Random act of kindness

I have a slow leak in my tire. It literally takes a month for it to even look like it is going down and I've taken it in twice to be repaired and they can't find out what is wrong with it. I am pretty sure they think it is my head, but I'm telling you, there is very little in my head lately...and certainly not that!

Anyway, I digress...

Tonight, driving home, I decided it was time to check my bad tire. I pulled into a gas station and up to the air dispenser. I got out of the car and into the pouring rain. Mind you it had been windy and cloudy all day and pretty cold too, so the rain really was no surprise. I stood there looking forlorn, wishing I had stopped to buy a tire gauge.

As I was about to add air to the tire, a young man walked out of the station and towards his car. He glanced over at me asked me if everything was OK. I told him about my tire gauge dilema and the story of the mysteriously leaking tire and he reached in his car and pulled out a tire gauge. I smiled and reached for it and he asked if he minded if he did it. Of course I said that I didn't and he not only checked and filled the tire I was concerned about, he checked and added or removed air on the other three as well!

When I asked if I could do anything for him he said no, that he was happy to be of assistance. I told him how wonderful he was and I really meant it.

I drove away crying over his kindness.

Adventures with Gordy

I spent this afternoon with Gordon, my boyfriend's father, touring the Museum at the Brig at Farragut Park. The museum is dedicated to the Navy personnel who trained there and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

It will also be open on September 12, 2009 for a reunion of the naval trainees. Those who would like to attend are asked to meet at the Museum at the Brig at 9AM and bring a sack lunch. Donuts and coffee will be served.

Gordon trained there in preparation for service in World War II, so it was a most interesting tour.


Here Gordon signs in at the special registrar for returning personnel.

The map is of the whole park, which is located on Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho.

The museum curators left one of the "cells" as it had been in the past.

This is a model made by local high school students. It depicts the camp as it was when Gordon was there.

This is one of the many displays.

As is this.

This plaque is located outside the museum at the entrance/exit point.

These plaques, next to the commemorative plaque, contain the signatures of all who attended the 2006 reunion. Gordy is standing next to the plaque containing his name!

It was impossible to get a picture that showed the impressiveness of this courtyard, lined with flags of all types.

This is an original firetruck from that era.

As I walked around the exercise yard of the old brig, it was hard not to think of all the men who died during the war that brought this place to life.

This piece of art was sculpted by one of the men who trained at Farragut. A close-up of the head would show that there are hundreds, possibly thousands of heads carved into the massive sculpture.

Thanks, Gordon, for a wonderful afternoon.

Asbestos

Preventing Asbestos Exposure and Healthy Tips

On June 17, 2009, the towns of Libby and Troy in Northwest Montana were placed under a public health emergency by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Vermiculite which is contaminated with asbestos was mined in the town of Libby until 1990.

Due to the asbestos being mined for decades, thousands of workers and civilians were unknowingly exposed. Several asbestos-related diseases have been documented in Libby and caused several health problems as a result.

What is Asbestos and why is it bad?

Highly utilized more than a century ago, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used heavily in building and construction applications. Its flame resistant and highly durable qualities made it an ideal choice for manufacturers. Asbestos normally appeared as insulation for piping, roofing, siding and flooring in homes. Many homes or buildings built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos materials.

Asbestos exposure may lead to the development of mesothelioma, a rare but severe form of asbestos lung cancer. This asbestos-related illness is difficult to treat and diagnose because mesothelioma symptoms may not show up from 20 to 50 years after exposure.

Healthy Tips

It must be noted that not all asbestos poses health risks. Asbestos that is disturbed or damaged due to age is known as "friable" asbestos. This is a concern because its toxic fibers can easily circulate and become inhaled.

If any suspected asbestos is located, the best advice is to leave it alone. If you are having home renovations, performed, do not panic. Again, asbestos that is left un-disturbed will normally pose no threat. If asbestos needs to be removed, it should be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in the handling and disposal of asbestos in public facilities and homes.

Many green insulation alternatives exist which are safe, eco-friendly and highly efficent replacements to asbestos. These include the use ofcotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose.

What about Libby?

Approximately 400 residents have passed away from asbestos-related disease sine the mines closing in 1990 and it is estimated 2,000 citizens have become ill as a result of asbestos exposure.

The new EPA administrator has made vigorous statements in not only acknowledging the grave health concerns surrounding Libby, but has demanded for aggressive cleanups to protect the citizens from asbestos exposure.

It is estimated the $130 million will be initiated for cleanup efforts and improved health care for those who have been struck with asbestos-related diseases. This serious health situation has not been well documented by the mainstream media and hopefully the asbestos that was left behind by past institutions will now be safely removed.

Just a few photos as we head into the weekend...

There's not much I like better than spending the weekend on the boat.

Gone but Never Forgotten

Olga Kelley: born August 20, 1923-died August 15, 2001

Some beach...some where...

It seems I have no time for blogging anymore...no time to write or even more importantly, no time to read your blogs.

I seriously considered shutting down the blog...but hate to do so because it has been a life journal for me and I have LOVED sharing it with all of you.

But things have changed so much in my life in the past few years, and now it is time for another big transition. As a result I will have even less time than before.

With that in mind, I have decided to take a hiatus of undetermined length.

I will check back from time to time to let you know how I'm doing and catch up with what is going on in your lives, but for the most part I will be offline.

Big hugs to all...

Laurie

Life is good...