Sunny Southern California

In the land where the oranges grow:

Southern California has long been known for touting our mild Mediterranean climate. This year lends itself to that smugness with yesterday (Christmas Day) and today (Christmas Day Observed) having temperatures in the mid-70s to the 80s.    

Balmy Christmas Afternoon: photo by Cliff Hutson 

So, I been outdoors taking photos of the plants around my house. It is almost cliché to have Orange trees in one's yard where I live. This area was all citrus groves into the 1960s. But, they were among the first things we planted after we moved in.

Pretty Pink Flower: photo by Cliff Hutson

There were two groupings of Camellias that were already here; we left them untouched, and have enjoyed the flowers for over thirty years.

Mister Lincoln Rose: photo by Cliff Hutson

The original owner, who bought in 1955, also planted many rose bushes. The majority of those are no longer with us, but this is one of the ones that has held on through the years. I am not sure when it was established, but it still blooms profusely.

Speaking of Roses

There is a common belief among Southern Californians that vast multitudes of people from the East and Midwest move out here after seeing our beautiful weather when watching the (Pasadena) Rose Parade or the Rose Bowl game. 

That is probably not a thing and, in any event, this year will be less inviting. An approaching storm system is expected to bring cold and wet conditions to Southern California this week. Temperatures will drop to the low to mid 60s and conditions are expected to stay that way through next weekend.

However, compared to the disastrous ‘bomb cyclone’ that has struck much of the nation, SoCal might still seem appealing. 

Sun Camellia (Trois est une foule)

Trois fleurs dans le jardin:

Trois est une foule: photographie de Cliff Hutson

December is Bustin' Out All Over?

 A few plants in bloom:

Vigne en fleurs: photo by Cliff Hutson

December may not be as big a month as June, but there is still quite a bit going on in our little part of the world.  

Soleil Camélia (Numéro 1): photo by Cliff Hutson

Pensée en fleurs: photo by Cliff Hutson

Fleur de cosmos : photographie de Cliff Hutson

But, it is Autumn after all:

Feuilles d'automne : photographie de Cliff Hutson

Reading Log: November 2022

The books that I finished reading in November 2022 

November 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence," Vicki Robin

"The Awkward Black Man," Walter Mosley

"Desert Star," Michael Connelly

"The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron," Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind 

"The World Record Book of Racist Stories," Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar 

Cliff's Notes

This was an interesting month. Two books about money and finance. Two books about race. And, one about both a serial predator and a serial murderer. 

"Money"

I first read this book back in the mid-1990s and thought that, while it had some good points, its basic premise - that work is tantamount to slavery and all of us should retire as soon as possible - was flawed.  It also posited an investment plan that I knew was unsustainable. I decided to read this edition, said to be  "fully revised and updated for 2018", to see what, if anything, had changed. I was not very impressed. 

While it does offer some useful exercises on how to get a handle on one's income and expenses, and the benefits of altering that relationship, it now exalts the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. I still see this as a flaw. Robin's goal for people to live at the peak of fulfillment, always have plenty,  and never be burdened with excess is admirable. But, some of her methods, such as "Money Talks" meetings border on cultism. 

She has updated the advice on how to invest for long-term financial freedom. However, for my money (pun intended) "The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need" by Andrew Tobias is a far better choice in this regard, as well as for lifestyle choices.  

"Awkward"

This is a collection of short stories by the author of more than fifty critically acclaimed books. Most people probably know him for his Easy Rawlins mysteries. There are no crimes to be solved in these stories, but they offer a captivating collection of different characters who kept me turning the pages.

"Desert" 

Last month I wrote that an author of a long running series had let it run on too long. The same can not be said of Michael Connelly and his Harry Bosch novels, of which this is book twenty-four. (It is also the fifth of the Renée Ballard series.) Bosch and Ballard work together to solve two cases in a very neat work of taut storytelling. 

"Smartest Guys"

I decided to read this book after viewing the documentary film "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" for my movie discussion group, thinking that it would provide additional detail or background. Indeed it did. Accounting practices such as "mark-to-market" and "securitization" are ably explained. This updated edition also provides further insight on the debacle and why it still matters. ["Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."--George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905.]

