Just got home from cocktails with Jay Livey and Chris Ashenbrenner - good friends from my Health and Social Services Days.
Jay was Commissioner of the department in the waning days of the Tony Knowles Administration - he was foolish enough to make me one of his deputies. He had served as a deputy commissioner for many years prior to his elevation to Commissioner and he and I were noon hour gym buddies for a long time.
We were both pretty religious about our workouts - a well known fact which I'm sure was exploited by others who calculated that any 11 AM meeting was more than likely going to end promptly at noon if Jay and/or Elmer was presiding. Jay is leaving tomorrow for Seattle where he and his wife, Vivian, now have a home. He will be back in August - he's working off-and-on for Lyman Hoffman, one of the Co-Chairs of the Senate Finance Committee. I think the world of my former leader.
Chris just started (today) as the Juneau staff person for our new U.S. Senator Mark Begich. She was the Director of Public Assistance in the good ol' days and has more recently been working with the domestic violence community whose internal politics are even more convoluted than Alaskan fisheries politics. She is one GREAT gal.
But now to the REAL news. The weather. Next week is summer. We may get more...but I know better than to count on it. Highs near 80 FUCKING DEGREES! Whoo Hoo! Clearing off on Saturday night...good through Friday.
I am going to recreate 'till hell won't have it.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A Day of Rest
Whew! Been busy the past few days. When the sun is shining I feel COMPELLED to be outdoors. I've actually run out of things to do in auntie's yard - unless I want to start defoliating the jungle in the back and build more rock gardens there - which seems pretty pointless since nobody would see it except me.
Mom has taken to going out and doing yard work very early in the morning...so there's nothing for me to do garden-wise when I roll that way between 9 and 10 AM. When I showed-up a couple of days ago she was just finishing raking the grass. She did let me put the mower away. She is enjoying herself and her garden so I do not chastise her for overdoing it. Hope to hell I'm raking the yard if I make 82.
I've spent a boatload of bucks at the various gardening establishments - lots of annuals and a few perennials for Emilie's yard and a couple of flats for mom as a belated Mother's Day gift - the flats filled to her exact specifications, of course. She has taken to rearranging the annuals in the various beds and planters on an almost daily basis - it's pretty funny - but what the hell? Like I said, she is really enjoying her garden.
I still need to replace some fence posts and boards at the elders - but for some reason that is the one project that does not move me. Maybe later this week... I did stack cord of wood #3 yesterday and split a number of rounds. Worked up a good sweat. By the time I was through it started to rain so went home and changed clothes and then had a good workout at the club. I am meeting my exercise quota.
I've also been walking the airport dike trail regularly and went out and wandered around the west side of Mendenhall Lake a couple of days ago. Quite a bit of ice on the lake.
I think I'm beginning to get the hang of taking pictures of warblers and other small tweety birds. The secret is to take LOTS of pics and then toss all but the one or two that are actually worth keeping. They are elusive little buggers. I have a 1.4x extender for my 70-200mm zoom lens - still marginal for this kind of work - but I have lots of time to devote to this silliness and am working on that patience thing.
Yellow Warbler doing the warbling thing
At least I'm pretty sure it's a Yellow Warbler. It's possible it is an Orange Crowned Warbler which looks quite similar. I have plumped for the Yellow Warbler because it's song was complex - unlike the Orange Crowned Warbler which makes a simple trill. My bird book says the song of the Yellow Warbler is "sweet-sweet-sweet-setta-see-see-whew." Huh? Not sure about that; but like I say the song WAS complex. Birders and their descriptions of bird songs are as punctilious as wine snobs describing the nose of a good cabernet.
Mendenhall Lake on a beautiful spring day
Well, it's raining today - so I think I'll take the day off - except for a workout, of course. I've got blisters on both hands and my feet are sore - the tribulations of manual labor. Sure could use a hot-rock massage...
Finally, for those of you who know my wonderful daughter, Amanda, here is a link to her new blog "Camp Campington" which she will use to keep us posted on what I'm sure will be an eventful summer as a counselor at one of Paul Newman's "Hole-in-the-Wall" camps for medically needy kiddos. http://amandakrafft.blogspot.com/
Mom has taken to going out and doing yard work very early in the morning...so there's nothing for me to do garden-wise when I roll that way between 9 and 10 AM. When I showed-up a couple of days ago she was just finishing raking the grass. She did let me put the mower away. She is enjoying herself and her garden so I do not chastise her for overdoing it. Hope to hell I'm raking the yard if I make 82.
I've spent a boatload of bucks at the various gardening establishments - lots of annuals and a few perennials for Emilie's yard and a couple of flats for mom as a belated Mother's Day gift - the flats filled to her exact specifications, of course. She has taken to rearranging the annuals in the various beds and planters on an almost daily basis - it's pretty funny - but what the hell? Like I said, she is really enjoying her garden.
I still need to replace some fence posts and boards at the elders - but for some reason that is the one project that does not move me. Maybe later this week... I did stack cord of wood #3 yesterday and split a number of rounds. Worked up a good sweat. By the time I was through it started to rain so went home and changed clothes and then had a good workout at the club. I am meeting my exercise quota.
