Oak Openings and Observations

Come With Us on a Neighborhood Walk to Coffee

2012-01-30T16:29:00.013-05:00

The walk begins at our Cary, North Carolina apartment above the garage.

We are walking through the neighborhood
A few stops along the way to look at the flowers. The mild winter has the trees and flowers starting to bloom already.

There is always another hill to climb.

Enter onto the greenway.
The peaceful greenway
A stop at the large wooded roundabout.
Onto the sidewalk with Leslie setting the pace.
Past the Cary high School.
No stopping at the bookstore. Well, maybe just for a minute.
Doing push ups while she waits for Tom to come out of the bookstore.
We have arrived at the coffee shop.
Nice way to start the day.

Above a Garage, Below the Mason-Dixon Line

2012-01-19T14:10:00.005-05:00

Welcome to this year's apartment in North Carolina. This year we are in Cary, about 10 minutes from our kids. Our apartment is in a house in quiet neighborhood with large trees. We are enjoying walking to coffee shops, malls, and parks. We particularly enjoy our walks that take us down Cary's beautiful greenways.
Pictured above is our dining space, and the double windows that light our living area.
The one person kitchen, or no person, if the oven door is open. The room is also enhanced by the absence of a dishwasher.
Very comfortable sofa with skylight above, and not so comfortable chair (not pictured).
This room is large enough to include a yoga corner, and a play area for Ryan.
The view from our deck.

Last year we enjoyed Chapel Hill, but the traffic, and driving to Cary drove us crazy. This year, being in a house in a neighborhood, makes it feel more like home.

MSU Favorite Places

2011-11-08T12:51:00.007-05:00

We have each selected our five favorite places on the Michigan State University campus. The criteria we used was that it must have been a significant place during our undergraduate years, and remained a favorite over the passing years.

Leslie's #1: Sanford Woodlot. Immediately, I found this woods along the river. Walking the long path has always been a peaceful respite.

Tom's #1: The Sacred Space. It lies in the shadow of Beaumont Tower. It is the historical center of campus, and has survived numerous attempts to develop it, and as a result, it has become a very special, and very favorite place.

Leslie's #2 The Sacred Space. A beautiful calming place. This is an Oak Opening scattered with huge broad trees and pathways.

Tom's #2: The '66 Sycamore. I met this tree in 1966 as a high school junior and the tree, and the field surrounding it have been a part of my life ever since. We gather here before each football game to share the pregame with the marching band.

Leslie's #3: This area is called People's Park named after a park created during the racial political activism of the late sixties and early seventies. Activists camped here in support, while we were camping in married housing. The river runs across the picture.

Tom's #3: Beal Gardens. Thank you Professor Beal for creating such a wonderful place to relax, reflect, and learn.

Leslie's #4: In 1913, MSU purchased a farm with a long sandy ridge. The loose sand was often blown into the nearby fields and was a hazard to crops and workers. In 1914, Sanford, Professor of Forestry, planted 5 different kinds of evergreens as an experiment. Red Pine was an overwhelming sucess. I've always liked walking through the shady grove.

Tom's #4: The Wonders Hall area. Wow. It was here that I lived my first two years of college life. It was here that I met my wife. It was on these athletic fields that I had a few moments of glory. It was while walking in front of Wonders that I first got the courage to hold Leslie's hand. Finally, I can show you the spot in front of Wonders, where we loaded my Mustang, before leaving on a wild trip to New Orleans, and the Mardi Gras.

Leslie's $5: This is the woods outside the oldest dorm on Campus. This scene would pull me out the side door of Mary Mayo Hall (didn't fit in picture).

Tom's #5: Red Cedar rapids area: A tranquil place by the rapids of the Red Cedar River, as it flows by People's Park, near where most of our education courses, and graduate level courses were taught. It brings back memories-everything from breaks during college classes to the Dinosaur Dash 5K road race.

Celebrating Our Farmer's Market

2011-07-15T10:56:00.006-04:00

Once again East Lansing's Farmer's market opens, and our intake of fresh fruits and vegetables goes up dramatically. So, from now until October it is an every Sunday walk to fresh produce.

Some of what we came home with on our first visit.

Kale, parsley, and peppers to go in the "Inca Garden."

The Inca Garden, so named because of the use of terraces.

Carolina Skies

2011-04-13T15:34:00.006-04:00

Just before noon, while walking, the sky caught our attention.
It was the deep "Carolina Blue."
A little later the clouds began to decorate the sky.

North Carolina gives one more reasons to be a sky watcher.
Enjoying a beautiful day.

Chapel Hill/East Lansing

2011-03-18T11:53:00.005-04:00

We have found living in Chapel Hill to be very much like living in East Lansing. It has the good walkability, the vibrancy and culture of the university, and Franklin Street is very much like Grand River Ave.. We continue to enjoy the good coffee shops, restaurants, and campus atmosphere.

However, there are some differences:

Very hilly, when walking it seems everything is uphill

Leaving home without a jacket

Pedestrians rule-every car stops for you

Sidewalks are never slippery

Columns on all university buildings

Healthier eating with Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's grocery stores

You can make outdoor plans, because the sun is always shining, at least there are no all day rains

There is a great sense of history, exemplified by the many monuments on campus

Fewer empty commercial buildings

Commercial entities are hard to find because they have no signs, and are hidden behind trees

Trees, trees everywhere

Chapel Hill lacks the quality of entertainment that Wharton provides

There seeImage via Wikipediams to be murals on every brick wall in town

The campus has a central area called "the pit," surrounded by the bookstore, union, cafeteria, and two libraries

It is always good driving weather

A stronger sense of preservation

The older and permanent look of more brick buildings

80 degrees in February

The greenways make great places to walk and run with trees instead of traffic

Romping With Ryan

2011-03-10T11:54:00.004-05:00

The reason we have come to North Carolina is to be with Ann, David, and Ryan. We are walking trails, playing on beaches, visiting museums, and having good family times together.

Here are some pictures of our last couple of outings.

Checking the map at North Carolina Botanical Gardens.

Somewhere along the trail Leslie and I became the "chasers" or "Indians," and Ryan and Ann went sprinting down the trail ahead of us.

Trying to catch up.

He is off again!

South of Chapel Hill is Lake Jordan. We had a fun day there with a picnic, walking along the beach, and playing in the sand.

Ryan with his friend Evelyn on the beach.

A Unique February Day

2011-02-28T11:16:00.006-05:00

A day that featured warm temperatures, sunscreen, shorts, and baseball. Something that us Michiganders are not accustomed to in February.

The North Carolina baseball stadium is within walking distance for us, and the Tar Heels are nationally ranked which added to the excitement.

Hey! batta-batta SWING!

No Boxes This Year

2011-02-25T13:03:00.008-05:00

A tour of our FURNISHED apartment, as opposed to the apartment full of boxes from last year.

This apartment is not as large and bright as the last, but it has a great location.

Gazing at the computer screen waiting for the baseball season to begin.

Dining space with microwave and clock.

Half the cupboard and counter space of last year.....

.....but better decorated with Ryan's picture of a snow storm. (a click or double click brings the picture full screen)

A great bed, to our surprise.

A vanity/desk, and pictures from home.

Two closets!

The apartment is fine, Chapel Hill is great, and we are enjoying time with Ann, David, and Ryan.

Destination: Carolina Coffee

2011-02-22T13:12:00.006-05:00

Come with us on our ten minute walk to downtown Chapel Hill, and our favorite: The Carolina Coffee Shop. First we leave the apartment. That's us on the lower level left.

Looking back at our apartment from across the grass, and past the gazebo, and tennis court.

Down into the ravine. We have been warned to watch out for snakes once the weather warms up.
Up onto the other side of the ravine, and the trail continues.

Like most trails around here, it goes up and up ........

Through the bamboo.

Take a right, and head toward civilization.

We are going to turn left toward town. Notice the gain in altitude continues.

Heading down Henderson Street for two blocks.

McCorkle Place and the University of North Carolina campus is across the street.

We head down Franklin Street, which is the main street in Chapel Hill.

Almost there, it is across the street with the Carolina blue awning. The inside has dark wood, and lots of charm.

Eli Broad Art Museum

2011-02-01T14:44:00.006-05:00

In June, 2007, Michigan State University announced that a new world-class art museum will be built on campus. The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum will be a premier venue to attract major exhibitions and collections and serve as a showcase to enrich the educational experience and aesthetic enjoyment of art. The building, designed by world-renowned Zaha Hadid, will enable the museum to increase its visibility, showcase more of the permanent collection, organize and exhibit larger and more significant exhibitions, become more integral to university life and the greater community, and increase in stature—bringing international attention to the museum, MSU, the region and State of Michigan.
An artist's rendering of what the museum will look like when approached on Grand River Avenue.

The museum has been controversial because of its contemporary design on the very traditional campus of MSU. The museum, which broke ground on March 16, is expected to open in the spring of 2012 and is on schedule and within budget. When completed, it will feature more than 70 percent gallery space and room for large art works to be displayed. The primary focus of the museum will be contemporary art.

The construction site of MSU’s Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is clearly beginning to take on the “Z” shape of the innovative building design by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Looking at the construction site on Grand River next to Berkey Hall, one can clearly see the foundation and the start of walls for what will be a world-class museum.The museum, which broke ground on March 16, is expected to open in the spring of 2012 and is on schedule and within budget. When completed, it will feature more than 70 percent gallery space and room for large art works to be displayed.

The facility is named in honor of Eli and Edythe Broad, longtime supporters of the university who provided the lead gift for the museum. The Broads’ gift of $28 million, with $21 million designated for construction of the building and $7 Image via Wikipediamillion to be used for acquisitions, exhibitions and operations, was the catalyst for the project. Additional fundraising for construction has raised nearly $34 million of the $40 million goal for the building.

The staff of this blog will follow this story as it progresses.

A Lasting Memory

2010-12-01T15:12:00.003-05:00

Something a little more tangible to remember this first Spartan football championship in 20 years.

Celebrating With The Champions

2010-11-29T12:17:00.005-05:00

Saturday evening after the Michigan State football team defeated Penn State, and claimed the Big Ten Championship, Leslie and I headed to Breslin to welcome the team home, and help celebrate the championship season.

