Howdy Folks (that is, those of you still out there)!
It has been a year of of ups and downs, but that is usually the case for everyone. This year started with the loss of my close friend and mentor at Yavapai College, John Haynes. He was only 75 years old and pretty vibrant until stricken with the big "C" in November of the previous year. I mark this as the low point for the year. May he be remembered by all he touched, especially those myriad of students he influenced for all those years that he taught. I will miss him everyday of what I have left of life.
The rest of the year went pretty well for those in my my circle of life. Daughter Natasha and her husband Jason, after some pretty trying financial times at the beginning of their married life, rebounded wonderfully to become more financially stable with a government job for Jason in Okinawa. He, and they are doing well there and that makes me happy. My sister Norma, after several years of less than bliss, got married to Scott, a good man, and are very happy. I had two great trips this past summer up to Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. On both trips I got to visit with family and friends. Even got to sneak in a performance at the Utah Shakepeare Festival of "Much Ado About Nothing," one of my favorites.
My trip to Colorado and then on to Wyoming in June was nice as I had not visited Colorado in several years since my youngest daughter Natasha and I made our way camping throughout the state. I visited The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crested Butte, both places I had wanted to go for several years. A highlight of the trip was staying over in Littleton, CO with niece Kimby, her husband Dennis, and my great niece and nephew Melissa and Kyle. A bonus was that my sister Norma flew in and we all went to Melissa's dance recital. From there I went up to Wyoming and visited my friends Ron and Brooke in Lander and then on to visit my former ranger colleagues and friends in Grand Teton National Park.
Later in the summer I returned to Wyoming and Montana to rekindle my annual trip to Glacier National Park with my good friend Ranger Bob Hoyle. A bonus on that trip was that my other good friends Bob and Cindy Henry were in Yellowstone and I was able to "hook-up" with them, albeit, for only a couple of hours. So, the summer went well.
I have just returned from my Christmas trip to San Diego County where for most of the time the area was under a deluge of rain and flooding. But I was able to spend time with family and that is what the holiday is about. In addition, my eldest grandson, Zac, turned 14 on December 30th. It seems like just yesterday when he was born.
And so it goes . . .
As promised, I am giving you my list of best films and actors for 2010. My rule is that I have to have seen them in a theater myself.
Top Films of 2010 (out of 62 seen):
1. The King's Speech
2. True Grit
3. Social Network
4. Inception
5. Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Swedish version)
6. The Town
7. The Kids are All Right
8. The Fighter
9. Get Low
10. Ghost Writer
11. Nowhere Boy
12. City Island
13. Fair Game
Best Actor: Colin Firth, "King's Speech" Best Actress: Annette Benning, "Kids are All Right"
Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush, "The King's Speech," Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, "The Fighter"
Other notable performances: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit, Natalie Portman, The Black Swan, Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, and Amy Adams, The Fighter, Julienne Moore and Mark Ruffalo, The Kids are All Right, Jeremy Renner, The Town, Robert Duval, Get Low, Andy Garcia and Julianne Margollies, City Island, Ann Hathaway, Love and Other Drugs, and last but not least, Noomi Repast (sp), for Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (all three Swedish films that I had to make special trips to Scottsdale to see, books were good too!).
As you can see the last movies I saw during the year tended to be better, as is usually the case. I saw 6 films since my last blog. The best are the ones at the top of my list at numbers 1 and 2. The Fighter and The Black Swan were the next best, although I felt very uncomfortable watching the latter but Natalie Portman gives a great performance. The last two I viewed over this period were entertaining but not great. They were; How Do You Know, kind of funny but too long, and Tron: Legacy, which I consider the lowest on my rating but again, entertaining and I took my grandsons to see it.
So I guess this is it for the year 2010. I wish you all a Happy New Year.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
December . . . Cold But No Snow!
Good Morning Folks, As you can see by the accompanying picture, I must be in the holiday spirit or . . . On my good friends, the Henrys, trip to Flagstaff after Thanksgiving we did some "larking about." At any rate, one of the major highlights of the last couple of weeks was my friends visit. I last saw Bob and Cindy for a couple of hours in Yellowstone Park last summer where they were camping.
Bob works as a Ranger in Alaska now and Cindy lives in Goodyear, AZ. Bob makes it down on a furlough or leave every few months. This was their first visit to Flagstaff since I bought my condo. The funny thing is, they came on "day trip" because Cindy, or MooseLee as we call her (from her love of Moose and days in Jackson Hole), was worried about the forecast we had for snow for the next day. I assured her that we would get next to nothing so they stayed the night. Alas, we all awoke to about 4 inches of the white stuff the next morn. She was not happy about that! But it allowed me to have more time with them and they did not leave until mid-day.
I put up a small Christmas tree this year to get myself into the spirit of the season. It is not quite as small as my Dad's pitiful little one. I seem to be following in his footsteps though. He too was a solitary man after the divorce from my mother until his death. But he seemed to love Christmas. He spent a lot of the year gathering presents for the kids. Granted, my sister Norma finally had to tell him that they were no longer little children to
ensure their presents were age appropriate. But, he always had that little tree. So, in keeping with that "tradition," I have my little tree.
The other thing I enjoy doing over these holidays is watching the "smultzy" Christmas movies that they show on the Hallmark Channel. It seems to be what some might call a "guilty pleasure." However, even though I love James Stewart as an actor, I am really sick of It's A Wonderful Life. I do like the early 1950s version of A Christmas Carol with Alaster Sim as Scrooge (best ever) and the Maureen O'Hara/Natalie Wood version of Miracle on 34th St.
The funny thing about all of this is that I do not consider myself a Christian, or in fact, a believer in any supernatural mythology. I do not believe in the innate "goodness" of human beings either. All one has to do is look around the world and see man's inhumanity to man, especially if they belong to a different culture or have differing religious views. These religious views are most often the cause of this violence. What is even worse is that children and woman around the world seem to beneficiaries of most of this violence. Be that as it may, I cling to these good feelings engendered by the spirit of this season. Probably it is why I love to watch these films that continue to give me the illusion of harmony and peace on earth.
Speaking of films . . . yesterday I viewed the much anticipated Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp newest international thriller, The Tourist. I have to say that although this is one of my favorite genres this film lacked something. I think it was an OK movie but not great. The best parts seem to be the scenery of Venice, Italy. Last weekend I went down to Prescott to see my friends the Hammonds (Marc and Carol). While there I caught Fair Game, featuring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn in the story about the female CIA agent who was "outed" by Vice President Cheney's people during the run=up to the Irag war. This was a much better film and very thought provoking. The day before Thanksgiving I went to see Love and Other Drugs. It is a bittersweet love story with Jake Gillyanhal (sp) and Anne Hathaway. I liked the film, especially Hathaway in her role.
I am eagerly anticipating more of the holiday fare for some good films. The new Cohen brother's version of True Grit and the British offering with Colin Firth, The Kings Speech are the highest on my priority for viewing list. Look for my top ten movies of the year (those I viewed in theaters) and best actor rankings in my next blog.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Well into November and Burrrrr in Flag
Good Morning Folks,November and the leaves are falling and near the end of their cycle toward winter here. We have had a bit of snow on the peaks and a couple of chilly rain storms in town. For the past week night time temps have been below freezing, and in fact, in the 20s most of the week with exception of Friday morning when it was 19. The days have been pleasantly in the 40s to low 50s. This is my favorite kind of weather. I can break out all of my fleece and start wearing my winter clothes. The only disturbing thing is the forecast for a La Nina, which does not bode well for a snowy winter.
As I understand it, La Nina winters mean that the jet-stream bends further north, giving the largest amount of moisture to the pacific northwest and northern Rockies, while the southwest gets a cold dry winter. During El Nino years the jet-stream dips to the south giving us more snow. It all derives from changes in the Pacific Ocean currents. At any rate, it doesn't look good for cross-country skiing this season.
I am trying to "rev up" for the coming holiday season. So far I am pretty much done with a Christmas package that will be sent out to Okinawa in the next week sometime (got to get it across the Pacific before the holiday rush). As for my stateside daughter and her family I am marshaling my resources to get their stuff together early as well. Thanksgiving dinner is going to be at the El Tovar Lodge restaurant at the Grand Canyon with my recently deceased friend John Haynes family. It was a tradition with them and they have invited me to join them. It should be a bit of a "bittersweet" affair for all of us. In addition, I have been invited to Prescott that weekend to have another "Thanksgiving" with my friends the Hammond's. So, there should be no dearth of turkey for this elderly gentleman.
This is the time of year where thoughts tend to stray toward my mother. As I have mentioned before, Christmas is just not the same since her passing. I miss her everyday but it seems that Christmas is the worst. Don't get me wrong I have wonderful memories of her during the holidays even though she out "curmudgeoned" me the last few years of her life concerning this holiday. We spent many a solitary Xmas Eve and morning those last few years. In earlier years the family would all come over to Mom's on Xmas Eve, even if it meant just stop offs as was the case for Tania and her young family. They had so many family obligations in other places. At least they made the effort to be there for a little while.
I think Mom's souring on this holiday stemmed more from her feeling that she could no longer do family members justice in terms of presents with her limited income. I tried, as did Norma and Marlene, to make her last few holidays good for her. I had vowed a long time before that she would never be alone Christmas Eve and Morning. I accomplished that, and now often as not I spend the Eve alone (mostly by my own choosing).
Movies: I have seen three films since last I blogged. I must say that as the holiday rush begins that one of the three Due Date I personally found to be less than desirable. I did not find it that funny as it should have been. Robert Downey, Jr did not live up to expectations and that Galfidikus (sp) guy is a "one trick pony." He plays the same character in every movie. Besides, this film was already done much better by Steve Martin and John Candy, Planes, Trains, & Cars . . ." A bit better comedy, which is not getting great reviews, is Morning Glory with Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, & Harrison Ford. I found this to be a nice and pleasantly amusing film, especially Keaton and Ford's performances. McAdams is a bit over the top with her endless "perkiness." The spliced in romantic part between McAdams and Wilson seems a bit forced and superfluous. The best of the three movies was Unstoppable starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. This was a gripping, non-stop thriller based on the true story of a runaway train in Pennsylvania. I have to say that I was so tense watching it that I came out of the theater with the "shakes," good movie!
I look forward to the better holiday films the studios release to get Oscar nods. Some of the ones I'm waiting for are: the remake of True Grit, The King's Speech, The Fighter, The Tourist, The Tempest, Blue Valentine, and Black Swan. Of course there may be others, especially independent films that I may have an opportunity to see in San Diego over the holidays.
Hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving, and good luck/"break a leg" to my great niece, Melissa, in her Nutcracker performances.
Cheers!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
October over! Unbelievable!
Howdy Folks,Haven't been with you for awhile, again. Seems to get more cumbersome to write something, especially since the only feedback I get is from daughter Natasha. Who, by the way, has her own much better written and more interesting blog coming from Okinawa. You'll have to contact her on Facebook if you are interested. I am not to give out the address, only she will "anoint" those deemed appropriate for it.
As alluded to above (and obvious to all of you) October has whizzed by. Tomorrow is "All Hallows Eve," Natasha's favorite "holiday." Last weekend my friend Marc came up to Flagstaff and we hiked in the Kachina Peaks (also known as San Francisco Peaks officially, but not to Hopis or Navaho's). The colors were outstanding. The Aspens were in their full glory, or maybe just a bit passed prime. It has been difficult to get up there lately with all the rain and wind we had before and since our hike. In fact, the Aspens around my condos are already nude of leaves with all the storms we have had. Ahead we are supposed to have a week of sunny, 60+ degree days. However, we are never sure of the wind situation. Today was nice but with about 20mph gusts.
Next week are the elections. I am dreading that, or the result of it. I have voted already. I get an early mailed ballot. In all probabilty my votes will not matter much having voted straight democrat. In AZ, for statewide elections the "other" party usually wins. But, I have voted in every election since coming of legal age and I do not believe that you earn a right to "bitch" if you don't vote.
The political climate is so hostile these days. There are no compromises what so ever. Everyone wanted change and they voted for Obama, but like a bunch of "instant gratification" babies, they think things change overnight. Look at what we had before when the republicans controlled everything. They are the ones who got us in this mess with their greedy ways. Now, all these people want to bring them back with their same approach that got us here. The Tea Party people do not present alternatives; they just "bitch." Most of them are frightened white people who are afraid of the "colored horde"that they think is taking everything from them. Most of their rhetoric and those of the so-called conservative pundits seem a bit racist to me.
The world has changed. The United States is a backward facing nation. We are frightened of everything different. The religious right is no better than the extreme elements of Islam. They proselytize about everything that was accepted scientific fact in the previous century. Everyone wants what science brings us technologically (IPads, IPhone, etc.) but do not believe in the basic tenets of science. Are we doomed as nation to keep going down this path of IGNORANCE. No one reads books or reputable news sources, and those that read only get their information from the Internet and believe what any "yahoo" writes on their blog with out proof (that includes mine). I hope we do not continue on this path as a nation or as individuals. We need people who are critical thinkers, not just uneducated demagogues spouting "bullshit" as Hitler did in the 30s. Dumb is not good, only pitiful. We do not need followers blindly falling in line behind the likes of Sarah Palin (the epitome of ignorant), Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, and others.
Not much else going on in my world. I have seen a few movies since last I posted. Today I saw Nowhere Boy, a really good film about the early years of John Lennon's life, his relationships with his aunt who raised him and his mother are key. I was pleasantly surprised that this small independent film made it to Flag. It is very well done and a bit sad. The performances by the actors are great. Yesterday I went down to Scottsdale to see the opening of the final Swedish film in the trilogy that started with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I have read all three books and seen the first two films. This one, The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, relies very heavily on viewers having seen the previous two, or read the books, others, I fear will be lost. I like it very much but I knew what was going on.
Hereafter is an interesting film and an especially different subject matter for the director, Clint Eastwood. Matt Damon and Belgian actress Cecile De France do a good job in a movie that is a little weak at certain points. I have loved Cecile since seeing her in the french film Avenue Montaigne. I enjoyed very much the movie RED. It is a bit over the top but is supposed to be. After all, it comes from DC Comics. Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren (another favorite), Morgan Freeman, and John Malkovich romp around fighting their former employers the CIA who have retired them and now want to get rid of them. Secretariat is a nice and predictable presentation that has as it's main asset Diane Lane, another actress I adore.
That's about it from windswept Flagstaff for now. Happy Halloween and election day. At the very least get out and exercise your right as an American, VOTE!
Cheers all!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Fall Rains Have Come . . . With a Vengeance
God Morning Folks,
I was awakened this morning with a very violent thunder, lightning and rain storm. Last evening we were subjected to an early hail and rain fest. Fall has come in with a roar after several very warm days. The temps are now pleasantly in the 60s and 70s, perfect weather as far as I am concerned.
The trip to California to see family is a little over a week in the past now, and as is the case with most of these forays out of Flagstaff these days, it almost seems that it never happened (but not quite). It was a good trip with many baseball and soccer games and visits with family, which was the primary purpose. The grandsons are growing fast. One thing that I thought might not be in the cards was getting to spend a little one-on-one time with Zac, the eldest of Tania's offspring. Granted it was not for a very long period just an hour or so but it was greatly valued. My reason for believing that it might not happen is because he is 13 going on 14 rapidly, not an age that lends its self to close contact with adults. But, he made very obvious shows of affection with me and spent some time that was very much appreciated. Both Cole and Torin also seemed glad to see Gramps.
Another very nice activity that I was able to engage in was seeing my sister Marlene and brother Russell. On two separate occasions I had breakfast with each of my siblings. Of course there is my sister Norma. She is always there for me and she and Scott graciously open their house to this old curmudgeon. Of my family members she is my rock. I have to say that I did have some nice extended conversations with my eldest daughter, Tania, as well.
Speaking of daughters, today is my youngest's second anniversary. I cannot believe it has been two years since we were all rushing around getting this wedding off the ground. Jason and Tasha were under pressure to find a place to live as well as get the married. They had a rough first year and a half being stuck here in Flagstaff with making a living in this financial recession a struggle. They survived it as an intact couple and are now living half way around the world in Japan. They have gotten a handle on their finances. Here's to them and their future together!
While in California I saw three movies, and one since I returned, all were fairly decent. The first was, in my opinion, the best. That was The Town, directed, co produced, co-written, and featuring Ben Afleck. He did a great job in all aspects on this gritty Boston based film. Second of the four on my list is the one I viewed most recently. The Social Network chronicling the invention of "Facebook" and the eccentricities of it's creator was a well done film as well. You cannot go wrong when the writer for the film is Aaron Sorokin (also creator and writer of my favorite all time TV show, The West Wing). An interesting but slow moving film that I saw while in southern Cal was Cairo Time starring Independent film actress Patricia Clarkson. It was great tour of Cairo, Egypt while being a different kind of "almost" love story. Lastly, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps was better than I had expected. I went to see it the last morning of my visit. Primarily, it was to be a diversion until the grandsons got out of school and was surprised that it was an interesting film dealing with the most recent financial collapse. Michael Douglas, Josh Brolin and Shia LeBouef (an actor I do not usually like) did a nice job but I love Carry Mulligan. She is one of my new favorite actresses along with the Kate and Cate.
That's about it from rainy but beautiful Flagstaff.
Adios Amigas y Amigos!
I was awakened this morning with a very violent thunder, lightning and rain storm. Last evening we were subjected to an early hail and rain fest. Fall has come in with a roar after several very warm days. The temps are now pleasantly in the 60s and 70s, perfect weather as far as I am concerned.
The trip to California to see family is a little over a week in the past now, and as is the case with most of these forays out of Flagstaff these days, it almost seems that it never happened (but not quite). It was a good trip with many baseball and soccer games and visits with family, which was the primary purpose. The grandsons are growing fast. One thing that I thought might not be in the cards was getting to spend a little one-on-one time with Zac, the eldest of Tania's offspring. Granted it was not for a very long period just an hour or so but it was greatly valued. My reason for believing that it might not happen is because he is 13 going on 14 rapidly, not an age that lends its self to close contact with adults. But, he made very obvious shows of affection with me and spent some time that was very much appreciated. Both Cole and Torin also seemed glad to see Gramps.
Another very nice activity that I was able to engage in was seeing my sister Marlene and brother Russell. On two separate occasions I had breakfast with each of my siblings. Of course there is my sister Norma. She is always there for me and she and Scott graciously open their house to this old curmudgeon. Of my family members she is my rock. I have to say that I did have some nice extended conversations with my eldest daughter, Tania, as well.
Speaking of daughters, today is my youngest's second anniversary. I cannot believe it has been two years since we were all rushing around getting this wedding off the ground. Jason and Tasha were under pressure to find a place to live as well as get the married. They had a rough first year and a half being stuck here in Flagstaff with making a living in this financial recession a struggle. They survived it as an intact couple and are now living half way around the world in Japan. They have gotten a handle on their finances. Here's to them and their future together!
While in California I saw three movies, and one since I returned, all were fairly decent. The first was, in my opinion, the best. That was The Town, directed, co produced, co-written, and featuring Ben Afleck. He did a great job in all aspects on this gritty Boston based film. Second of the four on my list is the one I viewed most recently. The Social Network chronicling the invention of "Facebook" and the eccentricities of it's creator was a well done film as well. You cannot go wrong when the writer for the film is Aaron Sorokin (also creator and writer of my favorite all time TV show, The West Wing). An interesting but slow moving film that I saw while in southern Cal was Cairo Time starring Independent film actress Patricia Clarkson. It was great tour of Cairo, Egypt while being a different kind of "almost" love story. Lastly, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps was better than I had expected. I went to see it the last morning of my visit. Primarily, it was to be a diversion until the grandsons got out of school and was surprised that it was an interesting film dealing with the most recent financial collapse. Michael Douglas, Josh Brolin and Shia LeBouef (an actor I do not usually like) did a nice job but I love Carry Mulligan. She is one of my new favorite actresses along with the Kate and Cate.
That's about it from rainy but beautiful Flagstaff.
Adios Amigas y Amigos!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Back from the North!
Howdy Folks, I am back from my latest journey through Utah and Idaho to Wyoming and Montana. It was a great 10 day trip beginning with "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City. It was a very good production. I viewed it in a matinee and continued on another 250 miles following the performance. I made it into Jackson, WY by midday the next day, then on out to my old stomping ground at Colter Bay in Teton Park.
My second day up there I headed up to Yellowstone NP to see my good friends Bob and Cindy Henry. Bob was on a leave from Denali Park and had met Cindy up there. It was really good to see them.
We walked around West Thumb Geyser Basin together. It was like old times together with them but alas, it was only a couple of hours. They headed south to the Tetons while I headed north to see the new Visitor Center at "Old Faithful." It opened August 25th.
