We've finally discovered the boundaries of where we live.
My wife, Chana, and I operate a B&B in Bayfield, WI on 24 acres.
It went on the market in late June. We have an accepted offer, whose
final requirement was to complete a survey to identify the east and
north boundaries. The survey was done Dec. 19. On the 20th we
walked the land, following stakes topped with pink surveyor's tape
to see exactly what we own.
In past walks around the land, we tried to estimate the north boundary
by following a buried strip of barbed wire that probably collapsed years ago.
On the 20th, we congratulated ourselves on our guesswork, because the
official survey and our path were surprisingly close together.
The gently falling snow also revealed a tiny everygreen tree that
Chana decided had a proper place in a Charley Brown cartoon.
And we discovered the intricate abandoned nest of a colony of bees
or hornets, which we'll save and use as an enhancement on the house.
The adventure also included a decision to move two benches from
where they'd been located for nearly 15 years. Both had to be
carried--schlepped is the word-- over snow-covered uneven ground.
One is a Carolina bench, whose construction and use of decorative
wrought iron added weight and required that we each balance it on
one shoulder and, as much as possible, walk at exactly the same pace.
The other, a six-foot, home-made project, needed to be balanced on
its side on two large boards laid on a kid's plastic coasting sled. We
had to pull it a couple hundred yards through fields of deep snow--
a challenge because the bench resisted our efforts to keep it centered
on the sled so the weight was evenly balanced.
It was a wonderful few hours. We discovered the boundaries of our
land, re-located two benches near our firepit--in time to celebrate the
winter solstice--and found a new appreciation for Mother Nature.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Ideas & Decisions
The Artesian House is for sale.
And we're in the process of renovating Chana's home in
nearby Washburn, with the goal of moving there after the
B&B sells. The renovation will take 5-6 months.
As for the sale of the inn...over the past several weeks,
we've rejected 3 offers, most recently Oct. 12.
On the 12th, we expected to receive 1 or 2 offers--
recognizing that if either were accepted, the likely late fall/
early winter closing would require us to 1) pack and store
the contents of the inn and 2) find a place to live during
the renovation. Cost estimates for both told us that
we were looking at significant dollars.
Chana had an idea.
Of course, she said, we need to monitor the renovation.
But let's step back from trying to sell the B&B right now.
Instead, let's stay in the inn during the renovation,
continue to welcome guests and save ourselves
some physical, emotional and financial strain.
Her idea led to a decision that makes good sense.
Thanks, Chana.
An announcement about "quiet season" changes at
the B&B is on our home page. Please visit.
And we're in the process of renovating Chana's home in
nearby Washburn, with the goal of moving there after the
B&B sells. The renovation will take 5-6 months.
As for the sale of the inn...over the past several weeks,
we've rejected 3 offers, most recently Oct. 12.
On the 12th, we expected to receive 1 or 2 offers--
recognizing that if either were accepted, the likely late fall/
early winter closing would require us to 1) pack and store
the contents of the inn and 2) find a place to live during
the renovation. Cost estimates for both told us that
we were looking at significant dollars.
Chana had an idea.
Of course, she said, we need to monitor the renovation.
But let's step back from trying to sell the B&B right now.
Instead, let's stay in the inn during the renovation,
continue to welcome guests and save ourselves
some physical, emotional and financial strain.
Her idea led to a decision that makes good sense.
Thanks, Chana.
An announcement about "quiet season" changes at
the B&B is on our home page. Please visit.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Hummers
Not the gas guzzlers most of us would rather not see on the road.
But the tiny feathered ones that amaze us with their agility,
speed, territorialism and mysterious ability to navigate back
and forth over the Gulf of Mexico and--as I understand it--
return to their previous food source at both ends of the trip.
I spent part of today laboring over a Sudoku and watching
the birds. The birds won.
It was a feeding frenzy most of the time...2, 3, 4 even 5
fighting for a spot at the feeder.
Bird A lands and starts to drink (or do they sip?). Bird
B wants a spot, but is chased away by A. While they're
gone, Bird C settles in. A returns and is challenged by C.
Off they go to see who prevails, and D arrives. And so
it goes.
There's still time left to enjoy them before they beef up,
respond to whatever tells them it's time, and head south.
All it takes is a feeder and a cup of sugar dissolved in
3 or 4 cups of boiling water.
And you're a spectator.
But the tiny feathered ones that amaze us with their agility,
speed, territorialism and mysterious ability to navigate back
and forth over the Gulf of Mexico and--as I understand it--
return to their previous food source at both ends of the trip.
I spent part of today laboring over a Sudoku and watching
the birds. The birds won.
It was a feeding frenzy most of the time...2, 3, 4 even 5
fighting for a spot at the feeder.
Bird A lands and starts to drink (or do they sip?). Bird
B wants a spot, but is chased away by A. While they're
gone, Bird C settles in. A returns and is challenged by C.
Off they go to see who prevails, and D arrives. And so
it goes.
