Houston, hot and humid

San Francisco - June '08

2008-07-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

The Bart from town to zoo
Haight Ashbury District

Our Zippy Matrix: http://www.zipcar.com/
The Carlton on Sutter Street
Waiting for the Bart
Of course, a Moore had to be found... The Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park

Green tea for two

John Muir Beach

An english lunch at the Pelican
GGB

John Muir Woods

Mission District's famous mural ridden alley

Another one of those views...
Italian food in the Russian Hill District

Mel's famous diner
Yerba Buena Gardens
Fisherman's Wharf

The tram from Fisherman's Wharf

Huntington Park

Lombard Street

Go Cars
Grace Cathederal

Union Square

Huntsville State Park - Memorial Weekend

2008-07-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Nap time!

2008-04-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Goliad State Park!

We picked a nice spot by the river......and set up campA nice walk... took Jax and I to the Mission Espiritu Santo de ZunigaWe all hiked to the Presidio La Bahia...
and the beautiful Catholic chapel where we listened to the Palm Sunday service

The boys checked out the San Antonio River's current Then we oogled the Big Tree of Lamar, a live oak of over 1,000 years in age My tree-hugger xoxo

Buffalo Bayou Regatta '08

2008-04-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Team Asakura: Lil'Spence and
The Disqualifier

Time: 2:25

In training: Working out those paddling arms,...

A Tejas Christmas '07

2008-01-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

A Weekend at Trip's
Marlon Brando stopped by to open some gifts...
The festivities were just too much for some...
T'was a beautiful moon that evening...
Christmas with the Burgesses
What did Dan get under the tree???

Camping on the Guadalupe

2008-01-01T10:05:00.001-08:00

Glass bottom boat rides at the Aquarena Center reveal underground springs...

...and cormorants. He's in seine!
Riverside campsite courtesy of The Troutmans.

The Armored Catfish, an import from South America.

Baytown/San Jacinto trip '07

2008-01-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

Beside this jungle of pollution lies a haven of nature...

The Baytown Wetlands Center has baby alligator on the menu!

Mmmm....

Then it was off to San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site to visit the restored prairie and the Monument

Huntsville Classic - TMBRA - Sept. '07

2008-01-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

A good effort for the first time: Spence putting in some miles...Christian making some friends...
The boys cooling off...

Guadalupe River State Park '07

2008-01-01T09:36:00.001-08:00

Collecting spring water in Austin Taking a guided tour of Guadalupe River State Park

One happy Jax
Guy Forsyth at Gruene Hall

Greenbuild Chicago - November '07

2007-12-30T21:59:00.000-08:00

Plenty of New Urbanism, TOD and Site Credit education followed the l-o-n-g opening morning.

Conference Host - Rick Fedrizzi: USGBC PresidentKeynote - Bill Clinton: Impeached Ex-U.S. President
Keynote - Paul Hawken: Inspiration/Genius
Andrés and I snuck on the Hydrogen Bus with the CNN cameras
View from The Marriott on the Magnificent Mile: 45th Floor

The beautiful Chicago River
Cloud Gate at Millennium Park

Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The Lurie Garden

The Crown Fountain ...and of course I found a Henry Moore: Large Interior Form

The Great American Backyard Camp-out '07

2007-12-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

S'mores all 'round.
Leader of the PackEco-teacho's Canoeing 101 Who pulled the plug?

It came out, surely it's gotta go back in...

Austin Excursion '07

2007-12-30T20:43:00.000-08:00

Mycologist SpenceIt's my campsite and I'll cairn if I want to!
Wig-wam? Wickiup? Tipi? A cool tent!
McKinney Falls State Park

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Mega-tank!
"Hello, up there!" "Hello, down there!"
Zilker Park/Barton Springs

City Limits

Corruption Stains Timber Trade - washingtonpost.com

2007-04-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Corruption Stains Timber Trade - washingtonpost.com

Townhall.com::The media and global warming::By George Will

2007-04-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Townhall.com::The media and global warming::By George Will

MALL SPRAWL: Add rhythm to the repetition. Houston area's suburban loop has possibility.

2007-04-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2007, Houston Chronicle

By R. GREGORY TURNER

YOU never know what you'll learn about your city on a golf outing. When several of my brothers recently visited from out of state to indulge in a golf weekend, we spent a great deal of time watching the suburban cityscape rush by as we traversed the vast metropolitan area of Houston on our way to the courses. After one long trek in the van, my youngest brother made an observation that at once identified a problem with our sprawling region — a problem shared with most other American cities— and at the same time revealed the solution. We spent the rest of the weekend laughing about "the three mile loop."

This "loop" was not a roadway in the sense of our West Loop. Rather, it referred to the visual loop that the recurring suburban landscape created as we passed through it. Seemingly every third mile we saw the same school building, then the same church, then the same shopping center, then the same ... well, you get the idea. If it weren't for our arrival at the golf courses, we all would have been convinced that we hadn't actually gone anywhere. The supposed repetition and monotony of urban sprawl has been a long standing joke, dating back to Gertrude Stein's famout remark about Oakland, "There is no there there." What I found intriguing about the three mile loop, however, is the concept it offers to create significant degrees of visual interest in our low-rise city. For the three mile loop reveals certain qualities about our surroundings that, with imagination, can be exploited to enhance the experience of our urban landscape.
First, what might begin as repetition can instead become rhythm. The 1980 film, Koyaanisqatsi, celebrated otherwise overlooked rhythms in day-to-day events by changing the speeds at which they are observed. My brother's revelation similarly occurred because his unfamiliarity with our city's topography permitted him to make observations that we, hurrying about our busy lives, find it too easy to overlook.

For example, he noticed the pattern that significant suburban structures establish, particularly modern school buildings. They rise above retail and residential buildings; oftentimes they extend the equivalent of several city blocks. Imagine if school districts conceived of these structures not as individual schools, but as pieces of recurring facades that established themes along roadways. Imagine if some of these façades aggressively confronted the street, establishing themselves as landmarks able to be seen from greater distances, creating periodic vistas rather than receding behind seas of parked cars as they do now. Such an approach could fashion dramatic rhythmical elements along our thoroughfares.

Next there is distinctiveness. There are many substantial structures in the urban landscape that may be well-designed for their specific purpose, and may introduce rhythm in the landscape. However, the pattern they establish easily begets boredom if they are indistinguishable from other structures of similar purpose and scale — in other words, if they are not distinctive. Buying a standard design and repeating it on multiple sites may effect some cost savings that taxpayers claim to like, but the outcome of this rubber stamp approach is that one can drive many, many miles through several school districts, without ever knowing where one ends and the other begins. This, I suppose, is perfectly acceptable if one's community envisions itself as undifferentiated from others.

Imagine instead that individual school districts seized the opportunity afforded by their expansive building programs to transform their surroundings and create a sense of place defined by an architecture distinctive to them and them only. Taking the step of making themselves recognizable could set as powerful an example regarding what "recognized" means as SAT scores or state awards do.