"Old Ranger" Bob Hoyle and I headed out to Glacier Park a couple of days later where we ran into a bit of winter. On the drive to Bozeman the first day we drove through a small snow storm. A word about Bozeman . . . we visited an REI there and I was kind of "pissed" that a town their size had an REI and Flagstaff, which is larger, does not have one. The next day we stopped off in Missoula for break and visited another new REI. I do not mind that one because Missoula is the same size as Flag.
We arrived on the east side of Glacier Park in the early evening to stay at the Sun Rise Lodge. We had never stayed there. It was quite nice in a rustic way. The next day we headed up to Logan Pass before backtracking down to my favorite place, Many Glacier. It was very misty and gray up at the Pass but breathtaking as usual.
Many Glacier is a very beautiful place with a great old lodge built by the Great Northern Railroad to look like a large Swiss Chalet. It is a very isolated part of the Park, and ways off the highway on the east side. Before we got to the hotel we saw a large black bear. As we got closer we viewed a black bear sow with two cubs. Up on the hillside across the road there were 19 Big Horn sheep.
Later that day we had two more bear sightings, and from the deck of the hotel we saw a Moose in Swift Current Lake. It was a bonus day for wildlife viewing. Because it was raining all day we spent most of it in the lodge reading by the fireplace, eating Huckleberry soft ice cream, and wandering around the spacious hotel and gift shop. We had dinner at the hotel and went back to our lodgings at about 9pm.
The next day it was back up the pass in heavy fog. We could not see a thing until we hit the west side. Then, everything miraculously cleared up and we got great views of the peaks and waterfalls. We stopped by Lake McDonald Lodge and the Apgar Visitor Center. At the VC we got to talk with one of our favorite people, Ranger Doug. He has been a ranger at Glacier for 51 years. He is in his 80s and still going strong. Doug is quite a character. Every time he sees Bob and me, he exclaims, "Here come the Teton boys!" After that we went into Whitefish, Montana. Later, in the afternoon, we came back to our room at Apgar. Next morning we did a marathon drive back to the Tetons in rain all the way. I spent one more day in the Tetons but it rained all day so I did not hike, which was a disappointment. The following morning, Saturday, I drove 14 hours straight and got back to Flagstaff at 6:45pm. It was a long day, 825 miles. The next trip begins this Friday to San Diego County to visit my family.
Movies: Of course I did not see any films while on the road but did see a couple before leaving and one today. The best was Get Low, an Independent film with superb performances by Robert Duval and Bill Murray. The American with George Clooney was the film I saw today. It is a different role for him as an assassin tracked by other assassins. It is filmed entirely in Italy with all foreign actors. Clooney does a great job in a different role for him. The last film I wish I did not have to mention seeing, The Switch, starring Jenifer Anniston and . . . , was forgettable.
Well, that's about it for now.
Ciao!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Rain, Rain and then more Rain
Good Mornin' Folks,
As you can see by the title of this blog that rain seems to be the topic of choice, or maybe necessity. After the early summer brought us 6 weeks of big winds, the last 3-4 weeks have been ones of big rain, thunder and electrical storms. Some of these weeks brought us daily rain storms morning, afternoon, or evenings, some all three. In most cases the temps stayed up in the 80s in the daytime which left us with very high humidity for Flagstaff.
The past couple of days have been rain free, at least in town. But, at 1am this morning all hell broke loose. I was awakened by thunder, lightening and torrential rain that lasted for at least an hour. The thunder sounded so loud that it seemed to be "cracking" right over my condos.
I know that Arizona has a monsoon season but the rains this year have been well beyond that. Flagstaff is a high wind area as well. But again, this spring's were well beyond the past and more persistent. The folks who do not believe in "climate change" need to look around the globe and see what has happened with our weather. The term "global warming" was an unfortunate use of terminology. People grasp that when winters were big here to say, "Is this your warming?" The problem is that they do not understand the total picture. For example the melting of polar caps contributing to change in weather down our way . . . and so it goes!
I haven't been doing too much since last I wrote here, mostly working out at my club, reading and seeing a few movies. However, plans are afoot to head out on two trips in September. The first will be back up to Wyoming, the Tetons, and on to Glacier Park with my friend Ranger Bob (the elder). I have secured a ticket to see "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City on my way north to WY. The plan is to stop off there for the matinee, then get in the car afterward drive north and spend the night in Bountiful, Utah. The second trip, in the middle of Sept. will be over to San Diego County to visit family.
As for the movie report I did get to Inception and it was a good film with interesting concepts. However, I liked the director's earlier movie, Memento, much more. I walked out of Dinner for Schmucks. That is a rare occasion for me. The last one I walked out of was The Invention of Lying. Schmucks was painfully unfunny and moronic. One of the best films of the summer I saw last week. It was The Kids are All Right with Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. It is a family picture but not "G" rated. It depicts the trials and tribulations of a Lesbian couple's children searching for and finding their "sperm donor" father. The last cinematic experience I had was The Other Guys, featuring Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell. Generally, I have made it a practice not to go to Ferrell's films but in this case the movie got some good reviews and I was desperate. I was pleasantly surprised. It was amusing, if not great, about 3 stars on my rating system and way above the aforementioned Schmucks.
That's about it from "rainy" but beautiful downtown Flagstaff.
Until next time, or I get tired of writing this drivel,
Adios Amigas y Amigos
As you can see by the title of this blog that rain seems to be the topic of choice, or maybe necessity. After the early summer brought us 6 weeks of big winds, the last 3-4 weeks have been ones of big rain, thunder and electrical storms. Some of these weeks brought us daily rain storms morning, afternoon, or evenings, some all three. In most cases the temps stayed up in the 80s in the daytime which left us with very high humidity for Flagstaff.
The past couple of days have been rain free, at least in town. But, at 1am this morning all hell broke loose. I was awakened by thunder, lightening and torrential rain that lasted for at least an hour. The thunder sounded so loud that it seemed to be "cracking" right over my condos.
I know that Arizona has a monsoon season but the rains this year have been well beyond that. Flagstaff is a high wind area as well. But again, this spring's were well beyond the past and more persistent. The folks who do not believe in "climate change" need to look around the globe and see what has happened with our weather. The term "global warming" was an unfortunate use of terminology. People grasp that when winters were big here to say, "Is this your warming?" The problem is that they do not understand the total picture. For example the melting of polar caps contributing to change in weather down our way . . . and so it goes!
I haven't been doing too much since last I wrote here, mostly working out at my club, reading and seeing a few movies. However, plans are afoot to head out on two trips in September. The first will be back up to Wyoming, the Tetons, and on to Glacier Park with my friend Ranger Bob (the elder). I have secured a ticket to see "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City on my way north to WY. The plan is to stop off there for the matinee, then get in the car afterward drive north and spend the night in Bountiful, Utah. The second trip, in the middle of Sept. will be over to San Diego County to visit family.
As for the movie report I did get to Inception and it was a good film with interesting concepts. However, I liked the director's earlier movie, Memento, much more. I walked out of Dinner for Schmucks. That is a rare occasion for me. The last one I walked out of was The Invention of Lying. Schmucks was painfully unfunny and moronic. One of the best films of the summer I saw last week. It was The Kids are All Right with Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. It is a family picture but not "G" rated. It depicts the trials and tribulations of a Lesbian couple's children searching for and finding their "sperm donor" father. The last cinematic experience I had was The Other Guys, featuring Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell. Generally, I have made it a practice not to go to Ferrell's films but in this case the movie got some good reviews and I was desperate. I was pleasantly surprised. It was amusing, if not great, about 3 stars on my rating system and way above the aforementioned Schmucks.
That's about it from "rainy" but beautiful downtown Flagstaff.
Until next time, or I get tired of writing this drivel,
Adios Amigas y Amigos
Friday, July 16, 2010
Long time gone . . .
Good Mornin' to those of you still out there . . .
I would like to say that it was the demise of my rather short romantic relationship that kept me from writting on this blog, but that is not the case. In many ways it is a relief to be out of it. Although, I cared a lot for her there were too many problems related to age differences and other issues that brought an end to it. It was a mutual "break-up." However, it was nice to have, even for a short-time, that "rush" of romance in my life. We are now what we were before, friends. But even that is a bit trying. She calls or runs into me everyday. Still, I am the sounding board for her myriad of life problems.
The other night during one of my ever frequent middle of the night wakeful periods I began thinking about growing older, the non-stoppable aging process and the perceptions folks have about it. It is amusing to note people's responses to you once you tell them that you are in your 60s, and even that word, "retired." I again mention what my now departed friend and mentor, John Haynes told me about year after his retirement. He said, "do not retire too early . . . you will find people no longer value you or your opinion much anymore." What is so interesting about that statement is that I have found it to be very true.
In small scale societies (sometimes referred to as Primitive), elders are valued. They are the primary decison makers and counselors to the young. They are the library of knowledge in these preliterate cultures (you see all my background in anthropology coming through here). Today this is not the case for many reasons. First and foremost is probably the advent of the computer and all the instant information sources, albeit flawed as they may be. Granted there are cadre of older, and predominantly whites males, running the country, but for most "everyday" people this is not the case. Even in many of the cultures mentioned above once you have gotten to a certain age you determine that your usefulness to the people has come to an end and you go out on the ice (Eskimos), or into the wilderness ( Plains Indian tribes) to fast and go to the next realm. Here, in this culture, without the fasting I guess the equivalent is to move to Sun City and/or become a Wal*Mart greeter.
At any rate, in my life I have noticed some of what my friend John warned me of . . . This is especially true in relationships with the opposite sex. I have had women interested in me, or at least they seem to be in initial conversations. But, as soon as they find out my age there is a change in the way they look at me and their demeanor toward me. What is interesting for me is that I use to have what I called, "the ten year rule." That is, I would not date anyone below that threshold (I know I broke that rule a couple of times). Now-a-days I could not even get a 54 year old to be interested in me once they know my age. Joanne was an exception but that was just a fluke and we see how that turned out. If you did not get married a while back and are a bit "picky, " as some friends call me, then you are like that old bull bison who can no longer compete with the younger males and is out there on the prairie by himself. And I will not even go into the cases where peolple do not listen to you anymore, do not value your opinion. Of course, maybe many of them never did listen to you.
Nothing much has been going on with me here in Flagstaff other than I bought a new Subaru Forester a couple of weeks ago (have to stay ahead of Nephew-in-law Bob Adamo). I did not intend to purchase a new car but had gone to the dealer to schedule a oil change and service. I got caught by the financial manager and he started talking to me and a few hours later I drove out with it. Now I know what most of you are saying, but the "kicker" for me was that my payments came out to be $75 lower a month. I have always had car payments so that does not bother me. My main concern is how much goes out a month. Besides, I love the color, "Steel Metallic Silver," and was never enamored with the darker shade of the previous one.
