tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16989037054130414972024-03-14T01:49:49.242-07:00It's About Time...Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-54097860910407796882015-03-26T11:01:00.000-07:002015-03-26T11:01:55.105-07:00Once again, it's about time.It hasn't been many weeks since the change to Daylight Savings Time. We moved our clocks ahead one hour and spent the next week or so disoriented, dazed, and irritable as only the sleep deprived can be. It seemed that, despite our accurate-to-the-millisecond atomic timepieces, our experience of time is not objective. <br />
<br />
I was finally coming to grips with that seasonal time change when I willingly embraced a shift of another sort. Yesterday morning, after five months of service, I ended my latest Interim Executive Director stint. There is much to that story, mostly best left untold. Where I find amazement is in how quickly time has changed for me in the process.<br />
<br />
While I was working, even less than full-time, it seemed that my hours and days flew by. Despite rising just after 5:00 to get Sally off, the balance of the morning barely afforded enough time to walk the dog and get myself dressed for work. Weekends were woefully short as well. There just didn't seem to be enough time.<br />
<br />
Then, this morning, my first after emancipation, I busied myself with multiple activities - redding up breakfast dishes, walking the dog, paying bills, reading - only to look at a clock not quite yet chiming 10:00.<br />
<br />
If only I could save time, bottle it perhaps, uncorking these dragging hours on some delightful evening in the presence of family or friends. Alas, it is not to be. The best I can do is be aware, and amazed, that time has the capacity to both crawl and fly.<br />
<br />Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-90340238373351510652014-12-24T08:16:00.001-08:002014-12-24T08:16:34.559-08:00Holiday Merriment<br />
It seemed an odd birthday gift: a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit that came in the mail on April 30th. At first glance I wondered whether it might be someone's clever observation about the year I just had, or some clairvoyance about the year to come.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI_avjZT3YpLw_Z-xLjZBsx4CZf-xnSfQxgCflBiIIfw78vOXVpzwdUQJbxrOAojrKfskLf81ydrSWndPlog1tsp-CY29Ya54UYFOQwmdniwd1inQxS48TyR7rCR5EUiNeLeuGtENuSM/s1600/IMG_2562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI_avjZT3YpLw_Z-xLjZBsx4CZf-xnSfQxgCflBiIIfw78vOXVpzwdUQJbxrOAojrKfskLf81ydrSWndPlog1tsp-CY29Ya54UYFOQwmdniwd1inQxS48TyR7rCR5EUiNeLeuGtENuSM/s1600/IMG_2562.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Now this: Just as we're admiring the evergreens and enjoying the plum pudding, a gentle reminder from our friends at the National Cremation Service that nothing lasts forever.<br />
<br />
The stitches from my abominable abdominal surgery have yet to be removed, and I'm not allowed to lift more than ten pounds for at least another week. Did I really need another reminder that the end is near?<br />
<br />
*******<br />
<br />
In the helpful book, <u>Reading the Bible Again for the First Time,</u> Marcus Borg offers an instructive view of three books in the Hebrew Scriptures, Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs offers us a view of linear justice, that is to say, you get what you deserve. Job then turns that notion on its head, reminding us that bad things do indeed happen to good people. Finally Ecclesiastes sums it all up with the keen observation that we'll probably never figure any of this out, and that we might as well enjoy the ride while we can.<br />
<br />
I now joyfully embrace the Ecclesiastes perspective. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow's mail will probably include a FIT test kit, or some sad reminder of our mortality. Wait! There won't be any mail delivery tomorrow. Yet one more reason to be Merry....<br />
<br />
<br />Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-56020513576882298562014-12-23T09:28:00.001-08:002014-12-23T09:28:56.692-08:00Climate Change<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We certainly don't fault readers for worrying about global warming. From a state and local policy standpoint, though, what Oregonians should fear isn't inaction, but the adoption of unproductive measures that either cost them money or reduce employment opportunities.</i></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 24px; text-align: right;"> (The Portland Oregonian Editorial Board, December 20, 2014)</span></blockquote>
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Someday my beloved, one-year granddaughter is going to ask me
what I did in response to climate change. She's going to ask about my efforts
to ensure her a livable, sustainable world in which to live. And I will reply
that I bought her a Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Stride to Ride Puppy. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-88053345918826301832014-12-22T07:39:00.003-08:002014-12-22T07:39:47.102-08:00Winter Solstice 2014<div class="Body">
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On May 11, 2009 (in case you want to brush up) I blogged about
"time-binding", the powerful experience of being linked with other
people, places, and times through words, smells, sounds, rituals and
experiences. The holidays provide us with countless examples of time-binding:
decorating the tree, baking cookies, the music of the season. It is amazing how
many opportunities there are to be surprised by the awareness of the past
flooding into the present moment through even the smallest cracks in our day to
day routine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sally made plum pudding again this year, which we associate not
only with the season, but with Sally's dad, Joe, who made it each Christmas.
