|
| |
 | 06/26/11: BLOG
DISCONTINUED! |
| 06/26/11: Wow! Has it
really been a year and a half since I was on this website? I guess my band
has been keeping me pretty busy...but our 1st CD just came out, and it's
doing okay. Now I'm involved in a rock project as well, so details when they
become public are forthcoming. |
The Beast is in the shop AGAIN! Every season that
bike breaks down and I never have any cash to repair it. I'm so sick and tired
of being broke all the time. All I want to do is ride and forget my troubles,
and I can't even do that.
I'm shutting down this website. with Facebook, it's
redundant. so there won't be any more entries. Catch me on Facebook if you
want to get up to date.
| 01/01/10: The New Year
rang in with the genesis of my new band NEON WATSON & THE
FLUORESCENTS,
a blues/rock band (some country in there too) in Turlock Ca. I am bloody
jazzed to be back in the music scene at this level, with a great band too.
Keep checking back for updates. Working on a MySpace presence; I can't
figure that site out to save my soul... |
| 10/20/09: The National
Council of English Teachers National Gallery of Writing published my short
story, "Snapshot" today. The link on their website takes the
reader to this website. http://galleryofwriting.org/writing/157232
. |
| 09/18/09: Last month I
did some upgrades to the "Beast" and made it about six blocks on
the test drive before the tranny blew. Just got 'er back today, and it sure
feels nice to be back in the saddle! Hoping to hook up with Jus
Brothers San Jose Chapter tomorrow for their run, because ole' Steve Kamikaze
and I haven't run into each other for quite a while. It'll be good to see
the Blue & Grey again. |
Won tickets to Crosby,
Stills, & Nash at the Ironstone vineyards tomorrow night. Man, these
guys go all the way back to Woodstock! Can't wait to see them live.
Hey, don't forget that tomorrow, September 19th, is NATIONAL
TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY! You know what you have to do!
See ya' in the wind!
| 08/05/09: Well, how
about that! Went up to Tahoe/Reno for some camping action this weekend with
Rockin' Robin & SuperMike. Now, pretty much everybody jokes about how my
Harley is always breaking down on road trips, but this time it was mostly
the '87 LeadWing that gave us problems. |
Yeh, the Harley stripped it's running lights brackets
and that got us off to a late start in near 100-degree weather, but soon we
were under way. Did I forget to mention SuperMike was towing a trailer behind
his LeadWing? Anyway, right about Placerville we discover two primary towing
supports on the Wing were not even attached! That set us back a while with a
rear end teardown, jury-rigged repair, and reassembly.
By the time we got to Tahoe we were in no mood to
pitch camp, so we checked in to the Horizon
Hotel. What a shithole! Never go
there. The door looked like it had been kicked in, there was trash in the
room, the mattresses were ancient and lumpy; nobody got any real sleep, and
there was blood in the bathroom.
Went all the way to Reno and checked in to the Nugget
(finally a nice place with good service). Stayed and lost a couple hunskies,
and as we got ready to leave Sunday, we discovered SuperMike's LeadWing was
missing a massive hunk of tread off his new Metzler rear tire! Had to stay
another day to find a tire, and then the whole teardown and reassembly
operation on the Wing rear end repeated. Oh, yes; in the hot afternoon sun, of
course.
Made it close to home when me and Shortcake got a
call on the cell phone. Apparently her kid got pissed about a video game and
CALLED THE COPS ON HIS COUSIN! Glad to be back home (?).
| 6/28/09: Had a GREAT
ride with Little Ricky G, Super Mike, Rockin' Robin, Tiny Tammy, and
Shortcake a couple of weeks ago. We started out in Turlock, picked up a
couple of riders in Manteca, got a couple more in Tracy, then headed to the
Bay Area via Niles Canyon. That has always been a sweet road. From there we
made a beeline down 880 South to Los Gatos at the base of the Santa Cruz
mountains. We cut over to Saratoga, and then rode Highway 9 all the way to
Boulder Creek. We stopped and had a few cold ones at the Boulder
Creek Brewing Company, where the beer is tasty and cold and the
customers are laid back mountain folk. |
From Boulder Creek we made our way to the coast
through the remaining dozen or so miles of twisties on Highway 9, and laid out
at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,
where they had a free concert on the beach stage. Not too shabby... the
womenfolk were wearing next to nothing, and the menfolk were out there trying
to impress them. Just a great day in the sun.
As the temperatures began to drop, we moved on out
from the beach toward Half Moon Bay and had dinner at the Flying
Fish Grill. This place seats like 28 people tops (with an outdoor overflow
area), but the food is phenomenal. I had a scrumptious jambalaya, Shortcake
had a crab sandwich. This stop if a must if you're heading up or down Highway
1.
The sun was setting, so it was off to San Francisco
to the Lion Pub
where we enjoyed fresh crushed and squeezed cocktails (some of the best in the
state) with complimentary gourmet cheese and crackers. If you go here, keep
your eyes on the addresses or you'll miss it. It's mostly a Pacific Heights
neighborhood bar, but well worth the stop.
