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.

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.

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.

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.

BILL GATES AS PRESIDENT-FINDING A BETTER POOL & FANTASY LAND

A BETTER POOL OF POLITICIANS

Image courtesy of Indiana Historical Society

     Esquire's 1967 article on J. Irwin Miller opened a line of thought that perhaps we should give more effort to.

     Miller then Chairman of Cummins Engine and driving force of turning Columbus Indiana into an architect's wonderland, was touted as the man who ought to be the President.

       He was a man of vision, imagination and a keen sense of accomplishment.  Interviewing Miller was a zenith of my early reporting.

     Turning from what has become our political culture and business is intriguing. We are over run with lawyers, political hacks, ego driven men and women, zealots, grafters, ideologues and too few who seek office merely to serve. Politics is at a stalemate and run by money. Why not look elsewhere for leadership?

     Bill Gates is in the pantheon of those with vision, imagination and a sense of accomplishment.  His work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is extraordinary and may well change history. It is making lives much better and healthier around the globe.  

     Men and women like Gates would not seek office, nor do they require the kind of ego validation that all too many pols are motivated by. That's a shame!  We'd be better served by people who are all about the ideas and sense of making the world better.  

     There are many others, like Gates or Miller.  I'd include Amory Lovins, co founder, Chief Scientist and Chairman Emeritus of the Rocky Mountain Institute.  Or Elon Musk of SpaceX. (Except that he's a South African.) Who would you put on that list?  Who would you like to see in Congressional or Executive leadership roles? 

  

 FANTASY LAND

     Scenes from the Garden Center

      See you down the trail.