There's still time left to enjoy them before they beef up,
respond to whatever tells them it's time, and head south.
All it takes is a feeder and a cup of sugar dissolved in
3 or 4 cups of boiling water.
And you're a spectator.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
2/29/2012
Every four years we get a bonus day on Feb. 29. It's called Leap Day.
This year it's aptly named. It represents a giant leap from three months of non-winter--December, January and all but one day of February--to the real thing.
As of noon on the 29th, it had been snowing steadily since midnight, and the weather folks said it would probably continue for the rest of the day.
The snow left our deck totally covered, and created nicely-rounded roofs on our bird feeders, making it hard for our feathered friends to access their food. So Chana, who is devoted to keeping the birds well fed, tiptoed out in her robe, cleared a path to the feeders and filled them. The birds were happy; the squirrels didn't get the message that they weren't welcome.
Our driveway is about 1,000 feet long, and the storm covered it with nearly 12 inches of beautiful--but heart attack-heavy--snow. No way to use the driveway, and I had no thought about anything resembling shoveling, but felt a short walk to the main road was called for.
It was more a trudge than a walk, but a perfect way to experience real winter.
The snow removal will come soon enough. For now, we'll relax and enjoy nature's Leap Day gift.
And it's obvious: March will come in like a lion.
This year it's aptly named. It represents a giant leap from three months of non-winter--December, January and all but one day of February--to the real thing.
As of noon on the 29th, it had been snowing steadily since midnight, and the weather folks said it would probably continue for the rest of the day.
The snow left our deck totally covered, and created nicely-rounded roofs on our bird feeders, making it hard for our feathered friends to access their food. So Chana, who is devoted to keeping the birds well fed, tiptoed out in her robe, cleared a path to the feeders and filled them. The birds were happy; the squirrels didn't get the message that they weren't welcome.
Our driveway is about 1,000 feet long, and the storm covered it with nearly 12 inches of beautiful--but heart attack-heavy--snow. No way to use the driveway, and I had no thought about anything resembling shoveling, but felt a short walk to the main road was called for.
It was more a trudge than a walk, but a perfect way to experience real winter.
The snow removal will come soon enough. For now, we'll relax and enjoy nature's Leap Day gift.
And it's obvious: March will come in like a lion.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Finally
Chana has moved.
From Washburn to Bayfield. Nine miles. Our households are combined.
It became a reality on December 19, 10 busy months since our February 19 wedding on Lake Superior.
From February to early June, she completed her teaching in Washburn, and retired. There was no chance to do any real moving during that four months. June through October brought the tourist season. So, with guests in the house...again, no time to combine households, except for her terrific reorganizing of the B&B basement to create "people" space and better storage. And during this time we had a garage built, where none had been before. It was finished in August, and we love it...but it occupied so much time.
In November and December we decided not to take guests, and devote those months to the priority of combining households. That meant Chana needed to sort and pack an incredible amount of accumulated treasures, plus countless trips for both of us, back and forth between Washburn and Bayfield, with trunks full of small boxes. In addition there was painting of the basement floors, stripping old carpet, prepping walls, painting and re-carpeting one of the four guest rooms...now our bedroom.
With holiday family commitments dead ahead, we rented a van and recruited friends to help move everything possible on December 17--a huge success. Two days later, the items too big to handle--freezer, refrigerator, washer, dryer and a few very special pieces of furniture--received the TLC of professional movers.
And that was it.
At 11 a.m. on December 19--exactly 10 months from the date and time of our wedding--Chana signed the bill and the movers said goodbye. We celebrated with Makers Mark and a fire in the yard where we'll build a fire pit--using the grate from Chana's fire pit in Washburn.
Still ahead: finding a place for the contents of at least some of those boxes.
From Washburn to Bayfield. Nine miles. Our households are combined.
It became a reality on December 19, 10 busy months since our February 19 wedding on Lake Superior.
From February to early June, she completed her teaching in Washburn, and retired. There was no chance to do any real moving during that four months. June through October brought the tourist season. So, with guests in the house...again, no time to combine households, except for her terrific reorganizing of the B&B basement to create "people" space and better storage. And during this time we had a garage built, where none had been before. It was finished in August, and we love it...but it occupied so much time.
In November and December we decided not to take guests, and devote those months to the priority of combining households. That meant Chana needed to sort and pack an incredible amount of accumulated treasures, plus countless trips for both of us, back and forth between Washburn and Bayfield, with trunks full of small boxes. In addition there was painting of the basement floors, stripping old carpet, prepping walls, painting and re-carpeting one of the four guest rooms...now our bedroom.
With holiday family commitments dead ahead, we rented a van and recruited friends to help move everything possible on December 17--a huge success. Two days later, the items too big to handle--freezer, refrigerator, washer, dryer and a few very special pieces of furniture--received the TLC of professional movers.
And that was it.
