First, I haven't blogged in a while, it just seems that everything has been routine and uneventful over the last few weeks. And most of the people who lurk here are people I speak with on occasion.
A week ago, Carolyn experienced the pleasure of living in California as she was in the cool mountains of Lake Arrowhead for a church women's retreat and returned Sunday for our last afternoon church service which was followed by dinner with Pattie and Chris on the pier in San Clemente. From the mountains to the sea in a few short hours.
This past weekend, after reading Saturday's papers in bed, Carolyn and I drove out to Casper's park where her art teacher and other oil painters were set up to paint. We enjoyed a couple hours of quiet among live oak trees, rolling hills, passing horses while hawks soared above. Then it was off to a park in Laguna Hills to participate in a welcome BBQ for Sharon Hughes' sister and her family as they have immigrated from South Africa.
Sunday, we attended our first morning church service at our new location, and then headed down towards Dana Point. We lunched at Fred's Mexican Cafe which had been suggested by John Elliott. A total sports bar with at least five different NFL games going on numerous TV's. Then down to the harbor for a Hutchins only sail. The winds were light but the day was warm, and we enjoyed our couple hours of slow sailing on flat seas.
Today, finally, the election is here and I can look forward to the absence of political mailers, calls, ads and analyses. What is likely to happen in the Congress?
My guess is that the Senate will remain in Republican control with the loss of maybe three or four seats. The House is more problematic, but the Republicans could still maintain control by a few seats. If the Dems win, I'm not looking forward to the agenda that Pelosi will put forward.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
That Was Close!!
Driving to work this morning around 7 on the 5 freeway, I was in the commute mode doing about 70 mph in the fast lane with a VW in front of me and a black pickup to my right about two car lengths in front when from the third lane a SUV swerved in front of the truck. His move was like a backward question mark - a quick swerve into lane 2 an overcorrection immediately back towards lane 3, he did a 180. Now skidding backwards at 65 mph and tilting as if he might topple over, he hit the front quarter panel of some unlucky driver in lane 4, and both came to rest against the guardrail with the SUV still facing the wrong way.
Meanwhile, the rest of us who had slowed 5 or 10 mph continued our daily commute, glad that someone's inattention hadn't ruined our day. But it had given us a good feeling of what it must be like on the typical NASCAR track.
Meanwhile, the rest of us who had slowed 5 or 10 mph continued our daily commute, glad that someone's inattention hadn't ruined our day. But it had given us a good feeling of what it must be like on the typical NASCAR track.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Reunion
Saturday is when I really found out how old I am!
Carolyn accompanied me to my 40th high school reunion held in a VFW on the bay in Newport. Newport Harbor High and Corona del Mar joined together for the event which included a cash bar, buffet, dancing and a lot of trying to figure out who that guy or gal was, even with name tags which bore our senior class pictures.
As an overall impression, I was surprised by how grey/silver or thin (to bald) their hair had become, how much weight they had gained, and how personalities remained the same. For the women, gone were the days of flips, page boys, or beehives (thank goodness), now replaced by straight dos or very short cuts. For the guys, a few sported long grey pony tails, but the rest of us wore it shorter trying to cover as much scalp as possible. A number of my classmates were still trim and athletic, but more often, the female gymnast now weighed about 180 or the football player carried a pretty good gut.
The oddest thing though was the random connections that occurred during the evening. I found my old boss from Ponderosa Homes was in the same class at NHHS as I was at CdM. Perhaps, we had discussed that coincidence back in the 70s, but neither of us remembered it. Chris Babbitt showed up (another NHHS grad) who played in the band back in those days and whose bandmate played the sax (sometimes two at a time) throughout the night's dancing. I found another CdM grad who was involved in the project in Lake Elsinore I worked on when I worked for TMC.
We enjoyed dancing, conversing and our evening, but I'm glad a reunion only comes around every decade or so. I don't have a need to relive high school.
Carolyn accompanied me to my 40th high school reunion held in a VFW on the bay in Newport. Newport Harbor High and Corona del Mar joined together for the event which included a cash bar, buffet, dancing and a lot of trying to figure out who that guy or gal was, even with name tags which bore our senior class pictures.
As an overall impression, I was surprised by how grey/silver or thin (to bald) their hair had become, how much weight they had gained, and how personalities remained the same. For the women, gone were the days of flips, page boys, or beehives (thank goodness), now replaced by straight dos or very short cuts. For the guys, a few sported long grey pony tails, but the rest of us wore it shorter trying to cover as much scalp as possible. A number of my classmates were still trim and athletic, but more often, the female gymnast now weighed about 180 or the football player carried a pretty good gut.
The oddest thing though was the random connections that occurred during the evening. I found my old boss from Ponderosa Homes was in the same class at NHHS as I was at CdM. Perhaps, we had discussed that coincidence back in the 70s, but neither of us remembered it. Chris Babbitt showed up (another NHHS grad) who played in the band back in those days and whose bandmate played the sax (sometimes two at a time) throughout the night's dancing. I found another CdM grad who was involved in the project in Lake Elsinore I worked on when I worked for TMC.
We enjoyed dancing, conversing and our evening, but I'm glad a reunion only comes around every decade or so. I don't have a need to relive high school.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Too Much
After a friend of mine lost 17 pounds in 9 days and over 22 pounds in 15, I decided I could take more than a little off myself. So on Monday I began this wellness campaign which includes cleansing and a 'fat burning' system.
Well, one of the things they want you to do is to drink about 80 ounces of water a day. So on Monday, I had just finished my third bottle, and I said there was no way I could drink that much as each bottle was 8 oz. and another seven bottles was impossible! That's when I noticed the bottles showed a serving size of 8 oz. and were, in fact, 16 ounces! Whoops! That was manageable.
As of this morning, I've lost five pounds and have hopes for five to eight more by next weekend. An appropriate time, as my XXth high school reunion is on October 7.
Well, one of the things they want you to do is to drink about 80 ounces of water a day. So on Monday, I had just finished my third bottle, and I said there was no way I could drink that much as each bottle was 8 oz. and another seven bottles was impossible! That's when I noticed the bottles showed a serving size of 8 oz. and were, in fact, 16 ounces! Whoops! That was manageable.
As of this morning, I've lost five pounds and have hopes for five to eight more by next weekend. An appropriate time, as my XXth high school reunion is on October 7.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Labor Day Weekend
We started the weekend with the Orange International Food Festival on Friday night with Ron and Jane. After finally finding a parking spot that wasn't limited to permit parking only, we walked the many blocks to the Circle of Orange and joined about seventy thousand new 'friends' as we walked by booths selling Irish/German/American beer or knockwurst or fish and chips or apfelskivers or other favorites from around the globe while various bands played Irish jigs or cover songs.
After settling on one ethnic food or another, we ate standing up off to the side of traffic barrier all the while watching the parade of people. I was sort of surprised to see the number of sleeve tattoos on women. Do they think that really enhances their tank-top look?
Saturday was a planned boat work day as we readied the boat for another trip to Catalina in two weeks. We scrubbed the decks, tried out installing a tarp for temporary shade over the cockpit, installed a BBQ, emptied the head, tested the dinghy, and installed an inverter. Then we kicked back and enjoyed appetizers followed by wine, salad and steaks cooked on the newly acquired BBQ which Steve managed to do by flashlight and without dropping them overboard.
We also met some new dockmates, Angelica and David, who have newly converted from powerboats to a 27 foot Erickson that they have outfitted with radar, microwave, etc. so they are comfortable for week-long stays in Catalina. For new sailors, they provided us with some interesting tidbits on sailing or cruising strategies.
The "work" and sun must have really taken it out of me because on Sunday, I was totally worthless about doing anything productive. I just took my time reading the Sunday papers while watching the US Open tennis match with Andre Agassi's farewell match and then watching Vijay Singh roar past Tiger in the third round of the Deutsche Bank golf tournament. Finally, I rose from my chair to make it to the 5 o'clock service at church which was followed by dinner with Chris and Pattie at the Stadium Brewing Company and a later night meander through Barnes and Nobel. We left with an eclectic selection on knitting, poker and The Count of Monte Cristo that we plan to read to each other over the next decade (it's over 550 pages long!).
Monday started with a cruise across the lake with Darla as we met Dennis for a champagne brunch at the club. Mostly muffins, bagels and a little fruit washed down with coffee, OJ or bubbly or some combination of all three. The day was already warm and quite still - almost sultry and we wondered if there would be any wind for sailing later in the day. No problem on that account!
After having worked without sailing on Saturday, we had arranged to meet with Dennis and Gloria for a sail. By the time we got to the harbor, the wind was up and we were soon off. The seas were more confused than normal and the swells were fairly large. Several other sailboats were sailing with reduced rigs, but we had both the jib and main fully unfurled and soon we were close to rail down as we sailed up towards Laguna. All four of us had to be on the high side with feet braced against the opposite side of the cockpit. Some of the time, I played "rail meat" and sat with my legs over the high side of the boat.
With all of us on one side, it was a little tight and Carolyn caught the mainsheet in her face as we tacked. Luckily, she didn't get hurt too badly, though she thinks she may get a fat lip. Her day didn't get any better as her hat flew off later and we rounded back and forth trying to retrieve it which just made her stomach do flip flops. She ended up with a numb lip, a lost hat and nothing in her stomach - not her favorite sailing experience.
Home after a dinner stop at In N Out, we watched the recorded golf tournament as Tiger won his 5th in a row. Amazing! Now it's back to work and the hope to fine the faux wood on my desk.
After settling on one ethnic food or another, we ate standing up off to the side of traffic barrier all the while watching the parade of people. I was sort of surprised to see the number of sleeve tattoos on women. Do they think that really enhances their tank-top look?
Saturday was a planned boat work day as we readied the boat for another trip to Catalina in two weeks. We scrubbed the decks, tried out installing a tarp for temporary shade over the cockpit, installed a BBQ, emptied the head, tested the dinghy, and installed an inverter. Then we kicked back and enjoyed appetizers followed by wine, salad and steaks cooked on the newly acquired BBQ which Steve managed to do by flashlight and without dropping them overboard.
We also met some new dockmates, Angelica and David, who have newly converted from powerboats to a 27 foot Erickson that they have outfitted with radar, microwave, etc. so they are comfortable for week-long stays in Catalina. For new sailors, they provided us with some interesting tidbits on sailing or cruising strategies.
The "work" and sun must have really taken it out of me because on Sunday, I was totally worthless about doing anything productive. I just took my time reading the Sunday papers while watching the US Open tennis match with Andre Agassi's farewell match and then watching Vijay Singh roar past Tiger in the third round of the Deutsche Bank golf tournament. Finally, I rose from my chair to make it to the 5 o'clock service at church which was followed by dinner with Chris and Pattie at the Stadium Brewing Company and a later night meander through Barnes and Nobel. We left with an eclectic selection on knitting, poker and The Count of Monte Cristo that we plan to read to each other over the next decade (it's over 550 pages long!).
Monday started with a cruise across the lake with Darla as we met Dennis for a champagne brunch at the club. Mostly muffins, bagels and a little fruit washed down with coffee, OJ or bubbly or some combination of all three. The day was already warm and quite still - almost sultry and we wondered if there would be any wind for sailing later in the day. No problem on that account!
After having worked without sailing on Saturday, we had arranged to meet with Dennis and Gloria for a sail. By the time we got to the harbor, the wind was up and we were soon off. The seas were more confused than normal and the swells were fairly large. Several other sailboats were sailing with reduced rigs, but we had both the jib and main fully unfurled and soon we were close to rail down as we sailed up towards Laguna. All four of us had to be on the high side with feet braced against the opposite side of the cockpit. Some of the time, I played "rail meat" and sat with my legs over the high side of the boat.
With all of us on one side, it was a little tight and Carolyn caught the mainsheet in her face as we tacked. Luckily, she didn't get hurt too badly, though she thinks she may get a fat lip. Her day didn't get any better as her hat flew off later and we rounded back and forth trying to retrieve it which just made her stomach do flip flops. She ended up with a numb lip, a lost hat and nothing in her stomach - not her favorite sailing experience.
Home after a dinner stop at In N Out, we watched the recorded golf tournament as Tiger won his 5th in a row. Amazing! Now it's back to work and the hope to fine the faux wood on my desk.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Mammoth
Chided by both my daughter and a Bible study friend (a blog lurker) about my lack of recent posts, I succumb to the brow beating and pull myself up to my keyboard.
Two weeks ago, Chris and Pattie Brown invited us up to their Mammoth cabin/house for a long weekend. Bringing Carolyn along, they arrived at my office in Upland around 4:30 on Thursday afternoon to begin our trip up 395. Traveling through the upper desert community of Adelanto, I tried to figure out where or why Lewis Corp. has purchased or controls hundreds or thousands of acres. It is easy to understand why I'm not in marketing, as I have difficulty in imagining either the demand or appeal of living in that wasteland of sand, heat and Joshua trees. We make a short stop at Bravo Burgers beside the stadium for burgers, sandwiches and onion rings.
Chris drove and I sat shotgun while Pattie and Carolyn talked and knitted in the back seat. Another short stop for gas and we made it to the house around 11 pm. Stopping at the market for a few needed morning supplies, the temps were quite cool for a summer night considering the highs we had been experiencing in Lake Forest. The Browns gave us the larger of the two downstairs bedrooms and soon we tucked under several blankets (!) and off to a lengthy slumber.
On Friday, we hiked up to a small lake, taking the scenic stream trail, and while Carolyn walked and sketched, she was devoured by mosquitoes (she is really sweet!) while they hardly bothered me. The water was running quite strong for a late summer hike because of all the snow this past season. Probably, a reason for the number of mosquitoes as well.
