Today is my 27th wedding anniversary. I am one very lucky guy. The Misses takes very good are of me. I am well fed, wear clean clothes, live in a well kept home all because of her. She has put up with all my antics through the years and I am grateful. Everything I have and have gotten to do I owe to her. Hate to think where I'd have been without her.
Ever wonder how two people meet and fall in love? Don't know if it's just an accident or some grand design. Maybe people are just meant to be together, and sometimes it just takes time for them to get there. Well, I'm just happy it did for me. Happy anniversary Cathie, hopefully many more to come. I love you very much.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Summerfest Day 2
Well I learned (relearned?) an important lesson yesterday. I am no longer as young as I used to be! After spending 9+ hours at he Fest on Wednesday I should have rested up for Thursday, but no. The day started at noon with.....
Lunch with the Leinenkugel brothers---and others of course---at Leff's. Not wanting to be disrespectful to anyone there, lunch also included a number of ice cold Honeyweisses. Quite tasty indeed, but the price would be paid later in the evening.
I rolled into Summerfest at about 3. Still hotter than the dickens which I'm sure kept the crowd sparse. I kind of wondered around listening to different bands not finding much to interest me. They kept announcing that the main stage was sold out for the evening and I was thinking that if everyone on the grounds went to the amphitheater right now the rest of the grounds would be empty. Finally settled in and watched a band called Midnight Groove for awhile---me and about 125 others. Honestly I counted. They played mostly r&b and pop. Seemed to be a little unorganized, but they were okay. I had the night planned for country music though, so soon I was on my way to see Sunny Sweeny.
On my way to the Potawatomi stage I swung by Miller Oasis to check out the crowd there. Not too many people so I figured great, I'll get my same seat as last night. Over to Sunny Sweeny where I found even less people sitting. This is really hard for me to believe. Maybe forty people at the start of the show. But to me the show was disappointing. Songs all sounded the same, technical problems, fake thanks yous, too much chitter chatter. About 7:45 I decided to head back to the Oasis for Rodney Atkins.
Well I found all the people! Bleachers were packed, and everyone was standing. I suppose I could have wormed my way in, but by now I'm drinking Pepsi and don't need the aggravation. All the young lions are making fools of themselves, but this doesn't bother as I remind myself I've been there done that. I am amazed at all the young folks (college aged) there singing along. Rodney Atkins puts on a great show, sings all his hits, is a name dropper---Brewers, Miller, Harley etc. For not being able to see much I enjoyed myself quite a bit at this show.
And then it's moment of truth time. At least an hour until Gary Allen, the guy I've come to see. I am tired. People are leaving the area like crazy, so I know I can get a seat--or at least a bench to stand on. But I decide to do the old people thing and head for home. I am cussing myself for being a wuss, but I leave anyways. I try to rationalize it by telling myself I'll be back, but geez....
Lunch with the Leinenkugel brothers---and others of course---at Leff's. Not wanting to be disrespectful to anyone there, lunch also included a number of ice cold Honeyweisses. Quite tasty indeed, but the price would be paid later in the evening.
I rolled into Summerfest at about 3. Still hotter than the dickens which I'm sure kept the crowd sparse. I kind of wondered around listening to different bands not finding much to interest me. They kept announcing that the main stage was sold out for the evening and I was thinking that if everyone on the grounds went to the amphitheater right now the rest of the grounds would be empty. Finally settled in and watched a band called Midnight Groove for awhile---me and about 125 others. Honestly I counted. They played mostly r&b and pop. Seemed to be a little unorganized, but they were okay. I had the night planned for country music though, so soon I was on my way to see Sunny Sweeny.
On my way to the Potawatomi stage I swung by Miller Oasis to check out the crowd there. Not too many people so I figured great, I'll get my same seat as last night. Over to Sunny Sweeny where I found even less people sitting. This is really hard for me to believe. Maybe forty people at the start of the show. But to me the show was disappointing. Songs all sounded the same, technical problems, fake thanks yous, too much chitter chatter. About 7:45 I decided to head back to the Oasis for Rodney Atkins.
Well I found all the people! Bleachers were packed, and everyone was standing. I suppose I could have wormed my way in, but by now I'm drinking Pepsi and don't need the aggravation. All the young lions are making fools of themselves, but this doesn't bother as I remind myself I've been there done that. I am amazed at all the young folks (college aged) there singing along. Rodney Atkins puts on a great show, sings all his hits, is a name dropper---Brewers, Miller, Harley etc. For not being able to see much I enjoyed myself quite a bit at this show.
And then it's moment of truth time. At least an hour until Gary Allen, the guy I've come to see. I am tired. People are leaving the area like crazy, so I know I can get a seat--or at least a bench to stand on. But I decide to do the old people thing and head for home. I am cussing myself for being a wuss, but I leave anyways. I try to rationalize it by telling myself I'll be back, but geez....
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Summerfest Day 1
Thought I'd write a little bit about the fairs and festival this summer.....
Day 1 at Summerfest was hotter than heck. There isn't much shade there. so I find myself a little sunburned today. I'll be okay. The Misses and I arrived for the opener around 2 o'clock. We walked around some--checked out the new BMO Harris stage, it is fantastic--then settled in at the Miller Oasis. The first band we spent anytime listening to is called A Thousand Julys. Mixture of old and new pop, perfectly enjoyable way to start the day while visiting with people. The next group went on at 6 and are called the Tempters. Should have known from the name....that's right, a Temptations tribute group. They were great. By this time I was separated from the Misses, and with cell reception being what it is on the Fest grounds, oh well she missed a wonderful show. Dan ditched his work friends and neighbors, and we had a good time singing along.
The next group was something called Space Capone. Have to say they were unimpressive. Had a tough time holding the audience. And the vocalist was difficult to understand. I'm sure they have their fans, but very few seemed to be in attendance. They should have been flipped with he Tempters---audience probably would have been better.
Fireworks went off as scheduled at 9:30ish. The Big Bang was fantastic as always---long, must have been a solid half hour. After the finale, its time for the headliners. We stayed right where we were at for Kool and the Gang. They did not disappoint. Played all the classics, nice stage show. sounded great. Some of these guys gotta' be getting up there, but the performance didn't show it. Horn section was fantastic as well. You could tell these guys knew what they were doing, but they really seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. As for the guy who wanted to share a joint with my "wife", well at least he was respectful.
