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Been busy and the internet has been on the loose. Finally got some speed back. I am not leaving this blog but I added a new one for the rants and raves. See you there…

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Goodbye last year…

Another year gone as we say goodbye to 2008 and welcome in 2oo9. What a year for the books.

New years day happened about 2 hours ago on the east coast of the USA and Tracie called me to wish it in to me but I was already up for the day and at the gym. Having the day off I went over to the cafe next door and had an organic black coffee and a yogurt/fruit smoothie. That sounds so me doesn’t it. Anyway we said our HNYs and she went off to bed.

2008

La Famiglia:

John, another semester into year two at Furman and doing well. We are very proud of him. Still teaching drums, playing drums and has a cool new girl friend.

Abby, junior and doing fantastic. A dancing machine (I sure do miss those dance programmes). Next year senior. Where will she choose to go to U? She was so sick when she got here on Christmas Eve but she hung in there and lifted my spirits.

Tracie is taking care of the family business which is no small task. Plus a full time job. She managed a visit and then brought everyone over for Christmas. A quick trip but a stamp in the passports.

As for me the story is in the preceding posts. Left Cayman to get back home and then off to the UAE. The future is in front of me.

Guardare Indietro:

Would be a lot happier if a large portion of our savings hadn’t been erased from the ledger. But everyone probably took a hit so you feel the pain too. No one person or group to blame, just bad economic practices by a lot of persons and groups. Our goal this year…reduce unsecured debt. I think we all learn from these tough times. Capitalism equals humans, neither perfect but the best thing going.

“If you are going through hell, keep going”. Winston Churchill

Not really happy with the elections. We voted and John for the first time. But I am not throwing stones (much) in fact I hope the next four years are ones to be proud of. Who wouldn’t. But there is some rebuilding to do for us elephants. Sorry if you disagree. That’s your privilege . As far as John voting for the first time this is a great thing. I have voted in every presidential election since eligibility and all other elections when possible. You should too.

No change on my stance on global warming. Get over it. And you may have notice this religion has lost momentum to everyone losing their assets. However there is a future in alternative energy. Of course my bro Steve has been saying that all along. Now there may be some money in it. Just don’t tax me on it.

Of course the move to Abu Dhabi was a biggie this year. I have come to really like this place… in the winter. Much Like Cayman in Jan/Feb it can be very comfortable. It’s a lot different in a lot of ways to life in SC USA. There is much to learn about this culture.

Have read several books this year most of which I do not remember frankly because some of these are read to pass the time and remove present thoughts temporarily. Those remembered include: Patrick Buchanan 1) Churchill, Hitler and the Unnecessary War and 2) Day of Reckoning. Newt Gingrich, Pear Harbor. Ken Follett, Pillars of the Earth, published several years ago but one I enjoyed this year. And started in 08 reading now Nelson DeMille, The Gate House.

08 Golf: No better no worse but have played some very nice tracks, met good people and for the most part throughly enjoyed myself. Injuries have not helped. I miss playing with Jason and Christine back on the rock. Here is my best advise on golf, hit the ball in the fairway for your optimum lowest score.

“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” Arnold Palmer

Had a goal in 2008 to lose weight and get fitter and so I did. Took a lot of work in the gym but eating healthy is easy. My food vise, Walkers Pure Butter Shortbread Highlanders, a product of Scotland. A damned good cookie. Otherwise its yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries for breakfast; tuna or chicken salad sandwich for lunch; fish and rice for dinner. This is easier to do on my own as you might imagine. If is wasn’t for Absolut or Makers, red and white wine I would really be in good shape. This part we will work on in 09.

2009

Guardare Avanti

Really did not mention anything about my job or the project I am on. I try not to dwell on that much for practical and private reasons. I can say I am the project manager, managing the construction of a private building and will be deeply involved in it now and for at least the next six months. This is what I have to look forward to this year and determined to give my best effort. Enough said.

I would like to see other parts of this world. Let’s make it a goal.

Will get back home in the spring I hope. See you there.

I do not have a new years vow to loose weight, eat healthy and all of that because I am already on it. Good luck if this is your goal.

