Winter Vacation with AAAAlan, BJ, and the Mick

Three Weeks with Alan, BJ and The Mick. (a play on “Talkin Baseball with Wiiiiillie, Mickey and the Duke”) The Book and the People. Mickey Mantle biography to read and a vacation with Barbara Jane Sirota on the Island of St Martin.

A most enjoyable combination.

Preamble – Dallas for Elizabeth’s Birthday

The outpouring of welcome for us was heartwarming. Barbara’s family has accepted me as their own….And Visa-versa.

It is hard to believe that little Elizabeth is celebrating her 8^th birthday. Always ahead of her time intellectually, she continues to entertain us with her remarks.

And, of course, Rob and Anne were the perfect hosts. The addition of the two grandmothers, Lenore and Eileen, rounded out this wonderful family.

But, now on to the main event, almost three weeks in warm St Martin.

But, wait, one extra stop. Due to bad weather forecast for Dallas on the day of our departure, February 1, we left the night before to stay over in Miami. Good thing we did. Dallas airp[prt was closed for over a day due to ice and snow.

The Miami stop let us relive a bit, Sara’s wedding. Including food at the Jewish deli, Jerry’s.

St Martin – February 1 – 19.

Overall notes about St Martin.

Very friendly natives, from tourist officials and service sales people, to residents on the streets. All smiles and willing to give directions. Alas, some are wrong.. But, their hearts are in the right place.

Speed bumps galore. Nuisances, but necessary to slow down drivers, me included, in towns.

Lots of car washes. Not the automatic ones like home. All hand done ones. Must be a lot of dirty cars here.

Lots of sun, sandy beaches and puffy clouds. Even some warm rain showers.

The water on the Caribbean side gives new meaning to the word aquamarine. The most beautiful color I have ever seen anywhere. Just as scenic as the blue water of the Azure Coast of southern France. I hope the color shows up in my pictures.

Some great, albeit sometimes overpriced, meals, both on the French and Dutch sides. Wonderful French bread, pastries, croissants, hot chocolate and coffee.

And three weeks of reading, but not quite finishing, a biography of Mickey Mantle. Quite an enlightening view of a boyhood hero.

Day 1 Tuesday, 2/1

Arrived late so all we did was get to our room and settle in. B257 at Simpson Bay Resort newly renamed from Pelican Bay Resort. Both the condo owners and the employees objected to the new owners. All of the employees were fired and told they would have to reapply for their jobs….at less pay and with no seniority and few benefits. Their union is suing. Good luck!!!!

Day 2 Wednesday, 2/2

We came here to eat French food. So, day 1 started with breakfast at the local French restaurant, on the grounds of the condo development, “Bon Apetite. A great first chocolate croissant.

Then off to Phillipsburg for our first shopping outing. Really just scouting about. Cameras do not appear to be any great bargains. Oh yes, a French food lunch on Old Street. A favorite from past memories. And, some Belgian chocolates.

Ended the day with dinner at Toppers on the Beach at our resort. Lobster. Fair, but overcooked.

Day 3 Thursday, 2/3

Rental car day. Save, another memory from last visit. Best deal I could negotiate…$170/week, plus $5/day for second driver. But, when we got there, they reduced the price to $162/day, plus half price for second driver. Even without me asking. Now I see on one of the tour maps that they offer a 15% discount. Do I have the nerve to ask for it when I check out? You bet!

Then to Grand Casse for restaurant search. First, lunch at a Lo Lo on the water. Great food at cheap price.

Then, we found an old favorite restaurant, La Marine, had been replaced by Ti Provincale operated by an award winning chef. So, we reserved for dinner at 7:30. By advice of couple we met from Minnasota. Man was an Anderson windows manager. Spent couple hours from about 3 – 5PM on the beach. Cool end of day relaxation. On to Sunset Beach Café for watching sunset. Alas, clouds obscured it.

Day ended with expensive and disappointing dinner at Ti Provincale Alas, his Gold Metal was in 2008. But, the presentation was very impressive. Broad variety of locally caught fish. We had Parrot fish. Light tasting white fish. Only OK and not worth the $100 bill. I knew this was going to be an expensive place.

Day 4 Friday 2/4

Found our favorite French supermarket. Still great. Barbara bought variety of cheeses.

Highlight was a concert by Brothers in Arms at night at Friars Bay. Dirt road to get there. But, we were given free tickets as we reached the front gate. Saved $60. Good thing, because the concert was very loud and not very satisfying to me. But, Barbara liked it. It was an experience witnessing this “happening” with wide variety of mostly French fans across three generations. Lots of cigarette smoking, but no mariuana odor that would be ever present at such a concert in USA.

Day5 Saturday, 2/5

On to our first timeshare condo, a studio apt at Ocean View. We were here last time, maybe even in the very same room, #305. Very simple, but nice patio view of the ocean. Will present great sunset views.

Off to Marigot for dinner on the marina.

But, first ice cream at the Carousel in Simpson Beach. Very creamy.

Walked around the marina in Marigot. We remembered it from last time.

Dinner at ….., where we met nice couple from Cape Cod. He, Dave, had retired from being a lobster wholesaler in Maine. Interesting discussion/education on lobser fishing and wholesaling. Rare example of meeting someone with more interesting career experience than ours. In fact, they never even asked what we did. We got so wrapped up in questions about lobster fishing.

I liked the dinner, good onion soup. But, Barbara was not overly impressed.

But, nice relaxing dinner on the marina with boats and boat people walking bye.

Day 6, Sunday 2/6

Super Bowl Sunday. Number 45. I remember several notable ones.

Number 1 – Green Bay Vs Kansas City. Lombardy won. I remember listening to it on the car radio as Sylvia and I took John Latham to the Phillisburg (Pa, of course) airport. John was a Englisg friend of ours who we met in Falgstaff on one of the MRI field programs. But, I digress.

Number 3 - NY Jets Vs Baltimore. Joe Namath Vs Johnny Unitis. “Broadway Joe” Namath forecast victory against heavily favored Colts. He pulled it off.

Number ???? – NY Giants Vs New England Patriots. Wildcard Giants, under Eli Manning, were long shot underdogs to undefeated Patriots. Miracle catch in late 4^th quarter won for Giants. I watched and rooted from a condo party on one of the islands in the Caribbean.

So, here I am back on a Caribbean island for number 45. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.

But, first our day.

Breakfast, including croissant, on our patio overlooking the ocean. Pretty close to paradise.

Off to Baie Orientale. Orient Beach has “Au Naturale” beach at one end. We went to the other end where we had lunch at the Tiki Hut Bar. Beach was beautiful, but too windy to sit on it.