Finally, non-thematic elements — those that burst forth seemingly at random — introduce variety, spontaneity, and usually orientation to the visual landscape. Perhaps the most prominent example is our major freeway system. The Texas Department of Transportation, through its Green Ribbon program, has come to understand the power of its right of way to elevate the experience of those it encounters. The developing Interstate 10 project demonstrates how a change in conception of a freeway as an urban micro-environment instead of a mere means of transportation vastly enriches the visual world, and enhances as well the properties it abuts. Granted, it cost an extra one-half of one percent but this is a relative pittance to devote to projects that have far greater impact on our environment than the tallest skyscrapers.

Besides the freeways, the three mile loop's other non-thematic interruptions appear to be the bayou that it sometimes intersects, the golf course or park that occasionally surprise, or the distinctive planned community entrance monument. While our flood control districts have come to see the asset value of their drainage channels as parkland amenities, imagine also if their easements were flared to much wider dimensions where they cross major roadways, enabling the creation of periodic "jungles." And what if golf courses and parklands, instead of snaking between rows of houses, stretched along roadways for some distance, providing not only open space but views of activity as well?

Some of this is already occurring in the city's northwestern stretches. There are many opportunities for creative thinking by both public and private entities in considering how to address the interface between their own domains and the roadways on which we all travel.
In the last analysis, vision and imagination can leverage the monies being lavished on necessary projects, enabling transformative solutions to what might otherwise be considered routine design problems (witness TxDOT). Commitments to leave distinctive imprints on our communities can convert the apparent monotony of our rapidly developing cityscape into one full of rich patterns and pleasant surprises. I can only hope that on my next golf outing my brother wonders where his loop went.

Turner is president of Turner Partners Architecture, LP, in Houston. The firm specializes in institutional and corporate projects throughout Southeast Texas.

Chain-o-Lakes

2007-03-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Porch with a ViewOur B.M. (Ben Milam)Gettin' a little mud on the tiresMe and Bertha Spence is sassy, I mean, Spence and Sassy

It took some arm-twisting...
The sun's in my eyes, really, I'm not scared...

Come on, it is Spring Break!
Isn't nature wonderful?
Aren't man-made structures that alter the course of nature wonderful?

Our roaring fire, triggered, literally by the flick of a light-switch

Those cypress knees

The porch came with it's own safety net
Our ride to breakfast
Spence, wanting some shmore....
Steve the racoon

Keep BEElieving

2007-03-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Please post a comment if you hear any news on the widespread bee disappearance across the US. This topic is fascinating and worrisome. One theory I've heard first-hand is the increasing use of genetically altered seed which produce a pollen on which the bees cannot survive. As the bees are disappearing, not dying, it leads one to believe they are seeking an alternative food source elsewhere. Not good news for our food industry, or our eco-system in general.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6400179.stm

Get out and plant some pollen producing plants in your own yard (sunflowers, lavendar, honeysuckle, rosemary etc). Use seeds or cuttings from friends, neighbors, garden clubs - try to avoid buying packaged seeds. We need to start using a source that is safe and reliable.

Great Mommy, Ruth

2007-03-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

It was so good to see Ruth after what must be a year and a half, at least.... Cash Money was as cute as ever....
Devin was as sweet as can be,
and then it got nasty... : )

Not so many birdies this time....

2007-03-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Waterborne Education Center - Trinity River Trip No. 2Here we are, scarfing down a quick lunchMike wading-upMs. Kathy, ready for actionMs. Kathy, in action! One of Waterborne's re-planting projects doing very well indeedy
Crikey mate, we estimate that one's a whopper!
Ranger Ruth explaining the lock system
Purple Martin's majesty
Demo: Closing the gates
closer....
...closed
Trial and error showed how not to build a jetty; eventually this one caused much erosion
Branches and debris moved naturally downstream by water and wind

Rain-water collection system on the right side provides usable water where no utilities exist

You say tomaytoe, I say tomartoe

2007-03-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

just peeping through

week one

Friends of Mandell Park

2007-03-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

My latest Urban Harvest (tiny) community garden discovery lies in the very heart of the new Mandell Park design. The Friends of Mandell Park is holding a plant sale on March 24, to raise funds to implement the construction of the park. Unfortunately it clashes with the Buffalo Bayou Regatta, which is where you'll find me that morning. Sorry, FMP....

Eco-weekend-o

2007-03-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

Permaculture class transferred to the great outdoors with a trip to the Blackwood Institute This beautifully designed home and teaching center is made of straw bale
I never did find out what the significance of these stones is, anyone know?
The tool shed (with rainwater collection)
Brick oven
Guests enjoying a wonderful vegan lunch
Parsley, an apparent companion plant of citrus
It smelled absolutely wonderful in here....

The Make-out house, I mean, the Tree-house
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck...?
Oh la la, an outdoor shower!
Now that's what I call rainwater harvesting!
Row crops, but as in all good permaculture design, the rows do not consist of uniform crops

The Labyrinth
The Sweat LodgeDouble-vision in the Sweat LodgeThe ol' chicken coup The perfect end to a perfect day, shove over Eco....

Eco-weekend-o-continue-o

2007-03-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

Owned by Cas & Gita Vanwoerden, Animal Farm is a working farm designed on the Permaculture principles. Located in Cat Spring, about 1 hour north west of Houston, the house and facilities are completely off the grid, relying on solar power, propane gas and well water. It's said to be remarkably cool during the summer, designed to maximize air-flow and shade. We'll see, another Permaculture field trip is scheduled for later in the year.... The house

Al fresco napping

Panoramic view from the rear balcony

One of the compost toilet systems

Straw bale wall revelation
Team One deciding where to create swales to help prevent flooding by storm water run-off

The education center, north face The rear of the education center, south face

The intricate makings of a thatched roof

Wonderdog

I should have been preparing for the SuperYawn, I mean, Bowl...

2007-02-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

...instead I was playing in the mud. If you let your eye wonder along the line of newly laid mulch, you will see how weedy and overgrown it is in the section I haven't gotten to yet. Four more bags of mulch and some stakes are in order for that to happen.

Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center

2007-01-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

Just managed to catch the long-necked goose flying over...

Spence waiting for the peep-show to begin...

...he wasn't disappointed

The missing ingredient in our compost pile...

2007-01-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

WORMS!

Harvest Time at Levy Park

2007-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

E-Rockin' in F-Burg

2006-12-31T18:40:00.000-08:00

Eco-Teacho and I appreciating the great outdoors.

233 miles and over 4-hours later, we backpacked, we hiked, we climbed, we (he) decended into dark, creepy caves, we pitched a tent, we started many fires, we beat off the cold and the 40-mph gusts, we spotted road runners, falcon, deer and rufous-sided towhees, we snapped many photo, we drank lots of tea and we ate many powerbars.

Meet Mad-Eye Moody

2006-11-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

After conducting extensive research, my amphibian consultant suggested a few changes to Mad-Eye Moody's surroundings and I must say he appears much happier in his new habitat. Apparently the filter was freaking him out; it states online that living in an environment containing a pump of any kind is like us living with a jack-hammer blasting in our eardrum 24/7. M-E-M was swiftly relocated to shallower, quieter, more solitary confines, where he happily swam around all day and chowed down on preserved bloodworms. Yummy.

Downtown Bayou Walking Tour

2006-11-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

Willow Street Pump Station.

Previously seeded, currently mowed.

Abandoned 1900's grocery store, soon to be converted into Buffalo Bayou Partnership HQ with canoe/kayak rental on first floor which is prone to flooding...

Commerce and Main looking southwest, I think...

