Did someone fart or was that a Duck Call?

** Disclaimer: Adult(?) content below. 

(Then again what children are reading my blog?)

Ok, time for me to put it out there. Phil Robertson. There, I said it!

"Boycott A&E"

"Ban Phil Robertson"

  

Which do I listen to? Why should I listen to either? Why should I care? What the hell did Miley do last night?

Now here's the question that is bouncing around in our, er, house. What is the best way to get HUGE amounts of free publicity? Cause a major controversy of course. How do you do that? Prey on peoples beliefs and feelings. Society has been shifting towards social acceptance of homosexuality. Homosexuals and those supporting their rights have been battling for years now to get them the same rights as heterosexual married couples. So you want to ignite a firestorm? Insult both sides. Then there will be chair chucking back and forth. That will get peoples attention. Just ask Jerry Springer.

Did I insult you?

“It seems like, to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”  Phil Robertson said in a recent interview with GQ magazine.

I find this very interesting because, in a way, I agree. Ya see I am a straight male. I like women. I like women's parts. I don't like women's parts because it is logical, I like them for what they are. If I was to be logical about it I would have only had sex with my wife once for our one child. And like my wife knows I WANT more sex than I want children. But then again what does love have to do with logic?

Please please please? Come on don't make me beg.

Is Phil Robertson a representative of A&E? Or is he a very animated character that A&E is using to make money? LOTS of money! I tend to believe the latter. They know his beliefs, they were never hidden. Yes there are repercussions for what you say if you are a public figure, but does that mean that you should stop being you because of it?

I digress. The question that I asked above is, "What is the best way to get HUGE amounts of free publicity?"  I am looking at friends on FB and people across the internet blasting Robertson and A&E. I do not think I have ever been bombarded with publicity like this. It surpasses Miley Cyrus' twerking, the infamous Kardashian wedding and Michael Jackson's poor cuddle choices and all in less than 24, yes I checked, not even 24 hours ago.

CH-CH-CH-CHIA!!

Over the last few months I have not been able to go anywhere without being inundated with Duck Dynasty merchandise.You can buy copies of the show on DVD to watch again and again, Bobble heads, CH-CH-CH-CHIA, hat, socks, shirts, mugs, Koozies, Segways (yes I said Segway), ties, jewelery and let us not forget what they started with -- DUCK CALLS (QUACK QUACK).

You called?

So at this point I am interested (sorta) as to what will happen. Will A&E put Robertson back on??...  Will Robertson apologize for his comments??...  Will  Hannah Montana keep twerking??...(I hope not!)  

What do you think will happen? Leave your comments below. So, check back later...

Same Bat Time.

 Same Bat Channel.

"We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?" - Phil Robertson

Until next time...Enjoy the journey...
Rich


P.S.  For a great commentary on the view of a gay man who is supporting what Uncle Si said go to Talon Unplugged. It is a great post to read and nice to see positive perspective from someone who could easily argue and rant about. Thanks Talon.

Bang!!!

~Another brief intermission from Blog Love~

The day before yesterday we were going to do some work on a boat at Lake Ray Hubbard and stopped to grab some lunch at a local burger joint. Ian's order was wrong so Carolyn went back in to remedy it when I heard what sounded like a large box falling off a truck. I looked in the mirror and saw the trunk of a white car pointed straight up in the air (not the direction it was suppose to be.) I immediately knew that someone got tagged so I grabbed my phone and went to see if I could help.

It turned out that there were four cars in a row that were involved and I was on the phone with 911 right away and walked from car to car checking on the occupants. One of the cars requested an ambulance so the 911 operator got things going for us. I sat with a nice, but very shaken, passenger of the white car that I first saw. Winifred appeared to be OK but was in a little pain. Since she was in advanced years and was the one that requested the ambulance I thought that I should stay with her.

I heard the sirens and looked up to see a Fire Truck... Stuck in traffic at the light about an eighth of a mile away. There were no apparent injuries so urgency was not vital, but it was annoying to see a Big Red Firetruck with lights and sirens stopped behind two cars waiting for a light to change. After about thirty seconds the light changed and traffic continued.

The Firetruck was going in the opposite direction as the accident so they passed us and attempted to turn around and come in behind us. Notice I said attempted! Being a Big Firetruck it had to move to the right side of the road so that it could make the turn. In doing this it gave all the cars that pulled over for the Firetruck further back, and the ones that were behind them to begin with, an opportunity to pass it on the left.

I stood there in disbelief and watched as midday traffic passed the Big Red Firetruck, with Bright flashing red lights and a really LOUD siren, as it tried to turn around. After about ten seconds I had enough. I walked around the broken car that held Winifred (who was waiting patiently in pain) and out into oncoming traffic. Carefully of course. Held up my hands and started yelling "STOP" repeatedly.

Four or five cars passed me in defiance as they were in some sort of hurry. Realize, I was not hard to miss. I happened to be wearing my diver down shirt. It was a red shirt with a white stripe on it on a well endowed belly. Not like you could miss it unless you were blind, and for the blind I was yelling, in my "Drill Sergeant" voice.