I've also been walking the airport dike trail regularly and went out and wandered around the west side of Mendenhall Lake a couple of days ago. Quite a bit of ice on the lake.
I think I'm beginning to get the hang of taking pictures of warblers and other small tweety birds. The secret is to take LOTS of pics and then toss all but the one or two that are actually worth keeping. They are elusive little buggers. I have a 1.4x extender for my 70-200mm zoom lens - still marginal for this kind of work - but I have lots of time to devote to this silliness and am working on that patience thing.
Yellow Warbler doing the warbling thing
At least I'm pretty sure it's a Yellow Warbler. It's possible it is an Orange Crowned Warbler which looks quite similar. I have plumped for the Yellow Warbler because it's song was complex - unlike the Orange Crowned Warbler which makes a simple trill. My bird book says the song of the Yellow Warbler is "sweet-sweet-sweet-setta-see-see-whew." Huh? Not sure about that; but like I say the song WAS complex. Birders and their descriptions of bird songs are as punctilious as wine snobs describing the nose of a good cabernet.
Mendenhall Lake on a beautiful spring day
Well, it's raining today - so I think I'll take the day off - except for a workout, of course. I've got blisters on both hands and my feet are sore - the tribulations of manual labor. Sure could use a hot-rock massage...
Finally, for those of you who know my wonderful daughter, Amanda, here is a link to her new blog "Camp Campington" which she will use to keep us posted on what I'm sure will be an eventful summer as a counselor at one of Paul Newman's "Hole-in-the-Wall" camps for medically needy kiddos. http://amandakrafft.blogspot.com/
Monday, May 25, 2009
Dead Relatives Day
Happy Memorial Day everyone - although come to think of it - perhaps you are not supposed to be happy on Memorial Day. Given the nature of the holiday I would suppose somber, sober, and reverential ought to trump happy as the emotion of the day.
But that is not the AMERICAN way. No sirree. In the good ol' US of A we celebrate our fallen heroes the way THEY would like to celebrate - had they not had the misfortune of waking-up dead on some battlefield - by firing up the BBQ, consuming copious amounts of alcohol, and (in sunny climes, at least) ogling hotties in swimwear.
At least that's the way it works in families with members under the age of 65. Unfortunately, in my family in Juneau, I am the only one under that benchmark age and therefore we default to the somber, sober, and reverential approach.
Indeed, we celebrate the holiday one day early to avoid the crowds at Evergreen Cemetery. Last night we had a spartan pot roast dinner and immediately thereafter my sister Linda and I packed my jeep with potted flowers and gardening implements and headed to town for the annual visit with the dead relatives.
There are a number of them: Grandma and Grandpa Newman, Linda's late husband Russ, and Aunt Emilie's daughter Janis are all planted together near the Gross Mausoleum. My dad's father, Eli, and sister, Ingaborg, share a condominium headstone on the other side of the road that bisects the cemetery. The only one absent is Uncle Bud who opted to have his ashes buried and a big aluminum headstone erected down at the hunting cabin on Buck Island. Just to piss-off and inconvenience the Forest Service on whose land the cabin is situated, I'm sure.
But I digress. Back at Evergreen Cemetery headstones were scraped and brushed and holes dug to hold the potted plants. Respects were paid and we motored back to my folks' place.
This ritual has gone on for at least the last 35 years - since Grandpa Newman died in 1974. Grandma died the following year and before she passed made my mom promise that we would put flowers on their graves every Memorial Day - or she would come back and haunt us. Mom has been very diligent about keeping her word.
But that is not the AMERICAN way. No sirree. In the good ol' US of A we celebrate our fallen heroes the way THEY would like to celebrate - had they not had the misfortune of waking-up dead on some battlefield - by firing up the BBQ, consuming copious amounts of alcohol, and (in sunny climes, at least) ogling hotties in swimwear.
At least that's the way it works in families with members under the age of 65. Unfortunately, in my family in Juneau, I am the only one under that benchmark age and therefore we default to the somber, sober, and reverential approach.
Indeed, we celebrate the holiday one day early to avoid the crowds at Evergreen Cemetery. Last night we had a spartan pot roast dinner and immediately thereafter my sister Linda and I packed my jeep with potted flowers and gardening implements and headed to town for the annual visit with the dead relatives.
There are a number of them: Grandma and Grandpa Newman, Linda's late husband Russ, and Aunt Emilie's daughter Janis are all planted together near the Gross Mausoleum. My dad's father, Eli, and sister, Ingaborg, share a condominium headstone on the other side of the road that bisects the cemetery. The only one absent is Uncle Bud who opted to have his ashes buried and a big aluminum headstone erected down at the hunting cabin on Buck Island. Just to piss-off and inconvenience the Forest Service on whose land the cabin is situated, I'm sure.
But I digress. Back at Evergreen Cemetery headstones were scraped and brushed and holes dug to hold the potted plants. Respects were paid and we motored back to my folks' place.
This ritual has gone on for at least the last 35 years - since Grandpa Newman died in 1974. Grandma died the following year and before she passed made my mom promise that we would put flowers on their graves every Memorial Day - or she would come back and haunt us. Mom has been very diligent about keeping her word.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Birdies
The last batch of spring vacation pics has now been posted on my Kodak Gallery site. It was a great vacation. I would rate the cruise experience as a whole at 3 1/2 stars (out of a possible 5). The Zuiderdam sailed over 7,000 miles from Ft. Lauderdale to Vancouver. That's a lot of miles.
