Wednesday, December 08, 2004


There it is the Dream Car. 2005 Corvette C6. Wouldn't Iook great driving that? Well heck yeah.

HMMM.....How to hook that trailer to my truck? Oh by the way..This is my trusty ride. Good truck. Loves gas. Heck I love it.

Hershey's. Need I say more?

Sculpture outside Cabela's in Wheeling, WV. The mecca for hunters. Too muc stuff to list.

Long Time No See!!!

Hello Gentle Reader, Yes I know that it has been a while. Much going on in my life right now. Find it hard to sleep much less anything else. What can I share with you.......Working ICU at hospital in Southaven MS. Twenty beds with eight bed stepdown unit. Busy unit too. We got a great heart program. Actually learning some CV stuff.
Hmmmm, travel stuff....Planning on heading West in Feb. Not sure where yet but somewhere. It's great being home, but the travel bug has bit me hard. As long as it's ICU and the money is right, I'm there.
Been doing some hunting. Got a doe (female deer) last week. Now I can start hunting a big buck. Got the meat for the freezer. Now I need a wall hanger.
well that 'bout covers it for now. Leave a comment or just say HI. Don't make me beg here folks.

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

MMMMM...!!! Home at Last !!!

Yep finally back in Memphis. I knew I was home as soon as I was cut off by a lime green Gran Marquis with twenty four inch spinners , a Playboy sticker in the back window, and a heavy rap beat. Man it's great to be home. Almost makes me miss Connecticut.
Had a great trip home. Went to Hershey , PA . Saw the chocolate capitol of the world. Think over my lifetime I have probably paid for at least one wing of the tourist area. Then it was on to Cabela's in Wheeling, WV. More hunting stuff than you can shake a stick at. Could have easily dropped a paycheck there. Well, now that I think about it. I did drop a good precentage of it there. From Wheeling it was on to Clermont, KY. Home of the Jim Beam Distillary. Nestled into a hollow of the moutains of KY, it was a great place to visit. Nothing like the smell of good sipping whiskey in the air to get you fired up for the day. It was a great tour there, but I like the Jack Daniels Tour better. From there it was on to mom's. That last leg from Nashville to Memphis was a blur. Was it because I was drunk from the Jim beam visit? Maybe cause I was tired? No good reader, It was a blur cause I think I set a land speed record for four wheel drive crew cab trucks. Only reason I stopped at all was cause I didn't want to wet down the seat of my truck.
Of course I have pics of the places we stopped. They will be posted as soon as I get my laptop up and running. Actually got some pretty good pics. Can't wait to post them here.
Well I guess I'll be going for now. Look back soon as I will be posting from good ole Memphis and the area. May even get you some sites from here to look at.

Thursday, October 07, 2004

LAST DAY !!!!

Well happy readers. This is the last day I'll be working in Connecticut. Sunday AM my tail is heading South. Ready for moms cooking and to see my family and friends. I'm gonna be working in Memphis for the winter.
Speaking of winter, it's already been in the thirties here. And it's still in the eighties back home. Shoot I even had to scrape frost off the windshield the other morning. Not used to having to do that this early in the year. And of course I'm gonna have to get used to the heat and humidity of home again.
Today is my birthday. Sucks to be here alone for it. But one of the ladies I work with made me a cake and brought it last night. Really surprised me. I guess I've made a few friends here. I'm really going miss a bunch of the folks here. Hopefully we will keep in touch after I'm gone.
This will be my last post from here. Gonna turn in the modem in the morning and cancel internet. Next time I post it will be from the road or moms. It's been a great adventure here and it's just beginning. Gonna be in Memphis for the winter and then looking at Arizona for Febuary. Travel bug has bit me hard.
Well I'm gonna get off before I get too weepy. Post a comment if you want.
GONE !!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2004


Remember me complaining about the gas and cig prices? Well here is the proof. Julie tells ms the gas prices are better back home. I can only hope so. Oh by the way, remember me talking 'bout losing the center cap on my rim in PA? Went and got the replacement one today. Hit me for ninety dollars! Gonna have a talk with the good folks at Gateway tires when I get home. It's got me all pee-o'd again.

Updated. Finally!!