After a stop at our favorite French market, we went to an orientation briefing at the Sapphire Club, next store to our place. We will be staying at Sapphire next week. Very poor orientation, but we got a couple of free fruit punches at the bar. While drinking them, we met an interesting couple from Fresno, Ca (her) and Portland, OR (Him). Both doctors who will be going to his child’s house on….Newark Street, in Cleveland Park on Monday. Small world, indeed.

Finally, the Super Bowl at the restaurant at our place. We entered the pool for five selections, at $2 each. Barbara picked the slots, which included the upper left and lower right. Well, upper left came out to be Packers 1 and Steelers 0. In case you remember, the half time score was Packers 21, Steelers 10, after a half ending touchdown drive by the Steelers. We were rooting for the Packers overall, but the Steelers to score the touchdown that won the half time payoff ($50) for us. Good return on our $10 investment. I pay, Barbara picks, we win. Great combo. Good picking Barbara.

The last time I won such a pool was one time on a time share vacation in the Bahamas, when the slot we picked for Sara won. It was the week of the shuttle Columbia launch disaster. I remember both the disaster and Sara’s winning. But, nothing else about that vacation.

BTW, the Packers won 31 – 25. If they had scored one more field goal, we would have also won the game ending score with one of our other picks. But, alas, we had to settle for just $50. Will spend it (plus another $50) to splurge on a big dinner on the French side.

Day 7 –Monday 2/7

Barbara did water aerobics at our neighboring condo/hotel, called Sapphire. While she was occupied there, I was able to hop on their wifi connection. Finally got a sold connection to allow me to clean out my e-mail.

Started out in the car, to find flat tire. Not totally flat, so it could be pumped up until we could get it fixed at the car rental place. No big deal. Turned out it was a nail that had to be removed and plugged. While waiting, I had an interesting conversation with the manager of the car rental place. He claims he was a banker in NYC, who took a buyout when his bank was bought. Took a Caribbean vacation, during which he met a woman who soon gave him his first child. So he settled here. That child is now 17 years old. Nice story,,,but, is it true or just a dream. Who knows.

Afternoon trip to Phillipsburg to find the tourist office. Alas, not much help. A couple of hours shopping in Phillipsburg. No tour boats in, so it was a leisurely outing. Found a stone for Mira’s bracelet.

Walked a bit on the boardwalk. Cement version of boardwalks in US. Nice views of the Great Bay.

Nice chilling out at the lounge at the Holiday House Hotel. No pressure to buy any drinks.

Finally dinner at their restaurant, Ocean Lounge. Terrific fixed price menu of chicken ceaser salad, sea bass and dark chocolate suffle with ice cream. Add excellent bread, good onion soup, led to our best dinner of the trip so far.

A bit of a stressful ride back from Phillipsburg to our condo on Cupecoy. Probably a 10 mile drive. But lots of oncoming cars with bright lights and narrow, curved roads. But, we made it safely.

Day 8 Tuesday – 2/8

One week in St Martins. We arrived last Tuesday night.

Day started with another relaxing breakfast on our patio. Smoked salmon, French cream cheese, chocolate croissant. Could life be any better?

Then off on our day, alas, not before noon, with a trip to the new Weston Hotel on Dawn Beach. But, not before a stop in Simpson Bay for a couple of croissants for tomorrow’s breakfast and a chicken sandwich for later today. At a French bakery on in Simpson Bay. The sandwich turned out to be superb.

The Weston turned out to be quite new and modern with a very grand swimming pool and beach. The restaurant was charming. We had lunch there. Then spent about a half hour on Dawn Beach. Too windy to really enjoy this very picturesque beach.

On to Oyster Bay Marina for a quick stop to see lots of yachts. Lots of rich people here, with big marinas here, at Simpson Bay and at Marigot, to mention just three.

Last stop was the Tuesday street fair and dinner in Grand Casse. The fair was a mix of food, mostly junk trinkets and jewelry, and a few special things.

Dinner was at La Carraibe Restaurant. I had excellent onion soup and Barbara had
“The best red snapper I ever had”. It was in cream sause with excellent veggies. So, I guess this chef, who is the same one as was once at the best French restaurant in France, that our friends, the Fields love. Not a bad recommendation. It lived up to it.

The evening ended with a good chocolate crepe at another restaurant.

Why do all these entries focus on food? Well, isn’t that what we came here for?

Day 9 Wednesday 2/9

Happy Birthday Sara. Wish you and Victor were here.

Another breakfast on our patio followed by water aerobics for Barbara and e-mail for me. I shoulkd be using the gym at the Sappire. But it is poor and I am lazy. Heck, I am on vacation.

Finally off to Marigo for their Wednesday market. Similar to the one last night in Grand Casse, but bigger and better. Very colorful.

Lunch at Bistro Sur La Mer at the port. Excellent pizza.

On the way home, we discovered a French supermarked called “US Market”. We were cynical, but it had great selection of food.

Dinner was at our Condo development. BBQ Ribs night. All you could eat for $12. Alas, lost on me as I eat little portions. Bob Anderson would have eaten them out of food. We enjoyed a video of a Jimmy Buffet concert on Anguilla, a neighboring island that we are off to tomorrow. The Buffet songs, “Cheesburger in Paradise” and “Margaretaville” brought back memories of a past vacation with the Andersons (both NY and Wa) and the Gemmills. The ribs were great and the company was enjoyable.

Day 10 Thursday 2/10

Happy birthday in memorium to my father. He always joked Sara about her being a day older than him. It is nice to think about my parents once in a while. Wonderful, loving parents they were. But, alas, I digress.

Anguilla day. Off to the ferry from Marigo.

Anguilla was a rather disappointing trip. Heavy sea going over, led to some quisinass for both of us.

Upon getting there, we decided to rent a car to tour the island on our own. As a previously British colony, they have left side roads. And we had a right side driver car. I immediately hit a curb at the gas station and blew out the left front tire. After negotiation with the car rental agency, we settled on me paying for half of a new tire, $50. Ah well, we got a different car with left hand drive. Much better to judge the curbs, although we never saw any others, as this is a not bery built up island.

The island turned out to be very dull. We saw a few expensive hotel and a few nice beaches. One hotel complex was composed of 4 villas. Each accommodating about a dozen or so people. Comes with its own chef. Only cost $40,00 per WEEK. Nice to money. The best views were of Meads Beach from the Frangipani Hotel. Very nice. But, nothing any better than right here on St Martins. The $180 expense, for ferry ride, entry and departure taxes and the car, was definitely not worth it.

Upon returning, we showered and went to eat locally at an Italien restaurant called “La Gondola”. Very good Veal Milanese.

