Class reunions: if you like people, you go. So, we went to another gathering of the former classmates. Some old faces, some new faces, and always some new stories. The stories are the best part. How's your life going? How are the children? Are you thinking about retirement? Hmmm.
With over 200 participants, it was a great party. The formula for the " reunion " seems to have worked out the bugs. The gathering day, followed by the "event" day, followed by the "banquet" day/night. And lots of informal gatherings in a central location in the hotel.
We stayed at the FREDERICKSBURG Hospitality and Convention center. Well located, the hotel offered all the things we needed and then some. On the edge of a grand shopping mall, we were surrounded by numerous restaurants of all types-Italian, seafood, Mexican, fusion with Asian selections, and burgers, too.
The weather is always a factor, especially for airline passengers traversing a continent.
A printed schedule of events is always helpful and contributes to a nice stay. Virginia in the springtime is a comfortable experience- no humidity.
The Deputy Mayor and I took a side trip down the Rappahannock River on Rte. 3. This is the rolling hill country of Tidewater Virginia. The river flows into the larger Potomac River. Our goal was Stratford Hall, the ancestral home of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate Army General. The home occupies a large estate which at one time included over 2000 acres. The home is in fine shape thanks to the hard work of the estate foundation. Most outbuildings have been restored and the gardens are in excellent condition. While little is made of of Robert E., much is made of the lee family, two of whom were signatories on the Declaration of Independence.
Robert left Stratford Hall when only 3 years old. The family moved to northern Virginia, closer to Washington, D. C. (near Arlington,VA). Stratfort Hall was home to about a dozen family members and was maintained by 167 African slaves. All the materials for household usage were available on the farm: wool, hides, dyes, cotton, and foodstuffs. The house is well built of local brick, much of which was made on site. It is a fine historical building worthy of a visit. We enjoyed a nice lunch in the adjacent little village, near the B& B. The 45 minute drive was enjoyable, both ways.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Nation's Capitol-Spring Time
So, we did the Washington scene, again. This time the weather was much more user friendly: in the 70's, sunny, and the rain came and went w/o too much thunder. Sunday night, lightning and thunder rippled across the Potomac River, shaking the White House, I'm sure. President Obama did not hear any of it: he's in Asia, cementing a few agreements with Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. He'll be home soon to catch up on the situation in Ukraine.
Spent time in Fredericksburg, that Virginia city on the Rappahannoch River, north of Richmond. The town has the usual mix of old and new, with old town filled with antique shops, art stores, and even a number of book stores. A nice mix. The locals are putting the finishing touched on a new court house(high crimes in Tidewater country?) in a style fitting for the area. While it seems expensive, the old court house was obviously dated and small.
The Minister of Latin American Affairs was in town on Saturday night, the 26th of April, but his duties prevented our connection that night. The next meeting will be in 2 weeks when the Mayor returns for GW graduation exercises on campus.
This trip allowed us to catch a few cherry blossoms, those lingering flowers that survives a few snow falls of late. Tourists on Spring Break were about, but school aged children, no so much. WE visited the Museum of Natural History on the mall for the first time in 22 years. It has changed some on the inside, with many more size appropriate displays(small) and better lighting throughout. I always enjoy the Geology and Gems Exhibit on the 2nd floor. The Hope Diamond is now on permanent display in a small island case that turns continually for all to see and marvel at. Many pieces donated by diamond dealer Harry Winston are viewed in attractive settings.
The samples of rocks and minerals are extraordinary in size and scope. The gold nuggets are breathtaking. The quartz crystals of immense size and quality are grouped with other minerals of equal dimensions.
more later.
Spent time in Fredericksburg, that Virginia city on the Rappahannoch River, north of Richmond. The town has the usual mix of old and new, with old town filled with antique shops, art stores, and even a number of book stores. A nice mix. The locals are putting the finishing touched on a new court house(high crimes in Tidewater country?) in a style fitting for the area. While it seems expensive, the old court house was obviously dated and small.
The Minister of Latin American Affairs was in town on Saturday night, the 26th of April, but his duties prevented our connection that night. The next meeting will be in 2 weeks when the Mayor returns for GW graduation exercises on campus.
