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 |  I travel the country on business, sometimes the world. Come see where I've been. |
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Talk about perks, my job has one of the best ones I can think of! I travel in the course of business, delivering classes for my employer. I am a Senior Training Specialist for Motorola Solutions, and teach classes on a wide variety of subjects centered around 2 way radio communications. I'm qualified to deliver approximately 30 different classes, but about half of those are 'Legacy' classes, and are not in demand anymore. My students are technicians, those who maintain, program, calibrate, and repair 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 get to travel, sometimes frequently, 3-4 weeks in a row.... where am I this week? This probably won't have daily entries, but I will make entries when I get to go somewhere, and keep an updated list of coming trips. My schedule changes faster than the weather, so don't be too surprised to see me list an upcoming class, only to remark later on that it is cancelled, or delayed. Delays are fine of course, but a later date might mean that someone else gets to go instead of me,,, Well, here we go with this, let's see where it takes us.  Best Cultural And Regional Honorable Mention |
| Date: Week of December 18th Locale: Frankfurt, Germany After completing the class in Pismo Beach last week, I drove to Los Angeles to spend the night before flying here to Frankfurt Friday. I arrived at 5:30 in the morning Saturday, and spent most of yesterday adjusting to the 9 hour time change. I walked the area south of the hotel last night, but had to go back today. It's the holidays of course, and Germany is known for its Christmas Markets. Annette in Paris  is originally from Germany, so I wrote her before coming here, and she advised me to spend some time in the markets. I'm thrilled that some are so close to my hotel! So last night on my brief walk, I found one. Well, to be honest, it's not one market, there are many of them in one locale. Christmas Markets in Frankfurt  lists the Christmas Markets in Frankfurt; there are several on that site that are just south of my hotel. I am still getting over jet lag, but wanted to walk some today, so set out for a 'walkabout'. I spent two hours walking to the 'Main River' that flows through Frankfurt, passing through the various markets on the way.There is no way that any photo's I take can do justice to the sights and sounds of the Markets. I've included two below, but as I said, they just don't do the market right. To me, the market is something you have to experience yourself to really understand. The sights, sounds, aroma's of cooking food, the people, the atmosphere. It's all there. Old World looks to it all, almost Alpine in the architecture nearby. A whole new world for me that I've only read about before.   Historic/Interesting Places Visited: Eiserner Steg Bridge (Iron Footbridge) Eiserner Steg Bridge (Iron Footbridge) The Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge) is a pedestrian bridge in Frankfurt am Main built in 1868, connecting the Römerberg with the Sachsenhausen district over the Main. It is 170 meters long, made of riveted steel framework with two bridge piers. For some time you also find love padlocks, they are tolerated by the city so far. On October 8th, 2012, the bridge had to be closed because of a bomb alert, a passer-by had discovered a suspicious lock with several numbers and a pointer and held for a possible bomb. Thankfully, it seems that wasn't the case, and the bridge is now open to pedestrians. I will post another entry for this trip later this week, once I settle down and get the week going. Stay warm in the coming cold, and since you will most likely spend a lot of time indoors in the coming weeks and months, why not write?   Jim Dorrell |
| Date: Week of December 11th Locale: Pismo Beach, California I spent the past four days in beautiful Pismo Beach. This quaint town is on the Pacific coast, about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Because there's no Interstate nearby, the drive there is long, about four hours. Well, I could have gone north on I-5 for a bit, but with those wildfires going on, I wanted nothing to do with I-5. Besides, I'd have to have gone through downtown LA also, and that was something else I didn't want to do. Instead, I chose to drive up PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) until it joined Hwy 101, then drive straight up that until I hit Pismo Beach. I think Pismo Beach was immortalized by Bugs Bunny when he once said he must have gotten to Pismo Beach by taking a left turn in Albuquerque. The weather was a nice break from the approaching winter of Illinois, and much better than the previous weeks weather in Edmonton. It wasn't all that warm, but I never wore my coat either. The wildfires turned the southern edges of the horizon a bit gray though, making it look smoggy. I loved Pismo though, it was beautiful there. Then again, it's on the ocean, and the ocean's always had a pull on me. I guess I will be coming back here in April for another class. Two were scheduled, but there was some doubt about the second one being done. However, the radio system manager told me on Thursday afternoon that she wanted me back for the second set of classes, so I guess I will be here. We'll see what the future holds.     