Puerto Rico!

PJ and I had an unusually excellent trip experience visiting Puerto Rico from December 31, 2016 - January 4, 2017.  The best part of the trip:  the warmth, chatter, fun - and incredible hospitality - that always accompanies hanging around Pedro, Maga and the rest of the immediate Rossello family - but for this trip also getting acquainted with some of the extended family and friends-of-the-family - all delightful.  Two other plus-plus elements:  (1) being invited to attend Ricky's gubernatorial inauguration and some related events; and (2) finally seeing a bit of Puerto Rico and Old San Juan after years of conversations about it.

Here's what happened -

New Year's Eve in Old San Juan . . .

. . . complete with "plena" musicians . . . 

. . . and some expert dancing . . . 

New Year's Eve with our little daughter, Old San Juan.

Saturday, December 31 - PJ and I have easy travels and short layover (Houston) but learn that with time zone changes etc. it can still seem like a bit of a trip from Phoenix to San Juan; 6a departure, 4:45p arrival.  Nice views of the island as we arrive, and Kerry and Luis are at the airport to meet us; we get our first look around as we drive out to Pedro and Maga's lovely place in Dorado (a bit west of San Juan).  Great to catch up with P&M as always; also nice that Jay & Giselle & family (the three Gs) were there; then we settle into our quarters for the visit (a lovely home that we were sharing with K&L, made available by a family friend).  Thoughtfully stocked refrigerator courtesy Maga - all quite welcoming.  Back for dinner at P&M's place - all v good but I think we especially enjoyed the rice (pigeon peas!) and the plantains.  Our entire group then boards the small bus, or large van, that we utilized for the duration, and the drivers take us into Old San Juan - a very fun New Year's Eve party at Johnny & Leticia's place; met Maria Christina, Alana, Andrea, John Francis - all just as warm and welcoming as can be (plus they arranged for "plena" musicians to entertain us!)  We get some initial views of OSJ on the way to and from the party; perfect weather; eventually we make our way "home", getting to our place with 20 minutes to spare prior to midnight - at which time we watch a rather fine fireworks display from our balcony with K&L.

Early morning church service on Inauguration Day; this is upon arrival:  Pedro with members of the press. 

A blessing for Ricky and Bea.

At breakfast in the parish hall immediately following the church service.

Sunday, January 1- K&L are out early to pick up coffee and breakfast sandwiches for us (from "KGB"); we then make our way over to P&M's to catch up with everyone; say hello to Ricky and also get a chance to meet Bea and Claudia - lots of chattering, then we all drive (I mean, are driven) over to some picturesque spot on the property where the Rossello family Christmas photo is taken (if a bit after Christmas).  Back to P&M's for the loveliest lunch; we are joined by Luiso and Sonia, Luisra and Maria.  Among the treats: a dish traditionally served in Puerto Rico at Christmas - several varieties of fillings, each wrapped in a banana leaf - quite good (even if the Rossello brothers themselves seemed rather unenthusiastic about it).  Lots of talk on all sorts of topics as we sit around the dining table after finishing (and while things are being cleared away so efficiently); we of course were interested in catching up on some of the story lines around the gubernatorial race, plans for the inauguration and short-term thereafter; for some reason - the light, the atmosphere, who knows - it felt to me a lot like sitting around the dining table in Iowa 40 or 50 years ago after a home-prep'd meal and feeling the multi-generation conversation flow - hard to articulate that but it is a fine feeling.  Eventually we walk the grounds a bit, spend some time in the "Lazy River" area.  We meet Manny & Kristen & Isabella.  Quick change back at our "home", then our driver takes the four of us through heavy traffic into OSJ (we finally walk the last couple blocks) - we meet Manny & Kristen for dinner - good food/drink and conversation but the most memorable part was just all the laughs.

Upon arrival at the Capitol - and prior to Ricky's inauguration - a swearing-in
ceremony for members of PR"s House of Representatives.