We ate out that evening at the Mogul on delicious steaks and I had a baked potato with everything. Of course, then we had to share desserts so as to not be too piggish. The next day we took it easy again with just a hike up to a new development that overlooks the golf course and out to Lake Crowley. I checked my wallet, but I didn't quite have enough for any of the few houses for sale as they were over $3 million.
We cooked tacos on Saturday and followed up with a raucous game of Balderdash. I was leading until Chris suckered me into about four straight 'Chris definitions' and surged past me for the win. That evening, he just had a better BS quotient than the rest of us.
Sunday morning, we all worked to get the house spic and span, cleaning bathrooms and the kitchen, taking out trash, washing linens, vacuuming, etc. I think we were good enough 'tenants' that we're likely to be asked back sometime. It's a fun place any season of the year.
The trip home was uneventful except for the long lines in Bishop at Schat's Bakery and the car that overturned on the north bound side of 395 about two minutes before we got there (dozens had stopped to aid and assist). We got home around 6 to find our house in order and a cat who was definitely missing human contact.
Two weeks ago, Chris and Pattie Brown invited us up to their Mammoth cabin/house for a long weekend. Bringing Carolyn along, they arrived at my office in Upland around 4:30 on Thursday afternoon to begin our trip up 395. Traveling through the upper desert community of Adelanto, I tried to figure out where or why Lewis Corp. has purchased or controls hundreds or thousands of acres. It is easy to understand why I'm not in marketing, as I have difficulty in imagining either the demand or appeal of living in that wasteland of sand, heat and Joshua trees. We make a short stop at Bravo Burgers beside the stadium for burgers, sandwiches and onion rings.
Chris drove and I sat shotgun while Pattie and Carolyn talked and knitted in the back seat. Another short stop for gas and we made it to the house around 11 pm. Stopping at the market for a few needed morning supplies, the temps were quite cool for a summer night considering the highs we had been experiencing in Lake Forest. The Browns gave us the larger of the two downstairs bedrooms and soon we tucked under several blankets (!) and off to a lengthy slumber.
On Friday, we hiked up to a small lake, taking the scenic stream trail, and while Carolyn walked and sketched, she was devoured by mosquitoes (she is really sweet!) while they hardly bothered me. The water was running quite strong for a late summer hike because of all the snow this past season. Probably, a reason for the number of mosquitoes as well.
We ate out that evening at the Mogul on delicious steaks and I had a baked potato with everything. Of course, then we had to share desserts so as to not be too piggish. The next day we took it easy again with just a hike up to a new development that overlooks the golf course and out to Lake Crowley. I checked my wallet, but I didn't quite have enough for any of the few houses for sale as they were over $3 million.
We cooked tacos on Saturday and followed up with a raucous game of Balderdash. I was leading until Chris suckered me into about four straight 'Chris definitions' and surged past me for the win. That evening, he just had a better BS quotient than the rest of us.
Sunday morning, we all worked to get the house spic and span, cleaning bathrooms and the kitchen, taking out trash, washing linens, vacuuming, etc. I think we were good enough 'tenants' that we're likely to be asked back sometime. It's a fun place any season of the year.
The trip home was uneventful except for the long lines in Bishop at Schat's Bakery and the car that overturned on the north bound side of 395 about two minutes before we got there (dozens had stopped to aid and assist). We got home around 6 to find our house in order and a cat who was definitely missing human contact.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
A Long Week and a Half
After getting home on 7/14, I tried to readjust my mental clock to Pacific Daylight Time by just taking it easy over the weekend. It was hot and the AC seemed to be keeping up until Sunday morning when I heard the air blowing through the vents but it didn't seem to be cool. I checked the compressor to find that it wasn't working - dang!
I went up to Ace Hardware and picked up two new fuses for the unit hoping that was the issue, but to no avail. So, while the temperature climbed within our house (especially in our bedroom), I left a message for an AC repairman on Sunday and was able to talk to him Monday. The first available appointment was Wednesday so I knew I was in for several days of hot weather.
Wednesday, the repair was made, and, thankfully, it was only a bug which had died across the contact points, so it was just a service call, rather than a new compressor. All went well, except for the realization that without Carolyn around, I don't eat that healthy, preferring the ease of fast food to the planning and effort required to cook for myself.
On Monday, July 24, the day before Carolyn's return, I came home from work to find that the electricity was totally off in my house and those of my immediate neighbors. So, no AC, lights, television, electricity - nothing. I wandered around with a flashlight in hand and tried to balance it on my shoulder while attempting to read. That night, the heat drove me downstairs to sleep on the couch in relative coolness.
When I awoke, the electricity was still out and I thought about reserving a hotel room to welcome Carolyn home as opposed to the hot, dark house on Islamare. As it turned out, Carolyn was supposed to arrive at 7 pm, but an engine warning light caused a four hour delay in her arrival which allowed me to go home and check on the house before leaving for LAX. At 6, the electricity was still off, but a crew was across the street removing and reinstalling a new transformer. Thankfully, we were connected by 7 and I was able to crank on the AC before driving up to LAX.
Carolyn appeared from the Customs area at around 11:30, tuckered and tired from her 18 hour trip from Edinburgh hauling her suitcases packed with her clothes and Ashley and Bryce's books. We were home by 12:30 am - tired and thankful to find the AC pumping cool air out like crazy.
I went up to Ace Hardware and picked up two new fuses for the unit hoping that was the issue, but to no avail. So, while the temperature climbed within our house (especially in our bedroom), I left a message for an AC repairman on Sunday and was able to talk to him Monday. The first available appointment was Wednesday so I knew I was in for several days of hot weather.
Wednesday, the repair was made, and, thankfully, it was only a bug which had died across the contact points, so it was just a service call, rather than a new compressor. All went well, except for the realization that without Carolyn around, I don't eat that healthy, preferring the ease of fast food to the planning and effort required to cook for myself.
On Monday, July 24, the day before Carolyn's return, I came home from work to find that the electricity was totally off in my house and those of my immediate neighbors. So, no AC, lights, television, electricity - nothing. I wandered around with a flashlight in hand and tried to balance it on my shoulder while attempting to read. That night, the heat drove me downstairs to sleep on the couch in relative coolness.
When I awoke, the electricity was still out and I thought about reserving a hotel room to welcome Carolyn home as opposed to the hot, dark house on Islamare. As it turned out, Carolyn was supposed to arrive at 7 pm, but an engine warning light caused a four hour delay in her arrival which allowed me to go home and check on the house before leaving for LAX. At 6, the electricity was still off, but a crew was across the street removing and reinstalling a new transformer. Thankfully, we were connected by 7 and I was able to crank on the AC before driving up to LAX.
Carolyn appeared from the Customs area at around 11:30, tuckered and tired from her 18 hour trip from Edinburgh hauling her suitcases packed with her clothes and Ashley and Bryce's books. We were home by 12:30 am - tired and thankful to find the AC pumping cool air out like crazy.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Amsterdam - A Land of Bikes
Friday, July 7, we flew directly from Edinburgh to Amsterdam and caught a taxi to the Hotel Toro (I kind of like that name) which is located in a very quiet section of the city, just down from the British Consulate, and across a pond from the Vondelpark, a beautiful, large park where people were constantly jogging, biking, sunning and picnicking.
Saturday, we grabbed a tram into the heart of the city and honored Rembrandt by visiting his works in the Rijkmuseum along with other old masters like Vermeer. In one room, they had a great 'light' show which focused your attention on various people or techniques in Rembrandt's "Night Watch". We made our way up to the Central train station and rented four bikes from MacBike for the better part of the week (I've never seen so many bikes in one place!). We wandered past canals, eating at a canalside cafe, through Dam Square, and finally back through the Vondelpark to our hotel.
Sunday, we broke out the travel Scrabble and Carolyn and I tried to stay within shouting distance (score-wise) of the two scholars without a lot of success. Then it was off to the Van Gogh museum, enjoying a snack of Dutch pancakes and fritters, and later followed by a canal tour (homes built on pilings don't all remain vertical). Bicycling with Bryce as our navigator, we made our way around the city, had dinner at Wagamamas, and made it back to the hotel in time to watch the World Cup finals. I didn't cry when France lost.
Monday, we bicycled to Anne Frank's house and toured the 'apartment' where up to eight people hid from the Nazis. It wasn't as small as I'd imagined, but with eight people, covered windows and the need to remain silent during work hours, it was claustrophobic enough. Only Otto, the father, survived the concentration camps. Another canal-side lunch and more bicycling through the city and the Vondelpark was followed by a wonderful (and expensive) dinner at the Blue Pepper, an Indonesian restaurant recommended by Roy from the hotel. A late evening of Scrabble finished the evening with Bryce smoking us with his first word (Allstars) which used all seven letters and was worth 77 points.
Carolyn and I went off on our own to Haarlem by train the next day. Amsterdam is the only place I've seen a multi-story parking structure just for bikes! We walked through the city, visited Corrie ten Boom's museum where we saw the small (24" deep) hiding place that hid Jews and resistance members during the occupation. Dinner was take-away pizza and beer back at the hotel.
Wednesday, the four of us ventured out of Amsterdam by train to Den Haag where we went to the Maurithuis and saw Vemeer's, Rembrandt's, Van Dyck's and Rubens' along with other artists. After lunch, we walked and walked and finally found the International Court of Justice which is only open by prior appointment, but it was an impressive looking building with gorgeous grounds. We bought bread, cheese and wine for a dinner on the hotel's veranda overlooking Vondelpark.
Our final full day in Amsterdam, we set out to the train station to go to Utrecht, a small town southeast of Amsterdam with canals which we were told was quite attractive. With Bryce leading the way, our party of four got strung out a little, and after several turns on various small roads, I looked back and found that Carolyn was no longer behind me. We spent the next twenty minutes or so searching to no avail so we continued on to the train station hoping she had found her way there. Bryce found her waiting in front of the train depot after already turning in her rental bike. After settling down from that episode, off we went. We stopped at a musical instrument museum but when we found it cost more than seeing Rembrandt, we passed and continued past canals, shops and into the large vaulted church.
But it was at lunch, that the day got really interesting. We found a cafe that had tables and chairs right alongside the canal so you could watch the various water craft passing by as you ate. Ashley and I sat opposite each other nearest the canal (about 1.5 feet away) and Bryce and Carolyn sat inboard of us. We had nearly finished lunch when Ashley in trying to adjust her chair, caught a chair leg on the cobblestone, and suddenly her chair was tipping towards the canal. As it tipped, her center of gravity shifted, and there was Ashley doing her best impression of a 1940's musical featuring synchronized swimmers, as both hands raised over her head she practically dove into the canal!! This before either Bryce or I could halt her momentum. In a moment, she was fully immersed; a second later, Bryce and I were pulling her from the water while Bryce shouted at some lady who was taking video at the time (perhaps Ashley will be soon starring in a Dutch version of Funniest Videos).
The waiter pointed Ashley and Bryce to the restrooms while saying that it (falling in the canal) happens every so often. So while Ashley tried to dry off under the hand driers, Carolyn went power shopping, returning in about 15 minutes with a whole new outfit (minus shoes) - skirt, blouse and underwear. Thankfully, Ashley wasn't hurt and actually laughed about it which allowed us to laugh as well. One waiter from Israel told me that when he had first arrived in Utrecht, he had never seen running water and was convinced by a 'friend' that it was shallow enough to walk on, so he tried to do his best Jesus impression and failed faster than Peter.
If this picture had been taken at the right moment, Ashley's head would have been appearing in the lower left hand side of this photo. Needless to say, that finished our adventures and we headed back to Amsterdam to pack for Friday's departure - me to home, Ashley, Bryce and Carolyn for two days in London and then back to Edinburgh through the 25th when all three will be heading back to California.
Saturday, we grabbed a tram into the heart of the city and honored Rembrandt by visiting his works in the Rijkmuseum along with other old masters like Vermeer. In one room, they had a great 'light' show which focused your attention on various people or techniques in Rembrandt's "Night Watch". We made our way up to the Central train station and rented four bikes from MacBike for the better part of the week (I've never seen so many bikes in one place!). We wandered past canals, eating at a canalside cafe, through Dam Square, and finally back through the Vondelpark to our hotel.
Sunday, we broke out the travel Scrabble and Carolyn and I tried to stay within shouting distance (score-wise) of the two scholars without a lot of success. Then it was off to the Van Gogh museum, enjoying a snack of Dutch pancakes and fritters, and later followed by a canal tour (homes built on pilings don't all remain vertical). Bicycling with Bryce as our navigator, we made our way around the city, had dinner at Wagamamas, and made it back to the hotel in time to watch the World Cup finals. I didn't cry when France lost.
Monday, we bicycled to Anne Frank's house and toured the 'apartment' where up to eight people hid from the Nazis. It wasn't as small as I'd imagined, but with eight people, covered windows and the need to remain silent during work hours, it was claustrophobic enough. Only Otto, the father, survived the concentration camps. Another canal-side lunch and more bicycling through the city and the Vondelpark was followed by a wonderful (and expensive) dinner at the Blue Pepper, an Indonesian restaurant recommended by Roy from the hotel. A late evening of Scrabble finished the evening with Bryce smoking us with his first word (Allstars) which used all seven letters and was worth 77 points.
Carolyn and I went off on our own to Haarlem by train the next day. Amsterdam is the only place I've seen a multi-story parking structure just for bikes! We walked through the city, visited Corrie ten Boom's museum where we saw the small (24" deep) hiding place that hid Jews and resistance members during the occupation. Dinner was take-away pizza and beer back at the hotel.
Wednesday, the four of us ventured out of Amsterdam by train to Den Haag where we went to the Maurithuis and saw Vemeer's, Rembrandt's, Van Dyck's and Rubens' along with other artists. After lunch, we walked and walked and finally found the International Court of Justice which is only open by prior appointment, but it was an impressive looking building with gorgeous grounds. We bought bread, cheese and wine for a dinner on the hotel's veranda overlooking Vondelpark.
