We don't wear...

Captain John Philpott
Lieutenant Kenny Romine
Firefighter Jerry Bostic
Firefighter Nate Smith
Lieutenant Dan Taaffe
Captain Eric Mitchell

...our dress uniforms very often and when we do, nine times out of ten it's to a funeral. This time we were honoring retired Saint Albans firefighter Danny Burdette. I only got to work with Danny about 3 years before he retired. One of the things I remember most about Danny was what a great paramedic he was. It was a privilege to know Danny for the short time that I did and I know he'll be missed by his family and friends.

Last night at the wake, some members of the Saint Albans Fire Department, along with the Kanawha County Ambulance Authority posted an honor guard at the casket. After the services last night and the funeral today we tried to get all the guys that were able to attend together for some photos. Here are a few. The guys in the photo at the top are from left to right; Captain Eric Mitchell (me), Lieutenant Dan Taaffe, Firefighter Brandon Price, Lieutenant Kenny Romine, Firefighter Brian Sharp, Firefighter Nate Smith, Lieutenant Lance Carney and Captain John Philpott.

Holmes Beach, FL

Went to Holmes Beach today after we checked our new fire engine at Pierce Mfg. in Bradenton. I saw the biggest jelly fish I've ever seen. It was as big as a Husson's large pizza. That's big!

Bradenton Beach, FL

The first time I've ever seen the Gulf of Mexico.

Manatee River

Too overcast for a nice sunrise. I'll probably try again in the morning. Good temperature though, about 60 at 630 am.

Wing

On my way to Bradenton, FL this morning.

Kanawha Falls Post Office

I ended up having to take a road trip today. My wife's cousin had her mom at the doctor in Teays Valley when her car broke down. They called me, of all people, to come and see if I could fix it so they could make it home. While I was on my way I called my buddy, Jerry, and told him I might need assistance. He met me at the office and we determined that the water pump had gone out. It was my cousin's dad's car and he wanted it towed home, so we called a wrecker and they towed it the 65 miles back to Belva, WV.

Since I was up in the area I figured I'd mess around awhile and get some pictures. The post office building used to be across and down the river about 2 miles in a tiny town called Kanawha Falls. It has been moved to the teeming metropolis of Gauley Bridge and put on display with an old train depot. I also figured that since I was in the area, I'd stop at Burger Carte and get a Cartwheel. Mmm, mmm good. That's all.

Olde Main Plaza

WV State Capitol

I don't have any snow pictures...

...so these will have to do.

Jimmy Buffet said...

“Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.”

Bridge to...

Monday Morning

I was on my way to work when I got this shot. Luckily I had left a couple minutes early.

Friday Morning

Imitation...

I took this photo from the parking garage across the street from the library. I got the idea from Rick Lee. Mine was taken from a higher floor and a different angle. I think I like his better. I'm gonna try to get a shot of this scene this winter with snow covered streets and sidewalks. That would be cool;-)

McDonald's

Sunday Evening

Kids and Bubbles

My wife, a 44 year old, 23 year veteran police lieutenant, still loves to blow bubbles. We were on our way up to the greenhouse to get a bag-o-dirt and some tomato plants and she gets out her stash of bubbles. They were goin' everywhere, in the van, on the house, in the street, on the cats and all over the yard. She had our daughter lay down in 'em so I could get a couple of photos of her. It turned out pretty good. Good idea Kim!

You know you're...

...insert comment here.

From New York, NY to Lizemores, WV

Talk about a world of difference. Friday we went to Lizemores to visit my wife's cousins and aunts and uncles and take them some gifts we bought for them in NYC. We also went out to my father-in-laws property to check on the logging operation. He has a few hundred acres of land and his nephew John of Holcomb Resources is cutting the timber for him. My daughter and her cousin got to play around with the skidder a little bit too.

Bryant Park

I got this idea from Rick Lee. Daffodil with art deco architecture. The building is known as 500 5th Ave. It's 60 stories tall and was built in 1930.