Seems i've been lazy 'bout updating the ole blog. Mom is on my case. Says that this is how she keeps up with her boy. Anyway whats new in my life? Last weekend went to Freeport, Maine. Whats so great about Freeport? It's the home of L. L. Bean. Let me tell ya folks....It is huge. Two buildings full of stuff. It's got everything from boots to boats. And it's open twenty-four hours a day seven days a week, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now that is great. Got a hankering for a new kayak at three am? Run on down to Beans. And they actually have folks there that know what they are selling 'ya. Wish we could get a Beans at home, it beats the heck out of Walmart.
The countdown continues. I'm now down to seven working days. Bout a week and a half left. Now i'm not saying that i haven't enjoyed my time here in New England. I really have. But its time to get back home. Missing J, Julie, and the rest of the family. And it's starting to get cool up here. Means it's getting close to hunting time. I gotta get home and check out the deer stands and get the rifles ready.
Leaves are starting to change up here. I'm hoping to be able to get some pictures before I leave. Anyway that's about it for now. Drop a line. Tell me HI.
GIT R DONE!!

More Pics from Freeport.

Great hats huh? Wished I'd found them. I'd have bought me one to wear.

LL Bean store in Freeport, Maine.

Wednesday, September 15, 2004

NRA.org - Home Page

NRA.org - Home Page

The NRA website. Defending your second ammendment rights. You know being up here in the north I hear alot about Southerners all owning guns. Like thats a bad thing. I have a pretty good collection of guns at home. I use them for hunting. Yep thats right I'm a hunter. I shoot animals. But I eat what I kill. The deer that I shoot have a much better chance than the cows that provide the steak and hamburger that you buy at the local grocery. At least my kills are better for me than the steroid, antibiotic filled, and slaughtered meat that is in the cooler at Piggly Wiggly. And yeah I do offer up a prayer to God for the kill that I have made. Not for the kill itself but for the opportunity to live in a country that allows you to own guns and hunt. For the food that is being provided for my family. Hopefully I'll be able to post a few pics here this year of deer. Gonna take the digital camera to the stand with me. Who knows might get lucky.
While we are talking guns, I'm thinking about getting into bench rest shooting. What is that you may ask. Well it is the ultimate in marksmanship. It is precision shooting. Some of the best shooters in the country can put five shots in a target that can be covered by quarter. Well great you may say. But let me throw this at you.....The target is four hundred yards or more away. Think about it. Stand at end of a football field and look at the other end. Pretty far huh. Now multiply that by four. There are major competitions around the country. Lots of times it may have folks from the military or police forces or government agencies there to compete. And even some regular Joes.
But back to the Southern gun thing....You look back through history and in most of the major wars that have been fought by the US the military is made up of Southern boys. Why is that? Well heck, it's cause we can SHOOT. We grew up with guns. And of course the fact that poverty is high in the South might have something to do with it. The military is a way out.
Ok, I'm off the soapbox now. Ya'll have a good day. Drop me a line. Say HI. Or try to prove me wrong. I am open to any and all comments.

Travel Nursing - RN jobs, Travel Nursing Companies, and Travel Nurse jobs

Travel Nursing - RN jobs, Travel Nursing Companies, and Travel Nurse jobs

This is a great site for nurses. Covers about all the companies out there as well as hospitals. Has a great forum section. Check it out.

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

As Seen......

As I go through life I see things that just plain amuse me....Here are just a few of them.

"The only reason some people are alive is because it's illegal to kill them"
"Your gene pool needs a lifeguard"
"Family reunions.....Not just for picking up girls."
"I didn't fight to the top of the food chain to eat vegtables"

Saw these on Tee Shirts around town here. Amazing what you'll see when you just look around. Oh got another good one for ya........Grinders. What is it? It's a sub sandwich. Geez, what is up with these folks. LOL. Steamers......Clams. Why are they called that....'Cause you steam them.
Just a few thoughts for the day. Hope you enjoy.

Monday, September 13, 2004

Oh Canada.....

Last couple of nights I have worked with some girls from Canada. They are from New Foundland. I thought I had a ride up here. These girls drove like four days to get here. And the hoops they had to jump through to get a license for the States. Geez. I asked them if it was worth it, and got a solid YES. Seems that with the socialized medicine up there the pay wages are much less. Guess that puts Canada in the nice place to visit but I don't wanna live there list. Although one girl did tell me that I need to come up there moose hunting. Hmmmmm now that might be an idea.
Down to fifteen working days. Not getting anxious or nothing. Not really a whole lot going on around here right now. The leaves are starting to change. May have to take a ride into the country to see if I can get some decent pictures.
Hope y'all have a good day. Drop me a line to say HI.

