I'm Thinking Coastal--incredible to have choices

It is still difficult for me to recognize choices in my life, and not fall prey to the inner voice that tends to imprison me. Leaving Memphis was a huge exercise in stepping back and realizing that it was possible for me to take off into the unknown if I so chose. And so I did.

There is a purpose for this trip as I know my destination is to make it to the family celebration in Oregon, of all places. None of us live there, but that is how we roll these days.

It seems too complicated, expensive, and too much long haul driving with time constraints for it to make sense to hook up with vagabond lady. Things don't always time out for my convenience.

The low pressure plan is to ride the coast north of LA all the way up to Oregon. I've never done it and it seems a shame to be here and not give it a shot, now that I am in the mood. And because it is possible. Breaking away from the usual always feels odd, like I need to go to confession, or like I've stolen something, SHOULD BE doing other unknown things.

Truth is, I could be smashed by errant space objects and never have lived that bit of adventure and beauty which is here to enjoy. As time goes on, many things are best done sooner than later.

Guess I'll finally have to get a new windshield, that long standing S shaped crack is crawling again. These are expenses which cut into the kayak fund. Besides I haven't decided what is ultimately the best craft for my use. I'm not planning to shoot rapids, I don't think. Maybe I'll just wait for Lotto to call my name and settle for a ChrisCraft. I doubt it, though.

Countdown to a Road Trip

All I know is that I need to be north of CA by the first part of August for the big hooplah. Both my nephews are now married, and one has a child. It is a miracle. I spent most of my youth with the tacit conviction that my sibling and I could not possibly be real humans and produce more such creatures.

He clearly proved me wrong. Not only that but he did a great job of it. I'm not so sure I would have. Besides, no one who was ever in that kitchen wanted to pull any of my offspring out of the oven. Is that a metaphor of some sort? Not sure if it is just mixed or mixed up. My tale of woe when it comes to such things is a sad saga best suited for another day. Or never.

Anyway, my nephews are my heroes. They both have done things much like I think I might have, had I any sense for the first half of my life. At least everyone pretends that my influence on them was significant and positive. Probably true.

They were too young to know of my most desperate moments, but I avoided family during those years anyway. They were well schooled by their parents, and smart enough to realize that they possess the genes which could easily render them hopeless alcoholics or hop heads should they get too careless. Then again, I suppose by some twist of fate one could be a hopeful hop head/alcoholic. Not that it would do any good.

That is just another way of saying that I am determined to be there to celebrate young L's betrothal. Young; he was cautious and didn't get hitched until he was almost 33. Same age I was when I got divorced. Boy oh boy. Then later I find out, "Oh no, I never intended to have kids". I know I wasn't that drunk. Maybe you could have said so one of those times I was fantasizing out loud about the value of having 5 or 7 or 9 babies. I thought an odd number would be good at that time.

Now I think one or two children provide about all the abuse anyone needs in one life.

So, it will either be a slow trek up the coast, or a zigzag over to Yellowstone for a few day fling, then back to OR. I'm leaning toward the coastal route. I'm not sure the flingee is really making enough of a good faith effort. There may be reasons, but it still leaves me to be the one jumping through hoops. That is the only thing about this age--good looking women who are reasonable candidates for whatever are far and few between. Throw in my intrinsic difficulties and eccentricities, and we have odds approaching those of winning the lottery.

Hey Obama, screw spreading the wealth, let's spread the love, dammit. I see plenty of trophies with wealthy guys who can't possibly be any fun. I should have been a pool boy. In SoCal I think that is a very satisfying occupation. Tennis instructor is right there, too, but a little more complicated.

(although my hat's off to George Hamilton. He's always been a funny guy, and made shameless vanity work well for himself)

America, The Beautiful

w/Jonathan Stone doing something in Aminor. The guy is killer on 12 string
Happy Independence Day



Independence. Free of tyranny. Almost.

The seed of the thought is here. To me the true culture of being American is to neither be a tyrant nor tolerate tyranny. That is the real American dream. The rest follows.