When Sally popped the puddings out of the molds in which she'd steamed them, we
each tasted just a crumb. As the spices mingled on my tongue I could just
barely whisper, "It tastes like Christmas..." before emotion
overwhelmed me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our desire for this powerful, mystical experience can lead us to
a rigid view of holidays and other rituals. Not wanting to miss out on
time-binding we try to do things the same, year after year, as if our rote
observance will conjure the benevolent holiday spirits. Worse, like mistaken
Grinches we think this treasure is best found at the mall or through our
on-line shopping. All too often our grasping and desperation for recovering
meaning obstructs the very experience we seek.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
And then grace emerges in a crumb of pudding, the thin veil
between worlds is parted, and we are reunited with times, places and beloved
people long departed. Grace in a crumb of pudding, like a communion wafer, or the scent of pine boughs, or lights reflected in a child's
eyes....</div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-64541625457763076422014-12-19T22:09:00.003-08:002014-12-19T22:11:23.334-08:00Catching Up<br />
I note that my last blog post was nearly two years ago. Golly! How much can happen in two years?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Retirement from active ministry.</li>
<li>Completed interim executive director stints at FISH and St. Andrew Legal Clinic, turned down two others, and recently began one at Schoolhouse Supplies, a free store for public school teachers.</li>
<li>Adopted our first small dog, Nyxie, who immediately took over our house and our lives.</li>
<li>Became a Grandpa. There is not hardly anything better.</li>
<li>Was present as daughter Erin was granted her PhD. OK, that was pretty cool, too.</li>
<li>Traveled to Scotland, and loved it.</li>
<li>Got back into camping, saw a lot of Oregon, and loved it.</li>
<li>Nursed Sally back from myocarditis.</li>
<li>Did some neat reconstruction of our deck and back steps.</li>
<li>Began grieving my mother's death.</li>
<li>Said goodbye to my longtime gallbladder.</li>
</ul>
<div>
It's time for me to start writing again. You may not have missed anything in the intervening months, but I have. Perhaps with a reduction in bile content my ramblings might prove palatable. Probably not. But it's time.<br />
</div>
Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-58379809453761693652013-02-22T08:52:00.000-08:002013-02-22T08:52:09.087-08:00Achieving Unemployment<br />
The Board of Directors at Fish Emergency Service (finally) hired an executive director last night. She will begin serving part time next week, and I will phase out after some overlap.<br />
<br />
The volunteers at Fish said that I had renewed bounce in my step yesterday. I don't dispute that. I have been at Fish for 7 months on a 5 month contract. I was beginning to doubt whether I would be able to see the project to a successful conclusion. The organization was beginning to stagnate. They needed to move on as surely as I did. And they did.<br />
<br />
So I have again achieved unemployment. I am deeply appreciative of Sally's willingness to afford me this flexibility. And I will do another interim, but not this week....<br />
<br />Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-88039215084411677542013-02-20T09:13:00.001-08:002013-02-20T09:14:48.263-08:00Losing another friend....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6AFSvPKXCfEYpNuv2tPT5QXkx5B0kf2p9xW0p6wd2sVMGP-5YIQPdX-Nhk8SGHjTOIdq1YOVZZVHqtMICCd8oV3AraNgx6gIUK8iCHelKxQPLSU3ZNEZD_ANeTBVXsxvX1sF31KP3fw/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6AFSvPKXCfEYpNuv2tPT5QXkx5B0kf2p9xW0p6wd2sVMGP-5YIQPdX-Nhk8SGHjTOIdq1YOVZZVHqtMICCd8oV3AraNgx6gIUK8iCHelKxQPLSU3ZNEZD_ANeTBVXsxvX1sF31KP3fw/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On Friday we made the decision to have Juni put down. We had been struggling with the issue for weeks as Juni's condition declined. At first she had to be helped to her feet. A few days later she had to be supported as she walked until gaining her stride. By Friday she could barely stand. She could walk, but had intermittent collapses. The hardest thing was leaving her in the house: In our absence she would try to stand, but end up sliding across the floor backwards until she reached a wall or chair, where she would remain trapped until we got home.<br />
