Notes & Journal from previous webpages


UPDATE - Late July 2011
Not sure how often anybody looks here, but in case one does... I've come to the realization that for me writing is less about having somebody read and more about having the need to say something. I guess that occasionally there's so much going on in my head that I have to let some the thoughts and ideas out before my brain explodes.

Years ago, somebody I was dating called me an "enigma". She didn't mean it in a bad way, but her impression of me was that I seemed unaffected by much of went on around me. I did things because I thought they were right, not because they were popular or expected. I seemed naive to many of the intricacies of being an adult. I wear my heart on my sleeve, believe in people until they betray trust, and take things at face value.

I think that when you're "in love" with somebody you think about all the ways that other person makes your life better, but when you "love" somebody you think of how you can make their life better. I've had people in my life that it would be impossible or improbable to be "in love" with but could still "love"

Somewhere I once wrote that if you're blessed, good people come into your life. If you're smart you'll realize when they do, and if you're lucky they'll stick around for awhile. On a tangent of the same idea is the theme behind Harry Chapin's song "Circle". Life is a circle, and sometimes people come in and then go out, then cycle back in again. Perhaps there are people who are in our lives when we can't understand or appreciate their presence until after they've gone, then they circle back in.

And sometimes something good can go horribly wrong.

For the last few days I have had sadness in my heart because I brought on a difficult time for a friend by doing nothing more than being myself. Slightly oblivious to the perception of others as to why I do things that I do, why I treat people the way I do. The agenda is nothing more than making people I care about happy. The smile you give returns to you, as the old Eastern proverb goes. But when others look at the situation from their perspective, see things as they wish and don't really see and understand the whole story... well, it creates a problem. I hate to be the source of a problem for somebody I care about.

Sometimes when the circle comes back around the wheel comes off and you wind up in a ditch... but you just have to dust yourself off and have faith that the scars eventually heal. I only hope that the damage caused is minimal and maybe the next time things circle around that it's a better time for all.


LATE OCTOBER 2007
It has been quite some time since I've updated most of this webpage, or written anything here in what would I guess go as a "blog" space... the writing ain't gonna happen any time soon as there have been lots of things that have occured and it's more important to experience them than to write about them here. Yes, there has been some travel (it wouldn't be me if there wasn't), but at the same time I've noticed that I might be several wanderings behind with the sharing of photos, and I am starting to remedy that slowly... I notice that chore is tougher as with a better digital camera and memory cards that allow me to take hundreds of photos (I swear, in a posting coming soon in an overnight adventure in Rome I took 400 photos in 12 hours). It will take some time to organize, and if you check out the Beautiful Places link above, then click on various locales you may come up empty, as there are some "placeholder" pages as I format the webpage that I hope to fill with views and stories from all over the world soon.

In other news - I have also been experimenting with adding files on the page - most noticable are some audio files as part of the FM 106.3 pages and some video files in The Bongos and The Turtles live in Hoboken pages in the Beautiful Concerts section, both found above in the "Beautiful Music" section. Please check them out and use the link to the left to get your feedback pointed in the right direction.

I did create a new Flash Animation for the homepage but trying to trim it down a bit as it is graphically intense (and gonna be a pain for my phone modem to upload it onto the page)

As for me personally - I'm doing OK... I am blessed with the bestest "best friend forever" and some other friends that are beyond priceless - and one can not ask for bewtter than that! Add to that a good family (and thank you "BFF" for helping me realize how good I have it) and my niece Isabella who is a crack-up and a half - all I need is that winning lottery ticket and things would be perfect!

Thanks for looking, and reading - I hope you enjoy what you see during your stay here.


December 26th, 2006
THANK YOU MILLIE for the BESTEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!! - Along with her kids Marc and Evan, my niece Isabella, and Becky and Casey (as well as all the growed up people in the family) we had a wonderful Christmastime...

December 21, 2023
HO! HO! HO! OK, very overdue note here... sorry to say that I have not had the time or desire to keep up with updating the web page lately. I have learned something over the last few months, and that is it's a lot more fun to live a life in the real world than it is online... and I thank a very special person for making life worth living.

I did actually put together a 2006 holiday CD - more limited than past years and not sure how many will get out in circulation or if they'll be in home for the holidays. I did realize the time and effort involved in the project, and the time was not a luxury this year.

Hope to slowly work on making a few changes and updates here and give y'all reasons to check in occasionally. Until then, Happy Holidays to you and yours, from Me anad Mills

  

August 5, 2024
LONG OVERDUE update... first, welcome to those who found your way here from MySpace (or wherever you came from), look around and have fun .

For the summer, I have a new work schedule that seemed like a good idea at the time - I would work 4 ten hour days on Monday thru Thursday then have three day weekends to wander about... the tradeoff was going from my Boston , DC and Chicago flights to working the 757's to and from Europe and Latin America. By the time Friday rolls around I'm too tired and sore to go anywhere. Hope to get that changed soon.

The heat has been brutal the past week or so... but me and the cats have survived life without A/C.

For those repeat visitors, you'll notice the new intro...

May 16th, 2006
Got to see the NJ Devils win their only game against the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs... then followed that up with another night at Joe's Pub in the city with Richard Barone and his special guests The Analogues - working on the photos from the show

A changes is gonna come... soon


March 4th, 2006
OK, still quite a bit loopy from vacation - but needed to get something posted here to amuse the masses who are curious.

I ended up traveling alone (something I am hoping to do a lot less of in the future), and also reports from the Eskimos said the weather was not going to co-operate for Iditarod eliminated heading to Alaska. I guess we'll save that trip for later in the year.

That decision opened up an interesting possibility, to make good on a fantasy that I came up with 3 years prior for my 40th birthday. The plan was to have three meals in three different countries, and I think when I looked at all the logistics of flights and stuff it was breakfast in Paris, lunch in Frankfurt, and dinner in Rome - now it's all fuzzy but you get the picture. That year, my grand plans turned into a trip to Las Vegas (in coach because my traveling companion couldn't get ready fast enough and we arrived at the airport too late and first class seats were given away)

I saw a chance to make good on my plans - three years later - and also give myself the one present I wanted... to spend time with mi bella Italiana (and if I typed that wrong I hope I get corrected). She of the Billy Joel concert and several wonderful evenings of good food and perfect company. Breakfast on the north coast of Africia, lunch in the heart of Europe, and dinner in Little Italy with a beautiful lady. Not too shabby.

