If you believe SB 1062 is not about discrimination, then I have a bridge for you!

After the Arizona Legislature gave approval on Thursday to allow business owners to assert their religious beliefs and refuse service to gays,Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria in Tucson put up this sign. The restaurant said, “Funny how just being decent is starting to seem radical these days.”http://bit.ly/1bsFS2d

It's hard to realize that Arizona's legislators are once again putting us into the national spotlight and making the entire state look like a bunch of homophobic, religious freaks. But that is not who many people in this state are, and I hope Arizonans who are tolerant and open minded will see the intent of Arizona's legislators in their passage of SB 1062.

For those who don't know, the bill, according to an article in the Arizona Republic, "would allow individuals to use religious beliefs as a defense against a lawsuit." Sponsors say the bill is not intended to discriminate against the LGBT community, rather "tweak" laws the state already has.

But listen to the reasoning bill sponsor Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, gave in that same article when he said it has nothing to do with the LGBT community since the LGBT community is not protected under state discrimination laws.

Here's what he went on to say in the Arizona Republic article. “A business owner can already decide not to hire somebody who is gay or lesbian. This doesn’t change that,” he said. “You guys are trying to make this something that doesn’t exist. These are small changes.”

Let me see if I understand that reasoning. 

We need to protect people who discriminate in the name of religious beliefs, but that has nothing to do with a group of people who are currently not protected. The impetus for this legislation was a lawsuit in New Mexico based on whether a photographer can refuse service to a gay couple because of his beliefs. And yet those supporting it say it has nothing to do with the LGBT community. 

Right.

But perhaps Rep. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, gave the best reason everyone needs to be very afraid of this bill, not just the LGBT community.

“This bill strengthens against discrimination acts taken by others who want to force someone to do something,” he said. “We’re strengthening the rights of citizens to believe as they see fit.” (from AZCentral.com)

Because we all know that people never have to be "forced" to do something, like allow women or other groups to vote, make it illegal for schools to discriminate or recognize mixed race marriages. Citizens believing as they see fit is a right in this country. But discriminating because of those beliefs is not.

And conservatives may find this proposed law has unintended consequences. After all, how would they like to enter a business and be told they will not be served because they are Christian?

Reflections on Boy Scouts now allowing openly gay Scouts

     The news today that the Boy Scouts will allow openly gay scouts to enter and remain in the program has been met with mixed feelings around the country. When I read a comment on Facebook that I saw my niece “Like,” I knew I had to comment on it myself, since many people are saying similar, or worse things about the decision.
     Here’s what my niece’s friend said: “Boy Scouts of America has decided to allow openly gay boys to join Scout troops. Part of the Scout Oath says: ‘I will do my best to keep myself morally straight’ .. How’s that going to work for them?”

   Here’s my answer: It’s going to work just fine, in fact better than before, and that’s why the decision is a good one.
     According to the official Boy Scout website that explains the Scout Oath (http://www.usscouts.org/
advance/boyscout/bsoath.asp) the part that says …and morally straight, is explained this way: “To be a person of strong character, your relationships with others should be honest and open. You should respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions, and remain faithful in your religious beliefs. The values you practice as a Scout will help you shape a life of virtue and self-reliance.”
      Wow…. Nowhere in there does it equate morally straight with sexually “straight.” In fact just the opposite, it says, “respect and defend the rights of all people.” And even more importantly and clear it says Scouts should be “honest and open.”
      There have always been gay Scouts, but now they can be “honest and open.” And for those who are concerned about gay Scouts being predators or sexually active… the same rules on chastity and appropriate behavior apply for them as for heterosexual Scouts.
      How sad to read some of the comments around the web concerning this decision.
      Here is a comment under the above post: “I’m sure glad my grandson got out before that goes into effect…the moral fiber of America has again been impuned (sic) by the leftest (sic) agenda to morally corrupt our youth. It’s a sad day in our country.”
      Encouraging young men and women to be honest and respect others does not corrupt youth.
      Some of the comments being made in opposition to this decision are being made by members of the LDS Church, one of the largest supporters of Scouting. It’s obvious that those making comments are not aware of recent changes/clarification on the official LDS Church policy on the treatment and inclusion of gay people.
      On a new official website for the LDS Church (www.mormonsandgays.org), Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Twelve Apostles, explains the purpose of the website. Also on the website is this comment: “Senior Church leaders in this website represent the official position of the Church.”
     Here is what Elder Christofferson says in part: “…I’d say though we don’t know everything we know enough to be able to say that same-sex attraction in and of itself is not a sin…when people have those desires and same-sex attractions, our attitude is ‘stay with us.’ … It’s important that there be love… Love is not to say acceptance or endorsement, but it is to say inclusion and not ostracism.”
     Sounds like the Boy Scouts of America understand, at least for troop members, what "inclusion and not ostracism" means. It's too bad more people don't.

