Political Resume - 10 Facts About Sarah Palin - TIME

I think I like Mrs. Palin.

I see how the opposition will attack ... lack of national and international experience, however, like she says, "That's a healthy thing," she told TIME. "That means my perspective is fresher."

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article...

Michael Jackson’s b-day was yesterday (50th)

Go to the link below to watch a very good slide show and commentary (photo essay) ... The commentary is similar to my point of view on this part of pop history. Its part of my history ...

http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/2008/michael_jackson_50/

Or click on the title of this blog to see the photo essay.

1955 "Vintage" Camp Trailer

Lori drove to Coos Bay yesterday to buy us a "vintage" camp trailer. We are fairly excited about having an a place to store our camping gear and have the ability to connect and go at a moments notice. This is a very small trailer ... so we can pull it with our van ... but it has enough sleeping space for all of us.




The guy in the photo is John, the guy we bought it from. You'll have to ask Lori about the gator made from bread.

They also went to Winchester Bay and played in the water for awhile...

Class Reunion - Wil-Hi Class of ’88’

This past weekend Lori and I participated in two events for my 20th Class Reunion.

Yes, it is true ... 20 YEARS! The first two numbers make me feel slightly old are the 20 year class reunion and 40 years old. The first has now happened, the second is still 3 years in the future.

Sadly, I have not kept in touch with any of my classmates, so we were a little nervous about attending.

The first event was at Quackers Bar and Grill Saturday night. Neither Lori nor I have frequented bars, in addition to the fact we were not sure if we would know anyone there made us almost back out of attending. However, once went in, we had an alright time. It was good to see old friends. It was interesting to get re-acquainted with friends of 20-25 years ago. There were some in attendance I never got a chance to talk with, which I feel bad about.

Sunday afternoon we joined classmates and their families at Roaring Rapids Pizza in their outdoor eating area. It overlooks beautiful rapids on the McKenzie river. Nice place. It was good to see and talk to a few more friends at this venue, as well, but again I did not get to talk to a few people I would have liked to.

Fun times ... after twenty years!

Currently reading : The Ohio River Trilogy 1: Betty Zane (The Ohio River Trilogy) By Zane Grey

Tamolitch - McKenzie River

In June, Lori and I spent a night at Belknap Hot Springs to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. It is a resort on the world famous McKenzie River.

They have two hot springs-fed swimming pools that are cooled down to 105 degrees. Yeah … a little too hot to swim in, but very nice to soak in.

We were able to go on a couple hikes while there. I got the opportunity to take Lori to the beautiful Tamolitch Falls (a.k.a. Blue Pool or Tamolitch Pool).

I have hiked in there 5 times, but this time the pool was different. The water level was higher and there was water coming out of the rock wall. I guess all of my previous trips have been later in the season. I understand that earlier this year there was actually water flowing over the falls.

Next Spring I hope to make it up there earlier to witness this.

Most of the year the water flows in from below. A lava flow from a few thousand years ago spread across the McKenzie valley. The water of the McKenzie River now flows under ground through the porous lava rock and lava tubes for a stretch that ends at Tamolitch. The pool is very cold and very clear and very beautiful.

Clear Lake Cabin - Boys Fishing

Lori's folks rented a cabin for all of us at Clear Lake this past Thursday night. The cabins are simple fishing cabins with no indoor plumbing and the lake does not allow motorized boats so it is a little like going back in time. It is a very nice place.

Bud rented two row boats for us to use Thursday night and Friday.

All three boys caught fish! Cade's first, Zane's 2nd, and Luke's 3rd. Cade's reaction was the best tho, he caught his as we were heading back to the docks on Friday. As soon as he gets it in he starts yelling to everyone in sight "I caught a fish!", "Boom-Boom, I caught a fish!", "I caught a fish", "Papa, I caught a fish!", "Lolly, I caught a fish!", "I caught a fish!", "Joy, I caught a fish!", "I caught a fish!"... I am fairly sure everyone on the lake knew this 2 year old (he turns 3 this month) caught a fish.