Merry Christmas to all!!!!!

One of my feature photos from covering Christmas events this year. She called herself Grandma Christmas and recited a few childrens stories including the famous poem "A visit from St Nicholas" more commonly know as "Twas the Night before Christmas" written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822.

This has been a bit of an odd Christmas season for us, lots of things were keeping us busy leading up to the holiday. For the first time in a long time, I am not shopping the last few days prior to the Christmas. I am a habitual last minute shopper for this holiday, sometimes even shopping on Christmas Eve. Not this year.

If you think I am about to drop some hints as to what some of you are getting. Your wrong. But, my last item to purchase this year was fun. When you read a co-workers christmas list and Deer pee happens to be there, you can't pass up the opportunity. So I got that allong with some "buck lickers" which is catchy name for the food that entices the deer to its own demise.

Sheila helped out by finding a gift bag with Rudolph on it. Which I of course put conversation baloons around the reindeer with sayings like "Eat more Sushi" and "Who is going to drive the sleigh when you shoot me."

Happy Holidays to all of our friends and family, we wish you health and happiness....maybe next year we can work wealth and prosperity back into the saying.
For now I am going to grab a bit of sleep, before our 6 hour ride to Cincinatti for a few days of holiday happiness.

Merry Christmas Ya'll

Super- Spideyman

As a child I remeber a few of the old classic cartoons I used to watch. Scooby Doo...Woody Woodpecker...with my favorite as a young child being Spiderman. I also liked the Batman series with Adam West, it was campy but very funny. I am reminded of these cartoons for two reasons. The first is that this time of year has great cartoon characters, my favorite which I saw last night is "Heatmiser" in "The Year Without a Santa Claus". We try and catch a few of the old classics each year to put us in the mood. This year we are using them as a diversion form all the gloom and doom out there.

The second is a recent change in my career field.

Spidey was a great creation of the amazing mind of Stan Lee an amazing mind from Marvel comics. The Spider-Man series broke ground by featuring Peter Parker, a teenage high school student to whose "self-obsessions with rejection, inadequacy, and loneliness" young readers could relate.[1] Unlike previous teen heroes such as Bucky and Robin, Spider-Man did not benefit from adult mentors like Captain America and Batman and had to learn for himself that "with great power comes great responsibility". -- Wikipedia

Peter Parker had a few traits that I had as well, the most obvious being a photojournalist. I enjoyed that as a teen shooting for the high school newspaper or yearbook, and I am fortunate enough to have done it for the past three years.



As a child Superman never really resonated with me, maybe it was poor choice of tights, maybe it was that hairdo, or maybe the fact he is an illegal alien. Who knows. I guess Christoper Reeve was a wee bit before my time.

But recently I have been forced to don the red cape and that rediculously large S, over my more comfortable and familiar Spidey suit.... or so to speak!
The state of affairs in media have been constantly in flux for the last few years. my little paper has taken notice and had their lay offs, but we operate with a bare-bones staff to begin with. I was cautious when they gave me a video camera a year and a half ago. I have come to enjoy that challenge now, with nearly 150 or so videos under my belt. Wait a minute..... there is no superhero videographer. But now Clark Kent and myself share one similarity.... a penchant for hair gel? No I have joined
ranks of the reporter's.

There were several days of uncertainty and doubt. I am still trying to get my head around it. My boss effectively eliminated the photographer position, and wanted a third reporter in the newsroom. No he didn't yell "Parker,your FIRED!!!" he just let me know what the new position entailed.This idea lasted nearly two weeks, until our political reporter left to take a new job... with the politicians he covered.....not even a full month after the election.HMMMMM

I wish I could tell you that my fabulous blog was discovered by my boss, and he recruited me for the position. But that's not the case. However, I am grateful that I had the forethought to start this journal of sorts. It has been helpful and a bit of a confidence booster, that reassured me that I can do this reporter thing, even if it's not in my heart just yet.

It's been a few weeks since I took on the role. I have written a few business profiles, a few local govenrmental briefs (Yaaaaaawwnnn) and had a little bit of breaking news fall in my lap unexpectedly. I think my best-served role will be in those instances where I can be the multi-media reporter. Having pretty darn good skill in the photos and videos, allows me to focus on the writing end of it with the ability to turn in a full package ready for print and web. I am sure I will occassionlly let you know about the more interesting points.

Stay tuned in.....

Your friendly neighboorhood,

Super-Spideyman

new guests, new projects

I am sorry for ignoring my blog for a bit, but the holiday season is here. We really didn't have many plans this year, but things just came together this year. A visit to Cincy, followed by a visit from the Ledger clan. They are making their first wintry escape to the south, I only hope that our yo-yo of a thermometer is more up than down. We have had several days in the 50's and even one day that topped 60 last week. If it is cold, I will just blame them for bringing it with them, like any other southerner would.

We were in the midst of starting a renovation of our office/ mom's vacation room, when we got the news of the post- Christmas visit. The homemade desk and dozens of nail holes took their toll on the room the last few years. So it was time for a facelift.

This was already planned as a winter project, but now it has a more certain timeline. Fortunately, I am done with the spackle and sanding, today I am working on painting trim.

