Ever wonder where to start?

 On our endless death scrolling and hunting for letter related stuffs.  I found this little gem over at Jet Pens.

 

 

Mail with Mr. Zip

 Have you discovered Mail with Mr. Zip?  

For some reason this just popped up on my feed this morning.  From the looks of it there are around 28 videos loaded.  Cute little musical videos around 2 min per.

 

Enjoy.

Mail with Mr. ZIP

Description Mr. ZIP delivers the mail, no matter what! In this animated series, we see Mr. ZIP and his friends deliver the mail, solve problems in their community and create a more caring and kind world. 

 

Mr. ZIP has a natural talent and passion for understanding how things work, is ready to take on new adventures, learn new things and show up wherever he can be of assistance. 

 

Mr. ZIP is honest and thoughtful; like USPS he is here for everyone. Part of what makes Mr. ZIP special is that he's unique. He's part of an entity that is ubiquitous to our world, but not always at the forefront of people's mind. He's guaranteed to always be there for us. You expect to see him every day.

www.youtube.com/@mailwithmrzip

 

 

 

Of new starts... (New Puppy)

 It's Finally Spring!

We start this spring with a new puppy. Sadie is her name.  We picked her up as a 12 week old in Washington State on a quick up and back from home (well I did anyway).  We are dealing with a persistent round of a UTI on the poor little thing, although it doesn't seem to be slowing her down much. 

She is a lovely little Chessie (little for now).  She has the best temperment and one of the most beautiful coats of any of my Chessies..  Also getting along with the old fart at the house (Skits 10.5) quite well.

 

 

The path to understanding..

 

 

 So the hunt is on.  I have posted a few requests to Reddit and FB for some new folks to write to.  It's interesting some of the folks you come across on these different sites.  I swear it's like more of people looking for a long reply tinder site.  Nope not interested.  I have picked up a few younger folks, which is interesting.  I'm very curious to find out some social questions.  Anxiety, being one of the main questions.

Maybe it's the old fart in me, the Gen X coming out.  But I have a real want to know what's in the heads of the younger generation.  The thing is, my (gen x) is so not easily offended/put off, that it may come off that way.  It's not intentional, but a feat in navigation.  

Bear with folks, were all in this together.  Communication needs to start somewhere.  Why not a simple letter...

Oh to start over again (Writing that is)

 

 

 A few new trips in the books from last year, a few new pan-pals.  If you haven't heard form me.  Drop me a letter or postcard.  Would like to reconnect.  

Started writing again.  We forget the simple pleasures of sitting down and putting pen to paper. The process of slowing down and composing a thought. 

Of Mark Twain (on travel)

 Dawn and I made it back from our annual October trip.  (This is her first break of fall.)

We flew out of Sacramento to Miami and headed to Key West to start our run at the Dry Tortugas National Park.  Finding out on the way we were but 2 days ahead of hurricane Milton (Just on the heals of hurricane Helene). We caught a float plane out the Fort and enjoying the view of the dolphins, sea turtles and wrecks from the air.  If you have the chance, highly suggest over the other option - the ferry, which takes about 2 hours to get to the same point we made in 30 min.

Fort Jefferson from the air.

Had to take the tourist shot of the southern most point.

After Key West, we started the rest of our journey which involved heading north along the east coast heading toward North Carolina and ending up in Birmingham, Alabama. We had to make a few detours along the way as the hurricane ended being right on our tail.  Forcing some unplanned changes.  Some National Parks closed.  The path of Milton was headed to the same places we were headed and closed sometimes the same day we were to be there or the next day.

We were going to head to the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and Big Cypress.  All closing the morning we ere headed to them.  Re-route - Kennedy Space Center.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

Launch of a Falcon 9 Rocket while we were there.

You could easily spend a full day here.

Of Little Giants

 Well, Dawn and I were off again over the past weekend.  Got a few letters out (I'm back :).

Started off at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, then off to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.

We finished off our day at the San Jose Giants, adding to our Ballpark Chaser Journey this year.  It was Margaritaville Night, Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway and Fireworks night - Lovely weather  (around 64 end of game) and one of the best ballpark experiences for a Single A park.

