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 |   Blog Challenge And Other Tidbits |
| An opinion or two...or three or four... |
| You step into an elevator and someone left a briefcase in there. The doors shut. What do you do? An elevator and a briefcase. Isn't this the start of a great espionage novel? Spies, Lies, and Ties. Now that would be a great title, right? Hmmm...not my genre but I'll have to think about that... Meanwhile, back in blog city...and getting a little more serious about the prompt, I'll have to say that there was a day in the distant past when I would actually hop onto an elevator without noticing who or what was in or on said elevator. You see, I have a tremendous fear of elevators. Definitely not my cup of tea...or coffee...and my fear was all-consuming. I would hold my breath, close my eyes and plaster myself against one of its walls. And I had to be the first one out or panic would set in. Not very professional; especially in the building where I work. Now my building has only five floors and I work on the third. You'd think I could manage this, or even take the stairs. In fact, I did take the stairs, but those were creepier than the elevator! Tight and gray with no windows and no air. The stairs weren't for me either. So out of necessity I had to bite the bullet and get used to both. It's been 10 years and I'm still working on it. Good thing I can work from home most of the time. I really only go into the building to see clients. But I digress. My point is that there was a time in my life when I wouldn't notice anyone or anything when getting onto an elevator. So if there were a briefcase I wouldn't have noticed anyway! Today, though, I work very hard to tame my elevator fears so I make a point to notice everything. So I have to say that if I were getting onto an elevator and saw a lone briefcase I would probably stay off and notify the security guard. To me that would be the safest thing to do. After all, who knows what's in the case? Now I have to admit there's a ninety-nine percent chance the case is harmless and someone just forgot it. But really? If you're carrying a briefcase with important information, are you really going to forget it? For me that just doesn't make any sense. So, firstly, I'm only taking the elevator when necessary. Secondly, I'm going to notice everything. Thirdly, if there's a solitary briefcase in the car, then I'm headed right to security. |
| When was the last time you heard good news? The last two mornings I ran to my computer to see our new prompt and realized I needed more coffee than I thought. So this morning, instead of running to my computer I ran to the coffee pot, and guzzled the caffeine-fortified elixir so I could breeze through our prompt. And honestly, I smiled wide when I saw it was only a sentence long. And then I read that sentence...thought a few moments...read it again...thought even deeper...and even read it again. Coffee or not, this one little sentence has thrown me for a loop. So short and to the point, it should be easy to answer. But it's really not that simple. Is it good news vs. bad? Or just one single moment that opened my eyes? Or just the fact that I woke up this morning and I'm grateful for that? Or is it the fact there was extra money in my paycheck? Or was it the moment my dog made me laugh? Or was it the moment my kitty made me laugh? I mean, honestly, good news is all around! And I don't believe I can pinpoint just one moment from the next! Am I just lucky? Or am I just weird? Well...I am weird, that's a fact, but lucky? No, I don't think so. I think I'm just in tune with the good news all around. It may not come in the form of a story, but it's definitely out there. Now a lot of people would argue that news has to be received and not experienced. For instance a person receives a piece of good news regarding a family member or even an event. On the other hand a person experiences a beautiful day or even a funny movie. But I say it's all good. News or not I choose to "experience" all the good news out there. A beautiful day, an answer to my prayer, a smile from a passerby, an uplifting news story, more money in my paycheck. For me that's all good news. But truly, the simple fact that I woke up this morning and can experience yet another day, either good or bad, is good news. |
| Legendary guitarist Link Wray was born on this day in 1929, and once said "I'm not the same today as I was in '58, or '59 or even '71." How does not being the same as you were a year, five years, or twenty years ago influence you today? Another great prompt which needs a bit of reflection and a large cup of coffee...  