next gas food lodging

Today's title photo came courtesy of an abandoned store on Route 66.  Of course, it could have just as easily been occupied, but sometimes it's hard to tell the difference here.  I must say, one of my favorite things to do here is to hop in the car and drive down Rt 66 at sunset, to watch all the bright signs and flashing lights against the backdrop of a clear sky and an orange colored sun.  The camera my father so kindly gave to me is pretty good about catching that particular effect (at least getting the sky colors right at sunset).  I took some other pictures recently, and have posted them all on the blog as well.

The two top pictures are of Worf and my back yard area.  It's filled with two apple trees, a concrete patio, and a whole lot of gravel.  My plan is to clean out all the detritus and then make it into a little zen garden with a rake.  That sounds like a relaxing project to get into.

Worf is really happy here.  His hunting skills could use some work, but he's gotten good at catching the biblical locusts and bringing them inside to harass/eat them further.  He's still pretty uppity for someone who eats bugs all day long.  Last night he got into his first fight outside with another cat, and was a total (please excuse the expression) pussy about the whole thing.  I had to go and look for him in my neighbor's yard and then bring him and his puffy tail back home.  Being out during the daytime doesn't seem to hold the same adventurous spirit for him, which is nice because then I don't have to be on his back all the time.

Today is the final day of orientation, which I am very glad to see almost over. The gentleman who gave the IT portion of the talk today strikes me as someone who most likely has progressed rapidly and far during his tenure with the government.

My grandfather in San Rafael, CA has invited me to his place for Thanksgiving.  I gave a tentative yes depending on my work schedule.  It's nice to have something to look forward to.

Alas, I must depart, as the Siren's call of another Human Resources presentation beckons, and I cannot resist its intoxicating sound...