While still in the Winter Wonderland known as London, Ontario, Canada Cathy & I got the itch to go for a drive through the country. Even though the weather was kind of frightful we decided that checking in on some of our former fun places would be delightful.
We decided that we would keep it pretty short and not wander too far afield as these surroundings after 23 years are still very unfamiliar and the weather unpredictable. I had the brainstorm that we could try and locate some of the baseball fields where I played slo-pitch softball in the "country league". This was a chance to see how much had changed and to also reminisce about some of the great guys I played with back in those glory days.
We started by heading out Wellington Rd. South - I wanted to start from somewhere that I was most familiar and I knew that by heading that direction we would would eventually get to Glanworth. This little town has a population of no more than 50 I am sure. There is the ball park and a community center and maybe 10 houses in the entire environs. This is the place that I first encountered the sport of slo-pitch softball. I was a pretty good baseball player but had never played this form of softball.
Initially I thought this was a "beer league" get together for a bunch of old guys who had never played an inning of competitive baseball. I was invited to play on the "Glanworth Millers" by the younger brother (Ken Wright) of an old baseball teammate (Tim Wright). I was induced to get involved when Ken advised there would be several people that I would know from those competitive baseball days in addition to his brother Tim. In fact most of the team were either related to the Wrights or the Thomas Brothers from Lambeth. A bonus was that another good friend from the baseball days was involved - Max Willsie and his Dad Max Sr.who had been a former coach and major influence on my youth baseball career.
Not only were these great guys but they were surrounded by many other tremendous men, several of whom were excellent ball players. Doug, Tim, Ken and Rob Wright were some of the best athletes I had ever had the pleasure to play with; Wayne Mercer was the best shortstop I ever played with & I had played with several that signed professional contracts; Jim Davis played 1st Base and may have been one of the greatest guys and leaders I ever knew; Donny Di Carlo had not played much baseball but was a very good athlete and an even better guy; our catcher Jim had been a friend of mine for many years and was an All Star football lineman for Championship UWO teams in the mid-70's and may have been the most competitive person I had ever met; our pitchers were the most enthusiastic guys - especially Tommy Thomas - but I also became very appreciative of Barry Herbert as he took my step-son Rob under his wing as a hockey coach in the Lambeth system; Jim Shore was a gentle, quiet guy who by all accounts was an extremely successful farmer in the area. In other words I was very lucky to be invited to be part of their baseball family. Reggie Thomas another good friend from baseball days who went on to glory in professional hockey was an occasional member of the team.
Upon locating the Glanworth ball field I was overwhelmed with memories. It hadn't really changed much at all - I could picture my place on the field diving for a line drive while playing 3rd; still seeing the elder Willsie standing beside Max's car as he was leaving with his family telling his son (Max) to be careful as he was carrying "valuable cargo" (the grandkids). Picturing the whole team wearing proudly their "Miller" team jackets and posing for the team picture. I still have that picture sitting in storage in Oceanside, California.
We next headed off to find Belmont following side roads east and north until we noticed a sign directing us to the Belmont Golf Club. We entered Belmont from the south which was directly opposite from the way I had proceeded into town ever before. Of course it was not hard to find the ball field - like every other small Ontario town you just had to head towards the field lights and the local hockey arena as that was the community focal point. Again, the entire complex had not changed at all. I eyed the first base line players bench for a long time as I specifically recall sitting there after losing the last championship I played in (we had won every other year I played in that league) to a group of young guys who were on the field celebrating thinking that I had just played my last game - it was now a time for the younger guys.
Belmont Woody's was an amalgamation of the Millers and our main rivals in Belmont. We ended up meeting and becoming great friends with these people. Most memorable were the Weavers - Dave and most specially his brother Jim. Cathy was quite taken by Jim's wife Patti - so much so that we named our youngest daughter Patti. Jim was one of the most memorable people I have ever met - a great person, friendly to a fault, out going, gregarious; he was a former professional hockey player with the California Seals but had a much longer career in the minors with Oklahoma City amongst other places. Another memorable person from this amalgamation was a tall, complete physical specimen named Artie that I am sure had never played much baseball or any other organized sport for that matter but may have been the best raw athlete (and most popular guy with women) that I ever knew. This is also where I came to know maybe the most interesting person I ever encountered - Dave Hutchison; a former NHL hockey player known more for his muscle than his skill (however, he was by far and away the most skillful hockey player I ever saw up close and personal) and maybe the most loyal person to his friends that I ever met. We went to war together with this bunch and won a Provincial Championship in Niagara Falls where Dave won the MVP more for his inspirational leadership than his playing skill.
From Belmont we headed a little north and then a good stretch east to the tiny hamlet of Harrietsville. This was the home of the youngest team in our league and perhaps our greatest rival until they dethroned us in my final season. This little ballpark is pretty much in the middle of nowhere but despite its modest appearance it holds many memories for me and my time with these guys. It appears to have not changed a bit - Cathy noticed that maybe there was some new playground equipment in the kids' play area.
