It pays to go to the State Fair

[But only if you’re smart enough to take your wife (and not eat tooo much of the food)]!

My BBL and I managed to squeeze in about 7 hours at the Great State Fair of Texas a few days before it ended for the purposes of:
 Enjoying an absolutely beautiful outdoor October afternoon, and
 Ride the huge Texas Star Ferris Wheel, and of course
 Savor our 2010 Fletcher’s Corny Dog, and
 Sample one of the newest confectionary Fair concoctions – fried Oreo cookies!
I’m happy to report we accomplished all of these objectives (and we are still alive). Unexpectedly, we also thoroughly enjoyed a couple of other experiences, namely:
 Discovery Gardens and the Butterfly House (we must be getting old), and
 The Russian Bar Troupe (three talented folks from Quebec–go figure).

However, our most favorable unexpected experience was when we visited an unusual booth in the Texas Food Pavilion (after sampling some Nolan Ryan’s sausage). It was displaying signs proclaiming “Your Father was wrong – money does grow on trees” and “Texas’ Best Cash Crop.” Because there was a non-existent crowd around this booth, I sauntered up and inquired about its purpose. The lone worker somewhat boringly explained that Texas has a great amount of unclaimed property which they would willingly return to its rightful owner, pending due process of proper ID, claim, etc.
Intrigued, I asked him to enter my name (18 letters + a space) into his laptop. Nada. I asked him to do it again, since his attitude and the number of keystrokes could easily have produced an error. Zilch. I had struck out.
Enter my BBL (who had been off on her own sampling a quesadilla). She quickly grasped the concept and asked the worker if he could just search by surname. While I suspect she was really trying to see if her or our kids’ names popped up, I struck pay dirt. First initial, middle initial, surname = $75 (a rebate from a computer accessories firm that probably dated back a dozen years or so).
We figure our net gain will be about $10 after deducting parking, admission, food, drink, rides, etc. After factoring in gas, tolls and inflation, it might even be breakeven – but good fortune nonetheless, thanks to my BBL. But a coronary from the corny dogs or the Oreo’s would definitely wipe out any benefit! Live and learn: my tactic for the next visit is to eat healthier and go for the fried chef’s salad with dressing on the side!
And, of course, I will check out the Texas’ Best Cash Crop booth again.

Magic Out Of Thin Air (Again)

I’m young enough not to have known this world without AM radio --- and old enough to remember discovering the existence of FM radio. I don’t exactly remember when it happened, but when that wonderful development that amplified the FM experience (FM STEREO radio) I coveted it immediately. I think I bought a different car just to enjoy that one feature.

I am now ancient enough to know some people who have never listened to any station broadcasting on the AM “dial”—and with good reason. The last time I was there was to listen to a sporting event on KRLD (1080), an event that surely ended badly at the time (according to their website they started broadcasting on Halloween Day in 1926 which somehow seems appropriate). I suppose there are also some youngsters I know who aren’t at all familiar with FM radio either (which is to say radio period).

I bring all this up because I recently acquired a Microsoft Zune – a portable everything device similar to the fruity i-Touch – but with the all important distinction of having a FM radio, which is the sole reason I bought it. At my advanced age, I don’t get delighted easily, but the Zune did it. It brought me back to me the wonder of FM and FM Stereo . . . with its HD FM receivership capabilities.

It seems in the recent past, some FM stations have quietly added HD multi-casts to their assigned bandwidth. Who knew? Surprise! HD radio (which does NOT stand for High Definition like you’d think it would) simply performs like it is High Definition radio. A single station can broadcast up to 7 different programs digitally with absolutely clear (no static) reception (although I haven’t found one yet with more than 3). Plus it can tell you the artist, song etc.) currently playing. I was transported back to the magic of going through a tunnel with no loss of the FM radio signal while different sounds were coming out of the left and right speakers.

The cost of this magic? Zero. NaDa. Free. Just like before. Take that satellite radio!

Beyond the benefits of crystal clear reception, the other benefit seems to be (with stations broadcasting on their 2nd or 3rd HD program) an almost complete lack of advertising. It’s almost like listening to a CD.

Why has this been under the (my) radar? I suggest perhaps poor marketing, at least to my age group. I offer the idea that they adopt a theme along the lines: “Let us create your ‘playlist’ for you.” Might even catch on with the younger crowd.

On August 24th--

10,957 days ago, a baby girl joined our family. And we were blessed.

52 days ago, she symbolically left us to adopt a different last name and officially start a new branch of our family. And she was blessed, just as my BBL and I were blessed in our own right only 13,478 days ago – and every day since.

When birthdays or anniversaries come around, it is only natural we tend to score their accumulation. But the real measure of success and/or just plain good fortune is the quality of the accumulation, not just the quantity.

