Winnipeg

Isabella Rosallini's legs from the movie The Saddest Music In The World (too difficult to explain)

something good is happening up there

Winnipeg Goldeyes, so nice!

Play ball, and...dance!

your admission includes rumbling trains

Crack! Thud! Pop! "You're Oat!"The sounds of baseball comfort, although I sit with chilled night time legs cheering on the Goldeyes as they play the Fargo-Morehead Redhawks. kO-wal-chuk. kO-wal-chuk. A train rumbles as I huddle in my jacket in Shaw Stadium. This gallant beast rides close that I can feel its movements churning through my body.  The engine does not cry out Woo Woo except in my mind -or if I was in Disneyland.  Nevertheless, this is a welcome feeling as the temperature- though not really cold by Winnipeg standards is certainly frosty by mine.  Respectful of the 300 good citizens present at this preseason game, it was designated to be a shortened event to 7 innings. I sit and cheer as the  Goldeyes have rocketed out to a 6-0 lead. I am happy to be watching baseball, behind home plate and not needing to be present for any more than 7 innings.  Take Me Out To The Ballgame, then- go home! As it turned out, I was in the park for less than 2 hours for the entire game. It's also great to be in a ballpark where birds are NOT trying to poop on you.

Professional league and minor league baseball are enjoyable, affordable events with room to view and always friendly participatory affairs.  I won a bag of chips!  I ate some Lithuanian ( I think) potatoes. Unfortunately Hu's On First closed sometime to my arrival but it was likely just going to be a photo op. From the silly in between inning hi-jinks (contests i/e:  dressed as sandwich buns, collecting giant plastic condiments with both contestants ending up piled up collecting the condiments between them etc.) or clapping to stay warm, there is an intimacy at these types of sporting venues which make it fun to be there. Even if I was kind of cold.  I was in my comfort zone, Not sure what I would find when I decided to come here, I sat in the ballpark able to reflect that I was somewhere I liked, that I felt welcome in Winnipeg and happy to be there.

don't believe the postcards; the water is brown but it's still pretty

Fort Garry Hotel

my kick back room.(and this is just one of the rooms) Frankly too large for one person

the Forks, a central spot where different cultures met to trade where the Red and Assiniboine come together

Back track to the air flights over. First stop Vancouver. I was thrown -scared by the grilling of  the customs official as he wanted specific answers to his questions "Why Winnipeg?  What are you going to do here?  Where are you going?" I probably didn't help with my first silly response. I survived the exchange.  I also realized then that I had over packed. The second plane was so tiny that my carry on bag did not fit anywhere close to the luggage department (smaller than a breadbox).  We were packed into that plane like this (actual photo):

This had its benefits as I knew that I had made some lasting friendships-once i was able to remove my foot from i don't know where.  Plus I should announce that my right arm is now engaged to someone's else left leg.

The bus is a short ride into town ($2.60 change only) and the first visuals of Winnipeg were mixed, drab.  A bus driver hesitant to my questions, warmed up and was very helpful, above and beyond, and then asked (this would repeat two other occasions during my trip)  where I was visiting from and reacted with surprise that I would choose to go to this very fair city.  There are plenty of reasons why Winnipeg would win my affection but mostly I found the city without pretension, charming, of kind and helpful citizens.  I asked for directions plenty, and people always tried to be helpful.

lovely Osborn district, home of fine shops. good coffee, and pleasant memories

bears in Manitoba? heck, yeah!

who doesn't like a mural?

neighborhoods

Furby and Cornish

River Street? (I forgot already!)

okay this had nothing to do with Winnipeg but i stumbled on this older photo of Oliver one Halloween dressed as a hot dog.

