Spirit of Saint Lewis

On Cape Cod

2009-07-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

On the way to Provincetown

Bear Week 2009 Provincetown !!

2009-07-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm a little disappointed...I really thought that listening to the same-sex partners of some in our military would have drawn a little more than only five comments....and that doesn't even indicate how many even checked it out......but, alas, I do understand....the time commitment, the lack of time in people's schedules, and the less than happy material to watch...but, again, I encourage you to do so.....it's amazing to listen to.

I'm doing my best to get over this cold/allergy/pneumonia/chest cough and congestion. It's been terrible but I'm in the middle of antibiotics and doing everything I can to make it better. And, of course, these sorts of things never come at a good time.....because we've been planning for this week for a very long time. We've been invited to spend Bear Week 2009 in Provincetown with the iBears in a house where 11 of us will be frolicking and cavorting. For a week. Neither of us have ever been to P-Town and neither of us are really bears. But we've been welcomed right into this circle of amazing friends and....so....WE GO! We leave on Thursday for 12 days away from home. First, we board this airplane for a flight to Newark:

Then, we sit for three hours when we'll be iPhoning and carrying on like crazy people during our layover. After that, we board this plane:

A quick flight to Albany will put us in the good care of these boys: And the next day we'll be headed to Providence, Rhode Island, where we'll join this group:

And from there, who knows. We're looking forward to a whole new experience in our lives. Whatever happens, it's all good. So, in spite of the fact that we'll have our laptops with us, I'm not sure how much blogging will go on this week. We're not home until the 20th....so I you may find me scarce around here until after that time.

In Their Boots -- Silent Partners

2009-07-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Apparently some of you are not able to view the embedded video. Here is the link to the site where I hope you can see it properly.

In Their Boots is a documentary series about the impact the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are having on people here at home. Every episode features a documentary about how America’s servicemen and women, their families, and our communities have been profoundly changed by our nation's campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Shot on location throughout the country, these stories stress the courage of our participants, and the valor of the people and organizations that help our heroes on their journey.

The episode above is titled “Silent Partners” and is a look at the hidden effects of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law through the eyes of 3 partners of deployed service members. The video is just over 30 minutes long -- and it's more than worth your attention and devotion to spending 30 minutes looking at the Silent Partners of those in our military. Those who cannot speak, or even have their names known, because of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. You'll need a Kleenex, I assure you. Don't breeze on past this one, folks....it's easy to do in the blogosphere. So, skip your sit-com this time around, grab your partner, friend or family, and check this out. Even if it's not today, bookmark it and set it aside for sometime in the near future.

What an honorable and fitting way for us to honor our service men and women on this 4th of July holiday.

4th of July Drivel

2009-07-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

Holy smokes, kids. I've been swamped. Just finished a three-day trip and still have three more work days to go before we're on holiday. Here's the scoop in bullet form:

1. We're off to Albany, New York, where we'll be met by Idle Eyes and a Dormy along with his handsome husband next Thursday. On Friday, we'll be joining the rest of the iBears group and heading to Providence, Rhode Island, for the night. Then, on Saturday we'll be continuing on to Provincetown, Massachusetts, to dive headfirst into Bear Week 2009 in P-Town. It's a place we've never been at an annual event that draws thousands. Not being a bear, I'm smearing massive amounts of Rogaine on my back in hopes to fit in.

2. Tomorrow, July 4, would have been my father's 78th birthday. I miss our 4th of July BBQs complete with red, white, and blue birthday cakes and family gatherings in the park with giant slices of cold watermelon. Why is it that some memories still twist at the heart strings of one's life?

3. I had the chance to say hi to Rachelle Lefevre today. I told her that having to work is so overrated...and I asked her why I couldn't be independently wealthy and retire. She laughed.

4. Summer is here in Portland. We love going to Portland City Concerts in the Parks which we'll do as much as we can when we get back from holiday. We always take a picnic and enjoy ourselves. It's one of our favorite annual events.

5. I'm outta creative things to say except for Happy 4th of July. Enjoy. It's one of my favorites...and we have no plans whatsoever. I'm sorta bummed.

