A wake up call......

Some readers may not agree with this, but coming on the heels of what else recently happened in Portland (where my son lives), it's something to pay attention to, and think about. Following is a message Henry posted:

So Sunday I had to subdue a man who attacked a gay man on the bus. He is in jail (I have to testify at his grand jury next week), and everyone is fine. But this is a real thing, not isolated incidents overblown by the media. Attacks on minority groups are skyrocketing in our city. White supremacists are coming here to use violence and I don't think anyone can assume they can exist in this city unmolested.

Get a gun. Seriously. Or pepper spray at least. Oregon has a "will issue" policy when it comes to concealed carry permits (meaning that they have to give you one unless there is a specific reason they shouldn't). If anyone wants to learn how to shoot I will be happy to show you.

This is happening here, and inaction is immoral and nonviolent intervention is ineffective. I strongly suggest you think about what you will do when faced with racist violence, because it very well may happen.

A recent picture of Henry:

One a few years ago, in Afghanistan:

Inconceivable!

50 years??? Can't be, just effing impossible. It was yesterday.

What happens in Butte when one leaves their gate open in spring......

Don't bother, they're here

And they are, more than she could have known....

Fewer political posts....

You might have noticed that I'm doing less of the politically bent posts. The reason is twofold;, one, one of the bloggers we all follow, Tom Cochrun of Light Breezes does it better, is a better writer and has a deeper understanding of the issues than do I. And, it's preaching to the choir here. If there is a trump supporter in the readers of my blog, they don't comment, therefore they don't exist to me.

So that's why. Not to say I won't at some point, if like Obie, I think there is a point.

Turn around, and they are 6, turn around and.......

Seems like yesterday she was in the NICU at Seattle Children's, liver half out of her body, tubes everywhere......

Now, nary a backward look as she's off to the school bus.

Back in actual springtime

In Seattle for a week, visiting kids, grandkids, former colleagues, etc....

The view of Mt. Baker from the oldest daughter's house:

More Spring

Another 4-6 inches expected today. 

One of my favorite actors

Powers Boothe, 1948-2017

One of my favorite actors, especially for his role in "Tombstone"......He and Val Kilmer stole the show.

A long time ago, in a land far, far away

50 years ago, me on the left, trying to put in a trach, not successful. 50 years......

A new standard

An invite, and why we will have a real brain drain

He may not be the ideal one for the job, but he's got the right idea here. 

From my eldest's facebook

Really, Republicans? You want to piss HER off? Take away her access to healthcare, you're going to be the first up against a wall someday.

Dinner

What would a visit to the Santa Monica area be without dinner at Vito's. We had a table for 7 at eight pm on short notice, primarily because L. is a family member of the clan that own's the place.

L's seafood pasta:

and my sand dab's....heaven on earth:

Hope you all are having an enjoyable weekend also. 

Weekend trip

My friend's research group is having a meeting on the specifics of a Hawaiian miniature squid, around 1" in length, a Hawaiian Pink Squid.

The group is meeting in Marina Del Rey, near L.'s house in LA. We're spending the weekend at a marina hotel.

It's a tough life, but somebody has to step up, righ?