After drinks, it was over the Bay Bridge through the
quieter dark of midnight with the steel girders flanking us on both sides as
we crossed the water. The yellow bridge lighting on the lower eastbound level
makes for a surreal feel when combined with the oscillating engine sounds
intermittently bouncing off the girders; it's almost like you're traveling
through space....or could it have been the mojitos? Have to think about that
one.
We left at 8am and got home at 2pm, completely
exhausted and satisfied. For the first time in my life I procrastinated
unloading the bike until the next day. I was out before I hit the pillow.
Talk about a ride! Later on in the week Little Ricky
G said when he finally ate it he wanted that to be his memorial ride. We all
decided he needed to hang out a bit longer and make more memories!
See ya' in the wind! Dyna-Mike out!
| 05/08/09: I
have been so busy with work I really haven't kept up with this website. I'm
not sure how many folks are still reading it, but it's paid for, so, what
the heck. |
After a layoff scare I received another contract for
the 2009-2010 school year, so that is a huge relief. It's good to have a job.
Times are tough when that's all it takes to constitute a "good day at
work."
I'm moving into an older, bigger house at the
beginning of June 2009, so watch for the Housewarming Party
announcement...it's be coming up real soon. Plenty of room for some quality
entertaining at the next place.
| 02/14/09: It's
been a long time, nearly seven months. I've been busy teaching 9th grade
English at Turlock High School in Turlock CA. It looks like they may have to
lay me off as the new hire, because of the State budget crisis in
California, and the habitual raiding of educational funds whenever the state
needs cash due to mismanagement. At my age, I really don't know how I'll
bounce back if the worst happens; I'm competing against seasoned teachers
with many years experience. This economy is going straight to hell. |
We have a new President, but I thing too many people
are placing too much hope on one man. The President doesn't run the country,
he handles appointments, foreign affairs, and the military. Congress runs the
country, and all they do is stop the "other side" from getting
anything done...EVER.
But every day's a new day. We'll run with that
thought.....
| 07/21/08: My book
The Gifts of Eden is three
chapters from completion. This work started in February of 2002, so it's
been a long time coming. I have begun shopping around for a publisher, a
daunting task to be sure. If I fail to sign on with any traditional
publishing houses, I will most likely self-publish and hope word of mouth
boosts circulation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for now. |
My new job at Turlock High School as a ninth-grade
English Language Arts teacher is coming up fast! I'm quite excited about this
new endeavor, and I hope to inspire young writers, as I was once inspired
myself.
| 06/16/08: My
daughter Melissa is getting married this Saturday June 21st 2008. Her
intended, Jonathan, is a hard-working and respectful young man who treats my
daughter with care and love. I will be performing the wedding myself. This
will be the high point of my summer! |
| 06/15/08: As of
Monday June 16th 2008 same-sex weddings are legal in California. As a licensed
Deist minister in the State of California, I am able to perform these
weddings anywhere in the state, and yes, I do intend to perform them. |
For those of you that have a problem with same-sex
marriages, I have only this to say: It is hard enough to find someone to love
for a lifetime in the first place. If someone wants to solemnize his or her
relationship with a public and official tradition and ceremony, I think that's
great, regardless of the circumstances. And in case you're wondering, no, I am
not gay, and my mate is female. I am just not hung up on people's romantic or
sexual preferences.
It seems to me that we have bigger fish to fry than
worrying about who loves whom. Myself, I'm preoccupied with the Middle East
Wars, a sinking economy, a suffocating environment, and drugs, alcohol and
violence in the schools and neighborhoods. I'm too busy trying to live my own
life to worry about what my neighbor might be doing with his or her
significant other.
And for those who consider non-heterosexual activity
an evil thing, let me remind you of a couple of facts:
- Nearly every heterosexual in America has at least
occasionally committed what was once considered a crime and an abhorrence
to society, such as oral sex or anal sex. Yes, there was a time when these
activities and propensities landed you in jail, even if you were married
to the other person.
- Statistically 10% of the population is homosexual
or bisexual. So the next time you're with nine friends, look around the
room. If it's nobody else, then surprise: It might just be you!
Folks, the "main thing" is to keep the
"main thing" the "main thing." What is the "main
thing?" To live and let live. It's that simple. Don't be so concerned
about how others live their lives if they're not harming you; rather, focus on
living the kind of life that makes your existence worthwhile and significant.
Remember, tomorrow is not promised to any of us.
| 05/18/08: I finally
was hired on at Turlock High School, teaching college prep freshman English.
