GOODBYE, QUAD CITIES...

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE "HOME"!

Well, as of the 12th of March, it's official! I have accepted a position as a meteorologist at KMSP/FOX 9 (A Fox Network owned and operated station) in Minneapolis. In fact, the station is barely 3 miles from the house where I grew up (5-17 years old). I should start on the 28th of this month so we are busy fixing up and emptying the house. Anyone in the market for a nice mid-century ranch with modern updates???

It's really a homecoming cause I grew up in the Twin Cities. I have family there and a few friends. I could go on about how much I love the town but suffice it to say that it's a world-class city and I can't wait for my family to have everything they could ever have at their disposal. Yes, we were pointing south but this is a really good opportunity and now anyplace we want to go is just one plane flight away - and we won't have to connect through O'Hare (Yayyyy!!!!). Only thing is, Michele will now have to get used to a winter that is a little bit longer and tougher. Oh,,, She'll make it!

Funny how things happen. I wasn't even aware this job was open in the first place. My agent called me one day and said KMSP was interested. When KMSP called, I was in Target shopping with my daughter. After walking up and down the toy aisle talking with the news director on the phone for 15 minutes I had the job. I actually turned it down after the interview as I found out the astronomical cost of living the Twin Cities has established in my 25 year absence. However, knowing it was a great opportunity we renegotiated things and they helped make it work for me. Also in January I was offered a job in Oklahoma City. That was a good gig but I knew about Minneapolis at the time so I turned down that one. And just today, the Union Pacific called wanting to interview me. Well, so much for the railroad, but I can still have an HO version in my basement.

So, should I start singing the theme from the Mary Tyler Moore Show or should I just wait until I set foot on Nicollet Mall.

Until I go, I promise you can see me lurking at Lowe's, Home Depot, or Menards.

ICE STORM HEROES!!!

A RAINBOW OF HELP
Sometimes they're heading north, sometimes they're heading south. It's a parade of power company trucks that usually flys by in fleets of 10 to 20 strong. It's a great thing to watch as I sit behind my picture window near I-74. I see these service trucks go by painted in color schemes unknown to me which indicates that all of these trucks and workers are from power companies out of state. Just like the Quad Cities has responded in times of crisis to other communities nationwide with our own people and service vehicles, now it's our turn to be the recipients of help from others. I wonder about these people who have come from out of state to lend a hand in getting power back to our communities after this weekend's ice storm. These men and women really are heroes. They have come from out of state (hours on the road), they have worked nearly non-stop since their Sunday arrivals, and have in many cases left behind spouses and kids because our spouses and kids need the lights and heat on. And speaking of that, let's also realize that 100% of the job these kind folks do is outside, and it hasn't been anything close to even average weather around here since the storm moved out. Just as you gave members of our military, fire and police departments an extra nod after 9/11, if you see someone out working the lines or on a short leash from one of these power company trucks with the unfamiliar paint scheme, give them a "Hi", for next time this happens it could be your power they're here to restore.

DAD ON THE MEND
Well, to keep all of you who have wondered about my Father's health up to date, I can say he's doing much better. His treatments for cancer have ended and he told me on the phone the other day that his energy level is slowly but surely increasing. By the way, I was on the phone to wish
him a happy 83rd birthday. He'll be getting checked out by a doctor in the nest few weeks to determine whether or not he's cancer-free.

AN OLD FAVORITE
In the spirit of ending things on a lighter note (just like the "kicker" story at the end of a newscast) I must say I've rediscovered one of life's simpler pleasures. I'm not sure why I got the bug to go and get them but the other day at the grocery store I pulled a box of Cap'n Crunch with Crunch Berries of the shelf and threw it in the cart. Now, trust me, this small effort got a huge look of concern from my wife. But, I told Michele how it had been about a decade since I bought a box of this stuff, and part of my purpose was to share the thrill of the crunch berry with Eryn. Well, let me just say "mission accomplished". Eryn loves them, and I have found a new friend in the morning time. Don't worry, Bacon and Eggs, I'll still be having you join me from time to time.

Enjoy the thaw - if one ever gets here!!!

Erik

WORK ZONE!!!

Hello. Thanks for dropping by. I'm re-configuring my blog right now so it'll be down for a few days. It's mostly behind the scenes stuff so when it returns it shouldn't look too much different.

In the meantime, PLEASE get a NOAA weather radio. Storm season is fast approaching and since TVs don't yet come with alarms a weather radio could save your life!

Back soon,

Erik