Nothing like a couple of days away from the 24 hr news cycle. I went to work at the tasting room Saturday, drove to Vancouver to spend the night with Liz and Perry Campbell, briefly read The Columbian Sunday morning before we left for Seattle. We talked all the way up and back on the drive with fellow delegate Gene Finley, so no radio news. Got home around 10 and watched Olympics until the tumbling girls all started looking alike (about 30 minutes) and went to bed.
This morning, I read the saved Sunday Oregonian, the Monday Oregonian, and hit the computer. While I was out:
-The Red Sox beat the Yankees TWICE at Yankee Stadium
-Mitt Romney continued raising eyebrows: praising Israel's Socialized Health Care
-There was an announcement that I'll get to hear The Big Dog again in Charlotte (I heard Bill Clinton speak in McMinnville back in 2008 when he was stumping for Hillary)
-There will be a plank in the Democratic Platform at the Convention in support of marriage equality
and, most importantly,
-my niece Sydney recuperated so quickly from her emergency appendectomy on Saturday that she's going home today. Speedy healing, Syddo!
I love Good News Mondays.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Always Have a Plan B
My two fellow delegates from CD3 and I were pretty excited after our blogging workshop in Seattle yesterday with Andrew Villeneauve from the Northwest Progressive Institute. We were happily heading south on I-5 when flashing lights warned us: Traffic accident ahead. All lanes blocked. 2 mile back up.
Hmmm. Things were moving well...decisions, decisions. We went with cautious, and decided to take a detour across the lake on I-90, on down I-405 to Renton. I was happy the driver and copilot knew their way around Seattle enough to know to do that! Except we took the wrong exit. Retake. We went back around, now the flashing signs said 5 mile back up. No question, take the alternate route. We got it right that time.
While it added a little time to our trip, we rejoined I-5 with no problems (and VERY light traffic from the north), and sailed on to Vancouver. After a quick bite to eat with Liz, I drove back to the Gorge, and got home in time to watch a little bit of gymnastics before heading to bed. And enjoy a much needed glass of wine.
Today's Seattle Times detailed the delay. We made the right choice, missing out on a car chase, a shooting, a rolled Kia, and fender benders near the Boeing exit. YIKES!
Hmmm. Things were moving well...decisions, decisions. We went with cautious, and decided to take a detour across the lake on I-90, on down I-405 to Renton. I was happy the driver and copilot knew their way around Seattle enough to know to do that! Except we took the wrong exit. Retake. We went back around, now the flashing signs said 5 mile back up. No question, take the alternate route. We got it right that time.
While it added a little time to our trip, we rejoined I-5 with no problems (and VERY light traffic from the north), and sailed on to Vancouver. After a quick bite to eat with Liz, I drove back to the Gorge, and got home in time to watch a little bit of gymnastics before heading to bed. And enjoy a much needed glass of wine.
Today's Seattle Times detailed the delay. We made the right choice, missing out on a car chase, a shooting, a rolled Kia, and fender benders near the Boeing exit. YIKES!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Officially In Training
I've been warned by veteran Convention goers to wear comfortable shoes, carry as small a bag around as possible so as to cruise through the security lines, stay hydrated and to learn how to get by on 5 hours of sleep.
After many years of living in hotter latitudes, I have a vast array of
fine water bottles, and never leave home without one. So staying
hydrated is not a problem.
Shoes, I live for comfy shoes. But I have been in need of a comfy pair of sandals. It will be Labor Day weekend in Charlotte when I arrive, so sandals will be appropriate. It's still hot in the south. I can check off that little item. I found some lovely blue (of course) Chacos on sale at Sierra Trading Post. They look fabulous with my blue nail polish, and I walked around and stood in them Saturday from 7:30 am until 11:00 pm. PERFECT!!
