mal's mumblings

In Passing

2010-07-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

1954-2009

Hello. I am not "Mal". I am her daughter. I had not realized until last week that she had been writing again. I wish I had known. What she had to say was so much her but at depths she did not normally shared with my sister and me. Just another example of how she kept her many life roles well defined. I am also an engineer but I had no idea how widely her work had gone over the years or how published she was.

Growing up with her I had no idea how unusual she was. She told me once that time and distance always adds perspective to things you wish you could have seen when you were closer. I never thought it would apply to her too.

She became very ill shortly after the last entry. I am writing this note to close out her blog because she would not want to leave it dangling like so many others have left theirs.

We miss her.

Public Policy in the Market Place and Cycling

2009-01-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

Part of my misspent youth was consumed being nurtured in the same bosom as Laffer's Supply Side Economics. Knowing that, it should come as no surprise that when congress was first debating the CAFE requirements in the 70's I was convinced they could never work. Detroit of course was taking the attitude that the market "demands" gas guzzlers and that was all they could make.

Along comes the 1979 gas crunch and fuel costs are going through the roof. By 1986 the price of gas is less in real dollars than it was in 1979. Many factors caused that to happen and one of the major ones was the CAFE requirements imposed on Detroit in the late 70's. Americans were driving more on less fuel than before. Of course, by 2008, gas guzzlers were prevalent again, but that is another story...

What does this have to do with Cycling? Reading the blogs of Jolly Crank and Freewheel I get a real sense of the frustrations and obstacles that commuting cyclists have to overcome to do the socially responsible thing and pedal instead of drive.

Maybe it is time we apply some Public Policy in the Market Place to the issue of commuter cyclists. Since we would prefer folks ride instead of drive when ever possible, maybe it would make sense to require auto companies to create and dedicate a certain distance of sole use unpowered commuter ways for every 1 million gallons of gas consumption they sell? The more efficient the vehicles produced, the less commuter ways they have to create.

It sounds like a start.............

Your Vote Does Matter

2009-01-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Minnesota is in the process of finishing a lesson in civic responsibility.

Before the November election, "Da Kid" questioned whether it was worth the effort to vote since her vote "really doesn't make a difference". Of course we reminded her of Florida in 2000 but she responded with "yeah, but how often does something like that happen".

Well, it happened again here this year. Al Franken has been declared the winner of Minnesota's Senate race by less than 100 vote out of over 2,000,000 cast. He was NOT the leader going into the recount. Even if Norm Coleman eventually wins his court challenges, margin will be less than 200 votes.

WOW! We do make a difference.

(and no, I am NOT saying who I voted for!)

Some Times Green ain't Easy

2008-12-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

Last spring when I took an inside job I was looking forward to doing some of my commuting via bicycle or mass transit.

I live in the busy North West suburbs and work in one of the South West suburbs. The second busiest freeway route is the one that connects the two parts of the metro. So you think that would make it easy to find bike or bus routes, right?

Guess again. I found out you could not get there from here, unless you drove you doubled your distance and at least tripled your time.

The Metropolitan Transit District seems to think everything needs to run through down town, even if you do not want to. All the bus routes, the new light rail and even the bike trails are oriented to running through down town. I really do not want to ride busy streets in the Ghetto to get to work which is what MTD is trying get me to do....or make me take a 2.5 hour bus ride with 3 changes to replace a 25 minute commute....uh uh...NO WAY

Thank goodness there is hope on the horizon. Last October a non profit site, Cyclopath, went on line and its goal is to find decent bike routes around the metro. I now have a 23 mile route to work that keeps me on fairly safe streets and out of bad neighborhoods.

Sadly, it came to late to be of help this year. Today the high was -3F. We have some tough local bike commuters but I am not THAT tough, so I am thinking spring thoughts.

Ride On!

Gloom and Doom?

2008-12-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

I just don't know. No question the situation is ugly.

I have been on the new job for 8 months now. I really enjoy what I am doing and I know I am making a significant contribution. In a $2 MM company I am the only person that does what I do. We just finished a very solid quarter. So you think everything would be great?

Wrong. I work within another group that has a "downstream" function from what I do. There are 6 of them and last Friday 2 of them were laid off. The company has taken the attitude they need to restructure before the numbers go bad.

Great proactive thinking, right?

I just don't know. No question the situation is ugly.

By the time any one notices we are in a recession, we are half way through it. Can it get THAT bad?

I just don't know. No question the situation is ugly.

*a small footnote of history, this iconic picture was taken about 10 miles from where I grew up

All Jammed Up

2008-08-29T11:21:00.001-07:00

Having your daughter getting married creates all sorts of unforseen tasks. On the surface it would all seem fairly simple. Pick a church, host a reception and buy something appropriate to wear.

Not hardly.

Knowing our eldest daughter, I knew that many things would be "assigned" elsewhere and that would entail covering many details. Even knowing that, in hindsight I was CLUELESS.

#2 daughter, the OH and I have spent the last 3 weekends making jars of jams as favors for the guests. Certainly not our idea but some how we did it. This is just one of the many things being handed off to us.

Do I sound a bit stressed? Between the new job and the impending nuptials we are non stop. We have little time for riding, reading, travel or even quiet contemplation. Constantly getting new things that HAVE to be done is not helping.

I love it

Distorted Reflections

2008-07-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago a family was visiting a local amusement when their 12 year old daughter was sexually groped by an adult male in the parking lot as they were leaving the park. The father took exception to the behavior and began defending his daughter from the man. The groper got away and called several friends who were in the park and a total of 6 of them ranging from their late teens to early 20's proceeded to beat the man. This continued until the police and park security arrived. The father was down, unconscious and still being kicked when the police and park security finally arrived.

Adding to this mess, the family was white and the perpetrators were black.

Last week the Star Tribune published a piece claiming the root of the incident could be found in the social values common to Rap music. The author opined that the sexually denigrating and violent ego centrism that permeates Rap music has found its way to mainstream America and is being reflected in violent behavior like the beating. Is society reflecting the music? Is the music reflecting society?

Which is the reflection and which is the image? Are they distorting each other?

Out of the Dark

2008-06-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? Why did I quit writing? What happened?

I am still not sure.

I do know that last fall work became incredibly frustrating. I could see what needed doing and how to do it but was not allowed to make it happen. Why that was I can only speculate. I think it had nothing to with my gender but was more tied to the apathy of the company owners. Frustration led to depression, depression led to weight gain, a new job search led to more frustration, more depression and more weight gain. It was a self sustaining cycle.

The OH finally kicked me out of the cycle. There is never an acceptable time for that kind of behaviour and with our eldest's nuptials coming up, this was an especially unacceptable time for it. The kick was brutal but effective. I quit my job. I landed new work in an engineering function. The new job is a minor pay cut but for the first time in 6 years I look forward to going work every day. I am finally doing what I went to school 30 years ago to do, engineering.

As you can see from the picture, I have put on weight since the last profile picture was taken. The good news is it is -15 lbs from my peak last winter. I have another 15 to go before the wedding. I think I can make it *S*

Anyway, I am back. I really appreciate the notes I recieved from those concerned with my welfare. Thank You

Familiarity and Contempt

2007-10-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

I have not been posting the last few weeks. It largely has to do with time spent hanging out on customer lines, airports and watching the odometer in my car pass 100,000 miles. One thing I have decided, the TSA is a JOKE. Since its inception, I do not think I have seen anything less than an orange alert. Are we always at high risk of terrorist attacks? Has the TSA been bagging the boys right and left trying to sneak on planes with matches hanging out of their tennis shoes?

I do not mean to sound complacent. I just wonder how much the TSA has really done for us? As I recall, if security procedures that were in place on 9/11 had been followed, then it is unlikely there would have been the disaster there was. I also think the 84 of Flight 93 put a bigger stop in flight terrorism than TSA ever will.

I just worry when we begin counting on bureaucrats for our safety.

Name wise, "Homeland Security" sounds reminiscent of of a "Committe for State Security"

Color my paranoia "Orange"

Work

2007-10-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

I do not talk much about what I do for income these days and I will not get into specifics here. However, there are days when I wonder if I am !@$#@# nuts. The last few weeks I have felt a bit like the character in the Strange Brew cartoon.

I then try to remind myself that Alice from Dilbert should become the role model for all females working in technical jobs. I respect her outlook *L*

A Good Question

2007-10-02T05:54:00.001-07:00

As a result of my last post, Sage asked the following question;

"Did you work in the nuclear industry? Do you think nuclear really cost effective, if it is done both safely and all cost are accounted for?"