Waiting for the postmaster ceremony to commence . . . many in attendance take advantage
of an opportunity for a photo with P&M.

Monday, January 2 - bright and early start - this is Inauguration Day! - full police escort this time as our group is taken to church for the day's first event - press, photographers active (all this is new to PJ and me course).  A very nice ceremony, including the celebrant blessing Ricky and Bea; musicians livelier than what we normally see in church, fun to listen to.  They served breakfast to all of us in the parish hall immediately after - enjoyed the PR coffee.  Another escorted trip to the capitol building.  We are taken up via a small elevator to chambers outside the House of Representatives - an amusing part was the tiny elevator car could only convey a handful of us, and naturally it was those of us that nobody knew and stopped for photos etc. who were available to go up the elevator first - meaning PJ, I and a few others enter these chambers and start getting introduced around - to the mayor of San Juan, the representative from the Dominican Republic, etc. - everyone very kind even when dealing with unknown non-entities.  On we proceed into the House of Representatives, where the swearing-in ceremony takes place for the new members - this actually was kind of neat, typically they'd have a family member or two in tow, getting elected is an accomplishment no matter how you look at the world of politics.

In our front-row seats on the Capitol steps, waiting for the inauguration ceremonies to begin.

Governor Ricky is sworn in.

A portion of the large-enthusiastic crowd . . . Atlantic Ocean in background.

Next we move to a different area in the capitol building - some traditional ceremony involving the local postmaster - commemorative postmark or something?  The area was quite warm/muggy.  Press.  Photographers.  Nonstop line of people wanting to say hello to, and have their picture taken with, Pedro (and Maga) - the evident warmth toward them was impressive to see.  But it also required tremendous energy by P&M (who clearly are pros).  Delays.  Little episodes such as:  when time to go to the men's room - security escorts me there (stuff I'm not used to, to say the least).  Security guys chase down water bottles for us, yay.  Then Ricky, Bea and Claudia arrive and the postmaster ceremony proceeds.

Governor Ricky's inaugural address.

Ricky and Bea's daughter very well behaved, though she became
a touch uneasy when the 21-gun salute (or however many)
went off.  Ricky picked her up; photographers pounced;
PJ ends up in a nice photo (I end up blocked by the Guv'nor).

Now it's time for the formal inauguration ceremony - a stand has been set up on the Capitol steps - rather amazing view out over the Atlantic Ocean from where we sit toward the end of the family grouping in front row.  Getting to those seats involved a bit of a gauntlet run - K&L had warned of the seemingly simple rule of just keeping up with the security guys as we flow through crowds, photographers, etc.  Enthusiastic crowd.  Full sun on an 85 degree day; breeze generally quite nice but no one complained the few times that a cloud passed overhead.  Invocations, presentation of the colors, music, the actual swearing-in.  Ricky's speech - in Spanish - seems very well received.  Pedro and Ricky take the traditional walk to the governor's mansion - this on a very warm afternoon after so much activity already.  The rest of us go to the mansion via our van.

At the Governor's Mansion.

Just hanging out at La Forteleza.

The mansion - La Forteleza - surprised us, we had no idea of the history behind this place (originally a fort; oldest executive mansion in use in the western hemisphere, etc.).  The physical site - overlooking the harbor - is pretty incredible.  Not to mention the building itself.  On arrival - a fine lunch - this was timely and thoughtful, we all were quite ready to rest a bit, and get a bite to eat (the staff did a lovely job with that).  Then Maga led the family around for a most interesting tour of the mansion - fun and helpful to see where P&M did their work during the time P served as governor; enjoyed seeing the living quarters, including where Luis had spent some time way back when.  Many staffers there are holdovers from the days when P&M lived there - it was neat to see how pleased they were to have Rossellos returning.  Then we are taken back to Dorado for hair/makeup sessions (girls) and naps (me and possibly Luis).

La Forteleza does indeed offer some fine views.

At dinner - evening of Inauguration Day.

