On Saturday, Day 17, Georgia arranged for me to be a CO (that’s Civilian Observer for you folks not in the know) at a 911 Call Center. What a fascinating behind-the-scenes place to be.

 

I have renewed respect for these folks. Their mental and physical reflexes have to be so quick and accurate that it’s scary. Imagine having to decide within 15 seconds of answering a call whether it’s life threatening or not. Now add to that the fact the caller is 9 times out of 10 hysterical and unable to communicate clearly. Complicate the situation exponentially by introducing other elements - police cars, dispatchers, helicopters, other agencies - and everything happens at the speed of light and within short distances.

 

While I was there a kidnapping, which started out as a trivial shoplifting, occurred. Two young women were caught stealing from a store, and when arrested told the officers that their relatives were being held hostage while they were forced to shoplift. My first reaction was - not a bad story. It turned out to be the truth and the life of a six year old and a teenager were in danger.

 

A car chase followed but we never heard the end of the tale as the shift changed. Durned rotten luck.

 

 Not only that yesterday I saw F16s up close, herds of ‘em. You can’t take close up pictures of them, of course, but I've attached a pic a few of them in the garage (too cute the notion of big, bad fighter jets having a garage).

 

We’re off today en route to Tombstone and El Paso.

 

It seemed such a short stay and Georgia and I had so much fun. Not to mention that I’ve fallen in love with her grandbabies…Her grandbabies sons- I’m not ready for any of my own yet, not for maybe a decade or so.

 

And Team Canada won Gold!!! Yaaaay Cannucks!

 

 

Cheers,