tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67311100026294479392024-03-17T23:03:51.922-04:00Who Is Virginia?James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.comBlogger644125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-56874229019739794452022-06-28T21:46:00.000-04:002022-06-28T22:04:25.053-04:00Natural Bridge, Virginia, Campsites, Most Popular<p><span face="tahoma, "Trebuchet MS", lucida, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(85, 85, 68); color: #555544;">Part 2 of a series of posts introducing Thunder BRidge Campground, LLC. Camping information is available at </span><a href="https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/thunder-bridge?pic=%7B%3Alocale%3D%3E%3A%22en-AU%22%7D&fbclid=IwAR1Ivs1DxhbUy7dODjGwdEgaJue3CSfuCoAa9O3-XjKJUJDEbX8c5FrUtBk" style="color: #669922; font-family: tahoma, "Trebuchet MS", lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/thunder-bridge?pic=%7B%3Alocale%3D%3E%3A%22en-AU%22%7D&fbclid=IwAR1Ivs1DxhbUy7dODjGwdEgaJue3CSfuCoAa9O3-XjKJUJDEbX8c5FrUtBk</a> </p><p>One of our campers commented that Thunder BRidge Campground is "soon to be the most popular!" Another wrote, "[t]here's no feeling of being on top of each other even if the place was packed full." And this--"Listening to the stream every night was a great way to fall asleep."</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh17Dmd4qwHoEAVo1goIj_WGNFrOXo_vOEguu_HmcGgvlynzKRjthpPg2dgmHROg1BkwHvdlkrhO9UJbQE17sEowh0tagyutNHGCoFdsw5uHMDOt1XEjn-JJLtQQIAZK7onK8E4Vy9YWG2dw7bV3ZPqrYbwu4_70QTggwYkgD7TuyDc5hVsUS3Gn14fwg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh17Dmd4qwHoEAVo1goIj_WGNFrOXo_vOEguu_HmcGgvlynzKRjthpPg2dgmHROg1BkwHvdlkrhO9UJbQE17sEowh0tagyutNHGCoFdsw5uHMDOt1XEjn-JJLtQQIAZK7onK8E4Vy9YWG2dw7bV3ZPqrYbwu4_70QTggwYkgD7TuyDc5hVsUS3Gn14fwg" width="320" /></a></div><br />While the Thunder BRidge campsites are large and private, campers who want to meet and greet will find the Pavilion open and inviting. The screened area, seen in the above photo, includes five large antique picnic tables, a few easy chairs, and plenty of space for reading, writing, playing games, snacking, and visiting. One corner houses the "Camp New Hope Museum," a goldmine for budding naturalists who want to touch, examine, or simply look at things previous campers found on the property. A bulletin board in another corner posts photos of campers from many years past. Campers may spin the tops of a Skittles game or try their hand at a game of cornhole. Just outside lies a horseshoe pit--please bring your own horseshoes. Outside entrances (at the far end in this photo) provide access to restrooms and showers.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjylVMXNsSAoETNlO9AJUZDUJLhwqObMQSYLCFD1VVReYxGlF_rgDERUv579YGgYXvN2zOhdSIHJe9IxjaPiQomQTTob3J3td4dbn5pPjG1KL8v5VW1Ohu3zcHDD-i4A3uLAE5BWbAQBAofZ70aoC_ic6J4hnYwjxx8RFxNuIlu9RLdXIumnwchMMTR8A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjylVMXNsSAoETNlO9AJUZDUJLhwqObMQSYLCFD1VVReYxGlF_rgDERUv579YGgYXvN2zOhdSIHJe9IxjaPiQomQTTob3J3td4dbn5pPjG1KL8v5VW1Ohu3zcHDD-i4A3uLAE5BWbAQBAofZ70aoC_ic6J4hnYwjxx8RFxNuIlu9RLdXIumnwchMMTR8A" width="320" /></a></div><br />A campsite, Woodpecker 5, sits about a hundred feet northeast of the Pavilion. It offers Thunder BRidge's standard gravel tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and forest floor space for additional tents. As a camper has commented, "Each site is unique from the next...." This one adds a roof over the picnic table (or campers could shift the table outside and camp under-roof if they prefer).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnB-Y28amMPVdk3GshqP2P5bRziphX2dyazCF209qNRdpy6wrr1cUDEpZJCsCFucYy_OkR1x_EHb7LtiNPxAUrq5X7BmJC2Wpqz_bTpSRkLlxUN3xBaPJNYUC1Kkxtusm1H-JTgFkr9odl50B4EI9izbk8cXuMLDqZuZXY3wZxseO4_kN_f5gFZEivxA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnB-Y28amMPVdk3GshqP2P5bRziphX2dyazCF209qNRdpy6wrr1cUDEpZJCsCFucYy_OkR1x_EHb7LtiNPxAUrq5X7BmJC2Wpqz_bTpSRkLlxUN3xBaPJNYUC1Kkxtusm1H-JTgFkr9odl50B4EI9izbk8cXuMLDqZuZXY3wZxseO4_kN_f5gFZEivxA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Campers who want even more privacy away from our gravel roads might enjoy walking a little distance (about 350 feet) to Bunny 5 after parking their car near the Pavilion. Bunny 5, formerly known as Raindrop, has the distinction of being the oldest campsite at Thunder BRidge and offers lots of space. The State campground inspector exclaimed, "I would have expected four campsites back here." The East Fork of Elk Creek runs nearby. </p><p><br /></p>James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-25855800553497337502022-06-26T22:04:00.003-04:002022-06-26T22:12:58.882-04:00Camping in Natural Bridge, Virginia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaiLAS9uV_RDdBBsdGfNwL_uWd9EQ5aTzE9Zzv3wquwpH2EHWZtXZePLCo3bSp3UjIuSuqd1hU02gz8mrl4QU0AOt6HZcnHzM66w2FHhQt6qdk1HGuNMeGCTc-9IQ5nCdYI5BFRRxxLWhOgQfFkdwkKDR5yI0xL-g8pJDfrNK5n6jgEadhCZEUWZ8Cjw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaiLAS9uV_RDdBBsdGfNwL_uWd9EQ5aTzE9Zzv3wquwpH2EHWZtXZePLCo3bSp3UjIuSuqd1hU02gz8mrl4QU0AOt6HZcnHzM66w2FHhQt6qdk1HGuNMeGCTc-9IQ5nCdYI5BFRRxxLWhOgQfFkdwkKDR5yI0xL-g8pJDfrNK5n6jgEadhCZEUWZ8Cjw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part I of a series of posts introducing Thunder BRidge Campground, LLC. Camping information is available at <a href="https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/thunder-bridge?pic=%7B%3Alocale%3D%3E%3A%22en-AU%22%7D&fbclid=IwAR1Ivs1DxhbUy7dODjGwdEgaJue3CSfuCoAa9O3-XjKJUJDEbX8c5FrUtBk">https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/thunder-bridge?pic=%7B%3Alocale%3D%3E%3A%22en-AU%22%7D&fbclid=IwAR1Ivs1DxhbUy7dODjGwdEgaJue3CSfuCoAa9O3-XjKJUJDEbX8c5FrUtBk</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you turn onto Artists Loop and enter Thunder BRidge Campground, a cluster of buildings greets you--history still in the making. In 1933, unemployed young men came here as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and began constructing four barracks to become their home away from home. As time passed, they added on--a dining hall, a gymnasium, cottages, storage space, and much more. After the CCC ended 9 years later, the property became a correctional facility for boys in the National Training School, a federal government program for troubled kids. About 1964, the facilities became home to boys in the Virginia state correctional system. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Both of these programs reformed juvenile corrections. The "guards" did not carry guns and no fences enclosed the property. Instead of simply incarcerating problem youth, the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center taught them skills so they would return to society as productive citizens. As you walk around the complex, you'll find the auto shop, woodworking shops, masonry shop, kitchen, classrooms, a reading room, a library, and maybe, if you look closely enough, a barber shop. A bulletin board near the entrance to the gymnasium bears the title, "Thunder Ridge High School," home of the "Timber Wolves."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What will Thunder BRidge Campground, LLC do with all these buildings? The answer remains to be seen. The owners picture a cultural art center, where artists work in studios open to visitors and offer workshops. Five artists currently maintain studios here. Perhaps the gym will become a performance venue? Maybe the pasture will host music festivals? We welcome your ideas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">RV campers promptly turn right to drive past the auto shop, masonry shop and Youth Industries buildings, a stretch that resembles a Western movie set. Tent and cabin campers continue straight, through the pasture (ballfields), into 64 acres of woods, toward the Pavilion--a gathering spot and home to restrooms and showers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs1p0YW0ujLGVETG7R44J6SYAJBHvz4-wmTieV0PkEWg4FAVj9KVBa1q7nRkTAnMLcbt1q-rxbdYHB0WPC6tw_b4i12YjOKavDTsO-HVYOgwMGZktoOQD5glCPXzQMyJX7udehh5DAQUgt0WhD6vmGwhonmwNCLGlAEUjbV7KggCO1h9_dHO2ut34Oag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs1p0YW0ujLGVETG7R44J6SYAJBHvz4-wmTieV0PkEWg4FAVj9KVBa1q7nRkTAnMLcbt1q-rxbdYHB0WPC6tw_b4i12YjOKavDTsO-HVYOgwMGZktoOQD5glCPXzQMyJX7udehh5DAQUgt0WhD6vmGwhonmwNCLGlAEUjbV7KggCO1h9_dHO2ut34Oag" width="180" /></a></div><br />On the way, you'll find the first campsite (Bunny 2), at the old climbing wall. Some day we may resurrect the zip line that ran from the top of the wall across the road to a tree long gone. The second campsite, Bunny 3, sits near the Pavilion. Handy to restrooms and showers, this site contains the knot-tying station, part of an old ropes course, remnants of which you'll find if you explore the woods. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tune in soon, for a continuing description of Thunder BRidge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-68690850495674422792022-06-12T09:48:00.001-04:002022-06-12T09:48:47.950-04:00Camping, Natural Bridge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV_rBGPIVghgqKylgapBDlvVptsqrsP9lHbZeZoF7TMLdhQpZWqmhgGVfSm0pOahilDpIAgTVp5xAXjSsVxv4kl4ebcc_Z6aSFYYS0FihdtvCuHtPKLp59a_SLaS8RXt9zEiU9lgP6ps_ebhZqE-6vG59fUlCLCpxt99SkEiyo00mKypAfoPVFo9KsyA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV_rBGPIVghgqKylgapBDlvVptsqrsP9lHbZeZoF7TMLdhQpZWqmhgGVfSm0pOahilDpIAgTVp5xAXjSsVxv4kl4ebcc_Z6aSFYYS0FihdtvCuHtPKLp59a_SLaS8RXt9zEiU9lgP6ps_ebhZqE-6vG59fUlCLCpxt99SkEiyo00mKypAfoPVFo9KsyA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>My family opened Thunder BRidge Campground just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. All of our available tent sites and the three screened cabins filled quickly. </p><p>One of our first campers commented on our HipCamp site, "New campground, soon to be the most popular!" Check it out: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/virginia/thunder-bridge?pic=%7B%3Alocale%3D%3E%3A%22en-AU%22%7D</p><p>Another camper insisted, "Adam's primitive sites were awesome!! We camped at Bear 1 and will definitely return for a future camping weekend....The sound of the babbling creek was so peaceful at night....Highly recommended!!"</p><p>Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge offers scenic, large, primitive campsites in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. A large pavilion offers indoor gathering space, bathrooms, and warm showers.</p><p>Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the '30s and early '40s. It then became a juvenile detention center and Big Brothers/Big Sisters camp, which closed in 2009. The tent and cabin sites are in the forest, away from the buildings that once comprised the boys' camp and CCC camp. </p><p>Campers are welcome to explore the CCC buildings, some of which now house artist studios. If you're an artist, musician, craftsperson, or writer who would like a space to create while you camp, let us know in advance and Thunder BRidge will be happy to try to accommodate you. </p><p>The neighboring Jefferson National Forest property offers Belfast Trail and The Devil's Marbleyard, the most popular hike in the area, as well as access to the 70-mile Glenwood Horse Trail. And just beyond the Belfast Trail you will find the Straw Pond, a famous swimming hole. </p><p>A short drive takes you to: The Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, a cidery (Halcyon Days), Virginia Gold Orchard, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, Wilderness Canoe, Virginia Horse Center, Washington and Lee University, Virginia Military Institute, and historic Lexington. </p><p>After laboring on this project for a year, we love arriving at our studios, to the peaceful, good vibes of the property. Then, as we enter the forest, quiet, respectful campers and the sweet smell of campfires make all our hard work worthwhile. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnjuSZVaj7VQD-oRnn8NpGkJkRn00vZ6KXdkF3jWtLsE_2B986f6AFvhl9BOyj6OsSDnqjrUBdI6TX-y5VYtwvQQpVMA5oA5qzWwJAolvtK2rQzyQBYF6afkF3q6WVsrkzmh8h6DgAwZK-OsBXAnk3sZO0zC3_NXHxeF7eIOBzcDAszlW--bW5DAh9Hg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnjuSZVaj7VQD-oRnn8NpGkJkRn00vZ6KXdkF3jWtLsE_2B986f6AFvhl9BOyj6OsSDnqjrUBdI6TX-y5VYtwvQQpVMA5oA5qzWwJAolvtK2rQzyQBYF6afkF3q6WVsrkzmh8h6DgAwZK-OsBXAnk3sZO0zC3_NXHxeF7eIOBzcDAszlW--bW5DAh9Hg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOEVQqChePshK34IAkS5OXg2rzquG4QJwP1djre3TjepSQNhiBwC5r67w2bib-Kt1vArfe8GxYs-MwLzfafMZ8cXrS2BLdySRkFVBoIlW2mywuNM-9c-a3Uj4P_V2CZM1NOmGRkA_M70JiBIibUQoUjC8xIxpmMWBK1y6C7xyVg-PcN25sMRDQXS7E7A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2249" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOEVQqChePshK34IAkS5OXg2rzquG4QJwP1djre3TjepSQNhiBwC5r67w2bib-Kt1vArfe8GxYs-MwLzfafMZ8cXrS2BLdySRkFVBoIlW2mywuNM-9c-a3Uj4P_V2CZM1NOmGRkA_M70JiBIibUQoUjC8xIxpmMWBK1y6C7xyVg-PcN25sMRDQXS7E7A" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-51472312018044878482017-05-11T07:44:00.003-04:002017-05-11T07:44:57.864-04:00Sun SpotsIn empty spots I<br />
planted sunflowers<br />
<br />
their faces will bring<br />
<br />
vigor to vegetables<br />
birds to their bugs<br />
grins to our guestsJames Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-66688651861998781702017-05-09T17:49:00.002-04:002017-05-09T17:49:41.019-04:00Climate Changesome said too late<br />
so concentrate on now<br />
<br />
they named as fools<br />
a few who brewed hope<br />
<br />
and drove as fast as they could<br />
into the sunsetJames Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-86820817086099251652017-05-07T18:44:00.001-04:002017-05-07T18:46:06.553-04:00The Highest BiddersFive couples who won<br />
battered spouse auction<br />
gathered in the woods<br />
<br />
to taste old bourbons<br />
and dine on wild game<br />
<br />
for starters they tried<br />
turkey, dove, pigeon<br />
poppers, grouse pate,<br />
<br />
obstetrician stut-<br />
stuttered g-g-girl,<br />
o-oops, n-n-no<br />
a b-boy, ahoy<br />
<br />
smoked trout dip, curried<br />
bear meatballs, sausage<br />
bits of cured bambi<br />
<br />
five-year old watched new<br />
mom puke in bathroom,<br />
hands on hips, we're not<br />
pregnant again, eh?<br />
<br />
coconut quail soup<br />
hare cacciatore<br />
marinated bear<br />
soy deer tenderloin<br />
<br />
in old school barracks<br />
big college bully<br />
swashbuckled loser<br />
roommate testified<br />
<br />
road asparagus<br />
cheesy polenta<br />
walnut sugar crisps<br />
wineberry pastry<br />
bye blackberry pie<br />
<br />
then the bidding stopped<br />
with fireworks capping<br />
a wild night dining<br />
<br />James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-82531428685206987682017-05-05T22:17:00.002-04:002017-05-05T22:17:43.840-04:00Too Much at Onceso much for<br />
gentle rain<br />
we awoke<br />
water-bound<br />
<br />
yard a pond<br />
even the<br />
onion sets<br />
had wet feet<br />
<br />James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-26839119680316288322017-05-04T21:45:00.002-04:002017-05-04T21:46:14.455-04:00Sleeping on a Porchtwo getting oldsters<br />
in a trundle bed<br />
listen to noisy<br />
neighbors playing wings<br />
<br />
on legs, mating calls,<br />
cat whines, bleats of lambs,<br />
creek running nonstop,<br />
not quiet, though peacefulJames Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-31101297794183862642017-05-03T20:42:00.000-04:002017-05-03T20:44:33.088-04:00Road/Trail Soundsear<br />
alert<br />
<br />
ambulance singing<br />
like a giant pileated<br />
woodpecker swoops<br />
across my running path<br />
<br />
squirrel steps big<br />
through last fall's leaves,<br />
whoop, whoop, big red<br />
bird, no bear or coyoteJames Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-7184529815300790732017-05-02T21:42:00.002-04:002017-05-02T21:43:16.023-04:00Border ControlStretched wires today<br />
bracing for a fence<br />
<br />
sprouts may wonder<br />
what the posts are for<br />
<br />
soon they may feel<br />
safe,<br />
or boxed inJames Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-50730299099726252072017-05-01T21:17:00.000-04:002017-05-01T21:17:42.338-04:00Trespassingthis morning<br />
something RED<br />
<br />
drew my eye<br />
a strange tent<br />
<br />
i pictured<br />
trash and turds<br />
<br />
landowner's<br />
evil thoughts<br />
<br />
inspection<br />
spotted an<br />
<br />
ALL-TERRAIN<br />
VEHICLE<br />
<br />
stashed behind<br />
our boat deck<br />
<br />
hid 'em both<br />
and waited<br />
<br />
think he might<br />
ask next timeJames Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-69033822480974820872017-04-30T18:31:00.002-04:002017-04-30T18:31:43.575-04:00PracticeWatch the tip<br />
of his baton<br />
<br />
he sharpens it<br />
everyday.James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-36358152471439152132017-04-29T23:09:00.002-04:002017-04-29T23:09:29.196-04:00Pianoone place where<br />
black and white<br />
<br />
get along<br />
famouslyJames Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-19716872693083139322017-04-27T22:34:00.002-04:002017-04-27T22:34:16.910-04:00WaistlineI've been mulching<br />
and munching, can't stop<br />
each one seems to<br />
cancel out the other<br />
<br />
except when it rains<br />
I run and munch.<br />
<br />James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-18881476405943321382016-03-24T17:15:00.001-04:002016-03-24T17:15:46.403-04:00Piano Move"Why would people want to see photos of your upcoming piano move?" says Virginia.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, probably they don't, but I know one person who does--the piano mover, and this seems like a convenient place to post the photos. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The piano currently sits in Arrowhead Lodge.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCW7WnkNvrOzg_twikJ2bjDyo6ObI7P159z58Lk-_E8k0_0Wc6as1tOXoXXrAjPNyPAaYpKU4o89rl2-wlgXBnn7dm_Re07ryV3p2YaaRm79JhDLId2l-EuNGqnNCZkt4OSX-mALP6J_8T/s1600/Piano+Move+1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCW7WnkNvrOzg_twikJ2bjDyo6ObI7P159z58Lk-_E8k0_0Wc6as1tOXoXXrAjPNyPAaYpKU4o89rl2-wlgXBnn7dm_Re07ryV3p2YaaRm79JhDLId2l-EuNGqnNCZkt4OSX-mALP6J_8T/s400/Piano+Move+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