I am not quite sure what to call this special person (other than her name). I know how I feel but I'll wait until I know what she thinks of me before attaching a traditional label on things. All I do know is that I have enjoyed every moment I have spent in her company and hope those moments continue for a very long time to come.

Anyway - hope all is well by you, my friends, and you keep checking in as I continue to update the 350 photos from the trip (it's going to take a bit of time)

January 28th, 2006

Wow... has it really been 2 months since I've updated this page?

Where to start... Well, after Las Vegas and Paul McCartney it was off to Memphis, TN and a date with The Rolling Stones in concert, and the required visit to Graceland.  Then the fun started... I returned home to several phone messages about the return of personal possessions that had been left behind during my time in Highland Park.

I guess I should backtrack a bit and say the contact about this subject after nearly 18 months began while I was out in the Southwest, in the form of an e-mail that opened about how it was read in the newspaper that Continental was starting a flight to New Delhi, India and it was a place that she had always wanted to go. I don't know what the rest of the message said because I deleted it after the opening that made me feel like a mode of transportation. This was followed by two boxes in the mail that to this date still are sitting on the porch unopened.

The phone messages were about driving up to my house to drop the rest of the stuff off, and I did the polite thing by returning the calls after I returned from the trip. The conversation was cordial, centering that after all this time for some reason it was now very important that my things were moved out of her house. Not once in the 18 months that had passed had I inquires about these things, as there was nothing that I couldn't do without and it wasn't worth the time and effort to go retrieve. With the holidays coming up and my limited time and ability to shop I politely suggested that this wait until after the holidays, but that did not fit in with the agenda.

I made the mistake of mentioning I had rented a car for the holiday weekend, but because no vehicles were available at the airport I ended up renting one from New Brunswick (and about 2 minutes away from Highland Park)... so as I got off the train on Christmas Eve morning and walked into the lobby of the New Brunswick Hyatt where the car rental was, guess who was sitting there waiting for me?

It wasn't Santa

I ended up having to get an upgrade on the vehicle to accommodate the unexpected boxes I was now in possession of, and again to this date they are sitting on my porch untouched and unimportant. But there is a bright side to every story, and my holiday could only improve from there.

I was lucky enough to see both Casey and Becky on Christmas morning, followed by my niece Isabella as the family got together for dinner.
  
I rang in the New Year in Daytona Beach (or more accurately Umatilla, Florida) with my friend Deb and her family and friends, watching Dick Clark slur his way through the countdown.

On the 23rd I was at Madison Square Garden for the first of 11 or 12 sold out shows of Billy Joel, and the 2 1/2 hour show was amazing, as was the company... but that story I hope is the beginning of a long and interesting saga where they all live happily ever after (in a retirement village near Del Boca Vista)

Score 5 points if you get the reference.

If you're ever in Midtown Manhattan and looking for a great place to have dinner for yourself and friends, I highly recommend Tony's Di Napoli - but bring a big appetite. A nice Italian girl is an added bonus.

Vacation coming up at the end of February... if I have a companion the choice will be Alaska for the Fur Rondy festival and the start of the Iditarod. A solo trip might end up in Morocco. As always, pictures and stories will be posted wherever the wind (or is that whim) takes me.

Nov 27th, 2005
Been a busy month... as I'm writing this I'm a bit out of sorts from a 30 hour day that involved waking up in sub-freezing temperatures in Jersey, getting stuck in traffic on the San Bernardino Freeway in the 65 degree weather of Orange County, CA, spending another 2 1/2 hours in the company of Sir Paul McCartney - this time in Las Vegas, winning $20 at the airport and then back to the frigid northeast. I'm planning a page here dedicated to the three tour stops I got to see  when I get around to building it the way I want to.

The trip was my second (or third) visit to Lost Wages in November. My final vacation week of 2005 was from the 5th to the 13th and I split the time into two fun trips... the first was fueled by a suggestion from a friend who mentioned that I never seem to do things domestically lately and should find some interesting place to go here in the states. That turned into 3 days of driving around Arizona, Nevada, and Utah - and seeing some amazing natural beauty. IF last year's November trip through Ohio and Indiana was Americana, then this trip was  Americana 2. Hope you appreciate the photos.

Crossed paths with a different type of natural beauty while out in Vegas... not sure what to make of it other than I'm smart enough to notice a rare find.

The second half of my vacation time was spent down in Florida with good ol' Deb and her daughters... and during that time we were lucky to get to see a different America, (in this case it was the band).  I already knew it was a bad idea to try and fly out of Orlando on a Sunday... but on a "holiday" weekend and a large convention in town just ending?  At least I made it home - somehow.

Bumped into a flight attendant friend who inquired about this year's Christmas Card - and so I'm already starting to gather the music up (very important not to repeat previous years), Watch your mail !

Enough for now... best to all and thanks for stopping by and looking around



NOV 1 2005 - DEVO IS BACK!!! See the "postcard" montage that intro's Beautiful Places... and as I was putting the flash animation together, I got to thinking that maybe my Orange friend was right... some of my photos are worthy of magazine or postcard publication.
Now that we're into November no more Mondays off for me. Saturdays and Sundays, like a normal person. Enjoy visiting the Beautiful World!

October 29, 2023
As some of you know, October has not been a very good month here. The 8 days of rain that New Jersey suffered through brought a few leaks in the roof and a pinch on the wallet... and there is my ongoing battle with the folks at PSE&G about the value of inaccurate "estimated" meter readings (and a harder pinch on the wallet that will some time in the future be returned to me).

On the brighter side of the storm clouds... Effective November 1 I will have new days off from work. After having Sundays and Mondays off for most of the last 7 years or so (by choice) I was stuck with having Saturdays and Sundays off... which will be a bit tougher to travel but will make me more social friendly here at home.

Also start my last week of vacation for the year on Nov. 5 - and thanks to the massive cash outlay of October the odds are that any travel will be at a minimum. After spending the previous 3 full vacations this year in Tahiti, Greece, and Beijing it seems a waste not to get far away... but then I am blessed with a place to go with warm and special people that's a lot closer to home. We'll see.