I had no problem amusing myself with 21 days on the ship. The only downside of a three week cruise is that the passengers are, on average, about 75 years old. Nightlife is not all that hotsie-totsie with the geezers. As an antidote, I heartily recommend getting to know the young theater crowd - you can find them in the disco after the second theater show. They party on the graveyard shift.
I will certainly cruise again; but have probably had enough of the Caribbean for the foreseeable future. I would not rule out a Baltic or Mediterranean cruise as early as next summer however. Down the road a bit, an Asian cruise would be fun too.
Meanwhile, time to think about this fall. I'm considering a New England leaf-peeping adventure and there's an interesting trans-Canada train trip that would take me from Vancouver to Toronto: www.canadiantrainvacations.com/home The damn choo-choo is way more expensive than a cruise; but it's something I've wanted to do for some time. Stay tuned...
First, of course, there's summer to enjoy here in the Great Land. And I will enjoy it - if the weather is as nice as it's been since I got back. I've been working outdoors almost every day. Thatched a number of yards. Emilie's place looks pretty damn good - if I do say so myself. And yesterday I hauled and stacked the second of what I expect will be eight or nine cords of wood.
This next week I will repair the fence at my folk's place and will make several garbage dump runs. And I need to plant more annuals at auntie's. And I'm looking forward to some hiking...
Day before yesterday I walked the airport dike trail. Took a bunch of birdie pictures - most of which were undistinguished. Except for the two below.
I believe this is a Yellow-Rumped Warbler.
Some sort of U.S. Navy spy plane
I had no problem amusing myself with 21 days on the ship. The only downside of a three week cruise is that the passengers are, on average, about 75 years old. Nightlife is not all that hotsie-totsie with the geezers. As an antidote, I heartily recommend getting to know the young theater crowd - you can find them in the disco after the second theater show. They party on the graveyard shift.
I will certainly cruise again; but have probably had enough of the Caribbean for the foreseeable future. I would not rule out a Baltic or Mediterranean cruise as early as next summer however. Down the road a bit, an Asian cruise would be fun too.
Meanwhile, time to think about this fall. I'm considering a New England leaf-peeping adventure and there's an interesting trans-Canada train trip that would take me from Vancouver to Toronto: www.canadiantrainvacations.com/home The damn choo-choo is way more expensive than a cruise; but it's something I've wanted to do for some time. Stay tuned...
First, of course, there's summer to enjoy here in the Great Land. And I will enjoy it - if the weather is as nice as it's been since I got back. I've been working outdoors almost every day. Thatched a number of yards. Emilie's place looks pretty damn good - if I do say so myself. And yesterday I hauled and stacked the second of what I expect will be eight or nine cords of wood.
This next week I will repair the fence at my folk's place and will make several garbage dump runs. And I need to plant more annuals at auntie's. And I'm looking forward to some hiking...
Day before yesterday I walked the airport dike trail. Took a bunch of birdie pictures - most of which were undistinguished. Except for the two below.
I believe this is a Yellow-Rumped Warbler.
Some sort of U.S. Navy spy planeThe navy bird is very mysterious. He shot a half-dozen touch-and-goes. Very odd. The only thing I could think of is that the Juneau terrain must resemble some other far-off place in which the U.S. Navy has an interest. Or maybe they were just out joyriding. Who can say?
Well...just googled U.S. Navy 707 and up came this on the E6-B Mercury, aka "Looking Glass."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-6_Mercury
Well...just googled U.S. Navy 707 and up came this on the E6-B Mercury, aka "Looking Glass."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-6_Mercury
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Panama Canal Pictures Posted
Hey kids! I just added pics of the Panama Canal to my Kodak Gallery site - click on the link on the right of the blog and away you go. There will be one more set of pics posted later in the week...
In local news, it's been gardening madness - the weather has been picture perfect and I've been working outdoors every day. Yesterday was the official end of the thatching season. I celebrated with a decent bottle of pinot noir and a Bullwinkles pizza while enjoying the sunshine on my deck. It's clouded up a bit; but it's still quite nice this morning. I will wander over to the elders and survey the fence that needs to be replaced.
In other news, I see that Terry's neighborhood of Ballard has made the paper a couple of times this week. The first story involves a black bear that has managed to wander through the Magnolia neighborhood, across Ballard and into the Shoreline district without being apprehended by the authorities.
Later kids.
In local news, it's been gardening madness - the weather has been picture perfect and I've been working outdoors every day. Yesterday was the official end of the thatching season. I celebrated with a decent bottle of pinot noir and a Bullwinkles pizza while enjoying the sunshine on my deck. It's clouded up a bit; but it's still quite nice this morning. I will wander over to the elders and survey the fence that needs to be replaced.
In other news, I see that Terry's neighborhood of Ballard has made the paper a couple of times this week. The first story involves a black bear that has managed to wander through the Magnolia neighborhood, across Ballard and into the Shoreline district without being apprehended by the authorities.