I know that has been lost in the maze somewhere and that the culture is one which is largely unaware of how that works. But thoughts can catch on, just like fads do. I'd think the idea that everyone has the right to be a fool or genius or in between, providing he doesn't force his folly and will upon others, should be easier for people to embrace than the idea that it is cool to wear your trousers so that your ass is hanging out. Just people exercising the right to be fools, I guess. Just like those who keep defining "the American Dream" as some sort of win in the big bingo game of material acquisition.

I know of no modern state which is clearly overbearing and tyrannical which does not enact its oppression in the name of the greater good, and claim it is for the benefit of "the people". In America the protection of the freedom of the individual should be the highest priority. The seed was planted, and discussions of the personal flaws of those who sowed that seed are irrelevant to the idea. We should be becoming a freer state, not the opposite.

The authority of the state exists by our permission. If the balance is lost and we find that we exist by its permission, then we need to abridge or cast off that authority.

I won't give up. I'm glad I live here. It is one beautiful place which was formed in a way which pointed to even greater beauty.
When abuse of power of any kind is less the stuff that feeds ego, and is not taken for granted as business as usual, we'll be on our way. So don't speed up to prevent that person from changing lanes just because you can. These things start with common courtesy and decency.

This is the day to remember the decision to no longer be subjects of authority, but the kings of our own lives. It is not about big military displays, per se. We can be proud, but not just of brute force for its own sake. Independence yields pride on every level.

Who Do You Love? I Heart Colorado

It is always thrilling and ever so reassuring when a political figure flies into a disaster site, often inconveniencing the locals due to security, special precautions and general royal treatment and demands, then pretends that gazing at the destruction of the area with just the perfect serious "Dad look" is somehow productive. These are expensive bits of stage play.

. I certainly felt better when Obama stopped in for the obligatory disaster photo op, as I always do when heads of government "tour" a disaster scene. It is somehow overly transparent that they don't really gain any knowledge they couldn't otherwise learn through modern communication means. But it is supposed to reassure those who see themselves as subjects and children of a benevolent and parental power such as the Federal government.

Probably just me, but it makes me a little queazy. Photos get taken, then it is off to raise money for re-election, or find a disaster free zone for some golf or general scheming. It is the whole theatrical thing that annoys me. No one ought to think the president is going to fly in and extinguish a wildfire, fix the aftermath of a hurricane or earthquake. They can direct agencies and other bureaucrats to help in some ways. And they can do it all without the "Tour". I've seen this routine from senators, governors, presidents and any others who can get away with wasting tax money on their self aggrandizement.

But what I was really thinking was how people in this country tend to rally to help those in dire straits. Often they are more motivated if it is a place far away, where people of a different culture dwell. With all the serious trouble here, I can never quite fathom why so much missionary work is always overseas somewhere.

So, I pondered the phenomenon. My conclusion is that, although Americans tend to rush to aid when the worst happens to our own. They rush a bit more if the worst hits people who are already living worse than animals like bears and chipmunks. Why is that? Not everyone of us is of that ilk, but there is that trend in many circles.

I think it is because they like to go places where they feel superior to the locals. Be the big genius and savior. You go cruising in somewhere in which the wheel is barely understood, and the concept of using a pipe and gravity to move water is looked on as God-like magic, you are suddenly SOMEBODY instead of just a regular American fish swimming in the vast American pond. You are now a big fish in a small pond.

When I see such destruction in a place as beautiful and special as Colorado I hope for the resources being spent to build things for other countries to be redirected to help our own people. We build schools and all kinds of things for people who hate us. Yet we still have gangs in cities and people being chased out of their homes by fires while bears and looters wreak havoc in their absence.

I really think any looter caught in the act in such circumstances should be executed and tossed somewhere where vultures, coyotes and other creatures can dispose of the remains. No trial, no nothing.

Bears have been taking advantage as well. I won't say I told you so, but now their true character comes out. Looters, bears, they all suck. Maybe there is hope if bears could be trained to loot from looters and bully them a bit. I guess a bear can't help it if it has such a keen sense of smell, and such an appetite that it seeks out the food left out in a house where people had to evacuate in a hurry. I still don't think they have more right to exist than we do.

