Dateline: Seattle, WA
Santa came again on Christmas Day. We had a lovely snowy day, presents to share with each other, and a lazy day of doing nothing. We ate breakfast at 9, went back to our cabin and did nothing all day until dinner at 4:30. Very nice.
Somewhere in there we watched "Elf", which was fun. The key moment for Santa's sleigh to get enough Christmas Spirit to escape the dreaded, dark visored Park Police is for the Dad to join in singing "Santa's Coming To Town". Before that the kids, the crowd, the Mom had joined in, but the final ooomph so the sleigh could gain altitude was for the Dad to join in.
We also watched "Love, Actually" and it is simply a fantastic, well-written and played movie. It will be around for years with it's many variations on love and relationships played out in a season when relationships are renewed, tested, remembered, regretted...
The movie begins and ends in the airport scenes of families, friends, lovers, children and parents meeting or parting with heightened emotions. Once, when Seth was about 8 or 10 we all went to SeaTac airport because I was off somewhere on business. Kathy and Lauren were giving me hugs and all that when Seth came running up, through his arms out wide like a showman, and exclaimed with a large grin "It's a Kodak moment!" We love you Seth, and you are with us every Christmas.
On Wednesday we bid farewell to Sleeping Lady and headed back over Stevens Pass to Seattle. While gassing the car I had to knock great chunks of ice out of the wheel wells of the car. The trip back was uneventful. We did have to chain up to get over Stevens and the new chains I bought two years ago worked great. They are a "no need to lie in the muck" design and it worked fine. We stopped in Gold Bar for lunch at La Hacienda and then rolled on home.
I have worked Thursday and Friday in a very quiet office. I'm throwing old files away, cleaning up piles that accumulate, and making up to do lists for the new year.
Today is Saturday. Lauren will be off for Portland later today to hook up with her pals from Lewis & Clark and for New Year's Eve.
Best to all for 2008.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Dienstag, Christmas Day
Dateline: Leavenworth, WA
On Lauren's laptop from Sleeping Lady Resort. Snow is several feet deep outside our cabin. Weather has been great. Snowing all the way here on Sunday, but we made it over Stevens Pass without chains. Did have trouble with ice buildup on the windshield wipers and had to stop a couple of times to clean them. After checkin we drove to Leavenworth and walked around. The town is a Bavarian village and they decorate the trees and streets. In the main square there is a park which was full of kids sledding down short hills underneath brilliantly lit trees. Christmas music was playing over loudspeakers. The shops and sidewalks were packed. Kathy found an outdoor bar and we had gluhwein (sort of) while sitting under blue and white Hofbrau Haus umbrellas as the snow fell on us. There was a wood fire inside a steel firepit that we clustered around with other folks.
Meals are included as part of our stay at Sleeping Lady so we headed back to the dining hall. It is very good quality cafeteria style service. All of the tables and chairs are rustic wood construction. The dining room has high, pitched ceilings and exposed beam construction. After dinner, we went to our room to settle in.
All of the cars are parked in one lot and there is no driving to the various cabins and buildings. They are reached via paths that wander through the mature forest in which all the buildings sit. There are carts available, like the ones at marinas,which guests use to haul their luggage to their cabins. It took us a couple of trips since we brought a load of presents along with us.
our room is small. wooden floor, high pitched ceiling with a fan 12 feet above us, and a steep ladder leading to a small loft with a double bed. the main floor has a double bed and a single. we could have used a small table and chairs for jigsaw puzzle (Rockefeller Center Holiday) and cards, but we are making do. the entire main room has row of wooden pegs, for hanging clothes, mounted on a board running around the room about 5' above the floor.
On Christmas Eve we went cross country skiing right across the road from Sleeping Lady. So nice to not have to drive the car. A local group has an 8 kilometer groomed trail that winds back and forth over mainly flat terrain. There were a couple of hills to spice things up. We had a lovely sunny day. Blue skies, surrounding mountains covered with snow and trees, and almost no wind. It was fun, and a bit strenuous, but very aerobic and refreshing. Deep lungfuls of crisp, clean air! After a bit of resting at the room, we drove into Leavenworth.
We wanted to find a Christmas tree for our room and our efforts on first night had not been successful. Someone had told us to go find the Safeway so that was the first stop. Alas, the floral lady said they were all sold out. But wait...! Since it was 3 pm on Christmas Eve she deconstructed a holiday floral display and we had a 2' tall live baby pine tree! So, we bought the last tree in Leavenworth...whew!
Then we into the downtown center among all the shops to check out "Andreas' Kellar" a basement restaurant with a German menu. It was quite authentic with a wood panel interior, a woman playing holiday music on an accordian, and reasonably good German food. Kathy had Weisswurst and I had a Schnitzel sandwich. I drank a Spaten Pils beer from Munich. Sehr gut!
We took our little tree, Alfie, back to the room and trimmed it with decorations we have purchased the past two years in Germany. and then of course put presents around it. That left just enough time to go to the bar.
Just one cabin away from us is the Grotto. It's a cozy place with a fireplace and seating built in around the fire...almost like being in a cave. We sat a table by thfe window and played "Golf" a card game we learned from friends, Susie and Doug Bruce. No idea why it is called golf, but it is simple enough to play while having a glass of wine. So, we did that for a bit and then noticed everyone leaving the place. Time for the 7:30 seating at the dining hall for dinner. The food is quite good and we've all eaten way too much.
For instance, my Christmas Eve dinner was Lamb foreleg in a brown sauce, pear salad with red onions, risotto, and vanilla bread pudding with orange sauce. Kathy had filet of sole stuffed with crab.
After dinner we went next door to a theater and enjoyed a Christmas Eve celebration including a quite good brass ensemble playing religious and secular holiday music. There were a couple of scripture readings, a multi-media show about Christmas around the world, all of us sang Silent Night, and then we listed to Vince Gill and his daughter do a duet of "Let There Be Peace".
