I love the smell of dead fish!

When I smell fish, dead or alive, I immediately think "Summer" and "the Puget Sound".

I grew up in Seattle, WA, so those of you who are familiar will know of the famous Pike Place Fish Market where fish are thrown and caught by professional fishmongers. It's a great show and great fun.

Anyway, I never worked there. But, my first paid work was at my best friend's house during the summers on Fox Island, WA. Her Dad was the Captain of a herring boat. We'd go out on the boat at night and set the nets for herring. Then, we'd drop the herring into pens back at the house.

In the late morning under the sun, we'd stand at a sloped table and scoop herring into bags. We would pack them 12 in a bag, 12 in a bag, 12 in a bag while yellow jackets buzzed around our scale-covered fingers.

If I recall correctly, we were paid piece-rate, so fast was good! And, when we were done, we'd float on styrofoam blocks in the Puget Sound.

After I turned 18, I spent a summer working at a salmon cannery on Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA. It was a great summer for learning Spanish and packing salmon, but a terrible summer for canning salmon since the salmon weren't running as typical. As a teen who wasn't dependent on the income, it was quite an educational summer. I saw a goat sacrificed by a group of Muslims from Malaysia, the goat head in the oven with its eyes glazed and its tongue sticking out (given to the Mexican workers by the Malaysians), and witnessed a white man's wigwam burn down due to his own stupidity.

I love walking by the Fish Market in Pike Place because it reminds me of summer.
When I first took my, then 4-years old, stepson to Pike Place Market for his first vist, the words out of his mouth as we walked by the fishmongers were "I just love the smell of dead fish!"

I was so proud!

Connections

So, in my last article, I forgot to mention Linked In 

Linked in is a social networking site that helps professionals link with other professionals and share their expertise and resumes with one another.  It was my experience with Linked In today that started me on my Social Networking blog, posted previously. 

I was thinking of the "connections" we experience as social networking enriches our lives.  Or, perhaps just fills up those empty spots in our lives that could be filled with other things like exercising, work, eating and other tasks that are not amenable to procrastination. 

Anyway, I saw, on my mobile app, that I had some updates on Linked In.  I immediately went to discover if I had finally been discovered.  I don't know what I hope to be discovered for, but being "discovered" is an exciting prospect.  At least if it results in something that makes you rich. 

So, while perusing my updates, I see that a former High School friend was a Presenter at the 20/20 awards in February 2012.  Wow! Wait, what are the 20/20 awards?  So, I type in a search and come across a link to the 20/20 awards on nowhere other than Blogspot (which hosts Calamity Brain, btw).  The depth of these social connections is astounding!  Of course, I've never been to the 20/20 awards, and have never heard of the 20/20 awards, BUT, a friend from High School with whom I am connected on FB and Linked In was a presenter at this illustrious event.  Question, is he a friend, or acquaintance since I clearly don't know him well enough to a) know what the 20/20 awards are b) ask him what the 20/20 awards are and c) know that he had presented at the 20/20 awards until I had an update on my Linked In?  

Anyway, that aside, I learned that the 20/20 Awards are an award ceremony to look back at those films that won Oscars 20 years ago and re-evaluates the Academy's decisions with the benefit of, you got it, the 20/20 vision of hindsight!  Their blog on Blogger informs us that they are in no way associated with the Academy or the Oscars.  Therefore, I will not post a picture of an Oscar here. 

The Silence of the Lambs won 20/20 awards in this past ceremony.  It was the original winner on many counts for Oscars in 1991.  I think the awards are called a "Felix"  Perhaps I'll ask my friend/acquaintance.  While reviewing this year's winners I saw a movie I'd never heard of before:  Barton Fink starring John Turturro, John Goodman and Judy Davis.  Mr. Goodman won a Felix for Best Supporting Actor.  Well, of course, this required me to look up the film.  It is a 1991 Coen Brothers film set in 1941.  How did I miss this? 

Well, anyway, thanks to Social Networking and my friend, or acquaintance, I have learned about a film I never heard of which now has not one, but two Felix awards.  Perhaps I'll find the time between updating and reviewing my Social Networks to actually see the film.   

Navigating Social Networks

With Social Networking at an all-time high and growing, I couldn't help but become a beta-tester for a new site:  Pinwheel.com  I discovered Pinwheel through a Gizmodo article, posted on Facebook:  Why You'll soon Be Using a Wonderful Little Service Called Pinwheel to Discover the World Well, what really happened was that I tried to enter a contest by posting the best response to the Gizmodo article, couldn't figure out how to add a map point or whatever to my comment, went to Pinwheel myself and signed up for access.  Then, I was invited by the site itself.  But, if you'd like an invite, let me know.  I won't make you insert a map in my blog.  

