I am CuTRis

Yesterday I saw a coyote while I was hiking in the Black Dog Preserve. It didn’t appear to have seen me as it trotted across the trail and into the woods. I know they are around, since I see their tracks. I almost never see them though. I know coyotes are not well liked. They are smart and opportunistic. A cat or small dog would make a good meal for them. The fact is, they live almost everywhere in Minnesota; including the cities. Those few times that I have seen one, I consider myself fortunate. http://www.canismajor.com/dog/coyote.html

While I enjoy my hikes in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, I must admit that Summer is not my favorite time in the woods. A few days ago I was off-trail, trying to find my way from one trail to the other. Once committed, I kept going though I was sometimes in brush that was over my head. Wearing shorts because of the heat, I was stung so many times by stinging nettles that my legs were bleeding by the time I made it out. Of course, the flies found the blood irresistible. Yesterday, I decided to take a 6 or 7 mile loop around Long Meadow Lake. I was hoping to make it around before the coming rain started. There is an undeveloped trail that usually affords some good wildlife encounters. Last time I had been on it I was “charged” by a baby woodchuck. Eventually on this trek, I can link up to the Bluff Trail which is usually an easier hike, though there is some elevation and yesterday, I found that the recent storms had left fallen trees on the trail. When I started out, I wa...

I am often astounded at the narrow thinking of some people. I was reading the news story that said, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has mixed feelings about President George W. Bush's choice of John Roberts to replace her. O'Connor said the federal appeals court judge is "first rate," but she's disappointed that the nominee isn't a woman. Now if the idea is that hiring should be based on who is most qualified for the job, rather than what race or sex a person is, why would a female judge need to be replaced by another female; or why would a minority school superintendent need to be replaced by another minority? Isn’t this illegal and doesn’t it contradict fair hiring practices? Why is some discrimination okay while some is not? Why can’t we hire solely on qualifications? Why does society take a few steps forward, and then a few more backward again? Until things are fair for everybody, it will never be fair. KJC

While I was on my trip recently, I had the opportunity to visit the graves of Sacajawea and Chief Washakie in the Wind River Indian Reservation. The experience gained more significance after returning home. The Chief and I have a connection that I won't get into right now. I will only mention the feathers. While I was doing my project work recently, I had a turkey feather at my desk where I worked. Since it had brought me much joy, I decided to return it to the wild when the projects (and my employment) ended. I hiked into the wildlife refuge where I volunteer and found a spot to set it, in the bark of a tree. On my way back out of the woods, I found a new feather in my path. While visiting the graves in Wind River, I left a large goose feather at Sacajawea's grave and a fine turkey feather on Chief Washakie's grave. These were nice feathers, and though I have a good collection of them, they were so nice that I would like to keep them. I could think of no better thing, howe...

Ten States July 15, 2005 I’ve returned from my road-trip. I’m happy to say that I was able to follow my planned route almost exactly, and I was able to see all of the things that I had wanted to see. July 5, 2005 (Tuesday) I departed at a leisurely 9:30AM. I drove to Brandon, South Dakota, where I got gas and a snack. I arrived in Murdo, SD a little after 4:00PM CDT. I ate at the Star Restaurant and then there was a rather wicked lightening storm late in the afternoon. I watched the movie “Troy” in my room at the Sioux Motel. Then I decided to go get a beer so I went to the Lost Souls Bar, where I met Lyn. After talking to him, we walked over to his brother Mike’s bar, The Rusty Spur; where we hung out with his other brother Jessie. The brothers built the bar themselves, and they did a nice job too. During our conversation, I found out that there were cougars in the area, as Jessie said they were after his horses. 457.5 miles July 6, 2005 (Wednesday) I left just after 8:00AM CDT and fu...

I just got back from my road-trip. Details forthcoming...

I have this plan to take a road-trip. It occurred to me as I was working 50-hour weeks earlier this spring on a series of academic testing projects. I knew it would all be coming to a screeching halt and then I should travel. I'm planning to visit 10 states, in two weeks, and cover about 3,000 miles (4,900 km). I was checking over my car. I remember when cars were so basic that even I could understand them. Now, when I look under the hood, it's like a spaceship or something! Still, it is mighty impressive. I like my 2004 Grand Am. It's almost like it's a driving machine that I can use to get from place to place! The inside is as if it was designed for human comfort! There are climate controls, musical options... and the trunk seems almost as if it was designed specifically to carry cargo! I reckon I won't have time for my blog for awhile, but when I get back in a couple of weeks, I should have a story or two to tell! Kevin

I think my next book will be called, Greatness, and the Art of Being Great By Kevin J. Curtis Quote from the book... "People often ask me about being great, and if they too can achieve greatness. Then I have to tell them, 'no, most people aren't great, and you're one of them.'" That cracks me up... KJC

Differences of opinion can occur in any situation. We are taught as children to “give and take,” and negotiate our way to an agreement. If the children can’t do that, some “responsible” adult will try to mediate. What happens if the “children” who are arguing are the adults? In the case of two countries, it could mean war. In the case of the Minnesota State Government, it appears to mean “partial government shut-down.” There are no “adults” available in the government to settle things. Primitive people would have perhaps had a physical altercation, resulting in a leader who would ultimately take charge. In our “civilized” world, political leaders don’t soil their hands this way; they prefer to have others take those kinds of risks. Is it easy to negotiate a budget? I’m guessing not. After all, how much can be “trimmed” before there is nothing left? Then of course there is the Republican agenda to keep the power and money in the hands of those who already have power and money. The Democ...