HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2009

“More of the Same!”
   

Once again, not much has changed since last year.  Filling in the blanks really only involves changing the year.  So, here goes!

 

LAST WINTER.  It was the winter of icy roads and freezing fog.  Slipping and sliding characterized the winter.  

 

In early in 2009, teaching IT courses continued at Sinclair Community College and at the Applied Technology Center (ATC).  Because of the poor local economy, however, classes at the ATC dwindled down to a mere trickle.  But, teaching three classes at Sinclair Community College and facilitating an online course for PBS TeacherLine more than filled the schedule.  And, near the end of January, PRAXIS III assessments started again for the final time with 10 formal observations scheduled over the next three months.

 

SPRING 2009.  In early spring I finished the last of the PRAXIS III assessments while continuing to teach during the Spring Quarter at Sinclair Community College.  A trickle of work continued at the ATC, and I facilitated another course for PBS TeacherLine.  Then, it was time to play in the pit orchestra for a few musicals including “42nd Street,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Annie!” 

 

SUMMER 2009.  Just like last summer, much of the summer involved Piqua Arts Council and music activities with most evenings including rehearsals and performances of the Piqua Civic Band, Troy Civic Band, and Sidney Civic Band.  This was in addition to teaching four Summer Quarter courses for Sinclair Community College.  And, like last summer, PBS hired me to facilitate another six-week online course … third one for the year.

 

Mother Nature was kind to us in August by providing cool, dry weather for Music Warehouse.  Playing in the pit orchestra for these performances was comfortable in terms of temperatures. In fact, the weather was nearly perfect!  The performances were standing-room-only, as usual!  In mid-August, the PBS TeacherLine course I was teaching finally ended. 

 

AUTUMN 2009.  Just before the start of the 2009-2010 school year, Sinclair Community College scheduled me to teach three courses for the Fall Quarter.  I declined teaching more.  Within a few hours of agreeing to teach these courses, I received a request from Edison Community College here in my hometown to teach for them.  After careful consideration, I agreed to teach only one course during the Fall Semester for Edison … a course in music appreciation for non-music majors.  So, this fall I have continued to teach for Sinclair Community College and am now teaching in another discipline for Edison Community College.  This is in addition to facilitating yet another online course for PBS TeacherLine.  So, this fall has been really busy.  You may note, however, that nothing has been mentioned about substitute teaching in the local schools.  I have done very little subbing this year and may politely step out of that business in the near future.  But, I have stepped into something else that is new … a new 2010 Ford Focus.  Yes, I purchased a new car.  The low gasoline consumption is terrific.  The new car is a pleasure to drive, and the satellite radio with all of its options is a real plus too.

 

EARLY WINTER 2009.  Who knows what winter will bring other than a few performances and the unavoidable snow and ice?  As usual, there are several “gigs” scheduled starting in November in large groups and a few in a smaller group … a woodwind quintet in which I am playing clarinet.  

 

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!

 

Mike




HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2008

 

“Same-O-Same-O!”

 

It seems like not much has changed since last year.  In fact, I could possibly change the year on last year’s update and leave it at that.  But, rather than do that, here are a few of the details for 2008.  Oh, yes!  Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays!

 

LAST WINTER.  The new year started with a blast of Arctic air.  It was really cold!  And, my furnace stopped working at that time.  Because of the holiday schedule, I was “in the cold” for about 4 days.  What a way to start 2008!  Brrrr!!

 

In early in 2008, teaching IT courses continued at the Applied Technology Center (ATC).  Also, calls continued to come in to substitute teach in several of the local school districts.  At the end of January, PRAXIS III assessments started again.   Also, I started a 3-year term on the Piqua Arts Council.