Sage is one of those bloggers that seems very straight forward but whether he intends it so or not, I often find additional layers to his posts. I originally answered his question but in hind sight I feel it needs more elaboration, especially as regards my background and motivations.

Did I work in the Nuclear industry?

No, I worked in the petroleum industry for a number of years. I know that industry all too well and fully understand the disaster we are heading towards with depleting reserves. It is insane for us to be using such an amazing raw material for fuel. Adding to foolishness is the potential impact on our environment now that we have reopened the carbon loop. The environmental problems from the Exxon Valdez grounding and the Union Alpha blow out are minor in comparison.

I personally became acquainted with the power industry through my involvement with the Omar Hill project for the Kern River Cogeneration company.

I also know a number of engineers who worked on power plant design in the 70's and 80's for SCE, PG&E, Fluor and Babcock. All of them were concerned with the long term safety issues related to the then current breed of light water reactors. Failure mode in those plants was "ON" which was what created the problems at Chernobyl and TMI. During one of the energy crises of the 70's, the DOE initiated a project to perfect Breeder reactor technology. Scale up tests of breeder technology has proven the technology to be more efficient, safer and generate less waste than current designs in service. The safest designs are a "fail off" mode and will shut down if there is an incident. I view the main stumbling block to breeders being political, not engineering.

"Do you think Nuclear really cost effective if done both safely and all costs are accounted for?"

Yes

The question though has several facets. As currently accounted for, if Nuclear has a cost of $1.00, the same amount of energy from coal is about $1.33. Oil and Gas are significantly higher still. Green sources such as Solar and Wind are even higher still. Hydroelectric is limited in its availability so I have excluded it from discussion.

Costs though are never completely accounted for. Nuclear still has the waste disposal issue. Coal and other fossil fuels have a HUGE pollution cost that will not become completely clear for several decades yet. Recent accidents in the coal industry prove that it is still not as safe as one would hope.

Finally, on the topic of radioactive release I think it is worth while to consider how much radiation the typical coal plant releases in the environment every year. It is much more than is generally recognized and is ignored because of its dilution among the rest of the exhaust.

Sage, thanks for the great question.
*S*

That "N" word again

2007-09-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

I last wrote on this topic in July of last year.

NRG today applied for the first US nuclear reactors to be built in several decades. It is expected that 6 more will be applied for in the coming months.

It appears that for the first time in decades, we may be seeing the first glimmer of sense in US energy and environmental policy. Considering the total lack of discussion on the topic in political forums, I doubt it though.

Now if they will just get away from those !@#$ Light water reactors.....

Chris, Part III

2007-09-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

As promised, this is the last chapter in Chris' tale and my part of it. It is also the hardest for me.

Roll forward 5 years to 1980. I am living in one of the Southern California beach communities. Single, somewhat carefree and enjoying my work. Life was very good and beyond mortgages, motorcycles, surfing and dating, very uncomplicated.

One Sunday I was returning from a great ride on the Ortega Hwy and decided to stop at the Baskin Robbins around the corner from where I lived. In line behind me was Chris. She had seen me walk in the store and followed me in (I am not hard to spot). I had not seen her since I graduated and the news I had of her was a bit sparse since of the 3 room mates, Liz was the only one that semi regularly communicated with Chris.

We chatted over a couple of scoops of ice cream and caught up. She had squeaked out with her degree in Communications and was working minimum wage jobs looking for something "in her line". She had been living with her boyfriend for about a year in the same community I did and had become completely estranged from her Mother. She seemed in good spirits and appeared to be moving forward. We swapped information and then I went on my way.

2 weeks later she called. She had a fight with BF. It got physical etc and she asked if she could stay with me that night. I agreed. 3 days later she had reconciled with her BF and was back with him. During that time I came to understand that Chris had not resolved any of her problems. She was still a "downer" to be around.

For me, this was a very good time in my life. I was enjoying work and play. The OH and I were becoming an item. I was happy.

Over the course of the next 6 months I continued to hear from Chris. I started blowing her off or avoiding her entirely. At various points I told her "I am not your Mother", "Just deal with it" and some other witty advice. I had helped fix her problems once before. I had no desire, interest or energy to share her problems again. There was silence for about a month. I was actually starting to worry, but did not want to call. Then her loser BF called.

Chris had killed herself.

The BF held me responsible. His position was that Chris had been looking to me for help and I had refused it. Liz and I attended the funeral. It was not much of one and I would be surprised if 20 people were in attendance. Notable in their absence was her Mother and her two youngest siblings that still lived with her.

I hope the reasons this has been difficult to write are becoming apparent. I do not accept the loser BF's condemnation, but I do have to look at my part in this. Am I to any degree responsible for Chris' death? If I had tried, could I have saved her from herself? How responsible am I or anyone for problems that wash up on our door steps? Is responsibility universal? Could I have made a difference?

Would she have been a boat anchor and dragged me down with her?

26 years laters these questions still haunt me and I am no closer to being able to answer them.

Thank you for your patience in reading this. It is a story I needed to tell for a long time.

Chris, part II

2007-09-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

During the intersession before spring semester I began to appreciate some of the Demons that were driving Chris. "Promiscuous" did not begin to describe her behavior. Perhaps I was jealous since I wasn't getting "any"? Chris was certainly getting no emotional reward from her trysts. She was running with lots of losers and failed to recognize that 1 of her paramours was actually a pretty decent guy. She treated him worse than the mutts.

In hind sight, I think it was Chris modeling her mothers behavior. Monkey see, Monkey do, rather than doing what her mother told her. Chris certainly was not a happy individual. Being on the edge of flunking out made it worse. Add in she had no strong peers or role models and I expect you can see where this is going.

The other two roomies, Cathy, Liz and I ended up with a project for spring semester, salvaging Chris.

I resented the responsibility. I was in my final semester, I should have been cruising towards graduation and looking for work. Instead I ended up tutoring Chris in Math and Astronomy while Cathy and Liz took on Psych, English, and History. We figured she could handle Volleyball on her own. Between the 3 of us, we were able to keep her on a short leash with her focused on school and work. I will confess to enjoying telling the mutts to "get lost" and "do I have to throw you over the balcony to get you to leave?" I did say a few cruder things too. That was one of the times when being an amazon was FUN.

She finished the semester with an OK average of 2.9 and was off academic probation. When I moved at semesters end I did not expect or desire to see or hear from her again.

I was wrong

Next; the end of the story

Chris, Part 1

2007-09-10T04:07:00.000-07:00

For reasons I do not completely understand, I have been struggling to write this particular story for a few weeks. I am still not sure it clearly states the story and my feelings about it.

Chris was a roommate I inherited my Senior year in College. She was a "friend" of one of our roomies from the previous year. Our roomie had decided to live with her BF that year instead of us. He was really cute and good to her, so it was hard to take exception with her ditching us. Our ex-roomie had committed to the lease and so arranged her replacement in the form of "Chris".

Chris (not Chrissie or Christy) was an incoming freshman and this was apparently her first foray from home. As the only senior and the only person over 21 in the apartment with 2 juniors and a freshman, I was automatically promoted to "Grandma" and beer runner. What a joy that all turned out to be.

At first Chris seemed pleasant enough. She was fairly reserved, picked up after herself and seemed to stay out of everyone elses stuff....or at least mine anyway which was mostly jeans and would have have fit her like socks on a rooster.

Then she started bringing home strays.

I am not talking about stray dogs and cats. I am talking about stray guys. This was 1975 and most of the dogs and cats I knew had better grooming habits than some of these guys. Most were college students. All of them would sooner or later (mostly sooner) spend the night. Apartment walls are cheap and when you work and study at late hours while attending morning classes, the 3 AM frolics get old real fast. By mid October I was homicidal. My other 2 roomies were merely peeved and kept telling me to "chill". Easy for them to say, they did not keep the hours I had to. Being regularly asked to make "Booze Runs" did not help. By November, all of us were looking up the definition of "justifiable homicide".

She survived Thanksgiving and we made it to the 6 week intersession at Christmas without committing any crimes of violence. During the intersession, it was just Chris and me since our roomies went home for the break. Thankfully, so did most of the strays. I finally began to learn some things about her. She is the eldest of 5 children. Her father suicided when she was 5. One of her sisters shares the same father, the other 3 siblings all have different fathers. Her mother never finished High School. Their extended family was all in Missouri. To her knowledge, she was the only member of her family to ever attend College.

