Ride planning...

I have a "need to" trip, to make to Seattle, WA in the two weeks.  Started the planning for the ride.  Destination and accommodations are the easy part.  It's the route, fuel, and what are the stops to make along the way that are the interesting part!

Pendleton, OR is in the Northeast corner of Oregon.  About a five hour ride straight through to Seattle.  However... between here and there are some impressive sights!  I am going to basically ride diagonally through Washington State; however, do I take the Northern or Southern route around Mt. Rainier?

On my return, I am going to combine a "want to" trip to Portland, OR.  On my way down from Seattle, I am also planning a side trip to Mt. St. Helens.  Then there is the Columbia River...

I foresee quite a few more pictures being posted in a few weeks!

Ready?

I apologize for the delay.  I actually finished this few days ago.  A little thing called work got into the way of me posting these past few days...

So,

As I mentioned, it was my Grandpa 'G' who first introduced me to this craft.  I actually still have a piece that he made for me when I was younger.  Growing up, I dabbled in it over the years, tried it earnestly a few times, yet it wasn't until I was in my thirties, that I actually embraced it and continue with it to this day! 

Grandpa 'G' was born during WWI, he grew up during the Great Depression, and served in WWII.  It was a very different world then.  There was nothing "disposable."  Worn out clothes were cut into strips and woven together to create something new, food was grown in gardens and the scraps were composted, one could dial 4 or 5 numbers on a new rotary phone to call a neighbor... yet one had to check that another neighbor wasn't on the phone already, as the term "party-line" had a different meaning back then.

Today, the closest single word that I can come up with, that would describe him, is stoic.  I remember that he was usually not very talkative, soft-spoken, and a hand-shake vs. a hug was sufficient.  I was too young to understand the importance of it at the time, yet Grandpa 'G' and I would actually talk all of the time, usually when no one else was around.

Of course my memories have faded over the years, yet I can still recall specific things, conversations, lessons, events, surprises, etc. that Grandpa 'G' shared with me.  He passed 19 years ago.

It was for him, that I started this project. Although I had intent, I knew and realized that the final recipient would be someone else.

So, I started...

If you don't recognize it, this is crochet.  A small hook is used to weave a fiber together, usually in a simple pattern, sometimes intricately; to create a specific use, function, or pattern.  In this case, the fiber is simply yarn, and in this step, it is for pattern/look, to be applied to a function and use later.

Round One, completed.  On to Round Two...

Initially, it may look a little rough, perhaps uneven... yet you are focused.  It is a matter of perspective!

Round Three...

This is where the art begins!  By varying the type of stitch, one can create texture and style.

Round Four...

A completed strip.

Now this is where I will pause.

I am not perfect.  I have my habits, traits, idiosyncrasies, etc.  In every single thing I do in life, I realize, understand, and accept that I will make mistakes.  For me personally, it is a simple reminder.  In this project,  I made a mistake.  Like in life, it is not always immediately known or recognized.  It is only in retrospect, that one identifies or realizes it.

So what does one do?  Scrap it and start over?  Undo everything back to a point, repair/fix, and continue? Or does one accept, embrace, and more importantly, celebrate it!? 

What is it, that makes something one of a kind?  It is the one thing, that makes it unique, like no other!  I choose to accept, embrace, and celebrate it!  In fact, I even highlight it, so as to draw attention to it!

Round One, was supposed to be a progressive shell of six treble crochet/chain one stitches per row.  I found that in one row, I did seven... after I had completed the entire strip!  One down, only eight more to go!

Two completed and joined!

Four completed and joined!

A few loose strands to be woven in.  Yet one can get an idea of the completed project.

The completed project!  Covers a queen-sized bed... will also keep at least two people cozy on a couch!

Skill?  Hobby?  Craft?

For me it is a gift I have been given, that I share and pass on to others.

So in Honor of my Grandfather...

Charles Fredrick Wallace Gierke
b: 1916
Lived!
d: 1995

I share this with you.

Three down...

Almost done with my third week in Pendleton, Oregon.  Although I will be here for ten more, I can already feel the time slipping by!  There are three local items on my to do list, two road trips I want to do, and one road trip I have to do.  I will combine one of the "wants" with my "have to" though.

I am absolutely enjoying Pendleton!  The weather, the scenery, the people, the small town atmosphere... and my peers at St. Anthony Hospital are great!  My last travel assignment was at a facility that saw an average of 70,000+ patients per year... it is nice to be able to slow down a bit, at a facility that sees ~13,000+ patient's per year.

This chapter has barely started, I hardly know how it will end yet...  However, I already know that the next chapter/adventure will be even greater!  I have to wait till later to announce my next assignment though...

6/9 of the way done with my primary project!   Should complete it by this weekend.  Will share the pictures and secret soon!

Fired again!

