Tangential Offerings

There is a certain serendipity when people are connected by parallel lives who concurrently experience similar transitions. In this case two separate folks who have emigrated from New England with it's mirror frozen ponds, powdery snow and clear blue skies to islands with more temperate climates.

One in the Florida Keys so close to the musical Caribbean the other living in the SF bay reflecting Pacific sunlight.

The words laid down by both look at their island with their own senses seeing the beauty of life's metamorphosis's.

Steve is an old friend of mine from the days when are kids were young and we spent many summer hours floating in the thick lake water up in Goshen MA.

FM AUSTIN is my lifes companion who propels us in this current chapter.

~Stephen A. Rozwenc~

island sunrise
voluptuously mauve
a vague horizon invites the raindrop’s prelude
of ivory keys
trebling coral relief

the supine breathed as fish
breath water
as a wish reveals tangential offerings
to unburden clouds

no doubt
almost lushly imagined reef umbels
that release
3 promontories the size of desire’s shadowy embrace

their dressy moon profiles
encircling us
in belief

Only sometimes, not today

I see the shining ripples
Gleaming, shimmering
Through my vertical blinds
A secret paradise
We never knew
Until now

The water is cold
But swimmers dip an occasional foot or hand
Into the gray blue bay
A heron sits
Waiting for a fish
While I walk by, my eyes stunned by the sights
And sounds of alameda

Warmth replaces frigid winter, so distant
Yet so close to my whole thought
Do I have a regret to have left hearth and home so far across
Only sometimes and not today

FM AUSTIN

My Alameda

Although I am not soaring over San Francisco Bay I am living the high life in Alameda.
This is a wonderful island with all the imaginable amenities. I have had positive experiences with everyone that I meet. Not a rotten apple in the bunch so far.
I have explored most of the island from coast to marina, visited the inland lagoon and seen the colorful houses in its interior all by bicycle. There is even a more rural island connected by a bike path bridge which brings me along a a quiet country road eventually reaching a spot called Bay Island Point. Reminiscent of Race Point in P-Town except the horizon here exposes the San Francisco skyline.
Even the dogs have made an adjustment enjoying socializing at the dog park where they help introduce me to new friends.
Reality that I live here has not yet set in so when it does please do not wake me up.

A TIME FOR HOPE

I have been taken a break from my new life and am thinking hard about the election which has left us at a time with renewed hope but due to circumstances much less money in our pockets.
Will hope bring good food on the table perhaps eventually
I am very concerned about this concept because although it is a good feeling it can lead to disaster. In Greek myth, when Pandora opened her box, she let out all the evils except one: hope. The Greeks considered hope dangerous; its bedfellow can be delusion. Nietzsche later saw hope as the evil that prolongs human torment.
I have been corresponding with many people about the election and so many are elated, a few are most cautious saying that Obama is only man and that the future we face is filled with many dangers. Some foreseen others deeply hidden.
I trust my instincts about these winds of change and keep an eye out for the sun because at the end of the day it always sets but in the morning it rises.

ALAMEDA CALIFORNIA

Alameda is an Island located in the San Francisco bay, between SF and Oakland. It is about 23 square miles. The city has a small-town feel with its Victorian homes and tree-lined neighborhoods. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 72,259.

Even though the island is just minutes off Interstate 880, the speed limit for the city is 25 mph (40 km/h) on almost every road.

Due to its proximity to the Bay, wind surfers and kite surfers can often be seen along Crown Memorial State Beach and Shoreline Drive. From the beach there are also views of the San Francisco skyline and the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge

Alameda is known for its large stock of Victorian houses; 9% of all single-family houses (1500) in Alameda are Victorians, and many more have been divided into two to four-unit dwellings.[9] It is said that Alameda has more pre-1906 earthquake era homes than any other city in the Bay Area.
Alameda is home to the official offices and training facility of the Oakland Raiders American football team. The training facility features practice fields, a full- featured weight room, locker room, player meeting rooms, an auditorium, a state-of-the-art television studio and spacious offices and is also home to The Raider Image, the merchandise arm of the franchise, to which all the public can visit.

NBA Star Jason Kidd attended Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda.

At this point I am proud to say that we are residents of Alameda.

Arrival

Plants have the capability to adapt and grow out of rock. All that may be required to sustain their life is sun, minium nutrition and occasional bursts of water.