 

SPRING 2008.  As spring approached, I finished the last of the PRAXIS III assessments for 2008, took two graduate-level courses online from University of San Diego, and completed a program on “Instructional Design Theory of Online Course Development” from eTech|OHIO.  This didn’t stop me from making time to play in a series of special programs with the Sidney Civic Band and to play in pit orchestras for two musicals at two different high schools … “Meet Me In St. Louis” and “State Fair!”  During the busiest part of spring, I was asked to help conduct a 3-day ITA (Instructional Technology Assessment) in a private school in Cincinnati.  In May, there was just enough time to participate in 4 days of wireless network training at New Horizons Computer Training Center in Dublin, Ohio.  This training was provided by eTech|OHIO at minimal cost.

 

SUMMER 2008.  Once summer arrived, I attended a special course on Moodle at the eTech|OHIO Summer Summit in Columbus.  I taught a few courses for the ATC.  But, most of the summer was consumed with Piqua Arts Council activities and musical activities.  Most evenings involved rehearsals and performances of the Piqua Civic Band, Piqua Community Band, and Sidney Civic Band.  And, like last summer, PBS hired me to facilitate a six-week online course for teachers throughout the USA.  

 

During cool, comfortable August, it was time to play in the pit orchestra for Music Warehouse.  The weather was perfect!  The performances were standing-room-only!  The performances were outstanding.  In mid-August, the PBS TeacherLine course I was teaching finally ended.     

 

AUTUMN 2008.  With the start of the new school year, I received several calls from Sinclair Community College inquiring about my availability to teach for them.  They wanted me to teach three courses.  I finally agreed to teach two courses.  So, starting in September, I began teaching BIS 104, “Introduction to PC Usage,” two afternoons a week in Englewood’s Learning Center and BIS M75, “The Internet,” Saturday mornings at Huber Heights’ Learning Center.  Both learning centers are relatively close, so these assignments allowed me to avoid the insanity of driving to the main campus in downtown Dayton.   Then, in mid-October, I heard from PBS again.  I agreed to teach another online for PBS TeacherLine called “Searching and Researching on the Internet.”

 

After much consideration, I purchased a new, professional Buffet clarinet this fall.  A person in Chicago who selects only Buffet professional clarinets helped in this process.  The new clarinet was rather expensive, and it plays beautifully.  So, now I have no excuse for not practicing. 

 

As for other responsibilities, I continue to be involved in InfraGard, NPA, and DaNPA (Vice President) and am still the secretary/treasurer of our condo association.

 

EARLY WINTER 2008.  Early this winter, I’ll play first clarinet in a small orchestra for “The Messiah” in two local communities as well as a winter concert with the Piqua Civic Band.  I expect to stay in the area during the Holiday Season.  A mild winter would certainly be a welcomed way to end this year, but The Farmer’s Almanac predicts otherwise!    

 

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!

 

Mike

 

HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2007

“CHANGE & TRANSITION!”

Yes, I think 2007 can best be characterized as being a year of change and transition.  In addition to wishing you HAPPY HOLIDAYS, let me attempt to fill you in the happenings of 2007. 

 

LAST WINTER.  Even before winter officially began, plans were made for my mother to move to assisted-living.  After several visits and many discussions, we decided on Garbry Ridge, and Mom made the move on December 31st.  This was a move she wanted to make, and it has been quite a good move.

 

In January, I started teaching IT courses at the Applied Technology Center (ATC).  My role is part-time, contracted trainer.  I started out with Microsoft Access (database) and have added upper-level Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet) to my teaching repertoire at the ATC.  Classes are small, and students are adults!  So, classroom discipline is a non-issue.  But, I continued to substitute teach in the area schools for what some people might think “for masochistic reasons.”   

 

SPRING 2007.  Starting early spring, I added another short-term responsibility.  I was contracted to conduct PRAXIS III assessments for three new teachers in Montgomery County.  PRAXIS III is a high-stakes evaluation required by the Ohio Department of Education for first year teachers in order for them to receive licensure in this state.  This didn’t stop me from making the time to play in pit orchestras for three musicals at three different high schools … “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and “Hello, Dolly!”  I ended up playing piccolo, flute, soprano clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, and kazoo.  In late spring, PBS TeacherLine invited me to participate in a pilot course for a few of their online course facilitators.  I accepted the invitation and ended up spending the next six weeks participating in the course.  