As I learned these things, my annoyance at her behavior remained unabated. I did however, find myself experiencing some of her angst and it was not pleasant. I felt small.

At the end of intersession all the grades were posted and Chris found herself on academic probation and life got harder,,,,,,,,and easier.

next post....the rest of the story

Stepping Up

2007-08-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

I am still struggling with the same post I have been working on for the past few weeks. In the interim the following story has achieved some local note and I thought it worth telling.

For the last week or so our neighborhood has been agog as Ty Pennington and the crew of "Extreme Makeover, Home Edition" has descended on it. As usual, they have created a lot of local press for the show with Senators, Congressman and a Governor all showing up to put their face to the process. Although the show picks worthy recipients and its likely done with great intentions, Ty and the shows producers receive a reward in money and adulation. They do not need mine.

This story is about people who stepped up to a problem with no mind to the personal cost.

Vicki and Erik Swenson are teachers at Hopkins High School. Both are doing worth while work but will never get rich doing it. Last year the justice system failed Vicki's sister Teri Lee and she was brutally slain by a stalker. The Swenson's stepped up and took in her 4 children. Add that to the child they already had and the twins they were expecting at the time and you can see where things might be a bit strained around the Swenson household. Vicki has also become something of a local spokesperson for Victims Rights

"Extreme Makeover" stepping in is a great story. To me the great story is the Swenson's. People who step up to a problem knowing it will be hard make me humble.

BTW, they put up the new house in 99 hours. WOW

Justice Served

2007-08-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

The post I have been working on for the last few days is coming hard so I am going to shift a bit and point up something I saw in the Star Tribune today.

In 1966, Burglar William Barnes shot Rookie Policeman Walter Barclay. Barclay was severely injured and spent the rest of his life as a paraplegic. Barnes was arrested, convicted and served a prison sentence for the crime.

Barclay recently died and the Bucks County, Pennsylvania coroner ruled his death "resulted from injuries incurred in the shooting". The District Attorney is considering filing murder charges against Barnes.

Is this right? There is no question that Barnes actions were reprehensible. Barnes was also tried, convicted and served a sentence for the original crime. Is 40 years too long to be considered proximate to Barclays death? Is it right for the state to have 2 shots at Barnes for the same crime? How will justice be served here?

This one bothers me.

Made In China

2007-08-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

We did it to ourselves.

We have adopted the Wal-Mart mentality and chased low prices to its ultimate end. We are now enjoying the results with random bouts of poisonous toys, dangerous food additives, fake drugs and faulty tires.

The press is at least 6 years late getting to this story, but now that they are many retailers are being more proactive with product testing and third party certifications. The Chinese have responded by shooting certain officials. All are guilty of the greatest sin in Chinese business, they were caught.

Shame on the Chinese, more importantly SHAME ON US. In the channel from manufacturer to retailer, the majority of the profit generated on any given product is at the retailers. All of their purchase contracts express the requirements for products that are in compliance with US law. Until now though, they were seldom checked. The retailers have avoided looking for many reasons. The end result though has been the carryover of flakey Chinese business practices to our shores. The retailers have all pointed to the Chinese for making substandard product. If the retailers had actually LOOKED at what they were selling maybe we would not be at this point. Chinese manufacturers of course can not be held responsible in this country. So who is?

I think it is time that retailers were held primarily responsible for the dangerous imports they put on their shelves when the manufacturers are out of reach.

Hind Sight

2007-08-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

I guess I should not be surprised at how much the national and local news has been dominated by the 35W bridge collapse last week.

Having lived in Minnesota for 20 years I am certainly not surprised at how people jumped to the aid of others without prompting or thought.

So I probably should not be surprised that the media is already publishing stories trying to put blame for this incident on some one or some group. I am curious, why does the media assume that there is always incompetence or neglect behind these disasters? To assume that some one is always responsible also assumes that we are always perfect in our knowledge. That seems like unreasonably high standards to me.

Soulless Beast

2007-07-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

No I am not talking about Karl Rowe...

Leesa did a post last week that reminded me of my disillusionment with American Business culture. I look at what many corporations are doing to their retirees, employees, customers and vendors and I get angry at the short sightedness and the lack of humanity demonstrated by folks like Wal-Mart, LTV, Wells Fargo and NorthWorst Airlines among others.

Business is supposed to be "people trading goods and services" The theory is that by the most efficient (and least inefficient) producers trading, then all will have more. A real win/win Fine and dandy and it usually works OK. Some where though many companies forgot the lesson and they are determined to squeeze everything they can from those they trade with. Not just a win/lose scenario but a "I want it all/I do not care about you" scenario.

Management say they are responsible to "the owners". Do I believe them? NO! The owners are you and me and millions of others like us who have funds tied up in IRA's, 401K's and other devices. Management does not answer to us. Management answers to themselves. How else would you explain an airline in bankruptcy paying bonuses to the management that put them there?

Are there good corporate citizens out there? You bet! Folks like TARGET, Rohm Haas et al are decent corporate citizens but the ones who have forgotten their humanity are frightening in their existence and depressing in their number.

Was Tom Peters totally off base?

Empty Nest?

2007-07-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

We have been official Empty Nesters "1" for a few years now. We have become accustomed to the quiet and privacy.

Last week our youngest moved home. "Da Kid" just graduated in May and landed a good job here in the Twin Cities. She will be staying with us for a few months as she works out her housing plans. All great and good reasons to move home of course but it is taking some adjusting. Do not get me wrong, it is great having her home but you do get used to having it "your way". Also, lets admit it, the grocery bill just took a BIG jump and the "debris factor" has risen

On the humorous side? I think it bugs her even more *L*

Was it Ever About Character?

2007-07-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Collegiate athletics was hit with another scandal yesterday when Dominic Jones was arrested for rape. Police have DNA and video evidence linking him to the crime.

We seem to see way too much of this in college and professional athletes. Is there something about being in the lime light that makes these people lose their perspective? Did they ever have perspective? Are teams so desperate for talent that they do not want to see the flaws?

Interestingly, one of the people who helped police put the pieces together was a former Gopher recruit that is currently incarcerated for a crime he committed before he was recruited. Of course the Gophers suspended him...DOH!

NASCAR Mentality?

2007-07-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

I do quite a bit of work related driving. I am not sure if it is my advancing age or a true perception but it seems drivers are much more aggressive than they used to be.

Stupidly so at times.

Is it the effect of NASCAR on the collective psyche? Could it be that no one bothers to understand Newtons Laws?

I had a long drive home Friday night. It was made longer as a result of the Interstate being shut down in two places due to fatal car wrecks.

Scarey

Back??????

2007-07-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Welllllllll, I am not sure. I have hit a temporary lull again. I am not sure if it will be a month or 6 months. We will just have to wait and see.

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 6 months since I last posted! Lots has been going on for us.

Our youngest graduated in May and is now gainfully employed at a very reasonable salary. I am gratified she chose to take an engineering degree. I expect she will be extremely competent at what ever she tackles in her career.

Our oldest has announced her wedding plans. The OH approves of her intended. As he put it "he works on old cars, rides motorcycles and drinks beer. What else can you ask for?". In all seriousness, he treats her very well. He has met my brothers and has their approval. From experience, I can attest that they can be VERY HARD on suitors for sisters, nieces, cousins etc..
One cousin quit bringing her boyfriends around since my sibs kept discovering things about them she did not want to know *L*. I will have to be very careful that I do not become "Momzilla" during the next 12 months...UGH!

As for me? I have been working odd hours. I have also taken on an internal project that is making me stretch and do things I never have. It is a wonderful experience and I think will be very rewarding for my employers. I also took on some fun volunteer work for an industry trade organization.

The OH is well and as usual I will say little there except that our marriage continues to be fun.

I am blessed. Life is VERY GOOD.

Hiatus

2007-02-13T05:32:00.000-08:00

When I started Blogging 2 years ago I was at a slow point in my life. Blogging was great! It allowed me to work on my free writing skills and to express myself on topics I would never have before. Additionally, in reading others blogs, I came to change my views on many things. All in all, it has been a wonderful experience for me.

The slow point is passing and I have not been doing my blog justice for several months now. Even though the OH and I are officially "Empty Nesters II" now (we wrote the final tuition check last week!!!). My work has accelerated, we took on some volunteer work and our social life has become a bit more involved. Add on the training I am doing for a half marathon and with cycling season just around the corner, you can see where this is going. Something will give and Blogging is one of them.

I still expect to continue following my favorite blogs. I would also like to thank all those who took the time to leave such meaningful comments on my posts.

