a special gathering

After some 80 years and now retiring at 93, George Luzier, our local wooden boat-builder extraordinaire, recently celebrated with his many friends, his last annual Christmas gathering.  That final get to together was served up with smoked mullet, a ham-hock, black-eyed peas, collard greens, corn-on-the-cob, some corn bread - and that sweet tea - just as George always preferred it.


George with his younger brother, Homer - at George's shop, Luzier Boatworks

I got there a little late.  But those left, those special boat-building friends from near and afar, all came to admire this man of exceptional skill - and good taste.

 

the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

One of the unusual woodpeckers to hang in our yard.  Looks as if age had finally caught up with her.
(click on image to enlarge)

short visit, long history

Had a remarkable visit from two out-of-state unrelated family members, related to a short-lived period of a shared relative - my close step-mother, JoAnn.

Elby and Claudia ('Wylie' family, Oklahoma) flew in quickly in and out, to share photos, to understand each others own perspective - and to clarify our own personal relationship to a very unique and extraordinary woman.  Three days over breakfast, lunch and dinner we must have shared a 100 photos and a thousand stories - all gaining new friendships.

JoAnn Wylie, Glass, Cooke, McCourtney (1925-1968) - 43 years.

A few photos from Elby (Wylie's) collection.

Oklahoma City

Missouri farm

Sarasota home

Bobby Toombs portrait (Sarasota, 1960's) - during my teenage years, a fond, rare 'surrogate' mother.

seems; doctors more and more

My ears had been bothering me lately, they felt congested, sore with ringing.  Thought it might be allergy related, so my primary physician referred me to the noted Silverstein Institute, which specializes in - ear, nose and throat.

At the Institute, while in the reception area (and noticed again while with the nurse's assistant), accolades framed all the walls.  Finally, in Dr. Herbert Silverstein's own personal examination room, I had never seen so many displayed diplomas - three walls worth. And waiting, I even noticed on the exam room's countertop, a stack of CD's of the doctor's own jazz recordings.  Didn't know what to make of it.  At home, I might have to throw in that 'gifted' music CD, to soothe those sore ears.  Might help.

My personal "take home" folder

those that are interested

Brexit (Briton's exit from the European Union) - today reached a major crossroad. All European member countries have given their final approval for Briton's chosen "divorce" decree.  For most of us stateside, there seems to be a general lack of interest, but it is either a step forward or backwards, for the future of European alliances.

In 1992, while photographing party leaders of Poland's then current government, during an on-going parliamentary hearing, I found - out in their Senate's hallway, a new up-and-coming political leader talking with the press - a young Donald Tusk, of Poland's KLD party.  Today Donald Tusk, president of Europe's 'European Council' and one of Europe's chief chosen negotiators, is representing all of the 27 current member countries.  Now, he's having to make some real tough decisions.

Tusk, back in 1992, when cigarettes used to help

   


If interested, an ongoing article .....

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/25/world/europe/brexit-uk-eu-agreement.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

day after

One of Sandy's half-eaten "Martha Stewart" Harvest pies - apple, pear, and cranberry.

It's what's for breakfast

Rode out early today for Arcadia - breakfast of steak and eggs.

New Morning

birth upon a harvest moon

We left the house for the hospital under a full moon rising over the bay. The occassion? Silvana and Wilson brought Santiago into the world.  And, for me, that's ten.

"Grammie" holding her newest joy - "Santi" born only hours earlier.

a place I've been goin' to for a real long time .....

and never get bored returning.

Hap's Cycle first opened, in Sarasota, in 1948 as an exclusive Harley Davidson dealership. By the mid 60's, Hap's took on other popular brands, such as - Honda, Triumph and BMW.  But, not much has changed since - except that Hap passed on, and today, his family continues to run the same business, roughly in the same manner.


35 new bikes in the showroom, 34 used bikes for sale outside, 16 currently in for service - and 75 to 100 bikes (they lost count) in a separate on-site storage building.  (click on photos to enlarge)

In an old promotional piece, "Bunny" and "Hap" at top with a prized Harley.  Different facades for the same location, and a few family moments pictured.

Key cabinet for the different bikes on the sales floor.

A long overdue "redo" - painting the interior.  I believe they'll keep the fluorescent lighting.

A 'gum ball' machine found hidden amongst the "remodel"

A rare 4 cylinder "boxer" engine and transmission from a 1976 Honda Gold Wing 1000. 

The 'service techs' door into the parts department and main showroom.

Service bays and parts bins.

Hap's Cycle continues to crank out good work, even along-side 70 years worth of accumulation.
My sweetheart - with fresh oil and new brakes. 

colonoscopy

Indications - Occult blood + stool: 792.1 - R19.5
Recommended Colonoscopy - Endoscopist; Dr. Brent Murchie, MD

Surgery Center;
Instrument: CF-HQ190L (2760022)
IV sedative / tranquilizers; Diprivan (Propofol)
Local Anesthetic: Lidocaine IV

Surgery Impressions - Moderate diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon.
Normal mucosa in the whole colon.
3 Polyp's ranging from 3 mm to 5 mm removed, sent to pathology.


My way into the surgical theater

Holly, (procedural) RN & Dr. Brent Murchie, Endoscopist.  Happy people, good team.

Printed results, great photos. Doctor Murchie even complimented me on my excellent "bowel prep".

Nico has a thing for bubbles

So, Sandy went out and bought some.

always had a thing about rats ........

So, I went out and found a pair.

house sitting, dog sittin' ....

When we travel, Sandy and I, most often will find a sitter (house & dog).

Our old friend, Jack Smith insisted back in August to take it on and was more than happy to oblige.  Luckily while in Vermont, Jack sent along this convincing photo after a week, sharing with us - our Knuckles, their deep bond and close relationship.

a son's 40th

Northern California

West Marin, San Geronimo Valley
(click on photos to enlarge)

Marshal - Petaluma Road

A proud Mom and our son Matt

Old Friends on the road;  Margey & Everett with their new, 14 month old, 'Astron Jaybird Blessing'

St. Rita's Catholic Church, Fairfax, CA

Spirit of St. Louis, Wood Acre, CA

Northern California, Sierra Nevada's 
Tahoe National Forest


Downieville Library

A gingerbread cottage across the street from our own cottage rental, Downieville, CA

Bella's drawing, "Big Blue Eyes", left finished on the dining table

Moose Lake with family and friends

Three days of fishing for the elusive, wild 'Rainbow', deep into Tahoe National Forest.  

Friend, John Glazebrook and son Matt, standing above the Yuba River planning a strategy and discussing the geographic layout.  Matt caught two, John caught one.

Waiting for the "hatch".

John and I, staggering downstream over many a slippery rock-bed.  During our three days on the various streams - and now on a very remote part of Nelson Creek - Johnny only fell twice, while I continuously struggled daily, to stay upright.   (photo courtesy; of a laughing Matt)

fresh bear scat along the way

Johnny, fly-casting into a deep pool

Family rental cottage in Downieville, CA. 

 Matt's waders, and my tired hat - on an eight day adventure

   

(big thanks Michele)