Sunday, September 12, 2004

16 Days to Go!!

Ok I'm down to 16 working days. Thats four weeks. My birthday is gonna be my last night to work at Backus Hospital in Norwich. Not a bad birthday present. The wife, Julie, is gonna fly up that Friday. I'm gonna show her around here a little then that Saturday we are going out to eat with some folks that I work with. Then Sunday we are heading South. Back to the land of cotton, soybeans, good 'ole boys, and manners. God I can't wait.
I have decided that I am really pathetic. Got into a bit of a funk here. Guess it was the trip home the end of August. Got me really home sick and I was a real bear. But I'm better now. Still home sick. But I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. This is the longest I've been separated from my family. And I was trying to work way too much, and I got tired. This led to my being grumpy. To all that love me that I was short with, I apologize. Didn't mean it. Love you all.
Think I've decided to do the PRN thing at old hospital. Hope they can keep me busy. But heck, hunting season is getting ready to kick off. So it can't all be bad. Gotta restock the freezer. And I hear from my club members that we got a good herd of deer this year. Man I hope so.
Well hope all is well with you and yours. Drop me a line. LET'S GIT 'ER DONE!!!

Friday, September 10, 2004

18 Work Days

Down to eighteen work days left of this contract. Like the sound of that better than weeks. Not sure what to do after here. Home or travel? Who really knows. I'm at a lost right now. Any suggestions? Let 'em come.

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Let the Countdown Begin.

Hey, yeah I know. It's been a while. Seems that I've been busy of late working and trying to find a new assignment around Memphis or Mississippi. Shoot, I'll even go as far as central Arkansas. Got a good chance of going back PRN at my old hospital and the one before that. It's just a matter really of my saying OK and taking the position. But I keep holding out for a travel position. Hope it comes thru. Not that I don't like my old hospitals, but I'm kinda getting where I like this here travel stuff.
Hmmmm....What's happened of late? Oh yeah, Priest was great. Rob Halford can still wail. It's amazing how great his voice still is. Put on a great show. Had a band called Shadows Fall opening up for them. Pretty good too. Heck they rocked. I highly recommend that you see these two bands if at all possible.
Yep the countdown 'til I head home has now begun. It's about four and a half weeks 'til I'm done here. Or even better yet nineteen working days. Of course that's four days a week plus the three left of this week. But I like the sound of that better. Backus and Aureus want me to re-up, but this 'ole boy is headed South for the winter. I hear that they actually get SNOW up here.
Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Drop me a line and say HI.

Sunday, August 29, 2004

Travel nurse jobs, Diagnostic Imaging, Therapy, Oncology Jobs

Travel nurse jobs, Diagnostic Imaging, Therapy, Oncology Jobs


This is the agency i'm currently with. For those of you that are interested.

More Observations.....

Got a question for y'all. My gentle readers, why is it that the folks up hear call gowns Johnnies? Also the heavy cloth pads that we place under patients are called Chucks. I've asked and the only answer I can get is....They've always been called that. Anyone got an idea? I'm totally dumbfounded. kinda odd.
Yesterday I was on the balcony of my apartment, which looks out over the golf course, smoking a cigarette . All of a sudden there was a flash of something on the cart path. It was a couple of idiots flying by in a golf cart. Well, you might say, that aint bad....Well you may be right, but the fact that there is a sharp left turn and a bunch of trees at the bottom of the hill might change your mind. It seems that these two MENSA members were getting a running start on top of the hill and then throwing the cart in neutral and coasting down the hill. Of course they were laughing like two little kids. You thing alcohol had anything to do with it? Naw, of course not. Once at the bottom of the hill they were powersliding around the turn in the dirt there. Well I can almost hear the words now, "HEY Y'ALL WATCH THIS..." 'Cause on the next trip down they kinda hung a little long before turning. The cart tilted right, over corrected, tilted left, then right again, and wham, flipped the heck over. Thought for sure that the idiots had killed themselves. But the guy driving popped right up, laughing, and said "Now that was fun." I, of course, almost pee'ed myself laughing at them. Guess it goes to show ya that stupidity comes in all forms and fashion.
Well that 'bout covers it for now.Going to see Judas Priest tonight at the casino. Might be an interesting show. Anyway will write tonight or tomorrow and give ya a critique of the show. Y'all take care and leave me a comment.

Thursday, August 26, 2004

It seems that some people here in the north have a bad idea of the South. I ran across this a couple of years ago on the 'net and thought that it pretty well summed up my feelings of all things Southern. I hope you enjoy.....