We finished the day at the Casino Royale in Maho. I find gambling a turn off. The blackjack tables are up to $5 minimum and the machines are boring to me. So, I just walked around and looked while Barbara played to penny machines.

Day 11 Friday 2/11

Off to the Butterfly Farm. They were in rare, open wing, form. Lots of different kinds. I will have to go to their site to ID the ones I caught.

Next was a stay on the beach at Baie Orientale’s Gallion Beach. A beautiful, family oriented, beach. Lots of French families. Barbara loved the kids. We spent a lovely 2+ hours on the beach. Even went into the water, but only ankle deep.

Dinner was back in Phillipsburg, at the Greenhouse. They have a lobster Mania on Fridays. $19.95/lb. It is Caribbean lobster, which is almost all tail. Very scrawny claws. We shared an almost 2lb one. A bit tougher than New England lobster, but still very good.

After another trying ride home from Phillipsburg, we tried to find a comedy night performance in Sandy Ground, on the French side. But, alas, we had the wrong night. So, instead we had to settle for Magnum Bar ice cream in our room. Why can we not find these in the US. White chocolate covered ice cream bar. We remember them from England. You would think somebody in the US would either import them, or copy the idea. Hmmmm, maybe there is a business there. Shades of imported llamas from Bolivia. But, you cannot store ice cream bars in your basement storage place. Anybody want to buy about 100 stuffed llamas from Bolivia?

Tomorrow we move over to Sapphire for the final week of our stay.

Day 12 Saturday 2/12

Moving day. This place, the Sapphire Club, is much more upscale than the Ocean Clubs. Very lasrge, elaborate, one bedroom condo. Maybe the most elaborate 1BR RCI we have ever had. But lousy service. Clearly faded glory. The hallway had a stale cigarette smell, which showed a trace in the room. They sprayed to cover the odor, but just barely. 4 Cup coffee maker, no placemats, no pothoders, no dish towels….and little desire on the part of the staff to do anything about it. One staff told us that management is cutting corners on everything.

But, we can live with it. Nice roomy place, two TV’s, one flat screen. Many channels.

Today we looked at the new condo development across the road called Porto Cupecoy. Very new (4 years) and very upscale. Two bedroom units start at about $½ million(2 BR) and go up to almost $3million for a 4 bedroom. Condo fees can be as high as $1300/month. Makes Woodley Park Towers seem cheap.

After that, we explored local beaches. First Cupecoy, where there were some “au natural” bathers.

Then on to Mullet Bay, were we spent a couple of hours, including our first swim, watching a sunset. Alas, clouds again spoiled the view.

We had dinner in a local French restaurant called Montmartre. Where I had my best onion soup so far. Even creamy. Very tasty.but only so-so shrimp fpr Barbara.

We ended the night in a local casino. The best part was a great creperie, where I had what could have been the best nutella crepe I ever had. When we asked him what he was going to do for Valentines Day, the French waiter told us about his girlfriend from Bolivia. She is at the customer service desk at the casino. We met her and spoke a bit about Bolivia. She spoke perfect English. She was from Santa Cruz. Of course, we told her about Sara and La Paz.

Day 13 Sunday 2/13

Off to “Art in the Park” More like junk in the park. But, saving grace was a colorful marching drum group. Variety of ages of kids, colorfully dressed. They call themselves “New Generation”.

A time killing walk through Phillipsburg. Things are rather dull on Sundays there. If I was on a ship with a port stop here today, I would be disappointed.

Saving graces for the day were the evening events.

First a sunset cruise. Free from the Jeff B site. In fact, the only benefit for our $49 annual membership. It was called “Celine” A very relaxing cruise around Simpson Lagoon, annotated by the owner, Neil.

Then on to Grand Casse for our best, albeit most expensive, meal of the trip. At “Le Presseur”, a very romantic setting in an old house. Great presentation and great basting fish. Soup course was a collection of three soups, onion, pea and lobster Bisque. All excellent. The next course was a collection of cold fish, two different lobsters (small) , shrimp and a couple of others. All excellent again. Next course was a selection of four fish, each on top of different mashed potatoes. Again, excellent. Finally, desert. One of the best crème brulle we have ever had, plus a pink, hand made marshmallow. Following the meal, we had a visit by the chef himself. Frank Mear from Brest, France. A nice close to an excellent meal.

Out gourmet friends, the Fields would have loved this place. Our other friends and relative, normal eaters like us, would have enjoyed it completely like we did.

Hopefully, we get to share this experience with some of them.

But, right outside was a crepe stand. Full as I was, I could not pass up a chocolate crepe. Only so so. But a French crepe can never be bad.

Much too much food this night. But, time is running out for French food.

Day 14 Monday 2/14

Happy Valentines Day. The hottest day yet. Surely too hot for the beach, at least during mid day.

First stop was Marigo, where we had crepes for lunch. First savory crepe, seafood. And, of course, a sweet one, but only sugar. Both very satisfying.

The Museum in Marigo was quite informative on the island’s geology, agriculture, sea life and history. Soon I will lnow enough to put up my shingle as a tour guide for the cruise ships. Not a bad way to spend a winter. Even with onloy a little business, I could take my rent off my income tax. Would the IRS buy that?

Valentines dinner at “Temptations” Excellent lamb chops. Not exactly local food, but very good anyway. Nice Valentines dinner.

Day 15 Tuesday 2/15

On the home stretch. Beginning to run out of breakfast things. A bit too early.

Nothing very special today.

Started out getting the suitcase fixed,,in Phillipsburg. Same place as last time. Good to see that some things do not chanhe. Zipper repair. $4. Quite reasonable.

The high scenic point of the day was viewing the Atlantic coast at Guana Bay and Pointe Blanche. Both on the dutch side, even if Pointe Blanche sounds French. The water on this side is rough with wuch white surf and very blue color. Much different from the aquamarine, still water on the Caribbean side.

Dinner was at “Skipjack’s”, a well know sea food place in Simpson Bay. We had their Caribbean lobster. All tail, but VERY good.

Day 16 Wednesday 2/16

Slow day today. Running out of must see sites.

Today it was the Radison Resort on Anse Marcel, way up north. The trip was barely worth it. The high point was the purchase of a spectacular photobook of the beaches from the air. It puts my pictures in proper perspective….Amateur. But, of course mine are not from a plane. But, mine will be available for quick viewing. The ones in the book will have to await a visit to us in Washington.

Dinner again was the rib night at Ocean Clubs. Our dinner mates this time included the warden at a county prison near Albany, NY. Another interesting exploration of that career. His prison had 1,000 inmates. He, the warden earned $80,000. A guard earned $40,000 max.

