kitchenshrink's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries TravelStream™ news feed for member kitchenshrink on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/kitchenshrink en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:18 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com TSUKIJI! — Tokyo, Kanto, Japan http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1255824656/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1255824656/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1255824656/tpod.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:18 -0500 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan

 I'm back in Waterford after a 13 hour flight as we were rerouted over Alaska and Canada in an attempt to avoid winds that caused the plane to rock, dip, and roll.  Probably the same storms that just delivered heavy snows to the west.  Our Michigan landing took place on a clear day and it was the first glimpse I had at one of the best fall color shows I have experienced in years.   The trees are spectacular as are the leaves in my yard.  I raked 8 bags on Tuesday and by Wednesday the lawn was covered again.  I am now eyeing my neighbors brilliant yellows with much less enthusiasm and hoping the winds of the next few days blow from the south and keep them in his yard.  Looking at the weather report probably means I had better go out and purchase stock in lawn debris bags.  Matthew came to my door last night and asked if I wanted to help him rake their leaves so he would have a bigger pile to jump in.   Smart kid. I declined.     I also managed to erase - do believe it when your computer says that removing certain apparatus might result in a loss of information - several great photos depicting Japanese culture.  I have managed to retrieve some of them.  The plastic food sure looks real and helps when you are unable to decipher the menu and have to run to the window to point to the item you hope to be eating when it arrives at your table.                                                                Guess where the line forms?    But now back to Japan:There was a last minute cancellation.  I booked it and set off on Friday for Tokyo.  Although an easy trip, I was a little brain dead and managed to miss a couple of train stops which meant more steps and training but eventually arrived safely in Tokyo and settled myself into the New Sanno Hotel. After the Kanto Lodge, which I share with noisy, hard drinking, up until all hours of the night new recruits, I felt like I had escaped on a luxurious vacation.  All for $63 a night.   I jacuzzied until I left behind my hectic work week and then stumbled onto the Japanese Restaurant that was located in the hotel.  My plan had been to set out into the neighborhood and explore some of the interesting looking culinary establishments since the New Sanno is located in Hiroo close to Roppongi which reminded me of my old  NY haunts -upscale and neighborly but not off the radar.  Earlier I had passed a women walking her canines, one in full camouflage, but she turned to enter her apartment before I could get a good picture (note the whippet's rear leg - a fashion statement for sure).  Which brings me back to fashion.  Layers are definitely the statement you want to make this fall.  I'm still quite comfortable in a single layer with a draped sweater, after all the temps have been in the 70's and sunny (had to put that in for my Michigan readers), but the locals are in boots, tights, jeans, layered with knits, dresses, scarves, and jackets.  OOPS, don't forget a hat and your ever so mod cell phone.  I actually saw a little boy in a stroller playing with his computer game yesterday.  He was either too old to be strolled or........  So I went down to the Japanese restaurant for the nicest meal I have experienced since my arrival.  The surroundings were a vacation for the eyes and the wait staff were there to take care of the diners.  What can I say?  Of course I started with raw fish and finished with grilled calamari.  I will miss the food here.  I'm munching some Kyoho grapes as I   type and thinking about how much they remind me of the concord grapes that grew in my grandmother's yard.  These, however, are twice as big and contain only one seed per grape. I settled in hoping to get 6 hours of sleep before my AM adventure but excitement and an abortive attempt to check the clock mid night which resulted in my dropping it and losing the battery thwarted my good intentions.  I was ready to roll at 5, however, and the staff hailed me a cab to head to the market.  Would you believe the nice cab driver charged me less than quoted and then offered me a handful of candy to sustain me through the morning.  We passed the famous orange tower  and he dropped me off in front of row after row of stalls.  Steaming bowls of noodles and grilled delights were being devoured by hungry, rubber booted men.  I stopped to look at stall after stall but soon found that unless I wanted to buy I was strongly encouraged by the older men to move along.   Little did I know that it was on site training for the fish market.  I have stories to tell about the next several hours but suffice to say I can understand why the merchants of Tsukiji would prefer that tourists don't interfere with their daily work.  The market is dominated by buyers and frustrated taxi drivers who have traded cabs for small motorized work horses.  They travel - make that zoom - up and down the narrow aisles with icthiological items one has never before viewed in an attempt to get them to their destinations.   When I thought about this I realized how difficult this day to day process must be due to the perishable nature of their merchandise. No time to waste so move it tourists, photographers, and gawkers we have fish to fry.  I frequently found myself snarled at, bumped, splashed or standing in water that might contain a small eel that jumped the barrel and was gyrating frantically at my feet.        I'm going to skip the stories and take you from the MILES of market stalls and the auction area to my sushi breakfast where I was told that the fish was so fresh and fragile I was to eat it with my fingers.  And then on to Hama Rikyu Gardens - a antithesis of old and new.  From the pier of the garden I took the ferry to get a glimpse of the Tokyo skyline and ended up in the rather quaint and crowded town of Asakusa where I strolled and took the smokes. During the ride I met two wonderful couples (one from the UK - the husband a former British naval officer - and a newly married couple from St. Martin - now isn't that a life?). The picture with the weird looking yellow object is actually a Japanese brewery and made for some lively discussion as to just what the heck the yellow blob  was supposed to be. I had planned to throw in a little more touring but found negotiating the subway and train home after my full day too tiring so just hopped the train and headed for Fussa.  And what a great day it was.  I wish you had  been here with me.  
