Miller Family Blog

It's been such a long time....

2008-12-12T21:59:00.000-08:00

Or so Boston sang.

We have all been really busy around here (of course) with lots of work, play and family time. Plenty of stuff to keep us occupied, and for me in particular stuff to keep me from adding to the blog. Oh well, such is life.

Julie is still at her job, I'm in my 11th year with my company, and the kids are still dutifully attending school. Austin's 13th b-day was earlier this year in June, Alexis just had hers a few days ago and Carlee is next on the list for the kids. After Carlee's b-day, they will be no more single digit kids in this house. WOW!

Christmas is moving in on us at full steam, without any brakes to slow it down. I don't think I am ready for it, even if we have all the decorations up. Maybe it is just me, but for some reason, I'm not in the Christmas spirit just yet. The snow I dealt with today didn't help my attitude, or spirit. But that was probably because I was in all business mode and wanted to get home.

Anyway, that is the latest update for anyone left reading this. I know it isn't much, but it is what I have to offer for now.

Neal

31 million miles

2008-09-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

It is not very often you get to view your home from 31 million miles away. NASA just provided images from the Deep Impact spacecraft showing our little blue planet from about 31 million miles away. Here you can read the details of how the photo was collected.

And here you can just sit and wonder...

I am tired

2008-08-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a rundown of my driving in both personal and work vehicles since Thursday last week.

Thursday night 120 miles to E-burg to visit Julie's grandma and stay overnight. (Plan was to leave E-burg and go to Seattle in the morning)

Friday 0200: 120 miles back to Pasco for an emergency work call.
Friday 0800: 120 miles BACK to E-burg to pick up Julie.
Friday 1000: 120 miles....arrived at Vashon Island for the weekend.
Saturday.....various small trips on the island.
Sunday 1230: 85 miles to Chehalis to drop of Austin and Alexis with their mother
Sunday 2000: 215 miles to the house.

Total: 805 miles

Work on Monday: 400+ to Sandy, Oregon and back home.
Work on Tuesday: 400+ to Grand Coulee and back home.

Total: 800 miles

The week is not even close to being done. I already hurt, and am really, really tired.

Untimely death

2008-08-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

Sad news from the old home town today. Ex NBA player, Kevin Duckworth, of Trailblazer fame passed away at the age of 44.

I remember going to one of my first games, and getting his autograph. Although busy with pre-game rituals of warming up and shooting hoops, he took the time to come over and talk with a group of us kids who were there court-side.

I met him years later in Vancouver, I think he was running a restaurant or a gym or something. We spoke briefly in the parking lot, and I left with the feeling that he was the same genuine guy who used to represent the Blazers back in the day. As I reflect back now on the first encounter and the encounter in the parking lot, I can honestly say he was a good guy, and am happy that I cheered for him during those years. He was an ambassador on and off the court, to the end, for the NBA and playing hoops.

Good bye Duck!

Photo Update

2008-08-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

It was certainly time to update the photo at the top of the blog. My how time changes us. Everyone is taller, older, and with the exception of me better looking...haha.

It looks like summer has finally decided to arrive, with upper 90's and into the 100's for the weekend. Julie is off with her girlfriends to Silverwood to get a weekend away. I have a long time friend coming to visit me here in Pasco. I anticipate a good time had by all parties for the weekend. We get the full force of the kids once more for the summer, but this time only on Sunday night. Monday morning I will be driving the kids up to Vashon Island to visit my Dad and Step-Mom for the week, and then Julie and I will join them on Friday. We are all excited for the trip and time with the family. We haven't been up there for a couple of years now.

Julie and I attended a PGR (Patriot Guard Riders) mission yesterday to send off troops from the 81st Brigade, Washington National Guard. This was a small number of local soldiers who were being honored, along with their families, for their service to our nation. The dinner was the typical spaghetti feed, with donations going to help the Elks Lodge assist the families while their loved ones are overseas. The evening was bittersweet because as we cheered for the soldiers and families, we know full well the risks involved with their duties. We provided a challenge coin to the senior ranked soldier with the request to "Bring it back home..." I am thankful for these men and women, and thankful for their families sacrafice too. I don't know which is harder, being a soldier or being a soldier's spouse.

The Lazy Blogger

2008-08-09T00:18:00.001-07:00

That should be the new name for our blog. I've pretty much fallen off the blog entries as well as blog readings. I do not know why, maybe life away from the PC. Or maybe it is life is so "normal" that I don't think about sharing it with all of my family, friends and virtual hobo's passing on through our camp.

I certainly cannot complain about how things are going right now. Well, with the exception of being able to fund a small country with our food and clothing budgets. Every single time we blink, Austin has grown an inch in height, or 1/2 size in shoes. It is no different with the girls either. Here we are, already into August and Julie and I just look at each other eyes blinking and saying, "Where the heck has the summer gone?" I do not have the foggiest idea, really. Yesterday was the 4th of July. Honest! So much is happening, that we tend to lose track of what has happened. Friends visiting, work, travel, play. Sure it makes the summer fly by, but wait, where is summer at? Maybe summer seemed shorter because of the late global warming we experienced in June? Snow on 10 June...I couldn't believe it either.

