GOOD. Friday. 2008

It happened on Good Friday, at about 3:30pm. I was in the parking lot of the local Circle-K convenience store/gas station. I was waiting for Mike, my painter, to return with the pack of cigarettes he seemed to need. Anyway, while I was waiting I spied an SUV (next to me) with a man and a little kid (obviously his son) who were buying some firewood -- apparently for their weekend camping trip in Joshua Tree National Park.

I couldn't help myself: "So are you going camping in the Park this weekend? Look at those mountains." as I pointed to the mountains in the distance , "I wish I was so lucky. I wish I was going camping in the Park this weekend."

The guy responded, "Well, you're welcome to come along if you know how to cook on a campfire!" Okay, that was actually quite funny. "Hey," I said, "I think you'll do just fine. Have a great weekend!"

And I meant it. Easter weekend. This kid and his dad have been looking forward to this weekend all year. And here they are on the cusp of one of the most memorable weekends of their lives. And here am I...a witness to it all. And guess what -- when they've done their thing and are headed back to Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, I can grab a cup of coffee, head up to the Park and sit for a few hours in quiet solitude, just contemplating this amazing place -- who's the lucky guy here??? I am definitely seeking to re-define Good Friday. -Merrill [comments welcome]

(Photo: Merrill and Martha's Airstream trailer plays an important role in an afternoon (veggie) weiner roast with friends and family: Joshua Tree National Park, February 2008)

Look at this kid...!!! (and play this video clip)

Did you ever wonder why people seem to go on and on about their grandchildren? I am a lucky man because I have two (count 'em, two) grandsons, and they make my life totally worth living. Well, take a look at this kid doing air-ukelele in Kaua'i, Hawai'i. Is he having fun? Is he having the time of his life? Is he driving his mother hysterical with laughter? (you can hear her trying not to laugh out loud!). This, my friend, is why grandchildren are the one BONUS of living past the age of 50. Well worth the trip. Jack, you are the man! -Merrill [comments welcome]

Where the heck is she?

Okay, this is a contest! If you can guess where Martha is I'll send you a cheque/check for $25! Or, should I say, I'll send the money to the person who comes the closest! Here's a hint: the following day she lost one of these acrylic canes (she slipped, and it went splashing into the Pacific Ocean) when she was walking down the ramp to the glass-bottom-boat tour! Anyway, we had a fun, fun, fun weekend with our friends Norm and Susan (who also happen to be our next-door-neighbors here in Twentynine Palms). Another hint: "gotta love California." Another hint: why is it that we seem to be drawn to islands??? Send your answers to weale@ca.inter.net and contest deadline is April 23, 2008. This little airport was famous. And oh, by the way, doesn't she look great? She's my favourite redhead!! -Merrill

(Hey: The contest has been won by my world-famous cousin Bob Jones who guessed Catalina Island. Well done you crafty sleuth! The acrylic cane is still missing!)