Monday, May 2, 2011

Hike-About, Leg Four

The inquisitive child

Aloha,

The vacation is over finally; it’s time to get back to work. In fact, after more than two months in San Diego, even the Editor is whining about the need for adventure. (We have obviously lost our ‘charm’—did we ever have it?) It sure makes a change because as we always say, it’s lonely whining on one’s own. Once we get on the road, the real work begins. No. We’re not talking about stock markets and furniture companies. You guessed it. Exploring, hiking, climbing and at times, making a nuisance of ourselves, never forgetting the myriad experiences the world offers.
Mt Rainier--during fall

Not that we didn’t do any work back home. In fact, the stock market has us confused. We never thought we’d see the day when the Federal Reserve Chairman (Big Ben) would ring his bell as a cheerleader for stocks and bonds. We are so grateful for his wisdom and understanding of the economy though. ‘There is not enough inflation,’ he exclaims. We always thought inflation was undesirable but we are wrong—what do we know. We see food prices rising, gas rocketing, our medical insurance up 24% this year following a 30% increase of the last. No wonder we are grateful. Imagine if we really had inflation.

Perhaps what really shows our ignorance is watching the dollar not just fall but thrashed (trashed?) against just about every currency, including those of struggling third world economies. Of course, we could not understand this after listening to the Secretary of Finance and Big Ben avow their belief in a strong dollar. We kid you not. No wonder we are better suited to the mountains—one does not need a high level of intelligence out there. We know our place and intend to return and climb.

Things were going well in planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands. The reason for this trip is to do some investigation. This whole ‘birther’ issue with our beloved president is worrying. As concerned citizens, we had decided to assist in the search for the long-lost long birth certificate. (Our skills were rather honed from our recent Pesach hunt for chametz). Just as we are preparing to leave, we have been ‘trumped’. They found the paper. So where does that leave us. Perhaps we’ll settle for a hike or two and the president can get back to real business again...on the golf course.

We met up with quite a few friends over the recent past. However, time was scarce and we did not spend enough time with them. Alas! We realize we were on vacation and everyone else was busy at work or following regular routines. Perhaps we should also develop a more regular routine but then again…maybe not.

Mesa Arch, Canyonlands

Finally, if we hear Ellie say ‘Hello, Gaga-Papa’ in that special way, we might just melt and lose direction. Who said choices were easy?

See you.
Aloha!

Jenni and Jeffrey

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