Follow the Yellow Brick Road

I was talking with Jon a little earlier tonight, looked out the door and saw a double rainbow.

How's the song go????

Snow Clearing in Glacier Park

If you haven't gone to the Glacier Park web site since my original post, you really should take another look. They now have pictures of late May snow clearing. Unbelievable!!!

http://www.nps.gov/glac/photosmultimedia/plowing2008.htm?eid=335150&aid=429&root_aid=407#e_335150

Random Pictures

Things have been a little slow here this week because the weather has been chilly and it's been raining or overcast most of the time. There's still snow in the mountains, so many roads are closed or really muddy.

I've been doing a little fishing (not catching) and a little biking (bicycle not motorcycle). It's hard to believe, but anywhere I go on the bicycle, it's uphill going and coming!!

I'm talking to a lot of people and still learning how to fish for the Cutthroat, Rainbow and Lake trout that's up here. They are a lot more "spooky" than what I'm used to back east. And I'm not into fly fishing, so I'm trying to master the spinning rod technique. I have caught one pretty nice Cutthroat.

Well, since things are a little slow I thought I'd post a few more pictures I've taken while here. I hope I don't post any duplicates but if I do, you'll have to forgive me.

Snow melt makes it's own path. Black & White or Color. What do you think?

Flathead River outside Glacier

the "DesMet". Old boat used for rides on Lake McDonald

"Red Bus" One of the original, restored buses used for paid tours. There are also "free"shuttles being used in the park again this year. I say "free" cause, it's our tax dollars.

Yep, it's a couple of deer!!! I promise bigger and better animals when the roads open up.

There is an Elk looking at you in the center of this picture. Double click the pic and it should enlarge.

Another snow capped mountain.

Later!!!!

Memorial Day 2008

This year sure seems to be going fast. Here it is, Memorial Day weekend already. Of course, Monday 5/26 is the "new" Memorial Day. Unfortunately, I don't even remember when the "traditional" Memorial Day would be celebrated. Maybe someone out there can remind me.

I loved the old "Dennis Miller" show, when he talked about getting off on a rant. Well, looks like I'm headed that way!!

The "new' Memorial Day is just another of our American traditions that has been compromised. We want to be sure that all of our Government employees get their 3 day weekend. Of course, most of our Government employees are now one minority or another. God forbid that a white, male American would be working for the American Government. Unless of course, they happen to be a rich, politician. Then, you have to question, are they really working for us or against us.

Memorial Day, like most American traditional holidays no longer means what it was intended to mean. It has been commercialized to benefit "big business". Memorial Day was originally established to remember our veterans, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - death in battle. I had even forgotten that it was originally called Decoration Day, until I visited this link: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

I'm not a veteran, so I can't speak to the sacrifices I've made, but I know many people who have served our country with honor. Many of my generation went off to East Asia in the great quagmire known as Vietnam. I'm so proud of those people. You all know who you are and I appreciate your service.

My Grandfather was a Purple Heart winner in WWI. How in the hell can you say he was a "Purple Heart winner"? He was awarded the Purple Heart because he was gassed by the enemy. The Geneva Convention outlawed the use of gas in war after that. I didn't know my Grandfather, but I'm sure he suffered what is now known as "post traumatic syndrome". He spent the rest of his short life on his knees, digging coal in a Bicknell, IN coal mine. He, like many miners, came out of that mine with Black Lung Disease.

As I said the Geneva Convention outlawed the use of gas in war. Funny, but that didn't stop a man named Hitler from trying to obliterate a race of people. Many people say the Holocaust really didn't happen. But my Father served in WWII. He was sent to a prison camp in Germany, known as Dachau, after the liberation. He was part of a medical team that went into this "Death Camp"to clean up what Hitler's Germany had done there; the mass execution of the Jews. He had nightmares as a result of what he saw there for the rest of his life. He told me, once, not to ever let anyone say it didn't happen, because he had seen the atrocity with his own eyes. He went on to describe it to me, but I can't go into the details here. They are just to unbelievable.

Oh, and let's not forget another guy who used gas. I believe his name was Saddam. Of course, there are people already saying those atrocities didn't happen either. They're out there now , trashing the President for taking this guy out. And don't forget, we certainly don't want to mistreat any enemy soldiers captured trying to kill our troops. I'll bet Senator McCain and all the other Vietnam POW's are so glad they weren't mistreated. Bulls--t!!!!

Come to think about it, I do disagree with our President on this war. It's time to quit pussy footing around and get it over with!! End the thing and bring our troops home with another Victory notched in their belts. Then, put them on our borders and protect the US. Use them to help the FBI ferret out the embedded terrorists living here and do away with them. Use them to hunt down the illegals and send them home, one time. If they come back again, illegally, oh well.