This trip allowed us to catch a few cherry blossoms, those lingering flowers that survives a few snow falls of late. Tourists on Spring Break were about, but school aged children, no so much. WE visited the Museum of Natural History on the mall for the first time in 22 years. It has changed some on the inside, with many more size appropriate displays(small) and better lighting throughout. I always enjoy the Geology and Gems Exhibit on the 2nd floor. The Hope Diamond is now on permanent display in a small island case that turns continually for all to see and marvel at. Many pieces donated by diamond dealer Harry Winston are viewed in attractive settings.
The samples of rocks and minerals are extraordinary in size and scope. The gold nuggets are breathtaking. The quartz crystals of immense size and quality are grouped with other minerals of equal dimensions.
more later.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
New Water System in at Lake Forest
Our near neighbor, Tahoe City, announced through the Tahoe City Pub. Util Dist. that all the old pipes in the Lake Forest area have been replaced. Most of the work was accomplished with a State Dept. of Public health grant of $2millions, Placer Cty Redevel. $400K, and Lake Forest customers: $400K.
The TCPUD also announced a 1-mile Class 1 trail to complete the missing link in the West Shore trail network. Yea. This will directly affect all Tahoma residents who will now enjoy an extra mile of bike path, extending all the way to Meeks Bay resort which is used extensively during the summer months. A great way to go by bicycle-on the path! Although I doubt many "professional riders will use this path and continue to risk Highway 89 both north bound and south bound.
Much of the funding for the bike path come from the Federal Lands Access Program(FLAP). That is $25.5millions worth. A nice chunk of change, as they say. Dollar Creek Path will also benefit.
Look for construction efforts on site soon.
In the TCPUD newsletter, there is some good information about bottled water vs. tap water. More of the info can be found on the Tahoe Water Suppliers web site: www.TahoeH20.org or call 775-832-1212.
The TCPUD also announced a 1-mile Class 1 trail to complete the missing link in the West Shore trail network. Yea. This will directly affect all Tahoma residents who will now enjoy an extra mile of bike path, extending all the way to Meeks Bay resort which is used extensively during the summer months. A great way to go by bicycle-on the path! Although I doubt many "professional riders will use this path and continue to risk Highway 89 both north bound and south bound.
Much of the funding for the bike path come from the Federal Lands Access Program(FLAP). That is $25.5millions worth. A nice chunk of change, as they say. Dollar Creek Path will also benefit.
Look for construction efforts on site soon.
In the TCPUD newsletter, there is some good information about bottled water vs. tap water. More of the info can be found on the Tahoe Water Suppliers web site: www.TahoeH20.org or call 775-832-1212.
Two Fish Limit Scored at Lake Tahoe
In fishing, experience counts. Locals know the spots. That is an axion as old as Huckleberry Finn. Lake Tahoe is no different. Here we have Gene St. Denis, charter boat captain out of South Lake. He's been fishing the lake forever, at least 30+ years. So, it was no surprise when he brought in 2 monster fish just over a week ago.
Without a fixed season, fishing on the lake is pretty much a weather driven choice: can I handle the wind, waves, and snow? Is it worth the effort and the risk? As Gene will tell anybody who will listen, the "bite" on the lake varies with the weather: the worse it gets, the better the fishin'.
By his estimates, as the wave height increases, the fish rise higher from their normal depths of 100'-175'. During the storm that dumped over 3' of new snow on the surrounding peaks last week, Gene was on the water near Cave Rock in the southeast corner of the lake. A favorite spot of his.
He put 2 -10" Monster Trophy Sticks on his 2 rods: one painted as a Rainbow trout, and the other painted as a Brown trout. Both were sprayed with ProCure, a covering scent.
In no time he hooked a large mackinaw which he brought boatside only to lose it. He estimated its size as 32-35lbs.! After rerigging his line, he had two rods in the water. After a short period, both rods quivered, announcing strikes. He set both hooks and worked the rods with gusto. The first fish weighed in at 29+lbs and the 2nd at 19lbs. This is the new record of a 2 fish limit at the lake.
His 20' aluminum boat, the PT-109, can be proud of this new record. He can be reached at www.blueribbonfishing.com.
Without a fixed season, fishing on the lake is pretty much a weather driven choice: can I handle the wind, waves, and snow? Is it worth the effort and the risk? As Gene will tell anybody who will listen, the "bite" on the lake varies with the weather: the worse it gets, the better the fishin'.
By his estimates, as the wave height increases, the fish rise higher from their normal depths of 100'-175'. During the storm that dumped over 3' of new snow on the surrounding peaks last week, Gene was on the water near Cave Rock in the southeast corner of the lake. A favorite spot of his.