So here we are in August, summer is winding down. Kids have come, gone, come, gone and will be back once more to send summer 2008 into the memories of their youth. We can only hope that what we did will create a memory, one not based on the amount of money we spent getting there, nor spent getting into a location. Those memories are good. I think the best memories are how we got there, or what we did once we arrived. Not just the "thrill ride", or something else that is obviously a cool point to remember. Sometimes you hope the kids will remember a point on the road where something special happened. Maybe a walk or a hike, or seeing a sunset, hearing the roll of thunder, something not man-made. Or if it is man made, hopefully it is unique in its architecture.

Where has summer gone? I cannot say for sure, but know that like the Keith Urban song says, "These are the days we will remember."

Here we are...

2008-02-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've been busy and a procrastinator as well. Let's just call it blogger's block for the sake of the writing.

We successfully made it through the Christmas and New Years holidays without any major incidents, or family emergencies. January, for me at least, seemed more of a blur because of work stuff, weather stuff, and personal stuff. We did get to enjoy some snow. The unfortunate part was that snow covered the ice that had fallen for some hours prior to the pretty white stuff. Therefore, the roads were a mess. The town didn't shut down, but it sure did hamper travel.

So here we are in February, coming into our first anniversary. We're very excited about our celebration, and very happy with our first year. Looking back, it was a great first year, because we grew more together, had a lot of fun times with each other and as a family, learned more about us as individuals, and where our limits were too. I feel very blessed to have Julie, and happy that we can spend as much time together as we do. Even with our times apart, mostly due to work, we both look forward to making it back home and updating our lives and adventures.

An update on the kids for you all. Austin and Alexis are in a play in Vancouver, one you may have heard of, "Annie." Carlee is busy playing her basketball, the same team and coach as last year. She is doing better on her defense! All the kids are growing taller and therefore taxing our clothing budget...yes I appreciate my parents wanting to freeze me now. I am sure that a pair of jeans on Austin lasts maybe one or two visits tops! Shoes? HA...

Well, that is the cliff notes version of our lives from December until now. I'm excited for one of my favorite sports to begin soon, NASCAR. Yes, go fast and turn left. Laugh if you will, but I see people every day who cannot drive even the regular roads without goofing it up. Try it at 180 mph and see how you do.

Write you soon!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas,
from the Miller's

Summer 2008!!

2007-12-06T15:07:00.001-08:00

Celebrate!

2007-12-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Alexis! As of December 3rd, my baby girl is one year closer to the double digits. The big nine! This is it, from here out it's a full speed charge towards those "dreaded" teenage years. Where, oh where did the time go? It is hard to believe that she was just a tiny little, fore-arm length baby 9 years ago. Now she's in and out of pants, shirts, and shoes faster than I care to pay for. But, I'm sure my parents thought the same thing.

But for now, I'll enjoy her at this age, and cherish her as she is. My beautiful little girl.

Love you always,

Dad

Updates

2007-11-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

Well, snow is falling once again. Maybe 2 inches, but on the roads it's melting. School was NOT canceled or even delayed today. That is good.

I am working from the home office, helping a co-worker with a problem, so no excessive driving today which I am happy for. I can't even tell you how many miles I've driven this month, but it has got to be in the 4,000 mile range.

Jäger is getting bigger, we weighed him last night and he's now at 22 pounds. WOW! Cute as ever, and more puppy like all the time. He wants to play, and play rough at times, but doesn't know the limits of how hard to play with the kids.

Us--we're busy, and busy, and busy! Obviously with Christmas around the corner, the consumer side of the kids is kicking into overdrive. To that I say, Bah Humbug! I'm trying to find gifts that are meaningful, and possibly non-electronic! Time for brain power, muscle power, and social skills to be used again. We'll see how that goes.

Well, back to work!

And on the 26th of November...

2007-11-26T20:54:00.001-08:00

We have snow! Not much, but it is Jäger's first snow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T15:28:00.001-08:00

Just wishing all who read our blog a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.

The Miller's

His name is:

2007-11-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

Jägermeister

Which means: Master Hunter
Why: He's brown with green eyes, like the Jägermeister drink which has a cool looking green bottle and the liquor is brown/blackish. Also, he's a Labrador Retriever which is a hunting dog.

*We will end up breaking the name into the first name of Jäger and the middle name Meister.

Help...I need a name

2007-11-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

I'm a 9 week old, 16 lb., little boy. I'm looking for a name....help me please!

Halloween Fun

2007-10-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend we took a trip to the Country Mercantile for some fall fun. It was a cold and windy day and included some sprinkles, but that didn't stop us. It was great family fun and we made some good memories. We then came home to a cup of hot cocoa to warm our bodies and later to a bowl of yummy chili and corn bread. Grandma Susan and Papa Mike were able to join us and help the kids decorate their pumpkins with her artistic abilities!

Want to dance?

2007-10-14T19:39:00.001-07:00

Try not to move your head to the beat of this video, or laugh.

LINK

A video to share

2007-10-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

As a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, I felt that the video below sums up what we do.

A quick note about most of the photographs though. The photos are done by Q Madp, and I don't know who made the video. You can visit Q's site at the following address: www.iraqwarheroes.org Q makes several trips a month to different services, on his OWN dime, to capture the PGR and services of our fallen soldiers. He takes those hundreds of photos, puts them onto a CD and then gives that CD to the family. Some of his photos, the ones which he deems not too private or intimate, are then published on his site. He accepts donations such as fuel, coffee cards, food certificates, etc. His work for the families is priceless.