I would like to say that it was the demise of my rather short romantic relationship that kept me from writting on this blog, but that is not the case. In many ways it is a relief to be out of it. Although, I cared a lot for her there were too many problems related to age differences and other issues that brought an end to it. It was a mutual "break-up." However, it was nice to have, even for a short-time, that "rush" of romance in my life. We are now what we were before, friends. But even that is a bit trying. She calls or runs into me everyday. Still, I am the sounding board for her myriad of life problems.
The other night during one of my ever frequent middle of the night wakeful periods I began thinking about growing older, the non-stoppable aging process and the perceptions folks have about it. It is amusing to note people's responses to you once you tell them that you are in your 60s, and even that word, "retired." I again mention what my now departed friend and mentor, John Haynes told me about year after his retirement. He said, "do not retire too early . . . you will find people no longer value you or your opinion much anymore." What is so interesting about that statement is that I have found it to be very true.
In small scale societies (sometimes referred to as Primitive), elders are valued. They are the primary decison makers and counselors to the young. They are the library of knowledge in these preliterate cultures (you see all my background in anthropology coming through here). Today this is not the case for many reasons. First and foremost is probably the advent of the computer and all the instant information sources, albeit flawed as they may be. Granted there are cadre of older, and predominantly whites males, running the country, but for most "everyday" people this is not the case. Even in many of the cultures mentioned above once you have gotten to a certain age you determine that your usefulness to the people has come to an end and you go out on the ice (Eskimos), or into the wilderness ( Plains Indian tribes) to fast and go to the next realm. Here, in this culture, without the fasting I guess the equivalent is to move to Sun City and/or become a Wal*Mart greeter.
At any rate, in my life I have noticed some of what my friend John warned me of . . . This is especially true in relationships with the opposite sex. I have had women interested in me, or at least they seem to be in initial conversations. But, as soon as they find out my age there is a change in the way they look at me and their demeanor toward me. What is interesting for me is that I use to have what I called, "the ten year rule." That is, I would not date anyone below that threshold (I know I broke that rule a couple of times). Now-a-days I could not even get a 54 year old to be interested in me once they know my age. Joanne was an exception but that was just a fluke and we see how that turned out. If you did not get married a while back and are a bit "picky, " as some friends call me, then you are like that old bull bison who can no longer compete with the younger males and is out there on the prairie by himself. And I will not even go into the cases where peolple do not listen to you anymore, do not value your opinion. Of course, maybe many of them never did listen to you.
Nothing much has been going on with me here in Flagstaff other than I bought a new Subaru Forester a couple of weeks ago (have to stay ahead of Nephew-in-law Bob Adamo). I did not intend to purchase a new car but had gone to the dealer to schedule a oil change and service. I got caught by the financial manager and he started talking to me and a few hours later I drove out with it. Now I know what most of you are saying, but the "kicker" for me was that my payments came out to be $75 lower a month. I have always had car payments so that does not bother me. My main concern is how much goes out a month. Besides, I love the color, "Steel Metallic Silver," and was never enamored with the darker shade of the previous one.
Since purchasing the vehicle I have gotten the windows tinted, put roof racks on top and gotten my Satellite radio reinstalled, so have had some additional expenses that have ironically kept my travel for the month of July limited. My next trips are planned for the end of August and September. The first will be back up to Wyoming and Montana (Tetons again, and Glacier Park), and the second to San Diego County in mid-September to visit family.
Movies: As I have mentioned so many times, the summer movie "pickings" have been just that for the most part. I drove to Scottsdale last weekend to see the 2nd movie in the "millenium" series based on the books of Swedish author Stieg Larsson (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, etc.). I had read the three books in the trilogy and seen the first film. The 2nd film, Girl Who Played with Fire, is as excellent as the first one. Of course, you have to read sub-titles and that will put some folks off. However, I highly recommend the books and the movies. The last is set to be released in October. I saw Knight and Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. The new version of The Karate Kid was good but not as good as the original. Both were entertaining if not great movies. I am contemplating going to see Inception either today or next week. I am not a big fan of these fantasy flicks, or Leonardo, but since it is getting decent reviews I will try it and let you know.
Hope all is well with you all this summer. Stay cool!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tetons . . .
Greetings from the Tetons,
I am on my last day here in Grand Teton Park. It has been a nice but relatively sleepless trip. At the moment I am sitting in the Jackson Lake Lodge where the signal on my Verizon broadband is strong. When I worked at Colter Bay we had a pretty strong signal there, not now.
The trip up through Colorado last week was a good one. I got to some places I'd never been and revisited some that it had been years since my last stop there. In the latter category were Durango, Silverton and Ouray. The campgrond outside of Durango where I resided for night was right next to the tracks of the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. Last time I was in this area was many years ago with daughter Natasha on one of our annual summer adventures.
As for new places, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was a longtime desired destination and it was not a disappointment. I love these "big holes" in the ground. There were so many great views to take in there. That night I camped a couple of miles outside of the town of Gunnison. After establishing my camp I headed up to another first, the town of Crested Butte, which is a lovely little Mountain ski resort that use to be an old mining town. I had dinner there at The Last Steep, a bar and grill. The wake-up at the Gunnison camp was pretty cool, about 40 degrees. I got up and rapidly took down the tent and went to town for a breakfast burrito and coffee.
I am on my last day here in Grand Teton Park. It has been a nice but relatively sleepless trip. At the moment I am sitting in the Jackson Lake Lodge where the signal on my Verizon broadband is strong. When I worked at Colter Bay we had a pretty strong signal there, not now.
The trip up through Colorado last week was a good one. I got to some places I'd never been and revisited some that it had been years since my last stop there. In the latter category were Durango, Silverton and Ouray. The campgrond outside of Durango where I resided for night was right next to the tracks of the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. Last time I was in this area was many years ago with daughter Natasha on one of our annual summer adventures.
As for new places, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was a longtime desired destination and it was not a disappointment. I love these "big holes" in the ground. There were so many great views to take in there. That night I camped a couple of miles outside of the town of Gunnison. After establishing my camp I headed up to another first, the town of Crested Butte, which is a lovely little Mountain ski resort that use to be an old mining town. I had dinner there at The Last Steep, a bar and grill. The wake-up at the Gunnison camp was pretty cool, about 40 degrees. I got up and rapidly took down the tent and went to town for a breakfast burrito and coffee.
Littleton, CO to visit my niece was my next sojourn. That drive from Gunnison was beautiful, especially going over Monarch Pass at over 11,ooo feet. My sister Norma flew in the night I got their and her daughter Kimby and I drove out to the Denver Airport to get her. The airport is so far out it felt like it was in Kansas. At any rate the visit with Norma, Kimby, her husband Dennis and my great niece and nephew, Melissa and Kyle was a lot of fun. Even sitting through Melissa's dance recital which had about 64 dance pieces 8 of which she was a participant was an interesting experience. Littleton was another new destination for me. 
Kyle, Kimby, Melissa and Me
This posting is getting pretty long, and boring but I shall continue. From Colorado I headed up to Lander, WY to see my friends Ron and Brooke. The drive from Littleton to Lander was in continuous rain all the way. The most "white knucle" portion of it was on Interstate 80 between Rawlins and Laramie. Those big semi-trucks give off so much spray from their wheels that they are a hazzard to cars and there are hundreds of them on that major east/west corridor. I was so glad to get off the Interstate at Laramie. The rest of the drive was relatively uneventful except for a little snow before dropping down into Lander.
The visit with Ron was a good one except that it rained continously in Lander until the day I left. We did not get to do our annual hike up Sinks Canyon because of rain and flooding of the Popo Agie River. However we did drive to Termopolis, WY and sit in the natural hot springs there. This was another first for me. Brooke made two excellent dinners while I was there.
I left Lander on Monday and arrived midmorning at Colter Bay in the Tetons. When my friend Ranger Bob (the elder) got off work we headed up to Yellowstone to spend the night at one of my favorite places, Roosevelt Lodge. We got to sit in the rocking chairs on the porch of the lodge in the evening and the morning. After breakfast in the lodge we headed out pretty early for Cody, WY and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. We spent about 3 hours going through 3 of the 5 museums. We got back to the Tetons in time to go to dinner and Margaritas at Signal Mt. Lodge with Bob's son Ben who is a ranger here, his daughter Katy, who is also a ranger here, and her husband Jamie and their kids.
Ranger Bob and Me, Yellowstone
Bob and I headed back up to Yellowstone the next morning to the"Old Faithful" area. The first thing we did upon arrival was to "pig-out" at the breakfast buffet in the Old Faithful Inn. We walked off our rather large meal around the Geyser Basin and looked at the outside of the new visitor center (due to open in August). In addition, we were able to visit with Tom and Linda who are rangers there. They worked several years with us in the Tetons. It was good to see them and the new VC.
New "Old Faithful" Visitor Center Opens August 25th
Tonight, my last here, we are going to Leeks Marina Restaurant for Pizza. This is another tradition from when I was working here as a ranger. It was usually a bi-weekly treat, most often after payday. Bob and I will meet Darlene and Mike, more friends who are back working here seasonally. That will wrap up this visit. Tomorrow it will be a motel somewhere in Utah and then on to Flagstaff on "Father's Day."
It has been a very good trip. Because of weather I did not get the hiking in that I would have liked, but getting to see everyone and have them genuinely glad to see me was gratifying. However, I have no movies to report!
Catch you all from Flagstaff next time.
Kyle, Kimby, Melissa and MeThis posting is getting pretty long, and boring but I shall continue. From Colorado I headed up to Lander, WY to see my friends Ron and Brooke. The drive from Littleton to Lander was in continuous rain all the way. The most "white knucle" portion of it was on Interstate 80 between Rawlins and Laramie. Those big semi-trucks give off so much spray from their wheels that they are a hazzard to cars and there are hundreds of them on that major east/west corridor. I was so glad to get off the Interstate at Laramie. The rest of the drive was relatively uneventful except for a little snow before dropping down into Lander.
The visit with Ron was a good one except that it rained continously in Lander until the day I left. We did not get to do our annual hike up Sinks Canyon because of rain and flooding of the Popo Agie River. However we did drive to Termopolis, WY and sit in the natural hot springs there. This was another first for me. Brooke made two excellent dinners while I was there.
