When I celebrated my 50th birthday, I began hearing how I was "Over the Hill" and "Going Downhill". At first it bothered me. Downhill seemed some how bad.
Now in my 70's it does not seem so bad.
On a recent walk, I skipped one Metro stop to get on another about a half mile away....All DOWNHILL. Not sharply down hill, but definitely, .....down.
It was a pleasure.... Much better than walking...UPHILL.
I live almost equally distant from two other Metro stops. I consistently walk down hill to one and then, upon returning, get off the uphill stop, to walk down hill back to my apartment.
So...going DOWNHILL is not so bad.
If at 50, people told me I had an UPHILL life ahead of me, I would have been saddened. Imagine facing an uphill life after 50. Not for me.
So, next time someone tells you that life is all "Downhill" from here, just say thanks...I'll take it.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
January West Coast Trip
First....It was FABULOUS!!!!!!
Now the details.
San Francisco
This, of course was the reason I came west altogether.
To see one of the daughters I love so much....and to see the city I love almost as much.
And, I got Sandra and Eric as a bonus.......And 5 shots at Boudins. Not to mention deserts, dinners and sights galore. Great bookends to a memorable trip. Mira really knows the city after only a year + there.
Monterey
The beginning of nostalgia galore. What better place to start than in the home of Andy and Antonette Goroch. OK so, it was not the Salinas house I remember so well. And Antonette's parents are long gone. But, eating dinner that first night still brought home memories of happy dinners I had with them many years ago. Then it was a three generation family. Now it was just three good friends.
But, I am getting aheads of myself. Before the Goroch dinner was the visit to the Romeros, John and Sandy. To get caught up on Cassie and Jamie. All doing well. I was fortunate to catch them just before their departure to Los Angelos to visit Jamie and her family. They looked great.
Monday was quite a full day. Breakfast with the Gorochs, a warmly welcomed visit with Simon Chang at NRL, Monterey (Simon's pride in the achievements of his lab was a warm reminder of my days there), a few hours at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the highlught if that for me was the spectacular sea horse display), an all to brief visit with the Schrams (Alas, not enough to get into any political discussions), and then a dinner with friends, many of whom I had not seen since I left Monterey 25+ years ago. But, you know, they had hardly aged at all. I wonder how much I have aged in their eyes.
A visit to Monterey could not end without a stop at the NPS. How fortunate to meet Ken Davidson on the grounds and have lunch with him at Herman Hall. A reminder of my first trip to Monterey and my first dinner at the School as a guest of the Pettits. Following lunch, I had to good fortune to find Rus Elsburry in his office for more nostalgia on my time at ONR, when we funded an experiment led by him on Pacific typhoons. It was nice to see him still in the harness with yet another ONR sponsored field program.
Seattle
Off the Seattle and the "Who'd a thunk it" house of the Andersons on Lake Washington. Who would have thought I would know someone with a house on Lake Washinton, across from Bill Gates. OK...so it is not DIRECTLY across. But, a 3500 sq ft house on the Lake? Thank you Microsoft. Couldn't have happened to a better couple. The Andersons are a picture of contentment. Parents of three boys, all happily married, and four wonderful grandchildren, who they see regularly. Alas, I did not get to see Dave and Patty. But, the four M's (Matt, Michelle, Mike and Meghan) all welcomed me to their familty birthdat party for Bob. Happy 71st Birthday, Bob. I am close behind. The bonus, of course was to bond with the grandchildren. Talking science fair with Hannah, letting Brady use my camera, bonding with Simon (As "Winalsten") at the Falls and holding Elliot, in my arms. All menmorable events in a wonderful 6 day visit. The sincere love in the eyes of the 10 Andersons for each other was a joy to behold.
But, wait, what about the long discussions, sometimes until 1AM, with Bob and Nancy...on politics, religion....and the good iold days at Penn State, Nothing has changed between us in the 50 years we havew known each other, I hope it never does.