Neal

A soldier comes home

2007-09-23T15:15:00.001-07:00

Today, a soldier arrived home at the Tri-Cities regional airport.

We were blessed with perfect weather, 60 degrees! The smell of autumn filled our noses, the taste of change tickled our tongues. A mild wind blowing from the west as we waited for his private jet. Just beyond the cold galvanized gate, we stood and waited. Quietly the world hushed as the engines spooled down. Noises of the rail yard muted, I don't know how or why. The flags all fluttered, popping occasionally in salute to our soon deplaned soldier. Honor kept us warm.

Today, a soldier rode from Pasco, through Richland, past Benton City, Prosser, Grandview and finally to Sunnyside.

Today, over 100 motorcycles, 10 cages, and a various number of Law Enforcement vehicles escorted a soldier, his mother, his father, siblings and relatives home.

On this ride home, regular folks gathered with flags to wave him on by. A seaman stood at the corner and saluted the caravan. Mothers and fathers, boys and girls stood silently by as we motored past. Cars pulled off the highway, and some that drove by saluted. Overpasses had people, most with flags, waving as we passed underneath. Life moved in slow-motion as we pulled into Sunnyside. People stopped, waited, waved, cried.

We stopped, and the riders dismounted their steel horses and again silence befell the earth. Only the noises of birds and wind carried through the air.

Today a soldier arrived home for his last time.

Fire aftermath

2007-08-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

As you see, the fire was rather devestating to the north face of Rattlesnake Mountain. Not the first time that a fire has burned this area, nor will it be the last I'm sure. Still it will be interesting to see the new life that springs up here post fire. I also am interested to see how the Yakima elk herd will winter here now.

~N

Rattlesnake Mountain/ Hanford Area Fire

2007-08-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the photo doesn't look like much, I'll explain.

What you are seeing from a window in our house is a fire that is currently burning on the Arid Land Ecological Reserve. This is on the Hanford Reservation, west of the Tri-Cities.

This is not exactly close, maybe 20 miles away as the birds fly. I saw the fire near the beginnings, around 3:30 today. Since then, the wind has really pushed it along and whipped it up to a frenzy.

Also, here is a link from Google to show the satellite view. It really is sad and impressive at the same time.

~N

Summer is moving by

2007-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

We have watched July scream past, and August steaming by at full speed ahead, where has the summer gone?

Carlee was able to spend a few days at a summer camp outside of Dayton. This was her first such camp and she seemed to have really enjoyed it.

Julie and I traveled to Vancouver for a hot rod cruise in at Glenwood Church, this is the 6th year of it and 180 cars were there. The following day, we picked up Alexis to come back to our place for a couple of weeks. Austin would have, but he was leaving Monday for a rafting trip down the Salmon River in Idaho. We picked him up in Pomeroy, WA on that following Friday to join our family camping trip, read below...

Just returning from a weekend camping trip at Central Ferry State Park. A scenic place on the Snake River. We looked forward to swimming but the "swimming area" was not what we had hoped. Our first impression was set by the "Caution-Rattle Snakes" sign upon entering the campground. A quick speech to the kids about what not to do, and where not to go covered that. We enjoyed some reading, board games, typical camping meals of hot-dogs and chili, and late evenings. Sunday, during the camping trip was Julie's 31st birthday. We celebrated it the night before when her folks came out with a cake and ice cream. I asked her if we could go camping on my birthday and her answer was a firm, "No." Sunday night was also the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, this was a fun time for the kids and us. While sitting in our chairs starring up, we watched the space station scoot overhead, along with a dozen other satellites throughout the night. All in all a fun time.

Soon summer break will end for the kids, although Carlee has one more "adventure" before school starts. She has, throughout this year and prior years, had several bouts of strep-throat. The doctors have said that the removal of her tonsils will help this. So on the 20th, Carlee will get to change her diet to ice cream, Popsicles, and yogurts. Nothing beats closing out summer with a surgery...

~N

Allergies

2007-07-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Today I learned that taking an allergy pill 2 hours before church isn't a bright idea.

I did that a 9:00 and by 10:30 I was asleep on the bed again and didn't wake up until 1:30-2:00.

Next time, I'll check to see if it is a sleepy-time pill or not.

~N

So What Has Been Happening?

2007-07-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

Upon the request of my beautiful bride, a long over due update is in order.

Between May and June, Carlee was participating in a junior fast pitch softball league. The season was not too long, which is probably the greatest thing about it. She took to softball like a duck to water. The final regular season game, she was allowed to pitch. Julie had been working with her on technique, being a former pitcher herself, and when the game came Carlee did a fantastic job. She even had the "toe drag" that people look for. Her team went on to a tournament and won first place. Carlee now proudly displays that trophy in her room.

Alexis recently wrapped up her role as a stand-in for a movie that was filmed in Portland. I'm not sure when the exact release of the film is, but will let you all know. The name of the movie is "Untraceable", starring Diane Lane.

Austin, as of last weekend, took his first logged flight. He's been up in small planes before, but this is the first time he took the wheel and was able to actually fly the plane. He flew a Cessna 425, which is a sweet little twin engine turboprop. I'm really kind of jealous that he's received turboprop time and I haven't...haha.

