Finding William: Pumpkin People

Finding William: Pumpkin People: I finally saw some pumpkin people in real life, and not in a picture sent in an email or on the Internet. While on one of my recent adven...

Pumpkin People

I finally saw some pumpkin people in real life, and not in a picture sent in an email or on the Internet. 

While on one of my recent adventures to Oregon, my daughters and I were scootin down the highway when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a pumpkin couple.  You know, the hybrid scarecrows with boobs and butts made of pumpkins.  I did a U-turn right there on the highway and went back to get a better look.

If you're gonna make one of these, please make sure the boobs aren't up so high like these are.  Also, the butt pumpkins were bigger than the boob pumpkins...you might want to switch them...just sayin.

Finding William: Eating Where Bella Ate

Finding William: Eating Where Bella Ate: Being the only male in my house, you can imagine the Twilight books and movies have been around me for a while now. Although I never did su...

Eating Where Bella Ate

Being the only male in my house, you can imagine the Twilight books and movies have been around me for a while now.  Although I never did succumb to reading the books, I did watch a few of the movies. 

My daughters have wanted to visit the town of Forks, Washington ever since watching the first movie.  On a recent trip to Portland, Oregon with them we learned that a few of the movie sites were in the Portland area.

My sister-in-law knew of and took us to the famous cafe from the first movie, in Damascus, Oregon. 

Carver Cafe certainly looked like it did in the movie, however, the movie made it look much more roomy.  The corner table were Bella and her father, Charlie, sat in the movie was occupied.  We had to settle for a different corner.

The food was acceptable, nothing special; the service was slow.  I guess that's what you get when the sole reason you went there was because it was in a movie.

If you're a huge Twilight fan and will be in the Portland, Oregon area, head on over to the Carver Cafe.  Maybe you can eat up at the bar where Stephenie Meyer ate.

Finding William: Unrecognizable

Finding William: Unrecognizable: I did the unthinkable the other night. I saw a former co-worker, but, I didn't realize he was a former co-worker until after I had left hi...

Unrecognizable

I did the unthinkable the other night.

I saw a former co-worker, but, I didn't realize he was a former co-worker until after I had left his presence.  He evidently remembered me, from his smile and hello.  Afterwards, I realized who he was and felt bad I didn't talk to him or even recognize him.

I pride myself on remembering faces and people.  My brain must be getting so full I'm pushing old memories out to make room for new ones.

If you're reading this and you're an old friend, the next time we meet, throw out a hint that we know each other....Please!

Finding William: Seniors Need Lovin Too

Finding William: Seniors Need Lovin Too: I've noticed that movie theaters and their parking lots seem to be conducive to couples enjoying some affection...in other words it's a plac...

Seniors Need Lovin Too

I've noticed that movie theaters and their parking lots seem to be conducive to couples enjoying some affection...in other words it's a place I see a many couples making out.  Maybe they just saw a movie, maybe they haven't seen each other in a while or maybe it's a rendezvous with a secret lover...who knows.

The other night while at the movies, I saw a couple in the parking lot making out.  That isn't all that unusual in itself, however, this particular couple stood out.  They were in their 60's , maybe pushing 70!...I kid you not.  I guess there is no age discrimination when it comes to a person needing an affectionate touch.

My only regret about seeing them is I couldn't muster up enough courage to raise up my camera and snap a pic. 

Finding William: Public Bidet

Finding William: Public Bidet: Generally, the only public toilets I sit on are the ones in airport restrooms. On the occassion that I have to use one, I attempt to scan t...

Public Bidet

Generally, the only public toilets I sit on are the ones in airport restrooms.  On the occassion that I have to use one, I attempt to scan the stall quickly to make sure it's up to my standards...it's clean, hopefully it borders a wall on at least one side, it has plenty of toilet paper and it has toilet seat covers. 

What I can not tell at my quick scan is if this toilet is one of those high pressure toilets that also act as a bidet when it flushes.  You know the ones I'm talking about.  You flush and if you're still sitting then it sprays you with cold water. 

