Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my sister, Linda, who turns 65 today. Medicare eligible. YIKES!

As previously noted, my sister graduated from high school the same year I entered kindergarten. We had quite different upbringings in many respects. She spent her early years living on 4th Street and her summers as a child out on the boat with my folks commercial fishing. And she remembers the family cabin out on Lena Loop.

I've always envied her for her experiences on the boat and at the cabin. On the other hand, my folks were much more affluent when I was growing-up and I was spoiled rotten whereas she had a much more frugal childhood. When she was a teenager mom would panic if she thought Linda was hanging out at Percy's soda fountain. When I was a teenager...well, never mind....

This morning I'm going to make Linda a lemon birthday cake - per her request. And I am furnishing filets for supper. While having your birthday on New Years Eve may sound attractive at first blush; I know for a fact it has resulted over the years in serious short-changing in the gift department given the proximity to Christmas.

Sister Linda and Brother Elmer

Dad, Linda, and Mom in front of the house on 4th Street.

Linda on the bow of the Frederick F - one of dad's trollers in the late 40's - early 50's.

Composting

Whew! A busy couple of days. I went to the ball game last night with Dougie and Eric. We had supper at El Sombrero beforehand. It's really winter. Driving is tricky - even with Eric in his LARGE Ford pickup. Baby it's cold out there...

The high school basketball experience was quite fun...four or five sons of people we know...including several of our contemporaries from JDHS were on the team. YIKES! I will fucking freak-out the first time I see a GRANDCHILD of one of our contemporaries...but it's just a matter of a few years, I'm sure.

Today we played cards at Dougie's and Alison's and I actually emerged a winner. A good sign for the upcoming new year.

I just got home and was surveying the online news. Nothing remarkable - certainly not the renewed carnage in Palestine with the tit-for-tat stuff in Gaza - just the latest in an apparently endless round-robin of folly.

The only thing that caught my fancy was an article in Slate regarding household waste http://www.slate.com/id/2201176/ which prompts me to describe a heretofore unreported element of my morning chores at the elders.

As previously reported, mom is a card-carrying member of PETA. Her latest personal crusade involves providing daily winter sustenance to a squadron of ravens based at Raven Station Walmart which, as a raven flies, is but a brief sortie of no more than a minute or so from my parent's home. There are three squadrons (consisting of about 12 individuals each) based at Walmart. Similar bases exist at every other grocery store in Juneau in the winter. The A&P (formerly Foodland) Raven Base is augmented by several flights of seagulls and pigeons.

All squadrons can be scrambled immediately to deal with any opportunity that presents itself - like a moron leaving his groceries unattended in sacks in the back of his pick-up or some boob inadvertently dropping something on the way to the car.

In any event, my mom saves all table scraps and other organics for the ravens' breakfast and every morning I must deposit said breakfast on a big flat stone by the stream behind my folks' place. The ravens greet this offering with considerable enthusiasm.

Now, strictly speaking, I'm not sure if this is a "green" activity or not. I prefer to think of it as composting - with the compost simply being spread over the entire neighborhood via air drop as opposed to being spread via rake and hoe in the garden. What do you think?

An Old Friend in Juneau for Christmas

A fun day today. An OLD friend, Brent Long, who grew-up down in my old neighborhood by the Federal Building is in town to visit his elderly dad. I hadn't seen Brent since high school - we have a mutual friend, his cousin's husband, Kevin Henderson, who works for the Department of Health and Social Services. I had asked Kevin for Brent's email some time ago and sent Brent an email earlier this month inquiring if he would be up for the holidays.

Brent replied that he would be in Juneau and this morning we went out for coffee and then did some touring of the old burg. Even though we hadn't seen each other in decades we had no problem with conversation - lots of good memories from the neighborhood and lots of catching-up to do.

Brent will be back-up for a cousin's wedding in January. I hope to see him again and maybe round-up a few folks for pizza. He'd really like to see John Chapman who lived just down the street from him.

Tonight Dougie, Eric, and I are going to a high school basketball game. Haven't been to one since high school. So it's a nostalgia laden day.

Among the fun-filled events of my early youth few things topped a good birthday party. So, in the spirit of the moment I offer a few pics of birthday parties at my family's house on 11th Street - I think these are from 1960-61 or 1961-62.

From left to right: Elmer, Stevie Reid, and Brent Long.

Same as above with Dennis Reid added on the far left.

From left to right: Brent Long, Patrick Greany, and Jim Trucano.

From left to right: Elmer, John Chapman, Brent Long, Chuck Nygaard, Bob Chapman, Dylan Gibson, and Jim Trucano.

It was a damn fine neighborhood and we had lots of fun doing all the traditional kid things - many of which involved toys which have long since been taken off the market as serious kid hazards. Not that we didn't get into trouble from time-to-time like when Stevie Reid almost burned-down the Chapman's house. Still, it was good clean fun for the most part.

Brent's house was right-up against the cemetary - which was a primary playground. Flying kites, sailing balsa wood airplanes, playing baseball, sledding, and playing "army" were among our favourite pastimes in Evergreen Cemetary. And on the streets of the neighborhood playing with Super Balls (c'mon they weren't REALLY that dangerous), water balloon fights, riding bikes, making "forts" in the big piles of snow pushed-up on every other street corner by the city, and running through the neighbors' yards was all great fun.

Pretty much a "Leave it to Beaver" gig come to think of it...

I Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Amanda and Mathew

The picture above was included in a box of candy and cookies from my daughters in Portland. "Rudolph" has a distinct Palin-esque air about him. Indeed, there are other "Alaskana" aspects to this picture - Mathew has adopted at least half of the Southeast Alaska traditional costume (although come to think of it I guess Pendleton shirts are, technically, Oregonian). The question that must be asked: Mathew, are you wearing XtraTuffs?

The weather has cleared again in Juneau after receiving about 4 inches of snow yesterday. It was pretty treacherous late in the afternoon as the snow fell; but the snow stopped early in the evening. It's a winter wonderland this morning.

I'll mosey on over to the folks to do the morning chores in a few minutes and then to town for a quick workout. I've got some cooking to do this afternoon for the traditional Christmas Eve supper at Alison's and Dougie's.

Then home and to bed in the hope that Santa soon will be here! Click on the following link for the North American Air Defense Command "Santa Tracker" http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html

Christmas 1965. Look at that loot!

Lois Killowich (left), Cousins Sandy, Jan, and yours truly

"I will grant you one Christmas wish!"

Christmas dinner at Grandma Newman's

The last pic is my all-time favourite. Grandma loved Christmas dinner and she made a mean turkey with all the trimmings. I always remember her standing in the kitchen door - her kitchen was her fiefdom. She cooked on an old oil stove and the kitchen was always about 100 degrees (as opposed to the rest of the house which was always quite chilly). Grandma Nora (my mom's mom) is in the blue blouse.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

White Christmas

Light snow is gently falling on Alaska's Capital this morning with 3-6 inches expected by tomorrow morning. So we should have a lovely white Christmas this year. Ho! Ho! Ho!

I did the last of my shopping yesterday and finished wrapping all the presents. So, I'm READY for Santa.

Yesterday I also mixed up some mincemeat for a pie. I've never made mincemeat before. Black raisins, golden raisins, currants, apples, brown sugar, a few spices, and SUET. Yes, more suet. And then you douse the whole works with brandy and let it marinate for a few days. I'll make the pie Christmas day.

These suet recipes have been around for a few centuries I expect. I'm sure Queen Victoria enjoyed her plum pudd. And Henry VIII looks like a mincemeat kind of guy to me. Wonder if these recipes came over to England with the Vikings? Suet strikes me as something my cousins might have thought-up.

Today I need to do some grocery shopping to allow me to complete my remaining cooking assignments for Christmas Eve and Christmas suppers. Then perhaps a walk in the snow...

Dad and Linda at Grandma Newman's - I'm guessing this is somewhere between 1950-1952. I believe the cat was named Cocoa.