Due north from Harrietsville is a place that has become the capital of slo-pitch in Ontario - Slo-Pitch City on the outskirts of Dorchester. At one point in time this was the largest venue for week-end tournaments; in fact, it may still be the largest but it is starting to show its age. We drove around the facility as memories flooded into my mind's eye of games that we had contested and opponents we had faced. The game pretty much evolved into a home run derby at the most elite levels but there were still many good all round players that spent many a hot day on those fields.
In Dorchester proper, at the community center/ hockey arena, were the ball fields where we may have spent most of our time. These were the home fields for many local teams and there were quite a few excellent teams from this area. Across from the park was the location for Woody's Woodshed Sports Bar and Restaurant, the sponsor of some of the best teams in the region. That establishment seems to be long gone but most of the area remains the same except for the new homes that have sprouted up around the area.
We the started our trip west back to London, along Hamilton Road; I decided on a detour once we reached Airport Road, veered north to Dundas and then back east towards Thamesford. This was the small town that my sister Deb and her husband Bill raised their brood. In fact, Cathy located their place with the most distinguishing aspect being the large porch that Bill built - still standing after all these years. We also drove over to the hockey arena/ community center as this was the site of maybe the greatest hockey achievement of our eldest son Rob when he became a member of the Junior D Thamesford Trojans. Making that team after so many of his peers from minor hockey had been released was a testament of how far he had come as a hockey player. Many of those released were kids that had been playing competitive travel hockey back when Rob was starting in House Leagues many years before. This was the point in time where he not only caught them but surpassed them in his development.
We returned to London heading due west on Dundas/ Highway #2 all the way past old haunts such as Cathy's 3rd Street residence, our old High Schools - Cathy's Clarke Road & Beal and my Beck.
Next road trip still being planned but I am sure it will be another down memory lane.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Is "Back to Normal" Around the Corner?
Here we are on March 25, 2012 and the first "normal" thing to happen in over 2 years just occurred in Orlando, Florida. Tiger Woods won a PGA Golf Tournament. Is it just me or does this seem like a sign that things are headed back towards some semblance of normalcy?
The unemployment numbers were good this week, ObamaCare is being challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court, Spring has arrived, the NCAA Final Four includes Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State and Kansas, Spring Training for Major League Baseball is in full swing, the Leafs are on the verge of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Republicans have formed a circular firing squad during the Primaries and its raining, cold & snowing in Southern California.
Then again after the last number of years what is normal? Nevertheless, Tiger winning a golf tournament does remind us that there was once a day when our houses were worth more than what was owed against them, people were gainfully employed in their chosen profession, gas prices were under $2.00 (or even $3.00 or even yet under $4.00), kids getting an education was the right thing to do, tuitions were affordable, students could graduate in 4 years & were taught by qualified professors, businesses could operate efficiently with proper financing, Wall Street Bankers were respected and hadn't been exposed as the greedy, immoral, croney capitalists that they really are; and, the weather followed a normal seasonal rotation - cool & fresh in the Spring, warm in the Summer, crisp in the Fall and cold in the Winter.
Today the temperature in Oceanside will struggle to stay in the 50's whereas in places like Minnesota and Canada it is well into the 80's. There is snow in California and sunbathers in Ontario, Canada.
Only 40% of this year's U.S. Law School graduates will be able to land a position in the legal profession. Even those lucky enough to find a position in the legal field with their $250,000 student loan debt will not be paid anything close to what prior graduates received.
Who would have thought that the "Change" promised by President Obama 4 years ago would have meant such a change for the worse. Yet, he remains popular and the favorite to win this November's election despite the almost 9% unemployment rate (and the real rate of under & unemployment over 15%). From his seat in the Oval Office he has presided over the worst economic environment since the Great Depression and it will take generations before full recovery can be anticipated.
Does the new "normal" mean unending involvement in foreign conflicts such as Afghanistan & Iraq? Does it include country's such as Greece going bankrupt on a rotating basis. How long before California follows suit - this State has already cut social services to the bone, reduced education to a mere shadow of itself, increased fees to unimaginable amounts and watched a series of municipalities go into receivership & bankruptcy.
However, today we see the first sign of a turnaround, a glimpse of the way life used to be and could be one day again. Tiger Woods won a PGA Golf Championship! Let's celebrate this reminder of what it used to be like living in a democratic western culture, in an economy that was the envy of the world, where there was hope & optimism that things will be better in the future.
The unemployment numbers were good this week, ObamaCare is being challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court, Spring has arrived, the NCAA Final Four includes Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State and Kansas, Spring Training for Major League Baseball is in full swing, the Leafs are on the verge of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Republicans have formed a circular firing squad during the Primaries and its raining, cold & snowing in Southern California.