Our final full day in Amsterdam, we set out to the train station to go to Utrecht, a small town southeast of Amsterdam with canals which we were told was quite attractive. With Bryce leading the way, our party of four got strung out a little, and after several turns on various small roads, I looked back and found that Carolyn was no longer behind me. We spent the next twenty minutes or so searching to no avail so we continued on to the train station hoping she had found her way there. Bryce found her waiting in front of the train depot after already turning in her rental bike. After settling down from that episode, off we went. We stopped at a musical instrument museum but when we found it cost more than seeing Rembrandt, we passed and continued past canals, shops and into the large vaulted church.
But it was at lunch, that the day got really interesting. We found a cafe that had tables and chairs right alongside the canal so you could watch the various water craft passing by as you ate. Ashley and I sat opposite each other nearest the canal (about 1.5 feet away) and Bryce and Carolyn sat inboard of us. We had nearly finished lunch when Ashley in trying to adjust her chair, caught a chair leg on the cobblestone, and suddenly her chair was tipping towards the canal. As it tipped, her center of gravity shifted, and there was Ashley doing her best impression of a 1940's musical featuring synchronized swimmers, as both hands raised over her head she practically dove into the canal!! This before either Bryce or I could halt her momentum. In a moment, she was fully immersed; a second later, Bryce and I were pulling her from the water while Bryce shouted at some lady who was taking video at the time (perhaps Ashley will be soon starring in a Dutch version of Funniest Videos).
The waiter pointed Ashley and Bryce to the restrooms while saying that it (falling in the canal) happens every so often. So while Ashley tried to dry off under the hand driers, Carolyn went power shopping, returning in about 15 minutes with a whole new outfit (minus shoes) - skirt, blouse and underwear. Thankfully, Ashley wasn't hurt and actually laughed about it which allowed us to laugh as well. One waiter from Israel told me that when he had first arrived in Utrecht, he had never seen running water and was convinced by a 'friend' that it was shallow enough to walk on, so he tried to do his best Jesus impression and failed faster than Peter.
If this picture had been taken at the right moment, Ashley's head would have been appearing in the lower left hand side of this photo. Needless to say, that finished our adventures and we headed back to Amsterdam to pack for Friday's departure - me to home, Ashley, Bryce and Carolyn for two days in London and then back to Edinburgh through the 25th when all three will be heading back to California.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Week in Edinburgh
We began our trip to visit Ashley and Bryce and celebrate Bryce's graduation on June 30, a Friday. I'd taken a day off as our flight left at 5:50 and I didn't need the hassle of driving to and from Upland for a half days work. Intending to leave at 1:30, we actually left around 2:00 only to find as we entered the freeway that Carolyn had not brought her sunglasses. So a quick trip back home and we were heading to LAX at 2:15. Then, around the 55 we began to hit traffic and my stress level began to rise, but we muddled through the traffic and after parking our car, we arrived around 3:30.
Plenty of time, until I made an error and after asking a TSA employee, got in the baggage security line before checking in with British Air. Wrong! After waiting 20 minutes or so, I was told I had to check in first only to find the BA line almost Disneyesque in its length and circuitousness. But they were fairly efficient and we even landed the bulkhead seats. Carolyn scouted out the shortest baggage check line and we made it to the gate as they began to board.
Flying through the night, we transitted in London and arrived in Edinburgh around 4 pm to be greeted by Bryce who drove out in his dad's rental car to ferry us to their flat. John and Sally had arrived a week earlier and taken the 'kids' to the Isle of Skye. So through Friday morning, there would be six adults in their flat with one bathroom and Bryce and Ashley forsaking their bedroom for rollaways in the living room. Troopers!
That Saturday night, we had stir fry in the flat and then walked down to a local pub for a few beers while we watched one of the semi-final games of the World Cup and Bryce and John expounded on the intricacies of the offside rule.
Sunday, John had an offer he couldn't refuse - to play golf at Muirfield while the five of us went off to church at New Restalrig and prayed for his soul (just kiddin'). Then it was off for Indian food for lunch and walk around the National Art Gallery looking at Rembrandt's etchings and other old Masters. We timed it right as the heavens unleashed rain while we were inside and we saw several people come in the museum who had not been so lucky. Ashley made a great French onion soup for dinner along with fresh fruit which was followed by a challenging game of Cranium and a short walk in the twilight at 11 pm!
Monday, we walked the Botanic gardens,
the Royal Mile down to Holyrood Palace (finding it closed in anticipation of the Queen's arrival within hours), had lunch at Deacon Brodie's pub and even tasted a little haggis. That evening the six of us huddled around the laptop to watch "Love Actually". Tuesday, July 4th, Bryce, Carolyn and I celebrated by touring the Whiskey center, and for dinner we had all-American tacos and some desserts we had picked up from Peckhams including their last slice of apple pie. Then the competition really got fierce as we engaged in a game of Scrum (ask the Hales - sr. or jr.) where the losers wear their shame proudly.
Wednesday was Bryce's graduation at the University of Glasgow which was founded a measly 555 years ago. Bryce has on his full Scottish regalia with clerical tartan kilt.
It was rather warm though and it couldn't have been that comfortable in his wool and robe as I was sweltering in a sport coat. The ceremony was serious and included at least two prayers in Latin that we were requested to recite aloud. Then it was off to a favorite Glasgow Indian restaurant for dinner before we stopped at the Necropolis 
on the way home.
Thursday while the Hales took a drive to the English border, Carolyn, Bryce and I (Ashley was continuing to do work on her doctorate) made it up to Camera Obscura near the Castle which displays old photographic techniques as well as optical illusions, etc. A quick stop at the Jolly Judge Pub, then it was off to do some shopping at an art supply store and the National Gallery.
Dinner that evening was back by the Castle at the Witchery at 6:30. Ashley led the walk, striding out a good clip while the rest of us tried to keep up. By the time, we made it (around 6:35), I was ready to take off my coat and have a cocktail. It's a very fine restaurant, and John was kind enough to spring for the entire bill. Of course, Ashley's doctoral graduation dinner is on me! We four parents stopped by the Cumberland Pub to say hello as Ashley and Bryce celebrated his graduation with a number of their friends, but we quickly decided that this was a younger person event.
Friday, we're out the door by 9 and on our way to Amsterdam as the Hales head back to California. More pictures can be found here.
Plenty of time, until I made an error and after asking a TSA employee, got in the baggage security line before checking in with British Air. Wrong! After waiting 20 minutes or so, I was told I had to check in first only to find the BA line almost Disneyesque in its length and circuitousness. But they were fairly efficient and we even landed the bulkhead seats. Carolyn scouted out the shortest baggage check line and we made it to the gate as they began to board.
Flying through the night, we transitted in London and arrived in Edinburgh around 4 pm to be greeted by Bryce who drove out in his dad's rental car to ferry us to their flat. John and Sally had arrived a week earlier and taken the 'kids' to the Isle of Skye. So through Friday morning, there would be six adults in their flat with one bathroom and Bryce and Ashley forsaking their bedroom for rollaways in the living room. Troopers!
That Saturday night, we had stir fry in the flat and then walked down to a local pub for a few beers while we watched one of the semi-final games of the World Cup and Bryce and John expounded on the intricacies of the offside rule.
Sunday, John had an offer he couldn't refuse - to play golf at Muirfield while the five of us went off to church at New Restalrig and prayed for his soul (just kiddin'). Then it was off for Indian food for lunch and walk around the National Art Gallery looking at Rembrandt's etchings and other old Masters. We timed it right as the heavens unleashed rain while we were inside and we saw several people come in the museum who had not been so lucky. Ashley made a great French onion soup for dinner along with fresh fruit which was followed by a challenging game of Cranium and a short walk in the twilight at 11 pm!
Monday, we walked the Botanic gardens,
the Royal Mile down to Holyrood Palace (finding it closed in anticipation of the Queen's arrival within hours), had lunch at Deacon Brodie's pub and even tasted a little haggis. That evening the six of us huddled around the laptop to watch "Love Actually". Tuesday, July 4th, Bryce, Carolyn and I celebrated by touring the Whiskey center, and for dinner we had all-American tacos and some desserts we had picked up from Peckhams including their last slice of apple pie. Then the competition really got fierce as we engaged in a game of Scrum (ask the Hales - sr. or jr.) where the losers wear their shame proudly.
Wednesday was Bryce's graduation at the University of Glasgow which was founded a measly 555 years ago. Bryce has on his full Scottish regalia with clerical tartan kilt.
It was rather warm though and it couldn't have been that comfortable in his wool and robe as I was sweltering in a sport coat. The ceremony was serious and included at least two prayers in Latin that we were requested to recite aloud. Then it was off to a favorite Glasgow Indian restaurant for dinner before we stopped at the Necropolis 
on the way home.Thursday while the Hales took a drive to the English border, Carolyn, Bryce and I (Ashley was continuing to do work on her doctorate) made it up to Camera Obscura near the Castle which displays old photographic techniques as well as optical illusions, etc. A quick stop at the Jolly Judge Pub, then it was off to do some shopping at an art supply store and the National Gallery.
Dinner that evening was back by the Castle at the Witchery at 6:30. Ashley led the walk, striding out a good clip while the rest of us tried to keep up. By the time, we made it (around 6:35), I was ready to take off my coat and have a cocktail. It's a very fine restaurant, and John was kind enough to spring for the entire bill. Of course, Ashley's doctoral graduation dinner is on me! We four parents stopped by the Cumberland Pub to say hello as Ashley and Bryce celebrated his graduation with a number of their friends, but we quickly decided that this was a younger person event.
Friday, we're out the door by 9 and on our way to Amsterdam as the Hales head back to California. More pictures can be found here.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Inconvenient "Truth"
Al Gore was on Larry King last night speaking of his new film, "An Inconvenient Truth", which has attracted a fair amount of media attention about the impending demise of life as we know it. I could only stand to listen to about 15 minutes, however, because I had conveniently forgotten how ponderous and pedantic his speaking tone is.
Then, today, this article from canadafreepress.com was highlighted on the Drudge Report. Perhaps, a caution as to not be swayed by the power of film without reviewing alternative views and theories.
Scientists have an independent obligation to respect and present the truth as they see it," Al Gore sensibly asserts in his film "An Inconvenient Truth", showing at Cumberland 4 Cinemas in Toronto since June 2. With that outlook in mind, what do world climate experts actually think about the science of his movie?
Professor Bob Carter of the Marine Geophysical Laboratory at James Cook University, in Australia gives what, for many Canadians, is a surprising assessment: "Gore's circumstantial arguments are so weak that they are pathetic. It is simply incredible that they, and his film, are commanding public attention."
But surely Carter is merely part of what most people regard as a tiny cadre of "climate change skeptics" who disagree with the "vast majority of scientists" Gore cites?
No; Carter is one of hundreds of highly qualified non-governmental, non-industry, non-lobby group climate experts who contest the hypothesis that human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are causing significant global climate change. "Climate experts" is the operative term here. Why? Because what Gore's "majority of scientists" think is immaterial when only a very small fraction of them actually work in the climate field.
Even among that fraction, many focus their studies on the impacts of climate change; biologists, for example, who study everything from insects to polar bears to poison ivy. "While many are highly skilled researchers, they generally do not have special knowledge about the causes of global climate change," explains former University of Winnipeg climatology professor Dr. Tim Ball. "They usually can tell us only about the effects of changes in the local environment where they conduct their studies."
This is highly valuable knowledge, but doesn't make them climate change cause experts, only climate impact experts.
So we have a smaller fraction.
But it becomes smaller still. Among experts who actually examine the causes of change on a global scale, many concentrate their research on designing and enhancing computer models of hypothetical futures. "These models have been consistently wrong in all their scenarios," asserts Ball. "Since modelers concede computer outputs are not "predictions" but are in fact merely scenarios, they are negligent in letting policy-makers and the public think they are actually making forecasts."
We should listen most to scientists who use real data to try to understand what nature is actually telling us about the causes and extent of global climate change. In this relatively small community, there is no consensus, despite what Gore and others would suggest.
Here is a small sample of the side of the debate we almost never hear:
Appearing before the Commons Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development last year, Carleton University paleoclimatologist Professor Tim Patterson testified, "There is no meaningful correlation between CO2 levels and Earth's temperature over this [geologic] time frame. In fact, when CO2 levels were over ten times higher than they are now, about 450 million years ago, the planet was in the depths of the absolute coldest period in the last half billion years." Patterson asked the committee, "On the basis of this evidence, how could anyone still believe that the recent relatively small increase in CO2 levels would be the major cause of the past century's modest warming?"
Patterson concluded his testimony by explaining what his research and "hundreds of other studies" reveal: on all time scales, there is very good correlation between Earth's temperature and natural celestial phenomena such changes in the brightness of the Sun.
Dr. Boris Winterhalter, former marine researcher at the Geological Survey of Finland and professor in marine geology, University of Helsinki, takes apart Gore's dramatic display of Antarctic glaciers collapsing into the sea. "The breaking glacier wall is a normally occurring phenomenon which is due to the normal advance of a glacier," says Winterhalter. "In Antarctica the temperature is low enough to prohibit melting of the ice front, so if the ice is grounded, it has to break off in beautiful ice cascades. If the water is deep enough icebergs will form."
Dr. Wibjörn Karlén, emeritus professor, Dept. of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, Sweden, admits, "Some small areas in the Antarctic Peninsula have broken up recently, just like it has done back in time. The temperature in this part of Antarctica has increased recently, probably because of a small change in the position of the low pressure systems."