At night - the dinner celebrating the inauguration - our drivers get us back into OSJ in quick order.  We see many faces now familiar after a couple days; and meet some additional family/friends. Good food; a few speeches (including Ricky's); live music courtesy of several different performers (including a guy with quite a nice voice doing a version of "My Way," associated with Pedro as we learn!)  The event was intentionally a bit restrained given the island's current fiscal situation - but celebratory to be sure!  Afterward, a group of 10 of us are driven over to the lovely Vanderbilt Hotel for a nightcap.  Eventually we are driven home; a 20-hour day of memorable moments. [Ricky - and Manny, among others - head to Washington DC on 3a flight for introduction of statehood legislation.]

In our places and ready for the banquet . . . 

At the banquet:  Kerry, Ricky, Luis . . .

Tuesday, January 3 - we (K&L, PJ and me) organize for our tourist-day, and are driven over to P&M's; Jay & Giselle & family are there and in the midst of packing to head home.  Our stated plan was for the four of us to go out for breakfast and then proceed into Old San Juan.  But we linger - Pedro, we learn, makes a quite excellent cup of coffee; Maga puts together a fine little breakfast - all of a sudden we have settled in to enjoy another round of warm conversation and hospitality, and no hurry to leave - very pleasant.  Finally we say goodbyes to all - glad a March rendezvous in Phoenix is on the calendar! - and our driver takes us to OSJ.

We learn that - properly prepared - a pina colada can be a fine thing.  El Convento, Old San Juan.

Looking at the governor's mansion from outside in.  Old San Juan.

My ignorance regarding San Juan, and Puerto Rico in general, is near-flawless.  Wandering around - and looking at maps on the phone - we start to get a feel for why the area was so important to the Spanish - a great harbor (sheltered from the ocean, defensible against invaders), an island perched on the eastern edge of the Caribbean.  Anyway, the weather is lovely and we wander the narrow streets and old buildings - had no idea it was this old - Columbus on second voyage, etc.  A place named "El Convento" looks pretty appealing; we ask the bartender to describe the pina colada - the surprising part was that it tasted even better than it looked (and it was after noon by the time we ordered, I think).  We wander through shops, check out the scenery.  Super-compact.  Lunch; we are introduced to mofongo, among other treats - much enjoyed.  We are wondering in the area of La Fortaleza - getting the view from the street, interesting after yesterday's visit and tour.

Arriving at El Morro.

Overlooking Atlantic Ocean . . . we learn that the cannon were maneuvered on these tracks . . . 

As the afternoon proceeds we visit a huge fort named "El Morro" - the Spanish started building it in 1539 and expansion continued for centuries - this is on a finger of land immediately adjacent to Old San Juan - late afternoon light makes everything look better - the setting on the Atlantic Ocean is pretty wonderful but also there are views back to OSJ and over to the harbor - we much enjoyed wandering, would happily go back for a closer look (though that applies to everything we did on the entire visit).  Our drivers then whoosh us out of the downtown congestion and drop us off at the Hilton.  Since I never seem to get to the Atlantic coast, K and I make sure to walk down into the water for a touch.  Mojitos at the outdoor bar overlooking the Atlantic; it's fun to hear Luis recall visiting this hotel as a child with his grandparents.  Eventually we change clothes - meet Tico/Eva and Kristen/Isabella - who are in a salsa class while I fussed with some details on our flight; dinner; laughs!; then our driver takes us home.  Had a bite of the quite-wonderful cake that the mansion staff had prepared for the Rossellos (and that ended up in our refrigerator, luckily); a glass of wine; conversation into the early morning.

We learn that these watch towers are iconic PR scenery at this point . . . and
that the non-native iguanas are not well beloved.

Tourists on a lovely afternoon at El Morro.

Fifteen Thirty Nine!!

