Sunday, May 31, 2009

A memorial weekend


Jason, Syd, Pete, and I had our 2nd annual Popple cabin excursion on May 23. The cabin is on the Popple River in northern Wisconsin. The cabin is a rustic one bedroom, no bath, no electricity type of place. It's a perfect escape from our world of mobile phones & computers. As much as I enjoy the conveniences that all of us take for granted, my soul sometimes requires something a bit more natural.

The majority of US citizens have inherent ideas of the elements that make a home. These same elements exist in other homes all over the world, but the context is different. It's interesting to see the context change between Milwaukee & northern Wisconsin, while some parts do not change at all.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Breakfast for dinner

As a child, my mom always let my brother & me have breakfast for dinner once per week. We thought it was the coolest thing ever, since breakfast usually consisted of sweet foods. It was also a benefit for my mom, because she didn't have to put much energy (into making dinner) after working all day.

Wednesday night's dinner party was centered around banana macadamia nut pancakes with orange butter. Delectable!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Reviewer Extraordinaire

I've decided it's time for a bit of new music...I was checking out Common's new album when I noticed that one person had rated the album to be 1/5 stars:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R36RZ0QNDBVOP/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm


I was considering this reviewer to be a complete ignoramus, but then I read his profile:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A3U6WGSBAECZAF/ref=cm_cr_rdp_pdp

If there is ever an Amazon-reviewer of the century, this dude(tte) gets my vote.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Treasure along my cycling route

I was out for a bike ride and cycled past a cache of burger king crowns along the side of the road. I came back later in my car to take a few photos. The owner of the property drives his truck across the grass and stops at my side.

He asks "what's going on?"

"I'm taking photos."

"How did these get here?"

"No clue - maybe they blew off of a truck?"

"Hmm..."

Without saying another word, he drove back to his house.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The more things change, the more they stay the same

The Burmese junta has created more accusations to keep Aung San Suu Kyi detained. The original stipulations of her house arrest (which were fabricated to keep her from gaining power) expire this May.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8050545.stm

This is a great example of the lack of UN willingness to correct the situation. Meanwhile the people of Myanmar will suffer while the junta continues to make money from its dealings with China.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Upper Iowa River


I left home around 12:30 to meet up with Pete, Ashley, and Tony. We were headed for a weekend kayaking trip to the northeast corner of Iowa. While driving, everyone must have been getting anxious. We agreed to throw out my 36 mile itinerary in favor of a 53 mile trip. Thanks to my handy Upper Iowa River guidebook, we weren't guessing how long it would take us each day.

When we dropped into the river on Friday night around 8:30p, it was raining. We donned our rain jackets, headlamps, and began to paddle. Less than two miles down river, there is a set of rapids that take several quick turns around rocks & a fallen tree. I was out front, got swept into the current backwards, and just managed to paddle away from the fallen tree. Ashley wasn't so lucky. She was swept into the tree, and her kayak became wedged against the tree (unable to move because of the current). I hear her yell 'help!' - her kayak was beginning to fill up with water. Tony & I beached our kayaks and helped Ashley dump the water out of her kayak and retrieve her tent that was floating down the river.

The plan was to paddle 11 miles the first night. We finished that goal, but we were miserable by 11:30pm when we arrived at the camping spot. We quickly setup our tents in the rain, crawled inside, and slept like the dead. I didn't take any photos on Friday night, I was too cold, wet, and tired to care...


I'm happy to report that the remainder of the weekend was great. The weather was a bit cold, but we found a giant patch of sand for Saturday night's camp.

In addition to paddling the 53 miles, we had the chance to see a bunch of eagles. I wasn't keeping track, but I'd wager that we say 10 - 15 bald eagles and 15 - 20 golden eagles.

Monday, May 04, 2009

Rubber


After 5 seasons, it was time to get some new tires. I avoided rain like a plague last fall - I didn't have enough tread to effectively divert the water on the road.

Along with new tires, I also have a new battery. Corey called on Saturday morning inquiring about an early afternoon ride. After a trip to Lowes for a battery charger & the local motorcycle store for a new battery, I was on the road by 4pm. Let's hope I can keep the bike upright this year - I have a scar on my ankle to remind me to slow down.

Friday, May 01, 2009

Just like the ol' days


Cait took me to see The Killers on Thursday night, after her friend decided she wasn't going to make it. Being at the show reminded me of 12 years ago - Cait & live music. The only difference was my dad wasn't along since we can drive now. Now that I look back on it, my dad has always had a quiet place in my life, but he's been supportive whenever I've asked for help. I didn't mean for this to become sentimental...thanks Pop.

Note: no need to get the 'VIP' tickets for the Eagle's Ballroom - the view from the floor was much better than the overcrowded balcony.