 

SUMMER 2007.  Once summer arrived, a challenging balance developed among ATC teaching, the PBS TeacherLine course for facilitators, and playing lots of performances.  The ATC really consumed my morning schedule.  Most afternoons were spent working on the PBS TeacherLine course.  And, the evenings were reserved for rehearsals and performances.  This summer I played in the Piqua Civic Band, Piqua Community Band, Sidney Civic Band, and the Greenville Municipal Band.  By the end of July, my PBS TeacherLine course ended, but then PBS hired me to facilitate a six-week online course for teachers throughout the USA.  

 

In August, the hottest part of summer arrived, and it was time to play in the pit orchestra for Music Warehouse.  In spite of brutally hot temperatures, Music Warehouse did not disappoint!  Fantastic performances!!!!  In late-August, the PBS TeacherLine course I was hired to teach started.

 

In late summer, Mom’s house and car were sold.  What a relief!     

 

AUTUMN 2007.  With the start of the new school year, schools began calling again.  Since weather remained very hot and many schools are not air conditioned, I was really selective about the substitute teaching assignments I’d take.  That’s when I was contacted by Sinclair Community College about getting certified to teach online for them.  So, I agreed to participate in their 5-week “teaching online” certification program and completed this program in late October.  Who knows if this will lead to anything interesting at Sinclair? 

 

Other activities this fall included CompTIA A+ training at New Horizons Computer Training Center in Dublin, Ohio, judging the Allen Country Junior Miss competition in Lima, Ohio, and a short trip to Chicago to attend performances of Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  And, of course, I continue to be involved with InfraGard, NPA, and DaNPA (VP) and am still the secretary/treasurer of our condo association.  So, I think it is fair to say that I’m still keeping busy.

 

EARLY WINTER 2007.  Early this winter, I’m playing in a small orchestra for “The Messiah” in Sidney and Troy (Ohio) as well as playing in the pit orchestra for “A Christmas Carol – The Musical” at the local high school. I expect to stay in the area during the Holiday Season.  A mild winter would certainly be a welcomed way to end this year!    

 

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!

Mike

 

HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2006

“Mozart’s 250th Birthday!!!!”

 

This year, 2006, has been called “The Year of the Genius.”  It is Mozart’s 250th birth year.  It has been a very busy year not only for Mozart but for all of us!  So, let me attempt to fill you in the happenings of 2006 while wishing you HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

LAST WINTER.  Fortunately, our winter was relatively mild.  Although there was some cold weather, we did not have much snow and ice.   

 

In late January, planning started for the final round of OhioLIT near Columbus (Ohio).  Locally, however, all eyes were on the Winter Olympics in Italy where Kristin King earned a bronze medal in Women’s Ice Hockey.  The welcome home celebration in February was a source of great community pride.  Also, in February I facilitated two presentations at the eTech|Ohio 2006 Conference in Columbus (Ohio).  By early March, the OhioLIT seminars were well underway.  All the time, area schools were keeping me fully occupied with substitute teaching.   

 

SPRING 2006.  In March, I was invite to an awards event in Michigan to honor as former DoDDS student from Hanau Middle School.  Fortunately, the award ceremony did not conflict with rehearsals for “Jekyll & Hyde” – a musical presented by the local high school.  I had the pleasure of playing in the pit orchestra for what turned out to be a truly incredible student performance.  This was followed by another pit orchestra job at a private high school for “Beauty and the Beast” – another musically rewarding experience.  Then, in early spring, eLearning (eTech|Ohio) hired me to facilitate an online course for educators.  I really enjoyed teaching the course from the comforts of my own computer.