When my favorite daughter “left us” via her wedding (the afore mentioned 52 days ago), I declined my opportunity to offer a toast, but only due to practical reasons. The ceremony ran long, the reception was rapidly accelerating toward its end, and the best man and maid of honor had the occasion fully covered. But I offer this sentiment now in lieu of doing it then:

As we all know, the weather was a bit threatening on your wedding day, but co-operated during all the “strategic” times when we had to be outdoors. It occurred to me then that we didn’t know if the weather was due to the end of Hurricane Alex or perhaps the beginning of Hurricane Baker (your new surname). Hopefully not the latter! But as you face your future, there is no doubt you two will encounter some rain – be it in a physical state that threatens to spoil a pretty day, or in a mental state that threatens to spoil contentment and happiness. To paraphrase a prayer I learned as a child, I offer you this thought whenever it may be appropriate to consider – and it certainly wouldn’t hurt to consider it daily:

“Lord, we await the day when your Kingdom will come. Until then, may the rain [reign] of Your Divine Truth, Life and Love nurture us individually and help us grow together as husband and wife. We ask You to help us repel the sins of this world and that Thy Word continually enrich the affections we have toward each other -- and that we have toward all mankind.” Frankly, so far I think it’s worked fairly well to maintain my perspective.

Happy birthday, baby. Here is your entire wedding reduced to a 14 minute video.

Thankfully It Wasn’t Posthumous

A couple of weeks ago, my BBL and I managed to escape the blast furnace we call Summer in Texas by climbing aboard a jet bound for the Pacific Northwest. We arrived to a positively refrigerated Seattle climate and, through no planning on our part, just in time to experience the opening of Seafair and its Torchlight Parade. However, apparently 75,000 other people did plan to be there which created a crowded downtown experience that was very close and way too personal for us. We decided to go camp in our Arctic Club hotel room and watch the parade on TV along with some local Pinot Noir.

The next day we escaped the Seattle crowds by climbing aboard the Victoria Clipper IV bound for (you guessed it) Victoria, BC Canada. The day didn’t start off all that promising – downright cold and overcast – but things started to brighten up as we pulled into our foreign harbor (sorry, harbour). We were immediately surprised to see the amount of seaplane activity in the port. We boarded a pre-arranged tour bus and were whisked off to the incredible Butchart Gardens only about 12 km away. This is the most fantastic reclamation project I’ve ever seen! The place exists because the Butchart family mined limestone/cement and the naturally ugly quarry it left behind was transformed into a thing of unparalleled beauty. The Gardens now take in more revenue than could ever have been imagined when the mining project began.

We were deposited back in Victoria with a few hours to spend before the Clipper departed. Again, without any advance planning, we arrived in the nick of time to witness the beginning of their outdoor Symphony Spash Festival. Lots of people to rub elbows with but it hardly registered on our Seattle “hassle” scale. Our return cruise was faster due to now perfect weather conditions and we were treated to a marvelous sunset off the stern which seemed to underscore our good fortune to have experienced someplace truly different and wonderful. We’d go back in a heartbeat, particularly if we can find someone to pay the freight.

Our next day in Seattle was all touristy. The “hop on -- hop off” bus tour moved us around the city to visit the Space Needle, the city mall area, Pike market, original Starbucks store, stadiums, waterfront, Pioneer Square and the sundry stores in these different areas. Two establishments stand out in our memory: the Chocolate Market (which had only been open a week and who were so happy to see us—or anyone—come in that they gave us several free samples and even took our Canadian coins when we made our purchase) and the KuKuRuZa “gourmet” popcorn shop (I heartily endorse the jalapeno cheddar option).
Leaving Seattle provided another first for us – a trip on Amtrak using business class service. Our destination was Vancouver, WA, a 3 hour trip but destined to be 4+ (due to track work and a dispatcher in Ft. Worth accused of being on a smoke break). Not a problem due to the scenery, first class seating, power outlets for the computer, free drink/food coupons, free movie and the freedom to move around. We were met in Vancouver by a longtime friend and resident who delivered us to our downtown Portland hotel after treating us to dinner at the Blue Hour restaurant where we feasted on the sea bass spaghetti entrée, the first of many delightful dining experiences in Portland.

In truth, Portland was our ultimate destination for this trip and the place where I had to go to “work.” I had been given an assignment to represent my employer at the summer conference of the Association of Independent Printing Paper Merchants, an assignment that has occurred as often as twice a year for the past 6 years. Attending this group’s meetings has always been a highlight for my BBL and me, but I cannot describe the surprise and shock I felt when the Executive Director announced me as the recipient of their “Career Leadership Award” named after their founder, Peyton Shaner. I left my camera with my BBL, stumbled forward to accept the honor, and mumbled a few words of appreciation all of which probably left the majority of the audience wondering about the selection process!