Pay phones could be found throughout town, and I had no problem locating delicious coffee. One morning I went out to a museum and did not have coffee for four hours!! Quick- locate a chair but it's true.
I liked Parlour on Main Street most of all and Thom Bargen on Sherbrook, Second Cup were good too. Plenty more to discover!  Trees were plentiful and as within any great city, several attractive neighborhoods (Winnipeg is a large place, about 3 times larger than San Francisco) certainly with some quirky stores.  I only was able to experience a part of the town so my knowledge is limited to 5 days of walks, from downtown to Osborn, to St.Boniface, Wolseley, the Exchange District,, Sherbrook...

Public transportation will get you to most places but this town (at least when it's not snowing) is in some parts made for walking. The outer parts you just need to work out a deal with a willing bison.   You can walk to the ballpark from downtown. I stayed at two fine hotels- the Fort Garry which reminds of the Monteleone in New Orleans (old, regal, rustic, glamour) and Place Louis Riel on Smith Street. I was upgraded in both places to very large rooms/suites- crazy that I get this when it's just me.  Fort Garry had a much more comfortable feel with a large bathroom and a window that i could open to allow the brisk air in.  Place Louis Riel had a full kitchen (stove, dishwasher, large refrigerator, microwave but I didn't use this much as there are a lot of food choices in town).  I like that there are choices like Boon Burger which offers vegetarians many different vegi-burger options, not just the one choice!

Last year a very large palatial building opened containing the Human Rights Museum with floors dedicated to the Holocaust, the past, present and future.  I was especially fascinated with the second floor which specifically focused on the human rights history in Canada.  On the fourth floor the images from the Holocaust  were devastating.  While this museum is architecturally impressive- such bells and whistles!, what it may lack in detail, it should serve as a good welcoming place for citizens to be introduced to various cultures that call Canada home, and to events in the world that never should be forgotten.  There is also a research room that likely can provide much more information that I didn't get around too.

Human Rights Museum and Esplanade Riel Walking Bridge

Not actually a set from a Shogun film, nor is it a view of Iron Man laying on his back but the large exterior (see the tiny peeps down below) of the Human Rights Museum, which opened in 2014

my favorite part of this museum; the second floor where the focus is on the human rights history of. Canada the red dresses are meant to draw attention to the missing and murdered aboriginal women.

stories of migrant workers. it's kind of cool as one person is telling their story- the other three are standing with you while the camera stays on them while each individual waits silently

meditative 3rd floor pools of water. i got anxious trying to find other stuff 'tho

Not with malice so much but carrying out a national policy, at the time

Cousin on the railroad. He was working on it.

Just as the USA, Japanese during WW2 had their property seized before being placed in internment camps. This is a couple of gentlemen just after their fishing boat was seized.  The smugness of the official contrasted with the pain of trying to maintain dignity and comprehend this WTF moment in time is noticeable.

subsequently, did this cause the state of nation to crumble?

view from inside the museum

Hitler, really not a fun guy

I made my way to where Bloody Saturday occurred in 1919, an early manifestation of Canadian/American Labor Movements. Its history has existed mostly under the radar but I feel is crucial to understanding a point in time when the working class began to stand up for their rights. We can bookend this event between the Pullman Train strike of 1894 which led to establishing Labor Day as a National US holiday and the Longshoreman's strike of 1934 (San Francisco) as major turning points in working class history.  This corner is near the Manitoba Museum, an established place in Winnipeg.  There is a lot of information here and the museum is very large with many curated artifacts, and impressive rooms presenting a historic street, life on a pier, and a quaint art deco theater playing Charlie Chaplin shorts.

How to break up a union; appoint any drunken thugs to authority and hand them the legs from chairs and tables, and look away.

Little Chaplin theater, Manitoba Museum

One Big Union, pin 1919. Very Cool!

view from my submarine

Everyone in Winnipeg knows This Image. Ho hum for residents. Cool for visitors! And please everyone,  look left and right before crossing the street

Project Genesis. Please keep it away from Khan. Speaking of Khan's Shawarma, tasty!

