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Happy Saturday all:
“Kilometers are shorter than miles. Save gas, take your next trip in kilometers.” George Carlin
Yesterday was a little much on the coffee, which kept me awake (mostly) traveling back from Canada, and then kept me awake till after midnight, this after getting up well before six that morning. And why? Why did I do all that? Just to verify Stuart Keate’s observation that; “Canada is the vichyssoise of nations – it’s cold, half French and difficult to stir.” That’s why.
Naw, there’s more.
Canada, 1300 miles and two days – our nearby island neighbor at the lake is required to make two trips north as the season begins just to get all his toys and necessities up there. This year I had purchased a double patio door and had a couple of unwieldy items. So, for the sake of the wonderful convergence of camaraderie and necessity Dennis and I met up at his home in central-western Ohio. From there the two of us whisked ourselves north; his massive box trailer gliding beautifully behind.
Nearly the month of May, and the snow showers first hit us near Grayling, Michigan. It wasn’t till we began the final run up to the lake that the scenery took on a frozen tundra-like appearance.
Nearly the month of May, and the ice on the lake is still more than 20 inches thick.
Nearly the month of May, and yesterday morning we woke to a temperature of 25 degrees. Cold enough for me to walk down our cabin driveway on top of the 10” snowpack that prevented us from driving any further than the highway turn-off flat spot.
Nearly the month of May and Marcia is putting on the pressure to head north.
More trekking (nearly) – Family is a wonderful thing. What happens when you are a successful businessman with a brilliant marketing idea? In this case, an idea to better draw attention to one’s products at an upcoming propane gas trade show. Here is the idea. Display a brand new car – one of the cutest and smallest on the market (a Fiat 500) which has been converted to run on propane as its primary fuel.
So far so good. Good, except for the fact that the vehicle is in Memphis, Tennessee and needs to get to Reno, Nevada. Here is where family comes into play.
Here is the solution. You have three brothers, one is tall and skinny. One is shorter and heftier. The last is tall and hefty. The car is as small as can be. Therefore, it makes sense to approach the one brother who has the best of both worlds; both tall and hefty; and that would be me. Hence, I was approached to drive the thing across the continent.
I agreed. But you knew that didn’t you?
Three days ago there was a change in plans and the trip was cancelled. By the time it was cancelled it was with a twinge of sadness on my end. I had actually begun to look forward to the idea of pulling up to some large propane tank somewhere in a remote place somewhere in maybe Oklahoma or New Mexico. Then, circus clown like, unwind myself from the little vehicle to the delight of the people who gathered around to see such a sight.
Life changes – Along with Jason turning another year this week (we’re celebrating it later today) is Adrianne’s life change. For the past five years since she’s embarked on her professional career path of Social Work she’s worked for one agency. This week, amidst tears and well-wishes she moved on to start with a new focus.
Her new emphasis will be geriatrics. Somehow, although she would never admit it, I have to think that it has a bit to do with the fact that Marcia and I are quietly sneaking into becoming part of a more mature set.
Fini –Make it a great week everyone. Now I’ve got to get ready for Marin’s 9:00 o’clock soccer game – always fun.
Cheers,
Dirk
From the Archives
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Morning all:
It’s with a bit of nostalgia that I start the morning. Our little household is fast approaching the end of what we have affectionately come to appreciate as “Paul’s Largely Unequalled Negotiated Dark Ebony Roast” or “PLUNDER” coffee. A specialty roast that came with the selling of Grandpa’s home on Ann Street, a blend we have come to love and appreciate for the last couple of years. Here, “I drink to Plunder”, as I lift my mug high; does that sound ok since we’re in wartime?
They’re Baaack! All around we heard that the Cicada infestation had started. However, since the critters need rain to soften the soil so that they can break through, we were spared. Yesterday afternoon the rains came. Last night I stepped out and many dozens were busily climbing up the outside walls of the house in preparation for shedding the little grub skins. Today they’ll start flying and screeching – counting 1,500,000 per acre.
Back in 1987 we were “ground zero” for the last Cicada emergence. At that time we had a smallish local Pizza chain going by the name of Snappy Tomato Pizza. Within days every radio station in town was playing a variation to the Snappy Tomato Pizza advertising jingle, “Cicada” was just too good a substitute for “Tomato”.
infestation had started. However, since the critters need rain to soften the soil so that they can break through, we were spared. Yesterday afternoon the rains came. Last night I stepped out and many dozens were busily climbing up the outside walls of the house in preparation for shedding the little grub skins. Today they’ll start flying and screeching – counting 1,500,000 per acre.
Back in 1987 we were “ground zero” for the last Cicada emergence. At that time we had a smallish local Pizza chain going by the name of Snappy Tomato Pizza. Within days every radio station in town was playing a variation to the Snappy Tomato Pizza advertising jingle, “Cicada” was just too good a substitute for “Tomato”.
You can imagine what it’s been like at our household. Since Adrianne announced that she’ll be off to Tonga everyone is trying to outdo the other researching and finding bits of information to share. Yesterday I think I should just be handed the prize for sending Adrianne the most esoteric and useless bit of Tongan fact. I managed to get a spreadsheet of the Auckland, New Zealand 2001 census with a complete breakdown of the Tongan peoples living in Auckland. Adrianne actually admitted that she looked at it. By the way, there are more Tongans living in NZ than in the Tonga capital city of Nuku’alofa.
Marcia and I are heading for a party later today and then a wedding this evening. Tomorrow I leave for a bit of travel ending up in Quebec. And that’s the news from Cinci, the town that just this morning proudly posts a front-page headline reading: “Downtown Safe Despite Killing,” Okay, thank you very much.
Have a great week.
Cheers,
Dirk
5/15/2004 07:21:00 AM
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