It was interesting to have read this in conjunction with "Your Money or Your Life" which examines how much is enough. It boggles my mind that one couple would need an 8,120-square-foot house in Houston, as did Jeff Skilling and his partner must have felt they required. 

However, Skilling and I seemed to be have been likeminded on another issue. He claimed that it was critically important to give people the resources and freedom to let creativity flourish. When asked to describe my job I said that, "I create an environment in which talent can flourish." Yet, it should be pointed out that I was never charged with a crime, convicted, and sentenced to prison.

"Racist Stories"

Only eleven pages in it became clear that I am not in the target demographic for this book. Why? Because more than once some random person in a store has told me that a purchase I was contemplating was "too expensive", knowing nothing about my circumstances other than an assumption about my ethnicity. Though everyone is on their own journey, much the same could be said about the other stories in the book,  Therefore, it was not "eye-opening" to me. 

However, if you are not a person of color this book might provide some insight in to how life can be for those of us who are. My main reservation is that the authors strive to be "cute". While this may be an effort to assuage the oppressiveness, for me it distracts from the seriousness of the subject. 

N is for Nectarine

 Today is brought to you by the letter "N".

http://photographicdictionary.com/n/nectarine

Nectarines: photo by Cliff Hutson

Nectarine, (Prunus persica), is smooth-skinned peach of the rose family (Rosaceae. A genetic variant of common peaches. The expression of a recessive allele is thought to be responsible for the smooth skin of nectarine fruits, which lack the fuzzy trichomes (plant hairs) characteristic of peach fruits. Nectarines are a source of vitamins A and C and are commonly eaten fresh or cooked in conserves, jams, and pies.

Bird of Paradise

and A Bee

Bird of Paradise: photo by Cliff Hutson

Strelitzia reginae has been adopted as the official flower of the City of Los Angeles.  However, the plant, like so many of the people that live out here, is not native to Southern California. 

Bird of Paradise is from South Africa, but it is hard to imagine our landscape without it. I guess that the same goes for the honey bee. Its predecessors came from Europe, after a long, strange trip to California. The first of them did not appear in Los Angeles County until 1854 or 1855 (depending on your source). 

I think that it would be safe to say that most people are happy that both of these entities are well established and live amongst us.

National Spicy Guacamole Day

Spicy Guacamole

Guacamole Picante: photo by Cliff Hutson

As a go with for tortilla chips or a side for tamales, there’s always a reason for picante guacamole. Grab yourself some avocados and mash them with some serrano or jalapeño peppers.

Plato de Tamal: photo by Cliff Hutson

¡Buen provecho!

Reading Log: October 2022

 The books that I finished reading in the month of October 2022

October 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Four Fifths a Grizzly," Douglas Chadwick

"How Photography Became Contemporary Art," Andy Grundberg 

"The Sentinel," Lee Child and Andrew Child

"Caribbean Rim," Randy Wayne White

"Salt River," Randy Wayne White

"Breathless:  The Scientific Race to Defeat a Deadly Virus,"  David Quammen 

Cliff's Notes

"Grizzly"

I have long felt that all life on Earth is interconnected, this collection of essays makes a compelling argument for that belief. 

"Photography"

Spoiler alert: The author helped make it happen.

It was a good follow up to last month's book by Susan Sontag. And, to echo a comment about her book, if I had a better understanding of postmodern art I might have appreciated this one more than I did.

As the Belgian art critic and theorist Thierry de Duve said, " When a urinal is art, anything can be art; and when anything can be art, anybody can be an artist."

"Sentinel"

I have, over many years, enjoyed most of the Jack Reacher stories. This one not so much. Lee Child seems to be getting bored and his son may not be up to receiving the mantle.

"Caribbean" 

Another entry in the Doc Ford series that I once enjoyed. Ford is a marine biologist, so forgive me when I make the pun that he jumped the shark several books ago. 

"Salt"

Yet, another Doc Ford story. It, among other plots, builds upon "Caribbean Rim" and is even more implausible. It seems as though White had three plot lines in mind, but none of them were enough for a book by theirselves, so he mashed them in to one. I doubt that I will ever purchase another book by this author.

