Nice and brisk these days.
I should've written a couple of weeks ago when we had some spectacular hoarfrost on our trees, wires and passed out drunks. Imagine North Dakota with so little wind so as to allow hoarfrost to occur.
A nice couple from Encino California visited Fargo for New Years. They'd never been here and the only thing they knew about our town was the movie of the same name.
They bought warm clothes, and came on up. They loved it. They commented that they couldn't believe how pleasant ALL the people they met were. They stayed at the HOTEL DONALDSON and commented that it is as nice a Hotel as they've seen ANYWHERE in the world. They slept well, ate well, drank well and met some of the nicest people anywhere. They were also amazed at how cold 20-below is.
They'll be back.
Good for us.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Monday, December 10, 2007
D-I-V-O-R-C-E
Thank goodness there are no kids involved in this divorce of mine.
I have the dogs and that's great for me. And, them. They love me. I don't know why. Mark Twain is alleged to have said, "God help us be half the man my dogs believes me to be."
I've been recovering from this trauma as best as can be expected.
A pre-trial court date has been set for February 25, 2008.
I ran into a guy that has the same divorce lawyer I do. He started a month after me and will have his final court appearance and decision in January 2007. Why is mine taking so long and his isn't? His soon-to-be ex-wife has chosen to end it instead of going on and on I guess.
There are several issues to be decided by the courts. It makes me feel like we're the Trumps, what with court proceeding scheduled. I would have thought it could be settled otherwise, but, hi-ho...to court we go.
I've developed a passion for a few local bands. Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome is superb. They're a big band made up of seasoned musicians. Lots of horns and FUNK!
I'll follow The Blowhards anywhere. A great selection of oldies. There's a guitar and a sax. What more do we need to shake a tailfeather?
And, finally, a bunch of good old boys called The Other Side Blues Band wail like very few others do. They do some classic oldies and rock, but, their roots are the blues. I snap my fingers and shake my booty to these boys. They don't have a website. Maybe that's why the have the blues. By the way, TOSBB's lead singer is a fella' named Clark Gable. (Spelled Gaeble.)
I have the dogs and that's great for me. And, them. They love me. I don't know why. Mark Twain is alleged to have said, "God help us be half the man my dogs believes me to be."
I've been recovering from this trauma as best as can be expected.
A pre-trial court date has been set for February 25, 2008.
I ran into a guy that has the same divorce lawyer I do. He started a month after me and will have his final court appearance and decision in January 2007. Why is mine taking so long and his isn't? His soon-to-be ex-wife has chosen to end it instead of going on and on I guess.
There are several issues to be decided by the courts. It makes me feel like we're the Trumps, what with court proceeding scheduled. I would have thought it could be settled otherwise, but, hi-ho...to court we go.
I've developed a passion for a few local bands. Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome is superb. They're a big band made up of seasoned musicians. Lots of horns and FUNK!
I'll follow The Blowhards anywhere. A great selection of oldies. There's a guitar and a sax. What more do we need to shake a tailfeather?
And, finally, a bunch of good old boys called The Other Side Blues Band wail like very few others do. They do some classic oldies and rock, but, their roots are the blues. I snap my fingers and shake my booty to these boys. They don't have a website. Maybe that's why the have the blues. By the way, TOSBB's lead singer is a fella' named Clark Gable. (Spelled Gaeble.)
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The Dogs
Whalen and Midge are my fast friends these days.
Whalen, the male, and Midge, the female are brothers and sisters, three litters apart.
Midge and Whalen are both "sandbox trained." They go poop and "potty" in a sandbox just like a cat. Except today, when the girl looked me in the eye and peed on the floor!
I took action, scolding softly and IMPRISONING her in a cage which precluded her roaming the house. She stayed with the sandbox for the better part of the day.
Char suggested that perhaps I hadn't changed the sand, (I hadn't)and that perhaps I should. I did. I went to Petco and bought some flushable, "organic" corn-based litter. I poured out the old, sanitized the box...and replaced the stuff. Whalen immediately peed and eventually pooped. (He gets it.)
