It's been burning for four days now in Southern California and most everything smells like the sweatshirt you wear around the mountain campfire. The car washed on Saturday greets me each morning and evening with a new light blanket of soot.
The Santiago fire has crept to the borders of Lake Forest as of yesterday and threatens Foothill Ranch and has burned homes within the canyon roads that meander off El Toro/Santiago. As I came home from church last night, I could see the fires burning just beyond the 241 toll road. They weren't moving fast but I was glad our home is more than a few miles away. I took Carolyn out for a fire-sighting drive along Portola Parkway and the toll road and it was pretty eerie.
Our prayers go out to those who have had homes lost and/or have had to evacuate.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Dolphins! and Tall Ships
On Sunday, after Carolyn returned from her first day of a "paint out" on the Balboa Peninsula, we met Dennis and Gloria at the boat for a late afternoon sail. We were greeted with a great wind, hundreds of dolphins, and the Tall Ships Festival that concluded with a sea battle while we sailed by.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
I Hate it When
the electricity goes out for hours! Mid-afternoon on Monday, Labor Day, all grew quiet in our home, the constant hum of the A/C and all else electrical went silent. Soon neighbors checked with each other to see if it was more than our own circuit breakers.
Cell phone calls to Edison (you can't call on a cordless) resulted in twenty minutes on hold before my patience and my cell phone's battery dwindled. Evening came and I headed to Chipotle for dinner and cooler climes as the temperature downstairs steadily rose to the low to mid-80s. I resisted any exploration into the higher temps of our second floor.
The night faded and without TV, internet, lights, cooking facilities, etc., I grabbed a sheet and pillow and bunked down on the living room floor with a flashlight perched on my shoulder so I could read a book that has lingered at my bedside for the entire summer. It would have been really convenient to have one of those exploration lights that strap to your forehead.
Even though we have a reasonably plush and comfortable carpet, it's not as wonderful as our king-sized bed, so at 3:30 I thought it might have cooled enough upstairs to venture into our bedroom where I was able to sleep even though it was probably 80+ degrees. This morning I awoke to the alarm on my cell phone, and showered by flashlight before heading to work and grabbing an Egg McMuffin and coffee along the way.
I finally got ahold of Edison and I'm not sure if we'll have electricity back on until sometime tomorrow. Fun!
Cell phone calls to Edison (you can't call on a cordless) resulted in twenty minutes on hold before my patience and my cell phone's battery dwindled. Evening came and I headed to Chipotle for dinner and cooler climes as the temperature downstairs steadily rose to the low to mid-80s. I resisted any exploration into the higher temps of our second floor.
The night faded and without TV, internet, lights, cooking facilities, etc., I grabbed a sheet and pillow and bunked down on the living room floor with a flashlight perched on my shoulder so I could read a book that has lingered at my bedside for the entire summer. It would have been really convenient to have one of those exploration lights that strap to your forehead.
Even though we have a reasonably plush and comfortable carpet, it's not as wonderful as our king-sized bed, so at 3:30 I thought it might have cooled enough upstairs to venture into our bedroom where I was able to sleep even though it was probably 80+ degrees. This morning I awoke to the alarm on my cell phone, and showered by flashlight before heading to work and grabbing an Egg McMuffin and coffee along the way.
I finally got ahold of Edison and I'm not sure if we'll have electricity back on until sometime tomorrow. Fun!
Friday, August 31, 2007
The Happy Hales
All is going well as everyone adapts to a new member in the family. From what I've observed, Ezra has been behaving pretty well and Ashley is mending from her surgery. Bryce is quickly learning the joys of being a true servant!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Bath is finished
Bryce performed Ezra's first bath under the heat lamp while Ezra stretched. Check out his long fingers!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Ezra Chalmers Hales!
At 6:20 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, Ezra Chalmers Hales entered this world at 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 19.5 inches. Ashley had endured about 36 hours in the hospital trying to have as natural childbirth as possible, but Ezra's heart beat was dropping and ultimately Ashley had a C section to ease his distress.
When we saw him, a little after 7, Ashley was recovering from the ordeal and Bryce was holding him. He's a cute little one! Pray for Ashley's quick recovery and everyone's easy transition into new roles as parents and grandparents.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Jihad: The Musical
For my fellow lovers of parody and all things Scottish, check out this excerpt from the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
OC Camping
This last weekend we vacated our home after bagging up all of our food and cosmetics (Carolyn did most of it) in preparation for the tenting of our house and its fumigation for termites. Needing a place to stay, we headed to our 27' sailboat which is berthed in Dana Point marina for an 'upscale' camping experience.
