Sorry I've been running silent ...

[Getupngo]

... this is the first evening I've been able to use the park computer for weeks and weeks. I'm at the maintenance building doing laundry.

This has been the coldest April on record in Washington State. But it's finally warming up, and even the rainy days are relatively warm. Been able to get out and do some hiking.

I've been the only volunteer at the park since I arrived here in May. Yesterday a new volunteer came in ... another single ... guy. I thought he'd be an old fart, but he's around my age, cute, funny and, well, I'm finding more reasons to walk my dog. Actually, we spent the afternoon together (ostensibly I was showing him around the island) today. He makes me laugh. At the very least I'll have some amiable company for the next few weeks until I leave.

What kind of racks my jaw, though, is the ranger here told me I couldn't volunteer summers because I'm a single and he needs couples. But this guy is a single ... Grrrrr But I'm happy to be going home in a month. I'll have been mostly gone from Salt Lake for about six months.

[BarbaraRose]

Janice, I've been wondering where you've been! Glad to hear you are enjoying your job and your new "co-worker"

Keep in touch!

[Ladyhawk]

Well, you never know. Maybe you and the cute guy can come back as a couple next year. Why do they only take couples? Two for the price of one? Or do they feel you're more "civilized" if you're married?

[Bethers]

Well, you never know. Maybe you and the cute guy can come back as a couple next year. Why do they only take couples? Two for the price of one? Or do they feel you're more "civilized" if you're married?

Many places ask for couples. Their loss. Or they will take a single guy over a single woman without even checking if she can do the work. That old "assume" thingie.

So glad to hear from you Janice. Have been wondering how it was going there.

[Nasoosie]

THERE'S Janice! So good to see you! You would think camps would be clamoring to get volunteers, for heavens' sakes, whether they be single, married, engaged, gay, straight, or anything in between. I mean, they are VOLUNTEERING their services! I am happy you have found someone to share some laughter with----laughter always makes life more fun! I hope it warms up there soon, and that you have a wonderful last few weeks. Stay in tuch when you are able! We miss you!

[snowball]

good to see you Janice............guess we can't get together huh? we are in SLC at the moment but just for another week
you enjoy the time you have left up there be glad you are still up there predicting snow in the valley tomorrow...not nice!
sheila

[cpatinjones]

Thanks for the update.

[Getupngo]

Arrrgghhh ... I wrote a long message and LOST it.

Here's the update. That fellow volunteer and I have become **quite** close and we're having a wonderful time together. I'm really sad about having to leave in a week. He's here for another four months. But we've said that while the relationship is young, we are all about possibility. Neither of us are tied to any place by time or money ... so it could work out somewhere ... out there. But I know that during our time apart, lots of women will want to snap him up. He's only been divorced a short time, so I'm thinkin' he may want to keep his options open. Who knows? I'm having a lot of fun in the meantime. Chances are I'll have tears in my eyes as I take down my rig and head home.

That's all the good stuff. The bad news is that my roomie called a couple of nights ago and told me she had a melanoma removed from her arm and the dermatologist says it's stage III or IV. DAMN. She's pretty scared right now and waiting to get an appointment with an oncologist.

So that's the news from the Escape Capsule.

[BirdbyBird]

Sounds like great adventures. Isn't it nice to be a responsible adult who understands that life is lived in the present with no promises but also can be full of possibilities. No crystal balls for the future, enjoy today...... I am sure that you will be a support for your roomie one way or another......

[Liz]

Good to hear from you, and glad you have been having fun! If your relationship is meant to be, it will survive a temporary separation.

So sorry to hear about your roomie. The "finding out" stage and waiting for all the facts are the hardest part of cancer. Once a plan of action is in place it is easier to face. I'm glad she has your friendship.

[Nasoosie]

Running silent because one is having a wonderful time is totally acceptible! I like Tina's words about relationships.

So sorry to hear about your roommate. I am sending her some strength to face the fight for her life. She will need some support, for sure.

Get your kleenex ready for your departure, but, if anything good is to last, it will last until you meet again.

[bluepinecones]

Good to have you back, Janice.
Be sure to take the time to totally enjoy what time you have left there. And yes, anyone who makes you laugh is a good thing.

[AlmostThere]

Janice, glad to hear that someone has entered your life that is bringing you joy.

Please don't stay away so long and keep us updated on your roommate's situation.

[jemek]

I have been wondering how you had been doing with our cold and wet spring over there on the island.

Wow it is hard to believe that it is almost over...I was thinking we just talked on the phone a few weeks ago.

Glad things are going well....I have to ditto the others on volunteers...who cares who, what they are..as long as they can do the job.