Kinkikali

NH Mountain Hiking

Every now and then there are websites worthy of note.  Such is NH Mountain Hiking (http://www.nhmountainhiking.com/) produced here in NH.  The man behind this grand endeavor is one Fred Shirley who happens to be my old scoutmaster from the 1970’s.

Fred has lead an exemplary life, raising a great brood of fine children, giving of his time for community (getting the moniker Saint Fred), and working loyally (in our country’s defense) for Sanders for many decades.

Now retired Fred has combined passions of hiking, photography, and community service with his website. 

I have had bad experiences with hiking in the past—but never under Fred’s tutelage.  I look forward to joining a hike with Fred.  He was calm, deliberate, and responsible back in the 1970’s.  He can only have “improved” with age.

Please check out the website and enjoy!!!

Obit: Ralph Snodsmith

Ralph Snodsmith passed away last week,  He was the voice and inspiration behind “The Garden Hotline”, a syndicated call in show–garden variety.  Like many in the agricultural trades, Ralph was home grown, down to earth, American to the root, and in many way unsung.  His show was on a local radio station when I was living in Concord NH (1999-2005) where each Sunday he aided gardeners far and wide.

Ralph passed away, working to the end, fighting illness.  Of course with the magic of syndication, Ralph passed away and the station (WTPL-FM) played his “Garden Hotline Minute” without regard or notice of the “dead guy talking” situation.

I emailed the current host (Mr. Heath) who made no mention of having played “the dead guy” just moments before.  Oh they made comment on him having passed on.

Too bad on two accounts: you died without enjoying a well earned retirement and even the media that plays you won’t let a little death mess up pre-recorded programming.

Rest in Peace Ralph

Mitt to Haiti

Mitt Romney, former contender in the 2008 Presidential Olympiad, is known as Mr. Fixit.  He rescued companies, states, and Olympic games.  Despite his crippling good looks and bloated personal wealth, Mitt has himself a golden opportunity to set himself up for the next presidential race.

Haiti, a disaster with a disaster, is just about as bad as it gets.  Perfect for a go to guy with chin and muscle.  Bring your family.  Their fashionable good looks would beautify by mere presence.  But the Romneys bring more impressive ivories.  They have family teamwork and solid Christian values.

And then there is the money.  Not that it won’t end up in some foundation anyway.  Why not cut loose a slab of millions.  Show your mettle Mitt.  If you rescue Haiti think of accolades—Mitt the Messiah of Haiti.

People, the voting public, would be sold on your boldness and executive nerve—-you would be unbeatable.  But you need to get going.  Time and opportunity are wasting (as well as scores of human lives).

The Levee was Dry

The Pat’s are humbled.  Kurt Warner is retired.  And Brett Farve has taken his last hit.  Like a water logged phoenix, New Orleans has come back from a very bad date with Katrina.  True Indianapolis has been weathering tough times.  But being underwater financially is far different from being underwater like the folks of the bayou.  I give my cheers to the Saints.  So many greats in helmets came from the bayou.  Now it is time for victory of the Superbowl variety to come to the Saint’s crowd.