Though police and wildlife agents have glimpsed the bear at different points during their search, the bear dodged his would-be captors. "It was running down the roads, down through backyards," said Department of Fish and Wildlife officer Bruce Richards who tracked the bear overnight. "All of a sudden it would go over a fence."
Gee, imagine that. Guess Washington State Fish and Wildlife guys just don't get much experience with this sort of thing. The citizenry is offering lots of advice - my favourite being the following from a Seattle Times reader:
They must be using the wrong bait ... maybe they should try a pic-a-nic basket.
Jennifer Roach hasn't a drop of Norwegian blood in her, but on Sunday she donned a wool costume and whirled for an hour in the hot sun to Scandinavian folk tunes played Victrola-like through speakers on a Ballard street corner.I can't imagine what could be much more fun than twirling in the hot sun in a wool costume - so you can imagine my indignation when I received an email from Ms. Harrigan grousing about the traffic congestion caused by the parade. OOFTA!
Later kids.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Spring Clean-Up
Sorry I haven't posted; but I've been having a ton of fun working in my aunt's yard. By the end of day three I have completed general weeding and clean-up and doused the lawn with moss kill in preparation for thatching. God I love working in the yard! And the best is yet to come - serious plant shopping. Woohoo!
I have not made much progress on photoshopping - I attempted to download all my pics last evening and my ageing computer balked. In fact it just plain crashed. Plan B: I will download all the pics directly to my external hard drive. But that won't happen today.
Just finished a bottle of wine and a HUGE steak with a baked spud and a bunch of brocolli. Yum. I will now repair to the recliner whereupon I plan to devour a large bowl of popcorn and another glass of milk. I'm ALMOST glad to be home.
The weather has been great! Sadly it appears to be clouding over tonight.
Later kids.
I have not made much progress on photoshopping - I attempted to download all my pics last evening and my ageing computer balked. In fact it just plain crashed. Plan B: I will download all the pics directly to my external hard drive. But that won't happen today.
Just finished a bottle of wine and a HUGE steak with a baked spud and a bunch of brocolli. Yum. I will now repair to the recliner whereupon I plan to devour a large bowl of popcorn and another glass of milk. I'm ALMOST glad to be home.
The weather has been great! Sadly it appears to be clouding over tonight.
Later kids.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Home is Where the Unpaid Bills Are...
Well, I'm home...can't say that I'm glad to be here...but there are bills to pay...and the next escape to plan...
Yesterday was fairly brutal. Got up about 5:00 AM to enjoy the arrival in Vancouver harbor. It was a nice morning with a great sunrise behind the city; but unfortunately my camera battery was dead as a doornail so I will be unable to share the experience with you. That's what happens to batteries when you fail to charge them...
The disembarkation thrash is actually quite efficient but nonetheless involves much waiting around. Then Canadian customs. A ride to the Vancouver airport and then check-in, clear United States Customs and Immigration, go through airport security and more waiting. A short hop to Seattle and more waiting before boarding the 4 1/2 hour milk run to Juneau. A L O N G flight. The passengers were crabby. The flight crew were crabby. The plane's Auxiliary Power Unit was broken...the plane was about 100 degrees when we boarded in Seattle. It was hot the whole bloody flight. There were lots of restless and vocal rug rats. The guy sitting next to me was very large and had some personal hygiene issues.
Resolved: No more milk runs for Elmo unless I'm in first class and it's the only way to get out in or out of Juneau on a VERY urgent matter. Like sleeping on the deck of the ferry...the Seattle - Ketchikan - Sitka - Juneau flight is something that's fine at one stage of your life; but also something I will now decline even on a double dog dare...
Well, time to go see the elders. Then a work out. It's actually quite nice here today - partly cloudy. The trees are about half-way leafed-out. The snow is gone.
It will take me a few days to process pictures. Stay tuned!
Yesterday was fairly brutal. Got up about 5:00 AM to enjoy the arrival in Vancouver harbor. It was a nice morning with a great sunrise behind the city; but unfortunately my camera battery was dead as a doornail so I will be unable to share the experience with you. That's what happens to batteries when you fail to charge them...
The disembarkation thrash is actually quite efficient but nonetheless involves much waiting around. Then Canadian customs. A ride to the Vancouver airport and then check-in, clear United States Customs and Immigration, go through airport security and more waiting. A short hop to Seattle and more waiting before boarding the 4 1/2 hour milk run to Juneau. A L O N G flight. The passengers were crabby. The flight crew were crabby. The plane's Auxiliary Power Unit was broken...the plane was about 100 degrees when we boarded in Seattle. It was hot the whole bloody flight. There were lots of restless and vocal rug rats. The guy sitting next to me was very large and had some personal hygiene issues.
Resolved: No more milk runs for Elmo unless I'm in first class and it's the only way to get out in or out of Juneau on a VERY urgent matter. Like sleeping on the deck of the ferry...the Seattle - Ketchikan - Sitka - Juneau flight is something that's fine at one stage of your life; but also something I will now decline even on a double dog dare...
Well, time to go see the elders. Then a work out. It's actually quite nice here today - partly cloudy. The trees are about half-way leafed-out. The snow is gone.
It will take me a few days to process pictures. Stay tuned!