It was a great day for walking, and paddling : )

The merging of White Oak and Buffalo Bayous, if you look down from the Main Street bridge you can see the muddy waters of Buffalo mixing with the greener waters of White Oak.

Our docent, Joe. I would guess around 60 to 70 people attended. There were five or six groups. Great job GHPA and BBP.

Downtown - no finer place for sure...

2006-11-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

Have you hugged a veteran today?

2006-11-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Christian pushed to the front of the Veteran's Day Parade crowd to snap away...

We shelled out the $5 to purchase this bandana to support the Houston Marine Moms who send care packages out to Iraq.

Where do I sign?

Over 70,000 people attended the rally and parade; the best turn-out ever!

UFO Series

2006-11-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

Halloween '06: Eye-popping fun!

2006-11-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door--
Only this and nothing more."

High Tide

2006-11-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

Houston's first green roof: Summer Park, First Ward

2006-11-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

Keeping up the tradition...

2006-10-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

I had no idea BK is openly dealing!

2006-10-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Keeping up the tradition

2006-10-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Romantic, Serious Side...

2006-10-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

View from the back deck

Sunrise...

Sunset...

View from my bedroom

Beachcombing

My girls...

The Sunny, Silly Side...

2006-10-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Tracey May, all hooked up...

This,

+

+

=

In other words, tiddlers equate to hotdogs for dinner : )

Tangled line, sucken pliers, mis-thrown casts, drowned corks. Let's just call it "accident prone"...

Hats off to a great weekend!

We all got bigger fish to fry...

2006-10-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

Josephine's was the place to hang out before catching Edward Osborne Wilson at Jones Hall. E.O., as we affectionately refer to him, is the most respected pioneer of biodiversity in the world, aside from which he's a fanatic entomologist, which adds a slice of mystery to his otherwise nerdy occupation. After all, who could be more enigmatic than someone who can write a whole book about nothing but ants? The topic of the evening was simple, and something that was driven home to me more than once this week: we are killing the world we live in, and if we don't start to take it seriously and do something we are all toast. There was no toast involved at Josephine's that evening, but the fish was pretty darn good : )

SMPS National Conference - Hollywood

2006-08-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

Keith Ferrazzi of Ferrazzi Green Light saved us on the last day... he's a great motivational speaker, so great we all stood in a long line to buy his book and have him sign it. Funny, I went all the way to Hollywood and came back with the autograph of someone I'd never heard of. Much more rewarding in my book...

Our view only from Kristy's 20th floor room (opposite the Penthouse Suite; that's what happens when you ask for an upgrade...) The Magic Castle is on the left, the Hollywood sign is about 2/3 from the left and the Griffith Observatory is somewhere there on the right...

View from Marlene's 12th floor room looking out at Capitol Records and Downtown LA somewhere to the right in the distance...

The Renaissance Hollywood by day and by night...

I took this photo from my bed - what a view, huh?

Streets left and right were blocked off for all but VIPs...

From our room we could see several star's houses including Penny Marshall, Marilu Henna, Bob Barker and Lawrence Fishburn

2006-08-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Oxygen Bar, stick these up your nose! Yummy : )

Mel's Drive-In where American Graffiti was filmed. Cool interior but the food is mediocre.

Out by the pool: the perfect place for a late-night phone call...

The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel is linked to a huge multi-level shopping center. It was a handy cut through to Hollywood Blvd.

Ms. Marlene enjoying a box lunch

Ms. Tracey enjoying dessert : )

Ms. Elyssa figuring out what the heck to do next...

2006-08-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sid Grauman opened Mann's Chinese Theater in 1927. Hollywood stars have been leaving their mark in cement outside the Theater ever since.

I've always had a thing for Danny Kaye, Hayley Mills I'm still presuming is my name sake, and Marilyn and Jack go without saying...

2006-08-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Hollywood Walk of Fame opened in 1960 and contains more than 2,000 stars... here's some of my favorites

2006-08-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening started out at the hotel bar with Raymond, Marlene's friend. Raymond is a hairstylist on Rodeo who is famous for the hair of such greats as Shirley Bassey, Jaqueline O'Nassis, Darryl Hannah, Julian McMahon (Christian on Nip Tuck), and is responsible for the famous Farrah Flick!

We smuggled Raymond up to the pool for the Gala champagne reception

The Gala was full of glamor and good food provided by Wolfgang Puck whose restaurant Vert is next door to the hotel

Don't even ask how we managed to end up on the Red Carpet for the Snakes on a Plane premier...

2006-08-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Although we didn't manage to get in to the event...

This guy must really like coconuts...

Here he is, third tree from the left, that's him, the tiny red speck!

We actually saw gas at a higher price, but I thought this was painful enough...

A photo of a photo

The Wax Museum; not quite Madam Toussourd's but then my ex-art teacher, Paul Bainbridge doesn't work in Hollywood...

Three kinds of fun

2006-07-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Our spontaneous adventures started with Girly Fun: a trip to Target to get back-to-school clothes. We did get the clothes, but I also found four pairs of cool shoes, all on sale: four pairs for $25! I'd be reluctant to spend $25 on one pair these days, but thought these were wise purchases seeing as I need shoes (my favorite two-pairs are falling apart, and I do have the conference to attend next month...). Unfortunately skirts won't be worn for a while; the ant bites from Friday decided to turn red, swollen and pusy. I think the legs will be in hiding for a while. I counted 28 bites, not easy to hide...

More Girly Fun: Christian's fabulous blueberry and banana muffins, made from scratch

At 4:30 we headed out to Brazos Bend State Park with the idea that we would visit the Observatory: Nerdy Fun. On the way (it took exactly one hour), we passed beautiful fields of corn, fields of what looked like potatoes, horses and cows with calves. This prompted a long conversation about alternative fuels (we're such a couple of dorks). I discovered that Christian has some original ideas of his own to solve the energy crisis (think Fred Flintstone).

First thing we did was head to the Observatory to buy our tickets. You have to walk down a twisty path that has alligator habitat on either side. Beautiful Creekfield Lake surrounds you and the sound of reptilian croaking is like a symphony.

If you don't like spiders, you may not enjoy your trip to the park very much. While my phobia has been tamed somewhat due to a certain eco-ninja, it was still extremely daunting to have to walk under dozens of webs spun between trees through out park, each with a big fat spider resting right above your head. Some of these puppies were about the size of a tennis ball. One poor girl had obviously gone all the way down the path without seeing them, but on her way back as she approached us, she noticed them and started doing the eight-legged-freaky dance, screaming and crying, her poor mom had to just cover her eyes and drag her down the path, we could still hear her crying when they reached the parking lot. I was surprised I didn't have nightmares last night, but I bet she did!

The three telescope houses were smaller than I had imagined they would be. They were still an incredible image contrasted against the rich colors of the sky and the grass.

Before our viewing-time we had some time to kill, so we headed to the amphitheater to listen to the story of "Wicked John" being told by Park Ranger Glen. After that we walked along the Pilant Slough until the spiders became too unbearable.

2006-07-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

We decided to get in the car and drive around the park to check out the camp sites (where these deer were chowing down beside someone's camper) and the lakes.

We walked some of the way around Elm Lake, and that's where the real fun began...

2006-07-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

Gator Fun...

