Bad News

I'd expected the return to work after a week away to be annoying, with a backlog of email and a few orders that are wanted yesterday if not sooner. No such luck. That would have better than what actually happened. The backlog of email was sorted out quickly, but it had something far nastier than an urgent order in it. A sudden company wide meeting announcement for a meeting in the production area is seldom good news. It sure wasn't this time.

One of the IT guys here died of a heart attack last Thursday morning. It happened about 3 AM, or the first attack did. From what I've heard (which is likely fourth-hand or more by now) he was on the edge on the way to the hospital, at the hospital, and didn't make it through the emergency flight to Minneapolis.

I knew he smoked, and now I know he had a family history of heart trouble. That's not a good combination, even if he did seem rather energetic. Even when frustrated he was laughing at the situation, and I never saw him in a truly lousy mood, at least not that I could detect. I'll miss him.

RCFM 2005: Getting there.

Wednesday was a nice uneventful drive from Fairmont, MN to Calvert City, KY where I stopped for the night. A bottle of water every hour or so makes travelling so much easier.

Thursday started off equally uneventful, which is what travelling should be. And for me, and many others, it was. Yet it wasn't for some and while the official theme of RCFM this year was Pi, the unofficial theme seemed to be transportation trouble.

( Thursday )

RCFM: Friday

I got up fairly late, at least for me, and eventually dealt with registration. I didn't get into line early like last year and figured I could just as well get everything taken care of without standing around first. That was mostly right. Evidently there was a mix up and the RCFM shirt will eventually be sent to me. I sure hope so, I like this year's design and artwork better than last year's.

( The Great Key Switch and What, Me Draw? )

RCFM: Saturday

( A skit, er, running gag, gets planned. )

RCFM: Sunday

( It isn't over until after it's over? )

Post RCFM: Monday in Huntsville

Monday there were some helium balloons left and since I'd never tried talking with helium, I went to the trouble of untying one. There was some change in voice, but I caught myself trying to talking in a higher pitch. I wonder how much is the helium and how much of the effect is from "helping" the helium along. After that, KT, JJ, Chaka, and I went out in search of breakfast or lunch.

( Space Center, Chaka & Chaka, and a party )

RCFM: Home again, home again...

( Goodbyes, uneventful trip home, epilogue? )