Three cheers for the red, white and blue

Today is the 4th of July and since we have thunderstorms in the forecast, I'm not putting out my flag. I just don't want it to get wet. I miss it when the weather is not good on holidays. I like to sit in my living room and see it flying proudly from the deck rail. I like to see it when I leave the house and on the return, it's flying in the breeze. I'm a real nut. It draws tears when I see an honor guard in a parade or sports event. I'm very proud of my flag.

I've taken 2 days vacation and am making a very long weekend out of the holiday. I need some time to get away from the office. It's beginning to hurt my brain. I've been appointed by our Chief Operating Officer (COO) to conduct an inventory and search of missing computer equipment.

I have to be Switzerland in this exercise. I can't take sides. Both IT (the home of all computer equipment in the company) and the former OPM contract are amiss in security and record keeping issues. They both hate me right now because I am uncovering some embarrassing procedures or lack of, and the COO isn't very happy about it. He has, however, made it very clear to both sides of the issue as well as my former boss, that he trusts me and my judgement. He had some very complimentary but embarrassing things to say about me in their presence. (I wanted to crawl under the table) But it made me feel good to know that I have the number 3 person in the company supporting me that way.

Because of this, I work harder for him and I think he knows it. My present boss, Jerry is tickled that the COO is supporting me and he feels I can get the 'missing' number down a lot lower. I don't believe any of the missing equipment has been stolen. I think it's been squirreled away in a corner or is in an office. It's amazing how they keep uncovering boxes of materials or things found in drawers. There is no control or organization over hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

That's why I'm taking a few days off.

I have nothing planned. I slept till 7:00 this morning and plan to just hang out today. I have a steak thawing and that will be my 4th celebration dinner. Other than that, me, my computer and tv plan a wonderful day.

God bless you all and God bless America.