The Aftermath . . .

Good Post Christmas Morning,

I was not going to do another blog for a while but my sister Marlene wanted a film review of the two that I have seen since my last entry. So, here goes, unlike the two previous films I reviewed the two that were viewed on Christmas Eve and Xmas Day were good ones. In fact, one of them was excellent and will make my top ten for the year. That was George Clooney's new film, Up In the Air. I had been a bit skeptical when I read the good reviews beforehand, but after viewing it I was very much impressed. It is the study of a man who spends about 350 days a year flying to fire people from their jobs. It is a great character study of a solitary man who loves that lifestyle. His life and attitude changes somewhat when . . . Oh sorry, go see the movie to find out what happens to him. I strongly recommend this one, especially if you like acting and character development without all the special effects.

My Christmas morning film (for which I got the ticket a day ahead anticipating crowds) was Sherlock Holmes, featuring Robert Downey Jr as the intrepid detective and Jude Law as Dr. Watson. This was another highly advertised holiday film. I found it it a very entertaining version of the Holmes saga. Much of his original character resides in Downey's performance with a more energetic upgrade for modern audiences. For example, whereas the original Sherlock was a consummate boxer among his many talents, this version is a martial arts expert. Other allowances for attention deficit modern audiences is a lot of action sequences with a bit of down play of the more deductive detective work which is the hallmark of the original. Although, at the end he ties together all the pieces in typical Victorian detective fashion. Jude Law's portrayal of Dr. Watson is a much more action oriented one as well. I think many modern audiences unfamiliar with Holmes lore from the books will miss the many references thrown in to the mix. One example was the inclusion of the character Irene Adler (played by Rachel McAdams). Her character is only mentioned in a passing fashion in Conan Doyle's writings about Holmes, but in this film she spices things up as a "love interest."

I found the film a bit too long at 130 minutes. With some more selective editing it could have been a much more effective presentation. But still, I enjoyed it and found it entertaining. Especially I enjoyed the villain and his dark presence in the film with a shading in the background of the infamous Professor Moriarty, Holmes' nemesis throughout the original writings. In addition, I liked that the director, Guy Ritchie, kept the backdrop Victorian London, which lent itself to great cinematography.

Christmas day went off OK. With the film in the morning and a couple of hours spent with my youngest offspring in the late afternoon it was a nice day. In addition I was able to squeeze in several phone calls to my daughter, other relatives in California, and friends. Of course, underlying much of the day, was the chronic heartache of missing my mother. I do not know if I will ever get over that.

Have a great New Year and a safe celebration of same.

Winter Solstice!

Good Morning,

Tomorrow the winter solstice occurs, the marking of the official first day of winter and the shortest day of the year in this part of the world. In most North American aboriginal cultures the winter symbolized death. It is the time when the leaves are gone from the trees, the landscape becomes stark, and in the past, food/game becomes scarce. Many tribes of the plains would break-up into smaller band level units to survive. Older, weaker animals, including humans would more often die in this season.

Our culture, at least the quasi-Christian part of it, celebrates Christmas, the so-called birth of Christ, the Messiah. However, historical Jesus was not born during this time of year, but in a totally different season. As is the case with many groups, the early Christian church, the date was changed to coincide with other factors important during that time. Even though it is supposed to honor this man/god and his teachings (that most Christian don't seem to follow), it has become a time of financial gain and garish displays. Although one good result for many is the gathering together of often far flung family members.

As for my Christmas, it will be spent at home in Flagstaff for the first time ever. I will not make the sojourn over to southern California to be with family members there. Instead, the holiday, or at least the dinner part, will take place at daughter Natasha and son-in-law Jason's abode. Since I have not gotten to spend a Christmas with Tasha since she was a little girl it is nice to be able to do that. I will miss being with my sisters, niece, and brother for the holiday meal. Also missed is time spent with my grandsons, daughter Tania, and other son-in-law, Steve. It is a hectic time a year for Tania so I do not get to spend as much time with her as I would like anyway.

Most of all I miss being with my mother on this holiday. She and I spent many a solitary Christmas Eve together sitting in our respective recliners watching Xmas movies on TV while all of our other extended family members had gone off to be with their other kinsman. I remember "way back when" when everyone would stop by Mom's on Christmas Eve. The grandchildren would be running around playing and everyone else talking away with one another. The next day my mother and I would get up, unwrap our presents, have breakfast, and get ready to head over to sister Norma's house where everyone would gather throughout the day. But those days are over. Mom is no longer with us and everyone has moved on in their lives.

Movies: I have seen two films in the last week one that was OK, nothing special, and the other, atrocious. Robert DeNiro's new "family film," Everybody's Fine, struck a cord with me as a father who feels like his offspring have gotten away from him some how as he, and they got older. The movie is a bit too long and drags some, but as previously stated, just OK. The second film, Did You Hear About the Morgans, is truly bad. This cinematic offering proved once again that Sarah Jessica Parker is very limited in her acting abilities. Another actor who is limited (but who I like) is Hugh Grant. Although he is as amusing as ever, his performance here leaves a lot to be desired. I love Mary Steenburgen and Sam Elliot but they are truly wasted here. If you must see this film wait for the DVD.



I wish you all Peace and a very Happy Holiday!


Adios

Just abit more snow . . .

Afternoon from still snowy Flagstaff,

I did get out to go Cross-country skiing on Thursday, the first day the Nordic Center was open. The conditions were great and the few folks that were out early as was I, were pretty ecstatic.

There was about 2 1/2 feet of the white stuff out there at 8000 feet. Just that extra thousand feet from in town was enough to keep me breathless on the trail. After a couple of hours I was "done in" for the day.

This weekend was supposed to be fairly snowy, but no where near the blizzard and accululation of last Monday. It has turned out to be mostly snow flurries without much accumulation. Natasha and I were going to head out to ski this weekend but never made it. My plan is to try to get out again tomorrow with, without the daughter. Temps are supposed to be hirer this coming week so need to get out there again before it gets too mushy.

I did see a movie today that was a 3 3/4 stars in my 5 star rating system. The movie, Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood had very good acting performances by Morgan Freeman playing South African President Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as the Captain of the South African National Rugby team. The story chronicles Mandella's attempt to bring blacks and white Africanners together through this teams attempt to win a World Cup in Rugby. It is a very inspiring and true story. I highly recommend it even for those who do not know this sport as I do not.

Adios Amigos y Amigas . . . Felice Navidad

Careful What You Wish For!

Afternoon Folks,

Well, we got it, and are still getting it, snow that is . . . started with a few flurries yesterday, nothing to shout about . . . but, this morning about 5:30 it started in earnest and has not stopped all day. According to NOAA it is supposed to snow all night with accumulation up to around 23." Not only that but it is supposed to snow off and on all week long.

Somewhat interesting is the fact that the Flagstaff Nordic Center had their big sale on Saturday. I went out to pick-up my prepaid season pass and take my XC skis in to get "tuned-up" (1/2 price). Now, it looks like they will be opening up on Thursday. That is great news. Hope my skis are ready!

Other plans and appointments might need to be put on hold or changed. My annual physical was scheduled for tomorrow at the VA clinic but it is 10 miles down the highway and it may not be possible to get there. Daughter Tasha wanted a ride down to Prescott on Saturday. That may not happen if the interstate is at all "iffy." That would also sabotage my plans to visit my friend John, who is getting cancer treatments down in Phoenix . But . . . there is the positive aspect, XC skiing.

Tasha and I went to see Brothers with performances by Toby MacGuire, Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhall (sp). It is an excellent movie, especially in terms of the acting, but a real "downer." So, as I usually say for this type of movie, "it is not for everyone." Do not expect it to be "uplifting." As Natasha said, "I really liked it, but do not ever want to see it again!"

Later . . .

