Travel to China, Tibet, and Nepal
Hello classmates
When I sat down sometime in the spring of ‘09 to write a piece for the 50th
Reunion Yearbook on my 45 or so years of travel, I had about 100 highlighted
Michelin maps and boxes and boxes of uncaptioned photos. Many provided
few clues as to where or when. Nor had I kept any journals and my guidebooks
contained very few marginal markings. So, the trips were difficult to reconstruct
and many many travel memories were gone for good.
I vowed then to write reports on my future travels, something to occupy me in
the old age home. I have done fairly well thus far although a trip to France in
October is thus far unreported and fast fading.
Herewith, I have submitted Part 1 of a report on a trip Rodney and I, Brother
Jimmy, and John Fawcett took in September. It was a great adventure for us.
And, if I had to write about it I hope at least a few of you may enjoy reading parts
or perhaps just looking at the photographs.
Merry Christmas or Happy holidays to all of you, and I congratulate Rex on making
through one of the big ones although they will all be “big” from here on out, huh?
Just keep moving
http://thetravelsofclaudine.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
70!!!
I approach my 70th birthday this Saturday with all the joy of a motorist approaching a known speed trap in a small Arkansas town. I gotta go through the damn thing, but don't want to.
And I only mention it to you because I am among the 'oldest' of the class, so get to experience the benchmark before most. ( I could never play baseball with Hook, Kenworthy or Blackburn because 1/1 was the cutoff date for 3&2 leagues and I was 'too old'.))
If I feel any different when I wake up on Sunday, will let you know.
And I only mention it to you because I am among the 'oldest' of the class, so get to experience the benchmark before most. ( I could never play baseball with Hook, Kenworthy or Blackburn because 1/1 was the cutoff date for 3&2 leagues and I was 'too old'.))
If I feel any different when I wake up on Sunday, will let you know.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tom Conkright still gets around. See his pictures.
On Sat, Nov 20, 2010 at 7:07 AM,
We were blessed with the opportunity to take a pretty big trip last month. Rome, Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt. We took over 600 pictures, but this link is just those with one or both of us in it. Only 75 pictures, but if you use slide show, the default is 3 seconds per pix. That's less than 4 minutes, and you can pause it and look longer, or just stop it and be done!
Hope everyone has a thankful Thanksgiving.
Tom and Jan
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A note from Ed Rowe re:Benton grade school
Bob, can you put this out to as many as possible class alumns?
I’m not sure if any of you attended Benton grade school at 31st & Benton Blvd., but I did, 1st grade thru
6th grade. Reflecting back I recalled two large murals, approx 15’ X 3’ one of which was mounted above the urinal trough in the boys bathroom and I presume the other in the girls bathroom. I had forgotten about these until some time in the late 60’s when working for Brink’s as a sales representative and I called on a business which sold commercial kitchen equipment and was located on the north side of the City Market. I met the owner of the business and during our conversation I found out he too had attended Benton, prior to me by about 10 years (estimate). We talked about themurals and he said they were presented when he was there and they were hung in the upper, 1st floor halls (obviously they had been demoted later). Well, that was the end of that until I began thinking about them more recently when I heard Benton (since, D. A. Holmes) was being sold by the district.
Then last week there was an article in the Kansas City Star about artifacts, etc and I made e-mail contact with a gentleman who gave me phone numbers (neither of them worked and he is on vacation now). However, I went back to Disney Enterprises. Com and found a name, Dave Smith who is Chief Archivist for Disney and after e-mailing him today he responded that he maintains the history for Disney and doesn’t know anything about the murals but that Walt Disney attended Benton from 1911 to 1917, something I was unaware of.
I thought I would pass this on in the event anyone else attended Benton or knows anything about the murals. Thanks for your patience, Ed
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Pinball Wizards - Nu Way Drive-In
Don Guinn and I recently shared some pinball memories, sparked by a visit I made to the Pinball Hall of Fame, right here in Vegas. Where else to find a place like that, but Vegas?
(It is actually outlasting the Liberace Museum, across the street, which is closing next month because of a lack of paying visitors.)
My response to Don's suggestion that I find the place:
Last night I was a bit early for our pool league that plays in a joint on the corner of Spencer and Flamingo. So I drove around a bit and saw the Pinball Hall of Fame on the north side of Flamingo, about a block west.
Big place. Must have 250 pinball machines dating back to the 40's, all in working condition (for.25) Not really a Hall of Fame, since there were no posted descriptions of the machines - it's really just a massive pinball hall.
No admission fee and 10-12 folks in there playing various vintage machines.
I didn't have the time for a careful tour, but saw a Gottlieb machine from the 50's that I used to play on, so plopped in a quarter. Won a free game on a match, so got to play two before I had to leave.
To that, Don reminded me of the Nu Way Drive-in, 47th and Prospect, where I used to spend my .50 weekly allowance.
Right; 6 plays for a quarter.
I was thinking about that place last night. Only one pinball machine and 5 or 6 of us would be there waiting to play, with our nickels lined up on the glass. Nu Way had a special hamburger sandwich: crumbled meat instead of a patty. Pretty good, but I never had enough to spare in order to have one.
One afternoon, there were more of us than usual around the Royal Flush. One guy playing was a big kid, but had some sort of developmental issues; a bit crazy and the kind today who would be in a special school.
Anyway, he got pissed at the machine and started slamming it viciously. The manager called the police. A couple of cars with two cops apiece arrived.
When they approached the kid, one of them placed his hand on his shoulder. The kid went nuts, cold cocked him and ran outside. He only got about halfway to Crown Drugs on the corner when he was tackled by one of the cops.
The police were really worked up over the whole deal and called a paddy wagon. Hauled every kid in the place to the 63rd street station. We were in a room together and could hear the cops in another room working the kid over. "Don't hit me again!"
My father came to get me; he knew the sergeant who had called him; they had formerly worked together at Lake City. They had a big laugh over the whole thing. I was really mad for a long time over the arbitrariness of the cops - but now I'm a law and order guy.
(It is actually outlasting the Liberace Museum, across the street, which is closing next month because of a lack of paying visitors.)
My response to Don's suggestion that I find the place:
Last night I was a bit early for our pool league that plays in a joint on the corner of Spencer and Flamingo. So I drove around a bit and saw the Pinball Hall of Fame on the north side of Flamingo, about a block west.
Big place. Must have 250 pinball machines dating back to the 40's, all in working condition (for.25) Not really a Hall of Fame, since there were no posted descriptions of the machines - it's really just a massive pinball hall.
No admission fee and 10-12 folks in there playing various vintage machines.
I didn't have the time for a careful tour, but saw a Gottlieb machine from the 50's that I used to play on, so plopped in a quarter. Won a free game on a match, so got to play two before I had to leave.
To that, Don reminded me of the Nu Way Drive-in, 47th and Prospect, where I used to spend my .50 weekly allowance.
Right; 6 plays for a quarter.
I was thinking about that place last night. Only one pinball machine and 5 or 6 of us would be there waiting to play, with our nickels lined up on the glass. Nu Way had a special hamburger sandwich: crumbled meat instead of a patty. Pretty good, but I never had enough to spare in order to have one.
One afternoon, there were more of us than usual around the Royal Flush. One guy playing was a big kid, but had some sort of developmental issues; a bit crazy and the kind today who would be in a special school.
Anyway, he got pissed at the machine and started slamming it viciously. The manager called the police. A couple of cars with two cops apiece arrived.
When they approached the kid, one of them placed his hand on his shoulder. The kid went nuts, cold cocked him and ran outside. He only got about halfway to Crown Drugs on the corner when he was tackled by one of the cops.
The police were really worked up over the whole deal and called a paddy wagon. Hauled every kid in the place to the 63rd street station. We were in a room together and could hear the cops in another room working the kid over. "Don't hit me again!"
My father came to get me; he knew the sergeant who had called him; they had formerly worked together at Lake City. They had a big laugh over the whole thing. I was really mad for a long time over the arbitrariness of the cops - but now I'm a law and order guy.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
More SAD news re: Floyd Hook
Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 9:03 AM
Dear Friends & Family,
We want to let you know that Floyd passed away Monday, September 27, at 5:01 PM
Floyd seemed to be holding his own, doing fairly well...even came to see us in early September!!! We had a great time together.
But then last Saturday afternoon (9/25) about 5pm....Sue noticed things that were not right...called 911 & the he was taken by ambulance to St Luke's on the Plaza. We were called about 1:30 Sunday morning. We went to KC Sunday. Spent Sun/Mon with the family at St. Luke's.