<br />
It was an inglorious end for a dog who had been incredibly energetic for over twelve years. She had lost her ability to run, chase squirrels and birds, and sniff the borders - all characteristics that defined her being.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhvwaX_XXyy50-gM714jBvrWLkmXOfC6CagFDwHwkkdizS_qFvxmXFUd8E_6aVQ_3HqjPdGFI70Po-sa__ThGb94MBmk26cNtS4PLeHcOcY9mN2cxqZy07RCzjzL6YhFw4fAdrKB_a1s/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhvwaX_XXyy50-gM714jBvrWLkmXOfC6CagFDwHwkkdizS_qFvxmXFUd8E_6aVQ_3HqjPdGFI70Po-sa__ThGb94MBmk26cNtS4PLeHcOcY9mN2cxqZy07RCzjzL6YhFw4fAdrKB_a1s/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a>As sad as the loss of Juni was in and of itself, it also brought up for us the post-traumatic distress of having lost Cayenne just over a year ago. We have had dogs close to the center of the family for the last 26 years, and all but about two years of our 36-year marriage.<br />
<br />
Its only been a few days so I'm not surprised that I look for a dog when I enter the house or come down from the bedroom. Perhaps I'll grow accustomed to their absence in time. Perhaps the freedom to travel or be away from the house all day without figuring out what to do about the dog will grow on me. In the meantime I can't help but feel that my life is significantly diminished by the absence of the love, loyalty and presence of our long-time companions.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-61799247579177138622013-02-14T09:55:00.002-08:002013-02-14T09:57:15.171-08:00The Stupid Party?<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;">We've got to stop being the stupid party. It's time for a new Republican Party that talks like adults.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, 1/24/13</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The government can't change the weather... America is a country, it's not a planet.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- Florida Senator Marco Rubio, 2/13/13 </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A point to Mr. Jindal!</b></div>
<br />
February 13, 2013 - A Public Policy Polling survey found that just 37% of Louisiana voters approve of Gov. Jindal's performance, down from 58% in 2010.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Never mind.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-54237880250540725382013-02-13T12:12:00.000-08:002013-02-13T12:12:03.980-08:00Desperately Seeking the PastI loved the movie, <u>Dave</u>, starring Kevin Kline. A favorite scene involved Dave, the imposter President, trying to convince the Cabinet to cut the budget in order to save a program for homeless kids. The Commerce Secretary defended an advertising effort to make people feel better about American made cars they had already purchased, as if making people feel better about their past decisions was more important than helping people in the present.<br />
<br />
This scene returned to mind as I listened to coverage of Pope Benedict's announced resignation. Though I've not been a fan, I'll pass on commenting on his decision. He probably doesn't have much regard for me either.<br />
<br />
During the coverage, however, it was noted that a major emphasis of Benedict's papacy, and one that would likely continue, was the attempt to restore consistency with the Church's past, something that was lost in the course of Vatican II and other modernizing efforts.<br />
<br />
How sad it is when an organization's hope for the future is reduced to recovering it's nostalgic recollections of its past. How sad when any of us fall into this trap. The past cannot be changed by our greatest efforts. But the future! The future awaits our action, our decision, our energy!<br />
<br />
So many in the Church wring their hands about the growing numbers who have left religion behind. I'm surprised the numbers aren't MUCH higher.<br />
<br />
<br />Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-72743994153932207292013-02-09T12:26:00.002-08:002013-02-09T12:26:36.515-08:00Timberline. We left our guns at home.Had a lovely day yesterday skiing at Timberline. Lots of sun, mild temperatures, short lift lines, and nice snow. The view from the top is pretty much awesome.<br />
<br />
