My Sky Color

A forty something Dad, Husband, Engineer guy living in Western Oregon. Reflections on all things in life. A few technical things and whatever else comes along.

Friday, February 23, 2007

You've Got to be Kidding

I donate blood a few times a year and yesterday was one of those times. I like to be nice to the workers and ask about things. I learned yesterday that the FDA is the overlord of what the American Red Cross does. The Red Cross is a non profit organization. From everything I can see they do a great service to humanity in general.

The FDA sends in spies to see if they can trip up the workers on procedural things. It is a 10,000 dollar fine. They told me that a couple years ago the Red Cross was fined a few million dollars be the FDA. The 10,000 dollar fines are for things like scrubbing your arm for 28 seconds instead of 30 seconds with the iodine swab...

In my view, something is wrong here. It is good there are standards to follow to guard the blood supply, but fining a non profit orgaization? I think somebody is too big for their britches. DMP

Wednesday, February 07, 2007


The Little Big Dog 1
Remy is growing like a weed in a manure pile. She went to the vet after two weeks with us and had gained 6 pounds. Every day she looks bigger. When she came home she was a little shorter that Chewie. Now she is a couple inches taller. She is really nice mannered and is lots of fun.


We took the pup to the beach for her first time. She wasn't impressed. I think she was too busy growing. You can liken her to a baby, after she does something for a short while she takes a nap. When she wakes up she eats and poops. Pretty much like a baby.


My fortieth birthday is Saturday so we are inviting several friends and family over to make a big deal out of it. Hey it is forty! Never thought I would make it to forty. Seems like it was a long haul... DMP