I'm really looking forward to working with these fine folks. You know, in
these times of reputed layoffs as much as 20,000 teachers right here in CA,
I'm pretty darn fortunate to find a job at all, let alone in the same town I
live in. Looks like I'm here to stay! |
| 03/24/08: I just
have to say this. With the recent harassment the Feds and local "gang
task force" agencies have been putting Central CA motorcycle clubs and
even their mechanics through, I just want to address my fraternity bros and
students who are going into law enforcement. DON'T LET YOUR POSITION OF
AUTHORITY BECOME TAINTED BY TURNING CORRUPT & POWER-DRUNK! |
| 02/23/08: Saturday
March 1st will be my domestic partner Valerie's Birthday Party, combined
with my daughter Melissa's Birthday Party at my Turlock townhouse. Drop on
by and pay your respects; I'm sure they'll appreciate it. |
I've been looking for teaching jobs in the local area
but not much is coming up just yet. the CA budget shortfalls and resultant
education cutbacks are killing the school districts, so new positions are
getting harder to find.
Me and some buds are heading up to Reno in May to
catch RUSH in concert. Those guys kick butt! We're taking a limo from the hotel
to the show and back so we can stay stress-free the whole night long. This will be great.
Too bad they don't let us take photos there, they would look great on my pics
pages.
Looking forward to warmer weather so I can get back
out on the "Beast" again and get some wind in my face.
| 01/21/08: The weather
has been pretty chilly, and my age is starting to show. The
"beast" has been pretty much in the garage waiting for some
springtime weather. Lots of schoolwork and teaching, not much else going on. |
Daughter Melissa getting married this June. Guess I'd
better start preparing for that! Y'all stay cool!
| 12/09/07: The holiday
season is in full swing, and I hope everyone is having a good time. My bike
is back in the shop for some corrections & improvements, so I' haven't
been in the saddle all that much lately.
Student teaching is going well. I should be a
full-time employee by the end of next Spring 2998. That's about 16 weeks and
counting! Maybe I can start paying down some of those student loans then!
This website is winding down, because when I start
teaching full-time I won't be able to maintain a website, but the basics
regarding family friends and hobbies will remain intact as far as I know. |
| 10/21/07: Winter is
closing in, the clocks are rolled back, and the heavy leathers are out.
There are lots of charity runs coming up; Y'all let me know if you want to
roll with me to some of them. |
For those of you "in the know," I recently
had a very brief stint as a hangaround with a local club which didn't quite
pan out. Much respect to the men for giving me a shot, and I'm sorry it didn't
work out. Maybe I'll just stick to riding independent and teaching my classes
for a while. 'Nuff said 'bout that.
| 10/21/07: Been busier
than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest. My student teaching at
Turlock Junior High school is going well. I student teach three classes per
day, then I have college classes from 4pm to 7 or 8 Monday thru Wednesday. I
have homework the rest of the week, and riding on the weekends. Wow. It's
all good, I'm living la vida loca! |
| 08/30/07: The hawg
is rebuilt and will be reassembled next week @ Road Dogs in Denair. While
they had it apart I had them go through the whole thing and update gaskets,
brakes, etc. throughout the bike. It will be virtually brand new when I get
it back! |
I took the precaution of adding a
Harley-Davidson OEM cooling fan designed to protect the engine from future
overheating scenarios.
This solution is better than an oil cooler because at
a zero MPH idle, an oil cooler does not function; it requires wind to remove
the displaced heat from the engine just like the rest of the engine. An oil
cooler will assist with lowering oil temperature when the vehicle is in
motion, but the cooling fins on the heads are already designed to do that.
Plus, an oil cooler needs a bypass/shutoff valve or the bike runs like shit in
cold weather due to excess cooling.
Conversely, the cooling fan cools the oil in the
engine top end whenever it starts getting too hot. It provides the cooling
wind the lack of motion at a standstill is depriving the engine of, around 140
- 160 cubic feet per minute! It's activated & deactivated by an automatic
thermostat. You have to relocate the horn to install it because the fan covers
60% of the left side of both heads.
If I had this device sooner, my engine would not have
melted down in Yosemite as described below. This will really come in
handy in Nevada where cutting the whiteline during traffic jams is
illegal. We've all gotten stuck in downtown Carson City on the way to Street
Vibrations, or at the left turn into Hollister where the traffic backs up for
five miles at a standstill. Don't let a meltdown like mine happen to you!
There are lots of aftermarket cooling fans out there.
I bought the OEM unit because it clearly covers much more of the engine, and
because it was specifically designed by Harley-Davidson for my year, make, and
model motorcycle. To learn more, here is some data:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dyna Fan Kit
Now available for FXD models, this fan kit keeps your V-Twin
cool during parade duty or when you're stuck in city traffic. The fan reduces
oil temperature by over 20 degrees (measured at the tank). Designed for use on
FXDP Police vehicle, this fan will last for the long haul.
#91551-00A
Black - Fits '96-later Dyna models.