I respect the plant because I have survived and prospered during this mid life cross country journey. People that we encountered during the past 3700 miles seem astonished as I watch their jaw drop, asking me all sort of questions. Some need a brief lesson in geography, others ask about the weather or are more philosophical inquiring what it is like to make such a change.

Adaptation is next order of business for us. Making social contacts and friends is perhaps the most crucial and difficult. Orienting to the community, the stores, the parks, the restaurants and the weather is all part of the journey that has now has us settled in the little island community of Alameda CA.

Shoreline Apts where we are currently residing is directly across the street from a beach which overlooks the San Francisco Bay and of course the city itself. Down the road within walking distance is a 24 hour supermarket, all sorts of shops, restaurants and a US Post Office. I have not experienced this sort of convenience in 20 years. Is it easier to adjust to country life from the city or from the city to the country?.. The jury is still out on that one.

traveling with dogs, luggage & plants

Our journey is drawing to a close as we plan to be in the Bay Area tomorrow. We have covered over three thousand miles and seen many incredible sights. I have to admit that I have become somewhat road weary today and look forward to establishing a home base. Traveling in the car for over 8 hours a day, eating road food and not excercising is beginning to take its toll both physically and mentally. This has been a great trip with an exciting episode that brought us much joy with a Democrat getting elected as President.
Having our two dogs with us has brought us outside more often having to tend to our pets needs. People tend to interact with travelers walking their dogs around hotels and this has been a great way to have side conversations.
Suprisingly Ranger has adjusted well to being a nomad and has even pooped on a leash something he is not at all accustomed to do doing. I imagine that must have been difficult.
Tonight we have settled in Virginia City NV another cowboy town which seems like a throwback to another era. I threw some quarters in an old fashioned slot machine in a local saloon and of course it took my money like any other sucker.

ThE RED DESERT

One hundred and fifty years or so ago Cowboys on horses roamed this land of Moab Utah. Their numbers have dwindled but I am sure they still exist, although I did not see any while here for 48 hours a few days ago.
What I did see was the modern cowboy-daredevil who rides the steep hills careening on high end Mountain bikes. Trails like slick rock and poison spider beckon. They come to this outdoor mecca to fuel their passion for two wheel speed and lots of caffeine There are more coffee shops in the main strip of this town than bars. Try a double espresso or a G shot for a real kck in the cardio.
This town has a preponderance of white dreadlocked men and apparently a limited amount of women who are reckless enough to participate in this sport or love a man who will fly down what they call "the rock".
Meanwhile for the more tame, mature and sedate hiker I highly recommend Arches National Park to see some natural red rock creations that have been around for millions of years. The trails, throughout the canyons are almost too much to take in. An incredible vista around every corner. Watch out for the four foot ledge heading up to the delicate arch, it has a 4000 foot drop and on a windy day you can feel like it would take much to blow you right off of it. I wonder how many actually fell to their death while innocently hiking on these cliffs.

We gave em the big boot

As the nation watched the returns unfold it appeared pretty early on that we would see a big Democratic victory. To me it means more than that. It is a generational leap where we are passing the torch to a new wave of young people who have been energized by this historic campaign.
This is now a modern era one in which racial barriers have been broken. Journalism is supposed to be the first rough draft of history, but now it’s the second draft — blogging is the first. I see this as much of a positive milestone as the falling of the Berlin Wall, man walking on landing on the moon or the Beatles arriving in America. It proves to the world as President Elect Obama says that "America is a place where all things are possible."

In light of the recent personal and public developments I interupt my travel journal

Madelyn Dunham, 86, died peacefully at her home in Honolulu.

How ironic that the woman who devoted so much of her life to raising a boy into a man was not able to stay around one day longer to see him elected President of the United States of America. How must Barack feel on this day before the nation decides whether it wants to move forward or stay mired in politics as usual . How can he take the time to grieve for his beloved Grandmother. We are holding our breath to see what will happen next.

Perhaps her death and her grandson's reaction will allow those undecided voters to see the strength that this candidate possesses.

This is truly historic times that we are currently living in while our country faces so many challenges and the leader we choose tomorrow will make a difference in all of our lives.

Currently we are in Moab and after hiking in Arches National Park I will be paying close attention to the returns, hopefully in some interesting restaurant with like minded folks celebrating an unprecedented victory.