This was also an exercise in going full throttle all day. After coffee and some breakfast, I loaded up the Subaru with six cases of water, 14 packages of Costco Polish Dogs in a cooler, 11 multipacks of sandwich rolls, 6 huge bags of kettle chips, condiments, napkins, and a cooler full of bagged ice, then unloaded them at Katina's for food vending at the Art and Wine Fusion. I then went home and loaded up an EZ Up tent, two jugs of iced beverages, two folding tables, a big giant rubbermaid box of 'stuff', three folding chairs, a cooler of watermelon, and multiple candidate signs, and drove them to Rheingarten Park for the LD14 Democrats Picnic. We were all set up when the first guests from out of town (Yakima) arrived promptly at 11. The festivities ended at 2.
We packed it all back up, adding two big boxes of NEW candidate signs and posts. I took it home, unloaded all but the tent, and folding tables, and returned to Katina's. Unloaded it all, then spent the next 7 hours either selling dogs or pouring wine samples with a few of my favorite fellow travelers. We were at the Cafe on the right of this photo (thanks, Darlisa Black), as kid parade rolls.
Then we packed it all up again, and I headed the Suby back to the barn...and to feed my poor dog, who probably would have thought we forgot her, but lucky for us, a little bit of doggie dementia can be a blessing. I fed her, unloaded the coolers with food, washed them out, then sat down with a big glass of wine and put my feet up at about 11 pm. Never drank much of the wine, answered a few emails, and went to bed at midnight. I didn't even hear Lloyd, who was running the show at the Art and Wine Fusion, get in at 1. He said he thought the shower would wake me up. Normally yes. But not that night.
I felt great the next day, which was a good thing...I still had to unload the rest of the car and put everything away. It's amazing how much can fit into a Subaru Outback. But now I need to work on the getting by with 5 hours of sleep thing. Maybe I'll just stay well rested and go for broke when I get there. They must have good coffee in Charlotte...maybe just not a drive through on every corner. But that's OK, I'll be WALKING!
This is how we roll in retirement.
After many years of living in hotter latitudes, I have a vast array of
fine water bottles, and never leave home without one. So staying
hydrated is not a problem. Shoes, I live for comfy shoes. But I have been in need of a comfy pair of sandals. It will be Labor Day weekend in Charlotte when I arrive, so sandals will be appropriate. It's still hot in the south. I can check off that little item. I found some lovely blue (of course) Chacos on sale at Sierra Trading Post. They look fabulous with my blue nail polish, and I walked around and stood in them Saturday from 7:30 am until 11:00 pm. PERFECT!!
This was also an exercise in going full throttle all day. After coffee and some breakfast, I loaded up the Subaru with six cases of water, 14 packages of Costco Polish Dogs in a cooler, 11 multipacks of sandwich rolls, 6 huge bags of kettle chips, condiments, napkins, and a cooler full of bagged ice, then unloaded them at Katina's for food vending at the Art and Wine Fusion. I then went home and loaded up an EZ Up tent, two jugs of iced beverages, two folding tables, a big giant rubbermaid box of 'stuff', three folding chairs, a cooler of watermelon, and multiple candidate signs, and drove them to Rheingarten Park for the LD14 Democrats Picnic. We were all set up when the first guests from out of town (Yakima) arrived promptly at 11. The festivities ended at 2.
We packed it all back up, adding two big boxes of NEW candidate signs and posts. I took it home, unloaded all but the tent, and folding tables, and returned to Katina's. Unloaded it all, then spent the next 7 hours either selling dogs or pouring wine samples with a few of my favorite fellow travelers. We were at the Cafe on the right of this photo (thanks, Darlisa Black), as kid parade rolls.
Then we packed it all up again, and I headed the Suby back to the barn...and to feed my poor dog, who probably would have thought we forgot her, but lucky for us, a little bit of doggie dementia can be a blessing. I fed her, unloaded the coolers with food, washed them out, then sat down with a big glass of wine and put my feet up at about 11 pm. Never drank much of the wine, answered a few emails, and went to bed at midnight. I didn't even hear Lloyd, who was running the show at the Art and Wine Fusion, get in at 1. He said he thought the shower would wake me up. Normally yes. But not that night.I felt great the next day, which was a good thing...I still had to unload the rest of the car and put everything away. It's amazing how much can fit into a Subaru Outback. But now I need to work on the getting by with 5 hours of sleep thing. Maybe I'll just stay well rested and go for broke when I get there. They must have good coffee in Charlotte...maybe just not a drive through on every corner. But that's OK, I'll be WALKING!