#91552-00
Chrome - Fits ’96-later Dyna models.
http://www.suburbanharley.com/catalog/productdetails.cfm?ProductID=1744
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the way, you can order this device at any
Harley-Davidson shop. If you have a Victory or other air cooled machine, you
can go online and find a generic unit.
| 08/05/07: The
Harley is dead and in the shop due to an arrogant and untrained Yosemite
Valley Ranger who refused to let me shut it down and push it in order to
prevent overheating during a four-hour traffic jam on Memorial Day 2007.
During the encounter with the Ranger I was detained for twenty minutes, I had
a complete DOJ background check run on me, and I was threatened with confiscation
of my motorcycle. Afterward, somebody asked why I was into the
"biker" lifestyle, and I responded with the
following explanation. It talks about bikers versus motorcycling
enthusiasts. Hope you enjoy it: |
"Don’t
get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with being just a motorcycle
enthusiast; most of my friends fall into this category. I love riding with
them because they get out so seldom they’re thrilled when they finally do.
Their enthusiasm is uplifting. A motorcyclist loves to ride, but a large
part of their
life doesn’t revolve around riding and hanging with those that ride. Biker
lifestyle is different; it’s not for everyone, in fact, it’s not for
very many at all. Being a biker isn’t a hobby, it’s a way of life.
It’s a fierce passion for riding and freedom in all aspects of life.
It’s being yourself no matter what anyone else thinks about it. It’s
about standing up for what you believe in, regardless of the consequences.
It’s about knowing the odds are against you and going your own way despite
that fact. It’s about being regarded by society at times as undesirable
and smiling at the ignorance thereof. It’s about not backing down in
matters of principle. It’s about understanding that not all laws are good
ones, and believing one can love their country and mistrust their government at
the same time. It’s about being a stand-up man whose loyalty is always
beyond question or dispute. It’s a mindset rather than a hobby; a way of
life rather than a pastime. I can’t tell you exactly when I crossed the
line because it wasn’t a decision, it was more of an evolution or
progression, and I wouldn’t change it for anything."
| 06/22/07: Graduated
June 2nd with my BA in English, and have already started Credentialing
Programs classes for the summer. Was planning on doing a lot of riding, but
looks like the money isn't there for that, so will focus on school and
getting back to work as soon as possible after credentialing. |
Samantha is having her 14th birthday pool party/BBQ
here on June 30th at 1pm, y'all come!
Keep checking the Calendar
for upcoming events & rides.
| 05/23/07: I can't
believe it's finally here! I just this minute finished the final paper for
my Senior year. I'm done with college! (Until Summer Semester starts in two
weeks.) I'm graduating with my BA in English unless I seriously bombed one
of my finals, which I doubt. Next semester, Graduate school in the
Credentialing Program. After that, TESOL (Teachers of English
to Students of Other Languages) certification for one
semester. then I start teaching 7th grade English, Speech, and Composition.
Yes, folks, I'm an educated biker. I'm here to prove that you CAN have it
all... a fun life, an education, friends from all walks of life from
ministers to bikers to teachers to musicians...and still do everything well.
Life is short. I never say "What if?" I always say "Why
Not!" That's what I want on my Tombstone (that and a little
pepperoni...). |
| 05/03/07: The
semester (my last before my B.A. in English) has been brutal. Sorry I
haven't been updating things. My son was burned in an industrial accident
and the family was responding to that for a few weeks, but it looks like
he's going to be all right now. My graduation ceremony is at CSUStanislaus
in Turlock CA at 8am for anybody interested in coming. There will be a party
at my condo across the street immediately afterwards. Everyone is invited. |
I'll be taking the summer off before I start the
graduate credentialing program at CSUS, so now is the time to catch up on some
riding and jamming! Gimmie a call if you want to hit the road or play some
music!
| 03/26/07: The Theta
Chi Fraternity Eta Tau Chapter's April 1 2007 All-Sorority Serenade is
coming up. Theta Chi Brothers needing MP3's & lyrics can get them here.
Also, the Theta Chi Fraternity Eta Tau Chapter (CSU Stanislaus) website has
been shut down. We are now using the MySpace service, since that seems to be
the direction everybody's going in these days. Here
is the link. |
Went to a breakfast event at Dick's Place in
Crows Landing Sunday March 25th. Everybody was there! I'm really
glad to see all the clubs showin' the love for each other at these events in
the Central Valley.
Also, the Seekers MC Meadows Depot run will be on
Sunday April 1st as well. Bring nice things for the children at Meadows Depot.
This is a heartwarming event for sure every year.
| 03/11/07: I have been
busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kickin' contest since school began!
