Devouring Global Resources?

Two and a half weeks on the English island has created quite the impression on me.

Somewhat purposefully, we avoided the hub of this country, London, and pursued adventures in the South West and as far North as Edinburgh, Scotland, truly appreciating the significant cultural differences in the land of our national heritage.

Starting out on August 13th, we departed a cold grey California and arrived on the 14th to a rainy grey England and immediately began driving on the wrong side of the road. Our jet lag was severe, yet Grant’s G-Dub GPS kept us suitably entertained as we drove West to where we’d be parked for the next few weeks.

Contented with our time in the Salisbury countryside, we poked about the area, seeing the magnificent cathedral, the multitude of henges (and hedges), like Stonehenge and Woodhenge, and the ruins of Old Sarum, the castle.  We attempted to track down various English geocaches and perpetually came up empty.  We saw the sights of the English West Country, visiting close cities like Oxford, Bath, and Boscombe Beach as well as hiking through the local hills exploring the unique landscapes and interesting historical and cultural presence hidden in among the wheat and grass.

Then we boarded our train and headed North. Through the haunts of York and then along the coast, across the border, and on to Edinburgh for a Tattoo performance from around the world, a puppet show of immense supremacy (from a fringe act), and just enough beer and scotch to remember where we were. Truly spectacular.

Soon after, Tripp and Karen departed to Ireland and we boarded our train south, back toward Salisbury.

It was wonderful to see in just two and a half weeks how much Kelly and Rory were learning and growing.  It was great to feel the stress and chaos of family.  And even though we greatly overstayed our Benjamin Franklyin visitation rights, I’m glad we spent the time with Grant and Evelyn.

Cheers!

…GPS Route to Come Soon…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (57.5MB)

Episode IX is focused on the installation of our beautiful second hand oak floor.  It’s remarkable to see how much closer this whole project appears to be finished with just the addition of flooring. I think now my back and knees are both ready for a little break.  I was also hoping this whole process would end in a nice round number, but it doesn’t look like we’re going to get away with single digits only.

Enjoy The Basement Build – Episode IX – Walks Like A Duck.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (24.2MB)

Episode VIII  looks at the final decorations of the project.  Like copper wall hangings, colors, a ceiling, and the acquisition of some old oak flooring (which actually moved from Oakland to Laguna Beach a couple of years ago, and now, after being used down there, makes it’s way back to Oakland.)  Episode VIII also features a song familiar to anyone who frequented DisneyLand and stayed past dusk in the 1980s.

Enjoy Episode VIII – Decorations

Found on the slope of our Berkeley/Oakland yard, they looked unique.

Black/Dark Blue in Color, Soft, Sweet-Neutral Taste – Not Bitter, Many Seeds Within Each.  Low Lying Bush – No Thorns.

What is it?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (86.0MB)

A special note on Chinese Democracy & Fairness.

We produced a stellar video: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/03/31/recruitment

For a competition that they created: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/05/29/vote-for-hohhot

In order to develop free marketing for their school (which they still use): http://www.astonrecruiting.com/hohhot-aston.html

The competition developed:

*PICTURES TO COME SOON*

And then we were disqualified: http://blog.johnmizell.com/2009/07/05/taking-my-leave

… I’m not bitter.

I’m still disappointed in Aston English Schools.

*From the Archive*