It needs to go out that door, the one on the left that leads outside. Here's a picture taken from that door.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwm9IRIL7geQjLaRaRSYU8HjRBbvoa1vBcwpvMVIj-ibrO09sbgG4Tz1Y-t7a-pfvAbmc0MI-3ZWixOV49eU9tGjBLH-cBM6XIgpMOr-b7uWw-sSNiiSKhClL8ZGi_uTU4qA-_dQRejVC/s1600/Piano+Move+3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwm9IRIL7geQjLaRaRSYU8HjRBbvoa1vBcwpvMVIj-ibrO09sbgG4Tz1Y-t7a-pfvAbmc0MI-3ZWixOV49eU9tGjBLH-cBM6XIgpMOr-b7uWw-sSNiiSKhClL8ZGi_uTU4qA-_dQRejVC/s400/Piano+Move+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
It then needs to go along the back of the cabin,</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMn5gyOtyrL4Z9PaWGenfxWQ77jvFFkYpulEYchbLczv_Q4SZ4XyfQMmcA52Yn_cehIkLyXp1P2CT218BU-SW04S0Ew47bJBumxm1NkCUSWom9K6aqVNgsXzj8lWV7uYbSksxGRKIkZN8/s1600/Piano+Move+4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMn5gyOtyrL4Z9PaWGenfxWQ77jvFFkYpulEYchbLczv_Q4SZ4XyfQMmcA52Yn_cehIkLyXp1P2CT218BU-SW04S0Ew47bJBumxm1NkCUSWom9K6aqVNgsXzj8lWV7uYbSksxGRKIkZN8/s400/Piano+Move+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
along the side of the cabin,</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0KlJdeOOuw5E1t2UT6ZrlJsZLttcawXdy8Cn8uHLmQjQjdA1OvNgU1GPwHqokmshsQ78v0U-RgmZaZKf4gYO6rcOy0e47Y-vDn6mGxJHxAUF-2Pij_K2tWd8fU8geR7IU71dyn8auteI/s1600/Piano+Move+5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0KlJdeOOuw5E1t2UT6ZrlJsZLttcawXdy8Cn8uHLmQjQjdA1OvNgU1GPwHqokmshsQ78v0U-RgmZaZKf4gYO6rcOy0e47Y-vDn6mGxJHxAUF-2Pij_K2tWd8fU8geR7IU71dyn8auteI/s400/Piano+Move+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
and across the "front yard" to the gravel road.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Vgjdx-oXEL5ISimZmT0tlM7jT0ZMglIH7-HU18oODAlthOej81cXnzHzJ4gOc_T0NEutRNYdv8OEESpRmrNzmCIOC5NJpaEnInWxSbjfpJf5uq_8SaF4vl7hsA4UfkwdNcuBxyoDPHT/s1600/Piano+Move+6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Vgjdx-oXEL5ISimZmT0tlM7jT0ZMglIH7-HU18oODAlthOej81cXnzHzJ4gOc_T0NEutRNYdv8OEESpRmrNzmCIOC5NJpaEnInWxSbjfpJf5uq_8SaF4vl7hsA4UfkwdNcuBxyoDPHT/s400/Piano+Move+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
At the destination, it needs to go across our patio and up the steps (the steps you see are temporary but the permanent ones will be in place and will be similar)</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuXcxaqDh1-S5MrZjErqUp1uy1EhsBrsoVMuKWD0pFa77JCM5Tgu82mFIXv3oJ5WMcBwogFXfgsLp0b07F_aucdXRcwCUz3L8iZORjMBZSVJaN_bFcPBIYIPTwT9IEsNQf8gtWsfNEZQJ/s1600/Piano+Move+7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuXcxaqDh1-S5MrZjErqUp1uy1EhsBrsoVMuKWD0pFa77JCM5Tgu82mFIXv3oJ5WMcBwogFXfgsLp0b07F_aucdXRcwCUz3L8iZORjMBZSVJaN_bFcPBIYIPTwT9IEsNQf8gtWsfNEZQJ/s400/Piano+Move+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
into the new space.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIWhDHJpfcEAxyVSrLaKjxOtjqB-4wd3U3YuUo1u-DEcLogjQ-gRs_OqPtbwz8AwckgICfjbal8RZn8UA99uh2R7AkKCkR5ms1mRX1fUuEmi6XMsZtthCPikervtAwwtjL4wTqbkpSbQe/s1600/Piano+Move+8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIWhDHJpfcEAxyVSrLaKjxOtjqB-4wd3U3YuUo1u-DEcLogjQ-gRs_OqPtbwz8AwckgICfjbal8RZn8UA99uh2R7AkKCkR5ms1mRX1fUuEmi6XMsZtthCPikervtAwwtjL4wTqbkpSbQe/s400/Piano+Move+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-54201477151567836332016-02-15T16:40:00.000-05:002016-02-15T19:46:34.807-05:00No-Lose<div class="MsoNormal">
Trump is going to win. Don’t get too excited, Trump fans, I
don’t mean the presidential election. I still have enough faith in Americans to
think that won’t happen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t suppose I should post something like this, but just
in case I might offer anything that hasn’t been said before, I’ll give it a
try. Besides, I haven’t blogged in ages.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has already won. I mean, he could quit tomorrow and say
he’s won. He has proven quite a few points, more than enough to support
best-selling books, movies, plays, Broadway musicals, or whatever. Enough to
keep most people active until they die and the big bucks rolling in beyond the
grave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s an actor, probably better than the last professional actor we put in the White House. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We could start with the basics. Is he a Republican? Who
really knows? What has he done to prove he is? Claimed that former President
Bush made the country less safe by spending trillions on a useless war? Invited
a famous Democrat to his wedding, and contributed to her war chest?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I suppose he’s filed numerous statements saying he’s
Republican. If he’s not, someone, the Republican Party if no one else, probably
could sue him for a bunch of things. Now, wouldn’t that be fun to watch? Talk
about movie rights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just for the sake of discussion, consider this. What if,
some day, we discovered, perhaps when he won the White House (and packed his
cabinet with donkeys), that he’s not a Republican?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look, it doesn’t matter if he loses the White House. He has
shown that a person with a lot of money, even one who might have earned more if
he’d simply invested his inheritance in a good mutual fund (but what fun would
that have been?), can go a long way along the path to the White House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps he’s shown that an actor with a good
(even, a very bad) script can win friends (well, voters, at least) and influence people.