 

SUMMER 2006.  In late spring/early summer, a school administrative database company contacted me about doing some contracted training for them.  This resulted in several days of training in Phoenix in June.  By that time, it was necessary to make final plans for NECC 2006 in San Diego.  As with last year’s NECC, I was involved in a presentation and several hours of volunteer work.  I also spent a few extra days in San Diego to see the sights while coming to the decision that this was going to be my “NECC Swan Song” – my final NECC.   San Diego was great fun!!!!!

 

The week before NECC, I participated in PRAXIS III Assessor’s training at Wright State University near Dayton resulting in my having to be a serious student again with lots of reading and too many papers to write.  Keeping up was not easy because of rehearsals and performances of the Piqua Civic Band.  With that said, I still made time to drive to the DoDDS 2006 Reunion in Pittsburgh in late July.

 

In August, I went to Sacramento (California) to help with contracted database training.  When I got home, I ended up having a flare-up of a medical problem resulting in another colonoscopy and back on medications.  Things are fine now!  Fortunately, this didn’t interfere with playing in the pit orchestra for Music Warehouse and playing in the premier concert for the Piqua Community Band.    

 

AUTUMN 2006.  About the time the new school year started, I received a statement from the Ohio Teacher Retirement System indicating that my 95 days of substitute teaching during school year 2005-2006 pushed my service in Ohio into the “vested” category.  So, when I’m ready, I’ll be able to take a pension … although very small … from the State of Ohio. 

 

With the start of the new school year, schools began calling again.  In October, I got talked into taking a long-term substitute position for a teacher who participated in a 3-week Fulbright exchange to Japan.  When the 3-week substitute teaching job ended, I signed a contract with PBS TeacherLine to facilitate an online course for their professional development program.  At the same time, SOITA asked for 2 presentations at their conference in Dayton in December.  And, on an unusually beautiful Saturday in early October, I went to the Cox Arboretum near Dayton for a “stinkin’ good time” at the annual Garlic Festival.  As for other activities, I’m still involved with InfraGard, NPA, DMA, and DaNPA.  Of course, I’m still secretary/treasurer of our condo association, a task that keeps me “hopping.”  So, autumn activities were busy, and winter holds the prospect for “more of the same!”

 

EARLY WINTER 2006.  Who knows what winter will really bring?  Indications are that winter may make its appearance early.   Regardless of weather conditions, I’m determined to keep up my visits to the gym/health club interspersed by long walks in the area.  Here’s hoping for a pleasantly mild winter.  I expect to stay in the area during the Holiday Season.  

 

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!

Mike


 

HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2005

 

“Golden What?!”

 

This “Golden Years” thing called RETIREMENT continues at a whirl-wind pace with a surprise around every corner!  So, let me catch my breath enough to fill in the happenings of 2005 while wishing you HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

LAST WINTER.  It was a winter to remember … or maybe forget!  Snow! Snow! Snow!  Several excessive snows brought things to a halt in this part of the country.  Snow and ice made for treacherous driving and walking.  Winter seemed endless! 

 

Between winter storms in Ohio, DoDEA extended an invitation to come to Washington (DC) for a one-day quick trip to do a presentation for a worldwide task group.  The weather in Washington was like spring, but by the time I got back to Ohio that night, a blizzard was about to hit. 

 

In late January, I started part-time work for Westat to assist with the administration of NAEP (National Assessment of Education Progress) testing in a four county area.  Although road conditions were not good because of harsh winter conditions, our team of test administrators did not have to cancel any days because of weather.  While involved in NAEP work, I was able to adjust my schedule to facilitate two other activities … OhioLIT at MVECA in Yellow Springs (Ohio) and a couple of presentations at Ohio SchoolNet 2005 Conference in Columbus (Ohio).  By early March, the contract with Westat ended.  So, once again, my phone started to ring off the hook to substitute teach in area schools.   