And Mom at Grandma's...guessing the same year as Linda and Dad, above.

Technically, this is NOT a Christmas picture; but I was sure a cute little dickens in my snow gear.

The Classic Christmas Party

Last evening was Alison's mom's traditional Christmas party...and it was the traditional success. Lots of good food and company. I will post a bunch more holiday pics on my Kodak site later; but in the meantime here are some familiar faces!

Dougie does his Bad Santa routine as official mixmaster for the event.

This was Shelly's first Christmas party at Thelma's. I think she liked it.

Eric enjoys a beverage.

The photographer gets the "stink eye" from Carol Collins.


Thelma prepares to ignite the traditional plum pudding.


Alison assists in the ignition.

In other news, the Great Northwest continues with its winter of discontent. Portland is apparently now completely cut-off from the east as I-84 has been closed due to high winds, snow, and freezing rain. Flights are cancelled - as they were yesterday. Seattle, too, is getting pounded. It remains clear and cold in Juneau altough snow is expected tomorrow. A white Christmas!

Meanwhile, the Oregonian featured the following headline in today's paper which I could not resist:

Elderly cat trappers avoid trial in eastern Oregon town


It seems that an elderly couple in Prairie City, Oregon has taken to trapping feral and nuisance cats that keep trespassing on their property. They then drive them out into the boondocks and let them loose. A neighbor's cat was caught in the live trap which resulted in the filing of a criminal complaint.

Wilborns were charged with theft of a companion animal. The case was headed to trial this month before District Attorney Ryan Joslin of Grant County had the case dismissed by the justice of the peace.

Joslin told he Wilborns' court-appointed attorneys that he could refile the charges unless the Wilborns pay the vet bill, stop trapping cats and write a letter of apology to the Willets.

The Wilborns' court-appointed attorneys, however, said they had already rejected those demands in earlier court proceedings. "I'm ready for trial," said Markku Sario, who represents 87-year-old Vera.

Smokey Wilborn, 83, is also against the settlement: "That cat still comes up here."

I guess they don't like cats...

Christmas Shopping

I did a big chunk of my remaining Christmas shopping yesterday. It was NOT crowded and a couple of the merchants I spoke to were quite downbeat about the whole season. I wandered around downtown for a couple of hours. Quite a few stores are open for the season although all of the Outside tourist-oriented chains - like the dozen or so jewelry stores that grace South Franklin in the summer - are closed-up tight with the operators no doubt enjoying the sunny Caribbean this holiday season. I still have several gifts to find; but made generally good progress. And I got a number of packages wrapped last evening.

I always enjoy getting my landlords' kids gifts. It's interesting to me to discover what's hot with the pre-school and elementary school crowd. This year young Samantha's wish list is apparently heavy with Hannah Montana paraphernalia courtesy of our friends at Disney. Fred Meyer's has a bunch of the stuff. I came within a cat's whisker of acquiring the Hannah Montana Pop Star electric guitar which struck me as the near perfect gift and clearly capable of raising quite a clamor.

In the end, however, I chickened-out and went for the far more sedate Hannah Montana Pop Star/Teen Hooker doll. After all, I do share a common wall with the family and, besides, I really don't want to be evicted in the middle of winter.

In other news, I note that winter continues in the Great Northwest with both Seattle and Portland under winter storm siege. Schools are closed, bus routes cancelled, and general confusion appear to be the order of the day. Here in Juneau the temperature got down to near zero and the forecast is for continued clear to partly cloudy weather for another week.

Today I am going up to Alison's mom's to help Thelma make plum pudding for her holiday party this weekend. This has potential for great humor. I will be playing the role of scullery maid. My first task is to find three-cups of suet - something Alison was unable to obtain at Fred Meyers yesterday. I have never cooked with suet which, according to dictionary.com, is "the hard fatty tissue about the loins and kidneys of beef, sheep, etc., used in cooking or processed to yield tallow." Yum.


Dad's friend Dave Reischl with his daughter, Peggy, dad, and yours truly at Christmas 1957.

Cute Animal Pictures

How many pics of animals doing cutesy things do you get every week? I get plenty. I have even contributed to the glut myself from time-to-time. And don't get me wrong, I'm as big a sucker for cute furry critters as anyone.

But for a completely new perspective on our animal pals, check-out my new favourite website "Fuck you, Penguin (A Blog Where I Tell Cute Animals What's What)" a link to which Dougie thoughtfully provided me a couple of days ago. I am now checking it every morning even before I get my first cup of coffee. http://fuckyoupenguin.blogspot.com/

It remains clear and cold here in Juneau. All of the precipitation is going onshore in the Great Northwest. Seattle schools are closed today. Corvallis schools were closed on Monday. People abandoning their cars on freeways. CHAOS! I only wish I was present for the carnage. I'd sit in a cozy coffeeshop all morning on the corner of a busy intersection and just enjoy the show.

Today is going to be shopping and wrapping day. I need to get a few things downtown and will then repair to my lair to wrap presents. This is a highly ritualized process similar to tree trimming insofar as it involves a good bottle of wine and the singing of Christmas tunes.

In other news, I trust you all caught Dubya's Iraq Victory Tour - particularly the part where the Iraqi journalist heaved his shoes at our esteemed leader. I loved it. It was so delightfully symbolic on so many levels - pretty much summed up the Bush Administration's foreign policy legacy in my mind. Well, in an equally irony soaked sequel, it turns out that after the offending journalist was nabbed by the Iraqi security guys, they took him into the backroom for a little "enhanced" questioning of the Dick Cheney approved variety.

According to the New York Times "Mr Zadari faces up to seven years in prison if he is charged with and convicted of offending the head of a foreign state." The Times today also reports dozens of arrests of Iraqi security forces - including at least one general officer - for allegedly plotting a coup. Good job George, I see democracy has now taken root in Iraq just as you promised. Mission accomplished!

My sister, Linda in front of our tree on 11th Street. Probably about 1960 or so.

Legislative Finance Christmas Reunion

Sunday evening Alison Browne had a bunch of us old Legislative Finance hands over for pizza. It was quite fun...many old stories retold. And the crew looked pretty damn good - all things considered.

The Juneau contingent of the old Legislative Finance Division crew and their associates

Our hostess Alison Browne - lookin' mighty fit.

And Uncle Miltie is as chipper as always

Other Christmas preparations continue apace. Yesterday I finished all my cards and will pop them in the mail today. The folks' place is now decorated. Another UPS consignment should arrive today although I still need to do some shopping downtown.

On the culinary front, today is beef stew day...will whip-up a batch for the elders. I made beef stock over the weekend and I should use the portion I did not freeze. And perhaps the first batch of Christmas cookies...I am feeling Snickerdoodle-ish. Or maybe lemon bars.

Gotta hit the road...running late. My damn computer is full...it did NOT like downloading the pics from my camera this morning and I am feeling frustrated. Serious digital indigestion. I will order a new computer with mega disc space after the first of the year.

TallyHo!

Bettie Page, Queen of Pinups, 1923 - 2008

Ms. Bettie Page was, to quote the New York Times, "the most famous pinup girl of the post-World War II era, a centerfold on a million locker doors and garage walls." Indeed Bettie was so popular that she soon attracted the attention of the quacks in Washington and was a subject of Senator Estes Kefauver's anti-pornography investigation of the mid-1950's. I confess I had never heard of Ms. Page until I read her obituary this morning - she had already entered into a long period of seclusion before I reached puberty and thus I had no occasion to fully appreciate her art.

Ms. Page lived a long and troubled life. And despite her emergence later in life as a born-again Christian, she refused to renounce her career as a pin-up girl. “I want to be remembered as I was when I was young and in my golden times,” she told The Los Angeles Times in 2006. “I want to be remembered as a woman who changed people’s perspectives concerning nudity in its natural form.”