It has been really intense. I'm planning on taking the summer off to chill
and get some riding time in. Today my son Sean and daughter Melissa are
having their combined Birthday Party at my Turlock townhouse, and I'm
looking forward to a great time. Yesterday a local biker club
had their 6th
annual bash at Mountain House, just west of Tracy CA. Man, there had to have
been at least 20 biker clubs there. It was great to see my friends from Jus
Brothers, some of whom knew of me before I even met them! Another thrill was
seeing the missing members from the former Loose Nuts MC back at Mountain
House with their new friends. If you don't know what I'm talking about,
don't worry about it. Bunch of good guys, and I'm really proud of them all. I'd
be really surprised if this run didn't make it into the Thunder Press. If
not, well, their loss. |
| 02/05/07: The Winter
'07 semester has ended and I got another "A". I'm on vacation for
another week and then back to school for my final semester. Not much else
going on. I hope the weather gets warmer soon because the Harley-Davidson is
looking ready to ride these days! My Son Sean will be 18 and my daughter
Melissa will be 24 next month, so I'm having a combined Birthday Party for
them both on Sunday March 11th from noon until 5pm. If you want to come out,
you're welcome! This will be a good time to meet the rest of the family and
friends. |
| 12/28/06: Two months
since I updated this site. I've been pretty busy with school and the
holidays. Anyway, if you haven't seen the new movie "BeerFest",
you should rent it. It's horrible, but if you drink a few beers and then
watch it, it's pretty fun. I added a clip of a fantastic
belch, I'm sure you'll enjoy it! |
| 10/31/06: The Theta Chi
Fall 2006 Sorority Serenade was a ton of fun! We serenaded ALL the
sororities on campus, honored Ms. Leah Knipe as the Fall 2006 "Dream
Girl of Theta Chi," sang, "Happy Birthday" to Stephanie, gave
long-stemmed red carnations (our fraternity flower) to the Dream Girl, the
Birthday Girl, and the Sorority Chapter Presidents, had a professional
photographer do a photo shoot, and passed out Hershey's Kisses so all the
girls could get a "kiss" from Theta Chi! The singing was certainly
not professional, but everybody had lots of fun! Check out the video here:
Link to Sorority Serenade Fall 2006. |
| 10/23/06: This is the funniest
MP3 I've heard lately. Check it out! |
| 10/21/06: Theta Chi
Fraternity will be Serenading ALL the sororities of CSUStanislaus on Sunday
night October 29th at 8pm. MP3's &
lyrics available here. Yes, we are truly the 'Gentlemen Sweethearts' on
campus! |
| 09/23/06: School
has been keeping me awfully busy, but I'm making time to ride up to Reno for
the Street
Vibrations biker festival. I've also listed some upcoming events I'll
plan on attending in my Calendar, be sure to check it out. The Theta
Chi Fraternity Ride The Ox Party Fundraiser was a smashing success! Let me know if
you want to ride together to any of these events. Got a chance to visit my
Mother Pamela, Step-Father Lynn, Brother Tim, Brother John, and John's wife
Maria over the last few weeks. It's great to have a family! I won't be
posting much this semester, because they're not much going on other than
school and an occasional ride. See ya in the wind! |
| 09/07/06: School
started yesterday, and man, am I underwater! I won't be posting much for the
next several months, until the winter break, because I've begun my Senior
year, and am moving into postgraduate courses as well. Between philanthropy,
community service, and academic activities, I won't have much time to spare,
nor will much interesting be happening. But stay tuned, because you never
know! |
| 08/22/06: Motorcycle
somewhat repaired, and boy, have I been riding! Went to the Santa Cruz
Beach-Boardwalk for my little brother's belated birthday celebration with
the whole family. Pics here. A
great time was had by all! tomorrow Mom, Step-Dad (Lynn), and little brother
Tim are coming to visit me for a couple of days, so I'm pretty jazzed about
that. More to come! |
| 07/31/06: I met
my recently discovered brother John yesterday and we went riding motorcycles
all over the Santa Cruz mountains with my friends from Central CA. What a
great time we had! I met my new sister-in-law Maria, and had a wonderful day
of sun, friendship, and getting acquainted. Next Sunday august 6th 2006, I
get to meet the rest of my family! Really looking forward to that! |
| |
| 07/28/06: The DNA
matches! I have officially found my family! We'll be getting together in
august 2006. More to follow! |
| 07/26/06: Sent in
my DNA test for confirmation of my biological family's connection to me. I
should know within 10 days for sure. I'm on pins and needles! Also, DON'T
FORGET PEOPLE, this weekend is my half-century birthday celebration, and
everybody's invited! Here's the schedule of events...
 | Friday July 28th 2006: Movies,
pizza, beer, then off to the clubs in Modesto to party! |
| Saturday July 29th 2006: Pool/BBQ/Open
Stage Microphone party; noon to 8pm. Child appropriate; bring your lawn
chairs, sunscreen, swimsuits, kids, and celebrate with us all! |
| Sunday July 30th 2006: Motorcycle
ride to the coast, or other sweet destination!
 | During the three-day birthday
celebration, I'll be filming interviews with my entire family so I
can present the completed movie to my biological family when we meet
in August 2006. I'd like as many friends as possible to participate
in this as well, to give a global view of who I am, and what I'm
about. |
|
|
| 07/21/06: I've
added a WebPage with photos of me from age 8 to present. Click
here to see the photos. It's interesting how little has changed in all
this time. Also found a pic of my first wife Joyce Dempsey and put it at the
bottom of my family
photos page. |
| 07/14/06: This just
keeps getting better. Apparently birth records originally created in
hospitals are assigned a unique number. When an adoption takes place, a new
birth certificate is created with the adopted parent's information in place
of the biological parent's data. But the unique number remains the exact
same as the original. If one compares the original against the adopted
certificate and the numbers match, it is the same person. My original number
was compared against my adopted certificate on July 13th, and they matched.