8:00 pm. Time for our viewing. First we sat in on an orientation, where we learned what we would be looking at.

Then we went up to the deck and discovered that several amateur astrologers bring their own telescopes and set them up for public viewing. We checked out the moon while it was still daylight and could easily see its craters (gives me goosebumps every time), and shortly when the first "star" appeared we had a look through this cool English guy's telescope and could see Jupiter, four of its moons and it's cloud belt. Uber cool! It was the perfect atmosphere for a string quartet in the corner and a couple of waiters serving wine and cheese...

We paid $10 to look through the big telescope. We didn't see Jupiter any clearer than we did out on the deck. I wouldn't pay to go in there again, although I didn't begrudge the $10 as it all goes back into the Observatory for research.

Rucker Rup, Raggy

2006-07-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Levy Park - Urban Harvest Update

2006-07-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's not quite as loaded with offerings for the food bank as it was in May, but it's still beautiful and well maintained. Some of the beds are coming up for grabs and I'm toying with the idea of going on the waiting list. It would be pretty convenient for Friday afternoons; but then again, we are talking about Friday afternoons. I could have gone home and taken a nap today, after the couple of hours sleep I managed last night (no thanks to a certain someone who I try to avoid at all costs but am unfortunately tied to for the next 9 or so years...), anyway, nap-time wasn't happening as I had previously volunteered to clean up the NSOTP flower bed.

I'd never experienced an attack by killer ants before, but now I know how it feels and will try to avoid it in future. The poor ladies volunteering probably thought I was crazy, jumping down from the raised bed, throwing my tennis shoes and socks down the path, slapping at my own feet and legs. I notice that no one came running to my aide. Humph.

2006-07-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

2006-07-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Hollywood, Baby!!!!!!!

a free ticket to the SMPS National Conference courtesy of someone who backed out at the last minute, flight and hotel paid for by my generous employers : )

I'm so excited I could crush a grape!

Recomposed

2006-07-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

The neck wasn't feeling so bad when I woke up so I finished refilling the compost bin. I could tell the grass clippings helped because I could feel the heat through my gloves as I moved the mix from the tarp into the cage. Even the medium-sized brown spider with the big, fat, juicy, black abdomen that WAS ON MY FOREARM AND NEARLY SURRIED INSIDE MY GLOVE (!) didn't deter
me from finishing the job.

Christian then helped me remove some evergreens from the front yard that I've been chopping back bit by bit. Today we finished the job. I'm going to replace them with native grasses, but I'd like to be able to add some compost to the soil first, so it may be a few months...

Now I want some fire-belly toads!

2006-07-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we took a trip to Pets-a-Plenty. Yes, it does exist, contrary to popular belief ; )

Eddie helped us with our fish, while Wes led us on a tour through "the green room". They have some pretty cool stuff back there including two vipers, some wicked huge monitors and a 16-ft long python. The first thing as you go through the door is a caiman crocodile; Wes was busy telling us what it was when Christian went and stuck his head over the side to get a better look.

I knew something was up when I saw this look of panic flood across Wes' face. After jerking Christian backwards he calmly explained that the only think you want to dangle over the edge are dead mice from a stick. "He could take your head off, man." And he didn't appear to be joking... It didn't dampen our spirits, we soaked up the snakes, frogs and lizards. Then carried our new charges home to join Sharky (newly renamed, Kenny).

Decomposing

2006-07-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

I usually like to keep to myself as far as my neighbors are concerned, but this morning Christian and I decided to attend the gardening club meeting. We made the decision to go before I realized the topic was "backyard compost"! The meeting was hosted by Karen Avery, certified Master Gardener, who lives on the street behind me. Approximately 25 people attended, mostly older folk, but there was a handful of very cool ladies, including Karen, who are really into the whole organic gardening thing, which was extremely exciting.

I learned a thing or two about composting, so the first thing we did when we got home was turn the pile I've had brewing since about March. Turning it was as complicated and labor intensive as Karen had promised it would be: first we emptied half of it out onto a tarp, then we picked the cage up and moved it over so it we could start afresh. We then had two piles, one on the tarp and one in the original position minus the cage. After forking through it some, I realized the reason it wasn't really decomposing was probably because there were too many leaves and not enough grass. So I then mowed the front yard, bringing the clippings back bag by bag and layering them with the freshly turned compost.

After mowing the front yard and shoveling about 1/3 of the original compost back into the cage, I was exhausted. So we took a lunch break and watched a cool DVD called Mad Hot Ballroom about some New York City public schools who offer ballroom dance lessons to their fifth-grade kids who then go on to compete in a regional competition. A great inspirational documentary for anyone with kids, or anyone who spends all day teaching kids (!).

When the movie was over we went back out and Christian mowed the back yard for me while I mixed the clippings in. When the original pile was back in the cage we called it quits and left the bigger pile for tomorrow.

I was beginning to think that the agony I've been experiencing in my neck the last couple of weeks was the old stress-neck back again. But after trimming a few overhanging branches with the long-extending-handle-trimmer-thing, I'm beginning to wonder if it's not just that all this manual labor catching up with me; I can hardly turn my head.

The compost pile may have to wait...

Book review number five

2006-07-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Cat and Mouse by Gunter Grass - 189 pages

This is one of those quirky little books that's easy reading and the characters are likeable enough, but it's not quite gripping enough to keep me from day-dreaming on occasion.

Pilenz tells the story of "the great Mahlke" his best friend, as the two mature from innocent Catholic boys to young men in war-time Germany. Mahlke is an unlikely hero; scrawny, ugly even, and with a prominent adam's apple that he will go to any lengths to hide. His self-confidence gets a boost after he learns to swim (well after all of his classmates) and discovers that not only does he take to the water like a fish, but his new-found talent for speed and prolonged stints underwater brings him into high esteem in the eyes of his peers. The two boys wile away their adolescent summers and slowly watch each other evolve into fine young men. Mahlke remains the silent hero, and after returning home with his Iron Cross he takes one last dive to visit his favorite sunken minesweep, and fails to resurface. Pilenz remains faithful to the bitter end.

Wild-erness

2006-07-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

I found this blog today by accident, and I agree that it must be good to live near Arizona if this is how you wile away the hours...

http://nmherps.blogspot.com/

Here's a preview:

Makes me wanna take a trip, or move...

The mystery is solved...

2006-07-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

Pinchy has been found. Not looking quite as appetizing as when he was alive I might add. If I'd have thought that he could have hoofed it out of the kitchen, made a right turn into the living room and continued on down the hall, turning left to squeeze under the door of the closet and crawled around the back of a plastic storage container, I may have searched there in the first place and he may very well have still been nice and juicy. As it is, he's a prune: shriveled and dehydrated. I didn't take a picture of the scene of the crime because a) I wanted to preserve him in memory as he was, alive and virile, and b) the batteries ran out in my camera...

May you rest in piece in the trash-can Pinchy Senior, 2006 - 2006. You'll be sorely missed.

Footnote: I forgot to mention that the hall closet is where I keep the suitcases. That explains a lot...

My passion grows...

2006-07-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Are you feeling lucky, punk?