I don't know about "all-y'all" but I learned when I was younger that you pulled over to the right and STOPPED for emergency vehicles. I know that if I was the one that needed help, I would certainly want others to have the courtesy to allow the emergency vehicles to have absolute right of way to assist me. So think about how you should drive when you hear a siren. Pull over and give them room. Do Not pass them, ever, if their lights are on unless you are told to do so by them; unless you are on your way to the hospital because you or your passenger is dying or a doctor who is going in for emergency surgery or a spy who has the antidote to the Zombie Apocalypse and will save the world, you get the idea, Pull over! 

Sorry, I digress...The Firetruck was able to turn around, finally, and they were able to help Winifred out. I am not sure of how she did as I went off to join my family, finish my lunch and go to work.

Thank you for letting me rant. So how did your day go?

Until later, enjoy the journey...

Rich

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 15 ~ "Sailing with Totem"

Photo courtesy S/V Totem

I'm in love!!! Yes, Hubby knows... Remember?  I shared with you before... about a week ago?  When we were sharing some 'blog love' with Adventure Us 2? Remember my sharing with you about my first experience sailing and despite Hubby's 'test' -- I fell in love with sailing.

Perhaps that is why from the first time that I read the blog "Sailing with Totem"  I just grew more enamored.  The Gifford Family is rich!  Not in monetary means, I'm referring to the way they capture and share so many facets of their unique lifestyle via their blog and articles that they contribute to other publications.  Quite honestly I don't believe it is possible to read posts on their blog without learning something!  We so appreciate this as we're life-long-learners for sure!

Photo courtesy S/V Totem

One of my favorite quotes (that you'll also find in my "About" on my Facebook Wall) is "You don't stop learnin' 'til you're dead!" ~ J.H. Peart ~  Who is J.H. Peart you ask??  One of the wisest men I've ever known; my grandfather.  (Miss you PaPa!)  Just a side note, Papa loved to sail also, but on smaller boats, as I recall.

But back to the Gifford's aboard the S/V Totem:  I encourage you to read a bit about the Totem Crew, I trust that you will find that they are much like many families you know... they just happen to live aboard a Sailing Vessel ... and learning is facilitated by real life experiences!  Isn't that awesome?  I think it is!

Photo courtesy S/V Totem

I very much enjoyed reading a couple of recent blogs that really made life sciences fun! This past weekend they posted a very informative post titled: What are the best field guides for cruisers?  I really enjoyed that and thought that it would be great to post to our Roadschool group on Facebook -- I mean really, the info is universal, it's not exclusive to cruisers, but I can see where all of the books recommended would be awesome to have cruising, for sure.

So, I thought I would share the 'field guides' post here as our main topic.  And then... their post today, (December 3rd) ... Giving back: citizen science programs for cruisers.  Oh my gosh!  I think this is a post that everyone should read. Regardless if you really have an interest in the ocean, perhaps it will broaden your perspective about how you can help with scientific research, that is beneficial to our environment, from wherever you are in the world !  So cool, huh?

Most recently Mom - Behan, Dad - Jamie, and kids (Niall, Mairen, Siobhan) are cruising toward Thailand in the Andaman Sea -- not sure where that is? You can follow along here: Where is Totem!  See!  A geography lesson!  Love it!  (Wonder what they do while cruising besides science?  Perhaps their post: Great games for cruisers might give you a peek.)

Photo courtesy S/V Totem

From our recent post about Green Global Travel I think that you may have gathered our awareness of sustainability and it's ranking of importance to our family.  I will admit that we have become much more eco-conscious since my hubby studied at the College of Natural Resources at Humboldt State University in California and while there also earned his Master and Scientific SCUBA Diver Certifications. 

His studies of the ocean have made us that much more passionate about it and also increased our desire to, at some point in the future, live aboard a sailboat. (We already have a name picked out, but perhaps we'll share that in another post. <<grin>> )

I could go on and on about the Gifford Family -- They (obviously) are on our list of families who we very much look forward to meeting up with!  Thank you Behan and Jamie for being willing to share so much (and such beautiful pictures) of your Cruising Adventures!  We look forward to following along and learning much more...

Photo courtesy S/V Totem

Thank you for reading all...  Stop by and share some 'blog love' with the 'Totem Crew' -- and perhaps learn something new while you're there!  Do be sure to tell them that the "Nomadic Jesters" sent ya!

Until tomorrow... Enjoy the journey...

--c--

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 14 ~ "Geocaching.com"

Hobbies are fun, don't you think?  We have a few, and Geocaching is one of them. For those of you who do not know, Geocaching is a 'treasure hunting' game of sorts.  All you need to play is a GPS and a computer (actually a smart phone can be used in place of both, if you'd like.)

If I recall correctly hubby and son started playing about eight (going on nine) years ago.  We found it to be a great learning adventure with our son, no matter his age.  Since that time the website that began as Geocaching.com has evolved to include not only locations of Caches, but various membership levels, special events and of course a Blog.  We subscribe to the blog and find it a very enjoyable read.

