The Beginning....

The Beginning....
When William Least Heat-Moon toured the country many years ago, his steed, if you will, was a van that he named Ghost Dancing. His journey of America was 13,000 miles. His book is Blue Highways, A Journey Into America. My steed will be a Subaru WRX (traded for an XV Crosstrek). My travels will be, what in the past were called, the blue highways of Virginia. Years ago, maps showed secondary roads in blue. Yes, the ones less traveled.

Friday, March 28, 2014

OK, I've Got the Maps and the Membership Cards to the State and Federal Parks.....

Well, let's see, this is the third card for the National Park Service (NPS) and the second for the Virginia State Parks.


I lost or misplaced first NPS card and the second one along with the original state card were stolen out of my glove box. I live in an OK section of town and until the theft had never locked my car. Same with my next door
neighbor. Anyway, I had an old wallet that I kept in the glove box with cards that I rarely used. And, yep, the wallet was stolen. My neighbor's car and boat were gone through.  Oh, well.




The lifetime card to Virginia's state parks cost $200. Yep, two-hundred dollars. I had planned on using it to start walking at one of our local parks. Hmmmm, and that's been several years ago. Yes, I used it the day I bought it. Another unfinished project.


The NPS card is especially great for we older folks. Ten bucks and it's a lifetime card allowing free admission to all national parks. Even better is the discount. Yes, I used this on my failed trailer adventure. I stayed in a beautiful park on an island across from Pensacola. The old-person's price was ten bucks a night.

So, now folks I need to get going......

Saturday, March 22, 2014

What the Heck is Civility? And, Why is that Book Here on a Travel Blog?

Civility

Short definition: 

1. Courteous behavior; politeness.
2. A courteous act or utterance.

So, how am I trying to weasel in a discussion about civility on my so-called travel blog? Good question.

This is one of several books that I bought at the Yorktown Battlefield gift shop. A nice lady who ran the shop said this book is a best seller. Of course, I remarked that I was sure I could get it free on the Internet. Yes, but look at the quality of the book.

She's correct. It is a nicely- made book; should be, 30 pages and $9.95. Though I rarely buy print books  anymore, some books just need to be in print. And, this is one of those books.


And, yes, it's available free on the Internet and for your Kindle at Amazon. But, the book is definitely high quality.

So, who am I to talk about civility? Good question. I often say, well, mainly to myself, that I want to be a better person. You know, be nicer to folks, more considerate, more understanding, and primarily keep my darn mouth shut and stop trying to force people to listen to my views. And, this kind of behavior surely isn't civil.

I have over 300 videos on YouTube where I rant and rave about so-called complimentary and alternative medicine, psychics, astrology, religion, politics, and so on. Frankly, I find it just about impossible to keep my mouth shut. Yes, I'm most likely at least as offensive and pushy as a religious zealot. And, I keep telling myself to knock it off. So far, I haven't. But, I'm going to keep trying.

Yes, I do respect everyone's right to believe whatever they want; however, that doesn't mean I respect what they believe. And, yes, there's a big difference.

It seems that religion has always been thought of as special. You know, don't talk about religion and especially don't challenge someone about their religious beliefs. Does that make any sense that religion should be special? To me, it doesn't.

If we're sitting around talking about politics, baseball, NASCAR, or just about anything other than religion we feel no qualms about saying what we want. You know, Hey, the Bronco's suck. So and so, the pitcher for the Cardinals is lousy. Folks of course will argue with you, about the best pitcher, NASCAR driver, golfer, and so on;  but, you'd better stay away from religion.

I worked with the seriously mentally ill for almost twenty years. Sadly, there are folks who have what many of us call fixed delusions. Yes, these are delusions that stay with them no matter what. No amount of medication or talk therapy will change their beliefs about their fixed delusions. And, what's a delusion? Simply put, a false belief easily refuted by evidence.

If I came out, if you will, and said that I prayed to Santa Claus I doubt there would be many people who would show respect and they'd quickly tell me that it's stupid to believe in Santa Claus as a god.  But, if I say it doesn't make sense to believe in their god, it's as if I've crossed a line that we just aren't supposed to cross. Which, of course lacks all logic and reason. Shouldn't all beliefs be open to discussion?

