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Letter: From Romney, strategic reinventing
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's obsessive pursuit of power entails a strategic reinventing of himself every so often. The American people shouldn't be deceived by another dissembler pretending to be a "compassionate conservative." Romney represents, even more than George W. Bush, the corporate oligarchy, the Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson and the robber-baron bankers of Wall Street, not ordinary people.
The real Romney, besides falsely maligning 47 percent of his fellow citizens as freeloaders in private before wealthy campaign donors, enjoys throwing working people out of their jobs. To him they're disposable liabilities. That's why he supports a national right-to-work for less law.
As CEO of Bain Capital Romney purposely loaded good companies up with debt and pillaged them before they were forced into bankruptcy, costing employees and taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. That's neither an acceptable business model nor the capitalism envisioned by Adam Smith.
Romney's contempt for the average American is apparent as well in the other policies he's advocating, like his perverse opposition to Planned Parenthood, a very important organization promoting women's health which he once supported. Romney, after being given $37 million dollars by Wall Street, wants to re-establish bankers as middlemen for student loans, needlessly costing young people and their families billions of dollars.
Romney knows his plan giving states complete responsibility for administering Medicaid means millions of people who require services won't receive them because they'll be thrown off the rolls, but that's the intention, a goal shared by fanatics like Ovide Lamontagne in New Hampshire.
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Archive for May, 2012
Posted by piedmontgardener in piedmont gardening, Tools & Techniques, Vegetable Gardening on May 28, 2012
Yesterday morning as Wonder Spouse and I headed out the front door for a day of gardening chores, we were greeted by the lovely creature in the photo above. Both of us grabbed our cameras, but since Wonder Spouse's camera and photography skills are vastly superior to mine, these photos are his.
What a gorgeous creature a Luna Moth is, don't you agree? According to my research, their caterpillars eat birches, persimmons, sweetgums, hickories, walnuts, and sumacs, which means they must be very happy in my yard, where all these species thrive.
Normally, we only see them at night beating against windows. To see and photograph an intact Luna Moth literally at our doorstep was well worth postponing garden chores for a few minutes. This one was wounded; its body had been bitten. It was still alive, but just barely — too weak to argue with us when we relocated it for its photo shoot.
If you're never had a chance to look at one of these moths closely, here's a close-up view:
Those eye spots, the subtle veining in the wings, the feathery edges — so exquisite.
Yesterday, we practiced a bit of lunacy by working out in the heat and humidity most of the day. Twenty years ago, we built the raised beds in our vegetable garden by digging out paths between the beds and heaping that soil onto the beds. We filled the lowered paths with aged wood chips left behind by our arborist. The wood chips raised the level of the paths by about six inches, providing weed suppression and, more important, a moisture reservoir for the beds. During heavy rains, the chips soaked up any excess water, then slowly released it into adjacent beds as the soil dried. These paths also made excellent earthworm habitat.
But every three or four years, the wood chips break down into soil, leaving low paths prone to vigorous weed populations, so we add new chips. We had intended to do this last year, but never got to it. We were out of wood chips, so about a month ago we purchased a dump truck load of mulch from a nearby supplier. The wood chips — run through the chopping machine three times — were reasonably well broken down; we think they'll last several years before the worms transform them.
The lunacy? Over the past few weekends, the Amazing Wonder Spouse has moved many, many wheelbarrow loads of mulch from the giant pile left by the truck to the garden paths. I've been spending nearly every morning weeding the paths, so that they'd be ready for the chips. We put down paper or cardboard first to help slow weed encroachment, then piled on the wood chips. After Wonder Spouse dumped a load, I'd rake out the chips evenly across the paths.
It was hard work, but all the vegetable beds are now surrounded by mulched paths. No weeds — just happy vegetables and mulched paths. I am delighted, and I imagine the vegetables can feel the difference as their beds remain more evenly moist, and weed competition is nearly nonexistent.
I've no doubt that our neighbors thought we were nuts yesterday as we worked straight through the afternoon heat, but we were determined to finish before the rainstorms promised for this week arrived. If all goes as we planned, rains will saturate the newly filled paths, leaving our vegetable garden well-prepared for summer's heat and likely dry spells.
The mulch pile is almost gone. Wonder Spouse thinks there might be enough left for one more wheelbarrow load. We'll be ordering more soon. I've still got to reclaim the front flower garden from the hooligan weeds that have been ruling unchallenged while I've labored on the edibles.
These eternally cyclic chores of weeding, mulching, and agonizing over the weather probably do seem like the acts of a lunatic to some. The reverse is actually true for me. These tasks keep me sane, centered on the rhythms of the seasons, attentive to the dances of butterflies, and the sweet scents of a succession of flowers.
Lunacy was once thought to be exacerbated by a full moon, and we've got one coming up next week. However, instead of lunacy, if you live near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, consider celebrating early June moonlight in the beautiful gardens of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. On Saturday evening, June 2, they'll be hosting their first ever Carolina Moonlight Gala. This fundraiser for the Garden will include good food, live music for dancing, and an auction with items ranging from gorgeous artwork to fabulous vacation getaways. Even if you can't make it the Gala, you can still bid on auction items online via the link above, and all proceeds benefit the programs at the Garden.
I think summer's exuberance lends itself to minor acts of lunacy. Why not use the upcoming full moon as an excuse to go a little crazy in your garden — or better yet, support one of the finest public gardens in the southeastern United States? As you dance in the moonlight, perhaps you'll be joined by one or more of these breath-taking beauties:
First Fruits of Summer
Posted by piedmontgardener in Native Wildlife, piedmont gardening, Vegetable Gardening on May 25, 2012
Yes, it's that time, folks, when squash shows up nightly on the dinner menu, and the aroma of baking zucchini bread fills the house with cinnamon-squash goodness. With today's harvest, summer produce is officially in the house.
Wonder Spouse and I have been working hard to get the vegetable garden weeded and mulched for the season, and we're nearly done, I'm happy to report. That's good, because as you can see above, the summer vegetables are cranking bigtime.
And well they should be. Our high temperatures are mostly hovering in the mid to upper 80s, with nighttime lows in the middle to upper 60s. Combined with heavy, humid air and occasional thunderstorm rain, these are close to ideal growing conditions for the summer garden. We did get a bit of pea-sized hail the other afternoon, but it wasn't heavy enough to do any harm that I could see. Compared to areas near me, I'm still low on rainfall, so I am providing extra water to the squashes (big moisture consumers) and the last of the spring veggies still struggling to hang on.
Here's a shot of the Rainbow Chard, which is all that's left of my lovely bed of greens. The lettuces and spinaches all bolted for the sky when the 80-degree temperatures settled in.
After I took this picture, I harvested almost all of the big leaves you see here. I've never grown this veggie before, and I'm not sure how much longer it can withstand summer weather, so I figured I'd pick as much as I could while it still tastes good.
I haven't pulled up the Sugar Sprint Snap Peas yet, but their productivity has slowed to a crawl. If I stop seeing any flowers, I'll compost them. The beets still seem to be growing well. I'm trying to keep them moist, in the hopes that the beet roots will expand a bit more before I must harvest them.
The tomatoes are all taller than me now; their fruits grow larger — and more numerous — daily. I find I must tie new growth to the trellises every other day. My tomato experiment this year is a new variety called Indigo Rose. The amount of purple pigment produced in the fruit depends entirely on how much sun reaches the fruit. Here's one plant that gets a lot of sun:
Compare that picture with a shot of another plant of the same variety that is sited where it gets more shade:
Whatever degree of purple these fruits attain, I think they'll look amazing in salads. I sure hope they taste good.
Meanwhile the Fortex Pole Beans have already shot over the top of their 6-foot trellis. Last year, these beans grew up and over the trellis, and then some of the vines started back up again. Given how early we are in the season, I'm thinking this year's beans may overwrap the trellis multiple times. This makes for very challenging bean-harvesting conditions, because it's hard to spot the beans hiding deep within the mass of foliage. A taller trellis wouldn't solve my problem; I can barely reach the top of this one.
The Jade Bush Beans were slow to get going, but are now starting to look fairly respectable. We love the flavor of these beans, which is why I still grow them, despite the complaints my knees make when I'm harvesting them.
And, as you can see from the first shot of this entry, all three squash varieties are producing with almost frightening enthusiasm.
That concludes this vegetable garden update, but I want to close with two more photos I took this morning.
First up is this young cottontail rabbit that was dining on clover growing in my driveway. Apologies for the blurriness, but the bunny was wiggly. Note the dark spots on its ears. Those are ticks, which is not only gross, but also explains why my front flower garden is so full of ticks that I can't walk through it without picking up several. Yikes!
And I'll close on a more aesthetic note. I grew this yarrow from seed years ago, and because, like most yarrows, it tends to spread itself around, its pretty pink flowers still adorn the edge of my vegetable garden every year. The nice thing about yarrow is that you can hack it back as much as you need without ever killing it.
As Memorial Day weekend begins, I hope all my readers will be enjoying their yards and gardens as much as I am enjoying mine. Happy Summer, everyone.
Magnolia to the Max: Bigleaf Magnolia
Posted by piedmontgardener in Favorite Plants, piedmont gardening on May 20, 2012
I have confessed my fascination with the big-leaved native magnolias several times in this blog. The biggest of all these related species is Magnolia macrophylla, or Bigleaf Magnolia. This tree produces the largest flowers and leaves of all native North American species (except for tropical palms). Flowers are typically eight to fourteen inches across, and leaves can be up to one foot wide and three feet long. You truly have to see one of these trees to fully appreciate its spectacular qualities.