On Lauren's laptop from Sleeping Lady Resort. Snow is several feet deep outside our cabin. Weather has been great. Snowing all the way here on Sunday, but we made it over Stevens Pass without chains. Did have trouble with ice buildup on the windshield wipers and had to stop a couple of times to clean them. After checkin we drove to Leavenworth and walked around. The town is a Bavarian village and they decorate the trees and streets. In the main square there is a park which was full of kids sledding down short hills underneath brilliantly lit trees. Christmas music was playing over loudspeakers. The shops and sidewalks were packed. Kathy found an outdoor bar and we had gluhwein (sort of) while sitting under blue and white Hofbrau Haus umbrellas as the snow fell on us. There was a wood fire inside a steel firepit that we clustered around with other folks.
Meals are included as part of our stay at Sleeping Lady so we headed back to the dining hall. It is very good quality cafeteria style service. All of the tables and chairs are rustic wood construction. The dining room has high, pitched ceilings and exposed beam construction. After dinner, we went to our room to settle in.
All of the cars are parked in one lot and there is no driving to the various cabins and buildings. They are reached via paths that wander through the mature forest in which all the buildings sit. There are carts available, like the ones at marinas,which guests use to haul their luggage to their cabins. It took us a couple of trips since we brought a load of presents along with us.
our room is small. wooden floor, high pitched ceiling with a fan 12 feet above us, and a steep ladder leading to a small loft with a double bed. the main floor has a double bed and a single. we could have used a small table and chairs for jigsaw puzzle (Rockefeller Center Holiday) and cards, but we are making do. the entire main room has row of wooden pegs, for hanging clothes, mounted on a board running around the room about 5' above the floor.
On Christmas Eve we went cross country skiing right across the road from Sleeping Lady. So nice to not have to drive the car. A local group has an 8 kilometer groomed trail that winds back and forth over mainly flat terrain. There were a couple of hills to spice things up. We had a lovely sunny day. Blue skies, surrounding mountains covered with snow and trees, and almost no wind. It was fun, and a bit strenuous, but very aerobic and refreshing. Deep lungfuls of crisp, clean air! After a bit of resting at the room, we drove into Leavenworth.
We wanted to find a Christmas tree for our room and our efforts on first night had not been successful. Someone had told us to go find the Safeway so that was the first stop. Alas, the floral lady said they were all sold out. But wait...! Since it was 3 pm on Christmas Eve she deconstructed a holiday floral display and we had a 2' tall live baby pine tree! So, we bought the last tree in Leavenworth...whew!
Then we into the downtown center among all the shops to check out "Andreas' Kellar" a basement restaurant with a German menu. It was quite authentic with a wood panel interior, a woman playing holiday music on an accordian, and reasonably good German food. Kathy had Weisswurst and I had a Schnitzel sandwich. I drank a Spaten Pils beer from Munich. Sehr gut!
We took our little tree, Alfie, back to the room and trimmed it with decorations we have purchased the past two years in Germany. and then of course put presents around it. That left just enough time to go to the bar.
Just one cabin away from us is the Grotto. It's a cozy place with a fireplace and seating built in around the fire...almost like being in a cave. We sat a table by thfe window and played "Golf" a card game we learned from friends, Susie and Doug Bruce. No idea why it is called golf, but it is simple enough to play while having a glass of wine. So, we did that for a bit and then noticed everyone leaving the place. Time for the 7:30 seating at the dining hall for dinner. The food is quite good and we've all eaten way too much.
For instance, my Christmas Eve dinner was Lamb foreleg in a brown sauce, pear salad with red onions, risotto, and vanilla bread pudding with orange sauce. Kathy had filet of sole stuffed with crab.
After dinner we went next door to a theater and enjoyed a Christmas Eve celebration including a quite good brass ensemble playing religious and secular holiday music. There were a couple of scripture readings, a multi-media show about Christmas around the world, all of us sang Silent Night, and then we listed to Vince Gill and his daughter do a duet of "Let There Be Peace".
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Guten Tag. Heute ist Samstag. Es regnet.
Now you know I paid attention in German class. Good morning. Today is Saturday. It is raining.
After pancakes and bacon, Lauren is off to meet our friend Max and his family for a birthday lunch for him.
Today we'll pack the car for our journey to Sleeping Lady near Leavenworth. Will have to travel over Stevens Pass, which has snow and ice on the roadway.
Last night we walked around downtown amid the lights and crowds for a while and then had dinner at Nordstrom grill. Very nice evening. You wouldn't think there was anything wrong with the economy. Stores are crowded, lines at restaurants, people loaded down with packages, etc.
We received a lovely gift basket full of goodies from Chris & Joyce in Australia. Very thoughtful of them, and organized. They used the internet to order via a Puget Sound company. The leveraging power of technology at work!
Happy Holidays and Peace To All.
After pancakes and bacon, Lauren is off to meet our friend Max and his family for a birthday lunch for him.
Today we'll pack the car for our journey to Sleeping Lady near Leavenworth. Will have to travel over Stevens Pass, which has snow and ice on the roadway.
Last night we walked around downtown amid the lights and crowds for a while and then had dinner at Nordstrom grill. Very nice evening. You wouldn't think there was anything wrong with the economy. Stores are crowded, lines at restaurants, people loaded down with packages, etc.
We received a lovely gift basket full of goodies from Chris & Joyce in Australia. Very thoughtful of them, and organized. They used the internet to order via a Puget Sound company. The leveraging power of technology at work!
Happy Holidays and Peace To All.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Anticipation
Of Lauren coming home tomorrow night.
Of experiencing the holidays mostly as a spectator, but there is a buzz watching people walk, and families shop, kids excited or cranky, lines everywhere, stores open late and all that. The pleasure of finding just the right gift for a person...like a $6 Farmers Almanac to send to the old friend who lives in rural New Mexico.
Of a new year. Maybe it is the darkness of the time, but I'm always more aware of the people who are no longer here at New Year. Getting a year older on my birthday is not the same. Part of that comes from all the TV shows that run clips on famous people who died in the last year.