Another trip!

To see more pictures of this trip, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/azwomon/LeafPeepers

OK, so the only time I blog is when I'm on a trip! I guess that's the only time I have some spare time to do this!

With Mesa schools having their first week-long October break ever, it was a perfect chance to come east to see the fall leaves changing! It is also Patrick Vaughn's wedding in Michigan this weekend, so a little road trip was perfect.

Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 - Donna and I left Phoenix at 8:15 a.m. and arrived in Hartford, Connecticut around 5 p.m. Even though we were going to Albany, New York the first day, it was less expensive to fly into Hartford. We got our rental car and headed to Albany, arriving there in the dark, but to a warm welcome from Donna's college friend Colleen -- and her big Golden Retriever, Jake.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 - Wanting to see great fall colors, Colleen took us to a state park near Saratoga Springs. We went with Jo, Tara, China and Maya also. It was a beautiful place, and a great trip.

That evening, we went out to dinner with everyone, including another friend of Donna's. It was delicious food and entertaining company!

Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 - We left Albany to head for Donna's aunt's house near Buffalo. On the way we stopped and took pictures, as well as visited the Women's Rights National Historical Site in Seneca Falls, NY. This is a place I have wanted to visit since reading about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton from the time I was in junior high. At this site, in 1848, a group of women, and progressive men, got together to draft a declaration of sentiment promoting equal rights for women. It took more than 70 years from then, for women to finally get the vote! The displays at the Visitor Center explain a lot about the struggle for women's equality, and was a good reminder of those days, that I still remember, when girls could not play sports or work in certain jobs. I still remember reading the "Dick and Jane" books, where Dick was doing everything, and Jane was watching him... "Look Jane, see Dick run." Subtle, but effective discrimination, that is now gone.

We also stopped for a few minutes at the Hill Cumorah. It was cold and windy near the monument, and wouldn't you know it -- there was a family there from Arizona, and the wife knew me, since she had grown up in Pima! Small world.

Other stops for us included the coastline of Lake Ontario, and a state park that Donna and her friends used to go to when they wanted a break from school, as well as a trip past SUNY Brockport, where Donna got her degree.


Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 -- After an enjoyable visit Sunday night with Donna's Aunt Pam near Buffalo, Monday morning started with a home-made breakfast made by Pam's granddaughters! We also visited with friends of Donna's mom, and then had ice cream at Antoinette's - a delicious ice cream/candy shop. Then it was across Grand Island, with a stop to drop off Donna's nephew Nick at his house, and head into Canada. Unfortunately, this weekend was Canada's Thanksgiving, so the border crossing took us an hour and a half. We then headed towards Toronto, and eventually arrived at our Shell timeshare near Barrie -- but not without driving a long-time in the dark, and missing a few of our freeway turns. The roads in Canada are great -- but their signs are a bit more confusing than Arizona's.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 -- We had a relaxing day listening to the rain, and then walking some of the paths around the resort once the rain stopped. A quick trip into the nearby village let us buy some groceries for breakfast, lunch and dinner -- and then we had time to download all the gorgeous pictures we have been taking! Now it's off to bed, so we can leave at a decent time in the morning to head back to the USA and Bridgeport, Michigan to visit another friend.

Remember, to see more pictures of this trip, go to
http://picasaweb.google.com/azwomon/LeafPeepers

Down the Oregon coast

Three days without internet access means I am way behind, but luckily we took it easy the past few days. We traveled down the coast from Washington into Oregon and headed south down the Oregon coast.