Bring Your Gun to Church

2009-06-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Guns for God. Pistol Packin' Preacher. Guns for Jesus. Whatever. Dear god in heaven. Just when you think you've heard it all, something like this pops up. In spite of the fact that it scares the hell out of me to think that this is where a portion of our globe is headed, I laughed and laughed at parts of this article. I think it reminded me too much of good ole' Idaho....my home state. I remember also going to a Christmas parade in Eagle, Idaho, when we heard Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA blaring from speakers in the middle of December, in the cold, at Christmas time. We still poke fun at it. I laughed at the raffle prizes (membership in the NRA, a Lee Greenwood video, and a gun itself). I laughed again at setting a fake fire to the Bill of Rights; I laughed at just picturing them all singing My Country Tis of Thee and God Bless America. It's a piece right out of picture-perfect Americana-land. Complete with the red, white and blue! And, to think, that July 4...Independence Day...is in just a few days from now. What a poor little subsection of our nation. Scared. Weird. Strange. Old. Dark-ages induced. Feeling the need to strap a weapon to their hips and head over to the nearest church for the Sunday service. Something's missing here, folks. In spite of it all, the little people of this world do provide me with a good laugh from time to time.

Sony 15x Zoom Fantastic Camera for Sale.....

2009-06-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm selling one of my three cameras. It's quite clear that I do not need all three.

Beautiful nearly new Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H9 camera. Bought new at Best Buy and hardly used. Works perfectly and no damage or scratches. $225...an excellent buy. Black in color. I will include Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo 1GB card. You can see from the link below that my asking price is horribly fair. Experience more creative power to capture life’s greatest moments with the Cyber-shot® DSC-H9 digital camera. This high-performance camera impresses with 8.1 megapixel clarity, 15X optical zoom, Advanced Sports Mode, and the NightShot® system for shooting in darkness by infrared light. Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization and high sensitivity (ISO 3200) mode allow low-light shots without flash to preserve the mood, Face Detection brings out the best in faces, and HD (high definition) output lets you share memories in spectacular high definition detail on compatible HDTV screens.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/H9/H9A.HTM

The Great Land

2009-06-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

After about 2,500 miles of flying from San Diego-Seattle-Anchorage, I find myself in Anchorage, Alaska, this afternoon. We arrived at 1:30pm and depart at 00:50am (just after midnight) for Portland. It's a very short layover...or DAYover. I will be taking a little nap shortly (to ward off additional wrinkles) but wanted to pass along a few pics first. The sun will set tonight at 11:42pm and will only be down a few hours before it rises again at 04:21am....the sky will never actually get dark at this time of year. The flowers you see in the pics are dahlias and are in a park downtown. Everything up here grows quite large -- not because of the warmth or heat, but because of the length of the days...lots of light for growing. I just went on a little walk and happened to pass the Snow City Cafe.....if I'd had more time, I'd have stopped in. It looks very alternative-hippie-gay-etc....just my kind of place. Next trip, for sure. Anchorage is rough. Blue collar. Tough people who know how spend lots of time in the cold and snow. The oil conglomerates have made plenty of money off of this untamed wilderness. They sort of share it back each year in the form of the Alaska Permanent Fund -- a little payback to each eligible resident of the state for all of the money they are taking in here. The oil comes from the North Slope in places like Prudhoe Bay and flows through the Alaska pipeline down the port at Valdez where it is shipped away. Okay now, enough of me....enjoy the pics. And if you haven't been here, you owe it to yourself at least once in your life. Start your planning!

Monday Madness

2009-06-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Oh, there's nothing to see HERE.....except another weekly installment of Pride 2009 Undie Monday. Just a bunch of men in their undershorts......or nearly, anyway.

Overheard By A Co-Worker With a 21-Month-Old Baby Boy:

She: I've decided that I don't think my son is going to be gay.

Me: Oh, too bad for you...because not every mother can be fortunate enough to have a son who is gay. And, besides, why do you say that???

She: Because he was on the slide at the playground and pointed to a little girl next to him in an adorable little pink frilly dress and he said, "Cute!"

Before I could even respond, another listening-in co-worker responded with my sentiments precisely:

Other Co-Worker: He could have been saying "Cute" about the pink dress and wishing he could wear it!

