I moved to Paducah from Washington D.C. September 2002.  I had lived at 600 Water Street which was located on the Potomac river downtown.  I had also lived at 3200 N. Connecticut Ave. which is located 6 blocks north of the National Zoo.  The Connecticut avenue neighborhood is a safe, fun, trendy location with many fine and diverse restaurants.

    My move was precipitated by my loss of a contract with GSA (General Services Administration) to a rival firm as well as concerns about my mother.   I had been offered a job by this firm but I declined.  I found that my last four years in government contracting had worn on me.  The job market in the D.C. has also been decimated by the implosion of the Dot Com's,  and the huge layoffs at the phones companies (MCI/World Com).

    On September 11th I was at work a quarter mile from the Pentagon when we were attacked.  I felt the explosion, saw the damage, smelled the burning and was helpless.  Even after a year D.C. is not the same, not as much fun.  There are reminders of the 9/11 attack in the form of new security procedures, metal detectors and air sampling devices.

    D.C. still is encountering problems with Anthrax and sniper(s) attacks and a poorly run city government.  A good place to visit but maybe not to live.

    I also have a responsibility for my mother's well being.  In 1999 my mother had problems with memory and a general dementia.  My father ignored this illness so for my mothers safety I had taken my mother with me to Washington D.C. where I cared for her.   My mother's infliction was found, a large brain tumor was operated on, and successfully removed with only minor eye muscle damage.  She was very lucky and is currently in good health.  The surgeon was amazed at my mother's recovery. 

    My father has since passed on a couple of  years ago and I had advised my mother to wait two years before making any changes or major decisions.  I did encouraged my mother to move from her isolated house in the Michigan countryside.  She had picked the Paducah KY. area and found a lovely gated community.  Things are good for mom.

    Things are not bad for me - but I could use a fun job.