As for the web page... many (but not all) of the Beijing photos are set up that if you click on them you'll go to the Yahoo Photo Album page for a better view (and higher quality file to download or print). Some time in the future I hope to have all the photos here to do the same... as well as returning Devo's "Beautiful World" music and new Flash Animation to intro the Beautiful Places.

As always, thanks for stopping by and hope you look around while your here

October 2, 2005... yet another long overdue posting
So... what's new? The Flash Animation on the opeining page for starters  For my mom's 65th birthday in early September I took a lot of old photographs, scanned them into the computer, and created a DVD for her. Out of that came the inspiration to re-do the "Beautiful World" opening (promise that the Devo music will return with some menu for the Beautiful Places section soon). The original intro was all based on places, and although scenery is nice, it's peoples that make this a beautiful world.

Beijing was a fascinating experience, and I look forward to returning at some point in the future. I have yet another full week of vacation coming up in November, and as of this posting have no plans. Debating another trip like last November and flying somewhere in the US I've never been and renting a car for a few days and getting on the two lane blacktop (because you don't see nothing on the interstate but interstate).

Got to see Sir James Paul McCartney in concert twice in the last 2 weeks. The second night of his tour was in Tampa - St Pete and my friend Debbie and I attended and had a blast... then somehow a pair of tickets for the first Madison Square Garden show popped up in Ticketmaster and I grabbed them before they vanished. Same exact songlist both nights... but the 63 year old played for 2 1/2 hours.. One day soon I'll maybe put a page up for the details.

Also saw The Turtles (Featuring Mark "Flo" Volman and Howard "Eddie" Kaylan) at the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival on Sept. 25th - even captured the whole show on video (but the DVD creator program is giving me problems syncing up the picture and sound... looks like a bad Japanese monster movie. Guess it's time to buy a good program and not rely on the "preloaded software" trial version of whatever HP put on my system). The show has a page in progress here - and my good friend Richard Barone did another fantastic show at Joe's Pub by Astor Place in the Village on Oct 1

There's a storm brewing up here in Jersey that may be taking it's wrath out on Florida (normally it's the other way around). It's a long story and one that shall not be told until all the facts are in

August 12, 2024 - a LONG overdue posting
It's been one hot miserable summer... until the past week when staffing levels rose a bit, I was pulling down unwanted overtime 4 out of 5 nights a week. Guess the money will come in handy when China rolls around in about 2 weeks.  Working on the language using some CD's, it has not been easy but at least I can come up with "Hello, can you speak English" in Mandarain.

Wow, since the last posting I've done unexpected trips to Switzerland (Zurich and Geneva in a 24 hour chocolate run over Memorial Day weekend) and baseball wanderings to St Louis to watch the Yankees LOSE  and to Seattle where I watched the Mets suffer a loss... and was again at the last stage of the Tour de France in Paris on July 24th. I need to get pages updated here for all these trips.

I also need to find a way to keep updating my thoughts here.

Got an e-mail this morning about somebody thinking my photos and writings were worthy of publication (and when I shared with two others they echoed that opinion)... sometimes the best photos are just point and shoot and hope you get lucky.

Too hot to be working on the computer without A/C, and besides, Brian Wilson is awaiting a few miles down the toll road

May 8, 2024
Been a busy few weeks but wanted to say a few words (yeah, right... a few words turns into War and Peace whenever I get on a roll)

Starting to put a calendar of events together for an interesting summer into fall.... at least the tail end of summer. Looking at spending the week before Labor Day in Beijing, China. A long way to go for take out (wonder how the General Tso's Chicken is). Continental starts flying there in mid June and I'm looking at a 6 day trip. Been reading up on the city and it seems amazing. Also will be so cool to walk a bit atop the Great Wall.

The other full week of vacation is around election day in November, and the plans are leaning towards the sub-continent. Flights to New Delhi, India begin November 1 and again looking at the guidebook has got me intrigued. Just gotta work on what I'll eat (not a big fan of the spicy cuisine)

Musically I have 4 great seats to see the genius of Brian Wilson (he who created the Beach Boys sound) at the PNC Bank Arts Center in early August... and although I got completely shut out of seeing Paul McCartney at Madison Square Garden because all the tickets sold out before they ever went on sale, I will be lucky enough to see date two of the tour down in Tampa with my friend Deb (she of the annoying cell phone calls from the beach rubbing in the fact that it's still chilly here in the northeast)

Hoping to make some quick getaways on weekends to Chicago to see my friend Marty and her lovely family, Sunshine in Florida, a few ball games, and some places in Europe... but times and locales all subject to change

Like this web page is.

Hope all's well by you - and you can use the comment form found in the Beautiful Words - YOUR Beautiful words section

April 17, 2024
I guess eventually this will move over to the "Beautiful Words" page as achieve stuff like the old "From The Editor" and Journal entries.
Over the last week I've put together two Flash intros for the different entrances to the Theme Park of my web site... click above on either Beautiful Music or Beautiful Game to see my handiwork - and if you skipped the Flash intro coming in - that's pretty cool as well so check it out next time. I do have a few ideas for the intros for Beautiful People and Beautiful Words - now I just need the time. Hope you like what you see - and comments are always appreciated

April 10, 2024
Please have patience as I totally rebuild this from the cornerstone back up...
Dave

I guess it was only a matter of time before this happened... as it is with many creative minds there always seems to be a need to keep reinventing - and I guess that's what prompted the changes that are forthcoming on this web page

It was fueled by two things - first was  the new computer, and second was wanting to create a new Flash greeting featuring Devo's "Beautiful World" (something that those of you who chose to skip the intro missed out on). It was a tough call losing Richard Barone's "Within These Walls (reprise)", but I'm going to try and find a location for that - maybe in an intro for the Beautiful Music section.

Returning is the Baseball stuff that was here close to two years ago... as it's a Beautiful Game. In fact - you'll notice all the sections are beautiful in name and hopefully soon will be beautiful in content.

In order to get as much out of my allotted space as possible - one major change is going to be the photos... they'll be smaller but eventually all will link to a Yahoo photo album where you can get a better look - and even print out ones you like.

Be patient, and as always - comments  - your beautiful words - are appreciated.

March 3, 2024

As mentioned in the previous entry, I spent Valentines Day is a place that most would call a paradise, and despite being the rainy season and traveling solo overall French Polynesia was an interesting experience - although if I were to return I would love to share the beauty with another. Even though I've been back for about 2 weeks I'm still working on updating the photos and stories. (now rebuilding them)

The week of March 27th (Easter Sunday) will once again find me on the move - this time the destination is Greece. Planning a 3 day stay in Athens and then two days driving the countryside before returning home on April 2.