Happy New Year to all of you and heres wishing you all of the best. More Christmas Pictures coming.

Cheers

24 hours earlier…

26 Dec 08

Poor Abby arrived with a bad cold and stomach ache. Sick puppy but what a trooper, she hung in there. Our first trip out was to Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain. Absolutely beautiful day. Nice temps and all sunshine. A mountain in the desert with great views. We took along a plastic puke bag and off we went.

My poor baby girl enjoying the outlook

This is a neat spot in the UAE. There is a hotel and a palace on the mountain plus the parking viewing area.

The Palace next door. What a great spot for a get away. Just a chop away.

Ugh. It’s all she can do

John was the man

Whilst there some of the guys broke out in song and dance. John was impressed with their beat.

John jumping for joy and happy to be here

Not to be out done and despite being down Abby can still kick it

Whose your momma

Kind of a lovers leap spot. None of us would venture out.

ta da dad comes through with the awesome spot and the beautiful day

My buds

And the top of the mount complete with cafe

So we enjoyed our trip that day and the views were stunning. Not a bad way to spend the day and a nice 2 hour drive from Abu Dhabi.

Thanks and more to come… oh and by the way these pics were taken with our “good” camera. They were too big to download and apparently show up small when compressed. Oh well I’ll get it figured out.

pictures worth…..(an arabian adventure)

a sample of the family Christmas experience… no words required

EEE-OOOO OOO

So where did the time go ooo. It’s been 2 months. Well let’s see, Tracie was here and then shortly after I was back in the States for R&R and a work seminar. Was home for 2 weeks then back again. Went to the Chicken Man Halloween fest and hung out about the house. First time in the area at that time of year in 3 years. The smell of autumn was awesome.

Then it was Thanksgiving already. I had the feast with a neighbor and coworker Maximus. He is from the Boston area where coincidentally Boston was where my family met and where we were going to go. The feast was good though and had a great time. We actually had dinner on Friday, our day off. Oh and my chore was to make pumpkin pie. Of course I couldn’t find the pie crust. You know the pre-made one you can pick up in a mini-market. Nada. I found all of the other ingredients. And then the week after every store had pie crusts. This is a normal thing.

So just before I left in October and when I got back work just erupted in madness and it hasn’t stopped. I wish I could explain it all but it would take too long. Several factors one of which is the economy. The global one. Lot’s of work going on in Abu Dhabi but belts are tightening. So part of the reason I have been absent is the patience that has run out of me by the end of the day and days off are precious. I have managed a few round of golf though.

Next thing you know next week is Christmas. Tracie , Abby and John are zipping over on Delta to visit and are we looking forward to that! I have been getting the apartment ready. See!

Looks better in person.

So I pick them up in Dubai on Christmas Eve and bring them to AB. We have activities planned including a dinner in the desert. No doubt there will be shopping involved too. The Christmas season is all about here in the UAE. There are displays and the usual canned xmas music in the stores and malls. Even saw Santa in one mall but in local robes. Cool. In fact the whole month is quite festive here. The UAE celebrates it’s independence day on December 2nd and Hajj and Eid al-Adha mixed in adds up to quite the party and days off. This year was the UAEs 37th. Youngster.

So glad to be back on. Taking some time today to re-charge.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Be back soon! Oh and by the way John turned 20 on the 8th of December. Amazing…

Fish and the beach

Hey! Tracie visiting this week. Adjusting to the time difference has been a challenge but she is doing well. We have been getting out and seeing the sights plus a few dinners with friends along the way.

We spent yesterday out shopping and checking out places I had not been to. We went to the port of Abu Dhabi where there are several markets to choose from and started out searching for a couple of plants for the apartment. Considering the amount of money I spent in Cayman for plants on the porch we got a great deal here. Then we hit the fish market. At first we were wondering why the place was empty and thought maybe it was closed but turns out most everyone was at prayers! Forgot! Soon the place erupted with fish mongers. Yeah! We bought Tilapia and then over to the cleaning station(s).

Narley

Yummie. By the way it was good cooked up on the GF.