Three times in a single hour!  By the same patient... who didn't have the ability to recall that I was the same person they fired 20 minutes ago.  Every staff member who attempted to assist me, was also fired as well.  On average, one every five minutes...

It all part of the dance!

Emergency Medicine is a whole lot of non-emergency interventions, with short bursts of adrenalin every now and then.  For the most part, it is now a part of a community Healthcare System, where people turn to when they have no where else to go.  The "social safety-net."

Now, I understand and fully embrace the concept of an "emergency."  When something exceeds one's ability to handle, adapt, respond to... for the individual, it becomes an emergency.  However...

In my tenure, I have had the opportunity to observe, participate, and experience, some very basic and general rules in action.

They are these:

1) Prior proper planning, prevents pitifully poor performance.
2) Lack of planning on your part, does not necessarily constitute an emergency on mine.
3) Reality, does not exist on TV.
4) It takes three minutes to properly poach an egg... test results take at least an hour.
5) Samuel Shem was correct.

and most importantly,

6) When seconds count... help is only minutes away.

And tomorrow, I will start all again!


My first diversion, is almost complete!  I will post pictures soon!  Of course, being the consummate craftsman, I have multiple projects in progress...  Sometimes one has to change focus, to stay on an overall schedule. 

Although I will miss a "soft-deadline," a "hard-deadline" will be met!  Then there are the "when-ever" finished, ongoing, no time frame projects...

Stay tuned!

A little known bit of information...

I was born into a family that has a long history of self-sufficiency, service to others, craftsmanship, and a variety of other skills, that when all brought together in a macro-sense, well... it just makes sense.

Every one experiences stress.  It is how one handles it, that makes a difference in their lives.  I choose to decompress.  The way I accomplish this is to channel my thoughts, emotions, and energy into something creative.  I have a hobby, some have said it is a skill; however, it is a craft... one that was once exclusively executed by men and in some cultures today, still is!

It was my grandfather, Grandpa 'G' that first introduced me to it.  My sister, Beth, also has taken up the craft.  I am an advanced beginner bordering on proficient, she is competent if not an expert!

As I write this, I think back to all of the projects I have undertaken... and I realized that I have given them all away!  There was a brief time that I was asked to complete something for someone, who insisted on paying me, which led to more people wanting customized items.  I only asked for reimbursement for the materials.  The time I spent, was therapy.  I don't do that anymore. 

When I start a project, I never know for who or what it is for.  I have started some, with the intent of an individual, yet as time progresses, it becomes clear to me who the actual recipient will be.  Sometimes it is for who I intended, sometimes it ends up being someone else.


So, what is it?  My family, close friends, and a few recipients know.


Today, or perhaps in the next day or so, I will finish.  Once completed, I will share the finished project.  I promise, some will be surprised!

Sweltering!

I found it interesting, that many of my new peers asked where I was from.  It seems my 'tan' and 'wind-blown face' identified me as not being a local... One person even asked if I was Hispanic!  My reply, "Well, close..."

As I write this, it is 90 degrees here in Pendleton, OR.  Almost every guest, and even some of the resident staff, are poolside!  My windows and door are open, I am in shorts and a t-shirt, and enjoying the cool weather...

A cool down is in store by Sunday, even a chance of rain.  I just smile!  It's a matter of perspective.

One down, only twelve more left...

I finished my first week, and have since started my second here in Pendleton.  Pardon the circular reference; yet, I learned a long time ago, that time is relative!  A quarter of a year, 3 months, 13 weeks, 90 days... all roughly the same amount of time, yet vastly different responses when thought about by some.

My last three Travel Assignments have been in medium to large EDs, serving 70,000+ patients per year.  I decided that I would like to slow it down a bit this round.  I actually turned down an assignment at a super-large ED that serves ~90,000 patients per year!  I also turned down an assignment at a super-small ED that serves <10,000 patients per year.

It is all about balance.

So far, Pendleton has been a nice change!  I have a different perspective than most residents here.  This is something new for me!  I am intrigued by the history, the "touristy" things, the small-town atmosphere.  I am amazed that it takes me less than five minutes to commute to work, that I can walk just about everywhere that I want to go downtown, that at 11:00pm  most of the stop-lights go into a four-way flash mode because traffic is non-existent, that less than a two hour ride will bring me to parts of this Country that few will ever be able to claim they have been too.

The next twelve weeks are going to fly by... and in a way, I am already saddened by that.

First day!

I worked my first regular shift yesterday, 10am to 10pm.  The ED Staff were great!  Accepted me right in, appreciative that I was there.  My shift started out with only two patients, and continued at that pace until about 5pm.  In fact there was supposed to be another nurse that came in at 12 noon, yet they were low-censused (placed on-call at home).  Finally had to call them in around 8pm as the ED was getting full... 9 patients!

