The Final Countdown Begins

Posted on March 27, 2013March 27, 2013 by Dusty Roads

My last day at work is Saturday. By Saturday night the office will be closed . Relocated to another location north of Boston. I won’t be going. The extra cost of the commute, time involved and wear and tear on my old car put it out of reach. I’m sure something will come along and if I can find a local position I’ll save $200/mo. just on gas.

But through Saturday I am working 10 hours days so I am not sure how much time I will have to post anything interesting. If time allows I may repost some of my popular posts from the past. The equivalent of a TV rerun. 🙂 But I promise I will be back and posting on a regular schedule soon.

My blog has become a part of me and I would not be able to leave it behind but I also want to be sure that the content stays interesting and I don’t think I will be able to do that over the next couple of days. So if I am not here for a couple of days, fear not…I will catch you on the flip side.

Challenge #1 ~ Plymouth Rock

Posted on March 22, 2013March 22, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Did you get it? It’s Plymouth Rock.

The first time I went to see Plymouth Rock I was surprised to see the monument. For some reason I expected a rock possibly protected by a fence around it. I wasn’t expecting this elaborate memorial.

Plymouth Rock located in Pilgrim Memorial State Park is in one of the most heavily visited State Parks in the system. The big draw being the “Rock”, the world-famous symbol of the courage and faith of the men and women who founded the first New England Colony.

Every year nearly one million people from all over the world come to visit the town where in 1620 Europeans first made a home in New England.

The park is located on Water St, Plymouth , Ma.

In 1774, Plymouth Rock split in two when a team of oxen attempted to raise it. Only the lower portion was left at the waterfront. The upper portion was moved to be displayed in the Town Square. Souvenir seekers caused further damage so the rock was moved again to the safety of an iron fence at Pilgrim Hall in 1834.

It had a rough trip to the museum obtaining a distinctive crack when it fell off its conveyance.

In 1859 the Pilgrim Society acquired the other half of Plymouth Rock and in 1867 a canopy structure was completed on the waterfront to house it. In 1880 the upper chunk was united with the lower piece with cement and 1620 was carved into the rock.

Plymouth rock made its last move to its current location in 1921 during the celebration of Plymouth’s tercentenary and a new canopy.

If you plan to visit you will find a replica of the Mayflower, the Mayflower II, anchored in the park.

So that’s challenge #1. Tomorrow I’ll have a new one for you. 🙂 At least you know it won’t be the Mayflower!

Challenge # 1

Posted on March 21, 2013March 21, 2013 by Dusty Roads

I think this first one will be easy. What is it and where is it? Answer tomorrow but I bet most of you get it first. 🙂

Happy First Day of Spring

Posted on March 20, 2013March 20, 2013 by Dusty Roads

The Northeast is digging out from another winter storm with rumors of still another by weeks end. Still the calendar doesn’t lie and Old Man Winter will have to relinquish his grip to make way for the birds and flowers of spring.

The Saga of a Stray Cat ~ The Final Chapter

Posted on March 15, 2013March 15, 2013 by Dusty Roads

So the cat, now known as “Buddy”, is back with me. I think you knew this was coming. Maybe it was meant to be. I really don’t go looking for cats, they just find me.

The vet couldn’t find anything wrong with Buddy’s head or skin. It wasn’t red or inflamed. There was no sign of scratches. She tested him for ring-worm…negative. It looked like someone waxed the spot on his head. She wondered if there were children in the home that might have stuck a sticky candy or gum or a lolly pop on his head and then pulled it off. It was a mystery.

All jokes about Rogain and Hair Club for Cats aside, we really had no idea what caused the sudden hair loss.

With Buddy’s return there was no need for a re-introduction. The three cats gave greeting sniffs then scattered to do whatever cat things they were doing before I brought Buddy back.

I remember my threat to call him “Boomer” but he seems to respond to Buddy so Buddy it is.

His hair is growing back quickly. Right now it looks like a bad comb over. Buddy always comes running when he hears the hair dryer. By putting it on low I can use it to blow his hair aside to check his skin. So far so good.

Another co-worker came forward and offered to take him but I told her he’d been bounced around enough. I hope she will adopt another needy kitty. Buddy seems to have settled in here with me. He’s found his Forever Home.