A message from MADD:

http://www.madd.org/Article-Archive/2009/November/Article---Thanksgiving-Holiday.aspx

"Be aware that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous holidays for drivers."




MADD launches program to curb holiday drunken driving

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/6492820/

"As part of the campaign, MADD asks motorists to tie a red ribbon to their vehicle as a pledge to drive safe and sober over the holidays, one of the deadliest travel times of the year."

"Last year, 25 motorists were killed and 1,870 were injured on state highways during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to the Highway Patrol. That number is down, however, from previous years."

The replacement blood test kit arrived yesterday. I did it this morning and sent it off in today’s mail. I did more. I hope it was enough.

The replacement blood test kit still has not arrived but the Star Trek (2009) DVD did arrive in the Saturday mail. I watched it last night. I was disappointed. I did not like it.

I worked in the yard this morning. When I went out, I was planning to do only the basic weeding. After I was out there, I decided to dig up and divide the one remaining Stella d'Oro daylily that was close to the house. The other one I divided several weeks ago into five and planted them at the other end of the flowerbed. This one I ended up dividing into only two. I put these two back in the same area as the original two. I may need to divide them again next year.

I think I will let the third one by the mailbox wait until next year. For one thing, I don’t know what I would do with more.

I haven't eaten since 7:30 PM. I'm waiting for the mail to arrive. I'm hoping it will have the blood test kit and I can do it and be done with it and go on with my life.

My employer wants more blood. I mean they literally want more blood from me.

I was sent a home test kit to provide a blood sample for testing of cholesterol and glucose and etc. to get a discount on 2010 medical insurance. I did the test last Monday and sent it in. I did the 12-hours fasting beforehand and I thought I was following the instructions exactly. I thought I was all set. I was so proud of myself!

I got the results on Saturday: "Quantity Not sufficient"

They want more blood. I will try to bleed more in the second try.

We had a bit of excitement at the office this morning.  A ballast from a florescent light in the hall ceiling went bad, got hot, started smoking, and made a stink.  We had to evacuate the building for a short time.

Things at work are still uncertain.  Previously I was told that my employment would be terminated by the end of the calendar year.  Now my boss says they will be keeping me on past December 31st.  I don't know for how long.  The clock is still ticking.

November 4th - Happy Anniversary to Lady!

The first marigold bud has opened more.  It is clear now that it is not as yellow as I was expecting it to be.  It is more orange than yellow.  I'm disappointed but at least now I don't have to worry about the cold getting it.  I don't want any seeds from it now that I see the color.

The replacement path light part arrived today.  Yay!  They even included an extra battery!  Double-yay!

Happy Harvest Moon!  I didn't have any Mooncakes.  I had Little Debbie Fudge Brownies with English Walnuts.  They will have to do. 

This morning when I went out to the mailbox I saw a deer in my backyard.  It was two weeks ago Sunday that I saw two foxes in front of my house.

"Autumn begins with the equinox on the 22nd, at 5:19 P.M."

I'm ending the Summer with a bang! Last night I found my great-great-great-grandfather in the 1820 census. I'm very excited about this!

Back in 2004, about six weeks before he died, I sent a DNA sample from my father to be tested. It was something I had been thinking about doing and with his health failing rapidly, I knew I was running out of time. I'm glad I acted when I did. He died before we received the results.

According to the Y-DNA, my paternal line goes back to County Fermanagh, (Northern) Ireland. For the past five years I've been trying to retrace the trail my family took from Ireland to Georgia. Last night I made another big step.

...

It's raining. I can hear it.

Gardening is art. You put energy into it. You try to create something beautiful. It is disappointing when someone comes along and destroys it.

According to the WRAL website, the funeral service is happening right now. I wish I could have been there.


...

Ballerina killed in wreck; doctor charged with DWI
Sep. 11, 2009

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/5985785/

Raleigh, N.C. — A Winston-Salem woman who danced with the Carolina Ballet was killed Friday night by an alleged drunken driver in a wreck at Lead Mine and Strickland roads in Raleigh.

...

Doctor suspended after being charged in DWI death
Sep. 13, 2009

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/5992285/

Shapiro's funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday in Wait Chapel at Wake Forest University.

...

Plastic surgeon in court for ballerina's death
Sep. 14, 2009

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/5996823/

Raleigh, N.C. — A local plastic surgeon charged with killing an aspiring ballerina in a drunken-driving wreck over the weekend learned during his first court appearance Monday that he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges he's facing.

...

Friends, family mourn ballerina
Her young life was cut short Friday night in Raleigh when her car was hit by a suspected drunken driver.
Mon, Sep. 14, 2009

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1688323.html

According to police reports, Cook was traveling around 85 mph when he hit Shapiro. The speed limit on that road is 45 mph. Cook was charged with felony death by a motor vehicle and driving while impaired.

Family, friends and instructors spent the weekend trying to make sense of the tragedy.

"We're heartbroken and in a state of shock and disbelief," said Bibiana Fowler, Shapiro's older sister. "She was our everything."

People who are determined to remain ignorant are a health risk for everyone!!

It really makes me angry when people take the attitude, "Well, if you're going to get it, you're going to get it."

No!! That is NOT how it works!!

Flu is NOT caused by voodoo magic! Flu is caused by viruses!! Viral infections are not pre-ordained by Fate!

How do you teach cough/sneeze etiquette to someone with the "if you're going to get it, you're going to get it" attitude?


http://www.coughsafe.com/

http://www.coughsafe.com/

http://www.coughsafe.com/