The front page of this morning's Oregonian featured several people carrying automatic weapons in and around the Oregon Capitol. It left me wondering.... Instead of asking people if they support automatic weapons bans, ammunition clip restrictions, or universal registration, what if we started with the question, "Do you feel safer seeing or knowing that others you encounter are carrying guns?"<br />
<br />
The great Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. said "The right to swing my fist ends where the other man's nose begins." This was within the context of arguments about free speech. In truth, no rights are absolute, for the rights of one invariably impinge upon the rights of others. Let's stop talking about the "absolute" 2nd Amendment rights of any and all gun owners and recognize the rights of the rest of us to go about our lives with a modicum less anxiety.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-30791140707628098702013-02-07T09:00:00.000-08:002013-02-07T09:00:13.390-08:00Coming Back Into View....It's been quite a while since I posted anything. You may not have felt you were missing anything, but I have been the worse for not writing.<br />
<br />
For the past six and a half months I've been working at Fish Emergency Service in Portland. Fish provides food boxes, clothing, household and personal hygiene items for people in economic crisis. It's mostly been a good experience. I've met many people who genuinely care and honestly try. Fish has an amazing number of donors who are extremely generous. What could be better?<br />
<br />
My work here has been in connection with the Executive Transition Service of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon. One issue of concern to anyone in the nonprofit sector, including funders, is the proliferation of nonprofits. There are thousands in Oregon, and wherever you live as well. For some time now I have felt that the reason we have so many nonprofits is that we have systematically dismantled the social service safety net that was once provided by public (read "government") entities. The nation has decided at the ballot box that we don't want to pay taxes to support those in need. Such work should be the responsibility of churches and charities.<br />
<br />
Churches and charities have no taxing authority. All they can do is vie with one another to attract the attention of donors. Then vie again. Send another appeal. And another.<br />
<br />
Individual donors, businesses, and granting organizations all worry about duplication of services, waste of resources, the amount of money spent on administration and fundraising. Those working for agencies like Fish struggle with the enormity of the task, and the small bandaids we can afford to apply to society's gaping wounds.<br />
<br />
Well, friends, all of this goes with the territory. We made this bed, and now will have to lie in it. Unless we're among those with no job, no health insurance, no transportation, no kitchen, no bed....<br />
<br />Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-14174945936244801852012-07-03T07:51:00.002-07:002012-07-03T07:51:33.096-07:00An American Tradition<br />
As we celebrate our nation's independence once again, what could be more quintessentially American than...<br />
<br />
Fireworks? No, those are Chinese.<br />
<br />
A dumb ass with a rifle doing a little target practice at 1:00 a.m. at an auto salvage lot where he worked setting off $80,000 of stored fireworks?<br />
<br />
Makes me want to whistle Yankee Doodle.<br />
<br />
The towns of Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo, Washington stored their fireworks at the lot. The guy knew they were there, but was undeterred. I wonder if alcohol was involved?<br />
<br />
Dumb ass? check.<br />
Rifle? check.<br />
Alcohol? check.<br />
$80,000 worth of fireworks in storage container? check.<br />
<br />
Apply some bug spray and cue the Sousa march, we're honoring America.<br />
<br />
<br />Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-62714952903872746732012-06-14T08:04:00.000-07:002012-06-14T08:04:41.010-07:00Close to FailingOur home in Portland is located on Northeast 64th Avenue, between Beech and Failing Streets. I've been somewhat reluctant to tell people that we live near 64th and Failing, especially given that I'm only 60 and in robust good health. In recent days, through the study of history, I've become emboldened. Indeed, I'm now close to Failing.