But Karlén clarifies that the 'mass balance' of Antarctica is positive - more snow is accumulating than melting off. As a result, Ball explains, there is an increase in the 'calving' of icebergs as the ice dome of Antarctica is growing and flowing to the oceans. When Greenland and Antarctica are assessed together, "their mass balance is considered to possibly increase the sea level by 0.03 mm/year - not much of an effect," Karlén concludes.
The Antarctica has survived warm and cold events over millions of years. A meltdown is simply not a realistic scenario in the foreseeable future.
Gore tells us in the film, "Starting in 1970, there was a precipitous drop-off in the amount and extent and thickness of the Arctic ice cap." This is misleading, according to Ball: "The survey that Gore cites was a single transect across one part of the Arctic basin in the month of October during the 1960s when we were in the middle of the cooling period. The 1990 runs were done in the warmer month of September, using a wholly different technology."
Karlén explains that a paper published in 2003 by University of Alaska professor Igor Polyakov shows that, the region of the Arctic where rising temperature is supposedly endangering polar bears showed fluctuations since 1940 but no overall temperature rise. "For several published records it is a decrease for the last 50 years," says Karlén
Dr. Dick Morgan, former advisor to the World Meteorological Organization and climatology researcher at University of Exeter, U.K. gives the details, "There has been some decrease in ice thickness in the Canadian Arctic over the past 30 years but no melt down. The Canadian Ice Service records show that from 1971-1981 there was average, to above average, ice thickness. From 1981-1982 there was a sharp decrease of 15% but there was a quick recovery to average, to slightly above average, values from 1983-1995. A sharp drop of 30% occurred again 1996-1998 and since then there has been a steady increase to reach near normal conditions since 2001."
Concerning Gore's beliefs about worldwide warming, Morgan points out that, in addition to the cooling in the NW Atlantic, massive areas of cooling are found in the North and South Pacific Ocean; the whole of the Amazon Valley; the north coast of South America and the Caribbean; the eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, Caucasus and Red Sea; New Zealand and even the Ganges Valley in India. Morgan explains, "Had the IPCC used the standard parameter for climate change (the 30 year average) and used an equal area projection, instead of the Mercator (which doubled the area of warming in Alaska, Siberia and the Antarctic Ocean) warming and cooling would have been almost in balance."
Gore's point that 200 cities and towns in the American West set all time high temperature records is also misleading according to Dr. Roy Spencer, Principal Research Scientist at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. "It is not unusual for some locations, out of the thousands of cities and towns in the U.S., to set all-time records," he says. "The actual data shows that overall, recent temperatures in the U.S. were not unusual."
Carter does not pull his punches about Gore's activism, "The man is an embarrassment to US science and its many fine practitioners, a lot of whom know (but feel unable to state publicly) that his propaganda crusade is mostly based on junk science."
In April sixty of the world's leading experts in the field asked Prime Minister Harper to order a thorough public review of the science of climate change, something that has never happened in Canada. Considering what's at stake - either the end of civilization, if you believe Gore, or a waste of billions of dollars, if you believe his opponents - it seems like a reasonable request.
Then, today, this article from canadafreepress.com was highlighted on the Drudge Report. Perhaps, a caution as to not be swayed by the power of film without reviewing alternative views and theories.
Scientists have an independent obligation to respect and present the truth as they see it," Al Gore sensibly asserts in his film "An Inconvenient Truth", showing at Cumberland 4 Cinemas in Toronto since June 2. With that outlook in mind, what do world climate experts actually think about the science of his movie?
Professor Bob Carter of the Marine Geophysical Laboratory at James Cook University, in Australia gives what, for many Canadians, is a surprising assessment: "Gore's circumstantial arguments are so weak that they are pathetic. It is simply incredible that they, and his film, are commanding public attention."
But surely Carter is merely part of what most people regard as a tiny cadre of "climate change skeptics" who disagree with the "vast majority of scientists" Gore cites?
No; Carter is one of hundreds of highly qualified non-governmental, non-industry, non-lobby group climate experts who contest the hypothesis that human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are causing significant global climate change. "Climate experts" is the operative term here. Why? Because what Gore's "majority of scientists" think is immaterial when only a very small fraction of them actually work in the climate field.
Even among that fraction, many focus their studies on the impacts of climate change; biologists, for example, who study everything from insects to polar bears to poison ivy. "While many are highly skilled researchers, they generally do not have special knowledge about the causes of global climate change," explains former University of Winnipeg climatology professor Dr. Tim Ball. "They usually can tell us only about the effects of changes in the local environment where they conduct their studies."
This is highly valuable knowledge, but doesn't make them climate change cause experts, only climate impact experts.
So we have a smaller fraction.
But it becomes smaller still. Among experts who actually examine the causes of change on a global scale, many concentrate their research on designing and enhancing computer models of hypothetical futures. "These models have been consistently wrong in all their scenarios," asserts Ball. "Since modelers concede computer outputs are not "predictions" but are in fact merely scenarios, they are negligent in letting policy-makers and the public think they are actually making forecasts."
We should listen most to scientists who use real data to try to understand what nature is actually telling us about the causes and extent of global climate change. In this relatively small community, there is no consensus, despite what Gore and others would suggest.
Here is a small sample of the side of the debate we almost never hear:
Appearing before the Commons Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development last year, Carleton University paleoclimatologist Professor Tim Patterson testified, "There is no meaningful correlation between CO2 levels and Earth's temperature over this [geologic] time frame. In fact, when CO2 levels were over ten times higher than they are now, about 450 million years ago, the planet was in the depths of the absolute coldest period in the last half billion years." Patterson asked the committee, "On the basis of this evidence, how could anyone still believe that the recent relatively small increase in CO2 levels would be the major cause of the past century's modest warming?"
Patterson concluded his testimony by explaining what his research and "hundreds of other studies" reveal: on all time scales, there is very good correlation between Earth's temperature and natural celestial phenomena such changes in the brightness of the Sun.
Dr. Boris Winterhalter, former marine researcher at the Geological Survey of Finland and professor in marine geology, University of Helsinki, takes apart Gore's dramatic display of Antarctic glaciers collapsing into the sea. "The breaking glacier wall is a normally occurring phenomenon which is due to the normal advance of a glacier," says Winterhalter. "In Antarctica the temperature is low enough to prohibit melting of the ice front, so if the ice is grounded, it has to break off in beautiful ice cascades. If the water is deep enough icebergs will form."
Dr. Wibjörn Karlén, emeritus professor, Dept. of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, Sweden, admits, "Some small areas in the Antarctic Peninsula have broken up recently, just like it has done back in time. The temperature in this part of Antarctica has increased recently, probably because of a small change in the position of the low pressure systems."
But Karlén clarifies that the 'mass balance' of Antarctica is positive - more snow is accumulating than melting off. As a result, Ball explains, there is an increase in the 'calving' of icebergs as the ice dome of Antarctica is growing and flowing to the oceans. When Greenland and Antarctica are assessed together, "their mass balance is considered to possibly increase the sea level by 0.03 mm/year - not much of an effect," Karlén concludes.
The Antarctica has survived warm and cold events over millions of years. A meltdown is simply not a realistic scenario in the foreseeable future.
Gore tells us in the film, "Starting in 1970, there was a precipitous drop-off in the amount and extent and thickness of the Arctic ice cap." This is misleading, according to Ball: "The survey that Gore cites was a single transect across one part of the Arctic basin in the month of October during the 1960s when we were in the middle of the cooling period. The 1990 runs were done in the warmer month of September, using a wholly different technology."
Karlén explains that a paper published in 2003 by University of Alaska professor Igor Polyakov shows that, the region of the Arctic where rising temperature is supposedly endangering polar bears showed fluctuations since 1940 but no overall temperature rise. "For several published records it is a decrease for the last 50 years," says Karlén
Dr. Dick Morgan, former advisor to the World Meteorological Organization and climatology researcher at University of Exeter, U.K. gives the details, "There has been some decrease in ice thickness in the Canadian Arctic over the past 30 years but no melt down. The Canadian Ice Service records show that from 1971-1981 there was average, to above average, ice thickness. From 1981-1982 there was a sharp decrease of 15% but there was a quick recovery to average, to slightly above average, values from 1983-1995. A sharp drop of 30% occurred again 1996-1998 and since then there has been a steady increase to reach near normal conditions since 2001."
Concerning Gore's beliefs about worldwide warming, Morgan points out that, in addition to the cooling in the NW Atlantic, massive areas of cooling are found in the North and South Pacific Ocean; the whole of the Amazon Valley; the north coast of South America and the Caribbean; the eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, Caucasus and Red Sea; New Zealand and even the Ganges Valley in India. Morgan explains, "Had the IPCC used the standard parameter for climate change (the 30 year average) and used an equal area projection, instead of the Mercator (which doubled the area of warming in Alaska, Siberia and the Antarctic Ocean) warming and cooling would have been almost in balance."
Gore's point that 200 cities and towns in the American West set all time high temperature records is also misleading according to Dr. Roy Spencer, Principal Research Scientist at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. "It is not unusual for some locations, out of the thousands of cities and towns in the U.S., to set all-time records," he says. "The actual data shows that overall, recent temperatures in the U.S. were not unusual."
Carter does not pull his punches about Gore's activism, "The man is an embarrassment to US science and its many fine practitioners, a lot of whom know (but feel unable to state publicly) that his propaganda crusade is mostly based on junk science."
In April sixty of the world's leading experts in the field asked Prime Minister Harper to order a thorough public review of the science of climate change, something that has never happened in Canada. Considering what's at stake - either the end of civilization, if you believe Gore, or a waste of billions of dollars, if you believe his opponents - it seems like a reasonable request.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
An Apple a Day
My Nano had stopped working - a scroll wheel that wouldn't scroll - so after reformatting it and trying the self-helps from apple.com, I drove over to Victoria Gardens at lunch yesterday only to find out that I needed to have an appointment to meet with tech support. So I set one up for 5:30 and headed back to work.
Back again after work, I waited at their "bar" for my appointed time. The tech checked it out and told me that it was toast. How could that happen, I queried. His response was that like a cop, he only saw the dead body and not how it occurred.
Nevertheless, after being questioned about what platform I was operating under - Windows I said under my breath - he found a replacement for me. I signed a single paper and was out the door, heading home to re-load my music. Nice service!
Back again after work, I waited at their "bar" for my appointed time. The tech checked it out and told me that it was toast. How could that happen, I queried. His response was that like a cop, he only saw the dead body and not how it occurred.
Nevertheless, after being questioned about what platform I was operating under - Windows I said under my breath - he found a replacement for me. I signed a single paper and was out the door, heading home to re-load my music. Nice service!
Rub a Dub Dub
... three men in a tub (or dinghy).
Saturday I went over to Dennis' home to work on our new boating addition. The dinghy we had purchased at the swap meet was fairly dirty - I think it had been on some yacht's fantail getting coated with the exhaust from the engines. Dennis thought rubbing alcohol would clean it the best, but I had brought some paint thinner to try out as well. The thinner seemed to do the better/faster job and by mid-afternoon, we had it pretty clean.
Stephen arrived and showed with pride how well the engine operated in a trash can filled with water. He had painted the engine cover and checked out the innards. It started easily. Then he was off to get stencils so that we could paint the registration numbers on boards that fit into the sidewalls.
Around four, we took the boat and engine down to the harbor for a test run. The engine would start and then stop in about 3 seconds. Stephen was frustrated! It probably didn't help that we ran out of gas, but after a refill, the engine still wouldn't run continuously. Stephen postulated that a small float inside the gas tank prevented free-flow of fuel.
So we didn't make it out of E slip and the motor went back with Stephen for further tinkering. Here's hoping that we get out of the slip on our next try!
Saturday I went over to Dennis' home to work on our new boating addition. The dinghy we had purchased at the swap meet was fairly dirty - I think it had been on some yacht's fantail getting coated with the exhaust from the engines. Dennis thought rubbing alcohol would clean it the best, but I had brought some paint thinner to try out as well. The thinner seemed to do the better/faster job and by mid-afternoon, we had it pretty clean.
Stephen arrived and showed with pride how well the engine operated in a trash can filled with water. He had painted the engine cover and checked out the innards. It started easily. Then he was off to get stencils so that we could paint the registration numbers on boards that fit into the sidewalls.
Around four, we took the boat and engine down to the harbor for a test run. The engine would start and then stop in about 3 seconds. Stephen was frustrated! It probably didn't help that we ran out of gas, but after a refill, the engine still wouldn't run continuously. Stephen postulated that a small float inside the gas tank prevented free-flow of fuel.
So we didn't make it out of E slip and the motor went back with Stephen for further tinkering. Here's hoping that we get out of the slip on our next try!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Porpoise Driven Life
Random thoughts
After our mid-channel crossing to Catalina, I'm hoping to see another pod of dolphins or porpoises every time I go sailing.
PDL would make an interesting boat name, but we'd need a wider stern for it to fit.
Choosing boat names is really hard when you're trying to please four or more persons.
We enjoyed Katie's concert which was a compilation of 60s and early 70s music a week ago. The scary part was that everyone wore vintage clothes and some of those plaid slacks could have been mine.
Dennis and I had success at a nautical swap meet last week where we bought an inflatable dinghy and 3 h.p. engine, etc. Now the hard part is cleaning up the dinghy enough that the ladies will join us. That will be this weekend's job.
I have too much stuff. I need to clear out my closet of clothes that either don't fit or are so out of style that it will take at least twenty years before they will be cool enough to wear in a retro concert of 2026.
Last weekend I finished "Neither here Nor there" by Bill Bryson. A very funny book that had me laughing out loud (ask Carolyn - thanks B&A), sometimes when comments were a little off-color. I'll try to be as observant of the world around me on our upcoming trip to Edinburgh and the Netherlands (note, I don't say Amsterdam because I don't want people to thing I'm going there for that, no not THAT).
