Greetings from New England

[Shine_on_Syd]

Friday was my one month annversary of working in a hopsital and my life has been so busy and wonderful at the same time. I have been working such long days. I am tired but it is a good tired. This is the first time I have had a chance to sit done and relax. And the first place I came to is this forum. It is so great to hear and see from you all.
After 25 years of working for huge corporations I have really found my calling working in a 230 bed Catholic community hospital in Portland, ME. It is so rewarding and fulfilling and I love it! I don't have a clinical job, but I have very close contact with the staff and docs. My job is manager of compensation and employee benefits and my role is to provide an effective total compensation program for nurses, docs, techs and staff.
Of course I have seen life on the patient side for years. But working closely with the nurses and organization I am so impressed with their mission, dedication and care. Of course it is important that I understand how a hospital functions and it is coming easily after my experience with valve problems and OHS. I will have a chance to "shadow" clinical staff and of course my first choice will be the cardio floor.
With all the bad news of the hurricanes, we have been having beautiful weather and of course the annual drama of the Red Sox. And some really excitement on Cape Cod. We have a 1,700 pound female great white shark caught in an inlet. They have fascinating video shots of her on the news. I can't wait to see the drama unfold.

Check it out.

http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=45930

 

[Ross]

Congratulations Jim sounds like a real spiritual uplift. You'll have to let me know what winter in Maine is like when it gets here. That's one state I've never been to in my life and have always been intrigued with it.

 

[Phyllis]

Congratulations James,
It sounds like a great job and Portland is a beautiful city!

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Well, "shine on, shine on" Syd!

Well, "shine on, shine on" Syd!

What an absolutely wonderful post!

Your love of life is certainly showing through. It's so refreshing to me to hear from a OHS survivor who is just busting with pride and contentment. What a positive force you are for all of us. As our dear friend Ann would say, "Keep on keepin' on."

You brought a smile to my face today....thanks!!

Oh my gosh Syd.... I just now checked out the story on the whale and saw this one on the same page. Talk about a 'smile' on my face now!! Woweee, have a look at this gal's positive attitude for her future... ..all 114 years of it! Couldn't have happened to a nicer gal.

http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=43758&format=

 

[Harrybaby666]

Maine is an awesome state!!!

Maine is an awesome state!!!

Morning Ross,

If you ever get the chance to go, and your up to it, by all means go....it is an awesome state to visit, and whenever I can go, I go hunting for Amythist and other rocks that I can get my fat little hands on...Bar Harbor is a wonderful area, and I like the Augusta and Winthrop areas. One of the reasons I like the state so well is that it's somewhat still very rural when you get up into the Dover Foxcroft/ Moosehead Lake region (the center of the state). I hope to move to the Augusta/Winthrop area at some point, as NH is really getting to be expensive to live in..Like I said, if you ever get the chance to visit, you will really enjoy yourself...Harrybaby

 

[tobagotwo]

I was warned that advanced medicine in Maine was largely relegated to Augusta and Portland. Now I can definitely feel secure in southeastern Maine, knowing that you're part of the system. I admire your spirit and enthusiasm in pursuing this new career. You really do show what life there is after valve surgery.

We "did" the Maine coast last year, going down into all of the peninsulas (skipped the Booth Bay area only, just because of time). All it did was make us want to stay and see all the things we had to pass by, and then go back and see them again. We liked an area up near Corea, but so much of the Maine coast is so beautiful that it is nearly impossible to pick just one spot. I know most people like beaches, but Pat and I like our salt water with rocks, and that is a Maine specialty.

We will go through some part of Maine's interior in the next few years, as we had to tear ourselves away from the state to go home last time. We did go through Portland, and we vividly remember the Portland Market, which has one of the most amazing cheese stores I have ever seen. They had a full assortment of American and Canadian cheeses, which you might expect. But they also had cheeses from all over Europe, including many types from sheep and goats, and special cheeses cured in caves in Spain and France. And they let you sample them. (I found out that I realy don't like all cheeses, but I also had some unique taste experienes out of it.) And yes, Jan, thay had many fine cheeses from the UK as well.