Today was my 42nd birthday - I cannot say that I  "celebrated", in fact it was a pretty depressing day overall, and made me question my self value (by the standards one sees mentioned on the original Flash mainpage, which read: The measure on a person's life is the impact it has on other lives). I found myself making a call to a voice from the past out of some warped combination of need and desperation, and although it was truly warming and wonderful to hear the voice there weren't any words that saved the day.

I have always held onto the belief that the scales of life will eventually balance out the good and the bad - now I'm wondering if my scale is defective.

I was sent one of them chain e-mails from a friend a few weeks ago and found some of the items mentioned worthy of sharing (as well as trying to apply to my own world) - Maybe somebody will find a pearl of wisdom among the text

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their
conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love! you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams
don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only
way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer,
smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great
risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others;
and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to
correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your
voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

Have had a song torturing my mind recently, and finally had to do some research and find a copy... it goes back to my college radio days at Brookdale, when the "progressive" format meant you played a little bit of everything mixed together: blues, jazz, country, rock, bluegrass... and there was an album that came out in 1982 by a guy named Russell Smith (found out in my research now that he was the lead singer of the group Amazing Rhythm Aces), and the one was titled "What I Learned From Loving You". He recently re-recorded a pale version, and the original has been out of print for many years, but I lucked out finding an Australian record label that created a "greatest hits" collection of Russell's solo work, and the original version of the song was on it. Perhaps I'll share it via burning some home made CD's - but the words follow and end our entry... after a rhetorical question - we try so hard trying to find out how to fall in love - how do we fall out of love?
Enjoy the words, and wherever life takes you. You can lose money, and get it all back - but you can never get back time - treasure it while you can.


Sometimes I still think of you.
Love that's gone bad and the things I didn't do.
Time heals hearts, so they all say.
Passage of years slowly takes the pain away.
There's still a lot of tenderness in ever little thing I do
Is what I learned from loving you.

Times have changed; I have changed too.
Even my eyes turn a different shade of blue.
I guess that's all from crying they went through
Is what I learned from loving you.

But I had too much to learn to
Hold on to someone like you.
And it took losing you too make me see
The man you needed me to be.

I don't cry, though we're apart.
And someday soon, someone else will need this heart.
And the next time I'm gonna know when love it is true
Is what I learned from loving you.
That's what I learned from loving you.

Feb 12th, 2004


OK, this is LONG overdue but will also be short as I need to get my act together before I go troppo in 36 hours... the photo is from Mardi Gras 2004. I did venture down to the Crescent City on Super Bowl Sunday and had a fun time watching the parades and also was able to watch the game as well (the Sheraton and Marriott on Canal Street were projecting the game on the outer walls of the hotels). Was worn out from the travel and had no energy or desire to go onto Bourbon Street this year... but there is always next!. Photos can be found if you click here.

As if that weren't travel enough for the short month of February... Valentines Day will find me alone in paradise... vacationing in Papeete. (throw that in your Internet search engine and see what you come up with). Promise lots of photos and stories upon my return.

It's Abe Lincoln's Birthday... celebrate by paying everything with $5 bills and pennies. Better than splitting rails and wearing that goofy stovepipe hat.

December 10th, 2004


This is an old picture - dates back to January 1999, and a day trip out to Cleveland to visit the Rock  n  Roll Hall of Fame. Just one of many pictures I'm getting around to scanning into the computer (check out the London and Scotland photos in the Passport.

This was a very rough week. Against every ounce of better judgment I mailed off a Hanukkah package, knowing that the gesture will end up going unacknowledged and unappreciated... but at the same time I would like to be thought of as somebody who would rather do something than not care and do nothing. Character flaw I guess. it was also the final purging of memories that were just my illusions and never reality anyway... the last of the eight  items  was a CD-ROM filled with photographs from the 95,000 miles of traveling, and on the label I titled the collection Photographs and Memories and placed the lyrics to Simon and Grafunkel's "Bookends"

Time it was
And what a time it was
It was
A time of innocence
A time of confidences

Long ago it must be
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They're all that's left you

I don't know... it still amazes me that somebody can just write off another individual like a bad loan after sharing so much time... unless of course they were never really there from the get go.

That was followed up by my trip home from work on Tuesday. Because of yet another night of bad weather and ATC delays I ended up staying an hour later than normal... and by the time I got to where the busses gather in Journal Square it was 12:15 and I  decided to take the bus that leaves me 1 1/2 blocks from the house instead of waiting the 20 minutes for the bus that stops 1/2 block from home.

Won't make that mistake again

Up until this past Tuesday I never had any issues, but this night about 1/2 way down the first block (walking on a sidewalk along a well lit park, and across the street from many row houses) I notice that the shadows seem to have 2 heads - and last time I counted I only have one... I turned to look and there was somebody just about 2 paces behind me...

This guy comes around to my side and kind of bumps into me saying some sort of gibberish that I didn't quite understand, I break away and pick up the pace of my walking to the corner, then run across the street (trying to give the appearance of beating the light)... then although I thought this guy had gone another direction I decided it best to get inside my door as quickly as possible, so I jogged the 1/2 block remaining to the house, up the several small steeps to the door, put the key in the lock, and then my right leg was grabbed from behind and was being stretched and pulled backwards.

I was a victim of an attempted robbery.

The entire struggle must have lasted less than 1/2 a minute, as this thief tried pulling me down the front steps... if he possessed a weapon he opted not to use it.

Now, normally after a day of working in the rain I leave all my rain gear in my locker, but I wasn't thinking when I left the airport, and it may have been the reason my wallet is still in my possession... in order for this guy to reach my wallet, which was in my back pocket, he would have had to gone through both a pair of bib overall rainpants and a knee length rain jacket - and I guess after 30 seconds of making no progress he hightailed it out of the neighborhood.

I did file a report with the Jersey City Police, and although I'm hoping and assuming this may have been a one-off thing there could be somebody else in the neighborhood who'll be a victim. I'm also a bit more alert and aware of my surroundings when I head home...

It's now several days later... the leg is going to hurt for a while, partly because I'm not taking time off from work (and that is part not allowing this incident to change my life)... also the back is a bit sore as well. Hoping things get back to better before the holidays.