I have, in fact, found my biological family after almost 50 years! Whoa!
What a rush! |
| 07/11/06: On July 28
1956, a young girl gave birth to a boy in Santa Clara County. On his birth
certificate, her maiden name "Oggeson" was given. The father's
name was listed as "Osborne," although he was not available at the
time for absolute confirmation. The child was whisked away for adoption
under the name, "Baby Boy Osborne." Due to a paperwork glitch,
Baby Boy Osborne bounced from the Children's Home Society orphanage in San
Jose CA to various foster homes. Prior to his 3rd birthday, Baby Boy Osborne
was adopted by Max & Theresa Watson of Santa Clara CA, and given the
name Michael Watson. Shortly afterwards, the Watson's adopted a girl, and
named her Rozanne Watson. The children were raised Catholic, and attended
parochial schools. His entire life, Michael wondered about his biological
family, and what had become of them. Due to the nature of a closed adoption,
a cruel and tyrannical system that is rarely used in modern times, all his
searches ended inconclusively. After years of searching, Michael gave up
trying to find his family. Michael Watson joined the military in 1974.
Rozanne moved out in 1978. Max divorced Theresa in 1979. Rozanne and Michael
were estranged in the 1990's for a still unknown reason. Max died in 2004.
Theresa severed all contact with Michael in a dispute over some property
formerly belonging to Max in 2005. Michael was alone again, with no idea who
his real family was, where he came from, or what his origin was. In July
2006, on a fluke, Michael signed up on a lost person's website. Within 24
hours, four separate volunteers had located Miss Oggeson and two of her
daughters. Michael phoned the daughters, and it seemed that he had found his
long-lost family. Pending DNA confirmation, a fifty-year chapter in the
lives of these people has been resolved. The wound of a lifetime in
Michael's life may now begin to heal. Only so many boys were born on July
28th 1956 in Santa Clara County hospital. Of those, only so many were given
up for adoption. Of those, only one was Baby Boy Osborne. To anyone reading
this, rejoice with me. For the first time in my life, I have the hope of
being reunited with my lost family. Of all my many and varied adventures
over 50 years, this has been the most remarkable. |
| 07/11/06: What a day!
Most folks know I was adopted just before my 3rd birthday after living in
foster homes and an orphanage for over two years, and that I have been
searching for my biological family for decades. I came close a few times,
but nothing ever panned out upon further investigation. Well, today the tide
turned. Several "Search Angels", volunteers who help adopted
families locate their biological families, discovered what appears to be my
mother, older sister, and younger sister! You could have knocked me over
with a feather! After speaking to whom I believe to be my older sister, we
are both pretty sure we have a match. Too many facts are aligned for this to
be a coincidence. So we are going to have DNA testing done for absolute
confirmation. It seems Providence has smiled upon me once again, as the
dream of a lifetime, and my greatest wound, are about to be resolved. My
grandson was adopted, and my daughter spoke to me prior to the decision. I
advised her to go with an open adoption, so the child could locate his
parents if he wanted to later on. She took this advice, and I am happy to
say I know his adopted parents, and they are wonderful, loving people. As
for me, I have a lot of catching up to do. I'll be 50 years old in two
weeks! Stay
tuned for details! |
| 07/08/06: Rather quiet
the past week. My health has been a bit negative, since my arthritis and
myalgic encephalomylitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue and Immunosystem
Disorder Syndrome (CFIDS) has been acting up, resulting in extreme fatigue,
dizziness, nausea, and a general feeling of malaise. This happens sometimes
when the weather gets over 90 degrees. With any luck I'll be back up to par
within a few days. The flare-ups can last a few weeks at a time, but its
been a while since that happened. So, all quiet on the western front! |
| 07/02/06: Attended
the Hollister Un-Rally yesterday, suffered mild heat exhaustion, and am
still trying to get over that. Quite a few of the police there were
1960's-style complete asshole pigs, pulling over bikes and towing them for
tags, modified exhaust, and other petty bullshit like that. They were just
throwing a tantrum for the city refusing to pay up the $350,000 the police
demanded for protection for the event, which was cancelled because of that
ridiculous demand. So the police had a stick up their ass all day, and it
was obvious. The bikers responded by showing up anyway and having a freakin'
great time. One well-known outlaw biker club showed up stone cold sober and
then started acting drunk whenever the cops were near, trying to provoke the
cops into an unfounded drunk in public arrest. A couple of members of the
most famous outlaw biker club showed up and observed the legal speed limit,
while wearing legal DOT approved helmets, idling past all the cops, laughing
the whole time. Those cops got so pissed they were fuming! They were just
itching for trouble, but we weren't giving it to them. It was hysterical!