Midge, went in the box and began to eat the danged stuff!
EAT IT! She pooped nary a whit. But, she did EAT IT! However, upon return from an errand tonight, I discovered a NEW poop. I think it was hers. She's no longer in exile from the rest of the house. I'm such a softy.
Mom goes to her oncologist tomorrow. I pick her up at 1pm and take her in. It's her quarterly cancer update. I think she'll fare well.
I'm off to bed. Time to sleep so that I can work out at 5:30am. (I worked out six days this week.)
Whalen, the male, and Midge, the female are brothers and sisters, three litters apart.
Midge and Whalen are both "sandbox trained." They go poop and "potty" in a sandbox just like a cat. Except today, when the girl looked me in the eye and peed on the floor!
I took action, scolding softly and IMPRISONING her in a cage which precluded her roaming the house. She stayed with the sandbox for the better part of the day.
Char suggested that perhaps I hadn't changed the sand, (I hadn't)and that perhaps I should. I did. I went to Petco and bought some flushable, "organic" corn-based litter. I poured out the old, sanitized the box...and replaced the stuff. Whalen immediately peed and eventually pooped. (He gets it.)
Midge, went in the box and began to eat the danged stuff!
EAT IT! She pooped nary a whit. But, she did EAT IT! However, upon return from an errand tonight, I discovered a NEW poop. I think it was hers. She's no longer in exile from the rest of the house. I'm such a softy.
Mom goes to her oncologist tomorrow. I pick her up at 1pm and take her in. It's her quarterly cancer update. I think she'll fare well.
I'm off to bed. Time to sleep so that I can work out at 5:30am. (I worked out six days this week.)
This is an amazing place, Nodak.
Two weeks ago, I was having my basement cleaned up after our monsoon season. The sump pump failed, and the basement flooded.
This week, my lawn is cracked from a lack of moisture.
What gives widdat'?
Today is a windy, hazy, crazy, lazy day of summer.
I think it's time to drink a beer and watch the NASCAR race from New Hampshire.
My little Midge, the female of the two dachshunds, peed on the floor and I have her in prison. She's caged in next to her sandbox. She has water and food and nowhere to go except POTTY. She's whining and crying. Whalen, the male, is frolicking and eating...He never gets to frolic with his pesky sister around. He's enjoying the break from the little gal. Don't worry, she's not sentenced to life...unless she pees on the floor again. Hi ho..
Two weeks ago, I was having my basement cleaned up after our monsoon season. The sump pump failed, and the basement flooded.
This week, my lawn is cracked from a lack of moisture.
What gives widdat'?
Today is a windy, hazy, crazy, lazy day of summer.
I think it's time to drink a beer and watch the NASCAR race from New Hampshire.
My little Midge, the female of the two dachshunds, peed on the floor and I have her in prison. She's caged in next to her sandbox. She has water and food and nowhere to go except POTTY. She's whining and crying. Whalen, the male, is frolicking and eating...He never gets to frolic with his pesky sister around. He's enjoying the break from the little gal. Don't worry, she's not sentenced to life...unless she pees on the floor again. Hi ho..
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Steamy summertime
Saturday was a deluxe and sultry day in Nodak. And Minnesota.
A friend and I made a Lakes Country jaunt yesterday. What was intended to be a couple of hours in the woods, ended up being all day long. Sweet.
We visited Lake Melissa and, of course, old reliable and HUGE Lake Cormorant.
I love lake country around here. Fire flies at night and water puppies and dragon flies in the day. Jet Skiis in the day, and the haunting cry of the loon at night. A keg of beer and a campfire. That's why Gawd created Minnesota.
I have a beef with the way they do their "cabins" or "cottages" as they're referred to. I think we could aptly call many of them "Lake Castles." The size and the ostentaciousness of these abodes doesn't bother me as much as the inappropriateness of the design.
I think that along Minnesota shoreline, (more shoreline miles than the entire U-S,) we should have codes on the type of homes that are built. Call me wacky, but I think a home alongside a Minnesota Lake should LOOK LIKE A 'LAKE PLACE!' That's all. I don't care if it's ten-grand or ten-million, it should look like it belongs THERE.
