Wednesday, March 1, 2006 Just another regular work day. Made one trip to ABCINET to work on the door, and started to install a shelf for a mouse / keyboard / monitor to run the servers from (local access.) Back in the office did office stuff.
Wednesday, March 8, 2006 Went to the DMV this morning to get my license to drive as well as the truck registered. I brought in my Passport, old CDN license, and SS number. They ran a check, and gave me the written test, which I aced (40 questions.) But - need a driving 'skill test' yet to do - which you have to line up and have an independent tester do. So, I walked over to get the truck registered, which was not a problem. I had all the paperwork to register a truck from Canada, and the lady was still in training, so it took a little longer that usual, but the process was a little longer than usual as well. After, I went over to ABCINET and finished the door somewhat today - painted the textured sheetrock, and it looks ok. Might need another coat of paint. The door needs stain yet. At 3:00pm, took the driving test, where I got 7 points wrong (basically not stopping completely or stopping after the line.) You are allowed 15, so I guess I was average on that part. But it was enough to get a license, so I did just that. Now I'm a full blooded Idahoan. Thursday, March 9, 2006 Last day to get things ready. It was full - of the 26 lines in my Task List, there were only 6 blanks. One was to order a new top for the truck. In Indiana. I figured since I was going to be in Texas, I would swing up to IL to see my grandma and others on the way home. And - IL is not far from IN. Was in the office till 5:00, and went home to pack. Did a load of laundry, and after that and packed what I wanted, went to bed. I got up at 02:00, took a shower and headed to the office to pick up some left behind objects. Was at Ken's place by 02:50 or so and was able to head out by 03:00. The trip was nice, though wasn't the most friendly. We had snow / ice crossing into MT for a good bit. After that, things were smooth sailing, till we got into WY a bit. Part of 80 was icy, and we headed down 278, which wasn't a good idea. It too was very slick, though we managed to keep it between the ditches. We arrived at Russ' 3 min late after the promised 8:00pm. We hung out a bit, and then Russ took Anna to her friend's house and I got to ride with - in the new (old) Carrera 4. Slept on the couch, but did it well, for I was rather tired. 16 hours of driving didn't help staying awake too well.
Distance: 1074 miles Time: 16 hours Overall Average Speed: 67 mph Russ went to buy some breakfast burrito and we took off (I think it was about 7:00 by the time we left.) First stop was for gas, then headed South. The trip was great - no problems. Just called to ask Jimmy which road to take East to get to his place. 15. Ok - that's all I wanted, as I had a way-point on my GPS. Surprisingly, it got me right to where I needed to be (thought I really thought I was way off - it's out in the country outside of town a little.) Jimmy was working on his truck,
Distance: 686 miles Time: 10.25 hours Overall Average Speed: 67 mph Jimmy made us breakfast - pancakes and bacon - for breakfast. We headed out by 8:30 - he driving to his parent's place, and Ken and I to Houston. But first - needed to get the truck washed. We followed Jimmy to the car wash, where 2 rounds of $0.75 were enough to soap and wash the truck. Not bad for sure. The trip down was un-eventful (for which I was thankful) and we
stopped a couple times because we had extra time and not-so-extra
miles. Arrived at Motel 6 at about 5:30, as we pulled, PH was checking in. I thought that was funny - that we met there. After settling in a bit, JC/JC, CC/CC, KW, PH and I went for supper. Places were full, so we ended up in Burger King. Rest was a welcome sight, but not yet. I followed JC/JC and dropped their car off at the airport, as we didn't need it anymore. The trip lasted about 1:45, getting me home and in bed by 10:30 I think it was.
Distance: 523 miles Time: 9.5 hours Overall Average Speed: 55 mph Started with breakfast at IHOP, CC, CC, JC, KW and I, then I moved to talk with Charlie Bing and JC. We then met with CC about the FW series, just to meet together concerning that. At 11:00 headed to the Houston Bible Church where we registered and set up shop for the next few days. Mike Thompson - Studies in Job. John Niemelä - (was 24 elders and rapture, but changed to "What about "Believers" Who Have Never Know Christ's Promise of Life?" Charlie Clough - Framework Approach to Teaching the Word of God - Part 1. Tuesday, March 14, 2006 Update here is from March 8 to today. The lessons for the day: Henry Hastings - The Holy Spirit and the Believer's Walk John Cross - Framework in Missions Part 1 (PPT - no visual aides yet.) Charlie Clough - Framework - Part 2. Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Lessons for today: Arnold Fruchtenbaum - remnant of Israel John Cross - Framework #2 - passover door, cross/tomb, coin, cloaks, chain, tabernacle, Ron Merryman - Putting Greek Studies to Practical Use Charles Clough - #3 Thursday, March 16, 2006 Tim Nichols - Self Defense John Niemelä - critical text studies After that, we stayed for lunch, packed up and left. It was a good time, very profitable, and there were many stories that came back that was an encouragement. One fellow, after watching the correlation between the Passover door and the Cross - said, "I didn't know all that." And when asked what part - he said "All of it." We had many comments on JRC - which was encouraging to me as well. Really neat folks down there. After taking one group back to the hotel, I headed out to see Norma and the family. Kevin and Kyle was there after a while, and by 5:45 Mike and Cathy and their 2 boys showed up. It was a good time hanging out and being able to spend some time with them. My GPS got me within 100 feet this time, a little disappointing, but having the address I was able to get right there. Was back in the hotel by 9:30. Up at 4:00 - or so - and left by 5:00 (after packing everything in the truck.) The trip ahead said to be around 16.5 hours, 916 miles by google's standard. It was refreshing to find out that it was an over-estimate. Here's the trip I took:
Distance: 875 miles Time: 15 hours Overall Average Speed: 58 mph Got in at 8:00 - and that included some time on the river to have a look-see. I guess it was last week where they had 8" of rain, so all the rivers are up right now. It's not as high as it was a little while ago, but higher than I've ever seen it. Saturday, March 18, 2006 It was a good day - being able to hang out at Grandma's once more.