Julie and I have continued to unpack, organize, adjust, re-adjust and generally trying to settle our home. I've been trying to figure out the grass here in the front and back yard. It appears as though the grass is getting watered enough, but then there are brown spots. I'm thinking that next spring I'll aerate it. The yard is about 5 years old, and probably needs it. Julie is finding new and creative ways to decorate. Hanging mirrors, photos, curtains and generally making the house feel like a home. She's good at that. I'm going to work on the garage when the weather cools off more. I really think it is hotter inside the garage then it is outside...go figure.

With summer being here, we have our plans of camping, and recreating outside. Austin and Alexis will be here for 2 weeks starting today or tomorrow. We'll go to a couple of the minor league baseball games, mostly on Saturday's due to it being fireworks and all....go figure! We'll also be closing our our season of indoor football viewing. Our local team the Fever is doing okay. They're not stellar by any stretch, but there are some really good players and I think that if they all buckle down we could see a good playoff run. Spokane is our biggest rival, and they just so happen to be last year's AF2 National Champions. We beat them at our home game, and a week from this Saturday we play them up there. Go Fever!

I'll try to get some photos uploaded of things we do over the course of the summer. And as a friendly reminder, back up your photos off your hard drive. I most of the photos I had taken recently when the drive crashed.

~N

Happy Independence Day

2007-07-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Cool things

2007-06-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

It is really cool how far we have come technologically speaking.

For instance, last night I stepped outside on our back patio and watched the ISS fly overhead. First of all, it is a huge piece of equipment orbiting our planet, and getting all of those pieces up there has been an amazing feat of its own. Secondly, the fact that we can now pinpoint to the almost exact second when one can step out is almost unreal. All one has to do is go to www.heavens-above.com and input your location, and look for the next pass. Here this giant structure, and now with Shuttle Atlantis docked, goes screaming by our eyes at a blistering 17,000 mph, at 200 miles above...amazing. Even more amazing then all of this is the fact that we would see none of it if God gives us cloud cover. All the tracking, planning, and straining our necks is for nothing if there is a low over cast.

As we near the 50th anniversary of our first artificial satellite in orbit, Sputnik, the best we could do then was pick up the radio transmission. Now we can almost see the activities in real-time on board the station, or shuttle. We can pull up a website and find the location, altitude and speed of the ISS. Of course, thanks to the pioneers of space, we can listen to satellite radio, geocache, watch 24/7 news or see what the weather in Hawaii looks like. We can download the Astronomy Photo Of the Day, call loved one's overseas or find out what Pluto really is.

Pretty cool things.

~N

An important week

2007-06-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well this was a very important, and historical week.

(Important) Austin turned 12, which is really to say this is his last year as a pre-teen. Soon he'll be in his teenage years, asking for a car or at least wanting to drive one, finishing school and then off to college. Wow, time really seems to fly by. Happy birthday again, Austin.

I popped in on him on Monday to check out the flight school that he has been participating in. What an incredible program Pearson Museum has set up for kids. A small room full of Microsoft Flight Simulators, all equipped with yokes, rudder pedals and headphones. The instructors are hustling around helping the kids learn how they are supposed to navigate, what altitude to fly at, and speeds for landing. Where was this when I was 12?!

(Historical) Another event occurred during this week, historically speaking, that changed the face of the 2nd World War. D-Day. 6, June, 1944-I've read a book about D-Day and all the planning, tactics, contributions by the many nations and their citizens. It was a huge step in ridding the world of the filth that was Hitler and his Nazi war machine. I heard an interesting audio clip from our then president Franklin Roosevelt. Here is a link to that clip, about 6 minutes long. The Allies ended up loosing about 2,500 soldiers that day...one day, in 1944. I wonder how many Americans thought it wasn't worth it? I don't question it at all.

~N

Memorial Day

2007-05-24T10:46:00.001-07:00

Happy Memorial Day.

I hope everyone will be able to take the time to reflect on what it is we are memorializing.

Originally called Decoration Day, it is a day to honor those who have fallen in service of our nation. Now it is mostly a day to mark the 1st part of summer fun, camping and generally anything but our fallen. I fly a flag in front of my house, and I try every day to remind myself why it is there. There are soldiers who gave of themselves to this country from its earliest beginnings. This is a day, or weekend to remember, honor, and reconcile the sacrifices that have been made for our benefit.

So in all the running around you may do this weekend, take a few moments to honor those who have served, are serving, and the ones that will be serving us in the future.

~N

you can read more on Memorial Day here.

Settling In

2007-05-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, we are officially one week into the house now. I am noticing a transition from boxes full of "stuff" into flattened pieces of debris. All I can say to this is, "WOO HOO!" Progress is slow, but steady. I'm certain that with the unpacking, there will be redecorating as well. Stuff will be placed, moved, placed again, and maybe even moved back to the original spot. But hey, that is the beauty of owning a house.

The kids are all thrilled by the 1.) Size of the house feels much roomier. 2.) Relative closeness to the park/school. 3.) Many kids in the neighborhood to play with. Julie and I are happy because we can send the kids out to play in the yard, neighborhood, or the park while we finish up cleaning, or working, etc. All in all, it is a fantastic fit for all of us. The funny thing for Julie and I is the fact that all of our possessions now don't fill this house. Not that it is a bad thing, but we have gained a living room and there is no furniture to place in there for now. The good thing is, this is a great staging area for boxes that need to be unpacked, and also a place to keep the flattened boxes for recycling.

Well, back to work here. We need to finish before we head to the Fever game tonight!

~N

Moving Time

2007-04-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

I think this photo puts nicely the location of our new home...

