The New Years Evening Rambler

Apologies to my few readers for the small number of posts here the last month or two. There are things I've been meaning to post about, but I've been easily sidetracked with other activities.

I have another installment in my "Astronomy Stuff" writings on the way.

And I need to finish posting photos and comments from the 2009 California vacation trip.

And rumor has it, there's another unofficial Marty story in the works.

And of course, I need to look through more recent photos from this Christmas season. We had a great visit from our California family - granddaughters and all, along with a fun day trip to Branson, where I had a good though short visit with other family members (and I got to ride in a small plane)!

At least it's not like I've been sitting here all by my lonesome. Check back here on The Porch for updates these next few days.

I had a couple of observations about New Year's Eve today. I saw this AP headline for a Yahoo News story...

"Millions gather worldwide to ring in the new year".

So now, what would happen if all the celebrations were cancelled, and the millions did not gather? Would the approaching 2011 stop in its tracks and say, "Hold it...what now?", or would it arrive anyway? If I were a betting man, I'd bet on the latter.

Then another thing. Holidays have colors, right?
Valentine's Day: red and pink
St. Patrick's Day: green
4th of July: red, white and blue
Halloween: orange and black
Christmas: red and green

I think New Year's needs official colors! It's wide open, so I'm going to start something, right here, right now. I took a poll of my family, and from now on, the official colors of New Year's will be...

purple and silver.

Who's with me on this?

Finally, I hope you all have a Happy, Safe, and Healthy New Year!

Christmas Eve 2010

These may not be scripture verses that you usually associate with Advent or Christmas, but they've been on my mind a lot lately.

Mt. 9:11-13

v 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
v 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
v 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus didn’t come only for those who appear righteous, but as we sing in the hymn Amazing Grace, He “saved a wretch like me”.

That gives me hope. Merry Christmas!

Laugh if you must, but what's in Your junk drawer?

Yesterday morning I had need of a pair of pliers, there were some hard shelled nuts that desperately needed cracking. I was in the kitchen, so I looked in the tools / scissors / tape drawer first; we always keep pliers there. Didn't find them, so I thought, "Well, it's a long shot, but I'll check the junk drawer".

Admit it, we all have one of those.

So I went to open that drawer, got it about four inches out when it jammed, but good. I reached in and tried to push down whatever the obstacle might be, removed my hand, pushed the drawer closed, and tried to open it all the way out again. No joy...what all's in this thing, anyway?

Well it was time...nothing for it but to unload. I got a cardboard tray (formerly a box, cut down), and the amazement began. Some things I fully expected, birthday candles, kids watercolor sets, twist ties...I knew those were in there. When I started to find some odd, and in some cases really old - as in decades - items, I figured an inventory was in order.

Now, for your entertainment, an alphabetized list of what was in the Wingate junk drawer. Some of the items have been thrown away, many of the rest have been relocated.