Perhaps he’s shown what can be done by a billionaire without <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Citizens United. </i>Perhaps he’s shown that
winning in politics takes little political experience whatsoever. Perhaps he’s
shown that the system is broken. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Face it, he’s already won.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-79903366274689144162015-11-09T16:00:00.002-05:002015-11-09T16:00:19.190-05:002015 Winter GardenAbout this time of year, I used to say goodbye to gardening until spring. My activities in the garden have slowed down, but things continue to 'appen.<br />
<br />
This photo focuses on one of the most active spots. In the foreground, you'll find beets, kale, and carrots. If they don't mature before the first hard frosts, I'll probably cover them with straw.<br />
<br />
Looking beside and beyond the closest pile of manure, you'll find rows of lighter green, to the left and right of some carrots. These light green rows are hard red winter wheat (future bread). The garden bed beyond them also contains winter wheat. In the first garden bed, the thicker, taller grass is winter rye (more future bread). That garden bed also has leeks, spinach, and lettuce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleXJuCpmuG3tkfrQyBiMXvBqLJp2rgkXz3BFpU6k6OLH-og8D1396cnY7JXbWlNPBXskXhscoRDGDPhXtKk8uFk3k_2h3v7RtjJK8OECLpr-Wm3E9DVs8GaTm39l6RrqrDhfzulFMT5cU/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleXJuCpmuG3tkfrQyBiMXvBqLJp2rgkXz3BFpU6k6OLH-og8D1396cnY7JXbWlNPBXskXhscoRDGDPhXtKk8uFk3k_2h3v7RtjJK8OECLpr-Wm3E9DVs8GaTm39l6RrqrDhfzulFMT5cU/s400/IMG_0190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Below, a picture taken from the east side, shows the winter rye in the first garden and a few leeks on the far left.<br />
<br />
"What are those brown leaves in the foreground?" says Virginia.<br />
<br />
Some of our lemongrass plants, all of which, as usual, I forgot to transplant indoors before the first frost. Oh well, I have some more seeds to start in the spring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNLoFwV27KgkDVIep943fnj65VrKrAeIUEYXLoA_trvBDovFAetDplPAqJcG8bniqKFNzrSD09Fgt0aV89AczhROSN_W-fvMIgvAtyAg6ehMSw9V4Q6wSCdGh-a04K9-WMstMmqDjL7wk/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNLoFwV27KgkDVIep943fnj65VrKrAeIUEYXLoA_trvBDovFAetDplPAqJcG8bniqKFNzrSD09Fgt0aV89AczhROSN_W-fvMIgvAtyAg6ehMSw9V4Q6wSCdGh-a04K9-WMstMmqDjL7wk/s400/IMG_0173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New this year, I planted a small amount of farro wheat (emmer winter wheat), along the south side of the greenhouse. It sprouted a few days ago. See the wisps of green? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinikMmUOka357lClOdY9BcMtjUMJbtLZY_h7k-hW5CsnYCH3QELouEZd5i2E9D2708hToESdwQd6_a1hzJa5zDAWp5zWBRUcJBb7RSkSiof__K64dyWrkapHHopiLlpRsoSqB_FXhWaZAK/s1600/IMG_0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinikMmUOka357lClOdY9BcMtjUMJbtLZY_h7k-hW5CsnYCH3QELouEZd5i2E9D2708hToESdwQd6_a1hzJa5zDAWp5zWBRUcJBb7RSkSiof__K64dyWrkapHHopiLlpRsoSqB_FXhWaZAK/s400/IMG_0195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Going inside the greenhouse, nearly full at the moment, here's a green pepper that's getting close to pickin.'<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMTK3wSfEWy4rb_cSTdFbhehLumkQ2GYmPedDngbZMpBaLchofWuG6BPxqTG1wR5988tBgXpEPL5F2DRqFZxeYM-2RLLv_RfKoii9cUxZxQ7mI8nJqXz7BaCLOPWVZjTdHfd1ovjwhr9Z/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMTK3wSfEWy4rb_cSTdFbhehLumkQ2GYmPedDngbZMpBaLchofWuG6BPxqTG1wR5988tBgXpEPL5F2DRqFZxeYM-2RLLv_RfKoii9cUxZxQ7mI8nJqXz7BaCLOPWVZjTdHfd1ovjwhr9Z/s400/IMG_0197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This fall, I planted many things in pots in the greenhouse, including lettuces, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy.<br />
<br />
I've also loaded up the compost bin in the greenhouse, hoping if I pack it right it'll provide some heat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAu8MzdM4f5_gzUQoCKGFPRSlhziD3EYPnihhR3Zku7Ty_DZuFc2Ydz_8X6F5V0cJ7Rhbm-FzKAp1T0leDci-9pb4RQcPpa7stEq31hWBqshdZ-Zu8ngLy2mEOS9h8FGzdp625SeB5wT51/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAu8MzdM4f5_gzUQoCKGFPRSlhziD3EYPnihhR3Zku7Ty_DZuFc2Ydz_8X6F5V0cJ7Rhbm-FzKAp1T0leDci-9pb4RQcPpa7stEq31hWBqshdZ-Zu8ngLy2mEOS9h8FGzdp625SeB5wT51/s400/IMG_0199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-88523210248269369392015-06-10T12:23:00.000-04:002015-06-10T12:23:41.436-04:00Fruit Season Begins, and More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-apk-36xuxY608drdvL2azvUubpSSwNrHw4B0n4RGC-Tj8FyhP6ndPWSK72sED6Iafmo7FJeoTASzGoDglwjrP5vpYl2gy38hHbqsvh0wOuha1wqPCiOJxdEnLpqwc1x7iV6IS2fx3wn/s1600/IMG_1749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-apk-36xuxY608drdvL2azvUubpSSwNrHw4B0n4RGC-Tj8FyhP6ndPWSK72sED6Iafmo7FJeoTASzGoDglwjrP5vpYl2gy38hHbqsvh0wOuha1wqPCiOJxdEnLpqwc1x7iV6IS2fx3wn/s400/IMG_1749.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"What's with the red fingers?" says Virginia. "Too much piano playing?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yeah, right. No, berry season has begun. Wild black raspberries, one of my favorites. Just in time, too, because the strawberry patch yielded its last quart for the season a couple days ago.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5a1MtUEmBmHtgoVlrleV5drzdaQmsVoDuy6R02KJQ8jLBtnwlxn30iHcwQ7e9VsuX-77w7Jj_krl0GzFumscOxpcK6BpkqIbt1_Wm09XTH27DjO0tIz_ESWUfk6kFvzwS46V1CuGkSFW/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5a1MtUEmBmHtgoVlrleV5drzdaQmsVoDuy6R02KJQ8jLBtnwlxn30iHcwQ7e9VsuX-77w7Jj_krl0GzFumscOxpcK6BpkqIbt1_Wm09XTH27DjO0tIz_ESWUfk6kFvzwS46V1CuGkSFW/s400/IMG_1747.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have a large patch right behind our house. Here's what I picked early this morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzuOWSfnD_U39bscBI7jFARGCUkbQQep6JhstwNfc-0MPXkj-COR9WKNDZYffzDZoNOxgG6_xvOjA7Djo7-QhBIrcc7EvB112fj8xKVYyXBxh8hPyevGdTDRAzLid_eVFa1_VU112na59/s1600/IMG_1668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzuOWSfnD_U39bscBI7jFARGCUkbQQep6JhstwNfc-0MPXkj-COR9WKNDZYffzDZoNOxgG6_xvOjA7Djo7-QhBIrcc7EvB112fj8xKVYyXBxh8hPyevGdTDRAzLid_eVFa1_VU112na59/s400/IMG_1668.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next month will bring buckets of wild black raspberries, wineberries, wild blackberries, and our domesticated Doyle's thornless blackberries and red raspberries. I think the wild blacks are the tastiest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Later on, I hope, these grapes will ripen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPhtcXLsm2m80xHlVpZ4sPops8ASUgAZYUGP9XlRaxgblA5_NWr705YSLYuRlPhKHjWbdlKP8Ejx0fZarjl0M3_C1DAOys-EVhJzkPEnLDRV_gFapB5uKMYn7H0BsY8dDSx4zYLPeogNa/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPhtcXLsm2m80xHlVpZ4sPops8ASUgAZYUGP9XlRaxgblA5_NWr705YSLYuRlPhKHjWbdlKP8Ejx0fZarjl0M3_C1DAOys-EVhJzkPEnLDRV_gFapB5uKMYn7H0BsY8dDSx4zYLPeogNa/s400/IMG_1725.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I nibbled my first tasty fallen peach this morning. Will I get the rest before the varmints?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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Now nasturtiums may grace Karen's gourmet dinners.</div>
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We'll end with a "before and after."</div>
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Clematis--before.</div>
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Clematis--after.</div>