At 11 a.m. on December 19--exactly 10 months from the date and time of our wedding--Chana signed the bill and the movers said goodbye. We celebrated with Makers Mark and a fire in the yard where we'll build a fire pit--using the grate from Chana's fire pit in Washburn.
Still ahead: finding a place for the contents of at least some of those boxes.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Penn State
Our email to the Board of Trustees at Penn State:
Congratulations...
Your board acted courageously and correctly in dismissing the president and football coach to achieve the larger goal: preserving the school's reputation.
We can only hope this sends a clear message to your colleagues on university boards across the nation: that the school runs the football (and the athletic) program--not vice-versa.
Your board has already absorbed criticism from students and alumni. And we know there are too many other well-known examples of the "win at any cost" mentality--especially for football--at other schools.
That said, your action has properly set the bar at a higher level for a board's willingness and ability to deal with the excesses--financial, ethical and moral--of athletic programs.
Well done.
Al and Chana Chechik
Bayfield, WI
Congratulations...
Your board acted courageously and correctly in dismissing the president and football coach to achieve the larger goal: preserving the school's reputation.
We can only hope this sends a clear message to your colleagues on university boards across the nation: that the school runs the football (and the athletic) program--not vice-versa.
Your board has already absorbed criticism from students and alumni. And we know there are too many other well-known examples of the "win at any cost" mentality--especially for football--at other schools.
That said, your action has properly set the bar at a higher level for a board's willingness and ability to deal with the excesses--financial, ethical and moral--of athletic programs.
Well done.
Al and Chana Chechik
Bayfield, WI
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Progress Report
Chana and I are working hard to merge households...a challenge for two people who have been single--think of all the acquired habits of daily living--for a combined total of 45 years.
As Chana began to move--a few boxes at a time--into the B&B we share on three-day weekends, she insisted on becoming a part of her new residence by cleaning. That means cleaning virtually everything: rooms, closets, cupboards, the basement. Her theory is simple: the more she's physically in touch with her new home, the better the transition. And it's working.
She's done an amazing job of getting in touch...dusting, sweeping, washing and vacuuming.
Example: With 2,000+ sq. ft. of space--much of it unused, or poorly-used--the basement had great potential for her re-organizing touch. One area, home to firewood and tools for 15 years, has been given a great start toward becoming more usable. We've also added new doors to create easier access to two 14 x 40 foot spaces, one of which has been filled mainly with "stuff", the other completely vacant. They'll become storage and kids' play areas respectively.
Other projects have given the great room a new look by adding art pieces important to her, removed a surplus of my family photos from a stairway and "encouraged" me to take steps to convert my single-guy space upstairs to shared space.
The really remarkable transition has been the kitchen. It pitted the irresistable force of a skilled cook and veteran kitchen person ( with a major inventory of glasses, cups, bowls, platters and other kitchen equipment ) against the immovable object of a guy who's run a B&B for 15 years, and organized the kitchen precisely to suit his convenience.
The irresistable force is winning. The kitchen now has a new look, including: a much improved setup for coffee storage and preparation...the shift of plates, bowls and glasses used for B&B breakfasts to a much better spot...the simple move of a large bread box drawer one level higher, making it so much more convenient...and ditto for a gadget drawer.
Then there's the baking drawer. It holds mixing bowls, a sifter, a shredder, baking dishes and--importantly--flour. One day the flour was elsewhere... in a spot that made sense to both of us. The next morning I began to prepare breakfast featuring a favorite dish that requires flour. I looked in the previous location, then in every other cupboard and drawer in the kitchen. It was nowhere to be seen.
With apologies to Peter, Paul and Mary--I approached Chana and sang "Where Has All My Flour Gone?" She led me to the baking drawer. Which now contains one more important item.
Thanks, Chana. Your re-organization is very much appreciated.
As Chana began to move--a few boxes at a time--into the B&B we share on three-day weekends, she insisted on becoming a part of her new residence by cleaning. That means cleaning virtually everything: rooms, closets, cupboards, the basement. Her theory is simple: the more she's physically in touch with her new home, the better the transition. And it's working.
She's done an amazing job of getting in touch...dusting, sweeping, washing and vacuuming.
Example: With 2,000+ sq. ft. of space--much of it unused, or poorly-used--the basement had great potential for her re-organizing touch. One area, home to firewood and tools for 15 years, has been given a great start toward becoming more usable. We've also added new doors to create easier access to two 14 x 40 foot spaces, one of which has been filled mainly with "stuff", the other completely vacant. They'll become storage and kids' play areas respectively.
Other projects have given the great room a new look by adding art pieces important to her, removed a surplus of my family photos from a stairway and "encouraged" me to take steps to convert my single-guy space upstairs to shared space.
The really remarkable transition has been the kitchen. It pitted the irresistable force of a skilled cook and veteran kitchen person ( with a major inventory of glasses, cups, bowls, platters and other kitchen equipment ) against the immovable object of a guy who's run a B&B for 15 years, and organized the kitchen precisely to suit his convenience.