Fresno
From the big cities of Seattle and San Francisco to the California valley town of Fresno. Little did I know that Fresno was the third largest metro area in California. Over 500,000 in the city and 750,000 in their metro area. Who knew?????
And right in the thick of it all reside the Ckarks, five of them. Led by Rosie and Fred. Pillars if their communitty. Joined by Cricket, Donna, and Kenny. Cricket, who rode on my shoulders at Grand Canyon is now a full grown woman. Donna, who still remembers my photos. Alas, I do not really have much memory of Kenny. But, all five welcomed me as a long lost relative. Just as Rosie welcomed me from the east, almose 50 years ago when I arrived in Pasadena, naieve, a bit homesick and looking for friends. They still are.
One day is hardly enough time to see Fresno or relive joyous times. But, it was enough time for me to realize the diverse life the Clarks have lived. World travelers from Fred's work installing weather radars, house and apartment development owners from screwd investing....and..... pillars of their community. Who could ask for a better life.
It seemed like every policeman in Fresno knows and loves Rosie (or Roz as they know her) and Fred....as did everybody at MRI.
Well, here I am back in Washington. It is midnight and I am reliving my wonderful trip.
Good night all......
Now the details.
San Francisco
This, of course was the reason I came west altogether.
To see one of the daughters I love so much....and to see the city I love almost as much.
And, I got Sandra and Eric as a bonus.......And 5 shots at Boudins. Not to mention deserts, dinners and sights galore. Great bookends to a memorable trip. Mira really knows the city after only a year + there.
Monterey
The beginning of nostalgia galore. What better place to start than in the home of Andy and Antonette Goroch. OK so, it was not the Salinas house I remember so well. And Antonette's parents are long gone. But, eating dinner that first night still brought home memories of happy dinners I had with them many years ago. Then it was a three generation family. Now it was just three good friends.
But, I am getting aheads of myself. Before the Goroch dinner was the visit to the Romeros, John and Sandy. To get caught up on Cassie and Jamie. All doing well. I was fortunate to catch them just before their departure to Los Angelos to visit Jamie and her family. They looked great.
Monday was quite a full day. Breakfast with the Gorochs, a warmly welcomed visit with Simon Chang at NRL, Monterey (Simon's pride in the achievements of his lab was a warm reminder of my days there), a few hours at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the highlught if that for me was the spectacular sea horse display), an all to brief visit with the Schrams (Alas, not enough to get into any political discussions), and then a dinner with friends, many of whom I had not seen since I left Monterey 25+ years ago. But, you know, they had hardly aged at all. I wonder how much I have aged in their eyes.
A visit to Monterey could not end without a stop at the NPS. How fortunate to meet Ken Davidson on the grounds and have lunch with him at Herman Hall. A reminder of my first trip to Monterey and my first dinner at the School as a guest of the Pettits. Following lunch, I had to good fortune to find Rus Elsburry in his office for more nostalgia on my time at ONR, when we funded an experiment led by him on Pacific typhoons. It was nice to see him still in the harness with yet another ONR sponsored field program.
Seattle
Off the Seattle and the "Who'd a thunk it" house of the Andersons on Lake Washington. Who would have thought I would know someone with a house on Lake Washinton, across from Bill Gates. OK...so it is not DIRECTLY across. But, a 3500 sq ft house on the Lake? Thank you Microsoft. Couldn't have happened to a better couple. The Andersons are a picture of contentment. Parents of three boys, all happily married, and four wonderful grandchildren, who they see regularly. Alas, I did not get to see Dave and Patty. But, the four M's (Matt, Michelle, Mike and Meghan) all welcomed me to their familty birthdat party for Bob. Happy 71st Birthday, Bob. I am close behind. The bonus, of course was to bond with the grandchildren. Talking science fair with Hannah, letting Brady use my camera, bonding with Simon (As "Winalsten") at the Falls and holding Elliot, in my arms. All menmorable events in a wonderful 6 day visit. The sincere love in the eyes of the 10 Andersons for each other was a joy to behold.