Day 17 Thursday 2/17

Loterie Farm and Oic Paradise were the main outing today.

As I now remember it from last time, there were vnot much. Lots of green in an otherwise blue and white island is its main feature.

Then a return trip to the Butterfly Farm for several more pictures.

Next, an afternoon on the beach at Le Gallion. Relaxation and a swim. Nice, calm, warm water.

Dinner was at Tropicana on the marina in Marigo. The main dish, a duck sheppards pie, was only so-so.

But, the apitizers, escargo for Barbara and onion soup for me, were superb. And the desert, a chocolate/coffee combination was also great. But, the coup de grasse was the complimentary, hand made, rum. I am not a big drinker. But, this was truly noteworthy. I had two shot classes full. Barbara took due note.

We ended the day with a crepe stop in the….at the Atlantis Casino. Might have been my last crepe stop of the trip. Both the waiter, Pierre, and his girlfriend….. were there. He from France, she from Bolivia. Meeting and falling in love (?) in St Martin. There must be a movie there somewhere.

Day 18 Friday 2/18

Last full day. Started with Barbara’s last water aerobics. Thus, we did not get started until about 1PM. The first stop was the highest spot on the island, called {ic Paradise. Once there, I remember the scenery was hardly worth the climp up for my underpowered car. On the way down, we stopped at Lotterrie Farm for lunch. Another bit disappointing memory from last time.

Spent most of the afternoon on the beach at Bay Rouge, Red Bay. Nice, peaceful afternoon watching the waves and trying (unsuccessfully) to finish my biography of Mickey Mantle.

On the way to our final meal, we finally got to see, and photograph, our first sunset. I fittingly called it the sunset of our vacation.

The final meal was quite an experience. It was back in Phillipsburg at a restaurant called “L’escargot”. The reason we went there was for their floor show…Drag. Quite an experience indeed. We did it last time, so this time was not quite as surprising. The whole experience, dinner and show, blew the budget to the tune of about $190. But, what the heck, it was out last night. We shared a table with a couple from Connecticut. He a neural surgeon and she a nurse. Another interesting career to discuss. We have had many such interesting dinner discussions on this trip.

Day 19 2/19

Getaway day. The only rainy, almost cool, day of the vacation. Good thing we did not have beaches to visit.

After one last crepe at “Zee Best”, we boarded the plane at about 4PM. And sat on the runway for over an hour. It rained a lot during the day. So, planes were stacked up to take off on the one runway at the airport.

Fprtunately, my seat neighbor was an interesting man. Another doctor, but this time an OB/GYN, from Monroe, Louisiana. Couldn’t be much different life experience than that. He was as interested in my career, and life, as I was in his. It made the time pass quickly.

As I write this, I hope we make our connection in Miami.

Return to Dallas.

This time the main focus is the birthday of Alexandra (Alie). Her second one. How considerate of Anne and Rob to have her arrive on the back end of our normal time in the Caribbean.

Rob and Elizabeth were off skiing when we arrived. Gave us time to appreciate Anne and Alexandra alone.

On our last full day there, I was able (by the good graces of Anne) to visit the gravesite and one time home of Mickey Mantle in North Dallas. A fitting end to the Mickey part of this vacation.

Rob and Elizabeth arrive the last night we were there. A nice sendoff.

Home

Well, here we are back home. Lots of mail to catch up on.

Barbara goes to work on Wednesday and I prepare for the start of my Spring tour season.

Back to the real world after a fabulous, albeit expensive, 2011 winter vacation.

January West Coast Trip

In a word,,,,It was FABULOUS.
Now the details

San Francisco.
Of course, this was the reason for the trip altogether.
To visit one of my beloved daughters, Mira.
And, as a bonus, I got to see cousin Sandra and meet Eric (twice, in fact). They looked so happy together.
And, of course, there were 5 Boudins stops, many desserts, several great meals....and...a busmans holiday touring around San Francisco. Mira was a great hostess. I am impressed by how much of San Francisco she knows after only a bit over one year there. She really loves the place. Who wouldn't? But, there is the fog and wind...and the hills.
But, for me, most of the weather was fine...and somehow, I was able to navigate the hills.
Terrific bookends to my trip.

Monterey.
And the nostagia began. What a better place to start that than staying with Andy and Antonette Goroch. That first night dinner brought back memories of dinners past with the 3 generation Goroch family. Sadly, Antonette's parents are gone and the kids were not in town....And they no longer live in the big house in Salinas. But...dinner with them, just the three of us, still brought back memories. Good friends do that.
But, I am getting ahead of myself. Before that dinner, I was fortunate to catch the Romeros, John and Sandy, at home before a trip south to visit Jamie and her family. It was great to catch up with them and find out the latest with Cassie and Jamie. Both happily married with children. Like all of my friends I visited during this trip, the Romeros remain close to their kids and their famiilies. Just wonderful.
The next day, Monday, was jam packed. Breakfast at the Gorochs', a very warmly received visit with Simon Chang at NRL,Monterey (Simon's obvious pride in the success of his lab brought back memories of my time there), a visit as guests of the Gorochs to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (Where I particularlty enjoyed the sea horse exhibit.), a too brief visit with Bill and Mimi Schram (no time for our normal politics dialog) and....finally...a dinner with so many of my long lost NEPRF friends (Set up by Bill Schramm). Some I had not seen for 25+ years since I left in 1983. They looked just as I remembered them. I wonder if they felt likewise about me. Does time really stand still? Or is it only in the mind of the beholder?

What would a trip to Monterey be without a stop at the Naval Postgraduate School? Incomplete... So, on Tuesday, we set off for NPS. Lucky for me, we encountered Ken Davidson outside Herman Hall. So, we had lunch there with him and colleagues. It brought back memories of my first ever visit to Monterey on my interview trip, during which I had Friday night dinner at Herman Hall (Crab night) as the guests of Pete and Marge Pettitt. It was nice to see Ken healthy and still working, albeit as Retired Annuitant. Whatever that means. I think it limits him to half time. But, I bet they get full time work from him.
Ken took us back to the Meteorology Department. There, I had the good fortune to see Rus Elsbury in his office. We reminisced about the field program he worked on under ONR funding while I was at ONR. It was nice to see him still at work (Also as a Retired Annuitant) on the latest project under ONR sponsoirship on typhoon formation and structure. It looks like the forecast path problem has been solved enough to move on to structure (intensity, really). Like all of them, Russ looked just like I remember him.

I spent some of my happiest and most productive professional years in Monterey. It was nostalgic to return.