That's Wonder Spouse in the photo above. I took it this morning as he kindly took some aerial views of the one flower our Bigleaf Magnolia produced this year. I've been watching the bud for a little over a week. Today it peaked, and because these flowers don't last long, we headed out just after sunrise, so that Wonder Spouse could document the Bigleaf bloom.
This tree occurs naturally in bottomland forests and rich wooded slopes. Ours is growing on our north-facing slope under a nearly closed canopy of tall pines, a tulip poplar, water oak, and a massive sweetgum. We planted our tree about fifteen years ago, but it didn't really start shooting skyward until we removed its protective wire cage after installing deer fencing on that side of the yard.
Last year, this tree also produced one flower, but it was higher up, completely beyond the reach of even Wonder Spouse's ladder. This year's bloom on a lower branch seemed ideally suited for photographic documentation. What follows is a series of shots I took as the bud progressed. The series concludes with the photos taken by Wonder Spouse atop his ladder.
May 10: I realize my Bigleaf Magnolia is sporting a fat flower bud, and from a position slightly higher up the hill, I attempt a photo:
The bud takes longer than I expect to progress, but finally on May 16, I decide it looks larger and take another photo:
The next day, I realize blooming action is initiating:
The flower opens more fully the following day:
The weather cooled briefly, and the flower seemed to be content to remain only partially open until today. Here's a shot taken by Wonder Spouse using an angle similar to my shots — before he climbed the ladder:
Here's an aerial shot. Note the penny on the lower petal that Wonder Spouse added to provide a sense of scale:
The flowers of this Bigleaf Magnolia display much less purple staining around the base of the petals than does its close cousin, Ashe Magnolia (M. asheii). For comparison, see the photo I took last year in this entry. It's the last photo in the entry.
Here's a close-up of the center of the flower, courtesy of Wonder Spouse on his trusty ladder:
All the magnolia flowers I've observed drop their numerous stamens onto the petals in piles, as you see in the photo. As is true for the other native magnolias, the fruits on the central "cone" will turn red, and will likely be devoured by birds before ever falling to the ground.
This magnolia is best suited to larger landscapes, where the size of its leaves and flowers won't be too overpowering. Its enormous leaves can be shredded by strong winds, so it's best planted in a sheltered spot. And the richer — and moister — the soil, the happier it will be.
I think this tree is worth catering to its prima donna tendencies for the gasps of admiration it always garners from visitors, and for the sheer coolness of being able to say I grow the tree species with the largest deciduous leaves in North America.
I am, after all, a self-confessed obsessive gardener.
Landscape Animators
Posted by piedmontgardener in Native Wildlife, piedmont gardening on May 17, 2012
Few people probably love the native plants of the southeastern Piedmont more than I do, but as much as I enjoy their nearly infinite diversity and adaptability, I think I would have long grown bored with them without being able to observe their interactions and interdependencies with native wildlife. For example, the native coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler') is beautiful on its own, but that corner of my landscape truly lights up when the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds stop by for drinks.
From birds to insects to reptiles, amphibians, and mammals — all the wildlife inhabitants and visitors animate what would otherwise be a basically static landscape — no matter how much the trees and flowers sway in winds and rain. The animals generate many of the most interesting stories in my landscape as they go about their daily lives.
Yesterday morning as the sun rose, I spotted this cranefly on my garage door as it admired its shadow:
On an early morning trip to my compost pile, I discovered that my laziness in failing to cover a recent donation had attracted an unexpected visitor. A Spicebush Swallowtail was dining on a bit of beet leaf. I knew that Eastern Tiger Swallowtails like to collect at mud puddles to drink up trace elements they don't get from nectar, and I knew that Red-spotted Purple Butterflies were notorious for their appreciation of unsavory items. But I have never seen a Spicebush Swallowtail dine on anything but flowers.
The recent increase in humidity has brought out most of the bugs, including ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies. But along with these pests come the sky hunters — dragonflies — in every color and design imaginable. I caught these two taking a break from sky patrol:
I think the sky dragons are attracted to our little water feature in the front garden. They aren't the only ones. I caught this Cope's Gray Treefrog waiting for an evening chorus session on the side of my house near our little pond:
The treefrogs and the Eastern Narrowmouth Toads have been singing lustily around our little pond for over a month now. At first, it was just the toads chorusing, then the treefrogs joined them for a couple of weeks. Now, the nightly serenade sounds to be all treefrog all the time.
The calls of both amphibians are quite distinctive. I had never seen a Narrowmouth Toad until this year when I was digging a vegetable bed about six weeks ago. I accidentally unearthed two of them, and I wasn't sure what they were until I did a little research. Then I was glad I had been wearing my gloves when I handled them, because their slimy skin secretions are toxic, designed to repel the ants that they eat. Given the enormous number of ant species that live in my yard, I say bring on the Narrowmouth Toads!
These amphibians have been doing more than singing around my pond. It is now teeming with tadpoles. I can't tell if they are all toad tadpoles, or if the treefrog tads are in there too. In this shot, I think toad tadpoles may be dining on a treefrog egg mass, but I'm not certain.
The water isn't as green as it looks here, I promise. But it is definitely not as clear as it was during pre-tadpole days.
My final picture today is not of the landscape animators themselves, but of their nest. About a week ago as I walked to the compost pile, a bird flew past me in a blur, seeming to want to distract me. I assumed I had merely startled it — I often unintentionally surprise wildlife — and continued. But as I approached one of our huge mature dogwoods, another bird flew past me. It seemed to come right from the tree, so I turned and looked.
The dogwood is double-boled, with the split beginning not more than two or so feet from the ground. In that low crotch, I discovered a distinctive nest — Ovenbirds! We've spotted these ground-nesters often during the growing season, but we had intentionally never looked for a nest. I have never read of these birds building in a tree, but this wasn't far off the ground, and perhaps it looked a tad more secure to them. My yard is inhabited by many black rat snakes, so I can well imagine that a tree might look like a safer bet to the Ovenbirds.
They're called Ovenbirds, because their nests resemble Dutch ovens, with little holes where the birds go in and out. I think you can make out the structure in this photo that I took some distance away from the nest, so as to minimize their disturbance.
I think the entry hole is near the bottom, but it's hard to be sure. Alas, less than a week later, I discovered that the nest had been torn apart. Whether it was the work of a snake, raccoon, possum, or greedy squirrel, I'll never know, but the nest is gone, and I haven't seen or heard the Ovenbirds since.
That's the way of life with my landscape animators. Sometimes Death wins, but Life triumphs more often. And the dances between them are always captivating.
Imminent Squash Overload
Posted by piedmontgardener in piedmont gardening, Vegetable Gardening on May 16, 2012
I took this photo this morning. I'm thinking we'll be eating squash nightly very, very soon, especially because the zucchinis are equally enthusiastic, as you can see here:
I picked about two dozen peas this morning, along with a bowl full of mixed greens for tonight's salad. Beet and carrot tops grow more vigorous daily, so I'm hopeful that their root growth is equally enthusiastic. All pepper plants sport small fruits, and the tomato growth rate is making me distinctly nervous. I am tying new growth to their trellises every other day.
I guess this is what a little bit of rain does for a vegetable garden. We've still received far, far less rainfall than nearby areas, but, clearly, we've gotten enough to excite the veggies.
Then there are the 20-year-old blueberry bush/trees to consider. They are laden with ripening green-blue globes of goodness. I'll soon be battling the birds and mosquitoes as I pick as much ripe fruit as I can reach.
I know my mouth waters at the thought of all this imminent deliciousness. Perhaps yours does too?
Vegetable garden charges toward summer
Posted by piedmontgardener in Favorite Plants, piedmont gardening, Vegetable Gardening on May 11, 2012
Last week, my garden sweltered beneath high temperatures in the nineties. This week, the temperatures plunged 25 degrees. This morning, our hill thermometer registered a low of 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, it's a typical late spring in the Piedmont of North Carolina.
Experience has taught me that the trick to helping veggies survive spring's wild weather swings is to plant vigorous plants during a settled spell of weather, mulch them heavily immediately, and water as often as necessary to keep the soil evenly moist.
This year, my timing seems to have been pretty good. The spring veggies are still producing, although last week's nineties caused some of the mesclun mix (Yankee greens, as I think of them) to bolt.
And the Sugar Sprint Snap Peas have been disappointing. It took them much longer to begin to bloom than the Sugar Anns I've grown in the past, and the pods started filling very unevenly when the heat hit them last week. The Sugar Anns never faded this fast. That's not to say the Sugar Sprints aren't still producing, just not producing up to my expectations. Here's what they looked like yesterday morning after a piddly rain the day before:
As for that rain I mentioned, as usual, my little corner of the Piedmont is being overlooked. The city 30 miles to our east has had two major, multi-inch rain events in the last two weeks. Our two-week total isn't even 1.5 inches. Of course, the folks in Raleigh also got hail, some flooding, and a few houses were set on fire by lightning. I'll take gentle, light rain over dangerous storms every time, of course, but I get grumbly when I hear the TV weather folk talking about the "break in the drought." Not at my house.