A little navigation class.

Sometimes there are stories about events... other times there are stories that include unique Caches; you just never know what you'll find.  We got the latest blog post in our email today that included a story about some very special "travel bugs"!  Oh wait, if you're not familiar with Geocaching you're probably asking 'What's a travel bug?' ... "Is it a pet of some sort?"

It kind of sounds like something that you most likely would want to get rid of if it's contagious, that's for sure! But no, it's part of the game.  In this case the article shares about a new trackable "Lego Geocacher."  You see, the idea is that you have these special trinkets (in this case a Lego figure) that is attached to an I.D. tag.  You 'adopt' him/her/it, register it (trackable number), then "set it free" to begin a journey visiting Caches along the way!

It can be great fun!  Once you get into this game you'll no doubt find a huge variety of unique and fun 'trackables' that interest you.  There are even collectible coins, but I'll let you research that on your own.  When we first started, I found the trackable especially fun!  (I really love "Signal the Frog" -- shown below)

Photo from geocaching.com

Once you 'find it', you 'log it', sometimes include a picture with your log and then 'release it' into the wild via another Cache.  You'll find, though, that not all Caches are capable of holding travel bugs -- but again, I'll let you figure that out on your own... I have to leave some things for you to learn from their website, right?

Awhile back my hubby wrote a post titled:  "Am I a Bad Parent?" about a Geocaching 'mishap' shall we say??  So I've decided to share it here!  It looks like you can leave comments on the Geocaching.com blog, though I never have. Perhaps you'd like to let them know that you read about Geocaching on our blog? Or perhaps you'll just share some 'blog love' and leave a comment for us below and tell us about your experiences Geocaching, or what you think about my Hubby's post.

Until tomorrow... Enjoy the journey...

--c--

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 13 ~ "Green Global Travel"

First off I want to say that somehow, at times, it seems that the line between 'blog' and 'website' gets very blurred these days.  I consider Green Global Travel a blog (on steroids perhaps... but a blog!) as the nature of a blog feels warmer, more personal.  In my view Bret and Mary have definitely brought their personality and heart to this wonderful resource ~ as their tag line shares: "Saving the world one story at a time."  

This is a blog that I have such great admiration for... In SO MANY ways!  My first visit to their blog I read:  Bret & Mary: A Story About Love (How Green Global Travel Was Born.)  Perhaps if you start there, you'll be just as smitten as I was. Then take time to meander through past articles and photos... Wow!!  Whether you enjoy travel inside or outside of the U.S. you'll find pictures to excite your soul and warm your heart -- with stories to go with them.

Photo from Green Global Travel

Given the season, today I found myself drawn to reading, and sharing with Hubby, their most recent post:  50 Christmas Traditions Around the World.    I then shared with him Bret & Mary's 'story about love' (link above - as I mentioned that was my first intro to them) ... we then followed a link to a past post: 5 Best Christmas Light Displays in Georgia.  It just seemed right ... I love looking at Christmas lights, don't you?

Remember earlier I mentioned about Mary and Bret bringing their hearts and personalities to this venture? Once you begin reading you'll realize how passionate they are about the environment and how this blog is SO MUCH MORE than just "any ol' travel blog".  To exemplify my point, I urge you to read:  "Open Letter/ Announcement for EcoAdventure Media" posted earlier this year.  Then more recently they announced "#EcoCostaRica: GGT's Next Big Adventure."  Passion! Pure Passion!!

Photo from Green Global Travel

I'll be honest, I was not one to grow up with the desire for global travel.   It was only recently, since I met my husband, that global travel has become more appealing.  As I shared Green Global Travel blog with Hubby tonight I realized that they have created an awesome resource not only for travelers, but for educators. Wow!  Definitely thinking of others outside of travelers and nomads who might enjoy this blog now...

We hope that this short introduction to Bret, Mary, Green Global Travel and EcoAdventure Media has whet your sense of adventure to visit their blog often and increase your awareness of sustainable travel.  Perhaps you have heard the expression "Take only pictures and leave only footprints" but don't really know what that means.  Or maybe you have yet to answer the question: "What exactly is EcoTourism and why is it important?"  I am certain that their writings will answer those questions for you.

Photo from Green Global Travel

Yes, this is an awesome blog that I love to visit often.  The writings of Bret, Mary and many other bloggers whom they are connected with share a plethora of information beneficial to the preservation of the ecosystems and resources around the world.  Many of which are currently in jeopardy!  I trust that you'll take time to visit "Green Global Travel" and when you do leave them some 'Blog Love'!  -- Tell them that the Nomadic Jesters sent ya!

Until tomorrow... enjoy the journey...

--c--

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 12 ~ "Technomadia" ~

When you first arrive at the Technomadia blog you find a box to the right that says "Start Here."   How accommodating!  Especially for people like me who are 'not-so-techie'! ;)   From there you arrive at a video done by Cherie Ve Ard and Chris Dunphy -- Technomads! (What's a "Technomad" you ask?  Guess you'll have to check out their site and watch the [short] video, huh?)