I ponder - should I upgrade my mega-pixels? My Fuji has 3.1 - so last year - should I invest in a 6+ SLR type or a small pocket camera or be satisfied with my current results?
When did I lose the ability to sleep in for any length of time? Sometimes I can sleep in to around 7 a.m., but later than that is nearly impossible. I'm more likely to be up by 6:30 on the weekend. Of course, I can enjoy a good nap with golf, on the beach, or in front of a boring movie so perhaps that makes up for the early to rise nonsense.
Ponder on!
After our mid-channel crossing to Catalina, I'm hoping to see another pod of dolphins or porpoises every time I go sailing.
PDL would make an interesting boat name, but we'd need a wider stern for it to fit.
Choosing boat names is really hard when you're trying to please four or more persons.
We enjoyed Katie's concert which was a compilation of 60s and early 70s music a week ago. The scary part was that everyone wore vintage clothes and some of those plaid slacks could have been mine.
Dennis and I had success at a nautical swap meet last week where we bought an inflatable dinghy and 3 h.p. engine, etc. Now the hard part is cleaning up the dinghy enough that the ladies will join us. That will be this weekend's job.
I have too much stuff. I need to clear out my closet of clothes that either don't fit or are so out of style that it will take at least twenty years before they will be cool enough to wear in a retro concert of 2026.
Last weekend I finished "Neither here Nor there" by Bill Bryson. A very funny book that had me laughing out loud (ask Carolyn - thanks B&A), sometimes when comments were a little off-color. I'll try to be as observant of the world around me on our upcoming trip to Edinburgh and the Netherlands (note, I don't say Amsterdam because I don't want people to thing I'm going there for that, no not THAT).
I ponder - should I upgrade my mega-pixels? My Fuji has 3.1 - so last year - should I invest in a 6+ SLR type or a small pocket camera or be satisfied with my current results?
When did I lose the ability to sleep in for any length of time? Sometimes I can sleep in to around 7 a.m., but later than that is nearly impossible. I'm more likely to be up by 6:30 on the weekend. Of course, I can enjoy a good nap with golf, on the beach, or in front of a boring movie so perhaps that makes up for the early to rise nonsense.
Ponder on!
Friday, June 02, 2006
A Faint Cry
As I nestled into bed on Wednesday night, I asked Carolyn if she had noticed our cat, Gracie, in the last few hours. No, she had not, and she set off on a quick house search, but to no avail.
Earlier that afternoon, we'd had a Cox service call and Carolyn had seen the cat then, but we hoped that she had just found a new chair or corner in which to nap. Thursday, I awoke and began my morning rituals with no cat in sight, and later Carolyn called to say that she had searched everywhere without success.
Had Gracie slipped out of the house during the previous day's service call? Was she trapped in the garage?
When I got home Thursday a little after six, Carolyn had not yet returned from her activities and while I opened the mail in the kitchen, I heard a faint cry. Where was it coming from? I couldn't tell and it was only occasional so I couldn't place it.
I checked the garage, outside, the deck, opened cupboards and cabinets, looked behind and under couches and furniture. Nothing! Carolyn arrived home and we heard the cry again. I looked in the neighbor's yard, retraced my steps and called out for the cat.
Gracie cried a bit more frequently and Carolyn followed the sounds to the back room which was open. She called me in. Gracie was caught between two chairs stacked atop each other and couldn't get out! I moved the furniture and extricated her and she bounded out after nearly 24 hours eager for the treats that Carolyn gave her.
Earlier that afternoon, we'd had a Cox service call and Carolyn had seen the cat then, but we hoped that she had just found a new chair or corner in which to nap. Thursday, I awoke and began my morning rituals with no cat in sight, and later Carolyn called to say that she had searched everywhere without success.
Had Gracie slipped out of the house during the previous day's service call? Was she trapped in the garage?
When I got home Thursday a little after six, Carolyn had not yet returned from her activities and while I opened the mail in the kitchen, I heard a faint cry. Where was it coming from? I couldn't tell and it was only occasional so I couldn't place it.
I checked the garage, outside, the deck, opened cupboards and cabinets, looked behind and under couches and furniture. Nothing! Carolyn arrived home and we heard the cry again. I looked in the neighbor's yard, retraced my steps and called out for the cat.
Gracie cried a bit more frequently and Carolyn followed the sounds to the back room which was open. She called me in. Gracie was caught between two chairs stacked atop each other and couldn't get out! I moved the furniture and extricated her and she bounded out after nearly 24 hours eager for the treats that Carolyn gave her.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Catalina Journey
The boys, Dennis, Steve and I, took our maiden voyage to Catalina this weekend and returned to tell the tale. I met the Hughes at the boat a little before 6 on Saturday morning and we quickly loaded our gear and enough snacks to last us at least half way to Hawaii if we missed Avalon. It was overcast but the seas were quite calm with no wind.
Leaving the slip around 6:10 we began the six hour, thirty-six mile motor-cruise following our GPS as Catalina wasn't visible until we were about ten miles away. The engine ran smoothly until about 2/3rds of the way there, when we heard a small thump and we were only running on three cylinders. We eased off a little on the speed, and even though the engine vibrated more, there were no indications that we'd blown a head gasket or seriously damaged the motor.
Steve at the Helm
In mid-channel, I noticed some activity a hundred or so yards to our north. It was a huge pod of dolphins! We changed our course to get closer and suddenly we had dozens riding around our bow wake! It was fantastic as they easily swan by and under our bow. Now all I have to do is figure out how to post the video I shot!
Dolphin Pod
After a mile or so, they decided it was time to join the main pod and they disappeared as quickly as the had arrived. It was too cool!
As we neared Catalina, the overcast skies began to clear and when we arrived at noon, we had sun and blue skies. We called out on channel 12 asking about moorings and were told to switch to channel 9 which we did. We met the Harbor Patrol at the entry where they assigned us to mooring 71 after taking our $22 per night fee. Steve was at the helm as we wound our way through the narrow channels to our mooring which we handled with apparent ease.
Moored in Avalon
After eating lunch that we had brought, we called for the shore boat and waited about twenty minutes to be picked up. After going ashore at the cost of $4.75 per person each way, we decided an inflatable should be among our first new purchases.
Steve's company provides internet service to the entire island and he frequently flies over to the island via helicopter to handle ISP problems. So he has a contact on the island who set us up with some free tours. We toured the Casino (Italian for a place of meeting or entertainment) which was built by Wrigley in the late 20's and has a great movie theatre and a huge dance ballroom which is the equivalent of ten stories above. Then later we squeezed on to a "submarine" to view the fish and kelp beds in the preserve adjacent to the harbor.
Fish Frenzy
After walking around Avalon a bit more, we had dinner at Antonio's, Italian food with peanut shells on the floor, before heading back to the boat. Being cheap, we went over to the dinghy dock and hitched a ride with another boater aboard his dinghy thus saving $14.25. Meanwhile, we found that he has an older dinghy for sale which we may buy. Since we had all gotten up rather early, we hit our respect berths just before ten and I was able to get to sleep first, thus starting the snoring contest. Dennis was in the V-berth and didn't contribute much, but Steve and I battled each other through the night for the title of most annoying.
It rained several times through the night, but by morning it had stopped so Steve donned his wetsuit to go overboard to clean the kelp off the prop and do some general scrubbing. After encouraging me that this would be clearest place for me to see the underside of the boat, I jumped in with my trunks and mask for the underwater viewing. It was brisk! I think I was in the water for about a minute and half until I struggled up our improvised rope ladder (a swim ladder now being added to our wish list of boating options).
By nine (check out time), we had our gear stowed and had dried off enough to head on home. For that early, the wind was pretty strong and it strengthened throughout the day. Coming from the southwest, we were able to set our GPS and set our course for a single, long tack of 36 miles straight to the Dana harbor. After getting out of the lee of Catalina, we averaged about 7 mph and arrived about 3:30. We came home sunburned, safe, and satisfied at our first Catalina adventure.
Leaving Catalina
More pictures here.
Leaving the slip around 6:10 we began the six hour, thirty-six mile motor-cruise following our GPS as Catalina wasn't visible until we were about ten miles away. The engine ran smoothly until about 2/3rds of the way there, when we heard a small thump and we were only running on three cylinders. We eased off a little on the speed, and even though the engine vibrated more, there were no indications that we'd blown a head gasket or seriously damaged the motor.
Steve at the Helm
In mid-channel, I noticed some activity a hundred or so yards to our north. It was a huge pod of dolphins! We changed our course to get closer and suddenly we had dozens riding around our bow wake! It was fantastic as they easily swan by and under our bow. Now all I have to do is figure out how to post the video I shot!
Dolphin Pod
After a mile or so, they decided it was time to join the main pod and they disappeared as quickly as the had arrived. It was too cool!
As we neared Catalina, the overcast skies began to clear and when we arrived at noon, we had sun and blue skies. We called out on channel 12 asking about moorings and were told to switch to channel 9 which we did. We met the Harbor Patrol at the entry where they assigned us to mooring 71 after taking our $22 per night fee. Steve was at the helm as we wound our way through the narrow channels to our mooring which we handled with apparent ease.
Moored in Avalon
After eating lunch that we had brought, we called for the shore boat and waited about twenty minutes to be picked up. After going ashore at the cost of $4.75 per person each way, we decided an inflatable should be among our first new purchases.
Steve's company provides internet service to the entire island and he frequently flies over to the island via helicopter to handle ISP problems. So he has a contact on the island who set us up with some free tours. We toured the Casino (Italian for a place of meeting or entertainment) which was built by Wrigley in the late 20's and has a great movie theatre and a huge dance ballroom which is the equivalent of ten stories above. Then later we squeezed on to a "submarine" to view the fish and kelp beds in the preserve adjacent to the harbor.
Fish Frenzy
After walking around Avalon a bit more, we had dinner at Antonio's, Italian food with peanut shells on the floor, before heading back to the boat. Being cheap, we went over to the dinghy dock and hitched a ride with another boater aboard his dinghy thus saving $14.25. Meanwhile, we found that he has an older dinghy for sale which we may buy. Since we had all gotten up rather early, we hit our respect berths just before ten and I was able to get to sleep first, thus starting the snoring contest. Dennis was in the V-berth and didn't contribute much, but Steve and I battled each other through the night for the title of most annoying.
It rained several times through the night, but by morning it had stopped so Steve donned his wetsuit to go overboard to clean the kelp off the prop and do some general scrubbing. After encouraging me that this would be clearest place for me to see the underside of the boat, I jumped in with my trunks and mask for the underwater viewing. It was brisk! I think I was in the water for about a minute and half until I struggled up our improvised rope ladder (a swim ladder now being added to our wish list of boating options).
By nine (check out time), we had our gear stowed and had dried off enough to head on home. For that early, the wind was pretty strong and it strengthened throughout the day. Coming from the southwest, we were able to set our GPS and set our course for a single, long tack of 36 miles straight to the Dana harbor. After getting out of the lee of Catalina, we averaged about 7 mph and arrived about 3:30. We came home sunburned, safe, and satisfied at our first Catalina adventure.
Leaving Catalina
More pictures here.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
St Maarten/St Martin
A week away in the Caribbean began on Friday night, April 28, as we flew the red-eye on Delta from LAX thru Atlanta with a four hour layover before our flight to the Dutch/French island of St. Maarten or St. Martin.
We deplaned the old fashioned way on a rolling stairway and walked across the tarmac to a small building where we quickly passed through customs but then had to wait quite a while for both of our bags. Then it was off to get our tiny KIA car from Thrifty and we headed out to find our way via mostly unmarked streets to find the Divi Little Bay Resort. We had just arrived at the outdoor (but covered) reception area when the skies opened up and the warm rain poured down for ten or fifteen minutes. By the time the skies cleared, the two bellmen were nowhere to be found so we trudged our bags down to the end of the peninsula to our first floor one-bedroom condo. Our view was across the bay to the city of Phillipsburg and the area where up to three cruise ships would dock.
Sunday, we walked into town to check out the Carnival which brings groups representing various islands into town to dance through the streets to the rhythms of bands that preceded them on tractor trailer rigs. After several hours of dancing, they finished up going down the one-way, one-lane Front Street as the music played from concert style speakers and reverberated off the buildings that line the street. Let's just say that most island women have no body-issue concerns and anorexia isn't a cultural problem. It was quite an experience and when the music began to ring in our heads a little too much, we headed over to boardwalk for some barbecued ribs and either beers or rum drinks.
Tuesday, we drove around the island - two countries, no border control - as we enjoyed scenic outlooks over beautiful turquoise shaded waters. We stopped at Orient Beach, a long crescent shaped beach, for a few hours of sunning and lunch. We avoided the far end of the beach which houses a 'naturalist' resort and paid our $14 for two beach chairs, an umbrella, and two drinks. Being on the French side, there were a few topless women including two who sat beside Carolyn which meant I never looked at Carolyn when I talked to her! After a good lunch, we continued our roundtrip.
Wednesday started off a lot cloudier than the previous days, but we headed out for a half day catamaran snorkeling trip on the Golden Eagle IV. After being the lone passengers boarding at Bobby's Marina, we picked up a full compliment of passengers from the three cruise ships docked in the harbor. Meanwhile, we made friends with two of the crew members, Kars, a tall, curly haired blond from Amsterdam spending six months working after finishing high school, and Billy, a Scottish lad from the Borders south of Glasgow who was spending a month trying to figure out his next move which was probably the Navy. The snorkeling was OK off a tiny island, but as we walked along the beach a boat from the 'naturalist' resort arrived with a group of unclothed passengers. Let me assure you, none of these people were models, and we cut short our stroll along the shore. On the way back from the island, it began to rain rather heavily. Our seats along with quite a few others was not covered so we got fairly soaked!
