Sensitivity

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 10, 2016 in children, Education, Inspiration, Personal Values, Service Activities, Social, Striving

August 9, 2016, Prescott- This is a fine “home stretch”, thus far. I have had dinner with a Young Republican, with a friend of three years and, on a couple of occasions, with several Baha’i friends, at various gatherings. I have started work again, helping special needs children in the schools, here in town- first at the high school, before being transferred to Grades 5 & 6, for the needs of the District. It’s gratifying to know that my skill set is valued at the higher levels. It hasn’t always been that way. I am getting settled financially, as well, and will be fine, especially as Autumn gets into full swing. Physically, my exercise routine is on track, and diet is healthy. The Fall hiking season is about a month away, and lightning will not be a deterrent to being on mountains. Most importantly, I have ditched the occasional tendency to lapse into conjecture and innuendo, when dealing with criticism or opposition. “Say what happened, and no more” has become my mantra.

I am working with troubled children, once again. Their struggles are very much the same as mine, when I was those grades. Like me, they struggle, despite having loving parents. Like me, they need more listening and less “by the book” judgment. So, this I provide, to the best of my ability. I find myself vindicated by their amazing curiosity, awakening intellect and sensitivity to those around them, who are suffering.

It will be a full, energizing and revelatory year.

Tales from the 2016 Road: Midsouth Meanderings

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 4, 2016 in Family, Social, Striving, Travel

July 19, 2016, Nashville- Brother had to shove off pretty early for work, so I headed out, northward, around the same time. North Georgia passed by fairly quickly. Since I was headed beyond Atlanta, the traffic winked at me, going in the other direction.

I stopped briefly, outside Chattanooga (normally a destination worthy of 2-3 days, in its own right), and called an online friend, who lives outside Knoxville. The message back was that he had time for coffee and catch-up, and would meet me in Lenoir City, east of Knoxville, in mid-afternoon.

I stopped in Ooltewah/ Collegedale, northeast of Chattanooga, and enjoyed a lovely lunch at 4 Corners Cafe, a gem that’s hidden in the Apison Center strip mall at the junction of TN Rtes 317 and 321. The kids manning the place were in the last days of high school and university breaks, and were still most enthusiastic about 4 Corners’ fare. They were especially delighted to learn that I was from Arizona, and had chosen their place as a lunch stop. I’d go back there again.

Further along, on I-75, I took a brief drive through the small city of Cleveland, finding gracious people and a delightful ambiance. The town would also be worth a day or so, on another journey. I had to make the effort to get up to Lenoir, and as it happened, there was yet another accident, tying up northbound traffic. I did make it to the Starbuck’s in Lenoir City, about 3:30. My friend from Xanga days was there, with a few stories of his own meanderings in the general area of eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia and Alabama, and the beeline to New Orleans. Some of you may remember that my last visit with him was in Ocean Springs, MS, in February, 2015.

JR and I swapped yarns of the road, for about an hour. Then, it was time for me to get eastbound, once again, with the goal of avoiding the worst of Nashville’s rush hour. With the aid of my Elantra’s GPS, I got to downtown Nashville, and to a cramped, but adequate parking garage. I prefer garages, when in a large city, with the chance to walk about in the interesting downtown. I’m still mastering the smart phone camera, so please excuse the photo quality.

I chose Old Spaghetti Factory, in the Printers’ Alley district, for a satisfying meal of salad, along with spinach & cheese ravioli. Jeremy was an enthusiastic waiter, and there were a couple of birthdays that night, so the atmosphere was most effervescent. Nashville is always a fascinating place to stop. I would like to spend 2-3 days there, sometime.

The schedule calls for me to be in Boulder, at 9 AM, Friday, so I drove on, past Clarksville, TN, the Land Between The Lakes, and Paducah, KY, each a worthy stopping place. I chose Marion, IL, as my rest stop for the night, with a friendly couple greeting me at Airport Inn, on the road towards the university town of Carbondale. I made good time today, in spite of the tie-up, and will head across southern Illinois, Missouri and at least part of Kansas, on Wednesday.