The wall color is a secret, but it will be an earthen tone like some of our other rooms finished recently. So that makes one of my New Years resolutions to do all of the door and window trim painting.

Happy New Year

Well, it has been a few days since the election night festivities, and I thought I would share my election day and night experiences. Obviously covering an election at the county level is not nearly as exciting as what I guess it must be like to do a national campaign. Most of the races were a foregone conclusion, the incumbents ruled the day, most of which I voted for even doing a bit of sub-contracted work for one candidate.I have to do a bit more of that in the future, which our local state senator complimented some of my work and asked I would work on a few projects he has coming up. All the while I was thinking "I already voted for you days ago, no need in... well OK if you must."

This time I had to produce a video, getting the voters hopes, fears or expectations. I asked the same exact question of people. "Are there any issues that brought you to vote, and what are your expectations in this election either on the national or local races?" I did pretty good with the first dozen people I asked the question to I got three responses. The reason for this is due to asking permission first instead of Bush-league guerilla journalism like on Fox.

Then I hit a bit of a dry spell, the next thirty or so people gave every excuse in the book. Some how I managed to get about 8 or 10 people finally, after what must have been nearly 100 people asked. People will burn up our blogs at the paper, but look to put someones face to an opinion, you might as well be trying to sell door to door. Very few were interested in being on camera.

Some made interesting comments that I would have liked in the video, discussing socialism and even racism. I expected the socialism cracks and the Palin adulation. But after a crotchety and disheveled kreaton of a man walked over to the exit of the room were voting was going on and muttered "Damn Scourage of the Earth" while shaking his head in disgust. Only to have two african-americans walk out after voting. That took me back for a moment. Sure I have heard the off color jokes leading up to the election, and ignored the foolish propaganda that the web churns out at a break-neck pace. I am sure the two people, likely didn't hear the comment.But the nerve and piety of him to say that, he certainly didn't appear to be an exceptional example of his race, a curmudgeon that only a barkeep could love. But I am not trying to judge meerly describe the scene, but he did have a small odd moustache and was a bit vertically challenged.....Hmmm

I took care of the daytime election coverage, then headed to the Republican Election Party head quarters the one locally.
There was about 100 to 150 people glad-handing with the local politicians, there were sandwiches and finger food, but no "lips stick pigs in a blanket". Which ironically was a finger food at the 2006 party that I attended and pardon the pun "pigged out at" There also was an air of concern about their main boy "Mac". I had watched the initial returns at home, then had to steal an occasional glance of the projection screen which of course was tuned into FOX with Shepperd and Carl in solumn disbelief. " and Ohio goes for....Barack Obama"

In a room full of republicans, I quietly enjoyed the news of red states being washed over by the blue wave of hope. Not a minute or two later, a person at the party bellows " Now all we need is a bomb for Chicago, or a nuclear accident, or something." Honest to good if I am lying , I'm dying.

I returned home to watch the tally, knowing full well it was over when the west coast polls closed. I had pretty good confidence that the outcome would be decisive. Then the announcemetn came, I flipped channels to see how it was announced over and over. Scenes from around our country and even other countries were jubilent and united, flashing from large masses to British pubs to third world countries then to the main event at Grant Park, that had its place in history during the civil rights era. Many were teary eyed, myself included a few times. This seemed like New Years in a way. Almost expecting "Auld Lang Syne" and Dick Clark. But instead we got Jesse Jackson, which a friend of mine mentioned that moment reminded him of the following photograph.

The night was about statesmen behaving in an honorable and noble fashion, like a page from a history book or a scene from the excellent mini series "John Adams" where Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney gave a fabulous performance. Sen. John McCain and Pres. George Bush gave heartfelt speeches that exposed a bit of their soles, and even made them seem more human instead of political puppets. The night had great speeches on both sides, and the concepts of respect and patriotism were on gracious display for all to learn from. I hope and wish things were more civilized, without the football-jock mentality to politics. To lessen the turmoil of the current American condition, they have to work together we all are depending on it.

In my imagination this must be something similar to what it felt like for some to have followed and elected Kennedy. Barack obviously conjures the spirit of MLK and JFK, let us pray for his success without their same tragic demise. My first voting experience was for Ross Perot, and I had such a belief in another party, more options. Since then elections have been either a lesser of two evils, or a conscienceous objector vote for a third party which had a snowballs chance. So finally my wote matched the majority of American, kind of feels nice, may even consider doing it again in a few years.

Originally back when there were two small football teams (8-8) running for their parties nomination. I liked Biden. He was always sharp on Meet the Press and other shows, but he was really there to stir the pot for the blue collor union workers. Then as things wore on and Biden dropped off, Edwards seemed like a better underdog to pull for. Thankfully he never became a candidate. I fully expected Hillary to make the final two on "Survivor- Politico Island" but Barack was steady and a great debater, yet still seemed like a long shot.I finally got on board when Iowa happened, and grew more certain of the selection as time went on. I only wish I would have followed my little nephews lead and worked on a campaign at the local level. They were pulling for the other guy.But I can wait a few years.

I am glad to see the day following his victory he went straight to meetings. No press conference in sight. It would have been way to easy being in Chicago, to go surprise Oprah and do a few other interviews. Right to work.