When Floyd arrived at the hospital he was talking, knew facts, etc. then very soon after, slipped into a coma...never regained consciousness. Scans were done. He died from a sudden massive brain hemorrhage Monday afternoon.
Visitation on Thurs from 6 to 8 (Sept 30th)
Funeral on Friday morning (10/1) at 10 am.
At Longview Funeral Home. 12700 Raytown Road, KC MO 816-761-6272
The above plans are penciled in...Everything is in the planning stages right now.
Sue's home address is: 409 Fairway Road, Belton, MO. 64012
Knew you guys would want to know.
Bobbie & Steve
Floyd Hook 1941-2010
I just received this from Steve and Bibbie Blackburn:
We want to let you know that Floyd passed away Monday, September 27, at 5:01 PM
Floyd seemed to be holding his own, doing fairly well...even came to see us in early September!!! We had a great time together.
But then last Saturday afternoon (9/25) about 5pm....Sue noticed things that were not right...called 911 & the he was taken by ambulance to St Luke's on the Plaza. We were called about 1:30 Sunday morning. We went to KC Sunday. Spent Sun/Mon with the family at St. Luke's.
When Floyd arrived at the hospital he was talking, knew facts, etc. then very soon after, slipped into a coma...never regained consciousness. Scans were done. He died from a sudden massive brain hemorrhage Monday afternoon.
Visitation on Thurs from 6 to 8 (Sept 30th)
Funeral on Friday morning (10/1) at 10 am.
At Longview Funeral Home. 12700 Raytown Road, KC MO 816-761-6272
The above plans are penciled in...Everything is in the planning stages right now.
Sue's home address is: 409 Fairway Road, Belton, MO. 64012
Knew you guys would want to know.
Bobbie & Steve
A note from Claudine
Hello Classmates.
It took me a little time to tune in this morning. I had been out of the country for three weeks, arriving late last night, and was just trying to catch any recently arriving e-mails that might address banking or other such and similar problems. Then I saw the notice about Bonnie but did not spend the requisite time to go through older e-mails to get my facts straight before sending out messages asking for information that had already been provided. My apologies.
That said, I was both shocked and saddened at Bonnie's death. As I said in a message to the Reunion Committee, she looked so well and was her old self at the reunion. Most of us had not seen her since the 10th reunion and were very glad she could join us for this last one. There was never anyone who was such fun to be around and to visit with. Her "Best Personality" award on the Senior Ballot was right on.
I had no idea she was ill but now am aware that I was one of the few "sorority sisters" that was unaware of her kidney and heart problems. I am sorry that I did not stay in closer touch.
It seems we all may need to ensure that we stay in touch. The scariest thing is to think about the time when there is no one at the end of the line? So, let us talk now from time to time.
Keep moving.
Claudine
Friday, September 24, 2010
Sharon's Colorado Vacation
Bob, don't know whether these pictures will show up good enough to post on the Paseo web site - what do you think? You are welcome to put them on if you think appropriate. Thanks, Sharon Robertson
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:33:32 EDT
Subject: Colorado Trip
Just got back from a week in Colorado - went to see the aspens in all their glory - great yellow and gold colors. Pictures can't do the scenery and color justice, but here are a couple of attempts. Sharon and Joe
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Friday, September 17, 2010
Bonnie (Adams) Woods
from jeanne boyer
09/17/2010
I just received word that Bonnie passed away Wednesday and there will be a visitation on Sunday and service on Monday. It will be posted in the K.C. Star on Saturday. Please pass the word...thank you.
Jeanne Ennis Boyer
09/17/2010
I just received word that Bonnie passed away Wednesday and there will be a visitation on Sunday and service on Monday. It will be posted in the K.C. Star on Saturday. Please pass the word...thank you.
Jeanne Ennis Boyer
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Responses to sad news
Hello, Robert,
I well remember you and also Bonnie (Adams) Woods. We are at the age now when some of us check out and move on beyond the here and now. If you can contact Bonnie's family, please let her know that she is remembered by all of us who knew her 50-some years ago in the days at Paseo when we were all young and healthy together and when the future stretched bright and broad before us. It still does, only in another realm, and Bonnie will make her journey soon. Please give her best to her family for these days ahead.
Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness in notifying us. If you can get a mailing address, I'm sure many of us would like to send a note to the family.
Warmly,
Joyce (Gunderson) Dillenberger
1 Lake Louise Drive Unit 42
Bellingham, WA 98229-2782
----------------------------------------------------------
Hi Bob and Jeanne,
Thanks for sending this to us, so sorry to hear about Bonnie. I did hear about Dick Kenworthy, but not sure of two more that Jeanne has referred to.
I do hope that each of you and your families are doing well and enjoyed a good summer. Time seems to fly by so fast anymore, we need to enjoy every day when possible.
With warm regards,
Marilyn (Bordman) Pepper
peprus@comcat.net
----------------------------------------------------------
Hi Bob,
Thank you for sending me the email about Bonnie Adams. Margie Lyle had already sent it to me, I am just so very sad and sorry to hear this horrible news. Bless her heart, she looked so good at the reunion, and it was the first one she had attended. I knew that she has had kidney problems all her life, but thought she was better. I can't believe we've lost four classmates since the reunion...Really sad. Keep me updated...Thanks again, Bob.
Hugs, Twila
----------------------------------------------------------
I fear this will become an ever increasing issue for us. I will lift up a prayer for her.
Tom D. Conkright
o: (770) 578-9973
h: (770) 578-6331
----------------------------------------------------------
I will be happy to help. I new Bonnie in grade school. We were always pals back then. Our prayers are with her and the family. Thank you for sending me the email.
Wanda Melching Panettiere
----------------------------------------------------------
Robert, Thank you for the news about Bonnie. I am so very sorry to hear that she is that ill. Besides Dick Kenworthy who else have we lost since the reunion? We are getting old aren’t we?
Judie Hamilton Teal
----------------------------------------------------------
Bob...4get my prior email...that's what I get for not reading my email in proper sequence!
regards
John Stephens
----------------------------------------------------------
Bob, I received the information about Bonnie Adams and just couldn't believe it! We were such good friends at Paseo. She was always there to help anyone who needed it. We will be losing a special person.
Roy Terry
----------------------------------------------------------
My heart is saddened. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sandy Garner
I well remember you and also Bonnie (Adams) Woods. We are at the age now when some of us check out and move on beyond the here and now. If you can contact Bonnie's family, please let her know that she is remembered by all of us who knew her 50-some years ago in the days at Paseo when we were all young and healthy together and when the future stretched bright and broad before us. It still does, only in another realm, and Bonnie will make her journey soon. Please give her best to her family for these days ahead.
Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness in notifying us. If you can get a mailing address, I'm sure many of us would like to send a note to the family.
Warmly,
Joyce (Gunderson) Dillenberger
1 Lake Louise Drive Unit 42
Bellingham, WA 98229-2782
----------------------------------------------------------
Hi Bob and Jeanne,
Thanks for sending this to us, so sorry to hear about Bonnie. I did hear about Dick Kenworthy, but not sure of two more that Jeanne has referred to.
I do hope that each of you and your families are doing well and enjoyed a good summer. Time seems to fly by so fast anymore, we need to enjoy every day when possible.
With warm regards,
Marilyn (Bordman) Pepper
peprus@comcat.net
----------------------------------------------------------
Hi Bob,
Thank you for sending me the email about Bonnie Adams. Margie Lyle had already sent it to me, I am just so very sad and sorry to hear this horrible news. Bless her heart, she looked so good at the reunion, and it was the first one she had attended. I knew that she has had kidney problems all her life, but thought she was better. I can't believe we've lost four classmates since the reunion...Really sad. Keep me updated...Thanks again, Bob.
Hugs, Twila
----------------------------------------------------------
I fear this will become an ever increasing issue for us. I will lift up a prayer for her.
Tom D. Conkright
o: (770) 578-9973
h: (770) 578-6331
----------------------------------------------------------
I will be happy to help. I new Bonnie in grade school. We were always pals back then. Our prayers are with her and the family. Thank you for sending me the email.
Wanda Melching Panettiere
----------------------------------------------------------
Robert, Thank you for the news about Bonnie. I am so very sorry to hear that she is that ill. Besides Dick Kenworthy who else have we lost since the reunion? We are getting old aren’t we?