But, wait, what about the long discussions, sometimes until 1AM, with Bob and Nancy...on politics, religion....and the good iold days at Penn State, Nothing has changed between us in the 50 years we havew known each other, I hope it never does.
Fresno
From the big cities of Seattle and San Francisco to the California valley town of Fresno. Little did I know that Fresno was the third largest metro area in California. Over 500,000 in the city and 750,000 in their metro area. Who knew?????
And right in the thick of it all reside the Ckarks, five of them. Led by Rosie and Fred. Pillars if their communitty. Joined by Cricket, Donna, and Kenny. Cricket, who rode on my shoulders at Grand Canyon is now a full grown woman. Donna, who still remembers my photos. Alas, I do not really have much memory of Kenny. But, all five welcomed me as a long lost relative. Just as Rosie welcomed me from the east, almose 50 years ago when I arrived in Pasadena, naieve, a bit homesick and looking for friends. They still are.
One day is hardly enough time to see Fresno or relive joyous times. But, it was enough time for me to realize the diverse life the Clarks have lived. World travelers from Fred's work installing weather radars, house and apartment development owners from screwd investing....and..... pillars of their community. Who could ask for a better life.
It seemed like every policeman in Fresno knows and loves Rosie (or Roz as they know her) and Fred....as did everybody at MRI.
Well, here I am back in Washington. It is midnight and I am reliving my wonderful trip.
Good night all......
Thursday, January 6, 2011
President Obama's Dream Act Speech
Here is a speech I wish President Obama would make…. As a stand alone appeal, or as part of his State of the Union.
My fellow citizens (Ed note, I did not say “Fellow Americans” because we are only part of America)
The topic of my speech tonight is immigration, or more precisely, the Dream Act.
I submitted it to the 111th Congress, where it passed the House, but not the Senate.
I intend to resubmit it to the 112th Congress, in the hope that they will see its virtue.
Here is my argument, on plain and simple terms.
That starts with a short history lesson.
Our country, right from the start, has been built on the hard, creative work of immigrants from around the world.
Every one of our forefathers, or their parents or grandparents, was immigrants. Mostly from England. Immigrants, like the Pilgrims, who sought religious freedoms. But, also freedom of opportunity. In much of the old country, if you were born into wealth, you kept that wealth. But, if you were born into poverty, you remained impoverished. The new country offered you the opportunity to break these bonds of poverty. If you were capable, the sky was (and still is) the limit.
These immigrants, or their descendants, wrote the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, our early banking laws, the very foundations of our country.
Following on the heels of the founding fathers were the second wave of immigrants. In this case…forced immigrants. Yes, I speak now of the wave of slaves from Africa. They came unwillingly, under very harsh conditions. But, somehow they survived to produce a crop of descendants who have enriched our country with intellectualism, business acumen, sports stardom and a rich cultural heritage. This was the beginning of the diversification of our great country. Nobody can be proud of this forced immigration, but we can all appreciate what their descendants have added to our country.
The next wave of immigration occurred after the Civil War on through the World Wars. In this case, most came from Europe. Irish, Jewish, German, Italian, French, you name it. The US became the melting pot of the world. These waves of immigrants included inventors, entertainers, businessmen, etc. Immigrants blended totally into what we call the fabric of the United States. Many of these gained little or no note. But, many produced offspring who did. Second, third, and beyond generation citizens who built this country into the world power, economically, militarily and culturally through the last century.
As the century drew to a close, there came a wave of immigrants from new lands…. Asia, Middle East, India, and most significantly, Latin America.
Alas, some of the latter did not come here through conventional channels. We have come to call them ”Illegal Immigrants”. This is a major problem for us as a country and for them as a people.