The other day I happened to get one of these public bidets as well a faulty sensor on the wall right behind me.  Every little move or deep breath made the toilet flush, therefore, activating the bidet. 

So my advice to you, when you step into that public restroom stall to see if it's adequate,  maybe you should flush it once and see if it's also a bidet.

Finding William: Remembering that Dreadful Day

Finding William: Remembering that Dreadful Day: Do you remember where you were when you first heard a plane struck one of the Twin Towers ? Did you immediately flip on the T.V. and begin ...

Remembering that Dreadful Day

Do you remember where you were when you first heard a plane struck one of the Twin Towers?

Did you immediately flip on the T.V. and begin watching it?

Did you call someone else and tell them to turn the on T.V.?

Were you watching it live when you saw the second plane strike the other tower?

Did you see people jumping to escape the heat, fire and smoke?

Were you watching as the towers fell?

Were you glued to the T.V. the rest of the day? And for a good part of the next several days?

If you’re like me, you can answer YES to all of these questions.  I remember that day like it was last week.  It’s hard to believe it has been 10 years since that dreadful day.

I feel a special kinship to New Yorkers, since I lived there for a few years.  I feel as though I am an adopted New Yorker. 

I lived in lower Manhattan.  I often used the Twin Towers as a guide to get my bearings, especially when exiting a subway hole. 

When I lived in Brooklyn, I always tried to spot the World Trade Centers from roof tops and high vantage points.  They were magnificent!  They towered above everything around them.  They were the King and Queen of Downtown.

I never imagined they would fall.  I assumed the firefighters would eventually put out the fires.  When they fell, it was like someone stabbed me with a knife.  I remember covering my mouth in awe and being in shock.  I couldn’t speak.  I felt tears begin to burn my eyes.

Oh, those poor people inside them…those poor people on the ground around them.  They also never expected them to fall.

Although, I don’t know of any friends or acquaintances that I lost on that day, I did have friends and friends of friends who lived and worked in and around the area.  I was thankful to hear they were all safe.

My father-in-law worked in a building near the Pentagon.  Fortunately he was far enough away from the destruction and was kept safe. 

Whenever I see a program on T.V. about 9/11, I’m glued to it, like I was on that dreadful day.  I relive the pain. 

Will we ever completely heal?  Those of us that remember it like I do, will never completely heal from it.  When we die and get to the other side, I want to shake the hands of the first responders and thank them for their valiant efforts.  I want to witness the reunion, of those that died in that attack, with their families and friends they left behind.  And then, finally, I think my emotional wounds will be healed.

Finding William: Freaks Have Guts

Finding William: Freaks Have Guts: "I love meeting interesting people and if you look at the pic below, you'll know he's an interesting dude. This is Gordon. Gordon enjoys r..."

Freaks Have Guts

I love meeting interesting people and if you look at the pic below, you'll know he's an interesting dude.

This is Gordon.  Gordon enjoys riding his 3-wheeled bike around town.  Everytime I see him, he is wearing his post mastectomy prosthetic breasts (aka fake boobs), sports blazer and construction worker's hard hat.  If you are ever lucky enough to see him with his hard hat off, you'll be able to see his sweet skullet.

That's the beauty of our world...people are so different.  It's nice to see someone with the guts to be themselves.  It's too bad many of us are so afraid of what people think of us, so we really don't act ourselves.

The next time you see someone a little freaky, just remember, they have guts to be who they are.

Finding William: Jerry is the Best

Finding William: Jerry is the Best: "So I now have a new favorite place in Memphis. It's Jerry's Sno Cones! Maybe you've heard of it...maybe you've been there. That place is..."

Jerry is the Best

So I now have a new favorite place in Memphis.  It's Jerry's Sno Cones!  Maybe you've heard of it...maybe you've been there.

That place is awesome!

It's in this cool, little old gas station, in a not so good part of town.