Then again after the last number of years what is normal? Nevertheless, Tiger winning a golf tournament does remind us that there was once a day when our houses were worth more than what was owed against them, people were gainfully employed in their chosen profession, gas prices were under $2.00 (or even $3.00 or even yet under $4.00), kids getting an education was the right thing to do, tuitions were affordable, students could graduate in 4 years & were taught by qualified professors, businesses could operate efficiently with proper financing, Wall Street Bankers were respected and hadn't been exposed as the greedy, immoral, croney capitalists that they really are; and, the weather followed a normal seasonal rotation - cool & fresh in the Spring, warm in the Summer, crisp in the Fall and cold in the Winter.
Today the temperature in Oceanside will struggle to stay in the 50's whereas in places like Minnesota and Canada it is well into the 80's. There is snow in California and sunbathers in Ontario, Canada.
Only 40% of this year's U.S. Law School graduates will be able to land a position in the legal profession. Even those lucky enough to find a position in the legal field with their $250,000 student loan debt will not be paid anything close to what prior graduates received.
Who would have thought that the "Change" promised by President Obama 4 years ago would have meant such a change for the worse. Yet, he remains popular and the favorite to win this November's election despite the almost 9% unemployment rate (and the real rate of under & unemployment over 15%). From his seat in the Oval Office he has presided over the worst economic environment since the Great Depression and it will take generations before full recovery can be anticipated.
Does the new "normal" mean unending involvement in foreign conflicts such as Afghanistan & Iraq? Does it include country's such as Greece going bankrupt on a rotating basis. How long before California follows suit - this State has already cut social services to the bone, reduced education to a mere shadow of itself, increased fees to unimaginable amounts and watched a series of municipalities go into receivership & bankruptcy.
However, today we see the first sign of a turnaround, a glimpse of the way life used to be and could be one day again. Tiger Woods won a PGA Golf Championship! Let's celebrate this reminder of what it used to be like living in a democratic western culture, in an economy that was the envy of the world, where there was hope & optimism that things will be better in the future.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Tara Shermerhorn
A devastating event impacted our family in the past few weeks. My niece, Tara Michelle Shermerhorn was abducted from her home in Goodyear, AZ and murdered by an unstable ex-boyfriend. The impact of this tragedy was felt not only with the family nearby in Arizona but also the many family members located throughout Canada. Everyone assembled Thursday and Friday of last week in Surprise, AZ for the Viewing & Funeral followed by the internment in Goodyear, AZ.
There were many special moments and memories shared with all in attendance. Nevertheless there are no satisfactory words to express the shock, sadness and loss that has been suffered by the loss of this wonderful, special, beautiful young woman.
Over the next few weeks and months as the healing continues I may have more to say but for now we are all dumbfounded by this turn of events.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Washington Post Contribution
The following was contributed to the Washington Post as commentary to an opinion piece submitted by Kirk Adams the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives entitled "The Truth Behind Arizona's Immigration Law" .
"Having read AZ Senate Bill 1070, listened to the debate and now having read this defense of the legislation presented by the Speaker of the AZ House of Representatives I feel compelled to raise some questions.
Mr. Adams points to the fact that polls indicate that people "overwhelmingly support this law" as evidence that AZ's statute is both legal and morally appropriate. In fact, overwhelming support of a position does not necessarily make it legal or morally right. Case in point would the Jim Crowe/ segregation laws adopted by States during the period prior to enactment of federal Civil Rights legislation be considered legal or morally right by any standard? Can there be any doubt that those discriminatory laws enjoyed "overwhelming support" by the citizens of their State - Mississippi et al for example.
The argument is that S.B. 1070 merely mirrors federal law "by making it a state crime to be in this country illegally". However, S.B. 1070 actually goes further and amends the law of trespass to create an additional category of criminal trespass to the effect that "any person" (legal or illegal) is guilty of trespass if they are present in any "public or private land" in the State of AZ and cannot produce documented evidence of their status. An American citizen would be suspected of committing trespass in any part of the State of AZ if they were not carrying documented evidence of their status. In other words everyone must be prepared to present "their papers" or be arrested on suspicion of trespass.
This new definition of criminal trespass is the thin edge of the wedge that permits the authorities to make the "lawful contact" required by the AZ statute. An officer merely has to suspect the person of violating this expanded definition of trespass (physically being in AZ without "papers" whether of legal status or not)in order to make the "lawful contact". This is the investigation of "another violation or crime" that allows the inquiry and demand for "papers". A blue-eyed, blond female of Scandinavian descent born in Phoenix who was not carrying documented evidence of her citizenship and/or legal status would be in violation of this new expanded definition of trespass and thus would be subjected to detention & delivery to ICE for the ultimate determination of legality of her being present within the boundaries of the State of AZ.