 

SPRING 2005.  In early spring, Sinclair Community College filled my schedule with Office 2003 workshops for faculty and staff.  Occasional work at Sinclair continues to be a real pleasure.  Also, the calls to substitute teach continued.  And, as with last year, an educational service center near Cincinnati (Ohio) hired me to assist with a 3-day ITA (Instructional Technology Assessment) in a large school district near Columbus (Ohio) and another 3-day ITA in an affluent school district near Dayton (Ohio).  Another round of OhioLIT sessions took a total of 6 days – 3 in Yellow Springs (Ohio) and 3 in Zanesville (Ohio). 

 

SUMMER 2005.  As summer came, plans were finalized to attend NECC 2005 in Philadelphia.  As with last year’s NECC, I was involved in two presentations and several hours of volunteer work.  I also got away from the conference long enough to hear the Philadelphia Orchestra, which is still fantastic. 

 

Post-NECC was a time to become a student again.  In July I was invited to participate in the online-facilitator-in-training program conducted by eTech Ohio/Ohio Department of Education.  After weeks of training, I completed my certification and expect to facilitate online courses for Ohio educators later this school year.

 

During the hottest part of the summer in August, I got talked into playing in the pit orchestra for Music Warehouse.  What an experience!  The rehearsals were hot, long, and exhausting.  Both performances were standing-room-only.  I marveled at the talent on stage and was surprised that I could still play a few correct notes on clarinet after so many years of not practicing.   

 

AUTUMN 2005.  With the start of the new school year, schools started calling again.  Substitute! Substitute! Substitute!  Sinclair Community College hired me again to facilitate professional development for Office 2003.  ITA events were scheduled.  And, OhioLIT geared up for its final year starting with a 2-day retreat in Columbus (Ohio).  In an effort to scale down a few activities, I’ve restricted “active participation” in organizations to InfraGard, NPA and DaNPA but was unable to dodge VP responsibilities with DaNPA.  Of course, I’m still secretary/treasurer of our condo association, a task that keeps things exciting.  Oh, to have a background in accounting and bookkeeping!  So, autumn activities continued to be busy!

 

EARLY WINTER 2005.  Who knows what winter will bring?  Regardless of weather conditions, I’m determined to keep up my visits to the gym/health club with occasional walks in the area.  Here’s hoping for a pleasantly mild winter.  I expect to stay in the area during the Holiday Season.  

 

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!

 

Mike

 

Volksmarch Fun in October!

“Walking for the Health of It!”

 

HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2004

 

“The Golden Years?????????”

 

As I park my rocking chair for a few more of these “relaxed, laid-back” retirement moments, I ponder why I was never told that the golden years would be like this!  Rocker?  I don’t have one.  Relaxed?  Not that I have noticed!  Laid-back?  You must be joking!!!  This thing called RETIREMENT is hard work with a whirl-wind pace and a surprise around every corner!  Still, there is nothing like it.  Bravo for retirement!  So, in the following paragraphs, let me fill in some of the happenings of 2004 as I wish you HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

LAST WINTER.  Last winter was a non-event!  Compared with the previous winter, it was mild.  I felt so domestic that I even purchased an Oreck vacuum cleaner and just about wore out the carpets in my condo.  It didn’t take long for the novelty to wear off especially when other activities caught my attention.  Clearly, I discovered that the mysteries of life are not revealed by relentlessly vacuum cleaning the carpets! 

 

In January, I completed the last of the eight exams for ICDL certification … a technology certification that is worth the effort.  I sandwiched the exams between many days of substitute teaching, volunteering in the OhioReads program, physical therapy for a shoulder injury, and numerous trips to the gym/health club to become physically fit.  Believe it or not, I’ve kept up the regular trips to the gym with expectations that I may some day have the physique of Hulk! So far, however, the only thing I have gained as a result of all the physical activity is an appetite – no added weight and no added muscle.  