James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-45696618674763819372015-05-23T11:45:00.001-04:002015-05-23T11:48:10.177-04:00The Master-less GardenVirginia thinks someone's neglecting this blog, "What's up in the garden?"<br />
<br />
The beds are "full up," as some folks say, waiting for the hard red winter wheat to ripen in three remaining beds so we can harvest it for glutenous baking and plant some more summer crops. Last October, after learning about the importance of maintaining a strong connection between the underground soil structure and the air, I planted organic wheat everywhere other crops weren't growing. As the wheat grew, I began to wonder if I'd made a big mistake. How would I remove the ground cover to make way for early spring plantings?<br />
<br />
Somewhere I read that if I mowed it down when it reached the soft dough stage (when seeds have begun to form), it wouldn't continue to grow (like grass does). So when I noticed seed heads, I began using the new scythe I bought last year.<br />
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After putting the hay in windrows, shifting it around a few days, tying it up, and sticking it in a barn, I began to plant between the rows of stubble, adding mulch here and there.<br />
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That worked okay until I realized sweet potato slips would soon arrive. How was I going to prepare the hills? I didn't want to dig up the soil and mess up the structure I'd planted the wheat to protect.<br />
<br />
Light bulb! I'd bring topsoil from our field, down by the riverbank. Maybe that would work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NKA2L2OiQ2xK16Rng8LZHls1QgwuXEHJk5FMVLBnfSOJjcSsjcA0UuPn3CaKbOWfj8HPAs0gfDwnPgwYI62wAHCXTAzc4u_fKPtQqCPTERXVKgv6fWqwbEX22IMG5Ru8idSUBQBTSL5g/s1600/IMG_1560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NKA2L2OiQ2xK16Rng8LZHls1QgwuXEHJk5FMVLBnfSOJjcSsjcA0UuPn3CaKbOWfj8HPAs0gfDwnPgwYI62wAHCXTAzc4u_fKPtQqCPTERXVKgv6fWqwbEX22IMG5Ru8idSUBQBTSL5g/s400/IMG_1560.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A week after the slips arrived, here's the sweet potato garden.<br />
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"What are the stakes for?" says Virginia. "And what's with the little windmill?" Oh my. Talk about frustration. Each morning after planting 175 sweet potato slips, 25 of 7 different varieties, I'd discover some were being stolen, by crows or voles I wasn't sure. Probably both. I'd replace them and the next morning, ditto. If you look closely, you might see several things: (1) sparkling CDs to scare away the birds, something that's worked well with my corn plantings; (2) mousetraps (zero caught to date, so don't fret too much, my PETA friends); (3) a fine mesh fence; and (4) a "mole-chaser" windmill I moved from another bed (supposed to make a noise when the wind blows and send vibrations that discourage certain varmints). Things have been going nicely since I installed the fence, knock on wood.<br />
<br />
About that soft dough stage idea. Either it's not true, or I didn't wait quite long enough.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxPd5mEpcmiEi1JwvAA4W_6dIsCWzw4tLSpyUPNVYsW-R954dYMY6a-0lt7pSvGjwQyI0Ob_IO97GVrMk4Rw0pd5HYAX-66DbUvXiskGT9skQeTunowoYsBAxyQy0iGYpppSHpV25RpUu/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxPd5mEpcmiEi1JwvAA4W_6dIsCWzw4tLSpyUPNVYsW-R954dYMY6a-0lt7pSvGjwQyI0Ob_IO97GVrMk4Rw0pd5HYAX-66DbUvXiskGT9skQeTunowoYsBAxyQy0iGYpppSHpV25RpUu/s400/IMG_1608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
See the little grass-like stuff growing between rows? I guess I'll keep it trimmed as living mulch and see how that works.<br />
<br />
I recently read <i>Teaming with Microbes</i> by Lowenfels and Lewis, and <i>The Market Gardener</i> by Fortier. Good reads for gardeners, but after setting them aside I decided I know nothing about gardening. All I am is an experimenter, and a not very scientific one at that.<br />
<br />
Oh well. Here's a new raised bed in a corner of the gardens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjjrnNuS4_9bkiWZtFzYy5LiyGMMi8WakO9snSS5cXAolMqB2Q3o29lY3Edi1sy9D4znDxcxpQCszerr-lHRUtRes70ITz6_yuIQAWrrTKNi8ixI2m1G6P29gxJ38Nk1jnkpNcn6h9MWO/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjjrnNuS4_9bkiWZtFzYy5LiyGMMi8WakO9snSS5cXAolMqB2Q3o29lY3Edi1sy9D4znDxcxpQCszerr-lHRUtRes70ITz6_yuIQAWrrTKNi8ixI2m1G6P29gxJ38Nk1jnkpNcn6h9MWO/s400/IMG_1620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I hope to train three tomato plants (one at each end and one in the corner) to crawl along the fence. At the far end you might be able to see three Victoria rhubarb plants (started from seed this spring), a couple four o'clocks, and some celeriac. Along the right are 9 artichokes (might be a bust, but fun to try; ho-ho -- thanks to Mike and Laura though she probably won't last long in the elements), some lemongrass, Irish poets, and more four o'clocks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZMBVx9EBwe_pVgWEw3V7aGmg424FE9o7_dLpTmop1Oh27bVIxHx7cvgjgTcLMh-0mrbPH4vx-UnCNQ8EVHdvRn3muZtVCQ_pviQ3repD-b2xdT_7TPg3QLS7fhTZLzbETvlJ12KD8lZx/s1600/IMG_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZMBVx9EBwe_pVgWEw3V7aGmg424FE9o7_dLpTmop1Oh27bVIxHx7cvgjgTcLMh-0mrbPH4vx-UnCNQ8EVHdvRn3muZtVCQ_pviQ3repD-b2xdT_7TPg3QLS7fhTZLzbETvlJ12KD8lZx/s400/IMG_1625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
"That looks a mess," says Virginia. Not to me. I prefer crammed diversity. On the left, you'll see this bed is still half-planted in wheat, with some horseradish. Moving right, you'll find three rows of lettuce (flame, oak leaf, and tennis ball), some potatoes (volunteers), carrots, sunflowers, beets, nasturtiums, cleomes, four o'clocks, chives, and Wando peas (the kind you shell, lots of work, but a favorite of mine).<br />
<br />
By the way, I usually let volunteers grow. I figure they deserve a chance, since they offered. But those volunteer potatoes tend to entertain a lot more Colorado beetles than planted (rotated) potatoes, so I watch them closely and do the squish remedy (not that my fingers aren't yellow when it comes to planted spuds).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaRmiH7FXI1CjHpjoJGmah_eUEvMtfhEzpenFhI-hmuHD8XdLXcgnT9qwD7C6SMlIipxkDlbUpJt6C-NxMYfFNly9wcHR3cU3APTBbIoNVTeBGpStTQ2nZa17oMnv6LYmd9e8h8UhK9RU/s1600/IMG_1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaRmiH7FXI1CjHpjoJGmah_eUEvMtfhEzpenFhI-hmuHD8XdLXcgnT9qwD7C6SMlIipxkDlbUpJt6C-NxMYfFNly9wcHR3cU3APTBbIoNVTeBGpStTQ2nZa17oMnv6LYmd9e8h8UhK9RU/s400/IMG_1633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm really bad at grapes, but this year, so far, so good, loaded with little grapes. Partly as an attempt to cut my losses, I've kept them weeded this spring, except instead of weeds I planted greens (collards, kale), rutabaga, beets, and a couple cucumbers underneath. We'll see how that goes.<br />
<br />
"Time to quit," says Virginia, "don't overdose after such long neglect."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IHIg9mp1Xif_HKx3_-ncyCcAMrmtW4tUh939I8nQ1dc4TTk1jGYx5H3EnJK3OqnxOqGsV_sFlWcc6ySEAXrFq4su_vVLrJkpNc4X6kTLI4r3hJzqbJ6Pj2Qzwf8AN3ZiP7991gUz3u23/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IHIg9mp1Xif_HKx3_-ncyCcAMrmtW4tUh939I8nQ1dc4TTk1jGYx5H3EnJK3OqnxOqGsV_sFlWcc6ySEAXrFq4su_vVLrJkpNc4X6kTLI4r3hJzqbJ6Pj2Qzwf8AN3ZiP7991gUz3u23/s400/IMG_1644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