It was a really happy group of players, coaches, and fans. It was a festive atmosphere filled with joy, and the knowledgImage via Wikipediae that this year the Spartans got it done.

Coach Dantonio seemed as happy as anyone had ever seen him. The captains spoke, the band played the fight song, and the fans smiled and cheered.

Coach Izzo appeared to be the happiest of all.

Congratulations to the 2010 Michigan State football team. We may not be wearing roses, but it was a magical season that we will always have, and the future looks great for this program.

Remembering Frim

2010-11-19T13:28:00.005-05:00

I first became aware of Lyman L. Frimodig (1897-1972) when I was hanging his picture on the wall at the Pretzel Bell restaurant, where I had been hired as a bus boy in 1971. He is the only athlete in the history of Michigan State to receive ten varsity letters, four each in basketball and baseball and two in football.

Frimodig was an all-around athlete at Calumet High School. He grew up a block away from, and was boyhood friends with, George Gipp, who went on to fame playing football for Knute Rockne at Notre Dame.

Frimodig subsequently attended Michigan Agricultural College, now known as Michigan State University, where he played basketball, baseball and football from 1914 to 1917. He held the single-game scoring record in basketball for 35 years.

Here he is, second from the right, back row, next to Coach Macklin. The championship team of 1914.

After graduating from the college in 1917, Frimodig returned to the Upper Peninsula where he coached and was principal at Escanaba High School. His work there was interrupted by the United States' entry into World War I, as Frimodig served in the military.

After being discharged from the military in 1919, Frimodig was hired as the freshman football coach at Michigan Agricultural College. He was the school's head basketball coach for two seasons (1920–1922), compiling a 24–20 record. He remained employed by the school for 41 years as a professor of health and physical education.

"Frim" also served four years in the 1930's as mayor of East Lansing. He can be considered one of the greatest Spartans to ever wear the green and white. His love of Michigan State's campus, athletics, and the city of East Lansing is very similar to mine. Your memory is still alive Mr. Frimodig.

Escape From Ohio

2010-11-18T12:32:00.008-05:00

Can You figure out what I have in common with these three individuals pictured here?

They are: Chief Newcomer of the Delaware Indian tribe that when the fur trapping gave out moved to the Ohio Valley, and eventually to a reservation in Oklahoma.

Woody Hayes the legendary Ohio State football coach.

Cy Young the major league all time leader in wins, who has the award to the season's best pitcher named after him.

The answer is Newcomertown, Ohio. They lived there. Leslie and I spent a cold, dark, rainy, night there earlier this week on our way home from North Carolina.

The other notable event of the trip home happened in Virginia, near the West Virginia border where we had dramatic fog, with visibility close to zero. We survived that scary trip through the mountains, but not everybody did, as 77 cars and trucks were involved in several crashes, resulting in two deaths, and the closing the I77 for 10 hours. We were lucky.

A Sign That It Is Time

2010-11-01T17:35:00.003-04:00

Image via WikipediaA frosty look to the grass on this first morning of November.

I took it as a sign that it is time to head to a warmer climate.

This post marks the beginning of a new blog posting philosphy. I am going to put the emphasis on the observations part of the title, and the posts will be shorter, but much more frequent. They will chronicle what we see on our daily walks and meanderings through life..

Meteorites

2010-09-28T16:36:00.003-04:00

I often wonder why I am interested in so many things, and more importantly how these interests developed. In the case of meteorites, I believe I can trace it to the fascinating meteorite display in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, and some summer nights watching some dramatic meteor showers light up the sky.

The earth is regularly struck by debris from space. It has been hit by about 130,000 meteorites large enough to produce a crater 2/3's of a mile wide. Although this kind of impact site is visible on the moon, earth is so geologically active that evidence of many impacts have disappeared. So far, more than 160 impact sites have been identified worldwide, with new craters discovered every year.

Most meteorites are fragments of asteroids, though some are produced when asteroids hit the surface of the moon or mars, flinging debris into space. When they are outside the atmosphere these rocks are meteoroids, while those that enter the atmosphere are meteors. These are usually so small that they burn up as they plunge toward earth, leaving a bright trail in the sky, often called a shooting star. Meteorites are objects large enough to travel through the atmosphere and hit the ground. If they are the size of a house or larger they blast out a crater.

The first major impact structure to be identified was Meteor Crater in Arizona, with its distinctive bowl shape. It is the result of the most recent significant meteorite impact on earth.

When a meteorite strikes the earth, the impact sends shock waves through the ground, squeezing the surrounding rock to two, or three times its normal density. The compressed rock then springs back, shattering into fragments, hurling chunks upward, and outward, along with pieces of the meteorite that have not yet vaporized. The result is a bowl shaped crater that is much larger than the meteorite.

The potential energy of a significant meteorite impact on the earth is more than one hundred million megatons-more than the world's entire nuclear arsenal.

Buried deep beneath the limestone of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Chixulub is one of the largest meteorite cImage via Wikipediaraters found on earth. The impact was catalclysmic: fires raged over the surface, giant tsunamis radiated across the oceans, and the planet was rocked by massive earthquakes. Many scientists believe that the devastating global effects of the Chixulub impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. They believe that debris from the impact was suspended in the atmosphere. This would have blocked out the Sun's rays, turning the world ice cold, and spelling doom for the dinosaurs.

Much of the information for this post comes from the Smithsonian Institution's book called Earth.

Saying Goodbye to Morrill Hall

2010-09-17T15:33:00.008-04:00

Morrill Hall, one of the oldest buildings on the Michigan State campus, is set to be demolished in 2013, and its classrooms, and offices moved to a new addition of Wells Hall. Ground was broken for that new addition earlier this week. To commemorate Morrill, plans are to restore the area to a park, with a plaque and part of the stone or brick of Morrill Hall.
My first thought was we should save this building as it is a major part of Michigan State's history. But, some investigation finds that the place is deteriorating with the floors and ceilings tilted and the place infested with cockroaches and bats, so maybe the history, English, and religious studies departments will be better off in their new home in Wells Hall.
Image via Wikipedia
A little history: It was dedicated in October 1900, and known as the Women's Building, and as its name implies was built to house women. At the time of the dedication it housed 120 women students, and had cooking laboratories, and a large gymnasium, as well as the dorm rooms. In 1937, the name was changed to Morrill Hall and it became a liberal arts division center. The new name honored the Morrill Act of 1862, which laid the groundwork for the land grant colleges providing university funding by the government, and built on federal land.

My main memory of Morrill Hall is from spring term of freshman year, when for some reason now forgotten I decided to drop an economic course a couple of weeks into the term. The course was taught by one of the most popular professors on campus, but one who had a reputation for being foul tempered and mean. I announced at dinner that I was headed to Morrill Hall for a face to face with the professor. The reaction I received was pretty much, 'You are really going to get blasted." This girl I had been dating (Leslie) came with me for support, or maybe out of curiosity. I remember the long slow walk up the four flights of stairs, and knocking on the door. I survived. He basically told me I would be stupider for not taking his class, and would live to regret it, but he signed the paper, and I shot out of there

.Some early Women's Building Residents.

The Library.

The gymnasium.
Earlier this week Leslie and I went into Morrill and shot some pictures:

The Vine That Ate The South

2010-07-09T11:49:00.006-04:00

On one of our walks this spring in Cary, North Carolina we noticed a vine coming out of the woods, and snaking across the greenway. Later, when we were in the mountains near Asheville, we found the same vine completely covering hillsides, and enveloping trees. We identified it as Kudzu. or due to its out of control growth by one of its many nicknames, like "mile a minute vine," or " a foot a night vine."
So, what is with this Kudzu anyway? Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, where it was promoted as a forage crop and an ornamental plant. From 1 9 35 to the early 1950s, the Soil Conservation Service encouraged farmers in the southeastern United States to plant kudzu to reduce soil erosion as explained above. The Civilian Conservation Corps planted it widely for many years.

It was subsequently discovered that the southeastern US has near-perfect conditions for kudzu to grow out of control — hot, humid summers, frequent rainfall, temperate winters with few hard freezes (kudzu cannot tolerate low freezing temperatures that bring the frost line down through its entire root system, a rare occurrence in this region), and no natural predators.It has been found in Michigan, in the South Haven area, but the cold winter temperatures keep it from being the problem that it is in the South. According to ScienceDaily, kudzu has been spreading in the southern U.S. at the rate of 150,000 acres annually with devastating environmental consequences.

Take a look at this really well done video by the National Invasive Species Information Center:

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/kudzu.shtml

Here is a picture of Kudzu in Beal Gardens on the MSU campus.
Notice the vines stretching out ready to grab anything nearby.

For some really amazing pictures here is a great website:

http://www.jjanthony.com/kudzu/

The Sycamores of Michigan State

2010-07-05T13:21:00.010-04:00

It was the first tree I got to know on the Michigan State campus. It was June, 1966, the summer before my senior year of high school. Even then, this sycamore tree stood in all its majestic glory on what is today called Adams Marching Field across from Landon Hall. I was on campus for a radio and communications workshop, leading to my initial major one year later.

Today, we visit the tree on many campus walks, and especially when it is in the middle of the festive Marching Band pregame shows, before the Spartan football games.

The Sycamore, as it is known in North America, has always been a special species of tree to us. It's distinctive bark, large leaves, and bristle covered seed balls all combine to make it unique. It is of the genus platanus, and is known as the Plane tree in Scotland, and most of Europe.

There are many distinctive sycamore trees around campus.
Here are a few of them: (again, a reminder that you can click on the pictures to make them bigger)

This triple trunk beauty is between Beal Garden and the Circle IM. The sign identifies it as a "Plane Tree."

This one stands guard over the McLane Baseball Stadium.
They are easy to find in the Kellogg Center area.Another favorite near the Union by the Human Ecology building.This row we found in Spartan Village, where we used to live in married housing. The trees are a lot bigger now, and our apartment has been torn down.

And finally, this one with Ag. Hall in the background.

Special thanks to Leslie for the pictures, and Janice Brooks for being a part of the tree walks.

Our Greenway Walk to Coffee

2010-05-10T11:35:00.008-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Most mornings we take our newspaper and books, and walk somewhere for coffee. Come along through the North Carolina morning with us on one of our favorite walks.
First you have to cross the stream to get out of the apartment complex.
Then it is up and onto the greenway.

