We've been frustrated with our AOL dialup for a long, long time. Have been trying to find a solution to that. AT&T doesn't have anything for us. Comcast does, but wants us to pay $700 to extend the line from the pole that is at the end of our driveway to our house. Nope. All of it is location, location, location. Somehow we're not in a good one. Technology-wise that is.
We bought a cheap little external modem when we bought the new computer in August. I should say Steve and Eric did this. I was at camp at the time. Anyway, we've had a lot of trouble connecting to dialup and staying connected. We've tried so many solutions. Finally I decided to install the AOL software on my netbook and use the modem with the netbook. After a few glitches we were successful. Worked fine that evening. The next morning, had the same problems connecting that we've had with the desktop. We'd figured it was a software conflict on the desktop but after having the same issues we figured it's probably a problem with the (cheap) modem. You get what you pay for, right?
So went to Best Buy yesterday to buy a better modem. While there, the salesman talked us into trying wireless broadband. The Verizon map showed we did have coverage. So we brought home this little gizmo, charged it up last night, and started monkeying with it today. I am using wireless broadband right now as I'm typing. Very rarely would dialup cooperate enough to get me onto this site, part of the reason I haven't blogged much lately. The signal indicator has mostly been red showing a weak signal. We've had either one or two out of the four bars.
Steve was trying to send some Goldwing pictures to some friends. Very slow there. But I was just as slow sending pictures from work to him. Plus there are file size limitations. He's just not sure that this is going to work. Biggest reason (I think) he's hesitant is that if we don't return it within the three day trial, we are locked into a two year contract.
Plusses in my opinion are that we are online without hassle - important for him when he is job hunting and checking email. Plus the phone line is free - Scott should be calling about any time now and we're not blocking him by being online. Might not be as fast as he's used to at work but it sure is faster than dialup!
We're also not sure how much we use at a time. Our "plan" is for 5 GB per month, we're not sure how long that will take us to use. Waiting for one of our more tech-savvy offspring to give us some enlightenment on that. Eric spent a good part of Friday with us, so not sure if we'll see him today. Will ask Scott when we talk.
So MAYBE we will have better internet. If we decide this doesn't work, our only option seems to be satellite with a few hundred dollars to invest in set up fees and equipment. With this, we had to pay $35 activation, it's $50 per month, and the little gizmo was free. And we can take the little gizmo anywhere to get service, not just have it at home.
I'm hoping we stick with it.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Playing catch-up with the blog
Can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted. I keep writing posts in my mind but then don't have time to go online and get them actually written. I should just write them in Word and then post when I can. Oh well.
It's been a roller coaster month. Pow-Wow was on the 15th of October, that was lots of fun and a bit challenging as I was asked to take on the science session at the last minute. That plus cooking and geocaching made for a busy day. The Wood Badge dinner was that evening, and in the same town, so got in some geocaching between the end of the Pow-Wow and the dinner.
The following Monday was not a good day in Cooper land. Steve lost his new job of six weeks duration. They had hired him in anticipation of a contract they thought they were getting. When the contract fell through, so did Steve's job. As of this writing, nothing promising yet. He was in line for at least one job that went to someone else. It's been very discouraging for him, to say the least. And now we have two COBRA payments to make, for a total of over $600 a month. I have faith that the Lord will bring us through this. Saddened that Steve does not have that faith. As I posted before, our house is paid off and we are debt free so we could be much worse off. I am hopeful that I will get more hours at work soon and also hopefully move into full time status so that I qualify for health insurance. If nothing moves for either of us by the first of the year, I am going to have to start looking for full time work with benefits. Much as I hate to lose my current job.
The next weekend was the fall edition of COAST at Camp Gerber. As usual, a great weekend of training leaders in outdoor skills and having a good time with all my friends on staff. Halfway decent weather for the end of October, though a bit chilly in the mornings. Got to do some good geocaching on the way up and back. Friday was the best - went to Duck Lake State Park, practically nobody else there, and did a bunch of good caches. One of the best was called "Lost Scout Camp" and was at the former site of Shawandosee which was the Boy Scout Camp where Gerald Ford had worked as a counselor in his youth. The caches on Sunday weren't as good, many placed by teenagers in Whitehall which were in poor condition, in glass containers, or otherwise had problems.