]]> Typhoon Day — Fussa, Tōkyō, Japan http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1254585948/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1254585948/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1254585948/tpod.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:34:56 -0500 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Fussa, Tōkyō, Japan

I just received a call from my POC and tomorrow the base will be closed for a typhoon day.We are in TCCOR 1 which means that a typhoon is approaching within the next 12 hours - don't you love the military anachronisms? &nbsp;It stands for Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness. &nbsp;I have already learned that storms are defined by the wind speed as follows: Tropical Depression (and here I thought that was when you went to the islands with someone you didn't like and had a bad time) 39 MPH, Tropical Storm - 40-74 MPH, Typhoon - 75-149 MPH, and Super Typhoon 150 MPH. Unfortunately a Super Typhoon (Melor) is lurking around the south of Japan and is possibly going to make its way up the coast. &nbsp;These storms can come and go heading out into the ocean where you don't want to be on a cruise ship. &nbsp;My feeling is that if I were going to be anywhere this is a great location given the structures which have been built to withstand this kind of weather. &nbsp;I have been told that the storms tend lose their potency when they head inland and we will probably be in the tropical storm category when it arrives tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the weekend I did some exploring. &nbsp;While walking through Fussa &nbsp;a lovely, older Japanese woman joined me. She kept nodding and smiling &nbsp;and voicing Japanese words I couldn't understand any more than she could understand any of mine. &nbsp;We, or make that I, finally resorted to hand motions and then we just walked in silence.&nbsp;<img src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/kitchenshrink/thumbnail.large.vicenza-2007.1254585948.sign.jpg" alt="Sign" class="yui-img"><img src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/kitchenshrink/thumbnail.large.vicenza-2007.1254585948.roof-and-tree.jpg" alt="Roofs and Tree" class="yui-img"><img src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/kitchenshrink/thumbnail.large.vicenza-2007.1254585948.trees.jpg" alt="Trees" class="yui-img selected">&nbsp;I've been doing some Japanese research and have discovered the concept of the Love Hotel. They are expensive, rented by the hour, sometimes decorated in themes, and have walls that come up behind your car after you drive in to protect your privacy. &nbsp;I am also told that the door locks after you get into the room &nbsp;to ensure you don't try to run off without paying. &nbsp;Married couples frequently utilize them for a romantic weekend. &nbsp;They are a luxurious mini vacation.&nbsp;Supermarkets also follow a procedure. &nbsp;After you pay, and the check out personnel are extremely thorough, you are given bags that you take to a table about 20 feet away where you bag your own groceries before you leave the store. &nbsp;On one of my last trips I was struggling with the items I had purchased when the cashier came running over to show me she had given me two bags. &nbsp;One of which was the appropriate size for my carry out item. &nbsp;Once again her assistance was accompanied by much smiling and bowing and nodding.I noticed the same smiling, nodding (couldn't see any bowing) when a Japanese fire truck came roaring by and the firemen inside kept bowing and waving in acknowledgment of the cars around them who were stopping to allow the truck to pass. &nbsp;There is such a respectfulness that is displayed at all times.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ritual is important. &nbsp;Your shopping bag is always taped in the center and most prepared food items you buy are individually wrapped - a recycling nightmare. &nbsp;I bought individually wrapped sushi the other day and at the bakery my bread, pastry, and free item all featured their own paper jackets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweets are far less so with much less sugar. &nbsp;I've heard many people describe Japanese food as less tasty or bland. &nbsp;When it comes to sashimi and other fish dishes it is as much about visual presentation and texture as about taste. &nbsp;I'm heavy on the wasabi, ginger, and soy which is not at all the style here. &nbsp;I would love to sample the different soy sauces but will probably get no farther than the one I grabbed at the store. As I walk the market aisles I wish I had a translator or cook that spoke English to explain what these exotic and sometimes scary looking culinary items are.Speaking of translators,&nbsp;If the truth be known I'm not so sure any more that even when a Japanese person claims to speak English and is nodding in agreement, smiling, &nbsp;and speaking broken English back to you that the two of you are really communicating. &nbsp;What there seems to be is a lot of nodding and smiling but understanding "not so much." &nbsp;And with further thought I can understand it because I can't make out any of the words or sounds that are coming from their lips. The sounds and syllables are so alien to my English ears (as is the writing to my eyes) that I'm lost when they look at me and start to speak in this rapid staccato.I'm off to put gas in my car and grab some supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
]]> Konban wa — Yokota, Tōkyō, Japan http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1254048817/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1254048817/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1254048817/tpod.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:31:27 -0500 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Yokota, Tōkyō, Japan

