Other interests...

I follow the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory web site that keeps daily track of the two Martian Rovers (Opportunity and Spirit) as they have been trekking across Mars since January 4th, 2004.  Originally to have a 90-Sol day mission, they have outlived every bodies expectations and proceeded to provide data and pictures for over six years.  Glitches in power, wheel mobility and software conflicts have occurred from time to time but like a Timex watch - they 'they just take a lickin' and keep on tickin''.   No one can predict how much longer they can provide data and pictures but it is possible they may get through 2010.

JPL - NASA

Working on a Photo website...

I have not spent much time on this yet but am putting together a website to display my photos from France.  All the links are circular at the moment so you can't go anywhere except the front page.  I will continue working on this in France and post my best photos on this site.  Eventually, people will be able to order pictures from the site.

Web Link: Michael Rhodes Photography

Final work week...

Well, after this weekend, I have three more days of work and that is that.

All my co-workers have congratulated me and told me that they are jealous.  I am sorry I am leaving the pack but time waits for no man.  I have left a proposal to my boss on performing consulting work during the time I am back in the states and he is interested since outsourcing costs less than new staff.  In addition, I can always attend a meeting in Europe if they can not make the trip which is most of the time because of budget.  So, if I do get a little consulting work I can add it to my Paris Fun-Fund.

Fran is off visiting our oldest son and his family this week in Quincy so I am alone at home.  She will return home on my last work day and we have Champaign chilling for the celebration.  Lots of little things to do and I think of new ones every day but forget to make a written note so I forget it the next day.  I need to start carrying a small note book and in case you think my memory is going - I can tell you with certainty and my wife can confirm this - I have never had a good memory.  I still remember studying in University endlessly going over my notes and struggling to retain what I had reviewed.  

I have been following a new TV program on The Science Channel called Meteorite-Men
where they go off each week to sites where meteors have fallen and using metal detectors, magnets and other instruments find 'lots' of meteor fragments from the size of your thumb to several hundred pounds.  Such finds are valued at twice the price of gold per gram so maybe I will research French sites and poke around.  One more activity to get me out and about for exercising.

Almost Ready for France...

The trip to get my French Visa was a non-event.  When I handed everything over to the kind lady at the Visa office counter she reviewed the docs and actually complimented me on how well organized I had everything.  So, no big deal.  Next time I won't worry so much.

I now have a pile of things gathered together on my office floor that I am going to ship to myself because it is just too much to haul on the plane.  There are sleeping bags, air mattresses, motorcycle Givi Top box, bits and pieces for motorcycles, a new two way alarm system which I will install on my bike once I get it, small air compressor for tires, tent and other stuff needed when I am on the road.  All of this will remain in France at a friends house.

The camping gear is to be used when on the road.  This will allow some savings for travel stays as I explore France and Europe in general.  There are lots of camp sites so finding one is not a problem.  Cost is around 20 Euro a night on the average with some less and some a few Euro more.  When the weather is good the tent is fine.  If the weather turns sour then I can hit a B&B.

I have 2 more weeks of work till I retire.  I try not to think about the remaining time I have left or I would go crazy.  After two weeks, there will be an immediate and dramatic life style change.  How I will handle that is to be worked out as I go.  I have thought about the things I did as a teenager and much of what I will do in the future will be similar.  The reason I compare this to being a teenager is because like then, I will now have more personal time to myself and less responsibilities.  I need to insure that in addition to doing things I like I add to each day a regime of doing things that consume energy.  My sedate lifestyle will have to come to an end and I must slowly re-educate my body to activities that include burning calories and exercise.  Walking will be one of these and I know that the first month will be a real trial.

I have visited all my doctors and taken all the tests I can think of.  A look inside my innards (upper and lower) has shown me to be in good health.  A stress test shows that I also ok for the heart.  Blood work all looks good.  I don't smoke and drink wine at dinner which provide antioxidants and good taste with the meal.  In reality, besides my extra weight, my doctors say I am healthy.  At 63 this is good news and allows me to begin the work to strengthen my body and increasing my stamina.  I hope to report by June that I have reduced some pounds.  We shall see.

Also - I have rented an apartment in Paris in the 16th arrondissement near the Seine and not far from where I used to live in Paris (2003 to 2007).

The apartment has a bedroom and a nice couch that folds out to a bed so guests will not be sleeping on the floor.  But I do have two very nice air mattresses if things start overflowing.  The apartment also has internet.

I also have a French mobile phone.  I can keep in touch, text and it will come in handy when I am on the road.  
And - one more thing.  I bought a net-book (Asus Eee PC) that is very small but very long battery life.  It has wireless and a full install of Windows XP.  With this, I will be able to keep in touch of email as well as keep this Blog up to date.