Since then it's been just the day to day. Getting used to the new routine of being the one to be quiet in the morning getting ready for work, and having Steve home when I get home. Max sure likes having Steve home, I'm sure! This month has been doctor month so far. Went for my eye checkup last Wednesday - my cataracts are a little worse but still not bad enough to do anything with yet. Today was the doctor for my diabetes check. Not proud to say I'm not doing so well. So hard to get back on track and with the holidays just around the corner I'm not optimistic. I'm going back to a second medicine which I really didn't want to do. But it's my own fault.
Next Wednesday is the dentist.
Will try my new plan of writing in word then posting when I can. We'll see how it goes.
It's been a roller coaster month. Pow-Wow was on the 15th of October, that was lots of fun and a bit challenging as I was asked to take on the science session at the last minute. That plus cooking and geocaching made for a busy day. The Wood Badge dinner was that evening, and in the same town, so got in some geocaching between the end of the Pow-Wow and the dinner.
The following Monday was not a good day in Cooper land. Steve lost his new job of six weeks duration. They had hired him in anticipation of a contract they thought they were getting. When the contract fell through, so did Steve's job. As of this writing, nothing promising yet. He was in line for at least one job that went to someone else. It's been very discouraging for him, to say the least. And now we have two COBRA payments to make, for a total of over $600 a month. I have faith that the Lord will bring us through this. Saddened that Steve does not have that faith. As I posted before, our house is paid off and we are debt free so we could be much worse off. I am hopeful that I will get more hours at work soon and also hopefully move into full time status so that I qualify for health insurance. If nothing moves for either of us by the first of the year, I am going to have to start looking for full time work with benefits. Much as I hate to lose my current job.
The next weekend was the fall edition of COAST at Camp Gerber. As usual, a great weekend of training leaders in outdoor skills and having a good time with all my friends on staff. Halfway decent weather for the end of October, though a bit chilly in the mornings. Got to do some good geocaching on the way up and back. Friday was the best - went to Duck Lake State Park, practically nobody else there, and did a bunch of good caches. One of the best was called "Lost Scout Camp" and was at the former site of Shawandosee which was the Boy Scout Camp where Gerald Ford had worked as a counselor in his youth. The caches on Sunday weren't as good, many placed by teenagers in Whitehall which were in poor condition, in glass containers, or otherwise had problems.
Since then it's been just the day to day. Getting used to the new routine of being the one to be quiet in the morning getting ready for work, and having Steve home when I get home. Max sure likes having Steve home, I'm sure! This month has been doctor month so far. Went for my eye checkup last Wednesday - my cataracts are a little worse but still not bad enough to do anything with yet. Today was the doctor for my diabetes check. Not proud to say I'm not doing so well. So hard to get back on track and with the holidays just around the corner I'm not optimistic. I'm going back to a second medicine which I really didn't want to do. But it's my own fault.
Next Wednesday is the dentist.
Will try my new plan of writing in word then posting when I can. We'll see how it goes.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Art Prize 2011
If you remember back in my blog last year, I spent quite a bit of time viewing Grand Rapid's Art Prize competition last year. It's back. Unfortunately it started on Wednesday night, then Thursday morning I left for Mackinac. So missed out on the first round voting all together between the trip and my work schedule. Last Friday afternoon I set out to see what I could. Hit most of the main downtown venues. I know I missed out on quite a bit but time was not my friend this year.
Lots of favorites even from what I did see. My vote went to Mantis dreaming, a huge metal sculpture of a praying mantis with a butterfly perched on his claws. There were some other great ones, too.
Might get to see a bit more tomorrow but voting is done now. They announce the winner tonight.
Lots of favorites even from what I did see. My vote went to Mantis dreaming, a huge metal sculpture of a praying mantis with a butterfly perched on his claws. There were some other great ones, too.
Might get to see a bit more tomorrow but voting is done now. They announce the winner tonight.