Tales of the 2016 Road: Crystal Clear in Georgia

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 3, 2016 in Family, Hiking and Nature, Social, Travel

July 17-18, 2016, Newnan, GA- I got up earlier than usual, on Sunday morning. It was 12:30 A.M., PDT; 3:30 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time. No, I wasn’t planning an assault on one of the Great Smoky Peaks- the nearest, Mt. Mitchell, being an 11-hour drive, anyway. The occasion that set me on the road, at 4:30, was a 12 Noon lunch at my brother’s house, in this western Georgia town, some 240 miles north of Hudson.

Breakfast on the fly, and brief gift shopping at Florida Citrus Center, in Jasper, on the Georgia state line, were my only diversions, en route to Newnan. I actually made it, right after the Noon Bell. After meeting, and being escorted to the lunch table, by my fourth grand nephew, I joined brother and the gang for cranberry chicken salad and a variety of fixings.

The centerpiece of the afternoon was us all taking a pontoon boat ride on man-made, but crystalline, Lake Redwine. This reservoir has none of he brownery of most southern lakes, perhaps because its fill level is well-managed.

Here are several photos of the lake and its surroundings.

Lake Redwine, GA

The pontoon took the seven of us around the lake, under the able navigation of my brother and nephew, in a bit under forty-five minutes. You can see how the lake is a place of solace, for so many, even on a warm summer day.

Boom along Lake Redwine, GA

Lake Redwine, GA

Greater Sandhill Crane, Lake Redwine, GA

Small island, Lake Redwine, GA

The place has different ambiances, at sunset,

and at dawn.

First light along Lake Redwine, GA

After my nephew, niece-in-law and the kids had left, the three of us headed up to The Hil, a farm-to-table restaurant, in the rustic community of Serenbe, several miles north of Newnan. This would be a place where I could feel well at home, also, but for the price tag. The Hil’s cuisine, though, is thoroughly refreshing.

Serenbe, GA

The Hil Restaurant, Serenbe, GA

The day was exhilarating, and prepared me for Monday. This day was spent in well-rewarded service, taking two of my best friends in all the world to tend to personal matters, enjoying fine meals at Pappacito’s (lunch) and Six Feet Under (dinner), with a viewing of the film, “The Shallows” (Blake Lively’s character faces down a shark, after it bites her leg), in between errands and meals. Six Feet Under is so-named, as it is located across the street from historic Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, where the golfer, Bobby Jones, among other prominent Atlantans, is laid to rest. It’s said that there are those who practice putting on the cemetery grounds. Six Feet Under, though, is rather a lively place. I liked the fare at both establishments.

Since my mood was far more relaxed and upbeat than those of my last visit here, five years ago, Newnan and Atlanta likewise felt more like home. It was well worth the long detour down to both Florida and Georgia.

NEXT: Back west, through Tennessee and the Great River Valleys

Tales of the 2016 Road: An Inland Beach House

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on August 1, 2016 in Family, Social, Striving, Travel

July 15-16, 2016, Hudson, FL- I kind of flooped around, after a night’s rest at Patriot Inn, Register, GA, west of Statesboro.

Patriot Inn, Register, GA- a gracious Mom & Pop hotel

I found my way to the Florida state line, pulling in front of a vehicle which was 800 yards away and which sped up, flashing his lights and whipping around me, like a refugee from the DC area, or Metro Phoenix. A short time later, Bubba was behind me, tailing the Elantra carefully, for about a mile. Since I was doing the speed limit, the Sheriff kept going straight, when I turned left.

I left Georgia behind, and continued onto I-10, west, to Lake City. By then, I was fairly hungry, and found the Sonny’s BBQ, for an 11 A.M. lunch. A sweet young lady named Damara made sure I was fed and watered. Sonny’s is a reliable chain, across Florida.

