This week I'm in Kent, WA, just south of Seattle. The Kent Fire Department has graciously allowed me to use their classroom in Station 73.

Shorts, Aloho shirt, and flip-flops are my de rigueur clothing choice, however, 34 degrees and rain has me rethinking my choice.

ET News Issue No. 316 is available. You can subscribe to the weekly newsletter here.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Bakers. 48 hours to put it together ... 10 minutes to consume it.

ET News Issue No. 315 is available. You can subscribe to the weekly newsletter here.

I added another book to the library; NBFU 72-1949.

ET News Issue No. 314 is available. You can subscribe to the weekly newsletter here.

This week I'm in Asheville, NC providing training for the National Park Service at the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is a real treat especially during this time of the year. The leaves are turning and the colors are gorgeous.

Of course I enjoy returning home each Friday (or Saturday) but it's especially nice to land in PDX. Mountains to the right of me, mountains to the left of me, ...

I never tire of seeing Mt. Hood on my left as we approach PDX. I'm a true Oregonian - born in Portland. The more I travel the more I appreciate coming home.

This week I'm in downtown Los Angeles teaching classes at the LA City Fire Department. I love LA, as long as I don't have to drive.

I'm especially excited about Joe Torre signing with the Dodgers. 101 days until Pitchers and Catchers report to spring training. Woo hoo!

ET News Issue No. 313 is available. You can subscribe to the weekly newsletter here.

This week I'm in Rolling Meadows, IL. The weather has been perfect, which is highly unusual for Chicago-land. Now that I've said it out loud the weather will probably deteriorate and I'll get stuck at the airport for a week.

Set your clocks back this weekend, replace your smoke alarm batteries, and most importantly - test your smoke alarms. Have your kids help while you talk about your escape plan when the alarm sounds.