The list:
35mm film container (contents: key, pins, small fasteners) 1
Adapters (light fixture to plug in socket - one scorched) 3
Aquarium air tubing - short 5' length 1
Bamboo skewers 2
BB 1
Belt buckle 1
Birthday candle holders - Flowers 10
Birthday candle holders - Train cars 5
Birthday candles - novelty (2 ea. spaceships, UFOs, planets) 6
Birthday candles (regular - including 2 broken) 35
Bobby pins (one large, one small) 2
Bolts - flat head 1 1/2" with 2 nuts & 2 lock washers 3
Bracelet - toy beaded 1
Brush - misc. (could use for paint splattering effect) 1
Cake decorating icing tip 1
Cake decorations - small plastic evergreen trees 2
Candle wax (irregular lumps) 2
Candles: regular 5
Candles: small or thin 5 1/2
Candles: tea light (two slightly larger) 5
Candy - Osco Wild Cherry (25 cents) 1 roll
Chain (short, thin) 1
Chalk piece (1/2 inch) 1
Clothes pins (wooden two piece with spring) 2
Coaster - red plastic, part of our set (that's where it was!) 1
Coffee stir stick 1
Container (plastic - contents: 2 straight pins) 1
Cookie cutter (small cross) 1
Cork 1
Crayon - light yellow (not Crayola brand) 1 half
Cup hook (large - in cork) 1
Cup hook (medium size) 1
Curtain ring 1
Drain Stopper - Rubbermaid 1
Easter egg dippers (copper wire) 6
Easter egg dry transfers (bunnies and chicks) 1 pkg.
Easter egg kit parts (1 "Dudley's magic crayon", 2 squeeze bulbs for dye) 3
Fels-Naphtha laundry soap 1 bar
Finger "sizer" - size 4 ring (blue plastic) 1
Fireworks sparklers 4
Floor protectors (put under chair legs, etc.) 8
Fuse - 40 Amp Slo-Blo (air conditioner) 1
Glaze - Small cup with lid (from paint by number set?) 1
Gob (melted rubber or plastic, 1" by 2") 1
Gum - Trident Sugarless Original (two sticks left in pack) part 1 pkg.
Instructions for air mattress / beach ball repair patch 1
Jingle bells (small) 3
Keys (small) 2
Lids - (1 ea.: Sour cream, Yogurt, Maxwell House & Pringles) 4
Lids - plastic gallon milk jug 3
Lock washer (large) 1
Marble (small) 1
Moist Towelettes 2
Nails - Finishing 22
Night light cover 1
Outlet tap plug (not polarized) 1
Padlocks (one Slaymaker) 2
Paint brushes - foam 3
Paint brushes - kids watercolor / hobby quality 17
Paint can openers / roller scrapers 2
Paper clips (one small and one large) 2
Parafin disks and half-disks (canning?) 5
Pencils - colored (short; one yellow, one yellow-orange) 2
Pencils - stuck in Gob (ruined) 2
Pencils (one ea. #2 & #4) 2
Picture hangers 2
Pipe cleaner - short piece (loose in drawer) 1
Pipe cleaners: Dill's- partial package (15 / 32; Osco 49 cents) part 1 pkg.
Plastic - clear curved piece (from broken plastic cup?) 1
Plastic bag (small - contains old mini lights, fuses, suction cup hooks) 1
Popsicle sticks / wooden craft sticks 3 1/3
Pressure cooker top 1
Rubber bands (broken) 3
Rubber bands (good - various sizes & colors) 13
Rubber stamp & ink pad set (Dino-World) 1
Safety pin - large 1
Safety plug (to keep children from sticking things in electrical outlet) 1
Screws (various) 9
Shoelace 1
Sponges 2
Spring (from click type ball point pen) 1
Steel Wool (small wad) 1
Straight pin (loose in drawer) 1
Syringes without needles (watercolor project) 2
Tinker toy (2" yellow) 1
Toothbrush holder (small plastic box - goes around bristles) 1
Toothbrushes - used (Crest: 1 in shape of Shamu the killer whale) 3
Toothpaste tube roller (plastic key) 1
Toys - small; one aluminum, others plastic (various) 5
Tupperware cheeze "knife" gadget 1
Tupperware tiny bowl with lid (from keychain?) 1
Twist ties 11
Twist ties - oversized (from produce?) 2
Various and sundry hard to categorize objects 10
Velcro (short strips with hooks) 3
Water color sets (including old Prang set in metal case) 7
Window blind plastic pull piece 1
Window shade end piece attachment 1
Window Sticker - No Solicitors, No Peddlers (City of Lee's Summit, MO) 1
Window Stickers - Neighborhood Watch (We Call the Police) 2
Wires (somewhat stiff yet bendable; bent in half) 3

I'm happy to say the drawer is much cleaner and better organized, and opens easily.

For now.

Happy Thanksgiving!

3:45 p.m. CST: I've decided to use a kind of "facebook" approach this year; several small entries to mark the day. I will be adding more; they'll all appear here under the same date. For now, I'll wish you all a healthy and thankful day...whether you're with extended family, just your own family, friends, or by yourself. Even when we think we don't have a lot to be thankful for, especially then, we have a lot to be thankful for even if we don't realize it right away.

I'm thankful for the last two days. Our family has had a couple of get-togethers with my wife's sister's family. Great people, and two enjoyable visits. They're on their way back to Houston now, so Tuesday and Wednesday were Thanksgiving previews, or trial runs, you might say.

Looks like our big dinner will be during the four o'clock hour.

6:30 p.m. CST: This Thanksgiving dinner, it was the five of us - including our second Daughter home from Missouri State in Springfield. We gave thanks, and the food was great...turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy (for those who wished), stuffing (again, some partook, some didn't), rolls, corn, cranberry sauce, celery, and baby carrots.

And I left plenty of room for pie.

