Blue Nettles

The family got back a week ago from a seven day trip to Orlando. I was given a free trip from one of the companies I send business to (Guardian Life Insurance Co.) and they were having their yearly conference at Disney World. I was the seventh biggest producer in Utah my first year.

We visited theme parks (Sea World, Animal Kingdom and Epcot) swam in the pool for hours, ate very well and acted like tourists (which consists of spending money with abandon and asking the same questions everybody else asks). The kids said it was the best vacation of their lives. Of course, it has a different flavor than weekend camping.

The weather was in the mid 80s while it snowed in Park City. It was a good time - just in time! Charley

That is interesting about Panama, Dad. Of course I recognize the streets and locations they mention. The Bridge of the Americas is the bridge that goes over the canal to the north. That's cutting off half the country. We have some boating friends who have just set up a day sail operation at some islands on the Pacific side so they will be spending time in Panama City a lot. They are probably just planning on hiding out in the islands till this passes.

I was thinking about international news when I was watching the news last night. Local news is only local news. National news only speaks about international things if it is about Irag, Afganistan or Israel. Or if it is a topic that puts a country in bad light. Laura Bush is in the Middle East to try and help the attitudes toward USA. Well that will certainly not change with one trip. And there is talk that the left wing media has incited the riots and other problems in the Middle East.

If America wants to improve their perception to the rest of the world, I can see one simple thing that could be done. One, the media should include a little more coverage on international news - not just war items and catastrophes but some good things. Or just typical everyday things that happen in various countries. Then Americans will just be open to the way other nationalities live and see that different is not necessarily violent or bad items. Lets talk about these countries before we go to war with them. Did anyone hear about Vietnam prior to the war there? Same with Irag and Afghanistan? Lets hear about various countries and things that are good about them.

And on to my stuff - Whitey and a bunch of guys towed the houseboat to its new location yesterday. There was potential that it could take 2-3 days if they would have to stop in the afternoon because of high winds. Well it took them only 12 hours. Took off early morning with an almost full moon to light their way and then had a beautiful sunny day with only light winds. So he is on the houseboat doing interesting things like dredging the boats slips, making sure we have the correct electrical power, etc. I will head down tomorrow with the possessions we have with us and we will sleep on some blow up mattresses until we get a bed. Our pallets from Oz arrived in LA a couple weeks ago and were supposed to be in Oakland on Friday. But we have just found out that it is still held up in LA waiting for customs to release it. May be another week before we get it. I just want my stuff. I'm bored wearing the same clothes for the past 6 weeks.

Well better go. Love to all,Happy Memorial Day!!
Max

We are on our down hill swing. Both boys will be done with school on Thursday, May 26. James will "graduate" from kindergarten. Both boys will be at the same school next year. Do you hear how excited I am?! We have been at our parish preschool/kindergarten for five years. I don't think I'll miss it too much. It worked out well for us. We had some amazing teachers.

Next week, we are taking a family vacation to San Diego. Just the four of us. We will do the commercial stuff like Legoland and Sea World. Balance it out with a tour of the USS Midway and a few quiet days at the beach. I am very excited.

Talk to you soon.
Love,
Ellie

Hunter Island Lighthouse 

Hey everyone! I think it's been a while since I've blogged. I think I've been a little slammed with my overscheduled schedule! I have been seriously strategizing for the last month on a better plan for next year. I have accepted a "student" counselor position at Blessed Sacrament School (elementary/middle school) 10-15hrs. for next school year. I only get paid a small stipend but the experience will be valuable. I am giving up the few hours that Cosgriff wanted to offer me (to continue reading groups). With my graduate program and the hours I will do at Blessed Sacrament- that's really what is realistic to be effective (and sane) and still be able to manage my family, home, me- and be in touch with my extended family and friends! My hopes are that at some point the student counselor position might turn into a real position- or at least it will be a great experience to put on my resume. So, that's just my schedule! Who knows what Megan's schedule will be in high school next year- and Marisa entering middle school- we will be at three different schools! It has been so convenient for us at Cosgriff. Duane is cranking away at business. He works hard and is very flexible with his hours. It still can have its share of stress but it's nothing compared to when he owned his own businesses! So, hopefully- we'll be more sane next year (really?)! The fact is we all love what we do- we just don't always fit it into 24 hrs each day! We're looking forward to summer- a little more time to relax and rejuvenate! You're all always in my prayers- Love, Kay

Larry does not have voice mail. When he is on the internet, he does not receive phone calls and does not have voice mail. I fussed at him. He fusses at us regarding computer literacy and he fails to use the great little tricks of modern life. Can you believe he does not own a cell phone! Smile.

