Light/Breezes

Light/Breezes
SUNRISE AT DEATH VALLEY-Photo by Tom Cochrun

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

SETTING STANDARDS

EXCELLENCE
The Maritime College football team from the Bronx New York did something extraordinary this year.
Instead of player names on the back of the uniform the 
team displayed words like FAMILY, RESPECT,
ACCOUNTABILITY and CHARACTER.
It was the concept of Coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes
who told his players to be mindful of those qualities as 
they competed.
Coach Kendrick-Holmes is an amazing story in his own right.
This video demonstrates not only excellence, but 
commitment and courage.
Excellence and
Classy Seats
Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria is
another place of excellence.
Link here to learn of the many opportunities for youth and adults. We've watched as they have build a new
amphitheatre.  Recently we visited for a progress
report and were amazed and charmed by the 
artistic detail in the seats.








That attention to detail and style underscores
the idea and practice of excellence and artistic appreciation.
Salutes to the Maritime football team, coach Kendrick-Holmes and to Camp Ocean Pines.
See you down the trail.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

VISUAL PLEASURE

TREES, SHADOWS AND LIGHT
It's like Yogi Berra said
"you can observe a lot just by watching."
 An appealing virtue of San Luis Obispo
is the beauty of the trees lining
the streets.  Though, as I looked
at the one above, I wondered how the 
trimmer would proceed.
 In the quiet of this early morning, I was 
smitten by the shadow play along Monterey Street.


 The buildings provide a ready palate for the
shadow art.


San Luis Obispo lives up to its reputation of being a
town of Mediterranean temperament.
Rare is the day when the sun is not
a presence in San Luis Obispo. The
official stats indicate 315 days of sun each year.
It seems like more than that.
See you down the trail.

Monday, November 28, 2011

AN OLD METHOD COULD BE BETTER

WHERE RAIL TRAVEL IS A GREAT OPTION
I had never traveled by train until our first
trip to the Europe in the 60's.  Since then
I have gladly taken trains there and
elsewhere in the world whenever it
was a viable option.
I had never traveled by train in the US
until we moved to California.  Now it is
my preferred route to Southern California from
here on the Central Coast.  Those who travel
north from here, speak highly of that journey.
The ongoing debate about building high speed rail service
in California prompts fervent attitude.  I'm all for
it, here and across the US.  Rail travel is more relaxed,
easier and enjoyable that air.  If the US had 
trains like those in Europe and Asia I suspect
the more expensive and hassle laden air travel
industry would change.  I suspect more people would
opt for rail.
None the less, we look forward to the train
and have become fond of "our home station," San Luis Obispo.  Friendly and efficient, it is picturesque 
and enjoys a beautiful setting.






Trips to San Diego or LA are only slightly longer
than by car and of course you don't need to drive
the freeways. You can enjoy the scenery along the way,
read, snooze, enjoy a meal and arrive much more
rested than by driving or flying.  
This tried and true old method of travel should be
given new life in the US, as it has been abroad.
See you down the trail.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

THE WEEKENDER :) WISE WORDS

A WORTHY TEN MINUTES
Rivals battle on the gridiron and the hardwood,
friends and family continue visits, shopping, putting
up Christmas decorations, parties, and a swirl of other
activities overtake this post Thanksgiving, pre-Advent
season.  Still, one more moment, actually
ten minutes, for some gratitude.
This is a good view.
Enjoy.
See you down the trail.

Friday, November 25, 2011

NATURE'S COLOR SCHEME

SEASONAL SHADES
"Won't you miss the change of seasons?"
We heard that frequently when we announced
our move to the Central California Coast.
We worried about it bit, until our
first fall in California.
Season's change here, we've learned, with an
obvious turn.
Each year provides another pallet of 
fall color.









 Autumn skies resemble those of the mid west
 but with a distinct difference.
 Being a mediterranean climate,
 snow, is no show at our elevation. 

 Even as trees are ablaze in color
 we still have blooms.
and occasionally the Goodyear blimp. Huh?
 In the midwest we saw the blimp only 
around the time of the Indy 500.
See you down the trail.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

A THANKFUL TURKEY TROT

GO AHEAD AND COUNT THEM-
Your blessings.
Gratitude is good for you
On November 2, 1800 President John Adams
wrote to his Wife Abigail.
I send his words to you on a personal level
about your home.
And  they are issued here again as
Adams meant them, as he was a new occupant
of the White House.
I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessings
on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it.
May none but honest and wise (men) ever rule
under this roof."
I count friendship as a great blessing.
Long and lasting friendship is a cause for 
great celebration.
"The holy passion of Friendship is of so sweet
and steady and loyal and enduring nature that
it will last through a whole lifetime,
if not asked to lend money."
Mark Twain
:)
And again today, our neighbors on the Top of the World
ridge top, made their parade, terrorizing our cats.
If anything feels lucky today, it should be
these messy cretins from a prehistoric age.



but we are glad to see them
and thankful to share one of
their commercially raised cousins.
(organic of course)
GOBBLE GOBBLE
See you down the trail.