Back from the meetin'

Well that was a short one. We stopped along the way to Hotchkiss @ Blue Mesa Reservoir for friday night since we left at nearly 18:00. So we rolled in to the event on sat. morning and there were a few people up and about at 11:00.
We hung around, picked a bit, played on stage for a couple of songs, and picked a bit more. We enjoyed it and found out about a few of the jams in the Grand Junction area so we can keep up with it.

We dropped the trailer off on Sunday morning at the rv place in GJ - now we have a 'home' in GJ. Of course I still wonder how all this is going to come together. We have to move all the stuff in the next few weeks and I get to work through it and drive back for the weekends.

Back from the "Rat Colony"

We went down to Denver for Susie to have a follow-up exam by a surgeon. There were no real problems just some nagging pain that was reported as normal and expected.
We did have lunch with my dad and Betty, as well as a visit to the oriental markets in the area to get some foodstuffs that aren't available around here.
Tomorrow we're going to head over to the Mountain Music Meetin' that is if we can get our act together by then. I only have to get ready for this event, WIA next week and then to be in GJ by a week from monday for work - YeeHaw!
BTW the reference to "Rat Colony" is credited to Wes, a friend and ham that lives in the mountains.

26 Things

Just thought I'd give this one a try (all the pix were taken this morning):
(Put mouse pointer over image for description)

Late Again?

The pictures don't do the view justice. Since the colors are much more vibrant than pictures will ever show.
Susie reminded me that she has a doctors appt. on Thurs in Denver, so we'll go see some of my side of the family.
It snowed on the higher elevations but right here it only rained. The weather prognosticators continue saying it'll snow up here. And it has been so grey and rainy that I haven't been able to take any pics of the Aspen - the peak is coming pretty quick.
We also arranged for a PO box in Clifton (we might know the box number on thurs).

Morning

A day late

Susie borrowed my laptop for a meeting on Sat. so here's a two day post.
I finally took a pic to the south and another to the north. Not to much to see on the trees down here yet but the higher elevations have changed quite a bit.
I also spent some quality time researching a place to live (prob. RV Ranches in Clifton) and a storage unit since we'd be living out of the trailer until we find a more permanent place.
Susie's meeting was long, she left at 08:00 and got back at 19:30, and (so I hear) filled with controversy.
On Sunday we reprogrammed her cell phone for GJ so anyone that needs that number send a note so we can get it to you (lest we forget). It'll prob. be our home number for a while. I'll change mine sometime after I get there - I'll let y'all know when it happens.
It lightly rained the better part of the day so I couldn't get much done outside but I did manage to get the water pump off the trailer to see why it would pump very well (about 30% of the time it wouldn't pump water unless it was initially successful). I didn't find any real problems but I did clean it out. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

We're moving again

Well it's official - we're headed to Grand Junction. So goes the unemployment (easy come, easy go). Now I have to prep the trailer (complete with damages) for Hotchkiss (the last?) bluegrass event of the year for us.
Susie is concerned that she won't get the gig in Parachute. She thinks the manager will want her to interview for it and string her along like they did to others.
The folks in GJ have been quite accomodating with my needs (a certain amount of flexibility in hours - time off next year for the international etc.) so I had little reason to not take it.

I finally hear something

Well I finally heard back from HRRMC and the gig would pay 32k-35k per year, pretty pathetic if you ask me. He did say it would be hourly (about 16/hr) so there would be a chance for OT, at least for the first few months. But that wouldn't quite cut it - particularly with the Junction gig at $25/hr (yes OT available).
The trees are still changing - I think I'll start posting some pics from around here to show the changes.

As the world turns

The soap opera continues - I still haven't heard anything from the other two prospective employers. Park Co prob. hired someone else - the pay was a bit low for the gig - and the guy at HRRMC hasn't returned my calls. The HRRMC gig finally showed up on their website, plus they got the website running. The last time I tried the website it was down. That gig is just a Tech. Supp. Spec. which prob. will pay a bit less than Park Co.
I've also been looking for a commuter car. Of course the ultimate commuter is a classic Bug and there are few in the Mesa Co area but many in the front range. Susie is convinced that I couldn't carry the bass in one of them but the way that I carry it in a car that isn't a problem - it'll fit. Otherwise there is also the Type-III but they are a bit harder to find, hey maybe I should get a Thing. But I digress.
I've also been researching the GJ area for a place to live out of the RV - I may just compare it to regular housing rates. Hey I might be trailer trash again!!
With the gig in GJ I still have to ask a couple of questions. I will need at least 2 weeks next year for vacation, anything regarding relocation expenses, exactly how much is my part of the medical/dental/vision plan - stuff like that.

