We lost a friend and colleague.
There has been a sad undertone at work with this week with the passing of one of our colleagues. Back in September Patricia underwent minor surgery to remove several lumps from her breast. Approximately a week after surgery she went to the emergency room because she was feeling so poorly and her surgeon felt that it was not related to the procedure she'd had. More tests were run and the result was cancer in the liver which usually shows up secondary to cancer elsewhere in the body. The prognosis was terminal in 5-11 months with chemotherapy only to ease the symptoms of the cancer.
In 2005 Patricia received her Master's Degree at the age of 63. It had been a longtime goal of hers to come work at the agency where I work and when she inquired about work with only a Bachelor's Degree and was told she'd need a Master's, she went back to school. She was hired by the crisis intervention program on a per diem basis in January 2006 and moved up to full time in January 2007. Since crisis work is 24/7, crisis clinicians are expected to work their share of evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays. Patricia did all this without ever a complaint.
She was a kind and caring lady with a pleasant demeanor. Her work week started with a 3pm-11pm shift on Monday and every week when she arrived for her shift she always took time to stop and say hello to me and inquire how things were going. She was an adventurer and often told stories of her hikes on and around her property in G'ville. Her sense of humor was appreciated by all and she had a way of delivering a well time story to make her colleagues laugh.
Patricia is already greatly missed. Her strength, courage and kind ways will be carried on by all she touched. Farewell Patricia. Thanks for making our world a better place.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Kindness
Ark: one Act of Random Kindness.
We just finished watching the movie "Evan Almighty" and I was inspired to tell about our random act of kindness today.
Around five o'clock, Dan and I headed out to the grocery store. It had started to rain and the weather predictions were for the near freezing temperatures to rise as the day went on. There were some slippery spots in the yard but the sand truck had been by and the road seemed fine so we decided to go. We were heading to Granby so went straight down the hill. Although there were a few slick spots the road was well sanded so it still seemed okay to make our voyage. When we got down on the flat, untreated, road we soon found out there were more than a few slick spots.
As we came around a slight corner before a sharper blind corner we both saw something in the road. Although the road was icy, Dan was able to stop the truck a safe distance away. What was in the road was a truck pulling a small trailer with a jet ski on it. The truck was in the oncoming lane and when he hit the ice he jack knifed the jet ski trailer across the road. So now this guy's truck and trailer are across the road and any oncoming traffic would have to come around a blind corner before they could see what was in the road. And not just in the road, in an icy road. As we sat there for a few seconds trying to decided what to do, a truck did come around the blind corner on the other side of incident.
Now mind you not only are the truck and trailer across the road but the two occupants of the truck are out of the vehicle standing on either side of the trailer. I knew the second truck was not going to be able to stop but thankfully the driver did the best thing he could. He managed to steer his truck into the guardrail and completely avoided the truck and trailer in the middle of the road. A third truck came around the blind corner too and that truck went into the embankment on the other side of the road.
At this point, Dan manged to turn his truck around and we went back up the road to a straight stretch where he could pull off the road and signal people to slow down. As we got off the road a truck rather hurriedly pulled out to pass us. It was the truck with the jet ski on the trailer. He blew past us and went on down the road. A few minutes later a truck pulled off the road behind us. It was the guy that hit the guardrail. The truck that had caused the whole problem, although the roads were icy, just took off from the scene. Since Dan and I had seen the whole thing, we offered to stay with the guy and his damaged truck until the police could arrive.
It took the police 30-45 minutes to arrive because there were multiple other accidents that had happened in both directions from where we were. We gave our names and offered to give statements but the police said it wouldn't be necessary. Unfortunately, although I could give many details about the truck and trailer, the one thing I didn't notice was the license plate. With the road conditions it technically wasn't the truck/trailer guy's fault, but if you caused an accident no matter the circumstances wouldn't you stay? Unless of course you had reason to avoid the police.
Anyway, to make a long story longer, it may or may not make any difference for the guy with the damage to his truck that we stayed but at least we could offer support. He was upset about his truck but was more shaken by what the three of us knew was the truth. If he hadn't steered into the guardrail he would have most likely seriously injured, if not killed, the guys in the road.
So that was our one random act of kindness for the day. I have another story for another day about an act of kindness this week that wasn't so random. Stayed tuned!
We just finished watching the movie "Evan Almighty" and I was inspired to tell about our random act of kindness today.
