A Funny Thing About Asheville, NC

They don't plow when it snows.

It snowed a foot today. It started early in the morning and went on through dark. The temp hovered in the low 30's but never below 32. I was out driving from noon to 5 and realized that no streets were plowed. Not I-40. Not I-240. Not US-25 or US-25A. The Blue Ridge Parkway was closed. Cars sat diagonally on major streets because they couldn't make it up gentle inclines. Even with the amount of show, the streets would have been quite manageable, if they were plowed. Finally, after hours of backtracking and wondering if I'd get stuck, the unplowed driveway to Mom's apartment complex was what got me. I had to park on the side, along with the other 10 vehicles, and trudge up the long hill. After living through New England and Kansas winters, I was astonished that this city of nearly 79,000, did not plow its streets.

It was pretty though. By the way, those round objects in the photos are not orbs. Just snow.

Magical Visit with Sam in Chicago

I visited Sam in Chicago from Dec. 7-12. The weather was frigid. Sam and his sweetheart Lisa showed me a very good time. Sam has become quite a fine dancer and is in stellar shape. Lisa is a professional dancer and they perform well as partners. Just like when I'd visit Sam at Oberlin, I found myself inspired and hopeful for humanity.

Where Sam and Lisa Live

It's 4000 + square feet, the third and top floor of a building located at Ashland and Archer. It's the neighborhood where "The Jungle" was written. It has 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a nice kitchen. Heating is a problem. The building is for sale, $875,000. Sam lives with 6 other Oberliners, who want to buy the building and turn it into a performance space. Any investors?

Sam, Lisa and Teddy Impromptu Performance one Night

Sam and Lisa Dancing one morning

On Chicago's Fabulous Mass Transit System

Sam and Lisa took me out on the town, including a terrific vegetarian restaurant, run by followers of guru Master Sri Chinmoy. I was delighted to learn that followers also have a restaurant in Seattle called Silence Heart-Nest, in Fremont.

Downtown Chicago

Millenium Park, Faces Statue, "The Bean"

Impromptu Dinner Party

Mostly Oberlin Alumni, residing in Chicago

Flight from Chicago to Charlotte

In the first two photos you can see downtown Chicago. I think that's some of Indiana in the third one.

In Honor of My Father

Five years ago today my father died. I've been all emotion for the past two days as I searched for a yahrzeit candle, looked up when sundown was on the day before, and found these pictures.

Here's a pictorial remembrance.

Dad, I miss you so much.

A Day in the City with Jeff

Finally a photo of my 3rd housemate, Jeff. I have 4 days off (Fri-Mon), so I decided to get a watch. I haven't worn a watch in 6 years, I don't need it for timekeeping, nor do I want to wear a watch. All I need a second-hand for timing the pulse and respiration rates of my hospice clients. This should not be a big money outlay. Jeff suggested Target, since he's aware of my preference to avoid Wal-Mart. I said, "Take me," with the dual goal of getting to know the public transportation system for the first time, of which Jeff is well acquainted.

On Friday morning, we left at 10. Almost 3 hours later we arrived at Target. It's a 13 mile trip. The highlight of the public transit system is the Light Rail, which we rode in addition to the bus. The stations are modern and full of art, interesting lighting and clean. Also that day, I got a mighty dose of true Seattle weather. It poured, then was sunny, then hailed, then was sunny, then poured, then was sunny and on and on like that. I noticed how much my emotions were tied into the weather! When it poured, I felt down and when the sun came out I thought, "Who cares if a 13 mile trip takes 3 hours!"

Target was a bust. I just couldn't bring myself to buy a made-in-China watch for $20 OR their cheaper model for $14. Jeff suggested a Military Surplus store downtown. Ah downtown. We'd ridden through downtown several hours ago...or was it days? The sun was shining and blue painted the skies so I said, "Let's go!" We walked to the bus stop, waited a long time (again) for the bus, got on and 20 minutes later I was flabbergasted to see that we pulled up beside Target! The same one we left 45 minutes ago! Then we were on our way, to downtown. I could see the tall buildings far in the distance and since it was sunny at that moment, I thought, "how long could this take?" 30 minutes later the tall buildings looked like they hadn't moved. Jeff had no answer. It was pouring and I thought, "we're never going to get home."

Magically we got close enough to downtown and out of desperation, decided to walk to the Military Surplus store. There I saw an authentic military watch from Vietnam, for $400. The sales kid let me hold it. Powerful. The second hand was classy and sharp as a needle. I decided against the Vietnam and went with their cheapest watch for $14. The band bothers my skin, but I decided to ditch the band and hang the watch from my ID badge, which I wear around my neck.

Spending the day with Jeff made it for me. I very much enjoyed his company. We had many laughs and good conversation. Thanks, Jeff.