I left Lander on Monday and arrived midmorning at Colter Bay in the Tetons. When my friend Ranger Bob (the elder) got off work we headed up to Yellowstone to spend the night at one of my favorite places, Roosevelt Lodge. We got to sit in the rocking chairs on the porch of the lodge in the evening and the morning. After breakfast in the lodge we headed out pretty early for Cody, WY and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. We spent about 3 hours going through 3 of the 5 museums. We got back to the Tetons in time to go to dinner and Margaritas at Signal Mt. Lodge with Bob's son Ben who is a ranger here, his daughter Katy, who is also a ranger here, and her husband Jamie and their kids.
Ranger Bob and Me, YellowstoneBob and I headed back up to Yellowstone the next morning to the"Old Faithful" area. The first thing we did upon arrival was to "pig-out" at the breakfast buffet in the Old Faithful Inn. We walked off our rather large meal around the Geyser Basin and looked at the outside of the new visitor center (due to open in August). In addition, we were able to visit with Tom and Linda who are rangers there. They worked several years with us in the Tetons. It was good to see them and the new VC.
New "Old Faithful" Visitor Center Opens August 25thTonight, my last here, we are going to Leeks Marina Restaurant for Pizza. This is another tradition from when I was working here as a ranger. It was usually a bi-weekly treat, most often after payday. Bob and I will meet Darlene and Mike, more friends who are back working here seasonally. That will wrap up this visit. Tomorrow it will be a motel somewhere in Utah and then on to Flagstaff on "Father's Day."
It has been a very good trip. Because of weather I did not get the hiking in that I would have liked, but getting to see everyone and have them genuinely glad to see me was gratifying. However, I have no movies to report!
Catch you all from Flagstaff next time.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Early Hot in Flag!
Mornin' Folks,
The last couple of days have been hotter than is seasonal here in Flagstaff. It was 88 yesterday and supposed to be 90 today. I hate this kind of weather. Warm is OK, but Hot is not my thing. I am not ready for full blown summer yet! Oh, to be in the Tetons where it has been rainy and cool.
Speaking of which, I am heading out on what will probably be my longest trip of the "summer" (granted it is still technically Spring) on Tuesday. I plan to camp the first two days in Colorado, somewhere around Mesa Verde the first day and near Gunnison the second. In looking at the forecast it seems it will be hot in both areas. Am not looking forward to that but I'll be "on the road" again and am looking forward to that!
I woke up in the middle of the night again and began, for some reason, thinking about my name, Evan. Now, when I was a child I hated it because I was the only one around with that moniker. I longed to be Jim, Johnny, Billy, or Bob. As I got older more appreciation for a different name became my reality. I was glad to have it because it was "special," and unique. People remembered my name when they met me. But a few years ago something curious happened, people began naming their boys Evan. I remember my confusion the first time I heard "Evan" called out in a grocery store. I turned to see who was calling me. But alas, it was not me but some little "rug rat" who was the referent. These days my name has become more and more common. I see characters on TV and in movies with it. Guess my days of being "special," at least by name, are over. And so it goes . . .
Today is the fourth anniversary of my mother's death. As it recedes further into the past the pain of her loss still lives with we her children. To this day I have a difficult time dealing with her not being in our world. Everyday I think of her and wish that I could call her and talk as we always did . . . I will miss her to the end of my days.
As I prepare to hit the road next Tuesday, I am bit melancholy about my time in the Tetons. I miss my friends there and the times I had as a Ranger there. Granted I will see some of them this trip but others, I will not. But all things come to an end and I had a good 10 year run up there in the job. It will be nice to see Bob, Laine, and maybe, Elizabeth again. This will be my 20th year going up to Grand Teton NP, first as a visitor then a ranger, and now a visitor again. It has come full circle. I need to treasure this visit because it may be my last. Not that I think my time in this life is closing but who knows where I will be next year.
Movies: The only film I've seen in the last couple of weeks is Get Him to the Greek which I found funny and on par with last years Hang Over. I would say that this one appeals to the younger "gross-out" crowd more than others, and maybe, young males are it's most likely target audience. Again, I probably would not have gone if the reviews by Ebert and others had not been good for this one. Besides, there is not much out there here in Flag. The summer is here and the cinema worth seeing, in my opinion, drops off severely. Of course I hear there are some good children's animated films out but they are not my taste, unless I am going to the movies with my gransons.
Cheers!
The last couple of days have been hotter than is seasonal here in Flagstaff. It was 88 yesterday and supposed to be 90 today. I hate this kind of weather. Warm is OK, but Hot is not my thing. I am not ready for full blown summer yet! Oh, to be in the Tetons where it has been rainy and cool.
Speaking of which, I am heading out on what will probably be my longest trip of the "summer" (granted it is still technically Spring) on Tuesday. I plan to camp the first two days in Colorado, somewhere around Mesa Verde the first day and near Gunnison the second. In looking at the forecast it seems it will be hot in both areas. Am not looking forward to that but I'll be "on the road" again and am looking forward to that!
I woke up in the middle of the night again and began, for some reason, thinking about my name, Evan. Now, when I was a child I hated it because I was the only one around with that moniker. I longed to be Jim, Johnny, Billy, or Bob. As I got older more appreciation for a different name became my reality. I was glad to have it because it was "special," and unique. People remembered my name when they met me. But a few years ago something curious happened, people began naming their boys Evan. I remember my confusion the first time I heard "Evan" called out in a grocery store. I turned to see who was calling me. But alas, it was not me but some little "rug rat" who was the referent. These days my name has become more and more common. I see characters on TV and in movies with it. Guess my days of being "special," at least by name, are over. And so it goes . . .
Today is the fourth anniversary of my mother's death. As it recedes further into the past the pain of her loss still lives with we her children. To this day I have a difficult time dealing with her not being in our world. Everyday I think of her and wish that I could call her and talk as we always did . . . I will miss her to the end of my days.
As I prepare to hit the road next Tuesday, I am bit melancholy about my time in the Tetons. I miss my friends there and the times I had as a Ranger there. Granted I will see some of them this trip but others, I will not. But all things come to an end and I had a good 10 year run up there in the job. It will be nice to see Bob, Laine, and maybe, Elizabeth again. This will be my 20th year going up to Grand Teton NP, first as a visitor then a ranger, and now a visitor again. It has come full circle. I need to treasure this visit because it may be my last. Not that I think my time in this life is closing but who knows where I will be next year.
Movies: The only film I've seen in the last couple of weeks is Get Him to the Greek which I found funny and on par with last years Hang Over. I would say that this one appeals to the younger "gross-out" crowd more than others, and maybe, young males are it's most likely target audience. Again, I probably would not have gone if the reviews by Ebert and others had not been good for this one. Besides, there is not much out there here in Flag. The summer is here and the cinema worth seeing, in my opinion, drops off severely. Of course I hear there are some good children's animated films out but they are not my taste, unless I am going to the movies with my gransons.
Cheers!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Good Morning Folks,
After a couple of weeks now of being "under the weather" (where does that expression come from?), I am finally beginning to see some daylight. It seems that the heavy winds we have had here for weeks may have caused allergies to develop into Sinusitis (possibly a cold thrown in). Thanks to a trip down to the VA hospital in Prescott I am now on antibiotics. At any rate I'm on the road to recovery and am even going to try the gym this morning.
The temps in Flagstaff have made it feel like Spring and almost summer. But, the aforementioned winds have been pretty crazy, 30-50 mile an hour stuff everyday for about 6 weeks now. What was a good winter for moisture is now being sucked out by these winds making for a dry fire season here.
Joanne and I are progressing along quite nicely. She had to go to Newport Beach (her hometown) for a memorial service so was out of town for several days this past week. I picked her up at the train station early yesterday morning and we spent a nice and low key day together. I had all but forgotten how nice it is to have someone in your life. Of course the added bonus is that we are so "gaga" about each other. We have discussed all the limitations of a "May/December" relationship and she knows marriage or even living together are not options and she is fine with that . . . She has her kids and is not wanting to be married again. Neither of us were looking for a relationship, it just happened. I am happy for the first time in a long while and so is she.
Natasha and Jason are thriving in Okinawa. He is working very hard at his job and she getting set-up to start classes at the Univ. of Maryland, Asia and checking out the job scene. Along with that they are preparing for their move from temporary housing on base to an off-base house at the end of this week. Coincidently, their furniture and stuff will arrive on the same day after two months getting there by sea transport.
While ill I did get out to the movies a couple of times. Most of you know me well enough to know I'd have to be on my death bed not to get out to a theater. At any rate, the summer film fare has begun. I saw Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchette's (I love her) new semi-historical opus, Robin Hood. Most of the critics didn't like it but I did. I found it entertaining and fun. I am a sucker for a big epic and all that sword play. Mind you I'm not saying it is a great film but enjoyed it in the way that I did Errol Flynn's version, pure escape. The second movie was Letters to Juliet. Again not a critics favorite but an enjoyable romantic story. I loved seeing Venessa Redgrave again. What with many of the great acting family of Redgraves dying fairly recently (to include her daughter Natasha Richardson and sister Lynn) she is nearly last of a dynasty. Most critics do not seem to like most offerings in the romance genre, but I do. Besides that you get a view of Verona, Italy and surrounding areas. So, I give both films three stars (out of 5) and a thumbs-up, but not way up!
Cheers, until next time!
After a couple of weeks now of being "under the weather" (where does that expression come from?), I am finally beginning to see some daylight. It seems that the heavy winds we have had here for weeks may have caused allergies to develop into Sinusitis (possibly a cold thrown in). Thanks to a trip down to the VA hospital in Prescott I am now on antibiotics. At any rate I'm on the road to recovery and am even going to try the gym this morning.
The temps in Flagstaff have made it feel like Spring and almost summer. But, the aforementioned winds have been pretty crazy, 30-50 mile an hour stuff everyday for about 6 weeks now. What was a good winter for moisture is now being sucked out by these winds making for a dry fire season here.
Joanne and I are progressing along quite nicely. She had to go to Newport Beach (her hometown) for a memorial service so was out of town for several days this past week. I picked her up at the train station early yesterday morning and we spent a nice and low key day together. I had all but forgotten how nice it is to have someone in your life. Of course the added bonus is that we are so "gaga" about each other. We have discussed all the limitations of a "May/December" relationship and she knows marriage or even living together are not options and she is fine with that . . . She has her kids and is not wanting to be married again. Neither of us were looking for a relationship, it just happened. I am happy for the first time in a long while and so is she.