My milkshake fix was found in the little V.J's drive-in before I walked over to St.Boniface, an area with a French Quarter and also home of the beautiful Cathedral, founded in 1818 by a Bishop Provencher. To get there you can walk over the Esplanade Riel bridge to get to the Cathedral. This is also the final resting place of Louis Riel.  After some time wandering and nearly deciding that I wouldn't be able to find his burial site,  I turned around some trees and there it was, on a beautiful Friday morning.  The St.Boniface museum, the oldest building in Winnipeg is small but with detailed information about Louis Riel and the First Nations, the Metis people and their place in Canadian history.

St.Boniface Cathedral

a warm place

Riel at rest

Friends with Louis Riel. In 2007 Chief One Arrow's remains were exhumed and taken to sacred grounds in the Saskatchewan Valley. Chief One Arrow was not a warrior chief but a moral leader,  who was still perceived as a threat and imprisoned, kept in poor conditions. Upon his release his health was poor and he died shortly after.

Riel's resting place

I had the pleasure of experiencing two levels of 5 pin bowling; in an old theater. 5 pin bowling? I got to do this!  Regular sized alleyways, three tries to knock down the 5 pins, and lighter balls that go without finger holes and the oppressive weight that kills your wrists.  That by itself was fun but a style pioneered by some wacky neighbors involved taking a running start from behind the seating area, hollering (think action movie) and sliding on your knees (some practiced an incredible full on fall on their backs) while rolling the ball.  Nice crowd, grace and goofs all. I now refer to US bowling as 5 too many pins bowling. Free refills of coffee which hasn't been sitting on a burner.  Go too for the coffee. Hence.

Academy Bowling Lanes, former theater but now masterful 5 Pin Place

who would have thought I'd bump into Maria Dexter and Oliver, of all places??

Chinatown, Grand building but I saw only some residents in the towers, and a few empty stores

Train Museum in the Train Depot. It's a lot larger on the inside

You could spend a lot of time in here

                                       coffee choices at the grocery store. much mystery

Doors either open automatically (allowing myself plenty of scenarios of Scarlett Witch powers) or are stiff to open, likely for the winters where you want to keep heat inside. Sheltered enclosed bus stations- that must be fun when it's crowded and cold!  During the winter when the river freezes it allows another mode of transport; as the river covers a lot of area in town, you put on the skates and possibly ski's and off you go. Additionally, Winnipeggers will embracing that which they cannot change, now during the winters they will place artwork and pop up restaurants on the ice.  Also in cafes people still speak among to each other (a little of the silent tech work going on too), where it was pointed out how Canadian health care is not all that it seems to be. Yes, it's free but without the motivation that the American system creates (to be the best in your field, to be an individual in your practice, and money as motivator), it is difficult to receive health care that is not faceless, that is caring in Canada- especially if your needs are unusual. You need to luck into an individual who gives a damn about you. This from a conversation with a nice couple at Thom Bargens' Coffee on Sherbrook.

Would I like to live in Winnipeg where you have six-seven months of winter, and where that season daylight ends at 4pm? Nope.  Would I like to see what snow life is like? Maybe.  Would I like to have another delicious cup at Parlour, activate my senses again with the crisp air and waterways and revisit the places I found welcoming, and explore more? Yes, I would! Winnipeg, I'm an advocate in the SF Bay Area. (although now I live on an island).

I had a nice finish but didn't save it!..  Hey, people are nicer, it's true. The feeling was laid back and not intrusive.  Food choices plentiful, some panhandling (felt like home) and citizens dressed in layers (felt like home, only more layers. I saw what I thought was a large man peel off 27 sweaters- he ended up weighing less than me). A big city of pretty homes, square ugly buildings, modern towering structures and places of comfort just around most corners.

Weather day to day varied, and while lugging my over- packed bags was never fun, following the paths of these tree filled parks and streets made the journey intriguing and warm.  Where you took me Winnipeg is a beautiful place, pimples and all.

Can We Not Destroy This World??

Stop. Breathe. Listen.  Stop. Breathe. Think.  Stop. Breathe. Wait.  Sea World. Fuck you.  It starts with me. I know this. Change starts with me.