Election predictions

Everyone else is making predictions, so I will jump in. Obama wins with around 340 electoral votes. NV PA,FL,CO,VA,NC and all of the midwest all help him to achieve this, with McCain picking up MO,IN,OH but not coming remotely close to what he needs. The Senate race will fall 1 or 2 shy of the 60 super-majority that the dems are hoping for. I predict that we will see Sarah Palin try to keep her moment in the spotlite with frequent guest spots on FOX, leading to a series of hockey mom philosophy. I however will be covering the winning local republicans in my county, while thinking about my pint of Stephen Colbert's "Americone Dream" by Ben and Jerry's which I will savour later this evening to celebrate this history making day.

I predict that Chuck Todd will take the helm of Meet the Press, as he has filled the traditional role that Tim Russert played during the general election for NBC. It's a shame that both Tim Russert and even Obama's own grandmother could not witness this accomplishment. Russert's own son, Luke has been a contributor since his father's passing and has done a fine journalistic job among the vote of the college crowd.

I just hope it's definitive, without the neccesity of court challenges and manipulation by the courts. May progress, peace and prosperity return to our great nation sooner rather than later.

538 steps

I did something a bit out of the norm for my usual job description, and thought I would share it. I was sent out to my favorite park for a bridge tour. A state level park official was going to give a tour of new walking trails along with a recently completed bridge. Well unfortunately I recieved the wrong date and it occured the day before. But out of curiosity I decided to go check it out anyway. Maybe I could find someone hiking over it, which is more featury and what I really prefer over staged photo ops.

I am pretty familiar with the park but got a map anyway just for reference. I was hoping for a clearing where I could see the position of the bridge, maybe getting a distant photo with the 40% to 50% of fall foilage that is getting ready to peak. But no vista view of the bridge was to be found. I decided to hike down to see where there might be a good vantage point. Step after step, this was a nice woodland hike which I have been on several times with friends and family. Still no sight of the bridge. I passed a few out-of-breath retirees that were resting in different scenic overlooks. But still no bridge. I stopped at some signs to make certain I was heading the right direction, listening closely I could hear people below, considerably down below. Then I though of course the bridge wouldn't be a span bridge 600 to 800 ft in the air. Ohhh its down near the valley floor. Ok I could use the exercise.

Finally it came into view maybe 75 feet beneath me, it spans about 87ft with a dog leg in the center due to the neccesary placement of the center post. So I spent a few minutes taking in the scenery. Walked across the bridge that is about 40 ft off the valley floor, which is fun since it is set on 1/4 inch wide gurters that you can see thru.

Of course no one was in sight, nor did I hear anyone on their way down. I waited for a bit, taking in more of the surroundings including a nice waterfall nearby. But there was no one to be in the feature photo, so the trip was a bust.

Time to head back UP!!!! I was alone and knew it would take a while. So I decided to count the stair steps just to see how many. You already know the total amount from the title, but that doesn't include the spans of hiking on the trail some over rocks and boulders.

Yes, I took a few breaks on the way up, approximatley every 75 to 100 steps. Somewhere after half way back up, I took the long sleeve shirt and tied it around my waste, the Tshirt I had on was just fine for the conditions. Then somehow I switched gears chastizing myself for being complaining yet thinking about firefighters. Jogging up stairs to the flames....with heavy uniforms and gear that is unforgiving and rediculously heavy. Not knowing whats around the next corner. Uncertainty and chaos just moments away. My hat goes off to all firefighters, especially the 343 that died in the scenario that I was playing out in my mind. Odd how some innocuous things can remind you of that day. Certainly not the first or last time that will happen..I hope. The bumper stickers may have vanished and the flags returned to only festive duties on Holidays. I am glad for the 538 steps, the sweat on my brow,for tightness in my chest...the shortness of breath for those moments.....and for that moment causing myself to be reminded of the sacrfice of others.

I may not have gotten the photo I wanted, but I got something more important. A meanial task turned into an small adventure which turned into another one of lifes moments to contemplate. It made the rest of the hike just a bit easier. I still kept count of the steps in front of me, but I looked to the trees instead of my feet. Enjoying the moment, even if its a benign walk thru the forest. As the bumper sticker on my old Trooper reads "Life is Good"

37

A few days before my anniversary of arrival, Sheila and I along with our friend Tim, went out to a music festival. The Hootenanny was held at another friend of ours amazing retreat of a property that spans over 200 acres. I go there several times a year since a wide variety of events are held there, a rugby tournament, several music events a year, survival camps, etc.

One such event had a fellow neamed Snow Bear, of North Carolina, teaching students to be one with their drum, during a class on African rhythm stylings

Meanwhile, Sheila grabs a roller to work on one of the three rooms we have been renovating over the past month, which has led us to a much needed escape if only for a day.

On this particular occassion we decided to camp after the 10 hours of music from the six bands that were on hand.
One of the artist's was Jason "Lefty" Williams from Atlanta, an inspirational blues guitar player that caused me to buy not one but two of his CD's after jamming thru a blazing set of his own stylings along with a nod to one of the Godfather's of the electric guitar - Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression"

Another well known and loved local musician, Ralph Roddenbery showed up without a band, but Lefty and a few other guys from a band named Captain Soularcat stepped in and closed out the end of the night at 1am.

