Good Times

What was it Dicken's wrote? "...the best of times, the worst of times..." With the passing of this year, and this decade, I suspect Dickens summarizes my feelings about both the past year and past decade.
I've had some amazing experiences this past decade. I realized my goal of seeing all 50 states before I turned 50, and in so doing, repeatedly went back, again and again, to many of my favorite places. In fact, I've traveled so much that I've kind of lost my wanderlust for travel. But I'm grateful for good health and resources that allow me this, I've enjoyed what I've seen and learned. Travel has enriched my life. I've learned so much that I wouldn't have otherwise. For example,
when I was born, Leonard Bernstein was conductor of the New York Philharmonic. It would be some 40+ years before I actually saw the Philharmonic perform in person. Lorin Maazel was the conductor, I came to enjoy his concerts whether in New York City or when the Philly comes to Vail, Colorado for their summer residence concerts. So I was pleased this summer then, to see the premiere concert of new conductor Alan Gilbert. As tradition goes, I have just finished watching the New York Philharmonic on PBS, Live at Lincoln Center. Gilbert promises to be equal to the task. I'm glad I'm connected to this amazing symphony, the New York Philharmonic has a certain cache' that I appreciate and enjoy.
Equally interesting was seeing/hearing the famed Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra and their 28 year old conductor Gustavo Dudamel perform at Chicago Symphony Hall last Spring. To learn thereafter that he had been appointed the newest, and youngest, conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and then to see him at the new Getty-designed stainless steel Los Angeles Disney Concert Hall in his premier concert, was likewise enjoyable. My travels have allowed me to meet interesting actors/actresses,(stage/film/t.v.) musicians, historians, and authors. Unique people, yes.

But none compare to the unique and wonderful new person in my life: our grandchild.
We just returned from the Pacific Northwest where we had so much fun with her. It was great to be with her and her parents, albeit a horrid 4 hour/20 mile drive in a freezing rain and snow storm on Interstate 5. (Oregon drivers were very patient.)

However, I'm glad to be home. It's very cold here, bitter cold. But without the bitter humidity that I experienced this past week (and the week before that in Chicago.) As I've gotten older, I prefer the quiet and peace of our small town. I enjoy nightly hot tub soaks in the patio. It's silent. I look up thru the lattice roof where I see stars and hear jets flying over head, without the crowds of people that are found in large cities. As beautiful as the Northwest is, I thrilled to be in Colorado Springs en route to home today. Cheyenne Mountain, Pikes Peak...... ah, it's a beautiful city that equals, for me, beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.

So yeah, the last decade, the last year.... the worst of times, the best of times. Here's to the New Year, the New Decade.
Be well, do good...

Christmastime in Chicago

Back to the Windy City for history workshops, I managed to take in some of Chicago's cultural advantages recently. "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theater was good. The Chicago Symphony was very good. And "The Nutcracker" by the Joffrey Ballet was amazing, an extremely well-done presentation. Annually, the Joffrey includes a disabled/challened person in the cast. This year it was a young parapalegic, doned in Victorian era children's clothing and era-accurate wheel chair. After the intermission he and his mother were seated behind me. I was able to get glimpses of him excitement from time to time. Pretty cool. "The Auditorium" theater is in and of itself an equally amazing place.
The weather was bitter cold. I lived along Lake Michigan when I was a younger man, for 2 years. I knew from that time how humidity can make "cold" penetrate. I had forgotten. I was glad to be back home. Our -14 pales in comparison to their -14.

I've had a Ryobi Table Router for a while, but just recently have begun to use it. I find working with wood, most of the time, to be enjoyable. But learning to use this router is going to take some time.
Be well, do good...

Flavor Graveyard at Ben and Jerry's

One of the many fun places I've been to, a couple of times actually, during my many travels in last decades "See All 50 Before I turn 50" goal, was Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory and Tour in Stowe, Vermont. There, back behind the building, on an isolated hill, is a wonderfully humoristic white picket fence "Flavors Graveyard". Tombstones listing the name and years in existance of no-longer-made, down-the-toilet ice cream flavors are listed. It's a great place. I had taken photographs to remember some of these flavors.