I picked Carolyn up at the marina on Friday evening and then we headed to a wine tasting party at the Whitney's (fellow Israel travelers) in SJC. We ate appetizers and tasted ten different vintages as we learned to swill with the masters. I think we will have a very well-stocked wine refrigerator in about a week!
We had way too much stuff as is typical of any camping or vacation trip we take. More clothes than we need and more than enough groceries. Meanwhile, we walked over to the harbor for a variety of meals ranging from coffee and pastries to a Saturday 4 o'clock late lunch at the Beach House and watched the boats as they entered the harbor under a very light wind. In fact the wind was so light all weekend, we never made it out of our slip.
We tried out the various sleeping combinations on the boat including fighting for foot space in the V-berth or with Carolyn in the V-berth and me stretched out on one of the built-in sofas. We read, sketched, painted, enjoyed sunsets or cloudy skies, and walked around the harbor. The less-than-wonderful part was having to walk up to bathroom and enduring tepid, at best, showers.
As of Monday, we are back in the house and as of today we now have the gas back on so I'll finally be able to get a HOT shower!!
I picked Carolyn up at the marina on Friday evening and then we headed to a wine tasting party at the Whitney's (fellow Israel travelers) in SJC. We ate appetizers and tasted ten different vintages as we learned to swill with the masters. I think we will have a very well-stocked wine refrigerator in about a week!
We had way too much stuff as is typical of any camping or vacation trip we take. More clothes than we need and more than enough groceries. Meanwhile, we walked over to the harbor for a variety of meals ranging from coffee and pastries to a Saturday 4 o'clock late lunch at the Beach House and watched the boats as they entered the harbor under a very light wind. In fact the wind was so light all weekend, we never made it out of our slip.
We tried out the various sleeping combinations on the boat including fighting for foot space in the V-berth or with Carolyn in the V-berth and me stretched out on one of the built-in sofas. We read, sketched, painted, enjoyed sunsets or cloudy skies, and walked around the harbor. The less-than-wonderful part was having to walk up to bathroom and enduring tepid, at best, showers.
As of Monday, we are back in the house and as of today we now have the gas back on so I'll finally be able to get a HOT shower!!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Waterworld 4th
Our 4th revolved around water. I began the day finishing up with our neighbors in the decoration of their party boat for the annual Lake Forest I boat parade. The Bethke's had decorated their home with flags and bunting while the boat was wrapped in red, white and blue with Uncle Sam perched in his wheelhouse atop the canopy of this modified stern wheeler. But this year, we forsook the champagne breakfast at the club and the parade that followed.
In the late morning, we headed down to the Dana Point harbor to enjoy the day and evening on our boat. Unfortunately, the parking lot reserved for boat owners was already completely filled by the time we arrived, but I was able to find an open space at the end of the "island" by the yacht club after having dropped Carolyn and all our gear at the dock. Carolyn had down a yeoman's job taking down the various coolers and sacks of snacks by the time I made my walk back from parking the car.
After calling Dennis and warning him of the parking problem, we got situated, affixed a temporary sun shield (which was a little too small as can be seen by my red face) and inflated our "Zodiac" boat. Dennis dropped off Gloria shortly after noon and ended up having to park on PCH and walk back to the slip.
The activity in the harbor was like a five hour water fight! We drove out in our inflatable into a barrage of boats wetting each other down with super-soakers, buckets and pump assisted hoses. Many wore "protection" consisting of shop eye protection, swim goggles, diving masks, umbrellas and even foul weather gear. We yelled our neutrality claiming we were the Switzerland of the harbor, and, for the most part, avoided the soaking afforded others who were either firing on others or bailing to avoid sinking.
Dennis took us out by the restaurants and then down the main channel, and then the outboard quit. The first time it was because we were out of gas which we quickly refilled, but the engine would keep dying only moments after starting again. This continued until we got close to the Pilgrim, and then it wouldn't start anymore, so we reluctantly 'accepted' a tow from the Sheriff's boat who berated the idiots who would act up even in his presence. He even threatened to arrest the guy who ran into us while we under tow. I think he was more interested in soaking down another boat than watching where he was going.
We enjoyed the afternoon watching the chaos in the harbor, swimming in the channel, and snacking on chips and guacamole. Dennis and Gloria left around 4:45 and we just hung out before lighting the BBQ and cooking up some really good burgers before the fireworks began.