Oh, and a deeply sincere thank you to the friends who were there when I needed in the traumatic period immediately following the event. I am blessed with beautiful people in my world.

November 23, 2023



OK, not a very good picture... That's me on my very first trip to Europe, back in June of 1999 in Scotland. It took nearly 5 1/2 years but I finally scanned some prints into the computer and posted them (the Dave's Passport) section. This view was taken from a thumbnail print card that you get with having your APS film developed. Having problems getting reprints made, but hope to one day, as this is one of my favorite pics of me.

Hope those of you using a high speed modem have checked out the fancy new "flash animation" entrance to the web page. It's just an experiment and I hope to get better as I play around a bit more with the software.

It's going to be a rough couple of weeks coming up... the busy season for both retail shopping and airlines, starting with Thanksgiving on Thursday (and to you and yours I wish you all the best wishes for a safe holiday), then all the freight and mail traveling for Christmas before all the people on their winter wonderland vacations. Busy busy busy....

Factor in that Continental announced a few days ago that it was going to have to raise $500 million through salary and benefits concessions from it's workers... very frustrating because a record number of passengers are flying but paying almost nothing to do so - and all the airlines are afraid to raise ticket fares to match the rising cost of fuel. The pay cuts are going to sting a bit, and I hope the industry gets it's act together fast!

Also, it seems lately that I can't seem to do anything right outside of work - and have no clue how to get pointed in a positive direction. I wish it were February already and the holidays were far in the rear view mirror... just a feeling that all will not be well on my end this Yule season.

But, as somebody once said - that's why they play the games... you never know.

November 7, 2023



Well, it was an interesting week, wasn't it? Personally I think the wrong person won when We The People spoke up on Election Day, but now we all have to hope that despite our candidate not winning our voices will be heard  and our concerns will be recognized.

I got to see some of the drama unfold from a unique perspective... being in Ohio for most of the day before Election Day, as the results started coming in, and the following morning when Ohio was finally painted red on the National political map. Just like the rest of the country, the city folk voted one way and the country folk went another.

I still spent my Election day with an absentee ballot already processed and wandering about Ohio and Indiana wearing my Concerts for Change T-Shirt, as you see above as I'm pictured in Huntington, Indiana (home of the Dan Quayle Vice Presidential Museum. You can't make stuff like that up)

I did have an interesting time hunting for small town America during my short vacation, and for those who have looked at Dave's Americana you will see some of the views and stories pop up over the next few days as I get organized.

I did get to try something very odd, and my Pepsi lady has to explain this one to me... Holiday Spice Pepsi (with just a slight hint of nutmeg. I kid you not.)

Today was a very long day... Have been getting messages the past few days about Becky's Pop Warner Cheerleader competition being held at the Soveregin Bank Arena in Trenton on Sunday morning... who can be that peppy at 9 AM on a Sunday is beyond me (and I got quite a bit of amusement from the coaches and their "team spirit"... it's a sad thing when cheerleaders grow old, isn't it?).

In order for one to get from the Jersey City / Bayonne border to Trenton via mass transit by 9 AM Sunday morning one must be out of the house no later than 6 10 AM. Not my best time of day under any circumstances. I got there just in time to see the Panthers do their routine (Becky was one of the girls who got thrown into the air and luckily her teammates caught her).

Have any of you seen the movie "Bring it On"??? (another thing I did for what I thought was love once upon a long ago... and you must really think you love somebody to sit through that movie). Imagine that the movie ran 4 hours non stop with just the cheerleading routines  and with 12 year olds and younger, and you have my Sunday in a nutshell.

but  then again I'd do anything for that little girl.

November 1, 2023



The man on the left of this photo is perhaps one of the greatest businessmen of our times. In 1994 both of us joined Continental Airlines at a point in time where things were bottoming out. The company had gone through 10  CEO's in the prior 10 years and a third bankruptcy was threatening to ground Continental for good.

With basically the same people as a workforce, Gordon Bethune managed to turn the ship around and instead of crashing Continental soared to become the best airline in the United States and one of the best in the world. Due to some unfortunate power struggle between Gordon a few of our board of directors, he is leaving the company at the end of the year (and the board members have resigned in a compromise agreement). On Thursday of last week we had a celebration to say goodbye to Gordon, and I made sure I got a photo and a few words with a man that I have the utmost respect for.

Thank you for all you have done over the 10 years, captain!

While getting in my few words, I asked now that he's not running Continental, what are the odds that you'll run in 2008? (His response was "There are too many things in my past to do that.") If he were running today I'd pull the lever next to his name in a heartbeat. He doesn't know everything, but he'll surround himself with the people who will.

And he did serve in the military... actually serve. Not that fake National Guard (maybe one's past isn't all important when election time comes)

Tomorrow is our Election Day... and knowing I'd be on vacation I did the "absentee" deal... and hoping that all who read this are using their right to vote.

Perhaps this election campaign triggered it... or some emptiness inside - but if you really looked at the "home page" you see the lyrics for Paul Simon's "America". I'm hoping for the next few days to get out and see America at the grass roots level. Two lane blacktop down main streets with no traffic lights. Those little Pink Houses that John Mellencamp sings about or Springsteen's "Hometown"

Hey, I'm a Jersey Shore kid, I know it's Freehold, I was just using it as a metaphor.

I hope to have some interesting tales and photos to share with all on a page that will just be called Dave's Americana.

This time last year I was in Mexico... it was supposed to be Rome, but somebody decided not. Then Hawaii... finally it was the Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, which became just time on the beach... and I paid for somebody else's enjoyment in a thousand ways.

I think this one's about giving me something....

My favorite line from the movies is from Planes, Trains and Automobiles... You don't see nothing on the interstate but interstate. You also miss out on a lot of this land at 37,000 feet.

I'm off to see some of those miles that I've missed.

Oh - if you're in a position of management or are curious about how simple it can be... get this book: From Worst to First: Behind the Scenes of Continental's Remarkable Comeback

October 27, 2023 (added comments October 31)


Back aways I get a note from Cheryl saying something like "I'm not sure I'll ever be a grown-up but I do clean up well..."  and it was that thought that had me taking this slightly blurry self-portrait at the Matawan train station this weekend while I was all dressed up...