The first night we stayed at a great Bed and Breakfast in Oceanside, Oregon. Judy, the owner, was the perfect hostess, and her place was gorgeous. What great views and hospitality we had. From recommending an excellent restaurant to a delicious breakfast the next morning, it was a good experience, a

nd the first time my mom had stayed at a B&B - so it was a very positive experience.

In spite of rain on Fr

iday we saw beautiful beaches a

nd scenery as we traveled not too far to Lincoln City, our next stop.

Here we had two nights in a condo type of lodging. There were two bedrooms, a living room and kitchen, and even a fireplace and huge jacuzzi tub, which I quickly took advantage of. It was very nice just relaxing and staying here. We walked on the beach, but mostly enjoyed the excellent view from our living room.

On

Sunday it was up and head further down the coast, stopping in Depoe Bay where we saw two whales -- well actually we just saw them blow, but it counted! It turned out sunny this day, so we were able to see the ocean and waves under a blue sky. Every turn around Hwy 101 was another stunning ocean site.

Sunday night we stayed in a motel in Florence, and will head back to Seattle Monday for our Tuesday morning flight back to Phoenix.

To see more pictures, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/azwomon and look for the three newest albums, Ocean Shores to Oceanside; Oceanside to Lincoln City; and Lincoln City to Florence.

La Push, the rain forest and finally - the ocean beaches!

Slow getting up, since watching Twilight last night made bedtime late! But as soon as we left the hotel, we were on our way to La Push, Jacob's home, about 15 miles west of Forks.

We knew we were in the right place when we saw the sign saying "No vampires beyond here!" which marked the treaty line. It was nice how the towns have embraced the Twilight phenomenon and cater to tourists making the "Twilight tour" -- which included us!

But the beach at La Push was beautiful. We didn't go to the best one, because it's a bit of a hike, but the one we did see meant I got some great pictures!

And how weird was it as I walked back to the car after getting some beach pictures and see this dog! Shades of Jacob and the werewolves!

As it started raining we said goodbye to La Push and Forks and yes, even Twilight! and headed to a part of the Olympic National Park that was supposed to be just gorgeous -- the Hoh Rain Forest. This is the wettest place in the continental United States, and as one of my pictures on Picasa shows, it rains 142 inches a year here, compared to 7 in Phoenix! But no one was exaggerating -- it was just gorgeous. And we had a perfect day for seeing the park, since sometimes it was drizzling, other times it was sunny, and then at other times just overcast.

I did manage to get a neat shot of a butterfly here!







When we got to the Visitor's Center, we learned more about the Rain Forest - what causes it, what types of plants are in it, etc. And then we took a short, about a mile-long, hike on the Mossy Trail to see the curtains of moss hanging on the maple trees. An interesting phenomenon is how when a tree falls over, seedlins use it as nourishment, and as they continue to grow, they grow around the "nurse" tree. Eventually it disintegrates, and the remaining trees, now grown, have spaces at their base where the "nurse" tree was! Like this picture shows...

Once we left the Rain Forest, we continued our way on Highway 101, eventually heading back to the ocean near Ruby's Beach, back inland, then back to the ocean again near Moeclips. It was a beautiful drive - we saw great ocean sites, a Bald Eagle, and cute villages.

When we arrived in Ocean Shores, we checked into our Days Inn, then went to eat. After a seafood dinner we headed to the beach, and were amazed to discover that in Washington you can drive on the beaches. It's considered part of their highway system, and there's even signs saying you have to have your seat belt on. The sand is more packed than in California, but we still saw some people stuck -- so we didn't go too far. The tide was also coming in, and I didn't want to explain to the car rental company how I lost their car in the ocean!

But here's a shot of us (and our Jeep Cherokee) on the beach in Ocean Shores, Washington!

To see more pictures of our day in La Push, the Rain Forest and Ocean Shores, go to
http://picasaweb.google.com/azwomon
and click on "Hoh Rain forest and beaches"

Goodbye Canada, Hello US (and Twilight)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

We woke up in our Red Lion hotel, which I don't really recommend to anyone! and headed to downtown Victoria and our ferry. Since the ferry to Port Angeles runs only three times a day, we wanted to make sure we were on the 3 p.m. sailing (second of the day) and since we didn't have a reservation, we got there about 11:30. We got in line and paid for our tickets, and were told to be back at 1:30 so US Customs could check us.