The irresistable force is winning. The kitchen now has a new look, including: a much improved setup for coffee storage and preparation...the shift of plates, bowls and glasses used for B&B breakfasts to a much better spot...the simple move of a large bread box drawer one level higher, making it so much more convenient...and ditto for a gadget drawer.
Then there's the baking drawer. It holds mixing bowls, a sifter, a shredder, baking dishes and--importantly--flour. One day the flour was elsewhere... in a spot that made sense to both of us. The next morning I began to prepare breakfast featuring a favorite dish that requires flour. I looked in the previous location, then in every other cupboard and drawer in the kitchen. It was nowhere to be seen.
With apologies to Peter, Paul and Mary--I approached Chana and sang "Where Has All My Flour Gone?" She led me to the baking drawer. Which now contains one more important item.
Thanks, Chana. Your re-organization is very much appreciated.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Wedding
You may ask, how is it possible to have a blog, get married and not post anything for five weeks after the wedding?
A legitimate question.
Well, time has flown by since our party of 19 kids and grandkids navigated out on the ice of Lake Superior on February 19 to witness and participate as we were married.
I'll credit Chana for the idea to be married on the lake...in February. It sounded offbeat and unique and was a reflection of our mutual feeling about this wonderful body of water that's so much a part of our lives here in far northern Wisconsin.
But with thawing, freezing and high winds during the days before the wedding, we were both glad to have a Plan B ready...just in case the weather person didn't cooperate on the 19th.
But he/she did. It was a gorgeous, sunny, calm day. . . in the mid-20s. And our families, ranging in age from 13 months to 76+ years, arrived prepared to spend a bit of time on the ice. The ceremony took 25 minutes. Those who wanted to say a few words had the chance, and the words were heartfelt and deeply appreciated by everyone. A friend from nearby Ashland performed the ceremony; a Bayfield friend was the official photographer. We enjoyed a post-wedding lunch at a favorite Bayfield eatery.
It was perfect.
Now, 5+ weeks later, we've begun the transition. Chana lives in Washburn. She's a special ed aide in the Washburn schools. I'm in Bayfield. I operate a B&B. We're 9 miles apart and involved in putting our two households together. She's been single for 30 years; me for 15. We're both recognizing how much you accumulate in that time--stuff... and the habits of day-to-day living--as we start to create a new home.
A few minutes before writing this, I was folding laundry and listening to folk music on Public Radio. Appropriately, the first song I heard was titled "We Will Adjust. "
As we're both learning.
Monday, February 14, 2011
This Week
This week begins with Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2011.
This week ends when I get married, Feb. 19.
She's Chana Hilger...fiancee since Oct. 13, 2010, friend for many years. Her name is pronounced like the Jewish bread, Challah--a gutteral "ch".
This week: hope Chana's back problem continues to improve...call the guy who plows the driveway, just in case it snows...see if we can bring champagne to the restaurant after the ceremony...get the clubhouse key in case weather requires us to use Plan B...call the photographer...call the restaurant about our night-before (they call it rehearsal) dinner... exchange part of her wedding ensemble for a smaller size...etc. etc.
I'll be ending life as a single after 14+ years. Chana is doing the same after 30 years.
This week: Lots of thoughts. All good.
This week ends when I get married, Feb. 19.
She's Chana Hilger...fiancee since Oct. 13, 2010, friend for many years. Her name is pronounced like the Jewish bread, Challah--a gutteral "ch".
This week: hope Chana's back problem continues to improve...call the guy who plows the driveway, just in case it snows...see if we can bring champagne to the restaurant after the ceremony...get the clubhouse key in case weather requires us to use Plan B...call the photographer...call the restaurant about our night-before (they call it rehearsal) dinner... exchange part of her wedding ensemble for a smaller size...etc. etc.
I'll be ending life as a single after 14+ years. Chana is doing the same after 30 years.
This week: Lots of thoughts. All good.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Green & Gold
Packer Memory
Talk about history. Sunday's game for the NFC title and a trip to the Super Bowl will be the first time the Packers and Bears have met in a playoff game since 1941--a week after Pearl Harbor Day.
The game has tweaked my memory for a bit of my Packer history.
As a sports reporter for a newspaper in Wausau, WI in the early 60s--five years before the Super Bowl existed--I decided, spur-of-the-moment, to visit the Packers training camp in Green Bay. It was August, 1961, and I drove over, accompanied by my wife and 9-month-old son.
After the morning practice, I caught up with Coach Vince Lombardi as he headed toward the locker room, figuring it was my chance for a quick interview...maybe a few good quotes. With pen and notebook in hand, I fired my opener: "Coach, how's practice going?"
I'll never forget that moment. He turned--didn't so much look at me, as through me--and said "Slow". Then he mumbled something like "Wait here." It suddenly occurred to me that maybe you don't drive 100 miles, unannounced, to an NFL team's summer practice and expect to get an impromptu interview with the coach.