Josiah Failing was the fourth mayor of Portland, in 1854. His son, Henry Failing was a banker and businessman who was elected mayor three times. Henry's first reelection effort garnered 785 votes in his favor to just 5 in opposition. As mayor, Henry Failing introduced modern practices to the office, some which still survive in the 21st Century.
After ending his political career Henry Failing was a Trustee of the University of Oregon, and a Trustee and Treasurer of Pacific University where our son and daughter-in-law did their undergraduate work.
Failing Street in Northeast Portland is named in honor of this esteemed family. And I've never been more proud to be so close to Failing.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-13404736862129525112012-05-30T08:46:00.003-07:002012-05-30T08:48:22.442-07:00Human Caused Climate Change - Another ViewI blame myself. The Midwest Flood of 1993 was a direct result of my decisions and actions. It's a burden of guilt I have borne for too long now. The critical action was purchasing a three-room cabin tent from Cabellas and erecting it in our back yard in Lincoln, Nebraska. Within hours we spawned a tornado.<br />
<br />
We bought that tent after being flooded out of campsites throughout the arid West in the summer of 1991. Wanting the kids to experience the joy of camping, our new strategy was to purchase a giant tent to use as a base camp. How giant? Giant enough to house a family of five, a dog, and numerous Leggo sets during the occasional rain experienced by campers. We bought a giant tent, and brought on a giant rain event. The Great Plains suffered as a result.<br />
<br />
We're at it again. Only just now dried out from our last camping attempt, Sally and I have spent $1,200 to embrace the Simple Life that backwoods camping affords. I can't remember the exact amount we paid for that Cabellas tent, but it wasn't $1,200. Given the ratio of dollars we spent to the financial losses sustained in 1993, I'd guess that the meteorological reaction to our latest camping investment might even convince the most stubborn Republicans as to the reality of human-caused climate change. Coast lines will change. Micronesia is at risk.<br />
<br />
Batten down the hatches and brush up on the definition of cubits. We're going camping.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-4810744538935171532012-05-25T08:42:00.001-07:002012-05-25T08:49:58.234-07:00To Whom Do I Owe the Gratitude?A couple weeks ago Sally lost her hat, again. It's a knitted cap that our daughter, Erin, made for her, and one that she wears often. A month or so ago she misplaced it, but it turned up. This time Sally wasn't so lucky.<br />
<br />
We were on a walk on a typical Portland day - it started out cool and damp until the sun broke through - Sally had already taken off her hat and put it into her jacket pocket, and then removed the jacket. That's when the hat went AWOL.
