I figured that all of the lucky folks that CAN go to the picnic today had their own thread, so I thought that it would be interesting to see why some of us couldn't go and what we are doing today instead of being at the Axiom picnic.

For me, it was pure distance, and I know that I am not the furthest away, but my wife couldn't go, and if she did, the kids would have to come, so I was left driving 15+ hours each way by myself.

So now, I am at home "helping" my wife with a garage sale (yuck!). Since I am in town, I get the great job of going about 30 miles away to one of our office locations and doing a little tech work. It shouldn't take long, but some how it always goes longer than expected. Then I am off to a co-worker's house to help him build a MAME arcade cabinet. I have all of the tools, and he has no skills, so guess who will be doing all of the work?! I'll make him to some of it by watching me first, then coaching him. Not sure how far we'll get. Then I'll be back home in time to tear down the garage sale. I want to take all of the "left-overs" to Goodwill or some other local donations center and be done with it, but the other people that have stuff at the garage sale want us to keep it until next year. I said, as long as it isn't stored here, I don't care, but it just needs to go so that isn't in my basement anymore (wanting to finish the last of my basement).

Anyway, like usual, a long post of what I am doing today. If things go well, I am going to take my kids to a local amusement park since they are only open for a couple more weekends, and we have season passes. Busy day! I better get to it.

This is my 23rd wedding anniversary weekend ( 9/11 ) so it was a definite no go here.The wife had said I could go if I really wanted to but you know how that would have gone.I would have heard about it for the next 23 years.I thought it best to be around to take her out to a place of her choosing.

Well Nick, my mother in-law came down from NE Iowa, so she ended up going to garage sells with my wife and oldest son. Our youngest boy, age 1, as been a little under the weather these last few days, so I'm at home taking care of him. I told her to check out Peasant Hill, and look for Cherry Axiom's out in a driveway

Later when they get home, I'll probably head down to the basement and put some more polyurethane on some doors. I wish this heat would cool down, so I can get back outside and sand the doors without sweating buckets.

You'll have to tell me more about these Arcade machines you make, I saw the one in your HT pics. I always thought it would be cool to make a stand up arcade game that had all the classics: Asteroids, Defender, Tempest, etc....

Most of you are already aware of this, but for those who aren't, I am the sole caregiver for my 93 year old Mother. She has dementia, and I can't even take a shower without her calling for help. Gives a whole new meaning to the old song "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." Wish I could be there.

Hmmmm....let's see....about 30 hours each way with six of us in a little station wagon(I could split it up with some of the kids in my open Jeep, it would probably be a pleasant enough drive, but taking two vehicles over 60 hours driving time at three plus US bucks per gallon, hecks, I get me another nice set of speakers for that ammount)

We're just doing the normal Saturday routine. The Grandkids don't have any homework that needs to be finished so they're occupying themselves with PS2, TV, LEGOs, "running in and out of the house and leaving the door open too long with the air conditioning on" and like that.

I'm hapily looking at the computer weather and seeing no threatning hurricanes, and checking for any pictures coming out of the picnic that I wish I could have attended

That, and trying to come up with a rousing good movie to watch that all six of us can agree with to exercize my speakers

My thoughts go out to you Jack, sounds like your a great son.

I've got one grandma left, and she is about the same age as your mom. She is in a very nice nursing home near where my folks live, they see her about 3 times a week. Up until a few years ago, she was still able to live on her own, in a retirement apartment community, but things just got to hard for her recently. She fell recently, and broke a leg, boy she is a tough ole gal

I can't image how it would be for you day to day, dementia is a heart breaking illness. I hope your mom has enjoyed most of her life, and also more years to come.

Randy

Nick, some year I guess we could make a road trip out of it Or heck, save some bucks and fly out rather than drive.......

I live in Southern California and I can't afford a plan ride to Canada. I would've loved to have taken a road trip across the country, but I just started a new job and don't have much in the way of vacation time. I really hope Axiom plans another get-together, as I would like to attend.

On a good note, at least my new job gives me weekends off. Labor Day weekend was my first at the new job, and they gave me a three day weekend. Having previously worked in retail, this was the first time in like 10-11 years I had a holiday weekend off. I didn't know what to do with myself! I can't wait for Christmas this year--I may actually enjoy it.

I hope everyone has fun at the picnic. Pictures would be good.

Maybe Axiom can shoot us "unfortunates" a couple consolation prizes. . .
I won't hold my breath fot that, though.

Rough and dirty it's about a 32 hour drive for me one way, simply way to far! With gas prices being what they are, that doesn't help either!

Looong trip for me. Plus incidentally I've got some medical stuff going on right now, so I ain't going anywhere.

Thanks Randy. She's a joy.

Ken, I hope it's nothing serious. Take care.

Thanks, Jack. I'm doing all right. You're a saint, btw.

At least now I've got an excuse if my posts are a little off-color... vicodin! Whee!

I 'Officially' had to work this morning, don't think I could have made the drive from south Florida in time. I know, likely excuse but somebody has to pay for all of this Axiom stuff!

I need to save all my money for a house in Virginia or Maryland. The good news is I'll be that much closer to Axiom after my move. How about another party next year!

I couldnt go because I was at school Automotive is boring

Distance and discomfort are the issues for me. Due to a chronic back problem, I really can't travel very far from the home base.

In reply to:

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Most of you are already aware of this, but for those who aren't, I am the sole caregiver for my 93 year old Mother. She has dementia, and I can't even take a shower without her calling for help.

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That is very, very thoughtful of you Jack! Impressive.

As for the picnic, I coudln't go due to sheer distance. (Baltimore, MD is just a tad bit far.)

Thanks, Will. I owe her BIGTIME. It is hard, but it's no hardship. She's a great lady.

Then you are both blessed.

Amen to that, Peter.

hey jack,what does she think of your system?

I don't think she notices it much, in the sense that she probably doesn't notice the difference between the TV's speakers and my system. Although, When the sub does it's thing she seems to notice. She does, every now and then, say something like "that's a beautiful song."