In addition to recently joining the iPhone cult, you'll also want to know that I've immersed myself in major cultism on both Twitter and Facebook now. Badges and links are on my upper, left-hand sidebar.

Today is my one day off before heading out for yet another West Coast whirlwind: Portland-San Diego-Los Cabos-San Diego-Seattle-Anchorage-Portland-Denver-Portland-Phoenix-Portland. That's my work week coming up.

And we were just discussing this morning that we're leaving two weeks from this Thursday for the Northeast US.....first to Albany, New York, where we'll join up with friends like Sean and Dan and Jeffrey and others.....and head off to what I'm sure will be a fun-filled time at Bear Week 2009 in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Not only did this group of guys allow us to invade their New Year's festivities, but they were kind enough to invite us to be a part of their party and we couldn't be happier.

Sunday Snarkiness

2009-06-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

Dear lord in heaven, I've not written anything reasonably entertaining for a while. In fact, numerous of we bloggers haven't. I'm amazed at those blogs disappearing, not having a post for two or three months at a time, those who have left blogging for Facebook or Twitter, and even those who have found more socially acceptable ways of finding friends on the internet! Where is everyone going? I mean, hey now, Facebook is cool....and I'll probably be on Twitter soon. But where's the substance and all of that? Endless memes seem to be the way to keep a blog alive while not actually having to write a post....or pictures of naked bathroom shots or of sorting out dirty clothes while preparing for laundry day. I know that summertime brings along less readers and fewer posts. Hey, we're all busy...right? I totally understand....it's just not the way it was a year or two ago. And mine is a relative new blog in terms of the world blogosphere. Coming up on three years this October. So, hang in there, kids. Stick with it. Give us a little depth, a little culture, a little something to think about. Meanwhile, I'll see you over on Facebook or Twitter!

My new iPhone 3GS is amazing. We haven't felt well this week -- so yesterday afternoon after a round trip to Phoenix was a perfect time to lay on the bed, TV on, and fool around....with the iPhones. We traded apps, contacts, ideas, tested speeds between the new one and the old, and all of that. It's been so cool. I can't believe I remained outside the realm of the Apple Cult for so long. Syncing the contacts list between my phone and my GMail contacts was a huge fiasco and had me in a very sour mood. Thankfully, my Hubby is far more patient and understanding than I will ever be. I was the second one in the door last Friday morning to pick up the new iPhone at 07:00am. There are features beyond features. I keep on clicking, discovering, and having a lot of fun. I went out to Denver and back this morning and couldn't wait to get home.....to take care of my sick Hubby, but also to fool with my toy. I may surface in a month or two.

Guess Where?

2009-06-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Belly Rub Anyone?

2009-06-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

Get Yer Color On !!!

2009-06-15T07:14:00.001-07:00

If THIS doesn't do it, I don't know what does. It's Undie Monday again at Idle Eyes and a Dormy -- and this week's celebration is a tribute to the rainbow flag....every color of it. It's come to be a typical gay icon...always a reminder of who we are, the brightness of our spirits (in spite of the many trials we've all come through), and the giant group of GLBT folks that we call friends and family. What a fantastic time of the year to celebrate each of us.........

I've just finished a six-day stretch of work. In spite of being able to see such amazing beauty in Sitka, Alaska, this week, I'm not feeling overly chipper this morning. Getting up at 04:00am every day can do that to a guy. I'm really looking forward to my two days off.....I do have to say that I was able to say hi to the beautiful Keri Russell yesterday. She's been working on the movie Crowley in the Portland area with Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser. Such a gorgeous woman, she is.

The iPhone wait is in the home stretch -- The doors open at 07:00am Friday morning for those of us who pre-ordered it before last Friday. I'm wondering what time I should be there? I have no idea who many people will be in line waiting for their cult-following-technology devices. I can't wait....my hubby keeps saying that he's never seen me this excited for an Apple product before.

My brother's birthday was yesterday -- he turned 45. I thought about him a few times and wondered what he was doing. I sent a card early last week so that it would reach him in time. We're not close. He's a nice man and has a great family. But, as many can relate, since that "I'm gay" moment, things have changed. I wish it were different.