Historic/Interesting Places Visited: Mission San Luis, Obispo de Tolosa http://missionsanluisobispo.org/ As I described in the Trinket I made of Father Junipero Serra, the mission was built in 1771, but not by him He had to leave for Mexico, so he left Fr. Jose Cavaller with the difficult task of building the mission. Fr. Cavaller, five solders and two neophytes began building what is today called Mission San Luis, Obispo de Tolosa. After Fr. Serra left, the difficult task of actually building the mission remained. This was accomplished with the aid of the local Chumash Natives. Palisades were set up as temporary buildings, which were made simply from poles and tree boughs. However, due to fires in the first few years, adobe and tile structures were erected. The history of Catholic Mission in the Southwest and California have captured me for many years now, I visit them whenever I can, even though I am not Catholic. Noteworthy Restaurants: Cracked Crab http://www.crackedcrab.com/ One would think that with the name 'Cracked Crab', that I would have had crab for dinner. O love crab, but hate having to break the shells to get to that succulent meat. By the time you get to the last leg, the meat is generally cold. Instead, i enjoyed a crab stuffed poblano, and Fish/Scallop taco's. These weren't the usual California Fish tacos, there was far too much lettuce/cabbage in the bottom of the taco for me. When you taste that more than you do the protein, it's not a great fish taco. Don't get me wrong, the food was very good! Just too much of that for my tastes. Mattie's Bar & Eatery https://www.mattiespismobeach.com/ I really enjoyed myself here. Their Bacon Wrapped Dates were excellent! I order Fish & Chips for dinner, and was served four fairly large Haddock Filet's, with Fries, and deep fried Brussel Sprouts! Too much food to eat in one sitting! I am currently in Frankfurt Germany to deliver a class for the State Department at the American Embassy. It's just a normal radio systems type class for their technicians though, so I doubt I will meet anyone like an Ambassador... I get to fly home on Christmas Eve, arriving just in time to welcome Santa! Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you have a great, and safe Christmas.Jim Dorrell |
| Date: Week of November 27th, and December 4th Locale: Edmonton, Alberta I am spending a week and a half here in cold and icy Edmonton, Alberta. This week I'm 'in prison' once again, as I'm delivering this class at the Edmonton Maximum Security Facility. Actually, I'm not in the prison at all, the class is being delivered in the administration building outside the main complex. This is part of a series of classes we've been delivering to the Canada Corrections System, and as far as I know, my last time doing this particular class. It's been cold here since my arrival, with high temperatures each day being around 3 degrees Celsius. Yep, I've been to Canada often enough now that I'm comfortable with reading a thermometer in Celsius. To find the degrees Fahrenheit, it's simple. Look at the reading in Celsius, multiply by 9, divide by 5, and add 32. If I want an quick approximation, I take the degrees Celsius, multiply by 2, and add 32. This gives me an idea of what the temperature is in Fahrenheit, and I'm fine with that. Is it correct? Absolutely not! Is it close enough? Yes. These classes are always interesting because the students background really varies. Add to it that we're covering basic RF Theory, and adding in the equipment they use in the new system. So in seven days, we're covering about 5 different subjects. No, they can't possibly learn it all, and retain what we teach them. But they will know enough to do what they need to do, and get assistance from a local shop if need be. Historic/Interesting Places Visited: Elk Island National Park http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland Obviously this is a Canadian National Park, but I still had to visit it, despite the cold. The lure that made me brave the cold and drive about 60 kilometers to get there, was the chance to see wildlife. Wildlife in the form of Bison, Elk, Bear, Deer, whatever. I think they (the wildlife) were all warned that I was coming, and decided to play hide and seek. That, or they were doing their best 'Harry' impression from "Harry And The Hendersons", an old movie from the 80's. At the end of that movie, you see