And there is little doubt that the people's perspective has changed. Indeed as one surveys the smoldering ruins of the U.S. economy that is the legacy of the Bush Administration, it is interesting to note that the porn industry is one of the few that has not, to my knowledge, announced massive layoffs.

The New York Times story is available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/12/arts/12page.html?hp

Ms. Bettie Page, 1923-2008. R.I.P.

In other news, it is as clear as a bell this morning and the forecast is for dry weather for the next week or so. I will endeavor to get plenty of exercise out-of-doors. Doesn't sound like it's supposed to get too cold; but it will be blowing Taku downtown, I'm sure.

I continue a series of ol' timey Christmas pictures with the exhibit below of yours truly on a cherished toy, a molded plastic tank that shot little plastic balls. The tank was particularly useful for annoying my teenage sister and her friends. I was a little brat. Another favourite pastime of this era was listening-in on Linda's phone calls (she had an extension in her bedroom in the basement and I would pick-up the phone upstairs). I would then rat-her-out to mom, e.g., "Big party tonight mom, you better ground her." I also recall standing outside on the front porch and yelling at the top of my lungs such newsworthy items as "Linda has a boyfriend!" It's amazing my sister even speaks to me...

Little Elmer as General Patton.

Big Ed

On Saturday Ed Dankworth, former Col. of the Alaska State Troopers, State Senator, and lobbyist departed this earth for the great unknown. If I was a believer, I would say he ought to be checking-in to hell about now...

Ed was responsible for the near demise of the Division of Legislative Finance when I worked there in the early 1980's. Jay Hogan, the division director, had the poor taste to accuse him of corruption when Ed, Co-Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, slipped an item into the state budget to require the State to purchase a used pipeline camp that he happened to own at the time. Senator Dankworth was indicted but got off on a technicality. The Senate promptly eliminated the Division of Legislative Finance from their version of the budget. Jay left the legislative payroll to work for Governor Sheffield.

Notwithstanding the personal inconvenience that Senator Dankworth caused me in my professional development, I have, over the years, mellowed in my regard for him. He was, of course, corrupt to the bone; but he was also intelligent in a crafty sort of way and quite the charmer. I was apparently untainted in his mind by my association with Mr. Hogan and he always treated me cordially while he remained in the Senate. And afterward, when we both took-up lobbying - Ed in the private sector and yours truly for the Department of Health and Social Services - we would always exchange pleasantries and engage in chit-chat as we went about our business in the hallowed halls of the Capitol.

Indeed Ed really hit his stride as a lobbyist. He was the Kingmaker of several Senate organizations and made a boatload of dough. He was a friend and associate of Bill Allen of VECO infamy; although the two ultimately had a falling-out when they chose opposite sides in the telecom wars.

The Anchorage Daily News story on Ed's checkered career as well as some additional pics are available at: http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/617473.html

Senators Eliason and Kerttula confer with Big Ed in the Senate Finance Committee Room. This picture gives me the serious willys. I wonder how many hours I spent sitting in this room?...

Lobbyists Sam Kito and Big Ed. Sam was VERY close to my boss of many years, Al Adams. Sam is still doing his thing in the Capitol...

Lobbyists Big Ed, Ashley Reed, and Dana Pruhs. Ashley still works the halls...it always amazed me that ANYONE would pay him ANYTHING to lobby. He was always, in my opinion, as worthless as tits on a boar (a favourite expression of good ol' Rep. Ernie Haugen). Pruhs lobbied for the North Slope Borough when I worked for Al. I think he was convicted of something...but my recollection of the details is dim.

In other news, I note in the Seattle Times that today is "call in gay" day. The idea apparently is for all gay folks to take the day off and volunteer at a human rights organization. Part of the California Prop 8 backlash (to be followed by a counter-backlash no doubt). Comment from a reader: "If you're bi, does that mean you take half the day off?"

Well, time to go chop some wood...

SantaCon and the Pirates of Portlandia

You learn something new every day...

In my case, on Saturday, I was fascinated by an article in The Oregonian describing this year's SantaCon in Portland. For the uninitiated, Santa Con originated in San Francisco a little more than a decade ago and has become an event in several other cities. SantaCon is described in the Oregonian as "an adult combination of Halloween and Mardi Gras, involving silly parading around in Santa costumes and serious pub crawling."

This year the event began in Hillsboro drinking establishments "to avoid trouble with the Portland police, who had issues with some of last year's revelers." Although by mid-afternoon the assembled Santas had apparently sampled all Hillsboro had to offer and staggered to the Max station for the trip downtown to continue the crawl.

"It's just a fun way to socialize," said Alan Jabin of Milwaukie, who attended with his wife, Debbie. "We participate in a lot of dress-up events," he said, "including the monthly Pirates of Portlandia."

Sadly, no additional information was provided on the monthly piratical events...

SantaCon has apparently received mixed reviews in other communities. The following comment was posted by a gentleman from Seattle:

"What a bunch of losers...I was living in Seattle two years ago when these creeps blocked traffic and the sidewalks on 1st Avenue...that was until about ten local gang bangers decided they had enough of the blockage...and we applauded as they knocked the crap out of these drunken bozos."

Bah Humbug!

In other news, Juneau is now under a Winter Storm Watch - the snow should start to fly by 6 PM and continue for up to 24 hours. Storm snow total up to 20 inches. And then rain for a couple of days. And then clearing-up with temperatures getting down into the teens.



Grandpa and Grandma Newman, Aunt Emilie's daughters Janis and Sandra, and yours truly circa 1965. Grandma Newman was a very serious Christmas afficionado. I suspect I got my Christmas gene from her...

Winter Arrives

I awoke to about four inches of new snow this morning and it's still coming down. It's supposed to turn to rain this afternoon...so it will be a sloppy day.

Yesterday was quite nice. I walked the new Auke Lake trail which meanders along the east side of the lake from the main highway to the Back-Loop Road. The trail's not completely finished - most of it is still fairly large rock which makes walking difficult. But it's going to be a great trail once completed. It will be very popular with bicyclists (including myself).

Not much to report otherwise. I'm going to work on a Photoshop project for an hour or so and then shovel snow here and at the folks. And then a workout, of course. I bought some fresh cranberries the other day and this afternoon I think I'll make cranberry scones. Pretty exciting, eh?

I think I mentioned previously that I had hoped to provide Christmas tunes on the Blog for the holiday season; but I have been completely flummoxed by the free software I have attempted to install on several occasions. So...instead I will provide you with a series of ol' timey holiday pics featuring one of my favourite people - me.

Big Elmer and Little Elmer circa 1963 at 622 West 11th. I loved my PJs with feet. Pretty cool doilies too!

A Most Wonderful Day

Finally! A dry day...with some sun. I did the usual elder gig this morning, had my normal workout, visited the elders again, spoke to Amanda who was in a quite jovial mood, and THEN...I GOT TO TAKE A WALK OUTDOORS!!

It was a most amazing thing. Filtered sunshine, a lot of high clouds, about 30 degrees, no wind - HEAVEN. I walked the dike trail by the airport. Lots of folks with hounds enjoying the day. Chatted with all of them - two-legged and four-legged - everyone was in high spirits.

Having said all that...I still need to kick it up the proverbial notch for the holidays. I've been suffering from whatever you might call the photoshop equivalent of writer's block - just can't seem to get my photo projects the way I want them. AAARRRGGGHH! I have a very strong suspicion that I just don't have much talent. I think I need some professional training. Although, if my golf game is anything to go by, the professional help may not help all that much.

On the other hand...so what? Hah!

I put up my tree yesterday...a day long ritual that I always enjoy very much. The tree in question is an artifact of the early 1990's - it's actually made in America - although I suspect the same cannot be said for most of the decorations.

Assemblage is as follows. First, open a good bottle of Pinot Noir. Second, fire up the iPod Holiday ensemble. Third, drag the bloody tree in its box from the closet to the front room. This doesn't sound like much of a challenge; except for those of you who know the dimensions of my apartment. Then you curse the fact that you have, once again, somehow misplaced the document that will easily allow you to attach the color-coded branches in ascending order.

