Another Friend Gone...

 I received word this week that old friend Larry Ficks has passed away after complications from surgery.  This is a sad loss indeed.  We had finally uploaded his great KRCL radio shows from the 1980s to our archived airwaves site.

I knew Larry way back in the college days.  He was well known as the manager of the off campus bookstore.  We also shared anti-war activities and the general progressive ideals that we fought for in those heady 60's and 70's days.  Musically, socially, politically we were allies.  

In this picture, we see a special group of friends, participating in the infamous touch football game between the Revolutionary Youth for Christ and the V.A.N.D.A.L.S.   (Voices Against Needless Damage to Land, Air and Sea)  What's interesting is that everyone in this pic, except me, is now dead.  Last leaf on the tree...

Please check out his radio shows, he had amazing taste and depth into blues, R&B and jazz.  My sympathies go out to his partner, Prudence and his kids.  

Some Pics from Portugal 2026

We returned to Portugal this Spring.  I took a zillion pics, but I'll just post some of my favorites (and maybe oddest!).

Fado music is the "national" music of Portugal, more blue than Blues.  The most famous singer was Amalia Rodrigues.  Here's her memorial park.   And also a sculpture of Fado singers.  We did get to hear a couple concerts of the music, wonderful stuff.

 A pretty cool church organ...

We enjoyed a tour of a vineyard hosted by Maria, infamous for her hospitality.  We also enjoyed a tasting, including a well known grape stomper...

A visit to Cabo de Roca brought us to the end of the world (at least they thought so way back when).  But it is the western most point in Continental Europe.

In Lisbon, I found Jezzus, at least his bakery...  Seems lots of folks were saved that day.

A cool mini marching band was wondering the streets of Lisbon...

We took a cruise up the Douro from Porto.  Some cool buildings along the hillside.

At a truck stop on a Portuguese interstate, I found a very cool trucking company.  Nice tribute.

Finally, a fine sunset from Porto.

Back Seat Dogs

 

Happy dogs... Melon (Left) and Mango (Right)

Palm Springs Building Sculpture

 Well, not sure what this art is supposed to do, other than be art.  Pretty curious...

New Year Sculpture

 During our NYE sojourn in Palm Springs, I ran across this interesting sculpture.  I present several shots since the piece itself changes with one's position and with the light.  Actually, this is quite fantastic...

Season's Greetings

 

A Little Hawaii

Off to Maui again this year.  Since Lahaina has burned, we tried a resort at Kehei.  Just across the street from a wonderful park/beach area, great place for sunsets.

 

We found a great restaurant, Threes...  Blackened Marlin one night, ginger spiced Marlin another.  

If you ever go, asked for Walter...

The resort offered an afternoon of music and hula at the pool.  I loved this older woman, her gentle hand movements, and especially her hair decoration.

One night, steak was in order, so it was off to the Four Seasons hotel.  The food was fine, but we loved the ambience, and photo ops.

My existential best...

A daytime hike explored the park...

Our final day found us exploring Paia, a major tourist trap but fun anyway.  We also cruised over to a big surfer beach.

All in all, a fun time exploring other parts of the island.