We positioned ourselves on the bow for the show, and it began with a bang and some great fireworks including several that were heart shaped. But after about seven minutes, the fireworks just stopped. Five minutes or so passed, and a few more bombs burst in the air, and then nothing. We waited thirty or forty minutes, and with no additional displays, we packed up, locked up the boat, and got in line to leave the harbor. As we left around 10, the fireworks suddenly started up again! I guess the wicks must have been wet.
The only thing that would have made the day better is that the next day would have been a day off as well!!
In the late morning, we headed down to the Dana Point harbor to enjoy the day and evening on our boat. Unfortunately, the parking lot reserved for boat owners was already completely filled by the time we arrived, but I was able to find an open space at the end of the "island" by the yacht club after having dropped Carolyn and all our gear at the dock. Carolyn had down a yeoman's job taking down the various coolers and sacks of snacks by the time I made my walk back from parking the car.
After calling Dennis and warning him of the parking problem, we got situated, affixed a temporary sun shield (which was a little too small as can be seen by my red face) and inflated our "Zodiac" boat. Dennis dropped off Gloria shortly after noon and ended up having to park on PCH and walk back to the slip.
The activity in the harbor was like a five hour water fight! We drove out in our inflatable into a barrage of boats wetting each other down with super-soakers, buckets and pump assisted hoses. Many wore "protection" consisting of shop eye protection, swim goggles, diving masks, umbrellas and even foul weather gear. We yelled our neutrality claiming we were the Switzerland of the harbor, and, for the most part, avoided the soaking afforded others who were either firing on others or bailing to avoid sinking.
Dennis took us out by the restaurants and then down the main channel, and then the outboard quit. The first time it was because we were out of gas which we quickly refilled, but the engine would keep dying only moments after starting again. This continued until we got close to the Pilgrim, and then it wouldn't start anymore, so we reluctantly 'accepted' a tow from the Sheriff's boat who berated the idiots who would act up even in his presence. He even threatened to arrest the guy who ran into us while we under tow. I think he was more interested in soaking down another boat than watching where he was going.
We enjoyed the afternoon watching the chaos in the harbor, swimming in the channel, and snacking on chips and guacamole. Dennis and Gloria left around 4:45 and we just hung out before lighting the BBQ and cooking up some really good burgers before the fireworks began.
We positioned ourselves on the bow for the show, and it began with a bang and some great fireworks including several that were heart shaped. But after about seven minutes, the fireworks just stopped. Five minutes or so passed, and a few more bombs burst in the air, and then nothing. We waited thirty or forty minutes, and with no additional displays, we packed up, locked up the boat, and got in line to leave the harbor. As we left around 10, the fireworks suddenly started up again! I guess the wicks must have been wet.
The only thing that would have made the day better is that the next day would have been a day off as well!!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Jerusalem
The final three days of our visit to Israel were in Jerusalem where we started off by visiting the Garden of Gethsemani, a quiet respite from the clamor of the various ethnic quarters within the walled city.
Some of these olive trees in the garden were 1500+ years old. Perhaps some were even there as Jesus knelt in agonizing prayer while his disciples slept.
As we walked throughout the city, we were met with men and women who dressed quite differently from the sneaker wearing crowd from Compass Bible Church.
The moslem Dome of the Rock dominates the view of Jerusalem with it golden dome which rests on or near where Herod's temple stood before being destroyed by the Romans.
On our free day, we walked through the market place and purchased spices and a few other items as well as visiting the King David hotel which has welcomed many politicians and celebrities.
The presence of Israeli military was quite evident throughout the city, although I was amazed to see young female recruits walking in flip-flops with purses and carbines.
Standing on the rampart walls.
This is the site of the Garden Tomb, an alternative site of Christ's crucifixion and burial (rather than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre). Doesn't this look like a skull (Golgotha) to you?!
Entering the Garden Tomb through an enlarged opening which allowed easier access. A track existed to allow a stone to rolled in front of the opening. It was a much more serene and peaceful location the the Church and one which felt more in keeping with Biblical accounts.
Late Tuesday afternoon, we left the City and drove to a kibbutz for dinner before heading to the airport and our 11 p.m. flight. Overall, it was an excellent trip and one which will influence every Biblical passage that concerns the Promised Land when it is re-read. Shalom!
Some of these olive trees in the garden were 1500+ years old. Perhaps some were even there as Jesus knelt in agonizing prayer while his disciples slept.
