Every morning at six AM, my husband and I turn on the TV and tune in to the news while we are getting ready for work. Since we come down the hill from Tehachapi every day, we want to know the weather and the road conditions. We are, of course, especially interested in the conditions on the 58 freeway. One day, several weeks ago, "the powers that be" started a construction project on the 58, both east- and westbound. The road was intermittently cut down to one lane for over three weeks. The biggest problem was that the work did not continue daily, and it changed locations every day. Some days, it was eastbound; some days, the westbound was blocked. Some days, it was BOTH directions, and some days there was nothing going on at all.

Now, I am the first to concede that the roads need repair; that is not my beef. What infuriates me is that NOT ONE of the local newspeople said a blasted word about it, for the entire duration of the project. They mention the crud at Coffee Road, the tie-ups at Chester, even the mess at the 178 to Lake Isabella. But those of us who travel between Tehachapi and Bakersfield, it seems, can rot in the traffic jam, with no warning whatsoever. Late to work? Oh, well. There were days that we were stuck on some area of the 58 for over fifteen minutes. And whenever we dared leave early to anticipate the traffic jam, wouldn't you know it? NOTHING was going on! I have talked to a lot of our patients where I work, many of whom were late to their appointment because they had no warning of the road construction, and they all are in agreement; the news shows simply do not cover ALL the traffic news.

I am so disgusted with the news coverage here, I wish I could start my own news show. Maybe if I did, we would hear ALL the traffic news, NONE of the latest "celebrity stupidity" and a lot less chatter from the news people. 

larger view

Well, I got my tattoo, and thanks for all the good wishes and advice. I ended up going to Nak'd Al's, after all. The clincher was that (as advised) I asked several of my patients who came in with excellent artwork where and who they got it from. That was the most recommended place. My son loves it, my husband thinks it is a wonderful, attractive tribute to my youngest son. My mother, however, may not forgive me until the cows come home. (We don't have any cows, if that gives any indication as to how long that will be!)

I attached a photo; I took it with my cell phone. Please overlook the yukky skin; I have no tan and am as white as a ghost...riter....(sorry, couldn't resist!)

Thanks again, friends!

I have been wanting to get a tattoo for a long time. When I was younger, my ex-husband forbade me from doing so. However, since my youngest son died three years ago, I have decided to go ahead and do it. I do not want anything huge--no eagles across the back or anything like that--but I want something really nice to commemorate my son. I was going to do it this weekend up in Tehachapi, but my son does not want me to go there. He is of the opinion that the guy up there is not very good.

Does anyone know a really good tatt artist here in Bako? or should I go down to Venice or Ventura? Suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!