Since then, I've turned on the outdoor Christmas lights, and done most of the dishes.

6:50 p.m. CST: Not long after I posted last, the announcement went out, "Time for pie"!

Pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Yummy.

9:45 p.m. CST: Some of my readers know though others might not, that my family and I live in the house I grew up in. Well, from age 5 1/2 until age 29 anyway. I'm thankful for my wife and children, and it's great to celebrate holidays with them. But living here, I can't help but remember past Thanksgivings with other family members, some scattered, some since departed.

So that thought got me started on a search for an old slide of Thanksgiving 1973, when my sister, her husband and their first daughter, my grandfather Ira "Poppy" Moore, and 5/6 of the Scowden family came for a visit. I took a picture of everyone, including my mom and dad. I haven't found the original slide yet, but when I do I'll re-scan that. The earlier scan I did find has issues and I know I can do better. When I find and re-scan the slide (maybe tomorrow), I'll post the image here.

10:45 p.m. CST: Of course, I thought of the WKRP episode with the turkeys...you know the one. One of their better episodes, and Hulu has it. When you have about half an hour, give yourself a treat by clicking here. Funny stuff.

Well, we had food left over. So maybe in a week or two we ought to have another get-together...like this guy.

Have a thankful weekend.

The Evening Rambler for November 10, 2010

I've been thinking about the last entry of the Music List Project. It bothered me for a while and I wasn't sure why; now I think I have the answer. The top 39 songs (including ties) I'd still say were my favorites for the year. The other songs on the list I like well enough when they come on the radio, but to describe them as "favorites" would be stretching the point. So I'll go back and edit that post a bit, and in the future, I'll try to keep the lists simpler.

How about a couple of fall photos?

The colors weren't as intense as last year, but it would have been hard to beat 2009. Anyway, here's our maple.


I didn't go on the pumpkin patch outing this year, so I'm seeing this picture for the first time.



My son, doing a great job carving...


...Pumpkin Bubs! You know, the Jack-'o-lantern version of this character, from the Strong Bad e-mail "Original", from the Homestar Runner site.

That's about all for now, other than a friendly reminder that tomorrow, November 11th, is Veteran's Day. By all means, if you see a veteran, thank him (or her) for his (her) service!

The return of the Music List Project

A little over two years ago, I posted about my ongoing interest in the question, "if I were to make a list of my favorite songs, what would they be, and in what order?" I wrote, in part...

"I started to compile such a list…and took a break when I noticed it had grown to 448 entries...the task seemed daunting...I returned to a different idea. What if I could make a "best of" playlist for just one year? Such compilations exist, and most of them I’ve found to be disappointing. Simply put, I’m not interested in what sold the most. I just want to hear what I want to hear.

I found a site that listed virtually every song released by year...I’ve worked on this on and off when I could make a few moments. It could be the best method might be for me to work on each year separately, then eventually combine all the lists into one. Talk about a long term project."

(And if you want to review my list for 1973, go here.)

I didn't claim then, and I'm not claiming now, that these were the "best" songs of the year, just a ranking of what I like. And so without further ado, I now give you my favorite music from...

