tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-143911712011-07-07T17:28:40.931-07:00Join MFebber as she rides the bus in Tempe, ArizonaMFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.comBlogger2541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-82061241641143492072010-01-28T11:44:00.003-07:002010-01-28T11:47:30.260-07:00

last night's ride home on the 72 displayed the best and worst in human behavior. I sat at the end of a 4-person seat, soon joined by a young woman, followed by a man whose ample gluteal area consumed 2 seats. A few stops later, an older woman got on the bus and, with no place to sit, she grabbed an overhead strap and stood in front of our seat. I could see her holding her purse and her hand

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-71712555051845326242010-01-22T11:29:00.003-07:002010-01-22T11:32:20.517-07:00

Yesterday, my umbrella exploded and died -- most likely dry rot. The significance of this to a bus blog, you ask? The lack of umbrella and the constant rain required me to evaluate my transportation options. Taking the 81/light rail combo enabled me to cover less distance to the bus stop while passing by my neighborhood Walgreen's where I could stop in and secure a new umbrella - ha! Walgreen's,

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-32649132408797223412010-01-21T13:51:00.002-07:002010-01-21T13:52:42.215-07:00

Yes, it is mfebber, returned to the bus blog. Over the last 6 months I had to move my mother to a retirement community and then to a dementia care facility. The dementia thing is an ongoing communication gap - figuring out reality from delusion, hallucination and beyond. It created havoc in all aspects of mother's life as well as mine and left me not wanting to do much of anything - including

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-51304979978350904572009-06-26T12:43:00.003-07:002009-06-26T12:48:15.942-07:00

Last couple of days brings a new addition to the bus announcement system - a male voice providing information in Spanish. The lady voice that announces the next stop and route transfers still vocalizes. The new, bilingual announcements seem to include more topical items. For example, on July 1, rates increase on the buses and light rail and that seems to be the current announcement focus.

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-60614399974660465332009-06-10T09:31:00.004-07:002009-06-10T12:07:17.699-07:00

Ever since I started regularly taking the 8:30am 66N, the driver has waged a war against loud mp3 players. In this iPod world, many riders get on the bus, player in hand and earbuds/phones/plugs planted in their ears. Occasionally, the ear appliance doesn't effectively block the sound and others can hear a little (or not so little in some cases) bit of music emanating from the device. Signs on

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-15977674199283173362009-06-01T18:17:00.002-07:002009-06-01T18:40:21.689-07:00

Two trips on the 66 today - going and coming to ASU. This morning, only four other riders joined me; the airport Super Shttle gets more passengers. First summer session classes started today (I think) and I expected more riders. Perhaps my timing doesn't mesh with summer students. Riding home, I shared the top back of the bus with two large couples who occupied over half of the upper back area.

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-83100427017186611822009-05-27T10:53:00.003-07:002009-05-27T11:28:16.118-07:00

Very quiet morning ride on the 8:36am 66N. Another rider and I claimed first passenger rights at McClintock and Guadalupe and only four others got on or off before I left the bus at ASU.At Southern, a man boarded with a motorized, oversized Razr-like scooter. Reading, I didn't notice him until he sat near me and the aroma of cigarette smoke rose from around him and filled the back area of the bus

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-76799487191079255322009-05-19T12:46:00.004-07:002009-05-19T13:11:25.708-07:00

A recent comment serves as a well-needed reminder that my blogging stalled. I take the 8:30am 66N in the mornings, and although "regular" riders fill the bus, it lacks the panache of those early days when Mark and Bill and Dave and I owned the back and chatted non-stop all the way to ASU. I need to re-focus and look elsewhere for inspiration. When I first started riding - pre bus gang - anything

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-25900848101347770012009-04-01T12:48:00.004-07:002009-04-01T12:58:29.028-07:00

Fun ride home yesterday on the 66S. We boarded with a young man wearing a chef's coat and Jim asked where he worked. The man told us he served as sous chef for the caterers at the Phoenix Civic Center. I asked if he applied to appear on “Top Chef” and he said no, but he came from New York and worked at 'kraft, Tom Colicchio's flagship restaurant. For the curious, Colicchio serves as head judge on

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-55438862296274971182009-03-26T15:50:00.003-07:002009-03-26T15:51:48.831-07:00

Night before last we enjoyed an unusual ride home. My co-worker, Jim, and I arrived at the Tempe Transportation Center, 66S shelter, about 5 minutes prior to the scheduled bus arrival. We waited, and we waited, and we waited. We watched as 2nd, 3rd and even 4th versions of other buses came and went, but no 66S. Noticing a transportation supervisor, we approached him to ask the status of our bus.