Mackinac Rendezvous 2011
A belated post to share my great weekend at Mackinac Rendezvous 2011...
Left on the drive north on Thursday morning (the 22nd of September.) Of course, my plan was to cache along the way. Hence, leaving on Thursday morning when I didn't have to be there until Thursday evening...
44 caches along the way. Some of those were part of a power trail just south of Petoskey that I wanted to try to do. 100 + caches, all about a tenth of a mile apart. After doing some, I realized that it wasn't much fun to pull off to the side of the road, turn off the car, get out of the car, go find a film canister or similar sized container, sign the log, go back to the car, start it up, and move a tenth of a mile down the road and repeat. So decided to go back to regular caching. Got to Mackinaw City, ate dinner at Burger King so I could use the wifi, then arrived at the campground about 8 p.m.
Friday morning, we got things ready for the scouts to check in starting at noon. I was in charge of the blue area, with a staff of three others. We had a little shelter, and as the units came in, one of us showed them where to go and made sure they got their vehicles unloaded and removed to the parking area. A lot of waiting time between units so we had time to talk and such. Cool but no rain until that evening. We had the last units checked in at about 10:30 p.m. then went back to our cabin and hit the sack.
Saturday was the reward for working check in/out. Took the boat to the island and had the day to myself. Rented a bicycle and rode the 8 miles around the perimeter of the island. A bit misty at first but turned out to be nice enough weather considering it's late September. And caching, of course. 21 caches while riding around the island, then 4 more after I returned the bike and did a little hiking. The obligatory fudge stop and then back to the boat and return to the campground. Dinner and a show completed our evening.
Sunday morning was check out - we were done by 11 a.m. Then off to the bike trail across the highway from the campground. There were about a dozen challenge caches there and I qualified for most of them. So another three miles on the bike to get those. Unfortunately, I think the riding was offset by the fudge...
More caching on the way home and I made it home at about 8:45 p.m. If I'd have written on this right after, probably would have had more detail. Oh well.
Left on the drive north on Thursday morning (the 22nd of September.) Of course, my plan was to cache along the way. Hence, leaving on Thursday morning when I didn't have to be there until Thursday evening...
44 caches along the way. Some of those were part of a power trail just south of Petoskey that I wanted to try to do. 100 + caches, all about a tenth of a mile apart. After doing some, I realized that it wasn't much fun to pull off to the side of the road, turn off the car, get out of the car, go find a film canister or similar sized container, sign the log, go back to the car, start it up, and move a tenth of a mile down the road and repeat. So decided to go back to regular caching. Got to Mackinaw City, ate dinner at Burger King so I could use the wifi, then arrived at the campground about 8 p.m.
Friday morning, we got things ready for the scouts to check in starting at noon. I was in charge of the blue area, with a staff of three others. We had a little shelter, and as the units came in, one of us showed them where to go and made sure they got their vehicles unloaded and removed to the parking area. A lot of waiting time between units so we had time to talk and such. Cool but no rain until that evening. We had the last units checked in at about 10:30 p.m. then went back to our cabin and hit the sack.
Saturday was the reward for working check in/out. Took the boat to the island and had the day to myself. Rented a bicycle and rode the 8 miles around the perimeter of the island. A bit misty at first but turned out to be nice enough weather considering it's late September. And caching, of course. 21 caches while riding around the island, then 4 more after I returned the bike and did a little hiking. The obligatory fudge stop and then back to the boat and return to the campground. Dinner and a show completed our evening.
Sunday morning was check out - we were done by 11 a.m. Then off to the bike trail across the highway from the campground. There were about a dozen challenge caches there and I qualified for most of them. So another three miles on the bike to get those. Unfortunately, I think the riding was offset by the fudge...
More caching on the way home and I made it home at about 8:45 p.m. If I'd have written on this right after, probably would have had more detail. Oh well.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Back to Gilwell, part 2
I've been back to Gilwell and now am back in the real world. Left straight from work on Thursday, and arrived at Gerber about 7:15 p.m. after two short stops for geocaches/dinner. Most everyone else had arrived, and our staff meeting started shortly thereafter. After the meeting, we walked to Gilwell field and ran through some things, then back to Chaffee to get anything done we needed to. Most were in bed by midnight or so.