I got a digital camera for my birthday. I have been playing with it tonight to see how it works. It is as small as my hand. I need new glasses. My eyes cannot see some of the little symbols on it to get to the options. Old age!

Ellie

Happy Birthday to both of you!
Love you Both,
Max and Whitey



And Larry thanks for your viewpoint on stuff. Like the China article, you just come up with some interesting things. And now I know you are there. Tried to call you a couple days ago but no contact. Will try again.

Cheers,
Max

So Max has given me an assignment. But there isn't much interesting happening in DC these days. Unless you count as interesting endless bickering about the sanctity of parliamentary maneuvers or bad tempered diplomats.

I did start writing a big piece on China but it was getting really big so I dropped it. Maybe later I'll write it up. But here is a cautionary essay from Robert Kagen. Short quote:

The history of rising powers, however, and their attempted "management" by established powers provides little reason for confidence or comfort. Rarely have rising powers risen without sparking a major war that reshaped the international system to reflect new realities of power.

Here is a funny take on the Newsweek/Koran/toilet story: Newsweek Lutefisk Story Sparks Fury Across Volatile Midwest .

In light of the opening night of the new, craptastic 'Star Wars,' a bit of trivia: Darth Vader is a gargoyle on the National Cathedral.

One issue that is slowly percolating up here in DC is immigration. Backbenchers in Congress were able to attach a "Real ID" to the supplemental bill over the the objections of party leaders. Real ID is a dumb requirement, possibly un-constitutional and won't, as they claim, protect us from terrorists. What it is, is a anti-illegal immigrant bill and we will be seeing more of them in differing forms. President Fox's response to the bill shows that he's learned a thing or two about arrogance from the gringos.

The two major parties have, for almost two decades, studiously ignored the issue of immigration as the citizenry had become more and more uncomfortable with the growing proportion of our population being immigrant. Both parties live with the fantasy that Latinos will vote enmass for them if they just speak a few words of Spanish and turn a blind eye to the thousands crossing the border every night. The Republicans also are looking after the big agribusiness interests' need for cheap workers and the Democrats are constrained by their racialist interest politics.

So as the U.S. political elite whistle past the grave yard, a majority of Americans have become very uncomfortable with the changes and compromises they must make for the 11% of our population that are immigrants. Expect to see more demonstrations like the Minutemen and more legislation like Real ID. Also as the '06 Mexican Presidential elections heat up, watch as Mexico's politicians make an issue of their immigrants and crank up the issue even more.

>>> And Happy Birthday Ellie and Dad.

Happy Birthday to Poppa!
Big 76! How amazing!

We love you,
Ellie, George, Davis, James

Hello everyone:

Well, we are still in the Delta. We are keeping our spirits up but a bit frustrated that we are not in Vallejo on the houseboat yet. Lars and Nancy are very nice and the houseboat they live in is very comfortable but we have had a lot of time living with people the past few years and really would rather be in our own space. We were hoping to move the boat this week but it looks like it will be next week - hopefully early in the week. Even once there we will have to keep doing some construction. Because they want to keep the weight on the boat as light as possible we can't install carpet, vinyl, or the ceiling wood until it is down there. But once there we can move at fast speed and have a nice home.

Also by then we will have our computer so will be able to set up our own computer and use it when we feel like. (They are away for a night so I am taking advantage of this). I read all the last blogs -
- Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers. Got to speak to Mom on Monday and Freda on Saturday. Hmmmmm!
- All these pet issues, I feel I'm missing something. But we are content with Deek, our plastic decoy duck.
- Larry - where are your political pieces? We love your view points and your humourous view of things! Put it on your schedule once a week to send us something.