The State Representative would say that this wouldn't happen. The only reason it wouldn't happen to the blond perp/ suspect is that she would have been "profiled" as not being a potential offender. Of course, a male Hispanic, waiting at the side of the road for any purpose would be "profiled" as a potential offender of this new, expanded offense of trespass. If this unfortunate Hispanic male was an American citizen who was not carrying "papers"/ documentation proving his legal status then he will be arrested and delivered to ICE while being charged under the AZ Criminal Code with criminal trespass & face the penalties contained therein including fines & payment of his jail costs. He must hire defense counsel & prove that he "maintains authorization from the federal government to remain in the United States". Where is the presumption of innocence, where is the requirement that the prosecution has the burden of proving the offence? The burden shifts to the accused to "prove" his presence in the State of AZ is lawful. If an American born Hispanic male cannot prove his legal status he would be subject to conviction. Shouldn't the prosecution be required to prove that that the person is there without legal status?
Interestingly the AZ law places a positive obligation on law enforcement to apply the new law of trespass. Should the officer try & release the blond that can't produce her "papers" he could himself be subject to prosecution for not detaining her & anyone can initiate the complaint. (Note that the AZ law encourages anonymous reporting of violations.)
Lastly Mr. Adams attempts to justify the actions of the AZ Legislature by drawing attention to the fact that CA, one of the largest critics of the proposed law, may even have similar laws on its books. He cites CA Penal Code s. 834b as support for this proposition. Firstly this section pertains to the obligations of a peace officer in effecting an "arrest". It does not expand the definition of trespass or create any new criminal offenses. Secondly, s. 834b (a) serves as the preamble for the cited law and provides as follows: "Every law enforcement agency in CA shall fully cooperate with the US Immigration & Naturalization Service (sic - now ICE) regarding any person who is arrested if he or she is suspected of being present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws." Therefore, the person must first be "arrested" - this is a much higher standard than "lawful contact"; and, the agency's requirement is to "cooperate" with federal immigration authorities not co-opt their authority."
"Having read AZ Senate Bill 1070, listened to the debate and now having read this defense of the legislation presented by the Speaker of the AZ House of Representatives I feel compelled to raise some questions.
Mr. Adams points to the fact that polls indicate that people "overwhelmingly support this law" as evidence that AZ's statute is both legal and morally appropriate. In fact, overwhelming support of a position does not necessarily make it legal or morally right. Case in point would the Jim Crowe/ segregation laws adopted by States during the period prior to enactment of federal Civil Rights legislation be considered legal or morally right by any standard? Can there be any doubt that those discriminatory laws enjoyed "overwhelming support" by the citizens of their State - Mississippi et al for example.
The argument is that S.B. 1070 merely mirrors federal law "by making it a state crime to be in this country illegally". However, S.B. 1070 actually goes further and amends the law of trespass to create an additional category of criminal trespass to the effect that "any person" (legal or illegal) is guilty of trespass if they are present in any "public or private land" in the State of AZ and cannot produce documented evidence of their status. An American citizen would be suspected of committing trespass in any part of the State of AZ if they were not carrying documented evidence of their status. In other words everyone must be prepared to present "their papers" or be arrested on suspicion of trespass.
This new definition of criminal trespass is the thin edge of the wedge that permits the authorities to make the "lawful contact" required by the AZ statute. An officer merely has to suspect the person of violating this expanded definition of trespass (physically being in AZ without "papers" whether of legal status or not)in order to make the "lawful contact". This is the investigation of "another violation or crime" that allows the inquiry and demand for "papers". A blue-eyed, blond female of Scandinavian descent born in Phoenix who was not carrying documented evidence of her citizenship and/or legal status would be in violation of this new expanded definition of trespass and thus would be subjected to detention & delivery to ICE for the ultimate determination of legality of her being present within the boundaries of the State of AZ.
The State Representative would say that this wouldn't happen. The only reason it wouldn't happen to the blond perp/ suspect is that she would have been "profiled" as not being a potential offender. Of course, a male Hispanic, waiting at the side of the road for any purpose would be "profiled" as a potential offender of this new, expanded offense of trespass. If this unfortunate Hispanic male was an American citizen who was not carrying "papers"/ documentation proving his legal status then he will be arrested and delivered to ICE while being charged under the AZ Criminal Code with criminal trespass & face the penalties contained therein including fines & payment of his jail costs. He must hire defense counsel & prove that he "maintains authorization from the federal government to remain in the United States". Where is the presumption of innocence, where is the requirement that the prosecution has the burden of proving the offence? The burden shifts to the accused to "prove" his presence in the State of AZ is lawful. If an American born Hispanic male cannot prove his legal status he would be subject to conviction. Shouldn't the prosecution be required to prove that that the person is there without legal status?
Interestingly the AZ law places a positive obligation on law enforcement to apply the new law of trespass. Should the officer try & release the blond that can't produce her "papers" he could himself be subject to prosecution for not detaining her & anyone can initiate the complaint. (Note that the AZ law encourages anonymous reporting of violations.)