After an uncomfortable wait, the Packers PR guy found me, answered a few questions and suggested that next time I'd be smart to let them know my plans in advance.
My story was heavy on the atmosphere surrounding practice.
And very light on the coach's comments.
Talk about history. Sunday's game for the NFC title and a trip to the Super Bowl will be the first time the Packers and Bears have met in a playoff game since 1941--a week after Pearl Harbor Day.
The game has tweaked my memory for a bit of my Packer history.
As a sports reporter for a newspaper in Wausau, WI in the early 60s--five years before the Super Bowl existed--I decided, spur-of-the-moment, to visit the Packers training camp in Green Bay. It was August, 1961, and I drove over, accompanied by my wife and 9-month-old son.
After the morning practice, I caught up with Coach Vince Lombardi as he headed toward the locker room, figuring it was my chance for a quick interview...maybe a few good quotes. With pen and notebook in hand, I fired my opener: "Coach, how's practice going?"
I'll never forget that moment. He turned--didn't so much look at me, as through me--and said "Slow". Then he mumbled something like "Wait here." It suddenly occurred to me that maybe you don't drive 100 miles, unannounced, to an NFL team's summer practice and expect to get an impromptu interview with the coach.
After an uncomfortable wait, the Packers PR guy found me, answered a few questions and suggested that next time I'd be smart to let them know my plans in advance.
My story was heavy on the atmosphere surrounding practice.
And very light on the coach's comments.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
ZZZZZZZZZZ....
It was tough enough to watch the GOP's takeover of the Wisconsin statehouse as well as the U.S. House of Representatives (and gain strength in a Democratically-diminished Senate).
Now I learn that--OMG--Justin Bieber sometimes suffers from insomnia.
I understand that Justin, 16, is roughly the current teenagers' equivalent to Frank Sinatra back in the 40's...that's the 1940's. However, I wouldn't recognize him if he walked into my B&B.
He told Vanity Fair his mind races at night, because he begins to "think about all the things I didn't have time to think about during the day." OK, credit him for including family and God in those thoughts.
It may surprise him to learn that he's among millions whose mind works overtime when head hits pillow. Like me, on occasion, if you can't clear your mind to create a sound sleep, you may join Justin in the world of insomnia. We just won't tell our story to a trendy magazine.
Life is busy, complicated and full of challenges and choices. Thinking doesn't neatly stop at bedtime.
Man up, Justin.
Now I learn that--OMG--Justin Bieber sometimes suffers from insomnia.
I understand that Justin, 16, is roughly the current teenagers' equivalent to Frank Sinatra back in the 40's...that's the 1940's. However, I wouldn't recognize him if he walked into my B&B.
He told Vanity Fair his mind races at night, because he begins to "think about all the things I didn't have time to think about during the day." OK, credit him for including family and God in those thoughts.
It may surprise him to learn that he's among millions whose mind works overtime when head hits pillow. Like me, on occasion, if you can't clear your mind to create a sound sleep, you may join Justin in the world of insomnia. We just won't tell our story to a trendy magazine.
Life is busy, complicated and full of challenges and choices. Thinking doesn't neatly stop at bedtime.
Man up, Justin.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A Decade Ends
A Decade Ends
In the context of the past 10 years, Dec. 31, 2010 was a very calm day...one that turned out much calmer than I expected.
Mid-morning I connected with a Madison friend who had called several days earlier to offer congratulations on my upcoming marriage. Then, a call from Bayfield friends who invited my fiancee, Chana, and me to their home to celebrate the New Year. The party's at 8...OK, I'll buy some champagne, wine and herring to go with the hosts' nibbles. Late afternoon...another call to long-time Madison friends to catch up on family happenings.
Meanwhile, the weather was getting dicey. A three-day combination of snow, rain, sleet, then cold was creating driving havoc. Chana said the roads in Washburn were sheets of ice...she was reluctant to drive the 9 miles to Bayfield for the party. Around 7:15 she said "I'm not driving." I called the hostess and cancelled.
So...a solo New Year's Eve. I had thawed a salmon for possible consumption on New Year's Day. It was tasty, accompanied by vodka and a call from son Joel in CA for the Rose Bowl. I worked through a few Sudokus (a major achievement--I finally figured out the process). I read Time's Person of the Year issue, which took 23 pages to confirm why I choose not to be part of the world of Facebook. I called Chana and wished her a Happy New Year. A couple yawns, and it was an early-to-sleep New Year's Eve.
January 1, 2011...clear head...9 a.m. greetings from Chana...temperature zero...snow to shovel...ice to chop.
Have a good year. Leave a comment.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Never Say Never...
...one of 11 principles that evolved in the career of Robert McNamara, as I learned from "The Fog of War", an Oscar-winning documentary. Not sure what prompted me to select this at our local library, but it was an enlightening two hours, especially in view of two names in today's headlines---Afghanistan and North Korea.
