Monday, May 15, 2006

Day Two - Roseburg, a little Weed, and Redding

**We had no access to get all of these up last night after the visits ... So, better late than never!  Enjoy!  ( ;
 
Four down .. 51 to go.  Boy, time flies, huh?  Today was just as much fun as we had anticipated, and as always, a little more.
 
It was tough when that alarm went off at 7 am ... did you know there's already light out at that time?  Who knew?!
 
JeeNee took some great pix and really captured the moments of the day.  But we are at the firehouse, and it is a metal building that does not get reception for my phone and online service inside.  I could go outside where I am assured I should have coverage, but JeeNee got a pic of this biggggg bug, and I am sure it will eat me if I cross its path!
 
She is alseep right now, which sounds totally great to me.  But I needed to get this up for some of the days highlights. 
 
Be advised ... these are only a few of the many photos we got today.  But I am signed on as a guest, and don't think it's a wise move to be downloading the photo loader onto the firehouse computer.  Tomorrow, I will try to get them going for you all to enjoy as much as we have.
 
Speaking of enjoying ... Today was wonderful.  Breakfast was in Newport ... okay fine, coffee was in Starbucks in Newport.  Sheesh!
 
Our first stop was in Corvalis, to meet up with Jack at the Pepsi distribution center.  Have y'all heard about this new Italian soda in a bottle?  You need to check this stuff out!  Recently I had come down the Oregon Coast and along the way, picked up a quick bottle of soda.  Turned out to be an orange flavored drink ... turns out to be great ... then turned out to be diet, and I could not tell!  I called the company, Romano's Sodas and told them how much I liked this drink, and before the call was over we were talking about them giving us some of the soda's to take out and share on our stops ... 8 cases, in fact!
 
We've been giving it out, along with our promo bags.  Both are getting a great reaction, by the way!  Anyway, check it out, and if you're on the route, you will likely have one very soon.  Thank you Romano's Soda!!!
 
Next stop ... Roseburg, Oregon.  Now Roseburg has been on with us for over a year, and they have shirts out in the desert to prove it.  We came by the court house to see fire and ambulance rigs angle parked out front, a stack of shirts along their walkway and a nice collection of heroes out front waiting for us.
 
We shared the program details, some highlights so far, and did all of our traditional things with them.  That is, til a pager called some of them out.  So they grabbed Sharen and ran off.  We started to get a little worried when she was still on her run as we were wrapping up.  And though she has a stand in, in case Billings actually does the potato gun idea, Sharen would be sorely missed.  And of course they brought her back!
 
Next we headed further down I-5, and let's get real ... if you are going by, you know you really want to stop in Weed.  They have participated in the program, and their shirts are commonly requested ... actually second after FDNY.
 
For a no-notice heartstop, these young firefighters really stepped up.  Sharen earned her creds in their traning tower.  Can not believe she didn't lose any hair when the flames began. 
 
Love seeing these guys, they are so friendly and willing to help.  It was an honor!  And, I was serious. ... just let us know when you're up for a visit on an upcoming tour, and we will make it work!  Way to rep!
 
Watching Mt Shasta as we drove by, was often spectacular!  JeeNee got lots of pix, and we'll share when we can post.
 
Ah, Redding ... Good to be back!  This was a first year stop ... very brief, and a no-notice for them and us.  But they opened a door that allowed us to come back this year, and we are most grateful!
 
Most of the evening was spent at the house, taking pictures and sharing gifts from our backers.  They had a pretty quiet night, and that was so needed.
 
I will write more on this stop tomorrow ... later today.  But I have to drive in the morning, and would prefer not to see any of their medics in a professional duty call, ya know.
 
Besides, I just read what I wrote, and once again realize I have been sleep typing ... not a good idea ... but kinda funny!
 
Thank you all, good to see some familiar faces.
 
I am out!  Night all!
lj

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

As usual, I am not surprised by your ability to run on fumes and sleep type but please be safe. I am hoping for a GREAT day with Modesto and Sacramento today and LOTS of rest this evening so you can get caught up and rested.
Travel safe!!
kathy- HerotoHero.us National Co Director

Anonymous said...

As I follow your journey across the United States and Canada, I am so proud of my fellow firefighters who have embraced the Hero To Hero program. THEY GET IT!!I hope to see alot of them this year at the Annual IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs and personally tell them how awesome my fellow brother and sister firefighters are.
Karen Leming - Firefighter
Tacoma Fire Department
Mother of a Soldier deployed in IRAQ.

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine a bug so big & gross & nasty to stop you two warriors - Semper Fi and Drive On!!!  

The pictures are, as always, top drawer.  I hope no serious harm comes to Sharen, as that would just not be right.... we wish you both safe travels, fair winds & following seas (VK used to say that alot....) and know that the Pacific NW is behind you & with you every mile of your mission - you're touching soooo many people with HerotoHero.  Godspeed!  

p.s....  watch that sleep typing, it'll catch up to you!