The Dynamic Duo

Ok, I just got royally reamed out by one of my sons (yeah, the middle one) because he had not been informed of this momentous occasion in UltraDad’s life. Hoping to forestall further offspring censures, I breathlessly bring you “UltraDad’s New Job”.
I’m sure you know, unless you just happened upon this post by chance, perhaps by doing a search for, oh…say…”offspring”, UltraDad really hates his job driving a huge truck at a local gold mine. And, no, he cannot bring home samples. Although he gets seven days off in a row once a month, the rest of the time his schedule is hellacious, alternating between some crazy formulas of 12 hour (14 if you count travel time) day and night shifts. About a month ago, he had the opportunity to interview for a highway maintenance job in Ruby Valley, a remote place about an hour away. A week ago last Friday, I returned home from a weekend away to find a message on the old answering machine: he got the job! UltraDad was off hunting, and unreachable by phone, so I left a message with his nearby sister. By the following Friday, he had passed his drug screening and given his notice at the mine.
This job will require some adjustments in our life style. For one thing, UDad will be living, most of the time, in a house provided for him (rent: $50/month plus utilities) in Ruby Valley, and I will be living here, at least for the time being. It is a remote area with only a few houses. UDad will be working only days, unless he has to plow some emergency snow. He will probably get more job satisfaction. He will also get less money.
But he is over the moon with excitement and relief, which is a far superior state to the chronic depression I had seen him in for the past two years (with the exception of when he’s going hunting, of course).
His last day at the mine is Nov 18th, and his first day of highway work is Nov 26th, which will work out well with our planned trip to Howe for Thanksgiving.
So, there you have it. No saying I didn’t tell you. The funny thing (to me) was that Johnny was not upset with his Dad for not telling him about his new job. No, it was UltraMom who got the blame. After all, poor UltraDad is technologically challenged, and apparently incapable of using his cell phone unless he needs to find me in Walmart.
Your one the scene reporter, UltraMom

PS. Heather, I know you read these posts. I really need to figure out how to get this Taurus to you. I’m planning to drive it to Howe for Thanksgiving. Dad and Aunt Pat are driving pickups to bring some stuff back to furnish Dad’s new home. Are you and Heath both coming to Howe for Thanksgiving, so one of you could drive the Taurus back? Or do we need to meet you somewhere, or plan a stop in Pocatello? Answer by comment. Or, as a last resort, call me.