Well, back to civility. There's civility in words and actions. How we talk to and communicate with others and how we behave.

Thankfully, I got a little head start on civility because of how my mom tried to raise my brother and me. Yep, she was a stickler for, Yes, ma'am, No, sir, holding the door for ladies and at the dinner table not acting like a complete oaf; passing the food to others, especially guests, not starting to eat until everyone had their food, and so on.

Never make fun of someone because of their ignorance or lack of education, period. If someone states that one plus two is 73, there are times when you need to keep your mouth shut. Some people seem to feel it makes them seem smarter by making fun of ignorant people. That surely isn't being civil.

Well, enough of this and back to the book. It seems that our first president copied most, if not all, of what's in this book. Supposedly, he was young, maybe 12, 13, or 14. Well, I surely don't know for sure.

OK, here are a few quotes from his book.


1st    Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.

15th  Keep your nails clean and short, also your hands and teeth clean, yet without showing any great concern for them. (Might add, keep your shoes clean and polished.)

40th  Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgement to others with modesty.

41st  Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes, it savours of arrogance. 

43rd  Do not express joy before one sick or in pain, for that contrary passion will aggravate his misery.

44th  When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well blame not him that did it.

56th  Associate yourself of men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company. (This is a good one. Well, they are all good.)

58th  Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature; and in all cases of passion admit reason to govern. (My emphasis.)

65th  Speak not injurious words, neither in jest or earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion.

68th  Go not thither, where you know not, whether you shall be welcome or not. Give not advice without being asked & when desired do it briefly. (Hmmmm, I need to remember this one.)

73rd  Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly & distinctly. (I need to remember this one, too.)


OK, folks. It would be nice if we could all follow these rules. If you have further interest, buy the book or take to the Internet.

And, so it goes......








Monday, March 10, 2014

If You're Ever in Virginia Beach and Need Some Booze, This is the Place to Go....

This is my favorite ABC store. All of the employees are pleasant, knowledgeable, helpful, and all seem to have a sense of humor. Not on the shelves, they'll special order it for you. They are on North Hampton Blvd., Virginia Beach.
And, you might be asking, why do I have a booze store on my blog? Well, I had planned on going to the botanical gardens today, but decided to put it off until tomorrow or the next day. As I happened by the booze store, I thought, Hey, this is in Virginia, so what's the problem.

Virginia is one of the states that has a monopoly on selling spirits. Yes, you can buy wine and beer in grocery and convenience stores, but no hard stuff. Nope, the State handles that. A year or so ago there was some talk about maybe privatizing the sales of the hard stuff. But, for the time being that seems like an idea that's been shelved (no pun intended).

So, I might pose the question, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, when you hear of a hurricane roaring up the coast or a forecast of five inches of snow, do you rush to your Kroger's or head to the ABC store? Hey, I'm joking....sort of.

I think I'll end this with one of my fifty-five word stories.





Alcohol Ain’t All That Bad

“Why do you say that?”
“You know, when you go out with the guys, have a few, it’s kinda fun.”
“OK.”
“When you’re depressed, well…a few will help.”
“And.”
“Pissed-off, angry, mad, a few will calm you down.”
“How about the four DUIs, eight DIPs, $7500 in fines, two months in jail?”
“Ain’t nuthin’ perfect.”


Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Virginia Beach, Mount Trashmore Park.....


When Mount Trashmore first opened they had a few rock and roll bands play. My grandmother said, "I'm not going to sit on a pile of trash and listen to that stuff." I think she made a good point.  

World-renowned Mount Trashmore Park encompasses 165 acres and is comprised of two man-made mountains, two lakes, two playgrounds, a skate park and vert ramp, and multi-use paths. The main mountain, Mount Trashmore, now 60 feet in height and 800 feet long, was created by compacting layers of solid waste and clean soil.  (from City of Virginia Beach's website)







Today was a rotten day to go walking in the park. Temperatures in the mid and low thirities, overcast, gray day.

