◄ February ►
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
Archive				RSS

Create Something

Read & Review

Community

Browse By Type

Browse By Genre

Thu, Feb 26, 2026

10:37pm EST

Members: 694

Guests: 4,534

Total Online: 5,228

What Is Jim Up To Today?

by Jim

Rated: 13+ · Book · Travel · #1779685

What the heck am I doing today? Shenanigans, General Tomfoolery or What? You never know

Talk about perks, my career had one of the best I can think of! I traveled in the course of business, delivering classes for my employer. I was a Senior Training Specialist for Motorola Solutions, and taught classes on a wide variety of subjects centered around 2-way radio communications. I knew that when the time arrived that I would retire, and I have. I've always said that if you can't stand the heat in the kitchen, get out! I can't handle the heat anymore. I was qualified to deliver approximately 32 different classes, but about half of those were 'Legacy' classes, and were not in demand anymore. My students were technicians, those who maintained, programmed, calibrated, and repaired large 2-way radio systems. Some of these systems are statewide, and use TCP-IP networking to allow sites to communicate with others. Some are small, traditional type radio sites. The size doesn't matter, in each case the systems must be kept operational at all times, since many of them are Public Safety Systems. So I traveled, sometimes frequently, 3-4 weeks in a row.... where have I been?

Some of the places I've been (I can't list them all here, the list would be too long) are pretty interesting.

1. Hawaii - Four times, Oahu, Maui (twice), and the Big Island, Plus I lived on Oahu from 74-83.
2. Bangkok Thailand, twice
3. Frankfurt Germany, twice
4. Algiers, Algeria
5. Melbourne Australia
6. Bismarck North Dakota, Summer & Winter
7. California, especially the Los Angeles area, Too many times to count
8. Washington DC, Too many times to count
9. Seattle three or four times
10. Texas, all over the state
11. Florida, all over the state
12. New Mexico, HOME! Several times

A signature for exclusive use for members with Honorable Mentions in the 2019 Quill Awards

Best Cultural And Regional Honorable Mention

Show Recent Comments

10 Most Recent Blog Comments:

Elisa, Stik of Clubs

about 4 hours ago
In response to "No Idea What To Say, So just Typing Here"

I also don't think an apology is needed. You mention that "If someone makes a point that needs a counterpoint, I don't have one. At least not right away. Maybe 30 minutes later I'll have one, but not right away. And of course by then, it's too late." When the discussion is online, you have an advantage that is not as easily available in face-to-face conversations: time! I think people forget that they can take their time when leaving comments and responding to other comments on the internet. While I have enough experience to come up with counterpoints right away, I also know that I have the option to wait before responding. I do employ that tactic from time to time, and it helps me maintain a balance of discussion and staying cool.

And hey, if you're up for it, Braver Angels has workshops where you can learn new skills for disagreeing in a constructive manner. It's something you can keep in your back pocket and try out at any time.

JACE says Thank You!

about 4 hours ago
In response to "No Idea What To Say, So just Typing Here"

May I say, you certainly said nothing to me for which you should apologize, Jim. You have the right to your opinion. Often times, I feel the same about having the right words to say at the right time. Probably that's why I seldom post right after someone has posted something.

Honestly, I enjoy reading other folks' opinions. If I feel such an opinion is leaning toward something untoward, I mean evil or violent, I'll stop responding, or close a post. While I have strong opinions, I'm genuinely interested in a good discussion.

I hope we're good, my friend.

TJ: one day closer to camping

Feb 23, 2026 at 4:46pm
In response to "Minor Physical Things I'm Doing"

Every little bit helps, keep it up, and when it gets nice out, you'll be ready to go.

JACE says Thank You!

Feb 23, 2026 at 3:45pm
In response to "Minor Physical Things I'm Doing"

The point is ... you're doing them. Do you remember an old Bill Murray movie called "Baby Steps"? That's the ticket, my friend. And by the way, the movie's a hoot!

It felt like 4 deg this morning when I got up. Still aways to go on the upward temperature swing before I'll return to my walking.

Press on.

1 Like

Jim

Feb 21, 2026 at 11:39am
In response to "Just A Quick Question"

@Jeff

& JACE says Thank You!

First, Jeff's comment. Steps are available, yes. But, it would take some doing because the Canadian Company that modified the van to be a Campervan took out a lot. What I mean is, we'd have to have supports welded in place, in the right place, then the step. Those supports were removed in converting it to a campervan.