It was an eventful weekend, with Becky's birthday party on Saturday, my niece's christening on Sunday (and reason to wear a suit) and then to close it out with one of the Concerts for Change in Lower Manhattan on Monday night (the photos are posted in the "All Access" area.

I was looking forward to spending time with my old friend Richard Barone, one of the many talented artists who performed at the benefit, and we did get to talk a bit and I hope it's not very long before our paths cross in person again. I was also looking forward to seeing Marshall Crenshaw, somebody whom I have met once or twice previously... but I was going to ask him to  autograph one of his rarest records - his first Warner Brothers promotional single (Cynical Girl, with Somebody Like You and a live version of Buddy Holly's "Rave On") but it wasn't until Monday afternoon that I came to the realization that the record was in a garage in Highland Park (hopefully, and not somebody else's treasure via a yard sale or something). An opportunity lost, a reminder that at some point in time I need to relocate things back to where they belong... and I need to work on leaving emotional baggage behind and not clothes and the CD player.

Election day is now less than one week away... and I am sure not one to tell you how to vote, but will remind all that it is important that you do. The only question I hope that each one of you asks when looking in the mirror that morning is: Am I better off now than I was four years ago.

My answer is - I work in the airline industry, which had one airline declare Chapter 11 this week (ATA), two still reorganizing from their trip into bankruptcy (US Airways and United) and another that will join them with $20 Billion in debt unless their pilot's union  agrees to $! billion in concessions soon (Delta). It's an industry that has lost hundreds of thousands of jobs and many who still had a job had to endure significant pay cuts. With fuel costs rising at an alarming rate and plane fares at rock bottom prices the entire airline industry structure is about to collapse, and when it's over it's very possible that 2 of the world's largest 6 airlines may cease to be.

So - I guess you can say that I'm not better off than I was in the fall of 2000.

However, I am in some ways better off at the end of October than I was in April or May... but it has nothing to do with politics and will not affect my choice for Head Honcho.

How 'Bout them RED SOX!!!!!

Anyhow... remember to vote your conscience on November 2 and may the better man win.


October 10, 2024


Once again October is here and the mind turns to baseball as the playoffs are in full swing. Maybe this is the year that the Red Sox finally drive a wooden stake into the heart of the Yankees and kill off those demons that have haunted Fenway Park since 1918.

I've always loved that photo of me and Becky... it's from April 2002  after the Mets beat the Montreal Expos 6 to 4 on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Hard to believe that I only had the opportunity to get to one game this past season (the ill fated Baltimore journey mentioned in a previous entry). Had thought about flying down to Houston today to see Roger Clemens pitch against the Braves, but decided to stay close to home in case better plans became available.

What could be better than baseball?

Blanket forts in the living room... the smell of spiced cider with cloves and cinnamon simmering on the stove... looking up at a ceiling with a colorful rainbow painted upon it... the green of plants in home made macrame holders...

and seeing dreams become a reality in the eyes of a remarkable person.

There comes a time in a person's life when they are in the right place at the right time, for whatever reason. If they're lucky, they realize it and make every second meaningful. I feel like I'm in that zone - that I am right where I should be  at this moment.

I'm sure we've all been guilty of looking into somebody's eyes and thinking "This is the person I'll be with forever"... then forget that it's  a long stretch  of road between here and there. I've had a feeling lately of "I am going to treasure and enjoy every moment I share with this person", and hope those moments fill a whole lot of pages in the calendar.

The past week or so has not been the easiest, but I learned what is important - or maybe I always knew but just understand a bit better.

May the hippie chick inside always remain pure. She is better than one in a million - she's one in a lifetime.

September 30th, 2004




Greetings from a soggy New Jersey.

After a stretch of perhaps 10 perfect days in a row weatherwise we got the remains of Hurricane Jeanne and I have the water in the basement to prove it (but hope to have it pumped out soon)

Was lucky enough to be invited to the New York Renaissance Faire on it's last day by somebody who lived the life for 13 years. It was fun just to stand back a step or two and watch her renew friendships and acquaintances... it is a wonderful sense of community these people all share (or as Cheryl told me, about 90% of them share). I guess all we can hope for in life is that the people we come in contact with think well of us in their memories.

Perhaps I did a good job of that in the past, and am doing a good job of that now. I just feel lucky for the opportunity.

As we wandered through the paths of Sterling Forest and passed various vendors I spotted a person selling cotton candy... which seemed oddly out of place in the surroundings.

It caught my attention because it also reminded me of how much we can learn from cotton candy

Back in June my longtime friend John asked me if I was interested in seeing the Orioles and Giants at Camden Yards on a Sunday afternoon. Not only was I interested but I would bring along somebody else as well.

To save some wear and tear on the person's automobile I rented a car to make the drive down from New Brunswick to Baltimore. On the morning drive we stopped at Mastori's Diner in Bordentown for breakfast which I paid for. My wallet would also grow lighter with the price of the tickets, food for two at the ballpark, filling the tank up on the drive back and the Chinese takeout dinner when we returned. It wasn't a cheap day at the ball game, but if you're having a good time then it doesn't matter at all.

About midway through the game I was stuck on the food line waiting on the slow staff to get an order of chicken fingers together (I already had my food - a BBQ Beef sandwich from Boog's BBQ Pit out in the outfield)... while standing in line I missed Barry Bonds hit a home run. Sucks, but such is life. I once as a kid missed the Mets' Tommie Agee hit a leadoff home run because I was in the bathroom at Shea Stadium in the first inning.

When I finally returned to the seats with food and drink in hand I was told "I couldn't wait until you got back here so when the cotton candy guy came around I got one".

One... not one for each of us... and it was all gone, not I'll share it with you or save you some for when you get back with the other food.

We can learn a lot from cotton candy. I also came to a realization that there is only so much one can do for another without feeling like it makes a difference before it's one time too many.

I have not seen that person since. But then when one door closes, another one opens. If somebody came up to me on August 21st and told me where I'd be now I would have laughed because the prospect would have been out of the realm of possibility... but here I am now, and going to enjoy every moment of  being here.

September 20, 2024



Well, if you're reading this then you know that the web page is undergoing a major renovation, and I do thank you for finding your way through the dust and clutter. There are a few reasons for the changes, for you who choose to view I hope to make the main "pages" load faster by cutting down on image size, then allow you to click onto a photo you like for a better view... and if it's one you really really like then the full screen version also gives you better quality should you choose to copy and save on your own computer.