Sally missed the hat before we got home, and suspected the location where she had dropped it. We jumped into the car and drove there, to no avail. The hat was not to be found. Later we rode our bikes over the route with the same result. The hat was gone. Sally told Erin, who graciously knitted another hat.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to yesterday.... I was returning home from the Post Office on my daily constitutional when I saw Sally's hat perched in a bush by the sidewalk. It was beyond surprising, almost surreal. We have walked by that spot at least ten times in the last two weeks without noticing the hat. And there it was.<br />
<br />
As I walked home, hat in hand, I thought of the person who picked up the hat and laid it on the bush. I thought of all who left it there as they walked by. Scores of tiny kindnesses led up to my being able to interrupt Sally at a meeting with the welcome text, "found your hat".<br />
<br />
I'm uncertain as to the efficacy of being grateful in general, and don't know who to thank in particular. So I'll thank you. Thanks for the kindnesses that you do, expecting nothing in return other than the satisfaction of having done the right thing. Your acts matter to someone. They matter.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-55846056019985109872012-05-18T16:21:00.001-07:002012-05-18T16:22:38.999-07:00Gun RaffleI wish I were making this up....<br />
<br />
A former Oregon legislator now running for the Clackamas County Commission raffled off a Glock 9mm handgun to help finance her campaign. (You're probably wondering about her party affiliation.) The gun was subsequently won by a man recently ejected from a Clackamas County Commission meeting for disruptive behavior! <br />
<br />
Of course, any wacko can obtain guns without a direct supply line from elected officials. And wackos can carry concealed weapons in many states, including Oregon, thanks to the efforts of other elected officials. Did we need all of this highlighted for our attention?<br />
<br />
I know I feel safer now.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-50242814885793537022012-05-16T18:51:00.000-07:002012-05-16T18:55:55.455-07:00Feast of St. HonoreToday is the feast day for St. Honore, a sixth century bishop in northern France, and the patron saint of bakers. Alas, we did not buy anything from Portland's St. Honore Bakery... today. Indeed, it's been a week and a half since we ate anything from there!<br />
<br />
We did have some lovely croissants from Delphina's that we picked up on our bike ride home. They were lovely and delicious.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for the bakers in my family and in our community, and for all such artisans who perform the magnificent alchemy that gives us bread and cakes, apple fritters and croissants, biscuits, muffins and scones. Bless you all, and bless the legacy of St. Honor<span style="font-family: inherit;">e</span>.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-19799659448919151672012-05-15T08:53:00.000-07:002012-05-15T10:37:55.514-07:00A Simple Question....So, in the reality I inhabit, the Earth is larger than the humans who dwell on it. Earth is larger than human endeavor, including economic activity. Earth is really big, quite magnificent, and also finite.<br />
<br />
In the dominant economic model of our era, the economy is larger than the planet we (currently) occupy. Nature is reduced to "natural resources". Planetary capacity for absorbing our waste materials is not even considered. The economy can continue to grow at an increasing rate toward infinity without ever reaching a limit. The limiting factor, Earth itself, has been defined as being <i>within</i> the economy, rather than external to it.<br />
<br />
So, there follows a simple question: <i>Which planet are you from?</i>Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-33506680497598551652012-05-14T21:01:00.001-07:002012-05-15T06:46:11.978-07:00Getting My Head ExaminedToday was my long anticipated visit to a new dermatologist. I have been experiencing some strange symptoms in the place where I had a basal cell carcinoma removed last summer. My new doc also thought it strange, and so injected the spot with lidocaine, which caused it to swell and pop up, and then sliced it off to be biopsied. Tonight I have a bit of a headache, which is not surprising.<br />
<br />
I should have known better. I should never have gone out without a hat or sunscreen, no matter the impact on my free-spirited good looks. I was warned about skin cancer, but it just didn't happen quickly enough. Had the really negative consequences followed my behavior immediately, I might have changed my habits.<br />
<br />
Sally just told me of a climatologist who said that, had we started in 2005, a 3 percent carbon dioxide reduction would have sufficed. Now we need a 6 percent reduction. In 10 years, a 15 percent reduction will be required. Somewhere, some day, someone will be thinking, "We should have known better."<br />
<br />
We all need our heads examined.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-33561808889313761062012-05-13T11:55:00.002-07:002012-05-13T11:55:39.593-07:00Silver Falls State ParkVery nice hike yesterday with Sally and Erin at Silver Falls State Park east of Salem. It was an 8.7 mile hike with 10 major waterfalls and a host of smaller cascades. Lovely!
