At home with the folks for Easter. Much of the clan is coming out east for this mid-year reunion - until Christmas draws us back.

Gatherings like these can be an odd bird sometimes. I know many who generally loathe family events - both for their obligatory nature and potential for discord. The prospect of seeing that certain someone (or group) whose views grind against yours - makes one wish for any method to generate distance. When I was younger, I would usually seek that person's blind spot, and pray that the conversational topics remain blandly familial - rather than political or religious.

Some years, there was just no way to avoid it.

During college, as I was coming to understand where I stood, the tension was enough to leave the table over - which in our family was a big rift. Since that time, I've discovered the art of topical redirection usually staves of any heated debate - which thankfully, my family tends to shy away from anyway.

Today looks peaceful....regardless of differing philosophies. I just wish the same could be said for everyone.

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MOVIE: Grass
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CD: Beethoven Symphony No. 9
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BOOK: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
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EVENT: Portland Opera: The Consul

Been a busy week. And Easter with the folks is yet to come.
My head aches with anticipation.....

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MOVIE: The Manchurian Candidate
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CD: Beethoven Symphony No. 9
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BOOK: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
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EVENT: Portland Opera: The Consul

This is getting ridiculous.
First the Dud
Then Uncle Miltie...

NOW....the legendary Billy Wilder has made the curtain call.
They say it goes in threes....

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Just some current event ideas....

MOVIE: Everest: Mountain of Dreams - Mountain of Doom
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CD: 1 Giant Leap
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BOOK: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
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EVENT: Portland Centerstage: Dirty Blonde

I know....I know....it's been 17 days and no blog. Sheesh....ya'll know how to guilt a guy.

Truth be told, I've been adapting (yet again) to my shifting daytime life. As of a couple weeks ago, I've returned to working during the daylight hours and reengaging the social calendar - for what it's worth.

As far as grumps go....Qwest has been on my list as of late.

Aside from random repair/service charges showing up on the ole' phone bill - they continue to baffle me with their shuck and jive customer support system. Whether you choose the automated or live variety, you can be guaranteed at least a couple rage-induced broken blood vessels.

Need to talk to someone about a billing error? Your hold time will be 15 minutes.....to the wrong department...followed by an unceremonious line drop.

And forget about using the automated service. Sometimes you can get in.....other times you're flushed.

And these guys are the only option, unless you decide to drop your land line for a cable modem - and make a cell phone your house line.

Hmmmmm....now there's a thought.
Stay tuned for changing phone numbers.

In other news....sad to say....but the Dud is dead. Long live the happy drunk.

That being said...they're dropping like flies today....Uncle Milt started his next career this afternoon.

Fun day at home. Soup for everyone.

In case you were wondering...

Last day on the job, kids. I've got Jolly Rancher's for everyone.

And one other thing...just in case you didn't know.

Mind wandering this afternoon.

Peeved by the inevitable international economic blowback that our latest steel tariffs will incur.

Creeped out by The Foundation for a Better Life. Uncle George, are you playing footsie with our American values? Will I go to hell for not "passing it on"?

Utterly terrified of John Ashcrofts' singing voice.

Heck, I'm just riled by Dubya....in general.

More to come.

Three days and life to go. My departure from academia is nigh.

Let my students know the score this evening. Wasn't easy. Some were miffed about losing another instructor, others understood my desire to get some family time. I'll come back for graduation to give them a high-five. Then that'll be it.

In other news, my alma mater is defying history by dominating the Pac-10 in basketball and football. Back in 1995, when I got my sheepskin, both teams showed up pretty strong - but nothing like this year. One would think Oregon was located in Florida the way the Ducks are winning. It's nutty being a webfoot these days.

Spring is returning....spent the afternoon on Sunday toiling in the soil with Alexis.

The perils of domestication...