The following day we tried another type of boat - a 12 meter. I was a backstay grinder and Carolyn was a winch wench as we sailed aboard US 56 against a Canadian boat in a short race. We were beaten to the starting line but after rounding the second mark we had taken a one boat length lead. However, by the time we closed in on the finish line, a slight wind shift required us to go to the far side of the finish line and we lost by about a boat length. As we cruised back into the harbor, they let me take the helm. I wished for a little more wind than we had, but it was a good experience and a good workout. I can't imagine how exhausting a four or five hour actual race would be.
Our final full day on St. Maarten, we headed around the island again, stopping at the French capital of Marigot where we wandered through the marketplace and purchased a memory water color, and then drove to the ferry for Penel Island. Penel can only be reached by boat and has two competing beach managers and two restaurants. We perched on the Yellow beach, but Carolyn soon shifted 15 feet to the Blue beach at whose restaurant we ate. Carolyn had a huge barbecued lobster while I tried the pork ribs. At four, we took the final ferry back to our car and headed home to Divi.
Saturday, we had to pack it up and fly out, however, a baggage handler decided to drive his baggage ramp under the right engine and wedged it under the engine cowling. We ended up sitting on the plane for four and half hours (at least we had AC and a movie) while we waited for a replacement plane to be flown in from Puerto Rico. By the time we got to Atlanta and passed through customs, we had missed our connecting flight by several hours so Delta put us up at the 'glorious' Holiday Inn North. Since we had only had crackers and cheese since noon, we were fairly hungry and the only place open at 1:00 am was the Waffle House. Evidently, a Southern staple, it comes across as a low rent IHOP which would not receive an "A" from any Health Dept., but we were hungry. To bed around 2 am and up at 6 am, it was back to the airport and then on to LA.
Other than the plane problems, we had a great, relaxing trip with beautiful beaches, fun activities and good food.
We deplaned the old fashioned way on a rolling stairway and walked across the tarmac to a small building where we quickly passed through customs but then had to wait quite a while for both of our bags. Then it was off to get our tiny KIA car from Thrifty and we headed out to find our way via mostly unmarked streets to find the Divi Little Bay Resort. We had just arrived at the outdoor (but covered) reception area when the skies opened up and the warm rain poured down for ten or fifteen minutes. By the time the skies cleared, the two bellmen were nowhere to be found so we trudged our bags down to the end of the peninsula to our first floor one-bedroom condo. Our view was across the bay to the city of Phillipsburg and the area where up to three cruise ships would dock.
Sunday, we walked into town to check out the Carnival which brings groups representing various islands into town to dance through the streets to the rhythms of bands that preceded them on tractor trailer rigs. After several hours of dancing, they finished up going down the one-way, one-lane Front Street as the music played from concert style speakers and reverberated off the buildings that line the street. Let's just say that most island women have no body-issue concerns and anorexia isn't a cultural problem. It was quite an experience and when the music began to ring in our heads a little too much, we headed over to boardwalk for some barbecued ribs and either beers or rum drinks.
Tuesday, we drove around the island - two countries, no border control - as we enjoyed scenic outlooks over beautiful turquoise shaded waters. We stopped at Orient Beach, a long crescent shaped beach, for a few hours of sunning and lunch. We avoided the far end of the beach which houses a 'naturalist' resort and paid our $14 for two beach chairs, an umbrella, and two drinks. Being on the French side, there were a few topless women including two who sat beside Carolyn which meant I never looked at Carolyn when I talked to her! After a good lunch, we continued our roundtrip.
Wednesday started off a lot cloudier than the previous days, but we headed out for a half day catamaran snorkeling trip on the Golden Eagle IV. After being the lone passengers boarding at Bobby's Marina, we picked up a full compliment of passengers from the three cruise ships docked in the harbor. Meanwhile, we made friends with two of the crew members, Kars, a tall, curly haired blond from Amsterdam spending six months working after finishing high school, and Billy, a Scottish lad from the Borders south of Glasgow who was spending a month trying to figure out his next move which was probably the Navy. The snorkeling was OK off a tiny island, but as we walked along the beach a boat from the 'naturalist' resort arrived with a group of unclothed passengers. Let me assure you, none of these people were models, and we cut short our stroll along the shore. On the way back from the island, it began to rain rather heavily. Our seats along with quite a few others was not covered so we got fairly soaked!
The following day we tried another type of boat - a 12 meter. I was a backstay grinder and Carolyn was a winch wench as we sailed aboard US 56 against a Canadian boat in a short race. We were beaten to the starting line but after rounding the second mark we had taken a one boat length lead. However, by the time we closed in on the finish line, a slight wind shift required us to go to the far side of the finish line and we lost by about a boat length. As we cruised back into the harbor, they let me take the helm. I wished for a little more wind than we had, but it was a good experience and a good workout. I can't imagine how exhausting a four or five hour actual race would be.
Our final full day on St. Maarten, we headed around the island again, stopping at the French capital of Marigot where we wandered through the marketplace and purchased a memory water color, and then drove to the ferry for Penel Island. Penel can only be reached by boat and has two competing beach managers and two restaurants. We perched on the Yellow beach, but Carolyn soon shifted 15 feet to the Blue beach at whose restaurant we ate. Carolyn had a huge barbecued lobster while I tried the pork ribs. At four, we took the final ferry back to our car and headed home to Divi.
Saturday, we had to pack it up and fly out, however, a baggage handler decided to drive his baggage ramp under the right engine and wedged it under the engine cowling. We ended up sitting on the plane for four and half hours (at least we had AC and a movie) while we waited for a replacement plane to be flown in from Puerto Rico. By the time we got to Atlanta and passed through customs, we had missed our connecting flight by several hours so Delta put us up at the 'glorious' Holiday Inn North. Since we had only had crackers and cheese since noon, we were fairly hungry and the only place open at 1:00 am was the Waffle House. Evidently, a Southern staple, it comes across as a low rent IHOP which would not receive an "A" from any Health Dept., but we were hungry. To bed around 2 am and up at 6 am, it was back to the airport and then on to LA.
Other than the plane problems, we had a great, relaxing trip with beautiful beaches, fun activities and good food.
Monday, May 08, 2006
St Maarten Pics Posted
Check on the Flickr image and check out some of the pictures I've uploaded from our trip. Trip details to follow.
UPDATE: I guess if you use Firefox which I don't at work, the Flickr image doesn't appear below the archive list. So click here.
UPDATE: I guess if you use Firefox which I don't at work, the Flickr image doesn't appear below the archive list. So click here.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Leavin' on a Jet Plane
Won't be back for a week or so. Friday night we fly to Atlanta then onto St. Martin for a week's worth of sun - both Dutch and French. We may get to see some of the celebrations for the Queen on Saturday or Sunday which should be interesting.
I'm hoping to take a sail aboard a twelve meter America's Cup yacht during our stay and may well work in a day sail on a catamaran as well. Otherwise, we plan on enjoying the warm sun and water, kick back and forget about work or remodeling for awhile.
Prayers for our travel safety and ability to rest/sleep on our red-eye would be appreciated.
I'm hoping to take a sail aboard a twelve meter America's Cup yacht during our stay and may well work in a day sail on a catamaran as well. Otherwise, we plan on enjoying the warm sun and water, kick back and forget about work or remodeling for awhile.
Prayers for our travel safety and ability to rest/sleep on our red-eye would be appreciated.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Interestingness
Sometimes when I have no piles of paper on my desk, I will check out flickr's "interestingness" section. There are some amazing photos posted every day - an inspiration for an amateur photographer.
I particularly like this one of Venice. Hopefully, the light and timing will afford many opportunities to take my own reflections during our upcoming trip to St. Martin.
I particularly like this one of Venice. Hopefully, the light and timing will afford many opportunities to take my own reflections during our upcoming trip to St. Martin.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Easter Must be Close
You almost can always tell when its close to Easter or Christmas because that's when you find numerous publications questioning various aspects of Christ's life or Christianity in general.
This year is no different as we find one 'explanation' for Jesus' walking on water.
Then of course there is the newly found Gospel of Judas that 'proves' he was the closest to Christ and offered Christ up for crucifixion at Jesus' direction.
And, soon will come the movie "The Da Vinci Code" which is based on the premise the Jesus fathered a child with Mary Magdalene and the Catholic Church has hidden the 'secret' for milenia.
Can you imagine the riots if these sort of stories/films were made about Islam?
This year is no different as we find one 'explanation' for Jesus' walking on water.
Then of course there is the newly found Gospel of Judas that 'proves' he was the closest to Christ and offered Christ up for crucifixion at Jesus' direction.
And, soon will come the movie "The Da Vinci Code" which is based on the premise the Jesus fathered a child with Mary Magdalene and the Catholic Church has hidden the 'secret' for milenia.
Can you imagine the riots if these sort of stories/films were made about Islam?
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
It Can't Be That Long Ago!!
When younger, these notices bring up a different set of emotions. Yesterday, a post card arrived in the mail announcing my 40th (!!) high school reunion.
Four decades, last century, last millennium. Before landing on the moon; before personal computers, cell phones, PDAs, or the internet; before Japanese cars were preferred over Ford or GM; before California toll roads or car pool lanes; before housing replaced orange groves; before cassette players let alone CDs or DVDs; before high rise condos off of Jamboree; before college, wife or daughter.
I used to count years after college as a small percentage of my life without being in school, now they're counted in decades after. Carolyn was nice enough to say that if I chose to go, I'd probably be one of a few who had no (or little) grey hair, however, there is that thinning issue. I wonder how many of my schoolmates are Great-grandparents!
Four decades, last century, last millennium. Before landing on the moon; before personal computers, cell phones, PDAs, or the internet; before Japanese cars were preferred over Ford or GM; before California toll roads or car pool lanes; before housing replaced orange groves; before cassette players let alone CDs or DVDs; before high rise condos off of Jamboree; before college, wife or daughter.
I used to count years after college as a small percentage of my life without being in school, now they're counted in decades after. Carolyn was nice enough to say that if I chose to go, I'd probably be one of a few who had no (or little) grey hair, however, there is that thinning issue. I wonder how many of my schoolmates are Great-grandparents!
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Thar She Blows!!
Carolyn was having a Southern Living party Sunday afternoon, and after I had mowed the lawn, trimmed the hedge and swept, the sun was out and the sea beckoned so I called Dennis to see if he wanted to sail. He thought that sounded like a good idea as he didn't want to have to do too much yard work anyway.
I met him at the harbor a little after 2, and he had already gotten the boat ready for launch. A few kayaks by the bridge required us to do a 360 before we were able to get the mainsail up, but soon I was skippering down the channel as Dennis hauled in bumpers and stowed them.
We set an almost due south course and the wind was fairly strong with swells that were fairly small. About two miles offshore, I noticed a small wisp of water or was it a breach from a porpoise? I alerted Dennis who grabbed the helm while I grabbed my camera as we witnessed a whale's back arch out of the water about 100 yards ahead of us!! It was quick and we watched intently to see if we could see him breach further north, but to no avail and I wasn't able to get a picture. It's hard chasing after a whale in a sailboat.
The wind continued to pick up and our GPS had us cruising at over 7 knots at some times while our knot meter on the boat was showing 4.5 or so. But our leeward rail was almost in the water sometimes and the lower part of the jib was splashed with water. As we turned back towards the harbor, we spotted a pod of porpoises to our south apparently chasing bait fish and churning the water as they swam south away from us.
We had been hoping to see a whale aboard the Journey, and now we finally have. It would have been fun to see a few more or for a little longer, but that's what sails are for.
I met him at the harbor a little after 2, and he had already gotten the boat ready for launch. A few kayaks by the bridge required us to do a 360 before we were able to get the mainsail up, but soon I was skippering down the channel as Dennis hauled in bumpers and stowed them.
We set an almost due south course and the wind was fairly strong with swells that were fairly small. About two miles offshore, I noticed a small wisp of water or was it a breach from a porpoise? I alerted Dennis who grabbed the helm while I grabbed my camera as we witnessed a whale's back arch out of the water about 100 yards ahead of us!! It was quick and we watched intently to see if we could see him breach further north, but to no avail and I wasn't able to get a picture. It's hard chasing after a whale in a sailboat.
The wind continued to pick up and our GPS had us cruising at over 7 knots at some times while our knot meter on the boat was showing 4.5 or so. But our leeward rail was almost in the water sometimes and the lower part of the jib was splashed with water. As we turned back towards the harbor, we spotted a pod of porpoises to our south apparently chasing bait fish and churning the water as they swam south away from us.
We had been hoping to see a whale aboard the Journey, and now we finally have. It would have been fun to see a few more or for a little longer, but that's what sails are for.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Recovery Sunday
Sunday is definitely a day of rest after Stephanie Kanda's wedding yesterday!
Carolyn was off in the morning to have hair and nails done while I ironed my shirt and steamed her dress and my suit. It was then up El Toro road to the Rancho Las Lomas wedding site which is tucked into the hills above Cook's Corner and which is populated with caged parrots and other birds along with horses and even a zebra.
The wedding programs with Carolyn's rendering of Las Lomas looked great and they even included a thank you to her inside. We sat near the Gomes, LaVoie's and Leus with both Christina and Anne-Marie acting as bridesmaids. It was an outdoor ceremony which included the Jewish tradition of breaking a glass as a symbol that their marriage should be as difficult to break apart as it would be to put that glass together again.
The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour outside on the patio and by the pool. We enjoyed catching up with Alex Gome, David Paul Leu, and Drew Kanda along with their parents before going inside for the entry of the wedding party and the first dances. Steph and Manny (Emanuel) obviously had been working on their moves!