Finally, A Bit of Real Snow, But Not Enough!

A Good Morning from Snowy Flagstaff,

I just returned from an early morning icy drive to the Flagstaff airport where I dropped off my son-in-law Jason. He is headed to Texas on a job that will keep him occupied for the next three weeks and pay the rent. Daughter Natasha is not all that happy to see him go but in these economic times you have to do something to make a living.

We got about two inches of snow overnight, which is the first "real" snow of the season. There were a couple of days earlier in the month where we had some flurries but nothing much came out of it. My hope this first small snow is a harbinger of a good season for getting out on the boards for a bit of vigorous exercise.

It looks like the holidays have kicked into overdrive now. We had a nice Thanksgiving here at my condo. I made a ham and Tasha did gravy and stuffing to go with the baked yams and broccoli (and punkin pie for desert of course). We spent the rest of the afternoon watching one of my favorite holiday movies, Home for the Holidays, with Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr, Ann Bancroft, et al. It is the hilarious depiction of a pretty dysfunctional family coming together for Thanksgiving. It is the only movie I know of that deals specifically with this holiday.

As for other movies . . . I saw The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock the other day and liked it. As I have said in the past about movies like this, it is not a great movie but is very entertaining. Bullock does one of her better jobs acting the role of a southern mother who takes in a basically homeless large black boy who most people have written off. It is the true story of Michael Oher who plays football for the Baltimore Ravens now. I recommend this movie. It is the story of the relationships and football is only peripheral.

Hope everyone had as good a Thanksgiving as I did (without being at the Hammond's, or other friends, my usual the past few years). It was good to spend it with my daughter Natasha and her husband, a first for us.

Now we can begin the rush to Christmas . . . and so it goes!

Almost Thanksgiving!

Buenos Dias from Flagstaff (thought I'd give things a bit of an international flair),


Not much going on here in Flag for me. I am gearing up for a nice little Thanksgiving meal here at my condo with daughter Natasha and son-in-law Jason. I am foregoing my traditional, at least for the last few years, holiday meal with my friends the Hammond's in Prescott. In all probability I would not have been welcome this year after deflating their "windbag" conservative friend last year. However, I will miss being with them.


I cannot remember how long it has been since I spent this holiday in San Diego with family. When Natasha was younger she and I would go over for Thanksgiving. Mostly, that had to do with the arrangements involved in the divorce where her mother had her for Christmas. But as I remember those were good times. At any rate I am looking forward to putting together our little meal for my youngest and her husband. It has been a long time since she and I have had Thanksgiving together.


Speaking of Thanksgiving, the historical event that commemorates it is pretty much a mythology of American culture. After the long hard winter the Pilgrims, a fanatical religious group thrown out of England, invited the Native-Americans to a feast, or so the story goes . . . Isn't it incredible to think that this was the beginning of nearly the end of Native culture in North America. Granted that may be a bit of an over statement, but think about it. In a bit over 200 years the Euro-Americans destroyed most of the indigenous population of what is now the USA. Not much to give thanks for from those that have survived. Guess they have their revenge in the Casinos.


My friend and mentor, John Haynes at 75 has been diagnosed with cancer. So far all we know is that he will have to undergo some chemo, and possible radiation treatments. He started with a back ailment and loss of feeling in one leg. In the exploration of this by the Docs at "Barrows" in Phoenix they found a spot on his lung. We do not know the prognosis, but the "C" word always brings with it great apprehension. My fingers are crossed for him. It has been a truly difficult last few months.



As for movies . . . Went to the much anticipated 2012 and was again disappointed. My guilty pleasure or weakness in films is the disaster genre. I have always been a "sucker" for them, the best of which in recent memory (in my opinion) was The Day After Tomorrow. Despite the great CGI effects 2012 just misses it. The small interwoven stories seem trite for the most part, and the 2 hours, 38 minutes make it way too long. The only thing I can say for it, besides the CGI, is that I did not look at my watch during the film, which is usually an indication of boredom. It is kind of like being on a roller coaster (not one of my favs), you are excited while it is happening but kind of ill when it's over.


Happy Thanksgiving!

Where is winter?

Mornin' Folks,

So (know I shouldn't start a sentence with that) . . . many people here are happy that we have not gotten "real" winter weather yet. Afterall, it is still FALL. But it is ridiculously warm here, in the 60s to low 70s daytime, but sometimes in the 30s at night. A week and a half ago we had a trace of snow. Granted that was the earliest I'd seen the white stuff here. So (yet again) I sit languishing here in Flag waiting for winter. But, if you have to "languish" somewhere Flagstaff is a nice place to be. I love living in the mountains.


I did a quick trip to Prescott on Thursday to take daughter Natasha to her mother's for a sojourn down to Tucson to see her "Grammie." It was a nice drive down but everything is so dry here in northern AZ. There was prescribed burn on the low mountains east of Prescott Valley and couldn't help but think how much of a tinder box the whole area seemed to be. I had intended on spending the night with my friends the Hammonds but felt a little out of sorts and decided to flee back north. Due to a snafu with my social secuirty for November this short foray out of Flag will probably be the only one I do until after the first of the year.


Watched some "Yahoos" here out with their placards against national health insurance. It never ceases to amaze me how stupid people are . . . don't they know a national health plan is the only way costs will go down for medical treatment. It is the insurance and drug companies that are making all the money. It is just like the Wall St. folks and banks who put us in the financial fix that we are in. Cannot some of you people that have it so good think of others for once. And you seniors ( I am one of you) can you not worry so much about your Medicare and think about the greater good. They are not going to take away your coverage. Get a brain people, and don't buy all the bullshit put out there by the right wing pimps for the insurance companies!



Movies: I had looked forward to seeing Men Who Stare at Goats and did yesterday when it opened here. I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. Although it is funny in parts overall I would not give it more than two stars. Clooney and McGregor are pretty good together and Kevin Spacey, for the featured role he plays, isn't bad, but the film does not hold together well. Jeff Bridges basically channels his Lebowski role. What with the disappointing Amelia last week I am not optimistic about films being released right now. For the most part there is a lot Vampire bull-shit and cartoon/computer generated crap where actors are made to look like they have been botoxed. I did see previews of a new international "thriller" with Matt Damon that shows some promise. Since I will be here for both Thanksgiving and Christmas I hope that the usual holiday releases are at least watchable.


Ciao!

Early, Early, Early . . .

Good Early Morning from Flagstaff!


My "off again, on again" fight with sleep is on again. I have no trouble getting to that state, actually drop off pretty nearly as soon as my head hits the pillow. But it seems my body wants me awake early, sometimes at 1 or 2 am for an hour or so. Most of the time I can get back to sleep. At any rate it makes for a "Zombie like" next day.


It is difficult to believe that October is almost over. Months and years seem to be whizzing by. When you are young you cannot wait to get to the next stage in life, in fact you "chomp at the bit" to be older so you can do this and that. At this point, for me, that seems like a long time ago. I cannot remember the last time "I couldn't wait" to get to the next age so I could drive, or drink legally, etc., maybe it was social security. Isn't it interesting how our priorities change.


So . . . apparently, we are suppose to get our first snow this week in Flagstaff. Unlike many of the folks here, I cannot wait. This would be the earliest I can remember since moving here. Of course that's if it really happens. Oft times weather here in the mountains of AZ is not what is predicted. Be-that-as-it-may, It will not be enough to take out the XC skis but I hope it portends a good snow winter for the aforementioned skiing.


Not much else has been going on with me. I haven't had much in the way of visitors to the new condo. My friend Marc came up and spent one night on his way to a motorcycle rally in Cedar City, Utah. Now that I have spare a room thought I might get a couple more "overnighters" but no such luck. At least it is there if someone "drops in" on me.