All right. The last picture shows a raised bed on the south side of the greenhouse, with a chasteberry tree, spinach, romaine lettuces, basil, and lemon balm. Inside the greenhouse, in ground beds, we have carrots, lettuces, kale, parsley, cilantro, tomatoes, cucumbers, and several winter squashes. On its shelves sit flowers and eggplants (need to get bigger to withstand the inevitable flea beetles), both waiting to be transplanted, orange trees, and pomegranates (to replace bushes in the outdoor grove if problems arise; they made it through last winter's one degree fahrenheit evening but lost most of their past above-ground growth).James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-2698656214439346852015-05-08T14:34:00.002-04:002015-05-08T14:38:25.672-04:00Citizen Abuse<div class="MsoNormal">
I should be focused on planting my summer garden. Instead, the Dodd-Frank Act, now nearly five years old, continues to pester me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to be a fan of the statute, but the complexities of implementation--matters like why an agency thinks it must take 200 words or more to put 5 words of Congress into action--have alienated me. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time and time again, though, what gets my goat is the misleading, incomplete information trade groups publish in their attempts to discredit this and other bills. The latest instance occurred yesterday, when the American Bankers Association touted an "analysis" released by the American Action Forum, a 501(c)(4) (tax-advantaged) organization that reportedly gives millions of dollars to conservative political candidates. The author projected that the Dodd-Frank Act would decrease U.S. Gross Domestic Product by $895 billion over the 2016 to 2025 period.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I drafted this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Garbage-In-Garbage-Out: Dodd-Frank DisAnalysis<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The American Regeneration Institute (ARI) has released a
report that seriously challenges the conclusions of recently announced analyses
of the effects of the Dodd-Frank Act. According to the ARI, studies typically fail
to consider benefits as well as costs, in the longstanding tradition of critics
of environmental legislation, who generally ignore externalities and
improvements to general welfare.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ARI predicts that over the 2016-2025 period, Dodd-Frank
changes will increase Gross Domestic Product by $895 billion, or $3,346 per
person, not counting the moral and cultural benefits of increased economic
stability. Curiously, this conclusion mirrors the conclusion of the American
Action Forum (AAF), which predicted a decrease of $895 billion. Like the AAF,
the ARI admitted its computations were subject to large uncertainties, but that
the order of magnitude is instructive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ARI points out that estimates of the costs of the 2008
financial crisis range from $12.8 trillion (Better Markets) to more than $22
trillion (Government Accountability Office).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Using the more conservative figure, the ARI posits that the heightened
regulatory standards and increased capitalization requirements imposed by
Dodd-Frank have decreased the likelihood of a similar crisis during the
2016-2025 period from 25 percent to 12.5 percent, carrying an economic value of $1.6 trillion (.5 x .25 x 12.8 trillion). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking the AAF costs at face value, this results in net benefits
of $705 billion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ARI added $100
billion in benefits anticipated from reduced policing expenses, litigation
costs, and court administration expenses. It also included benefits of $95
billion attributable to the increase in financial institution services prompted
by an improvement in consumer satisfaction with bank performance from 76 to 80 (American
Customer Satisfaction Index).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlike many other research organizations, the ARI, based in
Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, does not maintain 501(c)(4) status under the
Internal Revenue Code, does not accept government subsidies and tax incentives,
and does not contribute to political campaigns.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Sounds serious," says Virginia.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actually, it's all smoke and mirrors. The not-so-funny thing is people read this stuff and believe it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-77339274079231621042015-02-12T10:12:00.001-05:002015-02-12T10:12:17.642-05:00Future Desk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQBaWHetAnBmQ7F4Yw9o5rvMXIu2TEpwekCEK2h2D4v3-rHZJWjlTC-MCNX43h06FEnl_ms4ZQwtUHsL2JIV2l_aojuQj3PHx22JI-tIN9i4s-STgFDq3Ew935PQNEYUZ29Yi4mwgE4yz/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQBaWHetAnBmQ7F4Yw9o5rvMXIu2TEpwekCEK2h2D4v3-rHZJWjlTC-MCNX43h06FEnl_ms4ZQwtUHsL2JIV2l_aojuQj3PHx22JI-tIN9i4s-STgFDq3Ew935PQNEYUZ29Yi4mwgE4yz/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
"What on earth is that?" says Virginia.<br />
<br />
"My future desk/table for my office."James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-19423342141689982892014-12-11T10:36:00.001-05:002014-12-11T11:13:51.109-05:00Know a Good Plumber?A month or so ago, a plumber showed up to check out a few of our old-house water issues. He looked at an outdoor frost-free hydrant that had been leaking more and more over the past year. When the leak became a constant stream, I'd hooked up a hose and run the water away so it wouldn't puddle at the spigot.<br />
<br />
"Can't adjust that no more," said he. "Good Iowa company, but they farmed this out to China for a few years and it's a piece of junk. We'll have to replace the whole thing. I'll get you high-quality equipment this time around."<br />
<br />
He also looked at water collecting each day in one of our basement rooms. Karen's been changing towels every day to absorb the couple gallons of water that seep up from somewhere. "You're sittin' on water here. The river's all around you. The good news is you won't be running out any time soon. May be a spring opened up right here. You need a sump pump."<br />
<br />
A couple weeks later, he showed up pulling a ditch witch on a trailer. First task was to dig up the old spigot and replace it with a new one. Karen's cellphone quacked. A neighbor friend had texted, "Don't hire that guy."<br />
<br />
The plumber talked and talked. I listened until his phone rang, then went inside. Karen got to enjoy his conversation for another half hour or more. He just stood there, griping about how young people don't show up, family stuff, and almost endless drivel. His phone rang again. He talked a bit, then said, "Gotta go. Good conservative Republican customer, gives me lots of work. I'll be back in a few days."<br />
<br />
Our good conservative texter later filled Karen in on why we shouldn't hire the guy. Karen called the "plumber" and told him not to return.<br />
<br />
Today, a different plumber arrived. He turned a few things on the hydrant and stopped the dripping. He looked at the basement and said, "Looks like you probably have a leak in the water line to the pump. Where's the water line come in?" Karen showed him and he said, "Most likely, that copper line is leaking somewhere. Wonder why they used copper." Karen said, "We replaced most of the water lines when we rehabbed, but not the outdoor line." He turned off the water and went out to the well pump to watch the gauge on the pressure tank.<br />
<br />
Virginia said, "I don't know what the answer will be, but I have a feeling you found a bad plumber and a good plumber."<br />
<br />