I had an uncle who fought through North Africa with Patton in WWII. I understand he hated Patton and rightfully so based on some of the stories told about Patton. I, personally, admire Patton and people like him who will stop at nothing to defend America.

I had another Uncle who was sent to North Korea in a "police action". He returned an alcoholic and a morphine addict. In hindsight, I'm sure he was suffering from the after effects of his time at war as well.

Now, as the "Greatest Generation" dies off at an increasing rate, our Government has really sold them out. They fought and many, many died to keep America and Americans free. But, now the politicians in this country want to embrace the foreigners that want to circumvent our pre-established methods of becoming American citizens. They want to give welfare, health care and free education to "illegal" aliens. What part of "illegal" don't they understand. I'm sure their only real reason for doing this is so they won't lose the vote of that minorities legal citizens. Hell, why don't we just go ahead and let the illegals vote?? We have to remember, our Government's only source of income is taxing the American citizen. So, it's our money supporting the illegals. This is total bull s--t!!!!

If they want to become an American, first let them learn to speak English. Most immigrants that came into this country in the early 1900's learned to speak English. But, if they didn't, they certainly didn't require that we print all of our signs in a second language or be able to "Press 2" for a language of their choice. I actually called some number the other day and was told to push 1 for Spanish or 2 for English. Bulls--t!!

Spend my tax dollars on the aging, the legal American senior citizen or the kids in Appalachia that go hungry because their parents can't find a decent job.

And, make English the official language of the United States. Teach it in school, use it in the work place, speak it when you call a business and order in English at McDonald's and Wal-Mart. Oh, and take my order in English, too!!

You want to visit here and hope to be understood in a foreign language, that's OK. You want to live here, learn English!!

I'm sorry, I digress. I've got two sons, of whom I am extremely proud. One has served as a Law Enforcement Office for 11 1/2 years. Low pay - high stress. The other has been in the Air Force for over 6 years. Again, low pay - high stress. The oldest has decided to seek out a different career path and I am so glad he has made this decision. The youngest is still undecided about what he will do once his deployment to Iraq is completed and his enlistment is up in early 2009. I will support whatever decision he makes, but 8 years of service to our country, in the military, is enough. They have both severed their country with honor and I'm very proud of them for doing so. Now, let someone else pick up the burden.

But, as this Memorial Day comes and goes, let's all enjoy the cookouts, the family gatherings and the Indianapolis 500. But, let's also remember those who have severed in the Armed Forces in the past. But, most importantly let's thank those who are now serving both abroad and here in this country to protect us and keep us safe. Let's also thank the Police Officer, the Firefighter and everyone else who serves the American people on a daily basis.

As Dennis used to say, "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong." But, I also add "I doubt it!!"

Other links to visit on Memorial Day:

http://www.usflag.org/
This is an interesting site. But, I have to apologize since this site also let's you view the Pledge of Allegiance in 6 languages ,in addition to ENGLISH!!!


http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/

http://www.wwiimemorial.com/

http://www.thewall-usa.com/

I'm sure there are many others, if a person had the time to search for them.

Lastly,

In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.

Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Sorry for the length of this one.

Happy Memorial Day

Cobb House - Glacier NP

The Cobb House is part of the property in Glacier NP known as Lake MacDonald Lodge. It is one of the original structures, as are many of the employee housing units. The Cobb House is lodging for the Managers and some Assistant Managers at Lake MacDonald Lodge. This is where my special friend, Donna, will be staying this summer. As most of you know, she will be the front desk manager at Lake MacDonald Lodge. This is also where I would have been staying had I worked for GPI, as originally planned, in maintenance this summer. It's old but very rustic, with each person having their own room, but shared baths. There are eight individual rooms in the house in addition to a large "common room" with a huge stone fireplace. The house sits about 30 yards from the shore of Lake MacDonald.

The pics below are of the front porch of the Cobb House.


The following pics are what can be seen from the front porch of the Cobb House.


The house is about a 5 minute walk to Lake MacDonald Lodge, so it seems to be very convenient for the folks living there. Not bad "digs" when you consider second year employees get their housing & meals free.

Hungry Horse Dam & Reservoir

I drove over to Lion Lake this afternoon to do a little fishing. Didn't have any luck, so I went on up toward Hungry Horse Dam. The road beyond the dam had been closed a week ago by snow. It was open today and I was able to drive as far as Lost Johnny Campground and I took a few pics along the way. I was actually hoping to see a bear, this is Grizzly country after all. No bear, but did see several deer.

Enjoy the video of the waterfall. Pictures just don't do them justice.