Lastly Mr. Adams attempts to justify the actions of the AZ Legislature by drawing attention to the fact that CA, one of the largest critics of the proposed law, may even have similar laws on its books. He cites CA Penal Code s. 834b as support for this proposition. Firstly this section pertains to the obligations of a peace officer in effecting an "arrest". It does not expand the definition of trespass or create any new criminal offenses. Secondly, s. 834b (a) serves as the preamble for the cited law and provides as follows: "Every law enforcement agency in CA shall fully cooperate with the US Immigration & Naturalization Service (sic - now ICE) regarding any person who is arrested if he or she is suspected of being present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws." Therefore, the person must first be "arrested" - this is a much higher standard than "lawful contact"; and, the agency's requirement is to "cooperate" with federal immigration authorities not co-opt their authority."
Monday, April 19, 2010
Spring Update
Again - I am not being consistent in my postings. Maybe something will finally prod me to place into this Blog the essence of the many conversations I am having with people all over the country & even abroad.
My reading list is getting longer rather than shorter. I am about to finish the 1st Volume of Taylor Branch's comprehensive history of the Civil Rights movement. It has been a hard read but not because it isn't interesting. I find myself getting frustrated and almost angry as I read his recounting of those events. The blatant racism, the inaction of the federal government to obvious injustices, the need for the Kennedy's to add a political calculation to each step when the immorality of the circumstances should trump all political considerations and, finally, the cautiousness of the established black leadership of the time. Interestingly, PBS has chosen to replay on their American Experience program the series that was produced and aired in the mid 1980's regarding the history of the Civil Rights Movement. The visuals are disturbing; and, when further considered today after an additional 20+ years, the actions of the southern states' governments, the federal government and the ignorant racist people of that era are indefensible.
I have also been reading about the Economic Crisis we are experiencing. The book Too Big to Fail was a disturbing account of the behind the scenes actions of the major players as the events unfolded. I have been reading many articles and watching many documentaries commenting upon this historical economic collapse. The prevailing themes of greed and arrogance can't be avoided. Again, the ineffectiveness of those in positions of power is dumbfounding. Not only were they unwilling and unable to control the greed of the Bankers but they were actually encouraging this behavior. Policymakers determined that their short term goals matched the short term profit motivations of Wall Street. As Simon Johnson asserts - there is an oligarchy running this country and it is the Banking/ Financial Establishment. The political types are willing to go along in exchange for money that helps them stay in power. No one appears to have any interest in doing what's appropriate for the people & the public has benefited only to the extent that those benefits were consistent with Wall Street's profit chase and Washington's power goals.
Lastly, I was enthralled by the experiences of Greg Mortenson as chronicled in his book Three Cups of Tea. His methods were almost the antithesis of those employed in the other two arenas discussed above. He was selfless in his pursuit of a goal that was larger than himself and a goal that was meaningful. He paid no attention to and gave no heed to politics, profit, self aggrandizement, fame or any other motivation that seems to be behind every other action today. He merely wanted to build schools for needy children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His methods were as unconventional as they were effective.
Perhaps the solution to our big problems and issues can be found in the methods used by Mortenson. Start from the ground up, proceed on faith & a belief that what you are doing is worthy, don't impose your will but rather listen to others, don't assume that only the powerful establishment has all the answers and, be persistent, don't get discouraged that solutions aren't being achieved within your timetable.
Closed minds have delayed, to this very day, the total removal of racial barriers. Great minds that were inappropriately focused on short term gain & profit were behind the recent economic collapse. Only when minds are open & properly calibrated can lasting achievements such as Greg Mortenson's be realized.
It is time that we objected to being satisfied with mediocrity or only that which is expedient. Our way out of this mess is to strive for the best, the apparently unachievable, excellence in all facets of our individual lives as well as society.
This may the last chance for the Boomers to make their mark. We need to finish what was started in the 1960's. We may not have run a perfect race but we still have the chance to finish well.
My reading list is getting longer rather than shorter. I am about to finish the 1st Volume of Taylor Branch's comprehensive history of the Civil Rights movement. It has been a hard read but not because it isn't interesting. I find myself getting frustrated and almost angry as I read his recounting of those events. The blatant racism, the inaction of the federal government to obvious injustices, the need for the Kennedy's to add a political calculation to each step when the immorality of the circumstances should trump all political considerations and, finally, the cautiousness of the established black leadership of the time. Interestingly, PBS has chosen to replay on their American Experience program the series that was produced and aired in the mid 1980's regarding the history of the Civil Rights Movement. The visuals are disturbing; and, when further considered today after an additional 20+ years, the actions of the southern states' governments, the federal government and the ignorant racist people of that era are indefensible.