Judie Hamilton Teal
----------------------------------------------------------
Bob...4get my prior email...that's what I get for not reading my email in proper sequence!
regards
John Stephens
----------------------------------------------------------
Bob, I received the information about Bonnie Adams and just couldn't believe it! We were such good friends at Paseo. She was always there to help anyone who needed it. We will be losing a special person.
Roy Terry
----------------------------------------------------------
My heart is saddened. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sandy Garner
Monday, September 13, 2010
SAD NEWS from Jeanne Ennis Boyer regarding Bonnie Adams Woods
I have been trying for several weeks to reach Bonnie (Adams) Woods. Her daughter-in-law reached me today....
Bonnie is dying from problems with her heart (congestive issues) and kidney problems. It is not a new problem and she has chosen to do no more invasive proceedures. Hospice estimates she has three to five days to live.
She can not have visitors right now. I am thinking we need to put out the word as soon as it appears in the paper. Can you do that once we know when and where the service will be? I'm thinking of both the site you created and by regular e-mail for those that don't check the site on a regular basis. If you can't then I'll ask Janey.
That's four classmates since the reunion that I'm aware of. Makes me sad.
Bonnie is dying from problems with her heart (congestive issues) and kidney problems. It is not a new problem and she has chosen to do no more invasive proceedures. Hospice estimates she has three to five days to live.
She can not have visitors right now. I am thinking we need to put out the word as soon as it appears in the paper. Can you do that once we know when and where the service will be? I'm thinking of both the site you created and by regular e-mail for those that don't check the site on a regular basis. If you can't then I'll ask Janey.
That's four classmates since the reunion that I'm aware of. Makes me sad.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
AW SHUCKS!!
Fawcett Family Sweet Corn Festival, July 31st, 2010.
Bob asked what we were all doing this summer and so I report below about one of my summer activities.
The last weekend in July, Sally and her daughter Roxanne joined me at the Fawcett family farm in West Branch, Iowa for the annual Fawcett Family Sweet Corn Festival, a combined very large family reunion and work session to pick, boil, cool, cut and scrape, bag, and freeze a lot of Iowa sweet corn.
The reunion/festival takes place at the Fawcett family fresh spring fed pond called Cold Spring Pond which includes a lovely beach house “cabin”, a gazebo, floating dock, fire pit, and high dive included mostly for children although grandparents showing off in front of the younger and more easily impressed of the grandchildren occupy it frequently as well.
I took my own knife with me for this task as the last couple of times I participated in this event I was assigned a knife not worthy of my speedy talents. I think I was the fastest cutter in the crowd, although Fawcett when he took a break from cooking was a close second. Sally and Roxanne may disagree, but hey, they are not writing this piece, right?
Many family members attending the reunion/festival work a goodly portion of a day and then take home as much frozen corn as they feel they can use. John and I have worked frozen Iowa corn into a lot of recipes.
As background, Fawcett’s brother, Ken, along with a nephew, and son-in-law farms the family farm in West Branch, Iowa—some 2,000 acres divided about equally between soybeans and corn. (Those farming include John who spends two weeks in the spring and two weeks in the fall in West Branch to help with the planting and harvesting). Each year the Fawcett’s also plant about one acre of sweet corn, two separate plantings about two weeks apart and within each planting 3 different maturity dates, giving six separate pickings and preparations for freezing over a period of a month. (A planting of sweet corn lasts only about a week after maturing, so time is of the essence). The varieties raised by the Fawcett’s include Ambrosia, Incredible, and Serendipity. (Ambrosia is the bi-colored corn and is my favorite)
We began the weekend with a Baptism on Friday afternoon followed by a celebration dinner at the pond that evening, we did corn Saturday until noon, followed by a family reunion dinner at the pond on Saturday evening, followed by a 25th anniversary celebration of the building of the Pond held Sunday afternoon with some 200 guests, and then more family reunion on Sunday evening.
Sally and Roxanne peeled off from more family reunion and spent Saturday evening In Iowa City—some 10 miles to the West and home of the University of Iowa—at a wonderful outside tapas bar sipping wine and enjoying 3 separate wedding parades thru the center of town. Iowa City is charming. Built on a bluff overlooking the Iowa River, It was the original Capital of the Iowa Territory established in 1839
and is full of lovely historic buildings and homes.
Sally and I and Roxanne departed at the end of the weekend, but the Fawcett’s work was just beginning as they proceeded to then host the annual “Hoover Fest ” in downtown West Branch and the Pond the following weekend. Lots of Hoovers, food, activities and remembrance ceremonies. A lot of work too.
Photos of the location (the Pond) and some of the work are included here. I have to say I was pretty busy cutting corn and so I have no photos of the picking of the corn (John and Brother Ken), the cooking of the corn in giant vats (right behind the shuckers, but I never got a good shot. John was in charge of the cooking as well as the picking. Sally and I and Roxanne cut and cut and cut.
We had about 20 people divided roughly as follows: two picking corn and hauling it back to the pond in two pickup trucks, four to five folks shucking corn as fast as they could, two cooking it in very large vats, these same two cooling the corn immediately upon completion of the cooking, two guys carrying trays of the corn into the cabin to the two tables of cutters,-- about six or seven of us all together, and the cutters then passing their product to the baggers who bagged, labeled and transported to the freezer the product.
We worked maybe three hours put away into the freezers 233 pints and several quarts in the Saturday morning session. There were some sessions before we arrived and there will be in the days after we left. Lots and lots of sweet corn.
We had such a good time and I was glad Sally and Roxanne could join the fest. It is a five hour drive from Kansas City, and so an overnight or two is required. Good fun is good friends and/or family. It doesn’t much matter what you are doing or where you are doing it.
I hope some of you will share your summer activities. I know I would like very much to hear about them and I am sure others would enjoy these reports as well. We need to do a better job of staying in touch?
And, if you know of any good corn recipes, please forward.
Claudine
Bob asked what we were all doing this summer and so I report below about one of my summer activities.
The last weekend in July, Sally and her daughter Roxanne joined me at the Fawcett family farm in West Branch, Iowa for the annual Fawcett Family Sweet Corn Festival, a combined very large family reunion and work session to pick, boil, cool, cut and scrape, bag, and freeze a lot of Iowa sweet corn.
The reunion/festival takes place at the Fawcett family fresh spring fed pond called Cold Spring Pond which includes a lovely beach house “cabin”, a gazebo, floating dock, fire pit, and high dive included mostly for children although grandparents showing off in front of the younger and more easily impressed of the grandchildren occupy it frequently as well.
I took my own knife with me for this task as the last couple of times I participated in this event I was assigned a knife not worthy of my speedy talents. I think I was the fastest cutter in the crowd, although Fawcett when he took a break from cooking was a close second. Sally and Roxanne may disagree, but hey, they are not writing this piece, right?
Many family members attending the reunion/festival work a goodly portion of a day and then take home as much frozen corn as they feel they can use. John and I have worked frozen Iowa corn into a lot of recipes.
As background, Fawcett’s brother, Ken, along with a nephew, and son-in-law farms the family farm in West Branch, Iowa—some 2,000 acres divided about equally between soybeans and corn. (Those farming include John who spends two weeks in the spring and two weeks in the fall in West Branch to help with the planting and harvesting). Each year the Fawcett’s also plant about one acre of sweet corn, two separate plantings about two weeks apart and within each planting 3 different maturity dates, giving six separate pickings and preparations for freezing over a period of a month. (A planting of sweet corn lasts only about a week after maturing, so time is of the essence). The varieties raised by the Fawcett’s include Ambrosia, Incredible, and Serendipity. (Ambrosia is the bi-colored corn and is my favorite)
We began the weekend with a Baptism on Friday afternoon followed by a celebration dinner at the pond that evening, we did corn Saturday until noon, followed by a family reunion dinner at the pond on Saturday evening, followed by a 25th anniversary celebration of the building of the Pond held Sunday afternoon with some 200 guests, and then more family reunion on Sunday evening.
Sally and Roxanne peeled off from more family reunion and spent Saturday evening In Iowa City—some 10 miles to the West and home of the University of Iowa—at a wonderful outside tapas bar sipping wine and enjoying 3 separate wedding parades thru the center of town. Iowa City is charming. Built on a bluff overlooking the Iowa River, It was the original Capital of the Iowa Territory established in 1839
and is full of lovely historic buildings and homes.
