And so it begins again..

Well here I go again.  Sorry I have been so quiet since I hit the ocean, been of on different types of adventures flying around the country to spend time with loved ones before I take off for Oz.  I had a great time back east even if it was a little weird being back in the town I hadnt hoped to see for a year or more.  It was great catching up with old friends and meeting some new and I didnt have near enough time.  After taking off from Philly again I went to Seattle to spend time with my brother and his family.  The midgets are cute as hell and highly entertaining.  It is often said that the best birth control is someone else's kids and after being rained inside for 5 days with a 2yr old and a 4 month yr old I am hoping that the damage isnt permanent.

I escaped the dreary Seattle weather to South Dakota the day my mom had her knee replaced.  I figured that while I was gainfully unemployed I would come back and help her out.  Her recovery was amazing and it ended out that I really didnt have to help her so much as to just make sure that Dad didnt try to help her too much.  Some people have a gift in caring for sick or injured people, and my father is not one of those types.  Between making sure he didnt step on her bad leg and removing the fire alarm whenever he tried to help out in the kitchen I was pretty busy the first couple days but things soon lined out and mom got better despite the nursing help she had with her.  While in SoDak I finished up the last things I needed to get done for Oz: lining out my finances, finding health insurance and getting a rough will put together and witnessed.  I am guessing I am the first person in the history of man to have clauses for whiskey, midgets, and web-footed nuns in his will but I figured it should be as entertaining as my life :)

Last Saturday I flew back to Seattle to spend a couple last days with the midgets and to finish packing.  Everything I own for the next 6 months fits into one (large) backpack and weights less than 50lbs.  I have one pair of jeans, one pair of convertable pant/shorts, one pair of shorts, two tshirts and two button shirts to wear and the rest is camping/survival gear.  The first month will be interesting getting in the swing of things but my December is looking to be absolutely amazing with all that is planned.  I will keep the blog going as my adventure gets going again.

Thank you again Erin for all your wonderful advice and support.  As with the bike trip my survival in Oz is largely thanks to your insight and advice.  Chief and Stina, as always it was wonderful to see you again and thanks for always opening your home to me.  Thanks mom and dad for putting up with a homeless unemployed son, and Willie for letting me corrupt the midgets :)  I might have hidden some ding-dongs where Dom would find them...... 

With that I have a flight to catch :)