As I said earlier it was hot. There was no cooler by the lake yesterday, and it was a Wednesday, but the crowds seemed kind of sparse, which was great for those of us who were there. No lines for anything, no pushing and shoving at the shows, plenty of places to sit down for awhile. Very very enjoyable day at Summerfest. Nice to see Dan and Cheryl and a few others I know as well. Today it looks like I Fest solo. It is suppose to be hotter than yesterday so we'll see how I hold up. Off to lunch with the Leinenkugel brothers and Super Dave first....
Day 1 at Summerfest was hotter than heck. There isn't much shade there. so I find myself a little sunburned today. I'll be okay. The Misses and I arrived for the opener around 2 o'clock. We walked around some--checked out the new BMO Harris stage, it is fantastic--then settled in at the Miller Oasis. The first band we spent anytime listening to is called A Thousand Julys. Mixture of old and new pop, perfectly enjoyable way to start the day while visiting with people. The next group went on at 6 and are called the Tempters. Should have known from the name....that's right, a Temptations tribute group. They were great. By this time I was separated from the Misses, and with cell reception being what it is on the Fest grounds, oh well she missed a wonderful show. Dan ditched his work friends and neighbors, and we had a good time singing along.
The next group was something called Space Capone. Have to say they were unimpressive. Had a tough time holding the audience. And the vocalist was difficult to understand. I'm sure they have their fans, but very few seemed to be in attendance. They should have been flipped with he Tempters---audience probably would have been better.
Fireworks went off as scheduled at 9:30ish. The Big Bang was fantastic as always---long, must have been a solid half hour. After the finale, its time for the headliners. We stayed right where we were at for Kool and the Gang. They did not disappoint. Played all the classics, nice stage show. sounded great. Some of these guys gotta' be getting up there, but the performance didn't show it. Horn section was fantastic as well. You could tell these guys knew what they were doing, but they really seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. As for the guy who wanted to share a joint with my "wife", well at least he was respectful.
As I said earlier it was hot. There was no cooler by the lake yesterday, and it was a Wednesday, but the crowds seemed kind of sparse, which was great for those of us who were there. No lines for anything, no pushing and shoving at the shows, plenty of places to sit down for awhile. Very very enjoyable day at Summerfest. Nice to see Dan and Cheryl and a few others I know as well. Today it looks like I Fest solo. It is suppose to be hotter than yesterday so we'll see how I hold up. Off to lunch with the Leinenkugel brothers and Super Dave first....
Monday, June 25, 2012
The American Dream
No, this is not about Dusty, but a very interesting article (I think) in the latest issue of Time Magazine. It talks about the American Dream, how if you work hard you will prosper. And how that dream is slipping away. It states that 90% of Americans self identify themselves as in some tier of the middle class, while only 2% think of themselves as upper class and 6% think of themselves as lower class (must be rounding errors with the math). A government report states that middle class aspirations are home and car ownership, college education for the children health and retirement security, and the occasional family vacation. These all seem like laudable goals to me. And they are getting harder to attain all the time. The costs of housing, health care and higher education continue to rise faster than income. Income is stagnant.
Americans, at least white Americans, have always had the idea of being able to make a better life for themselves. First they pushed the natives west, then they dealt with all the issues of slavery and eventually emancipation. There always the thought that you could just pack up and move on. Go west. Go to where the opportunities are. People say there is too much government involved in everything, but government has always played a roll in the expansion of the middle class. One hundred and fifty years ago or so you have the Pacific Railroad Act which tied the continent together and allowed for westward expansion and development. You had the Homestead Act which allowed people to settle west. The Merrill Act which established land grant universities which brought education to more people. When we had the depression, you had all the New Deal stuff and Social Security, which like it or not has provided a lot for a lot of people.
World War II got us out of the depression, and after the war government spending on the GI Bill, home loans and cold war defense among other things ushered in the greatest expansion of the middle class ever.
Now, however, the American Dream is more elusive than at any other time in our history. They say it is actually easier for the French to improve their lot than it is for an American. It used to be the Americans led the rest of the world in development and ideas and whatnot, but we are now seeing the rise of the rest of the world. So what happens? I worry about the next generations. Are we going to wind up with a relatively few rich and then everyone else? Are we going to figure out some way where everyone prospers? Or do we just face the fact that some dreams come true and some don't? I guess we need confidence in people, we'll see....
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Short Clips
Had to go to another funeral this past Thursday. My Uncle Bill passed away. He was 86. He lived a very full and successful life. He became ill towards the end, and he had to go into hospice. Everyone was so sad and morose. The Misses and I talked about it when we got home and we decided we would rather have a celebratory time when our time comes. I want beer and wine and music---not organ music, fun music. Our wishes have been made public---hope they are followed. RIP Bill.
The radio contest gods have been quite benevolent the last couple of weeks or so. Tickets for the Fest are in hand, concert tickets have been traded for beer and food money, and they even threw in some money for gas. If I was a little wiser the results would have been even better. The casino Indians ponied up some winnings to go with the State Fair tickets. Really looking forward to the next couple of weeks seeing some friends, enjoying some food and spirits and listening to some tunes at the various fairs and festivals.
Didn't watch more than 5 or 10 minutes of the NBA playoffs. Just can't seem to get into it anymore. The players are amazing athletes and all, but I'm just done with all the drama. The money, the theatrics, I just can't make time for it. I prefer the college game myself. Come to think of it, I'm not that much into pro baseball much anymore either. These guys make an awful lot of money for not an awful lot of work. I guess I just can't relate to the professional athlete. Guess I'll get my entertainment elsewhere.
Down to 126 days until I need to run my 5K now. Will run in the Koman. My friend Mary is a breast cancer survivor and a few of us are going to run and help her out. I haven't run in years (lots of years!), but I was able to get to a mile and a half with little problem. Then I decided to stop doing my walking and just run, so there went the hammy. Yanked it pretty good. So I've taken a few days off and am just trying to stretch it out some. The doctor says I won't croak from my little running, so I'm going to get at it and get up to my 3.1 miles. And after the run it will be off to Mel's Pig Roast (promise to shower first Mel), so I am really looking forward to the day.