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Home Stretch
5/7/09
We pulled into Long Beach yesterday morning about 7 AM. A beautiful day in LA – sunny and warm but not at all uncomfortable. The average age of the passengers on board dropped about 15 years as folks disembarked in Los Angeles and a younger crowd came aboard. It was quite boisterous around the pool on the stern of the Lido Deck last evening as we pulled-out of Long Beach. Lots of tropical drinks, a conga line, Beach Boy music etc. etc. I was on relatively good behavior – had a couple of glasses of wine during Happy Hour, an early supper and was sawing logs by 10 PM.
I woke up sometime during the night and the ship was rocking and rolling pretty good. This morning it’s blowing about 35 knots from the northwest and we have about 18 foot seas. Many folks look somewhat subdued after last evening’s festivities.
Yesterday I took a tour up to Malibu and Santa Monica. Spent a couple of hours wandering around the Santa Monica pier and environs. Also a couple of quick stops in Hollywood. Like so many shore excursions, however, about half the time was spent on a bus. Traffic in LA was as one would have expected… Still, it was quite fun.
I just finished my morning latte and am contemplating a workout. Could be a little tricky on the ol’ treadmill given the sea state. I will have to hold on with both hands.
Just saw on CNN that there’s an ugly wildfire near Santa Barbara. I’m not surprised. It is mighty dry in Southern California. I can’t imagine fighting fires on the steep and brush-choked hillsides and canyons. And of course all the gazillion dollar homes are perched right in the middle of this tinderbox. My natural sympathy for anyone who loses a house to wildfire is tempered by the underlying lunacy of building in some of these areas in the first place.
5/8/09
Two days posting at one time…trying to conserve my few remaining minutes.
We experienced rough seas all day yesterday…they closed-off the outside decks.
I spent a quiet day at the gym and reading…then a nice long siesta followed by drinking, and eating and drinking and dancing. And then some more drinking. I’m feeling a tad bilious this morning – think I rolled-out of the nightclub about 2 AM. I have a dim recollection of doing shots of Jagermeister with a couple of officers and theater staff about 1 AM. It was serious fun…but damn glad I don’t have to shake MY booty on stage tonight. Or stand watch. In fact, I’m already looking forward to an afternoon nap. I think I’m also committed to giving a bunch of folks a tour of Juneau in a couple of weeks. And a lot of the theater staff now have my email address and phone number. It was a VERY good night. Hah!
Last evening we were joined by the M/S Westerdam. She will follow us into Vancouver and then sail to Seattle before joining the Alaska fleet. She’s now following in our wake. At 88 thousand tons apiece, the Westerdam and Zuiderdam squadron now dominate the Northwest sea lanes. Rumor has it that a Carnival ship may be in the area.
If we spot any opposition we will go to battle stations, close with the enemy and pull along side. Elderly marines on the Lido and Observation decks will fire a broadside of canes and walkers. Attractive massage therapists will hurl hot stones at the enemy from the Greenhouse Spa. Victory will be ours!
Next report - dateline Juneau. It’s been a ton of fun kids…
We pulled into Long Beach yesterday morning about 7 AM. A beautiful day in LA – sunny and warm but not at all uncomfortable. The average age of the passengers on board dropped about 15 years as folks disembarked in Los Angeles and a younger crowd came aboard. It was quite boisterous around the pool on the stern of the Lido Deck last evening as we pulled-out of Long Beach. Lots of tropical drinks, a conga line, Beach Boy music etc. etc. I was on relatively good behavior – had a couple of glasses of wine during Happy Hour, an early supper and was sawing logs by 10 PM.
I woke up sometime during the night and the ship was rocking and rolling pretty good. This morning it’s blowing about 35 knots from the northwest and we have about 18 foot seas. Many folks look somewhat subdued after last evening’s festivities.
Yesterday I took a tour up to Malibu and Santa Monica. Spent a couple of hours wandering around the Santa Monica pier and environs. Also a couple of quick stops in Hollywood. Like so many shore excursions, however, about half the time was spent on a bus. Traffic in LA was as one would have expected… Still, it was quite fun.
I just finished my morning latte and am contemplating a workout. Could be a little tricky on the ol’ treadmill given the sea state. I will have to hold on with both hands.
Just saw on CNN that there’s an ugly wildfire near Santa Barbara. I’m not surprised. It is mighty dry in Southern California. I can’t imagine fighting fires on the steep and brush-choked hillsides and canyons. And of course all the gazillion dollar homes are perched right in the middle of this tinderbox. My natural sympathy for anyone who loses a house to wildfire is tempered by the underlying lunacy of building in some of these areas in the first place.
5/8/09
Two days posting at one time…trying to conserve my few remaining minutes.
We experienced rough seas all day yesterday…they closed-off the outside decks.
I spent a quiet day at the gym and reading…then a nice long siesta followed by drinking, and eating and drinking and dancing. And then some more drinking. I’m feeling a tad bilious this morning – think I rolled-out of the nightclub about 2 AM. I have a dim recollection of doing shots of Jagermeister with a couple of officers and theater staff about 1 AM. It was serious fun…but damn glad I don’t have to shake MY booty on stage tonight. Or stand watch. In fact, I’m already looking forward to an afternoon nap. I think I’m also committed to giving a bunch of folks a tour of Juneau in a couple of weeks. And a lot of the theater staff now have my email address and phone number. It was a VERY good night. Hah!