1969

1. Sea Of Joy – Blind Faith
First of all, find the “Blind Faith” album with the “B” cover, the one with the photograph of the band. The “A” cover I will not describe here, except to say it was a terrible choice, and turned off a lot of people from listening to the album. Pity, they missed some great music. I enjoy the first five songs almost equally well, but I’m a bit more likely to listen to this one. Maybe it’s the electric violin.
2. Ramble On – Led Zeppelin
My favorite of theirs, I like both the music and the Lord Of the Rings references.
3. Badge – Cream (with George Harrison sitting in).
My favorite song from the “Goodbye” album.
4. Can’t Find My Way Home – Blind Faith
Steve Winwood’s vocals are great here.
5. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – The Band
A great song, and this original version is the one I like most.
6. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
My favorite from “Abbey Road”.
7. You Never Give Me Your Money – The Beatles
Then again, this might be my favorite from “Abbey Road”…it’s a close call. The piano intro and vocals here just might be John Lennon’s best moment.
8. (tie) Oh Well – Fleetwood Mac
Before the Beginning – Fleetwood Mac
I can’t choose, they’re both great. Before the Beginning (the last track on the US release of “Then Play On”) is the same music as “Blues in B Flat Minor”, an earlier release - but with lyrics this time. And nothing else quite sounds like Oh Well. You might have heard that before, at least the first couple of minutes. Most radio stations cut off the slower, more quiet part 2, with the Spanish guitar. Peter Green wrote this, and I’ve read that it’s about his conversion from Judiasm to Christianity.
9. Cinnamon Girl – Neil Young
One of his best. Listen all the way to the end to hear that nice guitar harmonic (often cut off on the radio).
10. Black Magic Woman - Fleetwood Mac
You’re more familiar with the Carlos Santana cover, but this original is great too. It has much more of a traditional blues ending.
11. Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival
To me, this is the definitive CCR sound.
12. With a Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker
His best, in my opinion (they used this for the TV show “The Wonder Years”). The original by The Beatles is great of course, but if anything, I like this cover a little bit better.
13. What a Bringdown – Cream
Another great song from “Goodbye”.
14. Dreams – Allman Brothers Band
One of their best.
15. Baby It’s You – Smith
I like this “one hit wonder” a lot. The original is good too, but this cover is another song that doesn’t quite sound like anything else.
16. Coming Your Way – Fleetwood Mac
“Then Play On” was quite the experimental album, and while some of the tracks didn’t do much for me, this is another one I really like.
17. (tie) Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight / The End medly – The Beatles
Sun King / Mean Mister Mustard / Polythene Pam /
She Came In Through the Bathroom Window medly – The Beatles
“Abbey Road” strikes again – I like these two medlys equally well.
“Sunday’s on the phone to Monday, Tuesday’s on the phone to me, oh yeah.”
18. Albatross – Fleetwood Mac
An obscure instrumental, and perhaps the smoothest song I’ve ever heard; from Peter Green, the king of sustain. If this one doesn’t relax you, well I’m sorry, I can’t help you. Probably not a good choice for driving music, if you need help staying alert behind the wheel.
True story…one evening in September 1977, a local rock station was airing an early Fleetwood Mac special, and this song came on. I was enthralled, but was called away before I could hear the title. It was the evening of the great Plaza flood. While we weren’t in a low lying area, we were on our way to 16 ½ inches of rain in 24 hours, and the ground was more than saturated. The sump pump was backing up, and I spent the rest of the night taking turns with my mom and dad, frantically bailing the basement. 30 years later, I made a lucky guess on the song title, heard a clip from the internet, checked out a CD from the library, and was able to enjoy the entire song again.
19. The Israelite – Desmond Decker and the Aces
One of the first – if not the first – reggae song on “Top-40” radio. It’s fun, I like it, and “I don’t want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde” either.
20. Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Another great Creedence song.
21. (tie) Something – The Beatles
Oh! Darling – The Beatles
More fun from “Abbey Road”.
22. Presence Of The Lord – Blind Faith
Another great song from the album. Eric Clapton expresses his Christian faith here.
23. Had To Cry Today – Blind Faith
First track on the album.
24. Living In the Past – Jethro Tull
One of their better early efforts, I think.
25. Well…All Right – Blind Faith
A good, if unusual, cover of a Buddy Holley song.
26. Doing That Scrapyard Thing – Cream
If you don’t recognize the title, you’re not alone. You’d have to have gotten deep into the “Goodbye” album – the next to the last track. Fun song.
27. Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’ – Crazy Elephant
More “top-40” fun from another “one hit wonder”. I have this one on a 45 rpm record.
28. Cowgirl In the Sand – Neil Young
Ranked here more for the combination of the sound of the music with the lyrics, than for the lyrics just by themselves. If that makes any sense.