However, I am very glad that he made it through hurricane Ian. 

"Breathless"

David Quammen is another author of whom  I have long been a fan. His work frequently informed my work as a "nature interpreter". This book was not a disappointment. 

Quammen, to steal from the back of the book jacket, once predicted a pandemic - in this book he describes the one that we are now living through, how it might have come to pass, and what may lie ahead. It is well worth reading.

Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos

Skull: photo by Cliff Hutson

October 31is the eve of Día de los Muertos also known as "Day of the Dead". I did a post on the multi-day festival a couple of years ago. I humbly refer you to it here.

I would also like to bring to your attention nice spread done on this year's Day of the Dead Parade and celebration in downtown Austin by Kirk Tuck, a professional photographer.

Halloween

Halloween (2006): photo by Cliff Hutson

Today of course is also Halloween, which is my least favorite holiday.  Perhaps that is due to my late wife insisting that everybody in the house wear a costume to greet the children (and some adults) who came to our door for treats.

See photo above.

An Oxymoron

 Move along nothing to see here!

Blank Space: graphic by Cliff Hutson

"My photography is a record of my living, for anyone who really sees."

    - Paul Strand

Reading Log: September 2022

 The books I read in September 2022

September 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"The Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta," John Rollin Ridge

"South Central Noir," edited by Gary Phillips

"The Long Tomorrow," Leigh Bracket

"L.A. Requiem," Robert Crais

"On Photography," Susan Sontag 

Cliff's Notes

"Murieta"

Yet another historical novel, depicting an actual person, but based entirely upon myth and supposition. I will say that it is relevant to our times in its depiction of radicalized police violence. However, the author tends to lean toward the side of the perpetrators rather than the victims. But, that could be a reflection of the cultural attitudes of the his times as well as his own beliefs. 

Published in 1854, the novel was not "historical" at the time it was written., but a recounting of recent events.  It is a book of many firsts -- the first novel published in California, the first novel published by a Native American, and the first American novel to feature a Mexican protagonist. 

However, when all is said and done, I don't recommend it.

"Noir"

This book is an anthology of new stories by many well known authors set in both past and present South Central Los Angeles. All of the offerings are strong. Two of my long time favorites are represented -- Steph Cha and Naomi Hirahara.  Gary Phillips, two of whose books I have read over the past couple of months, also contributes a story in addition to editing the book.

 This is the best book of the month and I highly recommend it.

"Tomorrow" 

Said to be one of the first novels to depict a a post-apocalyptic America this is an excellent read. I enjoyed being able to compare and contrast it to "Earth Abides" (see last month) as to how each author thinks that civilization will, will not, rebuild.

A strong "two thumbs up". 

"Requiem"

Elvis Cole is one of my favorite private investigators and I love stories set in LA, so this book is an easy hit. However, it is not one of the strongest in the oeuvre of Robert Crais. The story does have a really cool premise - Joe Pike's ex-girlfriend is murdered and it seems as though he did it. The book also has an interesting glimpse into a backstory for Pike as well - everyone has something to hide.

"Photography"

Sontag maintains that photography is an agent of the surreal rather than a reflection of the real. She presumes that her readers have a much better knowledge of Surrealism than I do. She also has a dim view in the direction that she sees the field as heading.

So the fault may lie within me, but my take on this collection of essays written between 1973 and 1977 is - Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, her opinion, man.

Who Discovered America?

 Indigenous Peoples' Day 

American Flag: photo by Cliff Hutson

Today is Indigenous Peoples' Day in the US of A. Many still refer to it as Columbus Day, which just goes to remind us that American history (with few exceptions) has been written by old, mediocre white men.

Contrary to what most Americans believe to be true, Columbus did not find an unknown land. It had already been settled millennia earlier by people who became known as "Indians", as he had no idea where he was.  Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is observed across the United States on the second Monday in October, and is an official city and state holiday in various localities. 

Apache Plume

Apache Plume

Apache Plume Fruit: photo by Cliff Hutson

Some years ago, I wrote a column called "Plant of the Month" for Oaks Notes the newsletter for the volunteers at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (now the California Botanic Garden). One of the pleasures I derived from writing those articles was that my research deepened my knowledge of the plants I picked for the column. Once, I was almost too ashamed to admit that I found out that what, for decades, I have taken to be the flower of Apache Plume was actually its fruit.

Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) belongs to ROSACEAE, the rose family. It is native to the arid habitats of the mountains of east San Bernardino County. It is also found in the desert woodlands and scrub of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and northern Mexico. It is the only member of its genus. Which is to say it is monotypic. 

Apache Plume Flower: photo by Cliff Hutson

The flower of the shrub is roselike, or to some a little like an apple blossom, with rounded white petals and a center filled with many thready stamens and pistils. The flowers are small, but not inconspicuous if one really looks at the bush when preparing to write about it.

However, the persistent fruits have distinctive feathery plumes that look a lot like pompoms. They are formed when the ovary of the flower remains after the petals fall away, leaving the styles, each 3 to 5 centimeters long. Each style is attached to a fruit, which is a small achene. The plant is covered with these clusters. They are greenish at first, turning pink or reddish tinged later on.

Eventually the plumes turn white and when backlit are quite spectacular. The fruit finally disperses when wind catches the styles and blows them away.

Apache Plume: photo by Cliff Hutson

The plant grows three to eight feet tall, with straw-colored branches and spreads six to eight feet. The small leaves are green on top and rusty underneath. Apache Plume can look a little scruffy, but still be attractive in a drought tolerant garden.

Rosh Hashanah

Shanah Tovah

Honey & Apple: photo by Cliff Hutson

Today, all around the world, Jews are celebrating the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, and preparing to observe the rituals of the holiest time of the year which follows.  

I wold like to extend my wishes, to all those who do, that 5783 may be sweet and good. And, that your name be written in the Book of Life.

Prayer Shawl: photo by Cliff Huston

Reading Log: August 2022

 The books that I read in the month August 2022

August 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"Earth Abides," George R. Stewart

"Bark to the Future," Spencer Quinn

"Matthew Henson and the Ice Temple of Harlem," Gary Phillips

"A Gentleman in Moscow," Amor Towles

Cliff's Notes

"Earth"

This is one of the most interesting science fiction novels that I have read. Though written in 1949, it speaks to our times as a lethal pandemic ravishes civilization and people have to adapt to the changes that has wrought. The author notes,“All the best-laid plans could not prevent the disaster against which no plans have laid.”. That is as true now as it was then.

And, on a very personal and silly note, I was amused that the opening of the story unfolds near the town of  "Hutsonville".  Not that such a community actually exists nor that it would have been named after a relative of mine.

"Bark"

 Another amusing addition to the Chet and Bernie series. Perhaps not quite as good as those written at the beginning it is still a fun read.

"Matthew Henson"

This is a novel that I find difficult to classify. The title character was a real person. Other people people who appear in the story, e.g, Bessie Coleman, or Nikola Tesla, are historical figures as well. And, its depictions of American culture and race relations during the Harlem Renaissance are well grounded. But, clearly, the story is cut from whole cloth. I guess that its genre could best be described as historical fantasy, with an overlay of science fiction.

While very entertaining, I feel that this book falls short of the author's outing in "One-Shot Harry". Also, I am appalled at the egregious lack of editing and proofreading. Lastly, there is no Ice Temple, unless I dozed off for a couple of chapters as I sometimes do when watching television. 

"Gentleman"

This book is the best of the month, though at first I did not think it all that promising. 

Starting in the year 1922, the describes the life of a Russian man sentenced to house arrest in a Moscow hotel though 1954. How interesting could life be in such a confined environment? It turns out that it is very compelling. And, we  should admire any course of study no matter how arcane if it is pursued with curiosity and devotion.

Notably, it is also set against real history that many of us are familiar with on some level and offers some comment on actual sociopolitical events while the author develops a delightful cast of fictional characters. 

I would suggest that, at heart, its moral is that being a good person is more important than having good taste. 

Live Simply

 Simple Living

Live Simply: photo by Cliff Hutson

The above photograph is of a Patagonia t-shirt that I bought a couple of years ago. I like the sentiment, but I am sure that there are some who say that the fact that it is such a high end shirt belies the idea that I actually have a simple lifestyle.