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-53815064513199595402009-03-24T09:34:00.003-07:002009-03-24T10:17:27.626-07:00

Rode the 8:36am 66N again. SRO occurred, mostly due to an electric wheelchair that boarded the bus at Rural and Baseline. The big event of the day involves my big mouth. About halfway through the trip, a young woman got on the bus with a very unusual hairstyle. At first I thought she wore feathers, then it seemed more like bad bed hair, gathered on top of her head. She reminded me of a character,

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-83611776378128745362009-03-17T14:35:00.004-07:002009-03-17T14:41:23.170-07:00

Took the 8:38 AM 66N again today. Yesterday's passenger count bordered on the slim-to-none; but today we enjoyed a full house (bus). Guess lots of folks added Monday to their spring break days. Today belongs to St Patrick but few passengers sported green garments. One woman wearing a green sweater did, however, leave a not-so-Happy-St-Patrick's-Day impression.She boarded the bus, cellphone mashed

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-67302873182635814942009-03-16T15:38:00.004-07:002009-03-16T16:12:45.235-07:00

MFebber here, still using public transport, just not writing recently. Between work angst, family moves and spring allergies, blogging took a back seat. Most of all, the route/schedule changes from the light rail opening had me trying different transport combos to see what fit best. The irregular schedule and change kept me off-balance and messed with the writing rhythm. Settled down to regular

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-26513665706918747492009-01-26T09:52:00.004-07:002009-01-26T10:16:11.705-07:00

No mood for blogging recently as the university "disestablished" our college. We received notice of an "important meeting" a week in advance and then last Tuesday (yes, they scheduled this during the inauguration . . . ) the meeting provided some details of the disestablishment and people learned who lost their jobs. Uncertain how things might shake out, I felt quite stressed waiting for the

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-49813106233188166022009-01-15T13:59:00.004-07:002009-01-15T14:21:40.995-07:00

Last week I finally rode the light rail home for the first time. The hallmark event included an on-train delay due to an accident that occurred on the track. Well . . . just learned the wreck involved a westbound light rail train and a pickup truck.Found this article from the East Valley Tribune's website, complete with video of the accident as seen from the camera on the train. Interesting

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-85548292292595667412009-01-06T14:34:00.003-07:002009-01-06T14:56:40.062-07:00

Whew! It took until yesterday for me to ride home using the light rail. Free rides and football bowls through Dec. 31 kept the trains packed and virtually un-rideable. I put a trip together yesterday afternoon and probably won't do it again.I boarded at the Tempe Transportation Center, the train took off, cleared the station, got to University and stopped. The track curves a bit and, being in the

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-56852991571859948992008-12-29T15:19:00.009-07:002008-12-29T16:03:51.855-07:00

Happy holidays and merry new year to all.Today began light rail's first regular operation schedule. Many bus routes changed, including the 81. It no longer takes the loop through ASU, just runs north and south, staying on McClintock which becomes Hayden in Scottsdale. To use the 81 to go to work, I need to transfer to the light rail at Apache . . . which I did this morning, much to my own delight

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-59129608590308220072008-12-10T12:00:00.004-07:002008-12-10T12:45:09.722-07:00

Can't seem to find inspiration for bus blogging - guess creative flow can go on vacation. Decided to check in, however, and comment about an ongoing bus announcement that makes no sense. Bugging me for months, I let it go until my son and I recently took a bus home from a basketball game and when he heard the announcement for the first time, his instant reaction mirrored mine - what the ...?The

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-63209278900423235182008-11-19T09:28:00.004-07:002008-11-19T13:24:00.672-07:00

Rode the 7:57am 81N today along with a minimum number of riders. Guess the new low gas prices encourage driving; however, ASU's parking space deficit remains the same so not sure where the cars end up.Aromatics filled the bus today - whew! A woman got on and her smell preceded then followed her. I believe every bath and beauty product she used smelled of fruit or flowers and the cumulative effect

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-81232123493291250672008-11-14T09:01:00.003-07:002008-11-14T09:30:29.087-07:00

Took some vacay time - out-of-towners and memorable events - back to status quo. Caught the 7:57AM 81N at Guadalupe and McClintock. No energy for a morning walk, so will probably take the 72 home to get mileage.At Southern, a woman stepped on the bus holding a large Starbucks coffee. Her grip indicated a full cup and since a Starbucks sits quite near the stop, logic dictates she probably just

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-65483491127665862162008-10-31T09:57:00.004-07:002008-10-31T10:49:44.929-07:00

Caught the 7:57AM 81N today and what a great surprise when boarding. The driver wished me happy halloween and told me to grab some candy from a bag perched on the front window ledge. So unexpected -- totally appropriate for halloween.The dean's office scheduled a halloween potluck for today, so I made my usual deviled eggs - not the easiest item to publicly transport to work. Because of the egg

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-24039793064374032222008-10-29T13:18:00.003-07:002008-10-29T13:45:10.701-07:00

For reasons unknown, I stayed undercover too long this morning so I only walked as far as the 81N stop at Guadalupe and McClintock. It turned out well as we got one of the new, tube-like 6600 buses. I boarded and quickly realized I almost owned the bus - the third rider on, only two fellow passengers! Sat down and retrieved my camera for the rare opportunity to photograph a long row of empty

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-26737424808417009682008-10-23T19:26:00.003-07:002008-10-23T19:58:22.317-07:00

Well it took a ride home on the 66 to bring some fun back to bus riding. Caught the 4:50PM 66 southound at the corner of Stadium Drive and College Ave. The 4PM to 6PM 81 southbound buses all run very late (sometimes not at all), so if I leave work in that time window, the 66 provides a more reliable alternative. I got on the bus and waited as the driver's switched out. The new driver announced he

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-18080105307692423942008-10-15T11:54:00.003-07:002008-10-15T12:18:48.284-07:00