We have become acquainted with Cherie and Chris over the past year or two via Facebook.  I will admit to 'picking on' Cherie on a fairly regular basis, to be directed to info to assist in our 'techie' type issues and decisions.  (She puts up with me oh. so. well!  <<grin>> )

Photo from Techomadia

Ironically one of the reasons that we decided to share some 'blog love' with Cherie and Chris tonight is that I was thinking about them -- due to our internet being SO. VERY. Fussy tonight!  Such is the life of a nomad.  The second reason is that I just LOVE that they fulltime in a bus... and not just any bus, but a 1961 - 4106 GMC Highway Coach.  We have had a love of buses for many years (specifically highway coaches) and continually consider a coach for our own nomadic travels.  For now, though, we are enjoying a smaller footprint -- much like what Chris and Cherie started with... (but we'll let them tell you about that.)

As you visit Technomadia blog/website you'll find an assortment of buttons on the top bar providing a selection of lists and topics. They include not only information about themselves as you find in most blogs, (such as past adventures... including Burning Man - Camp Nomadia...)  but you'll find a host of downloadable resources in addition to a few books that they have written. Chris and Cherie also include links to archives of podcasts that they've done, as well a list of other helpful nomad-related sites.

Photo from Techomadia

Trust me, I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of what they have included in their website... like their recent lighthouse caretaking experience for example... So do take some time to check out Technomadia yourself, and share some blog love with Chris and Cherie.  Tell them the Nomadic Jesters sent ya!

Until tomorrow...  Enjoy the journey!

--c--

Black Friday - A Black Mark on Humanity

 Now for a brief intermission from "43 days of Blog Love" -- sort of...

Black Friday has a  very special place in my heart and it saddens me to what it has become. Many years back I saw my "wife to be" for the first time on this most infamous of shopping days. I worked security in a retail store. This store had the highest arrest record for theft in the area. We averaged over three hundred shoplifting arrests a year.

That year there were some incidents of someone coming into area stores in a wheelchair, loading up with goods, then trying to sneak out with them in their lap. When confronted the person got up and ran away, leaving the chair and products, so we were watching for the same M.O. at our store.

Anyway, this girl comes into the store in a wheelchair and my partner and I instantly key in on her. She is cute and I watch her awhile but quickly come to the conclusion that she is not our suspect. (She is too cute. Actually she is there to shop and not doing any of the many things that shoplifters do and the chair she is in is worth more than my car.)  Later, ironically, we meet, date and get married we discuss Black Friday and that I remember seeing her.  She found it funny because it was the ONLY Black Friday that she had ever shopped.  That is why it has a special place in my heart. It was the first time that I saw the love of my life.

 
So now I sit here on this beautiful morning enjoying my cup of coffee with my grandson and son playing Legos on the Xbox. I am perusing FB and seeing videos of Black Friday. Quite entertaining for a moment until I start thinking about the avarice that I am witnessing. People are breaking barriers and doors to get in. They are pushing over people that are in front of them and trampling over others to quickly grab whatever they can. Fights, brawls and even riots break out.

Some of the videos are from Black Fridays past, some are from late last night and this morning. Luckily I never saw humanity in this state personally. I am ashamed. I am embarrassed. I am full of pity. Then on one of the videos I hear a customer say "This happened because YOU don't have enough security." Wait a minute... A "shopper" is blaming the store for her behavior?

If the greed of the shopper to get a "deal" (which we know is not all that great if you do research) was not there, then people getting hurt and even killed in the name of  Jesus' Birthday would not make "Black Friday" a black mark on humanity. To show the love you have for another what are you willing to do? The question that I have is what would that loved one say about your actions?

Now I think that what the retail industry has done to the beginning, middle and end of the Holiday shopping season is bad. They are reacting to the demands of the shoppers. The shoppers are reacting to the actions of the stores. Greed of the shopper feeds the greed of the merchant, and the greed of the merchant feeds the greed of the shopper.. What came first, the avarice or the avarice?

I am willing to bet that for whatever religion or belief system that you follow, the behavior of most on Black Friday is not only not condoned but forbidden. Practice what you would teach your children. Behave in a way that someone you look up to would approve of. I choose to Behave.

Don't stand around saying "There are too many people here. They should stay home so I can get my shopping done." Refuse to shop on the worst shopping day of the year.

Thank you for reading my rant. I look forward to reading your perspective on 'Black Friday'; please do share in the Comments below.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programing:

A recap of our "Blog Love" to this point (we're at 10 so far...)
Day 1:    Family on Bikes
Day 2:    Boyinks4Adventure
Day 3:    The Edventure Project
Day 4:    The Scholl Bus
Day 5:    Sun Dragon Adventures
Day 6:    A Kilt and A Camera
Day 7:    Gluten Free Cooking School
Day 8:    Adventure Us 2
Day 9:    Family Trek
Day 10:  1 Dad, 1 Kid, 1 Crazy Adventure

We shall continue with more "Blog Love" posts tomorrow...

