I Need Ideas

I know. This is weird coming from me, a self-proclaimed "idea-person" (ie, I'm more about ideas than action.)

Here is the deal: I have (wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles) a Saturday off at the beginning of July. In fact, I have a 5 day break over the Independence Day weekend (Thurs-Mon).

This needs to be taken advantage of. I'm thinking some sort of trip needs to be taken.

The problem is (and it's significant), I'm pretty broke. And any extra doe-rae-mi should be put aside for my relocation.

Anyway . . . I'm looking for ideas . . . any thoughts, anecdotes?

South Dakota "just not that into" expatriate

On a recent visit to her home state, Molly Wortham was shocked at the chilly reception she got from "the sunshine state".

"South Dakota and I go way back, I mean we lived together for multiple decades, and I am a little taken aback by the cold shoulder I got on my latest visit. I go there a couple times a year to reconnect, but this time i think South Dakota might be trying to tell me something. I got better treatment from Nebraska, and I was only with Nebraska for 4 years. I don't know why South Dakota could not just come out and say that it does not want me back. "

Wortham plans on making 1 more trip to try to mend fences with South Dakota, but she is realistic about the prospect.

"Seems to me South Dakota is always running hot and cold, I am going to be a little more careful with my timing, but I do realize that this might be the end of our relationship as we knew it. Maybe we can still be friends, I just don't know. Time will tell I guess. Hopefully next time I see South Dakota, things will have warmed up."

Cheap Breakfast in the Big City

At the corner of Glisan and 30th in Portland, OR you can get breakfast for under $5 at the Pub on the corner. And maybe the bartender/waitress with tattoos up both arms will serve you up eggs and hashbrowns and maybe her band will be playing there at night.

Beach Bunny Travels Inland to Myaka State Park

A few weeks ago a beach bunny was spotted visiting Myaka State Park. She climbed a tower with her mother. The view was unusual for Forida in that they were able to see a great distance and look down on the tops of trees. Beach Bunnies are not noted for their ability to plan ahead. Descending, she commented how nice it would have been to bring a camera up the tower.

She and her parents went on a boat to look at birds and alligators. Here is an unusual picture of alligators:Here is what pictures of alligators usually look like:

We even went horse-riding.

This was the horse I rode. His name is

"Jet".

On Sunday we explored a new beach.

It was ok.

Woo! Hoo! Science is Going to St. Louis

Currently dubbed the "most dangerous city in America," St. Louis will shortly be known as the "most awesomely scientific city in America" because the annual meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (commonly called "Ichs and Herps") is coming to town.

Watch out St. Louis! Don' be givin' us no sucktitude or we will SCIENCE YOU UP! Mother F'ers!

Man of Science is looking forward to all the lovely lady scientists who will be throwing themselves at him after seeing his fab power point presentation: "Preliminary Observations on the Development of the Gill Arches in Catostomus commersoni: chondrification of the copulae and ossification of the basibranchials." Which pretty much proves that god exists and her name is Agnes and she lives on a small island off the coast of Greenland.

Most appropriate that Man of Science will be talking about gill arches in the city of the arch. But that's science for you--always appropriate.

I Am Growing So Weary of Looking at These Pictures Of Australia

Won't any of you fascinating co-authors share with us your insights and adventures. We know you do stuff.

wow.

The Great Barrier Reef, just above Queensland, Australia

The view from the boat

I was able to get in on a helicopter over the reef where we were

view from about 500 feet up

I'm in Fiji Bitches!

Well, not anymore, I lost my account password-so the true joy of telling you at the time is gone. Additionally I guess Denise figured it out before hand too. Oh yeah, Mully seems to have told Claude, and possibly Rene...well.

I'm Home now bitches!

!

The first image is the Google Earth satellite image of the beach where I stayed. I kayaked the coastline in that area and went snorkeling. There were tons of cool fish there (including clown fish-of Finding Nemo fame), iridescent blue starfish and many other colorful fish and reefs, urchins, sea snails and a school of flying fish!
The Second is from a ginormously bumpy road in Fiji. The driver was a true madman.

The third image is the view from the beach looking East. & #4

Ah, my home away from home-Gauguin never had it this good! Wicked rum and cokes + surly gin and tonics for everyone to wash away the taste of Kava. (I didn't have any though, I was too busy breaking a fever)

I did think of all of you while I was there, even as the room was spinning in a fever induced hallucination, I though..."Man I bet they are really having fun in South Dakota right now."

The Fijians were really nice people, I loved watching them fish, hear them sing, and watched them climb up coconut palm trees to get coconuts. Everybody seemed to be carrying a big machete so I felt a little left out though.

The geography there is amazing, huge hills rise from the lagoon. All of the hills reminded me of the un-excavated temples in Guatemala. The lagoon is protected by the sea wall/barrier reef (the white outline on the Google image) so the waters in the lagoon are pretty clear and calm. Perfect for the kayak and swimming.

More to post when I get the rest of my pictures from a friends computer. Ciao bitches!

Now My Darlings We Will Visit the Swamp

Visitors to Chez Wortham can also expect a tour of the local swamp, where delightful sights abound. Your guide Gregoire is sure to illuminate all the points of interest(mostly gators) Look out for chiggers!

Disney World Tickets, Check

Molly Wortham has been quite busy planning for her sister's first visit to Florida. The excitement builds as the day of her arrival draws near. "Renee has left me in charge of the intinerary, and I know for sure that a Florida trip would not be complete without a visit to the wonderful world of Disney, lucky for us, Florida residents can get these awesome deals. You can stay all day long and just soak up the fun. There are all kind of rides, and characters, and excited midwestern children all over the place. I know this would be just the thing to cure her wintertime/apocalyptic blues".
Molly's other plans for her sister include a volunteer opportunity at a local thrift shop, clearing the yard of palm fronds, and posing for cute pictures.