I got a couple of gift items for my in-law family, and drove down I-75, making good progress and arriving in Hudson in about 2 hours, after leaving Lake City. There was no phone call waving me away, this time, and MIL was actually thrilled that I was there. We spent Friday evening just going over old times, and there were no tears shed. I know Penny and her father are on the other side of the veil, tending to peace and harmony. Her mother is definitely making an effort to enjoy her tenth decade, and keeping a sense of who matters in her life.

Dinner time in Hudson. She wasn’t alone for long.

The next day was largely spent at the house to which the family plans to move, in the near future. It’s called The Beach House, but the Gulf is 15 minutes further west. Well, it is closer to the beach than Prescott is. The pool is a bit larger than the one at the Hudson house.

Some of my Florida fam, at “The Beach House”

The Beach House pool.

The above pool, and the one at the Hudson house, are good for Penny’s mom to do the aquatherapy she so enjoys.

The home, once it is finalized, will give the family more room- and is, yes, closer to the Gulf. Travel around west Florida means crossing busy highways, without traffic lights, in many spots. The key is patience, and I found most, in this area north of Tampa, just let those with right-of-way flow on by, even if there are 100 cars for which to wait.

I won’t get to the Panhandle this trip- north Georgia is a priority and schedules are tight. Two years from now will likely mean another East Coast summer road trip, hopefully with no car woes.

NEXT UP: A Grandnephew, A Pontoon Ride and Some Chauffeuring

Tales of the 2016 Road: Blessed the Family That Stays Together

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 20, 2016 in Family, Social, Striving, Travel

July 6, 2016, Oley, PA- I can’t drive through these parts, without a stop at Glick’s Greenhouse. It was getting near Dave’s birthday, and Beth was having the family over for dinner, so I got to be a part of the festivities. Besides, the accommodations are the best in the area.

The day started with a lovely breakfast at Bedford Diner, which has become an instant favourite of mine- first and foremost because of the exquisite breakfast sausage. The regulars and the waitresses bantering is always a delightful aspect of sitting at the counter, anywhere, and it certainly was there.

My only sightseeing of the day was at Leesport Farmers Market- one of the biggest in the Reading area. I picked up a few things for Beth, and enjoyed the bustling atmosphere. This event only happens on Wednesdays, but I am sure the pavilions see plenty of use for other purposes.

Leesport Farmers Market

I found my way to Oley, by the backroad, past the regional middle school, patting myself on the back for having done so. I did have to get reassurance from Beth, though, that I was on the right track, heading past the one-lane covered bridge, which I’ve shown in previous posts on the Greenhouse. We had a fine dinner, with a new addition, the Glicks’ youngest nephew has joined the brood, since I was last here, in 2013. After dinner conversation centered around the stuff of country life- yes, that includes guns, which I regard as tools for hunting and target shooting, as well as for personal safety in an unsafe environment. We all agreed that guns are not a means of showing off one’s power. Baling hay also held center stage.

No family photos, this time. It was a bit on the hot and sticky side. Some enjoyed the rubber swimming pool, as a result. The sunset, though, was vintage PA.

An Oley Valley sunset

As I said earlier, the room is fabulous, and I got a fine sleep. This proved to be fortuitously necessary, for what followed, the next day.

Tales of the 2016 Road: Hoosiers Are Creative

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 19, 2016 in Historical, Inspiration, Social, Striving, Travel

July 5, 2016, Bedford, PA- I started the day, determined to give the Altima a bit more TLC-so I headed to Kokomo, one of the first automotive industry centers in the U.S., for a stop at the Advance Auto Center. Just beforehand, I spotted the Seiberling Mansion, off to the west side of this still innovative city.

Seiberling Mansion, Kokomo, IN

It was closed, of course, being very early in the morning. I had much to do, though, so exterior views sufficed. In the front, there was a bit of information about Mr. Monroe Seiberling, one of the energy industry’s first entrepreneurs.

