America, we have a saving problem!
We’ve heard this MANY times before. “The more you spend, the more you save!” And now this “Oh What Fun” nonsense from Amazon. They must think we’re pretty stupid. And maybe we are? Credit card debt keeps hitting new highs ($1.28 trillion, up 5% from a year ago). So yes, we consume a LOT. Oh well, not to worry—it’s FUN and maybe all this spending will SAVE us all!
As one who’s suffered two severe accidents that took a year (each) to recover, I always hurt for—and cheer on—people who must endure life-changing health events.
This lovely couple lives down the street from me. They came here from another country, and I’ve always admired their perpetual smiles and daily walks. They just seem more spiritual than most of us.
So my heart frowned when they disappeared for a while. And months later re-appeared with a slow gait, though now speeding up gradually. Cardio event? Stroke? Other? I still don’t know, but am so pleased to see them out again.
Savor today. As Kirby Puckett said in his way-too-early retirement speech, “Don’t take it for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us.”
Even when the road seems longer, keep walking. And keep the faith.
We wish they’d go away.
Just another beautiful sundown scene from warmer, better days.
ICE is in town raising hell. This week, an ICE agent shot a woman in Minneapolis. Some mourn, some cheer, all of us are hurting. On the streets, the ice is slippery, dangerous. It’s been that kind of winter—dark clouds, rain, sleet, slips and falls, apprehension and death in the air. Time moves slowly sometimes, but this will end—the dangerous chill, the numbness, the ice.
Keep the faith.
Sacred spaces come in all shapes and places…
Sutherland Park in Sioux City has made these pages before, because every time I’m home visiting the parents, I BreakAway daily to this beautiful relic of what used to be a buried water tank to serve the neighborhood. It’s also a park—a large, private square block atop a high hill that overlooks 3 states and more.
My friends and I gathered there routinely for decades, and still do when in town, which happens not so much as most long ago moved on and the years fly by. Frisbees, guitars, beers, lawn chairs, boom boxes, sundowns, and friends. Don’t cost nothin’. Life feels great. And the memories never fade, no matter how thick the fog.
Nice camel, though those probably aren’t the humps most men see first.
I’m no prude, and generally maintain that people are going to do what they wanna, regardless of the morality police and local cops. But when I read that Peter Hafiz, the gentleman behind most of the seedy, sexy establishments in Minneapolis, wanted to open a topless steakhouse, even my eyebrows rose. He died recently, and most people spoke very highly of him—as happens when people pass, yet the comments seemed entirely sincere.
Then I happened onto this picture from early last year, when I again found myself in Vegas to watch my son play for the Raiders. Now I remember: Signs for that “strip” club were all over. But then again, it’s Las Vegas. Perhaps that’s where Mr. Hafiz got the idea.
The beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada finally achieved their independence on February 2, 1974. Less than 10 years later, U.S. troops invaded.
You know, it’s funny how perusing old pictures doesn’t always conjure up the same memories and responses. Exhibit A: Being a part of Independence Day festivities on Grenada in February 2009 was a blast, while also bringing an education of the youth and fragility of their nation, which left U.K. rule on February 7, 1974.
In less than 10 years (1983), US troops invaded Grenada to quash a Cuban-tied coup.
Dubbed “Operation Urgent Fury,” that effort became Mission Accomplished in a mere 8 days—and yet left scars and wide-ranging opinions about Americans. This pic takes me to the giddy celebrating and the impassioned conversations about politics, America, and war. Naturally, some people didn’t much like me and my family—simply because of our homeland. Some still wanted to be tied to Cuba; Fidel Castro posters remained a common sight.
Lately, Trump’s idea is to torment the Caribbean-tangent nation of Venezuela via “Operation Southern Spear,” with goals of curtailing drug flow. So far, we have about 12 Navy ships and 12,000 sailors and marines down there—and have killed at least 83 people in 21 attacks on boats allegedly hauling contraband. Meanwhile, the U.S. has offered a $50 million reward for the capture of their rogue leader, President Nicolas Maduro.
They say a picture paints 1,000 words. This picture feels more like 50,000,000. I adored my time in Grenada. But today, I’m grateful to be nowhere near Venezuela.
I recommend carving out some time with family & friends every late October to bring pumpkins to life. Who knew these orange orbs had so much personality hiding inside?
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend a frightening $13.1 billion on Halloween this year. That’s an average of $114 per person. And we wonder why we feel pinched! Oh well, people need a Breakaway from their routine and persona. I mean, who doesn’t love pretending you’re someone else for an evening? Even these lowly pumpkins agree…!…
Boo! I mean YAY! Photos can’t really capture the magnitude of this display. I mean, for example, dozens of life-size, wooden caskets surround the entire yard—which is 99% full of realistic, ghoulish stuff. Crazy? Maybe. But I applaud all efforts to create and connect.
When in Sioux City recently to visit ailing parents, my mom told me to drive past this house. So I did. And was so stunned (and a little spooked) that I hit the brakes and stopped. In the middle of the street. Yes, I have a soft spot for twisted-ness. But really, when someone has such passion and drive for something so unique, that’s inspirational.
Note to self and all selves: Don’t be afraid…Get off your phones and make something!
Roundabout, I have learned (usually) to keep some controversial opinions to myself. But truth be told, the MN State Fair doesn’t tickle my thrill bone the way it does most denizens. It is because I didn’t grow up in this state? My leg is full of metal, and I can’t walk and stand all day? I shun deep-fried you-name-it by the pound? Crowds scare me unless it’s for, say, Bruce Springsteen?
A: All the above. Still, when I DO go—and if I bring the good, big camera—the event may be the most photogenic day of the year. No wonder I seem to dig into the archives for a FotoFriday shot almost annually. Which reminds me…
I better go next year. I need some fresh shots. Meantime, I hope this young lady got a good nap.
1 kid, 5 islands, 69 days
Here's my son’s blog from an '08/09 BreakAway in the Caribbean.
1 planet, countless cultures, 120 days
In 00/01, when the internet was a pup, I went RTW and posted these words and pics en route.