Past the middle school with a very unique nickname.
A typical greenway scene.
The journey takes us through a city park.
The trail to the left goes to downtown Cary. We are going right.Often see snails and snakes cross here.
The greenways pass under the roads.
Our destination.

North Carolina

2010-05-01T12:00:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

This is the first in a short series of posts on our "Second Life" in Cary, North Carolina. Cary is pretty much in the center of the triangle created by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This post's focus is on our apartment complex. A thank you to Leslie for taking the photos.

The entrance to our apartment in the Colonial Village complex.
Our balcony
Notice the box that is our foot stool.The view from our balconyThe bridge on the way from our apartment to Ann and Dave's.
The front of Ann and David's townhouse. You cannot see the beautiful woods behind it that makes it special.
Ann in front of her townhouse on the way to grill dinner.
Another viewThe Hallgren's grilling dinner. Ryan proudly announced he was responsible for bringing the charcoal, using his strength and a wheelbarrow.Some other pictures from around the apartment complex.

Need Meets Opportunity

2010-01-18T14:23:00.007-05:00

We felt the need to

Image via Wikipedia

get away for a bit, and reflect on everything that is going on. when a week appeared that gave us the opportunity.

We took advantage of the brand new Lansing to Cancun direct flight, and booked a room at the Iberostar Paraiso Maya along the Riveria Maya south of Cancun.

The resort was great, part of complex of five resorts that we had access to. We did an incredible amount of walking, through out the resorts, and along the one mile of undeveloped beach. We were able to relax and have some serious talks, regarding our current situation, and how to prepare for the future.

We did manage one all day venture out of the resort to the bio preserve, Sian Ka'an. This place is getting its own blog post in the near future. We kayaked the lagoon, walked through the jungle to the one of the most beautiful stretches of ocean beach that I have ever seen, and snorkeled in some underground caverns called cenotes. We had a great guide in Eduardo, who found and identified the flora and fauna for us.

Most of our week was spent at the resort. We did venture off on a snorkelling trip, which like everything else this week went really well. We saw eels, manta rays, and were surrounded by so many fish that at times it felt uncomfortable.

It may not make the greatest adventure story, but it was a warm, relaxing, fun, and much needed week in Mexico.

Monarchs Vs. Beetles

2009-12-14T18:23:00.005-05:00

I think my fascination with Monarch butterflies began at Pt. Pelee Provincial Park in Canada when along with my high school buddy, and future best man, John Harrison, I saw the trees along Lake Erie completely covered by thousands of Monarchs resting up for the migration across the lake on their way to Mexico.

Millions of the orange and black insects make this 2,800 mile trip, which is considered one of the globe's most extraordinary. But, this year, because of the worst drought in nearly 70 years, an infestation of bark beetles has struck the forest where they spend the winter.

Mexican authorities have identified many of the beetle-infested fir trees, and have raced to cut them down. The bark beetle has always been present in the forest, but because of drought, the volume of resin that acts as a natural defense is much lower than usual. Without the trees to house them, the butterflies are threatened by cold winter air and rains.

Bark beetle damage in forests isn't confined to Mexico. Forests across North America have been devastated, mostly because of drought. The authorities caught the beetle infestation early in Mexico (July) and hopes are that the butterflies will be largely unaffected this year. But scientists say this is only the beginning of a problem that could take several years to tackle.

The information in this blog is based on an article in the Christian Science Monitor by Sara Miller Llana.

Take a Hike

2009-11-20T13:26:00.011-05:00

One of favorite Lake Superior hikes is the mile long trail from Miners Castle overlook to Miners Beach. Put on your hiking boots and come along with us.

We are on our way

Skye has been ignoring this sign all her life

First view from the top

That is our destination

The trail leads into the woods

The light coming off the lake

Are you able to keep up with us?

The trail is a little rocky at times

Through the poplar forest

This is why you wore your hiking boots

A bridge that makes things easier

Going down to the river

Come on, you are not even keeping up with the dog

Miners River, sometimes called the Brandywine

Now the trail levels out along the river

Following the river

The last bridge

Miners River

Almost to the beach

One more dune to climb

Where the river meets the lake

Miners Beach

Now you have a decision to make. We are going a half mile further down the beach to the waterfall

Glad you decided to come along

Here we go

Our final destination

Thanks for hiking with us. Back at the cabin. Time to put our feet up and take a break

Not All Parental Fears Are Unreasonable

2009-10-12T13:18:00.007-04:00

Some of our kids are heading off to Kenya shortly. Cayle to volunteer his medical services in the villages along the Kenya/Uganda border, and Tracy as part of a graduate study abroad program in Nairobi. As parents you try to be supportive, and fight off the negative thoughts that come along with these endeavors. That is fairly easy to do sometimes, and almost impossible to do at others. Articles like this one from today's New York Times do not make the task any easier:

Easy Money Fuels Rise

in Kidnappings in Kenya

By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN

Published: October 11, 2009

NAIROBI, Kenya — Little Emmanuel Aguer was one of the most recent victims.

Skip to next paragraph

Enlarge This Image

Jehad Nga for The New York Times

Ater Aguek, left, and Morris Ater, the father and uncle of Emmanuel Aguer, 6, who was snatched last month on the way to his grandmother’s house. Four days later, his uncle found his corpse stuffed in a sugar sack. His head had been bludgeoned and his eyes were gouged out.

Times Topics: Kenya

Emmanuel was 6 years old.

“These people knew what they were doing,” said his uncle, Mariak Aguek. “What they did was so traumatizing, I can’t even express it.”

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is a teeming city of have-nots and have-lots, so notorious for violent crime that it is often called “Nai-robbery.” But there is a new problem, or at least one that is causing new fear — kidnapping, and several recent attacks have been on children and Western women.

Parents in the packed, iron-shanty slums that ring downtown Nairobi like a collar of rust are now walking hand in hand with their children, even short distances. In the frangipani-scented enclaves where the diplomats live, security is being stepped up at schools and e-mail kidnapping alerts are spreading faster than a computer virus.

More than 100 Nairobi residents have been abducted for ransom this year, security consultants say, a huge increase over years past. Big chunks of money are changing hands. And as the security experts say, the minute you start paying ransom, kidnapping goes from a crime to a business. Just ask those in Mexico City, in Baghdad or in Bogotá, Colombia.

Blindfolds, safe houses, military-grade assault rifles and complex, well-practiced maneuvers with cars to block in unsuspecting prey — they are all part of Kenya’s emerging kidnapping industry.

The kidnappings are highly organized and often ruthless. One Belgian woman who was recently held for more than a week was stripped naked, according to security consultants who worked on her case. A second foreigner, a German woman, was seized in a subsequent attack and then locked in a closet with the Belgian woman in the same squalid house, indicating that a criminal gang may now have its sights on Western women.

In July, two smartly dressed young men walked into the workshop of an Indian trader in Nairobi and asked him to give them an estimate for a new well. When the trader went out to the site, he was jumped by a gang of six, bundled into a car and cruelly beaten with hammers and belts until his family cobbled together $3,000 for his release.

“It was a set-up,” the trader said. “They must have been monitoring me for some time.”

Many people here are beginning to wonder if the Kenyan thugs may have been inspired by their Somali brethren next door, who have made millions snatching foreigners on land and sea.

“Their appetite is growing,” said Charles Owino, a Kenyan police spokesman. “And if we don’t manage it, it can grow to be big.”

Kenyan security companies see the spike in kidnappings as proof that their other security measures may be working — possibly too well. Yesterday’s big fear in Nairobi was an armed home invasion, in which rough men with machetes and guns would scale the walls of a house in the wee hours of the night, burst in and terrorize the family in a quest for jewelry and electronics.

Executives for KK Security, a private security force that protects 4,000 homes in Nairobi, said they used to respond to a home invasion every week. Now, it is more like a couple of times a year.

But as it gets harder to break into homes because of all the security devices people deploy these days (like silent alarm systems and electrified fences) and with the Kenyan police force more mobile (because companies like KK are now driving them around), criminals are looking to the streets, where people have less control over their environment.

“It’s shifting from brutal crime to smart crime,” said Patrick Grant, a KK executive.

And kidnapping, he says, “is easy money.”

Who’s safe? Just about no one. Nairobi seems to be in the swell of another crime wave and though the police say they are cracking down (which often means simply shooting suspects on sight), a general feeling of foreboding seems to be spreading. In May, gun-toting robbers hijacked a bus along Kenya’s busiest road, the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, robbing all the passengers and raping the women.

In June, a Kenyan member of Parliament was carjacked and kidnapped, and when he finally got home, he heard a strange thumping noise in the trunk — it was the desperate sounds of another man who had been kidnapped and locked in there.

Skip to next paragraph

Times Topics: Kenya

In July, carjackers robbed and kidnapped a senior police commander. An assistant minister was also terrorized in his own home by an armed gang. But he got little sympathy, at least online.

“A thugs who robs a minister, president or an incompetent m.p. is the ROBINHOOD of today and what a good job,” read a recent post on a Kenyan blog. “If the government cannot afford security, sometimes nature has its own way of dealing with it.”

Even the prime minister’s private office was recently looted.

“I don’t know if it’s the global recession or what,” said the wife of one Western diplomat, who preferred to remain anonymous. “But there’s been a lot of crime lately and everybody’s talking about it in the diplomatic circles.”

The German woman kidnapped in September described three days of terror. Her abductors threatened to rape her, slice her into pieces and kidnap her child. They knocked her in the head with a pistol butt and then incongruously offered her marijuana.

“You’re thinking they will never let you go,” said the woman, whose family handed over an undisclosed ransom for her release. “Time just doesn’t pass.”

But it is not just the haves who are getting hit. Take Emmanuel’s family. They have enough money for a stereo and a refrigerator and cold sodas for the occasional guest. But they are hardly rich. They are refugees from southern Sudan who have been through hell and back — civil war, squalid camps, persecution, even fears of being enslaved. Now they have to worry about their children getting chopped up when they step outside to take a stroll past the dirt soccer fields or corrugated iron gates of their middle-class neighborhood.

“My son was really intelligent, he was really honest, when I sent him to the store to fetch something, he always came back with the right change,” said Emmanuel’s father, Ater Aguek. “Sometimes, I still have dreams I’m playing with him.”