Natasha and Jason are thriving in Okinawa. He is working very hard at his job and she getting set-up to start classes at the Univ. of Maryland, Asia and checking out the job scene. Along with that they are preparing for their move from temporary housing on base to an off-base house at the end of this week. Coincidently, their furniture and stuff will arrive on the same day after two months getting there by sea transport.
While ill I did get out to the movies a couple of times. Most of you know me well enough to know I'd have to be on my death bed not to get out to a theater. At any rate, the summer film fare has begun. I saw Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchette's (I love her) new semi-historical opus, Robin Hood. Most of the critics didn't like it but I did. I found it entertaining and fun. I am a sucker for a big epic and all that sword play. Mind you I'm not saying it is a great film but enjoyed it in the way that I did Errol Flynn's version, pure escape. The second movie was Letters to Juliet. Again not a critics favorite but an enjoyable romantic story. I loved seeing Venessa Redgrave again. What with many of the great acting family of Redgraves dying fairly recently (to include her daughter Natasha Richardson and sister Lynn) she is nearly last of a dynasty. Most critics do not seem to like most offerings in the romance genre, but I do. Besides that you get a view of Verona, Italy and surrounding areas. So, I give both films three stars (out of 5) and a thumbs-up, but not way up!
Cheers, until next time!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Wind and Illness
Hey All,
Am sitting at home this morning instead of going to the gym. I rarely miss a workout day during the week. But it seems my allergies, after continuous strong winds here in Flagstaff, have evolved into a bad cold. Colds seem to enter my body at least once a year. The older I get the more annoying these maladies become.
Illness is interesting in how it affects your psyche. In light of the fact that I get all my immunizations and flu shots as a preventive action it always suprises me how the common cold persists as an uncurable ailment. I try not to let it get me down by attempting to combat it through the usual means but at the same time it is difficult to stay home all day. Luckily, it does not "lay me low" so the only limitation I place on myself is to cut-out my workouts for a couple of days. Even though I have not taken advantage of it, it is nice to have woman in my life who is a nurse.
Speaking of which, Joanne and I had a very good weekend together, especially Friday and Saturday. We continue to get to know each other better. Even with the illness life seems a bit more interesting these days. I do not know how long things will last between us (hopefully for good while) but there is a definite upswing in my attitude and demeanor. Romance may be my drug of choice. It is difficult to say since it has been a good while since I've had that kind of "buzz" in my life.
At any rate, life is pretty good these days all things being equal. Since I have not gotten any notification from the park service for this summer, I have begun to plan some trips. June will be my month for a sojourn to Colorado and Wyoming. In July my tentative plan is to hit the Shakepearean Festival in Cedar City. My goal is to see Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing. In August I will make another trip to southern Cal to visit family. September is still open. If I can pull together the funds I'd like to visit Ranger Bob, the younger, in Alaska. Another possiblity is trip back up to WY to go to Glacier Park with Ranger Bob, the Elder. As you can see it is a very robust plan and other factors may cause changes, not the least my new relationship. I may need to shorten some of these trips in order to be able to spend time with Joanne, or not.
Movies: Since my last transmission, I have seen two films. Iron Man II, with Robert Downey Jr in the title role. This movie is very entertaining. It is worth seeing but not as good as the first one. The second, The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo is an excellent Swedish thriller. It is rather long and has subtitles but well worth it. Also, I should warn you that there are some pretty graphic rape scenes in it, not so much nudity as violence.
I am looking forward to this Friday's release of the Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchette's version of Robin Hood. I have read that this will be a different, non-traditional approach to this often produced fabled story. It seems to be much on par with the reinterpretation of King Arthur featuring Clive Owen a few years ago. At any rate this is only the beginning of the summer onslaught of films that will be, for the most part, pablum for the masses. If we are lucky there will be a few gems buried amongst them.
Cheers all . . . Adios for now.
Am sitting at home this morning instead of going to the gym. I rarely miss a workout day during the week. But it seems my allergies, after continuous strong winds here in Flagstaff, have evolved into a bad cold. Colds seem to enter my body at least once a year. The older I get the more annoying these maladies become.
Illness is interesting in how it affects your psyche. In light of the fact that I get all my immunizations and flu shots as a preventive action it always suprises me how the common cold persists as an uncurable ailment. I try not to let it get me down by attempting to combat it through the usual means but at the same time it is difficult to stay home all day. Luckily, it does not "lay me low" so the only limitation I place on myself is to cut-out my workouts for a couple of days. Even though I have not taken advantage of it, it is nice to have woman in my life who is a nurse.
Speaking of which, Joanne and I had a very good weekend together, especially Friday and Saturday. We continue to get to know each other better. Even with the illness life seems a bit more interesting these days. I do not know how long things will last between us (hopefully for good while) but there is a definite upswing in my attitude and demeanor. Romance may be my drug of choice. It is difficult to say since it has been a good while since I've had that kind of "buzz" in my life.
At any rate, life is pretty good these days all things being equal. Since I have not gotten any notification from the park service for this summer, I have begun to plan some trips. June will be my month for a sojourn to Colorado and Wyoming. In July my tentative plan is to hit the Shakepearean Festival in Cedar City. My goal is to see Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing. In August I will make another trip to southern Cal to visit family. September is still open. If I can pull together the funds I'd like to visit Ranger Bob, the younger, in Alaska. Another possiblity is trip back up to WY to go to Glacier Park with Ranger Bob, the Elder. As you can see it is a very robust plan and other factors may cause changes, not the least my new relationship. I may need to shorten some of these trips in order to be able to spend time with Joanne, or not.
Movies: Since my last transmission, I have seen two films. Iron Man II, with Robert Downey Jr in the title role. This movie is very entertaining. It is worth seeing but not as good as the first one. The second, The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo is an excellent Swedish thriller. It is rather long and has subtitles but well worth it. Also, I should warn you that there are some pretty graphic rape scenes in it, not so much nudity as violence.
I am looking forward to this Friday's release of the Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchette's version of Robin Hood. I have read that this will be a different, non-traditional approach to this often produced fabled story. It seems to be much on par with the reinterpretation of King Arthur featuring Clive Owen a few years ago. At any rate this is only the beginning of the summer onslaught of films that will be, for the most part, pablum for the masses. If we are lucky there will be a few gems buried amongst them.
Cheers all . . . Adios for now.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
California and Back!
Hey Folks,
I'm back in Flagstaff after about 8 days in partially sunny southern California. It rained a couple of those days, one of which was while I was attending my grandson Zac's baseball game last Tuesday. The umpires let it go to the 5th inning. Thought they stopped baseball for rain, guess I'm getting old. In all, between the three grandsons, I went to 7 games. It was good seeing the boys. They have grown substantially since my last visit in September. Zac has sprouted up and become a lot leaner. He is no longer the small guy on his teams and now that he is 13, a full blown teenager with all that comes with that.
Zac, Torin & Cole
I'm back in Flagstaff after about 8 days in partially sunny southern California. It rained a couple of those days, one of which was while I was attending my grandson Zac's baseball game last Tuesday. The umpires let it go to the 5th inning. Thought they stopped baseball for rain, guess I'm getting old. In all, between the three grandsons, I went to 7 games. It was good seeing the boys. They have grown substantially since my last visit in September. Zac has sprouted up and become a lot leaner. He is no longer the small guy on his teams and now that he is 13, a full blown teenager with all that comes with that.
Zac, Torin & ColeI stayed with my sister Norma and "her guy," Scott. He is the nicest guy you would ever want to meet and as cordial a host as is my sister. They are a good complement to each other. I told her she made a good choice to finish out life. He is a kind man and shows in many small ways how much he cares for her.
Of course I had many good meals prepared by my eldest daughter Tania. She is excellent in that regard and I enjoy her company and my son-in-law Steve's, when he is around. He is always at work, or coaching/managing all the ball teams the boys are involved with. They are good parents.
So, I'm back in Flagstaff and getting into the "swing of spring." It looks like I may have a new "romantic" interest as well. Her name is Joanne and we have been acquaintances for a bit but have turned things up a notch upon my return. We spoke quite a bit on the phone while I was in California. It is kind of "May/December" thing if you know that reference (she is 42). Today was her birthday and she took the day off so we spent most of it together. We had fun and laughed a lot. That will probably "titillate" some your interests since she is a bare 2 months older than my eldest and a matter of a couple of days older than niece Kimberly. But she is interested. What can I say?
No word from the Park Service so my days as a Ranger are probably over. It was a good run and I will still visit the Tetons this summer.
Movies: I went to what I thought were three good independent films while in California. The first, Greenberg, featured Ben Stiller in a different kind of role as somewhat despicable 40 year old house sitting his brother's place in Calif. This is a good performance by him but not an especially "up" kind of film. I liked it and do not usually like his stuff. The second, The Joneses, with Demi Moore and David Decovney (sp) was an interesting comment on consumerism in the US. They part of a put together family that goes into affluent neighborhoods to live and display all of their new gadgets, getting their neighbors to buy them through peer pressure. The last one I saw was the best of a good lot. That one was City Island with Andy Garcia and Julianne Marggules from The Good Wife and ER . It is about a NY family living in an Island part of the Bronx. They are a pretty dysfunctional group, but fun to watch. The young son is fixated on really large women and is on the Internet looking for those sites. Garcia's character is a prison guard who secretly goes to acting classes while telling his wife he is playing poker. All these films were thoroughly enjoyable viewing.
Adios for now!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Good Afternoon . . .
And it is a good afternoon here in Flagstaff, AZ. It has been a week of "com
ings and goings" in my life and those around me. Firstly, from the beginning of the week through the middle Natasha and Jason made there way through various stops in Arizona to Seattle and to their final destination, Japan. The early week was fraught with anxiety, angst, and nervous energy as we all tried to get them on their way. The last minute, and final (most crucial) obstacle to their departure was the government $$$ being put in their account on Monday. This they needed to pay for lodging and meals on the way. After an arduous and exhausting 20 hour trip they finally arrived in their new home, Okinawa.
They are finally on their own in an exciting foreign country. Tasha called and related their adventures getting there and how wonderful Jason's new boss was in getting them into their temporary housing, stocking with groceries, and taking them to dinner. I would say that is a good start for them.
So much for one of t
he important "goings," as it were. As to the comings, niece Kimberly, her husband Dennis and my great niece and nephew, Melissa, and Kyle arrived Thursday evening on their way home from San Diego to Denver (their Spring Break). We had a great visit and took a trip to the Grand Canyon together on Friday. They left early this morning for their marathon drive back to Littleton, CO. for Easter tomorrow and school and work on Monday. It was a nice visit and fun to have them be the first family members (outside of Natasha) to spend a couple of nights at my condo.