Until then... Enjoy the journey...

Rich

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 10 ~ "1 Dad, 1 Kid, 1 Crazy Adventure" ~

So many shared sentiments... Where to begin?? Rich and I have a list of our friends who blog (yes, you guessed it... far more than the "43" days of "Blog Love" will accommodate!)  As we scanned our list earlier today I took time to look through a few recent posts from our friends.  What caught my attention?  "Confessions of a Scrooge" by blogging friend of  "1 Dad, 1 Kid, 1 Crazy Adventure" Talon Windwalker.

Picture courtesy of  1Dad1Kid.com

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States which is also the official segue to the "Christmas Season" -- with all it's 'glory' and shopping mayhem!  Ugh!! The consumerism in the United States abhors me; apparently Talon and I have parallel perspectives on that topic, sharing some of the same reasons and some different. You see I grew up with parents who seemed to enjoy the holiday in all it's 'traditions' of Santa.  But somehow, I could never wrap my brain around the whole concept.

Believe me it was not for my dad's lack of trying.  I mean, each and every year until I was about ten my dad would manage to finagle a visit from 'our guy in red' -- who always showed up bearing  small gifts and candy canes.  Then on Christmas morning we awoke to the presence of stockings overflowing and a 'special' gift adorned with only a big red bow, and a tag signed 'From: Santa' -- How could a kid not get warm fuzzy feelings from that?

In the earliest years I didn't suspect a thing.  However by the time I was seven I realized that Santa smelled of whiskey and cigars... The last "Santa" visit that I recall, I noticed that his accent had changed (to that of someone from "New Yawk" ... we were in California.)  And he smelled of Brandy, sans the cigars.  I, very candidly, suggested that he wasn't Santa but 'the plumber' in disguise!  My dad and "Santa" shook their heads in unison and denied my claim, all the while trying to squelch their smirks.  However, the jolly guy in red never visited on the eve of Christmas again.

It was kind of a shame, as it was fun, but truthfully even way back then the giving of gifts seemed to have its superficial moments.   I typically took great pride in taking my time to choose special, heart felt, gifts for those close to me. Most often I saved money for months that I earned via babysitting and doing yard work with my brother (oh and a few dollars earned selling mistletoe, some years...) to buy materials to make gifts as I believed that they were much more meaningful.

With that in mind I guess it's no wonder that it bothered me when I received gifts that seemed like they had just been a last minute 'grab n go' so as to have the impression of a gift.  To give the illusion that the person truly thought enough of me to 'get' me something.  To me Christmas has never been about the gifts, those material things I mean... It's been about giving a bit of yourself; that means so much more!

Many times gifts were from 'found' items... one year I recall my brother and I collecting lids from pretty much any jar type container that we could find, then painting and otherwise decorating them which included cutting 'themed' pictures from magazines to glue to the interior.  Tie a ribbon through a hole in the top made with an ice pick and "Voila!" A Christmas tree or wall ornament!

Even as a child I remember many years, that I lovingly made coupon books -- decorated to fit the personality of the recipient -- to give to family and friends.  They were good for such things as babysitting, dog walking, mowing and raking lawns, home baked cookies, back rubs, hugs n kisses... you get the idea.  Aren't those the important things?  The things that you can't by at your local department store?  I share Talon's sentiment:  the holidays are not worth going into debt for.  No way!  No how! (Not to say I haven't been 'sucked in' to that mentality a time or two in my life, but that's another post...)

Over the years Christmas (which also is the same week as my birthday) has held much sadness and strife for me in my life due to loss and alcoholism of others around me, in my younger years.  Thus 'getting into the spirit' is really a stretch for me.  Which has caused me some distress, being a mom.  After all, we're supposed to 'do it up' and all... Right?  It just feels so artificial.

Thankfully I have children who understand that I give them 'gifts' that they want/need all year long and waiting for a particular day on the calendar to roll around is just not 'my thing'... And they seem to be okay with that.  But it goes beyond that, right?  "What about celebrating the birth of Christ?  After all I know that you're a believer"  I can hear you say from afar.  Yes, I am a believer... but...

Celebrating the birth of Christ is not a 'once a year' event.  It's a daily thing for me... and besides that the jury is still out as to when Christ was born.  Add to that all of what Talon said in "Confessions of a Scrooge" (you did read it, right?) it's really a holiday with a 'mish-mash' of "roots" so-to-speak... I mean really --- I have LOTS of friends who are not Christ followers who celebrate Christmas.

Picture courtesy of  1Dad1Kid.com

Hello?? Are you paying attention?  I do believe that it's great that Christians want to take this time to celebrate the birth of Christ and my Jewish family and friends celebrate Chanukah/Hanukkah (and this year "Thanksgivukkah" -- one of those 'blue moon' type events) and still others celebrate Winter Solstice, etc. etc. etc.  But "It's ALL Good!!!"  Sharing the love and peace of the season should happen 365 days a year -- not just for one day a year -- and that one day should not be preceded by 30 days (give or take) of shopping mayhem.  Just sayin'...