Off to air-filled-bed for me and Sheila, while our friend Tim grabbed his acoustic guitar and joined the other late-night owls until 4am strumming like rural New York hippies from fourty years ago. I would include a photo of him, but he had a rather poinent salute during my 9am wake up call for breakfast Apple or Lemon turnovers while we tore down our tents. This weekend was a wonderful toast to the end of my 36th year upon this big round ball. I look forward to all the fun and entertaining voyages we make during my next loop around the sun. I'll be sure to tell you about it right here. Till then a toast to the woman who endured 9 months of back aches so that I can have a special day. Thanks Mom

145th Battle of Chickamauga

As much as I loathe the man in the photo, it's not every day that the Vice President of the United States comes to town. As I understand it he is a bit of a history buff making the trip to honor an ancestor, his great grandfather served in the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the Battle of Chickamauga. Which is ironic considering he defered five times during Viet Nam and the hipocrit has the nerve to impliment a Stop Loss program upon being a civilian leader making decisions in our current war. But I promise I will try not to go off on too much of a tangent. When going thru the credentialing process a few people I know asked if I was excited about the VP, to which I responded I am looking forward to the experience.
The credentialing process and Secret Service involvement was the most interesting part for me. The credential itself is another keepsake reminder of this diversely voyeuristic view of life and community that I get to call a job. The processing and handling by the Secret Service was smoother than expect. I was thinking they would be like a TSA agent that was up for promotion, but surprisingly everyone from the screeners to the advance people, all were friendly and more importantly accommodating.
We anticipated long lines to get in and arrived two hours early. Fortunatley we (media) got a golf cart ride via S.S. agents only to be taken to the front of the line. Once inside it was just sit around and wait time, which would result in a bit of a sunburn for me. The press, both video and print were herded into one area, and were persistantly reminded to stay there. Not much shmoozing with the political types, once you were in you were there to stay. To leave the 15' by 25' media area required a S.S. agent escort. Had to be an agent, its amazing how structured the agency is. Only specific agents could take us up to the two secondary camera shooting positions we were alloted.
This shot is from the first position which required about 30 ft of "duck walking" or crawling to get into position, a mere seven feet from the podium and the Vice President of the United States. The shot was good, but two things stand out when I look at it.
First, Cheney looks much older and more frail than I would have thought, like he is in his mid eighties and sickly loosing weight. The second was the flag (12' x 36' I think) came crashing down, narrowly missing an S.S. agent that was guarding the podium an hour before Cheney arrived, along with the supports due to the gusty day we were experiencing that day. A frenzy of county workers were able to put it up in time, but not at the desired height or position. Maybe it's just me but maybe both of these are Karma's way of saying "Here's your Sign" - Bill Engvall

This shot is from alternate position # 2, it had a great picturesque quality with our great Georgian mountains in the background. It was probably also set for a great crowd shot, which didn't really happen. If it weren't for the two thousand-or-so school kids on hand, there would have only likely been about 400 to 500 adults that showed up. The VP came for an hour and fifteen minutes to this ceremony, then attended a brief private memorial in the Chickamauga Battlefield for a half hour.

An advance team of five Secret Service agent were on site for a week, not to mention dozens of deputy's, and security personnel for the two days leading up to the event. The essential motorcade escort of maybe 20 motorcycle cops along with state troopers , an ambulance, along with Federal and State level politicians. I find the organization and work they put into one little event like this truly amazing, and to think of the expense of it!!!!!

I rather like this photo, and plan to do a composite poster with this being one of the central images, which of course I will post on here once it is completed.

The way it used to be.... It was rather interesting to watch the techniques that the original war photographers had to use, like Matthew Brady. Not to mention the heavy camera, or the exposure times that lasted several seconds, thus the frozen almost constipated look of nearly all those who posed.

Dennis Boggs was an amazing Lincoln presenter at the event, it ws great to listen to his speeches along with a candid interview of what it is like to do historical impersonations. I love this shot because I knew it would happen eventually, I just had to wait and be in the right spot for the 2 or so seconds that it afforded me to take it.

Young yankee cavalry on the move....

The Leprechaun Apocalypse

That name is the first thing I thought of when we saw this paint scheme on out dining room walls. Fortunately it's what was under the last bit of dated wallpaper that survived the eight years we have been in this house and was recently removed last week. The wallpaper was dark teal with pink and purple flowers, probably part of some dixie-belle Dolly Parton line of wall treatments.

We are back on our list of house projects, since we have a few guests in late October we are focused on getting some rooms done. The dining room will be a light mossy green on top and a "coffee with cream" color on the bottom. We have a few other rooms amidst the painting process, and will put up a few photos when they are done, the one we focused on today is best described as a key lime color probably inspired by our Key West trip a few years back.

Movies to think about

Yesterday's seventh anniversary of the terrorist attack on America was another evening where Sheila and I watched yet another documentary about the troubled world we live in. It reflects on some hard truths that we have to face about the Iraq war. The title is " No End in Sight", which fortunately there does seem to be an end in sight in Iraq currently.