- Image by Getty Images via Daylife
  Linkedin
- Digg
  Image via Wikipedia
- Facebook
- Mixx
- MySpace
- Yahoo! Buzz
- Permalink
- By JEFFREY GETTLEMANPublished: October 11,2009NAIROBI, Kenya — Little Emmanuel Aguer was one of the most recentvictims.

Jehad Nga for The New York Times

A month ago, he was snatched on the way to his grandmother’s house. Four days later, after his middle-class family received calls asking for $70 or else — calls the family was not sure were even genuine — his uncle found his corpse stuffed in a sugar sack. His head had been bludgeoned and his eyes were gouged out.

Emmanuel was 6 years old.

“These people knew what they were doing,” said his uncle, Mariak Aguek. “What they did was so traumatizing, I can’t even express it.”

Blindfolds, safe houses, military-grade assault rifles and complex, well-practiced maneuvers with cars to block in unsuspecting prey — they are all part of Kenya’s emerging kidnapping industry.

“It was a set-up,” the trader said. “They must have been monit

Africa Superlatives

2009-09-23T10:19:00.010-04:00

With my son and daughter-in-law heading for Africa, it is time for a look at the "Dark Continent." (Thanks to The Africa Book by the Lonely P l an et)

Population: 910 million. They are growing faster than anywhere else on earth, and account for 14% of the world's people.

Area: 30 million sq. miles. Africa is just over 20% of the earth's land area.

Countries: 54 Languages: 27, with 1800 spoken.

Best Natural Feature: Dotted with volcanoes, lakes, and exquisite escarpments, the Rift Valley is the world's most stunning scar.

Highest Mountain: The snow capped volcano Mt. Kilimanjaro rises magnificently from Tanzania plains.

Best Waterfall: Victoria Falls-this mind-blowing waterfall is justifiably ranked as one of the world's seven natural wonders.

Best Outdoor Activity: A no-brainer-Africa is blessed with the most entertaining wildlife on the planet and spectacular backdrops, so you cannot beat a safari.

Most stunning City: Lapping at the base of Table Mountain's striking sheer bluffs is the cosmopolitan South African city of Cape Town, and its bounty of

Image by tonx via Flickr

beautiful beaches.

Best Cup of Coffee: Ethiopia is the birthplace of the bean and coffee isn't just consumed there, it's celebrated.

Strangest Animal: The aye-aye with the face of a ferret, the teeth of a rodent, the ears of a bat, massive middle fingers, and the hair of Albert Einstein, this lemur is an odd sight indeed.

Best Hang-out: Zanzibar-dine on seafood in historic Stone Town, laze on powdery white beaches, and swim in crystal clear waters.

Image via Wikipedia

Before the Game Even Starts

2009-09-16T12:30:00.009-04:00

I love football Saturdays on campus with all the excitement, anticipation, colors, and sound. The pregame at Michigan State is all that, and more. The marching band is a large part of the fun for us, and we took our camera to campus this time.

From tailgating to tubas
The mandatory visit to the "original" Sparty statue

Hurry over to see the players walk to the stadium, and then the band begins to gather on Adams Field

The highlight is the march to the stadium

Then all the "fans" converge on Spartan Stadium

The Boxes

2009-09-10T17:01:00.006-04:00

We have two flower boxes in the front of our house that get a different floral arrangement every year. I believe we get a little better at designing it each year.

The 2008 look.

Early in the spring 2009
Right now in September 2009

Bad Chemistry

2009-08-30T19:56:00.011-04:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

It started last October in the first round of the baseball playoffs with a grand slam home run by James Loney of the Dodgers. Before that swing the dreams of the Cubs Nation were still alive. The Cubs had won 97 games, the best in the National League, and had easily won the Central Division Championship. Maybe, just maybe, it was finally going to happen. Then, suddenly, with that home run every true Cubs fan knew deep down that it was over, and it was, as the Dodgers easily went on to sweep the series.

The one thing all Cubs fans have, besides a lot of scar tissue, is hope. OK, so this was not "the year," just bring everybody back, and with all this talent we are sure to get it done next year.

The winter progressed, and things began to come apart. First they failed to sign Kerry Wood, the player that most personified the Cubs, and then they traded, for almost next to nothing, Mark DeRosa, the team leader and fan favorite. With out these strong personalities and their great work ethic what would the clubhouse be like?

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Then subtraction by addition. The team signed M il ton Bradley. He had been trouble where ever he played, and in a clubhouse that needed leadership and direction this was the wrong move.

Almost everyone picked the Cubs to win the division, and many had them going to the world series. No question the talent was there. I, like all Cubs fans, wanted to believe, but the doubt was also there. This team should have lapped the Cardinals, and be winning the division easily, but instead they languish around a .500 winning percentage and trail the Cards by 9 games.

Yes, there were a lot of injuries, and some very strange occurrences, but chalk this season up to bad chemistry, not bad luck. It

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

is time to make some changes. We need players with the right attitude. They may not be as talented, but ones who play the game right. And, while they are at it, bring in Ryne Sandberg to be the manager.

Image by Cyberlemur via Flickr

Intergenerational Transference

2009-08-24T15:10:00.011-04:00

We recently watched our kids prepare for and take a backpacking trip, and it brought to my attention another aspect of parenthood that brings pleasure. That is, seeing your children develop interests in activities that you have chosen and enjoyed in your own life.

Image via Wikipedia

Image by Today is a good day via Flickr

Such things as travel, books, running, a love of learning, nature, caring about the environment, competing in athletics, history, and the enjoyment of being outdoors.

Image via Wikipedia

Then there is the passing on the love of baseball from father to daughter to grandson.

Beauty and Isolation

2009-08-20T13:36:00.008-04:00

Image by jenniferrt66 via Flickr

Some reflections on our recent trip to the Keweenaw Peninsula and Copper Harbor.

Foremost was the wild and rugged feel that it had. Our senses kept saying "Rocky Mountains." I think it was the feel of the air coming off Brockway Mountain and Lake Superior.

It had its own special beauty where the rocks meet the lake. There was a wildness and freedom that seemed unique to that spot.

We were constantly wondering what the peninsula must be like in the winter. The sense of isolation must be overwhelming. The potential difficulty of travel, and literally being stuck there, are not part of the average Americans everyday life. My curiousity led me read a short book by Mac Frimodig, who wintered over at Fort Wilkins, and he talks about the "Copper Harbor Stare," that one develops after about a month of winter there.

I am always hesitant when the words "mountain" and "drive" are put together, but the trip up and over Brockway Mountain was great, and the views of the Keweenaw and Lake Superior were special.

What could be better for coffee lovers than staying in a coffee shop? We spent the night in the Brockway Inn which is Michigan's northernmost coffee shop with 3 motel rooms on each side of it, and all the free coffee you can drink.

We walked along Hunters Point. The north side open to Lake Superior, and the south side along the protected harbor. This is where we got some of those wild and rugged sensations, and you realized you were someplace special.

Fort Wilkins is one of the best restorations of a historical site that I have visited. They did a truly wonderful job of making one feel what it would have been like to be stationed there in the mid 1800's. It is one mile east of Copper harbor.

We always look for freighters. Off Copper Harbor, we actually saw some.

We hope to return one day. As it always has, Isle Royale beckons us.

First Baseball Card

2009-08-17T09:21:00.006-04:00

Ryan recently completed his first baseball season. It was called T-Tots, and this was the first year that T-ball was offered to the 3 year old sub culture.

The rules were kept simple: there was no keeping score, the parents could go around the bases with the players, and be with them when they were in the field, and the only defensive play was at first base. When everyone had been up to bat the teams switched sides. The games were limited to one hour in length.

It was fun to watch. Once a ball was hit everyone went after it, including the batter. A lot of shouting, and encouragement eventually got the batter to first base. When a train went by the game just stopped, as it held much more interest to the players than the contest. The most enthusiasm seemed to be generated by the treats at the end of the game.

Overall, I think it was a positive experience for Ryan. It planted the idea that baseball and sports are fun.

Did you notice that he was on the Cubs? How cool is that?

Estivant Pines

2009-08-14T14:17:00.011-04:00

One of the highlights of our visit to the Keweenaw Peninsula was our excursion to the Estiv a nt Pines Nature Sanctuary. It is located down 3 bumpy forest trail miles from Coppe r Harbor.

The Estivant Pines Sanctuary is truly a natural wonder that has become the “jewel” of the Keweenaw. Five hundred eight acres of virgin northern hardwoods, interspersed with groves of eastern white pine, give the visitor a glimpse of Michigan before man changed most of our natural ecosystems.

Three trail loop combination's give the hiker a choice of 1 mile, 1.2 mile, or 2.5 mile loops over rugged terrain. The trails are some of the best in Keweenaw with most of the wet areas covered with boardwalks.

The Cathedral Grove Loop is a one mile trail where you will gaze in awe at the old giants, and imagine how Michigan once appeared. Only a fraction of the big pine can be seen from the trails as most are tucked away in hard to reach places.

The Cathedral Grove holds some of the biggest and oldest pine, measuring over four feet in diameter, they are 125 feet tall and 500 years old. All sizes of pine are present, from tiny seedlings to aboriginal giants.

The Memorial Grove Loop is 1.2 miles long and takes you through a large grove of younger, 200 year old pine which was seeded in after a hot fire cleared the competing hardwoods and exposed the thin mineral soil. Along this trail you will pass red oak over 40 inches in diameter. Yellow birch up to 48 inches in diameter are also found in this region.

The Estivant Pines got their name from their pioneer owner Edward A. J. Estivant of Paris, France. Mssr. Estivant bought 2,400 acres south of Copper Harbor in 1861, during the boom days of early copper mining in the region. The land remained in the Estivant family until 1947 when it was purchased by Calumet and Hecla Mining Co.

By 1900 only 750 acres of virgin Estivant timber remained. But in 1970, over 300 acres were cut by the new owners, Universal Oil Co. A movement by local citizens, backed by the Michigan Nature Association, to save the remaining virgin remnant was successful in stopping the cutting. After a three year fund drive, raising $57,000 from all parts of Michigan, a 160 acre sanctuary was established.

Again in 1987 loggers encroached on the sanctuary and cut 24 big trees. This trespass helped the local Estivant Pines organization realize how important it is to have a protective buffer of acreage around the old growth stand. Adjourning landowners manage their land as commercial forest. This fact requires that the MNA continues to purchase land around the old growth tract to protect it.

