R.E.M.

I was shocked to hear the news today that R.E.M. was going their separate ways and breaking up. I understand that sometimes even the richest vein of creativity runs dry eventually. I'm thankful to them for a great run, 30+ years baby!

I'll admit, I still think of them as the 4-piece band below as I became disinterested in their work in the late 90s early 00s. But with their new disc, "Collapse", my interest as a fan became renewed and refreshed. Hmm, will have to take another listen at their back catalog.


One of my most prized bits from my R.E.M. collection is "This Film is On" on LASER DISC. Yeah, baby, I said laser disc -- picture to prove it. The content is roughly the "Out of Time" album but on film, with some proper videos and others that are mood pieces. I did always love it (and now can only play it on special occasions, like watching Dad's old slide shows).


As mentioned, their new disc is terrific. The critics and buyers were luke warm to the music, but I found it compelling, complex and enriching over multiple listenings. Check it out.


On a final note, here's one of the songs called "Country Feedback" from above laser disc (sorry for YouTube's commercials). While there have certainly been monster hits by R.E.M., moody brooding songs like this with Michael Stipe's haunting poetry is what will always endear me to this band.

Sad to see them go. Glad to have known them!

Octoberfest in München 2011

I remember it like it was last year. Wait, it WAS last year that I was in München for Oktoberfest.

Thanks to the folks at the San Francisco Chronicle for posting these great pics and more from this year's festival which is fully under way.

See all 50 pics in the Chronicle here.








As the old showbiz adage goes, "The Show Must Go On" and with the Oktoberfest it's no exception. Stupid rain.




Made me giggle -- boobies always do!

Armstrong Redwoods & Last Meal

Being geographically impaired, I was pleasantly surprised to find redwoods right in Guerneville!


We parked outside the park, and took the shortest introductory hike of about 1.5 miles. With the thick canopy, the temp was cooler by about 10 degrees on the forest floor.


Henri worked up a sweat, but managed to keep his coat on.


On our last night, we spotted an Inn just down the road. Actually I discovered it in the recommended places at our B&B. They called it a "unique dining experience" since the Inn was located ON THE RIVER.


We loved the service, loved the view, and especially loved the food. This was my grilled Napoleon. Not sure why I was feeling vegetarian. Delicious. Wonderful, special way to cap a terrific holiday!

Sonoma Coast

Not wanting to stay in Guerneville and imbibe, we got suggestions from our Innkeepers and headed in the direction of the Sonoma Coast, about 20 miles away. First stop, Goat Rock.


I looked at this rock every which way, but it NEVER looked like a goat. Even Henri didn't think so.


The sand was a heavy grade, but soft. I took off my shoes and enjoyed getting my tootsies all wet. This lone bird wasn't alone for too much longer. Luckily I didn't get crapped on!


Again, what's in a name? I didn't see any blind people on this beach. And it's doubtful they didn't see me.


It's really lovely actually. I do love the marine layer, the cool mist, the spooky desolate effect.


Yep, another lone bird. Reminds me of a Three Dog Night song...


Spent a good chunk of the day in Bodega Bay. The homemade tour included lots of stops from the Hitchcock film "The Birds". Hmm, maybe those lone birds above where on to something? But of course, Henri takes it to the next level and hams it up. Jeez...

Sonoma Orchid Inn & Guerneville

Our GPS took us off the main highway way too soon but we were able to get a crazy screw top view of this wine country region. Sonoma Orchid Inn, located next to Korbel Champagne Cellars, was in a word: lovely.


The Inn keepers greeted us upon arrival with a tour of the grounds. Our room was through that red door. The sitting room or "family" room was upstairs. This is where we had breakfast each morning with one of the fancy meals they whipped up. The oatmeal souffle was memorable, tasting like a big oatmeal cookie!


With only a few visitors checked in during mid-week, we had full reign of the grounds. I made ample use of the hot tub. No picture of that, sorry, but imagine a manatee in a cup of clear hot chocolate. (I forgot my swim trunks, so it was a boxer party for me!)


Now Guerneville - it's still a quaint town but has seen better days. The sights to see are the Russian River and the bottom of an empty glass of tequila or bottle of wine (according to one of our waitresses).


Henri had to squeeze his little ass into this photo of sunbathers in canoes. Mmmm, SPF 45.

MacKerricher State Park

Up the road from Fort Bragg is MacKerricher. From what I read on the posted signs, it used to be a logging area, then Mr. MacKerricher turned it into a park. Okay, that's probably not EXACTLY the story, but it's as much as I can remember.


Driving into the park, I had no idea it was a campground too (mental note to self). The beach was clean and lovely, but we were drawn to the tide pools. Henri, of course, had to lie down and get in the picture.


It was pretty "cliffy", but as I hopped from one rock to the next I tried not to recreate the Giants Causeway Disaster in Ireland 2006 (please don't remind me, but in a nut shell? Slipped, fell).


Pretty foggy still that day, but we enjoyed ourselves. When some stranger shouted "WHALE" my gut reaction was to punch him. But when I realized he meant a REAL whale - and not just a shirtless pale dude - I got excited.


I swear, we saw a whale. Twice. Yet, there's no picture so you'll have to take my word for it. Since there was no whale picture, here's another Henri snap (the camera junkie).

Jug Handle State Reserve

Just north of Mendocino is a turn-off for Jug Handle. We passed the sign a few times and I would think "Big Giant Lady Boobies," for some reason (drrrr?). Who needs a better reason to stop and take a look?


Another stark beautiful location. Walking out to the cliff's edge through a wetlands, I couldn't help feel like I was on the moon. It seems so desolate, yet so alive.


Henri came along too, hogging the spotlight wherever he goes. This hole in the rock reminded me of the famous rock at the tip of Baja...only cooler.


It would have been nicer with the sun shining, but something about the gloom of the marine layer "fits" for this place. I love it.


Henri is a ham. While walking back to the car he wanted his picture taken. But the thicket of grasses were too high, so he needed a lift. Jeez...