 

Of the Junior in Ranger..

 Have you ever participated in the Junior Ranger programs in the  National Parks??  Well Dawn and I have been availing outselves of this fun activity each and every park we visit.  Bonus, we (attempt) to get the booklets and badges for her entire class she teaches.

 

 

We came up with the idea while I was traveling for work and Dawn was tagging along in Dallas.  She wanted to visit the Silo (Magnolia) in Waco and while on our way there, we found the Waco Mammoth Dig site.  Fairly new as far as National Parks/Momuments go - Only 5+ years old and an active dig site.

 

With the help of the Rangers, we were able to get the booklets, Dawn made an entire virtual field trip for the kids and we sent off the forms.  The Rangers sent us the badges for the kids and they could not have been any more excited.  We sent off the pics to the Rangers and they as well were very happy to see the joy on the kids faces.  Popular enough that the other teachers in her school have asked if she could do the presentation in their classes as well.. 
 

Don't pet the fluffy cows..

 Our most recent trip involved touring the National Parks in Wyoming, Montana, North/South Dakota.  7 days and over 4000 miles - but Dawn put in an hour :).

We managed to get in:

Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Little big Horn, Badlands, Windcave, Jewel Cave, Devils Tower, National Grasslands, Minute Man Missile site and launch facility, Theodore Roosevelt, Mount Rushmore as well as Deadwood and Jackson Hole.

I will be announcing our National Park trips going forward.  If you would like a postcard from the park with the Seal/Stamp for the passport books - Let me know.  We participate in the Junior Ranger Programs at every park available.

 

 

Of walks in the rain...

 So, it's holiday time, again..

Just spent a lovely weekend up in the redwoods area of Northern California where they hold a night walk through the redwoods lit by luminaries. (this is leading up to the visitor center)

A wet weekend but in my mind - LOVE IT..  There is nothing like walking through the woods, under the canopy and listening to the rain.  ON our drive back, it was a nice SLOW drive through the Avenue of Giants.

For a few lucky folks that request one.  I have a bunch of stamped postcards from the National Park center while visiting..  

Our next adventure is coming up at the end of the month at one of my favorite locations in Washington State at a Getaway House - No - Phones, Internet, TV a disconnect.  When working IT for a living, a disconnect is needed..

Write soon,   D

I, I, I, I Got the Rona..

 Well, Rona FINALLY got me.  Not to bad (your mileage may vary). Vaccinated?  YUP, and then some - 4 shots loaded.

We will NOT get into any debates on science here.  The shots were always meant to keep you vertical and NOT in the hospital.  So in that respect, mission accomplished.  For the most part, I (started) with heavy fatigue and headaches.  Progressing to really bad headaches/body aches, to feeling like I was swallowing razor blades and now down to a really lingering cough (all told in week 2.5 now) but getting better daily.

Sleep is my friend.  

Is he writing again.  Yup, catching up and have 2 out today alone.  Wanted to make sure I'm not passing along the Vid.  Thought you'd all appreciate that!

So what are we all reading lately.  I mostly stick to chick-lit.  Why, because I' a big girl that's why.  Love the happy endings.  Same reason I watch Rom-Coms.

Some suggestions of late:

Love Hypthesis by Ali Hazelwood

Very Sincerely yours by Kerry Winfrey (also check out Waiting for Tom Hanks)

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle - I laughed out loud with this one.

Party Crasher - Sophie Kinsella (couldn't get into this one - Rare for one of her books) 

That's all for now folks..Till next round.

D

Oh where hath though been??

Covid, Life and all that other stuff.

It's funny how things can go sideways and yet through the murk and mud, something good can come out of it. 

Here's to a new chapter and renewed interest in getting to know some new folks.  

Let's get this party started again.  My address is still the same and will respond to any letter sent.

Hope to hear from some one friends and meet some new.  SOOOoooo.. Much to fill in on.

Derrick

Oh Sleep, my long lost friend.. We meet again.

So here we are 2 weeks post surgery.  Sleep..  My dear companion.  While I am forced to sleep on our reclining couch I have still been getting a full nights sleep with diminishing drug intake. (Side note: Percocet is EVIL - stuff makes me nauseous to say the least.)