It should look like a Minnesota Lake Cabin. Not like a SOUTHWEST ADOBE VILLA. Not like a MANHATTAN APARTMENT BUILDING or an ENGLISH CASTLE.
Those that build these mansion, adobe abodes or some other other-world kind of living place NEVER, EVER stay at the place. They come out on Memorial Day and visit again on Labor Day. They leave their symbols of conspicuous consumption on the lake shore, unvisited and unwelcoming. Their neighbors never get to see the Dallas-Fort Worth owner except when he flies in with his amphibious aircraft to grab a pack of smokes from the 'fridge and jets back to whatever other palace he departed.
I promise, when I make my first million, my lake place will look like a small, inobtrusive cabin with a porch, a hammock, a lawn swing, a dock, a dog, maybe a patch of poison ivy and NO COPPER ROOFS or electric gates allowing entrance. Maybe I'm a bit of a hick, but I hate the look of money so obviously plastered on our lake shores. I prefer the pristine to the porcine.
And, another thing, I want the Minnesota legislature to try to require lakeshore developers to include mandatory camping sites in the proximity to any new major projects. You have to be a gazillionaire to afford a place on a lake these days. Campgrounds are disappearing. I think the common folks should be allowed to visit the lakes for an overnighter without have to invest a lifetime into the privilege. A new development of 20 acres? One acre should be open for common folks to pay for the privilege to throw out a sleeping bag, tent, or camper for a night or two.
One more thing, I like what's happening on Minnesota lake shore far more than what's happening further west where Californians are buying up Montana, Idaho and Wyoming mountain top property, cutting the timber and putting up castles for all to see. I wonder when they'll put some cabins on The Tetons?
A friend and I made a Lakes Country jaunt yesterday. What was intended to be a couple of hours in the woods, ended up being all day long. Sweet.
We visited Lake Melissa and, of course, old reliable and HUGE Lake Cormorant.
I love lake country around here. Fire flies at night and water puppies and dragon flies in the day. Jet Skiis in the day, and the haunting cry of the loon at night. A keg of beer and a campfire. That's why Gawd created Minnesota.
I have a beef with the way they do their "cabins" or "cottages" as they're referred to. I think we could aptly call many of them "Lake Castles." The size and the ostentaciousness of these abodes doesn't bother me as much as the inappropriateness of the design.
I think that along Minnesota shoreline, (more shoreline miles than the entire U-S,) we should have codes on the type of homes that are built. Call me wacky, but I think a home alongside a Minnesota Lake should LOOK LIKE A 'LAKE PLACE!' That's all. I don't care if it's ten-grand or ten-million, it should look like it belongs THERE.
It should look like a Minnesota Lake Cabin. Not like a SOUTHWEST ADOBE VILLA. Not like a MANHATTAN APARTMENT BUILDING or an ENGLISH CASTLE.
Those that build these mansion, adobe abodes or some other other-world kind of living place NEVER, EVER stay at the place. They come out on Memorial Day and visit again on Labor Day. They leave their symbols of conspicuous consumption on the lake shore, unvisited and unwelcoming. Their neighbors never get to see the Dallas-Fort Worth owner except when he flies in with his amphibious aircraft to grab a pack of smokes from the 'fridge and jets back to whatever other palace he departed.
I promise, when I make my first million, my lake place will look like a small, inobtrusive cabin with a porch, a hammock, a lawn swing, a dock, a dog, maybe a patch of poison ivy and NO COPPER ROOFS or electric gates allowing entrance. Maybe I'm a bit of a hick, but I hate the look of money so obviously plastered on our lake shores. I prefer the pristine to the porcine.
And, another thing, I want the Minnesota legislature to try to require lakeshore developers to include mandatory camping sites in the proximity to any new major projects. You have to be a gazillionaire to afford a place on a lake these days. Campgrounds are disappearing. I think the common folks should be allowed to visit the lakes for an overnighter without have to invest a lifetime into the privilege. A new development of 20 acres? One acre should be open for common folks to pay for the privilege to throw out a sleeping bag, tent, or camper for a night or two.
