I woke up late this morning, not alot, but enough to make me hustle. I stuffed two quarters in my pocket and headed out the door for my morning trek. I was really picking them up and putting them down, trying to make up some time; and at the same time, cussing at myself for forgetting to spray on some bug dope. Oh well, I'm not turning back now, I'll just have to endure the mosquitos. My mind was somewhat sidetracked, and I was still only fifty yards from my front door when I turned the first corner and was staring face to face with 'mama moose'.

 I'm pretty sure she was the same one I encountered about 8 weeks ago, although she was noticably filled out more. Must be all that lush vegetation around the neighborhood. She was standing right next to one of my neighbor's pickup, grazing on his flower bed. She just lifted her head and looked at me as if to say "you leave me alone, and I'll do the same".

 That was all I needed. I slowly backed away and proceeded to exit the condos from the other end. Upon my return, with paper in hand, I decided to purposely enter on the side where I had seen her earlier. I just wanted another look at her, only this time I wouldn't be startled. But, as I neared my condo she was no where in site. That time of morning some of the commuters are firing up their cars and starting to leave, so I'm sure she must have decided to be on her way.

 Little incidents like this tend to wake me up for a few weeks. I have to admit I'd become a bit complacent, especially since the weather has been hot. The animals are always around, just not always in sight. And they seem to pop out when you least expect it. That's what I enjoy about Alaska, up close and personal.

 Until next time, see ya.

 All I ask for in life is a little synergism. I don't think that is asking too much. Life would be so much more enjoyable. Well, at least less painfull.

 Webster's defines it as follows: "cooperative action of discrete agencies (as drugs or muscles) such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the two or more effects taken independently". I'm more focused on the "muscles" part of the definition. Especially since it's against my nature to take drugs. And I mean ANY drugs. I only take vitamins and aspirin (unless you consider Jack Daniels a drug). The times I'm supposed to take a drug as prescribed by a Dr., I usually just suffer in silence and let nature take care of the ailment. I don't like cold medicines, prescription strength pain relievers, antibiotics, or any other drug when I know that time and state of mind can overcome my ailment. But it doesn't always work out.

I like the quote "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger", because that accurrately describes my morning treks. In the beginning, I was just getting some excercise and the morning paper. It took a few weeks to get the back and knees to cooperate, but I was fairly comfortable with my one mile trek. But now it has become more of a workout. I never walk the same route twice in a week. Now, I simply look at my watch and take off, briskly walking about twenty minutes in any direction before turning around and heading back. And when I say briskly, I mean it. I'm usually dripping wet with sweat when I return. I actually tried jogging a portion the other day, but the knees started screaming at me loud enough to wake the neighbors. The rest of my body say's "run you wuss, we feel good", but the knees say "you guys can kiss my ***". So for now it's one foot in contact with the ground at all times. 

 But, back to synergism. There always seems to be some part of the equation that doesn't want to cooperate! Halfway into my trek something always seems to give. If it's not my back, it's my knee or my ankle. Actually, the back has been good. The knees are shot however, and the only way I can get them to cooperate is to medicate them.

 Don't worry, I'm not medicating them with jack Daniels (at least not often). No, my routine is to get up at 5:45, take two aspirin, and start the coffee. Then I spend about 15 minutes stretching the lower extremities. By the time I actually get started walking, the aspirin have kicked in and start controlling the swelling. Skipping any part of the regimen usually leads to lots of pain.

 I am determined to continue the morning treks (at least until the snow falls again). My "feeler guage" says it's paying off, and so does my belt. I keep reminding myself "no pain, no gain". But still, a little synergism would sure help.

 I figure it's about 10 lbs. per notch on the old belt. And I've almost gained two notches. So I figure about fifteen lbs to date. Remember, I tossed my worthless scale. The change in diet also seem to have accelerated my progress, even though I really miss bacon and eggs!

 Enough sniveling, I need to sign off and Ice my knee so I can continue the torture in the morning. Catch ya later! 

 I just read over the NBA draft results and saw that the Blazers blew it again. Why the hell they drafted another high schooler is beyond me. I think the front office guys are on drugs. Or maybe the team owner is taking on more responsibility. He is a complete nerd, so that is at least a plausible scenario.

 If you look back in history, you'd see that Portland is one of the worst teams ever on draft day. They are also a team serching for an identity. Or should I say a new identity. The one they have now is "punks".

 Maybe firing Rick Adelman after he got them to the NBA finals two of his last three years was the beginning of their slide. But certainly changing coaches every three or four years is a contributing factor.

 It's awfully hard to be a Blazer fan anymore, but I'm trying. If they would just clean house and get rid of the dopers, it would be a lot easier. I just wish they would draft players that can actually contribute to the team. If you look down the list of first rounders it's clear that most teams are drafting pedigree. You have schools like North Carolina, Kansas, St Jo's, Arizona, Wake Forrest, etc... Until you get to Portland's pick....so and so high school. Drafting from a successfull college program seems to make sense to me, but not the girly boys in Portland. I swear, if they ever make the playoffs again, it will be a miracle!

 Give me a franchise and 10 billion dollars, and I'll give you a world championship! Even in Portland, Oregon.  Until next time, see ya. 

I recently visited a friend of mine who just got married this year. After a two year courtship with a woman in China, he finally tied the knot. It was quite an undertaking, he in Alaska, and her in China. There was a service that translated their emails back and forth. There was a visit to China by him. There was page after page of documents to be filled out, and there was a lot of money involved. They have now been married for about a year and he recently confided to me that he has approximately 10k invested in the relationship. They are very happy and her English has really improved.

 I visited them one evening for an authentic Chinese dinner. She had started the soup in a slow cooker that very morning. That evening she presented four entrees that were very good. After soup (it was good too), we were served rice as a base for the entrees.

 Dinner was fabulous, and soon we were at another table for tea. During tea I was presented with pictures from their latest trip to China. The conversation was a bit awkward, but my friend was able to translate whenever I was in the dark. A lovely evening with a traditional Chinese flair.

 During tea, the wife was very interested in finding me a wife as well. She showed me pictures of possible spouses (friends of hers), and even invited me to accompany them on their next trip.

 I graciously declined, explaining that China was too hot for me. She responded that it was mild in February. I told her that I have five kids and was not interested in any more. She understood, and said that she could easily find me a wife without kids.

 I gracefully changed the subject.

 Later, my friend asked me what type of woman I was looking for, because she could set me up, and after a few moments of thought, I told him.

   My buddy is about 57, and his wife is only 43, but that is too old for me. I was looking for a younger vintage. I need a companion born in the time frame of 1978 through 1981. That's right, about 24 to 27 years old. Yes, that is at least twenty to twenty three years younger than I, but hey, that's what I'm into. She must be low maintenance and have not had too many owners. I want one that still has a little giddy up left in her, and isn't worn out. And I don't want one that nickel and dimes me too much.

 Now, I know that might be a lot to ask for, but that's what I'm holding out for.

 Oh yeah, she must be "American made".

 He looked at me like I was nuts! Well, maybe I am.

 So now that I have a clear image of the woman I want, I've started saving all my extra money. I'm hoping that by this time next year, I'll have enough. Yeah, it's clear in my mind exactly what I want. If it's going to cost me ten grand, I'm getting a corvette! She'll be a '78 to '81 model with not too many miles. I'll name her Roxanne. I'll treat her as well as she treats me. If she runs ok, we will get along great! If she tries to nickel and dime me, she'll be locked in the garage. I know she'll never give me any lip, and I won't ever have to suck up to her family. Sounds like the perfect arrangement.

 Thanks to my good buddy O for making it all come clear!

Until next time, see ya.