Whew! You've once again assembled the tree in a fashion that most nearly allows the poor thing to resemble an actual tree. And then you decorate said tree with lights and baubles...singing Christmas Classics like Louis Armstrong's "Christmas Night in Harlem" at the top of your voice with the hope that the landlord, landlady, and landkids can't hear you. Then you sit at your dining room table, finish the Pinot, and think about the ghosts of Christmas past. Bittersweet yes. But still sweet.

I truly love the holidays!

People all feelin' mighty good
In that good old neighborhood
Let it now be understood
It's Christmas night in Harlem

C'mon now every Jane and Joe
Meet your sweet b'neath the mistletoe
With a kiss and a hi-de-ho
It's Christmas night in Harlem

"...people kind of looked at us regulators as old-fashioned."

The above quote from Mr. Jeffrey Brown a former top official at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency excerpted from an excellent story in the Washington Post this morning on the history of the mortgage meltdown.

Back in 2005 several federal agencies issued draft regulations to tighten mortgage lending practices - especially for adjustable rate loans and other exotic (now toxic) mortgage products.

The proposed rules were subsequently watered-down and many provisions dropped at the insistence of the banking industry. Exemplia gratia:

"These mortgages have been considered more safe and sound for portfolio lenders than many fixed-rate mortgages," David Schneider, home loan president of Washington Mutual, told federal regulators in early 2006.

"An open market will mean that different institutions will develop different methodologies for achieving this goal," Joseph Polizzotto, counsel to now-bankrupt Lehman Brothers, told U.S. regulators in March 2006. The goal in question was to verify that borrowers actually had jobs, assets or other income.

Countrywide Financial Corp., at the time the nation's largest mortgage lender, agreed. The proposal "appears excessive and will inhibit future innovation in the marketplace," said Mary Jane Seebach, managing director of public affairs.

The proposal that banks should independently verify information provided by brokers was met with much indignation. "It is not our role to be the regulator for the third-party lenders," wrote Ruthann Melbourne, chief risk officer of IndyMac Bank.

The Chief Credit Officer of (now defunct) Downey Savings Bank stated that "To conclude that 'nontraditional' equates to higher risk does not appropriately balance risk and compensating factors of these products."

Diane Casey-Landry, of the American Bankers Association, said the industry feared a two-tiered system in which banks had to follow rules that mortgage brokers did not. She said opposition was based on the banks' best information.

"You're looking at a decline in real estate values that was never contemplated," she said.

Such was the reasoning of America's Titan's of Finance as recently as 2006. Many of these individuals are now out-of-a-job which I suppose should bring us some satisfaction. And while criminal investigations are ongoing, the Wall Street view that stupidity, incompetence, and greed are not - in and of themselves - criminal offenses, may at the end of the day prove correct. It was all just a big misunderstanding...sorry about that America. Oh yeah, and thanks for the 700 billion - which, by the way, may not be quite enough to tide us over...

Shop 'til you Drop

If you ever needed a reason NOT to stand in line at Wal Mart for the Day After Thanksgiving Sale - here's a pretty good one:

A worker died after being trampled and a woman miscarried when hundreds of shoppers smashed through the doors of a Long Island Wal-Mart Friday morning, witnesses said.

The unidentified worker, employed as an overnightstock clerk, tried to hold back the unruly crowds just after the Valley Stream store opened at 5 a.m.

Witnesses said the surging throngs of shoppers knocked the man down. He fell and was stepped on. As he gasped for air, shoppers ran over and around him.

On the other hand, it's precisely this kind of shopping enthusiasm that merchants are praying for this holiday season...

I had a very pleasant Thanksgiving. I ate too much food...but that's kinda obligatory as I understand it. I LOVE turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy. Particularly my mom's.

My sister cooked the bird yesterday...and it was entirely satisfactory...she was trained by the master. As mom was trained by Grandma Newman. Don't know where grandma picked it up...don't think her mom would have cooked turkey in the Old Country... Hmmm. A puzzler.

The elders were quite chipper yesterday - even dad rallied and got dressed for the first time in a few days. I was over for morning coffee and he was positively chirpy.

Coffee most mornings usually finds all four of us - mom, dad, sister, and I - sitting around the kitchen table. I am attempting to learn the art of participating in three conversations simultaneously. Both mom and dad are hard of hearing and frequently attempt to converse with me at the same time - not recognizing the other has also initiated conversation. And my sister has developed the habit of simply butting-in while others are talking.

I can handle two conversations at once with some dexterity - but three is proving a challenge. And of course I have to SHOUT for the elders to hear me. At times it is quite amusing.

Well, I'm off...the Club was closed yesterday so will have to workout twice today. Hah. And I may put-up my Christmas tree.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

Best wishes for a happy turkey day. I will be doing the usual family gig...although I THINK I have convinced mom to let me help-out with a few side dishes. Gonna make a carrot and sweet potato puree, fruit salad with a honey and poppyseed dressing, and cauliflower au gratin (one of Alison's favourtie comfort food recipes). Mom has invited another elderly couple from down the street...we should be a group of eight for supper.

I just finished posting the last of my vaction pics - from the Carolina low country. It was an ordeal. My computer hard-drive is full and I had to keep figuring-out how to free-up disc space. I need a new computer...this one is over six years old and is balking at every turn.

The weather has been predictably crappy...with wind and rain. Sounds like it might cool-off a bit the first of next week; but no real winter yet in sight.

I'm running late today. Better get to the elders and do chores. Then a workout and hit the grocery store...

Gobble, gobble, gobble...

More Pics Posted to my Kodak Gallery Site

Sorry I haven't been blogging...but I've been busy. I've spent most days at the folks doing various chores and errands or cooking stuff for them...baked goods and soup. Dad is seriously into chicken soup. And Emilie is always an enthusiastic recipient of groceries.

Dad's blood work came back and, to my surprise, it was all relatively normal despite the doc's early misgivings. So...his weight loss, weakness, and lethargy remain a mystery. They want him to have an ultrasound of his heart; but he is resistant. A heart problem could explain the loss of energy and weakness...but I don't think it speaks to his weight loss - his appetite is still pretty good. So...we'll see... I'll make another run at him on the ultrasound on Monday. But I'm not going to be too strident...he remains of perfectly sound mind and it's ultimately his call, of course.

I've been photoshopping vacation pics and working on several holiday projects too. The latest installments from the East Coast Victory tour are now on my Kodak site. I still have a bunch to process however.

Hope you all caught Governor Palin's Turkey Pardon fiasco. My dad - who is not known for his appreciation of the absurd - was in stitches when he saw the interview. If you did happen to miss it, Governor Palin "pardoned" a turkey at a local poultry farm and then gave an interview while in the background the turkeys that did NOT receive a pardon were being sent to Poultry Heaven. And this is not a big automated plant...these turkeys were being personally whacked by a big kinda weird looking guy who kept turning towards the camera and grinning. Mom (her PETA renewal forms just arrived in the mail) was not amused...

We got an inch or so of snow the other night; but now it has warmed-up and is supposed to rain for the next week or so. I think I'd actually prefer some snow...but then I don't have to commute to work and back at a fixed time five days a week. It's so bloody dark!

Well, I'll try to get back on a regular blog schedule next week. And do check-out the pics.

Monumental Stuff

Just posted the first installment of vacation pics - mostly Washington D.C. monuments stuff - click on "Elmer's Kodak Gallery Site" on the right.

I've been on elder duty full-time since my return home. Poor ol' dad is fading fast. I was shocked how much he'd declined in the two weeks I was gone. He's now using a walker and is weak as a kitten. We had to go to the ER last Friday and I took him to his regular doc yesterday. His blood work doesn't look good - but no definitive diagnosis as of yet.