Around five o'clock, Dan and I headed out to the grocery store. It had started to rain and the weather predictions were for the near freezing temperatures to rise as the day went on. There were some slippery spots in the yard but the sand truck had been by and the road seemed fine so we decided to go. We were heading to Granby so went straight down the hill. Although there were a few slick spots the road was well sanded so it still seemed okay to make our voyage. When we got down on the flat, untreated, road we soon found out there were more than a few slick spots.
As we came around a slight corner before a sharper blind corner we both saw something in the road. Although the road was icy, Dan was able to stop the truck a safe distance away. What was in the road was a truck pulling a small trailer with a jet ski on it. The truck was in the oncoming lane and when he hit the ice he jack knifed the jet ski trailer across the road. So now this guy's truck and trailer are across the road and any oncoming traffic would have to come around a blind corner before they could see what was in the road. And not just in the road, in an icy road. As we sat there for a few seconds trying to decided what to do, a truck did come around the blind corner on the other side of incident.
Now mind you not only are the truck and trailer across the road but the two occupants of the truck are out of the vehicle standing on either side of the trailer. I knew the second truck was not going to be able to stop but thankfully the driver did the best thing he could. He managed to steer his truck into the guardrail and completely avoided the truck and trailer in the middle of the road. A third truck came around the blind corner too and that truck went into the embankment on the other side of the road.
At this point, Dan manged to turn his truck around and we went back up the road to a straight stretch where he could pull off the road and signal people to slow down. As we got off the road a truck rather hurriedly pulled out to pass us. It was the truck with the jet ski on the trailer. He blew past us and went on down the road. A few minutes later a truck pulled off the road behind us. It was the guy that hit the guardrail. The truck that had caused the whole problem, although the roads were icy, just took off from the scene. Since Dan and I had seen the whole thing, we offered to stay with the guy and his damaged truck until the police could arrive.
It took the police 30-45 minutes to arrive because there were multiple other accidents that had happened in both directions from where we were. We gave our names and offered to give statements but the police said it wouldn't be necessary. Unfortunately, although I could give many details about the truck and trailer, the one thing I didn't notice was the license plate. With the road conditions it technically wasn't the truck/trailer guy's fault, but if you caused an accident no matter the circumstances wouldn't you stay? Unless of course you had reason to avoid the police.
Anyway, to make a long story longer, it may or may not make any difference for the guy with the damage to his truck that we stayed but at least we could offer support. He was upset about his truck but was more shaken by what the three of us knew was the truth. If he hadn't steered into the guardrail he would have most likely seriously injured, if not killed, the guys in the road.
So that was our one random act of kindness for the day. I have another story for another day about an act of kindness this week that wasn't so random. Stayed tuned!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Soapbox Again
Two thoughts about health care reform:
1. If the proposed reform is so great then why do the politicians in Washington, supposedly representing the people of their states, have some other elite health care plan.
2. If anyone in this country deserves elite health care it is our veterans who have fought and are fighting for our freedom instead of the poor health care that is provided to them now.
1. If the proposed reform is so great then why do the politicians in Washington, supposedly representing the people of their states, have some other elite health care plan.
2. If anyone in this country deserves elite health care it is our veterans who have fought and are fighting for our freedom instead of the poor health care that is provided to them now.
Friday, January 15, 2010
End of the Week
Cloudy Friday; is it five yet?
As I sit here trying to stay focused on work while I wait for five o'clock to arrive, I am thankful that it is almost the weekend. This week has been spent enduring the lasting effects of my previously mentioned cold. It has been near torture having to get up each morning this week for work and I'm looking forward to a few days reprieve. The weather this weekend is supposed to be milder than it's been and that means we might actually get out and walk Jak. He needs the exercise as much as I do at this point in the season. The above freezing temps will give way to wet snow by Sunday evening. They won't predict accumulations yet, just saying wet "slop." Thankfully, Monday is a holiday for us so no matter how much slop we get, we won't have to face a Monday morning commute in it. Stay tuned for a detailed weather report, after the weather happens!
As I sit here trying to stay focused on work while I wait for five o'clock to arrive, I am thankful that it is almost the weekend. This week has been spent enduring the lasting effects of my previously mentioned cold. It has been near torture having to get up each morning this week for work and I'm looking forward to a few days reprieve. The weather this weekend is supposed to be milder than it's been and that means we might actually get out and walk Jak. He needs the exercise as much as I do at this point in the season. The above freezing temps will give way to wet snow by Sunday evening. They won't predict accumulations yet, just saying wet "slop." Thankfully, Monday is a holiday for us so no matter how much slop we get, we won't have to face a Monday morning commute in it. Stay tuned for a detailed weather report, after the weather happens!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
It's Not Prince Spaghetti Day
It's spag din night, woo hoo!