Sasquatch's who appear suddenly, seemingly having hidden in the open, we just couldn't see them. That's what the wildlife at Elk Island National Park did, hid in the open, yet I couldn't see them. I look up in the trees, figuring maybe they were hiding up there. I didn't see much, other than a couple of small birds. I think the only wildlife I saw were those few birds, and a couple of squirrels. I did signs of Bison, in the form of large piles of poo. I wasn't about to get out and check to see how fresh it was though. Seriously though, for me to have seen any wildlife, I would have had to leave the warmth of my car (which wouldn't have bothered me), and walked away from the road, and into the undergrowth. I was not dressed for that, did not bring along proper clothing for being outdoors much, and was not wearing any kind of boots. I knew before going there that if I were to see any of the wildlife, they would probably have to be standing by the side of the road posing for photo's. But for me, a park like this is a must see, a place I have to visit.West Edmonton Mall http://www.wem.ca/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb The West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America, and the Ninth largest in the world. It took me 2 hours just to walk both levels of the mall! I enjoyed it though, spending my time window shopping and watching people. The mall contains two food courts, a miniature golf course, a pirate ship with a small sea life park nearby (seals were the only attraction there as far as I know), numerous restaurants, and a large wave pool! I know that in recent years, malls have been on the decline, with quite a few empty places waiting for someone to lease the space. That didn't seem to be the case here. If you're in Edmonton, visit the mall, even if all you do is walk around like I did., Noteworthy Restaurants: Sherlock Holmes Pub http://www.thesherlockspubs.com/ I enjoyed myself here, and allowed myself to splurge off my diet some, and have a burger. It was so big that I could barely fit it in my mouth! My diet isn't much really, but I'm watching what I eat, and how much I eat. That can be a challenge when you look at a menu though.... The Cheesecake Cafe http://www.cheesecakecafe.ca/ The food here was excellent, and I allowed myself to have dessert. First though, I had the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, which was very tasty. For my meal, I had the Lobster and Prawn Clubhouse. The dessert I took back to my hotel room and had later that night. It was a slice of their Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake. It was by far, one of the best tasting cheesecakes I've had in a while! I fly home Wednesday, and spend the rest of the week there before leaving Sunday for Los Angeles. My class isn't in LA though, it's about three hours north on the ocean, at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. My hotel is in Pismo Beach; I wonder if I will see Bugs Bunny there? (He frequently mentioned Pismo Beach in those cartoons). Til my next entry, y'all stay warm in the cold weather, and write all you can! |
| Date: Week of November 6th Locale: Woodbridge, New Jersey This will be another short entry.  No particular reason, other than the fact that I was only there two days! This was a repeat of a previous class, sort of. I'll explain.I was here in August, delivering a portable radio class to this customer. Unfortunately, they didn't have the necessary test equipment needed to perform the hands on portions of the class. You might ask, "Why didn't you bring it with you Jim?" Simple answer. We do not ship hardware needed for a class due to costs, and potential damage to the equipment. I sent numerous e-mails to the Project Manager, copying the customer in them, detailing the equipment needed for the class. It just wasn't there. So they wanted the hands on portion repeated, but asked that I deliver it. So there I was, working with them for a couple of days so they could grasp what is needed to perform basic maintenance checks on the radios. We got everything done, and they were quite happy. I will be home in Central Illinois on Thursday before going to Schaumburg for a class. After that, it's Thanksgiving, and nothing is planned. (Okay, yesterday was Thanksgiving,this entry is very late) A well deserved break for me before starting quite a trek in December. On Sunday, 11/26, I will fly to Edmonton, Alberta for 10 days. I deliver a tailored class to this customer, at a Maximum Security Prison! <Yikes!> Laughing, I don't think I will be be in the prison itself, but outside in an office or classroom most likely. The class is Monday through Friday, then Monday and Tuesday the following week. I will be home on Wednesday, then fly to Los Angeles on December 10th for a class at a Nuclear Power Plant near Pismo Beach. On Friday, December 14th, I will fly back to Chicago, then on to Frankfurt, Germany to deliver a class for the State Department. I will get home on Christmas Eve, so all should be well on that front. Another week free before working with a fellow instructor for two weeks so he can learn to deliver a couple of courses that I'm currently the lone instructor of. The exciting news though, is that the week of January 15th, I may (the class is still tentative) be in Bangkok, Thailand for another class. I don't get to travel overseas very often, so this is very exciting for me! What a Christmas present! |
