Squirrel Love...

I was awakened this morning by the pitter patter of tiny feet and the screeking of something.

No, it wasn't the stork (who would have been shot on sight no matter WHEN he showed up in my life) nor was it the kitties.

It was squirrels. Running across the roof and yard and fences.

At first I thought some stray kitty caught one, as there was this squeaking sound and then more pitter patter. I got up to find the kitties glued to the back sliding door, watching the show.

Not one, not two but FOUR squirrels, cavorting in the back yard.

Now, I have to tell you I quit feeding the squirrels quite a while ago, as it was unfair torture for the cats, who twice pushed through the screen door to try to 'get me some of that'. So I haven't seen squirrels for a while.

But they were back in force today, and I figure it must be a late mating day, because they were VERY EXCITED.

Some of you may remember my squirrel love pictures. If not, I have some poor copies today just for the fun.

First stage..



Begging... the PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stage..

Second Stage..


Sweet Nothings... nothing works better than whispering in her ear..


Third State..



HOME BASE!!

YES... OH YES.. .OH YES!!!

sigh...

The kitties are worn out from watching ..

Huge Aircraft... Yet Another Fun Job.

I couldn't think of any image for Hughes Aircraft, so I borrowed this one. You have to have SOMETHING, and this is a LASER. The connection will come in later.

I worked for Hughes for less than a year. My father was SO HAPPY when I went to work for Hughes... It was a 'real job' in my list of jobs that have been chosen with the idea of keeping me from being a serious contender in the world of employment. When I applied for work at Hughes, I had to have a RESUME! It was then that, even with some careful pruning to eliminate jobs like "Wonderful World of Wigs" and Meat wrapping at Ralph's and stretching the time in on the 'better' jobs, I realized that I had 13 jobs in 15 years. Still.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement. The good news was that I had an "in", and only really had to prove my typing skills. Thank goodness for Elementary school (wait, did I really learn to type in Elementary School? Damn...).

My job at Hughes was typical of the problems that led them to be sucked into who ever bought them in the early 80's. It could have been done half day. My job was being... well.... hmm... let's call it EARTH MOTHER to 17 source engineers on the east coast. Their job was to source glass (we made LASERS.. I told you I'd get to it) my job was to keep them happy, healthy, paid, on task and on time.

What I loved were the letters I wrote to them each week. Letters filled with Hughes News (not that they cared) and my news and tips for them on how to keep me happy (on time expense reports, showing up for tasks, etc.).

I loved those guys. My father loved the job because, as I said, it was a 'real job'. I had a serious paycheck a pension and I wore a BADGE.

It was the badge part that irked me. Being caught without your badge at Hughes was a firing offense. Naturally, I took it off after I entered the place, and never wore it inside.

And, because I'm me, no one ever asked me for it.

Ever.

It's all about the attitude.

Since my guys were done working around 1PM my time, I had lots of time on my hands, which I spent going into the restricted parts of the plant and watching them make things.

I still have some parts of LASER boules they gave me. LASERS have to be PERFECT. So if a teeny tiny glitch happens while one is being made, it's toast. That's where these synthetic diamonds came from. The primary job of the fake diamond people was making LASER boules, but the left overs made pretty nice gems.

Anyways, it was a great job while it lasted, but then I met this dentist and threw it all away.. but that's another story for another time.

Poor Dad (grin).

Samurai...

My nephew, the one who does all the incredible metal work, sent this to me. It's an oil painting he just finished. At first I thought it was another sculpture, as the colors and feel are of metal.

I think it's beautiful and powerful... and so unusual how much it looks like his more physical work.

Akira Kurasowa would have loved it...

Just a Reminder...

So...

I'm home again, which should surprise no one. Except maybe me.

It was a good trip. It rained a bunch but was mostly just cool and quiet. My favorite kind of trip.

So, since I have not much else to say, I thought I'd put up the map of where I've been...

43 years of travel.

Hell, most of you aren't even that old!