I have also been reading about the Economic Crisis we are experiencing. The book Too Big to Fail was a disturbing account of the behind the scenes actions of the major players as the events unfolded. I have been reading many articles and watching many documentaries commenting upon this historical economic collapse. The prevailing themes of greed and arrogance can't be avoided. Again, the ineffectiveness of those in positions of power is dumbfounding. Not only were they unwilling and unable to control the greed of the Bankers but they were actually encouraging this behavior. Policymakers determined that their short term goals matched the short term profit motivations of Wall Street. As Simon Johnson asserts - there is an oligarchy running this country and it is the Banking/ Financial Establishment. The political types are willing to go along in exchange for money that helps them stay in power. No one appears to have any interest in doing what's appropriate for the people & the public has benefited only to the extent that those benefits were consistent with Wall Street's profit chase and Washington's power goals.
Lastly, I was enthralled by the experiences of Greg Mortenson as chronicled in his book Three Cups of Tea. His methods were almost the antithesis of those employed in the other two arenas discussed above. He was selfless in his pursuit of a goal that was larger than himself and a goal that was meaningful. He paid no attention to and gave no heed to politics, profit, self aggrandizement, fame or any other motivation that seems to be behind every other action today. He merely wanted to build schools for needy children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His methods were as unconventional as they were effective.
Perhaps the solution to our big problems and issues can be found in the methods used by Mortenson. Start from the ground up, proceed on faith & a belief that what you are doing is worthy, don't impose your will but rather listen to others, don't assume that only the powerful establishment has all the answers and, be persistent, don't get discouraged that solutions aren't being achieved within your timetable.
Closed minds have delayed, to this very day, the total removal of racial barriers. Great minds that were inappropriately focused on short term gain & profit were behind the recent economic collapse. Only when minds are open & properly calibrated can lasting achievements such as Greg Mortenson's be realized.
It is time that we objected to being satisfied with mediocrity or only that which is expedient. Our way out of this mess is to strive for the best, the apparently unachievable, excellence in all facets of our individual lives as well as society.
This may the last chance for the Boomers to make their mark. We need to finish what was started in the 1960's. We may not have run a perfect race but we still have the chance to finish well.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Back in the Saddle
I haven't posted to this Blog for a "dog's age". I am feeling the itch to get get re-started. I just posted on my Sports Blog a message about the 2010 Dodgers.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Cahuilla, Anza CA
Lately we have started to frequent the Cahuilla Casino near Anza, CA. This is mainly because the routes that get us there are many and varied. Also this is a quaint place with a vibrant local crowd and the machines are not "greedy". We still don't win but we can play longer on our "40 Bucks".
Our last route from Oceanside started with our heading west on SR 76 until just west of Interstate 15, we then head north past Pala Mesa Golf Resort, cross the freeway at the Mission Rd. exit for Fallbrook, continue north past the Temecula Creek Golf Course until it intersects with the Pechanga Road. A quick left and then a right onto SR 79 and we continue our journey.
The first section takes us through the southern portion of Temecula which over the last few years has become quite developed for a stretch that continues long past the Redhawk area. However, once we leave Temecula the drive becomes very comfortable as we meander through country settings until we reach our destination.
As we move along we pass the Vail Lake Resort; this time, just past the Resort, there was evidence of a recent fire that scorched vegetation on both sides of the highway. I expect that the growth will return pretty quickly just as it has after the major fires in Valley Center near Harrah's and the recent big one that extended from Ramona all the way to Rancho Bernardo and beyond.
At the SR 79 and Highway 371 intersection (effectively the first stop sign after we leave Temecula) we take a left as if we were heading to Palm Desert/ Palm Springs. In the past when we have headed up along this route we have experienced snow on the ground from recent storms in the area. That is quite an adventure to be travelling in a Mustang convertible and observe snow piled up on both sides of the road in the high desert of Southern California.
We continue on the #371 towards Anza passing desolate countryside, very rocky with sage brush and desert style landscapes. There were a great many large boulder outcroppings with a smattering of homes of various types that can be seen from the road.
Once we pass two trail bike parks we know we are getting close to our destination. The Casino and "Smoke Shop" appear on the right looking nothing like the great "Cathedrals of Sin" that can be observed on the way into Vegas.
After a quiet afternoon of wins and losses we retrace our steps for the drive home. This time, rather than head west through Temecula along SR 79 we detoured at the intersection of #371 and SR 79 and headed east (left) instead. In effect we decided to circle Palomar Mountain by way of #79 to SR 76 then west past Lake Henshaw and down into Pauma Valley.
We wandered through Warner Springs and enjoyed the local scenery. Especially eye catching were the airport and local golf course. The airport seems to exist primarily for Glider style planes. The updrafts from the mountains to the east must be very good for this type of flying. We noticed several gliders floating around in figure 8 patterns diving and climbing as they circled. The airport advertises plane rides and there were numerous gliders, small planes and "experimental" aircraft on the tarmac. The golf course looked quaint and uncrowded. It was advertised as a "championship" lay out and appeared to be well kept and not too busy. I made a mental note that this would be a nice course to try in the Spring or Fall while the temperatures were moderate.