Sally and I and Roxanne departed at the end of the weekend, but the Fawcett’s work was just beginning as they proceeded to then host the annual “Hoover Fest ” in downtown West Branch and the Pond the following weekend. Lots of Hoovers, food, activities and remembrance ceremonies. A lot of work too.
Photos of the location (the Pond) and some of the work are included here. I have to say I was pretty busy cutting corn and so I have no photos of the picking of the corn (John and Brother Ken), the cooking of the corn in giant vats (right behind the shuckers, but I never got a good shot. John was in charge of the cooking as well as the picking. Sally and I and Roxanne cut and cut and cut.
We had about 20 people divided roughly as follows: two picking corn and hauling it back to the pond in two pickup trucks, four to five folks shucking corn as fast as they could, two cooking it in very large vats, these same two cooling the corn immediately upon completion of the cooking, two guys carrying trays of the corn into the cabin to the two tables of cutters,-- about six or seven of us all together, and the cutters then passing their product to the baggers who bagged, labeled and transported to the freezer the product.
We worked maybe three hours put away into the freezers 233 pints and several quarts in the Saturday morning session. There were some sessions before we arrived and there will be in the days after we left. Lots and lots of sweet corn.
We had such a good time and I was glad Sally and Roxanne could join the fest. It is a five hour drive from Kansas City, and so an overnight or two is required. Good fun is good friends and/or family. It doesn’t much matter what you are doing or where you are doing it.
I hope some of you will share your summer activities. I know I would like very much to hear about them and I am sure others would enjoy these reports as well. We need to do a better job of staying in touch?
And, if you know of any good corn recipes, please forward.
Claudine
Friday, August 20, 2010
First (and last) Grandkid Posting, with apologies.
My only grandkid Lily, 13, appearing at The Chicago Metro and at another local venue. CD soon to be released.
They keep coming in
From Claudine
From W.C.Fields,this plaque was hanging behind a bar in Nags Head NC where I had breakfast recently.
"A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her"
From W.C.Fields,this plaque was hanging behind a bar in Nags Head NC where I had breakfast recently.
"A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her"
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Some quotes for the thinking person
The future ain't what it used to be.
Yogi Berra
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.
Douglas Adams
We are the only animals that let our kids come back home.
Bill Cosby
and finally......
I really didn't say everything I said.
Yogi Berra
Have a very good day!
Yogi Berra
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.
Douglas Adams
We are the only animals that let our kids come back home.
Bill Cosby
and finally......
I really didn't say everything I said.
Yogi Berra
Have a very good day!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
A note from Claudine
Hello Rex and classmates;
What a great adventure. I have never been to Hawaii, and now may never accomplish this journey, but can appreciate the beauty and allure.
I learned about 10 years ago to never, never, travel without a black sweater to put over your shoulders or knees. I now own 25 due mostly to business trips to San Fransisco where when packing for each trip I stupidly thought it was going to be warm.
And, now that US Air required me to pay $7 for one of those paper this blankets, I carry that too.
Old age brings cold.
The apartment rents sound just like New York. I had a friend who flew for American Airlines who rented an apartment the size of my dining and was glad to get it never mind it took half her salary.
In any case ,your Hawaiian adventure sounds like the fun we all should be having all the time,, never mind the frostbite (smiley face here).
Beats Iowa in some ways, but certainly not in others. Report to follow.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Isn't retirement great??
--------------------------
Restaurants in Kansas City:
I had some many minutes to spend in a bookstore recently and came upon and purchased two foodie books: "500 Things To Eat Before It's Too Late", and "Roadfood" by Jane and Michael Stern. Roadfood writes about Arthur Bryant's, Jess and Jim's, LC's Barbeque, Niecie's, and Stroud's Oak Ridge Manor. "500 Things to Eat..." writes of Arthur Bryant's, Eden Allen Cafe, Jess and Jim's, Niecie's ,Strouds and Woodyard Bar-b-que.
I remember eating at Strouds out on Troost many years ago but after it moved North of the river I was there perhaps once and then time became too short when I was in KC so I have not been there in some 15 or so years. The "500" says "Stroud's in Kansas City, MO, "makes the best chicken dinner in America." I guess you cannot receive a review much better?
Have any of you been there recently? I am puttting it on my list for my next visit to KC. Salads and grilled fish will go off my list for a short while.
I so not know The Eden Allen Cafe, Woodyard Bar-b-que, LC's barbeque or Niecie's.
Niecie's sounds especially interesting. It is lauded for its Bar-b-que , as well as for soul food (waffles and chicken and pig ear sandwiches) . I am putting this restaurant on my next visit list as well.
Do any of you know these places? Would love to hear your opinion.
Claudine
What a great adventure. I have never been to Hawaii, and now may never accomplish this journey, but can appreciate the beauty and allure.
I learned about 10 years ago to never, never, travel without a black sweater to put over your shoulders or knees. I now own 25 due mostly to business trips to San Fransisco where when packing for each trip I stupidly thought it was going to be warm.
And, now that US Air required me to pay $7 for one of those paper this blankets, I carry that too.
Old age brings cold.
The apartment rents sound just like New York. I had a friend who flew for American Airlines who rented an apartment the size of my dining and was glad to get it never mind it took half her salary.
In any case ,your Hawaiian adventure sounds like the fun we all should be having all the time,, never mind the frostbite (smiley face here).
Beats Iowa in some ways, but certainly not in others. Report to follow.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Isn't retirement great??
--------------------------
Restaurants in Kansas City:
I had some many minutes to spend in a bookstore recently and came upon and purchased two foodie books: "500 Things To Eat Before It's Too Late", and "Roadfood" by Jane and Michael Stern. Roadfood writes about Arthur Bryant's, Jess and Jim's, LC's Barbeque, Niecie's, and Stroud's Oak Ridge Manor. "500 Things to Eat..." writes of Arthur Bryant's, Eden Allen Cafe, Jess and Jim's, Niecie's ,Strouds and Woodyard Bar-b-que.
I remember eating at Strouds out on Troost many years ago but after it moved North of the river I was there perhaps once and then time became too short when I was in KC so I have not been there in some 15 or so years. The "500" says "Stroud's in Kansas City, MO, "makes the best chicken dinner in America." I guess you cannot receive a review much better?
Have any of you been there recently? I am puttting it on my list for my next visit to KC. Salads and grilled fish will go off my list for a short while.
I so not know The Eden Allen Cafe, Woodyard Bar-b-que, LC's barbeque or Niecie's.
Niecie's sounds especially interesting. It is lauded for its Bar-b-que , as well as for soul food (waffles and chicken and pig ear sandwiches) . I am putting this restaurant on my next visit list as well.
Do any of you know these places? Would love to hear your opinion.
Claudine
Talk about exotic tropical trips.
Hi there fellow Pirates - Bob Pflanz here.
I don't go to those romantic exotic places that some of you go when you travel. I often go to the wrong side of the tracks and see the urban sprawl. It wasn't intentional, it just happens. When I go to the mountains, I see abandoned mines and sludge ponds. When traveling to the ocean, I see soap suds and dead critters. This year for something different, I went to southern Texas in the summertime. Here is what I wrote on my blog:
How hot is it in southern Texas in August? I'm glad you asked.
I just returned from the Rio Grande valley in southern Texas (Down near Brownsville). I had been told that the heat down there is different because it's a “dry” heat – they LIED!
It's so hot the bees sweat.
It's so hot the armadillos are packing their bags and moving north.
It's so hot the surviving cows give powdered milk.
It's HOT! But there is a nice sweltering moist breeze from the ocean that forces you inside most of the day. It's a nice place to visit (in the winter). There are a lot of Winter Texans (who aren't there right now) who know better than to visit in the summertime. You live and you hopefully learn. Without air conditioning, it would really be uncomfortable. As we were returning north we passed just east of Dallas where it was the 13th day in a row over 100 degrees. Our car thermometer hit pockets of heat in certain areas that topped 107 degrees. It was good to get home to our comfortable 95 degrees.
It's so hot the trees are looking for shade.
Hang in there and really appreciate fall.
I don't go to those romantic exotic places that some of you go when you travel. I often go to the wrong side of the tracks and see the urban sprawl. It wasn't intentional, it just happens. When I go to the mountains, I see abandoned mines and sludge ponds. When traveling to the ocean, I see soap suds and dead critters. This year for something different, I went to southern Texas in the summertime. Here is what I wrote on my blog:
How hot is it in southern Texas in August? I'm glad you asked.