Trekked to Rural and Guadalupe today and caught the 72N, 8am version. I could see a crowd on the bus and thought about waiting 5-10 minutes for the 66 northbound. Unknown forces propelled me onto the 72 and I got a front row seat! Knitting currently occupies my busy-hands obsession, so I whipped out my bus project and, needles clacking, enjoyed the ride.Nearly SRO when I boarded, the bus got more

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-14046414095251079042008-10-14T14:44:00.003-07:002008-10-14T15:00:10.281-07:00

No posts since August - bad blogger. The semester started, work got crazy busy - no time for writing and once home, who wants to look at a computer screen some more?!? Just this week things seem more settled and bus blogging returns to my radar.In a feeble attempt to add some daily exercise, I now try to walk and pick up either the 72 or 66 bus at Guadalupe and Rural. A mile from home, it takes

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-20871512479169619102008-08-05T08:56:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:57.324-07:00

Once again on the 7:57am 81N and still quite benign. Memories of great rides on the 66N haunt me and I think I might try using that route for my "to work" leg to see if it harbors more interesting events than the 81N.Today's route wasn't totally without interest. We had a driver-in-training with the regular driver in the role of trainer. The newbie handled the bus very smoothly, only questioning

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-7705329668237498272008-07-28T13:08:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:57.518-07:00

Just checking in. See today's image for a list of 'b' words that describe bus rides lately. Heart-stopping, adrenaline-pushing events are not necessary, but the quiet and calm of recent trips provides nothing to observe and upon which to comment. As fuel prices leveled off, and even declined a bit, the rush of eager new riders subsided; I knew that eventually people would adjust their spending

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-60974773599455207312008-07-14T09:54:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:57.674-07:00

When last I wrote, I hoped to resolve the tap issue on the bus ride home. An epidemic of farebox flu must have swept the fleet as the farebox orifices were covered with duct tape. Leaving for Georgia the next day, my research went on hold until this morning.Took the 7:57AM 81N today and when I got on the bus, I "tapped" the flat side of my pass against the orange reader and, as expected, nothing

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-2087529468584411882008-07-08T09:04:00.005-07:002008-07-08T09:32:19.832-07:00

this is the 81N . . .The bus pass tapping experiment took a setback last night by a broken fare box. All geared up today to continue the tapping procedure, much to my surprise the 7:57AM 81N ride takes place on a Valley Metro disabled rider van! No fare box, no tapping, but what an interesting ride.The van turned into the pullout, the door opened and I asked if this was the 81N - the driver

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-17050400363052444742008-07-07T09:01:00.004-07:002008-12-08T18:43:57.842-07:00

Took a few vacation days while some of the fam visited. Nice to see them and bet they're happy to be out of our 110+ degree heat. I go to Georgia for a few days this week, so should enjoy lower temps but much higher humidity - valid arguments exist in favor of dry heat.Got my new bus psss - no longer free, but at $260 a year, sure beats the cost of a parking permit (~$800 annually) plus the cost

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-23993283494659116222008-06-19T08:59:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:57.989-07:00

Met a friend for coffee today, so took the 6:57AM 81N.An easy, uneventful, over-air conditioned ride with lots of new-to-bus-riding passengers.In this new age of high fuel costs and increased emphasis on public transportation, the inquiring mind wants to know - do bus drivers take the bus to work?

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-29211633158051765452008-06-18T08:51:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:58.113-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I wanted to take the 3:45PM 81S. A wee bit late leaving the office, I hustled to the transit center at College and University and waited. And waited. And waited. Hustling in 112+ degrees leaves the body hot and sweaty. Standing about and waiting in 112+ degrees only makes things worse. After two bottles of water and watching dozens of 72s and a couple of 81Ns come and go, a

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-68897966036922918932008-06-09T11:29:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:58.334-07:00

Took the 6:57am 81N today, but need to write about Friday.As previously discussed, gas prices continue to climb with $60+ tank fill-ups the new standard. As a loyal, almost 3-year bus rider, I rarely experience the pain of fuel costs and avoid the heart-stopping effect of large digits at the pump. Friday, I learned that, apparently, some of my co-workers, too, discovered the frugality of the

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-53150506066796327932008-06-03T10:55:00.005-07:002008-12-08T18:43:58.453-07:00

About last night's ride home . . . took the 3:45PM 81S, which arrived at ~3:57PM with the engine cover in a raised position - foreshadow? At 3:45PM on Monday in the summer, rush hour traffic generally doesn't exist, so it seemed the 81S delay probably originated in the engine. A new driver got on and we took off. Things seemed OK until we got to McClintock and the 60 - stopped at the light and

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-50864281090948591832008-05-30T13:36:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:58.608-07:00

What a nice bus ride, today. Took the 7:57am 81N and claimed title to first passenger. I got the right front seat, propped my feet on the tire well and began knitting. At Baseline and McClintock, a young man got on - rookie rider. He only had a $5 bill and, of course, the fare boxes don't give change. He wanted an all day pass, so the driver told him to get change and buy the pass on the next bus

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-50897229926139350372008-05-27T08:13:00.004-07:002008-12-08T18:43:58.728-07:00

Back to work after a lovely, weatherwise, Memorial Day weekend. I think 3-day weekends should become the standard and let holidays create 4-day weekends - very recuperative.Took the 6:57AM 81N this morning. As I stood at the bus stop, working on posture improvement, up walks the OCD bus time guy! Last I saw him on Guadalupe at the 66/92 stop when he talked me into riding the 92 to Rural and

