Happy Saturday morning:

“If you want to kill any idea in the world, get a committee working on it” ~ Charles Kettering

Yesterday I happened to catch our President when he addressed the Ukraine situation when it became apparent that Russia had placed 2,000 troops inside the Crimean peninsula. The key bit was; “the United States will stand with the international community in affirming that there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine.” In reality that statement signals we’ll do nothing, as any plan always gets diluted by the United Nations. So, there will be costs?” Really? Well, maybe an offer to sign Putin up for Obamacare (at the very least that’ll keep him busy for a while).

The coffee is ready and I better shut down this track I seem to be on.

A player – It’s thoughts such as the one above that have some people thinking that I am rogue, not a team player, as unwilling to ‘march’ in lockstep.

Possibly so in my backyard, since I live in a “progressive” neighborhood and come off as somewhat “libertarian”. That actually was the basis of a friendly discussion had by several neighbors over dinner, a week or so ago.

Anyway, I want to let you all know that I am the consummate team player. As proof, I came across this photograph while organizing for our upcoming downsizing move:

Patience – As we’re approaching the next cataclysmic weather weekend we’re settling in waiting for David and Jeanne to roll in from their holiday in the south. We are a staging center to prep for climes even colder. All is well so far.

Then last evening the phone rang.

A couple of questioning words and I realized that Marcia was on track and that this was not just another ‘robo’ type call. Ten minutes later I was updated. Her cousin P. was on the shore down south and heading home today. She apparently was also very keen to ‘stage’ for a night at our place. Tonight we’ll have guests. There was, however, one question Marcia did not ask – “how many will be stopping by?” All Marcia remembered was that something about having sleeping bags was mumbled. My question regarding the size of the Girl Scout troop had no answer.

I think we’ll be in for a fun and robust evening.

Don’t worry David and Jeanne, we’ll have the place back in order for your arrival.

Now get busy – This week excellent progress on both the condo and our home was made – yea!!

Now I will blow Marcia away by cutting these Ramblings short and before she begins laying out a plan I’ll start up. Now, where did I put that pain (meant ‘paint’) roller?

Fini – Happy Birthday Dinah – don’t worry we’ll be totally costumed for your costume party next weekend. Here’s a clue as to whom I’ll be, my greeting next Saturday will be; “Well, hi-dee-ho.”

Make it a great week everyone, drive carefully and stay safe.

Cheers.
Dirk

From the Archives
Saturday, March 03, 2007

Morning all:

Quote Of The Week:

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” — George Moore

After a week of travel, long days, late flights, half a day at Midway airport waiting for fog to clear on the way home, and a “wake-up I have great news” call at 2 this morning, my morning coffee is perfection.

The great news is that Cathy and Jason are new parents, Marin is now the big brother, and Marcia and I are proud new grandparents to Dinah Miriam, born at 12:54 this morning.
We are thrilled!

Last weekend was very special when my brothers rolled into town (and Sandy and Kelton too). Prior to heading out for dinner at a place called Pompilio’s we watched some scenes from the 1988 blockbuster movie Rain Man which starred Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. We had to do this since one of the movie’s scenes was shot at the restaurant, a 1930s throwback kind of place serving great Italian food.

It was just such a fine time. It makes you realize the importance and meaning of family. Thanks everyone.

Then it was a short run to Portland. Normally the Northwest winter weather consists of rain, I was welcomed by high winds and snow. My plane followed the Willamette River on its normal descent path, however, seeing both shores from my window seat as the plane dipped and twisted made the usual “ho-hum” a bit more interesting.

Question, what do visitors normally eat in the land of salmon? Several of us went out to dinner the evening after my arrival.

My plate?

A superb little Buffalo steak – my first ever.

Now I best get going. We’re making plans to visit with Cathy and the baby. Then I need to pack since it’s off to Montreal in the morning. Weather has morning temperatures there below zero so break out that winter garb.

Make it a great week everyone: remember that great insight from our nation’s greatest ‘insighter’, Will Rogers, that even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.

Cheers,
Dirk

3/03/2007 08:22:00 AM