This is how we roll in retirement.
Jetting Through July
Well, I had my little sojourn back east, nearly 2 weeks of family, friends and fun. I found summer when I landed at Logan. There was no need to pack those jeans, long sleeved shirts or light fleece jacket. The entire trip was sunny and warm, with the occasional Tstorm threat that never made it through Boston...until I was on the Cape on the 4th. Then they had to evacuate the Esplanade during the Pops concert, pre fireworks because of severe weather. I probably would have been there with my sister, who left her bridge view spot for the tunnels on Storrow Drive. But I digress...
My first big event was our Waltham High School Class of 70 Turns 60 Birthday Bash on June 30th. A pre-party at the Marriott bar Friday night was a good way to break the ice. My sister Linda, class of 71, came with me. And dressed me, in a cute little black dress. She also dressed me for the Bash, in a long summery dress. Smashing. Thanks, Linda. And Alina took me out for a pedicure for my birthday present so my toes looked pretty smashing as well! It was good to see old friends, many of whom I'd not seen since graduation.
Enjoyed my time with Mom, had a great night at Linda's for Patrick's 27th Birthday on the 3rd.
I visited the Concords for their 4th cookout, then I left my laptop behind for a tech break, and headed with Alina to Chatham for a few days with Larry and Helen McKevitt.
We had such a great time, no internet, walking around town, and lazing at the beach, with short dips to cool off- white shark alerts kept everyone very close to shore.
We took a drive with Cassie in her convertible to Provincetown, taking in a drag queen show, eating oysters, drinking local brews, and sipping more than a few different wines and talking late into the night on the deck. Nothing like some good quality time with a daughter.
At the end of the week we drove to Falmouth for our Cape Cousin reunion, planned back in Feb 2011 at Dad's funeral. All 5 Cape cousins, spouses and most of their kids gathered at the old homestead, 31 Gayle Ave, now owned by cousin Jim (aka Tiba). Cousin Pat (aka Cookie) is doing his best Uncle Jim imitation. Uncle Jim used to wear that very hat and apron whenever there was a cookout at their place. So glad Cookie saved it. We had some good laughs about burned chicken.
We got everyone in front of 31 Gayle for a photo. The 'Walthams' were missing Carol and Mary, five out of seven ain't bad! Add Alina, Linda's three boys and Janet's Paul, and we had half our our kids there, too. Kevin's fiance Heather and Ryan's Soraya joined in the fun. Mom was the honored guest. It was a great day. I'm still smiling about that one.It's a keeper. Eat your hearts out, Concord Sullivans! To ensure you are in the NEXT one, you're hosting, haha.
My last night in Waltham, I boiled up some lobsters for Mom, Mark and myself. What a treat! Karen came to visit on Tuesday, and dropped me at the airport for my flight home.
I arrived home to find that summer had made it to the Gorge while I was gone. The radishes had gone crazy, the lettuce was up and needed thinning, the spinach and arugula were bolting, and the tomato plants finally had some blossoms and wee green tomatoes starting. And along with summer, we had guests! Our retired Chevron friends Steve and Bev Zalen stopped by for 2 nights with Ozzy, their Tibetan Spaniel. Welcome home!
My first big event was our Waltham High School Class of 70 Turns 60 Birthday Bash on June 30th. A pre-party at the Marriott bar Friday night was a good way to break the ice. My sister Linda, class of 71, came with me. And dressed me, in a cute little black dress. She also dressed me for the Bash, in a long summery dress. Smashing. Thanks, Linda. And Alina took me out for a pedicure for my birthday present so my toes looked pretty smashing as well! It was good to see old friends, many of whom I'd not seen since graduation. 
Enjoyed my time with Mom, had a great night at Linda's for Patrick's 27th Birthday on the 3rd.