It was amazing to be among the giants with the impressive canopy over our heads. We are so fortunate that this piece of Michigan forest has been saved. A large thank you should go to: Michigan Nature Association: P.O. Box 102, Avoca, MI 48006 or go to:
www.michigannature.org

Advice From A Tree

2009-08-12T16:54:00.005-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

When we were in a gift store in Copper Harbor, Michigan called the Laughing Loon, I noticed a poster with advice from a tree. Normally I walk right by this kind of stuff, but it kept my attention, and my thoughts have gone back to it since we have arrived home, and I thought I would share it with you.

Advice from a Tree
By Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend,

Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots

Enjoy the view!

The Sacred Space

2009-07-29T17:13:00.008-04:00

We love the Michigan State University campus. It is really a park, a "campus park." Our favorite spot on campus is what was once referred to as the "oak opening," and now is lovingly called the "sacred space." It is the spot where the university began, and no buildings exist, and hopefully never will. It is from this place that the name of this blog is derived.

The picture above and information below come from the wonderful book MSU Campus Buildings, Places, Spaces by Linda O. Stanford and C. Kurt Dewhurst.

While strolling amidst trees and buildings of the West Circle Drive area, it becomes apparent that this quiet yet often traversed section of campus is special. As West Circle Drive curves it delineates an open "sacred space," in which no buildings should ever be built; this area is anchored on the east by Linton Hall, and on the west by Cowles ho use. The northern anchor is the MSU Union and the southern anchors are the MSU Museum and Beaumont Tower.

When pedestrians head south from the MSU Union toward Beaumont Tower, they are enveloped by tree canopies that form a picturesque umbrella, and are visually invited to ascend the knoll where the tower stands. From here, they can survey a random arrangement of oaks, conifers, other deciduous trees, and lawns that are now landscaped, but that still recall the selection of this "oak opening" as the place where Michigan State began.

This oak opening, a break in the densely forested area, was a desirable location because it required less clearing than many other possible sites, and fortunately it possessed natural beauty. The novelist, James Fenimore Coooper, described a Michigan forest in his 1848 book, The Oak Openings, as if it were this site. "The trees with very few exceptions were what is called the burr oak, and the spaces between them, always irregular, and often of singular beauty, have obtained the name of 'openings'; the two terms combined giving their applellation to this particular species of native forest, under the name of "Oak Openings."

On the periphery of the oak opening, College Hall was erected in 1856, and collapsed in 1918-its wooden framework weakened with age. A decade later, Beaumont Tower arose on the same site. It commemorates the site of College Hall, the first campus building devoted to scientific agriculture, and in its verticality, the tower symbolizes future scholastic achievement.This blog is about "openings," in this case viewed as opportunities, and explorations in this rapidly changing and always entertaining life. It will also have some history, some discoveries, some pictures, some thoughts, some ideas, and hopefully some wisdom. Come along for the ride, and feel free to comment on anything at anytime.

Remembering Charles Kuralt

2009-07-27T16:00:00.007-04:00

Image by TimDan2 via Flickr

When we were recently walking around the University of North Carolina campus, I figured out that in the journalism building was the Charles Kuralt Learning Center. It contained the desk from his New York penthouse suite office, his bookcases, his 10 Emmy awards, and much more of his stuff.

I have always been a fan of Charles Kuralt, and have enjoyed and respected his work. The Learning Center was closed, but we were able to find a nice lady who gave us a very informative, and very personal tour. Since then I have revisited Mr. Kuralt's life through his biography, his books, and videos of his work at CBS News.

I particularily enjoyed his "On the Road" segments, where he traveled the country and reported on the interes

Image via Wikipedia

ting people and places that he discovered. Then for 15 years he entered our lives with his Sunday Morning News program. The last five minutes were always scenes of nature from somewhere in his travels with no sound except that which was occurring naturally.

A little more about Charles Kuralt's life from the Academy of Achievement (www.achivement.org) :

Charles Kuralt was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, and moved with his family up and down the state before they settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. His passion for reporting asserted itself early, and he worked for several local newspapers and a radio station while still in high school. At the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, he edited the student-owned newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel. After his year as editor, he left the University without taking a degree and returned to Charlotte to become general assignment reporter for the Charlotte News. Within a few months, he began to write a daily column, People, describing the lives of everyday citizens, a taste of things to come. His work at the News won the Ernie Pyle prize and attracted attention outside of North Carolina.

In 1957, still only months out of school, he was offered a job at CBS News. He was to remain with CBS for the rest of his life. His first assignment was writing the five-minute radio broadcasts that aired hourly between two and six AM. He began work each day at midnight, and worked until eight in the morning, but he was thrilled to be working in the same building as his hero, Edward R. Murrow. After a single week of substituting for a vacationing writer on Murrow's nightly broadcast, Kuralt was transferred to the fledgling television news department, as a writer for the CBS Evening News.

Although the writer's job was considered a plum position for a novice like Kuralt, he was eager to be a reporter, out in the field. He willingly took a cut in pay and returned to the graveyard shift, but this time as a "reporter contact" on the assignment desk, where he might have the opportunity to cover breaking news. Within the year CBS offered him the job of his dreams. He was 23, and now had the title of CBS News Correspondent, just like his idols, Murrow and Sevareid.

He traveled everywhere, covering political conventions, presidential campaigns, wars in the Congo, Laos and Vietnam, school integration in the South and piracy on the high seas. In 1960, he was the first host of the prime time TV series Eyewitness. As Chief Latin American Correspondent he visited all 23 nations of the region. In 1963 he served as Chief West Coast Correspondent for CBS and then returned to the New York bureau.

In October, 1967, he began to travel the back roads of America, producing his famous "On the Road" segment for the CBS Evening News. Over the next 20 years, Kuralt and his crew visited every state of the Union in their battered motor home, logging more than a million miles. He did stories on "wrestlers and jugglers and mountain climbers, traffic cops, tattoo artists, gandy dancers, sheep shearers, bagel bakers, horseshoe players, rodeo riders, sorghum makers and seashell collectors." Kuralt's discoveries included a 104 year-old jogger, a man who lived in a house made of beer bottles, and the owner of the world's largest ball of string.

Besides appearing on the evening network news, his adventures provided material for a series of best-selling books, On the Road with Charles Kuralt and Dateline: America. His other books include To the Top of the World (an account of a trip to the Arctic), North Carolina Is My Home, and his best-selling autobiography, A Life on the Road.

Into the 1980s, Charles Kuralt continued to report from the road, while flying back to New York each weekend to anchor the CBS Sunday Morning show. During the Persian Gulf crisis, he co-anchored the nightly CBS News broadcast America Tonight. Over the course of his career, he won three Peabody awards and ten Emmy Awards for his broadcast journalism. Charles Kuralt died in New York City at the age of 62.

The newsman's death brought the unexpected revelation of an unusually complicated private life. For nearly 30 years, Kuralt had maintained one home with his wife in Manhattan, and another with his lover -- and her children by a previous marriage -- in San Francisco. Before his death, he transferred ownership of a mountain home in Montana to his lover, Patricia Shannon, but his family made claim to the adjoining property. Kuralt's lawful wife died before the final disposition of the case, and Mrs. Shannon succeeded in documenting, to the court's satisfaction, Kuralt's intent to leave her the entire property. The case provided a challenging study for scholars of probate and family law, and a poignant footnote to the life of an admired public figure.

Some of my favorite Kuralt quotes:

I remember being in the public library and my jaw just aching as I looked around at all those books I wanted to read. There just wasn't time enough to read everything I wanted to read.

I believe that writing is derivative. I think good writing comes from good reading.

I think all those people I did stories about measured their own success by the joy their work was giving them.

Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.

The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.

There are a lot of people who are doing wonderful things, quietly, with no motive of greed, or hostility toward other people, or delusions of superiority.

When we become a really mature, grown-up, wise society, we will put teachers at the center of the community, where they belong. We don't honor them enough, we don't pay them enough.

On Little Round Top

2009-07-23T13:42:00.004-04:00

Image by jwolf312 via Flickr

I am posting an excerpt from a manuscript written by John Wagner, of the 16th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company A, during the Civil War. These are Sgt. Wagner's words. I have changed the spelling for clarity, as John was born in Germany, and many of his words reflect that (i.e. did is spelled dit, and many is menny, and so forth). This is the first time these words have ever been published.
(Monument to the 16th Michigan-this was their position on Little Round Top)

Editors note: On the second day of the Battle of Gettyburg the 16th Michigan was near the top of Little Round Top, overlooking an area of huge boulders referred to as "Devils Den. The Confederate soldiers made repeated charges up Little Round Top in an effort to drive the Union soldiers off.

Now quoting Sgt. John Wagner: I reported to Company F, the next company in line. I witnessed three more desperate charges that later part of the afternoon. One charge had been repulsed, the second was just starting for us when I fell in with "F". They came on in grand style, 12 men deep. or six lines of battle deep, with six colors in in the center of them.

Our battery was now commanded by their first Sergeant, as the officers were killed and wounded. He would have his pieces double shotted, and then fire by volley. This would at every volley sweep all their colors to the ground, and tear a big gap in their lines, but they would raise their colors every time, and close their gaps in the ranks, and push up to where we were. Then butt and bayonet were in order, but we had a good footing, and they had almost a steep roof, or shelf to climb. We managed to pitch them down as fast as they could attempt to crawl up.

Thus, we, or our little brigade of less than 1500 strong maintained their position against a body of well disciplined troops of nearly 11,000 strong that threatened to crush us. Besides this, were their sharpshooters, who inflicted the most damage in our officers and men, as they were hid in a place called the Devils Den, almost a natural fortress.

Well, this afternoon's work cost our little brigade 50 per cent in killed and wounded, but we stuck to Little Round Top. After the fourth charge on us the rebels gave it up, and formed a strong line of pickets on the foot of Little Round Top, and kept up a severe firing on us.

Now, it was most dusk, and I left Company F, and hunted up Company A. I found them now on the flank of Little Round Top, all in a strong picket line. They had about 15 prisoners with them, Texas men. Our men of A Company wanted water so bad, and I had noticed a spring in the rear of Little Round Top that had good cool water. I gathered all the canteens from my company, and went to the spring, and got the canteens filled. In coming back to the company I found a wounded Rebel officer lying with the small of his back over a sharp boulder. There he was helpless, and severely wounded on several places on his body. He begged me so pitifully to help him for "God's sake".