During the day I think of things I want to share with you about this distant land but by the end of the day when I return home it's dark, the bats are flying around, the circadias are roaring, and my mind in shutting down. &nbsp;Work is good and I'm very busy but &nbsp;it doesn't leave a lot of time for writing. &nbsp;So here's the latest, unedited but letting you know I am alive and well.I'm using the the trains to explore new towns and getting more familiar with the colorful maps. &nbsp;Although I'm comfortable on the opposite side of the road I continue to set off the wipers and windshield spray just about every time I go for my turn signal - the RIGHT side! &nbsp;On occasions I continue to have to think about which side the steering wheel is located and pause before I approach to get into the car. &nbsp;A big event is the air strip I have to drive across daily dodging large cargo planes. &nbsp;I feel like I'm headed to Gibraltar for those of you who have driven to "The Rock." &nbsp;I've eaten more raw fish in the past 3 weeks than in my entire former lifetime and cross my fingers that I return home parasite free. &nbsp;Ditto for rice. &nbsp;I've even taken to putting fresh ginger in my vodka having not yet switched to Sake. &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/kitchenshrink/thumbnail.large.vicenza-2007.1254048817.7.jpg" alt="Fuji after work" class="yui-img"><img src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/kitchenshrink/thumbnail.large.vicenza-2007.1254048817.5.jpg" alt="Guard" class="yui-img"><img src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/kitchenshrink/thumbnail.large.vicenza-2007.1254048817.6.jpg" alt="Rock Garden" class="yui-img">&nbsp;The Base is beautiful with meticulously pruned trees sporting metal tags that identify them by number. &nbsp;Japanese gardens and assorted lanterns are sprinkled around the grounds. &nbsp; &nbsp;It's spread out with, as I mentioned, an air strip and a multi-laned highway that separates one section from another. &nbsp; For those of you who have never been on a military base I have to show identification each time I enter the base. &nbsp;I also pass over those metal toothed tire shredders which sit threateningly next to the guard stations warning you not to back up.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I've made a couple of trips to local Japanese retail establishments. &nbsp;Joyful Honda, which I thought was a friendly Honda dealership, turns out to be a mega department store (and I mean comprehensive) with a floor devoted to animals. &nbsp;Included here are lined carts for your favorite pet and a food court where the two (or more) of you can dine. &nbsp;It even features newborn budgies. &nbsp;What a sight. &nbsp;I was so busy looking at the customers and their canine companions that I forgot to check out collars for my little buddy at home.I also have made a trip to a couple of the local Hard Off stores (not to be confused with Hard On). &nbsp;They are resale shops where I scored a Paloma Picasso bag for Lynn and tried on several kimonos. &nbsp; Two older Japanese ladies who were also shopping came over clucking and nodding to show me how to wrap them properly. &nbsp;Lots of hand signals and facial expressions left me with the understanding that they both were thinking why spend the money for something we discarded for pants years ago. &nbsp;What fun. &nbsp;Possibly the best, however, was my trip to the sento or the neighborhood Japanese bath. &nbsp;One of the staff explained to me that most of the older Japanese homes do not have their own bathing facilities thus making the bath houses a necessity for the very clean Japanese. &nbsp;Everything is in Japanese and the staff speak little to no English. &nbsp;Of course one must use the "vending machine" another Japanese phenomena. &nbsp;I've heard that there is a machine for every 20 people here. &nbsp;At the baths there was a vending machine with 50 some options. &nbsp; The woman at the desk helped me deposit my yens and press the appropriate buttons - at least I think they were the correct ones they got me into the baths and sauna. It's a ritual. &nbsp;You walk in the door, remove your shoes, depositing them in a locker and then proceed over a highly polished wooden floor to the desk and vending machines. &nbsp; This allows you to enter the dressing (or undressing) area usually identified by red banners (blue for men). &nbsp;One must bathe before entering the soaking baths which feature compartments and individually controlled jets. &nbsp;The best part was going outside to a beautiful garden area where you can lay flat on your back on heated tiles with an couple inches of water (OOOOHHHHH), soak in huge cast iron tubs (AAAHHHHH) or do some more whirlpool soaking in more natural looking surroundings. I went from the water to the sauna where I donned a pair of pink bloomers and wrapped my tasteful blue and white kimono shaped robe around me. &nbsp;You enter at a predetermined time, place your towel down, lay upon it and rest your head on a bambo head rest. &nbsp; You look up at a path of gold and blue stars that lead, like a stream, across the ceiling. &nbsp;I did well with the crane calls, the bird sounds, actually all the way up to the whale calls when I thought the temps were just about as hot as I could stand it. &nbsp;I got up to leave followed by 3 of the other imbibers so I didn't feel so bad. &nbsp;I was trying to look suave &nbsp;and sophisticated until, upon looking down, &nbsp;I realized I had inadvertently stuffed a portion of my kimono in my bloomers completely negating the ruse.&nbsp; I followed my soak and sweat with a Japanese bath which meant I was seated on a toddler sized plastic chair (no wonder the Japanese are so slight) where I poured water from a basin over me to wash away any residue and finished with &nbsp;one of the best foot massages I have ever experienced leaving the sento with an appreciation for the more civilized rituals of life. &nbsp; I used my renewed energy to walk into town where I passed several fairs, a Japanese version of cruising Woodward, and a man walking 4 black standard poodles. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Almost as unusual as the Japanese country western singers. &nbsp;I stopped at Seiyu for more raw fish and walked around the 100 Yen store (all 3 floors) where I discovered more &nbsp;things I had never before seen. If you have any need for a plastic banana cover, individual condom carrying cases, or any other unusual items please let me know.&nbsp;Another thing I had to ask someone about is the Japanese voices that sound nightly &nbsp;at &nbsp;9 PM - punctual and usually female. I have been told that it is the police who are basically saying the evening has arrived, please check out your home, turn off your gas in case of earthquakes, and have a good and safe night. Reminds me of Big Brother but still nice to know that someone has an eye out. &nbsp;Reminds me a little of the bases where at 5 PM daily the National Anthem is played. &nbsp;One must stop if walking, face the flag to pay respect. &nbsp;If you're in your car you also stop until it is played to completion.&nbsp;Well, my day is ending and according to my computer you are getting up to have breakfast and work out in order to start the very same day I just finished.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
]]> Konnichiwa — Fussa, Kanto, Japan http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1252831617/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1252831617/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1252831617/tpod.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:27:51 -0500 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Fussa, Kanto, Japan