It also should help keep me off the streets at night as well

For some of the pages (like the Alaska 2004) there will be a few steps backwards before making progress, and a few (like the "Odd Internet" page) may not be moved and restored for quite some time. The first part that I'm concentrating on is the Passport pages, making them easier to use and view. Hopefully somebody will drop a line and let me know if my direction is good or if I need to rethink some things. The customer is always right.

Talked to an old friend the other night, and it was for the first time in too many years... and she said I sounded happy. I guess that's a good thing. There was a point in time (well, most of the summer) that I wasn't too impressed with the picture I saw off in the horizon for me. Now I have a better idea of what's out there ahead... anything and everything. You just have to keep your eyes and mind open and be patient -  it's amazing what can happen.

Relationships are hard, especially if you're out of practice. I spent too much time alone before the last one, and then went from 0 to 100 miles an hour right out of the gate, and by doing so missed every obvious sign that I was not with the person I thought I was with... signs right from day one. After a lot of time, travel, money, and frustration I learned the lesson the hard way. It's also hard after going through the whole experience to be trusting enough to do it again... but if you're lucky to find the right person, and patient enough to build the foundation one stone at a time, then you may create something that will stand strong and weather the storms of life.

I think I may be one of those lucky ones... time will tell, and I'm in no hurry to know the answers.

September 12, 2024



Hi all

Wish I had a picture that would go along with this entry, but I lost my camera on the bus this past week (and boy, do I wish I had it today) so you'll have to put up with another photo from Alaska. Funny about the camera - I'm being philosophical about it in two ways... one is that I lost it Monday night going out when I know I shouldn't have and paid the price for my error in judgment, and the other is that over the past few months I've been seriously thinking about replacing the camera with a better one (and one that wasn't a gift) and fate has made the decision for me. The only good thing is that all the Alaska photos were saved on my hard drive before the unfortunate event.

For the first time in too long I watched Forest Gump the other evening... got as far as the Viet Nam rally in DC before I needed to call it a night, but the last scene I watched just hit home, when Jenny asks "Why are you so good to me, Forest?" and his reply is "Because you're my girl."  That is reason enough... and it's so simple but we always have to complicate things by assuming the motive. Too bad.

Over some period of time... the last year, the last few years, the last decade... who knows really how long - I've felt lost. I've forgotten about the simple things that make life wonderful. Relationships flashed across the sky like a comet then as quickly as the came they had faded into memory, but I kept my eyes glued to the skies hoping the light would return... and it never did. Never had any intention of coming back, and when I finally came to my senses I was alone in the dark.

Today, for the first time in a very long time I saw a reflection of myself that I really liked, in the eyes of somebody who reminded me of a lot of the good that is all around this world we live in... and even more touching was the reflection of love that I saw in those same eyes for another very special person... and I'm hoping that I'm lucky enough to be a part of whatever happens.

There's a special lady in Norfolk that because of work we became in contact and things just clicked... and there is another special person in Oregon that once upon a long ago shared a workplace in the banking world with me and seemed like the twin I never knew about... it happens so rarely that you just connect with somebody in such a magical way. Today I had some of those same feelings, and I'm looking forward to the words on the next page of the story.

Tell me again about my eyes...

And for Logan... you're going to teach a lot more people about things than you'll learn from them. If they're smart they'll pay attention during the lessons and be much better for the experience. Sometimes what one sees is relative to how one looks. Lines were not invented to hold the colors of life captive within borders and those outside the box have the ability to let there imagination go everywhere. You're a handful, kid, but there will always be hands to hold you...

we need to stop before they bring a string section to play melodramatic music under my words...

September 6, 2024




It's good to be back home...
Alaska was an adventure, and hoping to get all the photos and stories posted online within the next few days... so keep looking - I hope my pictures due the trip justice.

This was the first non-solo trip I have taken in over 2 1/2 years without my designated "travel companion", and it made me realize something... the position is available. Looking for somebody who has a sense of adventure and a bit of a free spirit... a valid passport, and somebody who sees me more as  a person they want to spend and enjoy time with and not as a free ticket. Due to regulations and restrictions the position cannot become full time until January 1, 2024 but through the miracle of the "buddy pass" I guess a trial can be arranged.

Well... maybe I'm not really looking.

The last time (and only time) I designated a travel companion, I did so too soon and for the best of reasons that in retrospect was not the thing to do. Went to meet somebody I once knew in a better place and time on February 4th, and 3 weeks later we're on a plane to Rome together. What's the song title, "Fools Rush In"? Guilty as charged.

During the length of the contract, the other party was able to visit California and Florida on their own, and also ended up crossing the pond 8 times, always first class and always on me and my  generosity. That is how I've always been and in some ways always hope to be... maybe a bit wiser but still giving all for the right person (or people). Some times the other expenses of the trips were shared, a few times they were all out of my pocket... and none of that would have mattered if the effort was appreciated.

When I was in the process of transferring this page from it's original Our World host over to Geocities, I came across some journal pages that I had forgotten about and had not updated or added to since June of 2003... as I read through all the words and emotions I came across  a bit about a trip to Shannon, Ireland that was a "birthday present" that did a wonderful job of giving me  an interesting perspective on things.


There was a few moments that I wanted captured on film, either still picture or video... One was having a Guinness in a pub (especially since I don't drink), the other was driving from the right side of the car and on the left side of the road. Neither of these I could accomplish on my own - and I think a minor price of inconvenience for all that I did for the trip... but got no co-operation on this... and I know the concept may seem silly to others (including the one I brought with me), but I really don't ask for much and it would have been nice, and captured a part of the trip that I always want to remember.

When I originally wrote those words, the reaction I got was that I was making somebody out to look like a "cold hearted bitch" (and those were her words, not mine)... My words were just me regretting a lost opportunity to capture a moment that may never come around again, but instead of seeing that, somebody was more concerned about how they appeared in the reflection... and for me it was a lesson learned the hard way...

and not right away

You know, I do have a few good friends that will fill the position of Travel Companion quite well on a temporary basis (although Continental requires a year commitment by me to that one designated person), including the person who I originally promised the job - had I filled out the paperwork in a timely fashion in the beginning of 2002 who knows how much of the last 2 1/2 years would have been different. Don't get me wrong and think that I did not enjoy the travel or the company. I did - more than anybody cares to know... but time allows us to change and also see things as they are instead of how we'd like them to be.