Boys, consider what you are doing to not be wasteful.  Heck, maybe I'll be compostable. Just be sure my feet don't stick out of the bin.

Paul McCartney announced recently that he's given up pot. If McCartney can do this, we can do ANYTHING.

In Search Of Spock

    Leonard Nimoy's death has created a void in the Star Trek world and a ripple effect in expected and not expected ways.  As one of the more proactive and progressive featured players (politics, civil rights, developing film scripts that dealt with substantive issues) there is a sadness (it's okay to show emotion!) that lingers.  This will add to the community of the Star Trek Vegas convention this year and in Canada, the reappearance of the Leonard Nimoy $5.  See here. I must get one of these.  So for me, it's Back to Winnipeg! (Simpsons reference)

Spock $5

The image which is legal to do in Canada but not a very nice thing to do (official government position) is of
former Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier but the newer editions of the bills don't really allow for this type of alteration. I'm not sure if I can obtain an old $5 but since I'm heading up this way anyway, I'll see if I can.

I've  enjoyed some odd films of a Winnipeg director and here's a review of one by Roger Ebert,
"My Winnipeg" Another is called, "The Saddest Music In The World"
My Winnipeg, Guy Madden

Historically Winnipeg is a fascinating town dating back to the 1800's, a gateway to the west where waters  crossed and connected this great land. Prior to this, the area was a place where many Aboriginals gathered to trade. At the point where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers met, it was different tribes met to trade (the Forks) The people that were originally of the land have been called the First Nations, mostly tribes of Aboriginals, indigenous people of Canada.  When the first group of Eastern Canadians came along, both groups able to trade and co-exist peacefully and cooperatively.  Although they were not supposed to mate, they did as people do. The children of this union became known  as the  Metis (mEE-tis) When the later Eastern Canadian government sought to take over the lands of the Metis (they also ruthlessly expelled the Acadiens), a leader named Louis Riel  (who may have been a little crazy) led a brave battle to stop them.  His initial success led to the founding of province of Manitoba, and Winnipeg now exists where the Forks hosted was so crucial to the establishment of this part of the country.

I am fascinated with the connection from the  Winnipeg General Labor Strike of 1919 with the 1934 San Francisco Waterfront strike; the lessons learned,some of the beginnings of the American Labor movement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnipeg_General_Strike, along with the 1890 Pullman strike.  Many public officials and police officers supported the strikers- almost all were fired.  The business leaders were able to classify the strike not as a labor issue but called it a revolution, allowing them to call in Mounties, and hire thugs to beat the strikers
Bloody Saturday http://winnipegtimemachine.blogspot.com/2007/02/saturday-bloody-saturday.html.  I just want to stand in the area where this occurred, and reflect on the sacrifice of the brave.

By 1934 when San Francisco had the Waterfront Strike- although it did not turn out as a clear win for workers rights, I have to believe that organizers had learned from the Winnipeg Labor Strike, and that some of the victories in '34 can be linked to the efforts of 1919 Winnipeg. Here is information on the '34 strike:
http://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=The_Waterfront_Strike

On a lighter note, some cool neighborhoods to visit, a new Human Rights Museum (well there goes the lighter note) especially as it relates to Canada, Winnipeg's French Quarter, Goldeyes baseball and just exploring a land no one has told me to go to, and a land no one has told me not to go to. Winnipeg is now a very mixed and diverse city, possibly because of it's incredibly long winters (7 months) and definitely under the radar.

Here's a resident's point of view with some great pictures.
http://winnipeglovehate.com/

Winnipeg is in the province of Manitoba. Up north in are polar bears and  Beluga Whales.  My first plan was to explore there but I chickened out. Perhaps a drive part way to find some bison. Or just some friendly people.

In Memoriam

       Life is short. Life is long. Life is precious. Souls who we miss, lost to this world earlier this year. I would be neglectful not to remind Dexter and Oliver about them.