I just returned from the Rio Grande valley in southern Texas (Down near Brownsville). I had been told that the heat down there is different because it's a “dry” heat – they LIED!
It's so hot the bees sweat.
It's so hot the armadillos are packing their bags and moving north.
It's so hot the surviving cows give powdered milk.
It's HOT! But there is a nice sweltering moist breeze from the ocean that forces you inside most of the day. It's a nice place to visit (in the winter). There are a lot of Winter Texans (who aren't there right now) who know better than to visit in the summertime. You live and you hopefully learn. Without air conditioning, it would really be uncomfortable. As we were returning north we passed just east of Dallas where it was the 13th day in a row over 100 degrees. Our car thermometer hit pockets of heat in certain areas that topped 107 degrees. It was good to get home to our comfortable 95 degrees.
It's so hot the trees are looking for shade.
Hang in there and really appreciate fall.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Waikiki Wanderings
Claudine, I promised a shorter travelogue than your Tripoli trip. Since I was gone only 5 days, it is bound to be more brief.
It's a six hour flight from LV to Honolulu, so I stupidly spent an extra $25 each for two exit row seats. What a 5'6" man and 5'1" woman need with extra leg room is probably worth debating; however, the deal was done.
This particular aircraft, instead of an exit window, had extra exit doors mid-ship that came equipped with an attached evacuation slide. This was enclosed inside of a plastic covering attached to the inside of the door. An interesting feature was the seams around the covering that allowed in outside air, which at 25,000 feet is probably the same temp as dry ice.
Now, six hours with ice-cold air blowing on your lower extremities is like hooking yourself up to intravenous refrigeration fluid. Compounding the discomfort was my decision to wear shorts and flip-flops on this trip between warm weather climes. I have never been so cold except for once while shoveling snow in Boston and accidentally locking myself out of the house.
After we landed and received emergency treatment for frostbite, our daughter, whom we were visiting, dropped us at our Waikiki beach hotel just in time for bed.
We've been there a few times and know an inexpensive joint for breakfast, so headed there as soon as we got up.
We spent the days on the beach, evenings and the weekend with our daughter. Gwen has a $215 K condo, the size of which must be 200 square feet easy, overlooking the Ala Wai canal. Only two people can visit at a time, but only one can sit down.
We made the required trip to the north shore for some scuba and grilled shrimp from one of the many shack-like places that do a land office business on the weekends. Pretty good stuff, though don't ask for their health inspection certificate. Same for the hole-in-the-wall place in Chinatown where we had dinner.
Our last day we took a catamaran into Waikiki Bay for some great views of the city and Diamond Head.
Took the red-eye back, but had my exit row seats refunded and reassigned to some unsuspecting tourist from Peoria.
Friday, July 30, 2010
It's been a quiet summer out there
I haven't heard from many people this summer. It seems like we are all hunkered down during the hot weather and just waiting for the coolness to return before we venture out again. It has been a summer like the "old days" before air conditioning when we had to stay out in the shade or go to the movies or swim or run through the sprinkler. Now that the world is air conditioned, we hide inside and prefer not to sweat and toil or even play in the heat. That's not a terrible idea at our age, but it does keep us out of touch.
Why don't you send me some thoughts about what you did in the "old days" to pass the summer time. We all would like to share your memories and rekindle our own.
The only note I have to pass along is this recent one from Charles Fisher.
Hi Robert. The year plus since the great Paseo '59 Reunion has passed so fast. Here is an update for my personal e-mail in case you don't have it. I hope you are well and have a wonderful summer. Best regards always,
Charles A. Fisher
Charles@CharlesFisher.net
So, keep those cards and letters coming in and share your thoughts and memories with the rest of your buddies from long ago.
BY THE WAY, the class of 1960 recently had their reunion and you can visit their site at http://classreport.org/usa/mo/kansascity/phs/1960/
Why don't you send me some thoughts about what you did in the "old days" to pass the summer time. We all would like to share your memories and rekindle our own.
The only note I have to pass along is this recent one from Charles Fisher.
Hi Robert. The year plus since the great Paseo '59 Reunion has passed so fast. Here is an update for my personal e-mail in case you don't have it. I hope you are well and have a wonderful summer. Best regards always,
Charles A. Fisher
Charles@CharlesFisher.net
So, keep those cards and letters coming in and share your thoughts and memories with the rest of your buddies from long ago.
BY THE WAY, the class of 1960 recently had their reunion and you can visit their site at http://classreport.org/usa/mo/kansascity/phs/1960/
Sunday, June 27, 2010
A note from Roy Terry
FYI,
I received a message on Facebook from the niece of Norman Mason (class of '59) that he passed away sometime around Thanksgiving of 2009. I understand he and his wife (class of '60) were at the reunion. I know our prayers will be with him!
Roy
Friday, June 25, 2010
Patton and Tunisa
Claudine, excellent travelogue about Tunisa. Having traveled with Rodney in another desert locale, New Mexico, for only 3 days, how you handled weeks of it is a testimony to either your determination or a reflection on your judgment.
I hate to say that Patton was a nut case, but as is the case with many brilliant leaders, the separation between genius and madness is a narrow one.
Patton believed not only in reincarnation, but thought himself to have previously been Hannibal. How's that for a Tunisian connection? Not too great a leap of imagination from herding elephants over long distances to managing tank convoys.
But as a true nut case, whatever the situation, he could recall prior lives, all as a warrior in some capacity - Romans, Vikings, etc. To him, tactical war planning and execution was second nature; inbred by previous military lives.
Your trip recap was great. I need to take another soon just to get back in the grove. The Guinns, Blackburns and we are contemplating some sort of grand tour next year, but my immediate trip plans are next month to Waikiki to visit my daughter. Probably a bit too touristy for any blog postings.
When that comes off, hope I can do justice to a blog posting as effectively as yours.
I hate to say that Patton was a nut case, but as is the case with many brilliant leaders, the separation between genius and madness is a narrow one.
Patton believed not only in reincarnation, but thought himself to have previously been Hannibal. How's that for a Tunisian connection? Not too great a leap of imagination from herding elephants over long distances to managing tank convoys.
But as a true nut case, whatever the situation, he could recall prior lives, all as a warrior in some capacity - Romans, Vikings, etc. To him, tactical war planning and execution was second nature; inbred by previous military lives.
Your trip recap was great. I need to take another soon just to get back in the grove. The Guinns, Blackburns and we are contemplating some sort of grand tour next year, but my immediate trip plans are next month to Waikiki to visit my daughter. Probably a bit too touristy for any blog postings.
When that comes off, hope I can do justice to a blog posting as effectively as yours.
Monday, June 21, 2010
A MOTORING TRIP IN TUNISIA MAY 2010
In early May, Rodney and I spent two weeks in Tunisia—two days in Tunis and the remainder with a rental car motoring about the Country. We covered about 1800 miles or about two-thirds of the Country which is about the size of Florida.
Tunisia is familiar to us from its role in WWII and perhaps reinforced by the 1970’s movie “Patton”. The Americans fought some decisive battles there—the tragic Battle of the Kasserine Pass in February 1943 where our forces lost many men, much ground, and confidence in some key commanders ; and the Battle of the El Guettar where Patton defeated Rommel’s 10th Panzer Division. The scene in which Patton, watching the battle proceed, shouts “Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!” is very Patton and memorable. The victory was not quite as decisive as portrayed in the movie (I prefer the movie version) , but was an important turning point in the war and led to breaking the last Axis line of defense in the south of Tunisia and consequently the German withdrawal from Tunisia. The scenery in Southern Tunisia has not changed from the filming and probably not much since WWII.
Tunisia ‘s role in ancient history is remembered primarily because of the three Punic Wars fought between Carthage (the city/state capitol of what is now Tunisia) and its arch enemy, Rome. The rivalry and three wars ultimately resulted in the total destruction of Carthage and the Carthaginians in 146 AD. Most everyone has heard of the feats of the Carthaginian General Hannibal. “Patton” also has a scene dealing with his memory of one of the Punic wars.
Lastly, if you have seen the” star wars” movies, several of them were filmed in southern Tunisia in an area around Matmata perhaps best remembered as the home planet of Luke Skywalker.