In my teaching kids how to write, I opted to use recently, these very flavors as a prompt for their writing, and then embellishing, obituaries. This out-of-the-box idea was fun for them, and for me. I seldom include anything on this blog that is work-related, but yeah, this was fun, so I'm sharing it. By clicking on the photo, the tombstones before the obituaries were posted next to them, the enlarged screen allows for reading the headstones. Have fun. I did.
Be well, do good...

"Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick

I'm never much of a Halloween fan, but my worksite said we were all to dress up this year, historical theme. I'm a fan of both British and Colonial American Naval History, and as a tribute to the French Naval power, I struck a pose with my hand in my jacket, Nepolian-like.
Also, we spent time in Albuquerque again. I like their unique architecture and southwest designs. Usually, it's warmer there than home, but not this trip.

A few years ago, while watching CSPAN II's weekly "Book T.V.", I came upon a great interview of author Nath Philbrick. I knew nothing of him. He was discussing his newest book, "Mayflower". I found this to be of much interest. Soon after, my oldest daughter, then attending BYU, told me of Philbrick's recent visit on her campus, discussing this book in a BYU Forum with students in the large Marriott Center. Thereafter, I myself listened to that address on the computer. I waited until the book came out in paperback, bought it, but then it sat on my nightstand book pile for months and months. I've just recently gotten to it, and have found it to be one of the best books I've read in a long time. I commend it everyone I know.

A few things I have found to be most interesting are cited here:

*Turkey, associated with Thanksgiving, was not something new to New Englanders. During Spain's explorations into Central America in the 1500's, domesticated turkey was found common place. Brought back to Europe, these smaller birds we raised thereafter in Europe. The wild turkey found in New England, were larger birds, easily tracked down due to their cumbersome size and heavy prints left in Massachusetts snows.
*Both Squanto and Massasoit may be viewed as "friends" from the English perspective, but they had their own agenda's, and were turn-coats of sorts, to their own tribes and people.
*Miles Standish......warmonger. I'm not impressed with him. Shady character.
*William Bradford.....certainly not perfect, but overall, never gave up on his goal of creating a society based upon the teachings of Jesus. Other's quickly recognized this new land for it's potential in yeilding personal wealth. Bradford, for the most part, wasn't persuaded thusly.
*The "Saints", religious, to the point of becoming fanatics or zealots almost, recognized early on that Plymouth Harbor was inferior to that of Boston Harbor further north. Yet they remained where they were instead of picking up, moving on, and taking advantage of a better place.
*I'm amazed that by the mid 1600's so many English were here. Their disregard for the Indians is generally well-known, but this book specifies things I had never known. For example, pigs belonging to the English ran freely, eating Indian corn, acorns, and trampling gardens. Cows, horses, and other English livestock became a constant source of trouble. Fence building was attempted, but to no avail.

I find the book to be worthy of the time needed to read it slowly, carefully.
Be well, do good...

Springville Museum of Art & the Provo City library

I've long wanted to leave on this blog, a posting of two of my favorite places: The Springville Museum of Art and the Provo City library, both in Utah County of Utah. I knew nothing of either of them until our eldest daughter attended BYU and we began going to Provo on visits.
Provo Library at Academy Square is a beautiful restoration project of the origianal Brigham Young Academy. I'm told that near-by resident and well-known actor Robert Redford contributed largely to this project. Both inside as well as outside, the fine woodwork, brick, tiles, etc. & architecture are pleasing to the eye. In addition to being a first rate library, it hosts, on a regular basis, some of the most unique and interesting exhibits: calligraphy, small book making, art galleries, wood/gourd/bone carving etc.