Wonder Spouse and I are still enjoying the bed of spring greens, and we do have enough peas to at least add a few to our salads. Here's what that bed looked like yesterday morning:
And the beets are finally looking like they might make some actual beets. If the sub-80-degree weather sticks around and we can get some decent rain, I think I still have a good chance at a decent beet crop. Here they are with the bolting mesclun mix in the background:
The 90-degree heat was a huge boost to the summer garden. A number of the tomato plants are already as tall as I am, and fruit production is enthusiastic. The peppers are not far behind, and the beans — especially the pole beans — are reaching for the sky. Here's what the pole beans looked like yesterday morning:
And check out these tomato fruits:
Check out the way the Indigo Rose tomatoes are already turning purple. I did a bit of research on these and learned that they only make anthocyanins (the purple-colored antioxidant) where the sun touches the skin, and the purple stays only in the top layers of the tomato. So this is one you'll want to eat skin and all if you're trying to take advantage of this nutrient. I also learned that the tomato is fully ripe when the bottom of the tomato is deep red. I'll keep you apprised of their progress.
Last but not least, two of my six squash plants had open flowers yesterday, so I was forced to remove their coverings so that pollinators could access the flowers. The plants look strong, and I'm hoping they'll be able to resist the squash varmints long enough for us to grow weary of squash-filled dinners.
As you might guess, our yard is still producing many blooming plants. I'll show you some highlights soon, along with some wildlife updates.
Now it's time to pull more weeds, mulch, and continuously pray for gentle, abundant rain.
My Secret Weapon: Wonder Spouse Photography
Posted by piedmontgardener in Favorite Plants, piedmont gardening on May 6, 2012
All avid gardeners have their secrets for producing a great garden. Some of us save our own seed and bulbs, nurturing a plant line until it is maximally adapted to flourish in our garden. I know a farmer's market vendor who has done this with the garlic variety he sells. Garlic can be tricky to grow in the middle of NC, but he has laboriously saved the best bulbs from his crops every year, until now his entire crop laughs at the wild swings in temperature and moisture levels that challenge growers in my region.
Some gardeners add secret ingredients to their soils that they swear improve the vigor of their plants. Others plant only on certain phases of the moon. The list of gardening tricks and secrets is likely as long as the list of experienced gardeners.
I have my own little secrets and tips, many of which I have shared here. Early on, I realized my greatest asset — my secret blogging weapon, if you will — is the magnificent photography of Wonder Spouse. The best photos on this blog are all ones he has taken of the plants and animals who dwell with us on our five-acre patch of North Carolina Piedmont.
In going through my files today, I realized that he had given me a number of gorgeous photos that, for one reason or another, I haven't shown you. Today, I am rectifying that oversight by sharing some of Wonder Spouse's recent work, starting with that opening image. To fully appreciate these photos, click on them to see enlarged versions.
He took that close-up of a cluster of Winterhazel flowers in the middle of March. It took his artistry (and his fancier camera) to convey what I tried to describe to you here.
In mid-April, he took this gorgeous shot of a flower bud cluster of Rhododendron flammeum 'Scarlet Ibis' before the flowers opened:
Even at this stage, you can tell it's going to be a knock-out. I showed you an open bloom cluster from this year here and told you more about this cultivar here.
At the end of April, Wonder Spouse took several breath-taking photos that I want to share. This first is of an evergreen rhododendron that was growing beside our back deck when we moved in 23 years ago. I think it's R. maximum, the species common to our mountains, and I doubt it's a named cultivar. Somehow, it has managed to flourish beneath the enormous Northern Red Oak that towers over our home. This shrub is now twelve or so feet high and eight feet wide, and it blooms reliably despite near complete neglect on my part. Here's Wonder Spouse's shot of an open flower cluster during peak bloom last week:
Wonder Spouse is a big fan of Amaryllis cultivars. Many years ago, we bought several choice varieties, and they've been multiplying in their pots ever since. I overwinter them in the greenhouse and bring them inside or decorate our back deck with them when their thick bloom stalks appear. Here's a close-up of the flowers of Amaryllis 'Picotee' that are still blooming on our back deck:
To close, I want to share this "glamour shot" of one of the bearded iris varieties that thrive in our yard despite my less-than-optimal care. I've long forgotten the cultivar name, but the flowers are a lovely coppery orange color. I cut a stalk full of buds and put it in a vase on our kitchen counter, where we could appreciate its beauty and its gentle, sweet scent. One evening last week, Wonder Spouse was inspired by the effect of the overhead counter light on the iris bloom. Without bothering with a tripod, he photographed this iris in our darkened house. I think you'll agree he captured the essential exquisiteness of this bloom:
Thus, I have revealed my blogging secret weapon for all to see: the photography of the amazingly versatile Wonder Spouse. He makes our garden and yard look far better than I ever could show you with my pictures or words, and I deem myself the most fortunate of gardeners to be able to call upon his many talents.
The Birds of Summer
Posted by piedmontgardener in Native Wildlife, piedmont gardening on May 3, 2012
I know that summer is nearly here when the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks refuel at my feeders every late April-early May. These males showed up last Saturday. Usually, the males arrive first, then the females join them and linger a few days after the males leave to claim breeding turf. That pattern held this year. The females showed up late Sunday, and I saw one lonely female hanging out at the feeder this morning. Their massive beaks demolish the safflower seeds I offer at astonishing speeds. But I deem it worth the price of seed to see these lovely birds every spring, and again in the fall when they pass through on the way to their winter hangouts. You have to admire the feisty Chickadee in the photo above as it stares down the Grosbeaks, all of which are about three times its size.
By the time the Grosbeaks arrived, I had spotted a male Indigo Bunting hunting bugs in our backyard a week earlier. He's there most every day now, so we suspect there may be a nesting female somewhere in the nearby shrubby area that is, shall we say, less than manicured.
The warblers, buntings, and many other summer visitors seem to appreciate all of our wilder areas. Our bird populations and species diversity have increased enormously over the 20+ years we've lived here. Truly, if you build it (i.e., provide their habitat requirements), they will come.
Seeing these two species caused me to mentally tick off my list of expected summer visitors. I've spotted the hyperactive Blue-gray Gnatcatchers zipping through the underbrush several times, and I spied one with nesting material in its mouth as I was watering my vegetable garden yesterday morning. These tiny dynamos are insect-eating machines, and always welcome in my gardens.
Just two days ago, I finally heard the hunting chip-chip call of a Summer Tanager. I rarely see these denizens of our summer treetops, but I hear them often as they move along branches hunting bugs. Occasionally one will visit a bird bath — always a treat.
When I heard the Summer Tanager, I realized I hadn't yet heard the unmistakable call of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. I always associate their calls with thick humidity and searing heat. Sure enough, yesterday, one called from the Northern Red Oak that towers over my home — just in time for our record high heat.
The winter-visiting birds have mostly departed. Although Northern Flickers are reported to be year-round residents of my region, I haven't heard or seen one for over a month, which is normal for my Piedmont yard. They always vanish in the summer.
Likewise, the White-throated Sparrows no longer call plaintively in the early morning. Most have left, although I spotted one at the feeder this morning — probably what birders call a non-breeder.
All the various warblers are back. I can hear them, but I rarely see them. I'm hoping a Blue Grosbeak will visit a feeder when I'm watching. They usually nest in the wild blackberry thicket on the other side of our creek.
Last but never least, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird males have been back for about a month. The females are probably here too, but I haven't seen one yet. Although I'm keeping fresh sugar water available in the feeder by my kitchen window, I've never seen more than one male stop by for a drink. However, I'm hearing their chatter all over my yard.
One male scolded me yesterday when I unintentionally startled him as I watered a squash plant. He was intent on visiting a patch of still-blooming Eastern Columbines, and he didn't see me until he almost flew into me. I suspect the abundance of blooming flowers in my yard is the reason my hummingbird feeder is unpopular. That will change as summer heat slows blooming, and fledglings seek easy food sources.
The rhythms and dances of Piedmont summer are building to their usual crescendo, which I associate with the Summer Solstice. The thrumming of cicadas should punctuate the air any day now. The blinking lights of fireflies grow more numerous with every passing warm night. And the Cope's Gray Treefrogs chorus lustily every time the humidity rises enough to hint at the possibility of a thunderstorm.
All I need now to complete this Piedmont summer scene are a few ripe tomatoes. And the good news is that every tomato plant in my garden is already sporting promising green globes. Oh yes, I do believe I can almost taste that Piedmont summer goodness.

subset: commoncrawl


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- November 4, 2012
- 2:27 p.m.
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Obama Administration announces gunman was motivated by anti-clown youtube video.
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Gearheads prove their mettle at robotics competition
HARTFORD — In their very first FIRST competition, the Northwestern Robotics Gearheads Team 4055 at Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted came away with one of the top awards, Rookie All Star, earning them an invitation to nationals.
They also fostered doubts that they even qualified.
"I can't believe they are a rookie team," several volunteers on the playing field said after an impressive two days of competition among 64 robotics teams March 29-31 at the Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional.


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What grade would you give to your current electricity supplier? C-minus? A?
Consumer advocate group Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is doing just this on your behalf, in a report that grades alternative electricity suppliers on how well they have served Illinois consumers since entering the market in full force in 2010. The report finds that alternative suppliers have saved people millions of dollars so far, but CUB gave the suppliers low scores on innovation and consumer protection, earning letter grades of D-minus and C, respectively. (For more, see this CUB video on alternative electricity providers.)
There is, however, an electricity rate option which you may not have heard of that saves you money while also being innovative and providing excellent customer service: it's called hourly pricing and it's available to all residents in the ComEd and Ameren territories. Rather than pay a fixed rate, you are charged the variable hourly price for electricity and can take advantage of lower rates during off-peak times, like nights and weekends.
ComEd Residential Real-Time Pricing (RRTP) program is an hourly rate option that allows consumers to pay wholesale prices for electricity. It has saved customers 25 percent on average on their electricity supply since 2007.