Now I sit here all alone in my solitude. I am not lonely per se, but do feel a "twinge" knowing that it will be a little more difficult to live here without being able to talk to my youngest offspring as frequently as in the past. For that matter I wouldn't mind being able to talk more often with my eldest. Even when Tasha lived in London we were able to talk several times during the week, in New York it was almost daily, and here, in Flag, it was daily. So, that will be something I will have to get use to. But, life is change if it nothing else.
In most cases Movies have "sucked" lately. This is what one might call the doldrums for film releases. This is usually the time of year when the studios dump their not so excellent works, that is, after the Oscars. The other day, in between the departures and arrivals mentioned above, I went to see something that I would not have gone to had I not read a couple of good reviews. It was heralded as being as good as Hang Over, a surprising funny comedy. Do not bother with Hot tub Time Machine, enough said. She's Out of My League was not bad. The best by far in my estimation is one of those little gems that sneak in during this period, The Ghost Writer, with Ewan McGregor and Peirce Brosnan. Roman Polanski directed this political thriller and it is very interesting and well acted.
In additon, the Vernal Equinox, beginning of spring, happened a couple of weeks ago and the days are getting longer again. Let me wish all who still read this ode to nothing, a happy spring and may it bring new growth to all!
Cheers!
And it is a good afternoon here in Flagstaff, AZ. It has been a week of "com
ings and goings" in my life and those around me. Firstly, from the beginning of the week through the middle Natasha and Jason made there way through various stops in Arizona to Seattle and to their final destination, Japan. The early week was fraught with anxiety, angst, and nervous energy as we all tried to get them on their way. The last minute, and final (most crucial) obstacle to their departure was the government $$$ being put in their account on Monday. This they needed to pay for lodging and meals on the way. After an arduous and exhausting 20 hour trip they finally arrived in their new home, Okinawa.They are finally on their own in an exciting foreign country. Tasha called and related their adventures getting there and how wonderful Jason's new boss was in getting them into their temporary housing, stocking with groceries, and taking them to dinner. I would say that is a good start for them.
So much for one of t
he important "goings," as it were. As to the comings, niece Kimberly, her husband Dennis and my great niece and nephew, Melissa, and Kyle arrived Thursday evening on their way home from San Diego to Denver (their Spring Break). We had a great visit and took a trip to the Grand Canyon together on Friday. They left early this morning for their marathon drive back to Littleton, CO. for Easter tomorrow and school and work on Monday. It was a nice visit and fun to have them be the first family members (outside of Natasha) to spend a couple of nights at my condo.Now I sit here all alone in my solitude. I am not lonely per se, but do feel a "twinge" knowing that it will be a little more difficult to live here without being able to talk to my youngest offspring as frequently as in the past. For that matter I wouldn't mind being able to talk more often with my eldest. Even when Tasha lived in London we were able to talk several times during the week, in New York it was almost daily, and here, in Flag, it was daily. So, that will be something I will have to get use to. But, life is change if it nothing else.
In most cases Movies have "sucked" lately. This is what one might call the doldrums for film releases. This is usually the time of year when the studios dump their not so excellent works, that is, after the Oscars. The other day, in between the departures and arrivals mentioned above, I went to see something that I would not have gone to had I not read a couple of good reviews. It was heralded as being as good as Hang Over, a surprising funny comedy. Do not bother with Hot tub Time Machine, enough said. She's Out of My League was not bad. The best by far in my estimation is one of those little gems that sneak in during this period, The Ghost Writer, with Ewan McGregor and Peirce Brosnan. Roman Polanski directed this political thriller and it is very interesting and well acted.
In additon, the Vernal Equinox, beginning of spring, happened a couple of weeks ago and the days are getting longer again. Let me wish all who still read this ode to nothing, a happy spring and may it bring new growth to all!
Cheers!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Mornin' All . . . that is if there is still anyone out there.
It has been almost a month since my last posting here. Not that my life is so busy that I do not have time to write, it is just that I have lost motivation to do it, not too mention anything to say.
Most of what has taken up my time, at least in my head, is getting Natasha and Jason off to Japan. There have been delays with government paperwork and a further trip down to Luke Air Force Base. It looks as if they will be flying out of AZ on March 31st, and Seattle the next day. This has been a stressful time for all of us and a combination of that and excitement for Tasha and Jason. Finally, they will be on their own as a married couple albeit in foreign land. Ah, to be young and have the whole adventure ahead! I will miss them.
The weeks have seemed to fly by and the winter has been long here in Flagstaff. However, I have enjoyed it with the opportunities to go XC skiing so abundant this season. Spring will be on us in another week but who knows if the global weather patterns will oblige with warmer weather. Many here in Flag are ready for it but I would not mind a few more days of skiing. Last weekend was Natasha's 29th birthday and we went skiing on Wednesday as part of her week long b-day celebration. This is her second time this winter after an 11 year hiatus. She has done well with it, not to mention having fun. But, from here on her outdoor fun will have more of a tropical bent in Okinawa.
There was a job offer in the Tetons but I turned it down. It was my dream job to work in the backcountry permits office. But in order to accept it I would have had 3 roommates, one sharing a bedroom with me. I am too old for that. I could share a place but not a bedroom. There is still a chance for an Interp. Ranger position but if it has the same arrangement in accomodations the decision on my part will be the same. I think they are trying to tell me something up there. At any rate, there is still a Grand Canyon gate or campground ranger position still in the wind. But, travelling this summer sounds a lot more enticing.
Movies: The Oscars and other awards shows went pretty much according to script. I was happy about Jeff Bridges and The Hurt Locker winning. Films I have seen lately have not been all that exciting to me. I took Tasha to see Alice in Wonderland, as I did when she was a child. She liked it very much; I thought it only OK. I saw Green Zone yesterday. I liked it but it is very politically explosive. Matt Damon is good in it. But, it is not Bourne like, a bit more real. The worst movie I have seen lately is Cop Out with Bruce Willis and the guy on 30 Rock. It was absolutely terrible. I wasn't expecting a great movie just good entertainment . . . I was wrong.
Adios for now!
It has been almost a month since my last posting here. Not that my life is so busy that I do not have time to write, it is just that I have lost motivation to do it, not too mention anything to say.
Most of what has taken up my time, at least in my head, is getting Natasha and Jason off to Japan. There have been delays with government paperwork and a further trip down to Luke Air Force Base. It looks as if they will be flying out of AZ on March 31st, and Seattle the next day. This has been a stressful time for all of us and a combination of that and excitement for Tasha and Jason. Finally, they will be on their own as a married couple albeit in foreign land. Ah, to be young and have the whole adventure ahead! I will miss them.
The weeks have seemed to fly by and the winter has been long here in Flagstaff. However, I have enjoyed it with the opportunities to go XC skiing so abundant this season. Spring will be on us in another week but who knows if the global weather patterns will oblige with warmer weather. Many here in Flag are ready for it but I would not mind a few more days of skiing. Last weekend was Natasha's 29th birthday and we went skiing on Wednesday as part of her week long b-day celebration. This is her second time this winter after an 11 year hiatus. She has done well with it, not to mention having fun. But, from here on her outdoor fun will have more of a tropical bent in Okinawa.
There was a job offer in the Tetons but I turned it down. It was my dream job to work in the backcountry permits office. But in order to accept it I would have had 3 roommates, one sharing a bedroom with me. I am too old for that. I could share a place but not a bedroom. There is still a chance for an Interp. Ranger position but if it has the same arrangement in accomodations the decision on my part will be the same. I think they are trying to tell me something up there. At any rate, there is still a Grand Canyon gate or campground ranger position still in the wind. But, travelling this summer sounds a lot more enticing.
Movies: The Oscars and other awards shows went pretty much according to script. I was happy about Jeff Bridges and The Hurt Locker winning. Films I have seen lately have not been all that exciting to me. I took Tasha to see Alice in Wonderland, as I did when she was a child. She liked it very much; I thought it only OK. I saw Green Zone yesterday. I liked it but it is very politically explosive. Matt Damon is good in it. But, it is not Bourne like, a bit more real. The worst movie I have seen lately is Cop Out with Bruce Willis and the guy on 30 Rock. It was absolutely terrible. I wasn't expecting a great movie just good entertainment . . . I was wrong.
Adios for now!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Another Sunday Morning in Flagstaff . . . Good Morning Folks!
After a few inches of snow last weekend it has warmed up here in the mountains. Yesterday it was 51 degrees, practically summer. I hurried out last Monday to ski on the fresh stuff and it was excellent. The slopes of the AZ Snow Bowl (downhill skiing) have been so full on the weekends they have had to close them to further traffic up the mountain by about 9am. The folks from the valley head up here in droves. This long weekend for some is no exception.
I know that I have been remiss in blogging for a while. It is just that I haven't really been in the mood. My friend John Haynes died almost two weeks ago and it has hit me pretty hard. He had given up on his "chemo" treatments and wanted to go home to Prescott. I visited him Monday two weeks ago, as did many others, and he died the following night.
John was not only a good friend but he was my mentor at Yavapai College as well. I knew him for 36 years, one of my oldest friends. He was there right after my youngest, Natasha, was born and he and his wife Carolyn were at her wedding a little over a year ago. We hiked/backpacked many a trail in the Grand Canyon together. In fact he was the one most responsible for getting me in the canyon in the first place. He was my first Liberal Arts Division Chair at the college and I was his division chair when he retired. If we had been cowboys (he was raised in Kingman, AZ) I would say we rode many a trail together. Even though he was a life long atheist, I wish him happy trails. He was only 75 and in very good shape when I visited him in September. We will honor his life tomorrow at a memorial in Prescott.
As for other news . . . Natasha and Jason's progress toward moving to Okinawa for his government job took a few steps toward fruition this past Friday. We went down to Luke Air Force base for his "physical" and some preliminary processing for their flight and movement of their household goods. The only thing holding up movement forward is getting his official orders. The government moves slowly. Right now their tentative date for flying out is March 18th. They are very excited about this new adventure.
My life is plugging along as usual. Near the end of next week I will be 64 years old, another milestone along life's path. As much as my daughter likes to deny it, I think I am officially old now. I know, "you are only as old as you feel!" Well, I look in the mirror and I am there . . . as they said on the old Seinfeld show, "not that there is anything wrong with that."