Still all these years I've muddled through the "holiday season" (yes there's that 'phrase' that so many Christians seem to take offense to...) trying to 'be in the spirit' but it's been more of a 'fake it til ya make it' sorta thing for me.  Well thank you Talon, I think I finally "Made it!!"  I LOVE your "Chrismakah" idea. Even though I'm not Jewish I do find the holiday beautiful -- and as I reflected earlier appreciate much about the vantage point of this season as viewed by others.

So... this year, we'll make it our own.  I am excited about really giving that some thought and starting some new traditions.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!   You're an awesome guy.  Who knew that years ago, when we started following the plans for yours and Tigger's launch into a nomadic lifestyle that we would connect so well over the miles... You, sir, are on the list of Facebook friends who we definitely look forward to spending some time with!  Thank you for sharing  your travels, reflections and traditions with us!  MUCH appreciated!

Picture courtesy of  1Dad1Kid.com

For those of you who would like to learn more about Talon and Tigger, do read About them on their blog.  Look for links to other blogs and writings by Talon in that section as well. As you peruse 1 Dad, 1 Kid,  1 Crazy Adventure you'll also find out more about what types of resources fund their nomadic lifestyle.  Of course to keep up with the latest do follow them on their Facebook Page.

Please leave comments for us (below) and share about your favorite memories, traditions or "survival tips" for the season.  Do take a few moments to read and share some "Blog Love" with Talon and Tigger!  Tell them that the Nomadic Jesters sent ya!

Until tomorrow...  Enjoy the journey...

--c--

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 9 ~ "Family Trek" ~

"Travel is a state of mind" ...  So says our friends Clark and Monica, aka "Family Trek."  They not only share, but live this simple, yet very powerful message  --  A message that we find especially valuable at this time of year when so many people are traveling near and far, spending time with family and friends.  Such simple words that serve as a reminder that no matter where you are, no matter what you're doing, it's a matter of taking time to be present in each day and "get out of your routine..."

Over the past week and a day we've shared blogs by friends from around the world who 'travel' by various means.  At this point we thought it appropriate to share some words and stories from another family who has traveled both in the US and abroad.  We have been following Clark and Monica for a couple of years now.  They too are on the list of whom we've become friends with via Facebook, and look forward to meeting up with, 'live and in person,' very soon ... (hopefully next year!)   Until then we take time often to enjoy some of their great posts on their Family Trek blog ... We could suggest a few great ones but there are SO MANY!

Matter of fact... earlier this year "Family Trek" did a series called "California Extravaganza" that shared not only posts from Clark and Monica but many friends contributed articles as well.  We were ecstatic when Clark asked if we would contribute something about Humboldt.  We were quick to accept (or rather I was quick to volunteer my hubby...)   You can read his contribution to the Extravaganza here:  "1001 Words About Humboldt County, California"!  Oh so fun!  We hope that you'll enjoy reading it as much as he enjoyed writing it!

I have to say, for me, I love the fact that Clark and Monica always seem to share topics that we can relate to... from day to day experiences to reflections on holidays -- such as this one (from a couple of years ago) about Thanksgiving and their "Thankful List" --  most appropriate for this month, don't you think? [Do take time to read their Thanksgiving post... and share it... I think it's something that we can all benefit from.]

I'd be willing to bet that I know one thing that will be on Clark's "Thankful List" this year... Living in Lake Tahoe and being so close to snow skiing!  Anyone who knows Clark, KNOWS that he LOVES snow skiing!!  Matter of fact he has involved a great team of contributing writers to create "Tahoe Ski Bum" a multi-faceted resource for those who love to ski the greater Tahoe area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

When you visit Tahoe Ski Bum you'll find a forum and many other valued resources along with a great blog with helpful tips and perspectives from several area skiers.  Be sure to "Like" Tahoe Ski Bum on Facebook to keep up with the latest posts and happenings on the local mountains!  When you see Clark on the mountain (I'm just sure you will eventually...) be sure to wave "Hi" from us! as he flies by!!

In closing today, one thing that we are thankful for is friends... like those who we have shared with you thus far.  I could continue... (those of you who know me know that I seldom lack for words...) but I'll keep this brief so you can spend some time reading Family Trek blog. Oh and perhaps you can visit them on Facebook too!  Please do share some "Blog Love" and tell them that the Nomadic Jesters sent ya!

Until tomorrow... Enjoy the journey...

--c--

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 8 ~ "Adventure Us 2"

Internet photo

Oh where to begin??... Once upon a time there was this totally crazy online universe and it was called "Facebook"! ... I had no intention of ever having a Facebook account, but hubby had other ideas... That was ummm... several years ago.  Fast forward to 2013...  "Dear Diary:  I am having such a good time meeting so many friends online, I'm so glad that we live nomadically (is that a word?? ... It is now!  So say I!! )  so we can travel the world by land, sea and air and see them all!! ;) "  Yes, that is my world.  I sometimes start new things with great apprehension, then I get hooked!