29. (tie) It Came Out Of the Sky – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Down On the Corner – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Commotion – Creedence Clearwater Revival
All good, fun Creedence music.
30. Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Probably the most recognizable CCR song to most people, and maybe the most copied. I rank it a hair behind the others; nothing wrong with it, but it’s been played So Much.
31. Pinball Wizard – The Who
From the rock opera “Tommy”, of course.
32. Eli’s Coming – Three Dog Night
One of their better efforts, I think.
33. Born On the Bayou – Creedence Clearwater Revival
34. Rock Me – Steppenwolf
35. The Court Of the Crimson King – King Crimson
Yes, it has an oppressive feel…not what you’d call cheerful. Interesting moment in progressive rock / art rock though; I figured it ought to make my list right about here even though I listen to it very rarely these days. Nothing else that I’ve heard sounds like this one. I read once somewhere that the band toyed with the idea of recording this as a country song…that would have been something to hear.
36. Astronomy Domine – Pink Floyd
While on the subject of progressive rock / art rock / space rock, this is early Floyd from two years into their tenure. Bought the Ummagumma album right after it came out; thought this was pretty wild. Still have the album. By the way, I’ve heard “Domine” here pronounced as three syllables “Dah-min-ee”.
37. Whipping Post – The Allman Brothers Band
As I’ve revised this list several times, this one has floated up and down a couple of points. I’ll peg it here at number 37.
38. Feeling Allright – Joe Cocker
“…Cause every night I have the strangest dream”
39. She Came In Through the Bathroom Window – Joe Cocker
His cover of The Beatles (see list number 17, above). 1969 really was his year.
************
It might be a bit of a stretch to call the rest of this list "favorites" for the year, but I like them well enough that if they come on the radio, I don't turn down the volume or change stations, at least not usually. They're worth mentioning here, anyway.
************
40. Come Together – The Beatles
I used to like this more…it’s another song that’s been played a Whole Lot.
41. You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones
I’ll admit I’m not much of a Stones fan. But this one from “the bad boys” is listenable.
42. Hawaii Five-O – Ventures
A great TV show theme.
43. (tie) The Last Steam Engine Train – Leo Kottke
Crow River Waltz / Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring – Leo Kottke
Easter and the Sargasso Sea – Leo Kottke
I didn’t hear these until maybe 1972 or 1973, when I became a Leo Kottke fan and listened to any record of his I could get my hands on. I like some of his later stuff better.
44. (tie) I’m Free – The Who
Amazing Journey – The Who
Go To the Mirror! – The Who
Three more I like equally well from “Tommy” (see note number 31).
45. (tie) Lodi – Creedence Clearwater Revival
The Midnight Special – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Poorboy Shuffle / Feelin’ Blue – Creedence Clearwater Revival
More good Creedence music.
46. I’m So Glad (live version) – Cream
The only reason I don’t rate this higher is that I prefer the studio version.
47. Trouble No More – The Allman Brothers Band
48. Marrakesh Express – Crosby, Stills & Nash
49. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
50. I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
Creedence would go on to cover this later, for another excellent version.
51. One – Three Dog Night
52. Bouree – Jethro Tull
53. This Magic Moment – Jay and the Americans
I once had a conversation with a college friend who worked at a radio station. The subject “which year had the most change in rock and roll” came up. I suggested 1969, starting early in the year with “This Magic Moment” and ending with the “Led Zeppelin II” album. He agreed I might have something there…maybe.
54. Evil Ways – Santana
If Carlos Santana hadn’t done anything else, I’d rate this higher…but in my mind, I can’t help comparing it with some of his other songs I like a lot better.
55. Up On Cripple Creek – The Band
“…we had Spike Jones on the box, she said ‘I can’t stand the way he sings, but I love to hear him talk’”
56. Communication Breakdown – Led Zeppelin
57. A Saucerful Of Secrets (live version) – Pink Floyd
Floyd’s early “space rock” was…different. I have to be in the right mood these days to want to hear this one.
58. Nothing Is Easy – Jethro Tull
59. I’m a Man – Chicago
60. Get Together – Youngbloods
61. Leaving On a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul and Mary
Nice.
62. Atlantis – Donovan
I used to like this more; have it on a 45 rpm record.
63. I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin
64. Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell
65. I Can’t Get Next To You – Temptations
66. Smile a Little Smile For Me – The Flying Machine
Another one hit wonder. As my tastes – especially back then – ran more towards classic rock than pop, I don’t really know and can’t explain why I like this one, but I do.
67. Crimson and Clover – Tommy James and the Shondells
At the end of the song (the”over and over” part), close your eyes and imagine that you and the band are under water. Yes I know…that was ornery of me.
68. Ma Cherie Amour – Stevie Wonder