That worked out perfect, since it gave us time to look around downtown and eat breakfast/lunch at Sam's Deli. The corn chowder and bagel were perfect. It meant we had a leisurely walk around downtown Victoria, and then it was back to the car to show our passports and declare any items we had bought.
At 3 p.m. we had driven onto the ferry and were sitting topside watching the Victoria harbor fade into the distance. The 20 miles across the Strait of Juan de Fuca was done in about an hour and half, and we were in Port Angeles -- back in the US!
We headed west on Hwy 101 and were soon skirting Lake Crescent, a beautiful large lake, with raindrops starting to fall. Of course, what else would we expect in the part of the US that gets more rain per year than any other place. [Washington State's Olympic Peninsula is the wettest area in the contiguous United States with an average annual rainfall of 105in.] But the drive was beautiful, and all that rain results in trees and ferns and other plants that have more shades of green than I have ever seen! In Arizona if it's green, it's mostly less brown -- but here, there were shades of green I have only seen in a Crayola crayon box -- like: forest green, olive green, pine green, spring green, yellow green, fern, granny smith apple, jungle green, sea green, shamrock, and tropical rain forest -- which are all Crayola colors by the way!
We arrived at our destination, Forks, Washington, about 6 p.m. -- which while it sounds late, really isn't, since it doesn't get dark until nearly 10 p.m!
Forks, as most people know, is the setting for Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, so we spent a little while going to some of the places made famous in the book and movie -- the hospital to see Dr. Cullen's parking spot! Forks High School, the Police Station, and of course, the market and outfitters where Bella worked. Everywhere in town are Twilight references, even if they did not film the movie here. But it was very interesting, and I made collage of places we went today.
Tomorrow we will see "Bella's house" and the "Cullen house" as well as go to LaPush to see where "Jacob lived" and the beaches from the story. Then it's on to our next stop at Ocean Beach, outside of Aberdeen.
Tonight though, I am watching the movie Twilight on my computer, while spending the night in Forks -- how cool is that!?

To see more pictures, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/azwomon and see "Goodbye Victoria, hello Forks, WA"

Vacation with Mom

Thursday, June 11
A 6 a.m. flight to Reno meant getting up really early! But the flight went well and we arrived in Reno, got the rental car and headed to the El Dorado hotel and casino to check in. Even though we got a room, it was only about 10 a.m., so since our room wasn’t cleaned yet, we headed out to see some sights.
First up, a drive up the mountain to see Lake Tahoe – we went around it as far as the South Shore, and then headed back to Reno via Carson City. Went through a state historical site called Mormon Station and learned about early Mormons starting a trading post there. But we also learned about an amazing man by the name of Thompson who for 30 years in the 1800’s carried the mail, sometimes a bag weighing 100 pounds! – across the Sierra’s on skis. Pretty interesting.
By the time we got back to Reno, our room was ready and we moved all our luggage in. Then we visited the two casinos next to ours. One was Circus, Circus, where we ate in this nice steakhouse and just had soup and salad. Then played some games at Circus Circus and won stuffed animals! By then it was late and with our 4 a.m. getting up that morning, we were ready for bed.

Friday, June 12
The weather looked pretty good today, so we drove up to Donner State Park, where my Dad was a ranger in the 1960’s. Boy, has it changed. Cabins in the hills above the park and a freeway running right next to it. I remember it much quieter and more in the middle of nowhere. But the Visitor’s Center is still about the same, and the museum that is there. My mom was amazed I remembered the story and display about a little girl who survived the winter there, and her doll, and sure enough, the display was still there. Unfortunately, the train I remember so well and that played a part in one of my favorite stories from our time there, isn’t there anymore. It’s now in a railroad museum near Carson City, so we didn’t see it.
It was interesting going to Donner again, but it made my Mom a little sad since her memories of being there with my Dad are so strong and they were such good memories. But it was interesting hearing the story of the Donner party all again.
We came home by way of the west side of Lake Tahoe and were amazed at all the expensive homes around the lake, many of them for sale.
That night we had tickets for a buffet dinner at the Eldorado and then the musical Menopause, which I had seen before, and knew my mom would probably like. She did! It’s a hilarious show about one of those facts women face as they get older! So it was a fun evening, but another late night!