Yes, this park was made at our trash dump. Not sure how long Mount Trashmore has been around, but the city has made ongoing improvements. It's kind of a neat place, even though it sits atop a huge pile of trash.

There are walking paths that get a lot of use, folks walking dogs and pushing kids in strollers. 


This is a great place for kids with lots of different things to climb on, slide down, and crawl through. All built of course with safety in mind. Each area has the appropriate age posted.


Not sure exactly why I added this snap. Well, the day was so gloomy, the bright yellow posts make a nice contrast.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

What in the Heck is Going On? This is Virginia, for Cryin' Out Loud! What's Up with the Snow?

Well, here it is Tuesday AM and the temperature's 25 degrees. My last post was Sunday and the temperature got to 70 degrees. What the heck is going on?

Yesterday, I decided I just had to go to Kroger's. Was I out of food? Nope. Just decided there were a few things I wanted. As I walked out of the door about noon it started sleeting.  By the time I'd driven a mile or so the roads were icy and my car had no traction  at all. Yep, a Subaru will plow though anything. And, that may well be true to a certain extent; however, with summer tires with little tread and ice, nope it's not going to do much plowing through anything.




Are any of you folks out there praying to the weather gods? Well, if you are you've been praying to the wrong ones...or, they're all just ticked-off at us. Who knows? Or, the cold and snow could just be some kind of cosmic weather vortex...whatever that means. Oh, well...... Yes, my steed is trapped in my driveway. Not sure when I'll be heading out again.



I have the snap of the berries just to show how the macro function of my camera works. It's pretty slick. Just punch a button and you can get as close as you want to take a picture. The other nice thing about the macro function is the limited depth of field that isolates what you are focused on. It throws everything else out of focus. Will be back when the roads allow.




Sunday, March 2, 2014

Yes, Still Visiting Virginia Beach....

Ahh, my favorite restaurant in all of Virginia Beach. The Lynnhaven Fish House has set the standard for many years. My favorite meal here is flounder, which I typically get. Occasionally, tuna. My brother usually gets scallops.  We go before 3PM to get the lunch prices. Though, lunch or dinner, Lynnhaven Fish House is competitive in their pricing. No other restaurant can top them in service. And, if you like that "ambiance stuff", they have that also; you know, dim lighting in the evening, candles on the tables, and cloth napkins.

Yes, we in Virginia Beach have our own Ferris wheel.

The Boardwalk is nice and long. When  it's not crowded, it's quite pleasant.






In the summer, yes, there are lots of bikinis and lots of butts showing.
Actually, folks, not everyone should be wearing a bikini!

Yes, folks having fun at the beach. Today, March 3, 2014, the temperature was close to 70.  Forecast for tomorrow is four inches of snow of a low of 20. What the heck is going on?

Whenever I think of the beach and candy, which I rarely do, I think of salt water taffy. No, it doesn't have salt water; but, it does have salt and water, among many other ingredients. Take a look here for the lowdown on salt water taffy. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_water_taffy


This is Neptune. Each year a King Neptune is crowned. I think there's a parade, also. The fellow below and to the right is taking a picture of the young ladies posing with Neptune. Dang, I really don't like cameras that don't have a proper viewfinder. If you checkout the camera that I'm using for all of these photos (look on the right side of this blog, toward the bottom)  you'll see that it has a clip-on finder. 

































This is Shore Drive, which yes, follows the shore of the bay. This is the "nice" part of Shore Drive, about six miles like this, that ends at the ocean front.

Yes, this is the Hilton. And, yes, I stayed here once. 
That's a story for another day.

I like the white bench 
against the dark color of the building.

Bike Shop or Reiki place? Or, both. Most of these Reiki folks, don't stop at Reiki, nope, psychic counseling, spiritual this that and the other, hypnosis, life couching...well, you get the idea.

I would imagine some of these folks, these 
practitioners,  actually buy into this stuff; you know, they think it works. 

Of course, not only doesn't it work, it can't work. 

