Independent Consultant with a Hawaiian Shirt

The Hartford area is so pretty this time of year. With the fall color in full swing and the crisp air to wake you up every morning, it's everything I like about autumn. There is one small problem: I think I'm allergic to Connecticut. It's nothing personal, but ever since I started visiting this state 18 years ago, I have always felt unwell during my stay. I don't know whether it's something in the water or the air, but I just don't feel right. I can't sleep properly and my stomach never settles. What kills me is that I think this is a very picturesque corner of the country. I always love driving the narrow, winding country roads around hills and through the trees as they change color. I am charmed by what I see, and would love to spend more time just absorbing the views. I just don't think my body could handle it.

Hi all, I'm still in Recovery Mode from an incredible weekend at The Grapevine Project. God worked so beautifully in and through the lives of everyone there. Lots of stories to tell, and I'll get to them soon. Right now, I'm looking at the beautiful fall color on the trees outside my window here in Connecticut. Fall is a personal favorite, and I am enjoying the view. I'll try to get a few good pictures for you today. Blessings, Khalaf.

Hi all, I suppose I ought to fill you in on my upcoming schedule: October 17-19, 2008: Angola, Indiana ( http://www.thegrapevineproject.org ) October 19-25, 2008: Hartford, Connecticut October 27-28, 2008: Chicago, Illinois November 3-7, 2008: Ft. Smith/Fayetteville, Arkansas So what have I been up to the last few days? Well, I've been home catching up with my wife and children. It's been a refreshing time to see them and do things with them. So I'm sure you understand why I've been "off the air" for a few days. I'll be back to filling you in from Connecticut on October 20, where I plan to capture some neat fall color photos. Blessings, Khalaf.

Today on my way to dinner I looked up in the sky and saw a balloon floating past the moon: Here's a closer view of the balloon: There is a lot of wide open space out here, but much of it is disappearing quickly to urban sprawl. I suppose that a hot-air balloon is one way to rise above it all.

This morning on my way into the office, the "Hot and Now" sign at the Krispy Kreme was turned on. My car suddenly swerved into the driveway, around the building and into a parking spot in front of the entrance to the bakery. My feet magically lifted me up and into the building where my nose inhaled the fresh aroma of warm donuts coated in that magical frosting. A gentle voice beyond the counter said, "Good morning! Would you like a donut?" My hand left my side and took that donut, bringing it up to my mouth. Between bites my voice came together long enough to say, "I'd like 2 dozen please." I had nothing to do with it. After class I passed three certification exams (A+ Essentials, A+ Desktop Technician, Network+) before heading out for dinner. Tonight's comfort food was bar-b-que, courtesy of Whole Hog Cafe. According to the sign out front, it is a "World Champion BBQ" establishment. Upon entering, the credentials are further burnished as...