I visited the Concords for their 4th cookout, then I left my laptop behind for a tech break, and headed with Alina to Chatham for a few days with Larry and Helen McKevitt.We had such a great time, no internet, walking around town, and lazing at the beach, with short dips to cool off- white shark alerts kept everyone very close to shore.
We took a drive with Cassie in her convertible to Provincetown, taking in a drag queen show, eating oysters, drinking local brews, and sipping more than a few different wines and talking late into the night on the deck. Nothing like some good quality time with a daughter.
At the end of the week we drove to Falmouth for our Cape Cousin reunion, planned back in Feb 2011 at Dad's funeral. All 5 Cape cousins, spouses and most of their kids gathered at the old homestead, 31 Gayle Ave, now owned by cousin Jim (aka Tiba). Cousin Pat (aka Cookie) is doing his best Uncle Jim imitation. Uncle Jim used to wear that very hat and apron whenever there was a cookout at their place. So glad Cookie saved it. We had some good laughs about burned chicken.We got everyone in front of 31 Gayle for a photo. The 'Walthams' were missing Carol and Mary, five out of seven ain't bad! Add Alina, Linda's three boys and Janet's Paul, and we had half our our kids there, too. Kevin's fiance Heather and Ryan's Soraya joined in the fun. Mom was the honored guest. It was a great day. I'm still smiling about that one.It's a keeper. Eat your hearts out, Concord Sullivans! To ensure you are in the NEXT one, you're hosting, haha.
I arrived home to find that summer had made it to the Gorge while I was gone. The radishes had gone crazy, the lettuce was up and needed thinning, the spinach and arugula were bolting, and the tomato plants finally had some blossoms and wee green tomatoes starting. And along with summer, we had guests! Our retired Chevron friends Steve and Bev Zalen stopped by for 2 nights with Ozzy, their Tibetan Spaniel. Welcome home!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Devil's in the Details
It's actually SUMMER here in Boston. The one light fleece shirt I brought 'just' in case is now at the bottom of my suitcase, along with my jeans and long sleeved shirt. I got up early this morning for a walk before it hits the 90s, and to enjoy my Morning Edition on NPR.
One report caught my attention with details I hadn't heard anywhere else. Of course, only FOX news on here at the homestead, so details aren't exactly a specialty. It has to do with the student loan legislation just passed.
Sure, the interest rates will not double. This saves student borrowers about $1,000 a year. No chump change, for sure. But here's what else the bill did:
One report caught my attention with details I hadn't heard anywhere else. Of course, only FOX news on here at the homestead, so details aren't exactly a specialty. It has to do with the student loan legislation just passed.
Sure, the interest rates will not double. This saves student borrowers about $1,000 a year. No chump change, for sure. But here's what else the bill did:
- Interest on graduate student loans will have to be paid while still in school
- Eliminated six month grace period to start repayment of all loans
- Limited number of semesters needy students can get Pell Grants
- Made it harder to qualify for the maximum award
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Baseball Books
For my big birthday this year I got several books. Mostly related to baseball, and Fenway's 100th birthday. I think Fenway turning 100 made me feel young at 60. One of the books, from my sister Mary in McMinnville, OR, is called "Trading Manny: How a Father and Son Learned to Love Baseball Again" by Jim Gullo, also of McMinnville, about his and his son Joe's love of baseball, the effect of the steroid era on their passion. This fine little book, autographed by both Jim and Joe to Fenway Fran, was taken along for the 5 hour nonstop Alaska Air flight (I love you, Alaska Air). It was so engaging, I read some more before falling asleep last night. Thanks, Mary!
Back in Boston
I rolled into Boston last night as the Fenway Faithful were filing out of the Pahk after the Sox beat Toronto 10-4, moving into a tie with Tampa Bay for 3rd in the AL East. Watching the crowds cross the Mass Pike bridge into Kenmore Sq as my brother and I cruised underneath made me smile. I've been in that crowd. Sadly, not this time, since they're heading to the west coast I just left. Timing is everything. But I will try to get in to the Bleacher Bar before I leave.