Friday morning dawned bright and early...after a breakfast burrito we proceeded to the pavilion together, where several patrols were already waiting to be checked in. As health officer, I needed to do a health recheck. Unbeknownst to me (at least at first) one of my troop guides was telling people in line to answer my question "how are you feeling today?" with various assorted ailments, ranging from cramps, bloating, and even hemorrhoids. One even asked if he needed to drop his pants...I caught on fast and laughed like the rest of them. Gilwell Field was at 9:30 - so nice to be singing "Back to Gilwell" again with so many of my scouting friends. Presentations followed - since mine was last weekend, I didn't have a lot of important tasks. I mainly just helped make sure everything was running smoothly. Lunch with a patrol, then dinner with another patrol, were both great. Friday evening was the participant's campfire - great to just sit back and watch that play out! Had hoped to get a little more sleep that night but my allergies disagreed and it was a restless night. Finally turned on my iPod and read one of my library e-books for a while until I got to sleep.
Saturday dawned bright and early (too early...)and I headed to breakfast with the Fox patrol. Good food and even Amish cinnamon rolls to accompany. Much of Saturday was taken up with reviewing tickets for the two patrols I was assigned to review. While reviewing tickets, I missed the conservation project, which was waterway cleanup. My heart wasn't broken. Ate lunch with the Eagles. The afternoon was more ticket review and watching the patrol presentations. They were great. We had a staff dinner while the patrols had dinner by themselves. Then the final ticket work began. Many of the tickets were already done by then; the hope was to have everyone done by early evening. Well, define early - is it midnightish? That's when we were done. That IS earlier than 2007 when my last participant finished at 3 a.m! Senior staff hung out at the pavilion - and we were joined by many of the patrols at one point or another. Lots of camaraderie in each patrol as they helped their patrol mates finish up.
Had just returned to Chaffee when I was notified that a participant who hadn't been feeling well earlier (I'd already visited him twice) was really not feeling well so I drove out to the site (to get there faster) and checked on him. He had been vomiting. Though he was feeling better, a camp resident staffer had already been by and offered to let him stay in his trailer that night, much closer to Chaffee in case he felt any worse through the night. That offer was accepted and I transported him (with puke bucket) to the trailer. He felt much better in the morning! Finally got to bed sometime after 1 a.m.
Sunday - way too little in the cumulative sleep department by now! Breakfast with the Owls then back to pack up at Chaffee while the participants had a chance to break down their camp. Gilwell at 9:30 where we were honored to have our council executive speak about 9-11 as yesterday was the 10th anniversary of those attacks. We also were able to do a Scout salute, the first in our council outside of the main salute that has been going on every 9-11 since 2002 at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. We are the only Boy Scout council in the country that has been doing that all along. Chapel followed then a presentation.
Closing luncheon was pretty special. Before the luncheon, I had been given a card that told me to find a cache (without my GPSr) I had to follow these clues. First was to find the "Kung Fu Panda." Each clue directed me to a staffer, who gave me the next card. The final clue directed me to the "Kahuna" who turned out to be our course Scoutmaster. He said he couldn't find it so would get back to me. Ok. After lunch came presentations, and he directed me to his special chair where the cache turned out to be. It was a beautiful clear acrylic keepsake box, laser engraved with my name and patrol totem, from my troop guides as a thank you. I noticed beads inside but it didn't click then to look at them. After thanking them, I presented each of them with a lapel pin with the critter they had been troop guide for, along with a note of thanks for all they'd done. Other patrols then did presentations. I took a closer look at the box while these presentations were going on, and discovered that the beads inside were engraved with my course number & critter (Bobwhite) for my course, then a third bead engraved with my course that I earned the third bead for and the critter I was troop guide for. Wow. I will cherish them. And though my original beads will always be special, if Scott ever takes Wood Badge I plan to give him my original beads when he earns them.
