Bucket List - Narrowboat

Since it is New Year's Eve, I thought I'd post the first of a few things on my 'bucket list' (things I want to do before I die). It's not at the top of the list. The items on my bucket list don't really have an order.

NARROWBOAT TRIP

England and Wales have canals that were constructed in the 17th, 18th, and first half of the 19th centuries for the transport of commercial goods. Canals often connected navigable sections of different rivers or were constructed to bypass shallow or otherwise unnavigable sections of larger rivers. Prior to canals, the only available transport for goods was via wagons on poorly constructed and maintained roads.

With increased industrialization in the 18th century more factories required transport of both finished goods and raw materials. The great porcelain industry of England relied on the canals, as did the budding steel industry. Fertilizers, grains, wool, coal, livestock, and all manner of consumer goods were moved economically, if not swiftly, by barge.

You can rent narrowboats for a week or two and cruise the canals/aquaducts these days. (LINK) 

It's not a high speed adventure, but one that I think is worth doing.  You can run from village to village, stop and walk around. I think I'd also rent bicycles to put on the narrowboat to enhance exploration.

A Visit

My granddaughter, Alyssa came by today for a visit.

 She brought her purse and her cell phone.

She tried very hard to sit still while Grandpa

took pictures of her with his new camera.

And having sit still for twenty seconds or so,

decided that it was time to get off of the couch.

And go play with a squishy ball.

The Climate

h/t Dale

The planet we live on (Third Rock from the Sun) has been "warming" and "cooling" over geologically large periods. This is a cold winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a hot summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Does it mean that the planet has 'given up'?

Two sets of data on temperature change have been examined during the last decade. One used changes in tree rings; the other used thermometers. Both showed a rise in temperature until the 1960s, when the thermometers continud to record a rise and the tree rings did not. Scientists abandoned the tree rings data and the now-disclosed faked information indicating that we are on the verge of a global melt-down was spread conspiracy-fashion between some key researchers to forge their agenda.

I don't think that we should abandon conservation. Keeping pressure to use renewable resources and sustainable food supplies is responsible.

But I don't think that Al Gore saved the planet - not just because he's a nut, but because there is a financial agenda driving people like Gore and it has nothing to do with responsibility. Its only goal seems to be to enrich its proponents.

Peace

Finding peace on earth is not an easy task. Finding peace within each human heart is just as difficult. The human condition is defined by suffering of different varieties. However at this sacred time of year, we seek for those illusive qualities: harmony, understanding, cooperation, love, charity and kindness in a way that is humble and sincere.

In that spirit of the search for peace, in the spirit of Christmas, I wish those of you who read this blog (and everyone who doesn't) Merry Christmas.

Another Holiday Treat

They are festive, traditional and inedible, just like the real thing:

Inflatable Fruitcakes

Buy it here!


In the years to come, you'll wish you bought one now because they have a 50 year shelf life -- longer if you keep the cheap plastic out of the sun. 


Each vinyl fruitcake comes deflated with a 9-1/2" x 5-1/2" envelope and a decorative sticker, making it easy to send one to all of your friends and family! When inflated, this icon of old-fashioned baked goods is 8-1/2" x 5" x 4-1/2" and makes a great centerpiece for the holiday dinner table.

Why an inflatable Fruitcake?

-Nobody eats them anyway
-Reusable and re-giftable
-Cheaper to mail
-Non-toxic (unlike real fruitcakes)
-Always fresh
-No crumbs

I failed to deliver...

I promised that I'd do more decorating outside in the yard for Christmas and I didn't do it this year. I have several scapegoats - work in Mexico, focus on writing my next novels (Bloody Mexico and The Black Scorpions) and so forth. BUT, it doesn't excuse me from my holiday promise.

Next year (it's in writing now), I intend (not promise) to create a full on Grinch extravaganza to the extent that I'm able including playing the "You're a Bad Man Mr. Grinch" song on a speaker to entertain those who pass. I'm not a grinch, but I don't like to go with the flow. The only thing in nature that goes with the flow is a dead fish. So after the Season has passed, I will begin to look for green lights to decorate my home in the coming year.

A different take on ornaments

Every year I add a few different ornaments. Friends at Disneyland gave me the employee collectable ornaments for years. Here are a few from this year.

This year they have taken on a slightly more patriotic and nationalistic theme.

Protecting the nation since 1947

This is the spy guy and a grandfather clock decorated for the holiday season.