Movies of late have been just as bad as ever. I thought maybe it was just what Flag had to offer but looked online and there is a dearth of good films out now. The only place I might be able to see some decent Independent films would be in Scottsdale and I do not have the funds for a trip down to the valley. Whip It, a small film about a young woman's attempt to find her own identity by getting involved in roller derby was not bad. Ellen Page of Juno fame played the lead. it was a nice little movie. Law Abiding Citizen with Jamie Fox and Gerard Butler was definitely not worth it. That's about all I have to report in this regard. Lets hope the coming "holiday" releases give us a couple of gems. That would be my hope (and wish) for November.



Stay warm . . . even though it is fall and there are some beautiful displays of color, winter is a close step behind.


Ciao

Longtime No Communication . . .

I have no excuses for not writing down my thoughts of late. I did go to San Diego County for a few days last month as mentioned in the last blog. It was an OK trip but something seemed a bit off for me. I cannot put my finger on it. The weather was hot. My family were all preoccupied and I felt as if I were a "fifth wheel." My sister Norma welcomed me as always and was gracious to let me stay with her while she was in the middle of moving. I got to see my grandsons engage in their atheletic endeavors but their family is so full of their own commitments that there is scarcely time for an "outsider," as Dad/"Gramps" seems to be. I long for that feeling of excitement we felt when my grandpa use to come from out of town to visit. Although, I do seem to recollect that my Mom was not always keen to see her father.


Shortly after my return from that trip another death occurred in what seems like a long line of them recently. My friend Charles died two weeks ago. He is the one mentioned in the most previous blog. He had said that the doctors had given him 2 weeks to 2 months. He made it to exactly one month from that prognosis. It is a sad thing when one dies so young. 67 is realtively young! We will miss him at afternoon group curmudgeon's gatherings at Barnes & Noble.


In addition, last week my Uncle Johnny in Lousiana died. He is my mother's only sister's husband. Although I had never really met him he was married to someone we were very close to during the early period of my life. He was in his mid-80s. I mourn his loss, especially how that loss may affect my Aunt Roby.


There has not been much in the way of positive "news" to convey here. But it seems to be my "half empty" view of life anyway, maybe even all the way "empty." Both my daughters refer to me as Eeyore, but I plug along. However, I am ready for some good news should, by chance, that occur in the near future.


As for films of late . . . there is not much positive in that either. The Informant with Matt Damon may be the best of the lot, Extract was not too bad. Surrogate with Bruce Willis was the usual bloody action thriller, entertaining on some level but not all that good. I went to see a much anticipated comedy starring Ricky Gervais, The Invention of Lying, but it was so bad I walked out and went into Moore's new rant on Capitalism, which was actually pretty good, even though his standard "doc" mode. I succumbed to Vince Vaughn's Couple's Retreat this last Friday and found it somewhat ammusing but another "dud." To say the least movie fare has not been worth the money I spent, and that is in short supply since buying the Condo.


And so it goes . . .


Adios Amigos y Amigas

Early Morning Meanderings

Good Morning Whomever is still out there,

Summer is almost officially over . . . I know Labor Day tends to mark it for most folks, but the actual celestial date is the 22nd of September. In the past few years my early autumn had been spent in the Tetons where the changing colors are quite extraordinary. Here in Flagstaff I see the beginnings of fall in our aspens. This year I will get to experience the colors of Flagstaff.



Before the full onset of those autumnal colors here, I am headed out to northern San Diego County for a trip to see my family. I am departing tomorrow for Prescott then on to southern Cal the following day. Since returning from my Wyoming visit at the end of July I have spent the last month and a half here. What with getting into my new condo and all that entailed, it would have been difficult to leave. A lot of that difficulty centered around a lack of funds after all that was required (and some things not so required) to get into my new situation. However, I am enjoying my new accommodations.



Last week one of my "cronies" here in Flagstaff came into Barnes & Noble, my afternoon office/reading room, and told us he has terminal lung cancer. This was a "shocker" for my other friend Ed and myself. Charles is only 67 years old and has been given only a couple of months to live. He has always been a big bull of a man who seemed rather healthy. He built his own road bicycle and I would see him riding everywhere on it throughout the first part of this summer.
He hasn't smoked in 30 years. Needless to say this gives us all pause to think about the vagaries of life. It has been a summer of death, and now it seems to be moving into the fall.



At any rate, I need to get out of town for awhile.


Movies have continued to "suck" for the most part this summer. Since last I wrote I have seen one really bad one, All About Steve, one good one, 500 Days of Summer, and a so, so thriller whose main positive aspect was that it starred Kate Beckensale, Whiteout. Still I rank the worst of the summer as Adam Sandler and Seth Rogan's film reviewed a few weeks ago. It is probably tied with Land of the Lost for the bottom of the list. Sandra Bullock is batting just under .500 with her Proposal, earlier in summer and the really awfull aforementioned Steve film. In late spring the first of the "summer" films hit the screens. The best of these was the new Star Trek film, after that the drop off began. Angels and Demons was somewhat of a disappointment. A French film that I happened on, Summer House was excellent, but I saw that in San Diego. There were numerous others too average to mention.



Well . . . that's about it from here. Have a great Autumnal Equinox!


Happy Trails!

Good Afternoon Folks,

Today I am saddened by the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. Even though he lived a sometimes flawed personal life he was a great Senator! He ran for the Presidential nomination against Jimmy Carter in 1980 and lost. I think he has been a much better in the senate than he would have been as a President. He always championed programs benefiting the lesser of our citizens and national health care for all. Hopefully, his death will spur on those in both legislative houses to hammer out a program in his honor. He is the last of his generation of Kennedys in public life. I hope the younger Kennedys follow on with his and his brother's legacy.



In my reminiscence of the elder Kennedy brothers I know exactly where I was when I heard that they had been killed. I think most everyone of our generation does as well. Ft. Benning, Georgia in the army was where I first heard of President Kennedy's assasination. I was devastated. With Robert Kennedy 's death I had just gone to bed with my pregnant first wife when a friend called and said, "your boy has been shot." I had been a big supporter of Robert Kennedy on campus while other students were supporting Eugene McCarthy. It was unbelievable . . . Martin Luther King had been assassinated just a few days prior. It was just too much. A lot of people's idealism went by the wayside with those events.


I had my two week anniversary in my new Condo yesterday. It seems as if I have been here longer. It is nice to have my own space. The problem is that the $$$$ has pretty much run out and I am still looking at things I want to add to the place. Guess when it is yours there is always something you want to do to make the "nest" more to your liking. However, it is kind of funny that when I was renting that same feeling was at a much lower level.



So far there have been no overnight visitors now that there is an extra bedroom for "guests." It has been so long since I have had them even with the bedroom I'm not sure I know how to act. But, I do find myself walking around the place saying to myself, "now you have more room." Guess it something we old bachelors do, that is, talk to ourselves.


As for movies since last we communicated, Quentin Terrentino's new flick, Inglorious Basterds, is the only one I've seen lately. I liked it quite a bit, but as I usually say for films like this, it is not for everyone. There is a lot of pretty gory violence. The actors do a great job, especially the lead German actor who's name escapes me. So, I give it a cautionary "thumbs up."


Adios Amigas y Amigos

Howdy Folks,

It is a beautiful August morning here in Flagstaff. Part of this fine morning I spent sitting on my deck reading. I am now moved into my new condo and really "digging it" (so far).

It was an arduous week of moving. On Tuesday Jamie Griffin and his truck assisted me in the most rigorous move, three loads of the heaviest stuff. Jamie is an older student (mid-20s) at NAU and an afternoon denizen of Barnes & Noble like myself. In all, so far I have moved about 14 loads in my Subaru, have a partial one left from the storage room at the old apartment

My hope is that this it for moving in my life. That is unless someone moves me to the "home" in a few years. It was kind of funny when the beautiful Hispanic lady at the title company was having me sign my papers. She said that my mortgage would run for 30 years. My response was that I doubted I'd be in existence for that long. But it is nice to have my own place, especially one with a spare bedroom and bathroom for guests. 800 square feet is just about right for me.