A right at the #79 & #76 intersection meant we were headed west for the final leg of the trip. The next landmark was Lake Henshaw on the right hand side. The water levels on this reservoir have dropped dramatically since our first observation several years ago. In fact it was noted that cattle were grazing in areas that were underwater at the time of our last visit to the lake.
We continued on skirting the bottom of the south side of the Palomar Mountain area past the rustic school that services the environs. Traffic moves along very smoothly at this point; however, there is a noticeable increase in the number of vehicles heading in both directions. As we descend from the mountain area we wind into the Pauma Valley past the intersection at Valley Center Road which leads to the Harrah's Resort. As we continue the traffic starts to congest as we approach the Pauma Casino on the right. We were tempted to stop in for a quick visit to see if we could reverse our luck and actually take some cash home in our pockets. Reason prevailed, however, and we continued west on SR 76.
Soon we were descending further into Pala with it's Vegas style Resort, Spa & Casino signs advertising the big name performers that are scheduled. Pala, Pechanga and Harrah's are the closest to Vegas that can be found in this part of California and they each attract great entertainment. Pala is adverting a Led Zepplin imitator group and the Pink Floyd Experience this time around. This is actually a downgrade from recent performers (maybe they are starting to feel the effects of the downturn in California's economy).
As we leave Pala we observe a herd of buffalo on the left grazing and unfazed by the activity buzz several hundred yards to the east of their location. The road starts to wind severely from this point on and the traffic slows to a crawl as there are many drivers on the this section of road that are unfamiliar with its intricacies. Patience becomes a virtue as we pass abandoned dairy farms, old gravel pits filled to the brim with water, large wholesale nursery operations and roadside vegetable stands.
Evidence of the upcoming road improvements is everywhere with construction equipment and materials staging areas interspersed among the various new survey monuments. The road has been widened between Interstate 15 and the section just east of the largest roadside vegetable stand; a stretch of several miles. This section allows us to pass the slowest moving vehicles as we prepare to tackle the upcoming final stage on our journey west on #76 from Interstate 15 to Oceanside.
This last stage is very busy as the casino traffic merges with the flow that has exited the freeway to head west to Oceanside and the surrounding area. Large semis are now present amongst the other vehicles and the drivers all exhibit varying degrees of confidence and experience with this route. The "veterans" move at a high rate of speed and impatiently tailgate the slow moving rookies. At 2 spots there is a chance to pass as the intersections at #76 & Mission Road and #76 & Olive in Bonsall widen to an extra lane allowing the "rabbits" to pass and then cut back in before the road narrows back to one lane. As you can imagine this is not nearly as relaxing as the back roads that were left behind far to the east of this location.
Nevertheless there is no need to get too worked up as we are near our final destination, we have great tunes on the XM Radio and I still have plenty of time before the USC & Cal kick-off. Once we are past the Vista Way & #76 intersection the pace picks up as most of the traffic has taken a left into Vista and then to the #78 Freeway interchanges that are probably their most direct routes to their goals. As we pass the residential area known as Jeffrey's Ranch the #76 opens up to 4 lanes and we can scoot along without hindrance to home. which is merely a couple of miles ahead.
With another therapeutic ride completed I sat down to watch USC handle Cal without any difficulty whatsoever. Then, best of all, later that evening the Dodgers clinched the NL West with a long awaited 5-0 win over the Rockies. Later that night I went to bed knowing that all was right in the world - at least for one day anyway.
Our last route from Oceanside started with our heading west on SR 76 until just west of Interstate 15, we then head north past Pala Mesa Golf Resort, cross the freeway at the Mission Rd. exit for Fallbrook, continue north past the Temecula Creek Golf Course until it intersects with the Pechanga Road. A quick left and then a right onto SR 79 and we continue our journey.
The first section takes us through the southern portion of Temecula which over the last few years has become quite developed for a stretch that continues long past the Redhawk area. However, once we leave Temecula the drive becomes very comfortable as we meander through country settings until we reach our destination.
As we move along we pass the Vail Lake Resort; this time, just past the Resort, there was evidence of a recent fire that scorched vegetation on both sides of the highway. I expect that the growth will return pretty quickly just as it has after the major fires in Valley Center near Harrah's and the recent big one that extended from Ramona all the way to Rancho Bernardo and beyond.
At the SR 79 and Highway 371 intersection (effectively the first stop sign after we leave Temecula) we take a left as if we were heading to Palm Desert/ Palm Springs. In the past when we have headed up along this route we have experienced snow on the ground from recent storms in the area. That is quite an adventure to be travelling in a Mustang convertible and observe snow piled up on both sides of the road in the high desert of Southern California.