One more thing, I like what's happening on Minnesota lake shore far more than what's happening further west where Californians are buying up Montana, Idaho and Wyoming mountain top property, cutting the timber and putting up castles for all to see. I wonder when they'll put some cabins on The Tetons?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Oh yeah...my kids
As so often happens, when faced with personal issues, we often forget to think of those other than ourselves. There is was...Father's Day and I heard from all three of my great kids, and didn't acknowledge them. Sorry.
I'm so proud of my children.
I remember when Curt was born, he peed on the doctor and the MD said, "OUTDOOR PLUMBING!" He's grown up to be a superstar in his old Dad's eyes. How great it is that he had such a great mother in Cheryl.
When my dear sweet Casey Corinna Corinna was born, I couldn't believe the size of her MOUTH! Little did I know her most prominent feature would be her FEET! (They call her "Thumper") She's tall, slender, beautiful, smart, blond, funny and friendly. She and her man Chris are a great couple about whom I'm also proud.
Charles, the youngest of the pack, is a computer graphics artist working hard to help a struggling company become top of the rung. He's a serious, understated young man with a huge sense of humor and great insight. The first time I saw him, (seconds after exiting the birth canal,) I was awed by those big brown eyes which seemed to perceive far more than a ten-second old baby should.
I think of them and live for them every moment. Without their love and support, I can't imagine who the heck I would be.
I've never done anything as important as somehow allowing their entrance into this world.
Thanks kids. You can't imagine HOW MUCH you are loved.
I'm so proud of my children.
I remember when Curt was born, he peed on the doctor and the MD said, "OUTDOOR PLUMBING!" He's grown up to be a superstar in his old Dad's eyes. How great it is that he had such a great mother in Cheryl.
When my dear sweet Casey Corinna Corinna was born, I couldn't believe the size of her MOUTH! Little did I know her most prominent feature would be her FEET! (They call her "Thumper") She's tall, slender, beautiful, smart, blond, funny and friendly. She and her man Chris are a great couple about whom I'm also proud.
Charles, the youngest of the pack, is a computer graphics artist working hard to help a struggling company become top of the rung. He's a serious, understated young man with a huge sense of humor and great insight. The first time I saw him, (seconds after exiting the birth canal,) I was awed by those big brown eyes which seemed to perceive far more than a ten-second old baby should.
I think of them and live for them every moment. Without their love and support, I can't imagine who the heck I would be.
I've never done anything as important as somehow allowing their entrance into this world.
Thanks kids. You can't imagine HOW MUCH you are loved.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Father's Day 2007
Since last we spoke, many things have happened. Most changes have been inconsequential, but some of a huge magnitude.
Jeff Gordon has won four Nextel Cup races this season. He's leading today's race from Michigan.
The war in Iraq is proving to be as stupid an idea as many thought when we went marching in. I was one of the Hawks...I stood with Bush. I hang my head at our foreign policy. I am embarrassed by our Commander in Chief. I'm not embarrassed for him...but by him. Let him find the brains to realize what a debacle his Cowboyism has gotten us.
My wife and I have seperated. She lives far away. My dogs, boy and I are in Fargo. This new life is no picnic. But, when you have a picnic...you get ants.
I went shopping today. I got a new belt and three shirts for $22.00. I bought the stuff at Target and none of their products are from U-S manufacturers. Again, my head is hung in....uh...greediness.
The Blue Angels are in town. Or, should I say, above it. What a thrill to see those warbirds soaring overhead again. There are some A10's, (wart hogs) doing their tricks too.
A special hello to Troupe and Joe, without whom my funk of the past few weeks may never have ended.
Jeff Gordon has won four Nextel Cup races this season. He's leading today's race from Michigan.
The war in Iraq is proving to be as stupid an idea as many thought when we went marching in. I was one of the Hawks...I stood with Bush. I hang my head at our foreign policy. I am embarrassed by our Commander in Chief. I'm not embarrassed for him...but by him. Let him find the brains to realize what a debacle his Cowboyism has gotten us.