The place is wild and there are plenty of fish options. We also bought some shrimps. Shrimp and/or prawns are very plentiful and inexpensive. On the table are fresh regional fish but the names are unfamiliar except for Hamour (grouper) which is locally used and easy to find and of course the Tilapia.

Proof Tracie was there/here. (notice the slight wrinkling of the nose, a bit fishy)

We left there and after a quick trip back to the house with the goods we hit the Corniche. Tracie wanted to go to a beach so we parked, crossed under the road, payed AED 5 to enter the family/womens only area to check out the sea. I guess they let us in as family and it made sense but we know now there are different areas to go to based on status. Anyway it was nice and clean and complete with family and women.

The tunnels are complete with mosaic tiles

Tracie puts her toes in the Arabian Gulf. Can you say you did that?

the beach

This is a group of girls just out from a swim in modest bathing suits. True!

Oops, I did it again! Not so modest suit. No doubt an expat Euro! And got in the way of the camera..

Me and the mules heading home. Walk like an Abu Daddy

We eventually made it back to the apartment and cooked up our Tilapia rejoiced in our day. Hey! more to come including T sipping a cappuccino with gold flakes at the Emirates Palace! See you soon!

Cheers!

ouch!

In the summer of 07 about 1-1/2 ago I tweaked my right elbow pulling a golf trolley along a side hill. That turned into a mess of golf elbow. I kept playing and it got worse. Eventually resting it worked and the pain went away. Yesterday I tweaked the left forearm during a swing, very similar deal. I thought it would be okay but it got worse and I was wincing bad at each drive or long iron. I finished the round, first time at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, and went home to the ice. Played with a new group of guys I had not met before, all expats with the company. Great time and I had a great short game/putting game just could not get off the tee. And when it was all said and done my elbow/forearm swelled bad. Injured reserves for now. I did not take any pictures and ADGC whilst there because I forgot the camera. Very nice place though.

And it’s too bad because I was going to take Tracie for a few rounds while she is here. Not far off now (better start packing and do not forget the proV1s). Guess we’ll have to find croquet or bocce ball for athletics. Good thing is it does not stop me from hitting the tread mill but weights are back on hold.

Owwie

Went out last week to look at one of our sites. Across the way is an island under construction called Al Reem. Took few pics of it.

Look at this mass of building. A T-Crane or two.

Took this pic off in the distance of another massive building site. As we drove closer what was more surprising is there is another building behind it the same size!

Unreal amount of building going on.

Next week should be interesting as they all are. Tracie is here the next. And at the end of the month I go back for R&R and training. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

WHO’S THE BOSS APPLE SAUCE! I AM WATCHING YOU! BE GOOD!

Shrimp and Grits tonight Bubba!

Cheers

Drive Dubai

Okay Golf was back on today after a two week hiatus. And it almost didn’t happen due to some tee time hickups. But late in the afternoon yesterday I got the call that a time had been secured in Dubai at the Emirates Golf Club. As some of you may know this is where the Dubai Desert Classic is held in February. Last years winner none other than the best in the world himself, TW. So up and spry at 4AM hit the road at 5, knocking practice balls at 7:15, off on time at 7:40. The weather was awesome, not too hot and a slight breeze. The only weather issue, hazy at times as you will see. Lets take a look at the course and Dubai backgrounds:

Are we there yet? Any building going on?

Close up of the club house. This place is a very upscale club and has all the trimmings.

Around the place near the putting area

Let’s go! Hole 1

oh yeah I was here, the starter took the shot

Background Dubai Some tall building

Hazy

Hazy but in this picture you can see the tallest building in the world (one in the middle)

Par 3, Jack’s first shot went in the water. So I took this shot to show him where he was lining up. He hit where he aimed. Pin is where the traps are in the back ground. ( I parred)

More Dubai Background

Coming down 18 Club House in Background

I thought this a cool picture of the CH coming in. Tents at the Oasis.

I wanted the CH in the middle but so what. 85 out, laying two, P5

At every turn there was this great photo op. This didn’t turn out great but you get the idea.