Tonight I was running late getting a post done... but logged on to Facebook hoping to 'be inspired!'  As it happened, just moments before I logged on one of my "Facebook Friends" Janet Lee Enders had posted to her Page a request for some more "Likes" on the Page for their blog "Adventure Us 2." So I happily shared her request with a couple of our Nomadic groups.  Then I decided to go read a few posts as I have not kept up recently.  The last post I'd read was when "JL" (as H. Michael refers to her via their blog) had taken her beau, Michael, to PA so she could check a few things off of her "Bucket List!:"

Photo courtesy of "Adventure Us 2"

As I read Michael's reflections of his first time sailing I was reminded of mine:  Yes, it was a beautiful day -- actually a beautiful weekend.  He'd taken me away for a weekend to the bay area of CA, near San Francisco, to stay aboard his parents 33' Sloop.  I couldn't have told you if it was a Sloop, or a Ketch or a... ??? Well, you get it... I just knew that it was large and had sails and I presumed it went leisurely across the water under air-power.  Boy! Did I get an education.

Several years ago I shared about that blissful memory in a Facebook "Note" like this:

"The first Fourth of July (prior to our marriage) that my (now) husband and I celebrated together we took a trip to Vallejo (CA) and spent several days aboard his parents sailboat. The boat was berthed at Mare Island adjacent to, what was then called, Marine World.

I remember noticing the US flag, in all its glory, blowing in the wind from the Mare Island Marina flag pole. "Old Glory" was proudly waving, as well, from numerous boats of all shapes and sizes. The sight was poignant against the crystal blue sky.

That evening we sat on the back of the sailboat and watched the fireworks over the Mare Island estuary... the silhouettes of retired Navy ships just visible while the many colors of fireworks burst high above them. It brought to mind those in my family who have served; especially those in the US Navy. The sight was beyond words, as were my emotions.

As the fireworks exploded above us we enjoyed french bread, grapes and my favorite white wine... with Jimmy Buffett playing in the background... The particular song that still plays over and over in my head from that night is: "The Night I Painted the Sky"... The whole evening was surreal and remains fresh in my memory, though it was nearly eleven years ago.

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To this day whenever I hear that song the memories, and tears, come rushing back... Little did I know then, that Fourth of July would be the first of many cherished memories that have been created with the love of my life. :-) Now married ten years... and counting..."

Beautiful memory, huh?  What I didn't share about that weekend was "The Test"!   "The Test" you say?  What "test"?  The test that my then 'fiance' had decided that he had to perform, without my prior knowledge or preparation (or consent...)  While we were sailing the Carquinez Strait, near Crockett, CA; we were picking up some speed.  It got my attention.  I thought "Wow, this is kinda fun!  I didn't know that a sailboat could move like that.  Cool!  (Yes he got the attention of the adrenaline junkie still lurking inside from my younger years...)

Then the boat started leaning... and then leaning a bit more (I have since learned that 'leaning' is referred to as 'heeling') ... and then... ummm... the water was coming up to the rails... and then... the rails were in the water...  Ummm... I grew up on jet boats... and... Flat bottomed jet boats DON'T HEEL!!  And they DON'T have 'rails'!!... If you get a jet boat that far over they flip!!  UGH!!

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(Back to sailing...)  I was bracing with my legs against the base of the seating across from me to keep from flat out getting pitched... and THEN we went a bit further!!  The water was up to mid-way of the windows!! I looked at Rich and said, "Ummm... I think that's far enough."  "Won't we tip over?"  He said "No, we've got a 5,000 lb. keel!"  I said "Oh. Great!" ... trying to sound relieved, but truly just wondering how I was going to keep my balance to prevent going into the water head first! ... At the same time trying to remain cool!  After all, only moments before the speed of the boat really WAS a rush!!

He must have sensed my moment of anxiety and backed off just enough to allow me to regain my balance, but not so much to cut down the speed too far.  ;)  Overall I had a great time and decided that day that I really do love sailing.  It was fun being brought back to those memories this evening -- quite by happenstance. Thank you Michael.

I can really relate to so much of what Michael has shared in his most recent posts ... I grew up around speed boats!  I was water-skiing at a rockin' 65mph by the time I was 15 and wanting to go FASTER!!  Thus my first experience on a sailboat I expected to be a calm, relaxed afternoon sail with this guy that I was dating... (and finally admitted to being in love with and marrying... but we'll save that for another day, back to sailing.)

Photo courtesy of "Adventure Us 2"

Thank you Michael for sharing with us:  "Flying Without A Net," "I'm Not A Sailor" and finally "Enlightenment!"  Wow!! I love your blog you two!! I'm hooked!! We too want to liveaboard, however as hubby says 'you're a bit ahead of us' as we don't foresee living aboard for at least a few more years.  But perhaps by the time we get there you'll be there to help us get accustomed to the lifestyle and sail away with us to visit white sandy beaches ...