Similarly, Ameren's Power Smart Pricing (PSP) program has saved customers 25 percent and more than 80 percent of PSP participants say partaking in the program is "quick and easy." Specialists for each program provide support through a designated call center and community workshops, helping you along every step of the way.
If that's not enough for you, listen to the experts. In their 2012 review of the programs, the Illinois Commerce Commission found that "ComEd has sufficiently demonstrated that its RRTP program results in overall direct and indirect consumer and societal benefits" and that Ameren's Power Smart Pricing benefited customers and helped to reduce peak demand for electricity. CNT Energy currently administers both programs.
These two programs help you take control of your energy costs. The more you can shift your use to off peak times, the greater potential you have to save. Want to know if these programs are a good fit for you? Find out at www.ComEd.com/RRTP (1-888-202-RRTP) or www.powersmartpricing.org (1-877-655-6028).


text:
We loved our stay in the world's deepest hotel room, 155 metres below ground in the former silver mine at Sala. You are completely cut off from the outside world, and there are no other guests, so it's not for nervous souls. You should arrive at about three in the afternoon for the guided tour - after that you can... More
Sweden >
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Free High-Speed Internet
Free Parking
Children Activities
Pets Allowed
Wheelchair access
Ranked #3 of 6 B&Bs / Inns in Sala
Price Range (Based on Average Rates):
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- You will stay in a historic and extraordinary environment, whether you choose our cozy hostel, STF Sala Silvermine or our beautiful mine suite 155 m underground. Both are also close to adventures, experiences and exciting activities.The Mine suite has landed on lists around the world as "one of the coolest and craziest hotel rooms in the world". ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com and Priceline so you can book your STF Sala Silvergruva reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


text:
Lyrics Depot | |
Lyrics » Link 80 Lyrics » Intolerance Lyrics |
Lyrics Depot is your source of lyrics to Intolerance by Link 80. Please check back for more Link 80 lyrics. |
Intolerance LyricsArtist: Link 80Album: The Struggle Continues... despite the past and what's taken place you bring back the notion of a master race. the years you've preached, the children you teach. pushing for a world of hate and moral breach. your mind is blind. i just can't relate. you block out the truth when you focus on hate. i hope that you can change and learn you're wrong about this life. no tolerance for racial strife. get the fuck away from me. i'm sick of your desperate pleas. please try and come back to the sane. and stop using race to blame. despite the scars left by hate, you push the wave of racism and hope it's gonna break. you've learned bullshit for such a long time. the disease has spread. now you won't change your mind. let me tell you something that i hope you can grasp. your delusions of granduer, they will not last. and you'll soon understand the truth about this life. no tolerance for racial strife. Related: |
All lyrics are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. |


text:
- April 3, 2013
- 8:36 a.m.
- Suggest removal
- Reply to this post
thick (Inactive) writes:
in response to keeptothepoint:
what a stupid picture, where is his protection for his face.
These pest workers die every day, due to the lack of knowledge of these deadly chemicals.
I would not have a citrus tree in my backyard. Next they will want to arial spray again for these little bugs.
Just like they did in Camarillo 17 plus times in 1994.
He is probably a county worker!
AgRx will do it right with a trained applicator.
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text:
Slight Detour
Mutterings of a country hick.
Monday, December 09, 2013
Three Down, Six to Go
I arose earlier than usual this morning to begin the first stage of burying a cat.
Off and on, throughout the night, I had strategized the best method, especially in this frigid weather which appeared to be too much for one of our cats late yesterday afternoon.
First, I planned to take the cat in the carrier, where I'd wrapped her almost lifeless body with a warm towel and set a heater directly in front of the carrier.
Next, I would find a box big enough for her to fit inside.
Then, wait until the temperature warms up. Get the tractor and scoop up some of the berm north of the barn for her ultimate burial.
Other thoughts came to mind, but the steps above seemed the wisest.
After all, when the weather gets this cold, burying animals is challenging. I remember a neighbor a few years back telling Bill that he'd buried a sheep in a snowbank on his place. Before winter ended, he moved away, and we wondered if the new owners found the sheep in the spring.
Somebody else we know put their deceased dog in a freezer.
Not the kind of stuff we like to think about, but when the time comes at a bad time, our choices are limited.
So, with plan in mind, I took my time, walking to the kitchen, hitting the coffee maker switch and downing my two glaucosamine-chondroitin pills.
I did not want to go out there to the shop to find a dead Fuzzy Wuzzy. Finally, I opened the laundry-room door, walked across the garage with dread, only to notice that the breaker, powering the heaters for dogs and the heaters for cats, had flipped off.
My dread increased as I flipped the switch back on, figuring all the overnight heating network had gone for naught.
Punching the breaker allowed the garage heater to switch back on, along with the yard light just outside the door.
Too little too late, I thought, as I opened the door to the shop. The light was on; the heaters in front of the cat shelter were buzzing.
And, SO WAS FUZZY WUZZY!
She stood looking at me from inside inside the carrier, which I had shut last night to keep her from crawling out on the cold cement floor. Her buddy Jonas stood next to the carrier; he had been very concerned about her last night.
I opened the door, and, later, Fuzzy Wuzzy drank some warm water. Then, Jonas joined her in the shelter, and they snuggled up together.
A few minutes ago, I came upstairs from kicking Fuzzy Wuzzy's buddies, Jonas and Festus, into the garage and giving her some tuna fish, which she was happily lapping up when I left.
I don't know if the cold got to Fuzzy Wuzzy or if she had an event similar to whatever put her near death this past summer. She bounced back nicely from that situation and appears to be bouncing back again.
Time will tell cuz she's an old gal, but she sure appears to have a strong will to continue the next of her nine lives, and, for that, I am most relieved and happy this morning.
If we could just figure out how to keep those heaters going and that breaker switch from flipping, all cats and dogs will be in good shape.
For now, I'm just thrilled that our old cat made it through the night to have at least one more day----and the temperatures are finally rising.
A kitty scare, for sure, but so far a good ending.
Happy Monday!
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Just Some Doggone Photo Fun
Call it a "dog" day. Much of yesterday was spent with dogs on the mind and in front of the lens and on the basketball floor.
For the third consecutive year, my sisters and I assembled for the annual Monticola yearbook Christmas portrait session.
We're getting more organized each year, and dogs have played important roles the last two years, since our pups are about that age.
Well, actually, Foster is the oldest. He turned 2 just a couple of weeks ago, and his buddies, Meggie and Jessie, won't until next April. One could never tell!
I think Foster will be thought of as a "pup" his whole life cuz he isn't gonna get any bigger, and he still looks to me like an adorable stuffed animal.
Anyway, this year we decided to throw in the Gonzaga theme, along with the dog show. And, of course, Gonzaga's Bulldog show was pretty good last night as they played and defeated a tough New Mexico State team.
Not all dogs were happy with yesterday's festivities, especially Foster. He behaved beautifully for his bath before we headed to the school.
We also stopped by Wal-Mart for a few accessories. The bright green elf hat and the Santa's helper hat never made it to the actual shooting session.
Foster was especially demonstrative about his disdain for being dressed up like a leprechaun. That hat lasted about 15 seconds, after he slumped to the floor on his front paws and pouted.
Removal of the hat went quickly after the pouting session.
Foster also wasn't too thrilled about the colorful collar, but he tolerated it. On the other hand, Meggie and Jessie rather liked their ensembles and smiled a lot.
Really, they are mostly smiling in these photos, even though they did look a bit harsh when Foster decided enough was enough and left the chair.
We had a good time, throughout the shoot, and Foster's smile came back after I removed his decorative collar. He has absolutely no complaints about the Big R sweatshirt, cuz at least it's utilitarian in this cold, cold weather.
Now we have to start planning for next year's big photo shoot, and I'm sure Foster's gonna do some planning on a good way to get out of the misery.
Happy Sunday.
Saturday, December 07, 2013
Saturday Slightly Frigid
My fingers have thawed out, so I can type. I know it's colder in North Dakota, but it's still pretty cold here. And, I like cold, clear weather.
Our present conditions are bordering on brutal. Yesterday, I watched doggies alternating on three legs to give one set of ice-cold foot pads a break.
When they weren't in the three-legged stance, they were running like the wind in the wind. To lie down in the field like a good Fido would have been life-threatening.
Doggies spent most of the day inside---either in the heated garage or, in Foster and Todd's case, the house. Nobody complained.
Yesterday I also observed Lily standing on three legs, holding her right rear foot in the air and displaying an expression of anguish.
Lily has sensitive hooves anyway, so the cold was definitely getting to her.
The horses love their cozy barn stalls at night. And, speaking of the barn, the metal door handle broke yesterday afternoon as I was trying to urge the big door over heaving, frozen ground. So, Bill will go to town today and see if he can find a replacement.
Cold weather requires extra muscle power (sometimes the whole body) while trying to shove the door to its open and closed positions.
On another cold note, while cleaning the horses' stalls this morning, my left hand started numbing up, and that was while wearing gloves and shoveling.
So, it's a tad colder than it needs to be.
It's times like this that I really love our Vermont wood stove. The little stove in the living room keeps this house as cozy as can be, and I am very thankful for that.
At the Great Northern Road home----where the bitter north wind would whip up for about a mile over open fields and pound our place with fiendish fury---- our wood stove did not treat us so well.
I don't miss that. The kids especially hated it cuz their bedrooms---turned iceboxes---were located on the north end.
The lure of our warm and comfy living room here at the Lovestead even kept us from going out to dinner last night. That proves it's cold cuz we like our Friday nights of eating out. At the other home, we probably would not have skipped the dining-out routine in favor of going to some place warm.