I've been to many fine art museums, but my favorite is the small, yet impressive Springville Museum. Nicknamed "Art City", Springville is just south of Provo. Like my favorite little Danish Baltic Seaside town Dragor, just outside of Copenhagen, Springville too, is home to those of the artistic persuasion. I find it ironic that in so many of the places I have traveled, whether Copenhagen's "Amerika Port"; Ashville, North Carolina's walking tour of sculpture; Nauvoo's Relief Society Sculpture Garden, etc., Springville artist Dennis Smith is featured. Unlike any of his other work, the indoor portico/lobby of the Springville Musuem of Art features his whimsical metal work depicting air transportation. While it isn't my favorite (his "Christina" in Denmark has taken that designation), it does represent the warmth and unique feeling of this amazing small art museum. Icelanders and Danes settled in the area generations ago, as such, the Musuem's "Sunday Night Concerts" series sometimes reflect this heritage music.

I no longer have a reason to travel to Provo, so getting to the musuem won't happen like it once did. But, I've learned how to use it's website effectively. Doing so allows one to read about various paintings and artists.

This blog does not do justice to the rare and unique experience of actually being there in person, but I hope it sheds light on two of my favorite places. I hope my children and grandchildren, for whom this blog is mostly intended, will visit both of these places in the future knowing how much I loved being there.
Be well, do good...

St. George Marathon, Pomegranates & Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Memories

For the past 6 months I have been training for the St. George Marathon. Actually, 4 of us guys from here set out, but injuries prevented 2 of the 4 from going. I nearly made that 3 out of 4 when in early August I sustained Achilles Tendon injuries, so I had to back off the rigerous training I so needed just to be able to be healthy enough to race. It paid off. I'm glad I was able to go. My wife and I traveled to Albuquerque on our 27th Wedding Anniversary, awaking the next morning before our flight to Vegas to see a few of the 800+ hot air balloons at the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. When the kids were small we use to take them there. The early morning mass ascending balloons in waves, was cold, but fun. As the kids got older, they didn't care for the cold mornings, so I began going alone. On this recent brisk Albuquerque morning, we learned that our temperature back here at home in Colorado had been 15. So long yard and garden. As we drove to the Alb. Sunport, 2 or 3 large, brightly colored balloons and their camera crews loomed largely over Interstate 25. It was cool.
Arriving in Vegas, we rented a car and drove then to St. George, Utah. My first time there, I was amazed at the beauty. We met up with the other couple from home, and together drove the 26.2 miles north of St. George to where the race was to begin. The following morning, our wives drove us to a bus pick up, and by 5 a.m. we 2 mid-life crisis runners were en route to that very spot. At 38 degrees, it was cold and dark. Large bon fires by the score were set up to warm runners. At 6:45 all 6,500+ runners began. Thereafter, hour after hour, as the daylight lite the way and heat warmed the 26.2 mile course, I enjoyed the scenery and landscape of that beautiful area. I crossed the finish line with a time of 4 hours, 17 minutes, sore and tired. My best hope was to complete it in 4 hours, but I had set a goal of completing it before 4.5, so I attained my goal. Of all the races I have ran in my life, unquestionably, this was the most professionally executed. I can't begin to explain how they pay attention to details so that participants are insured a first rate quality race experience! The crowds are amazingly supportive, the aid stations are well manned and supplied with oranges& bananas, medications, hydration aids, etc.

After the race, we walked around a bit, and I saw another first: I merely asked out loud, "What kind of fruit is that?" as we passed a someone's yard. I was taken in by the unique texture, color, and shape of the leaves as much as the color of the fruit. I left the group briefly and hobbled into the yard, and recognized the fruit: pomegranates! I've been so taken by this unique discovery that since my return home, I'm researching and reading about this unique plant and it's origins. While some people might be impressed during this trip by Las Vegas, I was firstly, much more impressed with the red soil and rock of the St. George area, and 2ndly, by this amazing fruit tree.
The Saturday night Priesthood Session of our Church semi-annual conference was the evening after the run. Sore and somewhat crippled, my running buddy and I attended while our wives spent time shopping at Mormon Handicraft, Deseret Book, and JoAnn Fabrics. We met up with them afterwards and enjoyed time together for a much relaxed meal and conversation. It was a nice anniversary weekend. I'm still sore, hobbling even, but I'm glad I was able to meet this goal.
Be well, do good...

