U. S. CENSUS BUREAU ENUMERATOR SCHOOL

Yesterday, I spent 8 hours learning how to fill out U.S. Government form D-308, Daily Pay and Work Record. Only Capital letters, printed inside blocks, can be used. The times of day are written in hours and minutes but hours worked have to be written in hours and percentage of hours. Proper task code and operation name and office code must be used or you don't get paid. I have to sign a certification (under penalty of imprisonment if it is wrong) and then get my supervisor's certification. Of course, the form is in duplicate and if you make a mistake it cannot be corrected; you have to start over. Basically, I was paid $128.00 to learn how to complete the form necessary for me to be paid $128.00. So, I am off to an exciting start. Can't wait to see what us enumerators learn, tomorrow.  I am becoming a U. S. Census Bureau NRFU/ENUMERATOR. The Government has an acronym for everything. NRFU stands for NonResponse FollowUp. My position is highly specialized and temporary. As soon as everyone has been counted, my job is over. I hope I can count on you!


Another sure sign of spring has arrived from Brazil. The Purple Martins moved into my bird house this morning. Every year they migrate from the rain forest in Brazil to Devils Lake. Truly amazing!

EULOGY FOR A FRIEND

Hobbs has ceased to be, breathed his last, rests in peace, gone to meet the Great Cat in the sky. How sad it is that one of such kindness and intelligence has been taken from us. He was not a pet. We were his people. He was imperious but not a bully. He was a teacher of great patience. In fact, we learned so much from Hobbs; we called him the “brains of the outfit”. When my wife and I had a problem communicating, we would talk to Hobbs and he would relay the message. If we were stressed out, Hobbs would sit on our lap and purr when we petted him. He was a wonderful listener who kept us mentally healthy.

On the lighter side, Hobbs was playful and had a good sense of humor. We were entertained by his unusual habits. When it was bedtime, he would hide so that I could not find him. Then, about 3:00 in the morning, he would stand on my chest and stare at me until I woke up and let him out. He was also famous for taking all the best chairs in the house.  He taught me how to take a daily nap, which I found to be a really good thing. We loved to take executive naps together. I am sure it made us have a more productive day. He loved all humans but kept children at a respectable distance from him and a means of escape.

Of all the 6 cats we have had, Hobbs stands out as the very best. Nancy and I are both in mourning. About 5 years ago, Hobbs disappeared for a month. We missed him terribly. Then, he miraculously showed up again and we had a joyous reunion. This time, his 9 lives have been used up and he won’t be back. We are thankful for the 17 years he was with us. He was a big handsome grey cat with white feet and white chest. We loved him dearly.

DAFFIDOLS IN THE SPRING

I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd, 
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine 
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line 
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they 
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay, 
In such a jocund company:
I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie 
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye 
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

 William Wordsworth       


Chinese Proverb: 


If you want to be happy for a day, get drunk,
If you want to be happy for a month, get married,
If you want to be happy for ever, grow a garden!


C

OBAMA AT BAT

Please enjoy this video. I thought it was terrific. It will make you laugh!



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