Yesterday morning I spent a couple of hours cleaning the old "flat." I did not do more than an ordinary job on it as I am paying for the whole month (and not staying there) and have a very large "breaking the lease" fee due at the end of the month. I did not do as some suggested, in light of the amount I am paying to get out, and not clean it at all. It is not in my make-up to leave a place filthy (not that it was that bad, after all I'm a very neat person).

\Daughter Natasha and I went to the cinema yesterday afternoon. We saw Julie & Julia, the film that parallels parts of chef Julia Child's life along with that of a fledgling writer's attempt to make all of Child's recipes within 365 days and chronicle them on a blog. Both actors Meryl Streep and Amy Adams do a wonderful job in their respective roles. I remember watching Julia Child's humorous cooking show back in the late 1960s on PBS (not that I am a good cook or fan of this genre of programing but she was so damn entertaining). Streep, with her very good since of dialects and acting ability, does Child perfectly. She very aptly depicts her sense of humor which brought laughter to me as well as the rest of the audience. Amy Adams, who like very much, does another great job in her role as well. The two stories play off of each other well. The movie works. If I were using the five star form of rating, I would give it four.

That is about it from West Flagstaff.

And so it goes . . .

In Between . . .

An Early Good Sunday Morn Folks,

It has been an exciting couple of weeks since my return from Wyoming. All of the activities associated with buying a new abode have made me anxious, tired, and busy, not to mention, pretty happy. Who would have thought that the, not so simple, act of purchasing a home would again revitalize what was becoming a pretty mundane existence.

As I have said many times, I did not want to own anything because it begins to own you. The thought of limiting my mobility was also part of this overly simplistic philosophy. I have come to realize, firstly, that I like Flagstaff. It has clean air; is the right size for me and is a relatively progressive town/city. In addition, if I want/need something from the "big city," I can go down the hill 135 miles to Phoenix. I had, at times since retiring, toyed with the idea of moving to Montana: Bozeman, Missoula, or Kalispel. And, although liking all of those places, I found Flagstaff won out for me every time.

For various reasons my friend Ed, daughter Natasha, and a couple of others are not so thrilled with this place. In the case of Natasha and her husband it does not offer what they need professionally. In Ed's case, the old curmudgeon does not like the political climate (too liberal for him) and the lack of social life, even though he seems always to be communicating with friends and acquaintances in town. He harkens back to the corner neighborhood bar in Philadelphia.

At any rate, for me the arduous task of moving has begun. The new condo closed a couple of days ago and all of the anxiety over whether everything would be approved is over. Now the back-braking labor has begun. So far I have moved four loads in the Subaru. In addition, I have been sealing the grout on all that nice ceramic tile in the place. Have done both bathrooms and the kitchen. Today I hope to finish up in the dining room ( in addition to moving another load). When purchasing a new place I did not know that I would have to do this task. But, again it is, somewhat, a labor of love, a new place, another new beginning.

On the movie front: Don't see Funny People with Adam Sandler and Seth Rogan. From the previews I had thought it would have some merit, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Natasha felt the same way. It is an overly long and meandering film. It has much too much in the way of "penis humor," which gets pretty tiresome in a 136 minute film. On the other hand, a very good and gripping movie is The Hurt Locker." A warning though, this film is not for everyone and is not a "happy summer" film. The movie follows a bomb disposal team in Iraq. It delves into the lives of the men involved. It is not a documentary and is not political. The acting is great and the film has "gritty" substance.

And so it goes . . .

Back in Sweltering Flag!

Howdy Folks,

Wow it is warm here in Flagstaff, but even warmer in this really hot apartment. I'll be glad to move to my new Condo next month. At least it has flow through air (but not air conditioning). But I am glad to be back home after 10 days on the road.

I jammed a lot of activity into those days. My first couple were in Cedar City at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. It was over 100 degrees each day! Although the plays were good and performances, for the most part, excellent, the two in the evening in the outside Adam's Theater (a replica of the "Old Globe in London) were extremely uncomfortable in the heat. I am not one for perspiring while watching a play. The best of the 3, in my opinion, was "The Comedy of Errors," which I had already seen twice this year in Flag with Natasha playing Adrienne. Even though I may be prejudice, I liked Tasha's interpretation of the part better. Another prejudice for this performance may have been because it was the only one I saw inside (with air conditioning) at a matinee.

Next year I want to go back and see only two plays. Three were too many for me in such a short time. They are doing MacBeth, which I have never seen live, and Much Ado About Nothing. Both are ones I want to see.

From Cedar City I drove 550 miles to Lander, WY to see my friends Ron and Brooke. It was hot there too. We hung-out catching up on our lives with each other and waxing philosophically over "OB1 Ale." We did hike in "Sink's Canyon" along the Popo Agie River. Brooke made us two great meals and we ate at the Lander Bar and Grill my last evening there.

Then, it was on to my old stomping grounds, Grand Teton National Park. I spent the next five nights sleeping on the floor at my friend "Old Ranger" Bob's. The first evening we spent at the Signal Mountain Lodge restaurant getting pretty smashed on their killer Margaritas (actually only had two but they are 2 shot ones). The next day, and a bit hung-over as I do not do this often, Bob, Ben (his son and a ranger too) and I headed up to Yellowstone for the day. We left at 7am and returned at 5pm. It was a long, but good day. I did a couple of hikes while there (solo, as everyone was working), one relatively short and the other longer, on my last day. I went up Cascade Canyon. The hike I did was about 8 miles. It kicked my butt since I am not in the best hiking condition.

While in the Tetons I got to catch up with my friends and acquaintances. That was probably the best part of the the trip for me. Although I love living in Flagstaff, I have more friends from my summers in Jackson Hole. Bob Hoyle and Laine Thom kept urging me to stay longer. But, now that I no longer work there, it is difficult for me to stay more than a few days. I am no longer a National Park Service "insider," I'm just another visitor!

Sorry to say I have no movies to report. I did not sneak in any during my trip. The only one's I would have wanted to see are playing in larger cities. I am not a Harry Potter fan so that holds no excitement for me. So, guess I'll have to wait for a while.

Until next time, Adios!

More Saturday Morning Musings

Good Very Early Saturday Morning,


Some of you already know this via e-mail, but I want to reiterate for others who don't, that I just took the first steps in purchasing a Condo here in Flagstaff. This is a monumental decision for me in several regards. First, and maybe most important, is the change of my attitude when I retired and moved to Flag. I never wanted to own a place again that would tie me to a location. The idea that I could move to wherever suited my fancy was what was appealing. I contemplated such places as Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispel (funny they were all in Montana). In the end though, having visited all of those places several times, I found I did not like them more than here.


Other considerations for making a commitment like this have to do with the fact that I am not getting any younger (pretty obvious since none of us are), and it would seem likely that I will no longer be running off to ranger for 5 months of the year. Besides, I like the clean air, cross-country skiing in winter, the mountains, having a University in town, and the fact that it is located on major arteries taking you to Phoenix and Southern California.


Flagstaff has limitations for many folks. This has become clear to me in many ways lately, most notably through my youngest daughter and her husband's attempt to live here for the past year. There are not many opportunities for persons of their age in their chosen professions. However, it is far from a retirement community as Prescott was becoming with their 54% retired population. Weather in the winter is limiting factor for some, you know all that snow in good years. Some say there are not enough "cultural events." That to me is a bogus criticism. There are plenty of various activities going on, but many like me, have chosen not to engage in them.
The only major downside for me is the relative lack of movie theaters and good independent and foreign films at the theater complex we do have.