And Steve held it together well enough to waltz his daughter around the dance floor, but it was a little more difficult, and he was a little more choked up, when he gave his toast to Steph and Manny before dinner. He loves 'his little girl' very much!
Dinner was tri-tip cooked perfectly along with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes, and we were up often to hit the dance floor or converse with our friends at various other tables. Or we would make our way over to the chocolate fountain to dip strawberries or cake for a little extra energy boost.
We were nearly the last groups to leave at around 11:30 and Steph and Debbie encouraged us to take some of the flower arrangements home. During the evening it had begun raining, and we were all thankful that it had held off until we were all inside, however, it was still raining as we left and we ended up nearly soaked as we waited for the valet after taking a bit of a walking detour!
Home around midnight, I hit the bed pretty quickly but Carolyn had a difficult time getting to sleep before 2 a.m. So needless to say, today has been rather low key with a spa soak, some college NCAA basketball, and an afternoon nap to replenish our strength. It's amazing what a night of partying and dancing can do to tire you out!
It was a wonderful day and evening, and we are happy for both the Kandas and the newly minted Pasternack's.
Carolyn was off in the morning to have hair and nails done while I ironed my shirt and steamed her dress and my suit. It was then up El Toro road to the Rancho Las Lomas wedding site which is tucked into the hills above Cook's Corner and which is populated with caged parrots and other birds along with horses and even a zebra.
The wedding programs with Carolyn's rendering of Las Lomas looked great and they even included a thank you to her inside. We sat near the Gomes, LaVoie's and Leus with both Christina and Anne-Marie acting as bridesmaids. It was an outdoor ceremony which included the Jewish tradition of breaking a glass as a symbol that their marriage should be as difficult to break apart as it would be to put that glass together again.
The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour outside on the patio and by the pool. We enjoyed catching up with Alex Gome, David Paul Leu, and Drew Kanda along with their parents before going inside for the entry of the wedding party and the first dances. Steph and Manny (Emanuel) obviously had been working on their moves!
And Steve held it together well enough to waltz his daughter around the dance floor, but it was a little more difficult, and he was a little more choked up, when he gave his toast to Steph and Manny before dinner. He loves 'his little girl' very much!
Dinner was tri-tip cooked perfectly along with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes, and we were up often to hit the dance floor or converse with our friends at various other tables. Or we would make our way over to the chocolate fountain to dip strawberries or cake for a little extra energy boost.
We were nearly the last groups to leave at around 11:30 and Steph and Debbie encouraged us to take some of the flower arrangements home. During the evening it had begun raining, and we were all thankful that it had held off until we were all inside, however, it was still raining as we left and we ended up nearly soaked as we waited for the valet after taking a bit of a walking detour!
Home around midnight, I hit the bed pretty quickly but Carolyn had a difficult time getting to sleep before 2 a.m. So needless to say, today has been rather low key with a spa soak, some college NCAA basketball, and an afternoon nap to replenish our strength. It's amazing what a night of partying and dancing can do to tire you out!
It was a wonderful day and evening, and we are happy for both the Kandas and the newly minted Pasternack's.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Update
I haven't posted in so long, I'm totally out of practice. Perhaps it's just because things have been rather normal lately, except that Bryce and Ashley were home for a week checking on job/church opportunities in the So. Cal. area.
Bryce enjoyed zipping all over the area in Carolyn's Mini Cooper while Ashley endured hours and hours of interviews and meetings or classes. We liked having them stay with us and got to have dinner with them about half the time they were here (when they weren't with friends or the Hales).
On Saturday, we hosted a Hales, Crockett, Bunker, Hutchins "make your own tostada" dinner which was followed by a few games of Catch Phrase. It's the most funny when you get clues such as "something I like" - could we get a little more information!
Then, John and Sally hosted a lovely last dinner for the six of us at Mission Viejo Country Club on Sunday.
It's now a little quieter at home and Gracie has no 'dog lovers' to annoy. Unfortunately, Carolyn came down with a cold which she's blaming on a British virus. Hopefully, the warmer weather we're having now will help her feel better.
Bryce enjoyed zipping all over the area in Carolyn's Mini Cooper while Ashley endured hours and hours of interviews and meetings or classes. We liked having them stay with us and got to have dinner with them about half the time they were here (when they weren't with friends or the Hales).
On Saturday, we hosted a Hales, Crockett, Bunker, Hutchins "make your own tostada" dinner which was followed by a few games of Catch Phrase. It's the most funny when you get clues such as "something I like" - could we get a little more information!
Then, John and Sally hosted a lovely last dinner for the six of us at Mission Viejo Country Club on Sunday.
It's now a little quieter at home and Gracie has no 'dog lovers' to annoy. Unfortunately, Carolyn came down with a cold which she's blaming on a British virus. Hopefully, the warmer weather we're having now will help her feel better.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Rainy Day Ramblings
Well, the Hutchins have been house-bound for about ten days as Carolyn broke out with these bumps on her body Saturday the 18th. We had been up to our kitchen designer to talk about alternatives for a master bath/closet expansion, but Carolyn was feeling a little weird and itchy so we stopped in our doctor's early in the afternoon.
We were fairly surprised when he declared that Carolyn probably had chicken pox! Evidently, a light case in your youth doesn't guarantee immunity in adulthood. She started on an anti-viral and benadryl to ease the itching. But that pretty much eliminated any plans for activities in which Carolyn came into contact with others. So no church, Community Bible Study, art classes or Bible Study. Good thing that the Olympics were on to keep us occupied, and that, so far, I have avoided contracting the pox myself.
Carolyn's CBS friends have been very generous in bringing dinners so neither of us have starved (or had to learn to cook - me). Although the virus can drag you down, Carolyn has tried to do various cleanup projects around the house and has sometimes worn herself out by attempting too much.
This weekend we threw out old picture frames that were broken or tarnished, reorganized the library closet including decades worth of pictures, cleaned out financial files, and straightened both the art studio and the back room. We would stop when we came across a particularly poignant or funny photo, or to examine Carolyn's various hair styles or the length of my hair or beard.
We also came across my travel journal from our 1992 European trip with CVCHS when we chaperoned 15 high schoolers through six countries in 21 days. I read some of it to Carolyn last night and it brought back memories of Munich, Dachau, St. Marks Square in Venice, climbing the steps up the Florence Duomo with Ashley (463 each way), eating gelato in Rome, going to the Louvre in Paris and discovering Ashley had lost her stuffed Lambie in some earlier hotel. I seemed to focus on our meals and the cultural differences or toilets of the countries we visited. But we had a good time!
Today, after much heralding, rain has again returned to Southern California. This will be another test of our recent home repairs and my driving skills as I seek to avoid colliding with my fellow commuters.
We were fairly surprised when he declared that Carolyn probably had chicken pox! Evidently, a light case in your youth doesn't guarantee immunity in adulthood. She started on an anti-viral and benadryl to ease the itching. But that pretty much eliminated any plans for activities in which Carolyn came into contact with others. So no church, Community Bible Study, art classes or Bible Study. Good thing that the Olympics were on to keep us occupied, and that, so far, I have avoided contracting the pox myself.
Carolyn's CBS friends have been very generous in bringing dinners so neither of us have starved (or had to learn to cook - me). Although the virus can drag you down, Carolyn has tried to do various cleanup projects around the house and has sometimes worn herself out by attempting too much.
This weekend we threw out old picture frames that were broken or tarnished, reorganized the library closet including decades worth of pictures, cleaned out financial files, and straightened both the art studio and the back room. We would stop when we came across a particularly poignant or funny photo, or to examine Carolyn's various hair styles or the length of my hair or beard.
We also came across my travel journal from our 1992 European trip with CVCHS when we chaperoned 15 high schoolers through six countries in 21 days. I read some of it to Carolyn last night and it brought back memories of Munich, Dachau, St. Marks Square in Venice, climbing the steps up the Florence Duomo with Ashley (463 each way), eating gelato in Rome, going to the Louvre in Paris and discovering Ashley had lost her stuffed Lambie in some earlier hotel. I seemed to focus on our meals and the cultural differences or toilets of the countries we visited. But we had a good time!
Today, after much heralding, rain has again returned to Southern California. This will be another test of our recent home repairs and my driving skills as I seek to avoid colliding with my fellow commuters.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Boat, Play and Model Homes
Saturday morning continued this winter's bright and sunny days, and I headed down to the harbor to work on the boat with Dennis while Carolyn headed off in other directions for other chores. It was warm in Dana Point even though one could feel the fog hovering offshore less than a mile out.
I polished the stainless steel stanchions and re-stained the teak handrails while Dennis worked on cleaning the transom and the interior. We fixed the drain on the sink, re-wrapped rigging tape on turnbuckles, and a myriad other little chores before Steve came down around 3 and we both hauled Dennis up the mast in our bosun's chair to check out the spreaders and take down the wind indicator so it can be replaced. Dennis gave a show to a three year old passenger on an adjacent boat who was fascinated at how high he was.
After stopping by Wanda's briefly, I headed home for dinner and a shower before we left for the play "Hitchcock's Blondes" at SCR with tickets courtesy of Lewis. We had turned down dinner with Chris and Pattie to see the play which turned out to be a bad decision.
The play resolved around an unfinished early film by Hitchcock and an attempt to decipher the film from individual frames recovered from the deteriorating celluloid. But the '19 year-old' film student, threw around the F-bomb as verb, adverb, adjective and noun so much that we felt assaulted. Added to the profanity were continuing references to sexual acts as either the film professor tried to seduce the student or 'Hitchcock' tried the same or to degrade his leading lady's body double. We felt more and more uncomfortable so that we finally left our front row seats and walked out before the intermission! Today's OC Register's review would indicate that the reviewer, at least, was unaffected by any of that, a warning that we need to be vigilant in our entertainment choices.
Sunday morning we drove into Irvine near the former Tustin blimp hangers to check out a couple of model homes for interior design and master bath research. We'd received an initial design for a remodel of our bath and master closet late last week and we wanted to see how the newer homes were incorporating some of the features we want. Priced modestly in the low $1 millions (cough, cough), these nearly 3000 sq. ft. homes gave us ideas on the size we need for both bath and closet and a possible upstairs laundry room. We took pictures showing large tubs, transitions from stone to wood, and vanities both dual and his/hers. We have a bit more research to do on both layout and materials although I laid out the proposed size of the bath on our bedroom floor using books to show where corners and fixtures were. Carolyn enjoyed my hands on display.
The rest of Sunday we enjoyed painting (Carolyn), watching some of the Olympics (Tor), and church (both). We may also have contemplated how much different the two coasts were this weekend with 85 degrees in our neck of the woods while New York city got 26 inches of snow. Viva California!
I polished the stainless steel stanchions and re-stained the teak handrails while Dennis worked on cleaning the transom and the interior. We fixed the drain on the sink, re-wrapped rigging tape on turnbuckles, and a myriad other little chores before Steve came down around 3 and we both hauled Dennis up the mast in our bosun's chair to check out the spreaders and take down the wind indicator so it can be replaced. Dennis gave a show to a three year old passenger on an adjacent boat who was fascinated at how high he was.
After stopping by Wanda's briefly, I headed home for dinner and a shower before we left for the play "Hitchcock's Blondes" at SCR with tickets courtesy of Lewis. We had turned down dinner with Chris and Pattie to see the play which turned out to be a bad decision.
The play resolved around an unfinished early film by Hitchcock and an attempt to decipher the film from individual frames recovered from the deteriorating celluloid. But the '19 year-old' film student, threw around the F-bomb as verb, adverb, adjective and noun so much that we felt assaulted. Added to the profanity were continuing references to sexual acts as either the film professor tried to seduce the student or 'Hitchcock' tried the same or to degrade his leading lady's body double. We felt more and more uncomfortable so that we finally left our front row seats and walked out before the intermission! Today's OC Register's review would indicate that the reviewer, at least, was unaffected by any of that, a warning that we need to be vigilant in our entertainment choices.
Sunday morning we drove into Irvine near the former Tustin blimp hangers to check out a couple of model homes for interior design and master bath research. We'd received an initial design for a remodel of our bath and master closet late last week and we wanted to see how the newer homes were incorporating some of the features we want. Priced modestly in the low $1 millions (cough, cough), these nearly 3000 sq. ft. homes gave us ideas on the size we need for both bath and closet and a possible upstairs laundry room. We took pictures showing large tubs, transitions from stone to wood, and vanities both dual and his/hers. We have a bit more research to do on both layout and materials although I laid out the proposed size of the bath on our bedroom floor using books to show where corners and fixtures were. Carolyn enjoyed my hands on display.
The rest of Sunday we enjoyed painting (Carolyn), watching some of the Olympics (Tor), and church (both). We may also have contemplated how much different the two coasts were this weekend with 85 degrees in our neck of the woods while New York city got 26 inches of snow. Viva California!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Winter Sunrise
I wake in the dark and stumble downstairs for the paper and to brew a pot of coffee. By the time I exit the shower and have shaved, the winter sun is beginning to cast its glow low in the sky brilliantly coloring the few clouds with hues of orange and red. The colors shimmer off the lake's quiet waters and fill our bedroom with delicious tints.
It's worth getting up for (or at least opening one's eyes) to see the beauty God has blessed us with! What an artist!
It's worth getting up for (or at least opening one's eyes) to see the beauty God has blessed us with! What an artist!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
The Earth is Spinning Faster
I swear the earth must be spinning faster around the sun because it's already the end of January. One twelfth of the year gone. Wasn't it Christmas yesterday and summer last week?
We continue the great American clean-up as we tackle closets, cabinets and stashes all around. This past week it was the 'medicine' cabinet where Carolyn disposed of all the meds past their expiration dates, and yet, we still have sufficient supplies to start our own small pharmacy. Then, we cleaned out underneath our master bath sinks, eliminating dozens of hotel shampoo bottles and non-functioning appliances.