McNamara described the October, 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when he was involved as Secretary of Defense under JFK, and the world teetered on the brink of a nuclear confrontation. The principle emerging from that episode was "Have empathy with your enemy", referring to both Fidel Castro and Nikita Khruschev.
There was brief footage of the celebrations immediately after World War I, and a jubilant Pres. Woodrow Wilson expressing hope that it would be "the war to end all wars."
At Ford, McNamara became the first non-Ford family member to become company president, a role he held just briefly before moving to the Kennedy cabinet.
Much of the film focused on his recollecctions of Vietnam, under JFK and then Lyndon Johnson. Asked whether the principle that emerged from the Cuban crisis--"Empathy with your enemy"--helped in Vietnam, he said, with deep regret, "In the Cuban crisis, we put ourselves in the skin of the Soviets. We didn't know enough to do that in Vietnam."
Among other principles that should have application today: "Be prepared to re-examine your reasoning". "In order to do good, you may have to engage in evil" and "You can't change human nature."
It's worth watching. Tell me your reaction.
McNamara described the October, 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when he was involved as Secretary of Defense under JFK, and the world teetered on the brink of a nuclear confrontation. The principle emerging from that episode was "Have empathy with your enemy", referring to both Fidel Castro and Nikita Khruschev.
There was brief footage of the celebrations immediately after World War I, and a jubilant Pres. Woodrow Wilson expressing hope that it would be "the war to end all wars."
At Ford, McNamara became the first non-Ford family member to become company president, a role he held just briefly before moving to the Kennedy cabinet.
Much of the film focused on his recollecctions of Vietnam, under JFK and then Lyndon Johnson. Asked whether the principle that emerged from the Cuban crisis--"Empathy with your enemy"--helped in Vietnam, he said, with deep regret, "In the Cuban crisis, we put ourselves in the skin of the Soviets. We didn't know enough to do that in Vietnam."
Among other principles that should have application today: "Be prepared to re-examine your reasoning". "In order to do good, you may have to engage in evil" and "You can't change human nature."
It's worth watching. Tell me your reaction.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Threads
Sometimes it's best to tell stories on yourself. ..even if embarrassing.
I hang bird feeders daily on my deck. Two feeders hang on hooks attached to the house; a third is suspended from a plastic cord anchored by turnbuckles to the house at one end and a pole on the other.
This morning I hooked one feeder to the middle of the cord, and watched everything plummet to the deck as one turnbuckle tore away from its anchor on the house.
No big deal, I thought. I'll screw it back into the turnbuckle and re-attach it. I fitted the screw into the turnbuckle and turned it. It wouldn't engage. I tried again...and again. I took the screw off the other end to see if that would work.
No success. I figured the threads were stripped.
So I stopped at Ace Hardware, explained the problem and asked the manager to help.
'No problem" he said, fitting the screw into the turnbuckle immediately.
"Turnbuckles are threaded counter-clockwise." he said with a smile.
Which I would have known if I were a sailor.
I hang bird feeders daily on my deck. Two feeders hang on hooks attached to the house; a third is suspended from a plastic cord anchored by turnbuckles to the house at one end and a pole on the other.
This morning I hooked one feeder to the middle of the cord, and watched everything plummet to the deck as one turnbuckle tore away from its anchor on the house.
No big deal, I thought. I'll screw it back into the turnbuckle and re-attach it. I fitted the screw into the turnbuckle and turned it. It wouldn't engage. I tried again...and again. I took the screw off the other end to see if that would work.
No success. I figured the threads were stripped.
So I stopped at Ace Hardware, explained the problem and asked the manager to help.
'No problem" he said, fitting the screw into the turnbuckle immediately.
"Turnbuckles are threaded counter-clockwise." he said with a smile.
Which I would have known if I were a sailor.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Thanks, Guests
A recent breakfast helped me rediscover why being an innkeeper can be such a joy.
The weekend brought together four couples who'd never met before...and represented a wide-range of occupations, blue and white collar. I had met all eight when they checked in, but I hadn't seen any of them converse, except for a brief "hello" when I introduced them.
The next morning, I was in the kitchen starting to prepare breakfast when they emerged from their rooms, one or two at a time. They picked up coffee, immediately introduced themselves and soon the great room was buzzing with animated conversation. This isn't always the pattern, because often couples get coffee, sit by themselves and may not meet other guests until everyone is seated for breakfast.
And the table conversation was active and varied: from mining to unions to education to linguistics to politics. I believe we all left the table a bit wiser in areas in which we weren't so well-versed before breakfast.
It was my pleasure to tell them that it was occasions like this that make it so rewarding to be an innkeeper.
The weekend brought together four couples who'd never met before...and represented a wide-range of occupations, blue and white collar. I had met all eight when they checked in, but I hadn't seen any of them converse, except for a brief "hello" when I introduced them.