Wednesday, January 4 - our alarm goes off at 3:45a (or 12:45a Phoenix time - even after a few days on the road that seemed a little early).  We say our goodbyes to K&L - really fun to share this experience with the two of them - our drivers get us to the airport (flashing lights for two nobodies!)  Trip was pretty easy, not that I was awake for much of it; we did have a two-hour delay in Houston but that gave us a chance to sit down for a bite.  (Though the mallorca-ham-cheese treats that we took from the fridge onto the plane did get us all the way to Houston in good shape!)  Back at the house by about 5:15p.

K 'n me in the Atlantic Ocean.  Just barely.

Very appreciative of a unique trip and pretty much overwhelming hospitality.

No question that we would love to return, see more, spend more time with our hosts.

The best of luck to know people like this, experience things like this.


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year-end 2016

Another year-end, another epic round of holiday doings and fun.

Kerry arrived late on Friday, December 16.  Initial focus was on some tasks for K&L wedding - coming soon! - quite a bit of prep work was accomplished - some vendor meetings on Saturday, for example, attended by those doing the actual prep work.  Also on Saturday:  bridal shower hosted at Nedda and Paul Jr.'s place with Nicole overseeing things in her matron-of-honor role.  Boys weren't invited but we were given to understand that a good time was had by all.  Patrick arrived by Sunday, so after that just waiting for Luis to hit town.

Kerry's shower (Nedda & PJr's place) (12/17)

Shower fanciness!  (12/17)

There were some K&L wedding prep activities that I did help with, if that's the right word:  food tasting at Bianco's over lunchtime on Monday, December 19, and another food tasting at Fuego Bistro on Friday, December 23.  Most all of us as available joined for both events - very optimistic that wedding guests are going to love this stuff.

Tasting crew doing careful work at Fuego Bistro (thanks, Jeff!)  (12/23)

Then there was a major development - at request of Chris, PJ arranged a ring-shopping expedition to Wesley's in old town Scottsdale - this took place surreptitiously (at least as far as Dharma was concerned) on Sunday, December 18.  With a return visit to pick up the final product after Bianco's tasting on Monday.  This was exciting, and sneaky, and the most excellent news.  CPG came up with a truly beautiful ring.  Also on Sunday night:  book club at 706 to discuss Nicole's choice:  Gilead.  And eat some good food etc., with a white elephant gift exchange.  Nice night.

Shopping at Wesley's!  (Note EPG in mirror.)  (12/18)

Big decision, fine result.  (12/18)

On Tuesday, December 20:  we all gather at Brophy Chapel for the Christmas concert by the Phoenix Chorale - third year in a row - joined by Alison and Graham this time - really a quite excellent program, and the group sounded great per usual (though this remains my favorite Phoenix Chorale concert).  We walk over to "Hula Tiki" after, which fit the bill perfectly; drove EPG's car home as the young folk weren't quite ready to shut it down when we were.  Very fun night.

K, EPG, PJ did some pretty good work on tree-decorating.  The two elves didn't let
PJ get away without opening every decoration-storage-container, some more than once.
I like that the stockings PJ made are visible on fireplace in background here.

A different kind of gathering on Thursday, December 22:  some of us join Paul Jr., Cafiso and friends at a new place called the Wandering Tortoise.  We had a very fun evening, the place features quite excellent beers, and Michael was kind enough to share his mega-Stone bottle with our group (20th anniversary version recalling this trip).  For some reason the beers seemed kind of lethal but we all survived; late food at Deluxe.  As mentioned - December 23 was a fun tasting at Fuego - then the young folks spent the evening catching up with friends in Tempe.