I am always amused by Hollywoods interpetation of the South. We are still depicted as a collective group of sweaty, stupid, backwoods-minded, and racist rednecks. The South of movies and Hollywood is not my South.
This is my South....
My South is full of honest, hardworking people.
My South is colorblind, we don't put a premium on pigment. No one cares if you are black, white, red, or green with orange polka dots.
My South is the birthplace of blues, jazz, and rock and roll. It has banjo pickers and fiddle players, but it also has B.B. King, Muddy Waters, the Allman Brothers, Emmy Lou Harris, and Elvis.
My South is hot.
My South smells of freshly mown grass.
My South was the South of the Partridge Family, Hawaii 5-O, and kick the can.
My South was bird hunting, creek swimming, and cane pole fishing.
In My South Football is king, and the South Eastern Conference is the kingdom.
My South is home to some of the most beautiful women in the world.
In my South soul fool and country cooking are one in the same.
My South is full of fig preserves, corn bread, butterbeans, fried chicken, grits and catfish.
In my South we eat foie gras, caviar and truffles.
In my South transistor radios introduced us to the Beatles and Rolling Stones at the same time as the rest of the country.
In my South grandmothers cook a big lunch every Sunday.
In my South family matters deeply.
My South is blackberry cobbler, boiled shrimp, peach ice cream, banana pudding and oatmeal cream pies.
In my South people put peanuts in bottles of Coca Cola and hot sauce on almost everything.
In my South the iced tea is almost as sweet as our women.
My South has air conditioning.
My South is camillias, azeleas, wisteria, and hydrangeas.
In my South the only person that has to sit at the back of the bus....Is the last person on the bus.
In my South we still say "Yes Ma'am", "No Ma'am", "please", and "Thank You".
In my South we all wear shoes..most of the time.
My South is the best kept secret in the world. Please continue to keep the secret. It keeps the idiots away.

But it makes me wonder...If the South is so bad, why are more and more northerners coming to the South? Shoot if it's so bad, please remember. Interstate 55 and 81 run north as well as South.
Please leave me a comment. Let me know just how off base I am here.

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

I know.....I know......

Hello Kiddies. I know, I have been bad and haven't posted in a while. But work has kept me busy. And then I went to Memphis for a long weekend. God it was good to be home. Seems my son has grown a foot and his voice is changing. Makes me feel old. I sometimes wish that he was that eight pound bundle that would lay on my chest and sleep again. And seeing Julie was great too. It's funny how you can miss someone, but you never really know how much until you see them again. Had a great time with the folks and my brother and his family. I didn't want to get on that plane and come back here. Hurt way to much. But, only seven more weeks and then back to them loving arms again.
Speaking of planes, that leads me to airports. Atlanta may have a great airport, but it is spread out all over creation. They have a bullet train that runs underground to take you from one terminal to the next. Which is nice, but when you better follow instructions to hold on. It takes off like a top fuel dragster and stops like its hitting a wall. Kinda fun if your expecting it. But otherwise can be scary.
Atlanta has gone to great lengths to accommodate us smokers out there. They have smoking lounges in each terminal. Sounds good huh? Well lemme give you a picture of it. Picture a room
'bout the size of your average garage at home. Then put plastic chairs in it. And then about sixty people chainsmoking. I thought that the walls were painted a funky yellow, until on closer observation I saw that it was stained from the smoke. I tell you, I thought twice about going in there. But I was rapidly approaching twenty four hours of being awake, and I needed a hit of nicotine to jump start me. I don't smoke inside at home, so the smell was kinda overpowering. A quick smoke and I was outta there. Why do we do this to ourselves? Because we are addicts, that's why.
Memphis was nice. But when I got off the plane there and went outside, the humidity liked to have knocked me down. Geez, I forgot how bad it could be. And Julie said it was actually not bad that day. I forgot what it was like to stand still and sweat. How easily I have become spoiled to the weather in Norwich.
Well that about covers it for now. I promise I will do better and post more often now. Shoot I'm on the downhill slide to home. Lets git 'er done.

Thursday, August 12, 2004

Greetings all.

Hey folks how's things for y'all? Things here are good. Work is.....Well, work. Not much happening there. Just saving lives and healing the sick. You know the routine stuff. I'm working with a great group of folks. Everyone seems to get along great.
I'm flying to Memphis next week. Gonna see the wife, the son, and the folks. It'll be nice to be around folks that talk like me. Flying from Hartford to Atlanta to Memphis. Amazing how you have to fly around the world to get to where you want to go. Seems that theyt would save money by flying direct. But I'm a nurse, not a flight planner.
Talking to another agency about getting to Memphis for the winter. Seems that my agency can't get me an assignment in Memphis, but this other agency says they can. I guess we'll have to wait and see. If not, I may just go to my old hospital and work PRN for the winter.
Planning on going to a Navigator game tomorrow. They are a double A baseball team here in Norwich. It's a farm team for the Giants. Seem to be doing pretty good. Guess we'll have to wait and see. But shoot, it's baseball. Cold Coke, hotdogs, and the crack of the bat. What more could you ask for?
When I come back to Norwich from Memphis, I'm planning on being a working fool. Looking for five to six days a week. Gonna accomplish some of what I came to do. I've played enough, it's time to get serious. Got some bills paid off and gonna work on a big one now. Seems I work more for them more than I work for anything else. Which leads to......
Tired of working for everything but myself. A friend once told me that I take care of everybody but myself. That I need to take care of myself every once in a while. Guess that's true. On the list of things I worry about I'm definitely not at the top. May need to rethink that some. What's your thoughts? Drop me a Comment and let me know.