Vaya con Dios mi Amigos.

!@#$ the C.I.A.!

2007-02-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

The importance of the C.I.A. having the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum's A-12 Blackbird is such that they and the Air Force have decided its worth annoying the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation. Over the strong objections of the delegation, last week the Air Force sent a contractor to Minnesota to disassemble the plane for shipment to Langley so it can be properly planted among the petunias at the new CIA headquarters. Both Senators have co-sponsored legislation to have the plane returned to Minnesota and reassembled. It is unlikely to happen.

Pity the Air Force or the C.I.A. the next time they need something from any of the Minnesota delegation.

Ken Dolls?

2007-01-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

Asa suggested this post based on a response I made to one of her posts. I flippantly suggested that she could fix a potential mates sartorial shortcomings after they were involved. That is based on my O.H's belief that husbands are merely self propelled Ken Dolls for womens amusement.

I will readily admit that I am not a clothes horse. You will most likely find me in jeans and shorts as anything else. I like Ann Taylor, Macys, Needless Markup, et al. but do not spend a lot of time shopping in those places. (Part of it is my size). Wearing a skirt is very much the exception for me. I have never been a "girly" girl and although a native, would be laughed off the "Real Wives of Orange County" if they were so foolish to have me on the show.

All that said, most of the straight men I have known have TERRIBLE taste in clothing. This especially includes my O.H.. I have one brother who is the exception to the rule (No, he is not gay!). Look around you, I will bet if you question every well dressed man, you will find that he is likely either gay or dressed by the women in his life. This will include wives and daughters but seldom mothers. There is a lot of truth to the shameful admission "my Mom dresses me". For some reason, women who become mothers have terrible taste when it comes to their sons.

Where is all this going? I am not sure. I just want to get the word out to the sartorially challenged males out there that there is hope for them! Take your S.O. shopping with you. Fair warning, she will likely want to shop when whatever game you want to watch is on.

Its Been All Downhill

2007-01-21T06:18:00.000-08:00

I realized the other day that the last 42 years of my life has been all downhill.

The OH and I went to a local elementary school function last week. It was neat seeing all these little ones running around. As I was looking at them, I realized they really own the world, not us. They have all their needs catered. They do not sweat jobs, bills, politics, or even the future. They are very much in the moment, and the moment is usually "GOOD".

What were we thinking? Growing up was not very smart! *G*

25 years?

2007-01-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

Today we are celebrating our 25th anniversary. It seems like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. It was brutally cold (-20F). Wearing a Dress and heels in that weather is insane. Thermal underwear and parkas were not in the program though.

Last night we were both puzzling how our marriage has survived to now. We have watched many of our peers go thru divorces. We had many things going against us. Our eldest was already on the way, money was not plentiful, I was the major bread winner and our religious backgrounds were very different. If our first had not been on the way, I doubt we would have married.

We had no answer beyond we have both kept working at it. Is that the answer? I don't know, for now its enough

Next stop, 2032!

"need a ride?"

2007-01-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

The upper midwest has been a haven for refugees. In the 70's it was the Hmong. In the last decade, it has been the Somali's. The Somalis have been working hard and making a place for themselves here on the prairie. They currently comprise almost 80% of the Twin Cities cabbies and the vast majority of them are Muslim.

Citing their religious beliefs, many are refusing to carry people who have alcoholic products or worse, dogs, including seeing eye dogs. The Minnesota branch of the National Islamic Council has issued a Fatwa (religious edict) that any Muslim carrying people with alcohol or dogs is committing a sin. So, technically, folks who have mouth wash, seeing eye dogs, working dogs let alone a bottle of wine are making these drivers commit a sin.

Tolerance is a two way street (pun intended). Is there no tolerance for their hosts? Must our law and custom comply with the tenents of their faith to allow them freedom of religion? What does that do to our freedoms?

The Metropolitan Airports Commission has decided to end the debate by making universal pickup a requirement for an airport taxi license. I applaud their decision

I suspect this type of thing will continue to be a thorny problem as we try to come to grips with Fascist faiths and civil liberties.

The Heavy Hand of the CIA

2007-01-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

The institutional arrogance of the government has struck again.

The Air Force and the CIA retired the Black Bird surveillance planes from service in 1990. The Minnesota National Guard Museum rescued one of the A12 versions from the bone yard in Palmdale, California and moved it to Minnesota. Several hundred volunteers put in thousands of hours and significant dollars to restore the plane to museum quality. The museum show cases the revolutionary contributions of this plane in History, Engineering and Science. It is in its own way, a thing of beauty.

The Air Force has told the museum that they want it back.

So they can give it to the CIA.

Who will use it as a lawn ornament in front of their headquarters in Langley.

Can they get more arrogant?

40,000 drunks

2007-01-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

Last year the State of Minnesota had 40,000 DUI arrests. The record number was cited as a horrible mile stone and a sign of an increasing problem by such groups as Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The number was further cited as reason for even more severe controls on drunk driving with even harsher prison sentences and mandatory breathalyzers in ALL vehicles.

Two days later another statistic was published showing an almost 20% decline in traffic fatalities during the same period.

Is this a sign of an increasing problem? Is it the result of more rigorous enforcement of our current laws? The drunk driver who killed Timberwolves forward Malik Sealy 5 years ago was busted for drunk driving this year shortly after his release from prison. He did not kill anyone this time and is back in jail.

Are we making progress? I think so. I commonly hear people decline drinks citing a need to maintain sobriety. I object to passing more laws and adding more burden on the public when we still have work to be done with our current laws and public education.

Satsuma

2007-01-01T07:16:00.000-08:00

We all flew out to the Left Coast for the Christmas Break on the 25th. We had a great time. The girls had a chance to catch up with Dad ("Papa" to them). See a number of the cousins and all in all, enjoy a rare visit with my side of the clan. Lots of memorable things about the trip like winds storms in Santa Barbara and hikes in the hills.

We also brought back 25 lbs of Satsumas. A native of Japan, I have never seen them sold anywhere in the US except in Southern California. They are arguably the tastiest of the citrus family. Similar in size, shape and appearance to a Clementine, they are juicier and less tart than their Spanish cousin. If you see some, try it. *S*

Sorely Disappointed

2006-12-24T05:50:00.000-08:00

I was originally going to write about a family Christmas experience from my child hood, but something came up this week end that troubles both of us.

One of our daughters had several friends over last nite for a bit of cheer. Over all it was a pleasant evening with one notable exception.

While listening to the chit chat going on between the young adults the topic of who was doing what on graduation came up. One of their social circle who was not present, has opted for military service. My daughter floored me when she condemned this person for "supporting a bankrupt Bush policy" Could our daughter really be that foolish?

She can.

We knew when we sent her to school in Wisconsin that it was an extremely liberal school and that it would probably influence her thinking. Exposure to differing view points is healthy mental exercise and the only way we can truly establish opinions as our own. As we dug into it, it became apparent that she was parroting what she had been hearing and not really thinking about it.

We had a long discussion about those who serve versus those who set policy. I hope she now understands that those who choose to serve in the military are ultimately serving us and not an administration. By long tradition and law, the military does not make policy but is subject to direction from the civilian authorities we elect. If we do not like the policy, it is our fault as the electorate, not those who have chosen to serve.

However we feel about the Bush administration policy, it is wrong to condemn those who serve. It was despicable when this happened during Viet Nam. I would have hoped we learned better by now. It appears we have not.

They deserve our respect and our gratitude.

Best of the New Year to you all! I will be off until the 30th.

White Bread

2006-12-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

I am back from OZ (Southern California) and as always it seems I learn something new and mostly odd about my family. Growing up in a very middle class neighborhood in Southern California, I always thought we were your fairly typical White, Anglosaxon, Latino, German, French, Danish, Indian family. We were 4 kids, all close in age, living with our married parents going to school with other kids like us. Well, according to the OH we were not typical.(Hey! How was a girl to know?? It seemed normal to me!!) After meeting and getting to know the in-laws I started to feel like my family was big time disfunctional. It took me a while to realize the OH's family would make the Cleavers AND the Andersons look like refugees from a soap opera. After that realization I felt much better.

Any way, good news from California! Dad is DATING!!! woooo hooooo..... Considering he is 78, he Rocks!!

Going Home

2006-12-07T04:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will be flying to the left coast to spend a few days with Dad. I do this every few months but I always have some trepidation about it. First, I really HATE crowds and Southern California is wall to wall people. Second and probably the biggest reason is that it is not where I grew up. Instead of finding a comfortable sense of familiarity with it, I find a discordancy when the present does not match up to the memories.