Honorable mention:

All You Need Is Love (re-release) - The Beatles
I will put this on my 1967 list when I get around to that one.

Like Crying – Fleetwood Mac

Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley

Kentucky Woman – Deep Purple

Wait a Million Years – Grassroots

Hot Fun In the Summertime – Sly and the Family Stone

Somebody To Love – Jefferson Airplane

Barabajagal (Love Is Hot) – Donovan

Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B. J. Thomas

Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross and the Supremes

Galveston – Glen Campbell

Kozmic Blues – Janis Joplin

Crystal Blue Persuasion – Tommy James and the Shondells

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

Ruben James – The First Edition

The Evening Rambler for October 13, 2010

I'm back.

It's been a long time since I've posted, shame on me. There hasn't been a lot on my mind that I've thought was "Porch-worthy", or that wouldn't be much improved by waiting, word processing and editing a time or two. On the other hand, if I ponder all the details and wait too long, I lose enthusiasm for it and nothing ever gets posted. So I have a few comments in mind...and it's time to let fly!

I haven't been just sitting around though; at least not all the time. I've spent quite a bit of time on a garage de-cluttering and cleaning project. It had gotten really bad, stuff had just been dropped on the floor or stacked or leaned against the walls for a long time. So my goal was a makeover. Throw out the obvious trash, recycle what I can, and actually put the shelves to good use so I can find what I need in the garage. One thing that I will enjoy this winter is being able to easily open and close my car door. That should be obvious, I suppose, but it wasn't a reality last winter.

Without boring you with all the details I'll just say that today I cleaned a wall mounted tool case (folding doors that swing open to reveal an expanse of pegboard and hooks), began arranging and putting the tools back, and removed old weatherstripping from the bottom of one garage door. My wife sanded and painted the bottom edge of the door, and after the paint dried we nailed up the new weatherstripping.

The rescue of the miners in Chile has been an ongoing news item and really caught our attention. Today's successful conclusion was inspirational, and I applaud all the smart people who planned where the shafts should be drilled, how the rescue capsule would work, what would need to be done in what order; in short, all the preparations and the operation of the rescue. Every one of these people deserve a bonus. A big bonus.

What I'm still not clear about is how many paramedics went down into the mine and when. My guess is that the first thing that happened - after the capsule was tested - was that one paramedic rode down to where the men were, then the first man was put in the escape capsule and lifted out, and so on. I wouldn't be surprised if someone else was sent down to assist; I haven't read anything about that one way or another.

All that to say, after the last miner was brought up to the surface, were there still paramedics or engineers down there to be brought up? Also, is there anything down there worth retrieving...lights, food, medicine, things of that nature that were sent down? Or did they just get All the people out? Which also begs the question, will that mine, or at least that part of it be closed and sealed?

Now, I've been in caves before; it was interesting and I might even do that again. Maybe.

And I have a lot of respect for miners.

But I would never go down a mine shaft. Well, maybe if Bill Gates gave me half his money on a dare. But maybe not even then.

Just time for a quick reminder

Tomorrow, September 19th, is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! So, you've been warned. Enjoy throwing in a few "Ahoy, matey" and "Arrrgh!" and such like comments into your conversation. If you like, that is.

And as it happens, that's all the time I have for this post. Arrrgh!

Ninth anniversary of 9-11

I have mixed feelings about marking the anniversary of 9-11. Let me hasten to say that first and foremost, we must never forget what happened that day; we must never forget the heroism of those risking all to save what lives were saved. I guess I’m frustrated that I don’t know I should deal with the anniversary. I don’t want to ignore 9-11 here, but I really have little to say that I haven’t said already (click on the 9-11 label below if you wish to read those earlier posts).

I wonder if people from the WWII generation had similar doubts about how to remember Pearl Harbor each December?

This year we’ve been treated to new controversy, particularly about whether or not a big mosque should be built within sight of ground zero. It seems to me – not an original thought, I’ve heard others say this – that it’s the difference between whether they have the right in this great, free country to do so (yes), versus “considering our past history, is it the wise thing to do?” (I’d say no, move it just out of sight…they’d still have their mosque in the same community).

This could cause heated debate any time, but it seems like everything’s a bigger controversy in an election year.

At any rate, I decided how to mark the day without deciding, at least consciously. I went about my day’s activities as I normally would. Did a few things around the house, and went to the Midwest Genealogy Center to do a bit of family tree research. Later I assisted my wife as she grilled hamburgers and hot dogs out on our deck, then I enjoyed supper with my family. A good Saturday was had by all of us.

Of course I was aware of the day, and next year it’s possible I’ll take note of the tenth anniversary more. But as for today, my answer is to just live my life. I have no intention of giving the terrorists, or their supporters, any satisfaction.

A happy birthday limerick for Cousin Mike

Okay, forgive the poor slant rhymes in the first stanza, and keep reading. It gets better.