There are those who claim we are encroaching on the bears' territory and all that. I wonder exactly what is our habitat? It seems humans, like mice, pretty much make anyplace home. Most of the earth works out for us. Like bears being bears, it is what we are, so why the guilt?

I wonder what is going on this summer--fires in the west, storms and no power to the east. (Has that be toured and recorded, replete with the Dad Look?) Easy going, so far, in San Diego county, except in lies in an ever encroaching nanny state. Pretty much they only mess with the conspicuous, those who own land and things, have children, and hire people. I own little, no kids, and I'm not presently hiring. That keeps me from being destroyed out here. If you go into business, best to find some sort of intangible, don't manufacture or make things. Software is probably as safe as anything.

Well I hope the missionaries go fix the forest in Colorado rather than get served for dinner by some far away cannibal community. Speaking of hostile environments, sounds like DC is experiencing hard times. Poor Virginia. What a bummer to have DC bumped up against your state.

Then again, I may move to CO one day, and I may like it better if the missionaries aren't there.

Product Reviews; part 722012

After a little checking online, I decided to purchase another Dewalt sander. The one I have has done fairly well. The Makita I used for awhile was great in many ways, but the clips which hold the paper fell apart because the metal spring clips are poorly attached into the molded plastic sides, and when that plastic bit breaks off, it is not good.

The Dewalt has OK clips to hold the sandpaper, but it is kind of a pain. They didn't fall off after much extended use, so that is a plus.

We are talking 1/4 sheet finish sanders here. I do, however, use them for pre-finish work a lot. Sometimes you can't go the random orbital route.

OK. So it seemed that Home Depot was as good a place as any to get the sander. I checked various places online and prices were about the same.

Before I forget, the Makita did not come with any sort of carrying case. A big minus--but it was fairly cheap.

Alright. I went to the power tool section of my favorite Home Depot--the one in Poway, CA. They had the display model, but were out of stock of the Dewalt sander I wanted. Then I noticed the Ridgid sander--whoever named that brand was a master of subliminal messaging--which was priced the same as the Dewalt. Both are at the upper end of HD's selection.

The various specs were about the same; amps, rate of vibration or orbit, etc. But I noticed the Ridgid unit had a different setup for holding the sandpaper. It looked as if it was less likely to pinch or annoy fingertips, and it seemed an easier and possibly more durable design.

So, I said forget bothering with waiting for the truck and all the things the helpful store rep suggested so I could get the Dewalt. I took the risk and bought the subliminal tribute to my masculine virility. For me, the Ridgid is most suitable, I decided.

This unit has seen hours of constant use--earplugs are worth their weight in gold. Some practice is required, but the system for attaching the paper is far quicker and easier than other sanders I've used, and it seems to be hanging together. The thing functions very well.

I ended up buying another one* so that my helper and I could both be sanding simultaneously. They have worked out well, and believe me, they have endured a little bit of abuse.

They come in a soft case made of heavy fabric of some kind, which I prefer to the hard shell case which houses my Dewalt. The case is no larger than it needs to be, the zipper which closes the top works well, and the pouch is useful.

I'm very pleased with this device and would recommend the Ridgid 1/4 sheet sander without reservation unless you are one who goes for the stuff that costs hundreds of dollars. In that case, you are on your own.

Oh, I like the Ridgid sander's on-off switch setup much better than either Dewalt or Makita.

*part of the deal for me doing this job is that THEY would pay for the sanders.

Another Pic someone sent me

sent to me with the caption, "Harmonica Whore" because I play with a variety of people--almost all who ask--local joke and nickname. shades due to sun shining through storefront as it was setting, causing unpleasant glare. Not sure who took this or others. They make the facebook circuit then a friend clues me in

For once, I really hope to get the video of something I played last Sat. and the big open mic gala/fundraise. Actually, I was part of a contingent of people who were specifically asked to come play and do more than the usual ten minute set. That was nice.

Anyway, I wonder how that one thing turned out. It can feel one way when you run a solo for a few minutes, but you can't know how it projects. Especially because half the sound when playing diatonic harmonica is rumbling around in your head because that crazy thing is in your mouth. Sounds obscene. Could be wherein lies the appeal.