       Josie, our friend Tina's Aunt (Auntie Jo), lived 3 years past what the doctors said she would after her fall down the stairs in her apartment.  For a time in a coma-state, then awakened with last rites she was given the choice to go quickly or to battle with uncertainty and pain the only guarantees.  For Josie, she was not ready to go and this kind smiling woman was able to draw from the depths of strength  and will always inside her.  She lived much longer than anyone expected.  Days before she died, she had gone walked Walgreens on Chestnut Street to purchase some gifts for her beloved grandchildren.

        Connected to feeding tubes and with an at home care nurse, Josie lived as she had; receiving guests, getting outside.  She could not speak for some time but slowly began to, although her voice was not the smooth contessa di grazia we had known, Josie chose her words carefully and slowly.  Josie had the brightness of old and her beaming smile and spirit still inspire.  In the last year she chose to remove the tubes and to eat some foods, to try to savor the experience of taste and texture when she could.  Finally Josie had reached the point of being ready, having accomplished much, providing her family time for proper closure, to give love, to defy the doctors.  She let go of her time on this earth having proven her determination.

      Milt Mares. The NEGOT8TR, well, that's what his clunky license plate read anyway. He was our childhood neighbor, an attorney with the license plate that we translated as "negro theater" and were afraid that he was a closet racist.  Milt certainly was an instigator and a protector of his home (heaven forbid if someone walked their dog leaving a mess on his lawn and not cleaning it), and as an extension of his home, his neighborhood.  Letters to the city, to the local newspapers, a gadly, a pain in the ass, a Republican that I didn't mind so much.

     The story as related here before is that when he moved into the neighborhood (the Avenues, Richmond Dist.) we had been used to using his stairs as the ideal stair baseball field but our new neighbor took an immediate dislike to us. The first encounter did not go well and my recollection is my friend John D. calling out Milt with "old man", "shut up" and later, "Rookie".  Rookie stuck (wonder why the other terms did not) and this became not only our long term reference but an affectionate one as well.  Not only did we continue as visitors, he often played our street games with us, and his I can take it and I can dish it out sense of humor fit our brand completely.  He became our friend. Even after moving away, I looked forward to when I could visit with Milt and Soni with the boys over the holidays and enjoyed the occasions when we shared breakfast and lunches.  Milt also was occupied skunk, raccoon, release projects into Lincoln Park from his back yard. Obsessed might be the more appropriate term.

     With the wonderful Soni at his side, I always expected the Mares to be at 30th, and now it seems so quiet without him.  We didn't know he was sick with cancer but these terrible back surgeries we believed he had experienced, had left him visibly weaker.  I especially enjoyed when the Mares visited cafes I worked and they seemed happy to sit and receive the VIP service I was delighted to provide.  You can choose to build bridges in life and the bridge built with Milt to friendship is one that will be remembered fondly.

     Kay Halla,  the beloved wife of my friend Matthew from Hotel and Restaurant, who provided Matt with kindness and love when he needed it and their wonderful children (and their families), Crystal, Melissa and MJ.  We didn't see them much but kept in contact and had a blast visiting them in Virginia awhile ago.  After battling several health scares in recent years, (Olivia) Kay died quietly in her sleep, not expected but yet peacefully.

     Barbara Amberg is always in our minds and hearts, remembered as a good, kind soul.  Our friend Barbara left us too soon as she battled cancer for several years until she no longer could.  The last few years had been up and down, with chemo treatments bringing some hope, and privately for B, much pain. However Barbara was always happy to see us, taking great joy in the company of the boys.  As a former librarian her affection for children was always present, as her love for the cats that Barbara and Michael took in.

     We knew Barbara as Michael's companion and if there are two people who contrasted and balanced each other out, these two might be exhibit A as the pillars of such a balance.  Barbara's outgoing nature and big laugh were always easy to be around, and we regret not being around her more than we had.  She had many interests, curious in the ways of people. devoted to her family, faith, and friends. Her commitment to community extended to her library and the community of her Church, and the good folks that went to both places. That is a lot of people!