For our trip through Tunisia we traveled mostly on Michelin Map’s white roads which I have always referred to as” goat roads”. They are paved, but a single, undivided lane and provide the only route through many of the less developed and mountainous areas of Europe and North Africa. There is no GPS in Tunisia, so it was up to me and the Michelin maps, but I prefer it that way. I have never been sure the GPS knows what it is talking about. And, in Tunisia, navigation is pretty simple in that there are few roads.
Driving is another matter. The travel books cautioned that driving in Tunisia was a wild and wooly proposition, but we took the cautions with a grain of salt. Rodney—an indefatigable and unflappable driver --has driven through it all, but for India where we hired a driver. But, Tunisia was indeed nerve wracking.
There is no such thing as a lane. If the highway is marked for two, the drivers make three and sometimes four lanes. As you are preceding on a two lane road and in a no passing zone, the driver behind decides to make a passing lane from the middle. Sometimes this driver encounters another vehicle coming in the opposite direction and also in a make believe passing lane frequently approaching over the top of the hill. Then there are four abreast on a narrow two lane road all traveling at a high speed. Both shoulders and sometimes heavy breaking often need to come into play to avoid certain collision. The Tunisian drivers, however, choose neither of the above; appearing to believe this is great sport. It is always left to the lone tourist (Rodney) to” blink”. There were more than a few “flappable” driving moments.
Pedestrians walk everywhere but on the sidewalks. They wander throughout the streets. They are in the middle of the streets, in the middle of the lanes, crossing back and forth between lanes, whatever, totally without any care as to where the cars might be coming from or going. And oblivious to any space needs for motorized vehicles. This custom made city driving teeth clenching experience and the rural goat roads a welcome relief.
Driving aside, Tunisia is a fascinating and enjoyable country to visit. It is a country of great contrasts both in culture and scenery, inhabiting two worlds—the very European Mediterranean sea coast with its lovely beach towns, cities and villages, and international resort atmosphere , hosting some 2 million European tourists annually ; and the more African, Middle Eastern, and the more conservative Muslim remainder of the country.
Much of this country is extremely arid and then becomes the Sahara desert. Southern Tunisia is the country’s “Star Wars” heartland and indeed many of the sites of filming seem very familiar. It is a stark, barren, desolate, eroded, and haunting landscape full of fissures and craters. -- reminding one of what the moon must look like. Sheep and goats, goats and sheep and camels and more camels inhabit the south and west of Tunisia along with their shepherds and herders.
There is a very definite tourist season in Tunisia and early May is not it. It is still very chilly and windy on the coast and consequently the resorts are deserted. We were the only guests in the hotel in at least two of these towns, making our stay a little eerie. The strangeness of it all was compounded by the fact that the one man at the desk constituted the sum of the employees other than perhaps a cleaning lady. And, the one man staff was nowhere to be found in the evening. Additionally there were no elevators in any of the hotels once we left Tunis. One carried one’s own luggage, or paid an 80 year old cleaning woman to help. I carried my own. Rodney paid the cleaning lady.
The weather was lovely in the desert but again we found ourselves almost alone. Most of the tourist visits to the ruins, the desert, and the sites the lands of the Berbers come from day -trippers from the beach resorts. So, we had things just about to ourselves which was great.
The Tunisians are warm, friendly, curious about Americans (there are very few traveling there) and great Obama fans. At the same time they are defensive of Islam, the Palestinians, and angered by the Iraq war. But, they never seem to bring these feelings to a personal level.
Although almost 100% Muslim, Tunisia seems to wear its religion lightly. On the Mediterranean Coast very few women are coated or veiled, about one-half wear a scarf head covering and the remainder wear no head covering. In the remainder of the country most women wear head coverings as well as other covering garments such as the long coat, but the uncovered minority move about with ease and assurance so the choice seems to be a purely personal one.
Alcohol is permitted in Tunisia, and in fact they produce some wines—a legacy of the 100 year French Protectorate. But, most Tunisians do not drink. Alcohol is served only out of public view. Sidewalk cafes serve non-alcoholic beer and drinks are available only in a few of the more expensive restaurants in large cities and in Westernized hotels. As for purchasing alcohol, it is all rather surreptitious and done rather furtively. At some appointed hour, known only to a select few, a back door of a grocery opens revealing a closet size liquor store which stays open perhaps an hour and not every day. Rodney found these speakeasy openings and sites by observing from time to time men ,all carrying boxes of empty beer bottles, forming lines in alleys. We would simply join the queue.
As for food, the Mediterranean coast is home to delicious grilled fish which we had every night. As one moved south into the desert it was free range chicken, lamb, goat, or camel steak. And of course the ubiquitous couscous, an invention of the Berbers. Beef disappeared in the South because there was no grazing land and pork was never around because the country is Muslim. The free range chicken tasted as if it had ranged far and wide and for many years. A knife was no match for one of these guys. Pommes frites, another legacy of the 100 year French Protectorate are available throughout the country in every and all eateries large, small, and isolated, and they are fresh and wonderful, Salads too are good, fresh and everywhere—more cucumber and tomato and less lettuce. And olives, olives, olives. I became very accustomed to having a dish of olives for breakfast.
As for language, the universal and primary language is Arabic. Nearly everyone, however, especially the younger generations, speaks French as a second language. Very little English is known or understood—Tunis and the Mediterranean resort cities being the exception—but in the rest of the country many are taking up English as a third language and are always anxious to practice a few words. The great majority of road signs are in both Arabic and the Roman alphabet.
The country has a great, sweeping, history of conqueror after conqueror, The Berbers were the original inhabitants, but were first conquered by the Phoenicians, then the Romans, later the vandals and the Byzantines, the armies of Islam and the several Islamic dynasties, the Turks, and finally the French. But, Tunisia seems to have absorbed something positive from each conquering civilization. And, through it all, the Berbers, the original inhabitants of Tunisia, have endured and proven at times to be formidable enemies of the conquerors. Although they have become all but totally assimilated into the Arab population their customs and culture continue to survive especially in rural areas. The resulting mixture is pleasing, rich, and unique in North Africa. Sadly, however, the Berber language, Chelha, which can still be heard will disappear with the remaining few elderly speakers
Most of the conquering civilizations, but for the Carthaginians whose capital, Carthage, was totally destroyed and burned to the ground, left outstanding architectural reminders of their once great cities, forts and places of worship. The great city-state of Carthage has to be imagined. The Romans, after conquering, destroying, burning and salting the city and selling all of its remaining inhabitants into slavery at the end of the 3rd Punic War in 146 AD, then rebuilt a city of their own upon the site. This site just outside of Tunis overlooking the Mediterranean is beautiful and haunting, but of course it is not Carthage, only the former site of Carthage. (Remember the scene in “Patton” where he has his driver turn and take him to a battlefield he remembers and he explains to his companions that he was here fighting/commanding in the ancient battle this spot? As he describes the battle wherein the Carthaginians were terribly outnumbered, and its aftermath which was pretty horrific he does not say which of the Punic Wars he was fighting in, but, the description he gives makes me think he is describing his role as a Roman General in the 3rd Punic War.)
The ruins throughout Tunisia from the many centuries of Roman occupation are some of the best preserved in the world. The remains of whole cities can be found in Dougga and Sbeitla, one of the world’s best preserved amphitheatres at Jem, and the world’s best collection of Roman Mosaics at the Bardo Museum in Tunis. The Islamic Dynasties contributed impressive mosques and the medinas. The medinas are the original walled cities established by the Islamic dynasties. They are a very condensed labyrinth of winding narrow paths housing retail shops, residences, tradesmen’s places of work and restaurants. It is fascinating to wander in these mazes not worried about getting lost and knowing there is indeed some way out. Even if it takes a while to find it. Two of the Medinas in Tunisia are on the World Heritage list.
Once you head South and West you enter the land of the Berbers, including such architectural landmarks as the underground houses of Matmata called troglodyte homes, the picturesque Arab-Berber Ksour district, the heart of “Star Wars” country around Tataouine and Matmata, abandoned Berber hilltop villages, and eerie salt flats as one heads West to the Algerian Border to visit Douz and Tozeur towns located amid enormous palm groves as well as other oasis villages close to the Algerian border.
The troglodyte homes are underground homes of the Berbers who centuries ago went underground to escape the summer heat. The homes are found primarily in the Star Wars country of Matmata, and although conventional modern buildings are now in the majority, Matmata still has hundreds of the troglodyte pit homes.
