Jeffrey Gets a "New" Truck

After carefully testing the used car market, Jeffrey decided on a 2000 Toyota Tacoma with four wheel drive, extended cabin, automatic transmission, power windows, air, and a lot of other neat accessories. It looks like a good solid truck to satisfy his working and recreational needs.

Douglas' Trek from LA to Athens, Georgia

Saturday, July 14, Douglas began his cross-country trek from Los Angeles to Athens, Georgia to assume his new research position at the University of Geogia. Most of his belongings had already been shipped to Atlanta. His friend Troy Gunderson is accompanying him East on the journey along with his eBay purchased "swamp cooler".

Where in the World is Douglas? He's in Athens, Georgia!

Saturday, July 14 - 7:00 pm MST-from Winslow, Arizona - left late, the swamp cooler didn't cool car and was a fire hazard due to excessive power demands, spent night in Gallup, New Mexico.

Sunday, July 15 - 8 pm CST - Heinretta, Oklahoma - ditched the swamp cooler, planned night stop, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Estimate it may take two more days to reach Athens. Weather getting more humid. Truck doing okay.

Monday, July 16 - 9 pm EST - Athens, Georgia. Arrived Athens, no problems. Needs to sign papers and provide evidence of insurance prior to getting into apartment. Hopes to get apartment tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 17 - Athens, GA - Finalized all paper work on apartment. Moved in after renting U-Haul to move furniture shipped from west coast to Atlanta to apartment and stopping at Good Will for some additional furniture. Carpet in apartment still needs to be cleaned. All in all, things seem to be coming together.

Wednesday, July 18 - Condo #8, Athens, GA - Phone, cable, address, and carpet straightened out. Acquired 2 couches and 25" TV from Good Will yesterday and new mattress today. Troy preparing to return to LA tomorrow. Investigating need for additional a/c. Looks like things are taking shape. Starts work in lab next Monday.

46th Anniversary Picnic

The "boys" planned a special picnic for Janet and I at a lovely spot along the Connecticut River this past Sunday. While Stephen wasn't able to make it East he did call. Jeffrey planned the menu with Douglas and Alexa's help. I don't think Devi had too much to do with the planning.

It was a great picnic, the weather was most agreeable, and the location excellent to celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary. A few more photos may be viewed at http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaN2blo0aNmO8 .

Douglas and Alexa Visit Ludlow

Douglas and Alexa came East for the Fourth of July holiday period. They spent a couple of days in West Milford, NJ, where they renewed old friendships with Chuck, Dave, and Brian. Following this, they drove up to Ludlow.

Pictured above are Douglas and Alexa with Ralph at the Jackson Gore Vermont Symphony fourth performance. It was an unusually chilly night with threatening skies but a nice concert followed by fireworks.

Douglas will return briefly to LA to complete packing and begin driving cross country to Athens, Georgia where he'll begin a new research position at the University of Georgia at the end of the month.

Pictured below is a scene of the VSO playing the 1812.