Seasons of Change

Fall was never one of my favorite times of the year: garden and yard dying, colder temperatures, etc. But a few years ago I was told by someone that loves Autumn to embrace it, learn to like it. So I've been doing that. While Spring is still my favorite season, I guess I'm okay with a Harvest Full Moon, burning leaves, and changing colors. But this year, we find ourselves unexpectantly as "empty nesters", something we weren't planning on just yet.

We're now grandparents! Lexie is our first grandchild, she's perfect. Born by C-Section in Portland, Oregon, she is healthy and beautiful. We've been to Oregon to see her and again recently to Utah to her Christening. We're pleased to have her in our lives! About what we've all heard about grandchildren: she's all that and more! We just love her, she's really a great kid! When she smiles it's like fireworks at Disneyland's Magic Castle on New Years Eve, and more. She's so pleasant and so easy to get along with: a real "just add water and stir" kind of easy kid. She's absolutely amazing. Portland is beautiful. They live in a beautiful suburb, Lake Oswego. I had a great time picking ripe Oregon Blackberries, they grow everywhere!
Our 2nd child has likewise moved. She's 5 hours away. Teaching 5th graders, she's doing an amazing job. 1st year teaching is always tough, but she's doing great. She lives in a beautiful area, high on a mesa in a beautifully furnished home.
Our son, a senior in High School & 18, wanted his independence, and freedom from our rules, so he's moved out. That happens sometimes I suspect. We miss our kids, but we're doing well and enjoying having time together. We've recently taken the tram to the top of Albuquerque's Sandia Mountain and we love driving to Pueblo and walking along their beautiful River Walk. "Change" is the only continual constant. We count our blessings and adapt. A sense of humor helps too, :)
Be well, do good...

Votive Ships, a Blue Bear, Danish Furniture, & Summertime in general...

One of my favorite things about Denmark is their amazing Votive Ships. You can google "Danish Church Ships" or "Danish Votive Ships" to see photographs of some. Two can be seen in the United States: one, at the Brooklyn Seaman's Church in New York City and another in Annapolis at the Naval Academy Chapel. This summer I've been sketching ideas for drawings to work on during the upcoming winter. One idea is a triptych featuring 3 different Danish themes. A votive ship against a Gothic lead-glass window is one of those ideas.

My son auditioned for American Idol in Denver this summer. While there with him, I enjoyed time at the Colorado Convention Center, new Denver Art Museum, and best of all, I found an amazing Danish Furniture business. I spent hours in there, had a great time, and really fell for an amazing piece of furniture: made from teakwood, and hand oil-rubbed, was an amazing secretary desk that was a work of perfection. Built by a Copenhagen family business that goes back to the 1800's, but expensive at $3600, still, I enjoyed sitting at it, lifting it's rolling top, observing and feeling the intricate compartments inside, and rubbing it's smooth side panels. What a great place to hang out. If in Denver, The Copenhagen Furniture Store is on West Colfax, just west of Wadsworth, not far from the Denver Bronco's Invesco Field at Mile High.

A few years ago my son, then young, and I were in New York City. It was Memorial Day. We stumbled upon St. John the Divine Cathedral, the 2nd largest Gothic Cathedral in the World. The New York Philharmonic was performing a free concert there that night. I became an instant fan of both St. Johns (this stone edifice is amazing, it's still a work in progress on New York's Upper West Side) as well as the Philharmonic. In recent summers, the NY Philharmonic has been coming to Vail, Colorado. Again this summer I made the trip to Vail and enjoyed a reprise of one of their New York concerts in Central Park just the week before. Baritone Nathan Gunn was the featured guest. He sang from Aaron Copeland's "American Songs" works as well as an encore selection from Camelot. As always, the concert was held at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, adjacent to the world's highest alpine botanical garden, the Betty Ford Alpine Botanical Garden. Both places are personal favorites!

I've ran some fun races this summer, taken in a few local parades with beautiful floats,with my son, gathered/cut/chopped/stacked firewood for the upcoming winter (a favorite summer tradition of mine), and after teaching summer school, have enjoyed working in our yard and my Danish Garden. I have the most amazing melons from Israel growing. This is the 1st year that I have had raspberries plants produce as well. I hope to get enough to make homemade Frozen Custard Ice Cream with them this fall. "Leon's Frozen Custard" in Milwaukee makes the best Raspberry Frozen Custard. I hope to replicate it.