Finally, a day without a big work push. Plenty else to do.

I am lucky for at least two reasons, maybe more. One is that the powers that be tend to smile upon me at unpredictable times for unknown reasons. Another reason is that I realize my good fortune and don't blame you or Bush or Obama for my shortcomings. That doesn't mean I agree with what I see as the slow erosion and increasingly rapid progress of our nation toward a thing of little liberty and personal breathing space. Be that as it may. I still know the important aspects of what gets in my way aside from that, and it is I.

Lately, though, I've been finding the little victories approach working so that I'm surprised I am less bogged down and unproductive. Anything I do becomes a small accomplishment in my mind--laundry, maintenance, work today instead of putting it off until tomorrow, etc. Even tiny things, like washing a dish.

I was very bogged down for awhile. Most of my life, on and off. I'm enjoying the unusual feeling of being alive enough not to crave escape every waking minute. It doesn't feel like a manic swing this time, but who knows if it is or not. It has lasted for about two weeks. Two weeks in which taking that first step toward anything wasn't a huge obstacle and an unpleasant chore.

I don't remember that happening since one time when I was 28 visiting my brother with my then wife. He had some minor projects around the yard that had been put off. I immediately started moving rocks and such rather than analyze the amount of work, the dread which my father instilled in me, etc. I gave that up a year later and got drunk for several years.

Comparing this pic with the one in prev post, it is clear I was working the mic according to what was appropriate at the time. A friend played Orange Blossom Special, his way but kind of like C. McCoy, and sounded really good. Very good guitar player and harp player--much more the bluegrass/country player than I am. You can bet, as much as I do not even care for the tune, I will learn OB Special and be able to do it fast one of these days soon. I hope to play it once and then forever put requests for it to bed. It is like asking me to hit my head with a hammer for your enjoyment. But after hearing Les play, I just have to do it. Once.

Phase 1 of Project Teakagain Goes As Planned

Today was the last day of the big work push. I have no finger prints. Hours of detail sanding will do that. Fortunately I had help part of the time.

In addition to doing the normal routine I do when someone is coming into town at the house in trophy-wife-big-bucks village (nothing against trophy wives--I'd have one but the purchase price is too steep), I had to finish some of the project, deal with plumbing issues and cabinetry drama, and some other things I forgot.

I ran full speed from 8 AM until 3PM today, then headed over to Valley Music for an event that started at 1pm. Copper Creek played at around 6. We did well.

I also played with a guy called Jonathan. This time I passed on two invitations play. It turned out my instincts were right. Both performances were outstanding and due to circumstances of the moment, I'd have only been in the way. There are times when jumping up on stage is more awkward than it ought to be.

I've never seen so many good players at this place. Really goo people showed up. It definitely put a nice finish to a lucrative day.

Busy Days Begin==not so many posts--Yay for you!

Got lots of work ahead so I won't be writing 25417 posts per day after this.

Perhaps I am becoming more serious about improving my playing and versatility. Periodically, I tend to listen to great players, mostly diatonic harmonica players. For the most part I prefer the sound of the diatonic over the chromatic, especially when playing chords. And with the recent breakthroughs in technique and harp customizing, and even many out of box, you can play it close to chromatically. Maybe not you, but it can be done, and I have figured out I am capable of most of the bends it takes.

Not sure how it happened but I found myself on a page with lots of info on John Popper of the band Blues Traveller--which is no longer. Guitar player died and a new band formed and who knows.

It was a shock to me to discover that not everyone likes Popper or Blues T. But then, some people don't like me, so what can you do? Harp nerds (henceforth harp will mean harmonica) tend to rarely mention John Popper, although they do often idolize Jason Ricci. They typically talk about Little Walter and such, and some of the great players who are regulars at harp festivals and teaching workshops. Some players make their living off of harp nerds.

Harp nerds are the people who buy all the right gear, ask for tabs on things real players play, and travel from festival to festival collecting T shirts and attempting to play exactly what their idols play. Most are not that good but they have fun and manage to complicate, dissect, and analyze the simplest technique and riff.