Sometimes the best things in life some from the places you'd never think to look and at the time you least expect it. Perhaps the new travel companion has already entered into the radar... but this time I'll take the time to do it right. It will be worth it.

Oh, and thanks to the person on the other end of the phone when I called from Alaska in moments of frustration... the voice from 4,000 miles away almost was like you were there. Maybe the next time.

And on that... I need to get some rest or I;will write more stupid stuff I'll regret

August 29th, 2004




It's hard to imagine that it's been 5 years since this photo was taken, and that Becky and Casey were in Alaska... and as I type this we are just a few hours away from making a return trip up north. It's been an interesting adventure planning and re-planning the trip, as because of a last minute change to our days off (thank you Continental Staff planning, he said with sarcasm) we will only be able to stay with my Aunt Dee and Uncle Mel for the first and last of our six nights as they have committed to having other guests. Should make for an interesting adventure to say the least... and I promise the whole story and lots of pictures when we return.

I also chose this photo because it has their Grandfather in it... Ludwig Rucinski Sr. celebrated his 80th birthday this past Sunday (the 22nd), and I was lucky to be considered "family" to be an invited guest to the party. It seems like every other family member was there, and it was really great to see them all - almost all of whom I had not seen since the memorial service for the kids' grandmother (Dayna's mom) nearly 2 autumns ago. It's always great to see the kids' cousins, Nicki, Kevin, and Logan - as they change so much when you only see them occasionally. It's also good to see Dayna's father and two sisters as well. A regret from years ago is that I never really spent the time around her family that hindsight says I should have. I only hope that when paths cross that they think well of me, that I always gave them reason to think well of me.

I kind of get the feeling one of them does... and the feelings are mutual.

 It's rare in this world that you come across people who understand that the key to the big picture is very simple and that most people screw their lives up by making things complicated. Making mega bucks means nothing if you're not taking the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. People who always put off that dream vacation often leave this world with dreams unfulfilled. You only get one trip during life (unless you're Shirley MacLaine), and you never know when the grim reaper is gonna pull the rug out from under your feet. Sometimes people are described as being simple, as some sort of insult... but as I mentioned to somebody this week, wisdom comes in many forms... and without the dreamers in this world there would never be a happy ending. I started to lose sight of that over the past few months...

whoa - I must be tired - later when I'm alert I'm going to read over this and cringe.


One more bit before we pack our bags and fly away... I have - for some reason - heard a lot of opinions about how to raise a 3 year old child with a bit of a hyper streak... the problem can be solved with full day day-care or with medication or strict military school. All easy solutions for the modern society. I'm reminded of a holy terror named Rebecca about 9 years ago... in the height of her "terrible twos" and hated me with a passion, and I hate to say that she wasn't my favorite person in the world. Then something magical happened - Casey started to go to pre-school and Becky and I were alone together every morning for a few hours. Just the two of us, one on one. During that alone time she became an angel and wrapped me around her little finger. When given the opportunity to find easier solutions to the problem, the mother of the 3 year old hyper kid chose to take a leave of absence and spend the one on one quality time that somewhere down the line will make a major difference in both their lives.

The simple solution... and it works.

It has been a bad summer, but I'm looking forward to a colorful fall, using every crayon in the box and not caring if things stay inside the lines. The best things in life come from the heart and not ordered off the Internet using a major credit card. And the biggest fool is not the one who follows their heart to have it broken, but the one who is given love and squanders it for less worthy pursuits.

Like the last message, I'd rather be at Laico's, but now with a table for two  (Chuck E Cheese works as well, but that's for 3 or more)

And anywhere but Baltimore...

Aug. 19th, 2004


Well, was expecting to see the keyboard before the electric guitar, but some times things don't go as planned... Yep, the Fender Squire Stratocaster electric finally arrived from Sam Ash Music the other day, and I've spent some time strumming' after work the past few nights... I mean, what fun is getting a box to open then just letting the toy sit there. Good thing it's a small amp or I'd really bug the neighbors.

Was hoping to be on a plane heading out to Alaska on the 23rd, but some times things don't go according to plan. Due to a scheduling screwup with the Continental staff planning peoples I now get to fly north on the 29th... which in the long run works out so much better. Smash Mouth is scheduled to play at the Alaska State Fair on Sept 3, we just may get to see that show. The kids are cool with the delay and it will not affect their school schedule.

I sure hope things don't come down to me needing to label friends "Deb 1" and "Deb 2"... reminds me of the dorm days of some friends... Jeannine, Jean, and Jean Marie all were room mates. You just can't make things like that up. Anyway, Jersey Deb has been helping me explore the wonderful world of text messaging on the phone. She could also be Florida Deb as she keeps going down there to Sarasota for training stuff, but real Florida Deb is in between Daytona and Orlando and was going to be the back up Alaska traveler if the kids couldn't make it (and still seeing if there is a way to bring everybody along for the ride). I just hope I don't gather any more friends named Deb in my life any time soon... I confuse easily.

So now I have the 20' flat screen TV, the VCR and DVD players, the acoustic guitar and electric guitar as well as the portable 4 track recorder... guess it gives me more reasons to want to be here instead of elsewhere...

but on the whole, I'd rater be at Laico's

August 15th, 2004



Hi again.

As I write this, we are just a week away from a trip back up North - and with Casey and Becky along it will be a wonderful time in Alaska. Hoping to get to a few places that I have not been to in nearly 15 years, like up north of Talkeetna towards Denali National Park / Mount McKinley, and down the Kenai Penisula on the Sterling Highway towards Kenai and Homer. Both kids seem to be getting excited about the trip, I can't ask for a better way to end the summer.

It has been one wet and wild season here in New Jersey, and just a lot of bad nights at the airport with delays and stuff. In July, Continental's Terminal A operation, which handles flights to and from Chicago, Dallas - Fort Worth and Atlanta had 27 out of 31 days be in an irregular operation. If Chicago didn't have delays, then Atlanta did... or Newark did... and I ended up with a lot of overtime that I didn't ask for or want.

Got an e-mail saying that I'm getting another instrument from Sam Ash - probably the keyboard as when I called them a few weeks ago they told me the electric guitar was still on back order. Looking forward to having the time to play with all these thin