"Such it is" as Grandma Newman used to say...

Hope to post some more pics later this week. I'm off to the elders!

Trip Report

Made it home. We departed Seattle right on schedule; but halfway to Juneau were told we'd have to make a little detour to Sitka to pick-up passengers stranded there when the morning flight to Juneau from Anchorage overheaded due to high winds in Juneau. It was blowing between 30 and 40 knots in Sitka; but snuck in-and-out with no problem. When we landed in Juneau it was not bad at all.

Got picked-up at the airport by my sister who immediately told me dad wasn't doing well...so off to the folks and then a trip to the ER. Dad's doing fine...have to go to the medical supplies place this morning for some more equipment...but his discomfort has been relieved.

Last night it blew about 60 and we had a serious downpour.

So...everything's back to normal!

While everything's fresh in my mind thought I better do a quick trip summary:

Rating System:

* Wouldn't go back/do it again for money or on a dare

***Perfectly acceptable/would do it again

*****You get in my way of doing it again - I'll kill you

WASHINGTON, D.C. What can you say? It's truly a monumental city. I did not envision this trip as a serious D.C. excursion (so won't give it a rating) but did spend a half-day walking the mall. I had never previously seen the FDR or Korean War memorials and I found both of them very much worthwhile. I was disappointed with the World War II memorial. I need to spend a solid week in D.C. - coming in the not too far distant future I hope. Again, a million thanks to my hostess, Martha Stewart, for her hospitality and company. We had a great time visiting.

MOUNT VERNON **** Definitely worth a half-day for anyone visiting D.C. - about 20 miles or so from downtown. The plantation house tour is way cool; but be prepared to stand in line. The house feels much more utilitarian and lived-in than Monteplier or Monticello. There are also many outbuildings that should be seen and extensive trails that take you to a re-creation of a farm site as well as to the wharf on the Potomac. The view from the house of the river and Virginia countryside is spectacular. While Washington's house strikes one as more modest than either Jefferon's or Madison's, I must also note that Washington, unlike the other two, did not die hugely in debt.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

Overall rating ****1/2

Accomodations ****1/2 I stayed at the Dinsmore House Inn which was built in the early 19th century and designed by a gentleman of the same name who was one of the premier craftsmen who worked on the remodeling of Monticello and subsequently Montpelier. Both the public rooms and bedroom were wonderful - furnished with beautiful antique furniture - and the breakfasts were excellent. Everything fresh and hot from the oven. The inn is located right across from the University of Virginia and about a mile from the pedestrian mall which has a good number of interesting shops and a variety of eateries.

Monticello ***** Home of Thomas Jefferson. One of the most enjoyable days I've had in many a moon. The high-point of this trip. Monticello is an architectural marvel, beautifully maintained and furnished, and the guided tours were very well done. The grounds are extensive and both the garden and plantation tours were well worth the time. The fall foliage was spectacular; but based on pictures I saw and the descriptions given by the staff a visit here anytime of the year would be most worthwhile. I fully intend to visit again in Spring when the gardens are at their finest. Although located only about 4 miles from downtown, this is a full-day excursion if you want to do it justice.

University of Virginia ***1/2 Definitely worth an hour or so walk around campus. The rotunda and adjacent dorms around the adjacent square were designed, in part, by Thomas Jefferson and built in his lifetime.

Montpelier **** Home of James Madison. The mansion is almost completely restored which involved "deconstructing" the 22 room addition built by the Du Pont family in the early 20th century. The mansion is not yet furnished with suitable art, antiques, or period reproductions thereof - the temperature and humidity need to stabilize for a couple of years before they do so. Archaeological excavations on the sites of former outbuildings are ongoing. The front of the mansion faces east with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge mountains in the distance. Montpelier is about 30 miles from Charlottesville. I will definitely want to revisit!

Other *** I was only in Charlottesville for two nights and one full day of exploration. There are lots of supposed fine dining restaurants downtown; but I was disappointed with my one attempt at a good meal - an Italian joint that was recommended by the innkeepers.

Other things that may be worth doing that I did not have time to enjoy include Skyline Drive which is reputed to be a wonderfully scenic area as well as a visit to the natural bridge (a natural stone edifice) located about 30 minutes from downtown. In the same area as the bridge there are a number of man-made roadside attractions - the most intriguing of which (to my tastes at least) is called Foamhenge - a full-size replica of Stonehenge made of styrofoam.

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA

Overall rating ****

Accomodations **** I stayed at a B&B called Magnolia Manor which is a large 1930's era home built in the Colonial style with 4 guest rooms. I had a well appointed suite - a sitting room with gas fireplace, desk, couch, and entertainment center and a bedroom with a huge comfy King sized four-poster. The house is about 1/2 mile from Colonial Williamsburg. Breakfast included a hot dish (kept sufficiently warm but not cooked to order) as well as cereal and bread/muffins. The innkeepers were suitably inobtrusive which can sometimes be a problem at small B&B's.

Colonial Williamsburg **1/2 Something of a disappointment; but I only spent a couple of hours there late on a Sunday afternoon that was blustery and cool. The re-enactment stuff struck me as half-hearted although I did not stay for the 5 PM trooping of the colors which apparently is the show-piece of the whole schmeer. The site is larger than I expected with lots of restored Colonial wood houses and a number of brick structures. And, like the original Colonial Williamsburg, the modern re-creation is enthusiastically devoted to commerce. Like South Franklin in Juneau during the summer; but with a colonial twist.

Jamestown **** There are really two Jamestown attractions. An educational facility that has both a re-creation of the original settlement and an exhibit gallery operated by the State of Virginia and the National Park Service historical property which encompasses the orginal Jamestown site as well as a museum containing artifacts excavated at the site. All are excellent. I would recommend visiting the re-creation first to get a good since of the layout of the original fort and then visiting the historical site. It's a full day excursion to do it right.

Yorktown ***1/2 Like Jamestown, Yorktown has both a State educational facility that includes a re-enactment component as well as a very good exhibit hall. The actual historic battlefield site is under the control of the National Park Service. The visitor's facility at the NPS site is quite small; but there is a 15 minute movie that give you a good context for the battle. Walking the battlefield is definitely the main attraction. Many of the original earthworks are still in place and a number of cannon and siege mortars are placed where they were during the battle. Look out for the very pointy cockle-burr like things. Ouch!

Other *** I had one good meal at a restaurant in the modern market square just outside of the Colonial Williamsburg area - the restaurant was called the Fat Canary. This square appears to be the main collection of eateries and most everything else appeared undistinguished. There may be good restaurants in the new part of town; but I did not go there. I walked by the College of William and Mary but did not really see the whole campus which has several noteworthy historical buildings. I also did not have time to drive down to Norfolk to see the reputedly excellent maritme museum that includes the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin.

SOUTH CAROLINA LOW COUNTRY My ten days in South Carolina had three distinct components: golfing, dining, and lodging at the Sea Pines resort in Hilton Head, a day trip to Savannah, and two nights in Charleston. The low country is semi-tropical and in it's natural state largely marsh and swampland. You don't want to be here in the summer.

Sea Pines Resort/Hilton Head

Overall rating ***

Accomodations ***1/2 Alison and Dougie had a very nice two bedroom condo at the resort. It was very similar to the condo we have stayed at in Redmond, Oregon - at the Eaglecrest Resort.

Golf **** The only reason to go to Hilton Head is to play golf - and they've got courses 'til hell won't have it. We played the PGA course at Harbour Towne as well as two other courses on the resort. And we played two courses about 30 minutes from the condo - one an Arnold Palmer designed course and one designed by Davis Love III. Three of these courses were too challenging for my game - although I will certainly concede that this may simply be an excuse for my poor playing! All of the courses were beautiful - Hilton Head is so beautifully green. I'll say it again, VERDANT! Lots of birds to watch as well as gators, turtles, and deer (although we didn't see any deer). On the other hand, I can find plenty of good golf a lot closer to home than in South Carolina.