With so many flavors to choose from, it makes it hard to decide when ordering.  I'm sure whichever one you choose, it's going to be good.  I like the kind with ice cream in the center.

The line is usually ridiculously long.  However, it moves way fast...the employees do a great job of taking your order and getting your sno cone to you in a hurry.

So, if you're going to be in Memphis, Jerry's Sno Cones is a must do.

Finding William: Best Hotdog in L.A.

Finding William: Best Hotdog in L.A.: "We were unable to find a parking spot in its parking lot so we had to park on the street a block away. I hoped this was a sure sign this pl..."

Best Hotdog in L.A.

We were unable to find a parking spot in its parking lot so we had to park on the street a block away.  I hoped this was a sure sign this place was good.

As were entered the famous Pink's Hotdogs I could see many celebrities' autographed pics hanging on the walls.  From Will Ferrell to Larry David to Jamie Foxx...they have all eaten here...as well as many other celebs.  I wondered if they are regulars or just a one time thing to get their pics up on the wall.

Hotdogs are hotdogs, right?  I think places like this, it's a matter of ambience and knowing this is one of the most popular hotdog places in L.A.  Because of this, the hotdog tasted just a little better.

Although I am a little biased to NYC hotdogs, I would take newcomers to Pink's for the experience, and to have a few more dogs.

Have you ever been to Pink's?

Finding William: Best Sushi in Salt Lake City

Finding William: Best Sushi in Salt Lake City: "Believe it or not, Salt Lake City has several excellent choices for sushi. My very fav is a hidden gem called Red Ginger Bistro. It's loc..."

Best Sushi in Salt Lake City

Believe it or not, Salt Lake City has several excellent choices for sushi.  My very fav is a hidden gem called Red Ginger Bistro.

It's located in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley near the intersection of 3300 South State Street.

It's becoming a regular hangout for me.  I enjoy the Chinese and the Japanese cuisines they offer.  They have been running an on-going special on their sushi...1/2 off!...so hurry in before they decide to end it.

If at all possible, try to avoid peak lunch and dinner times, as most days there can be a wait to get a table.  Like tables, parking can be scarce, but, don't let that discourage you...the reward is worth waiting for.

Come try the Red Ginger Bistro, and who knows, you may spot me sitting at my usual spot at the end of the bar.

5 Things That Get Under My Skin

Believe it or not, there are actually more than 5 things that irritate me.  Like Peter Griffin when he had his own segment on the news called, What Really Grinds My Gears, this is just a short segment of what gets under my skin.

1. Whenever I see someone pull into and park in a handicapped parking spot, I always try to take note and see if they are really handicapped/disabled.  If I see someone with a handicapped parking permit get out of their car and walk and not appear handicapped/disabled, it just infuriates me.  That abled person just used up a parking stall that someone else may need!

2. In most states here in the U.S. it’s either the law or good practice to use the left lane on freeways and highways as the “fast lane” or passing lane.  I absolutely hate it when someone is in the left lane, driving slower than the rest of us.  If you see cars behind you that seem to be coming up fast, or gaining on you, PLEASE, move it over, let them pass!  The first time I visited Germany, my wife warned me of this law there.  They strictly enforce it.  They go so far as to make it illegal to pass on the right.  Oh wait, it’s the law here in my state…hardly anyone obeys it.

3. Let me start this one by saying I am not anti-dog.  I grew up having dogs.  I love dogs.  Having said that…here goes.  What is the deal with people bringing their dogs with them everywhere they go?  Remember the days when dogs weren’t allowed in stores and restaurants?  I often see people with their little lap dogs tucked under their arm and walking around with them.  Each time I’m in an airport, I see people walking their dogs through it.  I understand they want to let their puppies stretch their legs after a long flight, after all, I like to do that too.  But, all the airports I have been in have a rule about keeping animals in their travel kennels.  Keep the dogs where they belong!