With the pictures from Wyoming refusing to cooperate and download, the Western blog is waiting to be finished. &nbsp;In the meantime I'm here in Japan and have started my work at Yokota Air Force Base.The trip started with a 13 hour plane ride (my seat mate an interesting young &nbsp;Microsoft financial executive from Rhode Island) followed by a rush to the shuttle for another 3 hour road trip - me passed out and snoring like a trooper from the time we pulled out of Narita - and finally landed me on Yokota AFB around 9 PM Japanese time. &nbsp;I stumbled off the bus, almost forgetting my luggage, to be met by two enthusiastic MFLC's and my POC. They drove me to my room and deposited me at the place I'm to call home for the next 6 weeks.&nbsp;I've now been here for 4 days and the local time is 13 hours later than at home which means I'm finishing up the day you're waking up to. I've found the library, taken the train, walked into town and&nbsp;I'm driving around the base on the left side of the road. Surprisingly, jet lag hasn't been much of a problem.&nbsp;Japan is a strange land for someone from America - even stranger after spending the last 6 weeks on the Wyoming plains. &nbsp;I can't communicate with anyone try as I might to separate the strange sounds of the language. &nbsp;I can't read any of the signs or writing. &nbsp;My cell phone doesn't work and the local phone I've been given for my job isn't much better. There are buildings and signs everywhere lining the highways - visual hyperbole. &nbsp;The police carry batons that look like star wars swords and use them to direct traffic or stuff you into the "squishy train." &nbsp;And amidst all of this you keep smiling and bowing to be respectful. I feel like I'm in the movie Lost in Translation which I just watched again and am now certain is actually a documentary. &nbsp;It's a rather quiet environment where elementary school children ride the trains without an adult companion and wear uniforms that include white hats and leather backpacks - red for girls/black for boys. &nbsp;The staff tell me that these good looking backpacks cost 3 to 4 hundred dollars. &nbsp;Things here are expensive. At any rate, I'm safe and sound. &nbsp; Exploring the food markets (note the fresh ginger) filled with items I have never seen or heard of and can't begin to read the symbols that describe them. Today when I walked into town I stopped to look at a lovely Japanese garden. &nbsp;While I was admiring the lush, well groomed foliage, the owner of the home came out to talk to me. &nbsp; He invited me in to stroll through the garden while he provided me with the history of its origin. &nbsp;As it turns out he is an 87 year old veterinarian who is closing his practice &nbsp;this week to retire. &nbsp; We talked gardens and travel and he invited me into his traditional Japanese home to meet his wife and look at his travel pictures. &nbsp;I removed my shoes and shuffled through the corridors and rooms &nbsp;that featured sliding screened doors that closed off one room from another and opened up to the outside providing a view of his lovely garden. &nbsp; After a delightful visit we made plans for me to come back for tea. &nbsp;His wife spoke little to no English but smiled as we looked at picture after picture illustrating their full and well traveled life together.&nbsp; The weather here has been fantastic although we are smack dab in the middle of typhoon season. Fuji has been visible in the distance every morning. &nbsp;Not quite as spectacular as the scene in Lost in Translation where Bill Murray is hitting golf balls.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
]]> Git R' Done — Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1248456426/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1248456426/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1248456426/tpod.html Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:23:41 -0400 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States

It's hot and breezy here on the prairie and the thunder storms blow in and out with regularity - some accompanied by gigantic hailstones. &nbsp;Cheyenne Frontier Days &nbsp;(CFD) is in full swing. The riders all chant the mantra Git R' Done as the chutes open and they start &nbsp;the rides of their lives - competing for the top scores that win them the buckles that signify the best in their category.&nbsp;Karen's husband Joe says that man - all 150 pounds of him - getting on the back of a &nbsp;bull - all 2000 pounds of him - and the resulting competition is the ultimate thrill. &nbsp;I'm still trying to figure it out. &nbsp;One of the Professional Bull Riders affectionately known as a PBR, had previously suffered a closed head injury and then earlier in the day another concussion and still showed up for his scheduled ride. Unfortunately he &nbsp;managing to stay mounted for less than a second. &nbsp;I'm sure the headache he was probably sporting didn't help. &nbsp; With names like: Red Devil, Over The Edge, Cajun Blast, Hell Fire, Moonshine, Range War, Toxic Shock, Stinger, Grease Gun, Torque, and Avalanche I have been prepared for the worst. &nbsp;The week has been filled with parades, night programs, rodeo events, pancake breakfasts, Indian dancing, &nbsp;and air shows. &nbsp; People come out from all over or at least half do. &nbsp;The other half stay home or leave town. &nbsp;For all of my equestrian friends EVERYONE is on a horse. &nbsp; You will also notice a lot of pink. &nbsp;"Tough Enough to Wear Wear Pink" day was held to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. &nbsp;The word is that real cowboys are western heroes who are always willing to help someone in need. &nbsp;One of the steer ropers had served in Afghanistan in the AF and was now completing his internship at a local hospital. &nbsp; Talk about multitalented.So sit back and spend some time at the rodeo with me. &nbsp; I've shot pictures of bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, barrel racing, steer roping, steer wrestling, team roping and the craziest event of them all the wild horse race - the event that my Aunt Lois always thought drew some of the craziest and least cerebral contestants. &nbsp;You'll notice most of the riders now wear protective vests and SOME are also wearing helmets and face guards. There is a lot of money to be made if you stay on the back of these huge and constantly moving animals. Unfortunately the two guys from Michigan didn't caulk up 2 seconds between them before they were thrown off to the ground. &nbsp; They probably will not be pursuing a new career in bull riding.&nbsp;&nbsp;GET R' DONE.