Pain is diminishing, although at the surgical follow up today Doc told me 2 more weeks in the sling of shame and then off to rehab. So the rub of all of this comes down to, you're not in your 20's anymore, stop doing stupid shit that is going to hurt you because you are not going to bounce back from it anymore and you are going to be in pain for a very long time annoying the people around you for even longer making them want to put a pillow over your head while you sleep for sweet peace in their lives..  or something like that..

So now that I have actually been able to remain coherent for more than 2 hours at a time initially following the procedure, I have managed to actually get a few letters out.  Been actually through some acrobatics, been able to hold a book and read some before dozing off in a pain killer induced coma (light).

Well folks - all I can handle at the moment - night night time.  Ice packs here I come..

Derrick

When the lack of sleep finally catches you..

Well it happened. Life finally caught up with me. I have been dealing with pain from many accidents over the years between motorcycles in my youth to cars in my not so youth.  Most recently the little rear end job a few years ago that has lead to my in ability to sit for relatively long periods of time without headaches hitting me or just the simple act of sitting and typing or writing, which was a nice respit from daily activities and a nice outlet.

Over the last few months though I have had one of my old injuries that has reared its ugly little head and prevented me from getting a glimpse of a nights sleep.  Shoulder injuries are not fun. They hinder life's simple movements and joys.  Lifting an item more than chest height without pain - nope.  Shooting a baseball game (photography), nope, driving, not for very long.  You get the idea. So after a recent fall that finally threw me over the edge in Sept. and going through everything the docs tell you to do I could take it no more and went under the knife yet again.

That was Tuesday and typing this one handed is a new adventure (taking a bit).  Responses to online readings or work email has a new look (think Almost Famous - I AM A GOLDEN GOD - I'M ON DRUGS!!) as this as well might be a run of in cohearent thoughts (forgive please).

Reading (ha) more of a head bobbing session within fits of consciousness.  I do however have the company of both Martha and Skits as they lay over the top of me while I sleep acting as my living blankets (Chessiekets?).  I just hope this does the trick, the pain meds go away and I can get back to doing the little things that make our lives here just a little better.  Pain elimination should give me just a tad bit better mood in the house and make the 48 yr old fart a tad bit more bearable.  

Anyone else in the parts falling off club?  Pains that just wont go away and interfere with daily get alongs?

Derrick

To Annie.. books and music

Well here we go again,

One of my girls have left, too soon are our furry friends with us.  What was once 4 is now 3, the herd slowly dwindles.

This happened a few months ago and yet, the bed seems bigger without her there, more empty.  Where did my backing buddy go, my winter heating pad.  She made it a few months past her 11th birthday.  In the end although a little slower, she was still excited to see me home, to make those walks, to fly into the car and be the expert traveler that her show career had gotten her to be.

She was another retiree from my friend Kathy whose dogs seem to find there way to the Dodson Chessie retirement home to live out their lives in style and comfort.  I have joked with Kathy that if I get one more of her older dogs, that I am going to have a sign outside of the house "SandyOak Retirement Home for Wayward Chessies". If nothing else but for a nice conversation piece.  My luck the county inspectors would be knocking on my door for permits.

Well, things around the house have slowly gotten back to what some would call steady (never use the words normal - whose to say what normal is).  Leveling out maybe?

Books and Classical music:
What have I been missing?  I have put away around 6 books in the past few weeks, opting for more print time over screen time, a break from having to stare at them for the bulk of my working day.  Some nice selections from Apple Music for Classical Music for Reading have been a nice break as well.  Not being distracted by words in the background has helped in calming down and enjoying the moment with the pages in my hands.

Reading list so far (recents)
Johnathan Unleashed
Dog Medicine (eye opener for my situation)
Chosen by a Horse (current read)
Bonk (roach)
Next up - Norse Mythology

Suggestions?

DD

Looking for school pen pal partner

Hi there ya'll,

I am on the hunt for a school pen pal program for Kaylee's classroom.

Specifics:
Ages are from 8-10 years old.  This is a public school
Grade: 4th
Location: Sacramento, Ca

In the interest of getting a younger generation to expand their hand writing skills and broaden their understanding of different people be it from within the US or destinations from around the world.