We (I) do plan on a couple of short trips. Our longest thus far has been to Springfield, Mo, and met you and Jeanette. We need to get up to Great Lakes Naval Station to get Kathy's meds, I want to take the Camper. We didn't take it last time because the heater didn't work. It was something to do with the control knob, it wasn't right for some reason. (It had worked earlier.) I also want to go up to the Clock Forest in Wisconsin. It would be a 2-3 day trip since the Clock Forest is on Washington Island off that tip of land NE of Green Bay. Now all I need to do is convince her we should go! Frankly, I'd love to just get in it and go this summer. Day trips, overnighters, whatever.

I don't see us selling it, at least not this year. I want to wait and see how much we use it this year and go from there.

JACE says Thank You!

Feb 21, 2026 at 9:14am
In response to "Just A Quick Question"

I started to offer some pearl of wisdom that sounded more like gobbledygook. You mentioned planning a big trip to Maine. Maybe work up to that by taking a few weekend jaunts to some place fun, but easier to reach. See how your body takes to the different movements it will need.

That said, an available plan is just that--something you have in your pocket but may not use. Needing to sell something often limits one's options.

Jeff

Feb 20, 2026 at 9:18pm
In response to "Just A Quick Question"

Are there steps or ladders that can be adapted to help you get into the driver's seat? With a waist-high threshold for the seat, I can't imagine the manufacturer (or some enterprising individual) hasn't found some way of making it easier to get in and out of the car that works for people with mobility issues.

Jim

Feb 19, 2026 at 6:16pm
In response to "Doctor Visit Yesterday 2/17/26"

X-Rays were taken yesterday and showed that there was some wear n tear on these 71 y/o hips, that's to be expected I'd say. There were some light spots that could be attributed to the Myeloma, but Dr. Jake didn't appear worried. I think one of the best things about him was that he looked us in the eye when talking directly to one of us. I think the MRI and Bone Density Test will say a lot about how things are Tuesday. Dr. Jake (Smith) is a PA, but my experience with PA's has been very positive. After all, my Sinus Specialist is a PA. It was she who sent me to see Dr. Sriratana, my Oncologist. She saw my blood work, I feel she was fairly sure about the Cancer, she just couldn't make the call (about it being Cancer) because it wasn't her specialty.

𝓦𝓮𝓫W𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱

Feb 18, 2026 at 7:12pm
In response to "Doctor Visit Yesterday 2/17/26"

I hope the test results are encouraging and an easier fix than surgery. I've had both hips replaced, but my X-Rays showed the first hip was already bone on bone. The second hip followed less than 2 years later.

Sending prayers for good results, Jim.

TJ: one day closer to camping

Feb 18, 2026 at 6:05pm
In response to "Doctor Visit Yesterday 2/17/26"

Finding a good doctor is difficult; I'm happy you have one.

February 20, 2026 at 3:53pm

#1108879

Just A Quick Question

Just A Quick Question

I'm writing this question more to get a feel for your answers. I can't say this is going to happen, I can't say it won't happen. But, there's always that word, (But) huh! But, with all the health issues I've encountered in the past couple of months, should we keep that 2018 RAM Promaster CamperVan?

Let's give you an idea of what we've had done so far. All prices are approximate, none are what was actually paid.

Purchase price - $65,000.

Five new tires - $1,500. The tires it had were in excellent shape, but were seven years old. On RV's, the DOT says change them at the seven year point.

It was purchased 'As Is', I should have checked closer on things. You know, those unimportant things like a jack for changing tires should a flat occur. Not only that, but the small extension that allows the Spare Tire to be lowered from beneath the van. $200 for the Jack & Extension.

$1,200 to have the Van inspected by a qualified RV Inspector.

$450 to have deficiencies found by the RV Inspector repaired by an RV Technician. Yes, the inspector can only inspect, the technician is the one who corrects those deficiencies found. Not all were corrected, but all that were life endangering have been corrected.

$1,500 Tax & Licensing in Illinois.

Summing that up, we've paid just shy of $70,000 so far! (Again, these numbers are not exact, I use them as a guide is all). And now, if my left leg doesn't support my lifestyle, I may have to change my lifestyle. It's a bit of a HUGE step to enter the driver side of the van. (Almost a waist high step). The sliding door is much lower, and might be used. But, entering the sliding door means I'd need some amount of Dexterity to get to the Drivers Seat. My left leg has to have some amount of mobility to it. So we're back to that original question. Should we sell it or not?

Not included here because we haven't done it yet, is a new radio with Bluetooth, Android Auto & Backup Camera. That is to be determined, currently on hold.

And again, your responses will probably not sway our decision one way or the other. I'm just looking to see what y'all think.

Comment • View 3 comments

Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/profile/blog/jim-d/day/2-20-2026