The long and winding road back home

We decided to head back using the scenic route. We toured the eastern part of the greater Grand Junction Metropolitan area (OK it was just a couple of towns since the metro, if you could really call it that, is pretty small) looking at neighborhoods for the possible relocation. We then hopped on the Interstate and double checked the time it would take to get to Parachute.
Susie wanted to visit with Charlotte in Glenwood Spgs (another Mtn BOCES emp.) so we stopped by and she had taken off for lunch so we headed over to a cafe nearby that had outdoor seating so Kelly could join us and had lunch. When we returned to the office Charlotte was there and about 2 hours later we were still there (they had some catching up to do).
We finally headed back out deciding that we could take Independence Pass so we headed for Aspen. There certainly have been some changes down that road. Lots of new development and highway renovations.
Just after Aspen and on the way up to the pass the weather started changing - it had been clear and warm all weekend but now the wind was picking up and it was starting to rain. Of course the aspen were still changing:

The further up the hill, past the town of Independence, the rain started changing to snow.

At the top it was lightly snowing but the ground was still too warm for it to stick.

It rained nearly all the rest of the way home, but just before BV it cleared up - or should I say it hadn't been there yet.
Arrived home safe and sound with a bit of a decision to make. But I do want to speak with David @ HRRMC before making the decision

A full day of interview

We had breakfast at Good Pastures (we seem to have breakfast there whenever we're in town - good food and close to the hotel) and headed over to the office. Susie dropped me off and headed off to see if there were any other options for her in town (other than transferring to Parachute and staying with Mtn BOCES). Met with the IT/IS/SA guy - at least he can have all the computer headaches so I don't have to worry about it. They had me sit in on the weekly production meeting - where they got the chance to complain about all their engineering problems. At least there weren't too many and most seemed to be nagging wear-n-tear and basic maintenance issues. Sat in with the Sales manager and met with a bunch of other people (I don't remember many of the names so don't ask!) they seem to be a pretty good bunch.
Lunch with the Op's Mgr (another Robert) and Jim with the requisite many more questions. Back to the office and some discussion about the pay and benefits. Then off to the other 2 transmitting facilities - each with their own issues. One of them has a building that one side is slowly sinking into the ground. Of course that building is cinderblock so there are some nice large cracks running down the wall and a dead backup xmtr. The other site is above the Colo. Monument with some decent views and a few problems (FM transmitter interfering with a cell carrier and a possible bad socket).

The Site and a cockeyed view
Of course (after the tours and a short break) we went out for dinner at a local steak and seafood joint with Jim, his wife, the sales manager and his wife.
Before dropping us off back at the hotel (where they met the Killer Kellydog) Jim asked me to let him know our decision.

On the road to Grand Junction

Well we got all packed up - setup auto-feeder for Klaus and hit the road. It had been a bit drizzly during the day in BV but GJ is supposed to be warm and dry.
Susie shot some pix on the way - the aspen are-a-changin' and a bit early to boot. Maybe the colors will be around a bit longer.

We arrived at the Holiday Inn after 4 hours on the road. So we took a break before calling Jim (the GM @ the radio stations). He took us on a quick tour of the office/studio building and we visited a couple of AM sites before stopping by his house meeting his wife and then dinner at the Olive Garden.
Dinner was good and we'll see what happens tomorrow when I get to visit the staff and hear about what is happening there.