One other special part of the luncheon. One of the patrols (Eagles) that I had ticket counseled for called me up and presented me with one of their patrol patches in thanks and recognition for my work with them. The presenter asked those who had been helped in Scouting by me to raise their hands. I was speechless and humbled by the large number of people that raised their hands. Another wow.
After lunch there were several closing presentations, including showing clips from the movie "Mr. Holland's Opus." The end of that movie always makes me cry, and I'm not alone in that, even many of the guys were crying. Closing Gilwell Field, then forming a congratulations line down the path as the participants left for home.
We had plenty of tear-down to accomplish but I managed to get out of Gerber about 6ish I think. Stopped for two caches on the way home but was home by 8 or so. Scott called shortly after I got home so I didn't miss his Sunday call after all. In bed by 10 (early for me) and still quite tired today.
I'll be working with several participants as their permanent ticket counselor, and I'm sure starting in six months or so attending quite a few if not all of their beading ceremonies. Sad that this part of the process is over but looking forward to things to come. It's been an interesting ride, starting last fall when I was asked to be on staff.
Friday morning dawned bright and early...after a breakfast burrito we proceeded to the pavilion together, where several patrols were already waiting to be checked in. As health officer, I needed to do a health recheck. Unbeknownst to me (at least at first) one of my troop guides was telling people in line to answer my question "how are you feeling today?" with various assorted ailments, ranging from cramps, bloating, and even hemorrhoids. One even asked if he needed to drop his pants...I caught on fast and laughed like the rest of them. Gilwell Field was at 9:30 - so nice to be singing "Back to Gilwell" again with so many of my scouting friends. Presentations followed - since mine was last weekend, I didn't have a lot of important tasks. I mainly just helped make sure everything was running smoothly. Lunch with a patrol, then dinner with another patrol, were both great. Friday evening was the participant's campfire - great to just sit back and watch that play out! Had hoped to get a little more sleep that night but my allergies disagreed and it was a restless night. Finally turned on my iPod and read one of my library e-books for a while until I got to sleep.
Saturday dawned bright and early (too early...)and I headed to breakfast with the Fox patrol. Good food and even Amish cinnamon rolls to accompany. Much of Saturday was taken up with reviewing tickets for the two patrols I was assigned to review. While reviewing tickets, I missed the conservation project, which was waterway cleanup. My heart wasn't broken. Ate lunch with the Eagles. The afternoon was more ticket review and watching the patrol presentations. They were great. We had a staff dinner while the patrols had dinner by themselves. Then the final ticket work began. Many of the tickets were already done by then; the hope was to have everyone done by early evening. Well, define early - is it midnightish? That's when we were done. That IS earlier than 2007 when my last participant finished at 3 a.m! Senior staff hung out at the pavilion - and we were joined by many of the patrols at one point or another. Lots of camaraderie in each patrol as they helped their patrol mates finish up.
Had just returned to Chaffee when I was notified that a participant who hadn't been feeling well earlier (I'd already visited him twice) was really not feeling well so I drove out to the site (to get there faster) and checked on him. He had been vomiting. Though he was feeling better, a camp resident staffer had already been by and offered to let him stay in his trailer that night, much closer to Chaffee in case he felt any worse through the night. That offer was accepted and I transported him (with puke bucket) to the trailer. He felt much better in the morning! Finally got to bed sometime after 1 a.m.
Sunday - way too little in the cumulative sleep department by now! Breakfast with the Owls then back to pack up at Chaffee while the participants had a chance to break down their camp. Gilwell at 9:30 where we were honored to have our council executive speak about 9-11 as yesterday was the 10th anniversary of those attacks. We also were able to do a Scout salute, the first in our council outside of the main salute that has been going on every 9-11 since 2002 at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. We are the only Boy Scout council in the country that has been doing that all along. Chapel followed then a presentation.