Still, even that place was better than what I remember in the good old days at North Boyer when the blizzards would seeminingly whip all that frigid fresh air right through the insulation-impaired walls into our farmhouse.
I'm betting we endured several instances of seeing our breath inside the house in those days. I can vividly recall hunkering down in my bed, not even allowing my nose outside the blankets AND still feeling like I was freezing to death.
And, then there was the time-----the coldest I ever remember in my lifetime---when my cousins came over from Washington on the train to ski at Schweitzer. During the night someone inadvertently left the back door open or maybe the wind blew it open.
It was minus 40 that night and probably pretty close to that same temperature inside our house.
I think it was so cold that night nobody had the nerve to even crawl out of their bedding, so the door stayed open much longer than needed.
Some brave soul finally got up, discovered the open door, closed it and announced to all the other cold cowards that we, indeed, has come close to freezing to death.
We instantly felt a lot warmer once we knew that. I don't think my cousins got to ski during that trip.
Anyway, today I'll probably bake some cookies and deliver some books up there in even colder Moose Valley. Mary said she wants to carry my books in her gift shop, so I'll be happy to oblige.
I thought I'd be playing on my new computer, but time got the best of the wizard in his workshop yesterday, and the system is not quite ready. So, I'll pick it up Monday and get some Christmas stuff done over the weekend.
I've decided to give in on the stress of writing and inserting Christmas letters in all my cards this year. Most of the folks to whom I send cards are online anyway, so I'll write the annual letter later and post it on the blog.
The Christmas-card project---with all its stages of stamping, addressing and writing something in each card---might be a bit less stressful without the added stages of writing the letter, running off the copies, folding them and inserting.
Call me lazy. I won't take it personally.
One piece of news to share today: Willie is working as assistant varsity basketball coach this year with head coach Tyler Haines. The Bulldogs are 2-0 after another convincing victory last night at the annual Pendleton, Ore., tournament.
They play again today, so this is definitely a "Bulldog" day. Let's hope they come out of the tournament as champs. That will make the long bus ride back to Sandpoint very worth it---especially for Willie who's been fighting off the aches and pains of flu.
And, of course, the ZAGS play tonight: New Mexico State in Spokane in the Kennel at 8 p.m., available on ESPNU. GO ZAGS!
Stay warm!
Friday, December 06, 2013
New Tech Era at the Lovestead
I'll be making two trips to town today. This morning's version will involve taking my printer, scanner and computer tower to the wizard's workshop.
I call Joel at Laser Image "the wizard" cuz he figures things out for me, tech-wise. Sometimes what he figures out for me doesn't involve much wizardry, but in my mind, any time I'm in a techie fix, a call to Joel will solve the problem.
In one case, it involved the remote for our TV. He knew immediately what button I should push after I had already pushed every button possible on the remote and had even reset the satellite button on the "unit" a dozen times trying to revive my signal.
Well, it wasn't the signal that needed reviving. The signal was there. I had inadvertently pushed a wrong button on the living room TV remote, causing a dead screen, and Joel knew it.
Within seconds of his brief instructions over the phone, the TV was working just fine. Best of all, there was no need to make an appointment and wait around for several days for a technician to show up.
Fast Forward. There was no magic button to push with my desktop computer.
I had been aware for months that its age and its glitches were aimed at each other head-on and that when the collision of those forces occurred, I'd be an unhappy camper and that my "life," of pictures and writings which I've amassed on the computer could be in jeopardy.
So, I hauled the tower down to Joel. He kept it for a few days and then called, telling me it was full. Yes, I could get rid of a few more items, but the same problem would continue to bug me.
Besides, I'd already gotten rid of more than a few items, removed some programs and had the thing down to the bare essentials.
Well, Joel has built me a new computer with much more space and get-up and go. So, today he'll transfer "my life" to the new computer, test out the communications skills of the printer and scanner and computer. When all is in concert, he'll send the ensemble home with me this afternoon.
I'm thinking that if all goes well, there won't be nearly as much cussing up here at this desk in the mornings while I'm trying to load photos for the blog. I also won't have to be working between two computers just to finish a blog posting.
And, my friend Helen and her newly named assistant Cherry could be out of their morning responsibilities: letting Marianne know immediately when gigantic photos are bleeding off the screen or when she's just plain screwed up with word choices or omission or other inadvertent mishaps which can happen during that hour or so of blog production time.
Certainly I'm not going to lay them off, but their duties could be less demanding, and I may be in a better mood.
I think back on the computers I've had. After working with Apples at the school for years, I bought a PC. It lasted for several years. Then, came the used Mac Performa from Laser Graphics.
I bought a Hulett-Packard somewhere around the turn of the century (most recent one, of course).
That model definitely suffered domestic abuse because trouble shooting was just that----big-time trouble, making me want to shoot myself or the machine.
I recall distinctly one day when I DID bring a hammer inside and threatened to kill the computer.
Turned out it needed new guts, and after Hewlett-Packard happily replaced its innards, I happily kept my life and all my thoughts stored on that machine for a long time until Annie brought me a newer model Dell freebie.
In between those desktops, I've owned two laptops. My most recent was purchased on a whim from Staples when the screen went black on the Gateway----just the screen, not the computer. The techs told me it might cost about $600-plus to get the screen fixed.
Well, I was going to Maui the next day, and by that time, I had begun the era of taking laptop and a heap of cords and adapters on trips.
So, knowing I'd spend my time in Paradise in total frenzy without a computer for sharing the fun, I plunked down a good fee, learned a few basics about the machine and went out the door of Staples with my Hulett-Packard laptop.
It was a quick learning curve with that computer, but I managed a personal crash course in how to use the new machine in time for pictures from Paradise to fly across the sea every single day.
How did we get to this state of techno insanity? Why are we so obsessed? I have no answers; furthermore, I'm not going to apologize for being a bit crazy when any of my technology won't work "this instant."
Bottom line, it's really a barrel of fun, sharing our lives and our pictures with our family friends and whoever else wants to enjoy what we put out there. Yes, a little voyeurism from others but also great personal satisfaction in the sharing.
I'm betting even Ben Franklin would give up his feather pen for a computer once he saw the possibilities.
I'm also betting that anyone who depends on their technology would likely skip over the feather pen when given the choice of downgrading their communication methods.
Today signals a new era in my technological journey, and I'm excited to see how the wizard's handiwork performs.
Guess tomorrow's blog posting will tell the tale.
Happy Friday. Stay warm.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
A Schweitzer Birthday Saga
It seemed a bit surreal---almost reminiscent of Steve Vincent Benet's classic short story "By the Waters of Babylon" where the character visits an abandoned New York City, finding only remnants of the big city's hustle and bustle.
I drove to Schweitzer yesterday on its 50th birthday. On the trip up, I met a few cars, figuring the occupants had had their short day of skiing on the big milestone day and were headed home.
Lots of parking space, I thought, while entering the parking lot---in fact, more than I saw on my last trip up here in the summer time.
The number of cars, or lack thereof, called for a photo.
With camera in hand, I walked toward the village, noticing local license plates and a few out-of staters. Once up the steps, I saw a crew working around a tree in the center of the village.
"No pictures yet," one hollered. "We're not finished decorating." While snapping photos anyway, I mentioned that I'd come up to see what was happening on Schweitzer's "real" birthday.
The crew was unaware of the day's significance, but they did know about the celebration the weekend after next. They also told me Schweitzer would open for 7 days a week this Friday---two days after its "real" 50th birthday.
Inside the hotel, I saw more Christmas decorating around the check-in desk and up the stairway.
Outside, I met a nice young man who works with guest services at Schweitzer. He knew it was the special day.
We enjoyed a short visit, and I then I moved on toward the office, figuring I just had to say hello to someone on staff on this monumental day.
I walked into an empty lobby and snapped a photo, noting one of Schweitzer's many distinctions. Somebody walked from one office to another. The phone on the other side of the counter rang. Someone within the office complex must have answered.
I grabbed a handful of Schweitzer Magazines and walked out the door to take a few more photos of the empty scene, which in the next few days will be bustling with early season ski mountain excitement.
The quiet yesterday in the village was deafening. While shooting a photo of the clock tower, I saw a couple off in the distance, coming my way with skis.
"Wonder if they skied on Schweitzer's 50th birthday," I thought to myself. "Guess I'll get a photo."
Indeed, they had skied----walking up the hillside and skiing down. They told me they'd seen a few other skiers were up there too.
I asked if they were local. Thegentleman told me he'd moved here in 1962.
I asked him to take off his sunglasses.
Then, I knew immediately who he was. Had taught two of his three sons at Sandpoint High. He delivered mail around town, wearing shorts, for a number of years, and he had hiked 50 milers through the Selway Wilderness Area with Boy Scouts---just like Bill did when he was a scout leader.
Rod Dozier and Jane Hoover, NP, didn't mind a bit that this lady was taking their picture on a significant day in Schweitzer's history. And, I was thrilled to catch them and to visit with them for a few minutes.
We did some catching up on our kids as we walked through the quiet village. I also learned that Jane, who came here a few years ago from Ohio for the "beauty of it all" thinks she's not such a good skier. Hearing that information, I felt an instant bond.
And, so on Schweitzer's 50th birthday, I walked the village, grabbed a few photos and talked with very few people at the resort---where one staff member said he'd "heard of Bob Aavedal."
Time flies over 50 years. Details sometimes turn insignificant.
Still, the mountain remains a beloved force, which has created so much history for Sandpoint, its residents and its many visitors who have marveled at its perennial beauty while creating their individual memories.
