https://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?13310-title The largest classic literature discussion forum on the Internet. Read Write Teach Share. en Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:22:40 GMT vBulletin 10 https://www.online-literature.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?13310-title https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?15652-How-Not-to-End-Up-in-an-Emergency-Room-or-Hospital-Politics-at-Its-Finest Mon, 25 Aug 2025 22:31:04 GMT The long journey to my acquaintance with the downside of military hospital vs. the civilian sector began in August 2024. I am subject to colds that... The long journey to my acquaintance with the downside of military hospital vs. the civilian sector began in August 2024. I am subject to colds that occur in such a manner that when one ends another starts up. They linger a bit and before I consider the thought of carrying a convenient handkerchief in a left pocket they are gone.

Not this time.

My mother spent her time (or social life) keeping doctor appointments for anything and everything. My sister claimed she would look in her medical books for symptoms and off she would go. Lord help the poor doctor who she felt a bond with. I go in the opposite direction and bother them (as it turned out) when the SECOND threat of imminent death is presented. Much more on that probably in Part 2.

In November I have had enough of what I termed a sinus condition that would not give it up and called for an appointment at Wright-Patterson AFB Base Hospital. We live a seven-minute drive away from there and I use their emergency room for a shortcut for any real issues that would arise in my retirement years as necessary. This would invariably mean a two hour For so loss of time with bad TV in the lobby but a break from sitting around the house deciding what to read next. Lately pulp western novels of the adventures of Jim Hatfield from Texas Rangers magazine. There was that one break where I read Jane Eyre but that's another tale. (Credibility with Litnet insured and no tsk tsk from Logos ensured. Back to business.)

I am assigned a primary care doctor which I have never met. There will be one phone call from him in my future. Another after that rom my kidney doctor wondering what trouble I had bene causing. (My apology for the overuse of foreshadowing. Insecure out of practice storyteller at large.) Normal method is to make the appointment and take the doctor who is handiest. Wright-Patt is a teaching hospital, so they come and go. I'm easy in these things after 21 years of service and take whoever it is in stride with the luxury or knowing all findings will be logged in their computer records. Now if they would just LOOK at them.

Before I go further in this entire ten-month period I was always treated with respect and dignity. Could really have enjoyed that in the active-duty days but retirement has its perks. Any attitudes that came up are purely of my own stubbornness and pride. God is not pleased, and I am usually humbled in due course.

The first doctor went for the allergy diagnosis. I have two cats currently and a dog and refuse to believe they have anything to do with this and reject it out of hand. However, they are the professionals, and I accept the possibility of 'something' I might be allergic to praying it isn't comic book or old books and have their version o Flonase to play with.

For two weeks. Can't win them all and my faith in the medical system remains intact. But in March it will take a severe hit.

No change whatever and starting to get grumpy. I throw it away and grumble some more and everything goes on hold until March 2025 when things ramp up to more fun and games.

NEXT: Sandstorms and cobwebs take on a sinister meaning and the above blog title justifies its use. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?15652-How-Not-to-End-Up-in-an-Emergency-Room-or-Hospital-Politics-at-Its-Finest https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?15651-High-Drama-A-Tale-of-Blood-Stubborn-Pride-and-Experience Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:42:13 GMT It has been a very longtime since I posted to my blog. The events to be recorded began August 2024 but the main event takes place from March 2025 to... It has been a very longtime since I posted to my blog. The events to be recorded began August 2024 but the main event takes place from March 2025 to June 2025. An old Litnet friend suggested it might make for a true story with twists and turns.

Some things to be written concern a blood draw that goes terribly wrong; two diagnostics that were way off the mark, two warnings of impending death, one late night commentary on the Book of Jonah with an ICU nurse, and a couple of phone calls to smooth ruffled favors. And a lieutenant I called Missy and got away with it.

I have discovered that I have been unbale to answer old message left me and I worry that Virgil and Kiz Paws may think I have forgotten them. I shall begin this narrative if I see some responses to THIS post as it can be quite lengthy and I need to get the chronology lined up properly. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?15651-High-Drama-A-Tale-of-Blood-Stubborn-Pride-and-Experience https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?13626-Jane-Austen-in-Very-Concise-Summary Tue, 13 Jan 2015 17:40:05 GMT Recently finished a collection of Jane Austen's Seven Novels and came away well pleased with her writing but not her plot solutions. In these more modern and sophisticated times much agony and heartbreak would have been avoided with simple statements or honest answers to questions--just saying--tongue firmly in cheek.