Closing luncheon was pretty special. Before the luncheon, I had been given a card that told me to find a cache (without my GPSr) I had to follow these clues. First was to find the "Kung Fu Panda." Each clue directed me to a staffer, who gave me the next card. The final clue directed me to the "Kahuna" who turned out to be our course Scoutmaster. He said he couldn't find it so would get back to me. Ok. After lunch came presentations, and he directed me to his special chair where the cache turned out to be. It was a beautiful clear acrylic keepsake box, laser engraved with my name and patrol totem, from my troop guides as a thank you. I noticed beads inside but it didn't click then to look at them. After thanking them, I presented each of them with a lapel pin with the critter they had been troop guide for, along with a note of thanks for all they'd done. Other patrols then did presentations. I took a closer look at the box while these presentations were going on, and discovered that the beads inside were engraved with my course number & critter (Bobwhite) for my course, then a third bead engraved with my course that I earned the third bead for and the critter I was troop guide for. Wow. I will cherish them. And though my original beads will always be special, if Scott ever takes Wood Badge I plan to give him my original beads when he earns them.
One other special part of the luncheon. One of the patrols (Eagles) that I had ticket counseled for called me up and presented me with one of their patrol patches in thanks and recognition for my work with them. The presenter asked those who had been helped in Scouting by me to raise their hands. I was speechless and humbled by the large number of people that raised their hands. Another wow.
After lunch there were several closing presentations, including showing clips from the movie "Mr. Holland's Opus." The end of that movie always makes me cry, and I'm not alone in that, even many of the guys were crying. Closing Gilwell Field, then forming a congratulations line down the path as the participants left for home.
We had plenty of tear-down to accomplish but I managed to get out of Gerber about 6ish I think. Stopped for two caches on the way home but was home by 8 or so. Scott called shortly after I got home so I didn't miss his Sunday call after all. In bed by 10 (early for me) and still quite tired today.
I'll be working with several participants as their permanent ticket counselor, and I'm sure starting in six months or so attending quite a few if not all of their beading ceremonies. Sad that this part of the process is over but looking forward to things to come. It's been an interesting ride, starting last fall when I was asked to be on staff.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Lotsa changes
Came home from Wood Badge on Sunday night to find something I'd never considered would ever be there. A new computer! The old one, which I'd been trying to convince Steve needed replacing, finally died and Steve decided that since he was trying to find work it would be a good idea to replace it. Ya think? Anyway, new computer was a very nice surprise when I got home. Eric had helped him set it up, all but a modem which had to be ordered since they don't come standard anymore.
Then the second surprise. A message to call my boss. The person in charge of Noogieland (and the mom of the child I've had there since I started, 3 1/2 years now, plus his sister) took a new job and will be leaving. Now this is the only job I'm qualified for at Gilda's so it holds the possibility of change for me.
As of now they're only going to give me one of the evening groups on a trial basis. They are looking at how they want to structure her responsibilities so I probably just wouldn't step into her role. I'm thinking they want to preserve me with the kids. Down to one though when the other two leave. So mixed feelings for me there. Plus the night they want me to cover is Wednesday so I have to give up Awana. That makes me feel bad as they are pretty short staffed this year.
So the next day brought the third surprise, best of all. Steve was hired by AeroTek to work at ADAC Automotive as a designer. He started yesterday and so far so good. He says its a nice "normal" place as opposed to where he came from and he thinks he'll get along great. I'm so glad for him. And realize that we have been so blessed in this, for him to only be out of work three weeks. This is contract work for now but pretty much guaranteed to turn into direct employment in about six months or so. Doing the happy dance!
So this has been a week of surprises. Looking forward to a relatively quiet Labor Day weekend. Just a few ticket counseling sessions over the weekend with Wood Badge participants, then heading back up to camp next Thursday night.
Then the second surprise. A message to call my boss. The person in charge of Noogieland (and the mom of the child I've had there since I started, 3 1/2 years now, plus his sister) took a new job and will be leaving. Now this is the only job I'm qualified for at Gilda's so it holds the possibility of change for me.
As of now they're only going to give me one of the evening groups on a trial basis. They are looking at how they want to structure her responsibilities so I probably just wouldn't step into her role. I'm thinking they want to preserve me with the kids. Down to one though when the other two leave. So mixed feelings for me there. Plus the night they want me to cover is Wednesday so I have to give up Awana. That makes me feel bad as they are pretty short staffed this year.