Before closing on this new abode in August I will be heading out on the road for a couple weeks beginning next Thursday. With the move and it's concomitant expenses this will probably be my last trip until early October or so. As I believe was mentioned in previous blogs, I am headed to the Utah Shakespeare Festival to see a couple of the bards works. Then it will be on to Wyoming for promised visits with friends and some hiking. I will return in time to do a "walk-through" of my new place and close on the 10th of August. Yahoo!


Movies: I drove to Sedona yesterday to see an independent film that I knew would not make it here. As an aside, I took Tasha and Jason with me and dropped them at Walnut Creek, near where they got married, so they could swim while my activity was inside and more sedentary. The film was Away We Go. It was a nice little movie chronicling the wayward search of a young pregnant couple for a place they would feel comfortable living. They make the decision to explore possibilities after they find out his parents are moving to Belgium for two years before the baby is born. The parents played by Catherine O'Hara and Jeff Daniels are hilariously goofy, as are all of their strange friends and family as they visit Phoenix, Tucson, Montreal, and Miami looking for a suitable place to live. Along the way they explore their feelings about becoming parents. This is a good but not great film.


And so it goes . . .

Independence Day!

Happy Day After the 4th!



I had fully intended to write a blog yesterday but really never got around to it. I am not use to having these summer holidays off. For the past 10 years while working the ranger job I cannot remember having the 4th off. There must have been at least once but cannot recall. At any rate
most days were pretty much the same except for your days off. Most of us liked working holidays because it was double pay. Plus, I have never been much for fireworks . . . of course during the middle to late 60s that may not have been true.
Working during Ranger days!


The day itself, here in Flag, was commemorated with many activities that I did not attend. However, after watching the Wimbledon tennis, I did go down to the Wheeler Park Art Festival. Not that I thought too much about the art; it was just a chance to get out and watch people. I did hook up with daughter Natasha and Jason for a short time there. The afternoon was spent reading and talking with my friend Ed (another Flag curmudgeon) at my usual table at the cafe in Barnes & Noble. In the evening a British Mystery series, The Last Detective, was the activity of choice. I did use my DVR to record my favorite Independence Day movie, 1776.


Today will be my holiday BBQ. My friend Ed and his lady, Bonnie are having folks over and I have been invited. So it seems I will have a traditional activity over this summer holiday. Back in my first years in Prescott they had wild and woolly celebrations on the Square and in the bars on Whiskey Row. Those were fun times. Of course I was a lot younger then. I wish you all a happy holiday weekend.

Movie report: Saw a much anticipated summer film this week. I was hoping for great things but it turned out to be only good. The movie, with all its good actors, disappointed me. The acting was fine but it was one of those films where you feel like something is missing. The movie was Public Enemies, with Johnny Depp. I liked the acting but cannot put my finger on why it did not "blow me away." If you like true crime movies and Johnny Depp go see it.

Musings

Good Morning Whoever is out there . . .

I returned on Friday from my southern California trip where I spent every evening attending Little League All-star practices (grandson Zac) and Pony League All-star games (grandson Cole). Being out every evening was very tiring for someone who is an early to bed and early to rise person. But, it was fun spending so much time with all of my grandsons and my daughter. There was only one day that was not spent with them. With so much time spent with them my only time with other family came because my sister Norma was so gracious as to let me stay with her. Like staying with my mother when she was alive, being at Norma's gave me time with her in the later evenings and some mornings. All-in-all a very nice trip.

Grandson Zac, the catcher!

While in San Diego three more icons of the entertainment field died, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. Last summer it was George Carlin. I have to say that the latter affected my life more. I respect the career and influence Jackson had, but was never a fan. Farrah was known to me in what I would call my prime, but she was not my favorite "Charlie's Angel." Ed Mc Mahon of the three was, possibly, more "in my life." For years I watched Carson and he was an important part of that. What these deaths impressed on me the most is the passing of time and that we all will make it to that point, some of us sooner than later.

Along with this theme two of the three films I had seen while on my trip dealt with aging, death, and the aftermath. Michael Caine in "Is Anyone There" was great study of an aging magician forced to live in a home for the elderly. We watch a deteriorating man develop a relationship with the young son of the proprietors of the home. It is a very good film. The second cinematic endeavor was the French film, "Summer Home," with Juliett Binoche (one of my favorites). It is about the death of three sibling's mother (who we see at the beginning) and how they deal with her memory and the material things she leaves behind. Again, another good film I would recommend. Last of the three was "Land of the Lost," which I saw with my grandsons. Do not waste your time and money. It is possibly the worst I've seen all year.

Yesterday, daughter Natasha and I saw "My Sister's Keeper." It has not gotten great reviews, but we liked it. It is not a real "upper" in some respects, but is the chronicle of a family dealing with the illness of their oldest daughter. Cameron Diaz gives a great dramatic performance as the mother.

That is about it for the moment. I am back in my Flagstaff routine until the middle of next month's foray to see three plays at the Utah Shakespearian Festival in Cedar City. That is my contribution to the President's stimulous package. I got my $250 in my social security account and bought the tickets. The way I see it I am stimulating the economy as well as supporting the arts.

Adios!

My Mom

Good Morning,

It's been a while. I haven't felt much like writing anything and have been contemplating "bagging" this whole blogging thing. First of all, it is just a bunch of drivel that I end up communicating, unlike my younger daughter's blog which is witty and thoughtful. I only wish she could find a way to make money doing it. She has always been a very good writer. Secondly (thought I forgot there was a "first" here didn't you?), my friends Bob and Cindy, especially the latter, who got me started on this, have quit doing theirs.


Today, mostly I wanted to give some recognition to the third anniversary of my mother's death. Shirley Ruth Lewis is on my mind everyday of my life and I miss her greatly. In her 82 years she lived a very full life. Being born in 1923, she experienced the great depression as a little girl and teenager. In her late teens during WWII she worked as a "Rosey the Riveter" in the aircraft plants of San Diego, California. She had five children, four of us members of the "babyboom" generation. About half way through her life she became a painter, oil and watercolor. This brought her and us pleasure.


Yesterday Natasha, her granddaughter, and my youngest, told me that I have seemed different since she died, more morose, grumpy, and unhappy. That may be true to a certain extent. My mother was a great force in my life. But she lives on in our memories, and her children, grandchildren and great grand children. There will always be some of her in all of us. However, we miss you Mom!


Ciao

Flagstaff!

Hey All,

As many of you already know I am back in Flagstaff. It will be my first summer here. When I retired from teaching and moved here eight years ago I was on my cycle of going to the Tetons to do my ranger thing every summer. This caused me to be gone by May and back sometime late in September. Due to some personal issues I resigned my new ranger position in Yellowstone for this summer. So . . . I'm back.


Along with attempting to settle some of those issues that brought me back I'm going to try to do some things that I haven't been able to do in the past 10 years of rangering in the summers. The first thing on the agenda looks to be a short backpacking trip into "the canyon" (Grand that is) next week. My friend Keith, with his family, has graciously invited me to join them on a trek to Phantom Ranch. Although I am definitely not in backpacking/hiking shape will try to do the 17 miles (in 3 days) to mark my new status. Have not done a canyon trip in about five years. We use to do up to five a year in the "old days." I am in "gym shape," which is different, but should help some.


I arrived home from Wyoming a week ago today. It was a nice trip up, and I was happy to see my friends in Grand Teton Park. I did not have enough time to meet anyone at the new job other than my perspective boss, Peter. He seemed like a very nice guy. But I have to admit, it is a relief to be home, even with the aforementioned personal issues that needed to be dealt with. Probably, I could have gone back up to the job once things were settled here, but really did not have the will to do that. And who knows, the same, or similar issues could flair up again and I'd feel obligated to return. In the mean time, my plan is to make short forays out of Flag throughout the summer. Early next month I will try to head over to San Diego County to see my grandsons play some Little League Allstar games.