Seattle
After a quicjk overnight in San Francisco....including a Boudins stop, it was off to Seattle to visit Bob and Nancy Anderson. To reminisce about the Penn State days. I stayed at what I call their "Who's a thunk it" house. Who would have thought that I would know someone with a house on Lake Washington, across from Bill Gates....OK, so it is not DIRECTLY across. But, it is still a 3500 sq st house on Lake Wasington. Thank you Microsoft. Could not happened to a nicer couple.
The Andersions are a thoroughly contented couple. Three happily married boys, four granchildren who they see regularly, and...their health. Yes, with aches and pains and old(er) age maladies, But, after a scare with Nancy's breast cancer, they appear healthy. Alas, I did not get to see Dave and Patty, who live in Portland. But, I was the guest of the 4 M's (Matt, Michelle), Mike and Meghan) as they bid Bob a happy 71st birthday. Happy Birthday Bob, I am right behind you on April 7th,
A bonus was seeing Matt in his element, at the fire station. I will long remember the "Uncle Tom" story. Matt ius a great story teller.
And there are the grandkids. I bonded with all four. I ralked about science fair projects with Hannah (Hers related to electricity). I let Brady use my camera for family pictures (He did quite a nice job, in fact).
I completey bonded with Simon as we went to the Falls and he wanted me ("Winalsten") to take him to the bathroon. And finally little Elliot, almost my name if my maternal grandfather had not died while my mother was still in the hoppital for my birth. It was fun holding little Elliott in my arm as I once held Mira and Sara many years ago.
And, lest I not forget the long evening discussions with Bob and Nancy, sometimes until 1AM. Politics, religion, PSU ......All stimulating.
It is hard, unfair really, to rank my friends. But, Bob and Nancy have to rank high up there.
If only things had worked out differently and they never moved from DC, I would see them as often as I see Bill and Francine Gemmill But, alas they did to find a happy life in Seattle.

Fresno
From urbane Seattle and San Francusco to the Central California town of Fresno. Unknown to me was just how big and developed Fresno really is. With a city population of 500,000 and a metro one of over 750,000, Fresno isthe third largest metro area in Californa. Who knew???
And right in the thick of it reside Fred and Rosie Clark. And do I mean righrt in the thick of it. Stay tuned.
I saw, in fact, five members of the Clark family in Fresno. Cricket, who I once held on my shoulders watching indian dances at the Grand Canyou, is now a fully grown woman. Donna, likewiss young when I last met her, remembered my picture taking. Kenny, living a few short houses away came by twice. I saw them all together for lunch the one day I was there. They all welcomed me as a long lost relative. Just as Rosie welcomed that naieve, somewhat homesick, eastener in Pasadena, lo those long years ago. Cam I ever forget the drunken binge Rosie and I went on one night in Flagstaff as Fred looked on....disapprovingly...I think.
I was particularly inpressed with the diverse life the Clarks have carved out for themselves in Fresno. They have traveled worldwide as Fred has sold and installed weather radars in such exotic places as Kenya , India and Israel, to name just three. I have travels much myself, but never to Kenya not India, in fact. They have invested wisely in houses and apartment developments in Fresno, giving much to the community they so obviously love. As leaders of the citywide Neighborhood Watch program, they know virtually every policeperson on the Fresno force. Their pride in Fresno was apparent as Fred and Cricket showed me around the main police station and Rozie (Roz as they call her) presided over a Neighborghood Watch meeting my first night there. A good spaghetti dish was avaialble for the taking, and I took two portions.
One day is hardly enough to see Fresno and environs. But, we did get a chance to see some of the snow country...where Fred has once installed cloud seeding instrumentation, in fact. Beautiful. I look forward to returning.
Pasadena was my first forey out west. I will always remember my MRI "family". But, first and foremost, I will remember the warm comfort Rosie Clark extended to me. All of the Clarks did likewise on this brief visit.

So, here I am back in Washington the day after my return home. I have wonderful memories of this thre week visit to the west coast.
Thank you, Mira, for living in San Francisco.
And, thank the rest of you for welcoming me so warmly.
It was great...or as I said at the outset......FABULOUS.

Election Prospects in 2012

OK, here goes with my forecast for the 2012 elections.
Fools rush in, where angels fear to tread. Am I a fool? Time will tell.

First, the Congress
Two factors are relevant in the House. First is the significant lead the Republican already have. It is 50, with one still to be decided..
Second is redistricting as a result of the recent Census. In this past election, the Republicans won majorities in many state Assemblies and even more Governorships. So, redistricting will go largely their way. One estimate I heard was the elimination of 11 Democrat districts.

So, do the arithmetic…. 50 + 11 = 61. The 63 swing for the Republican was viewed as a landslide. A 61 swing back to the Democrats is unrealistic to expect. So…count the House as Republican again in 2013.

There are 11 Democratic Senators whose terms expire in 2012. This is in sharp contrast to only 3 Republicans. A swing of only two or three seats turns the majority to the Republican here as well. Count the Senate as Republican as well as the House.

Bottom line is that we have a fully Republican Congress in 2013.

Next, the Presidency
History definitely favors an incumbent President.
There are three exceptions in recent times. All are special cases.
Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George Bush I.

Gerald Ford was barely an incumbent. He was President less than a year after Richard Nixon resigned. He was never elected President in his own right.
And, he had just pardoned Nixon. In hindsight, history is divided about if that was a good or bad move for the country. But, at the time, it was roundly criticized and weighed him down as a Nixon man. So, he started way behind. But, even then, he was closing fast, but did lose to a Watergate reaction change candidate, Jimmy Carter.

Jimmy Carter had three strikes against him in his reelection bid, maybe even four. First, he won a bruising primary battle with a Kennedy. Consequently, many long standing Democrats doubted him and sat on their hands during the election.
Second, the economy was in shambles with double-digit inflation and double-digit unemployment. Never the twain has ever met, before or since.
Third, was the Iranian hostage crisis. His response was an ill-fated rescue attempt, which failed. America hates failure.
Fourth, his opponent was Ronald Reagan, an actor, the great communicator, who tore Carter apart in the debates.
Never has there been a more perfect storm for an incumbent President to lose.

Finally, there was the first George Bush.
Here, we had a rarity, a three-candidate contest. Remember Ross Perot?
How many Clinton votes do you think Perot took? How many Bush votes?
Clinton won with a 43% plurality of the vote. Without Perot, Bush would surely have won.

Contrast that with all the successful incumbents who might have looked in jeopardy at the two year out period as we are at now.
Harry Truman, even Ronald Reagan was in some trouble, Bill Clinton (with the Gingrich House), George Bush II (with a very unpopular war).
All pulled out what looked like upset victories two years before the election.