He put 2 -10" Monster Trophy Sticks on his 2 rods: one painted as a Rainbow trout, and the other painted as a Brown trout. Both were sprayed with ProCure, a covering scent.
In no time he hooked a large mackinaw which he brought boatside only to lose it. He estimated its size as 32-35lbs.! After rerigging his line, he had two rods in the water. After a short period, both rods quivered, announcing strikes. He set both hooks and worked the rods with gusto. The first fish weighed in at 29+lbs and the 2nd at 19lbs. This is the new record of a 2 fish limit at the lake.
His 20' aluminum boat, the PT-109, can be proud of this new record. He can be reached at www.blueribbonfishing.com.
Opening Day: 2014 Giants Baseball
In a ritual spanning decades and generations, San Francisco's baseball franchise held their season opener at AT&T Park yesterday in blazing sunlight. A full house enjoyed the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pitcher Tim Hudson, the 38 year old former A's player, put in a solid performance that delighted the crowd. The Giants played long ball, hitting home runs and winning in fine fashion, 7-3.
Friends of the Mayor sat in a special section: Corona Beer sponsored a "Creative beach" section, complete with beach sand. The first pitch was thrown by a 5 year old boy dressed in a Batman costume and has endeared himself to members of the team.
The Giants have been winning with style already this season, coming into the game with an impressive 12-3 record. A good start for a season that runs for 6 months all the way to October. Where will the Giants be in October? Time will tell.
GO GIANTS!
Friends of the Mayor sat in a special section: Corona Beer sponsored a "Creative beach" section, complete with beach sand. The first pitch was thrown by a 5 year old boy dressed in a Batman costume and has endeared himself to members of the team.
The Giants have been winning with style already this season, coming into the game with an impressive 12-3 record. A good start for a season that runs for 6 months all the way to October. Where will the Giants be in October? Time will tell.
GO GIANTS!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Book Review: The Rule of Nobody by Phillip K. Howard
Stalemate in Congress read headlines. Politicians can't agree reads another. Local pols constrained by federal and state laws. Sound familiar? Of course. For those who have lived just a bit lately, the themes in Mr. Howard's book are plain as day. We are a nation of laws, and we as citizens know this. We depend on this democratic axiom: the rule of law governs our lives. ' But have we gone too far?' is the question raised in this timely book by a distinguished writer and big time lawyer who heads the group known as the coalition Common Good.
He attacks the complexity of rules that constrain politicians who can no longer rely on common sense to govern the people who elected them. This is followed by a lack of accountability for results. We have all read stories of what is necessary to discipline school children: endless paperwork for even minor infractions.
He champions the cause of simplification and a wholesale rewriting of laws so that we can get things done. An obvious case involves permitting construction projects. One project can generate 5000 pages of study impact statements on the environment. Mr. Howard serves up a number of anecdotes that support what we all know: trying to get things done today is an arduous process that consumes many dollars and much time for all involved.
He points to history and noted philosophers and politicians who warned about making laws "so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood"(James Madison). He quotes from Aristotle, Isaiah Berlin, Roscoe Pound, and Madison. Berlin warned against "monstrous bureaucratic machines" that ignore the teeming variety of the living world, the untidy and asymmetrical inner lives of men, and crush them into conformity. Roscoe Pound, the harvard law professor warned of mechanical jurisprudence and championed broad official discretion.
I would advise readers to consider some European states that have created monstrous bureaucratic institutions that have stymied growth and restrained the productivity of whole populations. Italy cannot get out of its own way. Youth unemployment is in the 3-40% range and is getting worse. Why is that? because employers(businesses) do not want to confront the bureaucratic morass that surrounds hiring even the most unskilled of the worker pool.
This book is a must read for those who embrace change. Maybe our president, the supreme embracer of change could learn something from this book.
5 stars
for a complete review see WSJ, April 8, pg. A13.
He attacks the complexity of rules that constrain politicians who can no longer rely on common sense to govern the people who elected them. This is followed by a lack of accountability for results. We have all read stories of what is necessary to discipline school children: endless paperwork for even minor infractions.
He champions the cause of simplification and a wholesale rewriting of laws so that we can get things done. An obvious case involves permitting construction projects. One project can generate 5000 pages of study impact statements on the environment. Mr. Howard serves up a number of anecdotes that support what we all know: trying to get things done today is an arduous process that consumes many dollars and much time for all involved.