Well, I almost made my goal of 12 twelve blogs in 12 days. When I went back to work on Monday still fighting a cold, what little leftover ambition I had quickly disintegrated. I think I made it 10 days so I'll consider it a small victory since it had been weeks or more between my blogs for a while.
Today is the second Wednesday of the month which means it's Spaghetti Dinner night! Spaghetti Dinner has been shortened to Spag Din to make it easier to chant - spag din, spag din, spag din! Last month for the first time ever they were selling quarts of the spaghetti sauce to take home. Of course we indulged and have had several pseudo spag din nights in the meantime. To make it as authentic as possible, I even skimped on the sauce when I was serving Dan's. Each month when I get my spaghetti I always smile and tell the old gent to load it up with sauce. And each month I get the biggest portion. Dan, Dad and Lois all end up with average size portions. What can I say, the old guy likes me!
My cold is getting a little better each day so I might even be able to taste spag din tonight. The weather is calling for days with above freezing temps right through the weekend. I hope things are warming up in the rest of the country (and England!) as well!
Well, I almost made my goal of 12 twelve blogs in 12 days. When I went back to work on Monday still fighting a cold, what little leftover ambition I had quickly disintegrated. I think I made it 10 days so I'll consider it a small victory since it had been weeks or more between my blogs for a while.
Today is the second Wednesday of the month which means it's Spaghetti Dinner night! Spaghetti Dinner has been shortened to Spag Din to make it easier to chant - spag din, spag din, spag din! Last month for the first time ever they were selling quarts of the spaghetti sauce to take home. Of course we indulged and have had several pseudo spag din nights in the meantime. To make it as authentic as possible, I even skimped on the sauce when I was serving Dan's. Each month when I get my spaghetti I always smile and tell the old gent to load it up with sauce. And each month I get the biggest portion. Dan, Dad and Lois all end up with average size portions. What can I say, the old guy likes me!
My cold is getting a little better each day so I might even be able to taste spag din tonight. The weather is calling for days with above freezing temps right through the weekend. I hope things are warming up in the rest of the country (and England!) as well!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday Football
It's the curse of the Bambino.
It is my belief that the alleged curse of Babe Ruth that kept the Red Sox from winning a world series expands to all sports in New England. Or at least it is the reason I use when a New England team doesn't do well at the end of the season. The Bambino has plagued the Revolution since their existence, not having won any championships. The Red Sox got knocked out of the playoffs last season and today the Patriots were knocked out of the playoffs at home. Okay so the Revvies have only existed for ten years and the Red Sox and Patriots each won championships a few seasons ago which in all cases is not even close to 86 years. But from my point of view it's far easier to just say it's the curse of the Bambino when a New England team loses its run for championship then to actually analyze what really happened.
It is my belief that the alleged curse of Babe Ruth that kept the Red Sox from winning a world series expands to all sports in New England. Or at least it is the reason I use when a New England team doesn't do well at the end of the season. The Bambino has plagued the Revolution since their existence, not having won any championships. The Red Sox got knocked out of the playoffs last season and today the Patriots were knocked out of the playoffs at home. Okay so the Revvies have only existed for ten years and the Red Sox and Patriots each won championships a few seasons ago which in all cases is not even close to 86 years. But from my point of view it's far easier to just say it's the curse of the Bambino when a New England team loses its run for championship then to actually analyze what really happened.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Winter Woes
I'm feeling too blah to blog.
The majority of my day has been spent on the couch blowing my nose, sneezing, with my eyes watering. I made it as far as the drug store to try to find some relief from my symptoms. While I searched for anything that would help or at least knock me out for a while I encountered multiple other people in the same aisle looking for the same thing. Oh well, tis the season I guess.
The majority of my day has been spent on the couch blowing my nose, sneezing, with my eyes watering. I made it as far as the drug store to try to find some relief from my symptoms. While I searched for anything that would help or at least knock me out for a while I encountered multiple other people in the same aisle looking for the same thing. Oh well, tis the season I guess.
Friday, January 8, 2010
He Called It
Agreed to co-president for another term.
As I was afraid might be the case, candidates to step up and take the presidency were few and far between. Although it was flattering to be commended for being a good president I truly was not seeking reelection. Since all members were in attendance at the meeting last night we were able to make decisions that might otherwise be put off until all members could be notified. I was willing to be vice president to another member. Another member was willing to be vice president to me. And then someone suggested us being co-presidents. Since this is an unprecedented concept in auxiliary history all members would have to agree. As no one else wanted the position, all were in agreement. I think it will work out fine this way. From what I can tell the co-president and I have an equal lack of enthusiasm (or maybe I should say level of enthusiasm) for the position to make things run smoothly.