My wife and I have seperated. She lives far away. My dogs, boy and I are in Fargo. This new life is no picnic. But, when you have a picnic...you get ants.
I went shopping today. I got a new belt and three shirts for $22.00. I bought the stuff at Target and none of their products are from U-S manufacturers. Again, my head is hung in....uh...greediness.
The Blue Angels are in town. Or, should I say, above it. What a thrill to see those warbirds soaring overhead again. There are some A10's, (wart hogs) doing their tricks too.
A special hello to Troupe and Joe, without whom my funk of the past few weeks may never have ended.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Dear Folks, sorry I haven't written lately...
Not that it matters much, but, I've had a dearth of ideas for this blog. But, because I've had friends mention that I've been a slug....Here goes.
Our new owners at KFGO are great people for whom to work. Jim Ingstad is the man. He's hired a woman named Nancy to be our Chief Operating Officer. She's very positive and helpful as we try to re-establish our on-air authority at KFGO. The new owner and she have put a great deal of emphasis and cash into PROGRAMMING. That's unusual and it'll pay off big time.
We've designed a new logo for KFGO. It's sort of like when NBC changed "the peacock." Not everyone is in love with it, but that just because it's something new.
It looks like next winter the KFGO Adventure with Jack and Sandy will be to Manzanillo Mexico. Details are being worked out.
Mom is doing well at Bethany Homes. She's more forgetful than I'd like, but, she's in good spirits for the most part and is well liked by the residents and staff. Her sense of humor is sharp and her wit is keen. I'm so proud of her.
I work out every morning from 5:30-7pm. My buddy, the great philosopher Larry and I have a great time. I think companionship in the gym is necessary for me to keep going. I imagine I'd go without his friendship, but, it'd be a bitch to do it with the same enthusiasm.
I played in the statewide Bismarck North Dakota pinochle tournament last Saturday and Sunday. My partner Dennis and I were 5th among 200 teams after the first day. We slunk out of town on Sunday with our tails between our legs. We won't not a penny.
George Bush is still a lunatic despite showing he has a sense of humor last night at the Correspondents dinner in D-C. He either has sense of humor of better writers than in year's past.
Northern Gleaner, sorry I haven't read your blog lately. Julie Neidlinger, your blog is still the best. Pete, keep on railroading amigo. Family and friends, thanks for being there despite the fact that I, often, am not.
Our new owners at KFGO are great people for whom to work. Jim Ingstad is the man. He's hired a woman named Nancy to be our Chief Operating Officer. She's very positive and helpful as we try to re-establish our on-air authority at KFGO. The new owner and she have put a great deal of emphasis and cash into PROGRAMMING. That's unusual and it'll pay off big time.
We've designed a new logo for KFGO. It's sort of like when NBC changed "the peacock." Not everyone is in love with it, but that just because it's something new.
It looks like next winter the KFGO Adventure with Jack and Sandy will be to Manzanillo Mexico. Details are being worked out.
Mom is doing well at Bethany Homes. She's more forgetful than I'd like, but, she's in good spirits for the most part and is well liked by the residents and staff. Her sense of humor is sharp and her wit is keen. I'm so proud of her.
I work out every morning from 5:30-7pm. My buddy, the great philosopher Larry and I have a great time. I think companionship in the gym is necessary for me to keep going. I imagine I'd go without his friendship, but, it'd be a bitch to do it with the same enthusiasm.
I played in the statewide Bismarck North Dakota pinochle tournament last Saturday and Sunday. My partner Dennis and I were 5th among 200 teams after the first day. We slunk out of town on Sunday with our tails between our legs. We won't not a penny.
George Bush is still a lunatic despite showing he has a sense of humor last night at the Correspondents dinner in D-C. He either has sense of humor of better writers than in year's past.
Northern Gleaner, sorry I haven't read your blog lately. Julie Neidlinger, your blog is still the best. Pete, keep on railroading amigo. Family and friends, thanks for being there despite the fact that I, often, am not.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
What's wrong with that guy?