Dining **1/2 Dining was somewhat disappointing. There are a bizillion restaurants on Hilton Head. And although we had several good meals and a couple of excellent courses; none go on the outstanding list. All of the restaurants are located in strip malls tucked-away among the trees - the zoning requirements are foscused on keeping buildings low and unobtrusive. While this makes sense on the one hand, on the other hand it means that the physical structures are boring and could as easily be in California or Arizona - and no views. Also, I suspect that truly adventuresome cuisine is perhaps more difficult to sustain economically in a community that caters almost exclusively to retired, middle class, middle aged, (or older) caucasian golfers.

Other ** For some reason I do not fully understand, the ambience of Hilton Head just doesn't do it for me.

Savannah *** We took a day trip to Savannah, Georgia for a little sightseeing. It was quite fun although the historic district is really quite small though pleasant. The high point, and as a stand-alone matter, a five star event, was lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House featuring ol' timey low country cuisine with fried chicken to die for. It's definitely going on my favourite dining experiences list.

Charleston

Overall rating ****

Accomodations ***1/2 We stayed at the French Quarter Inn a very cool boutique hotel located in the historic district. A very charming lobby with a rotunda. The rooms were nicer than average but basically standard hotel room.

Magnolia Hall Plantation ****1/2 The plantation house was built after the Civil War (the original was torched by Mr. Sherman's boys) and enlarged in 1891. Still, it is worth the tour and is beautifully furnished with period pieces a number of which are from the Colonial era. But the grounds are what you come to see...both the gardens and the swamp. Gators and tweety birds. And while the gardens were well past their peak, the Camellia were beautiful. We took both the trolley tour of the grounds and the boat tour of the swamp. Both were great. I want to come back in the spring when the garden is at it's peak.

Patriots Point **** A boat taxi will take you across Charleston harbor to Patriots Point, a naval museum featuring WWII ships including the carrier U.S.S. Yorktown, destroyer U.S.S. Laffey, submarine U.S.S. Clamagore, and the Coast Guard cutter Ingham. We spent most of the time on the carrier...Dougie and I had a great time. It was REALLY COOL. We did a quick tour of the sub but did not have time to visit the destroyer or cutter.

Other **** We took a carriage tour of Charleston. Pulled by a couple of mules named Yahoo and Google. The guide had his rap down great and was quite amusing. I found the historic district very charming and did not have enough time to explore. There are a number of museums that, on paper at least, would be worth a visit. And although we had hoped to visit Fort Sumter we ran out of time and did not. Wish I had spent another day (at least) in Charleston.

I will not speak to the dining...I was "dined-out" by this time and didn't join Dougie and Alison on their visits to a couple of highly recommended restaurants. I got the impression that they were somewhat disappointed. I did have a good, but by no means great, supper at the hotel restaurant, Tristans.

So there you have it...the 2008 Fall Victory Tour!

Almost Home

Greetings from the Red Lion Inn at beautiful Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Got to the hotel about 10 PM last night after a very long day.

The drive from Roanoke, N.C. to Washington D.C. was a tad tense. It rained like hell most of the way and visibility got pretty poor a number of times. But my new GPS guided me unerringly to my destination which was Reagan National and a 5 1/2 hour flight to Seattle. I am delighted with the GPS. As long as you program it correctly you can't go wrong. Remember Korean Air Flight 007? That was an example of incorrect programming although the consequences for a automobile jockey are not so grave. The device tells you both audibly and visually every turn to make, what lane to be in for the next turn, how far to your next waypoint, and a gazillion other things I have not yet bothered to figure-out. It's cool.

The flight to Seattle was a tad bouncy off-and-on but I managed fine thanks to my trusty iPod and a bottle-and-a-half or so of Alaska's plonk. First Class really does make a difference on long flights... It was a thirsty cabin...they ran out of both white and red wine - and my seat-mate was making heroic efforts with the gin. He is an attorney from Seattle. A nice guy. Judging from the pre-flight cell phone calls I would guess that most of First Class was occupied by attorney/lobbyist/porch-climber types. Perhaps their thirst can be attributed to a case of bad nerves with the transition in D.C.

If anyone has been trying to call me on my cell - I haven't been deliberately ignoring you; but said device is inoperative due to, as the airlines say, unscheduled maintenance resulting from a bath it received while charging on the bathroom countertop a few nights ago. I suspect I will be acquiring a new phone - perhaps even today if I have the ambition when I get home.

Ah yes, home. Looks like it will be raining at sea level and snowing at 1000 feet upon my arrival. And that's the forecast for the foreseeable future. Still, the holidays are fast approaching and I do love the holidays. So I will try to maintain good humour. And I need to get serious about the Club; bet I gained at least five pounds the last couple of weeks and am feeling the need for serious exercise. Wouldn't even mind some snow if it meant I could go cross-country skiing.

So...guess I'll take a shower and head over to Sea-Tac for breakfast and a flight to Juneau.

I'll be home for Christmas....

Yippee! In another couple of weeks I can break-out the holiday tunes! I am a man of simple tastes and pleasures...

Be safe out there gang...perhaps I'll have vacation pics by Monday.

Time to Kill

Well, It's 9 AM here in beautiful Roanoke Rapids, NC and it's raining like hell. No need to hit the road for a couple of hours...so may as well do a little blogging.

Charleston was quite fun. On the drive in from Hilton Head we stopped at Magnolia Hall Plantation located in North Charleston on the Ashley River. The plantation house was torched by them damn Yankees at the end of the Civil War but was rebuilt in 1868 and further expanded in 1891. The house is cool; but the real reason for the visit is to see the magnificent gardens and surrounding swamp which both teem with exotic flora and fauna.

Although it was not prime blooming season (with the exception of camellia which were beautiful), the garden is still quite charming. We took both the trolley tour through the grounds and the boat tour through the swamp. Alison was all atwitter watching the birdies that included many species of wading birds, ducks, and tree dwellers. Dougie and I were fascinated by the gators - we saw several eight and nine footers.

We then motored into Charleston and checked-in at the French Quarter Inn - a wonderful boutique hotel in the historic district.

The next day we took a water taxi over to Patriots' Point where the WWII era carrier "Yorktown" is berthed along with several other historic warships. Doug and I enjoyed ourselves immensely. Alison probably not so much...

Yesterday morning we took a carriage tour of historic Charleston. The guide was very humorous. And we got a good sense of the development of the city over the past couple hundred years which can succinctly be described as haphazard. Beautiful historic homes from the late 1700's, 1800's, and early 1900's can be found cheerfully jumbled together in a single block.

The highest point in old Charleston is twelve feet above sea level so not surprisingly it has historically been subject to flooding from heavy rains and hurricane storm surges. And a number of big fires including one just before the Civil War that claimed hundreds of structures. Church spires, some going back to colonial times, still dominate the skyline.

Charleston has been a major port since colonial times. The Carolina low-country gentry got rich farming rice on their plantations which was exported to Europe through Charleston. That economy collapsed, of course, with the end of the Civil War. Today, a wide variety of goods are exported from Charleston including, oddly enough, BMW and Honda cars assembled in South Carolina.

I would highly recommend a visit to this beautiful city - although our guide stressed that the Carolina low-country is NOT a place you want to visit in the summer - even in the 21st century. It is NOT a dry heat in this part of the country. In fact, for most of its history this land was flat-out pestilential - the beautiful resort area of Hilton Head was, in our guide's words, "uninhabitable" until the development of DDT and other pesticides just a few decades ago.

Well, I've successfully killed an hour. Time to take a shower and hit the road.

Whistlin' Dixie

Farewell to the low country of Dixie. Blew out of Charleston, South Carolina around Noon today and pulled-off I-95 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina as the sun went down. I am presently holed-up in a Hampton Inn and just had a filling, yet unsatisfying, meal at the local Ruby Tuesday's establishment.