4. I’m driving along minding my own business, when someone in a car in front of me throws out a cigarette butt.  Our streets, curbs and gutters are lined with this trash.  It drives me nuts!  Here in my state, it gets pretty dry in those hot summer months.  By the end of summer, our freeways are dotted with blackened areas that have caught on fire, usually from people throwing out their cigarette butts.

5. I dial up customer service/support to get some help.  Usually, if I’m calling one of these places, I’m already frustrated.  What frustrates me even more, is getting an automated system and not being able to get a live person on the other end of the line.  Sometimes as hard as I try to navigate through it, the harder it is to speak to a person.  How frustrating!

Finding William: Free NYC Boat Ride

Finding William: Free NYC Boat Ride: "I love going to NYC with people who are first-timers to the city. It’s fun being a tour guide for a day or two. If we have time, I usuall..."

Free NYC Boat Ride

I love going to NYC with people who are first-timers to the city.  It’s fun being a tour guide for a day or two.

If we have time, I usually take them on the Staten Island Ferry just before sunset.  It makes for some good, yet distant, views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  The boat ride back to Manhattan in the dark, or nearly dark, offers good views of the city at night.

The ferry takes about 30 minutes from point to point.  And the best thing is…it’s free!

If you’re looking for something free and relaxing to do while you are in NYC, take the Staten Island Ferry. 

If you’re getting around my subway, just take the 1 train to the South Ferry Station (last stop), the 5 train to Bowling Green Station or the R train to the Whitehall Street/South Ferry Station.  It’s a very short walk from the train stations.

I’ve had many funny experiences on the ferry, to include being serenaded by a guy with a guitar and having my dad being picked up on by a prostitute.

Have fun on the ferry!  I always do.

Brioche in Miami Beach

While staying in Miami Beach I discovered a cool French bakery named La Brioche Doree.  I decided to try it out for breakfast one morning. 

The exterior was inviting with its trendy look and outdoor tables.  Once I entered, the interior convinced me to stay, with its bright colors, retro furniture, and oh yea, the free wifi.

Their menu includes French pastries, breads, sandwiches, salads and more.  I enjoyed a croissant and a brioche.

The locals seem to come in for coffee and hang out for a while.  While I was there, I overheard another newcomer repeatedly comment to her boyfriend how cute the place was.  Could he not tell for himself?

On your next trip to Miami Beach, stop in and grab a quick treat, or, come and stay for a nice meal.  I think you’ll find it a nice place to slow the pace down a little.

Uber Crazy but Uber Refreshing

When I have visited amusement and water parks in Germany I have noticed there isn’t quite the supervision that I am accustomed to…not that it bothered me.  Actually, it was quite refreshing to not have some sixteen year old kid telling me the rules or what not to do.

My kids and I love water slides and pools so on our last trip to Deutschland, my family and I went to a water park.

Once at the top of one of the slides I looked around for some attendant to tell me when to go—to get the proper spacing between people.  But, there was no one there to tell me…again…kind of refreshing. 

I went down the slide when I thought it was appropriate.  I came to a part of the slide where there was not much water flowing.  I came to a stop.   As I tried to scoot along to get going again, I got nailed in the back my some teenage boy.  Evidently he had damned up the water somewhere behind me and then he and all the water came crashing into me.  That got me going again. 

I went around a corner and suddenly entered some sort of teenage water slide party—a few teenagers were standing around talking, several were splashing water over the sides in an attempt to splash people on the ground below and a few were just hanging out, talking.  I made my way past them and eventually to the bottom. 

I guess this is what can happen with little to no supervision. 

I then had to change venues and go out into the mineral pool and rest from being foot punched in the kidneys.  The cool thing I remember about the mineral pool as that when you put your head underwater, you could hear classical music.  Somehow they figured out how to pump music into the water without it sounding distorted.  It was way relaxing.

I almost fell asleep while floating there.  It’s a good thing I didn’t fall asleep and need some help…again, not much supervision.

