But Dad Didn't Like Grits?!

Scientists at Stanford University released a study Monday showing that men who regularly eat grits are 70 percent more likely to have gay children.  The prospective cohort study, published in Nature Medicine, followed 15,000 volunteers for 30 years to determine the influence of parental diet on the development of childhood illnesses. 

Although the study did find some connection between the maternal intake of sugar during pregnancy and childhood obesity, the most surprising finding was that fathers who ate grits had a much greater chance of having a gay child. 

“We were shocked when we ran the data,” says Edmund Bergler, the lead researcher on the project. "But we controlled for every variable. We triple-checked every calculation. And it turned out that eating grits makes your kids gay.”

After investigating further, the scientists discovered that chemical processing of grits creates a substance called homotonin, which acts as a free radical inside a man’s testes and damages his sperm’s DNA.  That DNA damage is passed onto the child and researchers believe it is responsible for the later development of homosexuality. 

“Gay people like to say that they are born that way, and they are right,” he explains. "The DNA damage that causes homosexuality happens much earlier, even before conception.

"Homosexuality is a choice. But it's the father's choice. What he eats  for breakfast determines the orientation of his child." 

Another scientist on the study says if parents want to minimize their risk of having a gay child they need to avoid certain foods.  “Grits have the highest homotonin levels. Its off the charts," he explains. "However foods like sweet tea, biscuits, chicken-fried steak, and cornbread also have very significant amounts.”  A spokesperson for Quaker Oats, a leading maker of instant grits said they had no comment on the study.

A representative of Cracker Barrel, a Southern restaurant chain, says that orders for grits have dropped almost 40 percent since the study was released.  Now why does that not surprise me?  I mean the average Cracker Barrel customer is such a learned person.

Rhododendrons On My Mind

On my drive to and from work I go my a plethora of rhododendrons and yesterday it just seemed like they had really popped over the weekend, even with all the rain.  So why not take a moment and look at this wonderful plant.

Rhododendrons and azaleas, both from the genus Rhododendron, have long been mainstays of late spring because of its spectacular clusters of showy blooms and large green leaves that often last through winter.

The flowers are usually tubular-, funnel-, or bell-shaped—and often fragrant. The leaves for the smaller azalea are usually pointed and narrow; the leaves of the rhododendron are generally large and leathery.

This shrub generally performs best if they are provided with moisture and shelter under trees.  They prefer climates with adequate rainfall and moist summers. The two main azalea groups, evergreen and deciduous (varieties that drop their leave in the fall) can be found in nearly ever part of North America, from the frosty Canadian plains to tropical Florida.  The rhododendron types are fussier, preferring environments where it is neither too hot nor too cold (Zones 5 to 8). They need a certain amount of chilling to develop strong flower buds.

With thousands of varieties, there are rhododendrons and azaleas for just about every landscape situation. There are low-growing ground cover azaleas as well as plants that can grow up to 25 feet tall. Though most plants flower in the spring, there are also summer-blooming varieties that add color and charm to the garden.  My thanks to the Farmer's Almanac for the information it provided for this posting.

Monday Musings

Above is the result of Rob grilling the steaks and I made the salad and steamed the asparagus.  Very nice dinner Saturday night and many thanks to Rob for grilling between the rain showers that plagued the evening.  We also enjoyed a bottle of champagne to toast Jodie and Rob's 2nd anniversary in addition to Mom and Damon's birthdays.  We called both birthday people and sang as horribly as you can imagine! 

This morning I stopped and got Friday and Saturday's mail.  My sister, Janet, had mailed an Easter card from Portland on April 15th.  Just got it!  Where the heck did it go - how many frequent flyer miles did it earn?  Another card was awaiting my arrival.  A couple of weeks ago I had to go through a medical procedure that is a rite of passage to adult hood.  Well, WHOEVER thought there was a card for that??!  Thanks Sandy, only you would find it!

Happy 91st Birthday Mom!

Last year everyone ventured to Ashland to mark Mom's 90th and this year I know Janet is heading down for the weekend.  I had flowers delivered on Friday to mark both her birthday and Mother's Day which is a week later. 

My "wonderful" boss would not allow me a couple of days off to journey south and so I did the next best thing.  It appears he feels that his staff does not realize the importance of getting things done at the office and so has denied several of us time off.  It is a challenge at times let me tell you.  Breath!  Mom I hope you have a great day.

Opening Day Of Boating Season

It is a rather big deal here in Seattle.  Opening Day, the official opening of Seattle's boating season sponsored by the Seattle Yacht Club, includes a celebration of many kinds of water activities. Festivities will include a morning of crew races, a sailboat race, and of course, the Grand Opening Day Boat Parade on Saturday.

What I know is that I am avoiding the area like you would not believe.  It just gets insane and tempers fly.  Do not need that kind of crap this day.  Instead, I am having groceries delivered and then hosting Rob, Jodie and Markie for dinner this evening.  Hoping for good weather to grill steaks on the balcony. 

Off To Greece They Go!

Today we have a group from the club on their way the Greek Isles for the next 10 days.  Curtis, who is my event coordinator here in Seattle, is leading the trip.  There is something magical about talking about either the Greek Isles or Italy.  They are on many peoples bucket list.  I have never really had an urge to travel to the Greek Isles but can appreciate the desire in that I so love going to England.

Here is a recap of what they will be doing in case you are interested...