We'll be back in even bigger force next year, you can bet your life, and the
cops won't get a penny then either! Separate
item: Everybody's been asking why I left
Christianity and became a Deist, and what the heck is a Deist anyway? So I
added a Webpage explaining all that. Here is the link God,
Religion, and Why I Converted to Deism. |
| 06/19/06: Last
Weekend was fun. Valerie, Kevin, and me rode up to Lake Tahoe for a couple
of days. The weather was fantastic, and the scenery was off the hook! I put
a couple of pics on the Motorcycle Page.
Had to cancel my activities for the immediate future, wound up having emergency
minor surgery Friday June 16 & again on Monday June 19, with more
invasive surgery upcoming within a week or so. What a royal pain in the ass! Had to miss
a local MC run, what a bummer! Hope to be back in the saddle soon.
Started summer classes at CSUStanislaus
last Monday, so I'll be pretty busy for awhile trying to catch up. |
| 06/08/06: Just
got back from a two-day ride through
Yosemite National Park. The waterfalls were as full as I've ever seen
them, and the rivers were near overflowing. What a great way to spend a
summer afternoon! |
| 06/01/06: Last
final tonight, pretty frazzled, I'll be glad when this semester is done.
Palm Pilot fried & I had to get another one, really couldn't afford it,
but had to have it. Going motorcycling next week, two trips. 2 days up the
N. CA coast, and 2 days in Tahoe. Really looking forward to that. Summer
school in 10 days, then back to the old grindstone. Just updated my
calendar, and got rid of the upper graphics; too much work to maintain. The
older format I've returned to should be easier to follow. |
| 05/21/06: Sigma
Tau Delta English Honors Society CSUStanislaus Chapter Alpha Mu Xi Induction
Ceremony on Saturday May 20th was cool. I brought home another
certificate to decorate my wall & resume! Went to the 80's
Invasion Concert in Stockton. Naked Eyes kicked ass! Flock of Seagulls,
well, I didn't fall asleep while they played. Missing Persons were totally
missing! The guitarist was awesome. The lead singer was on some kind of
drugs, or stone deaf, or drunk, or something. She was so freakin' bad we
walked out halfway through the first set. I feel soiled. I don't even want a
refund, I want the hour of my life I wasted enduring her drug /
alcohol-crazed screeching back! Off, damned stain! |
| 05/19/06: Finals
Week approaches at CSUStanislaus. I am drowning. Looking forward to some
ridin' in June so I can clear my head before I start my high intensity
Spanish classes. Checking out the 80's concert in Stockton tonite. that
should be a nice pressure relief! |
| 04/30/06: Today, Theta Chi Fraternity, Eta
Tau Chapter elected me Marshall for Fall 2006. This is indeed a great
honor & responsibility. I will be responsible for the education and
initiation of the Fall 2006 New Member class. Much respect to my Fraternity
Brothers for their trust. |
| 04/29/06: The
Medieval Maidens MC had their 2nd annual Panty
Run today, kind of like a poker run, except the playing cards are hidden
behind panties on a pegboard. Pretty much every motorcycle club was in
attendance, and the whole day was a gas! If you have to limit your
activities to one run a year, this might be one to seriously consider. Club
president "Little Princess" came from the Devil
Dolls MC out of San Francisco, and started her own club later on. the
Medieval Maidens MC has grown to be one of the major players in the
motorcycling community within a couple of short years. You go, girls! |
| 04/21/06: Attended
my first Modified
Motorcycle Association meeting in the Turlock
area since I moved here. A bro from the Turlock Chapter of a local biker
club hooked me up with the biker
scene down this way, so I met dozens of good people at Dick's Place, where
they hold the monthly get-togethers every third Friday. MMA is an
association of bikers representing pretty much all the biker clubs in the
area, who lobby for political change favoring bikers and biker rights. It's
all about personal freedom and preventing the whole "Big Brother"
syndrome from getting any worse than it is right now. It doesn't matter if you're a liberal or a conservative, protecting your
personal freedoms is what it's all about. ONE
MORE THING... I just published an article
on my Motorcycle Page titled, "What
is a Biker?", and added a link to another article on joining a
motorcycle club. Check 'em out. Pretty interesting stuff! |
| 04/17/06: Easter
Party 2006 at biker bro' Ed Phillip's house was a gas. A few of us hung
out in the garage and had a blues/rock jam session. Sounded a little painful
at first, but once everybody got warmed up we did pretty good. Check out the
pics! |
| 04/15/06: Yeah!