Wikipedia defines living simply as voluntarily engaging in a number of practices to simplify one's lifestyle. It notes that one of the hallmarks of simplicity is depending less on technology. So my writing a blog on a service owned by Google certainly works against me. However, it could be argued that using the internet for shopping, reading the news, and keeping in touch with friends and relatives reduces my carbon footprint - so that is a good thing.

One, expert has implied that living simply can’t be defined in one article or Instagram post. One person’s simplicity looks different from another’s. The key is to figure out what simplicity means to you. So, I thought that I would take a look at some of the salient points found in most articles about simplicity to see how I measure up.

Limit media

Some years ago I would have given myself high marks on this one. I read a lot of books and did not watch much TV; though I enjoyed revisiting my rather large DVD collection. But, the longer the COVID pandemic dragged on the more I found myself streaming more and more hours of entertainment. Just over the past couple of weeks I have watched "A League of Their Own", "For All Mankind", and have started "The Rings of Power". But, all in all, I think that I have a pretty good balance.

Simplify your wardrobe

I have probably gone too far in this direction. My wardrobe consists of jeans, shorts, and casual shirts. I in fact worry that I do not have anything to wear to a solemn occasion should the need arise. If it is business, they can take me as I am. But, I recognize that there is sometimes a call for decorum.

 Spend time alone

Animal Companion: photo by Cliff Hutson

I find balance and comfort in solitude. And, at home, there is just me and a cat.

 Don't tolerate debt / Get rid of unnecessary costs

The secret to happiness is low overhead and no debt. I realize that I am very fortunate to have reached a point in my life where this is possible. My mortgage was paid off right after I retired in 2009. And, I paid cash for my twelve year old truck back when it was new.  

Downsize

The biggest change that is on my horizon is downsizing. It has been several years since I have needed a truck; and it gets abysmal mileage for someone who likes to think of their self as concerned about the environment.

Neither do the cat and I need as large a footprint for a residence as we now inhabit. So, I am gradually working on getting rid of well over thirty years of accumulated stuff so that we can move to a smaller home. 

Ultimate goal

The goal is to gain freedom by having less in life.

Labor Day

Whatever the work is, do it well:

Lunch Box: photo by Cliff Hutson

Today marks Labor Day's 140th anniversary in America. It is a federal holiday observed annually on the first Monday of September. The day celebrates the labor movement in the US and the contributions and achievements of the American worker.

This year, the day has been more in the forefront of my mind as for my birthday a friend gave me a classic lunch box that reminded me of from whence I came.  

Working-class kid:

The term “working class” often typically describes members of the labor force that do not hold a bachelor’s degree. Common working class occupations include restaurant employees, auto mechanics, construction workers, and service-type workers.

My father owned his own business, but it entailed a lot of hard physical labor. And, from the time I was tall enough to push a broom and until I entered college I worked alongside him as much as my schooling and sports allowed. One reason why I like the new lunch box so much is that it reminds me of how we carried our meals and snacks when out on a job.

[Note: I just finished watching the "A League of Their Own" series on Amazon Prime Video. I enjoyed seeing all of the lunch pails in many of the scenes at the screw factory.]

I also found jobs on my own. Thus, I ended up mowing lawns, pulling weeds, clearing brush, and doing janitorial work in my tweens (that was not a term back then) and teens. One job of a different sort was helping an architect measure buildings to aid in his design of renovations to them. That got me to thinking about going to college and moving on up in the world.

A good union job:

Working with my Dad was hard. But, it was honest work and I took a great deal of satisfaction in it. However, I could see that it had its limitations and knew that I would have to strike out on my own. 

Labor Day grew out  of the labor union movement. The fortunes of organized labor have ebbed and flowed over my lifetime. When I entered the official workforce, around one-third of U.S. workers were members of a union, and I became one of them. Sadly, to my way of thinking, today, union membership is at just 10 percent of workers, with local government employees accounting for most of those. 

There is no doubt in my mind that collective bargaining boosted my pay, improved my benefits and give me some modicum of control over my schedule so that I could work part time and carry nearly a full load in college. I was able to cover all my expenses - rent, food, tuition, and so on - and graduate with out any debt. 