]]> Headed West — Sylvan Lake, Michigan, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1246460936/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1246460936/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1246460936/tpod.html Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:57:16 -0400 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Sylvan Lake, Michigan, United States

Alas, my summer on the lake has come to an end. &nbsp;My cowboy shirts are packed and George the roofer is scheduled to come right after I leave.&nbsp;It was the best of times and the worst of times - hasn't that been used before? &nbsp;Life on the lake has been bittersweet. &nbsp;After a successful launch of the martin house - they were moving in before I could raise it - and an equally successful inhabitation of the two wood duck boxes, I thought we were off to a good start. &nbsp; Soon the Coopers Hawk was trying to raid the martin house and the darned chipmunks were climbing up into the robin's nest regularly leaving beautiful aqua blue egg shells scattered on the ground. &nbsp;It was quite a surprise watching those little buggers scale the brick walls. Although the robin finally had a successful hatch it left the nest prematurely and has been hiding around the yard. &nbsp;I've even been feeding him worms. &nbsp;I don't want to know the outcome. This nature stuff can be a little too brutal.&nbsp;The neighbors saw the baby wood ducks paratroop from the box into the lake down to mother &nbsp;wood duck - all 18 successfully. Even better since Marilynn and Karen had sneaked a peak the week before and encountered a stubborn duck who refused to budge as 9 eggs went rolling out of the box into the lake. &nbsp;Imagine two grown women with gloves and tongs picking up the eggs and then trying to place them successfully back around the immobile mother duck! &nbsp;Where is the camcorder for taking the worlds funniest video when you need it? &nbsp;It was a sight with Matthew running into the yard shouting for me and Marilynn limping &nbsp;after him a little more slowly -&nbsp;albeit better and better every day since her successful knee surgery. Our other neighbor said she heard the mother coaxing the babies to jump and just happened to look out her window to watch the fluffy yellow paratroopers leaping into the lake and then reappearing like tiny bobbers as they popped back onto the water's surface. &nbsp;My box unfortunately lost their mother half way through incubation and ended their lives as leathery shelled eggs. &nbsp;Like so many things in life - after a fantastic start a rather sad ending.The weather has covered every option and gone from spectacular to pitiful but the rains have left some exquisite foliage. &nbsp;I've been home to see some of my efforts but the remaining will have to be tended and utilized by my neighbors. My lavender is fabulous this year, thanks to Kimberly, and I'll be weaving up some fresh botteilles in my spare time. &nbsp; Speaking of Kim, we had a wonderful time and I'm only sorry not to have a few days to schedule a repeat. &nbsp;I still think you should join me to judge some bull riding. &nbsp;You have an eye for evaluating those dismounts. The trip to the dairy farm increased our bovine knowledge and I agree with you Sammy, eating lunch around 2,500 hefers is probably a do miss. &nbsp;The manure diffuser and the excretory functions of the massive cows were probably the hit of the field trip for 3rd grade boys. &nbsp;The girls were already too old to appreciate the boys interest in such matters.&nbsp;I have taken my last tour of the lake and we've gone for the last SBR with Jim's departure to China. &nbsp;New things abound and I will miss my daily kayak ride. &nbsp;We've also just viewed the most successful Fourth of July firework display ever. &nbsp; The fireworks were launched from a barge about 1000 feet from the shore of the house. &nbsp;The night was clear, the moon was full and the rest was magic. &nbsp;The neighbors were playing Strauss which was the perfect accompaniment for the spectacular display. &nbsp;As Eunice's brother Ron said, "we have to do this every year." What a night.At the moment I'm winding down and putting things aside to pack but at the same time sending thoughts and prayers to all of my buddies who are utilizing too much health care this summer. &nbsp;I only wish I could be with you, and I promise to keep in touch. &nbsp;Hang in there. I think about you every day.