The Plains Hotel

We have been traveling now for 5 days and covered allot of territory. No doubt we have seen and experienced some remarkable parts of this country. We have reconnected with 2 old friends who have left their former homes and successfully started again in other parts of America. This gives us strength and hope for our future.

The natural beauty of the mountains in Colorado is literally breathtaking and I experienced thin air at 9000 feet. Feeling a bit light headed as we hiked up lightly snow covered trails toward a spectacular waterfall. This passed as I learned that I had to breathe deeper than I am accustomed to get more oxygen per breath.

In Cheyenne Wyoming there is an old Hotel that was built in the 19th century and elegantly renovated restoring an historic luster that impressed me so. Although we did not spend the night there we did enjoy a delicious breakfast in its fine restaurant. Looking at the dinner menu there were some regrets (not by me though) that they did sample one of the house specials -Naturally Organic Bison Meatloaf.

Entering the west

Where does the western part of the United States actually begin. Is it when the radio stations change from WNEW to KNEW west of the Mississippi River? When people begin to call soda-pop? When the cashier in the grocery store says do you want a sack with that instead of a bag as we said in New England? Is it when the cattle are seen crowded in their corals like commuters on the subway at 5pm on a Friday? Or is it when the sky grows large and the fields go on as long as the horizon?
Perhaps it is all those things but it is a state of my mind when I walk the streets of Cheyenne Wyoming and see guys that have bowlegs, dusty old cowboy boots and appear like they wore that same cowboy hat their whole life as if it were a part of their natural anatomy .
Names like Stagecoach Avenue, Rattlesnake Saloon and Appalosa Motel are commonplace and I feel totally foreign wearing a Gloucester Lake Pond Ice Tee Shirt and a Red Sox baseball hat.

Trick or treat from the Heartland

There are some products that we don't see back east and one of them are ethanol pumps.
While traveling across the country I have seen vast acres of corn. I know that we are supplying grain to many countries around the world. However that amount of corn grown and harvested in the midwest staggers the imagination. In late October stalks are drying in the fields as far as the eye can see. This commodity is apparently not only used to feed people but now utiliized to power the engines and turbines of transportation of this region.
I have never encountered these ethanol pumps before and they are abundant here in Omaha Nebraska where I have landed on this Halloween night. A treat for the midwestern citizen because this energy source cost them a mere $1.79 at the local filling station. A trick because this food source has morphed into another use besides providing nutrition to a living 0rganism.
Omaha seems like a friedly place with people sitting on their Halloween decorated front porch awaiting the neighborhood kids and offering them hot dogs, candy and smiles. While walking my dog Ranger through the community he was also offered a roasted frankfurter. I respectfully declined for him. Happy Halloween everybody.

Day of contrasts

How interesting it is to travel the land during these waning days of the US Presidential election 2008. So many signs portray the divisions in this great country. The symbolism of these two structures that I have seen today epitomizes it for me as clearly as the colors blue and red. From the modern progressive commercial Rock n Roll Hall of Fame to a working dairy farm int the heartland.

I have seen allot in this 24 hour period, including the John McCain motorcade zooming by under heavy police escort on a usually quiet two lane Rt 6 in Rollerville Ohio. He was campaigning hard in this land of cornfields and cows trying to draw up some votes amongst the farmers and their kin.

On a more personal observational note I discovered how much I dislike the food that is found in restaurants on the road. It is as if peoples standards & expectations are lowered while traveling. I guess I was not born to be Gypsy.

Leaving Tracks in the October Snow

My plan had always been to leave home for this journey before the snow flies so I was glad that we would be departing before November, but Mother Nature had other plans and there was significant snowfall for much of todays trip. The weather fronts do whatever they want and pay little regard to my desires. In the middle part of NYS we saw vistas that resembled a January postcard. This photo was taken on Rt 17 heading west outside of Binghampton.
My highlight of the day was seeing a bald eagle on the shores of the Allegheny River. He was standing on a branch with his white head shining as he gazed in the icy water swiftly flowing below.
We holed for the night in a comfy, warm hotel that accepted dogs in Erie PA. My primary requirement in choosing lodgings for this adventure is internet access so I can keep in touch with all of you during the time we are spending on the road.