He points to history and noted philosophers and politicians who warned about making laws "so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood"(James Madison). He quotes from Aristotle, Isaiah Berlin, Roscoe Pound, and Madison. Berlin warned against "monstrous bureaucratic machines" that ignore the teeming variety of the living world, the untidy and asymmetrical inner lives of men, and crush them into conformity. Roscoe Pound, the harvard law professor warned of mechanical jurisprudence and championed broad official discretion.
I would advise readers to consider some European states that have created monstrous bureaucratic institutions that have stymied growth and restrained the productivity of whole populations. Italy cannot get out of its own way. Youth unemployment is in the 3-40% range and is getting worse. Why is that? because employers(businesses) do not want to confront the bureaucratic morass that surrounds hiring even the most unskilled of the worker pool.
This book is a must read for those who embrace change. Maybe our president, the supreme embracer of change could learn something from this book.
5 stars
for a complete review see WSJ, April 8, pg. A13.
Silverado Trail: Napa
The Mayor and deputy did an inspection of the upper reaches of the Napa River over the weekend. It was a beautiful, sunny, spring day. Despite an event at the Sonoma Raceway, traffic was manageable on Highways 121 and 37.
We took the northern route, 101 to Santa Rosa then over the hill on the Calistoga Road. This road twists and turns over the hills and trough the little valleys as one approaches the napa Valley's northern border. Calistoga(pop. 5000) is the town north of St. Helena, it's much larger neighbor 10 miles south.
We had lunch on Lincoln Blvd at a locals place, burgers and sweet potato fries. We looked around town, people watched the visitors who joined the small groups ambling about the shops and restaurants. We then headed south along the Silverado Trail which borders the east side of the valley. This route is a 2 laned road used more by locals than tourists. It is the sunny side of the napa Valley, basking in the hot afternoon sun as the valley floor cooks. Yes, it cooks here, especially during the long summer months when vintners watch their vines absorb the moisture in the ground and the "terroir" aspects of locale.
Zinfandel Lane is one of many cross roads than afford access from east to west. This name alone says it all.
Heading south to the city of Napa, one can see morros, those volcanic remnants that dot the landscape of various locations in California. here they are small, seldom higher than 300'. They are prominent features, usually covered in trees with occasional house peeking from the forest. And of course, the entire landscape is covered in grapevines. Those vines, like cherished children, have brought fame and fortune to all who live nearby. Realtors marvel at prices which now approach the stratosphere at $350K/acre. Who can build on ground that is made of gold. Not many.
Geographers make great hay when they examine the politics and economics of wine; the maps produced are inherently story tellers with treasured AVA's delineated and place names recognized as international favorites. And it's all relatively close to the bay Area and its famous child, Silicon Valley.
We took the northern route, 101 to Santa Rosa then over the hill on the Calistoga Road. This road twists and turns over the hills and trough the little valleys as one approaches the napa Valley's northern border. Calistoga(pop. 5000) is the town north of St. Helena, it's much larger neighbor 10 miles south.
We had lunch on Lincoln Blvd at a locals place, burgers and sweet potato fries. We looked around town, people watched the visitors who joined the small groups ambling about the shops and restaurants. We then headed south along the Silverado Trail which borders the east side of the valley. This route is a 2 laned road used more by locals than tourists. It is the sunny side of the napa Valley, basking in the hot afternoon sun as the valley floor cooks. Yes, it cooks here, especially during the long summer months when vintners watch their vines absorb the moisture in the ground and the "terroir" aspects of locale.
Zinfandel Lane is one of many cross roads than afford access from east to west. This name alone says it all.
Heading south to the city of Napa, one can see morros, those volcanic remnants that dot the landscape of various locations in California. here they are small, seldom higher than 300'. They are prominent features, usually covered in trees with occasional house peeking from the forest. And of course, the entire landscape is covered in grapevines. Those vines, like cherished children, have brought fame and fortune to all who live nearby. Realtors marvel at prices which now approach the stratosphere at $350K/acre. Who can build on ground that is made of gold. Not many.
Geographers make great hay when they examine the politics and economics of wine; the maps produced are inherently story tellers with treasured AVA's delineated and place names recognized as international favorites. And it's all relatively close to the bay Area and its famous child, Silicon Valley.
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