<strong>THE SIMPSON FAMILY BLOG</strong>: July 2007

Shut Up and Sing

OK, since none of you went to see my last recommended film, Sicko—either because it didn’t conform to your busy schedule, your current political attitude, or your idea of entertainment—here’s my next suggestion: Shut Up and Sing--the story of free speech impugned, starring, yes, The Dixie Chicks. A mix of music and politics, this film as good as documentaries get.

Nanaimo Bathtub Races

Bathtub day is the biggest day in Nanaimo. An annual tradition that as been going on for 40 years, big time racers strap on their helmets, gas up their motors and head into the Straight of Georgia for a 36 mile run up the coast of Vancouver Island. This year there were 51 participants--3 of them women. They leave from Nanaimo harbor which is a total circus prior to departure. They're zipping all around so the spectators can get some pics, then the wistle sounds and off they go.

In the beginning "tubbers" would construct their watercraft from found objects, but today the bathtubs are made from molded, lightweight fiberglass, as you'll see from the pictures.

#369 warms up for the big race

Ready....set...go!

Escort boats

Racers in the straight--that is the mainland of BC in the distance

Adirondak High

Hunter, Thatcher, and I just returned from a 3 day hike in the High Peaks of the Adirondaks. We were fortunate to have had reservations at John's Brook Lodge, a rustic facility deep in the mountains. Here we were given a bed, pillow, and blankets, along with three hearty meals each day. Thus, we did not have to haul in the tents, sleeping bags, food, and other gear essential to camping out. Very convenient and right in the middle of the biggest mountains.

Those of you who have hiked here know the trails to be difficult, often in the extreme, very rugged, steep, wet, and rocky. Aside from one small complaint when we first began, Hunter handled it like an old pro. He kept up a steady banter on many subjects throughout, and carried a 20 lb pack to boot. I was impressed. At first I thought Thatcher was asking too much of the boy but the boy was up to it.

It was touching to watch Thatcher care for Hunter. Making sure his boots were properly laced, the pack adjusted, tucking him in at night. Very cool. I was proud of them both and happy to be there. Maybe a larger family trip some time in the future, eh?
Jim

4rth of July in Nebraska

Amy-Lynn's first home

Lynn-Rae and I partay down with Uncle Sam.

Tea Party attire.

Glamour Pusses, Amy's Mom, Me, and Kerry, her matron of honor.

Amy and I traveled out to the land of the corn, milo, and soybean during 4rth of July week. Went to a parade in her old hometown, Blue Hill, Nebraska, met paternal and maternal grandmas and extended family, ate BBQ, set off fireworks (available and exploding everywhere for days) and finally attended a large bridal shower. It was quite a week.A sad and sobering sight was the huge pictures in downtown store windows of their young men and women in the military who have been killed in action. Just a small town in Nebraska and every window was filled.

Sicko

Anybody seen “Sicko”? In spite of its very poor title and Michael Moore’s syrupy/faux-ironical narration, this is his best film by far. Everyone should see it, if only to understand that in countries from France to Canada to the UK to Cuba, health care is a right for all, not a privilege. In these countries, everybody gets health care, and the care they get is good. Yes, it means higher taxes and a “socialized” system, but there seems to be a feeling among the citizens of these countries that—unlike in the U.S.—those who can afford health care have the responsibility to pay for those who can’t. If you see this film and decide it's bogus, let me know and I'll pay for your ticket.

Nico's Kitchen--Acqualagna, Italy 6/07

Interview with Frithjof Schuon

The Red Indians -- and especially the Indians of the Plains --
have muchin common with the Japanese samurai, who very
often practiced Zen spirituality; morally and aesthetically
speaking, the Plains Indians were one of the most fascinating
peoples of the world. It was the great mistake of the19th century
to distinguish only between "civilized people" and "savages";
there are distinctions which are far more real and important,
for it is obvious that "civilization" in the ordinary sense is not the
highest value of mankind, and also that the term "savage" is not
suitable to the Indians. What makes the value of a man is neither
his mundane culture nor his practical or inventive intelligence,
but his attitude in the face of the Absolute; and he who has the
sense of the Absolute never forgets the relationship between man
and virgin Nature, because Nature is our origin, our natural
homeland and a most transparent Message of God.

http://www.frithjof-schuon.com/start.htm

Kiwi Cottage

We're finally moved into the house--our belongings are yet to arrive from the east coast, but should be here on Thursday. We've been busy painting the interior and getting the gardens spruced up. Our 'To Do' list is getting longer by the day, but we enjoy working on what now belongs to us. Very exciting stuff...come visit soon!! We promise to have furniture by then.

Love,
Sara

Front of Kiwi Cottage

Side yard-Main entrance

Kitchen

Dining Room

View from front yard of BC's Coastal Range

Rocky Mountain High

Laura, Elizabeth and I recently returned from a trip to Fraser, Colorado, 8500 feet up in the Southern Rockies. The reason for the trip was the wedding of Laura's cousin, Tricia Troxel, now Tricia Burns. The wedding was held at Devil's Thumb Ranch, a very cool place best known for its cross country skiing and mountain biking (something i did daily when not playing with my kid, attending rehearsal dinners, and enjoying a great outdoor wedding ceremony and reception).

view from our cabin at Devil's Thumb

a big fella i spotted one night at dusk in the stream running past our cabin

site of the ceremony

flower girl

rocky mountain national park 12,200 feet

rocky montain national park headwaters of the colorado river

March on Kennebunkport

We marched in Kennebunkport against the Iraq war today, in Bush’s back yard. Putin was down there for a sleepover. At least 3000 people showed up. I’m happy to report that the anti-war movement is alive and well again. Veterans for Peace were there in force. It was a beautiful sight to see. Here are photos.