]]> Bill — Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1244692800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1244692800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1244692800/tpod.html Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:52:57 -0400 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States

I actually have several friends who go by the moniker Bill. A couple of them could even be considered my good friends. &nbsp;However, only one goes back @&amp; years - my friend Andy told me I had to stop using specific numbers. &nbsp;Yep, one of them goes back to a MacDonald's on Plymouth Road - one of the first franchises to open - where he picked me up when Mac's were only 15 cents and fries were 12. At least we think that's what they cost because when we talked we couldn't really remember the exact amounts. We just knew they were cheap and so was gas. &nbsp;I was driving a white 59 T-Bird with a red leather interior and power windows. He was driving a white GTO convertible.The rest is history. &nbsp; He took me home to meet his mother. &nbsp; I dated a few of his friends and eventually married one of them. &nbsp;He dated half of my high school class which made going back to high school reunions a lot of fun until he married and his wife put a stop to it. &nbsp;Before the marriages we spent a lot of time together and ended up at the University of Michigan where he and his roommates at the Dental School and my roommate Winnie gathered for dinners and evenings out. &nbsp;One memorable (if we could remember it) night at the Del Rio Bar we drank enough Pink Squirrels for our blood alcohol to surpass the legal limit and our stomachs to scream in protest at the liquid assault. &nbsp; OMG. &nbsp; Meredith, the bartender, had enlisted our assistance in helping erase the horrors she had endured earlier in the day during her anatomy lab. Looking back I think that night might have marked the end of her career in nursing.We traveled back and forth to school, &nbsp;ate meals together and spent endless hours in the UGLI or the graduate library pouring over texts, writing papers, studying for exams or trying to stay awake. And we all continued to remain friends and spend time together because those were the times and that was the kind of people we were.&nbsp;One evening, years later, Bill and Diann had joined Al and I for dinner when we discovered that the drug store where Bill had worked (and I stopped by regularly) &nbsp;throughout high school and some of college had been owned by Al's cousin Sid. The same man who wanted to send Bill to pharmacy school when Bill was considering Dental school. &nbsp;Didn't I tell you about beshart?&nbsp;So today Bill and I are winding down our careers so long ago started at the U. &nbsp; Bill has retired from his teaching job in Ann Arbor but continues to maintain his practice with a staff that go back 20 some years - talk about family. When I'm home we merge our time. &nbsp; Diann, who continues the family tradition of hospitality and great meals, takes time in the summer to talk and share kid stories.&nbsp;My friend and I have started a yearly pilgrimage to Point Pelee to fulfill our role as greeters to the migrating birds as they wing their way back from their winter residencies. &nbsp;We set out this year binoculars and bird books in tow. &nbsp;The day dawned perfect and we rejoiced at being alive as we ate - sandwich in one hand binoculars in the other. &nbsp;On the trip home I made a wrong turn and detoured us over the bridge from Canada back to the states. &nbsp;But as luck would have it, under the cloudless sky, the view of the Detroit shoreline stretching mile after visible mile off into the horizon was a sight for memories. We drove by the remains of the train station, solitary and windowless, and the controversial remnant of Tiger (AKA Brigg) Stadium and viewed them with a feeling of sadness for the passing of Detroit's&nbsp;history they had once represented.Before I dropped Bill off we made a plan to meet for a garden and &nbsp;gazpacho day. &nbsp; My friend's gazpacho falls into the 99.9th percentile. &nbsp; Although he has provided me with the recipe, mine never turns out quite as good as his. Well, maybe he has provided me with the recipe. &nbsp;We have also discovered we seem to be in the minority of people who savor the summer soup. &nbsp; So last week, a crusty French baguette in hand, &nbsp;I headed over to the Never's lovely home that backs up on a small stream where Bill has planted and nurtured &nbsp;over 300 varieties of hostas and other plants. &nbsp;Did I mention he was also a master gardener? &nbsp;Bill has always been artistic. The same steady hands that drilled, filled, cleaned, and pulled teeth have designed butterfly boxes, jewelry, and gastronomic treasures - just ask the supper club about his cake! I can't olfactorally share the gazpacho but I can show you a part of the beautiful landscape Bill has created and some of the birds we saw in Canada. &nbsp;As the years have passed I have come to treasure the people in my life more than I can ever let them know. Two years ago Bill and Diann were by my side - Diann with a pair of conservative pajamas for my hospital experience. &nbsp;Bill with his air of well being and &nbsp;calm demeaner.&nbsp;I have watched Bill, a man I have come to think of as a brother, as he listened intently to patients, friends, and family. In all my life I think Bill is the best listener I have ever had the pleasure to observe. &nbsp; And he remembers, which is something that makes me and the other people with whom he shares space feel important and valued.&nbsp;Too all of the great times we have shared. &nbsp;How sweet and fulfilling good friends make lifeSee Bill, I didn't even mention how the first time I took you skiing you tried to put your ski straps UNDER your skis rather than around your ankles. &nbsp;It took you a moment to figure out why you weren't sliding down the hill with the rest of us but once you got the hang of it............&nbsp;
