A Stranger in a Strange Land

It's summer it's supposed to be hot, and the gods of weather have bestowed heat. Taking full advantage of all the weather has to offer Liz and I have decided to play tourist. I get a staycation, Paige gets to see Mayberry.

I have a hidden agenda. There are things to do and places to see in Mayberry that I couldn't find with a map. Places I've never been or haven't been in many years, so I think this may be a great time to find them, so long as my traveling buddy is willing.

We began at Laumeier Sculpture Park, a 96 acre outdoor sculpture museum. It's an incredible hidden treasure. We went to see an exhibit called the Dog Days of Summer, sculpture made for pets and their people. After walking for miles we found the best exhibits in the indoor gallery (read a/c), next to the parking lot.

Then we visited the Dr. Richard Schwartz observatory at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. That was a tough sell, and most probably a major disappointment. That didn't really look like any photo of Saturn she'd ever seen. Damn Hubble telescope!

We had to see Harry. In fact, Liz's visit was almost postponed so that she could see Part 2 with family and friends at home. No review is necessary, you're either going or not going whatever I say.

Today and everyday the pool. I have a date with a young lady on a paddle boat, on the lake, this afternoon. 36C and 70 % humidity. My eyeballs fog going outside. If this doesn't kill me, nothing will. I'm having a ball.

Toad

Summer Solstice

Our family has long been blessed by having its own Astronomer Royal, Dr. Richard Schwartz, my son in law's step father. We've relied upon the good Doctor to scan the night sky, visiting distant galaxies on our behalf, informing us of the exact arrival of each solstice to our backyard. The photo above is of the Richard D. Schwartz Observatory located at the the University of Missouri, Saint Louis, the academic home of Dr. S.

Today's solstice most likely marks Dick's celestial farewell. He's been in declining health for several years, fighting above his weight, far too long with science, technology, dignity, and smarts on his side, yet still the bad guys are winning. Having spent countless hours looking out into infinity, it's nearing time for Dick to learn whatever there is to learn from the perspective of the other side. Ever the teacher, with a little boy's wonder in his eyes and joy in his heart, I fully expect Dick will be reporting back with his new discoveries before we know it.

Remember, The Day the Earth Stood Still? The remake with Keanu Reeves.

ferdy on films

Picture John Cleeves and his office, that's Dick Schwartz. Curious, dryly funny and fully engaged. I'm going to miss him a great deal.

Toad