Of a new year. I will lose some weight. I will blog more. I will get my bill paying shit together and quit losing the mail all over the house.....ha ha! I will go on a long motorcycle ride, but probably after I go to Europe and climb the Eiffel Tower!
Of experiencing the holidays mostly as a spectator, but there is a buzz watching people walk, and families shop, kids excited or cranky, lines everywhere, stores open late and all that. The pleasure of finding just the right gift for a person...like a $6 Farmers Almanac to send to the old friend who lives in rural New Mexico.
Of a new year. Maybe it is the darkness of the time, but I'm always more aware of the people who are no longer here at New Year. Getting a year older on my birthday is not the same. Part of that comes from all the TV shows that run clips on famous people who died in the last year.
Of a new year. I will lose some weight. I will blog more. I will get my bill paying shit together and quit losing the mail all over the house.....ha ha! I will go on a long motorcycle ride, but probably after I go to Europe and climb the Eiffel Tower!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Lauren Edwards, a natural beauty and wonderful personPerpetual Pain
I'm not feeling that quite, but.....tomorrow we go for mediation regarding the lawsuits from our son's death. The whole focus of it will be determining the economic loss to Seth's estate if he had lived to an average age. At that point, he would have had a net worth, on average, of $490,000. We are his heirs so we can claim that lost net worth, even though, if he had lived to old age we would have been long dead! Bizarre, huh? None of the legal maneuvering tomorrow will be about our emotional loss.
Today while in the attic looking for a few decorations to put around the house, I found a box in which we store various precious items from when the kids were young. One of them was a Christmas art project that our boy did when he was four years old. I didn't dare show it to Kathy. Tears in my eyes as I type this.
Two nights ago we watched "La Vie En Rose" about Edith Piaf. At one point, when she learns that Marcel, the love of her life, has died in a plane wreck, she has a scene of intense grief and anguish when she first learns this....I could barely stand to watch. Those of us who have been there.....know a terrible thing, something monstrous about the depths and pervasiveness of grief.
I suppose I have three strands of pstd. growing up in an alcoholic/drug riddled family with a violent father, combat in Vietnam, and losing my son. maybe not so much compared to some people, but that shit will wear you down. I like that song, "I get knocked down, but I get up again...." but there's a masochistic, ironic comedy aspect to that....being driven by some almost mindless urge to not surrender, to fight, to march on despite your losses, your injuries. March on to what? The next traumatic thing that will befall you? I guess so.
None of you are aware of Ted Rosenthal. He died in his '30's of cancer or leukemia. He wrote a lovely book of poetry about it titled: "How could I not be among you?" One of his themes was that there is a world of pain out there and it is coming for you. So, where I am I going with this? Probably to go watch TV and distract myself. Get up, go to the mediation and think about my son's life and death in terms of the economic loss. Nothing to do with his pain or ours.
Today while in the attic looking for a few decorations to put around the house, I found a box in which we store various precious items from when the kids were young. One of them was a Christmas art project that our boy did when he was four years old. I didn't dare show it to Kathy. Tears in my eyes as I type this.
Two nights ago we watched "La Vie En Rose" about Edith Piaf. At one point, when she learns that Marcel, the love of her life, has died in a plane wreck, she has a scene of intense grief and anguish when she first learns this....I could barely stand to watch. Those of us who have been there.....know a terrible thing, something monstrous about the depths and pervasiveness of grief.
I suppose I have three strands of pstd. growing up in an alcoholic/drug riddled family with a violent father, combat in Vietnam, and losing my son. maybe not so much compared to some people, but that shit will wear you down. I like that song, "I get knocked down, but I get up again...." but there's a masochistic, ironic comedy aspect to that....being driven by some almost mindless urge to not surrender, to fight, to march on despite your losses, your injuries. March on to what? The next traumatic thing that will befall you? I guess so.
None of you are aware of Ted Rosenthal. He died in his '30's of cancer or leukemia. He wrote a lovely book of poetry about it titled: "How could I not be among you?" One of his themes was that there is a world of pain out there and it is coming for you. So, where I am I going with this? Probably to go watch TV and distract myself. Get up, go to the mediation and think about my son's life and death in terms of the economic loss. Nothing to do with his pain or ours.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Holiday Stuff
Greetings from a gray, cold Saturday morning. I'm going to go ride the motorcycle just to clean out the engine and charge the battery. Mine, too.
Weekend of house cleaning, holiday preparations and all that. Lauren will be home on Friday for a couple of weeks...hooray.
Hello, Lee, when you get the card with my blog address. My best pal from Vietnam. The acerbic atheist from Brown U with whom I shared a hootch, many smokes, a trip to Hong Kong, and some aerial adventures while defending freedom from peasants in rubber tire sandals. Some damn tough, smart peasants they were, too.
Best wishes to all. Enjoy this day and find one opportunity to say something nice or be kind to someone.
Weekend of house cleaning, holiday preparations and all that. Lauren will be home on Friday for a couple of weeks...hooray.
Hello, Lee, when you get the card with my blog address. My best pal from Vietnam. The acerbic atheist from Brown U with whom I shared a hootch, many smokes, a trip to Hong Kong, and some aerial adventures while defending freedom from peasants in rubber tire sandals. Some damn tough, smart peasants they were, too.
Best wishes to all. Enjoy this day and find one opportunity to say something nice or be kind to someone.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Thursday
9 p.m. getting tired. got home a bit late. ate mushu pork from Snappy Dragon. went around neighborhood and shot some digi's of houses lit up for Christmas. sending those to Lauren in Deutschland because her pals there are like "what....you put colored lights all over your houses?.." yes, we do. energy wasters that we are.
that's it. the meaning of life is not here tonight. or, it is, and I lack the wit to perceive it. good luck to you out there, you need it.
that's it. the meaning of life is not here tonight. or, it is, and I lack the wit to perceive it. good luck to you out there, you need it.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Snowy Sunday in Seattle
It has snowed the past two days leaving a couple of inches on the ground and a layer of white over all of the neighborhood trees I see through the window behind my computer as I type this. Sky is gray but thanks to all the white there is a luminous quality to what otherwise would be dark day.