~Neal

Just updating

2007-04-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been almost a month since the last post. I'm sure that there are some who have wondered, what has been happening with the Miller's?

Work, play, work, work, work, pack, work, play, pack, work and finally, pack.

We've been busy getting our home un-decorated, packing up stuff we don't need for the day to day living, and been organizing ourselves for the move. Of course, my job has to be in the way for the weekend of the move. I've got 2 co-workers gone that weekend, and cannot take the time off keep from being called out, but I think we'll manage. It's getting down to the wire now, so the more we pack, the better it goes.

Carlee has started softball, and I think she likes it. We'll see how much she likes it once the games start, but for now, she enjoys playing at the practices with her friends, and being on an all girl team. Of course, everyone knows that 8 year old boys have cooties or something. I'll try to get some photos of her playing, like basketball, once the games start.

~N

So life is busy...

2007-03-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

As a famous man once said, "I've been busier than a one legged man working at the IHOP."

That being said, we've decided that we're going to move out of the current residence and into a home of our own. Yes, somewhere in the midst of me being gone all over the state, and working more hours then I care to remember, Julie found a great house that we are going to make our new home.

We are super excited and can't wait to get started with the preparations!

On another note, I was called into our corporate offices for a meeting this last Tuesday. This meeting was a chance for my 3 co-workers, my boss, and myself to be honored for the hard work we've been doing since late last year on our network expansion. As I've previously blogged, we've been all over the west and in all of this, saved our company a lot of money. Not be switching to Geico... We received very nice jackets, and many thanks from our senior officers of the company. It really is nice to be rewarded for hard work, and to be recognized for the extra efforts we put forth. I can't say enough about the guys who I worked with, they are smart, energetic and when it came to crunch time, really made a difference. I'm glad I was able to be a part of the project, and look forward to more actually.

I do want a break, especially since we're going to be moving now. But that only means more work, like that lovely mowing of the yard etc. This is work that I actually don't mind doing.

~N

Patriot Guard and Tri-Cities

2007-03-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

It was an honor for myself and Julie, and 3 of our friends, to ride with the Patriot Guard yesterday. I joined the PGR to help honor and shield the family from the idiots from Kansas who think it is okay to trash a funeral or memorial service of a fallen soldier.

I am putting 2 links here for your viewing, so you can see what the procession looked like from the King City Truck Stop to the TRAC facility in Pasco. Law enforcement said there were over 435 bikes and 20 support vehicles in the line, along with the family members who rode with us in their limos. A total of 600 bikes were at the memorial service, and several thousand people from the area. You had to be there to really get the feel of what this day was like.

Link 1

Link 2

~Neal

Mr. and Mrs. Miller

2007-02-25T16:27:00.000-08:00

Drawing close

2007-02-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

The time is drawing closer to the "Big Day."

Clothes are being pressed, bags are being packed, supplies are boxed up. Lists are being checked, double checked, triple checked. I'm certain something will be forgotten, hopefully it's not the license...HA.

It'll be here before we know it, and then it is time to turn this page, and begin the new chapter. I'm looking forward to it very, very much.

~N

Progress

2007-02-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

With no wins under her belt yet, Carlee is still improving in her basketball skills. It is really fun to watch all of the kids develop an understanding of the game, the different rolls of the game, and their excitement with each close one.

There was a tie, but that is still a tie, not a win. I've been trying to help Carlee with learning defense, and she has picked it up so well. She really does intimidate some of the bigger kids when she is right in their face, and I love it!!! I'll be working with her on her dribbling skills, and eventually focusing on her shooting. All of this, of course, is outside of her coach teaching the fundamentals to them too.

All of the games have been a good time, and she enjoys it. That is what really counts in sports, especially at this age. Have fun.

~N

Security

2007-02-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

Se-cu-ri-ty

si-'kyur-e-te

Okay, so I cannot make the pronunciation look like what the dictionary says, but I can find the definition of the word online, at Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. I believe that some(maybe most) of our politicians need a lesson on how to read. The first definition is as follows: the quality or state of being secure as a: freedom from danger: Safety; b: freedom from fear or anxiety; c: freedom from the prospect of being laid off. How about definition number four: a: something that secures; b (1): measures taken to guard against espionage or sabotage, crime, attack, or escape (2): an organization or department whose task is security.

We are at war in the southern lands of our fine country, war with drug runners and war with people coming here illegally. The United States of America, and its citizen's have passed laws, rules, and regulations that we must follow. As upright and good citizens of this country, most of us do on a daily basis, but somewhere the laws are not followed! Apparently where we need the laws to be upheld the most, the eyes are lowered down, heads turned the other way, and our citizenry is betrayed every day and night by those who we have charged with keeping us safe and SECURE!

My frustration stems from the recent news of two officers of our border security, Agent Ignacio Ramos and Agent Jose Compean. Both agents were involved in an altercation in which an illegal alien, drug runner at that, crossed into our country with drugs. While fleeing he was allegedly shot by one of the agents in the ass. However, this testimony is now under scrutiny due to the nature of the wound that was sustained. Some experts are now challenging that this filth of a human could not have continued his retreat back across the border with a wound of such nature. That will be something to catch up on later. Our two border agents, Ramos and Compean have been found guilty, placed in PRISON, and will be there for the next 12 and 11 years! The illegal, drug carrying scumbag was given IMMUNITY for his actions by the US District attorney John Sutton. That's right, immunity. He has since been captured again, transporting drugs and released again. In the mean time, Agent Ramos has been beaten severely by the general prison population. Great job there warden, great job. Anyone with one shred of common sense could predict with 100% certainty what would happen to any law officer in prison, in general population.