Thursday, August 05, 2004

Mohegan Sun Casino Fine and Casual Dining

Mohegan Sun Casino Fine and Casual Dining



Link to the Mohegan Sun. check it.

Big Bubba's BBQ

Big Bubba's BBQ

Southern Bar-b-que? Think not!!!

Went to Big Bubbas at the casino today for lunch as it was raining. Needless to say it don't compare to home style bar-b-que. Gonna include the link to their site and the casino. Interesting place. Check 'em out.

HMMMM.........makes you wonder why they had to pass this ordinance.

Tuesday, August 03, 2004


Yep my big tail is standing on two rocks in the middle of this stream. And yes, it is deep!

Don't see much of this in the Delta.

Nice huh?

Pics of the country side. Ever see so many trees? God, I could almost move here.

That Leonard Luck!

Well folks, you know in an earlier post I mentioned the Leonard Luck? Well it has definitely followed me to Connecticut. Let me tell you about it. Went to Walmart the other day (is there any other place on earth to shop?), to get a DVD player. You know there is nothing to watch late night on TV, so I got me some DVD's. Anyway I got home, opened the box got ready to set it up and realized that the connections are wrong. Old TV, it only has like a cable hookup on the back. Damn another trip to Walmart! So I'm gonna cool down, smoke a cigarette, make some tea. Open the dishwasher to get the tea pitcher out, and it has melted down one side. Seems that the washer was on heated dry. Musta been too hot. Much like my temper by now. So ok tea is out, get a Diet Coke from the fridge. Wouldn't you know, out of Diet Cokes. Temper a little hotter. Get a glass of water. Gonna go out on the deck smoke a cig. And for the grand slam of piss offs, I'M OUT OF SMOKES. Needless to say, was not a happy camper.
Now for the good news. I now have two tea pitchers, plenty of Diet Cokes, and double check the smoke supplies. Got back to the apartment got the DVD set up and enjoyed my evening watching DVD's. Just couldn't handle another night watching the Spanish home shopping club. Don't have the faintest idea what they are saying, but they are sure enjoying themselves.
Work is going good. About nine more weeks to go. Looking forward to the end of August. Heading to Memphis for a long weekend with the family. Can't wait.
So what's going on in your life? Drop me a comment and let me know. Tell your momma and them I said HI.

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Observations.

 Howdy ya'll. Not much has been going on of late. Just working and trying to sleep. And of course, squeezing in a odd meal here and there. Like I need to miss many of those.  Have made  a few observations about the people up here. Of course other than being totally different from the good folks in Gods Country (more commonly known as the South). It seems that as soon as one of them come into the hospital they go totally beserk. I mean your not even finished with the admit stuff and they are climbing the walls. Darnedest thing I ever seen. Seems like all of them up here have a prior history of drug and alcohol abuse. Heck I don't even ask if they use drugs or drink. I just ask how much. And ninty nine percent of the time I'm right. I don't care what they say about the South. The north is just as bad, if not worse.
 Now for something totally different......The other night I was going to the canteen (read vending machines) for a Diet Pepsi. Now you all know I am a Diet Coke type guy. Why you may ask am I drinking Diet Pepsi. Well lemme tell ya, Diet Pepsi is all they got in this hospital. And It is about to kill me. Shoot I can make a twenty ounce one last purt near all night. Any way as I said I was headed for the canteen and Mark, a fella I work with, gave me some change and asked me to get him a "SNIKA" . I of course looked at him like a fool. He said "you know a candy bar? With chocolate and nuts and caramel". I thought about it for a minute and it hit me. He was wanting a SNICKERS. Sheesh, had no idea what he was talking about. Anyway I got a good giggle out of it. Anyway that about covers it for now.
 Going out this weekend to do some more of the picture thing. Gonna get 'em posted here as soon as possible. You wouldn't believe how freaking pretty this state is. Wish Icould bring it home with me. And leave the yankees here. Talk to you soon.