Lady Susan: "Lady Susan aren't there any other family members you could stay with?" (Asked by anyone she's living off of for months at a time.)

Northanger Abbey: "That's it--no more trashy novels for you--off to the convent!!" (Modern methods of tough love would have avoided much inane silliness.)

Sense and Sensibility: "Marianne--men are scum--get OVER him. Be like me--wait and DO nothing and love WILL come." (Elinor to Marianne STILL weeping nightly over her first love--Col Brandon sighs and blows out the candle.)

Pride and Prejudice: (Well maybe there IS more to him/her then meets the eye." (Darcy and Elizabeth both who then get into an argument about who thought it first.)

Emma: "Emma we all love you but please it's really none of your business. And by the way--you're such a snob though you are cute." (Pretty much said by anyone except Mrs. Bates.)

Mansfield Park: Loved this one and only thought is a push down the stairs for Fanny's aunt would have saved much trouble.

Persuasion: "Anne, great to see you, been SO long, have you missed me?" (A very short book indeed would have resulted.)

All in all seven wonderful reads of varying degrees of satisfaction but all thru them was never clear on the cousins marrying cousins or how these people that didn't seem to know what a day job was were bringing in all these thousands of pounds per year. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?13626-Jane-Austen-in-Very-Concise-Summary https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?13401-Strange-Authors-from-The-Saint-Magazine Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:02:11 GMT Spent the afternoon going through my copies of The Saint Magazine. These were mystery digests published from 1953-1967 with a very three issue 1984... Spent the afternoon going through my copies of The Saint Magazine. These were mystery digests published from 1953-1967 with a very three issue 1984 revival. Missing 36 of the original 141 issue run and the last two issues of the revival. The idea was to index any author I had an interest in so I could locate them later when wanting to read them.

Some authors noted were a bit of a surprise. Isaac Asimov (06-56), Pearl Buck (04-58, 04-66), Ray Bradbury (06-84), Erskine Caldwell (05-56), Joseph Conrad (01-59), Alexandre Dumas (10-64), C. S. Forester (01-58, 12-59), William Faulkner (09-62, 02-63), F. Scott Fitzgerald (07-63), Somerset Maugham (10-55), Johnston McCulley (01-59, 01-60), Mary Shelley (03-65), Rafael Sabatini (09-58, 06-59, 12-64), and Philip Wylie (01-54, 09-67). To me Mary Shelly was the very most unlikely author to appear in a what amounts to a detective fiction magazine for points for weird variety. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?13401-Strange-Authors-from-The-Saint-Magazine https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?13363-Career-Move Tue, 03 Jun 2014 06:28:51 GMT It has been a huge amount of time since being here. The fault is mine as I have been actually swept up in Facebook relationships that have become... It has been a huge amount of time since being here. The fault is mine as I have been actually swept up in Facebook relationships that have become very meaningful in their in my life.

The biggest change occurred May 14h last month when Allied AAA decided to move the dispatchers form the Dayton Call Center to Lexington KY. I did not desire to move so after 22 and half years I am now released from my second career in life. The first was the Air Force for a little over 21 years. The severance agreement was more then fair -basically I am being paid regularly for next six months so a sense of urgency won't kick in until October. I applied for social security to cover one missing check and slowly getting around to looking for something to do. I really DON'T want to start OVER AGAIN in life. Going to apply to two call centers as I believe I'm pretty good on the phone--not so hot face to face where I tend to smirk when dealing with idiots which I can hide on the phone. Twenty years of being pretty called a lair every day about something had built up my ability to thrive on rejection to a wonderful degree so I think I can do credit card companies once I get their procedures down--hoping anyway. I can get by on our bills -the comic collecting may take a hit. 23 Avengers to go if anyone still wants to know.

And yes I still wait for Logos to call--sigh.

Still not quite believing AAA is OVER. I don't miss the stress or the clock watching but it feels strange not to have my year in and year out schedule anymore. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?13363-Career-Move https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?13074-And-Yet-Back-Again Sun, 18 Aug 2013 22:42:06 GMT Still not in love with the format changes here. I never entirely want to go away but on the other hand my life has changed a bit. The debt load has... Still not in love with the format changes here. I never entirely want to go away but on the other hand my life has changed a bit. The debt load has substantially gone away--paid off a debt consolidation loan and took a pension payoff (which will be made up by social security when the time comes-thanks to my military retirement check I'm fairly good). Just now getting set up with a view to saving up for next year's taxes and next year even taking a real vacation and not the stay at homes they have been for so many years.

