Introduction

Dear Friends and Followers,


I have been thinking for some time to start a blog as an outlet for publishing some of my thoughts.  I use Facebook but I find the format and length restrictive. Friends have asked for more information and I handle a lot of personal correspondence via email.  I have distinct opinions which I generally don't mind sharing so this should offer a good way to presenting those opinions and allowing my friends to tap into my thoughts in their own time.  I have set myself certain rules, however, for this blog:

1. I will endeavor not to be mean-spirited in any fashion
2. I will try to be entertaining without being rude
3. I will be informative while (hopefully) not being preachy

Basically, I want my mom to be able to read this without being disappointed  with me.  I guess that is not such a bad yardstick for acceptable blog content.

Structure is important.  Therefore, my blog entries will have a specific internal structure:

• Part 1:  Location Notes - this is a section where I will write about where I am at the time of the blog and what is happening in that location.  I will include comments regarding a) places to stay, b) places to eat, c) places to relax and party and d) places to shop.  You know, the important things!

• Part 2:  Upcoming Travel - In this section, I will preview where I will be in the immediate future in case you want to track my whereabouts or request specific information on one of the places that I visit.

• Part 3:  My Rant - I will rant a little about something that I care about.  I will try to make the rants non-political and certainly non-offensive, but you may not agree with my rants.  I apologize in advance if this is the case.

• Part 4:  Humor Section - After my rant, I'll try to lighten things up with a joke or a humorous story.  You may not like each and every posting in this section but hopefully you will smile and chuckle instead of groan.

• Part 5:  Last Blast - this section will be freeform where I'll write about anything that I choose.

Well, that is about all of the structure that I can live with in my life.  So, let's give this a shot.  Let me know what you think about this ...