Today will be real SUMMER weather for me. I've left Junuary behind. I got in my early walk around the 'hood, visiting all the historical souls resting in neighboring Grove Hill Cemetery, and looped around my old Elementary School, built in the 1800s but now abandoned to a new regional elementary megaschool (ironically overcrowded..duh). I circled Lowell Field, scene of many a softball game, and the summer rec program that kept us kids out of my mom's hair. Then headed back up to Main St and down the shady Gilbert St to the old homestead.
Had a nice cuppa joe with the Boston Globe...ah, life is good. Got caught up on all things local, and finding out what's going on with Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren here in MA. They're debating when and where to debate, apparently. And Scott won't be speaking at the GOP Convention, though he is attending. And how Mitt is polling poorly in his 'home state'. No surprise there, to me anyway.
Then imagine my joy when I checked in at the WMDBS to find a great post about Fenway, the Red Sox, and Mitt Romney. Seems the Mittster got caught telling another whopper. From an April report but it didn't get much play outside of Boston.
I guess it's second nature for him, it happens so easily these days. Thanks for guest posting, Gidget!
To top off this glorious morning, the SCOTUS decision on the Affordable Care Act came down just as Robert Reich predicted yesterday. Thank you, Chief Justice Roberts. I will be smiling all day.
Today will be real SUMMER weather for me. I've left Junuary behind. I got in my early walk around the 'hood, visiting all the historical souls resting in neighboring Grove Hill Cemetery, and looped around my old Elementary School, built in the 1800s but now abandoned to a new regional elementary megaschool (ironically overcrowded..duh). I circled Lowell Field, scene of many a softball game, and the summer rec program that kept us kids out of my mom's hair. Then headed back up to Main St and down the shady Gilbert St to the old homestead.
Had a nice cuppa joe with the Boston Globe...ah, life is good. Got caught up on all things local, and finding out what's going on with Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren here in MA. They're debating when and where to debate, apparently. And Scott won't be speaking at the GOP Convention, though he is attending. And how Mitt is polling poorly in his 'home state'. No surprise there, to me anyway.
Then imagine my joy when I checked in at the WMDBS to find a great post about Fenway, the Red Sox, and Mitt Romney. Seems the Mittster got caught telling another whopper. From an April report but it didn't get much play outside of Boston.
Earlier this week Red Sox season-ticket holder Mitt Romney gave a national network interview at Fenway Park. This led someone to bring to my attention that Romney, who was governor at the time, was there at Fenway Park for the historic championship-clinching Game 4 of the 2004 World Series. Or at least, he told an Air Force pilot he was:
When he told me he was Massachusett’s governor, I politely asked him to leave the flight deck, declaring the cockpit off limits to all Red Sox fans. He laughed and made a few cracks my way, regarding the Yanks, and we hit it off pretty well. I asked him if he was at Fenway when the Sox finally won the World Series, and with a huge boyish grin he replied, “Yes I was.”No, he wasn’t. I could go to a lot of trouble proving to you that Romney was actually in New Hampshire campaigning for George W. Bush that day, but it doesn’t really matter because — as every New Englander has been screaming while reading this post — Game 4 was played at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.
I guess it's second nature for him, it happens so easily these days. Thanks for guest posting, Gidget!
To top off this glorious morning, the SCOTUS decision on the Affordable Care Act came down just as Robert Reich predicted yesterday. Thank you, Chief Justice Roberts. I will be smiling all day.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Look Out Scott, Juanita Jean Has You on the Radar Screen
All y'all know I spent a little time in Texas. Twice. For a grand total of about 9 years. On my second go 'round, I had the good fortune to cross paths with Miss Juanita Jean Herownself, proprietor of the World's Most Dangerous Beauty Salon. At the time we met, her big goal in life (besides surviving longer than her doctors said she would) was to see Tom DeLay out of Congress. Well, she got to see that (and a whole lot more). And I can't wait to hang out with her in Charlotte at the Dem National Convention. We'll both be first time National Delegates, and we'll be photo crashing as much as possible. Count on it.