Reading wise on Book 7 of Victoria Laurie's Ghost Hunter series by way of friend Brandy. Anna Karenina was still the last REAL literature I've read.

The Long Suffering Spouse is trying a course in Massage Therapy since Nursing school did not work out. I am hoping she gets her dream of working in a medical field in some capacity and all works out. We shall see.

36 Avengers to go out of 503 from the original run. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?13074-And-Yet-Back-Again https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12994-A-Look-Back Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:54:35 GMT Time has been flying these past few months and my dislike of the format changes here continues to hinder my participation herein. Pretty much Anna... Time has been flying these past few months and my dislike of the format changes here continues to hinder my participation herein.

Pretty much Anna Karenina was the last real literature I have read. More recent reads were the Complete Cardigan--4 voulumes by Frederick Nebel and the Complete Donahue by same. Have read about four Spider pulp novels and he is best experienced in short doses.

My finances took major step forward end of last year when AAA offered an pension payout which I took advantahe of to clear my accounts with the IRS (highly amused by their current troubles--their sense of invulnerability has finally caught up to them--for awhile anyway. Some other debts have also been settled and once August is here I think I am finally in a position to have a life after so many years of living payday to payday. Oddly enough I miss the pressure of debt and that sense of urgency. My idea of life on the edge I suppose.

Been more on facebook as ell keeping up with certain friendships -more then others. I occasionally get bored with the chat rooms and the idea of never really going to get to meet some of these people though one young lady from Russia is convinced she and I will share a dinner sometime. I just laugh at her since she is terrible at handling money. She also told me her country was reluctant about letting their people come to the states lately. I told her 30 years ago that was called defecting. I salute her dreams even though she knows I laugh at her.

My second son Dan is back from Afghanistan having survived two bombings with no casualties and the other son is wrapping up a tour in Korea in September. Home on leave now and expected to be HERE visiting in next hour or so.

The Long Suffering Spouse failed Nursing school so now she is trying Medical Massage School. We shall see. I'm just marking time at AAA since the new owners know little about customer service and seem to live and die by the statistics. I should devote a blog to the changes but my blood pressure doesn't need the increase. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12994-A-Look-Back https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12620-Finished-Anna Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:04:03 GMT War and Peace was far from being a joyful entralling read. I felt Tolstoy wastrying to cover too much ground and many of the characters were given... War and Peace was far from being a joyful entralling read. I felt Tolstoy wastrying to cover too much ground and many of the characters were given short sceneswithout depth just to push the story along which in itself lacked cohesion.

Anna Karenia was a revelation. This kept my interest up from beginning to end. Poor Anna-I seriously do not know what to make of her. I have hadthe misfortune of knowing some shall we say 'mental' ladies and have the burn scars to prove it. Anna is tragic in the classic manner. A lovelless marriage interupted by a knight in shining armor so to speak. Vronsky aways suprised me by being a dcent sort of soul and he too is much to be pitied. None of the characters seem evil evem Anna's husband has his sadnessso buried deep inside even he can;t seem to recognize it. I hope--probably in vain he escapes the Countess' cluches but his interest in the Clairvoyant bodes ill for his future.