I explained to him that his friends were watching me, and would kill me if I should attempt to help him. Well, I could not resist, or refuse the man. He was a man, after all, but at the other side death stared me in the face. The enemy was within talking distance only from us, and it was light enough to see me, and my movements.

I hesitated, and then laid my canteens down, and bent over him, and raised him partly up, and "whiss" a bullet passes just through my vest and shirt, cross by breast, and leaves a red streak, burning like fire. The officer gave a scream, and I let go of him. Well, I felt like going over there to the Jonny, and give him a sound thrashing, but did not go. But, I hollowed to him, and called him all sorts of names, but not good ones. I explained to him the situation that his comrade was in. I wanted to help him, if he only would stop shooting till I got through with him. Then I would let him know, and he could have the privilege to fire then as much as he liked.

He talked back to me, and said to go on and help him. We were thinking you were robbing him, and I bent over the man a second time, and lifted him up, and propped him up with the blankets, and knapsacks of his dead comrades. I found many of the dead Rebel soldiers had their canteens full of whiskey, instead of water, and I gave him a drink of whiskey, and a drink of water, and placed both canteens so he could reach them. Then I got two canteens full of whiskey off some the dead Rebels, and a couple of haversacks. They had plenty of meat in them, and bread, just what we wanted. Then I bade my wounded Rebel goodbye, and he said, "God bless you."

I picked up my whiskey and water, and the haversacks, and hollered over to the Jonny picket that I was ready, and he could fire at pleasure. He waved his hand, and said he did not want to fire at me anymore, and so I got away to the company without getting hurt.

I went down our company line, and gave each boy a good drink of whiskey, and a bite to eat, and gave them a full canteen of water. They seemed to be pleased. The rest we gave to our prisoners, but they were better supplied with rations than we were. They had a lot of cooked beef, and soft bread, which they divided with us generously, and we felt quite comfortable. Soon after dark, we were relieved from our position by part of the 11th and 12th Corp troops that had been so heavily engaged on the first day.

Carolina Greenways

2009-07-21T11:27:00.006-04:00

Our recent visit to the Research Tri angle area in North Carolina introduced us to the idea of greenways, and as runners, walkers, and bikers it was a wonderful find.

What is a greenway anyway? Here is a formal definition: A greenway is a long, narrow piece of land, often used for recreation and pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The term greenway comes from the "green" in green belt and the "way" in parkway, implying a recreational or pedestrian use rather than a typical street corridor, as well as an emphasis on introducing or maintaining vegetation, in a location where such vegetation is otherwise lacking.

The Cary area where we were staying was filled with greenways. Currently there are 40 miles of interconnecting paths, with plans for 20 more miles in the near future.

For a runner from Michigan this was a unique situation, that is the ability to run for miles on smooth trails amidst lush vegetation, with no cars, and lots of other runners.

Our house in Cary.

Our house mates. (Picture taken on the capital grounds in Raleigh).

Our place on the North Carolina State campus.

Misty Morning on the Au Sable

2009-07-10T13:38:00.005-04:00

For three years we searched for the "right thing" to have over our coach in the family room. Last year at the Art Festival we found a photograph that we really liked, but could not bring ourselves to make the decision right then. This year when we found the same photograph at the same place, we were ready.

What followed was an interesting walk home, keeping it from bending in the strong wind, some tough matting and framing decisions, and placement on the wall. We are well pleased.

Here we are deciding about matting.
What have you decided?
The finished product.

The Corner

2009-07-06T13:27:00.005-04:00

With the reconstruction of the sidewalk this summer, it was necessary to redesign our corner garden. We decided that it was more visually pleasing to not have the 3 large rocks that were there before.

Watch for more corner garden updates as the summer goes on, and the garden changes.

Other garden news: Here is this years flower boxes look.

One of the success stories this year has been the clematis. We gave it something to climb, and it is doing really well.

Sit! Stay!

Michigan State's Historic Lab. Row

2009-06-30T11:06:00.013-04:00

On West Circle Drive, on Michig an State's campus, stand 5 buildings, collectively known as "laboratory row." They represent good examples of late 1 9th century architecture, and still stand in an intact group. They are all registered on the State Register of Historic Sites.

Most of the information for this post comes from the book: MSU Campus: Buildings, Places, Spaces by Linda O. Stanford and C. Kurt Dewhurst.

Alfred J Cook Hall

Cook Hall is made of brick and Lake Superior Sandstone, and its most notable features are the round-headed windows above the front entrance, and the recessed entry doors.

It was the first agricultural lab on campus when it opened in 1909. It was known as the "entomology" building as the lettering above the entrance indicates. In 1948 with the completion of the Natural Science building, entomology was moved there. In 1969 this building got its new name, Cook Hall. It was named after Albert J. Cook (class of 1862), who was a professor of zoology and entomology, and also served as the first curator of the museum.

Alfred K. Chittenden Hall

Chittenden Hall was built in 1901. It features a sunburst brick entryway arch, with round-headed second story windows which reiterate the shape of the entryway. My favorite part is the frieze over the doorway with the word "Forestry" with the strokes and serifs of the letters being represented as tree trunks and limbs.

It was the first campus building designed for dairy operations. In 1913 when the dairy moved to a new building, the frieze was changed from stone carved "Dairy" to "Forestry." The Department of Forestry continued to use the building until 1966. In 1969, the building was given a new name to honor the achievements in forestry of Professor Alfred K Chittenden, who ran the forestry program from 1914-1930.

Old Botany

The Old Botany building has a Queen Anne style with lots of irregularities, with various windows, chimneys, and gables adding to the variety.

Professor Beal's first botany lab housed his botanical museum, but unfortunately burned down in 1890. This was the second botany lab, built in 1892. The corner stone inscription: "Botany A. D. 1992" is still very prominent. An addition was built in 1908.

Marshall Hall

Marshall Hall is stylistically eclectic. My favorite part is the cavernous arched entrance made from Michigan field stone, brick, and limestone.

In 1903 the building was known as Bacteriology. It was the first structure in US for research and teaching in this field. The building is named for Dr. Charles E. Marshall, who was head of the department of bacteriology and Hygiene from 1902-1912.

Eustace-Cole Hall

Eustace-Cole Hall is the 3rd oldest extant building on campus. It is known for its prominent shingled gable and stair tower. My favorite part is the conical tower, and emphatic arched entry.

It was built in 1888 by Liberty Hyde Bailey, as the first horticultural lab of its kind in the US. It was renamed in 1961 for Professor Henry Eustace, head of the depart

Image via Wikipedia

ment of horticulture from 1908-1919 . It has been the home of the Honors College since 1969. In 1998 the name was again changed in honor of two alumni, Jeffrey and Kathryn Cole, who donated funds for the building's extensive renovation.

Image of Liberty Hyde Bailey

Their Dreams Came True

2009-06-24T18:43:00.009-04:00

All the information in this post comes from old newspaper clippings I recently found in a folder. All I have done is edit them, and correct a few facts.

This from the Benzie County Patriot, June 22, 1977:

Take a ride out in the country, up the Eden Hill Road to Lincoln Road and you will see a big old barn with the name "Beulahland" painted above the double doors. Drive in between rows of cherry trees loaded with ripening fruit, and you come to the barn where Betty and Bill Tompkins display the handcrafted items that they sell, arranged among some of the antiques which they love, and collect.
The house is just a few steps away.
"We have a home-made house," Betty Tompkins tells visitors, meaning that she and her husband, Bill, have created a home that is uniquely theirs. Each room has a different decor in order to use the ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware pieces they have made, and to express their creativity in other ways.

It is know locally as "the Lincoln place" They purchased the house fourteen years ago from Mrs. Lincoln, who is a relative of Bill's. Betty is a registered nurse, and Bill was a member of the Michigan State Police for 23 years until two years ago, when they both retired.

"No, I didn't mind moving so many times, wherever Bill was transferred, because we had roots here, this was real home," Betty says. They came "home" weekends from Ionia, Paw Paw, or wherever he was posted, and worked on the house. They were fortunate to find a local carpenter who would do the remodeling just the way they wanted it. This included using old hand hewn beams from her grandfather's barn in the kitchen, Betty explains, and letting Bill work with him whenever possible.

The kitchen is done in early English decor, and Betty made the ceramic bricks which cover one wall, and make a lovely contrast between the dark wood cabinets, and overhead cupboards. Her husband laid the bricks, and he also installed the tile which look like large split fieldstone, that she made for the walls of the bathroom.

The downstairs bedroom is done in blue and white with a Dutch effect, and the living room is early American. Antiques and products of their own hands sit amicably side by side in every room of the house. They have made nearly every lamp in the house, as well as many other decorative, and useful items.

Upstairs, one bedroom is devoted to family heirlooms, and the spacious master bedroom is oriental. There is no jarring effect going from room to room, as one might expect, when so many different types of decorating are used. Colors seem to blend well, and one simply feels pleasure, and anticipation at the pleasant surprises waiting around every corner.

Betty grew up in Elsie, and her family still lives there. She became a Registered Nurse, and at first did hospital nursing, but later she worked as a doctor's office nurse.

Somewhere along the line she got interested in ceramics, just as a hobby. When her instructor considered closing her shop in Paw Paw, because of poor health, Betty asked, "If I help will you stay?" She did continue a while, with Betty's help, but finally had to quit entirely.

As, about the time they bought the farm, she established her own studio in Paw Paw. It was called "Grape Village"-Paw Paw is located in grape country-and she continued to operate until her husband retired. He poured the molds for green ware, as he does now.

Katherine Atwater, a friend, came to visit and spend a few days at the Tompkins' 100 acre farm. She expressed surprise that Bill can do so many things. "I didn't know Bill was so talented until he got up here," Katherine exclaimed. "He never had the time before," Betty replied.

There are items on display for every taste at surprisingly reasonable prices. Betty does all the "hand building" on ceramics, and in addition to pouring the molds, and making pots on the wheel Bill polishes stones, makes jewelry, and builds bird houses.