2006-07-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am. Here I am donning my new Blue Bayou t-shirt, which I won! That's two events in a row where my business card has been drawn from the hat : )

Christian is proudly modeling his new Rey Mysterio t-shirt which Alan purchased for him at the WWE match they attended on Sunday. I must admit I would love to have gone too, but what self-respecting mother and career girl would pass up a Bayou Buddies happy hour at RA Sushi to see a bunch of sweaty, muscular men in tight-fitting underwear?

And yes, those are my flannel maple leaf pajama bottoms in the middle of summer...

New Addition

2006-07-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Sharky. We don't have a more original name yet. Jennifer and Jason put him up for adoption; seems they are looking to scale back so Sharky and the tank were cast out. Plenty of room in the tank so look out for updates on more additions...

Toe Tale

2006-07-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have to share with ya'll how darn stupid I can sometimes be (not that you don't already know that...). Anyway, yesterday at work I went to whiz from one side of my desk to the other and somehow managed to run over my own toe. No big deal you may think, but, have you ever tried to stand up and release said toe when your whole bodyweight is upon it? I was crouched in a semi-stand, hovering inches above the seat, trying to escape the chair which just kept following me. I was trapped and it hurt. Needless to say, blood soon thereafter flowed. This is the same toe that I dropped my suitcase on in the airport and then endured a week of swollen foot, ouch. And the same toe that early last year suffered a black and tender toenail for weeks after a day of moving dirt in a pair of tennis shoes that seemed to be one-size too small. I'm surprised, and impressed, that the toenail is still there!

Long Live the Toenail!

Book review number four

2006-07-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

Shaman, by Noah Gordon - 570 pages

Well, in between searching the house for Pinchy Sr. from top to bottom, well actually bottom, coz I can't imagine he would be at the top, I managed to finish Shaman which like the first in the Noah Gordon trilogy, The Physician, I enjoyed immensely.

The story begins with eighteen year old Robert Cole, who has just returned home after his fathers death. Robert, known to most as Shaman, discovers his father's journals while going through his belongings after the funeral. His father's story takes over from there, as Shaman reads the journals we follow Rob Sr.'s journey to the States from Scotland, where he begins with a dreadful term as a doctor in the slums of Boston. When he can stand it no more he heads for the country, dreaming of living among the Indians. Always a man of great morals and principles, Rob's encounters with the mistreatment and brutal slayings of the Native Americans along with his brushes with slavery instill a determination to do the right thing, no matter what people think or what the consequences might be. We follow Rob as he finds love and establishes his home and practice as a country doctor.

Shaman, who inherited his father's strength, despite his deafness becomes the successful doctor no one ever thought he could. He continues the legacy and it's happy ever after...

Gordon's research was thorough; the Civil War, the politics of both the North versus the South and the American-born versus the immigrants, the state of the medical practice during the mid-1800's, raising a child with a disability and religious differences are all prevalent in this strong and moving story. Highly recommended.

2006-07-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

I prayed and prayed

2006-07-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

that it would be there when I got home. And it was. I knew all along that it would be...

In reference to the requested research: it was with great interest that I read all about Edward Burleson, also known as "The Old Indian Fighter" on the Handbook of Texas Online. Is it mere coincidence that just moments before googling I was engrossed in my current reading material Shaman, which describes in great detail the despicable mistreatment of the Sauk tribe in Illinois the exact time that old Burleson was massacring hundreds of "hostile Indians" and defeating the Cherokee Tribe in Tejas? I know there are two sides to every story, but the heroic Texan generals I hold so dear aren't looking quite so noble to me right this moment...

It's amazing...

2006-07-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

...what absolute old crap people will buy at a yard sale. No offense to Janis, Jennifer's mom, host of fore-mentioned yard sale, who kindly feed us delicious homemade chicken salad and provided a comfortable bed for the night so I could place first dibs on her "moving sale" goodies.

Jennifer, Noelie, Christian and I set out Friday afternoon for Orange. When we arrived Janis had already laid out the wares and we got prime pickin's. She was the first to admit there was a lot of junk for sale, but the next day we were highly entertained by swarms of life-long Orange inhabitants who had the most hilarious and fascinating tales to tell and devoured her cast-offs as if they were priceless antiques. Much money was made, a huge surprise to us all, and only a few boxes of tut were left over for GoodWill.

We ventured out the evening before to strategically place the obligatory "Yard Sale" signs, and witnessed evidence of Rita's wrath: Abandoned homes in disrepair and trees still uprooted and uncleared everywhere. Very sad.

Aquatic update

2006-07-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Pinchy acting as guinea-pig. We bought some floating food sticks designed for newts, etc, they were supposed to be for the tadpoles, but they have all since been devoured (the tadpoles that is). He seems to like the food. But when he gets really hungry he just sheds his own skin and eats it (below). Yum.

Spring Break flashback

2006-07-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Driving past Anahuac reminded me of earlier in the year when Christian and I took an unforgettable trip up the Trinity River... I promised Jennifer I would post the pictures as I hadn't included them before

Good luck STS-121 Discovery!

2006-07-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

Astronauts Michael E. Fossum, Thomas Reiter, Mark E. Kelly, Steven W. Lindsey, Stephanie D. Wilson, Lisa M. Nowak and Piers J. Sellers. Due home July 17th after a successful launch today.

Went out with a bang

2006-07-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

The long weekend was uneventful yet productive. Aside from Saturday evening, which I spent at Mi Luna (very nice, must do it again soon), I have remained a relative hermit for four days. There were trips to various necessary stores though, the video store several times, and there was a trip to Wal-Fart, sorry, it had to be done, I desperately needed a car charger and every where else was out of the model I needed.

My to-do list was drastically slashed I'm pleased to report. Here's the progress:
1) I finished the trim in the living room. I'm really pleased but I'm puzzled as to why the local authorities organized a fireworks display in my honor. It's not that much of a big deal!
2) I did vacuum the inside of my car. Well, okay, Jiffy Lube vacuumed the inside of my car. And it's still raining cats and dogs so I think that gives me a literal rain-check on washing the exterior.
3) I got the oil changed. I feel much better as I'm sure does my car.
4) I didn't get around to trimming the front yard. Rain-check again, understandable.
5) I did repot my plants. And picked up a couple of fillers for the big tub by the back door. It looks nice.
6) I didn't get to replant the front yard. That my take some time as it's a big time commitment.
7) I sorted through the closets but only came up with half a dozen items for the consignment store. I also found 16 books that need to be dropped off at 1/2 Price Books. Next weekend.
8) I got my haircut. You can't really tell though. Chris and I agreed we like the length so a slight trim was all that was needed. Shame they don't trim anything off the price.
9) I haven't spent much time on the computer. This is it actually, so I haven't researched potential State Governors.
10) Ditto number 9 for Vernon Robinson. But I did finish Lincoln: The Untold so I feel I got the political dose required for my four days.
11) Book reviews. See below as promised...

Book reviews one, two, and three

2006-07-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

A Trip to the Stars by Nicholas Christopher - 499 pages
The second reading was as good as the first, slightly more rewarding in fact. The story follows the two main characters, Mala and Enzo, and their separation and eventual reunification. Nicholas Christopher amazes me by the intricacies of the many sophisticated topics entwined into their stories. The amount of research involved is as impressive as the way the subjects naturally fall within the storyline. From arachnology to the philosophy of Plato, this book opens up numerous topics to readers that they may not otherwise be familiar with, but does so in a way that makes you want to know more, as they seem to fit so naturally into the whole picture. A Trip to the Stars is a true adventure that deals with lose, love, death, obsessions, magic, relationships, awareness and finding yourself; it holds a true inspirational message. I've passed it on to more than a dozen people, male and female. They have all enjoyed it, many have said the same as me, that it's the most enjoyable book they've ever read.