Sunday, July 25, 2004

Good Morning!

 Good morning happy readers. Hope all is well with you. Things here in Connecticut are great. The weather is great. Heck, I don't think it has broken ninety degrees since I've been here. Can't really complain. Not much has been going on here since my last post. Just working, eating and sleeping. For those of you that work nights you understand where I'm coming from.  Decided to try something different this morning for breakfast. I mean, a brother can only eat so much cereal and pop tarts. Was tired of McD's and Burger king. So I tried the buffet at the casino. In retrospect, I should have eaten my cereal. I mean it wasn't bad......For casino food. But it definitely wasn't dads Sunday morning breakfast. And I'm still hunting for the perfect glass of iced tea up here. I do believe that it don't exist.  Thank God for my Mr. Coffee Iced Tea maker and my Luzianne tea bags. I don't believe that I could make it without these essentials of life.  The waitress asked me for my drink order. So being the Southern boy that I am, I ordered iced tea.  She promptly asked me if I wanted unsweetened or with raspberry. Now why in the heck would you ruin a glass of iced tea like that? Like to have lost my appetite right then and there. Yeah, like that could happen. Sheesh.
 well that about covers my days so far. Hope all is well with you and yours. Keep reading and send me some comments folks. Let me know this carpal tunnel syndrome is worth something. Talk to you later.

Tuesday, July 20, 2004


Sail boats, and check out the houses on the shore. Nice huh?

Conning tower Of Nautilus.

Old town hall in Mystic Seaport.

Tourist.

 Hey folks, today was an off day. And believe it or not the sun was actually out. So I decided to do the tourist thing. Went to the Submarine base in Groton. Oh by the way it's not Gr-O-ton as I thought, It's G-ROT-on.  Was pretty cool. Saw the Nautilus, first nuclear powered submarine as well as a museum on submarining. Had everything there from the first sub to a look at the future. Was most impressed. Of course, what really impressed me the most was the stars and the size of the knot on my head where I didn't quite clear the doorway on the boat. I mean it brought a tear to this ole boys eye. Why they gotta make them does so durn small? Heck for those of us that shop on the plus size rack it was a mighty tight squeeze. Of course the Japanese tourist behind me found it rather amusing. What I was thinking as they giggled is not really fit for publishing here. Lets just let it suffice to say that it involved torpedoes and a body orfice. You get the idea?
 After that I went to Mystic, Connecticut. For those of you that remember the movie "MYSTIC PIZZA" from the late eighties. This is the town that it was based on and shot in. Don't really remember much about it, just that it had Ricky Lake in it. And she looked like she had worked her way through quite a few mystic pizzas. But I digress. Didn't go to see the pizza shop, it just wasn't that great of a movie.
 But I did go to the Mystic Seaport and museum. This is a area that is just as it was during colonial times. Had great sailing ships there and all. Was kinda cool. They were having a special deal in one building there about the maritime doings of the world. As I walked around I ran across a film presentation on the Mississippi River. Traced the Big Muddy from its beginnings to New Orleans. Had a segment about Memphis, Tn. Really got this big redneck home sick. Shoot I sat through it twice. Just so I could see that part again. Really miss the family and friends. Heck I miss folks that talk like me.
 Ok, another reason Northerners are so pissed off acting. At least around here. You can't buy a COLD BEER anywhere in this state after eight PM. You all know that I don't drink. Got this info from a girl that works with me. She is a fellow traveler. She said she was wanting a frosty one at about eight thirty and couldn't buy one. Clerk wouldn't sell it to her. Said she had to drive to Rhode Island, and had to get THERE before Ten PM.  Boy, it is almost enough to piss you off. Needless to say she didn't get her beer that night.
Ok enuff for now. Ya'll send me some comments. I welcome any and all.

Thursday, July 15, 2004

Good Morning All!!

Well it's another great day here in Connecticut. Temps are great. And I think I have moved to Seattle. We are getting rain nearly everyday. Sometimes all day. Supposed to last 'til next week. Guess will have to wait and see.
Work is going good. Heck sick folks is sick folks. Of course these just talk a little different. Told a guy last night that I had a PILL for him and he asked "a peel of what?". Took me a minute to figure out what he mean't. Then I just busted out laughing. Oh well sometimes I forget that they don't talk proper Southern English.
Not a lot happening right now around here. Got the digital camera. Gonna try to get some decent pictures to put on here. Show ya'll the great scenery up here.
That is if it ever quits raining. Oh did ya notice the weather thing over on the right? Thats so you can be jealous of my weather as ya'll down South slowly roast.
Hey had a thought on the way home......Why do they have braille writing on ATM's and keypads to open gates like at the apartments here? Are there that many blind folks driving that we need braille on the key pads? Think about it. And don't forget to leave me a comment. Just hit the comment right below this post. Take care.