Lets look at their opposition.
Truman, a colorful campaigner (Remember the whistle stops?) beat the lack luster Dewey.
Reagan beat Michael Dukakis, very badly in the debates. Remember the question about rape of your daughter?
Bush ran a much better campaign that another Massachusetts Democrat with a worrisome war record, John Kerry.
In all cases, well run campaigns with charismatic candidates beat poorly run campaigns with lack luster candidates.

So, now we come to 2012 and, presumably, another Obama Democrat candidacy.
I say presumably, because there is always the chance he will drop out if all seems lost…like Lyndon Johnson. Or, maybe even be forced out by unhappy, left of center Democrats. But, I doubt it will get that bad…if bad at all. So, I will assume Barack Obama will be the Democratic candidate in 2012. Maybe with or without Joe Biden. I think Hillary Clinton would add more to the ticket than Joe Biden. But, I am not sure she would accept it. And, I doubt the VP candidate really matters anyway.

But, I digress.

Lets evaluate the Obama chances….two years ahead…Obviously, a risky business.
Lets look at three things…. foreign policy, domestic policy and the charisma issue.

Foreign Policy
In an earlier blog, I talked about Afghanistan. I still see it as a losing proposition.
So, somehow Obama has to find a graceful way to exit a war that is steadily declining in public acceptance. The sooner the better, but no more than one year.
Prediction number 1 in this regard is that the war in Afghanistan will wind down very soon and be full by one year from now. I already said that in my earlier blog on Afghanistan.

The next issue is Iran. I think he will (try to) avoid this like a plague. And the public will allow that. Nobody likes Iran, but nobody considers them an immediate threat. So, few are demanding any action. OK, so maybe the Israel Lobby. But, not enough.

Next is North Korea. Here, I see him talking big, but, probably (see below), trying to avoid any direct action. I do not see the general public clamoring for a war in Korea. But, if the North Koreans develop enough firepower to threaten the U.S. west coast, look out. I could see a surgical strike to wipe out these threatening missiles. This could lead to a land war in Korea. If sitting President Obama thinks a war might help him because the country rarely changes horses during a war, watch out. North Korean belligerence would give him his opening. Remember the old domino theory of the Viet Nam era? If Korea goes, so might the rest of Asia. This time going to the Chinese. If we are out of Afghanistan and Iraq, there will be resources for Korea.

There is nothing like a real war to pull us out of a recession. Something to take the public attention away from the economy. We must stop the Chinese Menace in its tracks!!!!
So, a conventional land war in Korea, where American firepower can be decisive, is a definite possibility. Americans love to beat their breasts with victories. In the long term, it might not be a quick win. But, in the short term, it might appear so.

Next is China herself. Here I see some real long term problems. But, not in the next two years. Again, the general public has a vague feeling of worry about China. But, it is not a crisis. It could become a crisis, however, if China comes into a war in Korea. However, I do not see China yet having the military capability to actually threaten the U.S. Maybe enough to help the North Koreans as they did the first time. But, not enough to actually threaten our homeland. They may have enough fiscal power to become a problem. But, not in the next two years. They will hope to bleed us financially. But, not drastically enough to be a problem over the next two years.

So, bottom line, I do not see the foreign policy side of the equation being a major issue. It will only become so if Obama wants to make it one to take attention away from the economy. Korea gives him the opportunity.


Domestic Policy
It’s all about jobs. And, this is a major problem for the Obama team. Even the most optimistic economists do not think the unemployment rate will fall below 8% over the next year. And many see it still above 9%. I cannot see the public falling in behind an incumbent President with over 40 million unemployed.

Charisma
Charisma has trumped everything in virtually every presidential election in modern times…maybe even in history. OK, so maybe not with Jimmy Carter. But, his opponent, Jerald Ford, was even more lack luster than Carter.
Candidate Obama had great charisma last time. A young merchant of change. So, what happened?
Did anything really change? OK so we got health care that few really understand. We got a financial control bill that turns out to be quite weak. And, that nobody but the big bankers really understand either.
We have a really smart President who the public either does not understand…or worse, is beginning to doubt. Some of his opponents say he was always too inexperienced for the job in the first place. And, has surrounded himself with a weak, uncharismatic, team…. Hillary Clinton notwithstanding. Technocrats who may, or may not, understand technical problems. But, who cannot explain them anyway.

His past supporters largely stayed home this last mid year election. Either they were burned out from two years ago. Or, they were genuinely disappointed.

The average public doubts, at least is suspicious of, intellectual intelligence. And President Obama exudes that very characteristic. Adlai Stevenson was the consummate intelligent intellectual, who the public never understood…or trusted. Dwight Eisenhower was the consummate common man and war hero. OK, so he was unbeatable anyway. But Stevenson never gave him a run for his money.

The mainstream public likes someone who drops his or her g’s and takes quick, decisive action. Like George Bush II. Obama studies problems to death and then gives long, complicated explanations. In the back of their minds, many people trust his intelligence. But, in the front of their minds they do not feel comfortable with him. Not a good old boy.

And…., of course, there is still the race issue. It took a truly special set of circumstances to overcome that last time. But, it is still there.

A major remake is in order. I think it is too late for Obama to look like a good old boy. But, not to late for his actions to be decisive and explanations to become clearer and crisper.
No longer can he study things indefinitely. No longer can he live on change alone. He needs to inspire us with decisive action. He needs to give us hope for the future. The American public likes to feel good about the future. Obama needs to show us the way to a better future. Anybody remember Ronald Reagan?

Or….he needs divided or weak opposition. Here lies his best hope.
Will the Republicans split into two pieces? I think they are too smart for that.. But big egos sometimes trump logic. Remember Ross Perot and Ralph Nader?

Or, will they find a way to unify around one person, with the other part of the party accepting the second place on the ticket? Sarah Palin and a mature, steady centrist as VP? Or George Romney and a rightist like Marco Rubio as VP? Or somebody we have not yet even heard of?

Palin is surely charismatic. But, Obama might be such a contrast on the intelligence front so as to make the public fear placing the country in her hands. No matter how uncomfortable main street America may be with intellectual Obama, they seem even more uncomfortable with, maybe even fearful of, lightweight Palin. Just like it is impossible for Obama to change his intellectual image, so is it too late for Palin to change her lightweight one

Romney or some other centrist would pale in comparison with a revitalized Obama. Obama is still young enough to inspire hope for the future against an old, tired, lack luster, Romney.

Bottom line on the Presidency
I think the cards are stacked against President Obama. But incumbency allows him to create an environment to pull it off. He has to figure out how to use that incumbency effectively. Some foreign policy coup. Or, maybe a war in Korea. Foreign policy is one area where the president has the freedom to take action.

Or…he needs to be lucky and have divided opposition or a flawed single opponent.