I have never been particularly good at impromptu speaking (and I know plenty of folks who would say “his public speaking in general”). Being caught flat-footed certainly didn’t make it any better. So my inevitable post-mortem evaluation of my acceptance comments leads me to wish I would have been astute enough to address:
- The kind/humorous comments of Joe and Noel, the award co-presenters and long-term customers;

- The selection process may have confused the terms "leadership" and "longevity";
- A plug for my company whose values have allowed actions in the field worthy of this recognition for one of its individuals – and not just once, but twice – and I know how much the recognition also meant to the other recipient;
- That both my VP and new Director of Sales were present in the room and equally surprised (I think) -- and that Jim’s presence represents my employer's new emphasis on the Association's segment of distribution;
- Most of all to recognize my “secret selling weapon” and soul-mate, my BBL, who has not only totally supported me during my career, but has made genuine friendships in her own right among many in the Association; and
- My gratitude they did not wait to perhaps present this award posthumously (as they did with their founder). Thank you!

Pictures of Victoria
Pictures of Seattle
Pictures of Portland

The Milestones Just Keep On Comin'

First, today is Memorial Day. In my humble opinion, we need to thank all those who have served our country, particularly the fallen. Their sacrifices have allowed us to experience all of our daily tribulations and trials under the blanket/blessing of freedom.

Since my last post, the seasons have morphed from Winter, through Spring (in just a blink of a pansy or two), and we now sit perched on the edge of Summer (high was 97 again today). It’s almost getting warm enough for an Al Gore sighting!

It would have been busy enough for me just watching the weather change and our pond water evaporate, but life and its relentless need to change has offered some additional seasoning of its own – salt and pepper, sweet and sour -- in the past couple of months.

My favorite daughter was asked by her favorite guy to marry him. Guess what she said? The wedding is planned for July 3rd when they will formally acknowledge the end of their individual independence. Being the day before Independence Day, something in me finds that ironic, yet appropriate. That day will also be the second anniversary of the beginning of their courtship.

As if a wedding isn’t enough to plan by itself, there has been a near frantic drive to stabilize/remodel/redecorate/landscape their future residence (see earlier post). That sucking sound you hear is the house gobbling more resources – mostly time, energy and money. The latest news is the air conditioning system needs to be replaced! But even though significant progress can be seen, the suspense continues to build whether or not it will be ready in time. As my daughter observes, “EVERYTHING TAKES LONGER THAN IT SHOULD.”

Frankly, if all of this wasn’t happening, I probably would have been more affected by the passing of my last maternal aunt in early April. Although I never put it in this perspective before, upon going through her papers I realized she was barely 20 years old when I was born. My most vivid memories of her probably date back to when I was 8 or 9. I was in awe of her beauty, vitality, and sense of “being with it.” And it didn’t hurt that she also gave me the best wrapped birthday and Christmas presents! She would regale me with stories about being a single girl working for DuPont in downtown Chicago, fending off unwanted advances from men she came in contact with. My memory doesn’t have to be too sharp here, because she repeated this story during my last (almost) weekly phone call.

Although I lost Aunt B in Lakeland, Florida, I am fortunate to say I transitioned an acquaintance there to full-fledged friendship status as a direct consequence of this sad event. If you would ever doubt angels exist, I could offer proof by introducing you to Mrs. G, who had been a local ray of sunshine to my Aunt B for years, and now she has taken on that role with me. Combing through 30 years of another’s residence is not my idea of fun, but having someone to share emotional support, advice, a sense of teamwork, run countless errands (and provide meals too) was/is priceless.

Just as each of these events could be an individual post, there was also the trip/escape to Phoenix/Sedona; the ride on the Grapevine (Texas) Wine and Jazz train; my favorite son advancing to the wise young age of 32; and my other angel (BBL’s) completion of her xxth trip around the sun tomorrow. Which also is the same day I celebrate(??) my 40th year of association with the best little paper company on the planet. Whew!

The Weirdest Super Bowl Wager?

When I saw this I knew the Saints would be the more motivated “artsy-fartsy” team! Or maybe it was this musical tribute to the “Bayou Beasts” that did the trick?

Congratulations to the long suffering Crescent City.

Indy vs. New Orleans respective Museums of Arts’ wager:

From IMA's Anderson: "Deal -- Claude for Turner. Two masters in spirited competition across the channel, and between our fair cities. Go Colts!"