 

As winter came to a calm close, I started gearing up for a series of technology conferences.  I was a presenter at two relatively large conferences -- Ohio SchoolNet 2004 Conference in Columbus (Ohio) and ComputerFest Spring Conference 2004 in Dayton (Ohio).  Both conferences made it possible for me to meet some of the school technology leaders in this state.   

 

SPRING 2004.  In early spring, Sinclair Community College hired me to conduct a series of presentations and workshops for the 2004 Faculty Spring Institute. Around the same time, an educational service center near Cincinnati (Ohio) hired me to assist with a 2-day technology audit in a large school district in the area.  

 

SUMMER 2004.  In early summer, I facilitated a pre-NECC 2004 online forum for ISTE using Blackboard™.  Following this, I headed to New Orleans for NECC 2004.  While at the conference, I was involved in two presentations and several hours of volunteer work.

 

Learning dominated much of my summer.  I began courses at New Horizons to master the mysteries of Microsoft Office 2003.  Also, Sinclair Community College invited me to participate in FETA (Faculty Educational Technology Academy) – an academy in which we learned to create online courses using WebCT.  I also facilitated several days of professional development for the faculty and staff at Sinclair Community College.

 

In July, I drove to St. Louis for the DoDDS Reunion.  Again this year, the organizers of the reunion did an outstanding job.  It was lots of fun seeing friends and acquaintances from DoDDS.  OUTSTANDING experience!!

 

In August I was hired by OhioLIT (Ohio Leadership for Integrating Technology) to work as a co-facilitator for the year remaining on this Gates Foundation grant.  After several days of training in Columbus, I was “officially” prepared for my first assignment which involves about one day per month working with principals and superintendents in an assigned cohort. 

 

AUTUMN 2004.  The autumn frenzy began early with new responsibilities and activities.  First, in early autumn, I signed an agreement with Westat to work during the month of February (2005) with NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) testing.  This should turn out to be about 6 weeks of work.  Second, PBS invited me to participate in a new opportunity that is rolling out to the educational community in the USA.  After giving a positive nod, I am now up-to-my-knees in the PBS TeacherLine ISTE Capstone Coaches Training Program.  Once I finish all the training, I’ll be certified to facilitate online training for the PBS TeacherLine ISTE Capstone Program.  Third, Sinclair Community College hired me to facilitate their professional development for Office 2003 this fall.  Fourth, I’m continuing my Office 2003 courses at New Horizons and have begun the MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certification exams.  Fifth, I was elected secretary/treasurer of the Regency West Condo Association and don’t think this is going to be too exciting.  Sixth, in the little free time I have left in my schedule, I still occasionally substituted in the schools and continue to be active in DMA, DaNPA, InfraGard, and the Dayton IT-Alliance.  Busy!  Busy!  Busy!

 

EARLY WINTER 2004.  I am hoping for a pleasantly mild winter and expect to stay in the area during the Holiday Season.

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!

 

Mike

 

“NECC 2004 – New Orleans”

Just ask a volunteer!

 

HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2003

 

“Ah, The Golden Years!!!!!!!”

 

It’s been more than a year since I officially said my GOOD-BYE to DoDDS and returned to the USA.  As I remember the past with DoDDS and ponder the present without DoDDS, I ask myself, “How did I ever have time to work?”  I’ve discovered that THE GOLDEN YEARS are certainly busy, full of surprises, and worth all the years of toil.  Bravo for retirement! So, from what seems like the fast lane of the golden years of life, here’s wishing you HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

LAST WINTER.  Momentously, 2003 began with the Ohio State University football team squeaking out a national championship title. Scarlet and gray seemed to be the official state colors after the big victory.  Then, it become apparent that the official state color was white … not for surrender but for SNOW!  TOO MUCH SNOW!

 

Between blizzards in late January, I headed to St. Louis for a few days to do a presentation for the METC 2003 Conference.  It was a good conference but the wrong time of year to be in St. Louis.  Gray!  Cold!  Damp!

