Journey's Beginning

The Alberton Papers, Vol. IV, # VIII
By Dick Darne May 14, 2007
To all my loyal readers:
First, I am sorry for not having an article last week. I have been extremely busy getting ready for my trip and I just "spaced it".
Second, the trip is more than just a bike ride. If the old saying, "getting there is half the fun" is true, then I guess I’ll be having lots of fun. I’ll be pulling out Wednesday, driving my 1988 Volvo, pulling a "custom-built" bicycle trailer, carrying 4 bikes and all the camping gear. The others still have day jobs, so they are flying. I’ll be by myself (none of the old "are we there yet"), camping along the way. I don’t even have a definite route to follow. I have plenty of time to see whatever is out there. When I get there, I’ll visit whatever kin and friends are left and see how much things have changed in 28 years. They say you can’t go home again, but it’s worth a try. I am leaving politics behind, and focus on whatever is good.
I’ll leave the think tank to run itself. I’ll send dispatches when I can. I hope to encounter some serious thinkers on this journey.
I’ll see you all in a month or more and at least 5000 car miles and 400 bike miles.
Thank you for your support over the last year,
Dick Darne

The Alberton Papers, Vol. IV, #VII
By Dick Darne 4-30-07
"Well, lets think about some lighter subjects for a while. Kinda give our brains a rest," said Elder.
"Yeah, like all those handy housekeeping and energy saving methods invented by ‘Old Dick’ after his month long ‘ batching’ ordeal," chuckled Johnny.
"You mean like his energy saving dishwashing method?" asked Bill.
"How’s that?" said Elder.
"Well, he figured that if he had the dog lick the plates clean it would save on soap and hot water," replied Bill.
"Not to mention the reduced load on the sewer system," added Todd.
"And the undying loyalty of the dog," said Johnny.
"He also saved a lot of unnecessary work by embracing the ‘two-pile’ laundry method,"said Bill. "He also figured that whites and colors can be safely washed together with no harm to the washing machine. He also discovered an inordinate amount of time is spent sorting , folding and putting away clothes that are just going to be taken out of the drawer, worn, laundered, sorted, folded and put away."
" That’s great that he was able to break that vicious cycle," observed Johnny. He should be some kind of ‘efficiency expert’, or something. At least get some kind of award."
" I heard he also proved, without a shadow of doubt, that houseplants do not have to be watered regularly," said Todd. "And it is possible to get the house cleaned up ‘just-in-time’ for the wife to arrive."
"We can credit Dick for the ‘don’t-make-the-bed-it’ll-only get messed-up-again’ theory," added Bill.
"It’s a good thing his wife didn’t get home a couple days early, or he’d be referred to in the past tense," laughed Elder. "I also heard he was going to have a big party and invite all his friends."
"Neither one showed up,"someone said, followed by laughter. Even the somber Padre, The Lady and Mother Nature were sniggering.
"It’s not nice to try and fool Mother Nature," she said. "But enough of this foolishment, there’s serious things to resolve. Stay versed." dd