So, it's that time of year....summer is cranking up in full swing, gay Pride celebrations going on worldwide, and families are off and running to camping and holiday trips. Enjoy yourselves, boys and girls -- especially those of you who exist most of the winter months in snow and ice. You deserve it more than any of us. Have a great week, everybody.......wear your bright colors in pride and solidarity.....and especially because you look damned great in them!

Photos from Sitka, Alaska

2009-06-14T04:29:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: Let me fill in a few more details about Sitka for those who are interested. Sitka sits on the western edge of Baranof Island about halfway between Seattle and Anchorage. There are no roads to/from Sitka....all transportation is via air or water only. The climate feels coastal to me....not nearly as cold in the winter as Anchorage or Fairbanks. Tons of beautiful evergreen trees, lots of cold water filled with fish, and quite a few small rock outcroppings/islands just off shore. The airport is literally built into the water. The tourist highlights are Totem Park, the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center, sea kaycking, fishing, Saint Michael's Cathedral, along with a ton of other very cool activities. You won't find a Wal Mart or Target nor any large chain stores of any sort....thankfully. We also spent a bit of time actually down in the tide pools taking pictures and looking around at all that is left when the water recedes for a while. And, boy oh boy, when the tide returns, look out....it's a giant tide and comes back in very rapidly. We all couldn't believe how the very land that we were looking around on was completely covered with deep water in less than 30 minute's time. It's very picturesque and a place that I'd love to spend some holiday time in. And on my list now is a stay at the Rockwell Lighthouse.

You'll see all of the photos from my quick layover in Sitka, Alaska, here. It's quite the place. Beauty far beyond any measly words I could dig up to use here. Plus, I'm on my way to work again.....going to Los Angeles and then back as quickly as I can to begin two days off. I'm quite exhausted but wanted to get these amazing pics out to you all. I will update this post later with a few more details.......so stay tuned.

Sitka Bound

2009-06-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm actually sort of excited about going to work today. It's a 3-day trip......we overnight in San Diego tonight (after going into Mexico and back). But the really exciting part is that the second night of the trip is in Sitka, Alaska. A place I've been in and out of....and actually spent a couple of nights in back in 1983. But this will be my first overnight in Sitka for working purposes. And I'm really cranked about it! In this picture, you can actually see the dark brown stretch of land on the center left side of the picture....that's the runway at the small airport. The runway extends right out into the water. Sitka's Summer Music Festival is also going on while we're there. And Sitka is home to the Alaska Raptor Center....a place where raptors are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. You can't drive to Sitka. It is accessible only by sea or air -- sort of the middle of nowhere. It's a mystic land of bald eagles, whales, and lots of cold Pacific water. I can hardly wait.

I'm Joining a Cult

2009-06-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

I'm joining a cult. I've swore against it for years. I've bad mouthed it. I've cussed it. I've giggled and poked fun at those who were in it. Even my close friends -- of whom there are many. And even the dude that sleeps with me each night. But as time has evolved, I've become interested. And asked questions. And if you know me very well, you know full well that I always do my homework on any new purchase or project -- I rarely dive headfirst into anything. Plus, I travel for a living...and always carry my laptop with me. It's a necessary evil but I love having it around. All of that to say that I've just returned from the AT&T store and completed my preorder of the new iPhone 3GS. Such an amazing piece of technology. So, I'm in. I'll be reporting to my local store at 07:00am on Friday, June 19, to pick mine up -- and will be able to bypass the (apparently) long lines that will be there. So, just like Eve took the the apple from Adam (it was all her fault, you know.....), I've taken the fruit from the tree too. But, of course, that's what you'd expect a fruit to do.....take the fruit, right???

Proper Preparation of Your Private Parts

2009-06-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

And this, my little squash blossoms, is how to properly prepare your private parts for depositing urine into a specimen cup at the doctor's orifice....er, a office. And if you don't believe me (with my vast array of non-essential knowledge), just take a close look at this blurry picture and read the instructions for yourselves. Happy cleansing! I took this just this morning at my MIL's doctor's office while I waited for her to be poked.....I mean, give blood. I'm on pins and needles watching Live Blogging from Apple's WWDC Conference in San Francisco....waiting for new info on a possible new iPhone.