| Date: Week of October 23rd Locale: New York City, Brooklyn to be exact This will be a short entry. I'm currently in Albuquerque for my brother's memorial service tomorrow. Go home Tuesday for a well deserved week free before flying to Newark for a class in Woodbridge New Jersey. Back again for the last class for this customer. It was well received this time, once I managed to get the 'leader' of the students to calm down. They are used to working on things that fail often, or have problems. One of the things he wanted to know, was when should the Power Amplifier of this new radio be considered faulty. My answer was simple. "When it won't transmit, and you're sure it's not the Transceiver Module." He didn't want to buy that, insisting that every radio component has a specification for when it is out of spec. I took the time on a break, and during the class, to show him there is no such specification for this radio. He insisted there was, and that his manager had it in his notes. Turns out, he didn't. So once we got past that, things went pretty smooth. I love that students will challenge me, it keeps me on my toes. Due to being in Albuquerque the week before this class, I arrived later than I really wanted to. I didn't get to play tourist at all, and it rained most of the week, or was very cloudy, so I took no pictures either. I will be home in Central Illinois starting Tuesday evening, not leaving until the following Tuesday, very early. I intend to sit back and relax. Then again, there is work to be done. I have to order manuals for upcoming classes in Canada (Edmonton), and Germany (American Embassy in Frankfurt). Til next time, y'all take care of yourselves. And most of all, keep writing! |
| This entry is dedicated to my brother Terry. Obituary Terry Lee Dorrell b. January 9, 1960 d. October 17, 2017 His Motto was "Keep It Simple" So I did. Seriously, here is my entry dedicated to my brother. Date: Week of October 16th Locale: Albuquerque & Los Lunas, New Mexico I was delivering a class in Schaumburg last week when my cell phone rang. Looking at the caller ID, I saw it was my sister-In-Law Ruth, and immediately knew why she was calling. When I answered the phone, she was almost hysterical. "Buddy, Terry has died!" Even though I knew what she was going to say, it felt like I'd been punched in the stomach. We talked a little bit, and I let her go, knowing she had more calls to make. I asked my students (I only had two of them, taking a class they really didn't need to be in) to pardon me, and went upstairs to inform my manager. Overall, I was fine, and still am. But trying to talk about it, tell someone what happened, didn't go so well. My manager knew what I was going through, since he'd lost his father about 4 years ago. We talked some about the class I was teaching, and decided to cancel the rest of it. He also told me to change my flight plans for the class in NYC the week of the 23rd, and to fly to Albuquerque, then fly to NYC from there on Sunday. That was very kind of him indeed. I spent the rest of that day finishing up, and getting things arranged for my students. That afternoon, I changed my flight arrangements, and the following day I flew to Albuquerque. I didn't arrive till late, so went to see Ruth immediately the next morning. We met at the Mortuary where arrangements were being made for his cremation. A lot of tears flowed during this time, along with a lot of laughter. And slowly, I learned about my brother. Learned about my brother you ask? Let me explain. In 1972, I joined the Navy, and left home. He was all of 12 years old. I visited home often the first two years while going to several Navy schools. By the time I was ready to go to sea, he was 14, and had just met a girl in school, and was 'busy with his new girlfriend. I was stationed in Hawaii for the next nine years, and went home when I could, but it wasn't near often enough. Then, I got married, and flights home were few and far between. We both raised our families, but rarely spent time together due to where I was stationed. So, I never got to know my brother(s), and sister as adults. I lost my sister 10 yrs ago, and my other brother 8 years ago. I was determined to stay as close to him as possible. Sadly, I didn't work hard on that until his cancer hit. So I found out that my brother and I have a few things in common. A love of aliens. Aliens in flying saucers, ancient astronauts, the stars. We both love the TV Show Big Bang Theory, and relate well to Sheldon. He was a big believer in several things. One of them was to buy local, support local businesses, and keeping things simple, hence my poor attempt at humor to open this entry. I have much the same beliefs. In a sort of honor for my brother, I've changed the icon on my suitcase to a UFO, and will keep it there indefinitely, or until I feel it's okay to change it to something else. No idea when that will be, but I will know when to change it. Here are photo's of him starting about 20 years ago to last week.  