Since I didn't make it up there 50 years ago, like a lot of folks I know, I'm proud to say that I made it 50 years later, and maybe, just maybe, ten years from now, someone can use my photos when the mountain surpasses another decade as a resort.
It was a beautiful afternoon.
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Winter Scenes
It's cold.
It's pretty.
We're warm, thanks to the winter wood supply and cozy shelters.
Life on the Lovestead farm is good on this 50th anniversary of the opening of Schweitzer Basin Ski Area aka Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
Happy Birthday, Schweitzer!!!
Happy Wednesday to all.
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Cold Tuesday Twitterdeedum
Just in time! Lily and Lefty went to their barn stalls just in time yesterday afternoon to miss the first blustery blast of winter.
When the wild winds and blowing snow began, they were tucked away for the night, as were the cats AND---I thought---the dogs.
Bill and I were watching the Seahawks game, figuring that Willie or Debbie would soon arrive to pick up Brooke and Todd.
I kept hearing dogs bark in the garage and a banging noises--- sorta like someone was coming in. This went on for more than half an hour, with nobody ever appearing around the corner from the living room.
When a commercial break came during the game, I discovered the source of the noise: wild wind sending snow flakes fluttering in circles and bird feeders banging against metal or even against each other.
Visibility was low, and I worried about what driving Selle Road must be like. Bill had already reported a pretty dicy trip down the road while coming home around 4:45.
Once I discovered the source of the noise, I went to the garage to find the door wide open, Kiwi and Kea, loungingt on the couch but no sign of Brooke and Todd.
You see Brooke has recently perfected a new talent: she knows how to open doors from the inside out.
So, at our home, when we see dogs running about when dogs are supposed to be safely in the garage, we don't have to ask "Who let the dogs out?"
We know.
It's just that we're still not quite used to the fact that we have a talented canine escape artist, so we still don't remember to shut the door in such a way to make it Brooke-proof.
Anyway, Brooke and Todd weren't too far from the house. Each covered with a layer of powdery snow, they both happily returned to the garage.
Later, Willie arrived and reported that driving on Selle Road was a "white-out," meaning little or no visibility.
The wild storm lasted for about two hours and then quit as quickly as it started. This storm blew in on a day when I had gone outside a couple of times with no coat.
I was glad that I had finally prepared the stalls for Lily and Lefty's winter stint indoors.
An automatic waterer has been causing problems in Lefty's stall, so yesterday I figured out a solution to avoid having a perennial drip, drip overflow from the waterer turn his floor into a skating rink.
The two horses were happy campers this morning when I opened the barn door. Soon they were happily munching on hay in their outdoor shelter while I was rounding up horse apples in their stalls for the first time this year.
Breakfast boys from radio station K102.5 were up to their usual recap of the previous night's TV highlights. In this morning's case, they touched on the Seattle win over New Orleans, Carrie Underwood's upcoming appearance in the Sound of Music and other items related to country singers.
So, on this gorgeous cold morning, I'm finished with chores and looking up at a hot pink mountain to the north of Schweitzer.
Schweitzer, whether it knows it or not, will reach a big milestone tomorrow.
Except for the cold temps, conditions will probably be exactly like they were on that Wednesday, Dec. 4, 1963, when the community saw the seed sprout for a future as a destination ski resort.
Blue skies and sunshine and beautiful snow greeted those first-day pioneers, and I'm betting a bunch of them will show up on the mountain tomorrow. If time allows, I might just go up and take some photos.
Fifty years ago, our family simply watched the cars go north on Boyer, turn at the end of our woods onto "the back road" as we used to call Woodland Drive. Later that day, we watched the steady stream of car lights headed back toward town in the darkness.
We went up to the resort a week or so later, as a family, and marveled at it all, but a few years passed before any of us gave skiing a try. And, it will be many, many moons before I ever do again. To put it lightly, skiing was not my forte.
Give me some snow shoes or dry ground, and I'm happy.
That sun and blue sky make me happy on this Tuesday morning. Wishing a pleasant day to all.
Monday, December 02, 2013
Cyber Monday: The Family Bookstore
One day only . . . . Cyber Monday Books as Gifts---from our Family Collection.
For military veterans, especially those who served in the Vietnam War-----introducing a memoir by my brother Mike Brown.
Missile! Missile! Missile! recounts Mike's Vietnam experiences, with special focus on his Cobra helicopter shootdown by a SAM missile during the Battle of An Loc in 1972.
Features a full-color painting by our brother Jim Tibbs.
You can order the book at www.amazon.com on Kindle and in paperback.
To order personally autographed copies on this Cyber Monday, send me a note at email@example.com, and I'll pass along your contact information
to Mike, who will see that you receive a book. Plan to add a postage fee for your order.
My first attempt as a humor author. Published in 1994. $10.
Available in paperback at www.amazon.com.
Cover art and inside art by my mother Virginia Tibbs. One sketch by my brother Jim Tibbs.
For personally autographed copies and a special Cyber Monday price, send me a note at firstname.lastname@example.com, along with autograph information and mailing instructions. Add $3 postage for each book.
$10 for a single copy. Buy one book, get one free, your choice from my collection, today only.
My second collection of humorous slice-of-life tales of life on the North Idaho farm. Published 1997.
Available in paperback at www.amazon.com.
Cover art and inside art by my mother Virginia Tibbs. One sketch by former student Tim Nickodemus.
For personally autographed copies and a special Cyber Monday price, send me a note at email@example.com, along with autograph information and mailing instructions.
$10 for a single copy. Buy one book, get one free, your choice from my collection, today only. Add $3 per book for postage.
Most recent book: a collection of tales about my teaching career at Sandpoint High School, featuring one story written by my son William Love, the current Sandpoint High School Cedar Post adviser. Published 2007.
Available in paperback at www.amazon.com
Cover art by former SHS cross country coach and art instructor, Cheryl Klein.
For personally autographed copies (including Willie) and a special Cyber Monday price, send me a note at firstname.lastname@example.com, along with autograph information and mailing instructions.
$10 for a single copy. Buy one book, get one free, your choice from my collection, today only. Add $3 per book for postage.
For military veterans, especially those who served in the Vietnam War-----introducing a memoir by my brother Mike Brown.
Missile! Missile! Missile! recounts Mike's Vietnam experiences, with special focus on his Cobra helicopter shootdown by a SAM missile during the Battle of An Loc in 1972.
Features a full-color painting by our brother Jim Tibbs.
You can order the book at www.amazon.com on Kindle and in paperback.
To order personally autographed copies on this Cyber Monday, send me a note at email@example.com, and I'll pass along your contact information
to Mike, who will see that you receive a book. Plan to add a postage fee for your order.
My first attempt as a humor author. Published in 1994. $10.
Available in paperback at www.amazon.com.
Cover art and inside art by my mother Virginia Tibbs. One sketch by my brother Jim Tibbs.
For personally autographed copies and a special Cyber Monday price, send me a note at email@example.com, along with autograph information and mailing instructions. Add $3 postage for each book.
$10 for a single copy. Buy one book, get one free, your choice from my collection, today only.
My second collection of humorous slice-of-life tales of life on the North Idaho farm. Published 1997.
Available in paperback at www.amazon.com.
Cover art and inside art by my mother Virginia Tibbs. One sketch by former student Tim Nickodemus.
For personally autographed copies and a special Cyber Monday price, send me a note at firstname.lastname@example.com, along with autograph information and mailing instructions.
$10 for a single copy. Buy one book, get one free, your choice from my collection, today only. Add $3 per book for postage.
Most recent book: a collection of tales about my teaching career at Sandpoint High School, featuring one story written by my son William Love, the current Sandpoint High School Cedar Post adviser. Published 2007.
Available in paperback at www.amazon.com
Cover art by former SHS cross country coach and art instructor, Cheryl Klein.
For personally autographed copies (including Willie) and a special Cyber Monday price, send me a note at email@example.com, along with autograph information and mailing instructions.
$10 for a single copy. Buy one book, get one free, your choice from my collection, today only. Add $3 per book for postage.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Leftovers . . . .
Slowly but surely, the food assortment on the kitchen island is diminishing. Bill had a couple of bakery donuts this morning for breakfast. They sure do smell good after coming out of the microwave.
Debbie came over late yesterday afternoon (Willie, as Bulldog assistant varsity basketball coach traveled to Coeur d'Alene with head coach Tyler Haines to scout a game) to help us with the dressing, taters, turkey and such.
She loves leftovers, and one mention that we had plenty to share was all the hint she needed.
Jonas, the cat, was trying to get some of the leftovers yesterday morning on the deck while a big family gathering was occurring in the living room.
The new deck roof has opened up another opportunity, among many.
With the barbecue grill on the deck for the winter, we were able to stuff the leftover turkey, stuffing, turnips, deviled eggs and sweet taters under the lid, using the grill as a satellite frig.
That, however, presents a tough temptation for a cat with a keen sense of smell. Jonas checked for possible openings at all angles but finally gave up.
Our inside gathering featured leftovers and some fresh banana muffins baked by my sister Laurie.
Cookies, candies, Joyce's wonderful apple pie, a plate of crackers, Cis' modified chocolate zucchini bread with quince pulp substituted for zucchini and those bakery donuts from Bonners Ferry Super 1, among other items, made for quite the brunchy spread.
Still, after all those morning visitors, there's plenty left. I told Debbie last night to bring Willie over for the ZAGS game tonight, and, with luck, the leftovers dwindle. What's left of the turkey and mashed potatoes may even turn into a dish all its own.
I think I'll search for a recipe where I can use my abundant cranberry sauce, as last year's mixture stayed in a jar for a year. In fact, I just dumped 'em out a few days ago.