]]> Navigate to — Waterford, Michigan, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1239894000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1239894000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1239894000/tpod.html Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:46:08 -0400 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Waterford, Michigan, United States

The end of another successful mission. The Launch Groupie - I suggested to the General's Wife that we get logo tee shirts - returns home. As I was strolling through the small airport in Melbourne I realized I could have gone there to get my up close and detailed pictures of the satellites. Driving to the airport a falcon flew over with a bluegill shaped fish hanging from it's talons. A common but, nevertheless, always exciting sight. Before I left the base I went for a hot dog at the golf course and to say adieu to the resident manatee. She wasn't as accommodating as the pair at my other favorite viewing site had been the day before. We weren't certain what they were doing but we all agreed that the show they put on was one of the most exciting any of us had every seen. The young were climbing on their mom's backs and all of them were surfacing and rolling to the point I was ready to call it breaching! Last night my replacement, David - a Floridian from the other side of the state - and I walked the beach for over an hour; We got so caught up in conversation that we went a little farther than we had planned and had to feel our way back in the dark! We did find his shoes and managed to catch not only the sunset, but also flashes of lightning in the clouds resting just above the horizon. The beach had returned to normal after a weekend of excitement when, over Easter, Ron Jon's hosted a beach party. Thousands of people walked the beach and it was inhabited by surfers, bikini babes, kiters, kids, families, and couples enjoying one of the nicest days since my arrival. Not only did I get my picture taken with the Geico gecko - I will never put that picture on this website! - but I ended up sunburned! I picked up two high school students from Michigan and made their day when I asked where they went to college. They were having the time of their lives on their first trip to Florida for spring break - with their parents. Of course, I went to the beach without my camera so none of this - except me and the gecko - were captured on film. I have never seen so much jewelry adorning places I would never have imagined could be pierced AND tattoos not to be paralleled. I find it interesting getting the skinny on what side of the state, what beaches, and what bodies of water are preferred by the people who live here. I don't know how I feel about what location but this assignment has made me want to spend a couple months during the winter down here next to the ocean. It was rejuvenating and fun. Florida is beginning to look, "not so bad." On the other hand, I won't be missing the traffic and the cotton tops. I managed to maintain my cool and not do any major driving faux pas, but there certainly were a lot of accidents down here. Yesterday I watched a driver pull right into a cyclist. Navigating the aisles at Publix is just about as difficult. One certainly must carry not only collision insurance but personal injury as well.Although I will not admit the major faux pas that I did commit and I have sworn my niece Tracey to secrecy (Tracey I am going for testing as soon as I return home and your payments will arrive the first of each month), I will tell you about my lovely but Cheesy Easter. After roaming the beach I headed to Port Canaveral where the cruise ships set out to sea. I sat eating Oysters, drinking Vodka and waving good bye to the cruisers ensconced on the Disney and Carnival lines as they sailed down the canal to began their adventures. I was also watching the Masters which made me want to play golf. Now I return to the world of garage cleaning, deck washing, dog bathing, and sheet changing. Living in a hotel room isn't terrific especially when you climb 8 flights of stairs to find your key has stopped working (on several occasions). But when the staff call you by name to thank you for the fantastic dessert you brought them ("Grab the forks"). And when the other guests gather to celebrate young "Hunter's" recovery of your earring - his mom told me he could find anything -and watch as I hand him his reward,as well as, some very cool military information about the Atlas satellite he had watched earlier in the evening, it becomes like home. I'm going to miss that warm salt water pool as much as the beach walks and view. Thanks David for the lovely e-mail about the successful opening of Patrick AFB. It was a pleasure to turn it over someone of your competence.Well, the cars are operational - no thanks to the trickle charger - and all 127 pieces of the desk and file cabinet that have been setting in my entrance for 2 months are assembled ( Oh why do I do this to myself AND doesn't it occur to me that the coasters would work better on the outside as I am screwing them on?). MJ called me this morning to report that the male and female wood ducks were perched on the roof of their new home before the female flew inside. How does she fly into that small hole? And yes the lake is freezing. Martin house is still to be put up. BURR.Matthew tells me he is happy to have his favorite neighbor home for awhile. He also asked me on the ride home from the airport If he could be the ring bearer when I got married. I don't have a clue where that came from. I told him he would be grown up with his own family when that happened so it would probably be a better idea if he gave me away. He said he had to think about it but probably would be happy to do it. Andre has just started to warm up to me and clung desperately to the neighbors when they dropped me off and tried to leave. I'm home for awhile and working through my list of a hundred and 3 items while I have all of this enthusiasm. I did receive an email this morning asking if I would be willing to return to Lakenheath by special request next year. HMMM, spring and the horse races. Sound good to me. Can't wait to see all of you!