Saturday laid an egg

The day started out pretty normal - we took Kelly to the vet and her arthritis is getting worse in her right elbow otherwise she's doing great - went to the Evergreen Cafe for breakfast and sat outside so Kelly could join us - did some house cleaning.
But then we went to the barn dance - we got there a little too close to the start so I didn't have an opportunity to get setup very well (amp wasn't where I wanted it to be - they put a side fill monitor where I was standing before) and had to trip over a bunch of little kids that were running around while I was trying to get it together. After a few dances Dennis came over and asked about the monitor - it was off and so I turned it on and told him to turn up the feed to it - it was pretty weak - it was working somewhat.
A few dances later he came over and yelled at me to "get the < explitive deleted > out of here we don't need you" Needless to say I was a bit confused - I still don't really know what happened but Susie stepped in to try and calm the waters a bit - I just decided that he was exceeding angry about something I did (maybe because my amp was too close to him and I wasn't playing particularly well on the last couple - as with everyone I couldn't hear myself so I spent too much time guessing). In fact the last song was a bit of a disaster with players all over the place because they couldn't hear what was happening. So we went home - dazed and confused plus a bit earlier than we planned but then again we gotta hit the road in the morning.
Susie said that he would be willing to talk about it in a couple of days. I certainly hope we can workout the issues - I just know next time (if there is a next time) I'll probably just keep the amp near me and actually make sure to test it out before the gig.

When it rains - it pours ( Part Deux )

Now today I get to add another gig to the list - a network gig at the HRRMC (local hospital). It's really coming down now! I just need a job offer at this point - we'll have to wait and see who wins!
I found out about it today while we were at a community dance where we were playing (for the fun of it) and it was pretty fun - I transcribed a number of the songs that they regularly do so I had an idea of how to play them.
Tomorrow we're playing at a barn dance in Nathrop - usually another good time. Dennis built the barn with dances in mind so it has the second floor devoted to them. It is a large open room (a bit reflective for the sound) where the band takes out a corner and hope they don't get run over by the dancers.
These dances are of the contra variety. With a band playing and a caller showing them what to do.
This is going to be a busy weekend (and into the week)! With the dance tonight, one tomorrow night, taking Killer Kelly (our dog and a great alliteration) to the vet, we might go to the apple fest here in BV, Sunday a trek to GJ for the interview, and then the interview with HRRMC hopefully early in the week.


Killer Kelly

When it rains - it pours

Just got back from the interview at Park County - I think it went pretty good - I think the job would be a good one. At least their equip. is pretty new (a nice change from the antiques I'd been dealing with) and the infrastructure is good - I just hope they check my references. That'll help seal the deal.
On the way back home I took this:

Yes we have autumn in the higher parts of the mountains and soon it'll be here. (Sorry but the Palm camera doesn't quite capture the scene well.)


On the GJ front, they want me in for a f2f interview (and have all but offered me the gig) - but with this one I gotta see if Susie can take a day off to go there so we can both check it out. She doesn't actually have to be there but they offered to put us up for a couple of nights and that'd be pretty kewl if she could go.
And to further muddy the waters Susie told me of a fed gig near Leadville that I could do in my sleep. It's a Communications and Instrumentation Mechanic (or something like that) and it would pay more than what I was making in Michigan!
But they want a current Fed employee or as such so I can't apply - what a joke. There is a phone number listed in the paper for questions so I think I'll call in the morning and see what be happenin'.

Another Day Back in the Trenches

Well first thing today I called Park County and confirmed Thursday at 16:00 as the date and time for the interview - I hope it goes well - I don't really want to move but then again there is the MBC Grand B'casting gig in GJ that I sent in a resume for. The GM there called me today and we talked for about 20-30 minutes - sounds like a good opportunity and we'll see where that one leads.
Susie is getting tired of the BS at her office and wants me to get a gig so she can tell them to "take this job and shove it" (credits to Johnny Paycheck et al.) Too bad they would bring me on board the tech problems she's having are so simple (internet down being the most common - a daily occurance) that they should be preventable at the least.
I'm looking forward to Thursday - I wonder if I should wear a suit - I very rarely wear a suit and I have yet to get a job where I wore a suit to the interview, but then again it could've been a long time ago that a suit worked.

Now we get to go home :-(

As usual we had a great time at the fest - good people, a good time

and if the weather was a bit more cooperative we'd have nothing to complain about our time up there.
We decided not to drive thru Denver on the return trip figuring that we had plenty of time to get back. So we went the back way thru Laramie to Walden down to Leadville (to get Susie's car). As we were heading home feeling pretty good about the weekend a jerk in a Dodge truck with an ATV trailer passed us on a turn and side swiped our trailer:

Kinda made a downer as the closing statement for the weekend. At least he didn't hit anything other than the side skirt - but still I'd rather not be repairing the skin of the trailer this soon!

