later that same day. I would fly to Seattle and then take a shuttle flight on Horizon to Portland. Did I mention that the flight from Detroit to Seattle would be in first class? I arrive in Seattle at 2:30pm and run to get to the next gate only to realize that the agent in Detroit never gave me the ticket for the flight from Seattle to Portland. Now what this means is that I'm standing in the Seattle airport with not ticket for the flight from Seattle to Portland and no way of getting my checked bag as it's being sent to Portland on the flight that I can't board because of no ticket. However, if I would like to pay $200.00 for a ticket I can take my seat that already has my name on it.

Long story short, the agent at the Horizon customer service counter in Seattle calls the Northwest agent and gets the information on what is going on and get so mad at Northwest that she tells me that she will get my ticket or take it out of the Northwest agents hide and puts me on the plane to Portland without me having to pay for a new ticket.

I love Horizon and Alaska. All airlines have problems and cancel flights, but at least these two try to make it right and put customer service in customer service.

Northwest just announced that they are cutting back flights by the end of the month. I'm thinking, don't worry, if you keep this up nobody is going to fly with you and you can just cancel every flight all together.

For the record, I got home around 5:00pm instead of the 11:55am that I was hoping for.

Side note, IT seems that TSA just needed to go completely through my checked bag and the heavy greasy piece of steel that was wrapped in a plastic bag, well, let's just take it out of the bag and throw it back in. Nobody will care that the grease will get all over the nice new jeans or anything else in the bag. If you are going to go through someones bag and take stuff out of it's wrapping, put it BACK!

Busted yet again

2007-07-21T21:22:00.001-07:00

Now that we are POD people and all, I have to clean out the crawl space under 1/2 our house. The problem with this is that I sort of let DW think that there was very little to nothing left down there.

SHE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS STILL A TON OF CRAP DOWN THERE.

So now I'm picking up Cat crap as one of the furry little varmints started to live in the crawl space. I've moved out the eight pedal cars that were down there. I took what was left of the rafting/camping stuff over to fuzzballs place. And I really should call and tell him I did so, then again, maybe not. Now all I have to do is take down the shelves, finish taking the old store records out, and what else?

Deck lid...check
6 boxes of toys...check
road bike and trainer...check
neon beer signs.....check
old beer mirrors.....check
raft and gear....check
more old toys....double check

Why is all of my crap in the crawl space? Don't answer as that was a rhetorical question.

So in case I didn't mention this, we are moving, yes moving just 7.1 miles west of our current location.

I will be living in a 3 bedroom house with one bathroom. Just what the hell was I thinking here?

We should close in 10 business days or less.

Thanks to TR...

2007-07-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

I drink coffee, therefore I exist.

No wait, that would be meritt.

I travel to fun places, therefore I exist.

No wait, that would be Travel.

I conquer Scotland, therefore I exist.

That would be Wickedhamster.

If I sat around the forest eating Bon Bons, would I exist?

And more important, are Twinkies Gluten free?

The news of my demise...

2007-07-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

is most likely correct....or is that overstated?

I will have to get back to you on that one.

The land of corn.

2007-07-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

So, I might be able to check off another state as I have been told that I might be going to Iowa. Yes, me in the land of corn, lack of trees and as flat as the eye can see.

What should a furry woodland creature do?

I really should

2007-07-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Slow Down......Then again, maybe not.

Our big story at Eleven....

2007-07-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

News at Eleven......Offer...Counter Offer....120 days, well just kiss my, I'm calm now...counter counter offer.......stay tuned.

2007-07-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Woodchucks might be on the move....the offer has been made....stay tuned...

I'm so over snow..

2007-06-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

The Snow can melt now....Anything more than a dusting and I'm up to my butt in snow and it does get cold.

So, here we are at the end of June and I'm still playing in the snow. The snow is still about 3-4' deep at the summit of HWY 410 in Washington.

Looking East from the summit.

Going up to the summit.

And one should always know where they have been.

And where they are going.

And thanks to HWY 123 being closed, I had a 150 mile detour instead of the 30 miles on HWY 123. Can someone say "CRAP"

Monday

2007-06-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's 9:00AM you say? And you're sure it's Monday.

Well, crap - that means I am terribly behind on several things.