Harp tabs are a form of written music which tells you what hole in the harp is being played and whether you blow or draw--or suck, if you prefer. Like a guitar player recently said of me, in my presence--sometimes he sucks and sometimes he blows. All in good fun.

I like Popper because he is very good, very original, not a copy, and he manages to play such upbeat flurries. He doesn't see limits. He uses effects to their max and experiments. He even makes a song, which I never liked, The Devil Went Down To Georgia, rock. His version is so much better that Charlie Daniels'. I like John Popper's cover of it. I don't care for Charlie's.

Anyway, JP is definitely one of the best and I watched a series of very short videos in which he gives a few basic tips. I did pick up something about the technique called overblows in his fifteen second discussion of them. Just the way he referred to it opened up a path to simplicity. He never actually said how to do it. Yet in a way he did.

I guess the current players I find the most inspiring and worth my serious attention are Lee Oskar, John Popper, Jason Ricci, Tim Gonzales, Mickey Raphael--Willie Nelson Band, and maybe Sugar Blue and Rod Piazza. Not necessarily in that order. There are many other super good players, but I can only pay attention to so many without getting bored. I go for unique and accomplished. Tons of bluesharp players are very good, but not as much in a style of their own. I like the ones who tend to break ground and whose style I can generally pick out of the crowd.

So, Popper deserves more notoriety among the harp nerds than they have wisdom to give. Ricci does give him mention, though, in some of his workshops.

update; just watched a video with Dan Akroyd and John Popper from the nineties. Maybe Dan got better. Judging from the comments, Akroyd is highly overrated as a harp player. So, it was the most overrated harp player sharing a stage with a guy who seems to be underrated, yet he's among the greatest.

What's Done Is Done

***Short story: I ordered the Kelty tent online

Because I have to wait to make another online deposit, because I can only deposit so much through the post at one time and one has to clear before mailing more, I spent the time on this tent obsession.
It is often easier to do deposits that way rather than drive to a full service credit union and do it. I heart my C/U, and have banked many places in many states, so don't think I'm a poor soul who is terribly inconvenienced because my financial institution of choice is in Georgia. But my great experience with them, especially as contrasted with banks, is another story and doesn't relate to sleeping in a small dome made of high tech textiles of unknown composition.

That's why I can post this rather than be doing what I was going to do.

Finally, I just bit the bullet and ordered the Kelty tent. I called it Kelly in the last post. But now I'm an expert. Filtering the reviews, anyone who was using it as I would gave it 5 stars. Those who might be going beyond often gave it 4, and for varying reasons. I tossed a couple of the naysayer reviews because they sounded as if they weren't very knowledgeable.

The big deal is that I found a place which cut REI's sale price by about 70 dollars(US)! And cut recommended retail almost in half. It was about the price of a decent Coleman.

So, later, I'll see if I find the Coleman I like at Walmart or Target. You may think those places are not good for camping stuff, but you may not be correct.

Pictured is the house without the rainfly. That rainfly gives a large vestibule deal which means you can put your baby outside the tent and it will remain relatively free from being deluged with rain or other precipitation. Just a heads up for campy parents.

On Second Thought, or fourth, fifth, etc.

I'm not sure that tent I was considering is not lacking too much in ceiling height. I may need something more commodious like this.

In reviewing and reviewing, I think I'll come out ahead by ordering one Kelly tent that is on sale which has good reviews and usually is among the expensive stuff, and one Coleman which also has good reviews and is plenty big with great headroom. Max Headroom if you get the reference.

Anyway, for the price of one minimum headroom job, I can get two tents which will serve different purposes. I found in my excursions that I was happy to have a small tent and a larger one. It just depended upon what was what which one I would use. And I expect more excursions.

The kayak is on hold. I'd love to have it, but haven't yet achieved that point in fooling myself into thinking I can wisely swing it.

That Kelly tent is wearing the rainfly all zipped. It is actually a very airy unit when not battened down this way


I think a lot of stuff is priced high because it is lighter, and because hipster camp people and hikers will pay it.