To get right to the point: Yes, I have changed. And yes, I have changed in ways that improve and not hinder the person I am at my very core. At least I hope that's true. And because I'm older I'm also hoping I'm wiser, as the old saying goes. But as I reflect I can say that... In my twenties I completed university and fell in love and married the man who would be in my life forever. Together we set out to start our own story of life. We started our family and we started our careers. We bought our first house and together we made it our first home. And in my spare time I loved to quilt and read and write. At the time I didn't consider myself a writer, but I did, in fact, write. Every chance I could. In my thirties I established my career and became an expert in my field. I loved my husband more than ever and together we worked hard to give our daughter everything we could. We placed the world at her fingertips. We had very busy lives. And even though we had less spare time than before I still spent my spare time quilting and reading and writing. It was then I began to think of myself as a writer. Every chance I could. In my forties I was at the height of my career. I loved my husband more than ever and together we managed those awful teenage years when our daughter believed we were actually alien beings from a far distant planet. But we still put the world (alien or not) at her fingertips. We grew out of first home and bought the next house. Together we made it a home. And in my spare time, what little I had, I continued to quilt, and read, and write. It was then I was finally comfortable telling people I was a writer. Every chance I could. And now in the latter half of my fifties I find myself at the sunset of my career. I love my husband more than ever and we both look forward to the life we'll build in retirement. Our family is raised. Our daughter is out in the world with the man that she loves, and together they are writing the story of their lives. But for my husband and me? We are now empty-nesters. That feeling is both exhilarating and bittersweet. Maybe even a little melancholy. Oddly enough there's no extra spare time. But in the little I have I still love to quilt, and read, and write. Yes, I'm a writer. Every chance I have. |
| Prompt: Apple, the makers of the iPhone, have recently refused a request from the FBI to unlock the phone of a suspected terrorist. The FBI has managed to access the phone, but won't reveal how. Does the government have a right to the information on this phone? Do you fear it may open the door to further privacy intrusions, even in non-criminal situations? And should a government figure out a way to access such information on an otherwise locked cell phone, do they have an obligation to tell you they're doing it (and how)? Wow! What a way to open a blogging challenge! It's early out here in California as I sit and read this...and I haven't had any coffee or tea yet...and it also looks as though I'll need a double dose of allergy medication...so you can understand that at this particular moment my brain is fairly addled. But even in this state I find I do have some opinions. So here goes... First and foremost, the FBI has always been an enigma to me. It's an organization filled with suspense and terror, and yet, it's also quite comforting to know that people with much higher brain power than me are out there protecting my country and all that I enjoy as a citizen. Secondly, I am confident that only the best-of-the-best, the cream-of-the-crop can make the grade and become one of an elite group. Thirdly,...well...right now there is no thirdly. So that brings me to... On the other hand, the FBI is also a group that has a tendency to take their elitism overboard, and that can manifest itself in negative aspects like arrogance, power and greed. Oops! Did I just say that? Well it's true. They're only human after all. But that's no excuse...really. And now for Apple. Although I find their integrity and commitment to privacy admirable I also have to ask myself what Steve Jobs would have done. Would he have put the safety of our country and possibly the world ahead of privacy? Would he have succumbed to the demands of the FBI? Would he still be committed to his mission of privacy? I'm really not sure. And I can't fault the current CEO for standing by his beliefs...and his employees...and his customers...and all that Steve Jobs envisioned for Apple. That being said, I also feel strongly that safety comes first. If there's a chance to prevent and possibly wipe out the horrible deeds of some radical organizations, then yes, bust into the phone. And I say that with a hearty "Yes, Please!" But even after I enthusiastically offer that point of view I wonder if it's actually the right answer. And I have to think of myself. Would I want my privacy compromised in such a way? Hmmm...even in this caffeine-deprived, addled state of mind, I think the answer would still be the same. Bust into the phone. If it saves lives, then yes, please do. Oh gosh, that might not be a popular answer, but it is what it is...I cannot help who I am. And should the FBI tell us how? Well, I don't think they need to. I believe there's someone out there who can figure it out. After all, someone already did...and that's all I have to say about that. |
| Grab your gear, its time to say adieu to each other. This guide is tired, I don't know about you but its been a busy month for us in Yellowstone, or maybe it was the tequila shots I had last night but could you please leave us a tally of how many days you blogged for this activity. Thanks, see you next summer... on our next camping adventure. And so the adventure ends...goodbye everyone. See you next year! I blogged all thirty days... |