I put out this offer to her teacher this evening and have offered to completely fund the project as we all know how the school budgets are not a exactly inclined to spend monies on something that has nothing to do with Commin Core anymore.

So please let me know if any of you can help out.

Back soon,

Derrick

The neglectful Blogger..

Well greetings campers.  I have not passed on the the great unknown, given up the ghost, shuffled off the mortal coil...  I have been both very busy with work and unfortunately in a lot of pain from that little fender bender almost 3 years ago now (i.e. Lots of MRI/CT scans, spinal injections, shoulder injections etc.) with no slowing down in site.

Writing for me is very therapeutic.  You have the chance to strike up conversations with folks you never met before and if all works out well keep those conversations going for years to come even with long pauses in between.  Are those pauses intentional,  (I'm gonna see how long I can put between these letters and see if they miss me) they can be misunderstood by the recipient, especially if you were fairly regular on the onset.

In our need it now society patience has been lost.  When we don't get an immediate response from something sent, there can be a tendency to get upset with the person on the other end for their seemingly lack of interest or further intention to keep contacts/relationships going.

With that I would ask my regular pen-pals to be patient with me.  I have not forgotten anyone, nor do I intend to quit writing.  There are just some times when doing an activity that requires a neck position to accomplish an activity that honestly is very painful to complete.  This post tonight is being done at almost 11pm on a reclining couch with a hot bean/rice/buckwheat bag behind my neck propping me up to get this down.

So with that, bear with my friends, I have not forgotten you, I have not abandoned my post (see what I did there :).

My little girls turns 9 this Saturday. She has gone through quite a bit in the past 2 years and I believe will be stronger for it.  I have found someone I believe was just there waiting for me to find her and could not be happier.  Our dogs have complete faith that we built an in ground pool just for them (they spend more time in it than we do).

Letters going out in the next few weeks as I can hold my head up for that long (work and family first folks).  So with that, Night Ya'll.

Derrick.

Slowly they go out..

Well, I'm moving at the speed of smell and have managed to get 4 letters out this past week.  Catching up slowly but surely.  Little gift stuck in each one.  I found these REALLY nice letterpress bookmarks from one of my suppliers.  Hope the folks that have received them like and will use them.

Digging out of the mail hole..

Well, here we are, a new year and hopefully a new start on getting the pens and paper back out and reconnecting with neglected correspondents and readers.

Life has become a bit more stable, work projects have started winding down (3 studio control room rebuilds in the past 3 months).  Kaylee has gotten into a good grove with school (3rd grade) as homework is a daily routine with daddy and what is expected nightly.

So with that, if you have sent me a letter and received no response. PLEASE let me know as life just got to me.  I have missed sitting down at night and turning off the world and letting words and thought flow out onto a page and leave the house to be read by another.

Till next time

Derrick

Write Note Pads (Martha Stewart Finalist)

Ok so Trump is a joke.  Chris Rothe and his notepads are not.  recently coming out with a new (vertical) notepad (think Steno) that I personally have been waiting for.

First - Goto HERE  and like/share/tweet and give a few votes for Chris.  Entries starts  Sept 21.

Next- the new pad, Graph Paper Ledger Notebook, was announced 2 days ago.  I am placing my order today, even having just received my order of new Shenandoah Field Notes and replenishment of Steno pads that I just plow through.

In a comparison on paper :)

Field Notes Steno
80 Pages
Gregg-Ruled
6x9
70# Bright White

Graph Ledger
120 Pages
Graph paper 3/16" 
70# Paper
Rubber Band
(Bonus) 5-digit code inside grants access to the purchaser to see which inner-city school will benefit from the companion donation notebook

ALL SALES benefit local schools








Had done an interview with Chris that was to be posted on the site.  Things happened, as some of you have read.  Subject so old now that the conversation would seem like a best of rather than an in depth conversation with a really nice guy that has a really interesting history with the family business.  Maybe redo it if Chris is up to it as so many things have changed with his shop, new products etc.

With that, back later folks, slowly the ship turns..

Derrick