Wandering Tortoise provided a fine evening (12/22)

Now it's Saturday, December 24 - for PJ and me, our first order of business in late morning is picking up Luis from the airport - now all are in town and everything is official!  Kerry works with Chris on a multi-layer packaging deception for the engagement ring - Layers of Misdirection.  In the afternoon we head up to Desert Ridge - saw the next Star Wars Movie ("Rogue One") - enjoyed the outing.  Even if rain was pouring down.  We eat some of the marvelous appetizer selection (courtesy PJ and POC), play pool, eventually get word that [K's wrapping job finally had been overcome and] Chris and Dharma were officially engaged - yay!  Dinner is at the Gladly (Richardson's had been booked by somebody else, so a change in venue); this works out really well.  It's such a great group and always nice to gather on Christmas Eve; two plus elements this year:  (1) very nice to have Luis with us for Christmas Eve/Christmas for the first time; (2) very nice to have the newly-engaged couple (it's exciting to share the experience so close to the actual moment).  (Plus Cafiso came through with a couple fine bottles of wine complete with "Capuso" tag.)  Then back to the house for a session of gift-giving - fun, nice, thoughtful; including Grandma's peanut blossom cookies complete with chocolate stars (courtesy NRG).

Christmas Eve at the Gladly.

Looks official!!

Sunday, December 25 - PJ makes some fine breakfasts; POC, NOC, EPG and me go hiking over on west end of Shea, lovely day (if a bit on the cool side).  Then a true feast of appetizers and marvelous beers for tasting - the beer shoppers did strong work, as did the appetizer chefs.  As the afternoon proceeds PJ leads the cooking effort leading up to dinner.  Saeed and Mina stop by; laughs and chatter.  Dinner was pretty amazing stuff.  There was a new board game - involved drawing things - this was fun and kept us amused until quite late.

Christmas Day hiking.

Appetizers and tastings with this crowd (12/25).  Great way to build an appetite for supper.

Bad luck for me, I was hit pretty hard by a cold overnight; otherwise Monday, December 26 was quite delightful - everyone enjoyed being a little less scheduled.  Games, a jigsaw puzzle, great leftovers, more appetizers.  All but me go over to a party at Mary Beth Stern house in the evening.

Old school entertainment.

And that was pretty much it for such a nice break - PJ back to work Tuesday morning; Kerry and Luis fly back to VA; at least Patrick was able to stick around for a few more days, so that was nice.

Working on the mini-tree with my friend 
(downsizing it seems like a good idea 
given pool table and everything 
else going on in the room).

Dave married Sonny

PJ and I were privileged to be invited to Dave Kollar's wedding to Sonny - in a lovely chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada at 4p on Friday, December 9.  Also in attendance was Dave's brother - Ron (who is a quite excellent guy to be sure - just as I recall him from the late '70s - something about that family, I think).

Right after the wedding!  It was lovely.

Our flight arrived a little after 2p; we figure out a few logistics and join the three of them at a room at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas.  Great seeing Ron again (first time for PJ meeting him); great meeting Sonny (finally!) (and yes I hope to learn spelling of her Korean name sooner than later); always great catching up with Dave.  Laughs, chatter, we get organized and head over to the wedding chapel.

Best man taking care of business.

Where they actually do a really nice job with the ceremony!  Prior we have a few extra minutes to spend - a good opportunity to chat a bit about what's happening - kind of an amazing development for Dave, and Sonny.  The bride looks quite lovely indeed.  Seems there's something special about folks like this getting married a little later in life, let's say - Dave and Sonny clearly really connect, it was so lovely throughout.  Ron did a fine job discharging his witnessing and ring-delivering duties.  PJ and I take a few pictures but mostly are just happy to be there.  PJ is in text-msg communication with a few folks, all of them pretty fired up to hear about what's going on.

Dave and Sonny pick out a few photos (via the chapel's staff photographer); back to the hotel; champagne, snacks, congratulations, talking, laughing, delightful.  We relocate to Vic & Anthony's - right in the hotel - this is a really fine restaurant, they do a great job beginning to end.  Nicole and Kerry had chipped in towards a round, which was quite a nice gesture.  I join Dave with his favored beverage (Manhattan, I mean Manhattans) (and of course invoked Ronald Gales).  The steak and tuna tartare are quite excellent, as are the entrees (and, ok, the drinks).  Lotsa excellent talking throughout.  Warm; lovely!

Not sure what was my favorite part of dinner:  the food, the drinks, the company, or the nonstop chatter?