Last Thursday Kathy and I went to Vancouver, B.C. for a couple of days. We stayed at hotel in downtown on Granville Street. The first day we went for a long walk along Robson and through downtown. Stopped at pub, very english look to it, and had a drink, then continued into Gas Town, the historic section with brick buildings and ornate street lamps with globes. Our Thanksgiving meal was Punjabi for two at the Sitar restaurant. We stayed busy on Friday and Saturday going to Granville Island, sort of an arts center, tourist shopping area, went for a nice long walk in Stanley Park, and watched a few movies while lounging in our comfortable hotel suite.
Yesterday morning was sunny and I had thoughts of a motorcycle ride just to get the Honda out and run it a bit, but by the time we came back from our dance class the snow clouds had moved in. Here's a picture of me and Don Woodlee in Eagle's Nest New Mexico at a Vietnam memorial last May. I rode from Seattle to Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. and Donald joined me for a couple of days. We camped out near by the night before and woke in the morning to the sound of a wild turkey..yes, "gobble gobble gobble", and with frozen fog on the tent.
Eagle's Nest New Mexico, May 2007
Lauren will be home for a couple of weeks for Christmas and we're looking forward to that.
Best wishes to all of our friends and family, especially our son Seth who has gone on before us but is always in our hearts.
Last Thursday Kathy and I went to Vancouver, B.C. for a couple of days. We stayed at hotel in downtown on Granville Street. The first day we went for a long walk along Robson and through downtown. Stopped at pub, very english look to it, and had a drink, then continued into Gas Town, the historic section with brick buildings and ornate street lamps with globes. Our Thanksgiving meal was Punjabi for two at the Sitar restaurant. We stayed busy on Friday and Saturday going to Granville Island, sort of an arts center, tourist shopping area, went for a nice long walk in Stanley Park, and watched a few movies while lounging in our comfortable hotel suite.
Yesterday morning was sunny and I had thoughts of a motorcycle ride just to get the Honda out and run it a bit, but by the time we came back from our dance class the snow clouds had moved in. Here's a picture of me and Don Woodlee in Eagle's Nest New Mexico at a Vietnam memorial last May. I rode from Seattle to Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. and Donald joined me for a couple of days. We camped out near by the night before and woke in the morning to the sound of a wild turkey..yes, "gobble gobble gobble", and with frozen fog on the tent.
Eagle's Nest New Mexico, May 2007Lauren will be home for a couple of weeks for Christmas and we're looking forward to that.
Best wishes to all of our friends and family, especially our son Seth who has gone on before us but is always in our hearts.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
On The Blog Again
Thank you, Willie.....and Lauren.
This post an exercise in just do it. What's going on?
Ginger is on the road to Albany New York to live. That girl is a seeker and not afraid to make a move. She and Sheila are driving via I90 through the Great Plains and the winter weather. They were here in Seattle Friday night and we ate at Snappy Dragon.
Mom is in Tacoma at Heartwood...assisted living. 87 y.o. and Alzheimer's is pulling her over the horizon. Last week was first time that she couldn't seem to remember my name, but she was affectionate in a scatterbrained way.
Kathy and I are going to Vancouver, B.C. on Thursday for a couple of days. A different kind of Thanksgiving for us. Maybe do some holiday shopping while there.
Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch. Nur ein bisschen, but it's fun. K and I taking a night class so we can get up to speed with our daughter and have a second family language.
Lauren will be home for Christmas, hurray, and we're going off to Sleeping Lady Resort near Leavenworth for some faux Bavarian fun and snow time. When Lauren was home for the summer we went on a couple of short trips. Here's a photo near Mt. Rainier after a pretty strenuous hike up to Comet Falls.
Comet Falls 2007
Our jobs are going fine. I've lately realized that retirement nears for me, but I don't get it in some way. I'll be old enough, but I don't feel like I'm that old. We can't afford it for a while....unless we sell everything we own and move to Appalachia, so I'll be working for a while yet. But, it's nice to know I could live in some modest house in a quiet place and get by just fine with a part time job.
More later. Movie to see: "Lives of Others".
This post an exercise in just do it. What's going on?
Ginger is on the road to Albany New York to live. That girl is a seeker and not afraid to make a move. She and Sheila are driving via I90 through the Great Plains and the winter weather. They were here in Seattle Friday night and we ate at Snappy Dragon.
Mom is in Tacoma at Heartwood...assisted living. 87 y.o. and Alzheimer's is pulling her over the horizon. Last week was first time that she couldn't seem to remember my name, but she was affectionate in a scatterbrained way.
Kathy and I are going to Vancouver, B.C. on Thursday for a couple of days. A different kind of Thanksgiving for us. Maybe do some holiday shopping while there.
Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch. Nur ein bisschen, but it's fun. K and I taking a night class so we can get up to speed with our daughter and have a second family language.
Lauren will be home for Christmas, hurray, and we're going off to Sleeping Lady Resort near Leavenworth for some faux Bavarian fun and snow time. When Lauren was home for the summer we went on a couple of short trips. Here's a photo near Mt. Rainier after a pretty strenuous hike up to Comet Falls.
Comet Falls 2007Our jobs are going fine. I've lately realized that retirement nears for me, but I don't get it in some way. I'll be old enough, but I don't feel like I'm that old. We can't afford it for a while....unless we sell everything we own and move to Appalachia, so I'll be working for a while yet. But, it's nice to know I could live in some modest house in a quiet place and get by just fine with a part time job.
More later. Movie to see: "Lives of Others".