Last evening we were joined by the M/S Westerdam. She will follow us into Vancouver and then sail to Seattle before joining the Alaska fleet. She’s now following in our wake. At 88 thousand tons apiece, the Westerdam and Zuiderdam squadron now dominate the Northwest sea lanes. Rumor has it that a Carnival ship may be in the area.
If we spot any opposition we will go to battle stations, close with the enemy and pull along side. Elderly marines on the Lido and Observation decks will fire a broadside of canes and walkers. Attractive massage therapists will hurl hot stones at the enemy from the Greenhouse Spa. Victory will be ours!
Next report - dateline Juneau. It’s been a ton of fun kids…
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Adieu to the Tropics
It’s cloudy this morning. The wind is blowing over 30 knots from the northwest. The outside temperature is in the low 60’s. I have taken a sweater out of the closet…
No doubt about it, the tropics are behind us. We passed Cabo San Lucas yesterday morning. We’re now about half-way up the Baja California coast and will be pulling into Long Beach harbor tomorrow morning at 7 AM.
Day four of four consecutive sea days. The cruise director and his staff are scraping the bottom of the entertainment barrel in their efforts to keep us amused. There are, of course, the usual team trivia and bingo events; but I also note on today’s calendar some real signs of desperation – “Coffee Chat with Hotel Manager Kees van Santen” and “The Art of Towel Folding” to name but two.
There are folks on board who seem to require constant external stimulation – they are in perpetual motion – dashing from the “Mega Trivia Challenge” to the “$1000 Panama Slot Challenge” and on to the “Basketball Free Throw Shootout” with barely enough time for pit-stops at the “Create Your Own Bloody Mary” station on the Lido Deck between events.
On the other hand, one of the things I find most enjoyable about cruising is the opportunity to AVOID external stimulation. Give me a book and a recliner in the Crow’s Nest and I am happy as a clam at high tide – although I have been compulsive about my morning workouts. And I am contemplating my third hot rocks massage.
Last night I did attend the evening variety show on the main stage. It was amusing – not great – but worth seeing once. The hired performers on board appear to fall into two categories: 1) Aspiring young actors and musicians; and 2) Ageing boozy lounge lizards with great tans.
What the young folks may lack in god-given talent, they somewhat compensate for with considerable youthful enthusiasm. And I’ve always been a sucker for a lounge lizard at a piano bar when it’s time for a night cap.
Well, I am finished with my morning latte so I reckon it’s workout time. The treadmill will be challenging this morning insofar as we are both pitching and rolling a fair amount. The seas continue to build and it looks like rain.
And who knows? Perhaps later I will attend the workshop on how to fold towels in the shape of cutsie animals (you use gold foil-wrapped chocolates for the eyes). Indeed, I spy a white towel and gold-eyed toad staring at me from the back of my couch as I type. It’s always good to have a skill to fall back upon…
Later gang…
No doubt about it, the tropics are behind us. We passed Cabo San Lucas yesterday morning. We’re now about half-way up the Baja California coast and will be pulling into Long Beach harbor tomorrow morning at 7 AM.
Day four of four consecutive sea days. The cruise director and his staff are scraping the bottom of the entertainment barrel in their efforts to keep us amused. There are, of course, the usual team trivia and bingo events; but I also note on today’s calendar some real signs of desperation – “Coffee Chat with Hotel Manager Kees van Santen” and “The Art of Towel Folding” to name but two.
There are folks on board who seem to require constant external stimulation – they are in perpetual motion – dashing from the “Mega Trivia Challenge” to the “$1000 Panama Slot Challenge” and on to the “Basketball Free Throw Shootout” with barely enough time for pit-stops at the “Create Your Own Bloody Mary” station on the Lido Deck between events.
On the other hand, one of the things I find most enjoyable about cruising is the opportunity to AVOID external stimulation. Give me a book and a recliner in the Crow’s Nest and I am happy as a clam at high tide – although I have been compulsive about my morning workouts. And I am contemplating my third hot rocks massage.
Last night I did attend the evening variety show on the main stage. It was amusing – not great – but worth seeing once. The hired performers on board appear to fall into two categories: 1) Aspiring young actors and musicians; and 2) Ageing boozy lounge lizards with great tans.
What the young folks may lack in god-given talent, they somewhat compensate for with considerable youthful enthusiasm. And I’ve always been a sucker for a lounge lizard at a piano bar when it’s time for a night cap.
Well, I am finished with my morning latte so I reckon it’s workout time. The treadmill will be challenging this morning insofar as we are both pitching and rolling a fair amount. The seas continue to build and it looks like rain.
And who knows? Perhaps later I will attend the workshop on how to fold towels in the shape of cutsie animals (you use gold foil-wrapped chocolates for the eyes). Indeed, I spy a white towel and gold-eyed toad staring at me from the back of my couch as I type. It’s always good to have a skill to fall back upon…
Later gang…
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Cuba Si! Yanqui No!
