Ft. Lewis Lodge Lane

Ft. Lewis Lodge

Politics in London, Ohio

I endured a rant from another Democratic Central Committee person yesterday when the issue came up about supporting Kathleen in her bid to become London City Auditor. I kept my mouth shut since I had already learned that the Democratic Party endorsement didn't mean anything. The ranter used outrageously inappropriate language... that is his problem.

I did some research today and found that in London, Ohio, which should contain the most Democrats in this county, had only 372 registered Democratic voters. Independents out numbered the Democrats 7 to 1. Republicans had roughly twice as many voters as Democrats. Independents out number the combined Republican and Democratic voters nearly 3 to 1. Maybe the folks in Upper Arlington have something. Democratic party morphed into the Progressive Party and rule the roost now!

All My Rivers Are Dry

With apologies to Katie Lee, this is what I saw driving to New Mexico and back. The first was the biggest shock. The Arkansas river in Tulsa was dry. There were a few pools, but it was not running! That is one big river. But from there on to Los Lunas, all the rivers were dry. They are actually mowing the river bottom of the Rio Grande out there! It has been a very hot, very dry year in the southwest. But they claim there is no global warming... sigh.

Last Rose of Summer

Fall In West Virginia

The Way Forward

click here

Schoolhouse Canyon Aspens

Frosty Fall Lass

The Philmont Story

BG Burr gave me a spare Philmont belt buckle when I told him I had lost mine. I was the first scout to visit Philmont from Troup 104. Later BG had gone with our scoutmaster, Bill Holton, and several others from 104. BG had assumed that I went with Bill, but I went by myself. And that made me wonder how I had gone with a Columbus scout troop where I did not know a soul.

Driving home from New Mexico provides ample time for reflection. At the time I took that trip, my father was the troop's representative to the Central Ohio council. He learned of the planned trip by the Columbus troop and arranged for me to go along. I think my trip and my enthusiasm from that trip Bill to arrange the trip that BG took.

I never knew my father was that representative until recently when Gene Pass showed me the records for Troop 104. Thank you Gene and BG for giving me the information to put this story together.

The Sky Above Rolla, MO

Jemez Aspens

I Was So Looking Forward To This Trip

No deadlines, no trying to do too many things at once! Silly me. I have a huge deadline every damn day. Day 1 deadline was getting through St. Louis before rush hour. That was a CLOSE call, but I just made it. Day 2 deadline was getting through Oklahoma City before rush hour. That was easier, but the price was hours of 75 mph driving that was VERY tense. And tomorrow's deadline is getting thru Albuquerque before rush hour. Then maybe I can relax.

In the meantime I am trying to process the fact that Missouri thinks there is a St. Robert. I simply can't imagine THAT! And I don't just me ME!

The Roads Are Really Terrible in Places

I70 west of Indianapolis should not be driven at night... and perhaps at any time. I40 in Oklahoma City is dreadful. By the time to get to Texas, I40 seems okay, but there is little traffic. And don't even think of staying in Shamrock, TX where I am staying tonight. Oil workers have jacked up the price of EVERYTHING, including gas! Go figure!

The Past Was Simpler

I have been retracing two trips I made in the early to mid 60's on Route 66, only now it is I44 and the I40. But I see the old tiny, two lane Route 66 everywhere. It is hard to believe that it was THE path to Los Angeles and the southwest. It looks no wider than the 18 wheelers today. Yet there was two way truck traffic on it then. It was slower and much more scenic. Just the ticket for my Triumph TR4 back in 1965. In some ways I would like to have them both back. But now it is 75 mph in a Subaru Forrester which is much safer and has loads more traction. Sigh!