Movies: Daughter Natasha and I went to see Angels and Demons last Friday. It is supposed to be the prequel to the DaVinci Code but they have made it into a sequel. Both books were very interesting in their twisting and turning plots. The first film was OK if you had read the book. The second Angels was a better "put together" film but not stellar. Tasha noticed that they had left out one of the minor stories that had taken up about 4 chapters in the book. The romance angle that was prominent in the book between the two main characters was deleted as well. Again, I would recommend it as summer "escapist" fare,


Adios Amigos y Amigas

Yellowstone!

Good Evening All,

(By the way, this is not Yellowstone to your left, but is the Tetons as they looked the other day)

After an interesting week on the road I am ensconced in my very humble abode at Grant Village in Yellowstone National Park. This will be my "home" for next four months. Pretty fancy eh?

The first part of the week I spent a night in "beautiful" Bountiful, Utah where I had a sumptuous breakfast at Paradise Bakery & Cafe. From there I pushed on to Jackson, Wyoming and spent a night there. This was what I use to do when Bob and Cindy Henry still lived here. On Thursday I headed up to spend the night at "Old" Ranger Bob's at Colter Bay in Teton Park. Friday I headed up to this habitation site where my new boss introduced me to the area. Upon moving my stuff in I headed back down to the Teton.

I spent some time with my friends at the Colter Bay Visitor Center which was in the final stages of preparation for opening to the public on Saturday. Colter Bay VC traditionaly opens on Mother's Day weekend for the season.

It has been a tradition for we in that park to go to the opening night of Signal Mountain Lodge and Restaurant. They serve the most "kick ass" Margaritas there of anywhere I know. Bob and I met up with his daughter Katie, son-in-law and grand-kids to have piles of "Signal's" famous Nachos (and of course a couple of Margaritas). We had a great time.

Saturday I went to town to pick-up a few items that had not been brought with me. You always forget something, or find you need more than you initially thought you did . The drive in is always so beautiful this time of year with snow on the Teton Range. I reflected quite a bit on how much I will miss working here and being close to my friends. Now I must think about starting over once again tomorrow in a new place with new folks.

Movies: I saw two films in the last week before setting-up here at Grants Village, both in Jackson. The first Wolverine, the X-Man thing. It was not something I normally would have gone to see but did not have much choice in the current offerings. It was OK for what it was, but not for me. I caught the new Star Trek film on Friday when it came out. I have to say I liked it. It goes back to the beginning when all the characters were young and just starting out. It made me reminisce to back in the 60's when I was in college and the first one's came out. At any rate I'd recommend it.

Adios from Wyoming and Yellowstone!

On the Road Again, Well, Almost!

Good Morning Folks,



It has been warm in Northern Arizona and this apartment, that I abhor, is hotter than the outside temps. Most of you would think those temps are pleasant and comfortable, in the low 70s, high 60s, but I find them too warm. It seems I am leaving for parts north not a minute too soon.



Tomorrow I head out for my first day's goal, beautiful downtown Bountiful, Utah. I like to get a bit north of Salt Lake City my first day. Besides, there are relatively new Starbucks, Paradise Bakery & Cafe and a Costco (last one I will see for awhile) there. Second day I should be in Jackson, WY where in past years I would stay a couple of days with Bob and Cindy Henry. Of course that is no longer possible since they moved to Goodyear in AZ. Not only that, Bob is working in Alaska now. And, my move to Yellowstone from the Tetons after 10 years is the big change for me. It is funny how everything can change in such a short amount of time. Oh well, it seems to be the way of the world. We all just have to "march on."



The only thing that will bother me about departing Flagstaff this Spring is leaving behind my lovely daughter Natasha. By the time I get back she should have moved back to a big city (maybe even Paris and/or London). I will have to resume our distance relationship of before. It will be good for her to get back "out there" after a year's respite in the mountains. One good thing that happened for her while she was here was that she was able to get back on stage.







Movies: Have only seen one dreadful film since last I blogged. I have to say that i was desperate and wanted to use the last of my theater gift card. Matthew McConaughy, who I thought had great promise as an actor in his first films, has sunk to doing really mundane "romantic" comedies for the past few years. I like good one's of this genre such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, etc. But, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is not even close to those. There are a couple of laughs but overall it is not worth the money (good thing I had a gift card).




This does not bode well for the beginning of the summer movie season. Summer is usually the worst in it's "pap for the masses," especially the newer generations of brainless folks. I hold out hope for a few gems here and there this summer, but guess it is good that I will be much more isolated where stationed in Yellowstone and will, in all probability, not get out to see as many.





The next Flagstaff Mountain Curmudgeon blog will come from Wyoming.



Adios Amigos y Amigas

Age?

Good Evening,

I know this is a rare "later in the day" blog for me. It seems appropriate since I have been thinking a lot about the aging of the world around me. Of course this doesn't apply to me, or does it? Check out this picture of me in better days (1988). I know it seems a bit narcissistic of me but I just cannot believe the difference. I definitely do not look like this now.

.

One of the things that got me on this subject was observing actors I haven't seen in a while when they appear in something now. When I see them it is hard for me to believe how old they have become. It seems my mind keeps them the age they were when last I saw them in something. Not only that but many of the icons of the past in entertainment keep dying off. Don't get me wrong here, I am not depressed about it. It just seems to "sneak up on you."

My darling youngest daughter just finished her successful run in Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors." I commend her performances. Now I would mention my other daughter as well in these pages but she does not want her or my my grandsons presented in these pages. I must respect her wishes for privacy, but am as proud of her in her life as well. Both daughters are the best things that have happened to me in my life.

My focus of late has been on trying to get myself ready to move up to Yellowstone for the next 4 months. I have about 8 days before I hit the road and am getting more and more excited (and anxious) about being a Yellowstone Ranger. Afterall, it is the oldest and first national park in the world. To keep with with the above theme of "aging," never did I, in my younger years, think that I would be a ranger, much less in Yellowstone. It does not eclipse my having taught anthropology in a college for 27 years, but hell, it's up there.

Movies: Have seen two pretty good films lately. State of Play, a film based on a BBC America mini-series was pretty good. Russell Crowe, Ben Aflick, Rachel McAdams and Helen Mirren were very good in this political thriller. As a movie it was good however, if you get to see the Brit mini-series it is better. Of course six and a half hours is better amount of time to tell the story. The other film I viewed last Friday, The Soloist. Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Fox are excellent in this true story. I highly recommend both, the latter especially.

Ciao Amigos y Amigas

Spring is here, Warm Days and Snow?

Good Morning,



Spring has been here in Flagstaff for a few weeks but this morning, April 11th, I woke up to this:

I love the beauty of snow and it is much less a hassle than rain. But, alas, this snow should be gone by noon as the temps are due to rise and by tomorrow, into the 50s.

Last evening I went to the "Theatrikos" production of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, which happens to have my lovely youngest daughter, Natasha as the female lead. It is the second time that I have attended a performance. Last Sunday, for the matinee, my friends Marc and Carol Hammond, along with another old friend and colleague, Edith Baker, came up to see it and Tasha. The production is wonderful. Richard Burt who plays Dromio in two parts is excellent and a standout. The whole cast does a great job. Even though I may be somewhat biased, Natasha is excellent as well. My friends agreed and we all simultaneously thought the same thing, she would be great as Kate in Taming of the Shrew.

