Comments

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  Valerie Smith Hirvela February 16, 2009 at 8:18pm

  BTW: How is Ken? I think about him often and wonder how he is holding up. How is Dege? You Mom and Dad?
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  Valerie Smith Hirvela February 16, 2009 at 8:01pm

  Of course! MarTEN!!! Well we don't have them down here, as you know - however - when Dale and I first met, he was living in Alberta. In March of 1998 I visited him. We took a trip through Jasper National Park and the Columbia Icefields. Somewhere in between those places I actually did SEE a MarTEN. Dale spotted it while we were actually driving one of the main roads. It hung around long enough to watch for a couple of minutes after we pulled over and got out. What an idiot I am!! HeHeHe.... On that same trip I actually got to see the big longhorn sheep, and caught a glimpse of the cool white mountain goats. The longhorn hung out in the roads licking up the salt they placed on the roads to de-ice them. (Or is that BIG horn??? See what a goofy Floridian I am!?!). Hey girl - I am relating with you on these long term house renos!!! I remember us having some intense conversations about that on our last get-together in Denver. Remember that? Fall of 2004. George Bush was just about to be re-elected! My God... That was ions ago. Look at what damage he and his criminal thugs actually inflicted upon us! I don't think ANY democrat will be able to get of us out of this mess in one or even two terms!
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  Valerie Smith Hirvela February 15, 2009 at 9:49pm

  Well Howdy Girl Friend!! So you are tracking Martins now? I am assuming the birds, right? We try to attract Martins to our place because they will be well fed with mosquitos. According to our next door neighbor, our Martin house is not high enough. I hope you are enjoying the work - sounds great!! Dale is working on Hydrogen fuel cells for our vehicles - they will be "hybrids" but is also working on converting a lawn mower engine over to pure hydrogen.(lawn mower engines are cheaper to work with than cars). If he can get it running on hydrogen (just add water!) he will work on building hydrogen run backup generators. Always a great commodity in the hurricane belt!! We are having a great time. I love my tap class and the teacher is fantastic! I opted not to take ballet - just can't deal with going out in public in a leotard! HA!! The main reason is with my sciatica, just don't have the flexibility in my back - though I am doing some light yoga to keep it in check.
  
  How is Bob? Is he with you in CA?