Through no fault of their own, many young people today will not be able to do the same, should they have the same desire. Jobs like that just do not seem to exist in the County of Los Angeles where the "minimum wage" is well short of the "living wage".

You are not the work you do; you are the person you are:

Office Space: photo by Cliff Hutson

Since graduating college, I have had many kinds of jobs, but I have never considered the level of labor to be the measure of myself, and I have never placed the security of a job above the love of family. 

And, even though most of my tech career was spent behind a desk as a manager I was always pro union. I believed that what was good for the people who were on my team was also good for me, and ultimately the business. May be that is why I never made the "C-suite'. 

Lizard Tail

 Lizard Tail

Lizard  Tail: photo by Cliff Hutson

Lizard Tail (Anemopsis californica) is also known as Yerba Mansa. Yerba, is Spanish for herb. Some say that mansa is the feminine form of the Spanish word manso meaning tame, tranquil or calm. But, as the plant has none of these effects, the best translation is probably “soft herb”. The common name Lizard Tail derives from its family name  - Saururaceae. It is the only member of that family native to California.

What looks like a flower is actually a succession of bracts which sit below a petal-less flower with six stamens and an inconspicuous pistil. 

The plant flourishes in very wet soil or shallow water. Thus, today, it is much used as an excellent plant for water features in home landscaping. It can be planted in the water or along moist edges and will trail down along rock faces or fountain edges. 

However, it may be said that it better known for its medicinal uses.  Native peoples from the coastal Chumash to the desert Shoshone have used yerba mansa as an anesthetic and antiseptic for a very long time. Its dried roots, ground into a powder, are used to relieve sore throats Yerba mansa is used as an antimicrobial, an antibacterial, and to treat vaginal candidiasis. It has been used to treat colds, coughs, asthma, kidney problems, and venereal disease.

NOTE: This post is an examination of traditional medicinal use of a plant. It is intended for cultural and environmental education purposes only, and should not be taken as medical advice.

Another Birthday and an Anniversary

The Birthday

Cafe 1919 Margarita: photo by Cliff Hutson

I am taking a rest day by reposting a story from five years ago. But, first an explanation.

Yesterday was my birthday; in way of celebration my daughter, my son, and I met in the morning at The Huntington for a few hours of walking through the gardens, followed by drinks and lunch at the 1919 Cafe. It was a wonderful time for me as it had been well over a year since we last saw each other in person.

But, the upshot of it is that I am stiff and sore today from what was a proverbial stroll in the park. That is quite a contrast to the way I remember feeling after the excursion I took for my 16th birthday. I have assuredly lost a step (or more).

The Anniversary

So, this weekend is the sixtieth anniversary of my oldest brother and I summiting Mt. Whitney. Here is the rest of the story:

Mt. Whitney Summit - 1962

This past weekend marks the fifty-fifth anniversary of my summiting Mt. Whitney, with Loncy, my oldest brother. It was his idea that we should do this to celebrate my sixteenth birthday.

Neither of us had ever backpacked prior to this. Although, he had done a stint in the army, so he had some experience with bivouacking. Also, we were both in good physical condition - he from his job, and me from my participation on high school sports teams - so we gave no thought to training.The whole trip was put together in a couple of weeks.

We obtained most of our equipment from the Army Navy surplus store at the Sunset Junction (which still seems to be there in some iteration, imagine that). The main purchases were knapsacks, Army canteens - which included a cup which could be used for cooking, and a foldable Stereo stove on which to cook. Loncy also bought a sleeping bag. But, I had my Mom make mine out of a wool blanket based on a design from a  card found in a box of Nabisco shredded wheat. Our food supplies were just things from the local market.

I have read that, nowadays, each year 19,000 people now attempt to climb Mt. Whitney from the east. We saw only about 10 - 12 (most of whom were very surprised to see us) over the duration of our trip. We spent one night at Whitney Portal.The next day we hit the trail and hiked to Mirror Lake and overnighted in the open. The follow morning, we summited and walked down to the base camp by late afternoon.

It was a great way to spend a birthday, and a trip that I shall always remember.