Saturday, May 12, 2007

#203 Geological Influences

A couple years ago about this time, Kelly started his GIS career with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

I thought on his last day (yesterday), he might sneak out a little early, but no. I walked into his office at 4 pm to find him still working away. So I assume this means the environment remains in need of attention. Kelly’s colleagues entertained me while he checked the last items off his list.

It seems Kelly has been surrounded by geologists for these two years and I can say now with certainty, they’ve not been a good influence. They’ve encouraged him to fall off the wagon back into the abyss of rock collecting, so it’s left to the sane person in our family (me) to explain why we’re not moving any rocks from Indiana to Virginia - just like we didn’t move any rocks from Kansas City to Indiana.
I have repeatedly assured Kelly his rock collection is still safe on beautiful 67th Street back in KC under Glenna’s care. I thought I’d turned the corner in his rock rehab, then the IDEM geologists happened and now he’s teetering.

Our walk home through downtown was delightful, cool and breezy. But upon our arrival at home, I witnessed Kelly retrieve what appeared to be two fossil-laden clastic sedimentaries from his back pack. Not good.

So yesterday, Kelly’s IDEM career came to a close, but the effects linger.

Yours under the influence of geologists,
Mary

2 comments:

  1. Much as I'd like to deflect some of the blame from IDEM Geology, I'm only a chemist. To me, a "plastic sedimentary" sounds like the sort of thing that periodically attaches itself to my shoe and persists in making sticky noises for a considerable distance as I continue my journey. Anyway, it was a privilege to get to know Kelly. He will be missed by a bunch of us here at IDEM, and we wish you both the very best in Virginia.

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  2. I propose that Kelly be allowed to bring his 10 favorite rocks ... As an amateur rock collector myself, I must assure you that there ARE indeed favorites - determined by shape, where discovered (never merely just picked up), who with when discovered ... the list goes on. There's a lot to be said for hitting the trail with a few extra rocks! :> Especially some new discoveries from Glacier National Park area - my favorite rock collecting region! (psst - Kelly, can I talk you into pocketing an extra one for me?) Safe travels!

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