Monday, May 14, 2007
On The Road
I am in Belmont California after two days on the motorcycle headed for Ontario California. Ride thus far has been very educational about the subtleties of riding. Taking clothes on and off to respond to temperature. Remembering to run through the mental checklist while gassing up or packing. Is the top box locked and key put away? Are the straps tight that are holding the camp bags to the back seat? Have I fastened the strap of my helmet? Did I zip both pockets on my leather jacket? I have also rearranged my packing job as I figure out what really needs to be in the tankbag and what can be put away. My face is windburned, I have more trouble getting an ear plug into my right ear than I do into my left ear, and when I loosen the straps on my pack job I have to avoid letting them touch the hot exhaust....or they melt!
I started off from Seattle at 4 p.m. with the goal of reaching Portland. I stopped at Tacoma to meet my sister at Sbux and she gave me some really cool traveling clothes. Lightweight nylon pants and shirt that are SPF 50, cool, and quick drying after being hand-washed. Then, I froze my ass off riding in the evening cool to Portland. At the end there was the lightest rain. My friend Ananda bought me a cool history book at Lincoln's Cabinet (A: the smarmy bastard on The Daily Show was John Bolton!), that I had previous heard about. Spent the night at Lauren's house. She was up early to open her Starbucks at 6 a.m. I slept in, then went over there for breakfast before heading south. Once I got started, I kept going.....all the Redding California.
Going over Siskyou summit was scenic and a riding experience that was simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. Mt. Shasta was glorious as usual. From Roseburg OR south the sun was out.
The ride from Redding to Belmont was easy. Flat and straight until I got to Vallejo when I ran into a wall of cold air...ocean air being pushed inland by the fog over San Francisco. Also, there were wind gusts and the pavement surface on I80 is for shit. So, a bouncing around, sort of cold, tense ride into the city, but coming over the Bay Bridge towards San Francisco was a big thrill. Tomorrow, I have to ride to Ontario CA. The Run For The Wall starts on Weds. the 16th.
More later when I access to a computer. So far, I am reminded that adventures are necessary even though they are work, can be uncomfortable, and scarey in the strangest small ways. My rear end gets tired but the expensive saddle seems to be worth the money. I am having a good time.
I started off from Seattle at 4 p.m. with the goal of reaching Portland. I stopped at Tacoma to meet my sister at Sbux and she gave me some really cool traveling clothes. Lightweight nylon pants and shirt that are SPF 50, cool, and quick drying after being hand-washed. Then, I froze my ass off riding in the evening cool to Portland. At the end there was the lightest rain. My friend Ananda bought me a cool history book at Lincoln's Cabinet (A: the smarmy bastard on The Daily Show was John Bolton!), that I had previous heard about. Spent the night at Lauren's house. She was up early to open her Starbucks at 6 a.m. I slept in, then went over there for breakfast before heading south. Once I got started, I kept going.....all the Redding California.
Going over Siskyou summit was scenic and a riding experience that was simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. Mt. Shasta was glorious as usual. From Roseburg OR south the sun was out.
The ride from Redding to Belmont was easy. Flat and straight until I got to Vallejo when I ran into a wall of cold air...ocean air being pushed inland by the fog over San Francisco. Also, there were wind gusts and the pavement surface on I80 is for shit. So, a bouncing around, sort of cold, tense ride into the city, but coming over the Bay Bridge towards San Francisco was a big thrill. Tomorrow, I have to ride to Ontario CA. The Run For The Wall starts on Weds. the 16th.
More later when I access to a computer. So far, I am reminded that adventures are necessary even though they are work, can be uncomfortable, and scarey in the strangest small ways. My rear end gets tired but the expensive saddle seems to be worth the money. I am having a good time.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
On The Eve of 60
Tomorrow at 7:32 a.m. I will finish my 60th year. Strangely, I don't feel old. In some ways I'm in the best shape of my life since I joined a gym 2 years ago and have been steady about going.
Santa Monica, Tulsa, El Paso, Sierra Vista, Cu Chi, Danang, San Francisco, Marin County, Seattle...the places I've lived.
Where am I going with this? Next week I embark on the long ride on the motorcycle, so it will be great to start the next decade with a big adventure.
My daughter is graduating from college and will be traveling even farther out into the world and life, carrying more of her parent's hearts with her than she'll understand until she is a parent. She will also be carrying our pride in what a fine person she is, and we'll pat ourselves on the back for nurturing a born adventurer. She's walked on the Great Wall of China before she was 20 and scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef.
I think I will follow her example and start going off big adventures as a regular thing....part of staying mentally young.
Thanks to all of my friends and family, many of them gone on ahead, for being part of my life. It has been a strange trip on many occasions and if I'm lucky it will continue to be that way.
Santa Monica, Tulsa, El Paso, Sierra Vista, Cu Chi, Danang, San Francisco, Marin County, Seattle...the places I've lived.
Where am I going with this? Next week I embark on the long ride on the motorcycle, so it will be great to start the next decade with a big adventure.
My daughter is graduating from college and will be traveling even farther out into the world and life, carrying more of her parent's hearts with her than she'll understand until she is a parent. She will also be carrying our pride in what a fine person she is, and we'll pat ourselves on the back for nurturing a born adventurer. She's walked on the Great Wall of China before she was 20 and scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef.
I think I will follow her example and start going off big adventures as a regular thing....part of staying mentally young.
Thanks to all of my friends and family, many of them gone on ahead, for being part of my life. It has been a strange trip on many occasions and if I'm lucky it will continue to be that way.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Busy Time News
Sunny Saturday morning here in Seattle. Very busy weekend ahead. Got to work on motorcycle to get ready for big trip starting May 12. Twin bro Jim arriving this afternoon to spend a week with us. Lauren arriving this afternoon from Portland to spend the day. Tomorrow she will head south, pick up Benni Reuter (boyfriend from Munich) at Sea Tac and then go to Portland. She's in her last week of earning her Bachelor's Degree!
I've got house to clean, motorcycle boots to buy, lawn to mow, bills and paperwork, master bedroom to paint over the next week, and about a thousand hours of work at Perkins Coie to cram into the next two weeks.