This is going to do it for now. Two weeks vacation coming up, hoping the weather holds, hope everyone is well and being able to take care of their business. Take care my friends, you'll hear from me soon.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The Tale of the Used Car
As some of you may know, the wife and I have started thinking about getting a dfferent car. I was amazed when I started kicking some tires at the milage and age at some of the vehicles I was looking at. For the kind of money they were asking and the milage to go with it, we were seriously thinking we'd just buy new. I have hated this entire process my whole life and still do, but the good ol' internet has a way of leveling out the playing field.
The Misses and I decided to take a little ride down to the ball field last week Thursday. They were having a big used car sale, so she and I took a ride down. They had a lot of vehicles there, but I would say over half were pick ups and SUVs, and we had no use for these rides. And they had what I consider a lot of junk there. Surface rust, six, seven years old, just general wear and tear. And then there was the creative pricing system. They were offering a straight $3200 off for your trade, then matching $1500 down. To me a bunch of hocus pocus---you need to check the bottom line! Apparently not everyone know this.
They must have had about 25 or 30 sales reps there, all sizes and shapes. The tall and the short, heavy and not, even saw one woman. You were pretty much assigned a guy when you got there, and ours was nice enough to leave us alone when we said we were just looking. There were people looking at some of this stuff, but we didn't see much. The convertables were interesting but not practicle. I couldn't see paying the money they wanted for the milage on most of these things, so we were ready to hit the road. Then we saw a couple of cars we were interested in so we gave our guy a call. We took a ride and talked some more, then made our offer.
They take you into the big tent and it's just like any other car transaction, except here you can hear everyone else's business. There was the older couple who started looking at a Jeep but ended up with a Ford Focus because they told the sales guy how much they could afford, not what kind of car they wanted. There was the guy who had his mom's car for a trade---tough to do when her name is on the title. There was the Hispanic lady who was doing all her calculations on her smart phone (and faster than the sales guy). He didn't like it when she told him she could get a loan for less than 9.5%. And then there was the young couple who looked just out of college. They wanted to look at a Lexius and a Cadillac. The girl looked a little scared, but the guy said not to worry about it, they would figure it out. They must be doing pretty well for a $600 per month car payment.....I looked around and kind of felt sorry for everyone there. I don't think it's that easy of a way to make a living, and some of the people buying these things didn't seem to have a clue.
We ended up getting a Chevy. Told him I didn't have a trade, but I wanted the $3200 off anyways. Of course the sales manager was against this, so I threatened to go to the local junk yard and pick up a $100 clunker----and I told them they'd probably have to tow it back anyways. I told the Misses to be ready to walk bewcause they were going to try and get a couple of hundred more bucks out of us. She didn't believe me, but they did, so we did, and they backed off. Did we get a great deal? Probably not. A good deal? I'd like to think so---you always like to think you do well on these transactions.
The Misses and I decided to take a little ride down to the ball field last week Thursday. They were having a big used car sale, so she and I took a ride down. They had a lot of vehicles there, but I would say over half were pick ups and SUVs, and we had no use for these rides. And they had what I consider a lot of junk there. Surface rust, six, seven years old, just general wear and tear. And then there was the creative pricing system. They were offering a straight $3200 off for your trade, then matching $1500 down. To me a bunch of hocus pocus---you need to check the bottom line! Apparently not everyone know this.
They must have had about 25 or 30 sales reps there, all sizes and shapes. The tall and the short, heavy and not, even saw one woman. You were pretty much assigned a guy when you got there, and ours was nice enough to leave us alone when we said we were just looking. There were people looking at some of this stuff, but we didn't see much. The convertables were interesting but not practicle. I couldn't see paying the money they wanted for the milage on most of these things, so we were ready to hit the road. Then we saw a couple of cars we were interested in so we gave our guy a call. We took a ride and talked some more, then made our offer.
They take you into the big tent and it's just like any other car transaction, except here you can hear everyone else's business. There was the older couple who started looking at a Jeep but ended up with a Ford Focus because they told the sales guy how much they could afford, not what kind of car they wanted. There was the guy who had his mom's car for a trade---tough to do when her name is on the title. There was the Hispanic lady who was doing all her calculations on her smart phone (and faster than the sales guy). He didn't like it when she told him she could get a loan for less than 9.5%. And then there was the young couple who looked just out of college. They wanted to look at a Lexius and a Cadillac. The girl looked a little scared, but the guy said not to worry about it, they would figure it out. They must be doing pretty well for a $600 per month car payment.....I looked around and kind of felt sorry for everyone there. I don't think it's that easy of a way to make a living, and some of the people buying these things didn't seem to have a clue.
We ended up getting a Chevy. Told him I didn't have a trade, but I wanted the $3200 off anyways. Of course the sales manager was against this, so I threatened to go to the local junk yard and pick up a $100 clunker----and I told them they'd probably have to tow it back anyways. I told the Misses to be ready to walk bewcause they were going to try and get a couple of hundred more bucks out of us. She didn't believe me, but they did, so we did, and they backed off. Did we get a great deal? Probably not. A good deal? I'd like to think so---you always like to think you do well on these transactions.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Songs of Summer (2012)
As some of you know, about six or seven weeks ago the Misses and I took a little drive out to Massachusetts to watch the A-10 Conference track meet. I didn't take any cds along, figuring I'd just use the ipod, but there was some problem with the wiring so I could only get sound from half the speakers. This left us with the radio. Oh boy.
I can vividly remember a family vacation to the Grand Canyon in l973. The reason I remember this so clearly is because it seemed like every other song played on the radio was Radar Love. You would drive a ways and loose reception and the next station would be playing Radar Love. Well, the same thing happened to us on our way to and from UMass. About five or seven different songs, but playing over and over constantly. Ryan Seacrest must control stations all over the country. The thing is I've come to like some of these songs. Oh don't get me wrong, I still like my country, but some of this stuff is pretty good.
