SNOW!

Yes, it has snowed (again) and everything seems to be closed. No school for any of the surrounding counties.

On the "flip side" the birds are very busy. I just went out to get the news paper and found out how deep the snow really is - over my boot tops! What you see in the photograph is very accurate of the depth between my house and the road. In fact, there was enough snow that the actually plowed the road this time. I may have to fire up the snow blower soon, because shoveling is out of the question.

Suddenly the phone is ringing and the recruiters are connecting with me. I understand that we are in an economic down turn, but this is very interesting. Looks like it is possible I will become a "wage slave" soon. That will be fine, because I am ready to get down to work and contribute to an organization's bottom line in a positive way. Of course, I hope that I will remain in the current location and commute, but some of the calls will require a move.

The Illinois political climate continues to be entertaining if not productive. The governor can't be removed from office soon enough for most of the citizens - generally because of his poor decisions in the past year. It is unbelievable that during the 200th celebration for Lincoln, the governor began to close many of the attractions that will bring visitors to learn about that segment of American history.

As for the federal stimulus program, some of the funding falls in line with the Illinois governor's actions, in my opinion. Certainly some of the money that is proposed will fund programs of general interest (see Smithsonian funding), but are these the ones that will get most long-term benefit to the public. This remains to be seen.

Change

I am not sure I am really ready for change. I like old movies, old stories, and generally things that have been worn and are comfortable. But 2009 is about change.

In two short days we will have a new president (the 44th not the 45th - I guess I was ahead of myself last week). I have decided that if anyone has a chance at getting this country turned around economically, the man to take the seat in the oval office is the best suited. He doesn't have a lot of ties to the "old guard" in the congress, and this is a very good thing. He deserves our prayers and support.

It is snowing here (again) and the roads are slippery. It is a very good time to stay inside and read, or watch old movies.

Tomorrow is another day of job discovery and investigation for me. This time it is a local (sort of) opportunity. I hope it works out for both of us. At the end of the week I will again (hopefully) venture to the northern edge of Illinois to take the interview that was interrupted by the "Chicago blizzard" last Monday. But I am not ready for "change" as in move.

How about you - are you ready for change? In Illinois we are ready for change politically (and it is way over due). We are also ready for a change weather-wise, and that may happen before the politics are mended. We will see.

My house is warm (mostly), there is food in the house, and the kitties are well. Life is still good -with or without change.

Great to be in Illinois!

What more can be said about a state where the adopted son is about to become the 45th President of the United States and the governor is the first one in the its history to be impeached. To say that I am a political junkie would be an understatement. I love this country!

Our governor has been an embarrassment since he was first elected (about the time I moved to the state and was not eligible to vote against him). His re-election coincided with my move to this area and, again, I was not able to vote against him. Never fear - the Chicago machine kicked in an granted him a state-funded job.

What can be said for a governor who (a) refuses to live in the governor's mansion, (b) doesn't work in the governor's office at the state capital, and (c) doesn't follow the rules established by other politicians. His "press conference" yesterday was one more example that he no longer (if ever) inhabits the reality shared by the rest of the world. What a guy!

On the other hand, we (the citizens of this state) have dealt with a long-running feud between the governor and the leader of the senate for more than six years. Why it has taken so long to get this creep is beyond imagination. Then again, this great state has always been noted for having one of the most corrupt political systems in the country. Maybe some real reform will come out of this situation - but don't hold your breath. The show from the sidelines is too enjoyable. Go Blago!

Belated 2009 Greetings!

Hard to believe that 2008 has finally gotten out of the way. I doubt that I am alone in the sentiment that it is more than over due to have departed. As eagerly as the new government in America, I am looking forward to the developments in 2009.

Speaking of things, and noting that it has been a few weeks since my last entry, a quick update might be in order. Christmas was chaotic and delayed. It is unfortunate that the weather did not allow my participating in the 64th annual "Night Before the Night Before" gathering of family and friends. Hopefully, 2009 will allow me to rejoin the merriment.

The actual Christmas events began with leftovers before Eve services. The best was an outburst from one of the younger attendees when the Christmas story was being read - and it came to pass that Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem and she was with child. "Uh oh!" came the tiny voice from the congregation.

Christmas day started with a quite breakfast. That, however, was the last calm in the day's events. A quick wrapping of the final presents and it was back for the annual festivity of children seeking presents that equated to fun. They were disappointed - mostly clothes and practical stuff. We were, after all, at the mean grandparents' house.

Friends came and went. Wine and conversation. When the hot tub was being populated, it was time for the festivities to come to a close for Mom and me. It was a long day.

Friday I managed to leave - later than desired - and arrived home by night fall. It was a very pleasant journey home.

However, the respite was short. Home on Friday night and back to Indiana on Monday. Drove to Indianapolis for an interview with an environmental consulting firm. Very interesting business model. It could be a good place to work.

Back to "home" and this time it was my turn in the hot tub. Visited with Dan and, after her personal pampering, Jean. Spent the night at Mom's and once again (December 31) left for home a shade later than I would have preferred. However, I was tucked neatly into my own home before the first shift left the taverns. Happy New Year!

Since starting 2009, I have aggressively decided on a list of goals and embarked on programs to achieve them. One goal was to read at least 10 books this year. So far, I have finished two. Looks like the goal will have to be modified and the goal number raised. New goal, two books per month (minimum).

On January 5 I was on the road again - this time to Bloomington, IL for a flight to Atlanta and then a two-hour drive north to Dalton. Arrived before the rain, and managed my first run of the new year (3+ miles on the treadmill). Interview the next day was very enlightening. Great company (subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway), and good people on the staff. Most have a long tenure with the company, which speaks well in these economic times. Again, more interviews will be held before the company makes a decision.

The return trip was not as "comfortable" as the one down. Landed on time, and then the fun began. Rain, fog, and temperatures hovering around 30. Slow go home. The last 20+ miles were down "white" roads with two tire tracks to follow. The last 2 miles put me in the middle of the "white road" (country and no one else was coming). I got out to check the mail and almost fell - thank goodness I didn't know how bad the road really was or I might not have left Decatur.

Call today. I am considered a great candidate for a position with the Illinois Geologic Survey, but they wanted to check on my interest before they contacted my references. Salary - $35K. I had to say, thanks but I will continue my quest. Next interview is Monday in Rockford, IL.

Today was reflection and catching up on messages and events. Please note I have changed the slide show. What birds?