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-56463702074561710322008-05-23T09:01:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:58.872-07:00

Hard to believe I completely missed posting in the month of April and came close to missing May. Work continues to press, leaving thoughts of blogs behind. Riding a regular bus at a regular time with regular riders made writing easier - rhythm - regular writing requires regular rhythms.Oh well, once again I proceed. Today's ride (7:12am 81N) lacked interest, but the bus stop had a moment. The bus

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-45265222807011567302008-03-24T08:51:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:58.967-07:00

Yes, she is still alive and taking the bus in Tempe. We unexpectedly went "live" with our new site and it has been unbelievably busy - I thought the worst was over, but the decision to launch was a wee bit premature - not fatal, just traumatic. Sounds like the diagnosis room at hospital. Anyway, the site is down right now and I decided to enjoy the moment and check in with the blog.Been pretty

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-60128962922320170912008-03-04T08:37:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:59.113-07:00

A couple of weeks since a new post came this way. Lots of rides and some interesting events, but work remains ugly and once in my office, seated at the computer, blogging time eludes me. Once home, I really don't want to stare at a computer any more - a vicious circle.During my recent hiatus, enjoyed a couple of seriously eventful bus rides. A young man, previously detained by the police, got on

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-84611297246279681452008-02-13T10:05:00.003-07:002008-12-08T18:43:59.209-07:00

Thought today I would try the 92N/72N combo route again, only going one hour later. Didn't look at any schedules, just went to the stop at 7:45am. Crossing Guadalupe presented the first challenge. Traffic was fierce and I felt like a character in the old video game, Frogger. I made it to the center lane and then waited for a couple of minutes while the westbound traffic cleared. Generally,

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-38199326785683015292008-02-12T09:24:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:43:59.366-07:00

Been a few - out of town (Miami, FL - hoo hah!) for business and blogging didn't figure into the equation. Back on track and boy, do I have a story for today.First planned to catch the 6:57am81N. Going out the door, unseen forces pushed at my gray matter and I decided to use the 6am66N instead. Crossed Guadalupe and as I approached the stop, noticed a man waiting for the bus. When I neared the

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-74271228247167946152008-01-30T12:42:00.001-07:002008-01-30T12:42:23.684-07:00

Failed to note the bus number today - it was one of the older 6000 class. Took the 7:42am 81N and what a quiet, uneventful ride. No crowding, no noise, everyone sitting quietly, comfortably - as neutral a ride as one could expect to experience. I actually sat there and practiced meditative breathing - not out of stress, just something to pass the time. Quite a relaxing way to start the

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-24225047928405599972008-01-28T11:10:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:43:59.443-07:00

Planned to catch the 7:57am 81N today. Gave myself a couple of extra minutes to get coffee and when a bus showed up at 7:50am, figured we had a late 7:42am or early 7:57am. Instead of the usual 6000 class bus, a 4100 craft appeared at the stop. Near to overflowing when I got on, I luckily secured the upper level, rear-of-the-bus seat I always took on the 66. A woman reading a book occupied the

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-914033319038015002008-01-24T09:38:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:43:59.592-07:00

Once again with the 7:57am 81N. Although I tend toward the early bird, this work departure time feels right for now. The bus arrived about three minutes late - Roy driving as usual. I boarded, carrying my cup of coffee, and he said, "I need some coffee, too!" I thought his words meant to tease, but the next thing I knew, he stood up, announced to the gathered riders that he'd be right back, then

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-84406810010027207502008-01-23T13:56:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:43:59.757-07:00

Took a brief break - caught rides to work with my daughter last week. I ride the bus home, but for reasons unknown, the ride home usually doesn't inspire like the morning.This post recounts yesterday morning's ride - quite an interesting event. Grabbed the 7:57am 81N - Roy in absentia - probably his day off. The driver greeted me nicely and I sat in my favorite spot, the right front seat. Every

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-32192213971503062832008-01-14T11:00:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Monday morning and I took the 6:42am 81N today. Got the left front seat and promptly employed the foot elevation capability of the wheel well cover. Only about five people occupied the bus and it seemed odd when the door closed, the bell rang and the STOP REQUESTED sign lit up. While many people get on in the morning hours, very few get off so early in the route. The driver passed a couple of

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-60332236476240795902008-01-09T12:08:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:00.204-07:00

Whew - what a ride! Arranged to meet a friend for coffee at 7:30am today at Einstein's on the corner of University and Rural - right on the bus path. Both the 5:57am and 6:42am 81N, take about 15 minutes to go from my stop to this location - taking the 7:12am to arrive by 7:30am seemed like simple math, eh? Well, not today.For openers, the bus arrived 7 minutes late, reducing my on-time margin to

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-35883708200037548782008-01-07T09:34:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:00.646-07:00

Raining today, luckily just a drizzle while getting to the bus stop. I decided to sleep in a bit so caught the 7:57AM 81N. As expected, Roy commanded the craft and when I got on, he questioned me riding on a non-Thursday. I explained my sleep-in, he understood and we proceeded north, all being right in the 81N universe.Nothing unusual occurred on the ride, but the young man occupying the seat