Lately she's been having a lot of fun at the expense of Scott Brown, R-MA. Today it spilled over into a new PAC run by the gang who can't spell straight. I just have to chuckle. Especially because I don't have any trouble spelling Massachusetts.
When you're done laughing at those two posts, check out this beauty 'splainin' about Brown's debate anxiety. Then send Elizabeth Warren a few bucks.
Lately she's been having a lot of fun at the expense of Scott Brown, R-MA. Today it spilled over into a new PAC run by the gang who can't spell straight. I just have to chuckle. Especially because I don't have any trouble spelling Massachusetts.
When you're done laughing at those two posts, check out this beauty 'splainin' about Brown's debate anxiety. Then send Elizabeth Warren a few bucks.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Breaking into a New Decade
Well, that wasn't so bad. I am officially 60. How did that happen?So many good things have happened to me lately that it must be a sign that 60 will be a great year.
The first present was finding out my buddy Juanita Jean also got elected as a Delegate to the National Convention. How awesome is THAT? Thanks to my buddy Hal for taping her speech so I could hear it. And my sweet daughter Keara sent me a coveted Tshirt from the Charlotte 2012 site. Then Lloyd gave me some beautiful earrings and matching pendant.
Saturday Will and Sue were in town from CA, so we went to Cascade Locks and rode the Sternwheeler for the afternoon with Will's sister and her husband, and friends Skip and Jan. Weather not so nice, but it was still fun, and the gorge is beautiful even in shades of gray. Of course our friends had not been to Springhouse Cellar, so that was the next stop. I had the day off, so got to be a customer for a change. Carey and Carolyn had the tasting room under control, and our friends were impressed.
Sunday morning we finally saw sun. It was my birthday. I splurged and cooked some applewood smoked bacon. BACON. And a nice big fresh egg from James's hens. And a broiled tomato with parm. And a whole wheat english muffin with Dotty's blueberry jam. Ahhhhh. After the paper, did a little gardening, then we headed up to AniChe Cellars in Underwood, because we hadn't been there yet (highly recommended) then on to Lyle to pick up our wine club bottles from Domaine Pouillon. The summer guys tending the tasting room were great. Small world: one is the son of a URI-GSO alum! So we took home our wine and grilled up a ribeye, baked sweet potato, and some wilted spinach with shrooms and garlic...paired up with some Domaine Pouillon Pierre...double Ahhhh!
Lots of phone calls and text messages, and the Facebook messages were so nice. But the birthday continues...tonight my fellow Dems surprised me with a lovely chocolate birthday cake. That was the one thing I didn't have all weekend! Excellent. It's going to be a birthday month, I think. Right up until June 30th, and the Class of 70 Turns 60 Birthday Bash at the Marriott in Newton, MA.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Look Out Charlotte!
Today I got some FANTASTIC news. As I got into the car to ride back to White Salmon from Toppenish, I got a text from my favorite Democrat in the whole world telling me she'd be joining me in Charlotte for the National Convention, as a delegate from the great State of Texas.This is just so exciting, I can hardly contain my joy. Charlotte will never be the same.
If it wasn't for Susan, I probably wouldn't be doing all that I am today. We met online. Not a dating service, wise crackers. She wrote a column for a local rag called the Fort Bend Star. I would turn to her column every week when the paper showed up on my doorstep. I started commenting on the online version. We became E-mail pals. I started showing up at Dem events.Then came the fateful day when I infiltrated a Fort Bend GOP meeting headlining Tom DeLay. She was under the weather and couldn't go herself, and was looking for someone to fill in. Since it was at my kids' high school (and I was a sub there and knew my way around) I volunteered for duty. I got myself dressed up. Put on all my cubic zirconium jewelry, blew dry my hair and actually put on make up. I wanted to blend in as a Sugar Land Republican. I had a tape recorder in my bag so I could accurately report the goings on at the meeting.Fenway Fran was born.
So, Charlotte, I have to warn you. Trouble is coming your way. The good kind of trouble.
And speaking of the Fort Bend Star, go on over there right now and mess with them. They've got a presidential poll going on. Click on Barack Obama. A lot.
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