I have pretty much found, located, and learned where the important things are already... like the shortcut through Radiology to get to the Lab, where the cafeteria is, staff lounge/locker room, where 95% of the supplies and equipment are, even got some of the administrative projects mastered like the patient follow-up calls.

Of course there are a few things that did, and will continue to pop-up.  Yet everyone I asked for help or "how do I do this," were understanding and took the time to help.  The biggest hurdle has been the EMR (electronic medical record).  It is an older system, and although I got the basics down, there are a few quirky things about it. 

Now, I have a three day weekend!  Return to work on Monday.  After yesterdays rain, I am going to get out and explore a little bit more today... before this evenings rain begins!  Next week, it looks like summer will finally arrive!  Temps will be in the upper 70's to low 80's... hehehe.

Orientation completed!

For the past two days, I have been 'orienting' at St. Anthony Hospital, in Pendleton, OR.

St. Anthony Hospital has a ten bed, plus one trauma room ED.  There are three to four RNs, a CNA, one Physician, and a PA for part of the day, at any given time.  Plus the EKG/Respiratory, Lab, and Rad Techs that provide Ancillary support.

Pendleton is a relatively small town most of the year.  A month after I depart, will be the Pendleton Roundup and the town will more than triple in population as one of the largest rodeo events in the Pacific Northwest occurs!  I overheard a local talking about the Roundup, and how it defines the year... Pre- and Post-Roundup.  In a way, I would like to be able to stay and experience it.

So far, everyone at SAH has been great!  Welcoming, friendly, truly appreciative that I chose to come here.  A second Travel Nurse, actually from my same Agency, will be arriving next week.  Tomorrow is my first "on-my-own" shift.  Although, I will have plenty of resources available to me if I have questions or run into difficulties!

Unfortunately, I won't be able to post many pictures from inside the ED.  Perhaps I will get some of my new peers and friends to step outside so I could introduce you to them as well!

Through the "getting to know you phase," everyone knows I rode my Harley here.  I even met a person who came up to introduce themselves to me, who asked about my ride!  Obviously, the water-cooler is full and busy!  Many have already suggested some day trips and rides to take.  I will integrate them into some of the others I have already planned to take over the next three months.

In the next few weeks, I plan to explore Pendleton a lot more.  Then, start to branch out to the surrounding areas.  Of course... I have a weekend ride to Portland planned to visit a friend!

I'll let everyone know how my first "real day" went tomorrow.

A down day!

Didn't get out much today, only two errands accomplished.

A grocery store run, and a stop at the Post Office.

Otherwise, a completely laid back day, spent watching movies and working on a project... which was almost automatic and easily accomplished in a semi-reclined position!

Saw two signs today, that I thought were interesting:

There were similar themes throughout town.

Something is working here.  I have yet to hear a siren from an emergency vehicle... no Fire, Police, or Ambulance.

Tomorrow is my first day!  Will keep you posted!

Settling in...

When I got to Pendleton, I stayed at a motel within the Wyndham chain, as I am a Wyndham Rewards participant.  I was pleasantly surprised at the accommodations!  4-star experience at a 2-star price!  However, finances are a factor for the first couple of weeks.  So I checked out this morning.

As I was riding down a one-way street, to get to a point to make a couple of turns and return the other direction, I was suddenly overwhelmed to stop.  It was in front of The First Presbyterian Church of Pendleton.  So I did, and attended the service.

It has been many years since I have attended a Presbyterian Church.  I found it interesting that it was so easy to recall the order of the Service, the recitals, and even one of the hymns.  I spoke to the Pastor following the service.  I will return, schedule allowing.

I arrived at my new home, for at least the next two weeks.  Another motel, however they offer a discounted weekly rate.  Formerly part of a chain, now an Independent.  Nice property, has a pool for later this summer, nice rooms - although I don't need much, and understanding and cooperative proprietors!

It started to rain, and I asked if I could pull my bike under an awning.  The owners didn't even hesitate and said sure.  So I have premium, covered parking!

I say I am settling in.  For the first time since I left Phoenix, I actually unpacked!  I am no longer living out of my bags.  Clothes are either hung on hangers or in a drawer, a run to WalMart for some needed essentials today, and a plan for a grocery run tomorrow...


 In my wanderings today, I found something I have never seen before!

A drive-up/drive-through Circle K!  Anything can be ordered and purchased from this window, from a thirst-buster to a hot-dog to a 12-pack of beer!  I obviously have lived a sheltered life...


More tomorrow!

A few extra pics...

On my ride from Phoenix to Las Vegas, I stopped at Hoover Dam.  I wanted to pull into the Bridge View Point, yet just as I was about to, a Park Police Officer pulled his car into the entrance, turned on his emergency lights, and started waiving everyone on.  Apparently the viewpoint was at capacity, in retrospect, there were quiet a few people on the bridge when I crossed it.  So I rode all the way down, across the dam, and then back up to a "free" parking area on the other side.