Saturday, June 13
Today was cloudy and rainy, and we were going to go to Virginia City, but with the weather, we slept in, ate a free breakfast buffet, and ran some errands like buying gas at Costco. On top of all that, Mom had to visit an Urgent Care facility because her ear was still clogged up and she was little dizzy. So after some antibiotics and antii-dizzy medicine, she was doing much better. We certainly learned our way around Reno!
We also had to move to a new hotel, which was a bigger room, but not near downtown like our first one. But the Nugget was OK.
That night was the Julio Iglesia concert we had stayed for, so we went to the Silver Legacy to hear him. We had decent seats and it was a good concert. I think my mom really enjoyed it. We got home late again, but it was a fun day, even if we didn’t do a lot.

Sunday, June 14
We got up and got everything ready to check out. Then we went to the Truckee River LDS Ward for Sacrament meeting and heard an elder report on his mission. After that we headed to Virigina City. It was a beautiful drive up over the mountains, with a great view of Reno and the Sierra’s from the summit. We changed from our church clothes into pants – in the car! Yes, Mom thought everyone was watching her – no, no one was around to see! We walked around Virigina City and took an open air bus/tram tour of it. It is quite an interesting city, and one that was huge when the mines were producing millions in gold and silver.
We drove back another way, making big circle trip. By the time we got to the airport, we learned our plane would be leaving about half an hour late. We were a little concerned because we had a flight to Oakland, then changed planes to Seattle, and were worried about our connection. They said it would be fine.
As soon as everyone was on the plane, the flight attendants were telling everyone to hurry and sit down so we could leave. Suddenly the last man on fell down in the aisle and was having a seizure. They asked if there were any doctors or nurses on board, and Mom said, “Don’t say anything, I don’t practice anymore!” But luckily there was doctor on board. He looked at the guy, and then the fire department paramedics came on the plane. They had a hard time working in the little aisle space. By the time ambulance EMT’s came it was really crowded, but they finally put him on a backboard and drug it down the aisle and off the plane to take him to the hospital.
Of course this delayed the plane nearly another half hour, so by the time we got to Oakland to make our connection, they had held that plane for at least half an hour. So even though we had good A numbers to board, we were the last to board, and it was a full flight. So mom got the last row in the plane and I was one up – in the middle seat. It was not a great ride to Seattle.
We got into Seattle at midnight, got the rental car and finally got to the motel after 1 a.m. --- what a day!

Monday, June 15
Woke up at nearly 9 a.m. in our Bothell WA Holiday Inn Express. After arriving so late last night, it was a relief to sleep in. After a quick breakfast at the hotel as part of our stay, we headed North to Tswassasen BC where we are going to get on a ferry to Victoria, on Vancouver Island.
Coming across the border was easy, but I’m so bummed, they didn’t put anyting in our passports, like a stamp – they just looked at it!
We arrived at the ferry terminal about 15 minutes before the 2 p.m. sailing, but missed getting on by about just 7 cars!
So we are sitting here waiting for the 3 p.m. ferry – but it’s nice weather, and they have a cute terminal with lots of eating places and shops in it. We used the restroom and then shared a raspberry crepe! Of course now I have Canadian change!
We’ll board the ferry in about 20 minutes, and then it’s 1:30 hours over to the island. Wee’ll still try to do Buchart Gardens today, since it doesn’t get dark until late.
[Monday night] – We got on the 3 p.m. ferry and it was a great ride over to Vancouver Island. The ferry was amazing – lots of nice seats above the car decks, even a restaurant and kids play area! We were outside much of the trip enjoying the fresh air and views of the islands we went through. We even saw Orca whales, from a distance!
After an hour and a half, we landed in Swartz Bay and drove to Buchart Gardens. What a beautiful place. Lots of flowers everywhere, in very different gardens, including a rose garden and Japances garden, and one made in an abandoned limestone quarry. The wife of cement producer Buchart made the gardens and the family has kept them up as a tourist place and Canadian historical site. We ate dinner at the gardens, and then headed to Victoria and our night’s stay at Red Lion Inn and Suites, which luckily has internet, so I can upload pictures and this blog!
Tomorrow we will see Victoria, and then take the ferry back to Port Angeles, with our night stay in Forks, Washington – a town made famous by the Twilight series!