     We miss her presence in our lives, and knowing if we need warmth and love (just like a part of the fabric of her ongoing knitting projects) we didn't have to go far to find it.  In fact, we always felt Barbara's love.

      We miss these  individuals.  They always are a reminder that life is an opportunity, and the living happens each day.

     

He Likes Diversity, And Found His Calling

     Dexter finished the latest round of the big Sota musical, this year being the Music Man. Not the most exciting choice especially compared to last year's Spamalot- however, well done. A fine production with great costumes, good performances (some excellent) , sets and for Dexter as co-lead Lighting (with Iain)-100 light cues were accomplished successfully.  It's a great thing to see him find a passion and have the talent and dedication to fulfill these tasks.   At 16 he finally has discovered a circle of people that he enjoys and seeks out to be a part of (although we miss him)  He is welcomed in these groups and Dexter also enjoys the confidence of his lead Tech professor, Paul K.  Paul likes to tell stories- one, about 18 years ago as a bartender overheard two parents attempting to persuade their son to stay in school. They wanted their boy to drop his pursuit of his dream of a new search engine (there was already several successful search engines in existence) . Paul decided to do something he normally would not do and suggested to the young man that his parents were providing the best advice, and that the name of his search engine, "Google" was idiotic. Sergei Brin did finish out his Stanford years but aside for a pair of sneak glasses was apparently never heard from again.

   And what of this diversity I suggest? Yes, Dext appreciates the differences we all offer, and in honor of this, he has received a letter grade of each type, one A, one B, one C, one D, one F (Spanish).  We would really like him to balance out his studying and find some ways to dedicate himself to those subjects he doesn't feel much like dedicating himself too.

     I recently asked him does he get nervous before a presentation in front of his peers or a class. He responded that he doesn't and that he got this trait from myself, and his Mom.  Little does he know about the knots! and knerves! but it's incredibly sweet of him to think of his skills passed from us to him. Perhaps as a child  he may have attended some speeches Maria made or helped with some  holiday meetings that I led.

     And of his brah-brah (D's term), Oliver?  Oliver is excited to go to a new school in Alameda in the Fall (Aug '15) and I look forward to walking him to and picking him up from on a daily basis until he has friends.  We've taken to playing an endless game of tag from sun up to night time and it's crazy endless fun.  Perhaps a little obsessive. I just need to take care that I do not run over little children in attempts to catch Oliver.  The little speedy twerp!  Ollie is growing into his body and has turned into quite the charmer. Joyful but also not one to avoid a big sulk, or every morning slumber that allows him to rise with promptness. He also has not  been able to deliver urgency when it's been requested as time to get to it.  Yet, his spirit and kindness is great to be around and a very beautiful quality.  We are privileged to have the company of these boys in this family and we know it.

My Present Days

    Having been a contractor at work we were continually at threat for losing our contract at Google (not even for our efforts but for inconsistent performances at other offices). At times, this did occur.  Pitney Bowes lost their entire contract in 2012 but this was valid as Pitney Bowes was inefficient at best, and more accurately, terrible in truth.  Then working with  Eurest Services (Compass Group/Crothall) involved much more work but with a respectable pay bump and a title to serve my ego. It was a better fit for the type of service I was providing.  I was always confident that if there were any changes that our spot in the office would be converted onto the new team due to the success of our job duties.  And again in October 2014,  Eurest lost the SF contract (MTV, after Pitney had taken on another company with limited success) and this time the contract was awarded to JLL, a bigger international player.  What was continually troublesome to me is that despite not taking sick time (exceptions were when my parents died and one day when the Giants won in 2010) and having much vacation saved up, this was all lost (yes, awarded a payout but that's not what I wanted. I wanted the time). Back to one year, one week paid vacation. Sigh.