UPDATE: 11:46AM PDT.....A new iPhone on it's way!

10:14 PM....Downtown Anchorage, Alaska

2009-06-06T23:14:00.001-07:00

The streets are busy with people and the sun is well above the horizon. Ahh, summertime in Alaska! And if you were HERE (scan down to the "Astronomy" section), the sun wouldn't even be setting tonight. Go ahead, take a look at this....

Barrow, Alaska for Today:

Length Of Visible Light: 24h 00m
Length of Day: 24h 00m

Anchorage

2009-06-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what happened. But it did. I arrived in Anchorage shortly after noon today. It's a pretty nice day by Anchorage standards. Clear and 60. I started looking around at streets and buildings and the rugged mountains that sit on the east side of the city. It was a 3 hour and 15 minute trip up from Seattle --over Vancouver Island, past Ketchikan, Juneau, and Yakutat. Staring out at some of the world's largest glaciers -- one the size of the entire state of Rhode Island. And water -- miles and miles of cold, blue Pacific water. The sun came up at 04:27am this morning here and will not set until 11:29pm tonight....making the day 19 hours and 2 minutes long today. In fact, the sky will not actually get "dark" tonight. Only sort of twilight. And the longest day of the year isn't quite here yet. People go sort of crazy-happy here in the summertime. Here's the weather for today in Anchorage. It's a land filled with miles and miles of nothingness....no people, no roads, no nothing.... except for moose, bears, fish, and bald eagles.

Oh yeah, back to what happened. I sort of got sentimental. I missed my husband. And my pooch. We used to live here. For a short time in late 1998 when we began working for our company. We lived with four other people in an apartment near the airport. The snow fell and got deep and cold. We rode the #7 bus around town because we didn't have a car. We flew to places like Barrow (the northern most point in the US) and Prudhoe Bay ("Drill Baby, Drill!). We had only been together a year or so and then found ourselves living in the Great Land. It was a good time for us. A time of newness, adventure, and happiness.

I haven't really been back up here too much since left in early 1999. And so, when I do end up here, it sort of brings up memories of our early years together, the adventurous spirit that we had at that time, and the fresh beginnings of our relationship and a new job. Combine all of that with being in our nation's largest and northern-most state, and you've got a good combination for a little sentimentality. And that's where you'll find me today. In Anchorage, thinking about my hubby and the times that we shared here in Alaska, and missing my home and my doggy. I leave at midnight tonight for an all-night flight south to Portland. It will not actually be completely dark during the whole flight southward because we're at just about the longest day of the year. I land at 05:25am tomorrow morning and will jump in the car and race home to lay kisses on my hubby's lips and my pooch's tummy -- not positive about the exact order. They both like that.

A Few More Facts About Anchorage: Anchorage boasts the world's second largest ocean tides...around 40 feet at times! At also sits within spitting distance of Mt. Redoubt....which has erupted numerous times over the last few months. A bit further up the road is Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park at 20,320 feet. I could see both of these mountains as we landed at Ted Steven's International Airport today (man, I hate saying that name). Oh, and remember Sarah Palin's Bridge to Nowhere? It is here.....well, it isn't here....since it hasn't been built. But the water over which they want to build it is outside my hotel room window. When we lived here, we lived across the street from the Lake Hood Seaplane Base....one of the world's busiest. We used to take long walks around the lake and look at all of the hundreds of airplanes floating in the water there.

Brief Respite

2009-06-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

And...we're back. Briefly. Seven hours 40 minutes brought us home along I-84 and the beautiful Columbia River today. We were amazed to see how many new wind turbines are being installed on both the Washington and Oregon sides of the River -- and there were many semi trucks on the freeway bringing new turbine pieces for installation. You'll see all of the pictures here. Oregon is poised to be one of the largest producers of wind power in the nation -- and maybe even the globe. We also made a brief stop at Multnomah Falls, just a scant 20 miles east of Portland and very near Rooster Rock. We've said it before to one another, and we said it again today, we live in one of the most amazing places on earth. If you haven't been here, you need to plan your visit. I also found myself wanting more -- more pictures. More and more. But, alas, being the sole driver and speeding along at 70mph did not permit such frivolity today. Maybe another time.