However I did get to spend an hour or so socializing with several of the locals - there was a table of 30-40-something gals having a birthday social at a table and I bought them a round of drinks and got an invite to visit in return. They were true southern gals from hereabouts - two work in the local community mental health center and the other two for a local exterminator. They are longtime friends. I suspect there is plenty of work in both fields in these parts.

They wanted to talk about Sarah Palin...which is becoming tedious for me. But I gave them the full Alaskana rap. They seemed appreciative and we parted the best of friends. Tomorrow two of them will be working with the mentally ill and two of them will be exterminating bugs - and I'm headed back to Juneau. Would be willing to switch places with any of them.

I've got a ton of pictures and will try to get serious about photoshopping them upon my return to the Motherland. Will post a blog on Friday in any event.

TallyHo!

Goodbye to Hilton Head

Savannah was quite fun. The high point was lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House - low country cuisine - fried chicken, okra, beef stew, BBQ pork, collard greens, potato salad, and a dozen or so other homey dishes. It was DELICIOUS. I can't remember when I last ate so much at one sitting. I could hardly move for the rest of the day. Alison bought a cook book from the joint so we can do it again!

After lunch we visited a quaint nautical museum in an old Greek revival style home that was originally built in the early 19th century. And then we did a little harbor tour, walked the river front, and then back to the car through the old part of town.

Then back to Hilton Head and another couple of days of golf...yesterday was brutal at an Arnold Palmer designed course that I did not enjoy one whit. I am not a long hitter off the tee. It is depressing when you do not even reach the fairway. But I can live with that. What I cannot endure is putting obstacles...water, waste areas, or sand traps in my way between me and the damn fairway. I mean a water obstacle is fine...but NOT if you have to hit over 150 yards to get over the bloody thing...

But perhaps I'm just grousing...and a piss-poor golfer.

At any rate, today was a ton of fun on another course. Still didn't play worth a damn; but I enjoyed it. Afterward we had pizza and wine. A good day.

I am ambivalent about Hilton Head. It is very attractive in many respects...I've been on several golf courses here that are the most beautiful I've ever seen. And the weather has been quite good...mid-60's to mid-70's and only a few sprinkles. The island is - VERDANT - green 'til hell won't have it and the abudnance of birds is extraordinary. But it is clammy even this time of year and I cannot imagine what it is like with a temperature in the 90's and humidity to match.

It is also extraordinarily homogenous - nothing but white, middle class, middle aged (or older) folks. All the commercial activities are confined to strip-malls which could just as easily be in California, Arizona, or anywhere else leisure-minded Americanos congregate. I would be bored to tears here in a matter of weeks.

We've had a number of decent meals on Hilton Head...but nothing particularly memorable. It is rumored that there are over 250 restaurants on the island - which has a year-round population of about 40,000 - so there is no shortage of eateries. But when your clientele is nothing but middle-aged/middle class white folks - why would you expect interesting cuisine?

On the other hand, for a week of golf - Hilton Head - why not?!!!

I am looking forward to seeing Charleston which is a good sized city. So...I will reserve my judgement on South Carolina as a whole until I have sampled it's wares.

Stay tuned...

Spanish Moss

This place is so green - I believe verdant is the word. We played a beautiful golf course yesterday; perhaps the most picturesque I have ever seen. Spanish moss hanging from the trees. Lots of ponds and little streams. Saw gators, turtles, and many species of birds - herons, egrets, and even an Ahinga or Snakebird. When it swims the only thing you see is it's snake-like head and neck - kinda Loch Ness monster like.

The golf course was also terribly difficult and I did not play well.

Last night we had an excellent supper at a place called Sage. Best meal I've had on this trip. Braised beef with yummy mashed taters and green beans. And then an outstanding berry creme for dessert.

I believe we're going to drive to Savannah today for a little sightseeing. Apparently Sherman forgot to burn Savannah and there are lots of ante-bellum structures. Should be fun.

The dust continues to settle on the election. Pretty good news in lots of places - except Alaska, of course. The Oregon Senate race has now been decided in favour of Mr. Merkley so the Democrats majority is now 57 - or 56 if the caucus decides to give Joe Lieberman the heave-ho.

And, in the human interest section, I see that G W's dog, Barney, bit a Reuters reporter.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Yet Another Reason to Leave Alaska

The morning after...a tad hung-over and my disposition not helped one bit by the news from the Home Front. Convicted (although admittedly not yet sentenced) felon the Right Honorable Ted Stevens leads in his Senatorial race in Alaska...and, equally inexplicable in my mind, not YET indicted but equally corrupt and out-of-touch Congressman Don Young is walking away in his reelection bid for the U.S. Congress. I gotta get out of that place.

But I prefer to dwell on my vacation.

We played the Harbour Town Golf Course yesterday...the venue for the annual Verizon Heritage PGA event. We were joined by a nice gentleman from North Carolina - probably a 12 handicap golfer - as well as by a caddy for the foursome, Zach, who was very tolerant of our golf foibles. Nonetheless, I was completely intimidated by the course and the surroundings - hit the worst round in a couple of years.

But golf is a strange game. We played another course today and I had the best opening 9 holes I've ever played. Didn't play the back 9 quite as well; but nonetheless hit a 108 which is about 4 shots under my average. Go figure...

Last night we had a good supper at a joint called Kwizen (cuisine - get it?). Tonight Alison is cooking steaks.

For some reason I can't upload pics on the wifi at this place...sorry....

A Thank You for My Daughters

I write this as Doug and I watch the election returns...the West Coast polls just closed and within seconds BARACK OBAMA WAS DECLARED THE WINNER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE.

I am overcome.

John McCain is now giving his concession speech. He just acknowledged Sarah...but does not seem inclined to let her near the microphone.

My daughters deserve all the credit for this great day...and the millions of like-minded young people that are their cohort. The most foul and obnoxious aspects of our politics, the cultural wars of the past two decades or so and, perhaps, even the racial divide that has been a central feature of our Republic from the outset, may now be put substantially to rest - at least in the context of the national political discourse.

The central tenets of the Republican Party electoral strategy since Richard Nixon- the politics of divide and rule - the Silent Majority, the evangelical awakening and all the rest of it - just doesn't fly with my daughters' generation. Support for the stifling of reproductive choice, civil rights for gays, playing on the fear of racial and ethnic minorities - just didn't work this time around.

Here comes Barack...

Yes we can!

Greetings from the Heart of Dixie

Northern Virginia has become pretty cosmopolitan - you really don't have a sense of being in the South. For the most part, folks don't even have an accent.

Yesterday, I drove over 500 miles from Williamsburg, Virginia to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and there is NO doubt in what part of the country Hilton Head is located. And I discovered a useful tool that allows anyone to determine just how deeply embedded in the heart of Dixie they might be at any point in time should they become otherwise disoriented. It's as simple as turning on the car radio.

In northern Virginia the variety of radio stations would be familiar to any of us Northwest folks...perhaps a slight dimunition of "alternative" stations...but plenty of rock 'n roll from Elvis to the present. Once you point the prow of your land yacht south and start cruisin' it doesn't take long for the music mix to change however.

Once across the North Carolina border you will be hard-pressed to find an alternative rock station and all the classic rock stations are apparently mandated by law to play a certain Lynard Skynard tune at a quarter past the hour without fail. And the number of country music stations has increased four-fold. And you may notice that the soft rock station you are listening to has a play list that includes only tunes with at least one explicit reference to "Jesus" in the lyrics.

By the time you hit the South Carolina border half the stations are nothing more than the local theologians admonishing their flocks. And most of the music is Christian rock, Christian country, gospel, and the like. It was at this point that I recalled that I had two CDs of my favourite tunes in my computer case - said case located on the floor of the passenger seat of my vehicle.

Fortunately "Smokey" was not around to see my SUV careening down I-95 as I fumbled to retrieve a CD, figure out how to insert it into the unfamiliar sound system, and make all the other necessary adjustments. But finally - auditory relief!