Finally, I just returned from a short, but enjoyable camping trip in the mountains. And I've enjoyed some great books this summer, sitting on my Adirondack chair under a shade tree covered with soon-to-ripe red Jonathan apples, or in my white Carolina rocker in the greenhouse, I've enjoyed reading three new-to-me David Baldacci's books. I seldom take time to read fiction, but this has been a nice reprieve. Before the regular school year begins soon, I have a few more "summer things" on my "To-Do" list,including getting in some fishing, but for the most part, I've enjoyed this wetter-than-usual summer thus far.
Be well, do good...

New Chapters.....Graduations & Gardens; Books, BirdRace & Breakfasts

I'm at a crossroads of sorts: my adult children are moving on. Both daughters, and son-in-law, have recently graduated from college. I'm extremely pleased. My oldest daughter received her B.A. degree, and her husband received both his B.A. and M.A. degrees from BYU. My other daughter received her B.A., graduating with honors, from Adams State. In these turbulent financial times, where so many college graduates cannot find employment, I feel it a blessing that these kids have found good jobs. It means, however, that they are moving farther away. The married couple, soon to make me a grandpa, now live in lush Portland, Oregon. I never anticipated our oldest living this far away, but I'm proud of her as she has taken on life in a new, large, busy city. (I love Portland.) He's working for a solid company that recognizes his integrity and computer talents. And our single daughter has taken a job teaching in an excellent school five hours from here on Colorado's Western slope. Currently, before she moves, I have the unique opportunity of teaching summer school with her. We teach next door to one another. It's fun to see her as a competent, energized young teacher. My high school age son likewise finished his junior year with great grades in some really tough classes, receiving an academic award for his work in his Pre-Calculus class and having the lead role in his annual high school musical. He played on keyboard Pomp & Circumstance and performed at yet a different college graduation as well. It's been a busy but fun Springtime. I enjoyed a day at the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point north of Provo. I hope to return there again and again. Great place.
I too stay busy, training now for a fall marathon, performed in a local college/community orchestral symphony Spring concert, have written two new short stories, and put in my summer Danish garden. I've written two original new compostions for cello/piano and am working on a third based upon the Naval War Hymn, which accompanies the next story I'll write. I'm excited about both, inspired by the Navy Academy at Annapolis, one of my favorite places. The crypt of John Paul Jones is beneath the Chapel there, and one of my favorite things hanges in the Naval chapel: a model sailing ship in full mast, circa early 1800's. I first saw these ships in a 12th Century Lutheran Church in St. Magley, Denmark, a few years ago, and have since then, researched and read of these amazing model ships and their contribution to a God-fearing, sea-faring people. They represent the faith of not only the sailors on violent seas, but also, the faith and prayers of their families back home on the mainland. It's unique to Danes, so I was pleased to see it in the Naval Academy Chapel as well as the Danish Seaman's Church in Brooklyn, New York.
Additionally, I've read some amazing books. I continually read and re-read two great books by Stephen Robinson. And I've enjoyed a couple of fine history treatments of the American Revolution as well as a fun historical fiction piece about the Hindenburg. I highly recommend them all, especially Gordon Woods title, "The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin". A great read!
I wanted to run again the annual Bolder Boulder 10K Race in Boulder, Colorado on Memorial Day. But the thought of fighting traffic and the crowds of runners, coupled with holiday driving and expensive hotel costs, led me to a different choice: I hosted a little 5K Run/Walk/Bike race of my own. The Flamingo-to-Flamingo 5K Memorial Day Race, followed by a traditional Danish Breakfast buffet in our backyard patio, was a lot of fun. The weather was great, the company even better. Friends and family came, I'm getting to know my great-nephews and great-nieces, all fun kids.

New chapters, next chapters.... time marches on, the clock is ticking.
Be well, do good...