The next morning, I was in the kitchen starting to prepare breakfast when they emerged from their rooms, one or two at a time. They picked up coffee, immediately introduced themselves and soon the great room was buzzing with animated conversation. This isn't always the pattern, because often couples get coffee, sit by themselves and may not meet other guests until everyone is seated for breakfast.
And the table conversation was active and varied: from mining to unions to education to linguistics to politics. I believe we all left the table a bit wiser in areas in which we weren't so well-versed before breakfast.
It was my pleasure to tell them that it was occasions like this that make it so rewarding to be an innkeeper.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Formulas
A formula is what infants eat.
It's also a category of race cars.
And, thanks to a Father's Day gift from my sons--Marc in
St. Louis and Joel in Minneapolis--the three of us had a chance
to sample the latter, July 26 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.
Elkhart Lake came to prominence in the early 1950s when
enterprising local leaders created the idea of road racing
through the town--then a population of about 500. The races
attracted large crowds and some of the world's leading
drivers. A few years later, a 4+ mile course was built nearby, and
it's hosted major events ever since.
Our instruction took place on a 2.1 mile course laid out inside the
larger Road America course. There was some classroom
conversation, then...out to the track in protective
driving suits (and they're warm) carrying our helmets.
The car is open-wheel, 1,100-pounds, capable of 130 mph--in effect,
a big, sleek go-kart on steroids. We were shown the brake-clutch-accelerator
relationship and sequential gearshift system...old stuff for motorcycle
riders like my sons, but not for me. We donned our helmets, sardined
ourselves into the car, fastened safety harnesses and were ready to go.
In small groups, we were told to follow an instructor in a lead car
show us the "line" through the series of turns (some, 90 degrees)
and straightaways.
While I didn't come close to challenging the car's potential speed
capability, I found that even 70 or 80 in a car with such immediate
response tends to focus your attention...quickly.
We had 90 minutes on the course, with a couple breaks.
I may have circled the course about 15 times, and could feel myself
gaining confidence with each lap. And I definitely was aware of
learning to anticipate what was ahead and positioning the car
accordingly.
The MasterCard ad says it well: The chance to share
an experience with the sons who gave me the gift...
Priceless.
It's also a category of race cars.
And, thanks to a Father's Day gift from my sons--Marc in
St. Louis and Joel in Minneapolis--the three of us had a chance
to sample the latter, July 26 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.
Elkhart Lake came to prominence in the early 1950s when
enterprising local leaders created the idea of road racing
through the town--then a population of about 500. The races
attracted large crowds and some of the world's leading
drivers. A few years later, a 4+ mile course was built nearby, and
it's hosted major events ever since.
Our instruction took place on a 2.1 mile course laid out inside the
larger Road America course. There was some classroom
conversation, then...out to the track in protective
driving suits (and they're warm) carrying our helmets.
The car is open-wheel, 1,100-pounds, capable of 130 mph--in effect,
a big, sleek go-kart on steroids. We were shown the brake-clutch-accelerator
relationship and sequential gearshift system...old stuff for motorcycle
riders like my sons, but not for me. We donned our helmets, sardined
ourselves into the car, fastened safety harnesses and were ready to go.
In small groups, we were told to follow an instructor in a lead car
show us the "line" through the series of turns (some, 90 degrees)
and straightaways.
While I didn't come close to challenging the car's potential speed
capability, I found that even 70 or 80 in a car with such immediate
response tends to focus your attention...quickly.
We had 90 minutes on the course, with a couple breaks.
I may have circled the course about 15 times, and could feel myself
gaining confidence with each lap. And I definitely was aware of
learning to anticipate what was ahead and positioning the car
accordingly.
The MasterCard ad says it well: The chance to share
an experience with the sons who gave me the gift...
Priceless.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Fruit Flies and Chiquita
When I was growing up--back in the last century--the moguls in the
banana industry created a spokesperson: Chiquita Banana.
They wrote a jingle...the last line of which was: "And you should
never put bananas...( long pause)... in the refrigerator."
Ever since I heard that in the 50's, I observed Chiquita's advice.
The thought of giving a banana a cool home never crossed my mind.
Until recently.
Bananas hanging on a hook to ripen are a prime target for fruit flies.
So on a recent trip to the supermarket, I asked the produce guy if he
had any bananas that didn't attract fruit flies. Somewhat startled, he said,
"Hey, just put 'em in the refrigerator."
I reminded him of Chiquita's advice. He said, not to worry. The skin may
change color a bit after a few days, but the banana isn't affected--except for being
cold and a little firmer.
I bought a bunch of bananas July 16 and parked them in the fridge. My guests
have eaten--and enjoyed--two, and the others still look good.
Sorry, Chiquita. I heeded your advice for 60+ years. You misled me.
banana industry created a spokesperson: Chiquita Banana.
They wrote a jingle...the last line of which was: "And you should
never put bananas...( long pause)... in the refrigerator."
Ever since I heard that in the 50's, I observed Chiquita's advice.
The thought of giving a banana a cool home never crossed my mind.
Until recently.
