Flying, Marching, and Wonder

Twice this week (I don’t know why) I slept in long enough so that by the time I surfaced Marcia had the coffee ready. Actually, I think I could get used to this ‘minor’ shift in my routine. But, this morning I did the honors.

Corner of Chaos and Mayhem – makes it seem like we live in the bull’s eye of a disaster zone. And yes, stuff does happen with fair frequency. But there are also periods of enjoyment (if not tranquility).

This week was such a week. See just how lovely and peaceful the place looked much of this Spring.

Yesterday – Was a day like any other day where if ‘good intentions’ not acted on means then nothing will happen.

Back in 1870 Roman Catholics in town began a tradition which has continued ever since. Beginning at midnight, Good Friday morning, begins the walk up the three-hundred-and-fifty steps up Mt. Adams and into the Holy Cross Immaculata Church at the top – saying a prayer on each step.

By now you have guessed what didn’t happen. I had plans but didn’t follow through. I missed my opportunity. A glorious day. Great temperature. No excuse!

I was not one of the 15,000 faithful expected to climb the steps yesterday.

Sky-Diving Beavers – It seems that the Beaver population of Idaho was losing the turf battle with people, pets, and other wildlife, this was in the 1940s. Like most everything else in nature, Beavers are a critical component in our ecosystem, creation of wetlands and bogs especially.

It was shortly after the War that Utah Fish and Game employee, Elmo Heter, came up with a plan. Move the large rodents to their remote Chamberlain Basin area. The problem being that there were no roads into the area; hence, no Uber for the Beavers. The novel solution is explained in the little video.

PS. I believe that I read that 47 out of the 48 Beavers received their ‘Parachutist’ merit badge.

Five years ago – this Easter Weekend we watched in disbelief as our screens filled with the sight of Notre Dame de Paris cathedral going up in flames. Five years have gone by and still no real explanation as to the cause. Even ‘Quasimodo’ has not resurfaced with a proper explanation.

What is amazing is that key components survived, even the stunning art of the three Rose stained-glass windows dating back to 1225. Anyway, the rebuilding is almost complete (90%) and on schedule to be completed this year – and that done in 5 years is beyond admirable.

A New Season began with a Parade – The hometown baseball team (the Cincinnati Reds) started their new season with a city-wide holiday, a 2-hour long parade, and much HOPE.

Armed with bag-chairs Adrianne, Vai, Vai plus ‘moi’ joined the massive throng. Rather than me blathering on, click on the attached photos to enlarge and get a feel of the event. What’s missing is the sound of a dozen or so school Marching Bands, Bagpipers and Drums, and on and on; but still, you’ll enjoy!

May Peace prevail! Shalom. Have a blessed and happy Easter Sunday (remember it’s much more than chocolates, marshmallow, and bunnies – none of which have any relation to the day).

This weekend, sit back and enjoy Charlie Daniel’s rendition of “He’s Alive”

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:
Did the USA have a ‘president’ prior to George Washington? If so, who?

1) Samuel Huntington of Connecticut
2) Thomas McKean of Delaware
3) John Hanson from Maryland