I drove up to West Sacramento on Monday. Jo Duthie was have an impromtu baby shower for Andrea (Brandon's wife) while she was here from Cambodia. So Jo said come on up if I could. Since I can choose my hours right now it was nice to be able to go up for the day. I had never met Andrea but we had emailed quite a few times. Janie was there from Napa. Her and husband have house on Napa River with dock so we can motor up there some time. Also met Jamie, 24 yr old daughter of Jill who is trying to get a job in San Francisco. It was great to see all. And Jo & Toby's new house is beautiful - hoping to move in completely (we sat on patio chairs) within a month.

So that's all from us.

Talk to all soon,
Love
Max

I love Mother's Day. I deserve every bit of it. The gifts, the cards, the special events. I have a great appreciation of our mother. How in the world did she help raise five children!? Mothers have been doing this a million years and it such an amazing thing. Every mother is so different.

So, I will go to church and hear the boys sing. Smile and appreciate every greeting. And be a bum to some degree. I still have to do laundry. George is going to barbeque. The boys will be sweet.

It's a beautiful day!
Love,
Ellie

In my last course, I wrote a paper on Dogs, Children and Conditioning. Based on Pavlov's principle of classical conditioning, I gave examples of how our dog, Sandy and our daughters have been conditioned in certain areas. "Has anyone fed Sandy" has conditioned Sandy to run to the door based on her having learned that that is the cue for one of the girls to remember it is their responsibility to go feed her. (I'm sure that she is probably salivating appropriately at that moment as well- but we haven't measured her saliva for this research). Sandy is conditioned as well with the idea of hopping into the back of the truck- that means either going out to hunt "birdies" or running and playing at a lake or river. My paper expanded further to areas that Megan and Marisa have been conditioned to various things. Interesting to relate theories to the real world. Another funny incident about the dog theme- last week I was dealing with some neck pain and stayed home from work. Well, as Duane drove the girls to school (along with the Brimley girls from next door), they talked about my neck but as the conversation went on, Duane started to talk about Sandy (because he likes to relate all topics somehow to our funny dog)- well, we think that Peri (6yrs. old) somehow connected that Sandy was the one with the neck problem. So, at some point in the day, the school secretary stopped Megan and asked, "Now, is it your Mom that has the neck pain or your dog?-"because the first graders (class that Peri is in)- is saying that its your dog that is having a problem with her neck!" Funny. Kay

New dogs and even old dogs can learn new tricks. Her's an example:
Lynne and the kids have taught Beau to smile and wag his tail whenever he sees the squirrels, chipmunks, jays and chickadees on our deck. They have also taught him to bark and run at the magpies, as they think of them as evil.

I on the other hand think magpies are beautiful, smart and operate in a very special niche in the ecosystem. Like coyotes, they are cleaners. Nobody else in the family (including the dog) is buying this viewpoint, but I'm sticking to it.

Dogs are smart and can learn if you are patient and clear on your your expectations.

Except Beau ran up and nosed the back end of the neighborhood skunk the other day...for the second time...with predictable consequences. He thinks they are kitties. Hmmm. Maybe there are some things you can't teach them. I'll re-think my theory. Charley

Agh! The dog got bit by a bee. At 4:30pm this afternoon, Jackson came into the kitchen with a very swollen face. You could barely see his eyes. I immediately grabbed by purse and went to the vet (they close at 5:00pm). Within 45 minutes, the vet gave Jackson a shot and gave me some pills to give him later. It was only $65. He had me scared. How much time? (George goes to school on Monday nights.) How much money? Oh, please, dear Lord, do not be an expensive dog. I've heard such horror stories about vet bills. And George had to figure out how to cook dinner - spagetti and meatballs. Can you believe he has never done that before!

Now, at 8:00pm, Jackson is looking better. You can see his eyes again. He is sleeping. Probably, the drugs. Just like a puppy or little boys to chase the bee. Not like chasing the butterflies. Do you think he learned his lesson? I don't. It seems to take two bad results for puppies or boys to learn their lesson.

Good night.