As we walked throughout the city, we were met with men and women who dressed quite differently from the sneaker wearing crowd from Compass Bible Church.
The moslem Dome of the Rock dominates the view of Jerusalem with it golden dome which rests on or near where Herod's temple stood before being destroyed by the Romans.
On our free day, we walked through the market place and purchased spices and a few other items as well as visiting the King David hotel which has welcomed many politicians and celebrities.
The presence of Israeli military was quite evident throughout the city, although I was amazed to see young female recruits walking in flip-flops with purses and carbines.
Standing on the rampart walls.
This is the site of the Garden Tomb, an alternative site of Christ's crucifixion and burial (rather than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre). Doesn't this look like a skull (Golgotha) to you?!
Entering the Garden Tomb through an enlarged opening which allowed easier access. A track existed to allow a stone to rolled in front of the opening. It was a much more serene and peaceful location the the Church and one which felt more in keeping with Biblical accounts.
Late Tuesday afternoon, we left the City and drove to a kibbutz for dinner before heading to the airport and our 11 p.m. flight. Overall, it was an excellent trip and one which will influence every Biblical passage that concerns the Promised Land when it is re-read. Shalom!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Shabbat
After arriving in Jerusalem late in the afternoon on Friday, we checked into our hotel and watched from our high-rise hotel room as traffic dwindled to nothing. It was Shabbat and everything closes down as we found out with elevators that stopped at every floor so you wouldn't have to "work" by pushing a button and cappucinos couldn't be made as a lever would have to be pulled or a button depressed.
So, Saturday, May 5, we boarded our bus and headed east towards the Dead Sea leaving Jerusalem to its Shabbat slumber.
The Dead Sea - The sun glistens off of a salt lake that is 32% minerals.
Our first stop was at Masada, the ancient desert fortress of Herod the Great which was occupied by Zealots as Rome sacked Jerusalem, and where they held out against the Roman legions for three years before commiting mass suicide as the Romans siege ramp allowed a final conquest.
About half of us decided to hike to the top of Masada, rather than take the perfectly good Swiss tram. With an elevation climb of about 900' and desert temperatures, I struggled to make it up in an hour (I think I worried our executive pastor if I was going to make it all) while a few young guys ran up the steep and stair lined path in about 20 minutes!
After lunch and my two minute ride on a camel around the parking lot for $2, we drove to an overlook which gave us a view of Ein Gedi, the oasis that David retreated to while being pursued by Saul and his men. Then it was on to Kumran and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found by a bedouin boy in 1947.
We finished our Dead Sea adventures with a "swim" or rather a float in the Dead Sea. A pastoral directive was made that everyone who hadn't been there before had to try it. Mud was slathered on as a beauty aid and we floated high in the water while reading the Jerusalem Post. Just don't get any of the water in your eyes or mouth!
So, Saturday, May 5, we boarded our bus and headed east towards the Dead Sea leaving Jerusalem to its Shabbat slumber.
The Dead Sea - The sun glistens off of a salt lake that is 32% minerals.
Our first stop was at Masada, the ancient desert fortress of Herod the Great which was occupied by Zealots as Rome sacked Jerusalem, and where they held out against the Roman legions for three years before commiting mass suicide as the Romans siege ramp allowed a final conquest.
About half of us decided to hike to the top of Masada, rather than take the perfectly good Swiss tram. With an elevation climb of about 900' and desert temperatures, I struggled to make it up in an hour (I think I worried our executive pastor if I was going to make it all) while a few young guys ran up the steep and stair lined path in about 20 minutes!
After lunch and my two minute ride on a camel around the parking lot for $2, we drove to an overlook which gave us a view of Ein Gedi, the oasis that David retreated to while being pursued by Saul and his men. Then it was on to Kumran and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found by a bedouin boy in 1947.
We finished our Dead Sea adventures with a "swim" or rather a float in the Dead Sea. A pastoral directive was made that everyone who hadn't been there before had to try it. Mud was slathered on as a beauty aid and we floated high in the water while reading the Jerusalem Post. Just don't get any of the water in your eyes or mouth!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Up to Jerusalem
On May 4, we left the Sea of Galilee area and headed south towards Jerusalem. Our first stop was Beth Shean, a Roman city which was destroyed in an earthquake but which is now being partially restored so its splendor can be experienced.
A main street was bordered with columns on both sides with broad walkways of marble or inlaid mosaics that opened to storefronts. The original shopping mall!