One of the big attractions which they have arranged for visitors to Beulahland, is the wagon trail ride. Bill hitches the tractor to a wagon, and takes sightseers through scenic trails winding through orchards and woods, explaining points of interest as he goes.

For more ambitious people there is a hiking trail where one can enjoy nature in solitude. The hiker is given a card describing points of interest along the way. Meanwhile, Betty is enjoying her freedom to work in her studio just off the kitchen, a light cheerful room, which used to be a dining room. She all of the ceramic hand building, and painting, and creates all of the designs. The potter's wheel is in the basement, and the kiln is in the garage. "This is a dream come true," Betty smiles.

This from July, 1979

Beulahland now has a new home on US 31 next-door to the Cherry Bowl Drive-in theater, west of Honor. It was three years ago that Bill and Betty Tompkins opened Beulahland, a ceramic-antique-craft shop in their big barn atop Eden Hill.

The shop still is large and rustic. There are big sliding barn doors on their original track closing off the office, and work room. And it is an even better place than the old barn to browse for an hour or so.

There are salad bowls and ovenware which Bill has thrown on his potters wheel, and Betty has decorated, including real looking mushrooms, birds, frogs, and other ceramic "critters" which Betty has fashioned, beautiful lamps, and much more.

Bill's specialty is maple syrup made on their own farm, and bottled in a variety of attractive containers, some them products of their own kiln.

Visitors will get a chance to sample the syrup during the new Beulahland's grand opening. Instead of cookies, guests will treated to old fashioned pancakes, and maple syrup! Later on, visitors will be able to watch Betty Tompkins at work at Beulahland, but for now Betty and Bill urge everyone to drop in, and look around, and have a cup of coffee, and a taste of maple syrup and pancakes.

Final note: Mom and Dad kept Beulahland going and growing for the next 27 years. Dad added 20,000 books to the variety of items that were sold. The store brought them into contact with many people, and left them many good memories, until they re-retired three years ago.

Tillie

2009-06-23T11:13:00.009-04:00

Fred Tillotson

Our family has some great runners associated with it.

Past: Earlier I posted on Leslie's grandfather, and his success on the Michigan track team.

Present: Ann had a great success with the Wheaton College cross country running team, she was the overall winner of the Dinosaur Dash, she is coaching the Okemos High School cross country and track teams, and is currently running well.

Future: Ryan recently completed his first mile long race, and is shown here sprinting to first in a T-Ball game.

But wait!, there is more. My grandmother's brother, Fred Tillotson, was a successful runner for Michigan Agricultural College in 1909 and 1910. He was Big Ten Champion in the two mile in 1909. This is possible, even though Michigan State did not join the Big Ten until 1948, because it was an open competition, and schools from as far away as California competed. Here is the story of that race as written in the Holcad, MAC's newspaper, and quoted in the Spartan Encyclopedia:

"'Tillie' drew 11th place in the starting, but had hardly run 20 yards before he had worked his way over to the pole with but six men in front of him. Holding his position, he ran about the 5th lap when he worked ahead again to 3rd place. Strophlet had set the pace at the start, and at the end of the first mile, still led with a great lead, going at a 440 clip.
As the runners went up the back stretch of the sixth lap, Tillotson jumped into second place and closed directly behind Stophlet, where he stayed until coming into the stretch of the 8th lap. Nearly every athlete on the field by this time was calling and yelling to "Tillie" to "beat him up," and a terrific sprint up the straight away put Tillotson in first place.
Tillotson was given a great ovation as he finished the race, both by the men on the track, and the four or five thousand spectators."

A year later in 1910 this happened(also from the Spartan Encyclopedia):
In what is recorded as the first Michigan State cross country team, an Aggie sextet was among the five teams, and 30 individual entries that toed the line at the Hope College Invitational on Saturday, April 9. Just as with today's scoring, the team's point total was based on the finish of the first five members of each team. A harbinger of great future performances for Michigan State, the neophyte Aggies of that day took both the individual honors, and the team title. Fred Tillotson won the race in a time of 21:15 over the course of approximately four miles."

My dad remembers his grandmother (Fred's mother) telling of getting phone calls in the small town of Elsie informing her that her son was out "running around town in his underwear."

A little more about Fred Tillotson:

He was born in Elsie in 1888.

His home on Ovid street in Elsie.

He received a degree in electrical engineering from MAC, and worked for Detroit Edison. He lived on Fifteenth Street while in Detroit.

He married Rosa Hicks, and his only child, Lucille, was born in 1914.

He died at the young age of 30 of tuberculosis in 1918.

(Most of the pictures of Fred came from pibburns.com)

Most Quotable: Butch and Sundance

2009-06-18T13:31:00.006-04:00

In an earlier post, I mentioned that one of the main criteria for a good movie is to have memorable quotes. If that is true, then the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid definitely qualifies, as it has great quotes, and plenty of them. What follows are some examples:

Butch Cassidy: Ah, you're wasting your time. They can't track us over rocks.
Sundance Kid: Tell them that.
Butch Cassidy: [after looking for himself] They're beginning to get on my nerves. Who are those guys?

[about the trackers following them]
Butch Cassidy: I couldn't do that. Could you do that? Why can they do it? Who are those guys?

Butch Cassidy: Well that ought to do it.
[after blowing the train car to smithereens]
Sundance Kid: Think ya used enough dynamite there, Butch?

[first lines]
Butch Cassidy: What happened to the old bank? It was beautiful.
Guard: People kept robbing it.
Butch Cassidy: Small price to pay for beauty.

Butch Cassidy: How many are following us?
Sundance Kid: All of 'em.
Butch Cassidy: All of 'em. What's the matter with those guys?

[repeated line]
Sundance Kid: You just keep thinkin' Butch. That's what you're good at.

Butch Cassidy: [to Sundance] If he'd just pay me what he's spending to make me stop robbing him, I'd stop robbing him. You probably inherited every penny you got!

Butch Cassidy: [to Sundance] Kid, the next time I say, "Let's go someplace like Bolivia," let's GO someplace like Bolivia.

[arriving in Bolivia]
Butch Cassidy: You know, it could be worse. You get a lot more for your money in Bolivia, I checked on it.
Sundance Kid: What could they have here that you could possibly want to buy?

Butch Cassidy: Alright. I'll jump first.
Sundance Kid: No.
Butch Cassidy: Then you jump first.
Sundance Kid: No, I said.
Butch Cassidy: What's the matter with you?
Sundance Kid: I can't swim.
Butch Cassidy: Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you.

Butch Cassidy: Who's the best lawman?
Sundance Kid: The best, how? You mean toughest? Or easiest to bribe?
Butch Cassidy: Toughest.
Sundance Kid: Joe Lefors.
Butch Cassidy: Got to be.
Sundance Kid: Lefors never leaves Wyoming, never. You know that.
Butch Cassidy: He always wears a white skimmer. That's how you tell it's Joe Lefors, 'cause he always wears a white straw hat. Look at that guy out front.
[Butch and Sundance start running]
Butch Cassidy: Who are those guys?

Card Player: I didn't know you were the Sundance Kid when I said you were cheating. If I draw on you, you'll kill me.
Sundance Kid: There's that possibility.

[Butch is robbing Woodcock's train for the second time]
Butch Cassidy: You can't want to get blown up again.
Woodcock: Butch, you know that if it were *my* money, there is nobody that I would rather have steal it than you. But, you see, I am still in the employment of E. H. Harriman, of Union Pacific Railroad.

Butch Cassidy: Well, the way I figure it, we can either fight or give. If we give, we go to jail.
Sundance Kid: I've been there already.
Butch Cassidy: We could fight - they'll stay right where they are and starve us out. Or go for position, shoot us. Might even get a rock slide started, get us that way. What else can they do?
Sundance Kid: They could surrender to us, but I wouldn't count on that.

[performing their first robbery in Bolivia]
Butch Cassidy: [spanish] Manos a... Manos, um...
[Butch pulls out a card that helps him remember his words]
Butch Cassidy: Manos arriba!
Sundance Kid: They got 'em up! Skip on down.
Butch Cassidy: Arriba!
Sundance Kid: Skip on down!
Butch Cassidy: Todos ustedes "arrismense" a la pared.
Sundance Kid: They're against the wall already!
Butch Cassidy: Donde... Ah, you're so damn smart, You read it!

Sundance Kid: Look out there!
Butch Cassidy: What?
Sundance Kid: We got to talking to some gambler that night, and he told us about an Indian. A full-blooded Indian, except he called himself by an English name. Sir somebody.
Butch Cassidy: Lord Baltimore?
Sundance Kid: Lord Baltimore, that's right, and he could track anybody, over anything, day or night.
Butch Cassidy: So?
Sundance Kid: The guy on the ground. I think it's him.
Butch Cassidy: No, Baltimore works out of Oklahoma. He's strictly an Oklahoma man. I don't know where we are, but it sure as Hell isn't Oklahoma. No, it couldn't be him. Couldn't be him.
Sundance Kid: I guess.

[repeated line]
Butch Cassidy: Who are those guys?

Five Falls

2009-06-17T09:07:00.006-04:00

A look at some of the waterfalls around Munising.

Alger Falls: This is mostly a slow down, and look at waterfall, as you drive by on M28. It is located at the bottom of the hill just as you enter Munising.

Munising Falls: Along with the Pictured Rocks boat cruise, this is the other "main attraction" in Munising.

Miners Falls: A .6 mile walk leads you to these thundering falls, and a set of steps take you down, so you can get up close and personal. It is located near Miners Castle.

Wagner Falls: A short stroll leads you this small, but somehow soothing waterfall.

Scott Falls: This unique falls is located just off M28 on the way into Autrain.

That is the main five falls, but my personal favorite does not even have an official name. It is located at the end of Miners Beach, and is a nice reward at the end of nice walk.

Memorable Quotes: Jeremiah Johnson

2009-06-09T16:10:00.008-04:00

I have recently been thinking of my all time favorite movies, and the criteria for selecting them. I came up with 4 criteria.
First: Obviously, it must be extremely entertaining.
Second: I must have learned something from it.
Third: The movie must stay with me for a few days, either the images, or the story, or the emotion.
Fourth: It must have memorable quotes that after seeing the movie a few times become part of my everyday vocabulary, and are used in the appropriate real life situations.