Well, we’re on the way to Los Angeles. Right now we’re a hundred and fifty miles or so south of Acapulco traveling northwest at 20.1 knots. There is not a breath of wind and just a very low and broad swell. There is not a cloud in the sky. I just had a very respectable breakfast and can’t imagine how I could feel more chipper.
Last evening I finished “The First American – The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin” by H.W. Brands. It is an extremely well written book about a most interesting man. At this point, I think I will take a break from the Founding Fathers. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know them and I MAY bore you with my musings on their lives and times should I find myself with time on my hands the next few days at sea. Then again, I may take a nap instead.
Yesterday was very relaxing. I stayed onboard while many of my colleagues went ashore on various 6-8 hour trips into the Guatemalan heartland. Reports were mixed. Most tours included a visit to a working coffee plantation and I sense that while modestly interesting, it was not something you would need to do more than once in a lifetime. At least one bus had a malfunctioning air conditioning system; and these guests did not look happy upon their return to the ship. Still, I believe HAL is to be commended for putting together tour packages at all three unscheduled Central American ports of call on very short notice.
Remaining aboard ship, I had another hot stone massage, a soak in the spa whirlpool, and after a nap headed-up to the Crow’s Nest to await the afternoon round of team trivia.
In the Crow’s Nest I fell into conversation with a group of Canadians and not for the first time on this cruise, the subject turned to Mr. Obama’s apparent interest in reaching an accommodation with Cuba. It is my impression that virtually all hands on board support lifting all American travel restrictions to Cuba. The HAL folks for obvious reasons – I’m sure that ship itineraries have already been drafted and kept under lock and key somewhere in corporate headquarters. And the American passengers of all political stripes now appear to be of the opinion that it is their God given right to visit Havana. The Canadian perspective is slightly more nuanced however.
My Canadian comrades suggested that while it is obvious that the current American policy towards Cuba is an anachronism and should be jettisoned along with many other policies of our late but not lamented recent Chief Magistrate; they also confessed that on a personal level they will regret losing an American tourist-free zone in the Caribbean. All at the table, myself excepted, had visited Cuba in the fairly recent past and found the place charming in a quaint and dilapidated sort of way. And no one doubted that the arrival of the American tourist and American investment would, in short-order, dramatically and irrevocably alter the Cuban landscape, both physical and social, for both good and ill.
“Havana doesn’t really need her,” explained my new friend from Vancouver – gesturing toward an empty table where, minutes ago, a semi-finalist for the 2009 ‘Ugly American Poster Girl’ had been holding court and polluting the room with a loud and long diatribe on how she was going to demand a free therapeutic massage given that HAL had been unable, despite her explicit and detailed instructions, to provide a pillow that provided precisely the correct amount of support for her wrinkled and sun baked neck.
Although I have encountered several boorish Canadians on board, I cannot help but note that a far higher percentage of American guests are simply rude and disgusting. To be sure, a large majority of all nationalities on board are decent, respectable and amiable folks; but I cannot doubt that any reasonable person would rapidly conclude that there is an all too readily identifiable number of my countrymen on board who should be placed in lifeboats (amply provisioned with bread and water) and towed well behind the ship for the duration of the cruise.
Although I could not help but agree with my Canadian friends, I nevertheless elected to change the subject and ordered a round of drinks to fortify us for the upcoming round of team trivia. This was well received.
Well, time to go workout. And then I have a 2 PM premium wine tasting event in the Pinnacle Bar. And I may take in a Bingo game – the Captain is going to be calling the game – a reflection, no doubt, of the cruise director’s probably justifiable concern that four uninterrupted days at sea is a long time to keep us entertained and amused.
Last evening I finished “The First American – The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin” by H.W. Brands. It is an extremely well written book about a most interesting man. At this point, I think I will take a break from the Founding Fathers. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know them and I MAY bore you with my musings on their lives and times should I find myself with time on my hands the next few days at sea. Then again, I may take a nap instead.
Yesterday was very relaxing. I stayed onboard while many of my colleagues went ashore on various 6-8 hour trips into the Guatemalan heartland. Reports were mixed. Most tours included a visit to a working coffee plantation and I sense that while modestly interesting, it was not something you would need to do more than once in a lifetime. At least one bus had a malfunctioning air conditioning system; and these guests did not look happy upon their return to the ship. Still, I believe HAL is to be commended for putting together tour packages at all three unscheduled Central American ports of call on very short notice.
Remaining aboard ship, I had another hot stone massage, a soak in the spa whirlpool, and after a nap headed-up to the Crow’s Nest to await the afternoon round of team trivia.
In the Crow’s Nest I fell into conversation with a group of Canadians and not for the first time on this cruise, the subject turned to Mr. Obama’s apparent interest in reaching an accommodation with Cuba. It is my impression that virtually all hands on board support lifting all American travel restrictions to Cuba. The HAL folks for obvious reasons – I’m sure that ship itineraries have already been drafted and kept under lock and key somewhere in corporate headquarters. And the American passengers of all political stripes now appear to be of the opinion that it is their God given right to visit Havana. The Canadian perspective is slightly more nuanced however.