We gather our stuff and go to take a quick look at their room at the Mandarin Oriental on the strip - that place is every bit as stylish as advertised.  Say our goodbyes, but mostly thanking them for including us in something so unique.  Uber to airport; easy flight; Uber home by around 1:15a.  POC and NOC are staying over after a Dbacks event, they show up a few minutes later and we all chatter until 2a.

Just really a fine day.  Have never attended a wedding quite like it.

Pregame prep.

Almost time (outside chapel).

Dave and Sonny!

Visiting Dad (with side trips)

I visited Minnesota and Iowa from December 1-5, 2016.

It's somewhat amazing to consider that I've been able to enjoy my "family of origin," if that's the right term, for 60 years now!  (And counting.)  How lucky is that?  (Including that EMG continues to do so well.)  So many folks made an effort to be available over those days; only major gap was not working in the Storm Lake crew.

After Thursday lunch (TMG already had skedaddled.)

 It was early December - but weather fine throughout - no issues whatever.

Thursday (December 1) was travel day - rather like my trip two years ago, smooth travels and then I drive into downtown MSP to meet Steve, Cecilia (recent birthday girl) and Therese (day-of-birthday girl but on pretty-tight schedule due to a work event) for lunch.  This time we went to the restaurant inside the Guthrie (super-close to Cecilia's work); all perfectly delightful, fun to catch up.  Then I drive down to Mason City - as in 2014, first stop at Steve/Liz house; then Steve and I make a short but fun stop at the "football club" he and a bunch of his pals have been part of for quite a few years now.  These Thursday night sessions take place at a bar that used to be an A&W; there are some pitchers, and some generally-friendly wagering, and a nice time.  Then we pick up Liz and meet a group for dinner at "Thai Bistro" in downtown Mason City - we were really happy with the food; celebrating some encouraging news; plus S&L just know some really nice people - quite a fine time.  Back to the house; we watch the Vikings (losing to Dallas) for a while; I get a pretty wonderful night's sleep.

Visiting Wells Fargo; chart on computer screen shows Steve's typical investment advisory results, or something.

Friday (December 2) - breakfast, Liz off to work (Darlene Love show), then I go check out Steve's office - interesting to see the various screens of Wells Fargo information from which he works - also met the guy Steve offices with - time well spent.  S&L thoughtfully send along some leftovers - scalloped potatoes and bean soup - these end up serving EMG 'n me as our core food items through my entire time in St. Joe.  Then onto St. Joe (with a short Fareway stop).  Dad and I talk, and talk; lunch; then we head to Algona for some visiting - but our first stop (Jerry Weydert) - is quite delightful, we fall behind schedule, we decide not to push on for other folks until the next day - very good conversations.  Bulls get a nice win over Cleveland as we eat leftover Thai and those scalloped taters.

Ah, Iowa scenery.  This is along Highway 18, westbound enroute to St. Joe.
Learned that they had a colossal harvest.

Saturday (December 3) - breakfast; EMG and I just get into talking patterns about all sorts of topics.  A big chunk of time was spent going through his diary from fall 1971 - I had inquired about Steve's hitchhiking over Thanksgiving that year (and EMG and I had driven him back up to Collegeville on the Sunday) - anyway that triggered a bunch of things to think about, and talk about.  Eventually we eat some leftovers, then to Algona - visited Fr. Friedmann and Charlie Lickteig at one of the rest homes - time very well spent.  Then we drive over to visit Caroline - thought she looked really good, she was working on a quilt as we arrive.  Crackers, cheese, "Bormann bourbon" - and the very nicest conversation; the time went by way too fast and now it was into the evening.  Snow was falling - not really the accumulating type, but a very lovely effect for someone who seldom sees it.  EMG and I are on the phone a bit that evening, we also keep track of Penn State beating Wisconsin in the Big 10 championship game.  And eat some bean soup and those scalloped taters.  Something different was that I ran hot water and dish-washing soap into the sink and cleaned up a few plates and utensils - kind of proud of that effort.