Anyway well read --well thought of. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12620-Finished-Anna https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12600-Just-One-Little-Change Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:49:48 GMT The Hobbit is coming to the movies towards the end of the year and looks as good as the Lord of the Rings was. I'm doing my daily check of certain websites for comics/movie news when there is an article on a female character Tauriel in the film. The Grumpy Dinosaur searches thru his few active brain cells trying a bit desperately to remember this lady from the book. With no success. The short term memory loss that has been troubling him lately is spreading to long term having last read the Tolkien series back when the guttersnipes were young out loud to them one summer hoping to give them a few good memories of childhood and fun reads. Nope turns out Peter Jackson decided the film needed a lady to balance out all the male characters. As much as I felt he shortchanged the third book's ending I found this uncalled for. Also got me thinking about male dominated movie remakes that could use the uplifting presence of womanhood. The first that came to mind would be a remake of the Dirty Dozen renamed The Filthy Thirteen where a young lady named Hazel makes her mark on film and sets the groundwork for her post World War 2 career as a maid --where she refuses to discuss with Mister B. why she is obsessed with cleanliness. Yeh--I would so watch that. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12600-Just-One-Little-Change https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12597-Anna-Karenina-and-Don-Quixote Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:23:45 GMT A few months ago I read War and Peace for the usual reasons--one to say I did it and one to please a friend online from Russia that I had an interest... A few months ago I read War and Peace for the usual reasons--one to say I did it and one to please a friend online from Russia that I had an interest in learning more about her country. War and Peace had many good moments to it but was wildly earratic in story pacing and character development. The main lady Natasha never in my mind rose above spoiled brat status and Pierre was a model for the Walking Dead in personality and interests. I felt Gogol the much better Russian writer. After about three months and three other friends strongly advocating it I started Anna Karenina the other night and the difference between the two books by Tolstoy are like Superman and Batman--THIS is the Tolstoy novel that should be revered. Anna finally comes on the scene in Part 1 Chapter 18 and she is NOT at all as I pictured her. Knowing in advance her eventual fate I had deliberately avoided the book all these years because of a too close intimacy with suicide (attempts at least) and its life changing consequences. Had just finished reading Don Quixote and now Anna should take about a month then back to good old fashioned pulps--I have my eye on Altus Press and Frederick Nebel's Cardigan series from the old Dime Detective magazine which over 20 years I've managed to get about 45 or so of them--alas three of them have missng pages but at least by authors I don't care about.

I discovered too much work copying Facebook reviews from Don Quixote Chapter and Chapter and transfering here. Plus very numerous typos as I am lazy about proofing and fixing in general.

Quixote was a melancholy work that was fascinating to watch he and Sancho Panza on their adventures. I rarely laughed at any of the ups and downs of the duo but felt a sadness that Quixote never quite achieved his glory he sought with a full heart and his cure seems to have ended his passion for life. I am glad for the experience. In so many ways this book does set the tone for every novel written thereafter. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12597-Anna-Karenina-and-Don-Quixote https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12565-Don-Quixote-Review-The-True-Beginning Fri, 31 Aug 2012 03:46:45 GMT In starting the process of tranfering my Facebook posts re Don Quixote I discovered a preface I had written there which I am NOW puting here--but... In starting the process of tranfering my Facebook posts re Don Quixote I discovered a preface I had written there which I am NOW puting here--but with an attempt to correct numerous typos.

Attempting to read Don Quixote by Cervantes--74 chapters with the encouragement of my first friend on an certain website almost six years ago now--the only LADY I have ever known to read Rider Haggard though I also count myself a friend to another who LOVES H. G. Wells--I can take or leave him. I managed Great Expectations and even made it through War and Peace so this actually should be a snap.

I plan on a chapter a day to avoid becoming burned out and also meet a goal. I DID however skim over a HUGE translator's prefix but DID read Cervantes intro. Many years ago as a preteen I got at least half way through the book so this is an unfinished reading goal. Then perhaps after that it's time the King James Bible got dusted off for the fourth or maybe fifth time. Am certain I have read the entire Bible at least three times--which is actually VERY pathetic. Sigh


Don Quixote Chapter 2--To my great surprise the chapter was a short one or so it seems on Litnet where I'm reading it online and it contains the illustrations rendered by Gustave Dore (famous also for Biblical drawings). I vaguely remembered Sancho Panza would not be introduced right away so no surprise there. Cervantes is excellent at setting the tone for our hero's imaginings while being very tactful about what's really going on. Any author that can make a leisurely all day ride in the sun and the day here is VERY hot in real life is worth following. While still a huge Rafael Sabatini fan it still is nice to see words put together so well and to such effect.

Don Quixote--Chapter 3--Our hero gets himself properly knighted (to his satisfaction at least) by an innkeeper whom he mistakes for a Knight in a castle. The charm of this ceremony is the view of Don Quixote fully believing in his authorization to begin the knightly quest for deeds and valor and get himself a good start. The contrast is the reality about him. He actualy acquits himself quite well in defending his property being mishandled and it's good to know he's not a pushover.