As far as the title of my blog, well even though I spent weeks telling Dan I was done as president he had a sneaking suspicion that I would end up caving and was supportive of whatever decision I would end up making. Thanks for the support and for being understanding!
As I was afraid might be the case, candidates to step up and take the presidency were few and far between. Although it was flattering to be commended for being a good president I truly was not seeking reelection. Since all members were in attendance at the meeting last night we were able to make decisions that might otherwise be put off until all members could be notified. I was willing to be vice president to another member. Another member was willing to be vice president to me. And then someone suggested us being co-presidents. Since this is an unprecedented concept in auxiliary history all members would have to agree. As no one else wanted the position, all were in agreement. I think it will work out fine this way. From what I can tell the co-president and I have an equal lack of enthusiasm (or maybe I should say level of enthusiasm) for the position to make things run smoothly.
As far as the title of my blog, well even though I spent weeks telling Dan I was done as president he had a sneaking suspicion that I would end up caving and was supportive of whatever decision I would end up making. Thanks for the support and for being understanding!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Lame Duck
My two year term is up!
Tonight at our FD Auxiliary meeting we will be nominating new officers, thus my term as President inches ever so close to being done. I am a self proclaimed lame duck because I am not seeking another term and will decline any such nominations. Being president has been okay. Actually the biggest problem I had with it is that I'm a very responsible person and therefore was committed to doing my best for the group. And now I'm at a point in my life where I want to be less committed to the organization. My biggest fear is that no one else will want the office and then I'm not sure what will happen. Surely there must be at least one or two members that yearn for the prestige of being called president. And whoever wants it, has my vote!
Tonight at our FD Auxiliary meeting we will be nominating new officers, thus my term as President inches ever so close to being done. I am a self proclaimed lame duck because I am not seeking another term and will decline any such nominations. Being president has been okay. Actually the biggest problem I had with it is that I'm a very responsible person and therefore was committed to doing my best for the group. And now I'm at a point in my life where I want to be less committed to the organization. My biggest fear is that no one else will want the office and then I'm not sure what will happen. Surely there must be at least one or two members that yearn for the prestige of being called president. And whoever wants it, has my vote!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 5
Almost let my blog slide today.
If it wasn't for some encouragement from Dan, this blog would not be written. Yes, after only five days I was already willing to slack for a day. I can't really think of anything particularly interesting that happened today. I talked to my dad this evening and I'm sure everyone will be glad to know that Big Mo has heat again. A plugged heater core was the culprit. You might remember Big Mo from a previous blog entry.
From the entries on Facebook today, it sounds like a lot of people are experiencing abnormal winter weather. Stay warm down south and happy shoveling in England!
If it wasn't for some encouragement from Dan, this blog would not be written. Yes, after only five days I was already willing to slack for a day. I can't really think of anything particularly interesting that happened today. I talked to my dad this evening and I'm sure everyone will be glad to know that Big Mo has heat again. A plugged heater core was the culprit. You might remember Big Mo from a previous blog entry.
From the entries on Facebook today, it sounds like a lot of people are experiencing abnormal winter weather. Stay warm down south and happy shoveling in England!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Finding Good
There are good people out there.
Most days it seems everywhere you turn there are unhappy, angry, frustrated people just waiting to ooze their negativity on you. But every once in a while you have a day when the good shines through and for me today is one of those days.
This morning on my way to work I ended up behind a pickup truck towing a small trailer. The truck was only going 30 mph which was slower than I had planned on going but I always figure there must be a reason you end up behind a slow vehicle. After following the truck a short distance we came across a discarded Christmas tree in the on coming lane that a car was trying to squeak around. The truck in front of me put on its blinker and slowed to a stop by the tree. An older gentleman got out of the truck, walked over, picked up the tree, threw it on his trailer and then got back in the truck and went on his way.
I know in the grand scheme of things removing a small tree from the roadway doesn't seem like a lot. However I believe that it's a culmination of small good deeds that make the world a better place. How many would have (and probably did) drive by that tree and not pick it up? It wasn't even in this gentleman's way but he took a minute out of his day to do other drivers on the road a small courtesy. And that small courtesy did my heart a world of good on this cold winter's day.
Most days it seems everywhere you turn there are unhappy, angry, frustrated people just waiting to ooze their negativity on you. But every once in a while you have a day when the good shines through and for me today is one of those days.