Now granted I'm only working with a small sample here, but I like Adele. What a wonderful voice. I don't mind Gaga or Katy Perry. Maroon 5 is okay, guy has a unique voice, but I'd like to know where he found a pay phone. Train, Goyte, the Wanted all seem interesting. Flo Rida is entertaining, but from what I read he'll kick your but into the middle of next week if he doesn't like what you say about him. I get a kick out of Pitbull (always has a helper--don't know if he's trying to be serious or not). I listened to Mumford and Sons--they remind me of the Kingston Trio.
Some of these songs have lyrics I'm not wild about, but looking back from this perspective to some of the stuff I listened to in the old days I wouldn't be too wild about some of those tunes either. The kids (especially daughter) kind of look disdainfully at me when I turn Seacrest on in the car, but I don't care, if it's catchy I'll listen. Summer concert plans have changed as well. Still going to see Brantly Gilbert and Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town and Gary Allen, but also Train and Clarkston. And Fun. They seem like they will be fun. Oh, and I hope somebody calls that Carley Rae girl. Also hope she can come up with a few more songs, unlike the Golden Earring---I know they were big in Europe, but come on.......
I can vividly remember a family vacation to the Grand Canyon in l973. The reason I remember this so clearly is because it seemed like every other song played on the radio was Radar Love. You would drive a ways and loose reception and the next station would be playing Radar Love. Well, the same thing happened to us on our way to and from UMass. About five or seven different songs, but playing over and over constantly. Ryan Seacrest must control stations all over the country. The thing is I've come to like some of these songs. Oh don't get me wrong, I still like my country, but some of this stuff is pretty good.
Now granted I'm only working with a small sample here, but I like Adele. What a wonderful voice. I don't mind Gaga or Katy Perry. Maroon 5 is okay, guy has a unique voice, but I'd like to know where he found a pay phone. Train, Goyte, the Wanted all seem interesting. Flo Rida is entertaining, but from what I read he'll kick your but into the middle of next week if he doesn't like what you say about him. I get a kick out of Pitbull (always has a helper--don't know if he's trying to be serious or not). I listened to Mumford and Sons--they remind me of the Kingston Trio.
Some of these songs have lyrics I'm not wild about, but looking back from this perspective to some of the stuff I listened to in the old days I wouldn't be too wild about some of those tunes either. The kids (especially daughter) kind of look disdainfully at me when I turn Seacrest on in the car, but I don't care, if it's catchy I'll listen. Summer concert plans have changed as well. Still going to see Brantly Gilbert and Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town and Gary Allen, but also Train and Clarkston. And Fun. They seem like they will be fun. Oh, and I hope somebody calls that Carley Rae girl. Also hope she can come up with a few more songs, unlike the Golden Earring---I know they were big in Europe, but come on.......
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Moods
I went to the doctor today. Just wanted a simple yes or no on this running thing I've gotten myself into. They can't just check the heart and say okay. We check the blood pressure as well. Then the lungs. Then all the other questions come out. He scolds me for not showing up more often. I reply I don't come in more because he always finds something wrong with me. He asks me how I feel, how I breath, how my joints are, among other things. I tell him everything is good, I feel as well as I have in years. He says this can't be so. I need a CAT scan on my kidney. I need to have my colon checked because I am old. My blood pressure is too high. My pulse rate is too LOW? I'm confused---all I wanted to do was make sure I wouldn't keel over jogging a little bit. He has blood drawn and schedules more appointments. We'll see if they are kept. I leave in a not so good mood.
Then I take the car in for a simple oil change and tire rotation. There is nothing simple about it. They are doing a FREE seventeen point inspection and topping off my fluids. The reason I take it in is to top of my fluids, and to CHANGE THE OIL. It shouldn't take an hour. I can still do it myself in less than an hour. The free inspection reveals worn struts. The manager of the shop tells me this will ruin my tires. Heck, e wouldn't even drive around in a car like this. Only going to cost me $1100 to fix them, and they can do it right now. And he'll throw in the front end alignment at no charge (that's a $99 value you know!). I pass--I'm not afraid to drive the car, and I can get probably 3 sets of tires if I need to, so....I leave is a sour mood.
I'm doing the refinance thing with the house again. Rates are under 3% now, so I figure why not. It's not like I'm going anywhere soon, and I've done the math, so it works out. Or so I think. I fill out the app online on Sunday and everything seems good. For some reason my password stops working--they tell me to call a certain phone number. Knowing it's Sunday, I figure no one is there, so I wait until Monday. When I call, the person I need to talk to is off today. No problem, I"ll talk to anyone. Oh, they'll get back to you, they are very busy. Fine. I get an e-mail telling me everything is good to go. So I wait, but only until Wednesday. Still no call, so I call them. We are very busy they say. I say so am I. We reset the password, the lady says I am good to go. I thank her, and log in. Now it says they don't have anything to fit my needs My needs? It's a mortgage, I pay on one now and have never missed a payment in 20 some years. I call the lady back, but she is gone for the day. At noon? On a Wednesday? I tell them I will talk to anyone, but they say they will get back to me. I hang up, and am now in a bad mood.....
I'm a little apprehensive about doing anything else today because people are really starting to irritate me. Plans call for a trip to the car lot---how bad can that be?
Then I take the car in for a simple oil change and tire rotation. There is nothing simple about it. They are doing a FREE seventeen point inspection and topping off my fluids. The reason I take it in is to top of my fluids, and to CHANGE THE OIL. It shouldn't take an hour. I can still do it myself in less than an hour. The free inspection reveals worn struts. The manager of the shop tells me this will ruin my tires. Heck, e wouldn't even drive around in a car like this. Only going to cost me $1100 to fix them, and they can do it right now. And he'll throw in the front end alignment at no charge (that's a $99 value you know!). I pass--I'm not afraid to drive the car, and I can get probably 3 sets of tires if I need to, so....I leave is a sour mood.