You really can't go home. Why do we keep trying?

Marital Misfortune?

2006-12-04T05:24:00.000-08:00

The Star Tribune published an interesting article titled "Marital Misfortune".

It begins by discussing the break up of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillipe (I know, I am crushed about that and the break up of Pam and Kid Rock..... *L*). It lays the break up on Reese's career and earnings eclipsing Ryan's. This is cited as a common cause for marital strain. The article launches into a discussion of how the split in house hold earnings can affect the stability of the relationship.

I honestly do not undertand it. The OH is teacher. It is a poorly paying career and it is no surprise that working in engineering/sales my earning have greatly eclipsed the OH's. It has forced us to make some odd choices over the years in regards to our marital roles. Some how we have survived these trials with no major problems. We will be celebrating our 25th anniversary next month and there does not appear to be a divorce on the horizon. If so many marriages fail because of this, why is ours still viable?

Could it be that we both knew this would likely be the case when we married? Is it related to that little "P" on the lab report pushing us into decision making before we had a chance to think? Does it have anything to do with the fact that I have (and express) a tremendous amount of respect for any one that has the dedication and skills to be a good teacher? Would it be different if we were talking $millions$?

I don't have the answer as why it has worked for us. I do know that with the rise of women in the workforce and the slow equalization of earnings, this will become a more common scenario in the coming decades. Will the next generation deal with it better than us?

mmmmmm, Ryan's kind of hot.... I wonder if he likes older women?

Holiday Tamales

2006-11-27T16:55:00.000-08:00

Liz's response to one of my comments triggered this story.

One of the great and sad things about this country is we cross so many cultural lines that we are constantly being blended, challenged, and changed by new cultural additions. It is great because I believe it helps us find the strengths that exist across such diversity. It is sad because some neat traditions are lost along the way.

For one family, Holiday Tamales was one of them.

We had interesting neighbors growing up. Typical of lower middle class California in the 50's and 60's, we had Mormons, Hispanics, Germans, etc. and Mutts** like us. The Garcias lived across the street from us and every year Mrs Garcia and her daughters made Tamales for the neighbors. Besides being GREAT tamales, it opened my eyes to how things can be lost. I had occasion a few years ago to visit with the Garcia daughter I went to school with and after her Mom died the generations long tradition of Holiday Tamales died. It is a shame. I do not think Gaby (the daughter) realized what a treat it was watching the Garcia women turn Tamale making into a fun social event that was also a labor of love.

I doubt I will ever have a tamale as good.

**Mutt and proud of it! *G*

Amazons

2006-11-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

The OH and I spent Thanksgiving day with the "Out-Laws" at the farm yesterday. As usual, it was a great visit. Good food, wonderful weather and engaging conversation.

The high light for me personally was the introduction of a new girl friend by one of the nephews. I like her a LOT, she is 6' 3" (190 cm). Added bonus? She is very bright, funny and obviously nearsighted if she is dating the nephew!

It was the first time socializing with the clan I did not feel so outsized *S*

I know the generations are getting bigger, but WOW!

Counting Our Blessings

2006-11-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

I have been a bit distracted the last few days. One of my college roomies had an acute allergic reaction to some shell fish on Friday and ended up in the hospital for a few days. She has never had anything like that happen before.

This is something new for her. I remember splitting fresh caught abalone and lobster with her when we were Juniors. What has me floored is that instead of being thankful that she recieved life saving care in time, she is talking lawsuits. She does not seem to understand that no one can predict her particular food allergies.

Hello! Ang! You are alive! Let it go!

Lining Up At The Trough

2006-11-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

Most of you are aware of my ire resulting from the Corporate welfare provided to Carl "Moth Pockets" Pohlad and the Minnesota Twins. Robert "Frayed Cuffs" Ulrich, the impoverished CEO of TARGET (he only made $5 million in 05) has now informed Hennepin County that they must have a free ride on property taxes for their 24 acre Brooklyn Park Campus. Life is hard at TARGET. They are only forecast to make $2,000,000,000.00 this year and I am sure Hennepin County residents are being grossly unfair expecting TARGET to pick up its share of services such as streets, snow removal, sewage, water and other trivial things they would not otherwise use.

I have been a fan of TARGET for years. They have taken a step up on their competitors in how they deal with the communities, their employees, vendors and their customers. This is WAY out character for them and I hope they are not jumping feet first into the "corporate welfare" trough.

This only one year after banning the Salvation Army bell ringers. Are we seeing an attitude change?

Mom

2006-11-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

As I approach the second anniversary of her passing, Mom has been in my thoughts of late. With all the driving I do, I have a lot of time to think and puzzle thru many things. My relationship with Mom though remains perplexing.

Mom and I had a relationship nothing like what I have with our daughters. I am not saying she was not there when I needed her, it was just that we were never close. She was always "Mom" whether it was my brothers or me. I am not complaining. Mom did teach me to read before I started school and conveyed a love of literature that served me well during my VERY socially awkward High School years. With that exception, she never really related to me in any way that was different from my brothers. She was not distanced from our needs growing up. She vehemently (and wisely) fought the Schools on advance placement. She dealt with most of our school discipline problems and of course was there for the birth of ALL her grandchildren.

As I have come to realize the difference in our relationship as compared to my daughters, I wonder if it was tied to how close we 4 siblings were growing up? How much was that we were a self sustaining dynamic of our own? Was she just totally overwhelmed? Or, how much was tied to her (in hindsight) periodic bouts of depression?

I believe that if Mom had treated me different from the others, our sibling relationship would have been a lot more difficult. I further believe we would not be as close as we are now. I suspect that Moms emotional distance and my sibs closeness more than my physical oddities were a determinant in my education and career choices. I prefer to think she kept her distance out of wisdom. I begrudge nothing and I am grateful for what I was given. I will always wonder about the "why" though.

Rest well Mom, we miss you.

2002.2

2006-11-09T04:46:00.000-08:00

I started the local cycling season in April with a goal of cranking out 2000 miles before the snow stuck. Today I made it! I realize that for you really serious cyclists, 2000 miles is modest. For me though, it is the most I have ever put on and I really feel the benefit of it. I will be training thru the winter to run with our oldest daughter next May.

I am wondering what I should set for a cycling goal next year?

Mad As Hell!

2006-11-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, one of the richest men in Minnesota, Carl Pohlad, recieved a nice little gift from the State, a bill authorizing and funding a new downtown stadium for the Minnesota Twins. Did the Twins need a new stadium? Probably. Baseball belongs outdoors on grass, not on turf in a dome.

But, was it right to; Subsidize a sports franchise? Fund it with taxpayers money? Take away the taxpayers voice in funding it?

The first two are arguable. Take away our voice in funding it though? That answer is a resounding NO! Our own revolution was at least partially rationalized on "No Taxation Without Representation". I can not find fault with my particular legislators, they opposed it. I can find fault with the man who ran for Goveror on a platform of fiscal responsibility and then signed this piece corporate welfare. I think this issue may be the one that costs him the election

Tim Pawlenty is certainly not getting my vote

Do It!

2006-11-02T05:46:00.000-08:00

I was originally going to rant about my vote on Tuesday and how mad I still am about the Minnesota Twins Stadium deal.

I changed my mind.

This is the most emotional I have been about an election ever. It is not over specific issues but a disturbing trend that has been appearing among our elected officials that is slowly whittling away our "rights" and our "voice". Everything from the Patriot Act to the Twins stadium bill are harbingers of an increasingly arrogant government.

Most Americans have an election coming up on Tuesday.

What do politicians covet and fear? YOUR VOTE. However you feel about candidates or issues, GET OUT AND VOTE!! It is the one act we can commit that makes them understand their limits.

I will rant about the Twins Stadium on Monday.

Twick or Tweet

2006-10-31T05:04:00.000-08:00

Our daughters are now well into their 20's and very pleasant and engaging young ladies. There are certain times of the year though when the OH and I really miss our "little girls". Halloween is near the top of the list.

Memories of Halloweens past *S*

Passing of a Legend?

2006-10-30T05:21:00.000-08:00

I was reading in the paper this morning that Pink Lawn Flamingos are soon to be passing from this mortal plane forever. Union Products of Leominster Mass. made their last Flamingo in June.

It is sad to watch such an icon of American Kitsch melt down.

What is next? Fuzzy dice?

