Michael Jackson RIP

Sitting in the room at the InterContinental in Austin, TX exactly where I sit now, the same place, same room, same hotel... I was when I eagerly placed my ticket order for Michael Jackson on March 12th 2009 at 1:01 am and received confirmation of purchase.

Seat location: section BK 406, row L, seats 579-580

Today I sit in the same place I was when i placed the order in sorrow and disbelief of the news of Michael Jackson's death.

The Game - Beautiful on the other side - http://bit.ly/1RV8Bo

The artist did this sidewalk chalk drawing of michael jackson in austin, tx the day after the news.

Cando, Japan

I have found the sister city of Cando, ND, and that would be in Tokyo, Japan in Harajuku. Time to file that paperwork and request.

Technology in Cando

A recent visit to our local pharmacy had me amazed with the technology yet lack of technology at the same time. The gal (pharm tech) asked me if I had any questions about the antibiotics I was to start taking and I came up with one. She walked me behind the counter and introduced me to a video screen where I was having a consultation with someone via cam two hours away. Cool technology, probably something they over pay for by the looks of the huge mount display on top of the monitor.

I go to checkout and purchase the drugs to find out they don't take credit cards. All the technology in the back, and no credit card machine in the front? I was told that the new owners would probably get one in the near future.

Getting Warmer...

The snow has melted, this is the first time I have seen my lawn. I actually have a yard and the backyard is full of random nicknacks. I can see that each time when I went to take out the trash I was walking on top of rose bushes buried underneath.

The sidewalks in my front yard are oddly placed and I can see where a few trees used to be, now cut low reveling a stump. Although the yard is plagued with dead brown and yellow grass you can see color coming back in, little patches of green life.

The streets are coming back to life, children playing and riding their bikes. The weather allowing motorcycles to now ride and drivers with their windows down enjoying the fresh air.

To mow my own lawn, or to hire someone to assist with the task? There's something about doing it yourself, for a while atleast....

Flooding in Cando, North Dakota

I just came back from a trip a little worried that Cando would be flooded and my house well be floating away. The news has been covered with news of Fargo, Bismark, and other eastern portions of North Dakota flooding. My prayers go out to the familys and the crews working the floods.

I landed in Grand Forks, the weather was pretty bad and everyone was wondering if their flood protection they installed after the last great flood would be put to the test. Many of the eastern bridges were closed but I was able to make it out as I was headed west back to Cando.

I didn't see any signs of flooding on the drive back to Cando and hope I don't have to experience a flood during my first year of being in Cando. First a rough winter, then flooding..... I am hoping not, but it sure would be a different experience.

Restaurants, Eateries and Treats in Cando

Cando doesn't have many places to go eat out at but here is what I've gathered so far.

1. Dairy Queen (Seasonal)
2. Dee's Diner
3. Durum House
4. Bakery

I've been to all of these except for Dairy Queen as it hasn't been open since I first moved out here in the winter.

Just a short drive away to Devils Lake has a few more fast food places, diners and one place I should mention. This place has treated me well, has good quality food and the chefs enjoy crafting sauces for me.

Ranch Steak House
1119 Highway 20 S
Devils Lake, ND 58301

Guess the owners of Ranch Steak House have another restaurant on the lake. Its a nice place for lunch and would be good for the fishermen and camping around there.

Air Raid Sirens in Cando?!

When I first arrived in Cando I was startled by the air raid sirens that went off. I remember my first time like it was yesterday. I was sitting in the living room watching television and suddenly the air raid siren goes off. The only experience and what I know of air raid sirens is from the movies at the atomic bomb museum in Las Vegas and World War II movies. I immediately went underneath the table and waited for the bombing to start.

No Im not writing you this from a bunker, the bombing never happened, or atleast not yet. The air raid siren goes off throughout the day during certain hours. 6pm and 10pm come to mind. I think it's time the town invests in some church bells to go off. Way friendlier and more modern.

Moved to Cando, North Dakota

Cando, North Dakota has become my home, simply by throwing a dart at the map and moving in. It took a little more than that, but the fact that Cando has high-speed Internet access, real estate for a great price, small businesses, and Devils Lake less than 30 minutes away for everything else.

Cando is located less than 100 miles from the Canadian border and just less than a two hour drive to either Minot or Grand Forks offering International airports. Amtrak has a stop in Devils Lake as well as Grand Forks and Minot on the world famous Empire Builder train.

The people here are friendly, and there is room for growth.