Ginger, Mom, Jim
I've got house to clean, motorcycle boots to buy, lawn to mow, bills and paperwork, master bedroom to paint over the next week, and about a thousand hours of work at Perkins Coie to cram into the next two weeks.
Ginger, Mom, Jim
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sunday in Spring
lovely sunny day here in Seattle. temp in mid-60's. we're shampooing carpets and i'm cleaning up the back deck. we'll have relatives soon for the big weekend of May 4 to May 6. On the 4th we'll all migrate to Portland for a busy weekend based on Lauren's graduation from Lewis & Clark. looks like we are going to rent a floating home in the Williamette River to house everyone. it is close to L&C so should be a very cool place to stay. we'll have a bday party for me, Jim and Benni...all of us May 3, plus Sean who just had his bday on April 5.
yesterday we went to UPS at Tacoma to rendezvous with Lauren. there was a conference track meet and she drove up with friends to watch their team compete. after we went with her, Theresa, Sarah, and Laura to Farrell's Pizza and had some lunch before they hit the road for Portland.
so, a reasonably pleasant, low key weekend with half decent weather. hope all is well with everyone out there.
yesterday we went to UPS at Tacoma to rendezvous with Lauren. there was a conference track meet and she drove up with friends to watch their team compete. after we went with her, Theresa, Sarah, and Laura to Farrell's Pizza and had some lunch before they hit the road for Portland.
so, a reasonably pleasant, low key weekend with half decent weather. hope all is well with everyone out there.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Fulbright Grant!
Miss Lo in a familiar spot, eh?My fantastic daughter, Lauren, has just been awarded a Fulbright Grant for 2007/08 to teach English in Germany. Here's a link to Fulbright Website. Fulbright Program
She will be part of the "Padagogischer Austauschdienst" Teaching
Assistantships.
I guess we'll be going to Europe for Christmas again! We are so proud of how hard she has worked as a student, and quite pleased she has been honored to receive a Fulbright grant.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Have a Bit of Fun with Urban Legend
Strangely enough I ran across this in the back pages of a girly magazine from 1957 that someone gave me as a joke birthday present. While flipping past the pre-Playboy lovelies, all so naughty and nice in their fishnet stockings, I saw a grainy black and white of a guy falling to his death from a brick apartment building. Being as morbid as the next mortal I read on about this dangerous song. Then, being as modern as the next person I hit Google and got lift-off. Amazing what stories and cultural echoes bounce around out there in the awareness of millions of people over decades.....and perhaps have no real substance.
Gloomy Sunday Song Suicides
Enjoy.
Gloomy Sunday Song Suicides
Enjoy.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Mr. Maudlin Returns
Brace yourselves. Another two paragraph quest for the true meaning of life! or..well..the usual drab stuff dressed up in clever phrases.
seriously...No more Floridas or Ohios. Here's the first step Electoral College rendered irrelevant!
Let us all support such efforts. It only takes about 2/3 of the states to do this and it will mean that all future presidential elections actually elect the most popular candidate. it will mean all states count. it will mean "one person, one vote" actually means something. the shitheads in the little red states and the south won't have an electoral advantage because they have 2 senators. should 2 senators in Wyoming equal the 2 senators from California. talk about disproportionate representation.
seriously...No more Floridas or Ohios. Here's the first step Electoral College rendered irrelevant!
Let us all support such efforts. It only takes about 2/3 of the states to do this and it will mean that all future presidential elections actually elect the most popular candidate. it will mean all states count. it will mean "one person, one vote" actually means something. the shitheads in the little red states and the south won't have an electoral advantage because they have 2 senators. should 2 senators in Wyoming equal the 2 senators from California. talk about disproportionate representation.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Let Your Light Shine Down
Thanks to Collective Soul for today's headline. It's a great song. One of the few I play every time I don the Rhapsody mp3 player.
so what are you, or I, going to do today to let our light shine down? that's a challenge for every day, isn't it? what a shame for days to slip away when not only do you not shine, but doing so doesn't even cross your mind due to the daily distractions of "real life".
my cousin, Chris, is fighting for his life and he's letting his light shine in every post in his blog (see the link to Chris Olin). can we do any less? do we have to be scared to death to lift ourselves from the muck of laundry, bills to pay, and dishes to think about bigger things or reach out to people around us? it is a daily opportunity for self-discipline, I guess. you can't sit back and wait. like Jackson Browne says, "people you got the power to pull us through". he's so right.
Here's one illustration of letting your light shine. Harry Bernstein
Harry Bernstein, 96 year old first-time author. I think I'll buy his book from Amazon later, as a tribute to him. What a guy.
Motorcycle Ride
Went for a 15 mile ride around Seattle yesterday. No destination. Just "head out on the highway, looking for adventure"...Never got on the freeway. Stayed on city streets and went around Lake Union, up Westlake, through Fremont/Ballard to Golden Gardens and back home. Had to go over two metal bridge grates which makes me nervous, but that was the point of the ride. Just practice being in traffic, staying alert and maybe see a little something interesting. It is very "be here now" to ride when you really connect with it. The focus to be in the moment, to stay safe, quiets the chatter. The ping pong thoughts bouncing around fade away. In the good moments it's like a dream of flying or something. Lol....my mp3 on random play has just delivered "Highway To Hell" for my listening pleasure...right while I write about riding. Certainly hope AC/DC is wrong or that the road has quite a few miles left.
Friends
Maybe one way to let your light shine is to treasure and celebrate your friends. Kathy and I have certainly been blessed with lots of kindness from friends, particularly in the last year and 1/2. what a mystery how people connect across the distance between. everyone comes here alone and goes alone, but along the way, sometimes, you find those whose presence just feels right and makes the journey better. there's something there that doesn't occur with most people you meet, and that rareness makes it that much more valuable.