The Romans lived an easy life with public saunas (the short pillars in the above picture supported a floor and allowed hot air to heat it), steam rooms, gymnasiums, pools and public facilities complete with running water. You'd go down for a steam, massage and manicure before heading over to the amphitheater to watch plays or sporting or gladiator events. When you'd eaten too much, just go outside to the vomitorium to relieve yourself.
Then we were off to Gideon's Spring where Gideon, at God's direction, reduced the number of his chosen soldiers to only 300 before going to battle against the Midianites (Judges 7) by selecting those who drank by cupping their hand while keeping their sword ready in the other hand.
Afterward, we had lunch and a swim in Sachne National Park where many chose to jump off a thirty foot cliff into the water. I chose to float and explore a luminescent cave. Since it was Shabat, and services would be closing, we continued south and then up to the hills of Jerusalem to our hotel.
Before arriving at the hotel, we stopped for a brief overlook of Jerusalem from one of the surrounding hills. The Dome of the Rock with its gilded surface screaming for attention amidst other older churches, buildings and fortified walls of the Old City.
A main street was bordered with columns on both sides with broad walkways of marble or inlaid mosaics that opened to storefronts. The original shopping mall!
The Romans lived an easy life with public saunas (the short pillars in the above picture supported a floor and allowed hot air to heat it), steam rooms, gymnasiums, pools and public facilities complete with running water. You'd go down for a steam, massage and manicure before heading over to the amphitheater to watch plays or sporting or gladiator events. When you'd eaten too much, just go outside to the vomitorium to relieve yourself.
Then we were off to Gideon's Spring where Gideon, at God's direction, reduced the number of his chosen soldiers to only 300 before going to battle against the Midianites (Judges 7) by selecting those who drank by cupping their hand while keeping their sword ready in the other hand.
Afterward, we had lunch and a swim in Sachne National Park where many chose to jump off a thirty foot cliff into the water. I chose to float and explore a luminescent cave. Since it was Shabat, and services would be closing, we continued south and then up to the hills of Jerusalem to our hotel.
Before arriving at the hotel, we stopped for a brief overlook of Jerusalem from one of the surrounding hills. The Dome of the Rock with its gilded surface screaming for attention amidst other older churches, buildings and fortified walls of the Old City.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Sea of Galilee
It's taken a bit longer for me to post about our trip to Israel, but these postings will continue.
On Thursday, May 3, after visiting the Church of the Beatitudes, we continued our stops at various spots along the Sea of Galilee.
This was part of the ruins in Korazin and the buildings made from the black basalt stones of the area seemed to bear the burden of Christ's admonition (Matthew 11:20ff) for they had not repented even after experiencing many of Jesus' miracles.
This was the synagogue in Capernaum where Peter's house (supposedly) is shielded by a futuristic church built over and above its ruins.
For lunch, we experienced St. Peter's fish cooked just like the Galilean fishermen would have, however, I seriously doubt that Peter had multi-lingual place mats.
After lunch, we took a sail on the Sea of Galilee as a small storm blew through dropping a little rain on our excursion. It made us think of the much more violent storm that Jesus calmed with his voice. The Israeli and US flags were raised as a tribute to our country and the fact that Israel strongly appreciates American support.
On Thursday, May 3, after visiting the Church of the Beatitudes, we continued our stops at various spots along the Sea of Galilee.
This was part of the ruins in Korazin and the buildings made from the black basalt stones of the area seemed to bear the burden of Christ's admonition (Matthew 11:20ff) for they had not repented even after experiencing many of Jesus' miracles.
This was the synagogue in Capernaum where Peter's house (supposedly) is shielded by a futuristic church built over and above its ruins.
For lunch, we experienced St. Peter's fish cooked just like the Galilean fishermen would have, however, I seriously doubt that Peter had multi-lingual place mats.
After lunch, we took a sail on the Sea of Galilee as a small storm blew through dropping a little rain on our excursion. It made us think of the much more violent storm that Jesus calmed with his voice. The Israeli and US flags were raised as a tribute to our country and the fact that Israel strongly appreciates American support.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Mount of Beatitudes
Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the Church of the Beatitudes sits at the high point of a natural ampitheater where Jesus gave the sermon on the mount. The natural setting allows those at either end of the area to hear a speaker clearly. The beautiful gardens provided a wonderful spot to start the morning and review that sermon and contemplate that we now sat close to where Jesus once taught. Carolyn took the opportunity to continue her travel sketches.
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