The politicians who beat there chest about "the surge is working" need only answer one question for me. "What took so long for you to listen to the guys with the "Stars and Bars" instead of the hapless civilian leadership that miscalculated this war from its inception. The soldiers who had to beg for armour and protection only to be answered by Rumsfeld's arrogance. Not wanting to go off on a tangent , but 18 months of success is incredible considering the five years of prevailing ignorance by Bremer's leadership.

We have watched many documentaries in recent years. It's amazing how hindsight can expose the depth of an event. My next suggestion we saw in 2002, it is not of hindsight, but rather a movie that tells the tale of a trainee firefighter in 2001. It subsequently is a first-hand account of the bravery on that dark September day. 9/11 the documentary made by Jules and Gedeon Naudet. Save me the " I have a hard time watching that stuff", it's very different than the day of broadcast the networks were covering, it memorializes the 343 firefighters who were lost, along with giving us just a glimmer of what it may have been like to be there.

"Recount" was another good dramatized histroy lesson staring Kevin Spacey and Dennis Leary.

Summer Hiatus

We had a great summer hiatus this year. Our trip to Wisconsin was relaxed and fun. Extended by a car repair, which made it more comfortable and less of a hectic race to see everyone. It really felt like I was able to spend time with people instead of the quick four hour visits we sometimes have to do. There was even enough time to take up a new interest,yoga. Yes I said...Yoga. My mother has the Wii along witht the Wii Fit platform. We had been considering getting a Wii for sometime so we test drove it with the games she has. So we bought one when we saw one at the Shopko, while out shopping with her one day. So far it's mostly been bowling, which Sheila and I are nearing Pro status. Hopefully we will get the Fit part to continue the Yoga, and maybe a bit of simulated snowboarding.

We lucked out and got a rental vehicle while the Rover was in the shop during our trip home, it was a PT Cruiser and I can't for the life of me understand why people bought them. Uncomfortable and gimicky! But it got us around, including a great trip to Madison where I caught up with a friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. That visit included ladderball, beer, croquet, a massive water fight, more beer and some tasty lasagna with some good friends that we don't get to see nearly enough. (Subconscience Hint)

There of course were some games of cards with our parents and two of my aunts were able to make it out too. The longer than usual trip made for some good memories, and I hope to be able to repeat something similar next summer.

We even made a last minute trip to Margaritaville, since Jimmy happened to be in our neck of the woods. The concert was pretty good overall. I only wish we could hear Jimmy and the band better during the popular songs. We were in the middle of the grass section, in more ways than one, which conains a fair amount of party animals who know little about JB. But they provide entertainment in their own way. Like the gal five feet in front of us who passed out half way thru the first set, unbeknownst to her she was tripped upon several times. The sound for songs like "Fins" or "Margaritaville" or "WDWGDS" is more of a group karaoke session of the people immediately surrounding you. This is why I couldn't bring my mom, as much as she wanted to come, not to mention that the lawn section is standing room only for three hours. Our feet were pretty cramped up by the end of it and quite ready for the 3/4 mile walk back to the car.

Four score and seven days ago

We made our usual pilgimage to the land of beer and cheese, only to behold the trouble in titletown, the brew-haha in brew city, the quarrel for a QB, or even Four's fracas. I admit that publicly it seems like Brett is as big of a flip-flopper as either of our presidential candidates. But in my consideration of that conservative over-simplification of making a choice being made or a reanalysis of a previous decision, I know that things are usually far from as simple as they seem. Brett has announced three times he was going to retire, this spring actually going thru with it for a few months. But I ask why would a guy with the boyish love of the sport, whom still has all his ability as a QB, the best fans any athlete could ask for, achieving more records than any other at his position, have a four year period where he contemplated retirement.

Brett didn't had a bad season loosing two runningbacks (Amhan Green and Najeh Davenport and the top receiver Javon Walker in 2005 when GM Ted Thompson came aboard. Many veterans and even the coach at the time were shown the door. Thompson wanted a younger team with a price tag to match which was over the cap. Farve for years has wanted and needed a receiver that can be on the other end of Brett's spontaneous jump balls, maybe a Randy Moss..... I can only imagine that this change in going forward created a riff between Favre and Thompson which eventually spilled over to the new head coach, which was a QB coach in 2006.

Brett is in a spot where several of the last seasons were close but not enough, no trip to the superbowl which is the entire teams fault especially his inability in the cold. (Side note-Milwaukee has a retractible dome for a summertime sport? Take note Lambeau.) All athlete's want one last title shot, but when the philosophy is keep the team young and cheap, that doesn't show your MVP that your commited, just ask Barry Sanders. Not to mention that when a team looses their star, both the team and the player suffers, ask Michael Jordan.

The communication ultimately led to two parties that were never going to play together again. Now we are left with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The Packers kept their promise and did what is "fair", what is this Mr' Rodger's Neighborhood....well it is now. Football is about the best team you can assemble, it's a business, but the ego-in-charge will find out just how good his team is. I fear of a Lynn Dickie or Don Majkowski era of 5 to ten years, but atleast we got rid of that whiner Brett. But now I have someone to cheer against Manning, and Brady and Manning!!!!!!

Who is inexperienced?

We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.” Sen. John Sidney McCain III

" In the 21st century, Nations dont' invade other Nations." Sen. John Sidney McCain III

But then again....