Remiss

2006-10-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

I am trying to make it a regular habit to post every Monday and Thursday. This last week I have not been doing very well. In the last 10 days I have been in 4 states (one twice), driven 2000 miles and spent a total 3 nites in my own bed (with the OH of course!). It has not been all work of course. I had some evenings with friends and the opportunity to visit with our daughters. I do miss waking up snuggled up to a nice warm body (no Leesa, that is NOT an invitation!)

The last few years I have been spoiled by my relative lack of road time. For now at least it is back. It gets old quickly, but it pays the bills very nicely.

I will be home Saturday

"Don't Need No Stinkin' Ethics"

2006-10-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

This mornings Star Tribune reported that United Health CEO William "Billy boy" McGuire has resigned amidst the options "back dating" scandals that are plaguing United Health and many large American corporations. It only reinforces my contention that despite public obeisance to the Stockholders, most American corporations are run by top management, for the benefit of top management.

What drives these men to collect bonuses far beyond what they could ever spend? I think it is ego. It is their way of keeping score. Of course they are all surprised when some one notices and questions it. Enron, Tycho, and now United Health. How do we solve the on going ethical problem in American business?

Vanity, Thy Name is.............

2006-10-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

It seems of late I have noticed more and deeper wrinkles (OK, OK...for a couple of years !@#$ it!)

This week I have had occasion to wear more makeup, more often than is my normal wont. It really seems silly to slather on the make up just to end up with your wrinkles showing even more prominently. Why do we do it? Darned if I know. It sure seems a lot of effort and money for negative gain.

I have to give the cosmetics companies bonus points. They have had us doing this for over 100 years and we still haven't figured it out!

I have decided I am using this dog as my role model.

WRINKLES ROCK!

The Last Gasp

2006-10-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

I always get a bit maudlin this time of year. You can feel the promise of winters chill in the morning air. With it though comes natures last gasp with a spectacular color show before the gray and white of winters blanket puts the land to sleep.

On the first, the OH and I went for a bike ride along the Cannon River and enjoyed the vibrant colors. Sadly they are gone now and snow is in the forecast for later this week. The memory though, lingers on.

*these pics are the Sugar Maples that border our back yard

Me and My BIG Mouth

2006-10-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

I put my foot in it this weekend.

As you are aware, we have taken on physical fitness as an essential component to our lives. We have been encouraging our daughters along these lines and the youngest has responded. Until recently, the oldest just kept gaining weight.

She joined Weight Watchers and has some success but nowhere near what her needs are. She has taken her younger sisters example and has set a goal of running the Mad City Marathon next May. She asked me to join her.

Stupidly, I agreed........

I am 53 years old.....I am NUTS

The Idiot Cycle

2006-10-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

The OH and I had a discouraging dinner conversation the other night with some individuals espousing the problems of Global Warming. I do not disagree with the position, but what was annoying was that these people were quoting "sound bites" as though they were a complete picture of the problem, its causes, possible solutions and ramifications. The OH typically has a lower tolerance for this crud than I do but managed to keep me from committing a social faux pas by calling these idiots, "ignorant sluts"*

Sadly, I think we see more of this than would be ideal for a healthy society. People who form rock hard opinions on topics based on inadequate data. It seems to be especially prevalent among Hollyweird types**

Is epistemology dead?

*Dan Ackroyd from SNL
** OK, you all knew I had to take a shot at Tom Cruise! *L*

Biker Chick

2006-09-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

OK,,,confessions time here. In my misspent youth I had a passion for motorcycles. I bought my first used 80cc yamaha when I was 14 and proceeded from there. I rode Moto-X and "Hare and Hound". My social life ran around motorcycles which of course really helped my mainstreaming in High School (not!). By my senior year I realized I could not keep such an expensive hobby, work, eat and go to college. The choice was motorcycles or eating....eating edged them out. I sold my dirt bike (Maico 250) and bought a used Yamaha 350 that I used for transportation during my college years. (I loved 2 strokes!) The last motorcycle I owned was an 82 Suzuki 850 that I sold the day the rabbit died. I let my motorcycle license lapse and have not looked back on what I considered a closed part of my life.

In the interim, my older brothers have all hit their mid life crisises and bought motorcycles. Between the three of them, they own a Honda Valkyrie, HD Sporster, HD Superglide, HD Fatboy, BMW and a minibike. They seemed to feel something was missing in my life so on the 8th of this month when my sibs were coming in for "Da Kids" Ironman, one of them showed up riding thismy first response was "nice bike, but aren't your other bikes jealous?" the rejoinder? "Nope, its your birthday present from blank1, blank2 and me. We thought you needed a motorcycle again and this is a 'girly bike' after all". The OH was in on it and started laughing. I promptly ended that with a "shut up, or guess who will be riding bitch?"

At least now I understand why the OH was trying to get the excess junk out of the garage.

It is a nice bike. It is along the lines of what I would have bought for myself. It has 15K miles on it and needs some minor work. I hope I can get my required class and my license updated before the snow flies.

Everyone needs big brothers *S*

Bad News

2006-09-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

Gas prices in my area have fallen over $.80 per gallon in the last 3 weeks. Good news, right? I don't think so....

As long as we are dependent on fossil fuels for our energy needs we will be riding the roller coaster of gasoline/diesel price swings. The price swings occur in both long and short term cycles and the result is we spend a lot of time dealing with the dislocations from swings BOTH ways.

What is most worrisome to me? With the easing of pump prices, our elected village idiots in Washington will not feel the urgency to create a coherent and forward looking National Energy Policy that could free us from dependence on fossil fuels.

So, a low pump price is bad news.

Frank

2006-09-14T04:10:00.000-07:00

I will admit that I am a sucker for a good human interest story. I am especially vulnerable to those tales involving an indomitable will. Must be from watching "Mr Smith Goes to Washington" as a kid. *S*

The first year that I volunteered at the Cheesehead Ironman I learned the story of Frank Farrar. I was working one of the bike aid stations when I suddenly hear everyone cheering for one of the riders near the back of the pack. I asked one of my coworkers what all the racket was about and he told me "That was Frank". I obviously looked blank so he informed me that Frank was in his 70's and was by far the oldest Ironman participant. As always, there was a LOT more to the story.

At that time, 2004, Frank Farrar was 74. He is also the former Governor of South Dakota and a successful attorney. In 1992 he was informed he had terminal cancer and had maybe 6 months to live. His reaction? He started training even harder and now in 2006 he is still doing triathalons. Despite advancing age and bad knees he continues to participate. He has failed to complete the last 3 Ironmans in the alloted time of 17 hours but he never leaves the course until he is finished. I was there at 12:02 the other nite when the now 77 year old Frank once more failed to make the cut off. The cheering from a crowd of tired volunteers was INCREDIBLE. I hope I am half that tough.

Once more we see that the amazing thing is not how well the elephant flies, but that it flies at all.

13:59:07

2006-09-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Temperature....Hi 62 F, Low 55 F
Wind....East 10-20 MPH
Forecast....Showers

Despite tough weather, the time speaks for itself.

"Da Kid" Finished!!!!!!!!

I am humbled and awed

**this is not "Da Kids" picture, but it captures the flavour

"Da Kid" ....Final Countdown

2006-09-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Almost 3 years after first talking about it. Almost 1 year after signing up for it. "Da Kid" is on her final few days before taking on the "Ironman" challenge. On Sunday she will;

swim 2.4 miles,
cycle 112 miles and
run 26.2 miles.

Forecast is for cool with a 50% chance of showers. Is she ready for it? She does not think so, but I believe she is. She is tough and smart. Combine those with her training and she should do fine.

If you have not figured it out by now, we are incredibly proud of her for taking on this challenge.

The OH and I have volunteered to work several of the aid stations so she will have a cheering section as she goes. Additionally, a couple of her uncles are making a surprise visit from out of state to help cheer her on.

I expect her time to be somewhere between 12:20:00 and 14:00:00 with a median time of 13:00:00. It will be a long day for her. Her day will start at 5:00 AM with sign in and body numbers and end somewhere around 8:00 PM with her crossing the line.

She is a great person and worthy of your cheers. *S*

I will be back late Monday with the results.

Minnesota State Fair

2006-09-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

The OH and I went to the State Fair last weekend to see the nephews last FFA competition. They did well overall with 2 seconds and a best in class. Like last year, it was entertaining to watch the OH relive the farm years with the in-laws. Although it is a amusing for a city kid like me, there is something sad about a "at heart" farmer kicking around the edges of it, knowing they will never plow a field, sweat a crop or tend a sick cow. Change is usually good, but something is always left behind.