Never miss visiting this lady; never fail to find it delightful.

Sunday (December 4) - 10a Mass at St. Joe Church, always a privilege to be able to attend there.  Big crowd; then a big crowd also over at coffee & rolls.  Talked to various, including Mark & Sue Bormann, Rich Kohlhaas, Chris Capesius, etc. - all this is just so pleasant.  EMG and I check out the cemetery but at this time it's cold and quite windy.  A little napping ensued; EMG's knee pretty swollen for the last few days so we get it checked out at the emergency department; on the way home from Algona we do some fine touring-by-automobile - visit the farm homestead; drive over to the Ray Gales farm area; a lovely late afternoon, nice to drive around with my dad and see the old sights - rather unbeatable, actually.  Eventually we make it home, do our leftover thing, a little football, a LOT more talking.  I was collecting some of the details on some old pictures I like.

Favorite view up the hill . . . though obscured a bit on a lovely winter morning.

Monday (December 5) - 8a Mass at St. Joe Church.  We come back to the house and make coffee and breakfast.  And just talk about all sorts of stuff, which is really quite fine - so many interesting things to look back on and explore.  The time flies by; I gather up my stuff and hit the road by about 1p - easy road trip back to the Twin Cities - given Therese's likely unavailability on December 1, we had hoped to squeeze in a short meeting at WA Frost prior to my flight - she had reached out a bit and we ended up with the nicest group - Dan and Barb (in town by coincidence relating to some vehicular wheeling-and-dealing); Therese and Mark; Nick, Maeve, Beau and Jude (though the latter three had to leave early); Steve and Cecilia; me.  A fine gathering indeed!  Enjoyed seeing the young fellas; enjoyed talking, and laughing, and talking, with the rest of the group.  Like with the rest of the trip - the time just flies by.  Hustle to airport, back to AZ.

Weekday Mass, Fr. Kollasch as celebrant; nice to be in the old church . . . 

 So much talking throughout - I truly love hearing the old voices telling the old stories - even when there is an element of repetition, it seems like one appreciates the stories differently as one ages; and - perhaps - one can now see a little more depth around all these topics.  I try not to take for granted that I'm so lucky to still have access to this.

Solid crew, fine beers and sandwiches at W.A. Frost in St. Paul . . . but we had lost
our most photogenic subjects before beckoning the waiter to snap this.

A rare trip without PJ, who about a month ago had spent a long weekend in Virginia doing dress-shopping with Kerry (Nicole also attended).  Always discombobulating to be on the road without my multi-decade travel pal!  (Also results in shortage of photos.)

And yes, I missed seeing Mom in St. Joe.

Ah, Iowa scenery - where else
might one see a lovely mini-refrigerator
looking like this?  (Courtesy
Jerry Weydert) 

Veteran's Day (Armistice Day) (Remembrance Day)

I find myself increasingly intrigued by World War I - certainly the battles and the campaigns; perhaps moreso the utter rupture ushered (or hastened) by the war.

Thinking about the finale of WWI today (in addition to the veterans, more generally).  The magnificent two-minute silence observed in England (again this year, as always) (and discussed so well here).  

I've always liked the below vignette - courtesy of the marvelous St. Joseph Parish history book - a scene that took place 98 years ago today - the sentence always strikes me as effectively mixing the prosaic and the sublime.  I like to think of my grandfather - up on the hill farm - engaged in what was then a pretty fundamental farming task - no electricity, radio, TV - though certainly plenty of indications in the newspapers that the war was winding down - then the bells start ringing.  How many sets could he actually hear?  Certainly St. Joe; he cites Livermore; anything else?  (Not too many competing motor-noises in those days.)  He had just turned 18 years old earlier that year; I don't know if he was at much risk of getting called up; several from St. Joe did go.