 

To escape the severe winter weather in the USA, I returned to Europe in March for three weeks of vacation in what turned out to be beautiful, spring-like conditions.  While in Europe, I was a participant/presenter at the ECIS IT 2003 Conference in Paris, France.  (Don’t drive in Paris!!!)  While in Germany, I visited in Wiesbaden, Munich (and vicinity), and Berlin.  On the way to Berlin I stopped in Hannover to attend CeBIT 2003.  Although CeBIT has the reputation of being the world’s largest technology exhibition, the threat of war and generally unsettled economic conditions resulted in some serious downsizing this year.

 

SPRING 2003.  When I returned to Ohio, I celebrated the start of spring by attending a performance of AIDA at the Schuster Centre in Dayton, Ohio.  The Schuster Centre is a new, breath-taking, $121 million marvel that hosts operas, concerts, musicals, and more.  So far, the quality of performances rivals the best of the best.  Good stuff!!!

 

On a fluke, I got my name on the substitute list of the local and county school districts.  This resulted in a new pseudo career – substitute teacher.  I’ll have to admit that it is easy work, but the pay is not great.  

 

SUMMER 2003.  After several weeks of study, I took three technology certification tests resulting in IC3 certification.  Fortunately, the exams were not difficult.  Then, in late June I headed to Seattle for NECC 2003.  The presentation at NECC 2003 was well received.  Following the conference, I spent several sunny days on Anderson Island with friends-of-DoDDS.  It was a pleasant mini-DoDDS reunion.

 

And, speaking of reunions, the “official” DoDDS Reunion took place in Atlanta in July.  The organizers of the reunion did an outstanding job.  It was lots of fun seeing friends and acquaintances from all those many years of working for DoDDS.  OUTSTANDING experience!!

 

School technology took center stage in August when I attended a two-day conference in Columbus.  The conference, sponsored by the Ohio School-Network, took place near Westerville on the north side of Columbus.  The conference was really good, but the traffic in the city was terrible.  What ever happened to the good old days of sanity-behind-the-wheel?   

 

AUTUMN 2003.  The autumn frenzy began early with many responsibilities and activities.  I was hired by Sinclair Community College in Dayton to teach CIS 107 – Introduction to Operating Systems.  Several weeks into the Fall Term, I was “invited” (on a fluke) to provide professional development for Sinclair Community College’s staff and faculty … a series of assignments I really enjoy.  Additionally, I occasionally substituted in the local and county schools when needed and continued to be active in DMA, DaNPA, InfraGard, and the Dayton IT-Alliance.  Perhaps, as a result of higher visibility this year, I’ve even done several incidental presentations for various organizations in the area.  Busy!  Busy!  Busy!

 

As for free time, hitting the Linear Park trails is a new, invigorating activity.  Thanks to a little community vision and a grant from the state, my local community has opened over 13 miles (21 kilometers) of paved walking trails.  The trails include trekking on top of the long-since-removed railroad bed, by several lakes and parks, along a river, beside remains of the Miami-Erie Canal, and within yard of a shopping mall.  The various walks really raise the quality of life in this community.    

 

EARLY WINTER 2003.  The only item on my early winter agenda is to locate the snow shovel I purchased last winter and hope that our winter will be as mild as this year’s summer.  Moderation … especially after last winter … would be greatly appreciated as winter approaches.  

 

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!

 

Mike

 

“The Loreley”

Germany 2003

 

 

HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2002

 

“The Golden Years Begin!!!!”