I tried to advertise Pinwheel on another networking site I belong to, TarValon.net which is a phpBB website devoted to uniting worldwide fans of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time fantasy series.  Although TV.net fans are notoriously anxious to try out new things, I haven't had a single taker yet for Pinwheel.  Weird.  I was worried that too many people would be interested and I only have three invites, but I guess without discovering it for themselves, a solicited invite is perhaps not special enough. 

Is it possible I didn't get an overwhelming response because people are saturated with Social Networking?  I don't think so.  I think people find niches for themselves which allow them to connect with others in the most efficient way to communicate and "be discovered".  Once they find a niche that works, it may be difficult to try another experience until you can hold it in your hands and see how it fits into your life without having it feel like a commitment. 

For example, first joining Facebook (FB) is like being a rock star...people from your past come out of the woodwork to "Friend" you.  I remember being thrilled with this experience, only to have an existential crisis some days later when a) my multiple "worlds" collided, (e.g.) the High School Geek that I was and the Professional Woman I am (well, and still a geek), the divorced parents, my online friends and my professional work life, etc. and b) I had to deal with the 20-something-odd-year leftover emotions from being that übergeek in High School.  (True, I wasn't ostracized in High School, but it wasn't that much fun for me either, I was just more of a peripheral afterthought for most of my classmates.)  At the point of existential crisis and working three different sites to broaden my social network I could either have abandoned FB or continued.  Years later, FB is still one of my main modes of communicating with others. 

Now, I've hit my stride on FB and am part of a social demographic of women of a certain age who are comfortable with this medium.  Damn!  I hate being a statistic!  Perhaps that's why I like to seek out new opportunities? 

Well, anyway, before Facebook, I was entirely devoted (and still am) to TarValon.net and was a sometimes proliphic journalist on LiveJournal.com.  Sadly, I can't even remember my LiveJournal (LJ) password at the moment.  I can't remember the last time I posted there.  Thus is the nature of social networks, fun until something better comes along.  *feels slightly guilty for neglect of LiveJournal, reviews last LJ post from 2009 when I told LJ I'd taken FB as a new "lover", feels less guilty...at least I said goodbye*

I've tried Twitter, I know its quite popular, but I'm too dumb to get it.  It doesn't make sense to me the way Facebook does.  Perhaps I'm too old for that demographic?  I am an avid Pinner on Pinterest, another relatively new site.  I am addicted to creating boards and adding pictures to my boards.  I don't feel the "connectedness" to others that I do on Facebook and TV.net, however.  But, I feel a momentary thrill when others pin my pins, and I feel a momentary thrill when I discover a new pin that I can add to my boards, or that causes me to create a whole new board! And yes, I am also part of a certain demographic on Pinterest as well...damn statistics making me feel old and matronly!!!  Next thing I know, Target will be sending me Targeted mailers for products reminding me how middle-aged and matronly I am.    

Perhaps that's why I was attracted to Pinwheel, it makes me feel like I'm on the edge of something, and not so matronly after all. 

On the Fence

The Cantina at Rancho de la Osa, built c. early 1700s



 I had the privilege of visiting Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch in Sasabe, AZ, just southwest of Tucson.  This 300+ year old property is located on the border of Mexico (to the South), the Tohono O'odham Nation land (to the West), Mirador Ranch (to the North) and the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (to the East).  

Mission Bell from Fr. Kino's time



This Sonoran desert ranchland was originally settled as a mission outpost by Jesuit Missionary, Father Eusebio Kino on behalf of Spain.  The Cantina on the Rancho de la Osa property is purportedly the oldest building in Arizona, with use since the early 1700s.  The old mission bell is used today to call ranch guests to meals.   



 The ranch buildings are made from original adobe and the walls are at least two feet thick, keeping the buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  The current owners, Richard and Veronica Schultz run the ranch themselves, along with wranglers who pull double duty as bartenders, a housekeeper/meal-server, receptionist and interns.  Occasionally, there is the fortune of a handyman as well.  The Schultz' and their staff (who live on the property) fulfill multiple duties to ensure guests have a magnificent time.  Veronica is a star chef and one of her signature dishes, piñon-crusted chicken with cherry chipotle sauce was selected as the official entree for the Arizona Centennial menu.  I can guarantee you that you will not leave hungry with three meals a day and that the food will satisfy since the menu is built off of guest preferences and customized to avoid allergies and dislikes.  

Ocotillo cactus in bloom - foreground



Delicous food aside, this blog is not about the wonders of Rancho de la Osa, (although that could be a lengthy article in and of itself), but it is an article about the U.S. fence on the Mexican border to keep out undocumented individuals, also commonly called "illegals" or "crossers".  The Mexio - United States Barrier received its blessing through the Congress-enacted and "W"-signed Secure Fence Act of 2006.  