She's doing great - still gaining strength from the hospital, but
other than that is fine. Got up at 7:00 I think it was, and had
a 2 hour nap before lunch. After which Dwight and I just drove
around a bit. Then I ran over to the Lamberts to see Nick, Phillip as well as update / download emails stuff. Dwight made burgers on the grill so I needed to be back by 5:30. They were just about the best. Distance: 28.7 miles Today Grandma didn't want to go to church, so I stayed home with her. We watched the first 3 chapters of The Stranger DVD, and went through the questions after. For dinner, Dwight cooked some steaks on the grill, and they were very good. But I didn't stay long after - I went over to Doug's to spend some time with him over at the lake. He's got some things tore up, but that's because he's building a new house! The guy is supposed to come in this week to mark out where the foundation goes. Russ, Matthew and Anna made it back in today too. Chris and Jamie (and Elliot) came down, so we had a house full tonight. Distance: 33 miles Grandma wanted her ornamental grasses cut down, and so I took hold of that project and did that first thing. All you do is tie a rope around the bunch, then cut it off with the chainsaw. Works real well! After that, Dwight came over and we started clearing stuff out of the back yard - 3 small cedar trees, and part of the picket fence (the posts were falling apart - to fix it we would have to rebuild the whole thing anyway.) We finally got the tractor out and started dragging the brush down to the burn pile instead of doing it all by hand. For dinner (lunch) I went over to Chris & Jamie's. They had another tree that needed to come down (and they have several more yet!) So I was able to get one down today for them anyway. The base was rotten, as well as most of the tree. Cut it up / and packed it to the burn pile. And when I got back to Grandma's, Dwight and I discussed cutting down still another - this was a huge maple between the shop and barn - I would say about 32" in diameter. I had to climb this one and cut some branches off so it would clear the barn ok, but we got it down in time for supper. Supper being 5 pizzas an everyone came over - (Jamie / Chris / Elliot, Teresa / Paige / Sally, Grandma, Dwight / Renita, Russ / Matt / Anna, and myself.) We are expecting snow for tomorrow, but not much. Distance: 48 Miles Yeah, we did get a little. I made eggs for Grandma and myself - scrambled. This morning I went to Karleens and wait around a bit before going to Mt Carmel - to have lunch with Jamie and Chris. Then, once we were done, I drove up to Josh and Teresa, were we hung out for the afternoon. Russ, Mat and Anna came over a little later, and then I took a nap on the couch. Back to Grandmas - and had to work on the Blackberry Cobbler. Distance: 317 miles Time: 8 hours (50 minutes in Lowe's) Overall Speed: 40 mph Made breakfast again - since Grandma liked my eggs yesterday I had to do it again! Left Grandma's house this morning at around 7:30 am. Took my time driving - the first couple hours' drive was 55, and spent almost an hour browsing at Lowe's in Indianapolis, IN on the way. After arriving at Andy's, I took a look at the electrical for him - he wants to put in a 200 amp service, and there's a lot of work to do before we can make that happen. As it stands now, we can't get the power people in before Monday (we'll check again tomorrow) so it might not happen on this trip. It was a good drive up here - roads were good and the messages on the radio were right for me. Today we started in on the project before us - which included a trip to Lowe's for supplies. Marie wasn't feeling well, so Andy and I took the kids to buy a new 200 amp panel and all the needed supplies (so we thought) to finish the project. Time will tell that we didn't get everything, but I think we expected a little of that. By 1:00 I think we were able to start, and today I hooked the exterior part up - from the weatherhead to the disconnect / distribution box to the new panel in the basement. Andy was working on the plumbing - because we had to move a washer out of the way and some other things. It was a little tough, because it's hard to glue pipes that are still wet and leaking. But by the end of the day (10:00 pm) we were ready for the power to be switched over. I started the day by running to Lowe's - to return some un-needed parts, as well as pick some others up. It's a long story, but I had to (three times no less) correct the receipts coming my way. When returning, I was offered a dollar figure that was $80 more than what I bought / when I checked out, a $40 item didn't register / in the parking lot, I realized there was $70 worth of merchandice that wasn't charged at all! Needless to say, the trip was much longer than I anticipated. By the time I got home, the power had been switched over. This was good, as it gave us all day to switch the wires from the old panel to the new. An answer to prayer is what it was! Just after lunch, Andy and I drove up to get my new cap. Sure am thankful for this - it is a big blessing to have, since most all my equipment is in the back with me most of the time. But - the trip lasted about 3 hours which I wasn't expecting. Once back, Jason and Shannon and thier 3 kids were visiting Andy and Marie and their 4 kids. I finished hooking up the electric as Andy finished the plumbing. Everything was in order when I left - after supper - at about 8:00 pm. I arrived at Joe's by 12:30.