 

 I did it!  On June 30th, I called an end to my 33 year career with DoDDS.  I am now comfortably settled in a large, completely redecorated condominium in my hometown – Piqua, Ohio – without any regrets for the decision I made.  Working for DoDDS was a terrific experience; however I think what comes next will be even better – THE GOLDEN YEARS!  So, from my rocker, here’s wishing you HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

LAST WINTER.  After returning to Germany from winter break, activities turned into business-as-usual with the all too familiar routine of computer work, meetings, and workshops.  The most interesting part for me was the opportunity to do a presentation at the ELMLE 2002 Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.  Stockholm is a wonderful city. Unfortunately, January is NOT the best month to visit any city in Sweden. 

 

In early March I participated in two other events.  One was the ECIS IT 2002 Conference in Brussels, Belgium.  The other was CeBIT 2002 in Hannover, Germany.  As a participant and a presenter in Brussels, there were opportunities to gain some new insights and establish new professional contacts at the conference.  CeBIT was a revelation in innovation, new technology, and hype.  It’s just what you expect at the world’s largest technology exhibition. 

 

SPRING 2002.  When Spring Break arrived, I went to Adana, Turkey for a week of travel in Anatolia with a DoDDS friend who lives in Turkey.  Prices were incredibly cheap.  Food was good.  The weather cooperated during the entire vacation.  Unstructured travel in Turkey is an enjoyable adventure.  There was never a dull moment.  There was always something new to do or see.  But, clearly Cappadocia was beyond belief.

 

SUMMER 2002.  A week before School Year 2001-2002 ended, I “let the cat out of the bag” about my plans to retire.  I soon learned that out-processing, government pack-out of household goods, shipping a car, and paperwork were things to repress.  Adding to the confusion, I headed to San Antonio, Texas for NECC 2002 to do another presentation the day after the school year ended.  At the conclusion of NECC, I flew back to Germany for my final week of work for DoDDS.

 

As long as I was in Europe, I arranged to stay put for about a month after my official retirement date.  Through the good graces of some DoDDS friends in Germany, I was able to semi-housesit while traveling in Europe before returning to the USA.  I visited some old familiar places as well as a few new places in Germany.  I also made a very quick visit to Austria.  And, I spent an absolutely delightful time in Norway visiting Oslo, Bergen, and some fantastic points in between.  Before finally leaving Germany, a German teacher-friend kindly provided a unique, cultural introduction to Frankfurt that raised my opinion of the city.  This turned out to be a memorable send-off as I made my final departure in late July. 

 

I arrived in the Ohio near the end of July in time to attend a high school reunion.  So many years have passed!!!!  It was lots of fun reestablishing old friendships and swapping “war stories” since our high school days. 

 

Then, the real “fun” began as I prepared to move into my new residence!  There was so much to do!  I took the Ohio Driver License examination and purchased a new car … a 2002 Ford Focus station wagon.  The car I shipped from Germany … a 1995 Ford Escort … served as a trade-in.  I can’t tell you how handy it was having a station wagon when my household goods arrived.  Fortunately, the misery of moving in is all in the past!  Since then, I am now comfortably settled and really enjoying the condo, the surrounding historical area, and this thing called RETIREMENT.    

 

AUTUMN 2002.  So far, life as a retiree is keeping me reasonably busy.  I took some training in technology security,  attended ComputerFest®, become active in DMA (Dayton Microcomputer Association), joined DaNPA (Dayton Network Professionals Association), and started volunteer work in the Ohio Reads program.  I even attended a world premier of a new musical, several lectures, and an opera right here in Ohio.  I also made a quick business trip to St. Louis in September, a trip to New Orleans to do a conference presentation in late October, and a mad dash to Cincinnati to participate in a computer conference in early November.  So, it is fair to say that no grass is frowning under my aged feet.  Did I mention “Volksmarches” too? 

 

EARLY WINTER 2002.  The only item on my early winter agenda is to purchase a snow shovel.  It should be a pleasure to stay put and finally experience what was formerly called “Winter Break” without jet-lag.  

 

SEASON'S GREETINGS!!

 

Mike

 

“The Chasm of Heaven” & “The Pit of Hell” – Turkey 2002