| We are going to spend out last night together at Soda Butte Lodge, Tavern And Casino & Prospector Restaurant so today is all about getting what ever you need before going back home because once our stuff is moved to our final destination the party is on. The saloon is just like you would find in the 1800's, with card tables and show girls on the stage. The tavern is noted for its big game specialty meals, please let me know if you are vegan or vegetarian so I can make arrangements for your meals. The lodge only has 32 rooms so I booked everyone so we could enjoy ourselves without any outsiders... let your hair down moments. What happens on WDC and 30 Day virtual camping stays there. *Facepalm* While you are partying and having a good time on our last night could I ask another question... Where would you like to go camping next year? Last year, we were up in Moosehead country in Maine, this year we've been in the west at Yellowstone. Do you want to try international camping across Europe or Asia? Do you want to go on a safari in Africa? Or do you want to go to South America or Antarctica? I need time to plan so speak up now or forever hold your peace as the saying goes. All travel arrangements are scheduled later on August 31st for your return to civilization, figured everyone would need time to recuperate after the all night party. Well, it was certainly a great party last night! Cards and dancing and whooping and hollering...yep, it was a great time! But today I'm feeling a little tired from all the partying, so it's really my own fault. I should never have stayed as long as I did. And that's because I enjoy watching the sunrise so very much. It was about 4:00 a.m. when I was finally heading back to my bunk and by the time I was ready to hit the sack I realized it was nearly time for the sun to come up! So I dressed and ran out to find a great place to enjoy my last sunrise in Yellowstone. And as always it did not disappoint. It was glorious! I've been thinking about next year. I wonder if we could take another trip in the United States...because I'd like to invite everyone to my home state of California. We have some dynamite places to camp. My two favorites are Patrick's point and Big Basin. One has the best beaches in the state, and the other has giant redwoods. And I mean giant. I believe they're the tallest on the West Coast. Anyway, take a look: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/540/files/BigBasinRedwoodsFinalWeb2015.pdf http://redwoods.info/showrecord.asp?id=1712 But wherever we go I know we'll have a grand time. Everyone stay safe and take care. |
| We are picking our gear, cleaning our site up and naturally Lyn who always asks questions asked...What do you now know about yourself at the end of this month-long challenge? What did you learn about your fellow campers? Is there a blog entry this month that really struck a chord with you. http://www.pineedgecabins.com/ This is where we will be sleeping until the conclusion of our trip in Silver Gate. We will be learning how to use spotting scopes this afternoon. We highly recommend the spotting scopes for those of you who come to Yellowstone to see wolves, bear, goats, sheep. Many times having a spotting scope will bring a far away animal into view and help create an experience that you will never forget. The store serves as a gathering place for relaxing and sharing your days experiences with the other guest and staff. Most nights during the summer and fall we build a fire outside in front of the General Store. We have plenty of hot dogs or marshmallows, gram crackers, and chocolate bars for your grilling pleasure. As I was sipping coffee this morning by the fire I found myself reflecting on the journey we've taken. And two things struck me. The first is that this particular journey, with these particular campers, in this particular place, at this particular time will sadly conclude in a couple of days. And that is quite bittersweet. The second is that this particular journey also opened up paths to other journeys, new adventures with new friends, with new ideas and new resolve to never ever quit learning...and writing...because it's through writing that we share life. And the best part is that we get to do it all around the world! Just think, had the internet not come along, and had WDC not come into existence, I would never had been able to meet such talent! I sincerely hope we can take this journey again. As for blog posts that struck a chord? Well, quite honestly, I learned something every time I read one. We have such talent here! But if you were to tie me down and drip water on my forehead until I answered then I would have to say my favorite posts were all the additions to our ghost story. That was probably the most fun I had! I wonder...does someone know how to string the entries together so that we could all have a "complete copy" of our story? I just don't know how to do it... So now! Let's go have some fun with those spotting scopes! |