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Norwich Update

Good morning all, hows it going in your neck of the woods? Here in good ol Connecticut it's finer than hens teeth. Been working the last few days. Trying to heal the infirmed and cure the ill. Or as a friend says.....SAVING LIVES! The work hasn't been bad....Shoot they have a IV team that starts all your IV'S and drops your NGTs. The charge nurse takes off all your orders, calls your docs, and is really in charge. The PCTs take care of the patients and the nurse just gives meds. It's a different world up here. Don't know if I like it or not....But it's different. Taking some getting used to.
Let me tell ya, being a Southern boy I can't complain 'bout the weather. The people up here are saying it's muggy. It's been in the upper seventy's and lower eighties around here. Nice breezes blowing. Been riding around with the windows down, the radio up, just enjoying the heck out of it. Gonna try and install a weather thing on here so I can show you the weather here as compared to back home. Kinda let you see what the difference is.
I've decided...Going to get a digital camera today. And start posting pics here. Let you all see what it looks like up here. I just can't really begin to describe it. Very beautiful country up here. Too bad the yankees got it....LOL. No really the people I've met and work with are really nice. Onece you get past the accent and the way they talk....They are are really nice. They really get a kickout of my accent. Girl at work had me saying all the -AIN words. Like pain,vain,train,main,explain. She just giggled. thought it was just funnier than hell. And to top it of we tape report. Shoot, I sound like a hick to myself on tape. Can't even begin to imagine what it sounds like to them. The other day I had a foreign doc seeing one of my patients. Ok you got the picture, now let me put some sound to it for ya. Foreign accent, we've all been to the corner 7-11 so we know what it's like. Now add a New York accent on top of it. I stood there looking at him like he had two heads. Had totally no idea what he said. He went out to the desk and told the charge nurse, and she interpeted it for him. I thought it was funny...He didn't see the humor at all. Oh well, just can't figure some folks.
Well guess i'm gone for now. Tell your momma and them I said HI. And ya'll come back now ya hear.

Thursday, July 08, 2004


Saw this in Kentucky. Seems like a great place to vacation next year. And to top it off....It's on BEAVER ROAD. Geez what were these folks thinking? Hopefully will have more interesting things to send ya soon.

Travels

Well all I can say is the trip up here was eventful. Long, hard ride by myself. Twenty hours on the road talking to the radio, and trying to keep from gettin run over by trucks. Everything was great until I got into Ohio. Gez, some areas was as flat as the Delta in Mississippi. Got into Pennsylvania and got on the turnpike. Two hours setting still, went about five miles, and had to pay sixty five cents for the opportunity. Gotta love it. Anyway this was about fourteen hours in, so I got me a hotel. After paying over two dollars a gallon for gas. And wouldn't you know it, I lost a centercap off my rim. So as you can the ole Leonard luck was in full swing.
Next AM was up with the sun. The mountains were beautiful with the sun rising above them. Stopped at Cracker Barrel got a good breakfast, although the sweet tea was lacking something, like maybe a little brewing time and some sugar!! Oh yeah let me tell ya the PA state troopers are some really nice folks. Nope didn't get stopped. Was on the side of the highway deeply into the roadmap, trying to figure a way to avoid construction. When there was a sharp rap on the passenger window. Needless to say I almost had to change drawers. After about thirty seconds of staring at each other I rolled down the window. A hearty "Good morning" from me, was followed by a "Is there a problem,Sir?" from him. Explained my problem, got a great answer from him. And I was off again on my lil adventure. Bet he didn't have near the laugh out of it I did.
Then it was off into the Nascar training grounds of New York. I can now understand why northern folks seem so hacked off. Traffic sucks, the roads suck, and everyone is in a hurry. Nothing like doing seventy five miles an hour in bumper to bumper traffic with someone a gnats ass off each door. Makes the Bristol race look like a cake walk. Think I had a guy trying to bump draft me in his Mercedes for a while. Thank God for the trailer hitch I got hanging off the back of my truck. Might have intimidated him a little bit.
Then into Connecticut, more turnpikes, more construction, more sitting in traffic. Seems to be the theme here huh? Connecticut is a beautiful place. Lots of trees, moutains, and quaint lil towns. As well gas for over two dollars a gallon, smokes over four dollars a pack, and some God awful accents. But I'm hoping to get some pictures posted here soon. Got a camera and im taking pictures, just gotta get em put on disk so i can put on here. Not at all what I expected.
well that about does it for now. Hope that all is going well for you today. And don't forget the comment button here folks. Let me know what you think thus far. Oh and please send me any great words or phrases you would only hear in the South. Like to throw them out there every now and then. Just to keep the yankees on their toes.