Movies: The highlight of the films viewd lately was Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges in the featured role of an old country singer, much like Merle Haggard or Waylon Jennings. He is absolutely great in it and has won the Golden Globe and SAG awards for best actor. I concur with these accolades and feel he should take the Oscar as well. In addition, I have seen Edge of Darkness with Mel Gibson in his first acting film in a few years and Extraordinary Measures with Harrison Ford. They were both entertaining in their way but not great films. The latter was surprisingly good even though a bit of a "tear jerker."
Well, that's about it from beautiful, and sunny downtown Flagstaff garden spot of AZ!
Adios Amigos y Amigas!
After a few inches of snow last weekend it has warmed up here in the mountains. Yesterday it was 51 degrees, practically summer. I hurried out last Monday to ski on the fresh stuff and it was excellent. The slopes of the AZ Snow Bowl (downhill skiing) have been so full on the weekends they have had to close them to further traffic up the mountain by about 9am. The folks from the valley head up here in droves. This long weekend for some is no exception.
I know that I have been remiss in blogging for a while. It is just that I haven't really been in the mood. My friend John Haynes died almost two weeks ago and it has hit me pretty hard. He had given up on his "chemo" treatments and wanted to go home to Prescott. I visited him Monday two weeks ago, as did many others, and he died the following night.
John was not only a good friend but he was my mentor at Yavapai College as well. I knew him for 36 years, one of my oldest friends. He was there right after my youngest, Natasha, was born and he and his wife Carolyn were at her wedding a little over a year ago. We hiked/backpacked many a trail in the Grand Canyon together. In fact he was the one most responsible for getting me in the canyon in the first place. He was my first Liberal Arts Division Chair at the college and I was his division chair when he retired. If we had been cowboys (he was raised in Kingman, AZ) I would say we rode many a trail together. Even though he was a life long atheist, I wish him happy trails. He was only 75 and in very good shape when I visited him in September. We will honor his life tomorrow at a memorial in Prescott.
As for other news . . . Natasha and Jason's progress toward moving to Okinawa for his government job took a few steps toward fruition this past Friday. We went down to Luke Air Force base for his "physical" and some preliminary processing for their flight and movement of their household goods. The only thing holding up movement forward is getting his official orders. The government moves slowly. Right now their tentative date for flying out is March 18th. They are very excited about this new adventure.
My life is plugging along as usual. Near the end of next week I will be 64 years old, another milestone along life's path. As much as my daughter likes to deny it, I think I am officially old now. I know, "you are only as old as you feel!" Well, I look in the mirror and I am there . . . as they said on the old Seinfeld show, "not that there is anything wrong with that."
Movies: The highlight of the films viewd lately was Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges in the featured role of an old country singer, much like Merle Haggard or Waylon Jennings. He is absolutely great in it and has won the Golden Globe and SAG awards for best actor. I concur with these accolades and feel he should take the Oscar as well. In addition, I have seen Edge of Darkness with Mel Gibson in his first acting film in a few years and Extraordinary Measures with Harrison Ford. They were both entertaining in their way but not great films. The latter was surprisingly good even though a bit of a "tear jerker."
Well, that's about it from beautiful, and sunny downtown Flagstaff garden spot of AZ!
Adios Amigos y Amigas!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
And so it goes . . . time that is . . .
Good Morning from the mountains of AZ,
On another front, my daughter Natasha and her husband will be on their way to Japan (Okinawa) for a government job he has secured. This is great news for them as it will get them out of Flagstaff where there are few meaningful employment opportunities for them. They are both excited about the change. Natasha is an inveterate traveller so the new horizons will give her a chance to experience the Orient (as we use to call it, now more PC, Asia). I will miss having my daughter so close and treasure this almost two years (by the time she leaves) that we have had together. I wish them the best on their new adventure in life.
Cindy & Bob Henry, Goodyear, AZ
Wow! It is mid-month in the New Year already. It is difficult to believe how fast time seems to be hustling along. The last few days I have been reflecting on what it means to be 64 years old (almost, but in my 64th year). I think about how old folks use to seem at this age when I was younger, and also, how they are perceived today with all the changes in diet and exercise, etc. Guess that I have been lucky, appearance wise, in that for most of my life I have looked about 5-10 years younger. This doesn't come from my own delusions but from othe people's comments.
Just this week a couple of younger folks who work out at my gym were genuinely shocked when I told them my age. The problem is that I do not feel all that junior, especially when I look in the mirror in the morning.
However I am viewed, the fact is that I am on the downhill side of life even if my youngest daughter wishes to deny it. I know all that crap about "you are only as young as you feel." One thing that bugs me the most about all this is the way you are perceived by the opposite sex, especially those a bit younger. And, I am not talking about pedophilia, just folks who would have fallen into my old "10 year down rule." I do not mean a woman who is younger than her 40s, 50s, or low 60s. They do not seem to be interested anymore, or at least the one's I'm interested in pursuing. I am not the least bit interested in a "matronly" looking woman of my age, as it seems a former relative by marriage seems to be. So, I will just plug along.
On another front, my daughter Natasha and her husband will be on their way to Japan (Okinawa) for a government job he has secured. This is great news for them as it will get them out of Flagstaff where there are few meaningful employment opportunities for them. They are both excited about the change. Natasha is an inveterate traveller so the new horizons will give her a chance to experience the Orient (as we use to call it, now more PC, Asia). I will miss having my daughter so close and treasure this almost two years (by the time she leaves) that we have had together. I wish them the best on their new adventure in life.
A week, or so, ago I got to visit my good friends the Henrys, Bob and Cindy, down in Goodyear, AZ at the foot of the Estrella Mountains. Last March was my last visit with them. As usual we had a good time together. I miss seeing them more often. What with Bob working as a Ranger in Denali Park in Alaska, it is difficult for us all to get together.
Cindy & Bob Henry, Goodyear, AZWe are expecting a whole week of snow storms beginning Sunday night/Monday morning. The predictions from NOAA are anywhere from 3-7 feet accumulations. If htat happens that may put everything to a stop here in Flagstaff. The first major storm that dropped 2 feet in December nearly did that. The good thing is that it bodes well for skiing here. The downhillers will have great conditions at Snowbowl, and we XC skiiers should profit as well. The only problem will be getting out there if they do not get the roads plowed.
Me and Jon Marie at Flag Nordic Center
As far as XC skiing goes, I hit that magical mark last Sunday while skiing with my friend Jon Marie. I have now broken even on my season pass to the Nordic Center. This is the earliest that has ever happened, and in many years have not gotten to the even point.
Movies: I have seen only two in the New Year, one only fair, and the other not that good at all.
It's Complicated is an OK comedy for us "older" folks with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. It is amusing in places but drags a bit. It might be something for your "Netflicks." The other, The Book of Eli, with Denzel Washington is another of these Apocalyptic films that seem to be in vogue presently. Even though I like him, I found the story stupid. Gary Oldman plays his usual menacing "bad guy." I think you can skip this one unless you are "into" the violent scenes. Besides we never find out where Eli learned all the marshal arts he displays. This was definately a waste of Denzel's talents and my time.
That's it from beautiful downtown Flagstaff . . . Ciao All!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
Good Morning Folks!
Happy New Year and farewell to the the first decade of this century. It is not difficult to remember the worry coming into this decade and the century, the Y2K hubub. Remember when everyone was worried about the computers of the world crashing. Also, there was 9/11 early in this decade and for most of it the debacle of having George HW Bush as our president. His war and greedy buddies on Wall St. took us from prosperity to the end of the decade in financial ruin, almost another great depression.
Personally, I lost relatives and friends during this ten year span, most important of which was my mother in 2006. I will forever miss her.
As a nation and culture we lost scores of cultural icons such as Walter Cronkite, Ted Kennedy, George Carlin, and many others too numerous to name. For me many of these deaths ended the era that I grew up in, especially those political and entertainment figures that represented those times for me. Their demise has changed my world, and in a way that makes me feel set adrift somehow.
The positive aspects of these last ten years exist as well. My youngest daughter got married, another granson appeared on the scene and I retired after 27 years of teaching college. I moved from Prescott, AZ to Flagstaff after retiring. In additon, I got to spend 9 of the last ten years as a Park Ranger in Grand Teton National Park. In this last year of the decade I bought a condo here in Flagstaff. So I actually own something, or at least my name is on it, the bank really owns it.
Happy New Year and farewell to the the first decade of this century. It is not difficult to remember the worry coming into this decade and the century, the Y2K hubub. Remember when everyone was worried about the computers of the world crashing. Also, there was 9/11 early in this decade and for most of it the debacle of having George HW Bush as our president. His war and greedy buddies on Wall St. took us from prosperity to the end of the decade in financial ruin, almost another great depression.
Personally, I lost relatives and friends during this ten year span, most important of which was my mother in 2006. I will forever miss her.
As a nation and culture we lost scores of cultural icons such as Walter Cronkite, Ted Kennedy, George Carlin, and many others too numerous to name. For me many of these deaths ended the era that I grew up in, especially those political and entertainment figures that represented those times for me. Their demise has changed my world, and in a way that makes me feel set adrift somehow.
The positive aspects of these last ten years exist as well. My youngest daughter got married, another granson appeared on the scene and I retired after 27 years of teaching college. I moved from Prescott, AZ to Flagstaff after retiring. In additon, I got to spend 9 of the last ten years as a Park Ranger in Grand Teton National Park. In this last year of the decade I bought a condo here in Flagstaff. So I actually own something, or at least my name is on it, the bank really owns it.
Tasha & Jason, a year after weddingAs a last artifact of the year 2009 I list my top ten films. My main criteria is that I have had to see them in a movie theater myself. One problem with that is I have missed some great films that did not make it to my location. In addition, some very good films that have already won awards for the previous year did not go into general release until January 2009. Some of these that I did not rate were The Reader, The Wrestler, Grand Torino, and Nixon/Frost. Almost all of these would have been in my top ten. So here goes. . .
1. Avatar
2. Up in the Air
3. The Hurt Locker
4. Inglorius Basterds
5. Invictus
6. Star Trek: the Beginning
7. Summer Hours (French)
8. 500 Days of Summer
9. Is Anybody There (British)
10. this is a tie between Brothers, and The Blindside
Honorable Mention goes to Michael Moore's documentary, Capitalism, A Love Story.
My movie count was down from 93 viewed last year in theaters to 62 this year.
Now it is on to a new decade and whatever adventures that brings to us all. Let us hope that President Obama can turn things around and that we get out of all of these wars.
As we use to say back in the 60s, that is 1960s (oh so long ago it seems now) . . . Peace and Love!
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