Morning all:

This morning viewing from a spy satellite Shang and I would have looked like three small black blotches on a field of white as we shuffled to the sidewalk to pick up the paper. Three? Yes three; Shang, myself, and one very large mug of coffee. Last weekend I spend several hours wielding my chain saw getting the yard ready for its spring glory. This morning it’s covered with snow. I am tired of winter.

Before going much further, the official vote from last week is in. All I can say is that America is wonderful by allowing you to cast a vote for yourself. My deciding vote did put me over the top. Actually for you naysayers, had you done the in-depth research as one of you did (no names here Paul), a “yes” vote would have been an absolute no-brainer. Click on this picture to view the actual pristine second-hand stall behind both product and my decision.

Actually, the shoe thing is much like the food rule. Even though 78% of people say it isn’t safe to eat once fallen, there are those who live by the “three-second”, “five-second” or even “ten-second” rule (USA Today snapshot). This week I got told that it was just totally gross, all the way to “ok” if the interior was still perfect. It was a fun experiment to watch the reactions. By the way, the shoes are great.

I have jumped, with both feet, into something called “podcasting”. This is a new method for radio stations to provide better customer service. Traditional radio “pushes” their content at you—it is produced and broadcast. If of interest you make the time to tune in and listen. Podcasting allows you to “pull” the broadcast into your mp3 player whenever it is both of interest and definitely at your convenience. I now have the very best and my favorite shows ready for listening when Shang and I take our walks, or while flying, etc. The content is current and listen when I have the time to enjoy it. And, it doesn’t matter where in the world I am, I can quickly and easily “capture” new show updates. If podcasting is of interest to you, drop me a note and I’ll get you started, Marcia made me swear I would not bore you here with the dry technicalities.

Marcia and I talked with Adrianne and later that same evening Cathy and Jason spent time with her. It sounds like the heat/humidity in Tonga was doing a bit of a number on her. She mentioned that she had gotten into her Peace Corps medical kit to fish around for a de-hydration pill. Yesterday her promised photo CD and another CD with music arrived. If anyone would like a copy drop a note and I’ll burn it. As far as photos are concerned, jump over to her blog and into her photo album. Here you’ll find three small new albums; her house, her scuba diving, and shopping. The last will give a good idea of how her Saturday shopping expedition looks and the variety of goods and vegetables she has access to.

Now, since I am about ready to get miserable, you have no right to stay happily enjoying your weekend, join the misery—DO YOUR TAXES! But, maybe first I’ll take Shang on a walk and listen to this week’s podcast edition of The Urban Man.

Have a great week.
Cheers,
Dirk