Here is an example of such a movie: The 1972 movie, Jeremiah Johnson, staring Robert Redford.

first lines]
Narrator: His name was Jeremiah Johnson, and they say he wanted to be a mountain man. The story goes that he was a man of proper wit and adventurous spirit, suited to the mountains. Nobody knows whereabouts he come from and don't seem to matter much. He was a young man and ghosty stories about the tall hills didn't scare him none. He was looking for a Hawken gun, .50 caliber or better. He settled for a .30, but damn, it was a genuine Hawken, and you couldn't go no better. Bought him a good horse, and traps, and other truck that went with being a mountain man, and said good-bye to whatever life was down there below.

Jeremiah Johnson: Just where is it I could find bear, beaver, and other critters worth cash money when skinned?
Robidoux: Ride due west as the sun sets. Turn left at the Rocky Mountains.

Jeremiah Johnson: [Jeremiah and Caleb see a bird flying across the sky] Hawk. Goin' for the Musselshell. Take me a week's ridin', and he'll be there in... hell, he's there already.

[Jerimiah finds the frozen body of Hatchet Jack]
Hatchet Jack: I, Hatchet Jack, being of sound mind and broke legs, do leaveth my rifle to the next thing who finds it, Lord hope he be a white man. It is a good rifle, and kilt the bear that kilt me. Anyway, I am dead. Sincerley, Hatchet Jack.

Bear Claw Chris Lapp: You've come far pilgrim.
Jeremiah Johnson: Feels like far.

Bear Claw Chris Lapp: Can you skin Griz?
Jeremiah Johnson: I can skin' em as fast as you can catch' em.
[Bear Claw runs through the cabin with a huge grizzly bear close behind and jumps out the back window]
Bear Claw Chris Lapp: Skin that one, pilgrim, and I'll get you another!

Bear Claw Chris Lapp: Can't cheat the mountain, Pilgrim, the mountain got its own ways.

Bear Claw Chris Lapp: Didn't put enough dirt down. Saw it right off.

Bear Claw Chris Lapp: Watch your top knot.
Jeremiah Johnson: Yep, watch your'n.

Lightning Legs

2009-06-02T19:23:00.009-04:00

Leslie's grandfather, Leslie Wittman (she was named after him), lived a long, happy, and prosperous life. You did not have to know him for very long before it became clear that his time at the University of Michigan, and his participation on the track team were highlights of his life.

Les ran the 100 yard dash for the Wolverines during the years 1920-1925. It is believed he lost one of the years due to Scarlet Fever. His stories of the Penn Relays, the Drake Relays, the Big Ten Championships, and the Olympic Trials were amazing. He told of very little coaching, no stretching, no starting blocks (they dug holes for their feet), and all cinder tracks. I well remember his story of the team being in Chicago, and being shown around by what he later realized were some of Al Capone's gangsters.

The 1923 Michigan team. He is in the third row up, second from the left.

"Lightening Legs", which was his nickname, was good. He was the 100 yard dash Big Ten Champion in 1923, setting a Big Ten record in the process. Here is a list of the Big Ten 100 Yard dash champions:

1923--Leslie Wittman, Michigan, 9.8
1924--DeHart Hubbard, Michigan, 9.8
1925--DeHart Hubbard, Michigan, 9.74
1926--Buck Hester, Michigan, 10.2
Victor Leschinsky, Michigan, 10.2
1927--Buck Hester, Michigan, 9.9
1928--George Simpson, Ohio State, 9.7
1929--Eddie Tolan, Michigan, 9,5
1930--George Simpson, Ohio State, 9.7
1931--Eddie Tolan, Michigan, 9.6
1932--Don Bennett, Ohio State, 9.5
1933--Willis Ward, Michigan, 9.6
1934--Hunter Russell, Illinois, 10.0
1935--Jesse Owens, Ohio State, 9.4

You may recognize the 1935 winner.

The 1924 season was special, and Les was on his way to the Olympics, but pulled a hamstring just before the boat was to leave for Paris. If you have seen the movie, "Chariots of Fire", that was Gramp's Olympics.

The 1925 Michigan NCAA National Championship team. He is in the front row center.

Les's college life in the 1920's. This Sigma Nu dance was held at University of Michigan Union. Les is on the floor in the center with Leslie's grandmother, Maybelle, to his left in the dark dress. (remember that clicking on any picture makes it larger)

His running success started early. Here is Leslie Wittman (front row, 3rd from left) with his Detroit Eastern High School State Champions in 1918.

This is the Gramp I got to know for the last 25 years of his life.

Miners Castle and Beach

2009-06-01T12:31:00.009-04:00

There are two places that we must visit every time we are at the cabin in Munising. One is Sand Point, which I blogged about earlier, and the other is Miners Castle, and nearby Miners Beach.

Miners Castle is arguably the best known landmark in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We enjoy its many moods, and colors in the different seasons of the year. Part of the formation collasped in 2006, greatly altering its appearance.

There is a one mile trail that leads from Miners Castle to Miners Beach, which we have taken a least 50 times. Actually, one can drive to the beach, but only if one is a wimp, or has a one year old child along.

Miners River flows into Lake Superior at one end of the beach, and there is a nice little waterfall at the other end.

Miners River

The river joins Lake Superior

Exploring

Whoops! Soft Sand.

The Beach.

The Waterfall.
It is also a great place to just lean back and stare at the greatest of the Great Lakes.

Best Memorial Day Weekend Ever

2009-05-28T11:03:00.008-04:00

As part of our 60th birthdays, the kids arranged a Chicago trip for all of us. It turned out fantastic, and I will commemorate it here with a few highlights.

Our place. (On the near north side, just off the lake shore)

First dinner together at Minnies

Everything is served "mini", and you order in groups of three, so you can get quite a variety of tastes, and flavors.

On the "el" train to downtown.

In Grant Park.

Waiting to get into the Aquarium.

The Aquarium was great. It was just redesigned with little kids in mind.

Being a penquin

A visit to nearby Wrigley Field. (Ryan and I switched hats)

There were many more things, such as the Museum of Science and Industry, an eight mile run, great food, getting to meet friends of Cayle and Tracy, quality time together as a family, and good conversations. The trip created some wonderful memories that will last forever.

The Woodland Garden

2009-05-21T19:10:00.006-04:00

On the north side of the house (shady side) we have some native plants that are doing well. Here is a look at some of them.

The Trillium

The May Apple

Twinleaf (Jeffersonisa) This came from the Monticello Gardens-a ancestor of a plant Thomas Jefferson planted.

The fern forest

The emerging huge Jack in the Pulpit we brought with us from Okemos

Columbine-the state flower of Colorado

Out of control already-the Wisteria is headed for the roof and and under the shutters.

Out of control #2-We have trimmed this thing twice already.

Let us finish with the newly arrived plants for the flower boxes in front.

The Sand Point Sand Bar

2009-05-18T18:47:00.008-04:00

The beach at Sand Point near Munising is one of our favorite places. It is usually the first place we visit on every trip.

Last September the sand bar which usually requires a dramatic, and cold swim to reach was actually connected to the shore line.

It allowed us to walk out onto the sand bar, and therefore out into the bay.

Leslie kept going, and it appears she is almost to Grand Island.

Last week we returned, and our first stop was once again Sand Point.

But the sand bar is no longer connected, and is once again out in the bay.

The founding members of the "Sand Point Fan Club."

Glimmer....Glimmer......

2009-05-17T19:30:00.004-04:00

The combination of sunshine and wind were creating quite a pretty glimmer on Powell Lake, and we tried to capture it with the camera, not too successfully.

A few more attempts.

The new deck glass railing. The wood is seasoned now, so we plan to paint it to match on the next trip up.

Musical Progression

2009-05-07T18:42:00.008-04:00

When I was a child it was 78 rpm recordings with such hits as "Peter, Please it's Pancakes", and "The Carrot Seed."

Then it was the 45 rpm singles, and the rock and roll hits of the 60's.

This was followed by college, and The Beach Boys, and The Beatles, and the 33 and 1/3 rpm on vinyl.

Things remained that way for quite a while, until the wonderful cassette tapes, and portable players came along.

Then compact discs, or CD's made rewinding obsolete.

Then I entered the digital world with my first IPod.

And that is how things have remained, until yesterday when Leslie became technologically cool with her Sansa Clip mp3 player.

Mulchkin Land

2009-05-04T17:13:00.008-04:00

We spent the weekend moving mulch.

We had six yards delivered, and spread it three inches deep on all four sides of the house.

It took a lot of full wheelbarrows to empty that pile!

Here are some more scenes from around the house.

Let us finish with some "shooting stars". These are my favorite spring flowers in the yard. They remind me of the Rocky Mountains.

Oak Openings and Observations

Come With Us on a Neighborhood Walk to Coffee

Above a Garage, Below the Mason-Dixon Line

MSU Favorite Places

Celebrating Our Farmer's Market

Carolina Skies

Chapel Hill/East Lansing

Romping With Ryan

A Unique February Day

No Boxes This Year

Destination: Carolina Coffee

Eli Broad Art Museum

A Lasting Memory

Celebrating With The Champions

Remembering Frim

Escape From Ohio

A Sign That It Is Time

Meteorites

Saying Goodbye to Morrill Hall

The Vine That Ate The South

The Sycamores of Michigan State

Our Greenway Walk to Coffee

North Carolina

Need Meets Opportunity

Monarchs Vs. Beetles

Take a Hike

Not All Parental Fears Are Unreasonable

Easy Money Fuels Rise

in Kidnappings in Kenya

Related

Times Topics: Kenya

Related

Times Topics: Kenya

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Image via Wikipedia

Africa Superlatives

Before the Game Even Starts

The Boxes

Bad Chemistry

Intergenerational Transference

Beauty and Isolation

First Baseball Card

Estivant Pines

Advice From A Tree

The Sacred Space

Remembering Charles Kuralt

On Little Round Top

Carolina Greenways

Misty Morning on the Au Sable

The Corner

Michigan State's Historic Lab. Row

Their Dreams Came True

Tillie

Most Quotable: Butch and Sundance

Five Falls

Memorable Quotes: Jeremiah Johnson

Lightning Legs

Miners Castle and Beach

Best Memorial Day Weekend Ever

The Woodland Garden

The Sand Point Sand Bar

Glimmer....Glimmer......

Musical Progression

Mulchkin Land