I have readers!

I've noticed through blog stats that there have been days in the last couple weeks when 45-50 people read my blog. And through the wonders of the internet they are around the world. However, I notice that nobody has left any comments. I'm pleased you like what you read here and apparently come back for more. But I'd like to know a bit more about you. Who are you? Names are optional, since I don't provide my own. Where are you? How did you find this humble blog? What keeps you coming back? What things that I write about most interest you? Are there topics you would like me to address? I'm full of curiosity and wish you would share.

Happy Birthday dear blog

Yup, I've been writing this blog for 2 years now. I hope my thinking has evolved and my writing improved in that time.

Hellooo, is anybody out there?

After two years at it I wonder how many people read my news reports and opinions. I don't know how to put a visitor counter on this thing (and the only option I found from Blogger lists the origins of people who leave a comment, which continues to be rare).

I would appreciate all of you who don't automatically get postings through email (family and a few friends) to leave a comment to this message listing where you live. I don't expect you to leave a name (though you certainly may) since I don't offer mine. You could also leave a topic you would like to see me cover, though I make no guarantees. Or you could list a few topics that are most important to you.

Tidbits before vacation

If a soldier is racist and cannot work with a black colleague the military will discipline the racist, not the black soldier. If a soldier cannot work with a gay colleague why is it the gay man's fault? So if we let gays into the military who will speak for the homophobe?

Liberal Hunting Permit?

The Knoxville shooter had books by Michael Savage, Bill O'Reilly, and Sean Hannity. Here is a rundown of what they and others have said about Liberals that inspired the shooter. Perhaps the least offensive is: "Liberals are like slinkies. They're good for nothing but still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs." There is a reason behind all this: You too can be killed. You're not safe. Don't get out of line.

I'm off to do a lot of one my passions -- playing handbells. I'll be taking part in both an International Handbell Symposium and a National Handbell Seminar in Orlando. Then I'll visit Cape Canaveral. I'll be back by the middle of the month.

Taking a break

I am heading out on vacation tomorrow. I'll return in mid June. I don't intend to check email or favorite websites while gone.

The heart of this vacation is a trip to Alaska with my parents. While both of them are doing fine (Mom is getting forgetful) they are at an age that if we don't go this year we won't go at all.

The cruise departs from Vancouver and will make stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. We'll cruise Glacier Bay and College Fjord before stopping in Whittier. From there we take the train to Denali Lodge for two nights, come back to McKinley lodge for a third night, before a final night in Anchorage.

Mom wants to see Sitka, but the ship didn't go there. So, on our own, we'll fly to Sitka for 24 hours.

We'll also have a couple days before and several days after with my brother and his family in the Seattle area.

Yes, I plan to take lots of pictures.

You can use this entry as an open thread.

Anybody out there?

Or am I only talking to the one person who suggested I start a blog? If you are reading this, please add a comment to say hi. I'd also appreciate knowing how you discovered me.

Anybody out there?

If you're reading this I'd appreciate a comment saying you're out there. I'd also like to hear about topics of interest.