The Minnesota State Fair has changed a great deal to match the times. Once the Fairs dominant theme, Agriculture is only a shadow of its former self in the Fairs doings. Gone is Machinery Hill. Modestly attended are the animal competitions. Hardly attended are the "odd" shows for commercial fowl, goats, sheep etc..

The state fairs core business seems to have become eating. I am dumbfounded at the number of severely obese people that seem to be eating their way from one end of the fair to the other. The aromas are sooooooo enticing with Pronto Pups, mini-donuts, Sweet Marthas Cookies, Batter Fried Potatoes, Onion Rings, Pork Chops on a stick, fried Snickers bars, and so many others I could not begin to list them. I am hoping that what we saw at the fair on Saturday is not reflective of our population in general. If it is, we are not heading for a health crisis, it has arrived.

Sailing to Summers End

2006-09-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

I had a break today so I thought I would take the opportunity to catch up on some blogging.

The weather here has changed and you can begin to feel the season turning. The days are shorter, the nites just a bit cooler and if you look, tinges of red and scarlet are showing in the trees. We were having dinner at the home of friends in somewhat rural Wisconsin this week*. Despite the absolutely perfect day, I kept hearing Gordon Lightfoots "Christian Island" in my head all evening, a sure sign that we are looking for Fall soon.

Enjoy *S*

I'm sailin' down the summer wind,
I got whiskers on my chin,
and I like the mood I'm in,
as I while away the time of day,
in the lee of Christian Island.

Tall and strong, she dips and reels,
I call her Silver Heels,
and she tells me how she feels.
She's a good old boat and she'll stay afloat,
through the toughest gail and keep smilin',
but for one more day she would like to stay,
in the lee of Christian Island.

I'm sailin' down the summer day,
where fish and seagulls play,
I put my troubles all away.
And when the gail comes up I'll fill me cup,
with the whiskey of the highlands.
She's a good old ship and she'll make the trip,
from the lee of Christian Island.

Tall and strong she slips along,
I sing for her a song,
and she leans into the wind.
She's a good old boat and she'll stay afloat,
through the toughest gail and keep smilin',
and when the summer ends we will rest again,
In the lee of Christian Island.

*my new profile pic is from that dinner

On Da Road

2006-08-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

My life just hit the crazy good level. I will be on the road for the next 2 weeks. I hope to be back on line after the 11th with a report on "Da Kids" results in the Cheesehead Ironman

Safe Travels!!

Steinbeck Country

2006-08-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

I had occassion to read "Of Mice and Men" again over the weekend. The story of George and Lennie is truly gut wrenching and in my opinion, Steinbecks finest. Reading Steinbeck always puts me in mind of the dusty Salinas Valley town where I was born and spent my early years.

I remember the dry summer heat. I remember Dad carrying me thru the county fair. I remember the cool water, the smell of chlorine and the rubber swim caps all females were expected to wear at the plunge. I remember Dad taking us to the movie theater to see a 3 Stooges movie because the theater was "refrigerated". I remember falling out of the walnut tree in the back yard where we had a "fort". I remember Dad building a BBQ pit and the smell of the scrub oak he used to fire it. The house seemed huge, but after seeing it in later years, I know it was not more than 1200 sq ft. We left there on my 5th birthday and today as I turn 53, the fragments of memory from that time are still powerful.

I wonder what snippets of their childhood my daughters will remember when they are my age?

Riding the Root

2006-08-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

As you may have picked up from my previous posts, Minnesota has a growing abundance of great "Rails to Trails" paths. All of these trails follow old Rail Road right of ways. One very scenic trail follows the Root River in southern Minnesota. It is a pretty ride and if one chooses, it can be a rather long one. The full trail length currently stretches from Houston to Harmony with the eventual goal of taking it all the way to La Crescent MN on the Mississippi across from La Crosse Wisconsin.

On Saturday, August 5, the OH and I rode from Houston to Lanesboro. We had a nice lunch in the very touristy and quaint Lanesboro down town. We then rode back to Houston. It was a round trip of 62 miles and including lunch we finished it in a leisurely 5.5 hours. The Root River Trail begs for a leisurely ride to enjoy the views. If you ever have the chance to ride it, do not be in a hurry, it is a ride to savor

There is one bit of humour we noted on several occasions we have ridden this trail. 80% of the riders we see on this trail start in Lanesboros, get as far as Whalan (4.6 miles) where there is a really GOOD pie shop *L* It seems the pie does them in

Crazy Busy

2006-08-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Seems this work runs its high and lows. Last week I hit an emotional work low. This week? A high. Work that was beginning to make me despair is suddenly bearing fruit.

Net result? I am behind on my blogging. I hope to be back at it this weekend. I still have to write about last weekend *S*

Separating Politics and Pulpits

2006-08-03T02:12:00.000-07:00

Rev Greg Boyd of Woodland Hills Church in Maplewood Minnesota has been getting a lot of press this week. It seems he lost 20% of his membership when he took a stand against church involvement in Politics. The story can be found here. I find it interesting that a number of the members who did not leave, were relieved.

His points regarding church and state are enlightening and refreshing. I have been frustrated the last few elections with the Republican party which seems to have been hijacked by the Religious Right. Maybe there is hope for them.

Give this guy points for being intellectually honest and having the courage of his convictions.

Newton was Right, f=m(a)

2006-08-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

I watched an easily avoided wreck** develop and happen yesterday.

A relatively new Ford Pick-up passed me on the right and slid into the gap between the car in front of me and me. It then proceeded to allow less than 1 car length to the Accord in front of it. Meantime, the pick up driver is using his cell phone. We come to a slow down at an interchange and Accord slows down, the Ford did not. Result? One wiped out Accord and a mildly dinged Ford Pick-up.

A rare occurence? I don't know, but with all the driving I do, I regularly see a lot of similarly agressive/inattentive driving. I am surprised that more wrecks like this do not happen.

Driving has become increasingly aggressive over the last few decades and our freeways at times resemble a NASCAR race more than a commute. Adding to the problem are distractions associated with Cell Phones, hot coffee, etc.. What is the solution? More agressive enforcement of driving laws? Ban cell phones in cars? Require driver training every time a license is renewed?

What are your thoughts?

** if its avoidable its no "accident" its a wreck

There are Days..............

2006-07-28T23:04:00.000-07:00

This has been one of those weeks. Any one that has worked in Sales (not to be confused with peddlers) is aware, there are days when no matter what you do, and how well you do it, it just does not happen the way it should. This week had one of those and it has kept me emotionally and intellecutally engaged. Also, maybe just a bit depressed.

I love Dilbert. Alice of the "Fist of Death" is my hero. I am not sure if its the irreverence, the fact the characters are engineers or what, but it is a great strip. Like all good humour, it has a strong foundation in truth.

When I was management in a Fortune 100 company, reading the Dilbert strip helped keep things in perspective and me laughing. It still makes me laugh.

Scott Adams is a genius!

Our daughters are home and life is good.....have a great weekend

"Da Kid" V, Road to Iron Man

2006-07-24T01:45:00.000-07:00

1.2 mile swim
56 mile bike ride
13 mile run

We just returned from "Da Kid's" second run at the Racine half Iron Man.

Unlike last years 100+ heat, this year was very pleasant with temperatures in the mid 80's and winds a very moderate 5 MPH. "Da Kid" put in an outstanding effort and reduced her time by more than an hour. Part of that was weather, part of that was equipment. I think most of it though was her hard work in training and it shows.

I hate to brag up our daughters, but I really am impressed.

Next stop, Wisconsin Iron Man in September

2.4 mile swim
112 mile bike
26 mile run

OUCH!!

Some Times.......

2006-07-20T05:15:00.000-07:00

Some times we forget.

The Mid East seems determined to wallow in a nihlistic quagmire. More jobs are going overseas. Famine, tribalism and pogroms are the order of the day in the Horn of Africa. The Chinese seem determined to assert their world power. Global warming appears to be a larger issue than even the doomsayers thought. Our political leadership continues a decades long tradition of foolishness. It seems we are at the "End of Days"

Adding to my own miasma are issues that have come to light this week that bode future difficulty for the sibs and me.

At times we forget important things

The "End of Days" has been expected for a couple of thousand years now. Despite our leadership, we seem to keep muddling along. Jobs have gone overseas before, and come back. More people live on this planet at a higher standard of living than ever before in history. Global Warming has been here before and is fixable. The Chinese, like the Russians and the Romans will find that World Powers come and go.