Great to hook up with the clubs today! Check out the pics! |
| 04/14/06: Spring
Break is finally here! Saturday going to hang out with some bros, haven't seen those guys for
days because of school and moving and all that rot. Watch for pics in the Motorcycling
Photos section. Had a BLAST with the Greeks at College Night with the Modesto
"Nuts" baseball game. Check out the pics
here. Happy Easter, everybody! |
| 04/05/06: HEY!
Due to popular demand, I just published the first ten chapters or so of my
new novel in process, "The Gifts of
Eden." Check it out! |
| 04/03/06: Theta Chi
Spring Retreat this weekend. Hopefully I can stay caught up with my
schoolwork and still stay on top of my social activities. Made the Dean's
Lisa again, and won a $250 scholarship. Gave the money to the John Tooma
Scholarship fund in honor of a dead Fraternity brother. |
| 03/20/06: My new
Theta Chi "Little Bro' was assigned last night. Will W. I'm looking
forward to showin' him the ropes. I know he'll be someone who is down for
anything fun or good. Getting tired of all the rain lately. Can't wait for
ridin' season! |
| 03/14/06: Moved in
completely to the Turlock
townhouse. Wouldn't you know it, the day before
the ol' lady gets laid off! Can you believe that? Now she's scrambling
for a job before we run flat out of money. So if anybody has got a job for a
secretary, administrative assistant, business software applications
specialist or (she's pretty cute) a cocktail waitress, by golly, get ahold
of me ASAP! School is burying me; I'm so busy I pass myself coming home as
I'm leaving! Still looking for a home for Cody and Jenna, my dogs. Ask me
& I'll show you the pics... |
| 02/24/06: Gotta love
the bros! My pups have found homes (probably), and I'm delighted to know
they'll be in the same town I'm moving to! Husky/Shepherd/Wolf/Samoyed
mix...great guard, alarm, and companion dogs. It's all coming together for
me. Just laid out several hundred dollars for deposits for utilities, and
all that other stuff I forgot about that comes with getting a new house. If
I have any money to live on it'll be a miracle, but at least I'll be right
across the street from campus! Man, I can't wait until this move is over. |
| 02/17/06: Got the word
today, I've been approved for the townhouse across the street from school!
Pretty excited about moving closer in to where it's all happening for me!
Happy happy, joy joy! |
| 02/13/06: School
starting tomorrow, and I'm trippin' a bit. I hope I didn't load up with too
many units. I suppose I'll find out soon enough. Moving to Turlock to be
closer to school & bros around the first of March 2006. Really looking
forward to being within walking distance of campus. |
| 01/30/06: School
starting next week & I'm getting nervous... $400 for books so far and I
still need more! Guess I'll be busy for awhile... |
| 01/30/06: Much
improvement in the lower back lately, but still need the cane to get around
at times. Last week of Winter '06 Semester at CSU Stanislaus. Hoping for a
strong finish. Took the "Beast" (1996 Harley-Davidson) out for a
spin yesterday. It had been in storage since Thanksgiving, and I couldn't
get it started at first, until I realized I had the gas petcock off! Thinks
went smoothly after that. Visited my father's gravesite in Santa Nella
National Cemetery. It was nice, 60 degrees all the way there and back.
Giving serious thought to moving to Turlock so I can be closer to school,
but money, as always, is an issue. More on that later. Just
uploaded my cover tunes to the "Music" page on this WebSite! Prior
I only had my original numbers. |
| 01/11/06: Back is
feeling a bit better. Have been taking it easy for the most part.
16-year-old son Sean might come to visit today. Studying for tomorrow's
American Music course I'm taking. Slow and easy today. |
| 01/09/06: Aach! Threw
my back out again spring cleaning! You'd think I'd know better by now what
my physical limitations are, but apparently I need these periodic reminders.
So now I have to see the doctor, get medicated, and ride out the muscle
spasms for the next two weeks, while hopefully learning my lesson. I really
believe I prefer a groin injury to a back injury.... of course, I'm
unwilling to put that to the test any time soon. My Winter class is grueling;
lots of memorization, so I'd better get down to it now. |
| 01/06/05: Spring
cleaning today at Valerie's house. What a backbreaker. Eight years of
accumulation doesn't go away quickly. Her mother came down to help. Looks
like this will take a while. Started Winter Semester at CSUStanislaus
Stockton facility. Four hours class per week, mondo homework, like 20 hours
per week at times. Each week equals three weeks of a regular-time semester.
Made the Dean's List for Honor Roll achievement last semester. Let's see if
I can continue the tradition. the Harley is getting pretty lonely lately.
It's been too cold to ride with my arthritis acting up. That's about it for
today. |
| 01/05/06: Well,
everybody's asking why I don't have a blog yet. The answer is because I'm
either much too busy, or because there's nothing going on. I'm currently
attending college year-round-full-time, so you'll notice the Calendar
listings have dwindled down to nearly nothing. So, I'll try to drop a line
here now and again. Gotta run, because class is starting soon. M. |
| BEGIN BLOG. |
E-Mail: Dyna-mike@live.com
Contact & Support: Donations
  
|