Much of my time lately, besides my usual routine, has been spent organizing for my four month move up to Wyoming the first part of May. My thoughts have been on planning new ranger programs and on the myriad of lists I have all over the place that remind of what needs to be packed and procured for the trip. In additon, I have been thinking about my friends, the Henrys, and their monumental drive from the Phoenix area to Talkeetna, Alaska, about 3700 miles. Bob will be there for up to four years and I cannot imagine the stuff he and Cindy will have to pack in the back of their Toyota Tundra truck. I wish them well and hope to visit in early Sept. when my duty is done in Yellowstone.

As for movies to report on . . . the pickings have been "slim to almost none." It is a good thing I had Shakespeare to tide me over.

Adieu!

Day After Fool's Day

Howdy Folks,


It seems my entries in this online journal/blog are getting further and further apart. I am not sure what it is but my motivation for setting down my mundane thoughts and deeds has waned quite a bit over the last year. Even my regular journal, that I have been keeping for 12 years (since the birth of my first grandson), has dwindled down to a couple entries a month. Am not sure what has caused this to happen . . . probably just do not have much to say anymore.


My trip to California ended upon my return to Flagstaff last Sunday. It was the first trip that was completely focused on family. For the first time since Mom died I did not see my "friend" over there. Most time was spent hanging out with my daughter's family (at least in late afternoons and evenings) and with my sister, who I stayed with. Early mornings were spent at the gym and on some days following that activity, I went to a movie before "hooking up" with my grandsons and daughter. One might say it was a Little League vacation with alot of time spent at ball games.


Since my return home I have been trying to prepare a little each day for my departure to work in Yellowstone this late spring and summer. I tend to make lots of lists so as not to forget anything. When you are gone for 4 or 5 months, and are 1000 miles away from home, anything crucial you forget you have to do with out, or buy up there. Over the past 10 years of going up to the Tetons I have gotten this down to a system, but still always manage to forget something.


This brings up another related subject. Although I am excited and a bit apprehensive about the new job in Yellowstone; I am also getting tired of these moves. My older friend Ed says I need to keep doing this for a few years. He says he retired too early and it is tough to keep an interest in things without a central focus in your life. Still, I am not sure that this is exactly what I wanted. Don't get me wrong, I do want to attempt this new challenge but would have been happier to work in the backcountry office in Grand Teton Park, especially if it could have been at Colter Bay.



Finally, I took the ski racks off the car. Although we may get some flurries this spring, I think ski season is over. As in past years I realize I could have gone a few more time and regret not doing so. The weather is fairly warm every day, but still chilly most nights. Of course when I get up to Yellowstone in early May it will still be winter and there are likely to be some snow storms, especially at nearly 8000 feet at Grant Village where I will be working and living.


Movies: I saw four while in southern Cal, but nothing really that good. I went mostly to kill time before seeing my grandsons. I saw I Love you Man (mildly amusing), Knowing with Nick Cage (not that good), Duplicity (disappointing and lacking something), and the best of the lot, Sunshine Cleaning with Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin. This film is a quirky but interesting one from the people who did Little Miss Sunshine. It is not as good as that one but I'd recommend it over any of the previous three.

Ciao!

California Here I Come!

Good Morning Folks!

I am getting ready to head over to my old hometown, or at least the north part of the county, San Diego that is. It is time to see the progression of my young grandsons, not to mention seeing my daughter and sister(s).

My first stop will be in Prescott for the afternoon and evening. I need to see my good friends there. Speaking of which, last week I spent a couple of days with my friends Bob and Cindy Henry down in the Goodyear, AZ area. We did a little hiking in the Estrella Mts. near where they live and went to a spring training baseball game, Indians vs. the Rockies. I'd never been to a game before, at least a spring training one. It was a nice new experience with good friends.

Spring has hit here in Flagstaff and the temps have been in the 60s, too warm for me. Stuff must be blooming, or it might just be the mold underlying the melted snow, because my allergies have hit with a vengeance. It was really bad in the Valley (PHX area). However, I have to say that it is nowhere near as bad in Flag as it was all those years in the Juniper zone of Prescott.

Well, the news is in and I have been hired to work as a Ranger in Yellowstone National Park for the coming summer season. I will be at the southern most visitor center in Grant Village. It will be a great new challenge for me. Although it is in the same ecological system as the Tetons, learning about the geo-thermal features in more detail will be my main focus. We conduct some programs at the West Thumb Geyser Basin.

Being at Grant will also allow me to get down to the Tetons to see my friends more often than might have been the case had I been stationed further north in the park. Of course there are the grizzlies to deal with as well. There are more of them in the area, especially when I first get there. There about 8 streams feeding into Yellowstone Lake where trout will be spauning, and I am told it is a grizzly happy time there from May to early June. It is the main reason campgrounds in the Grant Village area do not open until mid-June.

As for movies I have only seen one that was really good. The Wrestler with Mickey Roark finally made it to Flag and his performance is great in it. Mariasa Tomei is very good as well. Roark's perfomance should have beaten out Penn's Milk!

Hope everyone is well and happy.

Ciao

So Long Tetons!

Howdy Folks,

I just got the word that I did not get the new job I had applied for in Grand Teton National Park
for the coming summer. Although it is a disappointment, I realize that I may have burned some bridges with my forthright communication with the "powers that be" at the end of the season last year.



My 10 years as a ranger there were very rewarding for me, and I hope as well for the park visitors I came in contact with. Besides the obviously beautiful mountains that I got to wake up to every morning, I made some good friends and acquaintances. Folks like Bob Hoyle, Bob & Cindy Henry, Laine Thom, Pat Best, and others made my time there wonderful. I will miss the day to day interaction with my friends at Colter Bay, and the new ones I made while working for a season at Jenny Lake. My immediate supervisors, Elizabeth Maki, Dan Greenblatt, and Andrew Langford were the best.



Currently I am making plans for several trips for the summer. The first major one will be up through Colorado, Wyoming (and yes i will stop in the Tetons to see the above mentioned friends) and Montana. In Colorado I hope to visit places I have not been, Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Leadville, with a stop in Littleton to see my niece Kimby and her family. Surprisingly, I have never been to Rocky Mt. National Park and will try to get there as well. Later trips will be to San Deigo to hit the beach with my grandsons. In addition, I hope to get up to Banff, Jasper & Yoho Parks in Canada as well. I think that will fill up my summer.



However, there is an outside chance I will work in Yellowstone Park this summer. They have called twice as to my continued availability. That is usually preliminary to job offers when the supervisors of the various districts meet for the actual hiring process. I am not sure that it is something I want to do, but under the right circumstances, i.e., location in the park and housing considerations, I might consider one more year there in the oldest and first Natonal Park!



That is pretty much the news from here. We haven't had snow since the first week of February and it has been very warm. I am hoping for one more big storm to get in a last couple of sessions on the XC skis.



Movies continue to be a problem in Flagstaff, at least for me. All they seem to bring are things like the remake of "Friday the 13th," and others of that ilk. I did travel out of town on my birthday (while ill with a cold) to see "Revolutionary Road." Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet did excellent jobs with their roles but the movie is an absolute "downer," showing the disintegration of a mariage in the 1950s. If you like these actors it is worth seeing otherwise you might want to miss it.


Adios Amigos y Amigas

A Birthday, a Cold, and It's Cold

Good Morning You All,

I have what seems to be my annual winter "cold." Since I live alone and am not around children much, this ailment could only have come from one of two places, either my gym (most likely) or the folks at Barnes & Noble (my afternoon office when I am in town). Last year at this time, which seems to coincide with my birthday, I was ill. Maybe "Mother Nature" is trying to tell me something! The worse part of this is that it upset my plans to spend a couple of days with my friends Bob and Cindy down in the desert.