Voodoo River by Robert Crais - 383 pages
Ah, Robert Crais. You can just zip through the pages, in fact if I wanted to read 10 books for Kat's Book Club I could just read all the Robert Crais I own, but that wouldn't be fair... Robert's number one character, Elvis Cole, sets out for Louisiana to look for the adoptive parent's of TV star Jodie Taylor. Things aren't as simple as they seem, when folks start getting bumped off and Elvis realizes that Ms. Taylor knows more than she's letting on. When he finds out he was set-up, Elvis don't just get mad, he gets even. With the help of his silent-but-deadly partner, Joe Pike, Elvis gets the girl, and the bad guy. Nothing new, but it never gets old...

Lincoln: the Untold by Dale Carnegie - 253 pages
I knew that Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation, and I knew he suffered from depression his whole career. But reading a biography of someone who achieved so much in such a relatively short time opens your eyes to everything possible to man. Not only did Lincoln suffer from sever depression for almost half of his life, but he overcame defeat after defeat and failure after failure and never gave up, he always endured, because he believed that what he was trying to do was right, not that he would succeed. Lincoln was not a great leader, he lost the respect of many of his Generals and politicians who worked around him, but he could see the light, he knew he must plow on, regardless of what people thought of him. His persistence and foresight won out, and only after his death did the people truly realize what he had done for his country. If history is told correctly, not only Lincoln, but his wife, Mary Todd, and his mother-in-law, all foresaw his tragic end; Lincoln knew he would not make it to see out his second term, but as always, he plodded on, because he had to. Great reading. Carnegie brings it to life; he carried me back in time.

NOBELITY

2006-06-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

I'd wanted to see this movie since I first heard about it back in March. After confirming with someone who'd seen it that it was suitable viewing for kids, Christian and I headed out tonight to be inspired.

Filmmaker, Turk Pipkin, was present to introduce the movie and for Q&A at the end. Quite a guy, quite an honor, quite an experience. For anyone who has kids, or for anyone who cares about how we leave this world for the next generation, this film is packed with warnings but also inspiration and optimism from eight Nobel Prize winners:
* the late Rick Smalley - Energy. Rice Professor; Nobel Prize in Chemistry; developer of nano technology, an alternative energy; visionary of seas of nuclear panels throughout many of the world's deserts
* Harold Varmus - Disease. Nobel Prize for Medicine; developer of cancer fighting technology
* Jody Williams - War/Peace. Nobel Peace Prize; founder of the ICBL International Campaign to Ban Landmines
* Ahmed Zewail - Religion/Peace. Nobel Prize for Chemistry; self professed Egyptian, Middle Easterner, Mediterranean, European, African, American, with no internal identity crisis
* Wangari Maathai - Poverty. Nobel Peace Prize; initiated the Green Belt Movement in Africa
* the late Sir Joseph Rotblat - Peace. Nobel Peace Prize; one of the original developers of the nuclear bomb, and the longest surviving member of the original signatories of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto, an anti-nuclear policy
* Amartya Sen - Poverty. Nobel Prize for Economics
* Desmond Tutu - Peace. Nobel Prize for Peace; idealist

The credits rolled to Willy Nelson's rendition of Rainbow Connection, which was the perfect conclusion

Eye wear

2006-06-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here I am proudly adorning my new visual protection: eye certainly appreciate it, but where are the mouth piece and oxygen tank? Also note the t-shirt. I won! I won! My business card was pulled at the movie screening and I won a cool KPFT t-shirt. Jealous?

So, you may see me wearing the PEACE t-shirt, I mean, come on, we all want peace in the world, of course. But, FACT: it was recently established that I am a realist. I think I only just realized this (can you be a realist if you don't realize you are one?), and no matter how many times I hear the anti-war argument, how many times Sir Baltog tells me that if only "the top-five" would set an example and get rid of their nuclear weapons the world would be a safer place, I just don't get it. And yes, Archbishop Tutu, the world would be a better place if we all just loved each other, and you're right, God loves us all, black, white, gay, straight, Christian or Muslim, and so we should just build some bridges and all get along. Well, try telling that to ABL. See if he's willing to get out his little nails and hammer. See if North Korea or Pakistan will be influenced when they hold all the cards. It's that simple is it? Apparently, if you're an idealist...

2006-06-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

If you need to laugh I would recommend watching Failure to Launch. The bird-resuscitation scene is hilarious.

HMNS

2006-06-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Florescent Frumpy Frog; I don't think that's its official name, but it gives you the general idea

Christian looking slightly more cheerful than Frumpy Frog and oh so proud of his new friend, alas, it was a short-lived relationship

Oh, what to do

2006-06-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

For some reason I'm compelled to blog today. I think it might have something to do with the pent-up frustrations of an unproductive day at work. First thing this morning it was announced that Monday, being the 3rd, would be given as a bonus day off in addition to the 4th. Can you imagine? No strings attached... You would think I would be whooping and cheering, but all I could think was what the heck am I going to do for four days straight? Lauren is in England, Christian will be with his dad, or so I assumed (I should have learned by now never to assume anything), I don't have any plans worthy of fireworks or grilled hotdogs, so what to do? Hmm. Flashbacks of my highly successful trip to D.C. danced in front of my eyes. Due to the generosity of Hotel Anica, I calculate the whole four days cost me not much more than $300. Could I manage a repeat performance? After spending most of the day jumping from google to travelocity and everywhere in between, I determined that a) all the "great deals" for flight/hotel packages are really just hooks to suck you further into the website, and b) the cool b&b's and dude ranches are all booked up for the weekend. So, after the internet burst my bubble and then I found out that Christian may very well be back on Sunday, I am issuing this to-do list with the promise that I will try my hardest to do everything on it over my four-day weekend:

1) finish painting the trim in the living room (painter's tape has been up since Christmas day, that's how long I've been meaning to get around to it...)
2) clean the inside and outside of my car (not so hard)
3) get said car long overdue oil change (hope they're open over the holidays)
4) edge front yard (I have to do this with my eyes closed as I can't find an appropriate pair of safety glasses - ouch)
5) find some cheap, but classy looking, large tubs to repot my passion flower and mystery plant which are rapidly outgrowing their containers
6) budget allowing, remove that stubby ever-green shrub in my front yard, weed, buy and install weed-eliminating fabric, and plant some kind of native grasses (this is mighty adventurous and I can't promise to actually do it, so maybe we should just pretend it's not on the list...)
7) sort through closets and find all the clothes that are still in good condition but I won't wear again and take them to the consignment store (I'm sure there is a small fortune to be made from this endeavor so it's worth the effort)
8) if I make the small fortune from said endeavor, I shall see if Chris is available to chop off my hair (it's almost as overdue as the oil-change)
9) spend some time researching State Governor candidates as I don't have a clue and November will be here before we know it
10) spend some more time researching Vernon Robinson, who is running for Congress in North Carolina; why do I care? Because one day I hope to see him running for the position of our first African American president. Two words: Personal Responsibility
11) post reviews on the blog for A Trip to the Stars (which I actually saw on the shelf at Barnes and Noble last week!) and Voodoo River (scroll all the way down from this link to see Robert Crais' own blog comments: cool!): After signing up for Kat-with-a-K's summer book club, I need to abide by the rules. Which also means finishing Lincoln: the Untold and starting Shaman

I feel cleansed. Thank you.