“The first thing I would do is make sure that we have a missile defense system in place in Czechoslovakia and Poland, and I don’t care what his objections are to it.” Sen. John Sidney McCain III
(footnote) : Czechoslovakia dissolved into two countries in 1992.

Even more recently:

WARREN: Everybody talks about, you know, taxing the rich, but not the poor, the middle class. At what point, give me a number, give me a specific number. Where do you move from middle class to rich? […]

MCCAIN: How about $5 million? No, but seriously, I don’t think you can, I don’t think seriously that the point is I’m trying to make, seriously, and I’m sure that comment will be distorted but the point is…that we want to keep people’s taxes low, and increase revenues. … So, it doesn’t matter really what my definition of rich is because I don’t want to raise anybody’s taxes. I really don’t.

McCain is right — millionaires are rich. In fact, those making $5 million per year or more are wealthier than 99.99% of all Americans. All but the nation’s wealthiest five percent, have household incomes of less than $174,000 per year.


Yet, he seems to believe that Sen. Obama is inexperienced and nieve.

Ooops there goes another rubber tree plant

We have been living in zone 7 for 9 years. For those of you with green thumbs this might excite you , with all the possibilities of gardens of grandeur. But if you know Sheila and I at all, then you know that those green thumbs were not inherited from our very talented parents who have had lush gardens and plantings of their own. Only recently have I tried to start to reclaim our yard, especially the weed-infested creek that will be tackled very soon. The Bradford Pear trees (which smells like an convience store urinal) that hid our house were taken last year by the power company. The hosta's that are in front of our front porch are by far our biggest success, we could actually divide them into thirds and replant them elsewhere. But that is a task for this fall, along with planting a few leyland cypress trees. So we are trying to do what we can for now.

But this post is about a rubber tree, or so we thought. Since we have lived here the "rubber tree" has only dropped leaves the size of a "nerf" football, fortunately they disintegrate nicely once mowed. But, alas this year we were surprised to find blooms (the size of an egg) on the tree. Finally last week the blooms started popping open. What do you know, we have a magnolia tree with quite a nice fragrance that we get to smell daily.

The flowers are quite large,I am guessing probably 9 or 10 inches. We are hoping it blooms even more next year to help add to our curb appeal.

My theory is this: This one lowly Magnolia tree that we have which is about 25 feet tall was just laying in wait. Being a good tree it knew that an inferior and pungent tree like the Bradford, of which we four. We have eliminated three of those monsters, and the fourth will hopefully be leaving next year. With less competition around, "Maggie" the Magnolia decided it was her turn to shine, and grace us with a better odor than that of a litter box.

Bye Bye Bradley... Hello Maggie

Curious View

" Hey Mrs. Cardinal and Mr. Bluejay what are you doing goofing around out there, shouldn't you be playing baseball..." at least I think that is what Harley was thinking while watching two birds on our deck this morning.

Southern adoption

We have been living in the south for nearly nine years now. In this time we have certainly adopted some of the prevailent culture that defines Ole' Dixie. As much as we sounded like yankees for the first few years that we were down here, some people seem to think we have developed southern accents. " Do What!" If that is true, Sheila is a bit moreso.....I think. I certainly have learned to eat my share of BBQ, the most frequently used meat at a variety of luncheons that I attend for the newspaper. Ribs are still prefered to the mediocre pulled pork that many places serve,for those contemplating a visit, Sticky Fingers is still my local favorite for ribs and a great stop during your southern vacation.

Aside from changes in slang and diet, we have loved to do the occassional daytripping to places that would make Jack Kerouac proud. Unfortunately due to those crazy @$$ Saudi's we will be doing less of that this year. But I did have a small magazine job that took me to South Pittsburg, Tennessee. I was there to photograph one of last years state champion teams. One of the coaches was going to take part in a cooking contest, at the National Cornbread Festival held a few days later. So I made a second trip to complete the assignment, and since I happened to bring the wife along we decided to sample the entries.

For the most part, prior to this festival. we have had cornbread stuffing and the more common hunk of cornbread with butter and honey. However this festival opened our eyes to a world of cornbread possibilities. Upon paying $2.00 you would get samples from 10 different organizations that are competing for the overall winner.

There were many varieties, sweet pepper cornbread, chicken-brocolli cheese cornbread, cinnamon cornbread, double chocolate cornbread, jalapeno cornbread and a few others that I can't remember. We enjoyed the ones that were sweet or casserole based.

Deputy Bubba here creates a Pimento and Cheese Cornbread, which is surprisingly popular by locals, we passed on it though.

Before leaving South Pittsburg we of course had to purchase some cast iron pans to try and recreate some of the many recipes on the events website. "We'll fix some for ya, when ya get here."

I'm Board....time 200

After a few years of neglect it is time to replace the massive deckboards that surround the pool. We originally intended to only replace the really bad ones, but as things progressed it was apparent that the whole thing would look best done the correct way.

All told it has taken me 4 hours to knock out the 21'x12' section you see here, I probably have another 300 square feet or so to go. This amid our kitchen remodel, and a yard sale, two music festivals, a few freelance shoots, and my regular job, and thats just the next three weeks. Should make for some interesteing posts on here which have been scarce lately.