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Norwich

OK folks i'm in Norwich and finally got the internet thing working. Juat a quick note to say that i'm here. A full post will be coming later after work.

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

Memphis

Howdy folks, gonna be in Memphis area for a couple of days. Visiting the folks and seeing some friends here before I leave. My only question is....Is it ever gonna freaking quit raining? Left the yard unmowed. Be something for Julie to do, when and if it ever dries out. Swear I saw Noah at Lowes buying lumber the other day. Who wants to take bets that it rains all the way to Connecticut? The Leonard luck says that it will rain all the way and then some. We'll have to see, won't we? Well mom is calling me for supper, so I guess I'm gone. Gotta get all the home cooked meals I can. Peace.

Monday, June 28, 2004

Packing

Hi again folks, Well today it really hit me that i'm leaving for thirteen weeks. Spent the day finishing packing and doing last minute running around. Geez, the things that we remember when we are pushed for time.
Family left yesterday. Jeremy is staying with me until I head back to Memphis. Trying to get in time for him too. It's tough. Last minute calls to agency, the real estate chick in Connecticut, and Alltel about phone I got from them that sucked. Let me tell ya, it sucked like a porn star. Poor reception and just generally the whole company sucked.
Will post as I go along. The redneck is almost there Connecticut. Hope your ready for him.

Saturday, June 26, 2004


Me and Jeremy in St Louis

Friday, June 25, 2004

Packing, family visit, and etc.

Hey folks! Hows your day going? Well lemme tell ya, my days are getting short. I'm rapidly running out of time and I STILL HAVE SO MUCH TO DO!!!! Trying to figure out how much stuff i'm going to need for thirteen weeks is driving me crazy. Of course since im a newby at this, i'm probably packing way too much. Oh well, as I said its an adventure and you only learn by doing.
My folks are coming down from Memphis and bringing my son. He is thirteen and lives with his mom up thataways. They are gonna stay for the weekend. Also my Aunt and Uncle are coming up from Louisiana for the weekend. Of my moms family they are by far the favorites.
I guess that this is the hardest thing about being gone for thirteen weeks, missing my family. My wife, Julie, and I have been married nearly five years now. Never been apart for more than a week at a time. It's gonna be hard sleeping byself. Guess it's a good thing i'm not paying the water bill. There's going to be a lot of long, hot showers in my future. Got the cell phone with no long distance, no roaming, and a ton of minutes so I can stay in touch. And a laptop for e-mail and chat thing.So hopefully I can survive. We are going to miss our anniversary in September, but we are planning a short trip when I get home.
Jeremy,my son, is playing football for the school this year. That was one stipulation in my contract. Had to be home early October so I could watch him play. And of course, like any good redneck, I gotta be here for hunting season.
Well that about covers my day thus far. Hope the Good Lord takes a shining to ya, but not too soon. Come back ofton and don't forget you can hit the comment button and say HI.

Thursday, June 24, 2004

It's All about Me!!

Hi folks, I'm Jim Leonard. This is about me and my adventures in Nursing as a traveler. What is a travel nurse you may ask? Well a travel nurse is like a hired gun from the old westerns. We ride in from parts unknown, help out the local folks, get paid, amd ride off into the sunset.
This is going to be my first trip as a traveler. I live in the Mississippi Delta. You may know it. It's marked on your maps with a warning sign that reads...Beware!!! Big Freaking Mosquitos live here!!! Let me tell ya folks, as it starts to get dark you can hear them rolling in.....Sounds like dive bombers from the old World War II movies. And hot and humid....Let me tell ya....The Delta was God's testing grounds for Hell. Then he decided that Hell didn't need to be that rough and backed off..Leaving the Delta as it is.
Where am I traveling you might ask....Well I'm heading off to Connecticut.....Yep gonna be a redneck in Yankee land. I'm going to be there for about thirteen weeks, working in a hospital in Norwich. I look at it as a little reverse carpetbagging. Go up there, work, take their money, and run home. And in the process spread that which is known as SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. And maybe teach some of them to say Ya'll correctly. Any way.. The next few days will be all about getting ready, packing, and driving. Will keep ya updated.