WHOLE IN THE DONUT moves west

Toward the end of this month our entire household will be moving to the Bay Area. It will be during this national election that we will journey across this great land to reach our destination on the coast of California.
I feel that during this historical episode in our countries history we are showing hope looking towards better times in a new city. While opposing the urge to hunker down with 'stores of grain and potatoes' we will take another path that will lead us to a more optimistic destiny. Reaching for the stars during a time when the news is all doom and gloom.

I will be using this site to record our progress as we proceed with this adventure and send you all notes from the field. Feel free to stop by occasionally for the latest updates.

Dog Training

I believe that a great way to train your best friend is for them to learn nothing in life is free. This NILF school of obedience works so well in establishing pack behavior as well as creating a general relationship with the animal that you live with. Before I feed Ranger his dinner he must wait until I give him permission to commence eating. Ranger will wait for up to five minutes before he will start to chow down. He will gaze into my eyes awaiting those words 'okay boy go for it.' I can walk around him or even go inside and he generally will not eat until I give him the green light.

I think that Ranger has benefitted in this training because he knows that I am paying attention to him not just haphazardly dropping the food in the dish. Ranger knows that he is special to me and that I am taking the time to be with him paying close attention.

Another way that NILF has been effective is that he will not go through a door until I either go first or he has gotten permission. This prevents him from bolting outside possibly creating a unpredictable situation.

This dog has matured well in the four years he has been with me since a pup and we have reached a wonderful level of understanding. He no longer tests the limits and I know that I have a reliable, loyal pal at my side. Ranger knows that I will be there for him and never put him in a dangerous situation.

Three out of four Baby Boomers think they look younger than their peers.

Currently I am reading a book called The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley who talks about survival in a disaster and lists reasons why some don't succumb to what others find inevitable.

This entries title quote is based on a list of issues that can cause one to make a wrong and sometimes deadly decision. One of those false perceptions is overconfidence. The quote is where she shows precisely how common overconfidence actually is. It is a nice one isn't it?

To display overconfidence's fatality she discuses how not evacuating your home during a predicted serious hurricane because you think your precious structure is stronger than wind and rain. Reality indicates that trailers and solid wood frame homes both had their roofs blown off and people drowned in the false security of their denial.

How many of you actually listen the to the safety lecture before the aircraft takes off or know where the closest exit sign is. Why?

This is rather a glum subject inspired by the current crop of dangerous storms perhaps stirred by cooked up ocean temps. At any rate I do recommend this book as an interesting read perhaps changing your perspective a bit. I rarely pick up non fiction preferring a good novel but this has grabbed me and got me to thinking about the unthinkable.

Now are you one of the overconfidant Baby Boomers who actually think you look younger than your peers?

SUMMERTIME & THE LIVING IS EASY oh yea'

I cannot tell a lie I love Blueberry pie.

It is a combined work of art & nature . To me it epitomizes the multiple harvests of a New England summer. For some it might be the first ear of sweet corn dripping with butter or picking the first strawberry warmed by the fourth of July sun but my touchstone is that feast in a dish: BLUEBERRY PIE.

Even in my formative years in NYC the pie stood out. My Mother would produce that seasonal delight direct from her oven in our little kitchen on 181st. In those days the blueberries came from a store in square cardboard baskets and they were good, real good but living in the country the experience is vastly different.
Traditionally my friends Scott & Francine have these prolific bushes adjacent to their house which produces a huge volume of sweet berries. So many in fact that in high season one can stand in one spot in front of a bush and easily fill a bucket. Francine arrived yesterday with a bag full of at least five pounds and from this we created the ultimate pie. No doubt it will taste as good at looks.
The endless summer remains elusive but the memory of the annual blueberry pie remains as strong as the heady aroma of freshly mowed lawn.

Original Summer Heat 5769

Not quite how connected the previous Whole In The Donut post is to this one but since one of the people I love most in the world is embarking on a remarkable journey to Europe and the Middle East I have developed a keen interest in this region. I do this to either live vicariously or be more acutely aware of possible events, hazards and the weather on the other side of the world. As a result I have been reading Harretz more consistently. No doubt a most interesting newspaper.

All kinds of articles in it and the one revealed in this post is most striking. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1003669.html

I find the final segment interviewing the NY man makes the whole segment worthwhile.

The comments written by Harretz readers are also noteworthy.

The world is truly shrinking. Only wish we all could get along. Imagine.