I think im making a realy good impression on the members of my class. Everywhere i go when i leave a room i hear someone say "Williams is a good man" or some variety of that. And the best part is I dont take pride in me being how i am, but in the fact that I had parents who had the intestinal fortitude to stand up and mold their children into better people instead of the trash found on the streets. I have several classmates that would love to meet you just to see who makes a guy like me. I just want to say thank you, I know at times it was frustrting and extremely difficult, but you persevered and should be proud to know that you raised three young adults that the world can be proud of. I LOVE YOU BOTH VERY MUCH AND AM HONORED TO CALL YOU MY PARENTS

It appears that we will have a second Eagle Scout in the family. Chris has completed his project with an estimated 500-550 flags, not including the state, service, and MIA flags collected. His goal was 200. His ceremony started at 6:00 pm on Saturday and with four fire pits going, one flag at a time on the fire and a moment to let the flames consume it, we were busy for four hours. All we need now is for him to complete the last of the paper work, have his scout master conference and we will have our second, official Eagle Scout. Yes I'm proud and sorry if it sounds like I'm bragging, but I guess I AM!

The boss let us have the day off for the Fourth, mainly due to the ship yard being closed than his own good nature. I connected with Lee, a co-worker who brought his bike to Boston too and we left about 9am. The plan was to just ride. Get to an intersection and determine, left, right or straight. We rode over to Concord where the "Shot heard round the World" had taken place but decided to just ride and visit the Old North Bridge another day. Our trip took us out Rt 2A west To Finchburg, Ma. which was almost a mistake since by that time the town's parade was about to start and they had the streets blocked off. A little common sense and we managed to find the far side of town, but not with out a LOT of twists and turns through streets unknown to us. We settled on 31 north and rode a short distance before stopping for a drink. Water and Gator-aid mind you. (it was only 11am) The woman behind the counter said that New Hampshire was only 5 miles up the road so after admiring a 1969 Honda which had pulled in as well, off we went. The road was what you look for on this type of a run. Wide, smooth easy turns, fair scenery. I can't say that this was picture perfect but fun none the less. Somewhere north we turned the bikes west again on 101 and stopped again in Petersbrough for a break. Short stop bearings adjusted and south on 202. This is where we decided to remover the helmets and ride with the wind in our hair, well sort of. It was about a half hour till the Mass line again and by that time I was ready for my helmet. The cool air over my head and the increased noise, even with ear plugs, makes me think I'll always use the helmet, even when the state says I don't need to.We rambled down 202 until we came to Rt 2 again and started east once more. We found we were now more than 60 miles from Boston. Rolling along now with the trip meter at 130 miles total and the fuel gauge at 2/3 left, I'm a little confused. I usually hit reserve at 130 or less and the gauge showing empty. Just to be safe I pulled us over on 111 south to Harvard to see what appeared to be the whole town at the city square having the Fourth Picnic. There was the usual smokers going, car show, kids climbing the greased pole for prizes and me with no gas station in sight. We continued on 111 till we passed over 495 and thank goodness,an Exxon. I pumped 2.263 gallons and the trip meter showed 138.9 miles, which ends up as 61.378 mpg. Yea, yea, I know the od is off by as much as 10% on this bike, but I'll take it. I guess riding at 50 instead of 90 pays off! :) An easy ride back now to Hwy 2, a few exits to go and it was back to the hotel here in Waltham, Mass for a long after noon nap. We covered about 160 miles in 6 hours and had a great time. Lee says he's a little sore, that's his problem for having a Harley with no windshield! Take care and ride easy

Off for another day of work in Boston! The days have started to blend together. Working seven days a week, each day is like the next with nothing to look forward to. Some of the guys say "Hey, Fridays coming and we only work 8 hours (Fri, Sat and Sun), it's better than the 10s the rest of the week". I can't argue with that but it sure is nice to have the weekend to look forward to. Rumor has it we will be working the Forth too so to all those who have it off, have fun ride safe and take care.
I'm bored!