I'm doing the refinance thing with the house again. Rates are under 3% now, so I figure why not. It's not like I'm going anywhere soon, and I've done the math, so it works out. Or so I think. I fill out the app online on Sunday and everything seems good. For some reason my password stops working--they tell me to call a certain phone number. Knowing it's Sunday, I figure no one is there, so I wait until Monday. When I call, the person I need to talk to is off today. No problem, I"ll talk to anyone. Oh, they'll get back to you, they are very busy. Fine. I get an e-mail telling me everything is good to go. So I wait, but only until Wednesday. Still no call, so I call them. We are very busy they say. I say so am I. We reset the password, the lady says I am good to go. I thank her, and log in. Now it says they don't have anything to fit my needs My needs? It's a mortgage, I pay on one now and have never missed a payment in 20 some years. I call the lady back, but she is gone for the day. At noon? On a Wednesday? I tell them I will talk to anyone, but they say they will get back to me. I hang up, and am now in a bad mood.....
I'm a little apprehensive about doing anything else today because people are really starting to irritate me. Plans call for a trip to the car lot---how bad can that be?
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Odds and Ends
Just a few random things that have been on my mind.....
What is the deal with people crossing against the lights? For awhile I thought it was just the younger people, but looking closer it seems to be everyone. How long is the light, a minute, two? Relax people, drivers will stop blowing the horn and flipping you off. Everyone will feel better.
People don't seem to talk much anymore. They will text each other---I've seen people text each other across a room. Walking down the street everyone either seems to be on a phone or have ear buds stuck in their heads. Try talking to someone and they look at you strange. Seems kind of odd.
I don't like it when girls/women swear. Seems like they are degrading themselves. There is too much swearing all around now. Nobody seems to care anymore, it's like it has become a part of everyday language. I am also guilty. I will work at curbing this nasty habit, but I will try to not let it bother me if others don't.
Recently I have been noticing quite a few famous people (athletes, singers, movie stars) that I am familiar with have been dying. Not from accidents, or substance abuse or anything like that, just getting old. I used to look at guys like Elvis or Belushi and think about all the stuff and fame they had but that I had lived longer than they had. You know, they may have had things, but I'm still around. Think I like being around better. Plan on squeezing as much in as I can.
Have seen a number of of my friends change their status' in the last few week, probably for various reasons. I hope that everyone is able to find what they want, but remember to be careful what you wish for, you just may get it.
Well the kids have been home for a month now and I can report no major problems. I have noticed a few things though. There must be a shortage of milk and orange juice in college, because they go through it like water. We never seem to have any food around here anymore either. I imagine the water bill will be back up because 20 minute showers seem to be the norm. The trash collector must've see his collections increase because of all the kids back in the neighborhood. As far as chores around the house, they will do whatever you ask them to do, you just need to give them some direction. And they are more like adults--you can have real conversations. They know things and will share it with you (if you ask). They have opinions and stuff. They aren't kids anymore I guess.
Summer is about ready to kick into full gear. Festivals are starting, the weather has been great, hope it holds. Hope that everyone has a safe time, I don't care to hear about injuries or accidents. Looking forward to a lot of friend and family time over the next few months, hope everyone else is as well.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The Family Vacation---Part 3
Ten years ago we went on what is called here the great American vacation. The kids were 9 and 10 years old, and already veterans of vacation travels. I had traded a week of vacation with a co-worker so I had three weeks off in the summer. Unheard of in the post office, but it was fantastic for me and the family. We were headed west, and left around three in the morning as was our custom. Sometimes we had plans where we were going on vacation, other times we just sort of winged it. This trip would turn out to be a combination of both.
After we stopped for breakfast that first morning, we found ourselves in Minnesota and I started noticing some signs. Next thing you know we're in Austin, Mn at the Spam Museum. It wasn't open yet, and I wouldn't have stopped, but there was a line, it was close to opening time, and I was hooked. Although the kids didn't have a clue, they were good sports about it. Soon we were back on the road headed for South Dakota.
A co-worked told me when I got to South Dakota to be sure to stop at the rest area. Said the views were unbelievable. I was skeptical, but he was right. Best highway rest stop ever! Although the Misses wasn't wild about the sign that said to watch out for snakes. What to do in South Dakota? Well, we spent a little time climbing around Sioux Falls (dry), the Corn Palace, the doll museum, the Badlands, went down into some caves, went to a dinosaur excavation site, and of course went to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore is an amazing piece of work, considering when it was done and what kind of tools they were working with. If you ever get the chance, go at night. They have a real nice program and it is something to see at night.
Leaving Rapid City, we continued west into Montana. We spent some time at the Custer Battlefield, now known as The Battle of Little Big Horn. The tour guides are now American Indians. It changed (the tour) since I'd been there as a kid. This was another stopped for me, but the family let me have my time. Our next stop would be in the middle of nowhere. Devil's Tower is an amazing place to visit, and it is the first national monument. The kids climbed and we walked around the tower. People climbing all over the thing, and lots of wildlife.
We continued west, to Butte when my mom had moved and my younger sister lived. We spent a couple of days there visiting mom. We also took a day trip to checkout some of the Lewis and Clark trail. Couple of real nice museums and exhibits, must have been the one hundredth anniversary I think. It was good to see mom--she had spent a lot of time with the kids before they started school and I think they really liked seeing her. Was also nice to see my sister and her family. Last time we saw them (although they live in Marshfield now!)--her problem not mine!
This would have been a good vacation for most people--as it was for us--, but we weren't even halfway. We didn't care to go back the same way, so it was off to Yellowstone. This had been the main destination for the whole trip, and it did not disappoint. From the mud pots to the geysers it was amazing. I could write for a couple of days on the park alone. We spent a few days at Yellowstone. One day we were up at 5 to hike the boardwalks. The rangers were already out, and there were no crowds. There were the 4 of us and two joggers and a guy with a cup of coffee watching Old Faithful go off. During the day it's four or five deep, hundreds of people. We saw all kinds of wild life. When buffalo decide they are going somewhere, they go. It is a most wondrous place and I would love to visit again someday.
From Yellowstone it's only natural to go to the Grand Titans. Gotta love the mountains. We took a ferry over and did a little climbing on the trails. There were a lot of people. I pooped out, and the family stopped with me. Think they could have gone on for hours, probably should have let them. We spent the night in Jackson at a wonderful hotel, then decided to do a little white water rating. Very scenic and a great experience for the family.