The drive down took about 8 1/2 hours as anticipated. The weather was overcast; but only a couple of showers. I-95 is only two lanes in each direction most of the way, and since I was driving only 5 mph over the speed limit, I was constantly changing lanes to pass trucks and campers and to allow everyone else (doing 20 mph or more over the speed limit) to pass me. Not relaxing.

When I got to Hilton Head I checked-into the resort and then holed-up at the Harbour Town Grill to wait for Dougie and Alison to finish their round of golf. Then Alison cooked a yummy supper.

Today, we're going to play the Harbour Town course. This is a PGA event course and we will have a caddy accompanying us. He or she is in for a long day I expect. It will be cool to play the course...stand-by for an update!

Tonight we have reservations at 7 PM at a highly recommended dining establishment and by the time we get back to the condo the first election results should be streaming-in from Virginia and North Carolina. We probably won't be up for results from the West - but once the eastern battleground states have reported the tale should be told. Hopefully with a happy ending...

If you haven't already done so - VOTE!!!!!

Fat Canary

"Oh for a bowl of fat canary, rich Palermo, sparkling sherry..."

John Lyly

From an 18th century poem by Mr. Lyly...describing the joys of wine (Canary) brought to the colonies from the Canary Islands. Fat Canary is also the name of a very excellent restaurant here in Williamsburg where I dined night before last. Outstanding braised lamb shanks and Baked Alaska for dessert. I had a fine bottle of pinot noir from New Zealand - also an island although a fair piece from the Canaries... I shared the establishment with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who took over the back of the room along with several dining companions and his beady-eyed bodyguards.

It's been a couple of days since I last reported and they have been fun-filled. Day before yesterday I visited Montpelier, James Madison's plantation in the County of Orange. The mansion has been recently restored to its early 19th century appearance - workmen are still painting some of the interior and no antique furnishings will be added for several years to give the temperature and humidity inside the house time to stabilise.

The estate had been in the possession of the Du Pont family for almost 100 years and, not surprisingly, the Du Ponts had added 22 rooms to the original house. Fortunately the changes were truly just additions and the original home remained largely intact. The Du Ponts were SERIOUS horse people and a race track was esablished right in front of the mansion. The track remains active - this weekend 15,000 guests were anticipated for some sort of horse event - for the fox and hound set.

A lot of archeological excavations are continuing at Montpelier - looking for artifacts where the slave quarters and work buildings were once located. I would certainly recommend a visit to Montpelier in conjunction with a visit to Monticello.

After my Montepelier escapade I motored to Williamsburg which took about 2 1/2 hours in beautiful weather and fall foliage. Checked-in at my B&B, Magnolia Manor, and have been set-up in a fine suite with a large sitting room with TV, couch, and desk, and a large bedroom with a huge four-poster. Quite delightful.

Yesterday I had planned to visit Jamestown, Yorktown, and, time permitting, Norfolk. But I spent five hours at Jamestown and was too pooped to do anything else. So....I'm running behind schedule!

I have now recalibrated and determined that today is Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg day and that will have to suffice for this trip.

Tomorrow I will hit the road for South Carolina. It should be around an 8 1/2 hour drive; but the weather may not be great - rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast - so if I get tired or the weather is too inclement I will simply stop where I'm at and get a room.

It's clear as a bell this morning however. Things to do and roadside attractions to see so I better get moving...

Mr. Washington's home, Mt. Vernon

Re-created "slave quarters" at Mt. Vernon. Apparently they actually did have wooden chimneys - a construction technique which, I assume, had all too predictable results all too often.

Mr. Jefferson's home, Monticello.

Mr. Madison's home, Montpelier.

Re-creation of Jamestown as it would have been in 1612.

The site of the original Jamestown settlement; the fort was first constructed in 1607.

Monticello

I had an outstanding day yesterday... I drove to Monticello and spent almost five hours wandering the grounds...guided mansion tour, garden tour, plantation tour and the like. It was an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous Fall day - lots of color on the grounds.

Monticello is quite different than Mount Verson - a reflection, I think, of the two very different personalities that were our first and third Presidents. Mount Vernon seems very functional - the house is grand for that era, of course, but somehow seems "ordinary" nonetheless.

Monticello, on the other hand, is a work of art from top to bottom. Every room, every flower bed, and every pathway is meant to be a part of a most wonderful picture. And this is not the fancy of modern conservators; Mr. Jefferson made detailed notes about every aspect of the plantation - the house, garden, and farms. And every effort is made today to remain true to those descriptions - including the species of all the flowers - all of which are the same cultivars (or very close to them) that were planted at the estate in the late 18th century.

Indeed, I am so taken by my two days of Presidential house hopping that I have decided to backtrack 30 miles today and visit Montpelier, the home of President James Madison. Montpelier was acquired by some branch of the Du Pont family and was greatly enlarged in the early 20th century but is now being "deconstructed" and restored to its early 19th century appearance. It should be fun!

After my Monticello visit I roamed the campus of the University of Virginia for an hour or so and then had supper in the University district - burger and beer night. Then a couple of episodes of South Park and to bed.

I'm afraid I still haven't downloaded any new pics...but they will be coming soon. The weather is beautiful again today so I plan to make hay while the proverbial sun shines.

I spoke to Alison yesterday morning and she and Doug arrived safely in Atlanta. They should be in Savannah today.

Life is good.

I'm off to Montpelier.

A Crisp Fall Day

Greetings from Charlottesville, Virginia and the lovely Dinsmore Inn. I'm staying in the "James Madison Room" and typing away at a beautiful antique writing desk. I just had a fine breakfast of bacon, blueberry pancakes, juice, and coffee and am contemplating the day's agenda. It's clear as a bell this morning, no wind, and about 35 degrees. A classic Fall day.

Yesterday I visited Mt. Vernon. It was great fun although a tad blustery. I spent about three hours roaming the grounds and, of course, took the mansion tour. I took lots of pics but haven't had the ambition to process them yet. Maybe later today.

The drive from D.C. to Charlottesville was very nice. There's lots of fall color - although the foliage is past it's peak in D.C. Still plenty of orange and red here, though, and it will get greener as I move south.

Today I'm going to visit Monticello and wander around the University of Virginia campus. Take another boatload of photos. Tomorrow I will drive over to Williamsburg. It's supposed to get warmer as we head into the weekend...should be around 70 on Saturday.

Last night I wandered into the old part of Charlottesville which has been turned into a pedestrian mall with lots of restaurants, galleries and the like. Had a couple of glasses of good Italian wine at a wine bar called Enoteca and then supper at a nice Italian joint called Fellini's #9. They had live music - a folksy trio that was pretty good. I sat at the bar for supper and visited with a number of folks - mostly youngsters most of whom are students (as are all the wait staff). As always, I like the feel of a University town. Folks are very friendly.

I sure enjoyed my visit with Martha. I hadn't seen her in a couple of years - she hasn't been to Juneau for awhile - and it's the first time I had a real chance to talk to her in many, many years. She is the same delightful person I knew in our years together working for Al Adams - still obsessive about politics although her canvas is much bigger now than in Juneau times. She is very close to Senator Stevens and his staff on both a personal and professional level and his conviction is causing her a great deal of heartfelt concern.

I just read the morning newspapers and it sounds like all the national Republican leaders are pigpiling on the resignation bandwagon. In Alaska, the Republicans are apparently split with some calling for Uncle's head and others saying he should stay the course. The only new poll numbers I've seen show Begich now ahead of Stevens by about 8 points.

I cannot say that I have shed any tears over Uncle's demise - it's long past time for a change. On the other hand, Stevens did have many legitimate legislative accomplishments over the years - his bipartisan work on fisheries issues for example - and now his legacy has turned to ashes.

Well, time to get on with the day. I leave you with one photo from the FDR memorial on the Mall:

Hey, buddy, can you spare a dime?