    Last year with Eurest we were so busy with Mail Services/ Moves in the office (the office is going through a 3 year improvement floor by floor) that taking a week off would impact our service levels (my work mate Michael left in May to move back to Peoria, IL)  to the extent that I wasn't comfortable doing.  At home our situation was we are now in Alameda,and both feeling stressed about work and time.  After long days and later returns there was not much time for preparing healthy meals, time for the kids and time for each other.  Everything seemed jumbled, and rote.

   Our savings could allow one of us to stay home and to take care of all the day to day needs so when everyone else returned from school and work, they could crash and relax (homework not included).  Maria needs to work for her well being and what she does is her passion.  I enjoyed what I did, and especially the crowd in the office.  However my work was certainly not my passion. At the same time , it was not easy to leave as I didn't want to depart my team or the good set of folks in the office but so busy were the days that I might not speak to any regulars but for minutes in a month.  I wanted to get the office through the crazy month of December but on the week I had targeted to put in my notice, my boss submitted her transfer notice (to Colorado)....Argh! I waited a month until January to put in my 30 day notice. Of which, I didn't inform outside my team as I desired to leave quietly and because what I do involves so many people, didn't want to visit room to room, desk to desk either.

    Christian had posted something on his Facebook so a few people reached out late in the week and on Friday one Brandon Chalk handed me an envelope on behalf of others  which turned out to be a large amount in Giants cards (crazy!) as well as later receiving 2 behind home plate tix to a Giants/A's preseason game from the Events team , that we attended last week.  Here, months later I  receive mail from some of the peeps and it's nice to be in their thoughts.  It's been a successful transition for me and although I'll be seeking out some volunteer gigs in the coming months, I've had the opportunity to have my time back, and to take care of my big 3.  Also around the daily tasks, been able to get in a daily bike ride, sit in the garden and sun, and catch a lot of movies. I notice that other people are walking faster than me, and although I do miss engaging people daily, the tranquility of gliding on (Dexter's) bike brings me to appreciate these days.  I've gotten a good opportunity in life and I am happy to accept it.

   

What The Hell Have I Been Doing?

I've been keeping very busy with this time afforded me to catch up on all the important complex things I've needed to follow up on. My research is providing me with untold possibilities. And also while providing breakfast, lunch and dinner for the family as well as all the usual household responsibilities, the following pics will show quick examples of how busy I've been. They include: 

*reading up on various dense technical MSC user manuals. Other people might find them boring but my dedication finds me as totally committed to the utilization of  the Mail Service Code of America.  We can provide this service better.  And with my leadership as demonstrated below, we will.
*expertly regulating technical adjustments to home equipment modifications
*tending to the needs of animals and their comfort (i place them above me )
* yes, having a little fun too, with my restored Wurlitzer 2800 (45's; you know the tiny records with the big hole in it)
*gardening
*Getting outside and biking more in one month, more than I had in the past 2 decades, total!
* Importance of being part of a sleeping community: Alameda may not be the social hub of San Francisco but to be part of something that intrinsically and organically connects us all
*Green movement: soil inspection,  It's a responsibility i believe we need to take seriously.  And if anyone is going to do it, it should be me.

reading up on various dense technical MSC user manuals. Other people might find them boring but my dedication finds me as totally committed to the utilization of  the Mail Service Code of America.  We can provide this service better.  And with my leadership as demonstrated below, we will :

          expertly regulating technical adjustments to home equipment modifications:

napping like a cat

           tending to the needs of animals and their comfort (i place them above me ) :

napping with a cat
 yes, having a little fun too, with my restored Wurlitzer 2800 (45's; you know the tiny records with the big hole in it) :

                                            gardening:

I can fall asleep on a tree!

Getting outside and biking more in one month, more than I had in the past 2 decades, total! :

     Importance of being part of a sleeping community: Alameda may not be the social hub of San Francisco but to be part of something that intrinsically and organically connects us all:

Green movement: soil inspection,  It's a responsibility i believe we need to take seriously.  And if anyone is going to do it, it should be me:

napping, lamely. sometimes...it..just..happens