Information about Seiberling Mansion

Closely associated with Mr. Seiberling was Elwood P. Haynes, who promoted the gasoline engine, and invented products from stainless steel to the first mass-produced automobile model. Elwood was a true Renaissance man, even though much of what he ushered in has run its course, due to so many recent advances in technology. Nonetheless, here he is, in front of Seiberling Mansion.

One of Kokomo’s Renaissance men

I left the historic district of Kokomo, in search of Advance, got what I wanted for the car, then took care of breakfast, at a Kokomo institution: The Waffle House (not to be confused with the pleasant chain of restaurants that is found nationwide.) The Waffle House has a full complement of regulars, and portions large enough to suffice someone like me for an entire day. After picking up a charging cord for my Android phone, at Target, to replace one I had left behind in Rolla, I headed towards Indianapolis.

A young friend, who had moved here from Kentucky, several months ago, contacted me and we set aside a couple of hours, for a Starbucks conversation. We talked at length of the education system, special needs populations and the level of care offered by government. She’s working hard, and I let it be known that I am proud of her efforts. The little man to her right, below, is also a wonder. He is intently into his Minecraft- and I admire that focus.

Friends in Indianapolis

I look forward to visiting with them again, with husband and father present, as well, next time.

With rush hour approaching, I am headed towards I-70, through Ohio and as far into Pennsylvania as my energy level and prudence allow. Indiana has provided me with a fair measure of re-assurance and homespun wisdom.

Tales of the 2016 Road: A Heartland Independence Day

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 17, 2016 in Community, Personal Values, Social, Travel

July 4, 2016, Francesville, IN- I headed out of Rolla, MO, in the early morning drizzle. The hapless man who had been asking for sustenance, last night, was sitting outside his room, looking puzzled that I should be heading out so soon. I had one main destination for the day: The new Welcome Center of the Baha’i House of Worship, in Wilmette, IL- just north of Chicago. It would take most of the day to get there, so I was on the road by 8 A.M.

The Missouri countryside is always a pleasure, though while I rolled along I-44, towards St. Louis, it was striking how little traffic there was, headed eastward. It was also fairly easy to head northward, bypassing the downtown area. Determined to have my main meal in midday, I stopped around 11, at a Hibachi Grill, in Florissant, near the area that was so much in turmoil, in 2014. Florissant itself, though, is well-manicured and has a prosperous outer countenance. I hope the same for the surrounding communities, like Ferguson, while being well aware that a lot of hard work lies ahead, yet. There were only a few of us in Hibachi Grill, at that hour, while the food was plentiful and varied- with almost as many “American” dishes as Chinese.

Crossing the Mississippi, I knew it would be unlikely that I would see many, if any, of my Midwestern friends, today or tomorrow. One friend, whom I called, was ill. Others, I knew, had their holiday plans, so I did not contact them.

Chicagoland always has its traffic challenges, and today’s inbound traffic did not disappoint. As I expected, it took an hour to get from Bolingbrook, on the southern edge of the region, to Skokie, where I turned off the Kennedy Freeway. It was easy getting to a gas station, filling up the Nissan, and emptying myself, though there was a line for the latter- not surprising, considering that many of us had been on the freeway for, in some cases, three hours.

The Baha’i House of Worship always rises majestically through the trees, once one gets to the community of Wilmette, and close to Lake Michigan. I’m always comforted by the sight, and by being in the House. A particular bonus today, though, was the new Visitor Center. Here are some views of this fine addition to the complex.

Entrance to Visitor Center, Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette

Symbols of faith, Visitor Center, Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, IL

Mini-fountains, Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, IL

Main Display Hall, Visitor Center, Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, IL

Garden outside Visitor Center, Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, IL

More Good News for modern man

I knew it would be way over budget, for me to stay in the Chicago area tonight, and the traffic in the morning would be horrific, besides, so after a serene and uplifting hour in the House of Worship, I headed eastward. Traffic going out of the city was minimal, but I saw an astounding scene unfolding, across the median, on I-94: Traffic coming from Indiana was at a standstill, for fifteen miles- clear to the Valparaiso turnoff. It was too late to even think of calling a young friend in Portage, IN, so I headed south on county and state roads, into the rolling farmland and self-sufficient small towns that lie between Chicago and Indianapolis.

