deliberate.....

Morgan's trial is finally over. Well, not "her" trial, but the trial she is a juror on. Because she is an alternate, she is "on call" for now if she is needed because a juror has to leave, or when they are finally ready to deliver a verdict. She has really enjoyed her time during this case. I on the other hand, probably would not have made it out of the questionnaire stage.

Have almost all of the different utilities, etc. taken care of to be shut off here in San Diego, and turned on in NC. Biggest hassle is our Earthlink/Mindspring service. Because we don't want to change email addresses (we have had them since 1995), we need to give Earthlink notice that we are moving. That way when we cancel Time Warner here in San Diego it does not also cancel Earthlink (they are tied in together as our ISP is considered Earthlink on Time Warner). That way our Earthlink account stays "open" during the time we are without internet service until TW hooks us up back in NC.

Confusing, but easier this time because I did a live chat with Earthlink to get my "move" set up. Much better than trying to speak with a customer service representative that I can't understand.

Flying into NC on Christmas Eve means not being able to run to any stores for the first day and half, so we are having Kellie catch some UPS packages from us with some basics, and run to PetSmart (when I remember to send her a check) so the cats will have what they need. We really appreciate the helping hand.

Haven't found anything yet, but I am sure we will be employing Casey for something also. ;-)

We had our monthly church motorcycle ride on Sunday. I have to say it was the best one yet. I thought the views a couple of months ago when we came towards the Pacific was great, but this was even better. We went up the mountains towards Julian (where Morgan, Cassie and I go sometimes), and instead of going into town, we went up to the top (over 5000 feet) and descended down the other side towards the valley and desert town of Boreggo Springs.

The views from the top of the mountain coming down in the desert were spectacular. Seeing the desert then over to other mountains and the colors was just amazing. God's work in creating this beauty just never ceases to amaze.

After eating lunch at Carlee's in Boreggo Springs we headed back home. This took us again from the warm desert, up the mountains to cool temperatures at 5000 feet, through the heart of Julian, then back down our normal path to the suburbs of San Diego, where we all live.

It was the best 150 miles I have spent on the bike. Only thing that could have added to the day would have been finishing off the ride at the Pacific, but that's just getting greedy.

These rides with these very nice and special people will be, along with the church itself, the pieces I will miss most about leaving here.

One of the guys, Hugh, brought along his 14 year old daughter. She had only been on the back of a bike a couple of times for trips around the block, and decided she wanted to go for a long ride with daddy. She had a blast, and I can't wait until I get to do the same with Cassie.

Glad to see the bailout really helping the economy and stock market. Yikes! I will say this though, and that is patience. Where the market is today was last seen in 2003. Only 5 years ago. Not 50 years. So, please be patient, and it will turn around. It is going to be bumpy, but it will end eventually.

As I have said before, in a "24 hours news channel / internet" world, all events get so much play (especially bad news), they seem worse then they really are if you had time to sit back and digest them.

- Could oil drop down below $50 a barrel?
- Hurricanes have won two in a row. This time, 2-1 over the Canadiens.
- PC Magazine will be online only. Not too long before a majority will be following suite.

Until the next time.....