After collecting pictures of the last of the Big 5 we collected out kids and luggage and went back in to Pilanesburg for one last "hunt." We were not disappointed.

More Safari Sightings

Answered prayer or coincidence? Either way I think it is a pretty cool story and one of my favorite memories.

Out of Africa: The Big 5!

African Skies and the Search for the Big 5

In July I spent 3 weeks in Africa. It was a work trip, but I didn't work every day. Fortunately, weekends are also a reality in Africa! I was doubly blessed because my wife and two youngest kids were able to join me. Lisa and I lived there for half a year back in 1997 with our two oldest kids. To bring our two youngest was a real treat, especially a trip to the same safari park we visited in '97.

I am documenting the trip on my photoblog. I invite you to take a look at the photos and read the stories about our search for the "Big 5": lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. I have never seen all 5, though I did see lion, leopard, rhino, and elephant back in '97.

Out of Africa: The Search for the Big 5 Continues

I don't feel as though I have had a lot to say. But much of what I say is in my photoblog. then it occurred to me that I can link the two blogs and when I have something to say beyond pictures I can write about that. So, let's give this a try.

A couple of months ago I took the trip of a lifetime. A motorcycle ride with some great friends around Lake Superior. I captured the journey and my thoughts here:

sojournwithme photoblog

Music for a New Jersey Monday

In New Jersey a couple of weeks I got to thinking about a suitable MfM post. A mafia song? Couldn't think of one. Then a Maserati drove by and I knew there could only be one song that would fit such an occasion. Was it coincidence or divine confirmation when the very next day in NYC I saw another Maserati, also with NJ plates? One of my all-time favorite songs from one of my favorite New Jersey artists. I hope you enjoy this Music for a Monday offering.

Music for an ordinary average Labor-Day Monday:

Today's piece is a long time favorite. From the moment I first heard this I loved it. Today we'll get away from "pop" music and listen to a piece from one of America's greatest composers. It seems a fitting tribute this Labor Day week.




As soon as I heard the opening trumpet line I was transported back to the Windsor High School indoor pool where I cajoled my good friend, Carroll, to play this. The trumpet echoed wonderfully and filled the entire room with a glorious sound.


Here's another offering from one of my favorite rock composers...

Music for a Monday: Not Lost

If you think Music for a Monday musta got lost, think again. Driving around the US slowed things down, that's all. Here's a lesson in love coutesy of "Reputa the Buta."

Hailed as "America's answer to the Rolling Stones" after the release of their debut album, these "Bad Boys from Boston" never gained the success of the Rolling Stones but they were arguably the best live band ever. A Boston blues loving DJ, a blues harp player and guitarist grabbed a bass player and drummer and rounded out the team with keys. This intro gives you a glimpse into the energy, creativity and insanity that typified a J. Geils show. So many, many, many great memories.

Enjoy (with apologies to those with sensitive ears)



I have my brother to thank for this little gem. He turned me on to Geils. He bought this epic live album on a trip we took to England and I still remember the stewardess on the flight home commenting to him, "That's a great album." She was right, and so was Tom. High energy, bare bones American R&B on two flimsy pieces of vinyl.