Although Halloween traditions
have morphed with the passing of time and the melting pot of cultures, I
learned that it started as a Celtic holiday. They believed that the season of
life met the season of death this time of year. To survive the lurking
spirits, they disguised themselves and lit fires. Some pope tried to distract
from the spooky practices and bring focus toward his religion by making a day to honor saints, called “All Hallow’s
Day” on November 1st. People of Europe continued their traditions on the day before, which
would be called “All Hallow’s Eve.” An influential Celtic leader with a speech impediment helped bring about the name “Halloween.”
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Lemonade, Ducks and Beer
It was serendipitous
to find myself in Denver, when my almamater, the University of Oregon Ducks
were playing football against the University of Colorado. It seemed like fate that I should be
available to root on my team, with a great excuse to explore the nearby town of
Boulder. I soon realized that the timing of the game was the only serendipitous
thing about my attending this event. The day was a fine example of my ability
to, as they say, “make lemonade.”
Friday, October 21, 2011
Mile High Air is Thin and Dry
I learned about open
mouth sleeping early on in Denver, "The Mile High City."
Thursday, October 20, 2011
A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words...
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Stuff We Brought
There has been some interest in
the logistics of packing for this trip. I approach this topic with my gear-loving, relational, detail-oriented and theatrical readers in mind. If you don't fit one of these categories, I hope you read it anyway.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Learning Lots!
It’s our 3rd day of
travel. We set out Sunday and drove I-84 straight through to Pocatello, Idaho,
spending eleven hours in the car together. The dogs did great because they were
so tired from being chewed on by Scout and from digging holes in Mom and Don’s
garden. Patrick and I rocked out, as we whizzed by the crunchy, rolling
landscape of eastern Oregon and witnessed miles of turbines harnessing energy
from the wind. I’ve learned so much along the way!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
LETTER TO THE NEXT HOUSE-SITTER AT MOM AND DON’S
Dear Fortunate Friend,
I just spent a week at this
lovely ranch in Oakland, Oregon taking care of Mom and Don’s two dogs, four
horses and countless cattle. I assure you that you will thoroughly enjoy this ranch
“retreat” away from your to-do list and daily demands.
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Characters
You’ll be hearing lots of stories about the people and animals involved in
this adventure, so here’s a glimpse of background information on the characters.
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