Ann Coulter, the conservative whatever, has stepped into a big pile of political doo-doo. He said that John Edwards is a faggot. For those uninitated, that is a negative term referring to homosexuals.
Coulter made her comment in Washington during an address to the 34th annual meeting of the Conservative Political Action Conference, during which she gave her opinions about the Democrats' slate of presidential hopefuls
"I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards, but it turns out that you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot,' so I'm - so, kind of at an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards, so I think I'll just conclude here and take your questions," said Coulter, whose comment was followed by applause..
So, what's with that guy, Ann Coulter, saying such mean things?
Don't you think he's (Ann)a homosexual?
I just KNOW A-C is a male.
Females don't have Adam's Apples.
Yet, IT does.
And, if HE is wearing a dress, (short silky sexy ones for primetime TV,) he may be homosexual. So, accepting that Ann is a male, (as I do,) isn't he a pot calling the kettle black? (That is how that saying goes, right?)
No matter his sexual preferences, or gender, I very much dislike the person called Ann Coulter. If he was my son, I'd be very disappointed in his point of view.
But, he's not my son...so, screw him.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Rick Stenerson and Modern Man
I ran into a column in Sunday's Forum about my buddy Rick Stenerson and his friend Modern Man. Rick is a regular on our radio show. He's connected to a local video store and watches the new movies in time to review them on KFGO. He also does other stuff, (stuff that makes him a living for instance.) One of his lifelong buddies is a local artist named Modern Man.
I've known Mod for fifteen or so years and admire him greatly. His is truly the lot of an artist. His pot to piss in may improve if Rick has his way as he tries to get Modern's work in galleries around the country. His work is often startling and always unique. I wish him well.
Photo courtesy of In-Forum
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Cover Story
Sandy and I made the cover of the High Plains Reader! We've "been together" for fifteen years as an on-air team. The folks at HPR thought it worthy of a story.
Check it out here.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Doug, Bob, Jack and Jurgie puffin' on a stogie from Fidel
This pic of some of the boys in Jamaica slammin' down a Cuban cigar reminds me of when Kinky Friedman visited the White House. He offered President Clinton a Cuban Cigar. The President, embarrassed and in front of many others, reminded the Kinkster that Cuban Cigars are illegal in the U-S. Kinky looked Bill in the eye and told him "..don't think of it as bolstering their economy; think of it as 'burning their fields.'"
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Super Sunday. How shallow can I be? I dig Prince!?
Prince is just fine.
I'm rooting for the non-Chicago Bears team. Go whomever you are.
My wofe and I saw Prince at the Fargodome some years back. He was great. For a short guy, he's sensational. For a tall guy, he'd be just as good. I wonder if he'll ever age? How old is that purple little cat? I'd pay good money to see him at his new venue in Vegas.
It was a fine halftime show.
I'm on three boards and am ahead $0 at halftime.
Stay tuned.
I'm rooting for the non-Chicago Bears team. Go whomever you are.
My wofe and I saw Prince at the Fargodome some years back. He was great. For a short guy, he's sensational. For a tall guy, he'd be just as good. I wonder if he'll ever age? How old is that purple little cat? I'd pay good money to see him at his new venue in Vegas.
It was a fine halftime show.
I'm on three boards and am ahead $0 at halftime.
Stay tuned.
Brrr
Here is is Super Bowl Sunday and once again my arse is frozen. Baby, it's cold outside. Minus 22 or something like that. You can see your breath! But, as I've heard a thousand times in the past week, "..that's why we live here!" And, I've heard, "...we've seen colder days." Yeah, right.
Jack and Sandy are now working the 10:30am-2pm shift at KFGO. It's an old time slot for us and we've been successful there in the past. I hope it works out this time around. We did well in the latest ratings. Our daypart was up in adult numbers. KFGO was up overall. Larry Ristvedt is back with Tom Wynn in the mornings. Ed Schultz is back at 8:30am until 10:30am. We expect he'll do well in the ratings.