Heading home through Colorado, we weren't done yet. Pike's Peak beckoned. Now I like to drive, and we had a rental, and I was tempted, but we decided to take the train up instead. It was a good idea, and an interesting ride up. It's a geared train, and was an interesting experience. The views are unbelievable, and of course you have to sing a verse or two of America The Beautiful. While in Colorado we went to the Air Force academy--(just drove in, took a look around. Got out and looked at a couple of buildings--bet you can't do that now!). We also spent some time at the Olympic training grounds. Not many athletes there at the time, but a great facility. Looked to be a great place to train to be the best. We drove through the mountains and spent the night in Denver, then had to head for home.
Stopped in Omaha on the way back. I had been there a few times as a kid. I had relatives who owned a saw shop and I tried to find it but it must have been long gone. The neighborhood was rougher than I remembered as well. We moved on to Iowa, and stopped in Van Horne, Ia. Took a look around and found out the were looking for ancestors of their town's founding fathers. They were hopeful, but we weren't them. We were getting close to the end of vacation now, but I decided on one more little detour. And I'm glad I did. They built it, we went. The Field of Dreams, before they turned it into a little league complex. Just on a farm, in the middle of nowhere. Threw the ball around some walked around, just relaxed. Sure am glad we went.
Headed home from here, but not quite done yet. Dad always told me to stop if I had a chance, so......to The House on the Rock we went. Geez what a pile of stuff. Dusty. Burned out light bulbs. Hitting my head on ceilings. Great place! Think the kids liked it, Misses didn't, and now whenever we see a sigh for the place....
So that was it. Three thousand some odd miles, three weeks, seeing a nice chunk of America with the family, as they say priceless. I enjoyed all my vacations with the family, but this was definitely the best. No complaints from anyone about time in the car or accommodations, saw things I know I'll never see again, just had a great time. Sadly I guess that our days of family vacations are over. I know the Misses and I will still travel--she wants to go to Washington, I want o go to NYC, and I have a retirement date at the Smithsonian. But the days I spent traveling with both the wife and kids are among the happiest memories I have.
After we stopped for breakfast that first morning, we found ourselves in Minnesota and I started noticing some signs. Next thing you know we're in Austin, Mn at the Spam Museum. It wasn't open yet, and I wouldn't have stopped, but there was a line, it was close to opening time, and I was hooked. Although the kids didn't have a clue, they were good sports about it. Soon we were back on the road headed for South Dakota.
A co-worked told me when I got to South Dakota to be sure to stop at the rest area. Said the views were unbelievable. I was skeptical, but he was right. Best highway rest stop ever! Although the Misses wasn't wild about the sign that said to watch out for snakes. What to do in South Dakota? Well, we spent a little time climbing around Sioux Falls (dry), the Corn Palace, the doll museum, the Badlands, went down into some caves, went to a dinosaur excavation site, and of course went to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore is an amazing piece of work, considering when it was done and what kind of tools they were working with. If you ever get the chance, go at night. They have a real nice program and it is something to see at night.
Leaving Rapid City, we continued west into Montana. We spent some time at the Custer Battlefield, now known as The Battle of Little Big Horn. The tour guides are now American Indians. It changed (the tour) since I'd been there as a kid. This was another stopped for me, but the family let me have my time. Our next stop would be in the middle of nowhere. Devil's Tower is an amazing place to visit, and it is the first national monument. The kids climbed and we walked around the tower. People climbing all over the thing, and lots of wildlife.
We continued west, to Butte when my mom had moved and my younger sister lived. We spent a couple of days there visiting mom. We also took a day trip to checkout some of the Lewis and Clark trail. Couple of real nice museums and exhibits, must have been the one hundredth anniversary I think. It was good to see mom--she had spent a lot of time with the kids before they started school and I think they really liked seeing her. Was also nice to see my sister and her family. Last time we saw them (although they live in Marshfield now!)--her problem not mine!
This would have been a good vacation for most people--as it was for us--, but we weren't even halfway. We didn't care to go back the same way, so it was off to Yellowstone. This had been the main destination for the whole trip, and it did not disappoint. From the mud pots to the geysers it was amazing. I could write for a couple of days on the park alone. We spent a few days at Yellowstone. One day we were up at 5 to hike the boardwalks. The rangers were already out, and there were no crowds. There were the 4 of us and two joggers and a guy with a cup of coffee watching Old Faithful go off. During the day it's four or five deep, hundreds of people. We saw all kinds of wild life. When buffalo decide they are going somewhere, they go. It is a most wondrous place and I would love to visit again someday.
From Yellowstone it's only natural to go to the Grand Titans. Gotta love the mountains. We took a ferry over and did a little climbing on the trails. There were a lot of people. I pooped out, and the family stopped with me. Think they could have gone on for hours, probably should have let them. We spent the night in Jackson at a wonderful hotel, then decided to do a little white water rating. Very scenic and a great experience for the family.
Heading home through Colorado, we weren't done yet. Pike's Peak beckoned. Now I like to drive, and we had a rental, and I was tempted, but we decided to take the train up instead. It was a good idea, and an interesting ride up. It's a geared train, and was an interesting experience. The views are unbelievable, and of course you have to sing a verse or two of America The Beautiful. While in Colorado we went to the Air Force academy--(just drove in, took a look around. Got out and looked at a couple of buildings--bet you can't do that now!). We also spent some time at the Olympic training grounds. Not many athletes there at the time, but a great facility. Looked to be a great place to train to be the best. We drove through the mountains and spent the night in Denver, then had to head for home.
Stopped in Omaha on the way back. I had been there a few times as a kid. I had relatives who owned a saw shop and I tried to find it but it must have been long gone. The neighborhood was rougher than I remembered as well. We moved on to Iowa, and stopped in Van Horne, Ia. Took a look around and found out the were looking for ancestors of their town's founding fathers. They were hopeful, but we weren't them. We were getting close to the end of vacation now, but I decided on one more little detour. And I'm glad I did. They built it, we went. The Field of Dreams, before they turned it into a little league complex. Just on a farm, in the middle of nowhere. Threw the ball around some walked around, just relaxed. Sure am glad we went.