This morning on my way to work I ended up behind a pickup truck towing a small trailer. The truck was only going 30 mph which was slower than I had planned on going but I always figure there must be a reason you end up behind a slow vehicle. After following the truck a short distance we came across a discarded Christmas tree in the on coming lane that a car was trying to squeak around. The truck in front of me put on its blinker and slowed to a stop by the tree. An older gentleman got out of the truck, walked over, picked up the tree, threw it on his trailer and then got back in the truck and went on his way.
I know in the grand scheme of things removing a small tree from the roadway doesn't seem like a lot. However I believe that it's a culmination of small good deeds that make the world a better place. How many would have (and probably did) drive by that tree and not pick it up? It wasn't even in this gentleman's way but he took a minute out of his day to do other drivers on the road a small courtesy. And that small courtesy did my heart a world of good on this cold winter's day.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Need to Write More
Thinking about taking a writing class.
Recently I've had a recurring thought in my head: I need to write more. Perhaps this is do to my lack of blogging. I've done some brief research online of writing classes that are out there. I looked on the local community college website but it's too late to sign up for the upcoming semester. I did find a couple of free online courses in creative writing which seems to have some appeal. The thing is I'm just not sure I still have the discipline necessary to commit to being a student again, even for one class. So maybe that means a free online course that can be accessed at my discretion is the way to go. And if I do, you might just see some of the assignments appear write (haha!) here!
Recently I've had a recurring thought in my head: I need to write more. Perhaps this is do to my lack of blogging. I've done some brief research online of writing classes that are out there. I looked on the local community college website but it's too late to sign up for the upcoming semester. I did find a couple of free online courses in creative writing which seems to have some appeal. The thing is I'm just not sure I still have the discipline necessary to commit to being a student again, even for one class. So maybe that means a free online course that can be accessed at my discretion is the way to go. And if I do, you might just see some of the assignments appear write (haha!) here!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Another Cold Day
Just the day for a Snuggie!
As the furnace works hard to recover from a cold winter's night it strikes me that a Snuggie might be just the ticket on a day like today. Unfortunately I am not the proud owner of such a fine invention so multiple layers will have to suffice. The wind advisory is only till noon so hopefully, hopefully the afternoon will be slightly more bearable. I don't think we got the four inches that the weatherman predicted but it is hard to tell because of the wind. When I let Jak out this morning it was snowing horizontally instead of vertically. Glad I didn't have to venture out any farther than opening the door for Jak!
As the furnace works hard to recover from a cold winter's night it strikes me that a Snuggie might be just the ticket on a day like today. Unfortunately I am not the proud owner of such a fine invention so multiple layers will have to suffice. The wind advisory is only till noon so hopefully, hopefully the afternoon will be slightly more bearable. I don't think we got the four inches that the weatherman predicted but it is hard to tell because of the wind. When I let Jak out this morning it was snowing horizontally instead of vertically. Glad I didn't have to venture out any farther than opening the door for Jak!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Windy Wintry Evening
No snow, but plenty of wind!
As parts of northern Maine brace for blizzard like conditions, we in central/southern New England brace ourselves to not get blown away by the cold wind. We've already watched multiple movies today (Julie and Julia, Purple Violets) and are now playing Q20 Sports before we start a game of Scrabble. We are most thankful this evening for the invention of pizza delivery and even more thankful that a restaurant actually delivers to this hill town!
Hope everyone is having a pleasant evening in your corner of the world.
As parts of northern Maine brace for blizzard like conditions, we in central/southern New England brace ourselves to not get blown away by the cold wind. We've already watched multiple movies today (Julie and Julia, Purple Violets) and are now playing Q20 Sports before we start a game of Scrabble. We are most thankful this evening for the invention of pizza delivery and even more thankful that a restaurant actually delivers to this hill town!
Hope everyone is having a pleasant evening in your corner of the world.
Friday, January 1, 2010
First Blog of 2010
Went walking in a winter wonderland.
Whether or not the big storm that's brewing in the northeast hits us tonight remains to be seen. In the meantime some light snow fell on New Year's Eve making for some great picture taking opportunities today. And since the temperature was bearable we seized the moment and went for a walk. The following are some of the sites from our walk. I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year's eve and wish you all good things in 2010.
Whether or not the big storm that's brewing in the northeast hits us tonight remains to be seen. In the meantime some light snow fell on New Year's Eve making for some great picture taking opportunities today. And since the temperature was bearable we seized the moment and went for a walk. The following are some of the sites from our walk. I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year's eve and wish you all good things in 2010.
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