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-65825696198592287822008-01-04T08:49:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:00.821-07:00

Rode the 5:57AM 81N today. Got my cup 'o winter blend at Einstein's and happily discovered the bus stop all fresh and sparkly wet, apparently the recent recipient of a drive-by cleaning. Amazing, the effect of power washing on concrete.I got on the bus with only one other rider present. He sat in the right front, so I took the left front, behind the driver. I like the front seats -- the wheel

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-56574765245735702962008-01-03T10:01:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:00.974-07:00

Another cheery Thursday start on the 7:57am 81N - Roy at the helm. He possesses incredible good spirit for someone who deals with the public on a regular basis. Wonder if we'd find him so chipper at the end of the shift...? I started taking this bus when I took a late class on Thursday in the fall - I continue to use it due to my addiction to Project Runway. For some totally unknown and

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-65396931582245663762008-01-02T07:14:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:01.207-07:00

Let 2008 begin! Cash-paying riders on the 6:12am 81N received a free ride this AM. Apparently, the cash slot could not take bills - nice bonus to start the new year. In October, all Valley Metro buses got new fare boxes. Much hoopla and fanfare preceded the new units; however, as time and use march on, glitches and bugs plague the boxes. At least a couple of times a week I ride a bus with a fare

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-85006294653892386822007-12-27T18:00:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:01.363-07:00

Greetings, greetings, greetings - been awhile since this blog has seen a new post. Work became incredibly busy and I needed to let this go. Things have settled a bit and I miss making my weird little pictures and opining about my daily rides with Valley Metro.The 81 northbound occupies my ridership these mornings. A fire at the Memorial Union, here on campus, closed my favorite coffee shop, so I

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-47407730376255084372007-08-08T07:12:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:01.906-07:00

Gearing up for my trip to NY so not much time for blogging. Must write about last night, tho. I chatted with a woman who I frequently see on the 81S. She, too, works at ASU and at one time lived in my little neighborhood. We compared notes about our rides home the evening of the Great Monsoon Flood Extravaganza. Her ride exceeded mine in both time and interest. While I experienced a bus u-turn,

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-51080676205914581342007-07-31T09:40:00.001-07:002007-07-31T10:20:27.956-07:00

rainy_all Originally uploaded by mfebber Again with the flickr upload - not sure if I like this style, but we'll see. Will edit this later with a story about last night's ride home in the rain.Ok, here's the story. Left my building to go home last night and fell victim to one of the best monsoon storms ever. Lightning, thunder, wind and torrential rain. It spilled and poured and blew the

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-17793001498989630182007-07-31T09:38:00.001-07:002007-07-31T09:38:20.735-07:00

rainy1 Originally uploaded by mfebber Trying out Flickr's direct post to the blog.

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-35907029555391483092007-07-31T09:36:00.001-07:002007-07-31T09:36:29.420-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-87868164568666831422007-07-30T09:06:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:02.047-07:00

Unusual start to this bus riding day. Pulled myself from the lovely snugness of my bed at 4:58am in order to catch the 6am66. I did a fair job of getting ready and ran out the door at 5:52am - the last few times the bus arrived at 6:06am, so I felt sure that time would be my friend. A brisk walk down the street and, while waiting for traffic to clear to cross Guadalupe, I saw a bus coming. No

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-35568950017210708922007-07-26T07:19:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:02.185-07:00

Gloriosky, what a bus day, yesterday - I bit the bullet and got up in time for the 6am66. It paid in spades since a new driver controlled the wheel (good-bye surly Spaniard) and both Mark (aka Bicycle Guy) and Mike (aka Engineering Guy) rode the bus. What fun to see them and chat during the ride. The time goes by so quickly when immersed in conversation. Mark looks fit and well, post graduation.

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-46468121700321584902007-07-19T07:57:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:02.335-07:00

Took the 6:30am66 today. Got a blog comment from Mark yesterday, so decided I'd start taking the 66 again in the morning to see if I can catch him and catch up. Not sure I can pull off a 6am66, but he indicated he changes time so if I stay with the 6:30am66, I'll see him eventually.It was fun to be back on the smaller 4100 bus. The 81N is always a bigger 6000 class and they carry double (maybe?)

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-61632111372957556952007-07-18T07:50:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:02.498-07:00

Wow, yesterday contained two bus rides of interest. Think I'll report on the ride home and save the morning for another time. When it rains, it pours . . .I caught the 4:15pm 81N at the transit area on College Avenue. Taken this bus many times, love the driver, a very mellow fellow. Quite a few people boarded the bus, way more than usual. Among them were a young man accompanied by two young women

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-7355228940467640992007-07-09T09:13:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:02.631-07:00

The morning ride today qualified for an immediate write-about. A little slow off the starting block, I needed to hustle to catch the 6:27am 81N. I crossed McClintock and then, as I crossed Guadalupe, the bus also crossed it. I gave a wave and my best attempt at a jog (challenging in flip-flops). The driver got my message since he turned into the pull-out and waited for me to get to the door. I

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-69088283566148151002007-07-06T11:12:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:02.732-07:00

I continue to struggle when writing about the ride home. I don't think the route gets as many interesting characters as the 66; however, for reasons I don't understand, I just don't want to take the 66 home. Oh well, I'll get through this block.Last night's ride began benignly enough but suffered a semi-collapse mid-stream. We took on a wheelchair rider at University and McClintock. She wanted