Headed home from here, but not quite done yet. Dad always told me to stop if I had a chance, so......to The House on the Rock we went. Geez what a pile of stuff. Dusty. Burned out light bulbs. Hitting my head on ceilings. Great place! Think the kids liked it, Misses didn't, and now whenever we see a sigh for the place....
So that was it. Three thousand some odd miles, three weeks, seeing a nice chunk of America with the family, as they say priceless. I enjoyed all my vacations with the family, but this was definitely the best. No complaints from anyone about time in the car or accommodations, saw things I know I'll never see again, just had a great time. Sadly I guess that our days of family vacations are over. I know the Misses and I will still travel--she wants to go to Washington, I want o go to NYC, and I have a retirement date at the Smithsonian. But the days I spent traveling with both the wife and kids are among the happiest memories I have.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The Family Vacation--Part 2
One year we decided we were going to the Grand Canyon. I had been to the Grand Canyon with my family when I was a kid, and the thing I remembered most about that trip was the Indians dumping garbage into the canyon. Our trip was a much better experience.
It took us a couple of days to get to the canyon, but when we did it was gorgeous. Cathie again had laid out a beautiful plan. This was nothing like the trip I remembered as a kid. We actually stayed a couple of nights right in the park. There were many improvements to the park as well. You can't just drive around any more, you have to park and take buses (much like other national parks nowadays). The views were spectacular! We hiked down the canyon one day, which is pretty easy---thing is you have to hike back up. We saw the sunrise over the canyon. We hiked the rim. We laughed at the way people dressed (sandals? Really?). It was a great trip. On the way home we decided we were going to hit a couple of more national parks, Zion and Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon is cool with the hoodoos and what not, but what really got me was Zion. Where as you were at the top of the Grand Canyon heading down, at Zion you were at the bottom looking up. Spectacular. The drive in was amazing. We got there in the early afternoon and then headed to the Zion Canyon, which is cut by the Virgin River. Much to my surprise, people were in the river heading upstream in the canyon. We were not prepared for this. We played in the water a little bit, then headed up stream. The water wasn't cold, but it was a rocky bottom so you had to be careful or you might find yourself underwater. I found a ranger heading the other way with a backpack and asked him how far to the end. He laughed and said at least a day and a half if I knew what I was doing. We made to the first turn in the canyon and were just awed at the beauty that was ahead. But I was afraid that if we continued on it would get dark quick (it was a canyon!), and we'd have trouble. There were more people going back than heading out so we reluctantly headed back. We said one day we would come back and go further.
We did. It is the only time I've gone back to a place we'd already been (far away I mean). We were much better prepared this time. We had wet weather footwear, plastic bags for our supplies and cameras, we'd read up a little bit. The kids were a couple of years older so I had less concerns about them. We arrived much earlier in the day at the canyon--first or second shuttle of the day. And we immediately headed into the canyon. It is a sight to be seen. Every time you get to a turn it is just more beautiful. The further you get the less people you see. The water gets deeper, the canyon itself more spectacular. We went in for a few hours, and I'm sure we never got close to the end. After a while the girls decided they'd had enough, but Stew and I continued on. For a long time we didn't see any other people. Kinda' made me wonder about what would happen if an emergency arose, but whatever. It was a great day. We spent a few days staying just outside the entrance to Zion. We hiked and climbed, just enjoyed the beauty of the area. One day the girls hiked to the top of Angel's Landing--2.4 miles up on a trail fit for one person at a time. Stew and I wisely stopped a little short of the top (Scout's Lookout). I don't care to climb up some rocky cliff where they put chains in for you to hold onto so you don't fall from 5800 feet. But the views of the canyon and surrounding area are unbelievable. If you had to choose I would definitely opt for Zion over the Grand Canyon. I don't imagine I'll ever make it to the end of Zion canyon (start?), but I think I might be willing to give it one more try.....
On the way back from our second trip to Zion we stopped at Mesa Verde and Arches National Parks as well. Both great places to visit, and Utah has lots of wide open spaces. I think the speed limit is just advisory!! This has to rank as my second favorite family vacation. I'll hit you up with my all time favorite next time......
It took us a couple of days to get to the canyon, but when we did it was gorgeous. Cathie again had laid out a beautiful plan. This was nothing like the trip I remembered as a kid. We actually stayed a couple of nights right in the park. There were many improvements to the park as well. You can't just drive around any more, you have to park and take buses (much like other national parks nowadays). The views were spectacular! We hiked down the canyon one day, which is pretty easy---thing is you have to hike back up. We saw the sunrise over the canyon. We hiked the rim. We laughed at the way people dressed (sandals? Really?). It was a great trip. On the way home we decided we were going to hit a couple of more national parks, Zion and Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon is cool with the hoodoos and what not, but what really got me was Zion. Where as you were at the top of the Grand Canyon heading down, at Zion you were at the bottom looking up. Spectacular. The drive in was amazing. We got there in the early afternoon and then headed to the Zion Canyon, which is cut by the Virgin River. Much to my surprise, people were in the river heading upstream in the canyon. We were not prepared for this. We played in the water a little bit, then headed up stream. The water wasn't cold, but it was a rocky bottom so you had to be careful or you might find yourself underwater. I found a ranger heading the other way with a backpack and asked him how far to the end. He laughed and said at least a day and a half if I knew what I was doing. We made to the first turn in the canyon and were just awed at the beauty that was ahead. But I was afraid that if we continued on it would get dark quick (it was a canyon!), and we'd have trouble. There were more people going back than heading out so we reluctantly headed back. We said one day we would come back and go further.
