JOIN IN THE THANKS GIVING

Thanksgiving is easily my favorite holiday. There are almost no hassels in getting ready. It almost always brings together at least some family to share a traditional meal and to linger long enough to share again with turkey sandwiches on sourdough bread. Unlike other holidays, it is almost unpolluted by commercial hard sell pressures (if you can set aside the xmas frenzy which has been building since late October).

It's a day on which we reflect on our blessings individually, as family, and as a nation. It is a day in which we can express our gratitude for those blessings. It is a good day for prayer.

For me, it has always been a day in which I consider the freedoms which have been obtained and protected over the years by our country's military personnel (even more-so than I do on Veterans's Day, for example).

Mostly it is a family day and a time we can be together and remember how God has blessed us - every one! It is a good day to renew our hope.

May God bless and enrich your life too at this Thanks Giving time.

MORE JAPANESE GARDEN PICTURES

In this pavilion, special exhibits and seasonal events are often presented.

A variety of water features add interest and texture to the individual venues.

Beauty in the landscaping is often in the delicate details, like this classic maple.

Today the pavilion held a display of indigo textiles with a detailed explanation.

Shihoko Futomoto of Japan created these delicate, shimmering hangings.

Several ponds form a chain through several peaceful, colorful scenarios.

In the fall, a visitor should note color everywhere - even in canopies overhead.

A series of decks allows walking above the waters to view large, multi-hued koi.

Open areas often contrast different sands or stone surfaces with moss/grass.

In this stone garden, gravels are carefully groomed around the rock "islands".

For gifts or souvenirs, a small, gift shop offers a nice selection of pretty items.

JAPANESE GARDENS, PORTLAND, OR

Considered one of the World Class gardens of its kind, Portland's Japanese Garden is classic, serene, and immaculately groomed. As is a portion of the plan, it abounds in many shapes, colors, textures and sizes of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and is subtly decorated with typical Japanese stonework and water features.

Running water, falling water, trickling water, dripping water, and basins, pools and ponds located throughout the grounds each offer a unique view of texture and form on the various surfaces. Reflections are carefully planned, ripples and rills are strategically placed, and the musical sounds of water are part of the ambiance. In late fall, of course, rain becomes part of the liquid tapestry.

Many of the trees are native to the Pacific Northwest, but imported trees and plants are prominently featured. In the fall, Japanese maples and Asian ginkos with their odd shaped leaves are prominent for their sharply defined shapes and brilliant colors. Autumn colors abound in early November, but the groundskeepers do not let them accumulate on the lawns and walkways. Only in the ponds are the fallen leaves abundant.

Textures are found in the border fences, the walkways which are of sorted, gray-toned gravels, cut quarry slabs, and natural stones set carefully to accommodate easy steps on the slopes. Stone lanterns, bamboo walls, and Japanese architecture combine to create the illusion of being in Japan itself. The Gardens are a place of quiet beauty and peaceful surroundings. Come go with me and we shall find some moments of peace and tranquility - even if it is raining a little.

NOVEMBER ON THE AULD LINKS

First, look at the weather. No rain! Just sunshine and shadows. It's 68 degrees on November 2nd, and my turtle-neck shirt and sweater are too warm in the direct sunlight. I'm out with a "motley krew" of brothers trying to use up the last couple of weeks of the season at the little executive course where we gather every Monday. (OK, I know Monday was the 1st, but it rained an inch on Monday and we came instead on Tuesday!)

One thing about little digital cameras is that it's hard to get action shots. I took a dozen that had to be discarded before I got this one, and I wouldn't dare show you the shot of me at this tee looking like Moby Dick. Well, we play a casual variety of golf and all the running commentary is well taken since no one in this bunch is a professional. We hit 'em good, and we hit 'em sour. It's OK. Four ol' grandpas can have fun together and take turns on being the goat from hole to hole.

I took up the game again after a decade of inactivity, and immediately found that being ten years older and twenty pounds heavier keep my clubs from hitting as far or as accurately as they used to. I've taken to reading an illustrated "how-to" book and some of the former lore is slowly coming back to mind, but putting it back in practice is not as natural as it once was. Still, I'm two-putting many of the greens and I'm keeping my drives in the middle of the fairways.

My ironwork is something to be repaired, since the clubface doesn't swing to the same place each time. (And I'm topping the ball! Aaaargh!) The club I'm completely forgotten how to use is the pitching wedge. I can't pitch or chip worth a wet whistle. But Hey, look at the grin above, won't you? On the final hole, I drove onto the green and sunk the six foot putt for a perfect birdie, so the old man still has a bit of game left in him, Eh? So, are you a golfer too? Great! Get in shape and let's play a round next spring. I'm going to lose the twenty pounds, and I'm trying to figure how to get the last ten years back. I'll do my very best to give you a good round, OK?