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-74442900829274834002007-06-21T12:08:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:02.830-07:00

Riding in to work with my daughter this week, thus missing morning bus tales. Not sure why the ride home fails to ignite my blogging flame. Perhaps because I don't ride at the same time every day, I don't get a sense of engagement that the morning rides produce. Regular ridership belongs to the morning. Although ... how can I say that? Just because I don't ride home at the same time two days in a

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-35432920391159075732007-06-12T10:47:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:02.988-07:00

Another day on the 81N. Instead of doing the crack-of-dawn patrol, I decided to linger a bit and catch the 6:42 bus. An enlightening experience, this could be my bus of choice for awhile.The driver, a woman, greeted me cordially. A number of riders already occupied seats and I settled in, across from the back door, ready to observe. A man in a hat and a woman in the seat behind him engaged in

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-12081420581150857812007-06-11T13:15:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:03.124-07:00

Spent the weekend in the bathroom, spackling and painting and preparing to grout. My body did not want to sleep and then didn't want to wake up, so I took a later bus today and what a bonus that turned out to be!Today's image tells much of the story. The top photo is the stop where I pick up the 81N. Well-used, a dirty patina covers the ground beneath the bench. An abundance of cigarette butts

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-74605743900234563542007-06-06T07:18:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:03.433-07:00

Been awhile - took some vacation time to refresh and recharge before the big work onslaught begins. Decided to put ceramic tile on the upstairs bathroom floor - so much for refresh and recharge. Have you ever tried to do the "score and snap" with cement backerboard? It's a nightmare, a complete nightmare. I still display visible bodily harm from the entire affair. Almost good to be back to

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-38567407456243961972007-05-14T15:07:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:03.766-07:00

A new day, a new bus - what fun! Thought I'd take the 5:57am81N today (whew! that doesn't print as easy as 6am66). Also wanted some coffee from Einstein's so I popped in there first, got a cup and went across McClintock to the stop. Looked down the street and there came the 5:42am81N - what a great start to the bus riding day - hot coffee and an earlier bus!A rookie driver had the helm and the

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-13620477010300996642007-05-11T16:55:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:03.846-07:00

What a weird bus week! Mark's last ride took place Tuesday morning. Dave's last ride happened on Wednesday morning. Thursday morning, I got on the bus and -- surprise, surprise -- Bill AKA Newspaper Guy was in situ behind the paper! He rode the bus just to say hey and congrats to Mark and Dave! Great to see him and sorry he missed the dynamic duo. We had a great chat anyway - he appears quite

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-71352276136411363732007-05-02T17:05:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:04.043-07:00

Just a quick post about last night's ride. Some may recall the SRO ride home when I determined the bus was picking up uncollected passengers from an earlier missing bus. Well, last night, ever alert, I detected the potential for another crowded ride and cleverly averted a repeat of that earlier situation.In the afternoons, between 3PM and 7PM, the buses run every 15 minutes to get through rush

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-77474707186748413262007-05-01T16:02:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:04.165-07:00

Long time gone, eh? Work really is quite pressing and I get so immersed as soon as I arrive that I never look back and blog. This past week was particularly hideous, although I did get to spend the weekend at a resort/spa in Tucson. A friend's company hosts a leadership retreat every year and since her husband can't attend, I get to go and enjoy the amenities in his stead. Capped it off (totally

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-20076922945690447242007-04-19T10:44:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:04.271-07:00

Another bland morning on the 6am66. I can't even imagine how quiet it will be once the semester ends. I know all about peaks and valleys, but this valley seems very deep.One nice event did occur today - Bill gave both Mark and Dave ASU Alumni t-shirts. They seemed very surprised and very pleased by the thoughtful gesture. A sense of loss and, as Mark said, melancholy begins to gather as

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-63580482038225292422007-04-13T12:14:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:04.419-07:00

Off a couple for grandmothering purposes. As a new member of that club, find I need to indulge myself when occasion permits. The small child and parents returned to their nest and I returned to work . . . sigh . . .Very restless last night due to late coffee consumption so I let myself sleep in a bit and took the 7:30am66. It provided a refreshed view of the bus since many of the riders attend

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-45529385308155024762007-04-10T06:41:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:04.525-07:00

No point in worrying about today's bus number - the 6am66 lacks excitement and posting the daily number implies otherwise. Ridership remains sparse and with summer around the corner, it can only get more thin - the peaks and valleys of bus routes.On the ride home last night I heard a new message from the electronic lady voice that announcees the stops. Occasionally I still hear the man voice

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-31891459883351268202007-04-04T09:45:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:04.644-07:00

Bus rides lately seem pretty bland and work continues to aggravate. No time to write! Worst of all, work will get worse as we move deeper into new site development. I might resort to drugs of abuse before this process ends.My latest excuse for not writing, however, centers around a new family member - Emily Sarah - my first grandchild, born Sunday, April 1. She arrived a week early and surprised

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-33627154971487813242007-03-22T08:53:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:04.807-07:00