The homes, providing protection from heat, cold and invasion, are located at the base of a large circular pit cut from 15 to 30 feet deep and usually buttressed with stone walls. Three to four homes are commonly included within a troglodyte dwelling, each home consisting of three to four rooms and connected to the other homes by court yards.
Unfortunately, these homes do not lend themselves to photography in that all one can see on the exterior is a narrow stairwell leading down from the ground level, or door craved into the side of a hill. And, the rooms in the interior feel like those in any other home albeit in slightly dimmer light. On the other hand, visiting these homes is relatively easy, as one can usually secure an invitation upon striking up a conversation with one of the inhabitants.
The Ksar (plural Kzour) typifies Berber architecture. It is a fortified granary consisting of several ghorfas—cave- like structures built of stone stacked three to four stories high and used for storing grain. Think of the kzar as a bank with the ghorfas serving as very large safety deposit boxes. Each ghorfa or cave storage unit belonged to a family, and grain as well as olive oil was stored here from the years of good harvest as insurance against the many years of bad harvests. Because of the arid conditions these stored grains could last several years. The ghorfas were accessed by precarious stone staircases and filled by and emptied using a pulley system. (See photos below)
In the bad years, the family savings of grain and oil could be withdrawn but there was usually a caretaker in charge of withdrawals—most often a religious figure—and this personage regulated how much grain could be taken out by the owners in times of scarcity. Thus the Ksar operated akin to a bank or credit union preventing crop holders from squandering their resources –sort of an enforced saving and stockpiling.
Southern Tunisia’s oldest surviving settlements are the spectacular hilltop villages built to take advantage of the region’s dramatic rock outcrops. They are all dotted with natural caves with became a place of refuge for Berber tribes who were forced to flee from various invaders. The caves were extended into houses by tunneling several rooms into the rock and adding courtyards. The highpoint of these villages was occupied by the ksar discussed above. There are several of these villages but three of these villages remain intact and virtually untouched since the inhabitants left. They are a special site.
Having exhausted our time, we headed back to Tunis for the trip home. This trip was uneventful and speedy in that we traveled back to Tunis on the one and only autobahn. I would highly recommend a vast to Tunisia, but if you have not yet visited Morocco, or Egypt, or Turkey I might do these first.
There will be a test on this material next week.
Your classmate
Claudine
Tunisia is familiar to us from its role in WWII and perhaps reinforced by the 1970’s movie “Patton”. The Americans fought some decisive battles there—the tragic Battle of the Kasserine Pass in February 1943 where our forces lost many men, much ground, and confidence in some key commanders ; and the Battle of the El Guettar where Patton defeated Rommel’s 10th Panzer Division. The scene in which Patton, watching the battle proceed, shouts “Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!” is very Patton and memorable. The victory was not quite as decisive as portrayed in the movie (I prefer the movie version) , but was an important turning point in the war and led to breaking the last Axis line of defense in the south of Tunisia and consequently the German withdrawal from Tunisia. The scenery in Southern Tunisia has not changed from the filming and probably not much since WWII.
Tunisia ‘s role in ancient history is remembered primarily because of the three Punic Wars fought between Carthage (the city/state capitol of what is now Tunisia) and its arch enemy, Rome. The rivalry and three wars ultimately resulted in the total destruction of Carthage and the Carthaginians in 146 AD. Most everyone has heard of the feats of the Carthaginian General Hannibal. “Patton” also has a scene dealing with his memory of one of the Punic wars.
Lastly, if you have seen the” star wars” movies, several of them were filmed in southern Tunisia in an area around Matmata perhaps best remembered as the home planet of Luke Skywalker.
For our trip through Tunisia we traveled mostly on Michelin Map’s white roads which I have always referred to as” goat roads”. They are paved, but a single, undivided lane and provide the only route through many of the less developed and mountainous areas of Europe and North Africa. There is no GPS in Tunisia, so it was up to me and the Michelin maps, but I prefer it that way. I have never been sure the GPS knows what it is talking about. And, in Tunisia, navigation is pretty simple in that there are few roads.
Driving is another matter. The travel books cautioned that driving in Tunisia was a wild and wooly proposition, but we took the cautions with a grain of salt. Rodney—an indefatigable and unflappable driver --has driven through it all, but for India where we hired a driver. But, Tunisia was indeed nerve wracking.
There is no such thing as a lane. If the highway is marked for two, the drivers make three and sometimes four lanes. As you are preceding on a two lane road and in a no passing zone, the driver behind decides to make a passing lane from the middle. Sometimes this driver encounters another vehicle coming in the opposite direction and also in a make believe passing lane frequently approaching over the top of the hill. Then there are four abreast on a narrow two lane road all traveling at a high speed. Both shoulders and sometimes heavy breaking often need to come into play to avoid certain collision. The Tunisian drivers, however, choose neither of the above; appearing to believe this is great sport. It is always left to the lone tourist (Rodney) to” blink”. There were more than a few “flappable” driving moments.
Pedestrians walk everywhere but on the sidewalks. They wander throughout the streets. They are in the middle of the streets, in the middle of the lanes, crossing back and forth between lanes, whatever, totally without any care as to where the cars might be coming from or going. And oblivious to any space needs for motorized vehicles. This custom made city driving teeth clenching experience and the rural goat roads a welcome relief.
Driving aside, Tunisia is a fascinating and enjoyable country to visit. It is a country of great contrasts both in culture and scenery, inhabiting two worlds—the very European Mediterranean sea coast with its lovely beach towns, cities and villages, and international resort atmosphere , hosting some 2 million European tourists annually ; and the more African, Middle Eastern, and the more conservative Muslim remainder of the country.
Much of this country is extremely arid and then becomes the Sahara desert. Southern Tunisia is the country’s “Star Wars” heartland and indeed many of the sites of filming seem very familiar. It is a stark, barren, desolate, eroded, and haunting landscape full of fissures and craters. -- reminding one of what the moon must look like. Sheep and goats, goats and sheep and camels and more camels inhabit the south and west of Tunisia along with their shepherds and herders.
There is a very definite tourist season in Tunisia and early May is not it. It is still very chilly and windy on the coast and consequently the resorts are deserted. We were the only guests in the hotel in at least two of these towns, making our stay a little eerie. The strangeness of it all was compounded by the fact that the one man at the desk constituted the sum of the employees other than perhaps a cleaning lady. And, the one man staff was nowhere to be found in the evening. Additionally there were no elevators in any of the hotels once we left Tunis. One carried one’s own luggage, or paid an 80 year old cleaning woman to help. I carried my own. Rodney paid the cleaning lady.
The weather was lovely in the desert but again we found ourselves almost alone. Most of the tourist visits to the ruins, the desert, and the sites the lands of the Berbers come from day -trippers from the beach resorts. So, we had things just about to ourselves which was great.
The Tunisians are warm, friendly, curious about Americans (there are very few traveling there) and great Obama fans. At the same time they are defensive of Islam, the Palestinians, and angered by the Iraq war. But, they never seem to bring these feelings to a personal level.
Although almost 100% Muslim, Tunisia seems to wear its religion lightly. On the Mediterranean Coast very few women are coated or veiled, about one-half wear a scarf head covering and the remainder wear no head covering. In the remainder of the country most women wear head coverings as well as other covering garments such as the long coat, but the uncovered minority move about with ease and assurance so the choice seems to be a purely personal one.
Alcohol is permitted in Tunisia, and in fact they produce some wines—a legacy of the 100 year French Protectorate. But, most Tunisians do not drink. Alcohol is served only out of public view. Sidewalk cafes serve non-alcoholic beer and drinks are available only in a few of the more expensive restaurants in large cities and in Westernized hotels. As for purchasing alcohol, it is all rather surreptitious and done rather furtively. At some appointed hour, known only to a select few, a back door of a grocery opens revealing a closet size liquor store which stays open perhaps an hour and not every day. Rodney found these speakeasy openings and sites by observing from time to time men ,all carrying boxes of empty beer bottles, forming lines in alleys. We would simply join the queue.
As for food, the Mediterranean coast is home to delicious grilled fish which we had every night. As one moved south into the desert it was free range chicken, lamb, goat, or camel steak. And of course the ubiquitous couscous, an invention of the Berbers. Beef disappeared in the South because there was no grazing land and pork was never around because the country is Muslim. The free range chicken tasted as if it had ranged far and wide and for many years. A knife was no match for one of these guys. Pommes frites, another legacy of the 100 year French Protectorate are available throughout the country in every and all eateries large, small, and isolated, and they are fresh and wonderful, Salads too are good, fresh and everywhere—more cucumber and tomato and less lettuce. And olives, olives, olives. I became very accustomed to having a dish of olives for breakfast.