He looks so young in this photo, and really is. All of 37.  37 in this photo also  Terry & I, 2009. Sadly, we were at our other brother's Memorial Service. Little did we know we'd lose him in eight years.  They are such a couple, so much in Love. I envy their love, I really do ** Image ID #2118557 Unavailable ** April of this year, Terry's cancer is hitting him so hard. And it's only been three months since he was diagnosed!  Terry and his daughter Marie. I absolutely LOVE this photo. He's so sick, the cancer has eaten his bones so much that he has to wear a neck brace to keep his head upright. He has broken ribs due to his bones being so brittle from the cancer. A simple cough causes them to break from the spine. But he never lost his sense of humor, and despite all the Chemo and Radiation treatments, he kept his full head of hair. |
| Date: Week of October 9th Locale: New York City, Brooklyn to be exact Back again for the third of four classes in New York City. These classes seem to get more and more difficult. No, it's not what I'm teaching, it's the customer wanting more than we (My company) are ready to deliver. I spent 2 years working on the course materials (off and on), and finally had them approved by the lead contractor, and NYC Transit. Unfortunately, the students in the classes were not in the loop when it came to approving the materials. Their system is a mix of things. A bit of high tech (our newest base radio), mixed with old technology. Their equipment racks have far more equipment in them than I've seen in the past, and are very unique. All I can do is deliver the class to the best of my ability, and "keep on keeping on." I arrived on Sunday, and spent the afternoon getting to my hotel via train and subway. That was a 2.5 hour trek in itself. By the time I was settled, I didn't feel like going out much, so no playing tourist that afternoon. It hasn't cooled off yet, not completely. It's still warm, highs in the 70's, so everyone is loving that. Tonight I walked to the Manhattan Bridge, and snapped a few photos. I meant to go to the Brooklyn Bridge, and was following the signs, but somehow ended up on the Manhattan Bridge. Oh well, next time.  I will be in Schaumburg Illinois next week before returning to the Big Apple the following week. It's only a three day class, and somehow I need to find the time to look at the on line training stuff from last week. One day of the class was cancelled due to the facilitator having a family emergency. It's being made up this week, but I can't attend since I'm here teaching. So, I'll do what I can. Til next time, y'all take care of yourselves. And most of all, keep writing! |
| Date: Week of September 25th Locale: New York City Back again for the second of four classes in New York City. I'm comfortable with things now, much more so than that first class. Things have gone decently well, but some people (managers) want more than the class is designed to teach. Oh well, I can't do it all for them, some things have to be done by those who are meant to provide that kind of support. One of my favorite phrases is, "I'm just an instructor," I arrived on Sunday, and spent the afternoon strolling around Central Park. It was very hot out, but there were thousands of people all around the park. I particularly enjoyed seeing the group at one location roller skating (yes, you heard me right, roller skating) to music. The thing that struck me most though, was most of them were well into the 40's or older. Very few young people were out there. I guess something as ancient and archaic as merely roller skating is not what they're interested in. Some were using in line skates, some used the older roller skates I grew up with,. I didn't dare consider joining them, I'd have broken my neck most likely! However, I still managed to snap a few photo's while there. Maybe I will add one of the skaters to this group.    Historic/Interesting Places Visited: Central Park Central Park is something to be experienced, not just seen. You can't visit it over a 2-3 hour period and see it all. I never came close to the zoo, nor the Balto Statue (Please tell me y'all haven't forgotten, or ever known, who Balto was!), nor did I visit the Central Park Carousel. However, I have two more classes to deliver here in the next five weeks, so will try my best to see more of the park, hopefully when it's a bit cooler. I will be in Schaumburg Illinois next week before returning to the Big Apple the following week. I find it amusing that I've been delivering classes on line for 16 years, and will attend a class next week to certify me as an on-line facilitator. Til my next entry, y'all take care of yourselves, enjoy the changing seasons. And most of all, keep writing! |