Distance: 236 miles Time: 4.75 hours Overall Speed: 50 mph (some construction downtown Chicago.) Today I hung out with Joe - he's been back from the hospital for about 10 days now, still tired and stuff, so it wasn't a very busy day. I did my laundry and updated this website while Joe took a nap. After that we went shopping at Sam's. Had Audrie's casserole for supper and watched a movie. Sunday, March 26, 2006 Today Joe and I hung around a bit too. He wasn't feeling like doing too much, so I ran to the store and bought a siphon to clean out the fish tank. He wasn't supposed to work on that (as the water isn't the cleanest, etc.) so I was able to do that for him. After supper, we went out to Leon's for a Old Mix (I think that's what they call it.) 2 scoop cone, with chocolate and vanilla. Got another movie on the way home - War of the Worlds - but wasn't too impressed with it. Photography and what was ok, the story could have been done better, though I'm not saying I could have done better. Good drive today. I wanted to stop in and see the Amstutz, but just didn't work out this time. I've been itching to get home and start on the video. But - made it to Nebraska - just south of Lincoln. It was so good to be able to hang out with old friends. Dan and Cindy (and family) was in NTM training with me, and we became good friends there (though I've not seen them in 10 years!) Needless to say there was a lot of catching up to do. We went over to see Brian and his firewood / sawmill operation. Sure was neat to be able to hang out with him for a bit. Left him with a DVD pack - The Stranger DVD, book, Beginning with Moses and catalogue. Had supper with Cindy and Austin, and Dan came home from work by 11:00 or so. We hung out till it wasn't practical, and then hit the hay. I hung around and drove out after lunch. Next time, I'll leave a little earlier to give more driving time.
Distance: 566 miles Time: 10:23 hours Overall Speed: 54 mph (spent a lot of time on back roads.) Left at around 1:00, but stopped in North Platte to see the Terry's. Another family from NTM training, but this time Brett was the chairman there. I think I was here for a couple hours, and most of the 8 kids came over to say hi. Sure was fun seeing all of them again. Headed out once again, and made it as far as Scottsbluff, NE. I wanted to make it to WY, but hey, I was getting tired so I quit.
Distance: 440 miles Time: 8.75 hours (2 hours at Terry's) Overall Speed: 50 mph Drove the rest of the way home. I wanted to go through Yellowstone National Park, but it was closed. Once I pulled up to the gate, the ranger told me it was socked in. It was after that, then I realized that I had a faint memory of the park closing for the winter because of snow. Oh well, not a problem. So I headed south and crossed the Grand Teton pass - very steep pass indeed - about 10% (but not the steepest I've been on!). Made it home by 10:30 (had 2 hour time advantage.)
Distance: 1017 miles Time: 16.5 hours Overall Speed: 61 mph Thursday, March 30, 2006 Back in the office again - today was tying up lots of loose ends. In fact, there are still lots hanging around to tie! Got the bank issue settled - I had noticed that they felt real free to charge me $13 for having the privilege of me putting my money in their bank. Well, I didn't like that too much, and they were able to fix that as well as refund what they took from me. Been working on getting thank-you's out today. Not finished yet, perhaps tomorrow they all will fly. I've been wanting to get to work on this video (that we shot in Houston, TX.) I think the message is very important, and really looking forward to getting it on DVD. The recording wasn't the best - the lighting wasn't too good, my camera had some troubles (I think the heads are dirty, but that's another story.) But, I was able to at least start on this to see how things are going to look. The message just might carry people through the technical problems. I'll have a better look at this tomorrow and see how it's all going to work. Friday, March 31, 2006 Spend the day in the office - still catching up. I did start editing on the video, but having a time trying to figure out how to make jpgs out of the Powerpoint presentation. I can do screen shots, but that's very tedious. I do have Captivate (by Macromedia) that takes screen shots for you, but it doesn't export to jpgs. It does however make a WORD document with a picture on each page. I started copying the photos from within Word and pasting them into Photoshop. But - again - 300 pictures is a lot of tedious work. Try again tomorrow.
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