Fireworks programs, in many parts of the country, are organized by cities and towns. Here in the heartland, as we saw yesterday in Missouri, families set off their own, with the adults carefully monitoring their younger charges. In Francesville, where I stopped and got a sandwich and some pretzels, for supper, the display was just starting. I sat and watched, as a few fathers were giving their families and neighbours a visual treat, in a field on the south end of town.

Fireworks over Francesville, IN

In all the years that I have experienced Independence Day celebrations, none have been more hearfelt, or more enjoyable, than this time of nibbling chicken salad, whilst watching competing displays from adjoining farm fields, in this solid little town, in central Indiana.

I would go on to Logansport, and spend the night in Manor Motel. I did get the feeling, though, that I would always be welcome in Francesville, and other little towns along the way. The heartland is a very warm place.

Tales from the 2016 Road: The Other Half Gives

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 13, 2016 in Community, Hiking and Nature, Historical, Social, Travel

July 3, 2016, Ponca City- I spent about forty minutes visiting this spacious northern Oklahoma town’s three major landmarks, all associated with the oil magnate, E.W. Marland, and his family.

Prior to arriving here, I stopped at the roadside memorial to Chief Joseph, logistics chief of the Nez Perce, in the mid-Nineteenth Century. The captive Nez Perce, native to Idaho, had been brought here, to Tonkawa, in 1877, and made to remain there, until 1884. They were allowed to return to Idaho, then, and given the choice of becoming Christian and staying in Idaho, or retaining their old ways, and being moved to Colville, Washington. Chief Joseph and his band chose the latter. Below, is the photo of the memorial to him.

Memorial to Chief Joseph, Tonkawa, OK

Ponca City, in Osage country, has among the earliest ties to the petroleum industry in Oklahoma. It is, nonetheless, among the state’s most spacious and well-appointed communities. Here is a look at downtown.

Grand Avenue, Ponca City

City Hall is also strikingly modern.

Ponca City Hall

There are two homes, built by E.W. Marland, which feature prominently in Ponca City’s civic life. Marland’s Grand Home, built by him in 1916, now serves as the city’s cultural center and Indian Museum.

Veranda, Marland’s Grand House, Ponca City

Full view of Marland’s Great House, Ponca City

Original Marland Oil Company Flag Staff, Ponca City

Ernest Whitworth Marland had a sincere respect for the sacrifices made by women, on the prairie, and had this statue built, in their honour.

Pioneer Woman Statue, Ponca City

The Marland Mansion, where the family lived after 1916, is the centerpiece of a city park, and is maintained in the spirit of the early 20th Century. I toured the grounds, as the interior is not open on Sundays.

The Marland children, George and Lydie, are honoured with statues, at the northern and eastern ends of the property, respectively.

George Marland

Lydie Marland

The mansion itself was built in grand, European style. Ernest was a generous man, and did not spare himself or his family of that largesse.

Marland Mansion, Ponca City

There is a wealth of flora on the grounds.

Rhododendron bush, Marland Mansion, Ponca City

There is an extensive walking trail around the grounds, which I did not have time to explore, given my invitation to a Fourth of July gathering, east of Joplin.

The pond, though, lends a serenity, and a wildness, to this most epicurean of parks.

Pond, Marland Mansion grounds

The park is a refreshing place for Poncans to gather, so in my view, E.W.’s largesse has had a good long-term effect. Now, as long as we keep moving towards cleaner energy….