As for language, the universal and primary language is Arabic. Nearly everyone, however, especially the younger generations, speaks French as a second language. Very little English is known or understood—Tunis and the Mediterranean resort cities being the exception—but in the rest of the country many are taking up English as a third language and are always anxious to practice a few words. The great majority of road signs are in both Arabic and the Roman alphabet.
The country has a great, sweeping, history of conqueror after conqueror, The Berbers were the original inhabitants, but were first conquered by the Phoenicians, then the Romans, later the vandals and the Byzantines, the armies of Islam and the several Islamic dynasties, the Turks, and finally the French. But, Tunisia seems to have absorbed something positive from each conquering civilization. And, through it all, the Berbers, the original inhabitants of Tunisia, have endured and proven at times to be formidable enemies of the conquerors. Although they have become all but totally assimilated into the Arab population their customs and culture continue to survive especially in rural areas. The resulting mixture is pleasing, rich, and unique in North Africa. Sadly, however, the Berber language, Chelha, which can still be heard will disappear with the remaining few elderly speakers
Most of the conquering civilizations, but for the Carthaginians whose capital, Carthage, was totally destroyed and burned to the ground, left outstanding architectural reminders of their once great cities, forts and places of worship. The great city-state of Carthage has to be imagined. The Romans, after conquering, destroying, burning and salting the city and selling all of its remaining inhabitants into slavery at the end of the 3rd Punic War in 146 AD, then rebuilt a city of their own upon the site. This site just outside of Tunis overlooking the Mediterranean is beautiful and haunting, but of course it is not Carthage, only the former site of Carthage. (Remember the scene in “Patton” where he has his driver turn and take him to a battlefield he remembers and he explains to his companions that he was here fighting/commanding in the ancient battle this spot? As he describes the battle wherein the Carthaginians were terribly outnumbered, and its aftermath which was pretty horrific he does not say which of the Punic Wars he was fighting in, but, the description he gives makes me think he is describing his role as a Roman General in the 3rd Punic War.)
The ruins throughout Tunisia from the many centuries of Roman occupation are some of the best preserved in the world. The remains of whole cities can be found in Dougga and Sbeitla, one of the world’s best preserved amphitheatres at Jem, and the world’s best collection of Roman Mosaics at the Bardo Museum in Tunis. The Islamic Dynasties contributed impressive mosques and the medinas. The medinas are the original walled cities established by the Islamic dynasties. They are a very condensed labyrinth of winding narrow paths housing retail shops, residences, tradesmen’s places of work and restaurants. It is fascinating to wander in these mazes not worried about getting lost and knowing there is indeed some way out. Even if it takes a while to find it. Two of the Medinas in Tunisia are on the World Heritage list.
Once you head South and West you enter the land of the Berbers, including such architectural landmarks as the underground houses of Matmata called troglodyte homes, the picturesque Arab-Berber Ksour district, the heart of “Star Wars” country around Tataouine and Matmata, abandoned Berber hilltop villages, and eerie salt flats as one heads West to the Algerian Border to visit Douz and Tozeur towns located amid enormous palm groves as well as other oasis villages close to the Algerian border.
The troglodyte homes are underground homes of the Berbers who centuries ago went underground to escape the summer heat. The homes are found primarily in the Star Wars country of Matmata, and although conventional modern buildings are now in the majority, Matmata still has hundreds of the troglodyte pit homes.
The homes, providing protection from heat, cold and invasion, are located at the base of a large circular pit cut from 15 to 30 feet deep and usually buttressed with stone walls. Three to four homes are commonly included within a troglodyte dwelling, each home consisting of three to four rooms and connected to the other homes by court yards.
Unfortunately, these homes do not lend themselves to photography in that all one can see on the exterior is a narrow stairwell leading down from the ground level, or door craved into the side of a hill. And, the rooms in the interior feel like those in any other home albeit in slightly dimmer light. On the other hand, visiting these homes is relatively easy, as one can usually secure an invitation upon striking up a conversation with one of the inhabitants.
The Ksar (plural Kzour) typifies Berber architecture. It is a fortified granary consisting of several ghorfas—cave- like structures built of stone stacked three to four stories high and used for storing grain. Think of the kzar as a bank with the ghorfas serving as very large safety deposit boxes. Each ghorfa or cave storage unit belonged to a family, and grain as well as olive oil was stored here from the years of good harvest as insurance against the many years of bad harvests. Because of the arid conditions these stored grains could last several years. The ghorfas were accessed by precarious stone staircases and filled by and emptied using a pulley system. (See photos below)
In the bad years, the family savings of grain and oil could be withdrawn but there was usually a caretaker in charge of withdrawals—most often a religious figure—and this personage regulated how much grain could be taken out by the owners in times of scarcity. Thus the Ksar operated akin to a bank or credit union preventing crop holders from squandering their resources –sort of an enforced saving and stockpiling.
Southern Tunisia’s oldest surviving settlements are the spectacular hilltop villages built to take advantage of the region’s dramatic rock outcrops. They are all dotted with natural caves with became a place of refuge for Berber tribes who were forced to flee from various invaders. The caves were extended into houses by tunneling several rooms into the rock and adding courtyards. The highpoint of these villages was occupied by the ksar discussed above. There are several of these villages but three of these villages remain intact and virtually untouched since the inhabitants left. They are a special site.
Having exhausted our time, we headed back to Tunis for the trip home. This trip was uneventful and speedy in that we traveled back to Tunis on the one and only autobahn. I would highly recommend a vast to Tunisia, but if you have not yet visited Morocco, or Egypt, or Turkey I might do these first.
There will be a test on this material next week.
Your classmate
Claudine
Looking forward to summer reports
I've just seen a letter from Claudine about her and Rodney's adventure into Tunisa. It's worth looking forward to. We keep finding out about hidden talents that many of our classmates have. Twila is a painter. Claudine is a writer. Many of us are adventurers. All of us are readers.
Once she sends me the pictures to go with it, I will publish it here on the blog.
I know that many of you are having wonderful adventures too, but are afraid to share them with the rest of us. I, for one, get a voyeuristic kick out of reading about other people's escapades and I'm sure that many others do too. Just send in those cards and letters and pictures and let us know what new and exciting places and things you have enjoyed seeing.
We all need a little adventure in our lives.
Life is too short not to reach out and enjoy it.
Bob Pflanz
Once she sends me the pictures to go with it, I will publish it here on the blog.
I know that many of you are having wonderful adventures too, but are afraid to share them with the rest of us. I, for one, get a voyeuristic kick out of reading about other people's escapades and I'm sure that many others do too. Just send in those cards and letters and pictures and let us know what new and exciting places and things you have enjoyed seeing.
We all need a little adventure in our lives.
Life is too short not to reach out and enjoy it.
Bob Pflanz
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Doug Carlander is still a Tiger!
Dear Bob,
This past Memorial Day I ran the Bolder Boulder Race with my nine year old grandson along with 54,000 other runners. It is a 10k (6.2 mile) run through the streets of Boulder, Co. I had worked at the Bolder Boulder before but in my over 30 years of living and working in the Boulder area had never felt I could run the race. It was quite an experience and one that I would recommend to anyone in the area on a Memorial Day to join. I plan to run in it again next year. It is an event when all the crazies in Boulder come out.
Doug (Tiger) Carlander
(note from Bob) Remember that Boulder is higher than Denver, so this is quite a feat for us lowlanders to admire.
This past Memorial Day I ran the Bolder Boulder Race with my nine year old grandson along with 54,000 other runners. It is a 10k (6.2 mile) run through the streets of Boulder, Co. I had worked at the Bolder Boulder before but in my over 30 years of living and working in the Boulder area had never felt I could run the race. It was quite an experience and one that I would recommend to anyone in the area on a Memorial Day to join. I plan to run in it again next year. It is an event when all the crazies in Boulder come out.
Doug (Tiger) Carlander
(note from Bob) Remember that Boulder is higher than Denver, so this is quite a feat for us lowlanders to admire.
Friday, June 4, 2010
In Dick Kenworthy's Memory
Members of the Paseo class of 1958 and 1959 gathered at Jim Jackson's home to remember moments of the past with Dick Kenworthy. He was remembered fondly as a great athlete and a true friend. People gathered from across the country to share the moment.
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