{Ahem…)

A young man named Mike from Branson,
Was strong and smart and hansome,
“Too much praise”, the folks said,
“It’ll go to his head,
Then how will he get his cap on?”

One day at the county fair,
Young Mike met with Smokey the Bear,
The thing moved and spoke,
Not a very good joke,
He’d just as soon forget that scare.

On a visit at Mike’s house I’d stay,
We’d tell jokes or find some game to play,
The night would wear on,
We’d draw comics ‘till dawn,
And be worthless the rest of the day

Baseball’s the sport Mike knows best,
He’s ready for most any test,
Of pitchers and bats,
He can tell you the stats,
Both leagues; East, Central, and West.

To Springfield he went off to college,
To get his head stuffed with more knowledge,
Philosophy’s great,
But that endless debate!
The answer should simply be eight.

At college Mike met up with Kathy,
And this made him even more happy.
Then one day she’s his bride,
Now they walk side by side,
Raised a family that looks really snappy.

They moved state to state in this ordah,
Texas, New York, and then Florida,
They were glad that they came,
But it wasn’t the same,
They’re happily back in Missourah.

Limericks can really be tough,
I’m not sure when I’ve written enough,
With too much preamble,
It sounds like I ramble,
Never get to the point of this stuff

This August heat’s too much to take,
Better call off the trip to the lake,
Stay inside’s my advice,
“Have a drink with some ice,
And a big slice of mayonnaise cake!”

Worth the wait? We shall see...

I have this idea that my cousin Mike, while enjoying his birthday, keeps having this odd feeling; a nagging thought. Something's just not right; it's like the feeling of walking into a room and stopping when you realize you've forgotten why you went in there.

"Maybe there's something I ought to check on the computer", he thinks to himself.

I can almost see him checking his email, his facebook page...well, that wasn't it.

"Cousin Bob usually comes up with something creative, and here it is after 5:30 already. P.M."

Mike logs on to The Porch.

"Well, hey here's finally Something...not a whole lot, but a post nevertheless."

Maybe someone in his family reminds him at this point that patience is a virtue. Bob's probably having writer's block. Check back later, there might be more! Mike considers this, when suddenly there's a knock on the door, and the phone rings! Which way to go...

What Mike said

Before I posted again, I wanted to add this short note to Mike's comments about "Scouting NY". I clicked on the link, and I have to say I've really enjoyed and recommend the posts. That man has a good eye for neat old buildings.

And I'm kind of anxious to see what route he took through Missouri and Kansas. I hope he updates soon.

UPDATE: I just checked the link again, and "Scout" has indeed updated his road trip, he's posted as far as Sedalia now. And I learned something new, I didn't know about the radioactive disposal site outside of St. Louis. Then again, I don't take 50 highway that far east. What I need to do sometime is take my Geiger counter (if I can find a B cell battery for it) there and just see if it starts clicking faster.

Road trip of a non-relative

I recently found a blog that I've been enjoying immensely called "Scouting NY". It's maintained by a guy whose job it is to scout New York City for movie locations. What a great job! On his blog he posts photos and comments of spots he's recently seen.

Now, however, he's on a road trip across the country and is posting as he goes, I think. He may be doing it retroactively, I'm not sure. But, in any case, it's a lot of fun.

So even though he's not family, check him out here.

2009 in Review: Vacation part 3 - Arizona, Nevada, and into California

I haven't mentioned this for a long time (maybe not ever), but move your mouse over the small image and left click when you want to see a full screen image. I assume most people are familiar with that, but you know what they say about assumptions.



After leaving St. George, Utah, I-15 travels generally west-southwest through the Virgin Mountains, which I hadn't heard of before. The interstate clips across 29 miles worth of the northwest corner of Arizona, before entering Nevada. There was only one exit that I recall and no cities to speak of. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the scenery. Here's a few of several photos I took out the windows.









Once we crossed the state line and passed Mesquite, Nevada - which isn't very big - there wasn't much to see. The freeway itself, guard rails where needed, a mere handfull of exits, and occasionally a power line stretching into the distance. As for green growing things, forget it; just packed desert sand or rock, whatever it was. Desolation and not much else to see...



...until we got into Las Vegas, that is.



Our first sighting of palm trees.




As our goal was to get to our daughter's house in California, we didn't allow time to drive down "The Strip" and see the lights, but we did see some impressive buildings from I-15 and I snapped a few pictures.