Took this at the 1st tee with driving range in background. Great facility!

There you go! Jack did a good job on the tee time. We had a foursome and got it in in 4 hours. Back around 1/2-2. Another good Friday. Next week I am scheduled to play with another group at the Abu Dhabi National. Another pro tour course so that will be fun to experience.

Cheers

A Mid Ramadan Ishtar Frogmore Stew

Okay. I have been working up to this for several days and just finally got a round tuit.

The Gustav thing passed by Cayman without much incident. I understand and all of the evacs made it back safe and sound. GG kept me abreast of everything during the ordeal and after it blew through Christine and Jason my fellow hackers went out the next morning for a loop. Golfers are great, nothing stops them.

Tracie and I received an invitation to a wedding in Ireland coming up soon but had to decline. Bryan and Martene, thanks anyway. Just not in the cards this time. All the best.

Now whats up. Work and working out.

The project I am on keeps me busy. The site has been cleared and construction has started. I have a staff of 1 but soon to triple. Don’t laugh please it doesn’t sound like much but we will have our challenges. I have been mostly been working on design management and scheduling. There is much to say about what I am doing but out of respect and courtesy we’ll keep it as short as that for now. We have been taking a lot of pictures and soon as I can post something that you can appreciate I will put it up. So far the contractor has started the “blinding” for the “raft slab”. Can any of you tell we those are? Cat got your tongue or are you Chicken (Man)?

Working out. Just about everyday. Generally been hitting the treads or elliptical plus sit ups and started now rowing. Have not messed around too much with weights as yet but I do miss the bowflex. Since this years visit to Dr J I have been concentrating on cardio and burning cals. Once I get to a lower place I will start up the weights. Down 10 though! 10 to go.

Tonight I have a couple of expats coming for a low country boil. Frogmore Stew for those in the know. But man getting the ingredients today stressed me out. Tracie sent the Zatarain’s so I was covered there but it took me five store trips to find the rest. Here is the hard part. It’s Friday, middle of Ramadan and everyone is at the store. Muslims fast during the day and break fast at night so the stores are full of hungry people. I have at one time or another seen corn, fresh, in the veggie section. Not today. Hillshire Farm sausage nada. Not even all beef! But the shrimp! Nice prawns and plentiful. Can’t wait for those. One thing you can get here is plenty of fresh seafood. Enough box-o-wine and it should be fine.

The Ramadan experience is a new one for me. So far I can tell you that the morning commute is easier and so is the evening because seems everyone leaves work about 2. I was invited to an Ishtar break fast last night in Dubai but did not make it. Sounded like a great feast but Dubai on Thursday night would have been stressful in itself.

Played golf last week at a different track and in Dubai. Nice 9 hole doubled. Nice course but our tee up was 1 PM. Not perfect but there was a breeze. At a resort, a bit more like playing in Cayman due to the humidity and appearance and a lot like Harbor Town SC with the ocean and yachts. Heat did take it toll and hacker Jack made nine and rode the rest. The course had peacocks nesting and strutting around in the trees off the fairways. I think those birds were lifting my Titleists! Damned birds.

Time to start on the stew. Tomorrow night peacock fricassee.

Cheers

PS Tracie visiting me in mid Oct and I am coming home in late Oct. Since we will not make the Thanksgiving in B-Town we may trip up for the weekend and back in time to vote. Maybe visit uncle D and auntie M to make up for the miss trip and while there eat some yummy Italian cuisine in LI. Keep this in mind.

Gustav

Hey now. A call out to all my buds in Cayman getting ready to ride out Gustav. Did they run out of names or what. How about Gary?

Thoughts and prayers are out to Paul A, Mike D, Bryan and Martene ( the stories these two will have for children) Gary and Christene (my homies away from homies), Clay and Paul G. Get to the shelter and chill. Stay safe and hopefully this G-Cane will truck on out quickly. You guys are heroes. And Gary great job on the evacuation, I am sure you had plenty of help from the gang.

Also thoughts and prayers to any other FD or CSDL and all other friends on the rock hanging through it all. All of us Abu Dhabi are thinking about you.

All the best.