Where is justice? How are the laws we are held to, being upheld here? Since when did illegals of any nation gain the rights, and due process of our courts? Why in hell would a drug smuggling scum bag be given any sort of immunity? There are thousands of people yearly who wait to come to this country, pay thousands of dollars in fees to come here. Truly the greatest nation (cough) on earth. But when I hear of things like this idiot attorney, and the bureaucratic crap that our citizens have to put up with, I feel like a good old fashion ass kicking is in order. Time to line up jerks like the attorney, right next to his buddy the drug runner and give them my size 13 right in the nuts. When they've recovered from the first blow, I'll give them the other foot. I think when I've finished with that, maybe a 2x4 across the gut would be a nice ending for the session.

This by far is not the only incident like this. It seems that our current administration, along with our "finest agency" Homeland Security, allow more of this to happen then we hear about. How about the 70+ tunnels from Mexico into the U.S.A. that drug runners and people smugglers were using. They are, in fact, still there. Known by all, destroyed by none. Or the "observation posts" in use, on our soil, by drug runners in Arizona. You read that correctly, there are posts that the Mexicans are using to observe our border agents actions, who then use satellite phones to call the movements to their minions.

Still we, the good citizens, have to stand in line and watch a 90 year old woman get damn near violated by the TSA at the airport because our nation is too politically correct to profile?

How can our police, soldiers, border agents, guardsmen do their job if they are afraid of being placed in prison for doing their job? How can our government tell us to obey the laws, yet allow actions like these to occur? Pick up your phone, call your congressman daily about crap like this. Tell them to change, or be exchanged in November. Take back our country, and re-apply the founding documents of this great republic. Maybe we need to re-arm our citizens and We The People should stand watch at our border, shooting dead anyone who comes across with drugs, or weapons. That is what really needs to happen. Peace through superior fire power, be it our military, or our own selves.

~N

Service Flag

2007-01-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

With the redeployment of my brother, Russ, to Afghanistan, I felt it appropriate and necessary to re-hang the service flag at my home.

Dating back to WWI, the service flag was originally stitched by hand, with the capacity of up to 6 blue stars being placed on the field of white. In the unfortunate event of a service member's death, the blue star was then covered with the gold star. This flag's tradition continued in the 2nd World War, with it carrying over slightly into the Korean War. Apparently, during Vietnam, the flag was not seen as often. With the new war on terror, it has again become a tradition of families across the nation to fly this flag to honor their family member(s) who are serving the country. I see it frequently here on the road in Washington, in a house, on a car, or flying on the family flag pole.

You can read more about it here.

Be safe Russ.

~N

End of trip

2007-01-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

Home at last. Yes, as of Saturday evening I was officially home. I still don't feel quite home, as my body is still trying to adjust to not driving down rough roads, endless stretches of highway, or cabling up/provisioning our new systems.

I really wish I would've had the camera handy for the surprised look that I received when I announced my homecoming to Julie. Truly "shock and awe", or sheer befuddlement. I think my phone calls to her earlier in the day made the difference, especially telling her that we were heading south to fix some problems. I know, it is a terrible thing to do this trickery, but I think the surprise was worth it for both of us. I missed Julie dearly, and she missed me equally. It is a nice feeling to be missed like that.

So I am spending my first couple of days back reading notes of our trip, laying out my yards of receipts for expense reporting, and generally trying to unwind from the trip. 14 days, 3,555 miles, plenty of extra hours of work, and too many sleepless nights in motel rooms to remember. Not a rough life by any stretch, however it sure wore me out.

~N

The photo says it all.

2007-01-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

Cedar City, Utah

2007-01-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

Well out of the Cal-Nev-Ari portion of our trip, we now begin our leg towards Salt Lake City. Today was, hopefully, our last stop in Nevada and the desert southwest, where we left behind sunny skies and 70 degrees. Thinking back about one week before, some of us were stuck on the grapevine in a snow storm.

With yesterday as an off day, I'd say most of us were slightly recharged. We left behind one member of the core team to pick up another who is based in this area. We arrived here in Cedar City to a nice chilly 28 degrees. What else would one expect this time of year? I am enjoying the beautiful scenery that I've seen along the trip. Virgin River Gorge was stunning! This area is definitely someplace I need to bring back Julie and the kids too experience. I'm thinking early spring would be the best time to visit, before the temps get too high.

Well, off to bed, to try and stay ahead for once during the trip. I caught sight of a small cactus, and figured I should snap a photo of it since I hadn't captured one yet. A slow farewell to the desert behind me.

12 days on the road. Feels like more!

~N

Wagons East

2007-01-25T07:05:00.000-08:00

We begin our next phase today. All of us are hoping for good weather as we head over into Utah. Noooo snow!

~N

Lost Wages again, but with a twist

2007-01-24T00:50:00.000-08:00

Back into Las Vegas tonight/this early morning. Another long, super long, day on the job. We finished our leg from LV to Phoenix and are getting a day off tomorrow.