We did. It is the only time I've gone back to a place we'd already been (far away I mean). We were much better prepared this time. We had wet weather footwear, plastic bags for our supplies and cameras, we'd read up a little bit. The kids were a couple of years older so I had less concerns about them. We arrived much earlier in the day at the canyon--first or second shuttle of the day. And we immediately headed into the canyon. It is a sight to be seen. Every time you get to a turn it is just more beautiful. The further you get the less people you see. The water gets deeper, the canyon itself more spectacular. We went in for a few hours, and I'm sure we never got close to the end. After a while the girls decided they'd had enough, but Stew and I continued on. For a long time we didn't see any other people. Kinda' made me wonder about what would happen if an emergency arose, but whatever. It was a great day. We spent a few days staying just outside the entrance to Zion. We hiked and climbed, just enjoyed the beauty of the area. One day the girls hiked to the top of Angel's Landing--2.4 miles up on a trail fit for one person at a time. Stew and I wisely stopped a little short of the top (Scout's Lookout). I don't care to climb up some rocky cliff where they put chains in for you to hold onto so you don't fall from 5800 feet. But the views of the canyon and surrounding area are unbelievable. If you had to choose I would definitely opt for Zion over the Grand Canyon. I don't imagine I'll ever make it to the end of Zion canyon (start?), but I think I might be willing to give it one more try.....
On the way back from our second trip to Zion we stopped at Mesa Verde and Arches National Parks as well. Both great places to visit, and Utah has lots of wide open spaces. I think the speed limit is just advisory!! This has to rank as my second favorite family vacation. I'll hit you up with my all time favorite next time......
Saturday, June 2, 2012
The Family Vacation--Part 1
When I was a kid the highlight of the summer was vacation.. We always used to take a vacation somewhere. All our vacations were of the driving kind. We would go to Omaha where we had relatives, we went to to Grand Canyon, we went to Michigan, Washington (where I was born), Arkansas, seems I remember the southeast a little bit (Cumberland Gap). Seems we stopped at every historical marker along the way. I also remember the old Route 66---there was more of it then than there is now, but it was already on the way down then. We weren't always the best travelers (three kids in the back seat of a hot car, sisters), but all good memories.
The Misses and I were fortunate enough to be able to take vacations with our family. We were able to get the time off and were able to afford to take some trips. Most of our trips were of the driving variety as well. We took numerous trips to the Dells, and down to Chicago to visit museums and zoos. We took trips to Minneapolis and to Indianapolis to visit children museums. We would go to Green Bay or northern Illinois to visit railroad museums. Most of these trips were of the long weekend variety. Then there were our summer vacations.
I remember the first "long" trip we took. The Misses and our son drove to Dubuque Iowa--our daughter wasn't born yet. We road the tram up the bluff, walked around and swam. And we found out that Stew didn't seem to mind riding in the car. I really like this, because it meant there would be more trips.
We used to take a trip every year. We went to Disney World twice and had a wonderful time both times. There is an unofficial guide out, and Cathie would plan out the entire day. We seldom waited in line for more than 10 or 15 minutes. One year the kids were picked to open the park. It was a great time. Gramma and Grampa lived in Florida, so we took a few trips there to visit them. And there were many stops on the way there and back. We would stop at caves, and prehistoric sites. There weren't too many historical markers missed. One year on the way back we stopped at Tupelo to see Elvis' birthplace, then hopped in the car and drove to Graceland. That was the year we stopped to see my dad in Arkansas--last time I ever saw him.
I was amazed how close Niagra Falls is. Stop over one night and you're there. Amazing place--from the Canadian side. American side is a little rough. Tourist trapish. We took a trip to Kitty Hawk to celebrate 100 years of flight, then hit Dayton on the way home. We went to Mackinac Island and the sand dunes in Michigan. There were trips to St. Louis. Wonderful place to take a young family. We visited the Carolinas. We went to the Smoky Mountains. One year we flew to San Francisco to visit Cathie's sister, and to see California. Days in SF, and then seeing Yosemite, the Redwoods, Highway 1, a great trip. We really enjoyed all the national parks. So much to do and see. Hope that we are able to keep them open and staffed so future generations can enjoy them.
There will be a part two to this subject, and maybe a part three as well. There are a couple of specific trips I want to write about. I have nothing but great memories of our vacations. I was very fortunate that my kids were good travelers, that I had the time and resources to take these trips. These were probably the favorite times of my life.
The Misses and I were fortunate enough to be able to take vacations with our family. We were able to get the time off and were able to afford to take some trips. Most of our trips were of the driving variety as well. We took numerous trips to the Dells, and down to Chicago to visit museums and zoos. We took trips to Minneapolis and to Indianapolis to visit children museums. We would go to Green Bay or northern Illinois to visit railroad museums. Most of these trips were of the long weekend variety. Then there were our summer vacations.
I remember the first "long" trip we took. The Misses and our son drove to Dubuque Iowa--our daughter wasn't born yet. We road the tram up the bluff, walked around and swam. And we found out that Stew didn't seem to mind riding in the car. I really like this, because it meant there would be more trips.
We used to take a trip every year. We went to Disney World twice and had a wonderful time both times. There is an unofficial guide out, and Cathie would plan out the entire day. We seldom waited in line for more than 10 or 15 minutes. One year the kids were picked to open the park. It was a great time. Gramma and Grampa lived in Florida, so we took a few trips there to visit them. And there were many stops on the way there and back. We would stop at caves, and prehistoric sites. There weren't too many historical markers missed. One year on the way back we stopped at Tupelo to see Elvis' birthplace, then hopped in the car and drove to Graceland. That was the year we stopped to see my dad in Arkansas--last time I ever saw him.
I was amazed how close Niagra Falls is. Stop over one night and you're there. Amazing place--from the Canadian side. American side is a little rough. Tourist trapish. We took a trip to Kitty Hawk to celebrate 100 years of flight, then hit Dayton on the way home. We went to Mackinac Island and the sand dunes in Michigan. There were trips to St. Louis. Wonderful place to take a young family. We visited the Carolinas. We went to the Smoky Mountains. One year we flew to San Francisco to visit Cathie's sister, and to see California. Days in SF, and then seeing Yosemite, the Redwoods, Highway 1, a great trip. We really enjoyed all the national parks. So much to do and see. Hope that we are able to keep them open and staffed so future generations can enjoy them.
There will be a part two to this subject, and maybe a part three as well. There are a couple of specific trips I want to write about. I have nothing but great memories of our vacations. I was very fortunate that my kids were good travelers, that I had the time and resources to take these trips. These were probably the favorite times of my life.
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