Cranberries keep pretty well, I noticed, but that one thin layer of gray stuff on the top indicated a trip to the compost container.
I'll be glad when all leftovers have gone to their ultimate destination, which, from today on, not a lot will go to my stomach.
The Thanksgiving and beyond overstuffed stomach is never a pleasant experience for me, so tomorrow, for sure, signals a return to my usual eating routine, which involves a lot less intake and a whole lot more physical activity.
Last night after downing most of my plate of leftovers and letting Foster lick up the rest, I missed most of the action in the movie "Argo," even though I awakened from my couch slumber long enough to hear Debbie comment its intensity.
Some day I'll have to watch the story from beginning to end, even though I do know it has a happy ending.
Anyway, leftover time is winding down as is the big holiday period. As I type, Annie's headed to Spokane Airport for an 8:30 flight after staying overnight in Spokane for a Pearl Jam concert, which attracted a lot of locals and even some of our relatives from Bainbridge Island.
She went with her friend Kelsi who, in the past 22 years, has attended no fewer than a couple of dozen Pearl Jam events around the country and even in Australia. I believe this was Annie's second, and her reviews indicated a phenomenal show.
A lot of the family visitors left for their respective homes yesterday after sampling leftovers, comparing notes on Kindles, i-pads, cell phones and even sharing a few additional thoughts on Bigfoot.
My brother Mike also held a book signing with copies of his recently released Missile, Missile, Missile!
It was a good Thanksgiving. I'm figuring on today, with the rain and soupy snow, being a fairly quiet, relaxing day--maybe even staying awake for a whole movie----all in preparation for the next burst of activity leading to Christmas and, for sure, another round of leftovers.
Happy Sunday and safe travels to all.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Dog-Day Walk on the Dike
Annie figured Debbie needed to go on leash. |
So, Debbie obliged. |
Barbara's always taking pictures. If you're on Facebook, you can check 'em out. |
Thanksgiving feast reject. |
Eagle eyes watching the eagle while Levi, the bird dog, takes a break. |
These 50-year-old feet can still make it down the trail. |
Conclave of the cold bodies. |
When it's cold at the Ball Creek Ranch, anything goes with camo. |
I love you, Kevin. |
Now that Debbie is the exec. director of POAC, she's creating her own art. |
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Holiday Marathon Moves On
It was a "sleep in" morning----until 6:24, in fact. That's almost two hours beyond my normal wake-up time, but it was needed.
I even put a heads-up note on the blog late last night just in case my post-Thanksgiving Day slumber lasted longer.
I did not warn the horses, though.
As I said to Bill this morning, Lily, Lefty and Mojavee don't know about holidays and how the humans tend to get off schedule with all the eating and family merriment.
Hungry horses don't really care about holidays. They want their hay when they want their hay, and there's "no sleeping in" for a horse's belly.
This morning, however, the herd went easy on me as I headed toward the barn, with caffeine-deprived brain and bleary eyes still adjusting to a new day---both running a bit on low.
Unless my eyes and ears were deceiving me, nobody whinnied, nobody even looked up as I strolled through the yard. I think they had already done the grousing and moaning and finally resolved that if she was running late, they might as well cat-nap.
They're happy, and I'm kinda back on schedule after a long day in the kitchen and an evening of visiting with family, lasting until well after 11 p.m. Every moment spent in the kitchen was worth it, though.
Our feast was grand, and our visiting turned into a rollicking funfest with nearly two hours spent comparing crazy Bigfoot stories and bizarre medical experiences. Let's see, I heard about one person swallowing a needle and, of course, Debbie Barbara and I enjoyed recounting the scary hours of Laurie's initial viral encephalitis scare.
That segment involved some "hazmat suits, revisited" reflections, along with Laurie's recounting of the moment when the nurse had trouble finding a vein and told her she'd be back. When she didn't come back soon enough in Laurie's encephalitis-infected mind, Laurie simply assumed, "She's killing me."
Laurie then informed us that eventually someone came to her rescue, and she lived to tell the story on a fun-filled Thanksgiving gathering.
It was a great day yesterday---kids ran in the turkey trot, Bill helped out by feeding horses and taking care of dogs, while I nursed the last-minute phase of attending to all aspects of my contribution to the Thanksgiving menu.
So, today with bellies still recovering from overload, we'll direct our bodies toward a hiking area with some friends here from Arizona. There's still a little clean-up left from the Thanksgiving table set-up, but I'm gonna let down the usual guard and let it be.
After all, the horses survived my "sleep-in" day, so I think we'll all survive a day of relative disorganization filled with several more hours of family fun and enjoyment of our gorgeous piece of Heaven.
Snow and rain are coming soon enough, so it's definitely a Carpe Diem time. More work to prepare for the next big holiday will come soon enough.
Happy Friday.
Thanksgiving Thought
Countless residents of this community are feeling a collective heavy heart this Thanksgiving morning after a car-train tragedy yesterday took the life of a vibrant and beloved young woman who has grown up here.
On this day when we all feast and celebrate our own blessings, no doubt many of us will be mixing in a bit of prayer, remembrance and love aimed toward Kayle Porter's family and to her boyfriend's family, the Gates, who are also mourning her loss.
May we give thanks for each precious moment of life and for those around us who mean so much.
Blessings to all.
And, prayers to the Porter and Gates families. May the love from this caring community sustain and strengthen you through this sad time.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Cooks Extraordinaire: Start Your Ovens!
This is the day the nation has made for someone in most households to get on their marks, get set and go like Hell, getting ready for the big turkey day: vacuuming, dusting, filling toilet paper dispensers, washing goblets that have occupied the from the cupboard for the past year, thawing turkeys, making one more or maybe two trips to the grocery store to pick up just a few more ingredients for the multitude of dishes on the menu, etc., etc., etc.
This is the day when most family members from out of town who will be sitting at the holiday table tomorrow show up. A couple of our family members have already arrived.
Annie's here. Jim's at my sisters' house. Kevin and Joyce will arrive later. Mike and Mary will be in Plummer for turkey day with their daughters before coming to Sandpoint Saturday.
Safe travels have been wished upon everyone, and when everyone arrives safely, silent thanks will be uttered along with all the other thoughts of family coming together.
On this particular day, this cook is feeling a kinder, gentler stress, thanks to advance planning and work. Dishes are sparkling clean. Silver has been polished. Goblets are ready for Willie and Debbie's tasty fruit cocktail.
Sweet potatoes, turnips (in honor of Mother) and cranberries have been prepared for days. In this morning's blog posting, the Pioneer Woman informed me that I could get those mashed potatoes prepared today.
She said NOT, however, when it comes to making the dressing the day before.
Pioneer Woman says moisture will be lost if dressing is done too soon. So, I'll believe her.
I'm making a trip to town this morning (with my checkbook and NOT my plastic) to purchase just a few more items that will add a little zing to some of the traditional dishes.
For those not in the area, we have a crisis here in this region with numerous grocery store chains which use the same food distributor. Seems their electronic records have been hacked and that folks' credit cards could be compromised.
So, customers who shop at our local Yoke's need to take their checkbooks or their cold, hard cash if they don't want to wait in long lines at the grocery store.
Last night, Annie bought a few items at Yoke's and went to the speedy check-out stand, only to have to do the drill of walking somewhere else in the store where her credit card could be processed. It's an ugly, inconvenient situation coming at a very bad time.
I'm feeling pretty good that I've stayed in the dark ages and still use checks for almost all of my local purchases.
And, this morning a check will go for cream cheese, orange juice, Half and Half, Lawry's seasoning salt, another two boxes of brownie mix (as my brownies are disappearing quickly). I'm sure a few more items will go in the cart too.
Then, it's back home to get those potatoes prepared and work out some more logistics for tomorrow's big meal.
And, then----this is the day the ZAGS have made to play their consolation game in the Maui tournament at 2 p.m. PST.
So, we'll gather at Barbara and Laurie's house, watch the game, eat lightly, go home, do chores, go back and dine on a meatball casserole that Barbara has been anxious to serve for the first time.
Then, back home, more night-before preparation, then bed and then the big day . . . . a lot to do, very little time to do it. So, I must get moving.
Happy Day Before the Big Turkey Day, and GO ZAGS!!! You really redeemed yourselves yesterday in that 113-81 rout of the Silverswords, and I did sleep like a baby.
Have a great day, all, wherever you are!
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text: Lorianne and Charlie quiz Miranda Lambert about the significance of the flaming car on the cover of her "Four The Record" CD. Miranda tells us she has a lot in common with fire, and the thought of setting a car on fire really appealed to her. There was one thing she was worried about on the day of the shoot though! Find out what it was -- watch the video here.


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A freight train collided with a Johnson County deputy's car late Tuesday west of Warrensburg, the Johnson County Sheriff's Department said.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
The crash happened about 8 p.m., investigators said. They offered no immediate details about how the vehicle wound up in the path of the Union Pacific train.
The wreck has delayed an Amtrak train that is heading to Kansas City from St. Louis. Officials said the train was expected to resume its journey soon.


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Welcome to the Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center (APISC) |
Misson StatementThe APISC strives to assist the university's dedication to advancing knowledge and learning while preparing students for life, leadership and careers in a changing, multicultural world. It coordinates projects, resources and services designed to meet the needs of Cal Poly Pomona's Asian and Pacific Islander students, while providing an open environment to engage and learn about important issues regarding the community. The Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center exists to support all students at Cal Poly Pomona in their efforts to become multiculturally competent. |
© 2013 California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | Updated On: Nov 15, 2013 l Questions & Comments |


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This is one of the key reasons that Microsoft built the Redirected Folders feature for Windows 2000 and Windows XP. This feature allows you to move folders like the My Documents and Application Data folders out of the user profile and to a centralized network location. Windows NT doesn't support this feature. You can possibly hack this by using the registry but doing so is a bit risky.
