Almost Thanksgiving...but I am giving thanks every day

I announced that I would be working in Tajikistan in December and my talented friend, Ed McGraw sent this guy to demonstrate exactly how I will create a co-op distribution system for the Tajik media companies! It would appear that I will need a fleet of these guys to get the job done.

I am looking forward to visiting this part of the world but the timing is very, very poor. Today and yesterday were spent baking bread to take to Atlanta for Thanksgiving with Richard's mom, sister and brothers who are flying in for a family visit. Mom is now 93 and Annie and I will cook for our men folk who, most likely, will be watching football.

So, I get home from Atlanta and leave for two weeks of work on the other side of the world and then am left off at midnight at the Detroit airport and then I begin Christmas. We are looking forward to the birth and baptism of our sixth grandchild and lots of laughs with the kids. Just hoping that everything gets to Michigan with Richard and Alex and that I also make it back on time. Kristin was told to keep her legs closed tightly!!

Somehow, I have to get spiced nuts made and distributed to family and friends before I leave Florida after Thanksgiving. Friends in the neighborhood and at The News-Press have delivered last year's containers to be refilled this year and have sent notes reminding me of my holiday responsibilities. Much to do and little time to get it done in...love it!!

Not wandering!

I am totally stressed that I have been to no foreign country in about six weeks now. Am shortly off to Tajikistan to work there for two weeks and this will be my first foray into that part of the world...google Tajikistan and check it out. Photos and updates will be forthcoming.

I was awakened, well, made to get up at 6:45 a.m. (I know, late for me!) because I received a phone call from Dushanbe in Tajikistan. I had been lazily lying next to Chica thinking about the day and what needed to be done. I needed a letter from them so I can apply for my Tajik visa....got it.

Recently, I have been working for the US Census Bureau in Punta Gorda, about 15 miles from our home here in N. Fort Myers. This week, for the first time ever in my life, I am working an 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. shift and I am just reminded that I know myself...I am, and always will be a morning person. I don't like having to think in the evening...that is time to relax and sip a nice glass of red wine.

With Richard hunting, Alex and I are sharing a car which is a tad difficult but we are working it out and he has really stepped up to help around the house, which is greatly appreciated.

More later.

November...and the beginning of winter.

Fall has arrived here in Ft. Myers....hotter than hell although we hear that the rest of the country is experiencing the advent of winter. I woke up to this sight this morning...well, I looked out at 7 a.m. and saw this. The dogs had been out earlier, daylight occured and here we are. A flock of birds, pecking and clacking away in our front yard.

I am working for the US census bureau which is tedious and tiresome to say the least. I was told today that government workers don't ask for more work...they wait until they are told by their boss what to do and when to do it! And this, from a 20 year old who cannot organize paper on his desk. We were to have busy phones today with people calling in to register for testing at various sites we set up last week. I suggested that we could schedule people if only we had a list of all the test sites, dates and times. Novel. I am not a good candidate for government work.

And then, I am talking with someone in Tajikistan about working there for a couple of weeks in December. Hoping that all works out and was told that I will be interviewing for some work in Afghanistan some time this week. Hope so.


Alex went to Tally today to see if he could get his probation cancelled. The DA decided no...it was early and not half way through his probation but he had his hopes up. He did very well travelling by car by himself both ways. Momma was worried but he did well.

Richard is hunting but it doesn't sound like he is killing as much as usual...going into deer hunting in another week so hope that goes well for him.