| Date: Week of September 18th Locale: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Another quick class this week, only two days in length. This was a little new for me, in that it was held in a Regional Psychiatric Center in Saskatoon. I really liked this city, it's not too big, with a lot of beautiful countryside around it. Unfortunately, it's flat! Flatter than Illinois. Woe is me this week though. I promised myself I would visit the 'Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Laurent' Shrine again. And I did. Except it was closed for the season! This is something I never considered before driving an hour north of Saskatoon to get to it. In today's world, one should always remember to keep in mind that the internet can be a great help with things like this. A simple check of their website before leaving would have revealed they were closed. But nooooo.... I had to drive for an hour to find out for myself...  Class went well, I wrote it so it should. Their system is much simpler than the one NYC Transit uses, despite being the same equipment. NYC Transit just has much more to their sites than just these Base Radios. Noteworthy Restaurants: Cactus Club Cafe cactusclubcafe.com This is an excellent place to come and relax while dining. A bit upscale, modern, with a menu I could relate to. I dined at other places of course, but this one stood out. The Cajun place I went to.... well, I wouldn't even call some of their dishes Cajun. That's why I'm not mentioning it in this post. I will be in the Big Apple again next week before returning to Schaumburg the following week. Y'all take care of yourselves, enjoy the changing seasons. And most of all, keep writing! |
| Date: Week of Labor Day, and week of September 11th Locale: New York City After two years of writing/revising the course materials for this customer, I am here for the first class! About time! I drove here the week of Labor Day to spend some time on Thursday & Friday preparing for the class. NYC Transit has a bit of a unique system, and can be VERY demanding on what they want. In a way that's good, but they carry it to the extreme. Thursday and Friday were almost a waste of time, since the person who was supposed to help me was pulled off Friday to work on a site belonging to the DEA, in the Trump Tower! Interesting.... Overall the class went okay, but I could have done much better. I needed more time to see their site, since this class is being taught about their system, and this site is just one of 120 they have. I have to admit I struggled a little bit on Tuesday for the first hour or so, but I feel I got in a groove with things, and did well after that. You'd have to ask the student how they feel about it though. It was tough, but I persevered, and will be back there on Monday the 25th to do it again. No trip to NYC would be complete without visiting the 9-11 Memorial, situated at the site of the terrorist on 9-11-01. I think almost every American can remember where they were when that happened. The Memorial is quite the experience, you might want to bring tissues along for some of it. The new World Trade Center is as impressive as the first two were. The WTC Pools #1 and 2 are quite the experience. The names of every person who perished that day are on the ledges that border the pools. The 9-11 Memorial is actually underground, and a little south of the pools, if I'm not mistaken.    Noteworthy Restaurants: Inatome Sushi http://www.inatomerestaurant.org/ So good, I went there twice! Excellent Sushi, great atmosphere, and a very enjoyable experience. It's not near where I will be staying on future trips, so doubt I will get to return. Peter's Clam Bar petersclamhouse.com Most who have read my previous entries may remember how I love Seafood. Peter's has very good Paella, and excellent Seafood. I recommend either the Paella, or their Clam Bake. You won't be hungry when done. Historic/Interesting Places Visited: National 9-11 Memorial https://www.911memorial.org/ This is a MUST SEE on any first trip to the New York City area. There's no need to return and shed more tears, you can see a lot above ground. But you should go down to the museum, and see/remember that day. Those who choose to not remember history shall repeat it after all. I will be in Saskatoon Saskatchewan next week before returning to the Big Apple the following week. Y'all take care of yourselves, enjoy the changing seasons. And most of all, keep writing! |
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