I still buy blueberry coffee over the web from the coffee vendor in that building. I also get other blueberry products from Maine, including an incredible blueberry spread marketed by a company in Bar Harbor. It's called "Under the Sun," and is marketed as "the Caviar of Maine." Great stuff: no sugar, real blueberries.

It's reallly nice to see your post, James, and I'm enjoying sharing in all that good energy that is coming from it big time.

Best wishes,

 

[Mary]

James,
I'm really glad that you're happy with the new position. I know you will be a great asset to the medical community that you're working with.
Congratuations on your good fortune.
Mary

 

[Nancy]

Syd-

So nice to see such an upbeat post. People in Maine know how to get through the winter. The fall will be beautiful. Color is just starting where I am in upstate New York, so it must be pretty in Maine right now.

Tobago--

I just had to check out the blueberry stuff.

Here's a link:

http://www.porcupineisland.com/products/other_blueberries.html

 

[Bryan B]

Hi Syd,

Glad you're enjoying your new job! I worked in a 600 bed hospital for 10 years, and the last two years (until Aug) the clients I worked with were all community hospital systems. I agree that you will meet some of the most dedicated and caring people in the world in a hospital (large or small). I saw the story about the shark on one of the news channels yesterday...beautiful beast...hope h/she finds it's way out before it gets too chilly.

 

[djacq]

So happy for you. It seems to be rare nowdays to have a job you truly enjoy and has a positive impact on your life.

Congratulations for finding such a worthwhile endeavor. Of course being a nurse I am biased. Keep up the good work and benefits!

We just came thru Portland yesterday. We are now in Freeport, on to Rockport for tonight and the destination is Deere Isle where my brother and mother live. It is a vacation that is very long overdue.

It was good to see all the posts on Maine. It is truly beautiful and the weather has been wonderful. Nice place to live.

Best of luck in your new position.

 

[Shine_on_Syd]

With the tragic news on the VR forum this week, I wanted to ad a cheery note and acknowledge the dedication of the nurses and for all who we all relay on.
Ross, I am not sure that we get all that much snow that you get in Canton. I know you can get blasted from the great lakes there in OH. We get our share of winter weather, to go along with Red Sox heartbreak and cheer for the NE Pats. I have a SUV a 4WD. NH has been called the SUV capital of the world in political campaigns, but wait till you folks get to Golden, CO it seems everyone has an SUV there.
New England is in the unusual location that is a confluence of weather fronts coming from Midwest/Canada and they meet the storms traveling up the east coast. Harrybabby666 and I live right next to the southern Maine border in an area know as seacoast NH. We only have 17 miles of coastline between Maine and Mass. The cold is tempered some what by the Gulf Stream. But when we get a "Nor?easter watch out. Most New Englanders live for the fall here. It is spectacular in autumn and the weather is perfect. Our roads become packed with "leaf peepers" Many think the worst season in Maine is early spring "mud" season with the blackflies.
Bob I am glad you enjoyed your extensive trip to Maine the coast is so much different (rocky) compare to "down the shore" as you have in NJ.
Phyllis and Dick, I had a consult with Lawrence Cohn and he is really at the top of my list of surgeons.
And djacq you picked the perfect week to Maine.
The news reports say boaters are swarming to see the great white in the inlet. She hasn't eaten in a few days. Guess these boaters are too young to know about the movie "Jaws' I remember the sceen when the great white knawed off the stern of the boat.
I am so happy to share and thanks to all of you who responded.
My best.

 

[Rain]

Hey Syd,

Congratulations!! So happy to hear you are busy, healthy and happy! That's what it's all about!

I've never been to Maine, but I have friends & relatives there who come back to CO to visit. They've always said that the only place that has fall colors comparable to ours is Maine.

We took Sara to a soccer game in Telluride yesterday. It's about 65 miles from my house... but it's through the mountains and over Lizard Head Pass. Although it's still early for the colors... they are starting to turn. Here's a couple pics from yesterday. One of Sara and I in Telluride, one of Sara on Lizard Head, we stopped and visited a friend who has a cabin on Trout Lake and happened to be there 'winterizing' it yesterday. These pictures are at about 10,000 feet.