Bottom line overall
At best, for me anyway, I see a divided result. I do not see any way that the Democrats can win either side of the Congress. So, one end of Pennsylvania Avenue is definitely Republican. Maybe even, overwhelmingly so.

The only hope for the Democrats is to keep the Presidency. Even if it leads to gridlock for four more years. Then, they can wait for the country’s economy to improve (as it will likely eventually do just by cycles), benefit from the country’s never ending demand for change and frustration with another do nothing Congress, and carry out a rebirth in the mid year election of 2014.

But, if they lose the Presidency, I see a long hard winter of 4 or 8 years for people of my political persuasion.

Alas, my brain is very worried, but my heart is hopeful. I guess I will have to dig in and work hard in 2012.

It's a Wonderful Life

Indeed it is.
As I leave the first day of the new decade, January 1, 2010, I am, indeed, thankful for all my good fortune. Let me count the ways....without jinxing it, I hope.

Good health.
I will be 70 on April 7th. Yes, I do fall more than I like. And, yes, I do have aches and pains in my feet, legs, hips, etc. But, by in large, I am in excellent health. I walk a lot, exercise several times a week, and still can read the newspaper easily. Neither of my parents made it this far. And, both were in far worse health than I when they passed in their 69th years. My life had the good fortune of being during the hey day of good times in the U.S.. And I benefited from that.

Great Family.
This starts with two great daughters. And now, a great son-in-law. You all know who they are.
Mira, Sara and Victor. Just now, I got off the phone with Mira, wishing her a happy new year. And hearing all about her fun time in Key West after Sara's and Victor's wedding. It warmed my heard to see her sincere happiness for her sister. And, to see how much fun she has on her trips about. I enjoyed my life when I was her age and revel in seeing her enjoy hers.

The highlight of the year, decade and century, for me, of course, took place on the last weekend of the year. The whole weekend...
Starting on Friday with Sara, Victor and Victor's family. It was clear that they welcome Sara into their family with the same open arms that we welcome Victor into ours. Although I was unable to talk much with Victor's mother, Lolita, The joy in her eyes was clear in any language. I look forward to celebrating many more happy times with the Moscoso family.
I view the Hugo/Paula family as a model of what Sara and Victor might have together. And, what can I say, little Marianna captivated all of our hearts.

Then Saturday and the Welcome dinner. It was worth every penny spent on a good meal and fun times. A little dark and a bit cold. But memorable never the less.

Finally, the main event. Sunday's wedding. EVERYTHING....and I mean...EVERYTHING...about this was great. The setting, the words, the food....Everything was as good as it gets. I expected to cry. But, in fact, I did not. I got close when I actually saw them slip the rings on each other's fingers. One terrific thing about the event was that I got to share it with so many people who mean so much to me. Barbara, Bunny, Greta, Alvin, Jay, Sandra, my great friends, Bill and Francine Gemmill. Good times are meant to be shared. And share it I did...........
I might add that seeing Sylvia's family was also most enjoyable. Too long away from them. Hopefully, we will share more happy times together.
I doubt they will read this, but I want to also mention how much I enjoyed interacting with Sara's friends. My father was very popular with my friends. I hope I am similarly popular with Sara's.

The weekend ended on Monday - Wednesday visiting with my cousins, Greta and Alvin. Their hospitality was a joy to behold. And then to see motion pictures of me at 2 months old and my parents, sister and cousins as we all grew up together. A fitting finale to a memorable time.

New Family
It is rare that a person has the opportunity to add family at an advanced age.
But my marriage to Barbara has given me that opportunity. I share more than almost a common name with the Weinbergs. I share a common love. They have accepted me into their family like I was born there. The feeling is mutual.

Friends
Beyond family, one hopes to have good friends. And, indeed I do . I am saddened by the passing of Bob Silverstein. But, my Penn State friends make up for that. The Gemmills, Andersons and Shanks are my extended family. "Brothers" that I never had, Bill, Bob and Mitch. "Sisters" Francine, Nancy and Cheryl. The best thing about Penn State was not the degrees I got from there. But, it is the lifelong friends I made.

Even here in Washington, I gather new friends. Guide friends, NARFE friends, even neighborhood friends.
Indeed, Barbara and I are fortunate to be living a full and active life here in Washington.

So, in closing, let me return to my opening theme.....It's a wonderful life.
Indeed, it is. On into my 70's.

Alan at almost 70.

Afghanistan

I walked to a Climate Change lecture downtown today.
So, I had lots of time to think about things....Like Afghanistan.

I sure hope that President Obama knows more about this than i do.
But, from my limited viewpoint (and I have read and attended lectures on this) I think it is hopeless.
I have heard estimate that it will take upwards of a million Afghan Militia/Police to establish central government rule there. Even if this is possible altogether. In recent times, anyway, there has never been an effective central government anywhere outside Kabul and, maybe a few other cities. The countryside has been governed by tribal chiefs, even during the brief Taliban days. With low pay for the government soldiers, graft will run amok. Soldiers will be in the employ of local chiefs as much, if not more than by the central government.
So, what will these chiefs do with their power?
Some will let the Taliban rule. Others will become safe havens for Al Qaida. But, most will just be local fiefdoms. These local chiefs just want what is best for them. Some might even have the best interests of their people at heart.
So, whats so bad about local rule?

OK...back to President Obama's plan. I can only hope that two months of briefings have given him better insight than I have. I worked hard for his election because I had confidence in his basic intelligence to solve very complicated problems.
I guess I will give him the benefit of the doubt....What alternative do I have?

So...what do I think will happen?
I think in June, President Obama will voice confidence that things are getting better....But...That more needs to be done. So, the troops need to stay.
I think he will call for reviews on progress every six months.

Each time, he will show confidence and ask for six months more time.

This will go on until we approach his re-election campaign,
Then, I predict, he will declare victory and begin bringing the troops home.
I hope it is true victory, but I doubt it.

So, what about his re-election prospects?
Some said his Afghan policy was a road to a one term presidency. For now, I hope not.
Too many other things ride on a continued Democratic Presidency....And Democratic majorities in Congress.

OK...enough for now.
Any comments?
Alan

Alan at 69

"Will you still need me, will you still love me, when I'm 6……9"?
OK, so the Beatles said "64", but I say it 5 years later.
69.....the year both of my parents died.....Well...I have to much to live for to go their way.

In fact, I have as good a life as anybody could ask for.........family, friends, intellectual stimulation.....good health...even reasonable finances. I hope this rambling will not jinx any of that.
My mother would never write such a thing. Never tempt the evil eye, she would say. But, me, well I forge ahead undaunted.
Why? You ask....Well because I am so very happy right now.