Don Quixote Chapter 4---Well our hero means well but things never seem to quite work out. His first attempt to right a beating of a servant misfires simply because after he leaves the scene of the crime, the beating continues anyway. Later he himself receives what I suspect is the first of many beatings of his own to come. It's sad seeing this very oddly dignified and earnest man left in the dust of his dreams. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12565-Don-Quixote-Review-The-True-Beginning https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12561-Don-Quixote-A-Casual-Review Thu, 30 Aug 2012 06:48:58 GMT Don Quixote--Chapter 1--Impressions--a concise summary of the famous resident of La Mancha and the perils of reading too many comic books I trust. I... Don Quixote--Chapter 1--Impressions--a concise summary of the famous resident of La Mancha and the perils of reading too many comic books I trust. I love Batman and the Shadow--I do not PLAY at being Batman and the Shadow. A hobby gone to extremes and perhaps the first role player for the modern age. I like this old man especially since he's 49 and I am well past him now in that grand old age. I do believe I too suffer the Peter Pan syndrome--not really wanting to grow up.

The above summation of the first chapter of Don Quixote was posted on Facebook mostly to prove to Grace86 I was actaully reading the book. I thought it would be fun to repost here and see what any one might think. They areimpressions only as I read. I'm currently up to Book Two Chapter 12 so I have a LOT of copy and paste to do. Let me know. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12561-Don-Quixote-A-Casual-Review https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12549-One-Shot-to-the-Head Sun, 19 Aug 2012 03:58:44 GMT Dark Horse Comics tried to create a comics universe a few years back and one of the characters was simply named X and he had a series lasting 25... Dark Horse Comics tried to create a comics universe a few years back and one of the characters was simply named X and he had a series lasting 25 issues and some specials. One of them was titled: X-One Shot to the Head which reprinted some earlier stories that weren't in his regular book.

Yes I'm setting up the scene.

There is a grim reason for the above title.

I considered What Cost Glory? or perhaps -again grimly--The Price of Fear. If you are disturbed by real life violence STOP READING NOW.

Fair warning given.

My second son Daniel has been in Afghanistan since January serving as an Explosive Ordanance Disposal (EOD) officer (1st Lieutenant) in charge of taking out bombs (IED I think they call them--my mind is drawing a blank.)

He is very good at his job and I am very proud of his career and how well he has turned out.

He was supposed to come home on leave next month. I was expecting him around the 15th partially based on a Facebook reference from one of his best friends who was double checking the information.

Instead he showed up two days ago--unannounced and totally unexpected. My boss gave me the night off--as I was already at work and prepared to finish the shift. Dan left my house before I got home but we talked a bit on the phone and he was going to visit Friday. I make a joke about a 20 minute visit (which spoiled the last time he was home as he was very bored and stayed long enough to be polite but he had other things he'ld rather be doing. I treated my parents very much this way so I shrug it off to God's justice and decide to settle.

Friday he arrives early and the visit goes very well. Stays almost 90 minutes--a new record. He shows me the citation for a Bronze Star (his second) for being part of a bomb blast that didn't kill anyone but took out the jeep they ran over it with. He had a concussion but he took care of his men. Very very protective of them. He inspires loyalty. It has to be said he is very different from me. I call him two things--one to his face- Dan the Man and occasionally the Anti-Richie.

In the course of the conversation in which several things came up--his failed marriage, his future in the Army, the Afghan war in general, the topic of being the only EOD officer in an area at least half the size of Maryland (his area of responsibility is the size of that venerable state). He cites the differences in being former enlisted where you can be more graphic in your approach as opposed to be being an officer where you MUST watch what you say.

This story comes out. He tells it precisely and to the point much like a briefing. Dashiell Hammett would be proud. My own feelings --stated before hand -are War is NOT a game for children and there is always a cost and the best approach is a quick and clean kill.

Dan and his unit were out and about and they happen to come across a fellow digging out the ground and about to place a bomb in the roadside. We probably will never know what would have happened otherwise. The fellow grabs his rifle and begins shooting. Dan assures me most of the Afghan are terrible shots (as an aside he told of one of his sergeants who has been shot at 12 days in a row--some bullets very close).

However the attack has been made and response is immediate. A sergeant raise his weapon and the man dies. One shot to the head.

The body is taken to the nearby village where the officer in charge of that sector is being confronted by the man's father. No question about being upset. It was never going to go well. Dan is standing by with his unit and his man observing until the idiot makes a very critical error. He points out to the father WHICH enlisted man pulled the trigger.