The United States Government spares little expense in attempting to prevent individuals from illegally entering the United States. While riding out on the ranch, Border Patrol vehicles are evident in abundance, driving slowly along the border, sitting out amongst the Sonoran flora and fauna alone, or in clumps.  There is a large Forward-Looking Infrared tower (FLIR) to help the Border Patrol in their efforts.  

The fence ends on the Tohono O'odham Nation's property line
because the Nation does not condone the fence on their land.



While I cannot speak for the sentiments of the Tohono O'odham Nation whose land spans both Mexico and Arizona, I am aware that many residents of Arizona (and Tucson in particular) applaud the efforts of the Border Patrol and of the fence.  Arizona residents report that they feel safer and that they feel there is a reduction in crime and drug trafficking from "crossers". I understand from the locals that, although the Tohono O'odham Nation does not allow the fence on their land, few "crossers" actually try to go around the fence through the Nation's land. The Border Patrol reports that folks claim they would rather brave the U.S. Border Patrol than the Nation's brand of justice.  

 

You can see by the photos, that the desert itself is beautiful, and the fence was designed to follow the land. It is highly criticized for both its politics and its disruption to natural animal migration patterns.  Mainly what I noticed about the efficacy of the fence (after several hours of horseback riding adventures through the breathtakingly beautiful Sonoran desert) is an abundance of trash left behind and a number of seemingly idle Border Patrol agents.  My thought is that whilst they are about their business patrolling the desert and protecting people in the States from disenfranchised, impoverished individuals, that the Border Patrol should at least clean up the trash of those they scare off and those they detain.  The detritis of the desert should not include gallon-size plastic water jugs, jackets, sweatshirts, backpacks, broken-down bicycles, sandals and other forlorn mementos of desperation and survival.  Not to say that the Border Patrol don't have dangerous jobs, because they do, but let's also work to keep nature natural.    



A lone saguaro cactus stands sentinel on the Mexican side of the fence.

When all is said and done, I am glad I had the opportunity to visit the fence, touch the fence and look through the fence.  However, I would have to say, that in my opinion, I am on the fence about the fence. 

Hiking Sky Harbor

 

Millerton Lake

 

San Joaquin River

Today we hiked Sky Harbor in Fresno County.  A singletrack or fireroad for bikes, hikers and horses, this hike is noted for its views of both Millerton Lake and the San Joaquin River.  It's first mile is all uphill.  Mountain bikers enjoy this 17-mile singletrack which connects to Squaw Leap. 





Bobcat and deer tracks



A fire burned through portions of this trail on 6/22/2010 and was contained by CalFire on 6/23/2010.  There are many new additions to the ranch/fire roads.  We enjoyed exploring the fire roads today, a portion of which I usually hike anyway to enjoy the sweeping views of the San Joaquin River on one side and Millerton Lake on the other.  





This trail can be horrificly hot at the height of summer because there is not much shade.  But today was a gorgeous 80 degrees F.  Despite the fire, there was evidence of returning flora and fauna including tarantulas, turkeys, bobcats, deer and quail. 



Tarantula



Wild Turkeys

Punny Baseball Injury

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger.  Then it hit me.  No, really it did.  About 2 years ago at a minor league game in Fresno, CA  a foul ball came straight at me.  I sat frozen, staring at the ball as it loomed larger and the only thing that prevented my nose from being the last thing to enter my mind was my husband's hand deflecting the ball from my face.  His reaction was solid as a rock, I couldn't have asked for him to be any bolder.  The ball still managed to create a terrific bruise on my left thigh.  It was at that moment I realized that it beats me why anyone would want to be a masochist. 

Mel Tormé Tribute Act vs. Dividing Creek, (MD)

I went to Wikipedia.  I clicked "Random Article" 7 times, because 7 is my favorite number and...I came up with *drum roll please* "Dividing Creek (Maryland)" .  Wow...I am not certain that I deserve such an exciting topic for tonight's Blog!!!  But, perhaps you do!

Dividing Creek is a tributary of the Pocomoke River.  So, not only is this topic relatively minor, but it is only a tributary!  Is that like a tribute group for a rock band?  A group that plays the music of a band or musician who is no longer performing, possibly disbanded and is perhaps deceased?  Wow!  Well, even Mel Tormé has his tribute acts, so I guess a tributary of the Pocomoke River in Maryland (not in Delaware or other known locations of the Pocomoke River) is entitled to a whole article on one of it's tributaries.



Velvet Fog



Well, Dividing Creek had a battle in 1635 between Englishman.  That's pretty exciting!  The Maryland colonists won.  And there was a microorganism outbreak in the 1990s...Oh, woops!!!  Sorry, These things happened along the Pocomoke River itself, not Dividing Creek.

So, back to our topic of the night, Dividing Creek.  Ladies and Gentlemen, *drum roll please*, the article on Dividing Creek is a stub!!!  That's right!  Not even a full article.  And that, is about as exciting as a Tribute Act for Mel Tormé.

I take that back.  The Tribute Act wins.