So, how is it that they and their customers can think it works? That question isn't easily answered; however, take a look at confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance which can explain some of what's going on. I'm sure some of these folks truly believe in what they do.
Yes, I'm sure the walls here are plastered with certificates and diplomas.  Spend fifty bucks and spend a few minutes on the Internet and you too, can put a bunch of initials after your name. At least the state doesn't license these people and allow them to call themselves doctors  and wear white coats. You know, like they do the chiropractors.

Well, I could go on and on, but will stop for now. At least you out-of-towners now know that when visiting us, if you feel the need, you can get your energy adjusted or get a little psychic counseling (whatever that is).

Please note: This "blog" is driving me nuts. The spacing and positioning of the photos that "it" shows when posting the text and photos in isn't what is seen on the blog. Sorry.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Speaking of the A.R.E., a Sad Tale to Tell.....

Nonsense can and does kill. What am I talking about? The so-called alternative and complimentary medicine. 

2006, a young fellow of 16 years,
Starchild Abraham Cherrix, whose family lived in Chincoteague, Virginia, was fighting for his life and battling cancer.

As happens to many, the chemotherapy treatments made him sick and weak. His family sought treatment for him in Mexico.

As I best remember, their first response was to go to the A.R.E. Based on what they learned there, they started using the Hoxsey treatment of liquid herbal supplements. And, things went downhill rapidly.

CPS got involved and ultimately, the court ordered conventional treatment; however, he did end-up with an MD in Mississippi, who mixed traditional medical treatment with the so-called alternative treatments.

And, how is this young fellow now? I do not know. The last I heard his mom and dad divorced, and his mom and siblings had moved to the Western part of the state and he's living in Floyd, Virginia.

Sadly, he still has symptoms.  And, who is treating him now? Last reported in 2011, a
chiropractor and an osteopathic doctor.

We often say, "What's the harm?" Whether it's Aunt Sue, who's pissing away her money on astrologers and psychics, or someone who is using homeopathic remedies and herbs. However, maybe the only thing Aunt Sue will lose is her money, but those who substitute sound and proven medical treatments for alternative treatments often end up dead. And, most of us would agree, that's harmful.



Please, take a look here to learn more.       http://whatstheharm.net/

Hmmm, I Just Felt Compelled to Write This....


Well, in almost another life, if you will, I met an interesting  fellow who had interesting tales to tell.

What made me think of this was my recent visit to the Beach and the photo I took of the Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment). I had thought about maybe driving a few blocks and taking a picture of The Heritage (I'm pretty sure that's the name of the place).

The Heritage, sells all things weird, you know, magical and mystical books, crystals, incense, holistic this that and the other, books such as, How to Be a Reiki Master in 24 Hours and Heal the World, and so on. And, what made me think of all of this has to do with crystals.

Listen carefully.

This fellow had a drinking problem...or, a problem with drinking, take your pick. To add to the problem he worked in an environment that served booze and to further compound the problem, person after person would buy him drinks. I think he came by his drinking problem honestly, to use that word.

Anyway, he would stop for short periods of time. Crystals..... What about the crystals?

OK, he woke one morning and in his words, "Damn, there were a bunch of rocks in my bed. They surrounded me."

Come to find out they weren't exactly rocks. Nope, they were special crystals that his wife had paid a small fortune for. Yes, these magic crystals were going to cure his problem with alcohol. The crystals would do it.

Of course, her use of crystals didn't stop there.

He said that one time there were some crystals arranged in a sort of  triangular fashion, at the door leading out of the garage to the backyard.

"What are these rocks doing here?"

"Oh, they will keep the fleas from coming in and getting on the dog."

He also said he saw several $80 charges to his credit card. Yep, crystals again. His wife would routinely send them off to have them cleared and cleansed and powered-up.


I'm not sure if there's a moral here. Maybe never underestimate the usefulness of crystals? Or, maybe, be careful whom you marry.

A note: I surely don't want to be posting entries without at least one photo. Well folks, it's a little after midnight, and, I want to use my photos, not grab them off the web.... Well, heck. Here's this bottle of gin. Yes, Bombay Sapphire gin (Thanks, Mark.). Get it? Crystal, sapphire. Sapphire, crystal. Folks, it's a little after midnight...this is the best I could do.