And in polite, collegial reply, NOMA's Bullard: "Max is a gracious opponent. Thanks for accepting the wager of a Claude from New Orleans for a Turner from Indianapolis. But this is definitely the Saints year. They are the Dream Team and in New Orleans we know that dreams come true. Geaux Saints!!!"
http://www.artknowledgenews.com/2010-02-04-01-18-21-museum-directors-bet-masterpieces-in-2010-super-bowl-wager.html

Becoming a (Federal) Good Neighbor

On February 5th at approximately 2 pm, my favorite daughter officially became a homeowner, joining the fraternity (sorority?) of citizens who are expected to be responsible enough to pay real estate taxes. In retrospect, I would rather have a root canal than watch her go through this process again.

It certainly started off with a lot of euphoria about three months ago when she learned she had “won” a lottery to purchase a HUD foreclosure under their “Good Neighbor” program. In return for her commitment to fix up an unsalable house and live in it for three years, she could purchase it at a significant discount to its (HUD) appraised value.

I had never heard of this program before, but it seemed to have many virtues like:
- Giving a legitimate “break” to those who serve our community (e.g. teachers, firemen, police officers, etc.).
- Placing community-minded, gainfully employed people in the affected neighborhood, and
- Helping maintain/improve real estate values in the area of the foreclosed home (not to mention continuing the revenue stream in the form of taxes to help pay for those teachers, firemen, police officers, etc.)

Thus began the saga of dealing with our benevolent government. It soon became apparent I was not the only one unfamiliar with this program and its requirements. Her real estate agent (a family friend) readily admitted this and brought in a colleague with HUD experience, who promptly filled out incorrect paperwork, again and again. Not totally her fault, as she attempted to get the correct procedures from that faceless government agency (with often nameless employees – I dare you to be able to talk with the same contact twice).

My daughter was advised to approach Bank of America for her HUD financing. Remember them – the folks that received billions recently from the government? They apparently didn’t have a clue about processing the “right” kind of mortgage for this government loan – and didn’t admit it either.

Inspections were another area of frustration. During the 15 day window to back out of the deal, my daughter had an independent inspection done, plus an estimate for foundation repairs. The need for foundation repair was fairly evident because, even to my untrained eye, the house slanted in several different directions. Having received an estimate on foundation repairs, this had to be validated by a structural engineer. A recommendation was made for a particular professional by a family friend (turned out to be someone who had never personally been used before!). He came in with an approach/estimate that even the foundation repair service took moral and practical exception with (and they would have benefited from all the excess work),

Then the new lender, (who replaced the “too big to fail” bank after it failed my girl) advised her HUD would only accept an inspection from one of their “approved” people. And this had to happen immediately in order to continue the loan application process. The $600 man showed up at the duly appointed time and, miraculously, within 15 minutes the process was able to continue. Oh, yeah, this was explained as being necessary “for her protection.” I’m biting my keyboard not to comment further.

I was invited to the final walk-through two days before closing which is basically done to ascertain the house is still standing and that no one has ripped off the air conditioner (although they had taken the mailbox!). That was when the real estate associate dropped the bomb that my daughter needed an extra $5000 at closing (~45 hours away) to pay for her services (all along my daughter had been told the government would take care of real estate fees). After all the things she had encountered, it was almost a deal breaker because she did not have the money to comply (and I couldn’t help her because there are all kind rules about using your own funds). While I was fuming and muttering about calling senators, congressmen, newspaper columnists, lawyers, et.al., fortunately they reached an agreement barely hours before the scheduled closing.

So approximately 3 months after starting the process, negotiating all of the many obstacles (including several holidays) along the way, shuffling reams of paper and signing her life away countless times, she has become an official real estate tax-paying Good Neighbor for HUD. I’m very proud of her for competently dealing with the roller coaster ride. Maybe the environment she works in as a kindergarten teacher has conditioned her to deal with it better than I can.

Although it is probably just part of my DNA, but observing this whole experience has, sadly, served to make me even more wary of government programs. The problem does not lie with the ideas nor their intent – just the seemingly constant inability to smoothly implement them. It doesn’t exactly encourage me to turn over the keys to our health system.

Once In A Blue Moon

A full moon occurred December 31, 2009, the second time during the month which made it an official “Blue Moon”. The next time we should see two full moons in one month will be August, 2012 (which, incidentally, was the month I had originally planned to retire). The next time a “blue moon” will coincide with a new year’s eve is calculated to be in 2028. Hopefully, you, I, the country and the world will be around to see it. If I do, I’ll be 1/3 of my way through my 80th year. On one hand, this is encouraging since the chance of this happening is so much better than the odds of me seeing Halley’s Comet again (July 2068). On the other hand, it might be a moot point if it is too overcast (or smoggy) to see it. In that case, I'll just listen to Elvis Presley croon it from a record/CD/MP3/MPEG4/Internet or whatever form exists in the future.

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

(AND AN EVEN HAPPIER NEW DECADE)!!