I have no plans for Superbowl XLI. I've been invited to Dennis and Bernies to play cards. I'd love to do that but doubt I will. Loretta doesn't play cards and it's likely she'll want to do something today. I'm on three Superbowl boards! I don't know how I can avoid winning some money. Something will surely come my way...
Jack and Sandy are now working the 10:30am-2pm shift at KFGO. It's an old time slot for us and we've been successful there in the past. I hope it works out this time around. We did well in the latest ratings. Our daypart was up in adult numbers. KFGO was up overall. Larry Ristvedt is back with Tom Wynn in the mornings. Ed Schultz is back at 8:30am until 10:30am. We expect he'll do well in the ratings.
I have no plans for Superbowl XLI. I've been invited to Dennis and Bernies to play cards. I'd love to do that but doubt I will. Loretta doesn't play cards and it's likely she'll want to do something today. I'm on three Superbowl boards! I don't know how I can avoid winning some money. Something will surely come my way...
Friday, February 2, 2007
And on the reverse side of oceans encroaching on Jamaican soil, comes a real OMG!
Tell me again Mr. Bush why you don't believe in global warming? Is it because you too will see yourself stranded on thawing ice in the Arctic Ocean?
Monday, January 22, 2007
There is so much to say.
We arrived in Jamaica at 1pm, Sunday. We were in our rooms by 2pm and with luggage by 3. Then it was exploring to discover the pools, food areas and bars. The bars were discovered first and the pools and food on Monday.
I was up at 6am, with a cloud of smoke covering the resort. They were fogging the flying creatures that inhabit the area. It worked. Few bugs. Some small ants.
No big deals.
I escorted a group of KFGO listeners on a "canopy tour" near Anchovy Jamaica, about 45-minutes out of Mo-Bay. (Montego Bay.)
It involved holding onto a cord while fliding down a rope across the abyss. Our longest traverse was 1070-feet, 210-feet above the forest floor. We were secured by two pulley and a safety cord. Somehow, the safety standards of Jamaica were remarkable. Each jump was accompanied by a guide double-checking each cinch, tug and fastener. What a rush! I can't explain how exhilerated I felt with each jump. Stepping off a platform 200-feet above the ground is exciting to say the least.
Each crew member that accompanied us was a great person. Each one was honest, happy and enthusiastic. I didn't have enough money to tip them what they were worth. Far more than the customary 15%. (That is customary isn't it?)
Tomorrow we go to The Bob Marley House and his final resting place. I'm very excited about it. I've been told that they tourguides treat it very solemnly, with great reverance and respect. If one were take the time to check out Bob Marley, you'd know why his was the largest funeral in the history of Jamaica.
I'm in an internet cafe in our resort. There are three people in line behind me and I should go. There's so much to say, but so little time in which to say it.
Something I must ask and try to respond to, is, "what can we learn from the Jamaicans?" They are so friendly, kind, respectful, cheery and deprived. We, proud, hardworking Americans, who have so much, are so often down and depressive. The poor and oppressed people of Jamaica are so up and happy. How does that happen? Are they in denial? Are they ignorant of their condition? Or, does the Ganja help that much?
by the way, our driver, Barry, today, when asked which "football" team he prefers...said...not New England. Not Chicago. He said..."Jamaica. But, really, I LOVE Team Italia."
Kinda' like me and The Twins...but, I LOVE The Yankees. Sorry about that.
The keeper of the cafe is looking anxiously my way.
I must leave.
We arrived in Jamaica at 1pm, Sunday. We were in our rooms by 2pm and with luggage by 3. Then it was exploring to discover the pools, food areas and bars. The bars were discovered first and the pools and food on Monday.
I was up at 6am, with a cloud of smoke covering the resort. They were fogging the flying creatures that inhabit the area. It worked. Few bugs. Some small ants.
No big deals.
I escorted a group of KFGO listeners on a "canopy tour" near Anchovy Jamaica, about 45-minutes out of Mo-Bay. (Montego Bay.)
