Light/Breezes

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

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

THE EXOTICS ARE BACK AND KITES OVER THE PACIFIC

 EXOTICS IN BLOOM
    The annual succulent show in San Luis Obispo again provides plenty at which to marvel.



My George Lucas inspired imagination sees a Jabba the Hutt type creature in repose, below. That would be Jabba with a punk  hair cut.


This specie, and its cousins, are especially interesting in that they resemble something barely alive.



KITES OVER THE PACIFIC
   Several miles north of Cambria on the Pacific Coast highway, the sky is frequently filled.
    For several years I've watched these extraordinary athletes and remain fascinated by this combination of surfing and sailing.


    The launching beach is a wide expanse of sand.
   Below, the view behind the beach.
   See you down the trail.

Monday, May 27, 2013

THE HEROES

REMEMBERING
     My father, Karl, was what they called a Top Kick, a Sergeant Major when he began his tour of duty in the South Pacific during WWII. He's the man in the middle.  On this day when we remember those who are gone and honor those who sacrificed I've been thinking about dad and how he never wanted to talk of his war experiences.
      He was more candid about his time as a Drill Instructor, especially as he meted out "training" and discipline to my brother and me. It wasn't until he was dying that he spoke of some of what he did and saw in the theater of combat.
   He was part of an effort that took heavy losses and
engaged in tough jungle war fare.  This is an article that reached home, dispatched by the Army communications office.
    Toward the end of his duty in New Guinea and the islands of the south Pacific he was made a Chief Warrant Officer.  He always said it was an inducement to stay in the Army and go to Officer's Candidate School, though in those days the designation was ordered by either the Secretary of the Army or the President and went to men with particular skills  and talents.  
    After he returned home, he continued to work for a special branch of the government.  He was coy and tight lipped, but It was a type of investigative agency. I have memories of his colleagues, "uncles", late night visits, meetings in old box cars and odd coming and goings.  
   One of the keep sakes in his Army locker was this autographed copy of a playbill. He always maintained a sense of camaraderie and concern for those with whom he served.

   I remember visiting the Ernie Pyle memorial at the Pyle Post of the VFW in Indianapolis.  Dad, in the middle, was active in the organization in the early days.  It was during this part of my early kid hood that he and my mom encouraged me to read Pyle's work and that of other war correspondents and journalists. From Indiana, Pyle was killed as he covered the war. Pyle's work and the memorial to him had a remarkable impact on me.  
    My dad and I were always friends, even during the teen years. There never was a "generation gap" in our home.
     I respected his political leanings, he was an active participant in election campaigns as a manager or strategist, never as a candidate.  
     During the Viet Nam era, he cared about the well being of the troops and often was critical of politicians willing to commit young men and women to war.
      He had a great sense of justice and was a true patriot. I continue to miss him. He remains my hero. So this evening I will lift a glass to Karl and the men and women like him, who served. And I will toast some of those "uncles," those who also served, though not always in uniform. Indeed we are in debt to many.
WALKING THE BLUFF






A FAMILY AT THE BEACH

  See you down the trail.

Friday, May 24, 2013

THE WEEKENDER-SKYLINES

PAINTING THE SKY
    Gale winds from the Pacific create an interesting seascape, adding texture to the surf.

   One of my favorite quiet spots is just off a rock.  It offers a place for a meditation on the setting sun.  A relaxation for this Memorial Day weekend.



The Weekender Video offers another take on painting a skyline.
Have a great weekend.
See you down the trail.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

SPECIAL AND SCENES OF A WALK

SPECIAL
     Giovanni's northern Italian heritage finesses his work.
A grilled chicken ciabatta with brie, carrot pea soup, sans dairy, egg plant burger and pappardelle with pesto made of savoy cabbage, tomatoes and artichoke, served with a Le Cuvier Rose.  
   The charm is of Mediterranean climate and temperament in an authentic California take.  A village, population 18, hosts the epicure pleasing Harmony Cafe.
     Kristin and Lana enjoy the garden sun and color.
     We're reminded of a place on the way to Sorrento in southern Italy where we dined with accompaniment from a bleating goat, grazing on the property as we ate and drank under the stars. Here a chicken may wander past as song birds build the score. 
     The dishes and sandwiches have always been delicious. Giovanni innovates and the creations are tasty, excellent and fondly appreciated. Everyone should eat his Tiramisu! 
     
SCENES OF A WALK
Harmony Road










   See you down the trail.