But, the Dream Act, as many might want you to believe, does not give all of them paths to citizenship. Instead, it focuses tightly on the children they brought. Often, these children came at such a young age that they have no memory of their homelands. They learned English at a young age and speak just like the rest of us. They attend our schools, star in both classroom and on the sports fields, and join our military. In short, they are the very kind of immigrants that built our country in past years.
As our existing population levels off, we sorely need this wave of immigrants to keep us ahead of the world.
So, I beseech each and every citizen of this country, all 300+ million of you, to contact your Congressperson. Let him or her know that you back the Dream Act.
It is important, not only to those desiring citizenship, but to the many more who already possess it, by birth or naturalization. You or your ancestors were once immigrants. And you made this county try great. Now it is the turn for new immigrants, who have already demonstrated their potential for contribution, to be given that chance. That chance to discover the next long lasting battery to power cars, or the next renewable energy source, or become the next Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Elvis Presley or Michael Jordon. Yes, all of these were immigrants or their decendents.
My fellow citizens (Ed note, I did not say “Fellow Americans” because we are only part of America)
The topic of my speech tonight is immigration, or more precisely, the Dream Act.
I submitted it to the 111th Congress, where it passed the House, but not the Senate.
I intend to resubmit it to the 112th Congress, in the hope that they will see its virtue.
Here is my argument, on plain and simple terms.
That starts with a short history lesson.
Our country, right from the start, has been built on the hard, creative work of immigrants from around the world.
Every one of our forefathers, or their parents or grandparents, was immigrants. Mostly from England. Immigrants, like the Pilgrims, who sought religious freedoms. But, also freedom of opportunity. In much of the old country, if you were born into wealth, you kept that wealth. But, if you were born into poverty, you remained impoverished. The new country offered you the opportunity to break these bonds of poverty. If you were capable, the sky was (and still is) the limit.
These immigrants, or their descendants, wrote the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, our early banking laws, the very foundations of our country.
Following on the heels of the founding fathers were the second wave of immigrants. In this case…forced immigrants. Yes, I speak now of the wave of slaves from Africa. They came unwillingly, under very harsh conditions. But, somehow they survived to produce a crop of descendants who have enriched our country with intellectualism, business acumen, sports stardom and a rich cultural heritage. This was the beginning of the diversification of our great country. Nobody can be proud of this forced immigration, but we can all appreciate what their descendants have added to our country.
The next wave of immigration occurred after the Civil War on through the World Wars. In this case, most came from Europe. Irish, Jewish, German, Italian, French, you name it. The US became the melting pot of the world. These waves of immigrants included inventors, entertainers, businessmen, etc. Immigrants blended totally into what we call the fabric of the United States. Many of these gained little or no note. But, many produced offspring who did. Second, third, and beyond generation citizens who built this country into the world power, economically, militarily and culturally through the last century.
As the century drew to a close, there came a wave of immigrants from new lands…. Asia, Middle East, India, and most significantly, Latin America.
Alas, some of the latter did not come here through conventional channels. We have come to call them ”Illegal Immigrants”. This is a major problem for us as a country and for them as a people.
But, the Dream Act, as many might want you to believe, does not give all of them paths to citizenship. Instead, it focuses tightly on the children they brought. Often, these children came at such a young age that they have no memory of their homelands. They learned English at a young age and speak just like the rest of us. They attend our schools, star in both classroom and on the sports fields, and join our military. In short, they are the very kind of immigrants that built our country in past years.
As our existing population levels off, we sorely need this wave of immigrants to keep us ahead of the world.
So, I beseech each and every citizen of this country, all 300+ million of you, to contact your Congressperson. Let him or her know that you back the Dream Act.
It is important, not only to those desiring citizenship, but to the many more who already possess it, by birth or naturalization. You or your ancestors were once immigrants. And you made this county try great. Now it is the turn for new immigrants, who have already demonstrated their potential for contribution, to be given that chance. That chance to discover the next long lasting battery to power cars, or the next renewable energy source, or become the next Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Elvis Presley or Michael Jordon. Yes, all of these were immigrants or their decendents.
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