Time with the family is always good but always hesitant. I find myself getting irritated at some pretty silly things -- like the fact that many of the adults in my family cannot hear well and we find ourselves yelling everything and repeating questions over and over. I hate that. And then there is the narrow-in-scope Republican issue. It's everywhere. From the Ten Commandments being posted in house windows to their inability to recognize same-sex couples. I just don't like it. I know full well that we live in a political and social bubble here in Portland. And I like my bubble. We visited with my brother, my sister, and all of our nephews and niece. Plus, we got to see cousins, aunts and uncles. In spite of it all, we do have a great family. My mother's 79th birthday is tomorrow. I hope that I'm half the gal she is when I grow up.

I'm unpacking, repacking, and off to yoga this afternoon before I begin a long four-day trip early in the morning. It'll find me in San Diego, Los Cabos, Oakland, Seattle and Anchorage. I'll be home on Sunday. It appears to be nearly 8,000 miles. Here's the routing if you're interested.

Cheers and deep-throat kisses to you all.

I'm Becoming a Republican

2009-05-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

No, wait...that's not quite the truth. The truth, however, is that I am going to be a very frustrated Democrat deep inside Republican territory over the next four days. After an exhausting 14 hour duty day today (our aircraft broke in Las Vegas this morning and I just now arrived back in Portland at 10pm after getting myself home) we're leaving in the morning for Boise, Idaho. It's a 400 mile trip on I-84 which we actually enjoy driving. Mason is going with us so his grandmother and auntie can see him. We'll be there until Wednesday. It's always a test of one's ability to remain calm and poised in the midst of evangelical arrogance and red, white and blue. Ugh. In fact, you'll see a lovely little Don't Ask, Don't Tell expose on what I mean right here...that's the way they do business in Idaho...So, that's it. No blogging or such until the middle of the week. You know I love ya.....

A Foot Man -- Like His Daddy

2009-05-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Do You Know the Way to San Jose....Err, A...the Nude Beach ??

2009-05-27T09:29:00.001-07:00

It is no secret that I'm a nudist. I haven't always been, but you'll remember that sordid story from way back. As soon as good weather hits here, there is this sudden hankering for grabbing lunch and making my way to either Rooster Rock or Sauvie Island. We have two clothing-optional beaches near Portland. In fact, we had the first one in the US. I've actually taken the time to create a Google Map with directions to both of them because they can be a little tricky to find-- you'll see the icon for the Nude Beach on the left side bar of my blog. I sometimes stop at either Subway or Burgerville on the way out of town for lunch...but very often take my peanut butter and honey sandwich and veggies with me for a picnic. Sometimes my honey and pooch go with me....but many times I'm all alone. I love going during the week when there are fewer people. In fact, sometimes I'm the only one there for a while in the early part of the day. They are both on the Columbia River. Rooster Rock is a bit more of a challenge -- it is about a 15 minute walk through tall brush from the parking lot. And the river level stays high much later in the season than Sauvie Island. In fact, sometimes you actually have to sort of wade through a bit of water/mud to get to the beach in the early part of the season at RR. It's kind of cool, though. And being right on the Columbia River is nothing short of amazing. RR is actually in the Columbia River National Scenic Area with some unbelievable scenery (other than the naked men)! Our beaches are probably not typical of many nude beaches around the world -- they are rural, rustic, and sort of even primitive. They are not completely full of the slimmest most sexy and hot men in the world. There are some....but mostly filled with typical natural sort of Oregon men who are just themselves....enjoying the natural lifestyle. It is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Now, the only decision for today is which beach to choose!

Near Meeting With Space Shuttle Atlantis

2009-05-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Space Shuttle Atlantis touched down at 08:39am Pacific time this morning at Edwards Air Force Base near Palmdale, California.