Trampled by Crazed Fans

When I was about ten years old one of my favorite shows was The Dukes of Hazzard.  One Saturday we heard that one of the stars of the show, Boss Hogg, was coming to my home town of Memphis.  He would be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. 

My Uncle and Aunt took my two cousins and me to see him.  After waiting in line for a while, someone told all of us waiting fans that we were lined up at the wrong place.  A door opened up approximately fifty yards away and this was to be the room where we would get to meet Boss Hogg.

The excited crowd took off running towards the door, to form a new line.  My poor uncle got tangled up in the crowd somehow and went down.  Once my cousins and I reached the place the new line was forming we saw him struggling to get up off the floor. 

It turns out my uncle got trampled by the crazed fans and got his ankle broken.  He had to be in a cast for several months.

I finally got to meet short, round, little Boss Hogg and got my picture with him.  I just don’t know where the picture is today. 

To this day I have to laugh when I think Uncle George got trampled by a bunch of people running to meet the Dukes of Hazzard star.   

Oreo

I just barely made it to my South Beach hotel from the Miami Airport.  I went out onto the street to roam around and see what was around me.

I heard loud laughter and what sounded like some people having a fun time.  I looked across the street and saw a group of women coming out of their hotel, definitely ready to party.  They were hollering and gaining quite of bit of attention.

They crossed the street toward me in an effort to hail a cab.  They were obviously heading out to clubs for the night...with their low cut tops, mini skirts and their hair all done.

As our paths were about to intersect, I thought of the brilliant idea to get a picture with them.  They were happy to oblige.

As you can tell from the pic, it didn't turn out very well.  But, hopefully you can see their enthusiasm even through the blurriness.

In case you can't tell, I'm the cream filling in the middle of this Oreo.

The Fun of John Wayne Airport

This is a re-post.  I originally wrote this post on Cindy M. Hogan's blog.


A fav California destination of mine is definitely the O.C.

For starters, I love flying into the John Wayne/Orange County Airport.  Because of the noise abatement ordinance in place at the airport, I find both the landing and the take off fun.  On the landing, they slam on the brakes pretty hard because of the shorter runway.  On take off, the pilot revs up the engines while holding the brakes, then abruptly releases the brakes and everyone lurches forward in their seats then gets pushed back into them.  Once getting airborne, the pilot throttles back on the engines—again because of the noise abatement—and then a few seconds later, the engines rev back up.

It’s an added bonus when I get to sit near a passenger or two that have never flown in or out of there.  I love seeing the looks on their faces and try to imagine what they are thinking.  More than once, I’ve heard passengers asking the person next to them if they think something is wrong. 

If you have the chance to fly in or out of the John Wayne/Orange County Airport, enjoy the shorter security lines, a fake ice cream cone from the McDonalds in the terminal, the sunshine and most of all the flight.

P.S. If you’re departing flight gets delayed for whatever reason, I hope it’s not past 10 pm because they won’t let you depart if it is….again, the noise abatement!

Travel Pillow

I boarded my flight back to Salt Lake City from San Francisco late one evening.  My flight was on a regional jet, so you either get to sit by a window or on the isle.  I was lucky enough to land an isle seat, my fav.  With an isle seat I’m free to get up and use the lav without inconveniencing anyone. 

The man who got the window seat beside me was not a small person.  I joked with him and gave him a preemptive apology for my possible snoring that might be happening soon.  He joked and said he didn’t mind, but for me to be aware that he drools. 

I think I was asleep before the wheels were off the ground.  About an hour into the flight I woke up to find my head leaning to the left, and resting on his right shoulder.  His head was leaning to the right and was resting on top of my head.  We had both fallen asleep and undoubtedly gotten comfortable. 

I moved a little and was able to get out of the position without waking him up.  It’s unknown if he ever knew how comfortable we had become.

Am I Lacking Gym Etiquette?