A bit of a challenge lies ahead dealling with all of the old boards, any suggestions? Hate to put all of that in a land fill, maybe I should craigslist it since it is kind of like barnwood which is actually desireable by some. Wish me luck!

Spring Break 2008

We were able to use a sea kayak that the owner of the property lets his guests use. It was enjoyable fun, took a little while to get the hang of it. being that the wife and I have different strength levels, paddling a tandem probably a bit like riding a bike after two or three of the Hurricanes from Toucan's but more on that later. We did get to enoy some fish jumping out of the water, horseshoe crabs trolling the shallows, and another kayaker who fell in the water a few time but shall remain nameless. She wore a life preserver not for fear of drowning in the 3 foot water, but more as protection from the overzealous captain and his wayward ability with an ore.

I got a few nice sunset shots. I will add a few more once they are finished.


The view of the bay from the back of the cabin.

Another view of the bay.

A few of the decorations from the most lively place around, Toucans, the quintessential beach bar.


Had a great time on our week long vacation during spring break. We stayed on Cape San Blas which is in between St. George's Island and Mexico Beach in the Forgotten Coast area of Florida. It it a very sedate area that isn't ovely developed like the monstrosity to the west, Panama City Beach, which we completely avoided. This was a bit more leisurely trip for us since there isn't a ton of tourist things to do. Good seafood to be found, lazy afternoons and the vivid sunsets were plentiful.

Feelin' Lucky

Last year we spent St. Patty's weekend in Atlanta,for a few nice restaurants and the traditional annual parade. Fortunately we weren't down there this year due to our upcoming Spring Break plans. The following photos of the parade were taken in the same area that was ripped apart by the 130 mph tornado that hit the busy downtown tourist part of Hotlanta. No one was killed in that one, but a bigger tornado hit about 75 miles south of us and did kill a person along with major damage to that area as well.
Ironic that the tornado hit this street just a few days ago.

I think the PH balance is a little low?

hmmm........hmmmm can't think of anything.....Nice boots, Mr. Leprechaun

"There's me Lucky Charms"

"Sham"Rock City, Georgia March 2008

When the wall paper, comes tumblin' down

Oops, it seems I have neglected this blog for the month of February. Well for the past four weks we have been doing the first few phases of our kitchen remodel. It all started when a wall paper steamer arrived along with Sheila's parents on their recent visit in early February. We had a great visit with them, as they started their annual Snowbird pilgrimage. The original idea was just to get rid of the wallpaper which we hate.It took about 10 to 12 hours to do the kitchen, the cabinets make it a bit more challenging We have one more room of wallpaper to remove then we are free of it.

Then it became a makeover, where we were going to touch up a few other things. Now it has turned into a full remodel, which is fine since I think it will help in the long run. It will also be a bit more functional, with the cabinet layout that I designed. We are still on the fence about countertops. The choices if we go with granite, are the following:

(caledonia)

(gallo venziano)

But before we can worry about that we will have to wait a bit for the new cabinets, the old ones are being utilized in other areas throughout the house. A few in the laundry room.


Several to make a more custom desk in our office, and a few others to make a small desk in our guest room. We want to try and make the room as cozy as a hotel, minus the creepy bed bugs and hideous comforters. We know we have to spruce things up a bit, since there are those of you out there that haven't been down for a visit. Hint...Hint. Do not worry if you were to visit during our remodel, we could probably use a break from it and would likely be hitting the more unique side of dining options in the greater Chattanooga area. My brother was able to fit the 6 of them (4 kids at the time), so it will accomodate nearly anyone else that I can think of.

Speaking of traveling, we will be heading on a bit of a sprig break here soon. Headed to the "Forgotten Coast" as its called. Ehich has one of my favorite roads crossing through it.....A1A we will be at Port St. Joe, Florida for a few days, learning the ancestoral ways of the Snowbird tribe. It looks like a great photographic opportunity, it is more of a pristene area of florida. About 180 degrees from Disney, but we like that tourist trap part of Florida as well which reminds me of a song.


They're closin' down the hangout
The air is turnin' cool
They're shuttin' off the superslide"
The kids are back in school

The tourist traps are empty
Vacancy abounds
Almost like it used to be
Before the circus came to town

(When the Coast is Clear - Jimmy Buffet)


Which makes me think about the fact that my musical mentor of margaritas will be visiting the fine state of Wisconsin on july 19th which may be just about the time I need to migrate north for a bit of R&R, hopefully another fine two week jaunt to visit a few friends who don't seem to travel south much.... Another plug for a cheap vacation with a free place to stay, not tom mention the culinary skills of my wife.... ask for the cheesy enchiladas or the BBQ spare ribs.

Go Patriots.... (sigh)

Ok do I really mean that....Well my blood pressure has returned to a normal level. It was a very good thing I invited no one over, between me and Sheila, the shouting would have scared off some people.The shock and depression of it all is setting in. I am looking for the silver lining.

The loss saved me from buying lots of cool packer stuff....thats weak.