]]> Rooms with a View — Cocoa Beach - the Las Vegas of Florida, Florida, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1237660560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1237660560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1237660560/tpod.html Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:21:27 -0400 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Cocoa Beach - the Las Vegas of Florida, Florida, United States

I'm sitting here on my balcony overlooking the ocean on the main drag in Cocoa Beach. Although not one of the most scenic locations in the world there is much more happening here and the beach is a short block away which makes shore walks easy and frequent. Thanks to Alex I have relocated from my former abode. The deal breaker was when I returned from Jupiter last weekend to find I had no toilet paper. When I called the desk they informed me they were out. Didn't seem to have a plan to replace it either. My topless hotel mates and their traveling Jim Beam bottles were a little out of my league. Now I'm on the strip rubbing elbows with the scantily clad bikini babes and surfer guys - probably still a little out of my league. Last night my partner and I had our final meal at the fabulous Thai Thai restaurant and this morning he left to return to his home in California. Alex, an ex marine, has been working for MHNGS almost since the program began. His colorful background and sense of humor made him a fantastic partner for this assignment. From the first day we were in step conducting briefs, sitting in on meetings, seeing clients, and making referrals. I haven't laughed so much in a long time - which is always good when you are working hard. His lovely wife Mary ran a coffee shop in California and it was there they met and eventually married. When Mary had to return home earlier than expected I covered Alex's "butt" by driving him (and waiting) while he had his semi annual digestive system check up. Only a good partner would fill that function. It was an ongoing comedy when they took me back to get "Joseph". I kept insisting that I had brought Alex not Joseph which made for a very interesting few minutes until we realized Alex was his middle name. I think the outpatient clinic was glad to see the two of us leave.I am discovering that there are "launch groupies" everywhere and they come to this area filling up all of the local hotels in the hopes of getting a great view of the latest launching. I don't think I mentioned that even with military clearance it took almost 2 hours to return to the Base after the shuttle launching. Weaving our way through the thousands of watchers and their transportation was like leaving a well attended rock concert. I was slated to attend another launching this past Tuesday but after dinner we were informed that it had been cancelled due to a leaky valve - talk about up to the minute reporting. The week before I was informed by Major Jane Hance, the project manager, that the shuttle launch had been cancelled. She conveyed the information to me on the way in to teach her weekly hula lesson. She is not only competent but beatiful and multitalented. Space travel is definitely the priority here. I am chagrined to say that I was the ONLY one on the new recruit tour that was alive when they sent up the primates in the 50's. Although it did make me somewhat of an expert - or a legend - in their eyes.The manatees have also begun to relocate as the weather warms. I love watching these gentle beasts. I've included a picture that I took where I noticed something else in the photo only after I downloaded it. Just wanted to to make the point that sometimes you can be so caught up in your own vision that you miss something that is right there in front of you - check out the Green Heron. Note to Self: keep on the look out for all the exciting things that are going on around you. Shortly before I took the picture there was a large turtle basking on the back of one of the adult manatees. Gentle And lanquid. I want to thank Dan for the lovely week end in Jupiter. Best meal I've had in months was at the Sicilian Restaurant . Just to get me back into the swing of things he and Dominic took me to the Leopard Lounge (more appropriate would be the Lizard Lounge). We danced (and laughed) the night away ending up in an even more interesting place on the way back to Jupiter. Like I told Dan, there is a reason I don't go to bars. I suggested that the next time I visit we skip the bar dancing and play that fantastic golf course in his complex. Sadly, a former championship fisherman, Dan has the boat up for sale and is retiring from the circuit. We shared some pretty funny Bahama stories. Celine has also moved from her home across the street only to be replaced by Mr. Net Jet. Sorry to say that he's not making any money. Looks like by the time I win the lottery it will not longer be an option.I ate at an incredible Indian restaurant last night. I think it was not a good sign that they kept asking me if someone would be joining me. Looks like I over ordered and will be eating Indian food for awhile. if you make it to the "Taste of India" don't miss the Butter Chicken and the Nan - it just bumped an Indian restaurant in New York out of first place in the bread category. They make their own chutney and Indian ice cream. I'm still touting Thai Thai for the best in Thai food - and the sexiest sushi chef. I have also found an Italian restaurant with thin crust pizza to rival any I had in Italy and a Cuban place that has great dishes and a flan that falls into the 99th percentile.For those of you who keep up, my guy Lance took the number one spot in the Iditarod again this year. All my Alaska buddies are wearing face masks to deal with Mount Redoubt latest expulsions. Me? I'm shedding clothing and can tell you that my dermatolgist will be lecturing me when I return home and she sees the shade of my skin. I'm staying away from restaurants that look like they might be doing a casting call for a remake of Easy Rider (I know you guys that it's a step up from Deliverance and the Banjo Boys). River Rocks is not one of them. I highly recommend it if you are in the area. The chef is from San Diego and the food is out of this world - with a Mango sorbet to swoon over. The view is great as well. It has been dessert for the soul working here in Florida.Now if I could only launch my golf game as successfully as they launch these rockets I'd be in good shape.
]]> Kathy, This One's for You — Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1237239240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1237239240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kitchenshrink/vicenza-2007/1237239240/tpod.html Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:25:54 -0400 Retired and off to work in Vicenza Italy or, as my GB & TB corrects me, not retired but transitioning to my new job.
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States

SOMETIMES WORDS JUST GET IN THE WAY.THIS BLOG BROUGHT TO YOU THANKS TO MRS. PATRICIA BOLTON WIFE OF BRIG. GEN. EDWARD BOLTON JR. COMMANDER, 45TH SPACE WING AND DIRECTOR EASTERN RANGE, PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE.
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