 

[Shine_on_Syd]

Wow Rain what great pictures. I really apprecaite you posting them. Look at that snow. And your Sara is so cute.
My mother was from Glenwood Springs, CO and my uncle from Grand Junction. I love the Rockies and love your state.
Thanks for the pics!!!

 

[HarryG]

Jim

Jim

That's great that your liking it so much, so many people work day to day without liking there job (just doing it for the money) you are one lucky guy....! Glad that your doing well and after a month seem to still like it...! Keep up the good work and since your in Maine, please root for the Red Sox.... ! You go Jim.....! :

 

[Mary]

James,
My greatgrandparents lived in Grand Junction all their lives. My mom spent every summer with them. Small world.
Mary

 

[Shine_on_Syd]

Update- 1,700-pounder killing machine still here

Update- 1,700-pounder killing machine still here

Mary,
We have a lot in common. BTw, my male Goldfinces have already lost their bright yellow color and have darkened- winter is on its way.

Great White Update, Boston Herald:

Hope great white's visit soon fin-ished

By Franci Richardson
Sunday, September 26, 2004

Like polite hosts, local Woods Hole fishermen and scientists are respecting the rare visit of a great white shark so close to shore, but are gritting their teeth, wondering whether she'll overstay her welcome.
They had been hoping the 1,700-pound predator would leave Friday night on a high tide similar to the onethat brought her into the estuary near the Elizabeth Islands.
But too many gawkers might have caused the shark to settle in for another night.``There were a lot of boats on the other side of the entrance and it might not have wanted to leave,'' said Capt. John J.C. Burke Jr., who alerted authorities to the shark's presence Tuesday.
Many had hoped the shark would leave last night.``It'll be dark and there won't be anybody around,'' said Burke.

 

[Shine_on_Syd]

Red Sox will be in playoffs

Red Sox will be in playoffs

The Red Sox clinched wild card slot last night- here we go again.
One of two things will happen, we are set up for our annual heartbreak or this could be the year. Many fans believe that the curse of the Bambino has been broken as a boy who lives in Babe Ruth's old house in Sudbury, MA was at a game at Fenway and took a line drive in the mouth and had his teeth knocked out. (What the heck there is a lockout in the NHL) Since that game the Sox have rallied.

 

[Shine_on_Syd]

Scientists can't lure shark from lagoon

Scientists can't lure shark from lagoon

http://www.boston.com/news/local/ma...10/02/scientists_cant_lure_shark_from_lagoon/

 

[Shine_on_Syd]

Great white shark leaves Cape Cod

Great white shark leaves Cape Cod

Great white shark leaves Cape Cod lagoon
By Associated Press
Monday, October 4, 2004

FALMOUTH, Mass. - The 15-foot great white shark that patrolled a Cape Cod lagoon for nearly two weeks finally left for open waters Monday.
The 1,700-pound female shark swam through the inlet between Naushon and Monohansett islands and into open ocean early Monday afternoon.
The state's Division of Marine Fisheries had tried for days to coax the shark out of the lagoon, stringing a series of nets and electronic repellant devices in the water.
The shark was first spotted Sept. 21 near Naushon Island, off the southwestern coast of Cape Cod.
Scientists attached an archival satellite tag to the shark's dorsal fin, marking the first time a great white has been outfitted with such a device.
Scores of boaters visited the lagoon to see the shark, prompting officials to cordon off the immediate area in hopes of keeping gawkers at bay for their own safety and the shark's.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Hi Jim,

What a great letter you wrote. I didn't realize you were from around that area. I have a place approximately 1 hour from Portland , near Sebago Lake in the Naples/Bridgton area of Maine. I am heading up there at the end of the month. Do you ever get out that way to the Naples Area between Long Lake and Brandy pond?

Wish I was up there now, it is a beautiful time of year there. Indian summers, and fall colors.

Wishing you good health and a bright future with your new position,
Rob