Important Health Bulletin

After an exhaustive review of the research literature, here's the final word on nutrition and health:

1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attack than us,

2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

4. Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

5. Germans drink beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than us.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you, but the Government is trying to correct the problem.

May 2008 Full Moon

This post is dedicated to my "Full Moon Friends". You know who you are. These pics aren't the best, but they are of the full moon on the night of May 19/20, 2008. The sky here in Montana cleared long enough for me to get a couple of pictures. I miss you all!!!!!.

So, "To life as it should be lived". Until next month!!!!

Some of the Family

Well, not wanting to make this blog all about me, although I am pretty damn interesting, I plan to share pictures of my family and friends when ever pictures are available to me.


So, staring tonight with family, these pictures are from my Mom's 82nd birthday party. My sister had it for her in Ft Myers, FL. Sure wish I had been invited!!!



Anyway, the two good looking dudes above are my nephew Matt (left) and my new nephew-in-law Julio (right). You can just see Matt's lovely bride of a little more than a year, Alexa, peeking around Mom on the left hand side of this pic.



And these two lovely ladies are my sister Pat (left) and Birthday Mom (right).



And the lady above is my Mom. A son couldn't be more proud to have an 82 year old Mother who is still healthy and able to enjoy life. We're also pretty sure she's not too senile yet either! Here, she's pretty excited to actually have something to eat that didn't come out of a can. She don't cook no more!!!!!!.



And, the rest of the gang. Again, that's (left to right) Mom, Alexa, Matt, Julio and new to the pictures, my niece Christie, a new bride as of March 2008 and my brother-in-law Frank.


Well, Pat and Frank were married a few years back after knowing each other for several years. I've always liked Frank, respected Frank and thought very highly of Frank. But then, that was before the following pictures surfaced. Now, I'm not too sure I ever want to be alone with Frank again!!!!!!!!!

"Cupid"

Not sure which one is Frank or what he's supposed to be.

The "Wine Fairy"

The "Gay Guy". That's gay, as in happy!!!

I have no idea where these pictures of Frank came from, but I understand there is one floating around of "Carmen Miranda" Frank. Sure love to see that one!!!!!

Seriously, Frank's a great guy in spite of these pictures!!!!

Frank and Pat, Love ya guys!!!!

Inside of My Rig

My brother, Mike, asked that I show the inside of my rig. So, here is a short, non professional video of the inside. I've got a 2007 Holiday Rambler, Alumna Lite. about a 29' 5th wheel. Oh well, hind sight is 20/20.

Clearing Snow from Going to the Sun Road

I just found an interesting web site showing pictures of the 2008 clearing of snow from the Going to the Sun Road, here in Glacier NP. I understand that it is considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. When I can get to the top at Logan's Pass and psot some pictures from up there, I believe you'll understand why!! Check out the pictures on this site.

http://www.nps.gov/glac/photosmultimedia/plowing2008.htm

Due to an avalanche the previous winter, the road didn't open last year until July 1, 2007. They had to construct a temporary bridge to span the area of the road missing due to this avalanche. I had a chance to drive up from St. Mary (east side) that first day and the views were spectacular. I expect no less this year, even though I've now driven the road several times.

Another Day in Paradise

Another beautiful day here in Montana. I took my friend, Donna, up to Lake MacDonald Lodge where she will start her season as front desk manager at the lodge. This old lodge is a relic of the past and in the future I'll get some pictures of the lodge and also the Cobb House. The Cobb House is where some of the managers and assistant managers are housed. This is where I would be staying if I had gone ahead with my plans to work for GPI this summer.

This post will be some pictures taken in the past few days and will also include a video I shot of MacDonald Creek which is almost overflowing from the snow melt. But, as you'll see, there is still plenty of snow in the mountains. The roar of these falls were almost as loud as the roar I heard years ago at Niagara Falls.

Canyon RV Campground and Cabins

My camper set up in the subject campground in Hungry Horse, MT. It's really a nice, quiet place and the owners Steve & Dee and their camp hosts Steve and Patti are really pleasant. And, I'm only 1/4 - 1/2 mile walk to the Flathead River, 4 miles from Hungry Horse Reservoir and 8 miles from the west entrance to Glacier NP.

Finally, Sunshine

Well, the sun has finally decided to shine here in Hungry Horse, MT where I'll be spending the summer. It's also gotten quite warm and now there seems to be a little concern about flooding caused by the snow melt. But, I'm on "high ground" and shouldn't have to worry.

Thought I'd post a couple of pictures taken recently of the snowed capped mountains in Glacier NP.

Yep, I'm even going to do a lot of pic's this summer in black & white.