So stop on over and share some 'blog love' with "JL" and "H. Michael" ... tell them the Nomadic Jesters sent ya!

Until tomorrow...  Enjoy the journey...

--c--

Photo courtesy of "Adventure Us 2"

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 7 ~ "Gluten Free Cooking School"

 
Whether this Thursday you'll be celebrating Thanksgiving, Thanksgivukkah, Hanukkah (Chanukkah), Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication it will most likely include family, friends and food!!  So I decided that I'd be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to share some perspective of food -- more specifically 'gluten free' cooking.

In 2006, my husband found out that he had a wheat allergy as did the writer of our latest object of "Blog Love" -- Mary Frances Pickett. In a time when so many people are giving up gluten by necessity, or by choice, Mary Frances has grown the "Gluten Free Cooking School"  from a "just a blog" to "Oh. So. Much. MORE!!" The blog still exists within a website that has evolved to a most wonderful resource; a 'Cooking School' that is accessible from wherever you have an internet connection.

To most people it is life altering to discover that wheat needs to be eliminated from their diet for reasons such as intolerance, allergy or Celiac Disease.  However at the point that Mary Frances discovered her wheat allergy she had already been 'learning the ropes' of the lifestyle since 1999, as that was when her husband John was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  

In 2007, Mary Frances began sharing what she had learned via her blog.  Did I mention that this was in addition to being mom to two young children, supportive wife to husband John and working as a tax accountant?  Wow! That's one busy Mama!  Matter of fact  <<< inserting extra 'blog love' here>>>  Kaylee Wickline of MomFounded.com recently posted this about Mary Frances and family:  Running a Business From an RV:  This Mom Ditched the Cube for the Road Less Traveled.

Mary Frances and I first connected around the time that she and her family were newly launched into their nomadic lifestyle.  Oh... and did I mention... that was around the time that they had just added wee one #3 to the mix?  Yes! She is one busy Mama!

I remember being especially interested in her blog due to hubby's allergy and have since shared it with many people, both friends and acquaintances over the years.   My interest in this helpful website has been recently renewed as I was diagnosed with a gluten allergy about two months ago and my cousin was diagnosed with Celiac this past week.  Wow!  Thank you so much for the resource Mary Frances!!

These days Gluten Free Cooking School and all of it's varied facets, along with being full-time parents to three beautiful children, keep Mary Frances and hubby John quite busy.   I will add that John does have other duties in addition to 'taste tester' as noted on their website ... but in my opinion, that is a VERY important job when it comes to food -- after all, isn't that what's most important?  Flavor??!!  I know that's a priority at our house!

With many opportunities for sharing some great food just around the corner do check out the Recipe Index, it's sure to provide you with some awesome choices for sharing with your family and friends.  Tomorrow will find me finalizing a few of our favorites listed under Appetizers as well as Desserts... Decisions! Decisions!!  (Pssst... You don't have to divulge that it's GF... they'll never notice! :)  )

Please do spend some time at the Gluten Free Cooking School and leave some "Blog Love" via a comment -- Tell them the Nomadic Jesters sent ya!

Until tomorrow...  Enjoy the journey...

--c--

Posting 43 Days of "Blog Love": Day 6 ~ "A Kilt and A Camera " ~

As with many of my contacts nowadays, a lot of people that I "meet" are online. Awhile back I was introduced to Peg Nichols Peter. She is another traveling nomadic person. But what endeared me most was that she is a photographer and has a thing for guys in Kilts (well, at least one guy). She also lived in the same town as I did when we were younger. (I'll forgive her for going to the rival school though.) Carolyn and I started to follow her and communicate because we didn't want to feel like we were stalking her.

Picture by Peg Nichols Peter.

I do have to say that she has been an additional inspiration to me. I studied photography years back and actually listened to my instructors instead of my heart and put my camera away. Peg and a few other photographers out there have helped me to rediscover my desire to shoot again. I am still learning about digital and have a ways to go. The next big step is to get a DSLR. 

Anyway, I digress. Where was I? Oh yeah, Peg. Peg has a blog. It is called A Kilt and A Camera. It is about "Travel tales, reviews, photos, interviews and crazy goings on. Because you never know what's going to happen." Well, I guess that about sums it up. I can stop here, but I wont. One of the latest things she did was to swing around on some silk. She took these long silk scarves and tied herself up... to the ceiling...and swung around. And it sounds like Brian was quite the trooper.

 

Picture from A Kilt and A Camera.

 Uh... that actually looks like fun, though it would be hard for me not to bellow out like Tarzan as I tried to scoop up Jane and "rescue" her from the headhunters. ("Jane" probably wouldn't see it that way though and would probably hit me with whatever was at hand.) I'd actually be more like George of the Jungle, "Watch out for that treeeeee"... SPLAT!!!

I digress again. If you want to see some great pictures and find out what it is like to travel through other countries then go visit Peg on A Kilt and a Camera.

Until tomorrow... Enjoy the journey...
Rich