Day 0 Friday, May 2^rd – Depart JFK for Athens
Arrive Athens via Swiss Air and will then begin the trip below.  You will see (B,L,D) posted, those are the meals included in the trip. 

Day 1 Saturday, May 3^rd – Arrival to Athens (D)

Arrive Athens and clear customs before being transferred from airport to hotel for check in.  You will have the rest of afternoon at leisure.  In the evening we will have a special dinner to welcome you to Greece.

Day 2 Sunday, May 4^th – Athens (B)

Breakfast starts off our first full day in Athens at the hotel.  Once finished we will enjoy a wonderful tour of Athens.  Start your Athens sightseeing tour by visiting the world renown Acropolis to see the architectural miracles of the Golden Age of Pericles; the Propylea, the Erechtheum, and, above all, the Parthenon (temple of Athena, goddess of wisdom. Have a panoramic view of the city and observe the Agora (market-place) where many ancient philosophers spent their time. Continue with a bus-tour in the center of Athens and admire the Old Olympic Stadium, the University of Athens, the Academy, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Square of Constitution with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and much more.  The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.

Day 3 Monday, May 5^th – Cruise to Mykonos (B,L,D)

After breakfast at hotel, it is time to depart on Greek Islands cruise.  This morning, transfer to the pier in Piraeus (Athens, Greece) to board ship for 11:00 a.m.  departure. Cruise to Mykonos (Greece), and enjoy an evening on the island from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The town is a small architectural miracle, with its gleaming whitewashed buildings, and one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world.  We will offer an included private guided walking tour of the town as a shore excursion this evening.  Guests only will need to buy a roundtrip shuttle transfer on board the ship to attend this activity.

Day 4 Tuesday, May 6^th – Cruise to Kusadasi, Turkey and Patmos (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast on board and the morning at leisure in Kusadasi (Ephesus, Turkey) from 7:00a.m. to noon.  Renowned for its beaches and attractive view of the Aegean, Kusadasi is near to several historical sites including Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Evening at leisure in Patmos (Greece) from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. In Kusadasi, Turkey, and have the option to take a shore excursion to ancient Ephesus. The impressive remains include the Agora, the Theater, the Stadium, the Library of Celsius, the ruins of the Temple of Diana (one of the “seven Wonders of the Ancient World”) and more. Later, sail for the isle of Patmos, where you can choose a variety of shore excursions including a visit to the Monastery of St John, on one of the island’s highest points. From there, walk downs to the Grotto of the Apocalypse, the site of the apocalyptic Revelations of St John the Divine. Sail to Rhodes this evening.

Day 5 Wednesday, May 7^th – Cruise to Rhodes (B,L,D)

Enjoy a full-day on the island of Rhodes (Greece) from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago. Explore the island's medieval Old Town, preserved in and around the walls of a Venetian castle, built by the 14th century Knights of St. John. Declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, the citadel of Rhodes, located at the far northern end of the island, is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean.

Day 6 Thursday, May 8^th – Cruise to Crete and Santorini (B,L)

Arrive this morning in Heraklion (Crete, Greece) at 7:00 a.m., one of the four prefectures that constitute the island of Crete. Enjoy a half day at leisure to explore the island on your own.  Among other options, you can choose to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to king Minos and his legendary beast, the Minotaur. In the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion you can find the unbelievable works of art (pieces of sculpture and pottery, jewelery, arms, frescoes) that have been found in a number of Minoan sites all over Crete. Then sail north to the isle of Santorini, the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. In Santorini, we will be disembarking the cruise shortly after our 4:30 PM scheduled arrival and transfer to our hotel on Santorini. Rest of evening at leisure in Santorini.

Day 7 Friday, May 9^th – Santorini (B)

Once you have enjoyed breakfast at hotel, today we take a full day guided tour of the main sites of the most famous of all the Greek Islands (including- red beach, winery, Pyrgos, Oia).  Known for its breathtaking caldera, Santorini is also famous for its sandy beaches, colorful sunsets, and whitewashed buildings along the sea-cliffs. The exquisite whitewashed villages, including the town of Thira, cling to volcanic cliffs, accessible by cable-car or mule.  Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Day 8 Saturday, May 10^th – Santorini (B)

This is what can make a trip like this so magical.  Enjoy breakfast at hotel and then the entire day is a free day to pursue optional adventure activities, tours, Greek cooking classes, or anything else you wish to do.  Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Day 9 Sunday, May 11^th – Santorini – Athens (B,D)

As with the rest of the trip, the day begins with breakfast at hotel.  The morning is on your own to do as you wish and enjoy lunch before we transfer to Athens via high speed ferry.  Arrival in Athens, transfer to hotel for check in. This evening we will have a special included farewell dinner in the historic Plaka district of Athens.

Day 10 Monday- Depart Athens (B)

After breakfast at hotel it will be time to transfer to airport for international flight home aboard Swiss Air.

Happy May Day

Don't know if you did this as a kid, but it was a lot of fun.  We would make the cones, often out of old wallpaper samples and then put a plastic bag in it.  This made it so we could then add the flowers and water.  We then took the baskets and put them on people's doors and leave them as a surprise.  A few years ago, I did this in Portland and it was a lot of fun to see the reactions from people.  Somehow, May Day has taken on a very negative tone, but I still like to remember the happier times of flower baskets and May pole dances.  I hope that you had a very happy May Day!