My Canadian comrades suggested that while it is obvious that the current American policy towards Cuba is an anachronism and should be jettisoned along with many other policies of our late but not lamented recent Chief Magistrate; they also confessed that on a personal level they will regret losing an American tourist-free zone in the Caribbean. All at the table, myself excepted, had visited Cuba in the fairly recent past and found the place charming in a quaint and dilapidated sort of way. And no one doubted that the arrival of the American tourist and American investment would, in short-order, dramatically and irrevocably alter the Cuban landscape, both physical and social, for both good and ill.
“Havana doesn’t really need her,” explained my new friend from Vancouver – gesturing toward an empty table where, minutes ago, a semi-finalist for the 2009 ‘Ugly American Poster Girl’ had been holding court and polluting the room with a loud and long diatribe on how she was going to demand a free therapeutic massage given that HAL had been unable, despite her explicit and detailed instructions, to provide a pillow that provided precisely the correct amount of support for her wrinkled and sun baked neck.
Although I have encountered several boorish Canadians on board, I cannot help but note that a far higher percentage of American guests are simply rude and disgusting. To be sure, a large majority of all nationalities on board are decent, respectable and amiable folks; but I cannot doubt that any reasonable person would rapidly conclude that there is an all too readily identifiable number of my countrymen on board who should be placed in lifeboats (amply provisioned with bread and water) and towed well behind the ship for the duration of the cruise.
Although I could not help but agree with my Canadian friends, I nevertheless elected to change the subject and ordered a round of drinks to fortify us for the upcoming round of team trivia. This was well received.
Well, time to go workout. And then I have a 2 PM premium wine tasting event in the Pinnacle Bar. And I may take in a Bingo game – the Captain is going to be calling the game – a reflection, no doubt, of the cruise director’s probably justifiable concern that four uninterrupted days at sea is a long time to keep us entertained and amused.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Baby It's Hot Out There
Greetings from Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. It's about noon and the temperature is already 98 degrees...although not QUITE as humid as in days past. I do not do well in the heat. I can stand to be outdoors for about 10 minutes at a time. I am now shedding the skin I toasted a few days ago when I foolishly sat outside for a whole 25 minutes or so. YIKES!
Yesterday we anchored at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. This was yet another itinerary change when the Captain was unable to obtain a berth in Corinto, Nicaragua. Unfortunately, I missed this announcement and so failed to book a shore excursion yesterday...something I regret after hearing of the wonderful time many folks had in Granada, a beautiful old colonial city. I went ashore briefly; but it was beastly hot and there was really not much to see in San Juan del Sur other than the small flea market which had been set-up especially for us.
I think the bridge crew had their work cut-out for them yesterday as they attempted to keep the Zuiderdam at anchor at the mouth of the harbor in the face of very gusty winds. Several of my compatriots tossed their cookies on the launch on the way to the beach. Probably the heat as much as the rough ride...
I elected not to take a shore excursion today...all of the trips were 6 to 8 hours with 3 hours in a bus. Just didn't feel like spending that much time on the road. So...basically another sea day for Elmo - which is just fine. I truly enjoy lounging around the ship.
I have taken to playing "Team Trivia" every afternoon - which has been fun. It seems that afternoon bingo has fallen out of favour with HAL. This afternoon I will have a workout, then lounge by the Lido deck pool (in the shade) where Ella and the HALcats will be playing your favourite hits of the 50's, and 60's. Then it will be Team Trivia during the cocktail hour in the Crow's Nest followed by supper and probably a nightcap in the Sports Bar off of the casino. Tough life, eh?
There is a regular crew I join in the Crow's Nest. Several interesting people and several not so much. I may provide you with some biographical sketches in an upcoming post.
Well, exercise calls... Having a great time although I wish it was about 20 degrees cooler!
Yesterday we anchored at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. This was yet another itinerary change when the Captain was unable to obtain a berth in Corinto, Nicaragua. Unfortunately, I missed this announcement and so failed to book a shore excursion yesterday...something I regret after hearing of the wonderful time many folks had in Granada, a beautiful old colonial city. I went ashore briefly; but it was beastly hot and there was really not much to see in San Juan del Sur other than the small flea market which had been set-up especially for us.
I think the bridge crew had their work cut-out for them yesterday as they attempted to keep the Zuiderdam at anchor at the mouth of the harbor in the face of very gusty winds. Several of my compatriots tossed their cookies on the launch on the way to the beach. Probably the heat as much as the rough ride...
I elected not to take a shore excursion today...all of the trips were 6 to 8 hours with 3 hours in a bus. Just didn't feel like spending that much time on the road. So...basically another sea day for Elmo - which is just fine. I truly enjoy lounging around the ship.
I have taken to playing "Team Trivia" every afternoon - which has been fun. It seems that afternoon bingo has fallen out of favour with HAL. This afternoon I will have a workout, then lounge by the Lido deck pool (in the shade) where Ella and the HALcats will be playing your favourite hits of the 50's, and 60's. Then it will be Team Trivia during the cocktail hour in the Crow's Nest followed by supper and probably a nightcap in the Sports Bar off of the casino. Tough life, eh?
There is a regular crew I join in the Crow's Nest. Several interesting people and several not so much. I may provide you with some biographical sketches in an upcoming post.
Well, exercise calls... Having a great time although I wish it was about 20 degrees cooler!
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