We had a big storm about a week and a half ago and I was again able to get out on my skis a couple of days. There was a small snow storm this past Monday which produced about 3 inches in town. It would have been opportune to get out again but the aforementioned malady was beginnig to take hold in my body. I thought about going out anyway but decided not to in the event that the illness might be more extreme as the result. When you start realizing that you are getting "older" you have to watch out a bit more about your health.

Old Guy, Mountain Curmudgeon



Usually, on my birthday, I like to get to a movie, but Flagstaff Harkins Theaters did not bring one new film to town today. The couple of good "flicks" that are here have been here awhile. As mentioned in other blogs, they seem to bring a lot of crap here. Guess it has to do with demographics but is pretty frustrating. Last Friday I saw The International with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts. As the title might indicate it was an international thriller. I liked it. Again it was in the vain of the Bourne films, not "heavy" cinematic fare but good entertainment. I only wish they had brought us Doubt, The Wrestler, and Revolutionary Road before the Oscars.




And so it goes . . .

Winter in More Ways than One!

Good Morning from Flagstaff,

Haven't had much to say lately. The snow I had hoped would come, did, for one day. The following two days I hit the boards before the usual (for this winter) immediate following warm-up period. We are suppose to be getting snow this weekend. I guess, in a way, it has been a good winter so far, some snow, some sun. Nevertheless my older friend Ed says this will be the last winter he and Bonnie spend here.


As for me, I like winter. Nothing made me happier than that groundhog in Penn that came out earlier this week and saw his own shadow. The mythology of that event predicts that we will have 6 more weeks of winter weather. I rejoice in that.


February is the month of my birth which gives me pause to reflect on the years I have been on this planet. I am beginning to feel old. I know you are "only as old as you feel." In many ways I feel young, but looking in the mirror negates that right away. I have looked around at men my age, and some younger, in their 50s, and feel that my outward appearance is much more youthful than theirs. Of course that may be self delusion. One thing is certain, I look younger than my father did at this age (seems to be something we "boomers" are overly concerned with).


I will always remember what my mother said to me when she was in her early 70s. In her head she was still that same girl in high school, but looking at her physical self she could hardly believe what had happened to her. In her mind, life had gone by so fast. We all know that feeling as we have gotten older.


Films: The movie fare in Flagstaff has been atrocious the last few weeks. While other places, even Prescott, are getting the award nominated films we keep getting all the Jan/Feb crap.
Luckily, I did some early January traveling to see such films as Frost/Nixon, which has not made it here yet. They dribble in some good films such as Slumdog Millionaire while surrounding them with slasher and vampire flicks. Yesterday, despairing of another week without good offerings I went to see a mildly amusing, He's Just Not that In to You. It was meant to be funny, and was in places, but was more a sad treatise on male/female relationships. It was definitely what folks call a "chick flick." Usually I like those, as well as romantic comedies if done well. This one I would rate at "so, so." The previous week I went to Liam Neeson's Taken, a fast paced international thriller. It is not as good as the Bourne series, but entertaining. Neesen makes the film.


Adios Amigos y Amigas

I'm Back!

Mornin' All,



Since last I wrote a lot has happened, not the least of which our new President was sworn-in. Not to belabor an already over belabored point; that was a truly historic moment. Even I watched the inauguration speech. Granted it was accomplished while on an elliptical machine at my gym.



Sometimes I get tired of the pundits who have to pick-over everything until it is almost nothing. I disagree with those who said that President Obama's speech was not fiery enough. He spoke to all the things most Americans are concerned with, economy, war, etc. Another thing that gets to me is how these same folks have to begin trying to find flaws before the man has even been in office for a day. Wolf Blitzer got his panties in a twist because TV news was not invited to the second swearing in. Who cares; the 22nd ammendment says the president takes office on noon of that day whether taking the oath or, not. Ever since the advent of 24 hour cable news, they have had to find something to talk about. Give the man a break. At least he hit the ground running and is trying to cope with our country's monumental problems.



On a more personal note, I took daughter Tasha and son-in-law Jason up to the Grand Canyon last weekend. Jason had never been there, and was amazed (as always I am) by what he saw. I suggest that everyone get to the Grand Canyon if they have never been there. The sheer size and beauty of this over 200 mile hole in the ground will take your breath away, not to mention diminish, at least for a short time, your petty little problems. Winter is a good time to go as there are not as many visitors to contend with, just some ice.

We have not had any snow here in Flagstaff for a couple of weeks. And, for the past two days we have had rain. This has led to poor conditions for XC skiing. When I lived in Prescott I use to hurry up here and ski in any conditions. Now that my home is in Flagstaff I am a snow conditions snob, only going out after storms to XC ski in powdery, new snow. We have predictions for snow this coming week. I hope those forcasts come to fruition.




The "Oscar" nominations are out, and I am, for the most part, pleased. However, there are some snubs. For instance I think that it is a travesty for Kristin Scott Thomas to have not been nominated for best actress for I've Loved you For So Long, or Sally Hawkins for Happy Go Lucky. But, I am very happy that Richard Jenkins was nominated for The Visitor, a small film with big themes. For those who never saw it, or did not even know about it, see it on DVD.



As for movies that I have seen since my last blog, Slumdog Millionaire is the best. Not only that, if I had seen it before the end of the year it would have topped my picks. I liked Grand Torino very much and thought Clint should have gotten some consideration for best actor. I traveled to Prescott last week to see a couple of films and they were good as well, Last Chance Harvey (a nice little bitter/sweet comedy) and Defiance, a true story about the escape of a large number of Jews in Belarus during WWII. This one had Daniel Craig (new James Bond) in the title role. Taking into consideration that Flagstaff has been bringing a lot of crap movies here, and that I had to travel to see a couple, it has been a good couple of weeks for films.



Adios Amigos y Amigas!

Happy New Year, or at least our Western Version of It!

Good Morning Folks,

I have finally gotten around to my ranking of movies, actors and directors for 2008. My first rule for doing so is that I had to have seen the movie in a theater, not on DVD, or other format. Secondly, even though some movies came out just before the end of year, if I did not see them they do not make my evaluation. This time I have made an exception to that rule and included two films seen on New Years Day! I made special trip to Scottsdale that day to see them. Thirdly, my selection for actors, directors, etc, may include more than one. Sometimes it is too difficult to make distinctions and unfair to the performances. So here goes . . .

Films:

1. Frost/Nixon
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
3. Miracle of St. Anna
4. Vicki, Christina, Barcelona
5. The Visitor
6. In Brugges
7. The Reader
8. Rachel Getting Married
9. I've Loved You So Long
10. Appaloosa
11. The Changling
12. Milk
13. Happy Go Lucky
14. The Dark Knight
15. Burn After Reading

Actors: Female
Anne Hatheway - Rachel Getting Married
Kristin Scott Thomas - I Loved You So Long
Angelina Jolie - The Changling
Kate Winslet - The Reader
Sally Hawkens - Happy Go Lucky

Actors: Male
Frank Langella - Nixon/Frost
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Sean Penn - Milk
Michael Sheen - Frost/Nixon
Brad Pitt - Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Director:
Ron Howard - Frost/Nixon
Spike Lee - Miracle of St. Anna
Woody Allen - Vicki, Christina, Barcelona
Clint Eastwood - The Changling
Ed Harris - Appaloosa

Supporting Actors:

Female:
Debra Winger - Rachel Getting Married
Francis Mc Dormand - Mrs. Pettigrew Lives for a Day & Burn After Reading

Male:
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Brad Pitt - Burn After Reading

These are my picks whether you, or the critics liked them or not. Some are fairly dark, others a bit lighter, or even uplifting. I saw only 70 movies this year, a lot to some, but down from a little over 90 last year. But, where possible, I tried not to go to as many bad movies as in the past. Although there were a few of those like Pineapple Express ( I know many people liked it's sophomoric, vapid humor).

Happy viewing, got to hit the skis this morning so see you on the flip side.