Interesting morning at the bus stop. I arrived first and saw a plastic Target bag lying on the bench. Grabbing it to put in the trash, my hand felt something solid inside. Assuming someone left it by accident, I let the bag sit, uninvestigated. My life story recounts multiple "accidental leavings" where some helpful soul gave my left-by-mistake item to someone else for safekeeping. Experience

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-63578366821312175782007-03-19T19:41:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:04.951-07:00

Couldn't see the number on the 81S going home tonight. Not because of my eyes or a bad paint job or a bit of graffiti - I couldn't catch the number because of all the people. This bus was packed! I took the last seat when I boarded on College Avenue. This stop begins the route and most times I have the bus to myself. Ridership usually doesn't pick up until McClintock and University. Today,

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-54110412964556211762007-03-14T12:10:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:05.136-07:00

This seems like a new number, but after almost 18 months of bus blogs, hard to really tell. Perhaps an archive dive would reveal a re-occurrence? Whatever.This post belongs to yesterday - work continues to bear down and eat up blogging time. Tacky, eh? Anyway, when we got on the bus yesterday it evidenced a lack of that human aroma that lives so strongly in bus seat upholstery. Clean, fresh,

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-115500088829902792007-03-08T08:30:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:05.292-07:00

Still a struggle to get a greeting from our semi-new driver. He finally began responding to my croaky felicitations (you never heard about my laryngitis!). I feel tempted to get on the bus and say "buenos días"; however, I always fear that could indicate I actually know some Spanish and, once exposed for how sadly monolingual I am, conversation opportunities would plummet immediately. A cheery,

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-62574278391339625562007-03-07T08:46:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:05.484-07:00

Been a couple of weeks mostly due to benign bus rides and a madhouse work agenda. Once in the office, the immersion factor takes over and I don't think to blog until way past inspiration time. Yesterday, however, the bus ride strayed from dull and needs documentation.While waiting for the bus, Dave and I speculated on the whereabouts of Engineering Guy (Mike) and his marked absence from the 6am66

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-56656009626197750342007-02-15T08:47:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:05.497-07:00

What a great day on the bus! The BTA was in full swing with Bill, serving as librarian, handing out newspaper sections with articles of interest. At Mill and Baseline, a young man dressed in chef's clothing got on and sat next to Mark. Mark asked him if he would make us some eggs and the conversation went totally gastronomic. The young man attends the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and, as

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-48656867021267366042007-02-14T10:16:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:05.659-07:00

Totally forgot to look at the number today - and I was doing so well. Raining this morning, so I'll blame it on that. Everyone in Arizona blames the rain.A couple of interesting discussions today. Bill showed me two articles in the Arizona Republic about love on the bus. Today is Valentine's Day and the media panders to it tremendously. I guess retailers make huge profits on 2/14, but it seems

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-47077292209566573192007-02-12T13:18:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:05.856-07:00

Staying late at work tonight, so went in late this morning. Caught the 66 at 10:30am and - surprise, surprise - the driver was our old best driver, Steve! I said good morning, but was fumbling with my bag and pass and general half-blind clumsiness and didn't really get a good look and know it was him at first. Once sitting and situated, I realized his profile looked familiar and greeted him

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-10274581740006428152007-02-08T15:09:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:06.090-07:00

Another icy day on the bus. Might have to move to the back bench seat and grab some heat from the engine. I don't like that seat - a bit too throne-like, but the cold is miserable.An interesting discussion day on the 6am66. I asked Bill what he planned to do after retirement and he mentioned "Habitat for Humanity". He indicated prior experience with the group and said it is a satisfying means of

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-51087885450481095372007-02-07T08:53:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:06.224-07:00

Once again our regular crew filled the BTA. I realized that after May, I might be the lone regular to occupy that exalted space. Bill retires at the end of February and Mark and Dave graduate in May. My life plans look pretty static right now, so I'll be left alone to carry on. Can a Brain Trust exist with only one brain? Think about that one.Don't know what's up with the weather and the buses.

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-63843171609810268202007-02-06T11:38:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:06.379-07:00

Wonder how they decide which bus goes on which route? While I want to believe in a highly technical, logical decision process, I bet it's totally random. It could be a "release the hounds" thing where the drivers race to get their bus of choice. Probably not.Not much discussion in the BTA - the Suns loss and the crazy lady astronaut's 1,000 mile love triangle trip. The whole story makes space

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-76071055273938459612007-02-02T09:00:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:06.544-07:00

Aaaaah, Friday - best day of the week, no doubt. Once again, Dave missed the 6am66. Bill, Mark and I filled the BTA with food talk. Bill said Uno's has great French onion soup and Mark advised he makes the best FOS. The conversation stirred my taste buds and I now embark on a quest to consume some FOS today. One never knows where bus talk will lead.I must take time to ponder last night's ride

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-88741061694286588132007-02-01T08:18:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:06.649-07:00

A lovely full moon provided visual extras for the Guadalupe crossing this morning. The clouds broke up enough for the celestial body to perform its streetlight act. Well done, moon.Dave failed to make an appearance today but Bill and Mark and I kept the BTA chat alive. Somehow we ended up in a comparative religion discourse - started with a movie that Bill saw in his church. I absolutely don't

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-49218193648822645882007-01-31T08:30:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:06.833-07:00