The big flood of June 19th 2006 - It'll go down in history

2006-06-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

My back yard flooded; what's new? 6" around the side of the hot tub.

The Barker Cypress reservoir was high; the flood gates were closed and the bayou looked thankful. You can usually walk across this park.

It's not a secret anymore...

2006-06-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

Over 10,000 Houstonians (and a few non-natives, I'm sure) turned out for the opening of the Sabine to Bagby Promenade.

Fireworks bloomed as the blue lights were officially turned on for the first time. The lights, designed by artist Stephen Korns and international lighting firm L'Observatoire, are a permanent installation that will coordinate color changes with the phases of the moon.

Food and drink was aplenty (even if the lines were long, eh hum), music played, men on stilts, well, walked on stilts, and fire-eaters ate, erm, fire...

The floating cinema played some strange artsy movies, and even the downtown workers got in on the fun (picture workaholic lawyer on 18th floor at desk w/flashlight).

Thanks to Anne and the crew at BBP for all their hard work! The secret's out, but that's okay. There are other places...

Industrious Clock

2006-06-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is cool. Freaky but cool.

http://yugop.com/ver3/stuff/03/fla.html

Is it dangerous to enhale helium?

2006-06-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

I like this article. I'd once heard that inhaling helium will tighten, therefore shorten, your vocal cords which could then cause them to snap. That's why I'd always cringe when watching someone do it; but now I know that's not true. Enjoy!

http://www.slate.com/id/2143631/?GT1=8295

Wednesday; time to go home...

2006-06-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

We got out of the apartment early to catch one last breakfast at The Diner: oatmeal, fruit cup and chamomile tea for me, the best oatmeal in town...

Had to capture a couple of 18th St. images before leaving including the famous Madam's Organ Bar and a local hookah store...

After seeing the Cathedral from a distance for the last four nights we thought it was time for a more intimate visit. According to our tour guide, Keith, The Washington National Cathedral is one of the 5 largest Cathedrals in the world. He pointed out the many intended imperfections in the Gothic architectural design; the purpose being that only God can achieve perfection and to acquire perfect symmetry in design would be to imply that the designer were as perfect as God himself.

The stained glass window on the left was designed to represent man's orbit in space and landing on the moon. The small circle in the center of the upper red sphere is an actual embedded piece of moon rock; the only piece in the country not housed in a government building under lock-and-key.

After the Cathedral we headed to the airport, stopping off on the way at the Arboretum to visit the collections that were closed on Monday.

The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum contained not only some beautiful bonsai, but also these Chinese Scholar Rocks which were most interesting...

Allow me to indulge...

2006-06-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Various Moore sightings around the District. I apologize in advance to anyone not interested...

Knife Edge Mirror Two Piece, 1976-1978

Two-Piece Reclining Figure: Points, 1969-1970

Three-Piece Reclining Figure No. 2: Bridge Prop, 1963

Seated Woman, 1956-1957

Draped Reclining Figure, 1952-1953

King and Queen, 1952-1953. And before you ask, yes, it's condensation!

Working Model for "Three-Way Piece No. 3: Vertebrae", 1968

Carving, 1935

Interior-Exterior Reclining Figure, 1951

Tuesday...

2006-06-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

I started the day by taking two wrong connections on the METRO on my way to Arlington. No big deal, I managed to work out where I had gone wrong and felt all the more confident that I now understood the system...

The sign above asks you to show dignity and respect while in the cemetery. Unfortunately many of the visitors seemed to have overlooked this request. It was, however, the only place in DC to find a quiet corner to reflect and give personal thanks to all those who lay at rest.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

More than 300,000 people, including over 3,800 former slaves, are buried within the 200-acres of grounds at Arlington National Cemetery. Funerals average at 28 per day. Space is estimated to run out in 2030.

The grave site of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis burns an eternal flame.

A few METRO stops later, the US Botanic Gardens with the Capitol in the background

Garden Primeval, a reconstructed Jurassic landscape and examples of the world deserts

This reminded me of Whoopie Goldberg for some reason. And these orchids reminded me of my bud, Kathy...

The outside of the National Museum of the American Indian is as fascinating as the inside. Some of the traditional Native features include: Grandfather rocks; Cardinal Direction Markers; 150 species of indigenous plants; 25 native tree species; wild rice and marsh marigolds; black-eyed Susan and sunflowers; crops of corn, beans, squash and tobacco.

Examples of Native canoes.

The Hirshhorn Musuem and Sculpture Garden which included many Moore's (see posting above), and several Alexander Calder's including The Horse, above, a cousin of The Crab in the Cullen Sculpture Garden in Houston and several mobiles like the great one recently admired by moi et mon ami in the Menil. Check out the cool floor by Jim Lambie.

Lauren's favorite, Roy Lichtenstein

On the trek to Georgetown we stopped by to perch on Einstein's lap. The 21-foot, 7,000 pound bronze statue by Robert Berks sits overlooking a celestial map that depicts the heavens as they were the day the statue was unveiled on 4/22/79, which just happened to be Earth Day.

Before our foot-tour of Georgetown we stopped at the Kennedy Center to enjoy the amazing Matt Savage Trio (below), led by 14-year old Matt Savage who not only plays the heck out of the piano but writes all of the material the jazz band perform.

The scandalous Watergate Building.

View of the Potomac looking towards Georgetown from JFK Center and the Georgetown Waterfront.

We finished off our day with a walk around quaint Georgetown and a leisurely stroll home...

Monday

2006-06-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Today I ventured out on my own while Anica went into work for the morning. I decided on the zoo, just a short walk away...

Time out! Both of you!

"I'm dreaming of an island, far, far away..."

Construction of the new Asian area to permanently house "Butterstick" aka Tai Shan.

We met for lunch then hunted down the car and drove out to the Aquatic Gardens which were created by Walter B. Shaw, a one-armed Civil War Veteran with a passion for water lilies. It's said that with the help of his daughter, Shaw dug over 45 ponds by hand. It's quite an amazing sight.

Next on the list was the National Arboretum. Some of the facilities were closed but we made the most of the Capital Columns; 22 columns that once stood around the Capital Building...

...and the National Herb Garden and the Asian Collections

When we got home, hungry and exhausted we decided to venture down Columbia and stopped off at Mantis where we were treated to a one-of-a-kind personal freak show! Above, see Anica doing her best Nutty Professor impersonation while Adam and Joe, our biometrics teachers, demonstrate...

We managed to escape unscathed and made a hasty retreat to a restaurant on Connecticut which I don't remember the name of (don't read too much into that...), maybe it was Cosi's? Anica?

Sunday continued...

2006-06-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Anica's apartment; there's even room to swing a cat. Juno!

A room with a view. In the distance you can see the National Cathedral. At night it stays lit until 1:00 a.m.

After visiting the WWII Memorial (see previous post), we walked past the 58,226 names of vets killed in Vietnam inscribed into the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.