So the next day brought the third surprise, best of all. Steve was hired by AeroTek to work at ADAC Automotive as a designer. He started yesterday and so far so good. He says its a nice "normal" place as opposed to where he came from and he thinks he'll get along great. I'm so glad for him. And realize that we have been so blessed in this, for him to only be out of work three weeks. This is contract work for now but pretty much guaranteed to turn into direct employment in about six months or so. Doing the happy dance!
So this has been a week of surprises. Looking forward to a relatively quiet Labor Day weekend. Just a few ticket counseling sessions over the weekend with Wood Badge participants, then heading back up to camp next Thursday night.
C2-266-11-1 Part 1
We are officially finished with the first of two weekends of Wood Badge. This is the scouting course that I've been preparing to staff since the end of last year. C2 is central region, 266 is our council number, 11 for the year, and 1 for the first course of the year.
After picking Eric up at the airport on Wednesday night (his plane didn't come in until 12:30 a.m....)we were up until about 2 a.m. getting a brief description of the trip. Woke up around 7 ish and decided that since I was packed I might as well get going. Stopped at McDonald's to check email one last time then headed to Gerber. Believe it or not, NO geocaching along the way.
Arrived around 11, helped set things up around camp, especially for the Blue & Gold which was circus themed. We had dinner together (pizza) as a staff then did some practicing of campfire skits and other things for the next morning, then got to bed. Bed did not equal sleep for many of us, though, including myself. I think I might have slept for an hour or so. Just could not shut off the thinker, too much to do the next day.
Friday morning bright and early we were awake. Eggs Benedict for breakfast (they feed us well...)then down to the pavilion to greet the arriving participants. As health officer, I had two questions for each one: "Have there been any changes to your health form since you turned it in?" and "Are you feeling well today?" Some still needed to turn in their forms as well. Then off to drop their stuff and then a hike to cub side to start the day. I was pleasantly surprised by being handed a set of car keys and asked to drive several participants over to cub side that had some mobility issues. Ah, the perks of being the health officer! It was my DE's car, too.
Started the day with a couple of presentations, then the troop guides had their first presentation. Meanwhile the rest of us were getting the finishing touches put on the Blue & Gold banquet. My role was that of a clown. I have my own clown outfit but it's been many years since I wore it. As I was putting on my makeup, I thought to myself, "I sure have a lot more wrinkles than the last time I did this!"
The B&G was a big success, with everything from a gorilla to a dancing bear to a unicycle rider. They had peanuts and popcorn as well. Afternoon brought crossover and their first Gilwell Field where they learned what their critter would be. More presentations then time for dinner.
Dinner was a voyageur theme, presented at Fort Clatsop. A real replica of the real thing from the Oregon Trail. We had reenactors in the fort, and cooking via dutch ovens outside. Elk and Buffalo - it was good! Campfire afterwards. I had three roles: A skit starring fleas (costumed with a large magnifying glass) a ghost chicken (you'd have to see it...) and Maw, in pioneer garb.
As the patrols came back and started playing a get to know you game, I had my first real health officer challenge. Got to treat a case of heat illness. The victim felt very nauseous (eventually threw up) and hadn't been drinking enough. So pushed fluids and cooled her down with ice and cold cloths. Eventually had her take a cool shower. She felt better then and was ok the next day.
Staff meeting ended the day and we all slept much better Friday night!
Saturday brought Gilwell Field first thing, more presentations in the morning and a rocket building competition in the afternoon. Saturday evening brought the Wood Badge game show and the Win All You Can show. Both games with a purpose. Then we had a medieval cracker barrel to honor Rich, one of the quartermasters, who was entering the 50 plus club the next day.
Sunday brought Gilwell Field, chapel (I gave the benediction) and then my presentation. I had a good case of nerves but everyone said I did a great job. That's what friends are for...I can now tell you all about stages of team development and how to use the Leading EDGE and the Teaching EDGE. Then a trip to the Venture base and some outdoor experiences. I think I've blogged about a Leave No Trace presentation that is very popular during our COAST trainings. Well, the same guy was here with the added bonus of doing his presentation (in abbreviated form) in a kilt. You had to see it to believe it. The kilt was MacLaren tartan (Wood Badge appropriate.)