Dan immediately orders his man to get in the truck and tells the officer (another Lieutenant) to get in another truck for a talk.

He informs this paragon of diplomacy that he would rather the father have an a vague image in his mind of an unknown American rather then a face to haunt his dreams the rest of his life. And if said officer ever puts one of his men in a position like that of making him a future target for revenge he will knock his teeth in.

My son speaks his mind and often gets away with it. In all my years in the Air Force I NEVER won an argument with a civilian contractor--ever--even when I had the documents in hand proving my case I was overruled. Dan won't have it--his philosopjy over there is do your job--it's what you're being overpaid for.

He tells the officer to stay in the truck and goes back to the father. The father is of course making all kinds of demands, excuses and complaints.

The father says the Taliban MAKES the people plant the bombs. Dan informs him he has two choices. Live in fear or tell him WHERE in the mountains the Taliban can be found and he and his crew will go there and KILL them and even bring the bodies back as proof. These are the only two choices the father has.

He chooses fear.

Dan is later accused of being cold in general about it. Dan is a realist. He has his warm and fuzzy side but over there he is expected to lead and protect and do his duty as he sees it. I like to think I would have tried to take the fellow prisoner but that's from watching too many movies. This is real and this is war. It is never meant to be pretty. Dan says he slept well that night. I envy him his peace of mind. Considering how many sins of my own that haunt me to this day.

Anyway thanks for listening and reading--I wanted to make a record of this as my guttersnpies NEVER come here but there is something to be said for preserving legacies. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12549-One-Shot-to-the-Head https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12524-Four-Months Sun, 29 Jul 2012 20:13:31 GMT Time flies when the routine hardly varies. No major drama personally though things seem to happen to other family members. To my greta surprise... Time flies when the routine hardly varies.

No major drama personally though things seem to happen to other family members. To my greta surprise my oldest brother and I had a civil conversation following the death of his wife Rosaline. He's still a character but I can tolerate him --the sins of the past can sometimes be put aside.

In honor of my first friend here at Litnet (Grace86) I'm reading a chapter a night of Don Quixote. I like it but never quite sure when to laugh--mostly I read with a bit of sadness at this incredible man trying so hard and sincerely to live his dreams--that song is making more sense to me now then it ever did.

Son Dan survived a bomb blast when his crew drove over one in Afghanistan shortly after he and I had a small quarrell over proper notifications. He is fine but very tired. Everyone survived with minor injuries. God is still good. Irefuse to spend every day worrying about him over there--it won't change anything and I sweat the small thimgs in life--the bigger issues are actually easier to deal with.

Any way high time I got back here--I glance in from time to time waiting for acertain Mod to remmeber her long time admirer. ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12524-Four-Months https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12358-The-Downsizing-Continues Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:35:53 GMT It was a surprise but then again it had been anticipated ever since our little six county AAA Club was 'merged' to Allied Group with the 'promise' we would be still acting on our own. No one really bieved that.

About a year and a half went by not quite sure now. Three months ago the call center hours changed from 7 am to 11 pm with calltakers staying until 7 pm.

With weekends off.

Dispatchers maintained their regular schedule--sigh 8 on, 2 off- 7 on, 4 off, 5 on, 2 off--repeat.

There had been a consistent rumor that Allied was consolodating their call centers but leaving dispatch in place.

An annual dinner last month which I skated out of since I was working gave kudos to our progress and a surprise $100 gift for all employees--in cash. I REALLY wnated comics but for once did the mature thing and paid the truck registration and got some gas instead to get ahead of the game.

Yesterday dispatchers both shift were herded into Debbie, the Call Center Superintendent's office and advised th calltakers--12 of them-were beign let go in a month and that little bombsheel was being fropped while we were under lock and key for a pitiful 15 minutes. Josh dispatched for that short time. There are tweo slots opening in dispatch which we believe will easily be filled and two temps of course will no longer be with us so ultimnately eight are being let go or repleaced elsewhere in the club but there are VERY few positions open.

So my salt mine is getting smaller and for now we think we are safe--as far as dispatch goes buit we no longer feel secure. I'm almost 61 and starting to contemplate REAL retirement.

Tick tock tick tock ]]> mtpspur https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?12358-The-Downsizing-Continues