Another rainy day in the Valley of the Alleged Sun. Cloudy, cold and damp - I thought this was the desert? Guess good weather needs a vacation, too. Oh well, how fun to wear snuggy clothes and full shoes AND socks! Put those flipflops to bed for awhile.We enjoyed a full busload today - another mix of unusual non-regulars. Apparently, we need to redefine the meaning of "regulars". In the last six

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-37383928649750297132007-01-30T08:06:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:07.039-07:00

Whew! Survived another mad dash across Guadalupe this AM. Rain added an element of terror since Arizona drivers become even bigger idiots when moisture mixes with asphalt. Perhaps the rain/road mix exudes a potent brain numbing agent? Something happens cuz these people suck at driving on a good day with worse effects during the rain. Ask anyone, Arizona drivers are hideous.Neither Bill nor Mark

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-47051870855022589922007-01-29T07:27:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:07.181-07:00

Thanks to all for concerns about my eyes. I am healing nicely and back at work, earlier than the last eye. The pressure still needs to go lower, but the paralyzed muscle is loosening and, since this weekend, every day seems to find added mobility. I guess a nerve, knicked by the anesthetic needle, caused the problem and it takes time for the nerve to re-build. Healing appears to be in progress

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-65152439961727528952007-01-21T10:01:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:07.444-07:00

been a week or so - had second eye surgery on thursday and just didn't have time earlier in the week to post about the bus. needed to get all the work ducks lined up before the post-op leave.as good as my first surgery went, this second surgery has gone bad. one of the nerve block shots paralyzed a medial muscle in the operated eye and I have double vision when looking to the right. a "clarence

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-43197349025925488132007-01-10T08:48:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:07.582-07:00

Nice day on the bus. The BTA was full of regulars: NG, Dave, BG and one of the Steves. I realized we had the "Back Seat Boys" plus me - could shorten it to the BS Boys, although in all fairness, not too much BS flows in the BTA.It was a nice ride with commentary shared on eye surgery, health care, overzealous lawyers and our litigious society, the hideous BCS game, the Phoenix Suns winning ways,

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-85855438931912601332007-01-08T07:19:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:07.835-07:00

Completely ignored today's bus number - apparently some old habits die very easily.Cold/flu has abated and hope that's the end for this season. Seems everyone is down with some version of it and I'm not the only one to suffer a recurrence. Guess we just run around infecting each other, over and over and over. Can't even blame the bus as ridership is way down. Had an interesting guy riding today.

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-11408431860416670952007-01-04T07:22:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:08.618-07:00

This flu thing got seriously unfun yesterday with fever, chills, headache, etc., so no work for me today. Yesterday's ride home, however, included enough interesting elements to provide bus blog ramblings for a post today.I took the 81southbound which meant a ride in one of the larger, newer 6400 class buses. The ride began uneventfully - my weakened condition making me grateful for smooth, quick

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-8649673869405919172007-01-03T09:39:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:08.786-07:00

Back to business as usual - always such a letdown after the holidays and, yet, kind of nice to return to order out of the chaos. NG was in full BTA repose and Dave and I rounded out the set. Mark (BG) hasn't been on in awhile, but I think his schedule moves around school. When classes are in, he's an early rider. Both he and Dave graduate in May - do need to arrange a bus celebration.A guy got on

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-11772688752459309022006-12-29T07:07:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:08.944-07:00

Couple of bus tales today. For openers, Dave's daughter, Sarah, visiting from Kansas City on her way to Seattle, accompanied him to school. She supports public transportation and wanted to experience Valley Metro's finest, the 6am66. Dave sat in his usual back bench seat location and noted that a loose panel behind the seat exposed the motor compartment, filling the BTA with fumes and noise. In

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-65528795392007145212006-12-28T08:38:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:09.156-07:00

Geezleweez - absolutely can't remember to look at the bus number. And to think I once considered a series of charts and graphs with bus number info - ha!Ridership has slipped to the poverty level. Wondering why I didn't take vacation days this week - it appears everyone else did. NG and BG are conspicuously absent - bright boys. Bad news for the guess-the-jacket game - the coat guy told Dave that

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-70717906704200064212006-12-27T08:32:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:09.302-07:00

Missed a few days for the holiday vacation. For years, ASU closed down for the two weeks surrounding the winter holidays - an alleged money savings move. A couple of years ago the then-new university president declared the savings a myth and now the university is "open" - business as usual except for the four specific holiday observance days. The bus ride belies the "open"ness of the situation as

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-25036406004785309852006-12-21T09:13:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:09.534-07:00

Totally forgot to look at the number today. Still not in a good bus habit. Stayed home yesterday as I overdid on Tuesday. Guess you can't be extremely inactive for six weeks and expect to leap immediately back into the jaws of full activity. Sigh . . .We're having a bit of a cold spell - Weather Channel said it was 28 degree wind chill this morning. I believe it was every bit of 28 degrees and

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14391171.post-59937786414726225742006-12-18T09:07:00.000-07:002008-12-08T18:44:09.670-07:00

Missed on Friday - daughter drove me to work and I never pass up a chance to visit with my offspring. Ridership is way down. School is out for the winter break, but I never felt the 6am66 was awash with students. Students don't usually break the bond with their blankets until the last possible minute and the earliest classes don't begin until 7:40 AM - only the most industrious would get to

MFebberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00317373714857997650noreply@blogger.com2