And a China-basher. The good guy said, "Iowa's the best hydrant made. I put new ones in just like this."James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-37427595742069006012014-11-29T10:33:00.001-05:002014-11-29T10:47:13.473-05:00Saul Griffith's View of the WorldThanks to a friend, I came across a speech on energy use given in 2000 by Saul Griffith, an engineer and entrepreneur. It's available in two parts:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blip.tv/slowtv/a-personal-and-a-global-view-of-energy-and-climate-saul-griffith-p1-3544261">http://blip.tv/slowtv/a-personal-and-a-global-view-of-energy-and-climate-saul-griffith-p1-3544261</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.themonthly.com.au/video/2013/03/24/1364105156/personal-and-global-view-energy-and-climate-saul-griffith-p2">http://www.themonthly.com.au/video/2013/03/24/1364105156/personal-and-global-view-energy-and-climate-saul-griffith-p2</a><br />
<br />
He began by offering a very detailed and personalized look at how much power he used per day, including his share of various governmental and infrastructure expenses.<br />
<br />
He suggested the following approach to our energy problems. First, set realistic goals, such as 450 ppm of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Then, be realistic in engineering how we can reach the goal(s).<br />
<br />
As long-term solutions, he identified renewable energy sources--solar, geothermal, and wind (<i>and not including </i>biofuels, wave power, and tidal power). The solutions all involve trade-offs, including environmental tradeoffs, such as the likely loss of certain species. For example, dedicating land to solar panels inevitably would disrupt wildlife habitats; building 250 million new green houses would by itself raise CO2 concentration by 8.9 ppm.<br />
<br />
If we were to equally distribute the available watts per 7 billion people worldwide, that would allow each of us 2400 watts per day, which would require many of us to reduce our power consumption by 90 percent or more, making significant behavioral changes. One of his slides showed an American carrying a backpack holding the oil, coal and natural gas required to sustain his or her current daily lifestyle--67 pounds of oil, 64 pounds of coal, and 12 pounds of natural gas. Good exercise! Well, maybe not so good for the back.<br />
<br />
He said something I didn't like, which was that he guessed buying local food probably would not be an efficient approach. I hope that since the speech he has spent some time with people knowledgeable about smart small-scale farming practices.<br />
<br />
To sum up his major points:<br />
<ul>
<li>Climate scientists have done a good job of quantifying the challenge.</li>
<li>We need an engineering response with public dialogue. </li>
<li>We need to become more honest about the problem, thinking about how to design the best quality of life solutions in view of the enormity of the challenge.</li>
</ul>
<div>
"I wonder how right he was/is," says Virginia.</div>
James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-12908826379503456502014-10-24T11:11:00.000-04:002014-10-24T11:17:13.453-04:00Liberal or Conservative<div class="MsoNormal">
I just discovered I’m a conservative. I’m in denial.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A friend “liked” an article entitled, “Liberals Will Hate
This Famous Hollywood Actor’s Response to the Redskins’ Name.” I don’t usually
read this stuff. I care what a famous Hollywood actor thinks about as much as
I care about the latest poll of Americans. I guess I was in the mood to hate,
so I read it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have trouble getting excited about the names of teams that
mash each others’ heads into such mush they get woozy and die early,” says
Virginia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s pretty much my thinking, too. I say let the free
market determine whether bullfighting thrives. I had no idea that made me a
conservative.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got to thinking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I have a rifle and a shotgun, am I a conservative even if
I sneak out the nearest door when someone sits at the next table wearing an
AK-47? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can live with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Roe v.
Wade</i>. It irks me when a so-called right-to-lifer ignores “collateral
damage” in Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria. In fact, I don’t quite get how some
intra-uterine being has more rights than a soldier on the other side. Does
“just war” theory apply to incest or rape? Now tell me, am I conservative or
liberal?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Something else that flusters me is gay marriage. I was a
liberal on gay marriage 30 years ago. Now that it’s okay in more than half the
States, am I a conservative?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve got King James, Revised Standard, New Oxford, Good News
and almost bought J.B. Phillips. Does that make me liberal?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We grow most of the food we eat. Sounds like we’re
survivalists. Is that liberal or conservative?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Consider the economy. The conservative President Obama,
continuing the philosophy of President Bush (don’t forget Bush’s liberal
support of aid to AIDS efforts in Africa), supported the Wall Street bailout
(socialism at its finest) and the Fed’s continuing low interest rates that warm
the hearts of bankers everywhere. I say the Fed should have distributed several
thousand dollars to each American and less to the big guys (although they’re
Americans, too, says the Supreme Court).<o:p></o:p></div>
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So if Obama is conservative I must be liberal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve got a split personality. Gosh, what am I? </div>
James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6731110002629447939.post-25610977752471996482014-10-13T20:38:00.001-04:002014-10-13T20:39:55.907-04:00U City RevisitedWhen we moved to St. Louis in 1988, the folks who sold us their house moved across the street and became very good friends. Here's a photo of the four of us at the Moonrise Hotel in the Loop of University City.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXNQhR33-Lq9vH5EHoNIGWvpajQFNdztoxktCqfUNb75E0DJ0MrTkS7AcZAvDxjV6PX7ElW9xDJLK6j9KrTl9NmeroeRikwX701Zw30C-OZDGiSjkuWEmLQHEpCq8LUD7ux3uZ3XI5tHA/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXNQhR33-Lq9vH5EHoNIGWvpajQFNdztoxktCqfUNb75E0DJ0MrTkS7AcZAvDxjV6PX7ElW9xDJLK6j9KrTl9NmeroeRikwX701Zw30C-OZDGiSjkuWEmLQHEpCq8LUD7ux3uZ3XI5tHA/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
And here's one of my partner for 27 years and counting, ringed 26 years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1Xe4cHxbWayY93lmR8FdjlOlGDdNIr5SjHmlxr33ywdocfR8yzGtTEJeI_B_xpae-eo_ZuFJgCIBvsoIZWhwedCvcx9vKL5qsjVO0GxMWLm2F-a18wRl9rkyWuy764UDTDz7ne3eG41V/s1600/IMG_1169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1Xe4cHxbWayY93lmR8FdjlOlGDdNIr5SjHmlxr33ywdocfR8yzGtTEJeI_B_xpae-eo_ZuFJgCIBvsoIZWhwedCvcx9vKL5qsjVO0GxMWLm2F-a18wRl9rkyWuy764UDTDz7ne3eG41V/s1600/IMG_1169.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
"Looks like a neat hotel," says Virginia.<br />
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Very cool. If we didn't have friends willing to put up with us for a few days, we'd stay there.James Pannabeckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10198245621604488008noreply@blogger.com0