March 10, 2006:Another Signature Bridge
Looking over Cashman's shoulder and Steve Testa's boys over the past 6
months has been more than a liberal education. Every time we interact -
both Sparky and I come out ahead. We have learned more than we imagined
and developed more friendships than we though possible. These guys made both of
us feel like we were part of their family - and I shall certainly miss
all of them (already miss some of them). Today Sparky ventured out to the
Navy yard and found our team busy signing the last section of the Grace bridge.
The signatures - including Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#8) - and Dale Earnhardt Sr.
- #3 - Is there a better way to use orange spray paint? Sparky and I also
joined in (though I was in absentia)
Sparky, Jackie (with non-reflective sun glasses - just to test whether
I recognize him) and Steve (Richie was in absentia - and no
questions from Joshua Hebb - asking where is Absentia?)
March 16, 2006 - More fun with the Hebb family:
Frank, (from Tina Hebb)
I thought you would be amused to hear that Joshua just went on the site and
asked, "what is in absentia?" Then, he quickly said, "wait a minute and
I'll pull it up on dictionary .com. This always gives me the answer."
This is what he found: No entry found for absentia.
His next response was to think a bit and see how it was used.
He has decided that the base word is absent, so it must mean that
the persons presence was absent.
Then he realized he only looked up absentia not in absentia and tried again.
He was psyched to find that he was correct. This is what he found: While
or although not present; in absence
He also Googled the word and thought you may find this amusing: In
Absentia is the seventh studio album by British progressive rock
band Porcupine Tree, first released in September 24, 2002.
Joshua, at the age of 11
is clearly Internet enabled and has apparently discovered the fun of
learning. Smiles from Frank - to Joshua and all the other young learners
out there!
Meanwhile, back at the Navy Yard -
Rotating the players - Jackie, Steve and Sparky. This is the same Jackie
that introduced me to Michael's son, Joshua - when I misidentifed them
in one of my photos
By now, if you have your curious mind churning away - you are wondering
how the Earnhardt family got into this business. Steve, of course, is
a Dale and Dale Jr. fan - above all fans. Here he is with his #3 seat
cushion
Pio is almost in absentia which in this case is Drum Island
What remains of Grace are small bone fragments
and Sparky and his artistic flare - looking down one of Grace's box girders
Among the bones are the pins that connected the cantilever sections to
the main span
and another sunset (sort of)
Bye Bye Grace