Last evening we spent with Megan, AJ, and his folks at Toji Korean Grill on SE Hawthorne. Megan and AJ wanted to buy dinner as a Mothers/Fathers Day gift. We finished the evening off with delightful pastries and coffee at La Petite Provence on SE Division. Superb!Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-74593612875024158262012-05-11T15:03:00.003-07:002012-05-11T15:20:13.141-07:00BullyThe last time "Bully" was associated with the White House, it was an exhuberant expression by Theodore Roosevelt. Should Mitt Romney be elected this November a very different sort of "Bully" will reside on Pennsylvania Avenue. A brief note to Mitt: Those subjected to bullying rarely refer to the incident as "youthful hijinks". Further, those who suffer humiliation at the whim of another most likely will not forget the incident as quickly and easily as you apparently have.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-70963068978375694652012-05-10T11:42:00.002-07:002012-05-10T11:42:57.016-07:00TerroirSal and I watched a really good program on OPB Tuesday evening. It was <i>Oregon Experience: The Grapes of Place</i>, an account of the beginnings of the modern wine industry in Oregon. There were several aspects of the program we found compelling, including the fact that we once resembled the bearded, Bierkenstocked subjects in the photos of those 1970's pioneers.<br />
<br />
I was especially taken with the concept of <i>Terroir</i>, from which the name of the show was derived. <i>Terroir</i> is a French term which pertains to the soil, but also to region. Every aspect of a <i>place</i> that goes into the make up of a grape - the soil, precipitation, terrain, climate - is the <i>Terroir</i>. No two places are the same, and the grapes reflect that reality.<br />
<br />
Those wine-making pioneers transplanted grapevines from California and France and wound up with some really fine Pinot Noirs. As we watched the program I was overtly aware of my own status as a recent Oregon transplant, hoping that I too will flourish in this unique and beautiful environment.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-49226285435056713112012-05-09T12:47:00.000-07:002012-05-09T12:47:08.189-07:00Time FliesI can tell it's been too long since I posted.... My blog hosting site has been "updated" to improve my blogging experience. I am left wondering what teenaged wunderkind decided my experience needed to be improved.
In one of my last posts I wrote that Spring was in the air. It remained a possibility, just beyond grasp, for the past two months. Turns out that Portland is cool and wet in March, April and ________. Still, the flowers, shrubs and trees are stunning, and we are pleased as punch to be here.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-64207637624429714952012-03-04T19:10:00.003-08:002012-03-04T19:21:47.806-08:00Nice WeekendWe were blessed by Evan's company late this week and this weekend. He flew in to interview at WSU-Vancouver for a position in their graduate program. Coincidentally he heard that he has been accepted into a PhD program in Fish and Wildlife at Oregon State. In the latter case he has been offered a Provost Fellowship that will make his study there possible.<br /><br />Erin was planning on driving up from Corvallis Friday, but wasn't feeling well and decided to stay home. We drove there instead, enjoying a brunch and a walk along as she and Evan played disk golf.<br /><br />Evan left early this morning, and Sally and I busied ourselves with a nice walk, some yard work, and a bike ride to the library. It felt like Spring. True, it is likely going to snow tomorrow, but Spring is in the air, and feels imminent at last. Huzzah!Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1698903705413041497.post-36673803475316843742012-02-29T14:29:00.004-08:002012-02-29T14:36:19.989-08:00The AmishIntriguing show on PBS - American Experience last night on the Amish. I think it would have been interesting anyway, but the coincidence of watching it while keeping an eye on the GOP primaries was surreal. Having kids pulled out of school after eighth grade... the submission of women... the rejection of modernity... the absolute confidence in their views... the irrationality!<br /><br />And then there was the show on the Amish.Hollishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07504033731532404303noreply@blogger.com0