GET OUT AND WALK

       It is hard to imagine ever being outside enough.  As a school kid, freedom seemed to breath, whenever we were permitted outside.  Working as a journalist gave me plenty of opportunity for being outside, until I began managing news operations or companies. Then I'd bound out, just to walk a few blocks, to get outside, whenever I could.  So as spring envelopes the country, let me urge you to take a walk.  In that spirit, here's a look at 

A WORLD CLASS WALK

          The Harmony Headlands State Park is 784 acres between Highway 1 and the Pacific about five minutes north of Cayucos and south of Cambria. It offers a spectacular approximately two mile hike out to a marine terrace.  It has become one of our favorites and it is often on the Cambria Walking Bunch's list.

          According to locals in the know, the land had been in the State Park System for some five years, but never opened to the public.  The story goes that Clint Eastwood, who lives about 2 hours north in Carmel, was down for an occasion and as a member of a state commission walked the trail.  He asked why it wasn't open and communicated with his friend and then Governor Schwarzenegger.  Shortly thereafter the trail was opened to the public.

            If you spend much time in this area of the Central Coast you get an urge to go wondering over the rolling hills and into valleys and canyons.

            The Headlands trail, gives you that opportunity and takes you by precious wetlands and fragile environs.

              After winding between slopes the trail opens to majestic views of the Pacific.

The trail works along pristine coastal bluffs.

In the spring, it offers a wild flower show.

lots of blooms this time of year

This is a somewhat exotic, called  Humming Bird Sage.

If you like hikes, and are in the area, the Harmony Headlands State Park is a great opportunity. Regardless of where you live, go talk a walk.
See you down the trail.

CHANGES, CHALLENGES AND THE EXQUISITE ORANGE

THE STATUS QUO

       Education really seemed important, the day I learned the meeting of 'the status quo."  It was elementary school, but it could have been an Ivy League college.  The phrase had the power to transcend. But soon I learned the status quo was more about the past than the exciting future.  Now I'm wondering if I'm not on the road to being a Luddite and too stuck on the status quo.

              Here's the beef.  My old computer and the need to upgrade to quicker and more whiz bang applications.  I love the new technology, I just don't like having to adapt to a new calendar system, new format and abandon a system that has worked just fine.

              Three or four years ago I got a new leather credit card holder-money clip.  It's got a nice sheen of dust on it because the old one, worn, a teensy bit frayed and requiring  an occasional re insert of the metal clip into the leather slot, works fine. Really!

              Plus, I'll be shopping for a new computer soon and I know that is really going to change the old habits. Some days the status quo sounds very comfortable.

PEOPLE WITH MONEY BEHAVING ODDLY

       If you've ever thrilled at the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus, we've got a three ring spectacle for you today. You are in your bleacher seat, the lights are low, the spot hits the ring master, in his red jacket and black top hat.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS OF ALL AGES. KENNETH AND IRVIN FELD, IN ASSOCIATION WITH DYSFUNCTIONAL PRODUCTIONS, PROUDLY PRESENTS, THE RINGLING BROTHERS BARNUM AND BAILEY CIRCUS. THE GRRREAAATEST SHOOWWW ON EARTH!! LINK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT IT!

BOB'S STORY
CHALLENGE AND COURAGE

       Frequent readers know that from time to time my former radio colleague and long time friend, Bob is providing updates on his battle with Leukemia.  Here's his latest report.

Friends,

This week's chemo boost was routine; easily tolerated. Diane and I 
toured the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, MN. She will stay 
there while I am hospitalized for my BMT. I will join her during the 
months following my discharge from Methodist Hospital. We plan on a 
combined stay in Rochester of 3 months. Gift of Life is available to us 
for subsequent visits to Rochester, if they relate to my transplant. My 
sister has sent her blood match re-verification kit to Mayo. We will get 
one to my brother yet this week. Our next regularly scheduled Mayo 
appointment is May 31st. We trust we will get the go-signal at that time 
and know when I am to be hospitalized to "condition" me for the 
allogeneic stem cell transplant. Conditioning includes Campath 
chemotherapy and 200 cGy TBI (Total Body Radiation, in case there are 
any radiation oncology fans listening in). We considered a trip to 
northern Japan, but this seemed a more convenient, cost effective 
radiation solution.

"Remain calm. All is well." --Kevin Bacon

Foster

A NATURAL TREAT

A simple story about a joy of living in California.

A story without words, but with great scent.

AHHH!

See you down the trail.