This was first published in December 2003


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For a land that stays true to its own identity despite being a major tourist destination, take a summer holiday to Morocco. Wherever you choose to stay, your senses are immediately assaulted with unfamiliar heady aromas and alien sights of Islam in full flow. Morocco remains fiercely traditional and as a visitor you are welcomed wholeheartedly but reservedly. A Morocco summer holiday will be filled with experiences you won't find on other Mediterranean trips.
For a city break, a summer holiday to Morocco offers you Casablanca, Marrakesh and Fez. Famous Casablanca is today a cosmopolitan cultural feast whilst the imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez are characterised by winding alleys and mystical soukhs. On a Morocco summer holiday you can also veer off the well beaten tourist track and venture along the craggy hiking trails of the undisturbed Atlas Mountains or let a camel do the work taking you on a journey between spicy Berber villages.
For a summer holiday to Morocco in the sun, the major resorts are Agadir with it's blindingly white villas stretching up the hillside away from the hotels set on a beautiful beach with azure blue seas and Tangier where hotels aren't a pre-planned development but are part and parcel of the cityscape and not always close to the beach. Maybe your Morocco summer holiday will take you to picture postcard, arty Essaouira. Morocco isn't really a land of cliches; east doesn't meet west and it's not a land of diversity. Morocco is simply, well, Morocco.
© Copyright . This review and guide must not be copied without prior consent. Contact us if you require any information.
Mind not made up yet? Try one of these great destinations below to hep you.
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Morocco is simply, well, Morocco. A holiday here will be filled with experiences you won't find in any old place; explore the winding alleys and glorious beaches.


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An Aussie invitation to Timothy Tebow
By Chris Chard, 16 Oct 2012 Chris Chard is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- American Football, humour, New York Jets, NRL, Tim Tebow
There once lived a man. A kind man. A just man. A man of simple upbringing, yet capable of miracles and converting the masses.
His single name is known all around the world to this day as a symbol of hope and humility.
If you are unaware of who Timothy Tebow is then I'm guessing you also think a 'football' is one of those spherical, smell-reducing things you chuck in your work shoes to stop them stinking out the garage.
Since week six of last year's NFL season, Tebow has been the Alpha and Omega of the American sporting press, parting a sea of egos and billionaires to walk his unique path.
Not much needs to be said about what Tebow has done in the past, as enough words have been spilt on his story to fill the nightstands of every hotel in the Western World for the next millennia.
No, I'm much more concerned with the man's future.
Watching Tebow's New York Jets play this season has been a mostly frustrating exercise. Cruelled by injuries, and at times cohesion, 'Gang Green' have looked downright ugly. King ugly.
To call the Jets Tebow's team though is a stretch Rex Ryan's gastric band would be proud of, as for all but nine passing yards of the season he has been riding the pine.
But last week came a glimmer of hope. Up against the unbeaten Houston, the Jets trailed by a touchdown late in the match and, having tried fake punts and onside kick trick plays, it was clear team Green were going to throw everything at the Texans.
Quite simply, it was Tebow time.
But alas, despite having featured earlier in the match it was not to be, and Tebow time was shelved for some standard Sanchez inspired insipidness.
It became pretty clear in those last few disappointing moments that the Big Apple might not be the place for Tim, and any game time he'll get is a token gesture for the goofy home-schooled kid.
Which is a shame. The bloke is a real athlete and entertainment personified! He's ducking, he's diving, fending, scrambling… like your mate Davo cooking the barbecue, the results can vary at times but you know he's trying his best and it's bloody entertaining to boot.
So I've got a proposition for you Tim.
Come play the 2013 NRL season.
You'll love it. The season runs March-September, so if you play for Parra or the Roosters you'll be home in plenty of time for the NFL season proper.
The game's pretty much like football. A couple more downs, a few more laterals. You'll be a star! You don't even have to pass the ball if you don't want to.
We'll stick you in the forwards somewhere and you can rush to your heart's content, tackle a few guys when you want to relive those linebacker days from high school.
Oh, and a good looking bloke like yourself shouldn't be hiding away under a helmet, so we'll ditch that too eh.
Our refs are fully professional, so you'll never have to worry about incorrect decisions.
You might even really love the game and decide you want to play for the newly formed Philippines national team, or Queensland if you decide the Gold Coast is a bit more like Florida for your liking.
Of course we're a bit strapped for cash down here, but a bloke who spends his off-season helping children in the Philippines wouldn't be about the coin anyway would you?
I think you'll find that there's a stack of players in the NRL who are equally devoted to the real Big Man upstairs (have you met a bloke named Jason Stevens?), and a whole lot more that could use some 'divine intervention'.
So Tim, Mr Tebow sir, what do you say? I can guarantee you'll enjoy yourself, stay fit and meet some interesting characters.
Please tell me you'll at least think about it, and if you're serious about the move please send me a sign. Even if that sign is no sign.
Thank you for your time.
Goodnight and God bless.
C.M Chard
Follow Chris on Twitter: @Vic_Arious
Chris Chard is a sports humour writer commenting on the often absurd nature of professional sport. A rugby league fan boy with a good blend of youth and experience taking things one week at a time, Chris has written for The Roar since 2011. Tweet him @Vic_Arious
The Roar is giving you the chance to win 1 of 19 prize packs to Australian Open 2014! Each lucky winner will receive four evening tickets to Rod Laver Arena, plus access to 3 hours in the Heineken VIP Bar. Enter here.
The Crowd Says (10) | Page 1 of Comments
October 16th 2012 @ 2:57am
Steve said | October 16th 2012 @ 2:57am | Report commentHa!
It would be amazing to see Tebow in the NRL. Ray Rice as well: I reckon he could do OK. -
October 16th 2012 @ 3:58am
falcore said | October 16th 2012 @ 3:58am | Report commentvomit.
Don't we cop enough insipid Brand Tebow backwash as it is? -
October 16th 2012 @ 6:26am
James said | October 16th 2012 @ 6:26am | Report commentIt's hard enough following the nfl with the large coverage the jets/tebow get. It seems like every second article or video is about them, they aren't even a good team.
Could you imagine what the daily terrorgraph would do to him if he ever did step foot in Australia? He couldn't take a dump without it being front page news.
Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8]. -
October 16th 2012 @ 7:07am
PAM REGISTER said | October 16th 2012 @ 7:07am | Report commentI think that the NFL paid the Jets to take Tebow and keep him on the sidelines. Think about it. If we keep the kid on the sidelines, then Tebowmania stops and people will focus back on us, the NFL. You tell me, why else would a team with a player with the athletic ability that Tebow has not play him? And I'm not talking quaterback. HE"S NOT PLAYING!!! It's sad. I wonder, if he had the opportunity to play quaterback for the last 3 years straight how much better he would be this season. This is Mark Sanchez 4th year and they are saying, "He's a quaterback in the making. The kid is improving with each year." You couldn't pay them to say that about Tebow. Again, so sad.
October 16th 2012 @ 1:28pm
Fetus said | October 16th 2012 @ 1:28pm | Report commentI think he would make a great lock
Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
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WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Wal-Mart has said it will scrap three stores planned for the District and will review whether to continue with the other three District stores under construction if the new living wage bill becomes law.
Mayor Vincent Gray is weighing whether to veto the bill or not. He told WUSA9 that he taking Wal-Mart's threats to pull out, seriously.
"The Wal-Mart folks, for example, have been very clear about their position, I want to hear it again now that the bill has passed," said Mayor Gray.
The Mayor implied in his first public comments after Wednesday's vote that the legislation unfairly targets big box stores.
"We've got Costco who we've talked to about the success they've had here. They've talked to us about the possibility of expanding. They're going to be affected by this. Wegmans, in terms of whether they come to the District of Columbia. Lowes, which is in the throes of building a new store here. So, I've got to look at the full impact," said Mayor Gray.
The city's current minimum wage is $8.25, a dollar higher than the national rate. The bill would require large retailers to pay wages no lower than $12.50 per hour.
Giant and Safeway would not be affected.
"It's hard to understand why those who have collective bargaining agreements are exempted from this and those who aren't are not exempted," said the Mayor.
Today, federal workers at the Smithsonian protested low wages and lobbied for higher minimum wages. While the bill would not affect them, Mayor Gray said he understands their concerns, but does not want the city to lose out on $1800 jobs promised by the Wal-Mart stores.
After the city council transfers the bill to the Mayor, he has 10 business days to decide whether to veto it.
All indications are that he will. The City Council needs nine votes to override a veto. The vote Wednesday was 8 to 5.


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Mexico Congress approves oil bill breaking 75-year monopoly
Mexico will end 75 years of government control of its vast oil reserves after Congress approved the nation's most significant economic reform since the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Market fades again Thursday, but with less negative vigor
More selling developed in the stock market on slightly lower volume yesterday. Price action and indicators suggest the rate of fall may be slowing.
VIX trader buys $5.1 million in calls to bet on 50% increase
An investor bought $5.12 million in call options that will be profitable if the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index jumps at least 50 percent in the next four months.
Dollar rallies as retail sales gain fuels Fed taper speculation
The dollar rose for a second day after retail sales gained more than forecast last month, adding to speculation the Federal Reserve will move to trim its $85 billion of monthly asset purchases at a meeting next week.