We continue on the #371 towards Anza passing desolate countryside, very rocky with sage brush and desert style landscapes. There were a great many large boulder outcroppings with a smattering of homes of various types that can be seen from the road.
Once we pass two trail bike parks we know we are getting close to our destination. The Casino and "Smoke Shop" appear on the right looking nothing like the great "Cathedrals of Sin" that can be observed on the way into Vegas.
After a quiet afternoon of wins and losses we retrace our steps for the drive home. This time, rather than head west through Temecula along SR 79 we detoured at the intersection of #371 and SR 79 and headed east (left) instead. In effect we decided to circle Palomar Mountain by way of #79 to SR 76 then west past Lake Henshaw and down into Pauma Valley.
We wandered through Warner Springs and enjoyed the local scenery. Especially eye catching were the airport and local golf course. The airport seems to exist primarily for Glider style planes. The updrafts from the mountains to the east must be very good for this type of flying. We noticed several gliders floating around in figure 8 patterns diving and climbing as they circled. The airport advertises plane rides and there were numerous gliders, small planes and "experimental" aircraft on the tarmac. The golf course looked quaint and uncrowded. It was advertised as a "championship" lay out and appeared to be well kept and not too busy. I made a mental note that this would be a nice course to try in the Spring or Fall while the temperatures were moderate.
A right at the #79 & #76 intersection meant we were headed west for the final leg of the trip. The next landmark was Lake Henshaw on the right hand side. The water levels on this reservoir have dropped dramatically since our first observation several years ago. In fact it was noted that cattle were grazing in areas that were underwater at the time of our last visit to the lake.
We continued on skirting the bottom of the south side of the Palomar Mountain area past the rustic school that services the environs. Traffic moves along very smoothly at this point; however, there is a noticeable increase in the number of vehicles heading in both directions. As we descend from the mountain area we wind into the Pauma Valley past the intersection at Valley Center Road which leads to the Harrah's Resort. As we continue the traffic starts to congest as we approach the Pauma Casino on the right. We were tempted to stop in for a quick visit to see if we could reverse our luck and actually take some cash home in our pockets. Reason prevailed, however, and we continued west on SR 76.
Soon we were descending further into Pala with it's Vegas style Resort, Spa & Casino signs advertising the big name performers that are scheduled. Pala, Pechanga and Harrah's are the closest to Vegas that can be found in this part of California and they each attract great entertainment. Pala is adverting a Led Zepplin imitator group and the Pink Floyd Experience this time around. This is actually a downgrade from recent performers (maybe they are starting to feel the effects of the downturn in California's economy).
As we leave Pala we observe a herd of buffalo on the left grazing and unfazed by the activity buzz several hundred yards to the east of their location. The road starts to wind severely from this point on and the traffic slows to a crawl as there are many drivers on the this section of road that are unfamiliar with its intricacies. Patience becomes a virtue as we pass abandoned dairy farms, old gravel pits filled to the brim with water, large wholesale nursery operations and roadside vegetable stands.
Evidence of the upcoming road improvements is everywhere with construction equipment and materials staging areas interspersed among the various new survey monuments. The road has been widened between Interstate 15 and the section just east of the largest roadside vegetable stand; a stretch of several miles. This section allows us to pass the slowest moving vehicles as we prepare to tackle the upcoming final stage on our journey west on #76 from Interstate 15 to Oceanside.
This last stage is very busy as the casino traffic merges with the flow that has exited the freeway to head west to Oceanside and the surrounding area. Large semis are now present amongst the other vehicles and the drivers all exhibit varying degrees of confidence and experience with this route. The "veterans" move at a high rate of speed and impatiently tailgate the slow moving rookies. At 2 spots there is a chance to pass as the intersections at #76 & Mission Road and #76 & Olive in Bonsall widen to an extra lane allowing the "rabbits" to pass and then cut back in before the road narrows back to one lane. As you can imagine this is not nearly as relaxing as the back roads that were left behind far to the east of this location.
Nevertheless there is no need to get too worked up as we are near our final destination, we have great tunes on the XM Radio and I still have plenty of time before the USC & Cal kick-off. Once we are past the Vista Way & #76 intersection the pace picks up as most of the traffic has taken a left into Vista and then to the #78 Freeway interchanges that are probably their most direct routes to their goals. As we pass the residential area known as Jeffrey's Ranch the #76 opens up to 4 lanes and we can scoot along without hindrance to home. which is merely a couple of miles ahead.
With another therapeutic ride completed I sat down to watch USC handle Cal without any difficulty whatsoever. Then, best of all, later that evening the Dodgers clinched the NL West with a long awaited 5-0 win over the Rockies. Later that night I went to bed knowing that all was right in the world - at least for one day anyway.
E Mail Blogging
This is my first E Mail Blog entry to my Blog. If this works it will make it easier to update the Blog.
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