Last night we had dinner at Divine, near our house, with Eric Stephens and his wife, Rebecca. Eric and I met in 1977 or 1978. He owns a moving company and I've been hiring them for years to do office moves. So, there's a business connection, but there's more to it than that. He says what he means and means what he says, which I like. He works hard and cares about doing a good job. So do I. From that, we've known each other 30 years, through raising children, suffering losses, making a living, etc. Rebecca showed up on my door at the office to chew me out for being rude on the telephone to her when I was griping about some move problem. She was right..ha ha. So, we all had a nice dinner and griped about Bush, talked about kids, the stupid waiter, office politics and expensive purses. Such a great way to spend an evening sharing our perceptions and learning from each other.
The Shining
Time for to get on with my Sunday, time spent with my best friend, Kathy. Not sure what we'll do, but I hope I can remember to try to make it special some way, to learn something, to shine just a little bit.
so what are you, or I, going to do today to let our light shine down? that's a challenge for every day, isn't it? what a shame for days to slip away when not only do you not shine, but doing so doesn't even cross your mind due to the daily distractions of "real life".
my cousin, Chris, is fighting for his life and he's letting his light shine in every post in his blog (see the link to Chris Olin). can we do any less? do we have to be scared to death to lift ourselves from the muck of laundry, bills to pay, and dishes to think about bigger things or reach out to people around us? it is a daily opportunity for self-discipline, I guess. you can't sit back and wait. like Jackson Browne says, "people you got the power to pull us through". he's so right.
Here's one illustration of letting your light shine. Harry Bernstein
Harry Bernstein, 96 year old first-time author. I think I'll buy his book from Amazon later, as a tribute to him. What a guy.
Motorcycle Ride
Went for a 15 mile ride around Seattle yesterday. No destination. Just "head out on the highway, looking for adventure"...Never got on the freeway. Stayed on city streets and went around Lake Union, up Westlake, through Fremont/Ballard to Golden Gardens and back home. Had to go over two metal bridge grates which makes me nervous, but that was the point of the ride. Just practice being in traffic, staying alert and maybe see a little something interesting. It is very "be here now" to ride when you really connect with it. The focus to be in the moment, to stay safe, quiets the chatter. The ping pong thoughts bouncing around fade away. In the good moments it's like a dream of flying or something. Lol....my mp3 on random play has just delivered "Highway To Hell" for my listening pleasure...right while I write about riding. Certainly hope AC/DC is wrong or that the road has quite a few miles left.
Friends
Maybe one way to let your light shine is to treasure and celebrate your friends. Kathy and I have certainly been blessed with lots of kindness from friends, particularly in the last year and 1/2. what a mystery how people connect across the distance between. everyone comes here alone and goes alone, but along the way, sometimes, you find those whose presence just feels right and makes the journey better. there's something there that doesn't occur with most people you meet, and that rareness makes it that much more valuable.
Last night we had dinner at Divine, near our house, with Eric Stephens and his wife, Rebecca. Eric and I met in 1977 or 1978. He owns a moving company and I've been hiring them for years to do office moves. So, there's a business connection, but there's more to it than that. He says what he means and means what he says, which I like. He works hard and cares about doing a good job. So do I. From that, we've known each other 30 years, through raising children, suffering losses, making a living, etc. Rebecca showed up on my door at the office to chew me out for being rude on the telephone to her when I was griping about some move problem. She was right..ha ha. So, we all had a nice dinner and griped about Bush, talked about kids, the stupid waiter, office politics and expensive purses. Such a great way to spend an evening sharing our perceptions and learning from each other.
The Shining
Time for to get on with my Sunday, time spent with my best friend, Kathy. Not sure what we'll do, but I hope I can remember to try to make it special some way, to learn something, to shine just a little bit.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Current Events
I am hard at work learning about my new job while still doing my old job. My boss retires on April 6. So far, I am having fun, but of course that is a honeymoon illusion that will disappear soon enough. Anyway, I'm pumped some these days and manage to get to work early most mornings.
My upcoming motorcycle journey from Seattle to Washington D.C. is also much on my mind. I've got work to do on the bike to get it ready, want to take a test ride to Portland and back to get a bit of longer distance experience, and need to finish arrangements for motels or camping on the ride. Tied in with that, Kathy and Lauren will be meeting me in D.C. at the end of my ride for a week vacation to see the sights..so we have to make arrangements for that.
But...before heading off for my Easy Rider odyssey Lauren will graduate from Lewis & Clark College on May 6! That is the big event in the near future and we are very excited about honoring her significant accomplishment. That will be a big weekend. Lauren has also recently become a barista at Starbucks! She worries a bit about what she will do now that she is a graduate, but I am not worried. She's smart, hard-working, kind to animals and people, and beautiful. The world lies before her.
Finally, my twin brother, Jim, will be here for Lauren's graduation, but also for our 60th (I know, that must be a typo) birthday on May 3.
So.....a busy time for Spring 2007.
My upcoming motorcycle journey from Seattle to Washington D.C. is also much on my mind. I've got work to do on the bike to get it ready, want to take a test ride to Portland and back to get a bit of longer distance experience, and need to finish arrangements for motels or camping on the ride. Tied in with that, Kathy and Lauren will be meeting me in D.C. at the end of my ride for a week vacation to see the sights..so we have to make arrangements for that.
But...before heading off for my Easy Rider odyssey Lauren will graduate from Lewis & Clark College on May 6! That is the big event in the near future and we are very excited about honoring her significant accomplishment. That will be a big weekend. Lauren has also recently become a barista at Starbucks! She worries a bit about what she will do now that she is a graduate, but I am not worried. She's smart, hard-working, kind to animals and people, and beautiful. The world lies before her.
Finally, my twin brother, Jim, will be here for Lauren's graduation, but also for our 60th (I know, that must be a typo) birthday on May 3.
So.....a busy time for Spring 2007.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentines Day
Odds & ends.
Got to work and found an e-valentine from my daughter. What a great way to start the day!
I've got a new job. My boss retiring and I will replace him. He says the increased money is a pittance compared to the headaches. Ha Ha...that's always the way, but I'm looking forward to some new challenges.