As I walked into the gym I was talking on my phone.  It was a busy time of day so I knew finding an empty cardio machine might be a challenge.  As I was finishing my phone conversation I spotted an empty machine.

I began getting rid of the contents of my pockets when I heard the guy next to me talking.  I looked and realized he was talking to me.  He said “if you’re going to talk on your phone, then go outside.  Let us exercise in here” with a condescending smile.  I was in awe that he just said that to me.  I was there for maybe ten seconds.  I was literally ending my conversation so I could start my workout.

I said goodbye while still staring at the guy with a puzzled look on my face.  I couldn’t believe it.  The guy had ear buds in his ears; he shouldn’t be able to hear me, at least very well.  I don’t consider myself a loud phone talker. 

I’m typically the one that disagrees with people using their phones loudly in waiting rooms, planes, elevators or confined areas…but, I literally just walked up to that machine and was there maybe ten seconds before this guy so rudely interrupted me.

Was I really that rude?  Or, was the guy the rude one?  These questions puzzled me over the next thirty minutes.  I wanted my phone to ring so I could have another conversation and annoy the guy.  I began to wonder if that was a thing listed on the Do Not’s of my gym rules.

My new friend began talking to the lady on the other side of him.  I wanted so badly to tell him to take his conversation outside, so “we” could exercise in here.  I refrained.

A few minutes later he got off of his machine and I saw him getting ready to leave.  At last I caught him on a violation; he didn’t wipe down his machine after using it.  The lady on the machine next to him then wiped hers and his down.  Dang! They were a couple and she was nice enough to wipe his down too. 

What do you think?  Am I the inconsiderate one?

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Our long awaited trip to Orlando’s Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure was well worth the wait.  Although I am not adverse to the Harry Potter books and movies, I have never been the huge fans that my wife and children are.  

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was impressive to say the least—from the Butter Beer to the four dimensional Harry Potter ride.

We seemed to stay in this part of the park more than any other, and by the looks of the crowds, it was a fav of most of the guests.  Kudos to the designers of this awesome place.

If you’re going to be in Orlando and are any sort of fan of Harry Potter, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must see.

Meeting the Naked Cowboy

This is a re-post.  I originally wrote this post on Cindy M. Hogan's blog.


My fourteen year old daughter and I were in NYC on a cold, wet December day.  The rain had stopped as we made our way through Times Square.

I heard a lot of screams and laughter and saw lots of women around the famous Naked Cowboy.  I had seen him on numerous occassions in Times Square on other visits there, wearing only his cowboy hat, cowboy boots, tighty-whiteys and carrying his guitar.  What a perfect photo op!  But, I couldn't convince my daughter that it was.  She was so embarrassed; she wouldn't approach him with me.

We (the Naked Cowboy and I) shook hands and exchanged quick hellos. He asked where I was from and if I was enjoying NYC.   He seemed like a very pleasant guy.  As he and I posed for a picture together, I thought about how cold it was and knew he had to be cold.

I gave him a tip and he told me to put it inside his guitar along with the rest of his take for the day.  I wondered how long he had been out there in that weather, making his cold, hard cash.

Singing Locusts and Peeing Toads

I stepped out of our cool, climate controlled Orlando hotel room, just to be taken back to my childhood.  Stepping out into the warm, humid night air I heard the clicking and humming noises of thousands of crickets and locusts.  It immediately took me back to those warm summer nights I enjoyed while growing up in Tennessee. 

The only thing I was missing were lightning bugs (some call them fire flies) dancing around just above the tall grass.

I walked down the sidewalk and felt something squishy under my foot.  It was too dark to see it clearly.  I thought it was a piece of landscaping back.  After focusing my eyes more intently I realized it was a large toad frog.  I then saw it clearly sitting in it’s on urine down on the sidewalk.  I nudged it and it hopped away, evidently okay.  I remember catching these things as kids and having them pee in our hands.  The saying was toad pee causes warts.

Having lived in the mountain west for the last half of my life, I realized I miss those fun things about summer nights