Near the southern edge of Vegas, about the last chance to fill up the car and have a quick rest stop. Also some nice palms for a closeup shot.

South of Los Vegas, we started to see billboards advertising "Alien Fresh Jerky"; kind of eye catching in a "what kind of marketing is this" sort of way. I wish now I'd gotten a picture. Anyway, a few miles down the freeway we had our answer, it's this place in Baker, California. It's right next to the worlds largest thermometer, dontcha know.

Also along I-15 we were slowed down and we came up to an agriculture checkpoint, a big structure stretching across all lanes of the freeway. I expected we'd be stopped and asked if we were bringing in any plants or produce, but we were waved on through. I guess we either didn't look like the profile of who they wanted to stop that day, or it was just a random sample, every X number of vehicles; and we weren't number X.




Desert clouds above I-15



I think these might be what they call lenticular clouds.

Did I mention it was hot?




Just a very, very few of the windmills in the Tehachapi wind farm.




Scenery along California 58 to Tehachapi.

Soon we arrived at our daughter's house, and unwound for the evening. I didn't get my camera out until the next day at Disneyland...check back for the next installment!

Independence Day Weekend

Here's some photos and captions from July 2nd through 5th.


My wife and our youngest granddaughter.



Our first granddaughter. Our California family came to visit on this weekend so she could be a flower girl and so her mom - our first daughter - could be a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding.




Of course, the visit with our kids and grandkids was the high point of the extended weekend. And that's saying a lot, considering that there were fireworks.




July 3...my wife's birthday. She's opening her main gift, a DVD of Disney's "Meet the Robinsons"





She's told the story of how when she was growing up, kids would give her fireworks for her birthday. I guess that seemed good at first until she caught on that those were presents she couldn't keep; they'd be fired off and just plain gone. In honor of that family story, I bought her a Friendship Pagoda at one of the local tents.



"There's something in here"
On impulse I had bought an unusual item, not quite a gag gift, but almost. It was challenging to wrap until I had a timely inspiration.



Meanwhile, our content, good natured grand baby chose that moment to show how genuinely happy she was.



It's...a back scratcher!



That sudden flashing light again!



What with the fourth being on a Sunday this year, we were dressed up for church. Someone is having her feet played with by grandma.


Back in comfy clothes after church. I'm kind of fond of this photo.



Niece, Uncle, and toy dino.



Daughter number one about to get in the car.



Son-in-law tying shoes while waiting in the airport terminal.



The best visits always seem to go by too fast, and it's hard to say goodbye.


July 5th - the last day this year to legally shoot 'em off, and I had more left over than I wanted to store away. First, daytime fireworks...one item in the lower left that was new to me this year, Snake Escape. Finally an easy way to light snakes - the entire package is lit by a fuse and erupts with a big green flame. Then, as the label says, the snakes escape.




Our second daughter lighting two smoke bombs at once.



Yellow plus red make orange.



Smoke from the smoke bombs against the trees in the top background. I was also holding two lit punks, and it didn't occur to me how well the tendrils of smoke in the foreground would show up. Maybe I had the flash on. Turned out kind of neat.



Youngest daughter holding a Morning Glory.



I have a better ladder than that old rickety wooden one. I only keep it around to nail firework pinwheels into, of course.

Independence Day 2010

It's late as I post this, so I hope you had a safe and happy 4th of July!

2009 in Review: Vacation part 2 - Zion Canyon National Park

There are some beautiful parks in Utah with great scenery. This was the first time in Zion NP for me and the kids.


Morning in Springdale, Utah; our second full day of vacation began.



Cactus? Cactuses? Cacti?



The entrance to Zion. We left our car in the parking lot, paid to enter, then rode the shuttle bus. I admitted when I paid admission that we knew we didn't have as much time as we'd like to do the park justice. It was suggested we ride all the way up to the last stop, and get out and walk along the edge of the Virgin River.


One of several pictures I took out the shuttle window.


The last stop on the route.



The Virgin River isn't much more than a creek here. A very peaceful place.




On the way back down...taken up through the skylight of the bus.







I like this picture as much for the sky as for the interesting rock formation.


This sculpture in the visitors area was a foot long or so.




These skinny evergreen trees were planted in tight groups. We saw quite a few in the area.



Back in Springdale.



The motel where we stayed the night before. Ready to hit the road - to be continued...