It involved holding onto a cord while fliding down a rope across the abyss. Our longest traverse was 1070-feet, 210-feet above the forest floor. We were secured by two pulley and a safety cord. Somehow, the safety standards of Jamaica were remarkable. Each jump was accompanied by a guide double-checking each cinch, tug and fastener. What a rush! I can't explain how exhilerated I felt with each jump. Stepping off a platform 200-feet above the ground is exciting to say the least.
Each crew member that accompanied us was a great person. Each one was honest, happy and enthusiastic. I didn't have enough money to tip them what they were worth. Far more than the customary 15%. (That is customary isn't it?)
Tomorrow we go to The Bob Marley House and his final resting place. I'm very excited about it. I've been told that they tourguides treat it very solemnly, with great reverance and respect. If one were take the time to check out Bob Marley, you'd know why his was the largest funeral in the history of Jamaica.
I'm in an internet cafe in our resort. There are three people in line behind me and I should go. There's so much to say, but so little time in which to say it.
Something I must ask and try to respond to, is, "what can we learn from the Jamaicans?" They are so friendly, kind, respectful, cheery and deprived. We, proud, hardworking Americans, who have so much, are so often down and depressive. The poor and oppressed people of Jamaica are so up and happy. How does that happen? Are they in denial? Are they ignorant of their condition? Or, does the Ganja help that much?
by the way, our driver, Barry, today, when asked which "football" team he prefers...said...not New England. Not Chicago. He said..."Jamaica. But, really, I LOVE Team Italia."
Kinda' like me and The Twins...but, I LOVE The Yankees. Sorry about that.
The keeper of the cafe is looking anxiously my way.
I must leave.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Hey Mon', it's Jamaica!
We wing our way to Jamaica at 7am tomorrow. We arrive at noon. That means we'll be at the hotel by 1. We won't be allowed into our rooms until 3. It sounds like a couple of hours on the beach with a foo foo drink featuring a little bamboo umbrella, slices of pineapple and a bit of Jamaican rum.
I think I'll arrive at the airport in shorts, flowered shirt and sandles. That'll save me the hassle of changing into something more comfortable when I get there.
Loretta has us all packed and ready to roll. Char is going to stay with the dogs. He'll also give us a ride to the airport at 4am. (We haven't told him yet.)
I'll be posting comments about our adventure here.
My card-playing pardner, Bernie, wife of a man selected to be one of my pallbearers if and when that time arrives, has suffered a loss. Her precious cat has "stepped on a rainbow" and has been bugled back to the baby Jesus.
Kitty died.
I'm sorry for the cat, for Bernie and for all those that lose those precious pets. It surely does hurt.
Kinky Friedman is my guru and favorite author. He may be the greatest living author today. Here's what he wrote about losing his "Cuddles."
E P I L O G U E
On January 4, 1993, the cat in this book and the books that preceded it was put to sleep in Kerrville, Texas, by Dr. W.H. Hoegemeyer and myself. Cuddles was fourteen years old, a respectable age. She was as close to me as any human being I have ever known.
Cuddles and I spent many years together, both in New York, where I first found her as a little kitten on the street in Chinatown, and later on the ranch in Texas. She was always with me, on the table, on the bed, by the fireplace, beside the typewriter, on top of my suitcase when I returned from a trip.
I dug Cuddles' grave with a silver spade, in the little garden by the stream behind the old green trailer where both of us lived in the summertime. Her burial shroud was my old New York sweatshirt and in the grave with her is a can of tuna and a cigar
A few days ago I received a sympathy note from Bill Hoegemeyer, the veterinarian. It opened with a verse by Irving Townsend: "We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle ......
Now, as I write this, on a gray winter day by the fireside, I can almost feel her light tread, moving from my head and my heart down through my fingertips to the keys of the typewriter People may surprise you with unexpected kindness. Dogs have a depth of loyalty that often we seem unworthy of. But the love of a cat is a blessing, a privilege in this world.
They say when you die and go to heaven all the dogs and cats you've ever had in your life come running to meet you.
Until that day, rest in peace, Cuddles.
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