The boss is riding with me again today, and says, "Let's stay on the strip." Luxor we agree on, and we stop. Full. Off to the Excalibur, full. MGM? Full. New York, New York? Open for 350.00 per night. Hooters hotel, surely they can't be full. They are. Desperation setting in now as we've made a mistake by assuming that a random hotel would be open in Vegas, in January. A frantic call to Julie reveals that the Monte Carlo has rooms available for 159. We call and reserve them QUICK! Check in arrives, and there is an upgrade. How about an upgrade to the 29th floor suite? "For the same price?" The reply is yes, and of course I feel obligated to take this offer.

So here I sit, on this super comfy bed, 2 bathrooms, jet tub, kitchenette, terry cloth robe. I am soooo glad I get tomorrow off. I think I'm going for a massage...

Julie, wish you were here! Really, it is something! Miss you much and love you a more!

Good night all,

~N

Tired in Laughlin, NV

2007-01-22T00:44:00.000-08:00

Yup, here I am in Laughlin, NV.

I'm tired, I'm here, I'm going to bed... good night all!

Go Carlee

2007-01-21T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well Carlee had her third basketball game this Saturday. Papa Mike and Grandma Susan came to watch her. Unfortunately, it was another loss for Rockets. Carlee almost had a basket and was very pleased with herself. She is doing well and with every practice and game she is improving.

He Loves Me!!!

2007-01-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

One week down three weeks to go...

On Friday, Neal sent me flowers at work. Oh how good he can make me feel even miles away.

I love you...Thank you...They are beautiful.

Julie

Lost Wages

2007-01-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Arrived at the never sleeping lost wages yesterday. Did laundry, worked more, got to my hotel, ate, and went to bed.

It was a nice drive from Needles to Las Vegas, scenic in a different way. Lots of desert driving to come, and I'm sure that there will be less of the scenery and more of just the highway.

2,000 miles since last Saturday 1/13/07. Many more to come.

Good day to work!

~N

Needles, CA

2007-01-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

Hello from Needles, California!

I spent some time today sitting on my rear in Barstow because my truck had an issue with the right front brake caliper coming loose. Well, not just loose, one of the two bolts that holds the caliper on fell off somewhere in the LA metro area. I heard the noise last night and drove up next to my boss in the other truck to listen to it. We agreed to park it at a station somewhere and have it looked at. Thankfully it was a relatively quick fix, and only $50.00! Thanks to Barstow Tire & Brake for a quick fix and a reasonable price!!! That helped my company stay on time for our project.

Leaving Barstow behind in a roaring cloud of dust, our next stop was out near Amboy, CA. I am certain the population was somewhere near 7, but I cannot confirm that. We actually saw the once famous Roy's there on Route 66, and worked just around the corner from it. Sure could have used the motel there tonight, as when we finished in Amboy, we had to head east towards the next booming metropolis of Needles. So here our crew sits, each in our respective rooms, doing whatever it is the others may be doing and listening to the RAIN fall upon the roof.

I'd love to share a photo from the places we were at today, but with all the extra running around, time was short. Come to think of it, this trip has gone very fast, which is good! We are still on schedule, although the road blocks we've come across have really been tough. It's a good crew, and that right there makes the trip a ton easier. Hope to blog from a bigger town tomorrow night, and I hope to get some laundry done here real soon.

Here is a photo of some very "scenic" country earlier in the trip. I cannot recall which site it was, we've been to so many now that it is blurring together. Somewhere near Fresno if I can recall.

Love ya Julie, I'll be back soon!

~Neal

We're outta here!

2007-01-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

The end result is that the team and I are happily out of the Los Angeles area! The long story of it is our navigator got lost, in LA, at rush hour! Details too numerous to write about here tonight.

All of us are very happy to be out of LA. Between some of the attitudes, the traffic, and the smog, we're all beat!

So with that, I am going to bed to rest my weary body. Here is a photo of the nicer day we had on Sunday, driving past Mt. Shasta.

Love ya Julie!!

~N

Pigs may fly!

2007-01-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

Yes folks, pigs may actually flying soon. Today, January 17th, 2007 it snowed in parts of Los Angeles, California.

I am absolutely exhausted from the days events which contained the following items of note. Breakfast, leave Bakersfield, proceed towards L.A., climb the pass known as the grapevine, exit at Gorman, Ca in a fair sized snow storm, work at a site, leave site, re-enter I-5, and then sit for about 3 hours on the top of the grapevine pass.Even though we had 4x4 trucks, the highway was entirely blocked from guardrail to guardrail at different points. We spoke to CHP who told up to stay put, just to keep it easier on him we assume, due to the amount of accidents ahead of us. So we stayed, watched the passing flakes, and a movie on the laptop. Hard days work...lol.

More photos below.

~N

The __ state

2007-01-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

The __ state,

This is the new motto for California. As quoted by one of my co-workers today, I would whole heartedly agree that this new motto be voted in by the residents of California, or maybe by congressional something decree it be blessed upon them.

This motto sums up the entire attitude, or "being" that is California. I suppose it is something to witness first hand versus just hearing about it. The __ state really can't be used elsewhere, due to the fact that only here does it fit. New York or somewhere on the east coast maybe, but I really think that it belongs here. I mean come on, this is where Hollywood is, this is where so much "happens." This is where if you don't drive 80, you're holding up commerce.

I don't understand it, but this is why I don't live here.

Blogging from the home of the late, great Buck Owens. If you're not sure, google it. We are due to be in Los Angeles tomorrow, and wow I am soooo looking forward to the traffic. The smog is noticeably worse the further south I go, however the mountains do add a good change of pace.