On my own issues. If I was born 20 years earlier, neither my sibs or I would have lived to our current age. We are around to deal with these pending problems. My family is well and by the standards of any Age. I live in a golden one.

Some times we get so wrapped up in problems, we miss the blessings.

The "N" Word

2006-07-17T04:37:00.000-07:00

It seems we have developed a political phobia in this nation for words begining with the 14th letter of the alphabet, "N". It appears that the most politically incorrect words begin with N. I am not trying to raise the specter of Mark Furman or the OJ Simpson trial. I am not even talking about the word "nigger". *gasp*

Nope, I am talking much dirtier, N-U-C-L-E-A-R.

Last night I listened to one of our elected village idiots talk about how we are going to end our dependence on foreign oil by making ethanol. Apparently no one has shown him the math, explained the reality of hydrocarbon supply streams or the impact of the Global economy on all this.

I agree that Ethanol is ONE component of a larger energy policy to reduce world wide use of fossil fuels. It is not however the total solution. The reality is that we are using fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) at a rate that is non sustainable.

So, we need to start using that nasty "N" word again and begin discussing nuclear.

We wrote our congressman and senator last week (the other is a lame duck). I will be interested in what they have to say. I suspect that all of them will be waiting for some one else to take the lead.

Bastille Day?

2006-07-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

Who the heck celebrates Bastille Day? (besides the French) and who cares? (besides the French)

Well, apparently all the Wisconsin German types. I ended up in downtown Milwaukee last nite and stumbled into a very large, organized street party for Bastille Day. Considering the current "cool" view most Americans have of France I was surprised.

After a careful review of the street activities, (Fun run, calypso bands, beer tents etc) it made a lot more sense. It is like Cinco de Mayo, most Americans have vague notion, if any of what it is but do find it a good reason to party.

Soooooooo, PARTY ON!!

Stalin and Hitler were Pikers

2006-07-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Hitler was responsible for the death of 6 million Jews and who knows how many others. Stalin was responsible for killing at least 20 million Soviet Citizens.

Both of them were small time.

An article in todays Star Tribune, references the expected world wide death toll in this century from tobacco related diseases. 1 BILLION. This number of course includes those pesky ones associated with Cancer and Heart Disease that Tobacco claims are not related to smoking. This is expected to be a 10 fold increase over the 100 Million that died in the 20th century.

So, however you look at it, as horrible as Hitler and Stalin were, numbers wise, they are small potatoes compared to Tobacco.

I still wonder how those "people" sleep at night

A Passing Vocation

2006-07-09T04:46:00.000-07:00

This post will hit closer to home for Catholics and those who grew up around or in Catholic communities. I spent my teen years in a very Hispanic community and of course married into a VERY Catholic clan. One of my sister in laws is a Sister. She is 17 years my senior and took her vows at a time when I was still trying to figure out why girls were supposed to wear dresses. (I still do not know the answer) Over 40 years later, she is still one of the newer members of her order.

Despite liberalization (she has not worn a Habit since 1971), over the last few decades the interest of women in pursuing a religious life has fallen dramatically. Many orders are now in real danger of disappearing along with the work they did in the community. The average age of Nuns in her order is 78. This is raising real issues for the church (which they are ignoring) regarding the long term support of these women as their orders fade away.

I am not bewailing the dissolution of a centuries long institution. Even though change is inevitable, I think we should mark and reflect on the passing of a worthy vocation.

This picture of nuns represents the view expressed by my parochial school peers

101.35

2006-07-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, "Da Kid" and I did our second annual 4th of July ride (yeah, I know it was July 2). Like last year, we started in Hinckley MN and rode north along the Munger Trail. We started the ride with temperatures at 70 F and a light breeze out of the west. We sheaded north at a good clip (for me) of 16-17 MPH with a nice easy cadence. We stopped near Moose Lake (32 miles) for fluids and to make some minor bike adjustments. We continued north to just south of Carlton and made our turn at 50.5 miles. By this time the day had warmed into the low 80's and more importantly the breeze had picked up and shifted to the South West. "Da Kid" decided to kick up the pace and we started hitting 18-19 MPH going south.

Like last year we stopped in Moose Lake to replenish our supplies and were once more amazed at all the fat people running around with boats, 4 wheelers and other motorized toys. After refueling, we continued to crank our way south. At mile 80 I hit "the wall" and proceeded to slow down. The last 20 miles took me as long to complete as the previous 30 had. "Da Kid" beat me back to the car by a good 25 minutes. At the end, it was 91 F, but we had completed 101.35 miles. My first C-ride of the year. A good day.

Today, we are going shopping!!

Like last year, our stop in Moose Lake troubled me when I see obesity being the norm rather than the exception among our fellow citizens. In the 100 miles we spent on the Munger we did not see more than 30 people using the trail. In our one stop in Moose Lake proper, we saw several hundred obese people with motorized toys. Why have we associated motors with outdoor time? It certainly has not helped our collective fat problem.

*I stole the last pic from EB72. It is a perfect example

"Moonlight" Graham

2006-06-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

I originally wrote this story last year when the Minnesota Twins were celebrating "Moonlight Graham" day at the Metrodome. It marked the 100th anniversary of an odd footnote in Baseball history. It is such a good story that I thought it deserved revisiting
Those who have watched "Field of Dreams "or read the book, "Shoeless Joe" that it is based on are familiar with the character Archibald "Moonlight" Graham portrayed by Burt Lancaster in the movie. What is not well known is that Archibald Graham was a real person.

Following a highly successful minor league career with the Charlotte Hornets of North Carolina League, Archibald Wright Graham made his major league debut on June 29, 1905, with the New York Giants. It was the same day he retired from professional baseball. With a ten run lead over the Brooklyn, Superbas (Dodgers) after eight innings, Giant manager John McGraw made a defensive change, replacing George Brown with "Moonlight" Graham in right field. When three quick infield outs by the Superbas (Dodgers) ended the game, along with Graham's only chance to face a big league pitcher, he became an unusual footnote in Baseball history for having never touched a ball or faced a pitcher.

One of the beefs against Graham was he missed spring training because he was attending Medical School. Graham subsequently completed medical school and eventually settled in Chisolm, Minnesota.

Chisolm is a very blue collar town in Minnesota's Iron Range. It is known for brutal winters and hard economic swings. When times were tough in Chisolm, Graham was known to have winked at rent. If kids were hungry, he seemed to have lunch money for them. If the mines were slow, he seemed to have toothbrushes and theater tickets for the kids. He was known as someone who was always there when people needed him. Graham lived in Chisolm until his death in 1965.

According to his biographer, Graham was accurately portrayed by Burt Lancaster in "Field of Dreams".

In this time of prima donna multi millionaire athletes with no redeeming talent beyond an ability to play a meaningless game, it was good that Graham was recognized for who and what he was outside of the sport he loved. He was an individual that let his life define him, not his sport.

Blogs Graveyard

2006-06-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

I remember as a kid watching the old Johnny Weismuller "Tarzan" movies. It seems in half the movies evil types were always looking for the Elephants graveyard where old elephants went to die and a legendary treasure of Ivory was to be had. Any way, we all wondered where they went to die and now I think we can answer the mystery for at least old blogs.

For reasons I already gave, I nuked my old blog. Fortunately, unlike a dead elephant, it will not make a stink as it decomposes. Anyway, I was surprised to find my old blog address had joined the "blogs graveyard" at this address. Either that, or this person has managed to randomly select over 60 used addresses in the last week.

I am not sure what this persons angle is, but why not leave the dead Blogs in peace?

Some things never go away

2006-06-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

For years the state of Minnesota had a cap on what School District Supervisors could earn. It was 95% of the Governors salary. To "sweeten" the offers they would add retirement and severance bonuses. Some of the packages would amount to more than 3 years pay. That limit has been off for 5 years now, but some packages are still being offered out there.

What I struggle with, is the Superintendents job is very political. Why are we concerned if they have talent? The only time the OH has seen our District Superintendent was on TV at a board meeting. It seems initiatives and such are created and run by the State and Fed authorities. Those initiatives are then enabled by the school districts and executed by the district staffs.

After spending a fortune on a national talent search, Minneapolis School Districts latest Supertindent was a disaster. Maybe it is time to rethink the need for a position that consumes the costs of 5+ teachers who actually do something?

Why?

2006-06-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

For anyone interested, one of my daughters found my blog (was I ever surprised!). Apparently there was a bit of embarassment associated with it so I dumped the blog whole sale and eliminated the address.

Deed done.

Anyway, I will start a new blog and be a bit more circumspect regarding the topics I discuss