[An aside - that same portion of the St. Joe history book recounts the registration of the Berte family.  This is the kind of story that I never sufficiently appreciated - August Berte was born in Germany - now his seven sons are registering to fight against Germany!  (To connect August Berte to folks we know - he was the great-great-grandfather of Matt Bormann and siblings.)

Lockett Meadow 2016

PJ and I repeated a favorite trip - visiting Flagstaff, including hiking the Inner Basin trail starting from Lockett Meadow (October 7-9).

We've made the trip many times; some background (including first trip in 1989) summarized here.  We don't think we've ever had better conditions.  The new trail (resulting from a re-route opened in 2012 following a fire) is better than the original  Weather perfect; color very near peak.

We always enjoy wandering around Flagstaff.  Finally tried "Cottage Place" restaurant (not recommended); Brix a standout, again.  Also:  Martanne's.

Have posted photos of all this quite often, so including just a few; also testing an embedded GIF created in the "new" switchback zone:


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Oregon trip, v. 4

For this year, PJ suggested that we reprise a favorite trip - our Oregon tour - I heartily agreed - so we pretty much retraced our steps from our visits in 2012, 2013 and 2014 (discussed here).

The formula we've been following:

--fly to Portland, pick up car, drive straight to Astoria for late lunch
--three nights at Cannery Pier Hotel; day trips in the area; wander around town
--drive to Welches (near Mt. Hood) and spend two nights
--hiking (Mirror Lake, Tamanawas Falls, in-town wandering)
--drive to Portland (via Hood River); get rid of car; spend three nights
--wander Portland
--interesting lunches and dinners throughout (and plenty of brewery stops)

We added one new hike (after Thursday's lunch in Hood River) - this was a loop in the Columbia Gorge area - around Horsetail Falls - just gorgeous.

The trip (September 10-18) was delightful, as always; in fact, we both felt that we enjoyed it more than ever.  Traveling together like this never gets old.  Very good luck with weather, restaurants (including old favorites and some very good new ones), travel conditions, hotels, hikes, etc.

A few looks from 2016 (not repeating photos posted in prior years, except when I occasionally do):

Columbia River slides past Astoria; Megler Bridge; Cannery Pier out in the water.  Walking the hills.

As we return from our walk, this huge vessel is heading toward the Pacific (PJ in pink top near the hotel)

Then we step inside . . . lovely room, you feel that you open the door and step right onto the river . . . 

From that same hotel room balcony, as sun sets later that evening.

Fortunate timing gets us to the best seat in the house for sunset on Mt. Hood (at Timberline Lodge)

Tamanawas Falls amazes; the entire loop hike is quite fine.

PJ checking out Horsetail Falls (Columbia River gorge)

A view along the Horsetail Falls loop hike - we'd never quite gotten to
this classic view of the Columbia River/Oregon Trail.

PJ skittering back to trailhead (last portion of the loop tracks the old highway).  

Returning from Mirror Lake:

some special visitors

As discussed here, our family has had the good fortune to be in touch with Luxembourg-based relatives since the early 1980s.  Primary contact points were Claude Lanners and his wife Mariette; we also had met their son Michel.  We have now learned first-hand - certainly not to our surprise - that that the deep sense of connection extends to another batch of Lanners family members!

At Claude's instigation, a few years ago I became a social media friend with his grandson (Daniel Ruiz).  Via that link, Daniel advised that he and his family (father Jose Ruiz, mother Martine Lanners, sister Laura Ruiz) would be visiting the western part of the US, including the Phoenix area.

So:  we had to get together.

Showing the relationship across the generations.

PJ put together a lights-out southwest-style dinner.  Chris and Dharma attended (unfortunately, all the other locals were out of town over Labor Day weekend).  Our guests arrived around 5p - we talked nonstop until 11:30p - would happily have continued - couldn't have been nicer.

They immediately recognized our prominently-displayed Luxembourg goods - and brought us some appropriately-labeled beverages (per below photo).

We shall look forward to resuming the conversation when we get to Europe!

Only from Luxembourg . . .