I was going to add that post blog last night, I went to sleep on what one would assume was a bed but I am certain it wasn't. I think that if I had uncovered it, the "cushion" would have said Weyerhauser plywood on it. It was really that hard.

Blog to you later!

Love you Julie! Miss you!

~N

p.s. the __ state is...... The Me State. Everywhere you go, it's about me, me, me...

Kettleman City, CA

2007-01-15T21:49:00.000-08:00

The song by Dire Straits, "So Far Away From You" comes to mind after reading Smoochie Bear's first blog. I love and miss you too Julie! I'll be home soon, we're down here working hard and fast. It's Shake n Bake time! Inside joke at work.

3 fast food joints, one "real" restaurant, and the 2 motels. Not much here and not much out there in this part of California, but lots of farms. We saw lots of trucking depots out and about today. We also saw lots of highway, already over 1000 miles on this trip, and many more to come. Hope the weather gets better.

Woo-hoo, it was 54 degrees down here today, quite a bit warmer than it was at home. No photos from where we were at, but here's the scene...Eastern Washington.

More updates as the time permits, I'm beat and we've got much to do tomorrow.

~N

Time apart

2007-01-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

Well today is the first day of what seems to be an eternity of time that Neal and I will be apart. Although work is a part of life, I have to admit I am already missing him dearly. I know we will talk everyday as usual, but nothing compares to having him home. Please pray for him as he travels many more miles and for his safe return.

I love you Neal, xoxo

Julie aka "Smoochie Bear"

Tracy, California

2007-01-14T22:01:00.000-08:00

After 10 hours of driving down the grand old I-5 my boss and I made it safely to Tracy. We went from a chilly 20's to 30's up to a smoking hot 55! The weather was beautiful and that made for a good drive.

I'm tired, that was a lot of driving and a whole bunch more to come. I'll add a photo from the drive today, Mt. Shasta, later...

~N

Carlee's first hoops

2007-01-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

Today was Carlee's baptism into the game of basketball. In fact, most of the kids on the team had their first game today.

It is obvious that practice is much different from the real deal, but developing is the key. The other team looked as though they had played together before, they played well. Our team, The Rockets, got pretty much steamrolled but they played their hearts out and had fun. That is the real reason to play, have fun.

Too many of todays athletes and parents have forgotten that fun is first. They're concerned about the flashy moves, the glory they think is owed to them, and the money. Oh the money...

Here are a some photos from the game, and the final score. Good job Carlee! Keep up the "have fun" attitude, we're all proud of you!

~N

The tropical paridse

2007-01-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

Oh it is a balmy 8 degrees here in Pasco this fine morning! The best news is that there isn't snow falling, or ice pellets, or any major news sources close by to make it look like Armageddon!

I think it is really funny how much overplay the bigger city news has to make things, especially weather, to keep up their ratings. Actually, it is not funny at all, it is more like a bunch of kids walking in a circle saying, "Oh yeah well my dad..." It really is a t.v. drama of it's own, played out each night at 5, 6, and 11.

Just give me the damned news, weather, and sports without the drama or "STORM ALERT", "BREAKING NEWS" or crap like that. Half of the time or more, the talking heads look like morons trying to fill the air time with chatter on a subject they don't even know anything about. Just tell it like it is, and get back to us later. "A plane has crashed in the town of X. We'll return you to your program now, and give you an educated report at 6 or 11, or when the experts tell us what happened."

Well, time to hop off my soap box here. Read some "breaking news" from the www, and drink my morning cup of joe. I leave for Cali tomorrow, and that means leaving Julie behind for all those final details of the wedding I won't be able to help with.

Comet

2007-01-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of showing Carlee, and her friend Daly the new visitor to our heavens above! The McNaught comet is currently hovering low in the evening sky, as if it is chasing the warmth of the sun that so magnificently radiates the streaming tail.

I am hopeful that someday Carlee will appreciate the value of what I've been able to show her in space viewing. Especially the rarity of comets.

I woke this fine morning to

2007-01-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

No snow, no rain, nada!

What is up with the forecast of snow, cold temps, and then we get nothing?! Argh, I wish I had a job where 50-60% of the time I could be wrong. These guys do have it easy here, when 80% of the time they can predict sun and wind, they'll get it right most of the time.

Oh well...here is a picture from the tropical island of Vashon, where the snow seems to be piling up as of last night.

Coming soon...

2007-01-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

In an effort to really get this blog off to a flying start, I've decided to post again!

I was thinking about what is on the plate for Julie and me in the next few weeks as the wedding draws near.

Finalizing plans and details for the wedding.
Neal has to leave town for a major project in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Julie is left with no help...

Sure seems fair to me! Not really, but with my leaving for this job, the wedding should be all paid for in cash by the actual day of. What a fantastic feeling to know that it's paid in full and no debts owed! Talk about another way to get off on the right foot.

I'll try to blog from California, and points beyond. We'll see how much I can talk Julie into posting on this!

~N

The Opening Act

2007-01-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to our blog.

Apparently this is the new, hip thing to do around the good old internet(s). I guess the biggest question will be this: How often will it be updated? I DON'T KNOW!

So, sit back, enjoy the thoughts, and participate where you wish!

Love to all,
Neal and Julie

(although it'll be more Neal than Julie at this point)