Getting pumped about riding the motorcycle from Seattle to Washington, D.C. in May for Rolling Thunder. My first long ride..gots lots to buy and do yet.
Had a great winter weekend at Birch Bay (almost to Canada)with friends Ananda and Linda. Walked on the beach, played bridge, sat in the hot tub, and cooked some great food.
Got to work and found an e-valentine from my daughter. What a great way to start the day!
I've got a new job. My boss retiring and I will replace him. He says the increased money is a pittance compared to the headaches. Ha Ha...that's always the way, but I'm looking forward to some new challenges.
Getting pumped about riding the motorcycle from Seattle to Washington, D.C. in May for Rolling Thunder. My first long ride..gots lots to buy and do yet.
Had a great winter weekend at Birch Bay (almost to Canada)with friends Ananda and Linda. Walked on the beach, played bridge, sat in the hot tub, and cooked some great food.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Daily Ramble
Procrastination
Maybe a strategy for end running procrastination is to do something useful or valuable when you are avoiding doing something else that is important. That way, at least you get something done. But….that might help you avoid feeling guilty about what you have neglected…and that may not be good since presumably the guilty feeling is actually pleasurable, in a toothache sort of way, else why would you procrastinate to start with? Masochism, I suppose. The guilt of not doing the right thing gets you an outcome you perversely want: guilt.
Flying Away
I have gotten comfortable enough on the motorcycle that I have to work at keeping the speed down. I just want to goooooooooo! Not good, but it just sneaks up on me. I get used to 50 or 60 and it seems slow which leads to a constant escalation of perception about what is "fast". Conditions have to determine the right speed and the smart rider is going to respond to that "box" of traffic, visibility, and weather conditions in which he is riding, but the excited Bat person lurking in the soul just wants to fly.
Maybe a strategy for end running procrastination is to do something useful or valuable when you are avoiding doing something else that is important. That way, at least you get something done. But….that might help you avoid feeling guilty about what you have neglected…and that may not be good since presumably the guilty feeling is actually pleasurable, in a toothache sort of way, else why would you procrastinate to start with? Masochism, I suppose. The guilt of not doing the right thing gets you an outcome you perversely want: guilt.
Flying Away
I have gotten comfortable enough on the motorcycle that I have to work at keeping the speed down. I just want to goooooooooo! Not good, but it just sneaks up on me. I get used to 50 or 60 and it seems slow which leads to a constant escalation of perception about what is "fast". Conditions have to determine the right speed and the smart rider is going to respond to that "box" of traffic, visibility, and weather conditions in which he is riding, but the excited Bat person lurking in the soul just wants to fly.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Yada yada yada
Daily Stuff
Sunny and mild today in Seattle. I rode the motorcycle to work…a bit chilly in early a.m. but what fun. It is only four months from now and I will be somewhere in the middle of America riding with several hundred motorcycles on the way to Washington, D.C. I've been intrigued with the idea for three years and I'm finally almost there. Still lots of motorcyle gear and clothing to buy for the trip.
My boss has given notice that he intends to retire as of April 6th. About time. He hasn't really paid much attention or cared for years, and has sat back while various pieces of his responsibilities were transferred to other departments. I've applied for that job and find the prospect of a new role to be stimulating all kinds of ideas about improving things, etc. The flame still burns…although it has been at very low ebb, particularly since our loss.
Maybe the idea of new horizons (both literally and metaphorically), plus the weather this week which hints of spring, is lifting me up. Pray, let it be so.
The War
What despair it creates for me. It such an exact parallel to the Vietnam experience and we are doing it again. With the added cruel irony that most responsible and eager for it all avoided service in Vietnam. Yossarian is smiling somewhere! My boy, with his tendency to worry and assume the worst ( I guess he was right about that) was worried about being drafted. Now we don't need to worry about that and I wish we did…..but, there are hundreds, thousands, of parents out there who are going to suffer the same loss we have. Right now they may be worried, even fearful, but they still have hope. No one who has not lost a child can know how devastating it is to have hope obliterated in a cruel moment when a person in a uniform steps onto your porch. Welcome to the jungle. Thank you, Axel, and thank you foley82 for introducing me to GNR. Those are our children out there people, being sent to die by jumped up fools who won't go themselves.
Sunny and mild today in Seattle. I rode the motorcycle to work…a bit chilly in early a.m. but what fun. It is only four months from now and I will be somewhere in the middle of America riding with several hundred motorcycles on the way to Washington, D.C. I've been intrigued with the idea for three years and I'm finally almost there. Still lots of motorcyle gear and clothing to buy for the trip.
My boss has given notice that he intends to retire as of April 6th. About time. He hasn't really paid much attention or cared for years, and has sat back while various pieces of his responsibilities were transferred to other departments. I've applied for that job and find the prospect of a new role to be stimulating all kinds of ideas about improving things, etc. The flame still burns…although it has been at very low ebb, particularly since our loss.
Maybe the idea of new horizons (both literally and metaphorically), plus the weather this week which hints of spring, is lifting me up. Pray, let it be so.
The War
What despair it creates for me. It such an exact parallel to the Vietnam experience and we are doing it again. With the added cruel irony that most responsible and eager for it all avoided service in Vietnam. Yossarian is smiling somewhere! My boy, with his tendency to worry and assume the worst ( I guess he was right about that) was worried about being drafted. Now we don't need to worry about that and I wish we did…..but, there are hundreds, thousands, of parents out there who are going to suffer the same loss we have. Right now they may be worried, even fearful, but they still have hope. No one who has not lost a child can know how devastating it is to have hope obliterated in a cruel moment when a person in a uniform steps onto your porch. Welcome to the jungle. Thank you, Axel, and thank you foley82 for introducing me to GNR. Those are our children out there people, being sent to die by jumped up fools who won't go themselves.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Happy New Year
Best Wishes to all for 2007. We are back from two weeks in Germany. There is much to report, but later when jet lag has abated a bit. Travel is fun and all that, but there is no place like home. Hug your loved ones or call them. It's always the right time to show you care.
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