As noted here, yesterday was my birthday, as I exited my 50’s. (I used to say “always subtract seven years.” Alas, I can no longer get away with that). The day started with this layout on the kitchen table – and it requires some explanation. Here’s a close up of the center picture – … Read more
Joe's was two days ago. Joe Turned 18 Now mine is today. And it's a big one, ending in a zero, as I exit my 50's. Tom, deal with it. And now, just to further prove that it's all about me – I'll be in the gym later today, trying to out-do my recent bench … Read more
Joe spent most of the day hanging out with a few friends. Here he is in the backyard prior to a small barbeque – the shirt says “My idea of a balanced diet … a BEER in each hand.” Great (sarcasm!). Leaves for RIT in less than five weeks. Now, here he is at … Read more
This is the shelter I overnighted at on Friday the 16th. Here's the posting from yesterday about that hike Last weekend's Appalachian Trail solo overnight hike I like to put up youtube vids about the shelters I've stayed in or seen, since it may be helpful to other hikers on the A.T. I'm speaking quietly in this … Read more
Sue is running for County Legislator. Hit the link for the whole 16 paragraphs. What is the most racially diverse county in New York outside of the city? According to the 2010 U.S. Census, it's Westchester. Only Queens, Brooklyn, and The Bronx are more diverse. Despite this fact, an "anti-discrimination" lawsuit was settled by the … Read more
I’m going to write up more then I normally do on these hikes, if only for my only benefit and any other hiking aficionados. For others, it may be TMI. Joe dropped me off at the intersection of West Mombasha Rd., south of Monroe at 3:45 on Friday, the 16th, and Brigid with Tim picked me up … Read more
I never watched Ken Burn's documentary The Civil War. But here is an interesting and poignant article from the Washington Post about a Union soldier, Sullivan Ballou, and the letter he wrote for his wife before the Battle of Bull Run. The battle was fought 150 years go yesterday. Civil War soldier’s heartbreaking farewell letter … Read more
From the June/July issue of First Things, an interfaith magazine founded by the late Fr. John Neuhaus (who converted to Catholicism in his 50's – he was a Lutheran Minister) which I really like. RR Reno is a college prof. “Preferential respect” became the handier slogan “preferential option,” a formulation that first emerged from liberation … Read more
Good walk, but wow, it was tough. More to follow, but here I am earlier about three miles north of the NY/NJ border at about 1,375 feet. Glad I got the cairn in the background.
My friend Noreen "Tanya". Here's a link to her prior postings on the Times website during her Africa trip, which I put up a few days ago Guest blog: Noreen (Tanya) writing from Africa Hit the link below for the Nicholas Kristoff Sunday column, and Noreen's fine video, which is embedded on the left hand side of the … Read more