Back to the main area to watch the movie October Sky (again, had purposes) and have some more presentations. Then one last trip to Gilwell Field and the participants were on their way home, new friendships gained and knowledge learned. Can't wait for the next weekend! (Sept 9-11)
After picking Eric up at the airport on Wednesday night (his plane didn't come in until 12:30 a.m....)we were up until about 2 a.m. getting a brief description of the trip. Woke up around 7 ish and decided that since I was packed I might as well get going. Stopped at McDonald's to check email one last time then headed to Gerber. Believe it or not, NO geocaching along the way.
Arrived around 11, helped set things up around camp, especially for the Blue & Gold which was circus themed. We had dinner together (pizza) as a staff then did some practicing of campfire skits and other things for the next morning, then got to bed. Bed did not equal sleep for many of us, though, including myself. I think I might have slept for an hour or so. Just could not shut off the thinker, too much to do the next day.
Friday morning bright and early we were awake. Eggs Benedict for breakfast (they feed us well...)then down to the pavilion to greet the arriving participants. As health officer, I had two questions for each one: "Have there been any changes to your health form since you turned it in?" and "Are you feeling well today?" Some still needed to turn in their forms as well. Then off to drop their stuff and then a hike to cub side to start the day. I was pleasantly surprised by being handed a set of car keys and asked to drive several participants over to cub side that had some mobility issues. Ah, the perks of being the health officer! It was my DE's car, too.
Started the day with a couple of presentations, then the troop guides had their first presentation. Meanwhile the rest of us were getting the finishing touches put on the Blue & Gold banquet. My role was that of a clown. I have my own clown outfit but it's been many years since I wore it. As I was putting on my makeup, I thought to myself, "I sure have a lot more wrinkles than the last time I did this!"
The B&G was a big success, with everything from a gorilla to a dancing bear to a unicycle rider. They had peanuts and popcorn as well. Afternoon brought crossover and their first Gilwell Field where they learned what their critter would be. More presentations then time for dinner.
Dinner was a voyageur theme, presented at Fort Clatsop. A real replica of the real thing from the Oregon Trail. We had reenactors in the fort, and cooking via dutch ovens outside. Elk and Buffalo - it was good! Campfire afterwards. I had three roles: A skit starring fleas (costumed with a large magnifying glass) a ghost chicken (you'd have to see it...) and Maw, in pioneer garb.
As the patrols came back and started playing a get to know you game, I had my first real health officer challenge. Got to treat a case of heat illness. The victim felt very nauseous (eventually threw up) and hadn't been drinking enough. So pushed fluids and cooled her down with ice and cold cloths. Eventually had her take a cool shower. She felt better then and was ok the next day.
Staff meeting ended the day and we all slept much better Friday night!
Saturday brought Gilwell Field first thing, more presentations in the morning and a rocket building competition in the afternoon. Saturday evening brought the Wood Badge game show and the Win All You Can show. Both games with a purpose. Then we had a medieval cracker barrel to honor Rich, one of the quartermasters, who was entering the 50 plus club the next day.
Sunday brought Gilwell Field, chapel (I gave the benediction) and then my presentation. I had a good case of nerves but everyone said I did a great job. That's what friends are for...I can now tell you all about stages of team development and how to use the Leading EDGE and the Teaching EDGE. Then a trip to the Venture base and some outdoor experiences. I think I've blogged about a Leave No Trace presentation that is very popular during our COAST trainings. Well, the same guy was here with the added bonus of doing his presentation (in abbreviated form) in a kilt. You had to see it to believe it. The kilt was MacLaren tartan (Wood Badge appropriate.)
Back to the main area to watch the movie October Sky (again, had purposes) and have some more presentations. Then one last trip to Gilwell Field and the participants were on their way home, new friendships gained and knowledge learned. Can't wait for the next weekend! (Sept 9-11)
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