The ghosts of Lambeau field at least got us to over time....sucked us right back in

Now we don't have to watch them lose to the Patriots.....but if anyone could have beat them it was GB

Brett will likely be back for another season....thats fairly uncertain

But can Packer fans handle all this stress

Our inexperienced coach got us this far, but his generic play calling and lack of a run game or creativity, cost us the game. I knew when Brett let the last throw go we were in trouble...again. Over time is a chess match of field position, not a sprint for a jumpball. Brett, you have left us sobbing on our knees yet again. I am now in mourning for the great season, that should have been a rematch of Green Bay and the Patriots, a David and Goliath type game, where we would have had a chance. since we have become quite an indoor team somehow.

But alas now we all get to watch Brady and Bruschi put a beat-down on old Eli.......positive thoughts....positive thoughts..... OK I am positive this stinks like a chicken farm on a hot July day. (had to keep that G rated)

Well at least there is still some Hockey to watch, even though I don't follow it like I did in the 90's.

Now I will likely have to watch a Super Bowl with two teams I now loath. Yeah.

Well atleast we got to see many of the victories they had this year, which is rare down here.

Anyway....Time for some Nyquil and a big blanket.

Festive Times with Family and Friends

I do apologize to all my readers (all 20 of you or so), as the holiday happenings kept me hopping with events leading up to our trip to Minnesota. Now I am in the post-holiday hibernation where one seems to watch more movie, read books, and generally stay inside, thanks in part to some unusually cool weather.

We spent the last few days prior to the trip, hitting store after store for the necessary gift cards that were critical since we were flying and had to bring the appropriate clothes for our arctic expedition. Fortunately only a few minor delays happened to befall us on our flight. We did have to do a bit of jogging in the busiest airport in the world, we wound up with less than 25 minutes from the time we left the first plane till the time we were stepping on to the second one, which was actually held for us and one other person. Thankfully!!! Then we waved good-bye to the temps in the 40's, to the patchy grass in our yard, the kudzu, even the mason-dixon line, heading to the great white North. I have to admit that as we taxied toward the terminal the sight of that much snow and obviously cold temps has become a bit foreign and I couldn't help but joke to myself 'maybe this was the plane to Iceland' It was snowing nearly sideways with the winds howling and the misery of the airports grounds crew obvious.

At this point we were nearly back to being ontime, but luggage has away of becoming its own baggage. Numerous previous flights were re-routed and the baggage claim area was a labyrinth of hundreds of suitcases stacked in various places. The delivery of our bags was hampered by the fact the train trolley drove more like a slinky on a staircase, but a mere hour or so after we landed our bags were ours again and we were on our way.


(The harsh realities of winter)

The ride home was fine although a bit precarious due to the near blizzard conditions we had the pleasure of reacquainting with. But as many of our jealous southern friends would remind us "Must be nice to get a White Christmas" to which I laugh and reminisce about shoveling and trudging through slushy sidewalks everywhere you go.

Moon Boots... gloves with an elastic leash, frozen extremities due to too much time in your snow fort, throwing snowballs at the neighbor kids in their snow fort...sledding down the big hill next to my old house (which I know realize was only about 9 feet high). Well it has its good and bad points.

Obviously by the photos we chose to enjoy the weather as much as possible.


But while inside we played a wide variety of card games. Rook, Phase-10,Wizard, etc.

I even had the fortune to play in my father-in-laws poker club, which was a bit of an awakening. Having played quite a bit of Texas Hold'em due to its recent popularity. I was a bit overwhelmed since they didn't play that game. I was lost, a fish out of water...up a creek without a paddle.... drunk as a bicycle (for my southern peeps). The guys have played cards for several years and had over a dozen different card games to try and rattle my rookie mind. I was grateful for their patience since I was the new kid on the block or in the immortal words of one, Freddie Krugger " How Sweet, Fresh meat!" By some mysterious force, I actually one a few hands on the evening, keeping the losses to the equivalent of a steak dinner at Appleby's, instead of the four star surf and turf which is where the night was headed earlier in the game. The guys were all very cordial and fun, it was another nice glimpse into what retirement is supposed to be like. But that can wait for a few decades.

(A hair dryer... well atleast I can pre warm my head before shoveling snow)
( Sheila, can I use this GPS thing to track your father at the mall? )

Christmas Eve and Day were exactly what they were supposed to be Family, Food, and Fun...... and presents otherwise it would be a picnic. Watching our nephews, Colin and Griffin, or kids in general for that matter always makes me reflect on childhood and the youthful exhuberance that we are fortunate to get to experience. Sheila and I are very fortunate to always be able to have family around at the holidays, especially considering the wide variety of states that we all live in.

The day after Christmas my mother was able to make the 6 hour trek. We continued with more fun, mostly in the way of playing cards, occassionally interrupted by the need to eat. The time together is the most valued part of any of our holiday trips since they are only a few times a year.

(what a time for a plane wash.... last time they had to de-ice three times before liftoff)

Our flight back to the land of sorghum and peanuts was considerably less problematic. We were greated with nice low 50's , which isn't to bad for 11pm. Night time flying is such a treat, to see the cities and towns floating away from the plane like a large version of a childs Lightbright.

(small town lights from the plane)

The ground reflecting light patterns similar to the celestial skies above. Reminds me of a few songs (Defying Gravity) by my favorite musician JB.Which just makes me look even more forward to our next journey. Another trip is history and we have already begun thinking about the next one, Spring Break on the Gulf side of Florida in a mere two months.