| Yesterday the Shoshone shared their traditions with us and we talked about ours with them. It was a lot of fun to learn about our differences. We will be transported back to our next destination on our camping adventure, we are going to hike/climb Thunderer once we get our gear stowed, tents set up and our clothes changed at Pebble Creek. It is going to be our last hike/climb together after this adventure we will be staying in town at Silver Gate on the 29th. You will appreciate spending the last two days recuperating after this climb. Ropes, and all the gear needed will be provided, just wear your boots for this. The Thunderer el. 10,495 feet (3,199 m) is a mountain peak in the northeast section of Yellowstone National Park in the Absaroka Range. The Thunderer, named by members of the Arnold Hague Geological Survey of 1885 for it propensity to attract thunderstorms is a long high ridge just north of Mount Norris. http://adventuresinyellowstone.blogspot.com/2009/07/thunderer-chaw-pass.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqUnQFT46OY http://www.summitpost.org/phpBB3/the-thunderer-yellowstone-t67795.html Tell us about your climb, what you saw and how you did? Okay, so now all of you know my secret. I'm the most terrible, horrible, whiniest mountain climber on the planet! I was really hoping no one would find out and I could just keep it to myself. But today proves it. The cat is out of the bag. I whine, complain, huff. puff and wheeze when climbing. Especially the likes of what we had today! Mercy it was hard! But really beautiful too. Even though I didn't make it the entire way up I was glad with what I did in fact accomplish. I think if I'm planning on another camping trip next year I should start now to get in better shape! And I promise I won't whine and complain so much. Geez, it's a wonder anyone still wants to talk to me!  So now we're down to the last days. I am feeling melancholy and bittersweet. But I'm also glad to get home too...it's been a great trip. I'm going to make the most of our last days together. |
| Pack a light bag, to take with you the wardens will transport the rest of your stuff to our next site. Toothbrushes, combs, and clean underwear for two days will suffice. We are leaving the park and going to the Shoshone reservation in Wyoming for a special celebration. Remember we talked earlier about the Northern and Eastern Shoshone (sheepeaters) well they invited our group, it's quite an honor. "Wind River Indian Reservation is an Indian reservation shared by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes of Native Americans in the central western portion of the U.S. state of Wyoming. It is the seventh-largest Indian reservation by area in the United States, encompassing a land area of 3,473.272 sq mi (8,995.733 km²), or land and water area of 3,532.010 sq mi (9,147.864 km²)."`Wikipedia They have native clothing for us to wear so we can participate with them around a huge bonfire on the reservation. We will be sampling many native dishes and sleeping in actual teepees during this festivity. ps. the women wear more than the men do! There will be storytelling from the elders about their history, they are hoping each of us will share something of our family history or nationality. So am I, we all have rich family histories/nationalities if we think about it. Some of you recently have written some lovely poems I am sure will be appreciated as well. So here's your chance to enlighten us about what makes you shine! It's such an honor to be invited to Wind River. I will certainly do my best today...maybe their "medicine man" has something for this awful headache. So sorry everyone, but I'm down again with this headache. I'm usually over migraine within a day, but this one has me in a knot. So...I'll do my best, but maybe I can politely excuse myself so I can go lay down somewhere... |
| You are spending my 59th birthday with me at Slough Creek for the night before we go to the Shoshone Indian reservation on the 27th. We have been invited to be their guests. We are hiking to Slough Creek from the lodge so we will be busy most of the day. "Slough Creek Campground is generator free with drinking water and vault toilets, and is best suited for tents and small RVs. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with grate. Food storage boxes measuring 48 x 22 x 22 in. are available for shared use. Campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. One of the most popular campgrounds in the park, Slough Creek is often full by 8 AM from its opening day through mid-September." We were lucky to have it reserved for just our group. It has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities, the wolves can be heard very clearly at night and the stars are supposed to be breathtaking. Do the wolves howling make you nervous? Inspire us with some creativity...poetry, short story or even a tale of a time under the stars in your real life. A very happy birthday to Lyn! I'm so sorry this is belated...I've been down with a migraine, and I've had to stay as quiet and still in my tent. And I've had to keep it as dark as possible...not so much fun when you're out in a primitive setting. Makes me wonder what people did before we had medication for migraine...??? So please forgive me. I'd love to participate today, but I'm going to be down in in tent. |
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