A short walk down to a spot to take some pictures.

Lake Mead is so low, that I doubt these spillways will be needed for many years:

I started back towards Las Vegas.  As I came upon the Bridge View, the parking lot was now open, so I pulled in.  Here's a view of the pedestrian walkway on the bypass bridge.  Yes, one can actually walk across this bridge!

Not quite in the middle, there were a number of people on the bridge to my right, so a view of the dam and the western side of the road leading across.  Pardon my finger in the upper right corner... I was holding my phone over the rail, and it was quite blustery!  The last thing I wanted to do is drop my phone over the edge, so I had it in a vise-grip!

On to Las Vegas!  Here are a few more pics of the Strip at night.

Next morning, packed and loaded!  Time to hit the road!

I already posted pics from Ely, NV.  I didn't really take many there.

My next stop was Twin Falls.  I posted pics of Snake Harley Davidson's Rider's Lounge.  Here's their logo on the t-shirt I bought:

I also like the front of this t-shirt!

 And here is High Desert Harley Davidson's in Meridian (Boise), ID logo:

More pics later!

Day Six!

This morning I was suddenly awakened by the sound of a delivery truck dropping his lift to make a delivery... a full 30 minutes before my alarm was set to go off!  Grrr... now wide awake, might as well get up and going.

My new friends and I decided to go to a local cafe for breakfast.  Ended up walking around downtown Pendleton to get there, and obviously to get back.  I am going to like it here, I can tell already!  Stores open at 9-ish... and close at 5-ish.  After 5pm, restaurants and bars are the only thing open in the downtown area.

Pendleton actually has a lot of history.  I am looking forward to visiting and exploring the area over the next few weeks.  Likewise, half a days ride and I can be in Portland, Seattle, or Spokane.  A full days ride to Vancouver, BC.

My friends hit the road at 10am, saw them off.  My room was on the exterior (street-side) of the building.  To avoid a repeat of this morning, and to be able to see/get to my bike, I asked to change rooms.  So I got one on the interior of the building, bike parked right outside my window/door.

Today I took it easy.  Did some laundry, read, relaxed, watched a few movies on HBO.  A pretty kick back day overall!  Starting to settle in.

Tomorrow, I plan on taking a ride through town, around the area, a time-run to the hospital, and find where the WalMart and grocery store is.

No pictures today... sorry.  Will take some tomorrow!

Day Five!

My morning started with a free continental breakfast and a waffle!  I love the self serve waffle griddles that some hotels have.  Packed, loaded, then on my way back to where I wanted to go.

This museum is located at the Nampa Airport, and is primarily dedicated to military aviation from WW-I through the Space Program.  I was overwhelmed with the amount of memorabilia, pictures, displays including aircraft and vintage cars.  They also had a very large archive of information on individual soldiers.  I spent over two hours and realized that it would take two weeks to be able to take everything in.

I hit the road and started heading West again.

I had planned on stopping to take a picture when I entered Oregon; however, the "Welcome to Oregon" sign is on the river bank, and the bridge's concrete barrier extended 1/4 mile past the sign.  When I could pull off, there was another sign that said "No Stopping. Emergency Parking Only."  I thought, getting the picture was urgent, yet not emergent.

Now along my route, there is a part of the road that looked cool.  Just to the East of Pendleton, OR:

http://mapq.st/Rc1Ltv


It looked like it would a roller-coaster of a ride.  As one approaches, there are warning signs that read, "FIRST WARNING - 6% Grade for 6 Miles," the "SECOND WARNING,"  then the Speed Limits based on GVW, then the "FINAL WARNING."

The view from a Scenic Viewpoint at the top of the hill.  As I started down, it was actually an easy ride, nice sweeping corners, on a bike it was great!  The poor truckers though... going 18 to 37 mph.  There are runaway truck ramps every two miles on this decent and the second one had been recently used!  The tire ruts extended more than halfway up the ramp!  I can only imagine how fast that truck had to have been going to make it that far up...

When I hit the bottom, I had to hold my breath.  The smell of hot brakes from the three trucks I passed was overwhelming!  It actually burned when I took a breath.


So for those that haven't figured it out, I finally arrived at my destination!

When I pulled into the motel, I met three other bikers who are friends with each other, that had rode in from Seattle & Longview, WA and the other from Boise, ID. 

From right to left, meet Paul, Bill, and John.  We sat and talked for quite a few hours.  It is amazing that complete strangers, who have a common interest, can bond and become friends.  Since my room was on the opposite side of the parking area, they told me to pull my bike over to theirs... "Strength in numbers!"  I did so, as I knew that they would watch over my bike as if it was their own!

Four bikes in three spaces.  Those white signs on the wall... read "Please do not back in."  Right!  John was the only outlier.


Now, a four day weekend to explore, familiarize, and take in my temporary home!