John and Zeke and I have been enjoying a nice week and a half at Virginia Beach. The weather has been outstanding, and the scenery is incredible. We're leaving today, and I really hate to go back to Richmond. But, I'm sure we'll be back down here a couple of more times before the end of summer.

John has wanted to do something to help the environment and lessen our dependence on the electrical grid, so he had solar panels installed on the roof last week. If we generate more electricity than we use, then it is sold back to the electric company. I'm eager to see what kind of impact this has on the monthly bill.

Happy Election Day! I did my part and voted today. Arrived at my precinct at 2:51 PM, walked right in, no line. I voted the three items on the ballot - President, Senator, Representative - got my sticker, and walked out. Drove away at 2:56 PM. Bada bing - DONE!

Today I was honored by a visit from hunky LJer J.P. jefferzephyr! J.P. is driving from New York City to Ft. Lauderdale, and he stopped by this afternoon to have a late lunch with me at a neighborhood landmark, Joe's Inn . J.P. is an absolute prince of a guy, and more adorable than a kitten wrestling a puppy. It was a thrill to meet him, and I wish him safe journey for the remainder of his trip!

Hello! It's been a while since I updated this thing. So, I've been unemployed for almost eight months now, and here are a few thoughts:

- It's not all that it's cracked up to be. It's nice to have some free time, but the whole lack-of-income thing kind of sucks. Thank goodness for unemployment compensation.

- I still have no idea what I want to do. I was in IT, and I think I'm ready for a change.

- I'm having a real hard time dealing with the idea of getting back in the rat race.

- I've been spending a lot less time on LJ (although I do check in from time to time), and I've been spending a whole lot more time on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52082099@N00/. My flickr friends will see more. ;-)

- Some positives: Much less stress in my life, I sleep better at night, and I am more pleasant to be around.

Cheers!

For wooferstl's Show Us Your Specs 2008.

Hello! It's been a while since I have posted anything. Everything is going well in my life, for the most part. No, I still don't have a job and probably won't have one any time soon. But, that is a topic for another time...if I have the energy.

Today is primary day in Virginia, and that is the top priority for my day. I strongly encourage everyone in Virginia, Maryland, and DC to get out and exercise their right to vote. Our nation is facing some tough times, and you can make a difference! VOTE!

Thanksgiving may have been over a week ago, but sometimes it takes me a while to get these things done. :-)

I drove down to Danville late Wednesday afternoon, and traffic was refreshingly light. The drive through rural southside Virginia is usually described as "boring" by most folks, but I love it. There are lots of cows, horses, open fields, rolling countryside, and a few small towns. Very peaceful.

We had our Thanksgiving dinner at my sister-in-law's younger brother's cabin out in the country near Semora, NC, just a stone's throw from Hyco Lake. It's very rustic, and a great place for friends and family to gather. This year we had twenty people, including my parents, my bother, both sisters, and their families and dogs. Of course, there was too much food, and I know I ate too much, but it was all so good! After our dinner, some of the guys went out hunting (they didn't get anything), but I just hung out at the cabin. It was a great day. It is not very often that we can get our entire family together anymore.

On Friday, both my sisters and their families had to leave to go back to their homes in northern Virginia. Leaves were falling like crazy, so I helped my dad rake the front and back yards. I used to rake that yard all by myself when I was growing up, and I it can be a real chore. It's interesting that after I left home, and my parents had to rake the yard themselves, they had a bunch of the trees cut down.

Saturday, we didn't do much. I did take a long walk with my dad, and it was nice to catch up on things that matter to us. We also watched Virginia Tech whip UVa, which is always fun to see. Sunday, we went to church, and out to lunch afterwards. Then came naptime, another long walk, and before we knew it, the day was over.

Monday was cloudy and drizzly. After lunch, my mom packed up all the leftovers for me, and then I drove back to Richmond. Again, almost no traffic at all until I got back to Richmond. It was a great long holiday weekend for me. One of the benefits of unemployment is that I can take off as long as I want. My parents are getting up in age, so we may not have too many more Thanksgivings to celebrate together. But being around family and my old home really reminded me of just how much I have to be thankful for. I hope all y'all had a great Thanksgiving, too.

Click on photo for more Thanksgiving pictures

On this Veterans Day, I would like to recognize bigredpaul, bootedintexas, elcid89, notdefined, and any others who have served our country in uniform. Your service and sacrifice are greatly appreciated, and I offer you my humble thanks.