Then after visiting the Lincoln Memorial we made our way along the Mall to the Korean War Veteran's Memorial which is represented by 19 service men clad in weather-proof ponchos.

From there we headed out to make a round of the Basin. A couple of months ago it would have been awash with color from the blooming cherry trees, but it was still beautiful and tranquil and gave us a great view of the Jefferson Memorial which we stopped into after hiking through the Roosevelt Memorial (see previous post).

After this long trek we were craving a big, bad burger. So we decided to head back up 14th towards the Washington Hotel to dine on their rooftop terrace. We passed the Holocaust Memorial Museum on the way and regrettably didn't stop, but did get a shot of Joel Shapiro's sculpture, Loss and Regeneration. Joel has an untitled "guy" in the MFAH's Sculpture Garden.

Walking back from the Mall tour, we stopped off at the National Geographic Society HQ, unfortunately the building was closed but I got these shots of the courtyard...

Including this 1984 environmental sculpture, Marabar, by Elyn Zimmerman. Hmm, I wonder if she's any relation to Robert...

These whimsical life-size animals are dotted around the courtyard.

We made a slight detour to check out Meridian Hill Park, aka Malcolm X Park. There is a beautiful fountain that flows down the tiers shown above, but like a lot of water features in DC, this one was also not running during my visit. This park was extremely active; it's surrounded by housing which encourages gatherings like the impromptu drum jam that was going on as we walked through.

These Zipcars are located around the city for anyone to rent for about $9 per hour. The concept was born in 1999, inspired by a similar idea found in Germany. The hourly rate includes rental, insurance and gas. For a city that is short on parking, this is a great alternative to living with the hassles of car-ownership.

The arrival, Saturday

2006-06-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Row 22. Seat A. Just behind the wing, the way I like it...
Nothing like getting up at 5:30 a.m., having to wait 2-hours for a delayed train upon arrival then dashing off to a party! We started this trip as we meant to go on. How are your feet, Anica?

The rooftop view from Anica's boyfriend, John's apartment on Adams Mill. This was pre-party guests. Anica's apartment is just a stone's throw away, above the "m" in from.

Anica's handy-dandy purse which carried speakers and tequila. The party wouldn't have been complete without. When we left John's place in the wee hours I was worried about walking home, but to my surprise Adams Morgan was buzzing. I felt very safe, in fact the entire trip I felt extremely safe, even on the subway...

Sunday in DC

2006-06-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

The tradesman's entrance to the White House

View from the Sky Terrace at the Washington Hotel. Protestors could be seen and heard in the street below which runs alongside the White House.

Anica cooling off at the Roosevelt Memorial.

I'm so glad I got to see this tribute to our armed forces; it meant so much...

Lincoln's view of the reflection pool and the Washington Monument.

The great man himself.

Anica reading up on the Real WWII Memorial.

One source of public transportation. My prefered method was by foot.

Inside the Ford Theater, looking towards the box where Abe sat, April 14, 1864, the night he was shot by Booth. There is a great museum in the basement.

Walking down 18th

Dupont Circle METRO Station - they all look the same but ain't they cool?

Following the Heritage Trails which lead you on walking tours of the various neighborhoods or quadrants of D.C.

Investing my Time

2006-06-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

My day has consisted of two things: one that I enjoyed but it ended all too soon, and one that I didn't enjoy while it lasted by continued nevertheless when I got home. Here's the first:

Today I experienced my first Rotary Club luncheon. Rotary Club, I hear you wonder, Isn't that for good-ol'-boys? Well, yes. But let me explain: For openers we bowed our heads in prayer, which, while I don't claim to religiously speak to the Lord (sorry, faith-based joke), I do appreciate the value of prayer in our society; this was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which being a naturalized citizen of this great country (Texas), I relish reciting at any opportunity; after the Pledge the room burst into song, God Bless America was the ditty accompanied by Mrs. Fenninger on piano, which nicely summed everything up. This preface was all a nice bonus to the real reason I was there, Mark Alan Robinson, aka the guy who recently had the green wedding...

Mark's presentation reaffirmed my commitment towards sustainablity and environmentally-conscious decisions. He greeted a mixed audience of eco-eager guests and skeptical regulars some of who seemed to wonder, "if the guy only uses 2-gallons of water each month, what does he do about his lawn?" I think some missed the point...

Of the numerous ways to cut foreign fuel dependence, one of Mark's suggestions was to turn up your thermostat by 3-degrees during the summer. I had to smile at this one, since December my air conditioner has clicked on maybe a dozen times. It's currently set at 80. I don't think I could improve much in that department if I tried...

So that was my fun for the day, and now I should be packing for my rapidly-approaching trip, but after sitting at the computer for the other 7 hours of my work day, I just couldn't resist getting straight back in the chair to do a little research as soon as I got home. No, I wasn't researching green hotels, recommended restaurants, or biodegradable plastics. I was actually exploring my mutual funds to see if I possess any socially responsible investments. To my shock and horror, I find the exact opposite (actually it was more or less as I expected, that's what you get with standard 401k funding options). It appears my worse nightmare has come true, I own a part (albeit tiny) of WALMART (I know more than one of you will not approve). Fortunately I make up for it in other areas; 0.17% of my S&P 500 fund is in Waste Management WMI, 2.99% is in General Electric GE and 0.08% is in Whole Foods WFMI. It's my intention to move more into these areas while moving away from the Johnson & Johnson and Proctor & Gambles of this world. What I really need is to invest in lunch with my financial advisor... Oh, and if anyone can find the symbol for Green Mountain Energy (not the Vermont Co. or the coffee producer) please let me know, I'm stumped...

So, here I am, ready to move on to something different. I'm giving an hour of my time to A Trip to the Stars. Something much more profitable.

My Visitors

2006-06-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

Amy & Buffy

Hip Hip Hooray! Noelie's One Today! Well, Thursday, but who's counting?

2006-05-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

Articles

2006-05-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

I'm running on fumes these past few days. With only a hand full of hours of sleep here I am again, surfing the web, taking advantage of a restless mind, trying to absorb as much as possible while I have the opportunity. I wanted to share the links below with anyone interested (I apologize in advance for being such an obvious Jane Jacobs groupie)... Scroll down to see some fantastic pics of Levy Park in all its glory!

DenverPost.com - Corn ethanol not all that

2006-05-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

DenverPost.com - Corn ethanol not all that

See, here's another negative ethanol article.

WHAT I SAY: Jane Jacobs is Dead; Long Live Jane Jacobs

2006-05-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

WHAT I SAY: Jane Jacobs is Dead; Long Live Jane Jacobs

JS Online:Jacobs championed urban designs that worked for residents

2006-05-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

JS Online:Jacobs championed urban designs that worked for residents

OpinionJournal - Leisure & Arts

2006-05-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

OpinionJournal - Leisure & Arts

Article: What Jane Jacobs Really Saw - Today's urban planners falsely claim her legacy.

Reason: Peak Oil Panic: Is the planet running out of gas? If it is, what should the Bush administration do about it? by Ronald Bailey

2006-05-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Reason: Peak Oil Panic: Is the planet running out of gas? If it is, what should the Bush administration do about it? by Ronald Bailey

Life is Beautiful

2006-05-26T11:05:00.000-07:00