Bananas hanging on a hook to ripen are a prime target for fruit flies.
So on a recent trip to the supermarket, I asked the produce guy if he
had any bananas that didn't attract fruit flies. Somewhat startled, he said,
"Hey, just put 'em in the refrigerator."
I reminded him of Chiquita's advice. He said, not to worry. The skin may
change color a bit after a few days, but the banana isn't affected--except for being
cold and a little firmer.
I bought a bunch of bananas July 16 and parked them in the fridge. My guests
have eaten--and enjoyed--two, and the others still look good.
Sorry, Chiquita. I heeded your advice for 60+ years. You misled me.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
A Lesson
In our daily lives, most of us encounter problems, troubles, inconveniences...call them what you will...big and small. In today's PC lingo, they're sometimes referred to as "challenges." As an innkeeper, I see a few...usually medical conditions that limit a guest's mobility or require special equipment in their room.
I had the privilege recently of observing a guest whose situation helped me to reflect on things that occur in my life--usually minor--that I tend to regard as "problems."
He is confined to a wheelchair and is not mobile. His vehicle, which he drives, has a ramp. With a little help from his wife, he accessed my deck and his room and his van. They adjusted to the physical arrangements immediately.
I asked about the circumstances of his disability. It was a car-truck accident when he was 19--he's now 52--resulting in spinal cord injuries. He was a college athlete--track and swimming.
And as I observed them, I reflected on how easily I become annoyed by simple things that could/should be brushed off.
The imprint he left: a big smile, easy laugh, sense of humor, positive attitude, great flexibility and a wonderful partner. When they checked out, I thanked them for providing me a reminder to be more grateful for the life I've been given, and to look at so-called "challenges" as what they often are: undiscovered opportunities.
Thanks, M and T
I had the privilege recently of observing a guest whose situation helped me to reflect on things that occur in my life--usually minor--that I tend to regard as "problems."
He is confined to a wheelchair and is not mobile. His vehicle, which he drives, has a ramp. With a little help from his wife, he accessed my deck and his room and his van. They adjusted to the physical arrangements immediately.
I asked about the circumstances of his disability. It was a car-truck accident when he was 19--he's now 52--resulting in spinal cord injuries. He was a college athlete--track and swimming.
And as I observed them, I reflected on how easily I become annoyed by simple things that could/should be brushed off.
The imprint he left: a big smile, easy laugh, sense of humor, positive attitude, great flexibility and a wonderful partner. When they checked out, I thanked them for providing me a reminder to be more grateful for the life I've been given, and to look at so-called "challenges" as what they often are: undiscovered opportunities.
Thanks, M and T
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Israel
Not the small, beleaguered country in the mideast.
It's the late Hawaiian singer with the impossible-to-pronounce last name:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
He recorded a remarkable version of "Over the Rainbow".
I often tune to AM740 in Toronto, where they play
hits from the 40's thru the 80's in the wee hours--
midnight to maybe 5 a.m.
Again last night: I was dozing, hearing an occasional song,
but not really listening. About 3:14 a.m. I caught the
tinkle of a ukelele and then Israel's voice, moving into his unique
rendition of the song named "#1 Song of the Century" that
Judy Garland first recorded in 1938.
The phrasing, the notes he improvises, the simple backup of a uke create
memorable listening.
Google it....Over the Rainbow, Israel. See if you agree.
It's the late Hawaiian singer with the impossible-to-pronounce last name:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
He recorded a remarkable version of "Over the Rainbow".
I often tune to AM740 in Toronto, where they play
hits from the 40's thru the 80's in the wee hours--
midnight to maybe 5 a.m.
Again last night: I was dozing, hearing an occasional song,
but not really listening. About 3:14 a.m. I caught the
tinkle of a ukelele and then Israel's voice, moving into his unique
rendition of the song named "#1 Song of the Century" that
Judy Garland first recorded in 1938.
The phrasing, the notes he improvises, the simple backup of a uke create
memorable listening.
Google it....Over the Rainbow, Israel. See if you agree.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Finally Got One!
It seems a lot of time lately has been devoted to our feathered friends. Keeping the feeders filled, building a fly-through to (try to ) attract Cardinals and welcoming the Hummers.
OK...strangely enough, 5 minutes after I finished this blog, I wandered downstairs and--lo and behold--there was a Cardinal in the feeder. Not even the fly-through, but the feeder that's attracted Chickadees, Goldfinches and Red-Winged Blackbirds.
So I took a few photos, and...I was lucky and able to manipulate the computer. So here's the lucky Cardinal that located my feeder.
OK...strangely enough, 5 minutes after I finished this blog, I wandered downstairs and--lo and behold--there was a Cardinal in the feeder. Not even the fly-through, but the feeder that's attracted Chickadees, Goldfinches and Red-Winged Blackbirds.
So I took a few photos, and...I was lucky and able to manipulate the computer. So here's the lucky Cardinal that located my feeder.
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