NEXT UP: Christmas in July

Tales from the 2016 Road: Da Vinci’s Coffee and A Welcoming Sun Room

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 11, 2016 in Family, Matters of Faith, Social, Travel

July 2, 2016, Enid- John Glaze and I have visited one another, back and forth, for about five years now- both online and in person. My latest stop in Enid found John going about his usual business: Mowing lawns, working out ideas about improving the back part of his house, and visiting with the Saturday morning crowd at da Vinci’s Coffee House, not far from his house.

John tended to the yards, front and back, first thing this morning, before the heat set in. I remained on the screened porch, for the time being.

Life on East Meadowbrook, Enid, OK

Back yard, East Meadowbrook, Enid

John is justifiably proud of the garden spot.

Master landscaper, Enid, OK

He also showed me a couple of ceramic tiles, sent him by a mutual friend.

Lizard Tile

Sun Dial Tile

We went to Grand Avenue Cafe, Enid’s oldest restaurant, for a fine breakfast. Then, it was off to da Vinci Coffee House, for an hour or so, enjoying rich java and home made pastries, brought by a couple of the fine ladies who help comprise the Saturday morning gathering. The young couple who own this establishment were on hand to greet everyone, with a handshake and a hug, for regular and visitor, alike. We were regaled by the stories of a well-traveled local resident, who had been everywhere I mentioned, except Alaska. I

After da Vinci, John brought me over to an antique emporium, where I picked up just the right coral serving dish to gift my cousin, whom I would visit the following day, in southwest Missouri. We also went to a Catholic thrift store, where I was happy to visit the Chapel of St. Ann.

Chapel of St. Ann, Enid, OK

I didn’t have as many photos of this solid town, in Oklahoma’s northwest, as I might have. It all was part of being unobtrusive, and being a polite visitor. Being in John’s company is always a pleasure, though.

NEXT UP: Chief Joseph’s Memorial and Ponca City

Tales from the 2016 Road: Back to the Texas Panhandle

Posted by Sagittarian Seeker on July 8, 2016 in Hiking and Nature, Social, Travel

July 1, 2016, Amarillo- Any road trip that involves I-40 will entail a stop in Amarillo- at least as long as Texas Tidbits is around to spin a yarn or two. Wes has been a friend for about ten years now, since I started reading his recollections of his town as it was, in the heyday of Route 66.

Southwest 6th Street, below Georgia Avenue, is a pleasing remnant of that time, and may as well be called Amarillo’s Fun Zone. It reminds me of the North Side, in Fort Worth, or old downtown Nashville.

Southwest 6th Street, Amarillo

The Goldenlight Cafe and Cantina is a good place for old men and young ladies to see each other as human beings, in search of an appreciative listening ear and reassuring arm around the shoulder- so I’m told. The folks who were here today seem to get along well, and the photo board shows many more, of people who have befriended one another, over the years. Wes has taken to this place, and its regulars, since Blue Front became a more upscale establishment. Oysters for breakfast don’t quite cut it, in the Amarillo he calls home. We each had our choice of hamburger, and shared a “small” basket of fries. (Remember, this is Texas.)

Interior of Goldenlight Cafe and Cantina, Amarillo

Wes was a bit more pensive than usual.

Wes, in the Goldenlight

After lunch, I drove Wes over to another of his favourite haunts, the Dragon Bar. It’s a small neighbourhood joint, close to I-27. Wes pointed out a mural, across the street. He said it was designed by an attorney who organized the Freedom Project, which focused on getting innocent people released from prison, a while back.

Street mural, 15th Street, Amarillo

Wes was tired, after a fashion. So, bidding him farewell, I headed towards Oklahoma, but via the upper Panhandle, stopping by Lake Meredith, a popular local boating site, west of Borger.

Lake Meredith, TX

The wild prairie, east of Lake Meredith, TX

There is much else worth exploring and photographing, in the rough remnants of glaciated North Texas. It was getting on in the day, though, and Enid, OK was still ahead.

NEXT UP: Da Vinci, Plant in the Window and Art Deco

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