Our new spa was delivered late Saturday morning and we hope the new concrete pad that was poured on Friday is cured enough so it can bear the weight. An electrician came out to hook it up only to find that we need to pull new wires as its a 60 amp setup versus the 40 amps we had. Electricians are expensive! But I'm not fooling around with 220. He should be back today to make the installation.
Sunday, we enjoyed reading the papers in bed and then headed down to the harbor for a nice sail, followed by a short walk around the harbor, a stop by Nan's, and then off to church.
Perhaps, the time seems to be going sooo fast because my next holiday isn't until the end of May! If work can speed up and vacations can slow down, that would work for me!!
We continue the great American clean-up as we tackle closets, cabinets and stashes all around. This past week it was the 'medicine' cabinet where Carolyn disposed of all the meds past their expiration dates, and yet, we still have sufficient supplies to start our own small pharmacy. Then, we cleaned out underneath our master bath sinks, eliminating dozens of hotel shampoo bottles and non-functioning appliances.
Our new spa was delivered late Saturday morning and we hope the new concrete pad that was poured on Friday is cured enough so it can bear the weight. An electrician came out to hook it up only to find that we need to pull new wires as its a 60 amp setup versus the 40 amps we had. Electricians are expensive! But I'm not fooling around with 220. He should be back today to make the installation.
Sunday, we enjoyed reading the papers in bed and then headed down to the harbor for a nice sail, followed by a short walk around the harbor, a stop by Nan's, and then off to church.
Perhaps, the time seems to be going sooo fast because my next holiday isn't until the end of May! If work can speed up and vacations can slow down, that would work for me!!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Winter Sun
With the exception of rain on the Rose Parade and a slight drizzle a week ago, the weather in So. Cal. has been bright and sunny in stark contrast to the rains of last year. Perhaps, I'm a little too anxious to see how the repairs hold up in a harder rain.
I've been trying to walk at lunch and have managed to about four days out of five last week. Today, though the wind is blowing and the chill by the mountains is a little more pronounced so I passed. I have to save my strength for tonight's poker game!
The last two weekends have been fairly productive. I spent several hours on Saturday and Sunday, installing new sprinkler heads and a new line after all of our outside construction work and then painting the stucco which had been repaired. Carolyn has been gardening and slowly bagging and trashing the abundance of "stuff" in several areas in the house that accumulates when you never move. But, there is always more to do!
Saturday, I went in for my eye exam and new contacts and my far vision actually needs a little less power, but we had to tweak my near vision to help with the clarity. Those pesky Excel spreadsheets in size 6 font are getting harder and harder to see.
Oh, after 17 years, we splurged on ourselves with an early Valentine's gift and purchased a new jacuzzi. Our old one was falling apart on the sides and the motor was no longer operational. This one is little smaller, but is more hydrotheraupetic and Carolyn is anxiously awaiting its installation in about two weeks. I wonder if I can claim it as a medical deduction?
Sunday was church and then dinner at the Stadium Brewing Co. with Pattie and Chris after watching at least a little bit of the Steeler - Denver game. And, then the work cycle begins again (I miss three and four day weekends).
I've been trying to walk at lunch and have managed to about four days out of five last week. Today, though the wind is blowing and the chill by the mountains is a little more pronounced so I passed. I have to save my strength for tonight's poker game!
The last two weekends have been fairly productive. I spent several hours on Saturday and Sunday, installing new sprinkler heads and a new line after all of our outside construction work and then painting the stucco which had been repaired. Carolyn has been gardening and slowly bagging and trashing the abundance of "stuff" in several areas in the house that accumulates when you never move. But, there is always more to do!
Saturday, I went in for my eye exam and new contacts and my far vision actually needs a little less power, but we had to tweak my near vision to help with the clarity. Those pesky Excel spreadsheets in size 6 font are getting harder and harder to see.
Oh, after 17 years, we splurged on ourselves with an early Valentine's gift and purchased a new jacuzzi. Our old one was falling apart on the sides and the motor was no longer operational. This one is little smaller, but is more hydrotheraupetic and Carolyn is anxiously awaiting its installation in about two weeks. I wonder if I can claim it as a medical deduction?
Sunday was church and then dinner at the Stadium Brewing Co. with Pattie and Chris after watching at least a little bit of the Steeler - Denver game. And, then the work cycle begins again (I miss three and four day weekends).
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Storm Watch Dud
The 'weather' people on local news warned us of the impending rain over the weekend which was to drop 1-2 inches of rain. That was OK with me as there were four football playoff games over the two days to occupy my time.
Friday night, Carolyn and I headed over to the Spectrum so Carolyn could buy a present for a bridal lingerie shower and then we could grab dinner out. Somehow Fredrick's didn't appeal, nor did a few other stores have a reasonable selection, so we ended up in Nordstroms. I always find it a bit more than a little uncomfortable to trail Carolyn through the racks of bras and panties, and Carolyn tries not to buy an absolute nothing for one of these 'events' as the younger set will be more than willing to supply those. Carolyn found a nightgown which was short, cute, comfortable and opaque, and as the clerk wrapped it we found out she had previously worked at Victoria's Secret. Her observation was that there are two type of men who shop there: the man who knows exactly what he wants; and, the other who is nervous and anxious to buy anything and get out. I understand the anxiety.
Dinner was at Champs which is lined with large screen video displaying every possible sport imaginable. Over Carolyn's shoulder, played hockey, pro and college basketball, and snowboarding. Carolyn had a pretty good pulled pork sandwich while I had a chicken wrap that also became my Saturday lunch.
Saturday morning, it was misting so I hurried to lay out some plastic on the deck to protect the garden room. I think that was the hardest it 'rained' all day, as the storm (or drizzle) never really materialized. Then I settled in for some playoff football before the evening at the OC Performing Arts Center, the Pop series, which featured Henry Mancini's music and his daughter's singing. Front row, nearly center, the typical Lewis provided seats. We enjoyed it very much then took in an after theater dinner at Jerry's Deli.
Sunday started off lazy with reading both papers in bed, but then I got into cleaning out some of my clothes in the closet and Carolyn was also inspired so we ended up with a MUCH neater closet and two full bags of clothes ready for Goodwill. This, of course, morphed into a need to move the sewing machine back into 'Ashley's' room and a bit of rearranging there. Meanwhile, I managed to slip back to the game room more than once, while Carolyn contemplated, to catch portions of the two Sunday football games.
Then, we made it to church at the temple for the first time in about four weeks, and Mike taught a great sermon from Hebrews 4:1-3 about the importance of knowing you're a Christian (not just because of what I've done, prayed, or felt) as the consequences are eternal.
Home again we enjoyed a roast Carolyn had put in before we left (the smell permeating our house), and then settled in for the first two hours of season 5 of 24 and Jack Bauer. The tension begins again!
Friday night, Carolyn and I headed over to the Spectrum so Carolyn could buy a present for a bridal lingerie shower and then we could grab dinner out. Somehow Fredrick's didn't appeal, nor did a few other stores have a reasonable selection, so we ended up in Nordstroms. I always find it a bit more than a little uncomfortable to trail Carolyn through the racks of bras and panties, and Carolyn tries not to buy an absolute nothing for one of these 'events' as the younger set will be more than willing to supply those. Carolyn found a nightgown which was short, cute, comfortable and opaque, and as the clerk wrapped it we found out she had previously worked at Victoria's Secret. Her observation was that there are two type of men who shop there: the man who knows exactly what he wants; and, the other who is nervous and anxious to buy anything and get out. I understand the anxiety.
Dinner was at Champs which is lined with large screen video displaying every possible sport imaginable. Over Carolyn's shoulder, played hockey, pro and college basketball, and snowboarding. Carolyn had a pretty good pulled pork sandwich while I had a chicken wrap that also became my Saturday lunch.
Saturday morning, it was misting so I hurried to lay out some plastic on the deck to protect the garden room. I think that was the hardest it 'rained' all day, as the storm (or drizzle) never really materialized. Then I settled in for some playoff football before the evening at the OC Performing Arts Center, the Pop series, which featured Henry Mancini's music and his daughter's singing. Front row, nearly center, the typical Lewis provided seats. We enjoyed it very much then took in an after theater dinner at Jerry's Deli.
Sunday started off lazy with reading both papers in bed, but then I got into cleaning out some of my clothes in the closet and Carolyn was also inspired so we ended up with a MUCH neater closet and two full bags of clothes ready for Goodwill. This, of course, morphed into a need to move the sewing machine back into 'Ashley's' room and a bit of rearranging there. Meanwhile, I managed to slip back to the game room more than once, while Carolyn contemplated, to catch portions of the two Sunday football games.
Then, we made it to church at the temple for the first time in about four weeks, and Mike taught a great sermon from Hebrews 4:1-3 about the importance of knowing you're a Christian (not just because of what I've done, prayed, or felt) as the consequences are eternal.
Home again we enjoyed a roast Carolyn had put in before we left (the smell permeating our house), and then settled in for the first two hours of season 5 of 24 and Jack Bauer. The tension begins again!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
First for '06
Well, it's about time that I again get into the bloggin' thing for 2006 after all the activities with Ashley and Bryce over the holidays.
The year began well with Bryce preaching at their old church, Christ Church, attended by both sets of parents. We were greeted for our annual pilgrimage and Bryce's sermon was excellent. Then A&B headed to Santa Barbara for a few days to visit the Crocketts.
On Friday, I took the afternoon off from work and took Ash, Bryce, Carolyn, and Sally sailing off of Dana Point. It was warm for December, about 75, but the wind was light and we ended up having to motor in after a decent sail outbound. Then the Hales, Wanda and Margaret joined us for a dinner at Ichibiri as our send off for Ashley and Bryce.
When we got home around 10, I wasn't sure if A&B were going to be able to get packed by the next morning as piles of clothes, books, etc. were waiting to be equitably distributed in suitcases, a box, duffels and backpacks. I hit the bed while Carolyn stayed up until 1:30 finishing sewing their duvet cover while watching Leno in our bedroom (did I mention that I don't have a problem sleeping). While I slept, a miracle had been wrought by Bryce as all their stuff had found a home and both their bedroom and the game room were in perfect order. Good job!!
Sally arrived at our home before 8 in her Yukon, as it was big enough for the five of us and the bags, to make the drive up to LAX. After a little re-arranging at the check-in counter, Bryce was able to end up with only one overweight bag ($25) and they were on their way down the long concourse as we embarrassed them by continually waving them all the way through security. And what is it about Ashley, that she required a wanding at security? She doesn't look that threatening to me!
The rest of the weekend, we stayed busy by cleaning up the yard, putting away all of the Christmas decorations (7 boxes), and watching some of the playoff games. I was totally bummed to see Carson Palmer hurt on the second offensive play for the Bengals as I wanted to see how well he could perform in a playoff situation. Carolyn tried not to mope around too much as she missed having Ashley (and Bryce) around.
Sunday evening we drove down to Capo Beach to the Aufhammer's temporary residence to join them and John and Sally for dinner. We had a good time catching up and had a lovely meal: salad; chicken; asparagus; mashed potatoes with spinach; and, cherry pie. And Chas did the cooking!
This week is my first full work week in about a month. I hope I can survive until the next holiday in May! Last night we took in a play at the Laguna Playhouse, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, which was funny with excellent musicianship. I think it was even funnier to Carolyn as she has endured the same sort of piano lessons.
Tonight we begin our couple's Bible study again and so most of our life has returned to normal.
The year began well with Bryce preaching at their old church, Christ Church, attended by both sets of parents. We were greeted for our annual pilgrimage and Bryce's sermon was excellent. Then A&B headed to Santa Barbara for a few days to visit the Crocketts.
On Friday, I took the afternoon off from work and took Ash, Bryce, Carolyn, and Sally sailing off of Dana Point. It was warm for December, about 75, but the wind was light and we ended up having to motor in after a decent sail outbound. Then the Hales, Wanda and Margaret joined us for a dinner at Ichibiri as our send off for Ashley and Bryce.
When we got home around 10, I wasn't sure if A&B were going to be able to get packed by the next morning as piles of clothes, books, etc. were waiting to be equitably distributed in suitcases, a box, duffels and backpacks. I hit the bed while Carolyn stayed up until 1:30 finishing sewing their duvet cover while watching Leno in our bedroom (did I mention that I don't have a problem sleeping). While I slept, a miracle had been wrought by Bryce as all their stuff had found a home and both their bedroom and the game room were in perfect order. Good job!!
Sally arrived at our home before 8 in her Yukon, as it was big enough for the five of us and the bags, to make the drive up to LAX. After a little re-arranging at the check-in counter, Bryce was able to end up with only one overweight bag ($25) and they were on their way down the long concourse as we embarrassed them by continually waving them all the way through security. And what is it about Ashley, that she required a wanding at security? She doesn't look that threatening to me!
The rest of the weekend, we stayed busy by cleaning up the yard, putting away all of the Christmas decorations (7 boxes), and watching some of the playoff games. I was totally bummed to see Carson Palmer hurt on the second offensive play for the Bengals as I wanted to see how well he could perform in a playoff situation. Carolyn tried not to mope around too much as she missed having Ashley (and Bryce) around.
Sunday evening we drove down to Capo Beach to the Aufhammer's temporary residence to join them and John and Sally for dinner. We had a good time catching up and had a lovely meal: salad; chicken; asparagus; mashed potatoes with spinach; and, cherry pie. And Chas did the cooking!
This week is my first full work week in about a month. I hope I can survive until the next holiday in May! Last night we took in a play at the Laguna Playhouse, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, which was funny with excellent musicianship. I think it was even funnier to Carolyn as she has endured the same sort of piano lessons.
Tonight we begin our couple's Bible study again and so most of our life has returned to normal.
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