I was on a flight from Portland to San Diego and enjoying a cup of coffee after my inflight service this morning at approximately 08:30am when our captain made the following announcement:

"Ladies and gentlemen, in approximately 3-4 minutes we will be passing just to the west of Edwards Air Force Base...it will be on our left hand side. We have been speaking with air traffic control and they have informed us that within just a few minutes after we have passed it, the Space Shuttle Atlantis will be passing just behind our aircraft and land at Edwards AFB. This is a once in a lifetime moment for most of us."

I couldn't believe it. I stared out the window through the morning haze over at the dry lake beds that comprise the landing strip at Edwards. I've seen it a hundred times. But knowing that the very Space Shuttle that I've been watching all week work 350 miles above the earth's surface on the Hubble Space Telescope is going to be passing directly behind the aircraft I was on was something I won't soon forget. What a job. What a life!

Misplaced

2009-05-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've misplaced something. And I've thought about it over and over...trying to figure out where I misplaced it. I had it, I really did. And I used it over and over, regularly, frequently.

Where has my motivation for the gym gone? I was such an avid go-er for a while. I enjoyed it, loved it, made me feel better. But it's disappeared. I know that there are cycles and times for everything and that I won't "feel" the same way about it every single day. But I'm not really a person who is feeling based and know full well that I have things to do in life even if I don't feel like it. I know all of that. And it's not like it's a long way away -- only about a five minute drive, a stinking mile and a third. And the yoga....the YOGA! I learned so much and enjoyed each of my yoga hours. And my hubby has fallen out of love with going as well....so that has removed my little extra bit of motivation.

It'll be back, I hope. And even if it's not, I still need to get back down there. I've developed this little right knee problem....it hurts. So, I'm being careful and am using it as a nice excuse to not go to the gym. And the funny part about that is that I'm not a person given over to excuses and bullshit and recognize it right away....and typically call myself, or anyone else, on it right away. The nice weather hasn't helped either...I'd rather pack my lunch and head to the nude beach for the day. That's the honest truth, I'm afraid.

So, I hope it'll be back. I trust that it will. And if it does, great! And if it doesn't, I need to find the wherewithal to do it anyway. Regardless of feeling.

Walk With Hubby and Pooch -- Waiting for I-Phone

2009-05-21T17:28:00.001-07:00

(Be sure you click on the pic here to get the full effect of this shameful t-shirt.) What a very nice stretch of fantastic weather we've been having. We took full advantage of it today as we all took a great walk near the Portland International Airport....on former wetlands owned by the Port. Here are the pictures! (Make sure you blow the pics up full screen for the full effect...including nice view of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.) There are a few other private pictures which will remain under lock and key unless I am properly paid for said photos. I have very mixed feelings about this piece of land. It formerly was completely vacant and consisted only of meadows, fields, and wetlands. It hosted hawks, great blue heron, and coyotes. The Port of Portland has (in my opinion, unfortunately) allowed building to begin on this giant piece of property. Today, it has an Ikea on it, along with a ton of shops at Cascade Station, several hotels, a new Target to be opened this year, and numerous businesses. There are cars and large commercial trucks everywhere. All of this on former vacant, quiet, peaceful wetlands. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful afternoon. We finished our time with an obligatory stop at Yo Cream. Tonight will consist of grilling on the BBQ and a cold bottle of Stella Artois.

It appears that even more information has been (supposedly) leaked by an unnamed Apple spokesperson regarding the release of a new I-Phone this summer. Unfortunately, if the information holds true, it won't happen before our summer vacation at Bear Week in Provincetown.

American Idol left me wanting more this season. By the end, I didn't care who won. I loved Adam to start with but his voice grated on me from time to time by the end of the season. I liked Kris as well....if for nothing else than the fact that he would be a perfect sandwich in bed (or would he??...he'd probably just lay there like a lump). I thought that Adam was the only one who really, truly, displayed his love for winning the competition. Kris was lackluster along with the rest of the show. It seemed boring, poor musical choices, crappy singing and much more. The show last night was a yawn. I think that my time at Idol has expired.

Our holiday weekend will leave me working a Phoenix turn on Friday, San Diego turn on Saturday, and a San Diego overnight on Sunday night. I'll be home early on Monday and, hopefully, we'll be able to toss together a Memorial Day BBQ for Monday evening.