First, my family.....Immediate and distant all love me and likewise.

First, there is Barbara. Late in life, I met the most generous, loving person imaginable. Her generosity reminds me of my father. And that is saying a lot for those who knew him. She and he would have hit it off splendidly...except for one important difference.......their views of women's place in the world. But, I will not go there. Yes...Barb and I differ a lot, both being quite opinionated. But, on one thing we agree totally....we are deeply committed and....yes.....love each other.

Next....my girls....Mira and Sara. Both fully mature adults with societally important careers that make me so proud.

My eldest, Mira, arrived around Thanksgiving in 1969. And I have been giving thanks for her ever since. My mother was so happy when we named her after her mother. Sylvia and I gave up smoking to assure Mira’s pre natal health. The first of many good things attributable to Mira. Some say Mira is my clone. OK, so I am exaggerating a bit….OK, a lot. But, we do look alike (if you look beyond the facial and head top hair differences) and have many similar interests. Like loving baseball, photography, politics...... Mira reminds me so much of my father....loving, generous, gregarious. He would, in fact DID for the few years they knew each other, love her as I do.

About two years later, Sara arrived. Her birthday date being one day before my father’s, Feb 9, 1972. He always said she was one day older than him. My father was so happy to have a grand daughter named after his mother. Often when I am with Sara we arrive at the same thought simultaneously. Must be in the genes. I say great minds think along the same lines. Sara brings me a bonus, Victor. It is hard to imagine a better son-in-law (still to be at this writing). The only thing that separates Victor from perfection is that he has no serious interest in baseball.

Seven years my junior, Bunny, is the next most important person in my life. The Easter time gift in 1947. How much fun I had in teasing her in our youth. And now have in confiding in her in my adulthood.

Next, comes my adopted family through Barbara. Lenore, Jonathan and Anne, and their spouses, have all welcomed me like I was a long time member of their family. But, in fact, Jonathan and Anne bring me another bonus……three grand nieces and a nephew. As of this writing that is as close as I get to grandchildren. I am reveling in their childhood and maturation as if they were my own.

I cannot leave family without mention of my cousins, Jay (closest in age to me), Greta (and Alvin), and Sandra. Few in number, but large in sentiment. Alas, my final cousin, Blanche and I do not communicate these days. Well, you can’t win 'em all.

No life relationship can be complete without friends. In that regard, I am well endowed, indeed. Although, my closest boyhood friend, almost brother, Bob Silverstein, is passed, I have many other friends to warm my heart. Throughout the various times in my life, from high school, through undergraduate and graduate school, to various parts of my professional life, I have accumulated friends. Too many to single out by name. But, all helping to fill out my most fortunate life.

That completes the companionship component of my life. What about intellectual stimulation?
After retiring from a fulfilling, 40-year career in meteorology (and oceanography) research, I have taken up tour guiding. From scientist to historian. The only thing in common is my love to perform. And love it, I do. Imagine a job where people pay me to lecture to them and hang on my every word. Well, some do, anyway. Science went from my profession to my hobby. And history went from my hobby to my profession. I love the reversal and revel in both.

Health? Well for a 69 year old, I feel pretty good. Sure, as my friend Bill Gemmil says, “…at our age, the warrantee on the parts starts running out”. But, they all still work. Knock on wood.

Finances? Well, you can’t win ‘em all. The financial and real estate bubbles put a crimp in my plans. But, tour guiding keeps the wolf away from my (very expensive) Washington, DC condo door. Like my parents, my goal is to die with just $100 in the bank. Sorry, no inheritance to be had here. Other than spiritual. And there is also my trove of photos on my computer and my barometers on my wall.

So….how do I feel in my 69th year? In a word….GREAT.
Stay tuned for a report at 79.

Inauguration

Well, we (Barbara and I) did it. We attended the inauguration ceremonies of our 44th President, the first of color....Barack Hussein Obama. Live, in person......
We Metro'd to the L'Enfant Plaza stop, with surprisingly little delay at about 6AM.
We actually led a student tour group, with whom we stayed overnight at their motel.
So, a 4AM wake-up call and a meager breakfast had us on our way to the Branch Avenue Metro stop (Leading the group) by 5AM. Yes....I started that early. Not something I usually do. But, the event necessitated extreme action.

We stood outside (Of course) for about 5 hours in freezing temperatures (High 20's) to witness this historic event. No food, no water and no bathroom break. Yes, there were many porta poddies, but not in our area. And besides, we would have had to give up our spot to get to them. No way.......

Barbara got official tickets to the "Silver" area, just inside (east of) 3rd street on the Mall. We could see the speakers' stand, but were too far away to actually see the speakers. So, we watched it on the jumbotrons. Like all the people outside the official area and along the Mall. An estimated 2 million of them.
But....we have our official tickets (secured from a contact of Barbara's in Speaker Pelosi's office) as souvenirs.
In fact, when we got to the entry gate, all they did was a hand body tap down and a cursory search of our bags. In fact, they never asked to see our official tickets.

So, after all that, what did I think?
Well, it was not as much of a circus as I expected. No colorful hats or clothes. No banners were allowed in our area. So, I cannot speak for the rest of the Mall. But, I think banners were banned there as well. Maybe it was the season, but things were definitely drab. My red coat was a rare display of color. No creative buttons. At $10 - $20 a pop, the vendors could have done better. They were so much more creative and colorful at the Denver convention. My $5 hat, purchased in my neighborhood across from the Zoo, was among the more colorful.
Everybody was well behaved. Cheered for the good guys and booed the bad. I will let you guess who was who.
But, unlike the acceptance speech at Invesco Field in Denver, the scene at this inaugural was definitely not electric. Polite cheers but no jumping up and down like at Invesco. This was an historic even, but not a "Peak Life Experience" like the acceptance speech. Or even his Convention speech four years earlier. I guess another emotional speech was too much to hope for. It will be interesting to see if any of his phrases become historic. I did not hear any.
Of course, what made it historic was the color of the man and the tenor of our times, not necessarily his words.

But, now that history has been made, we will soon have to see effective action. Effective....action. I surely do not know what that is.
But, at this juncture, I am confident the Barak Obama will find the right action.
I think he has the proper, maybe even unique, combination of charisma to instill hope, and intellect to make that hope be fulfilled. It will take both to carry us through what lies ahead of all of us. Charisma is necessary for people to believe things will/are getting better. And intellect to insure he will make the kind of decisions to make that charismatic inspired belief actually come true. I believe in self fulfilling prophesy. If we think these are improving, they will. But, only for a while. In the end the decisions will have to be successful on their own.
You can do it Barack. I am behind you.