The Loosening Iron-like Grip of Winter

For me, January is always the longest month. Short daylight. Sub-zero temperatures. One year, using an accurate clock,I literally took notes as daily I watched to see when the dawn-to-dusk light came on every evening. I was surprised that slowly, by about 2 minutes a day, the days were in fact getting longer. And so, because of that annotated record keeping, I have learned that while February and March can still be very cold here in Colorado's high alpine San Luis Valley (towered over by 14,000+ elevation mountains of the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rockies), winter's hard-fisted grip does begin to loosen somewhat. I spent nearly 2 hours on the roof today chopping away at an ice build-up that was causing a leak in the garage. As long as the sun is out, the ice melts quickly. The minute the sun begins to set, however, those freezing temperatures resume. Still, we live in the Southwest where we are blessed nearly every day of the year, (about 340 out of 365 days actually,) with amazing sunshine. Artist Georgia O'Keefe left New York City to live the remainder of her painting days in this area. Photographer Ansel Adams preferred this region because of it's amazing light, to that of Yosemite where his earlier work was done. Our valley elevation is 7,600 feet above sea level. So yes, it's cold here. We have 4 seasons: Winter, Almost Spring, Summer, Almost Winter.

I once hated living in this bitter cold. But as I've gotten older, and as I have traveled somewhat extensively, I've come to learn that 1) the ideal situation does not exist; 2) the wind blows everywhere, not just here, and 3) I prefer our bitter winter over the bugs and insects of more tropical areas. I still don't like our Januarys, but... I've tried to make the most of them. To wit: I took a day off from work and went skiing at Wolf Creek Ski Area recently. I don't get the same thrill out of skiing that I did when I was younger, but I enjoyed the peace and beauty atop the Continental Divide, and yeah, I still like the speed of skiing in fine new powder. Next, to authenticate my Scandanavian roots, I went from hot tub to rolling in the snow, back to the hot tub, back to rolling in the snow ~ in our backyard patio area. It felt like a zillion needles and pins pricking my skin, but I slept better that night than I have in a long time. One of the photos above shows my body imprint in the snow. But the real joys of this past month come from a couple of simple, unexpected things: 1) while running on the banks of the Rio Grande River, I came upon an almost friendly red fox who, rather than run quickly from me, seemed almost as curious about me as I was about him/her. We both continued our run without stopping, but I was enriched by sharing the same path, if only for a short time. He/She was an amazingly beautiful creature. And then, our harsh winter fogs provided yet again the most amazing frost on trees and fences. Perhaps it is my advancing age that allows me to now appreciate, where in my youth I distained, these amazing white landscape portraits of nature.

I have come to believe that an all-knowing, all-loving wise Heavenly Father placed me here for reasons central to His wanting the best for me. I've come to know that I'm here to be tested, but I believe, and appreciate, that He placed me here because He knew this was where I would best test. As a teacher, I never try to set my kids up for failure. Rather, I try everything I can to insure that they learn and pass my classes. I test them, yes, but I do my best to insure an environment and condititons best suited to their chances at success. And so, I'm rather convinced that I'm here, not by some whim, not by some mere toss of the coin, but rather, because this is where He feels I can best succeed in passing life's tests. I find a certain certitude to that.

I enjoy spending time in our greenhouse. Outside, the mid-day temperatures are in the low 30's. But on weekends when I'm home, by afternoon, it's a warm 78 degrees in my little Danish greenhouse. I sit in my Carolina rocker and read from my selected Books-to-be-Read This Year list. And, I've begun planning my summer gardens, I'm preparing my homemade newspaper peat pots for planting seeds that I've started to buy. Winter's iron-like grip is starting to loosen. That's okay by me.
Be well, do good...

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...