Day 3 @ the fest

Once again the weather wasn't the best - cloudy and wet in the morning but then the skies cleared up for a while - the stage (which was in a show barn) moved outside at 14:00.

While we were listening (I can't seem to listen to a band very long without getting bored - I'd still rather paly or run sound than listen) I got up and decided to check the home phone for messages - there was one from Susie wondering where I was (since I was running late to pick her up - sorry about that Susie) and another from Park County wanting to schedule an interview ( YEA!!!) but I got the message a bit late so I'll have to call on Tuesday.
The weather turned again at 16:20 while Boulder band Hit and Run were on stage. They had a drawing for a new Alvarez guitar at 16:00 (which we didn't win - and if we did we'd use it for leverage to get our friends Phil and Ellen from Michigan to visit - we'd give Ellen the guitar) we were heading back to the trailer when the wind picked up and nearly blew us off our feet and then it rained again.
At least the rain was short lived and we went across the "street" to pick some more.

Susie singing with Don on guitar

A day of pickin' -n- grinin'

Well today was a bit rainy but we got some good pickin' in - first with a group of guys that were tent camping and later with a group (mostly from Wyo) that were "right across the street" from us.
The second group was pretty well anchored by Jerry (from nearby Wheatland) who plays guitar plus a very interesting gent name Don from Casper who also plays guitar (and quite well I might add) and a host of "floaters" who came in and out. They really seemed to enjoy the addition of Susie on Mandolin and especially me on the bass.
The only problem is we haven't taken any pictures yet - Susie usually complains that I "hog the camera" so I've been trying to get her to take some - of course I could be taking some with my palm as well - maybe tomorrow the weather will be better. It rained pretty hard there during the evening so we couldn't stop playing, since we were under an awning setup that worked pretty well.

Arrival at the fest

Well after driving to Leadville to pickup Susie and driving thru Denver - We've arrived at the Laramie Peak Bluegrass Fest.
The traffic into Leadville was a bit interesting as I had to navigate thru a group of cattle that decided to walk down the road to some new pasture:


The traffic north of Denver was pretty bad but other wise the only other problem on the trip was quite a storm with some neat lightning and strong winds south of Douglas Wyo at the Wyo State Fairgrounds:

and it held off just long enough for us to find a spot and set-up the fifth-wheel. It started raining and blowing so we decided to call it a night.

Load'em Up

Spent the day prepping the trailer for the trip. That is when I wasn't sleeping - didn't sleep well at all last night something I ate didn't agree with me at all!
The other day I sent in a resume for an IT gig at a nearby hospital - a friend told me about it and thought that I could do it pretty easily. Today I sent her an email asking about the status - still haven't heard anything. The other gigs are still up in the air. I sorta hope for one of the nearby ones (hospital or nearby county's IS Director). Otherwise, the only gig I applied for "in my field" was as a Chief Engineer for a radio group in Grand Junction - the only problem with that is I'd have to move and I am certainly tired of moving about. Mebbe I shouldn't have gone into radio - I might've been able to stay in one place for a while.

Preparation for Bluegrass Fest

Having reworked the mounts for the fifth-wheel on the truck (Gillettes Interstate RV in East Lansing MI f****d it up when they put it in) I finally load tested it and it looks like it will hold up - there was some serious cutting that I did to the mount to get it close enough to the bed of the truck so the weight of the trailer is on the frame and not the bed of the truck - they even destroyed one of the bolts installing it (I think that they had to hammer the assembly together since they didn't line it up installing it)

the f****d up mount


this is how it ended up looking:


Quite the change in spacing to the bed of the truck!!! I hope it stops moving around as a result (if I got the torque tight enough)

Kudos to the folks at Holiday RV in Poncha Springs for giving me a new bolt and nut. (the jerks with Gillettes didn't do anything to help resolve the situation)

this is one buggered bolt and nut


It helps reinforce the old adage if you want it done right do it yourself!