Time for a fresh start! BurgerScoot.Blogspot.com has moved to BurgerScoot (https://burgerscoot.net). See you over there.

Back Up Day

I spent most of the day at work at someone else's station. There is nothing so utterly soul sucking as working at a station without your stuff surrounding you. Instead, it's pix of some guy's wife, children, and grandchildren; his foreign knick knacks; and--when I log onto his computer--a generic profile. I might as well be twirling a Subway or Togo sign out on the street.

I haven't had a burger in a while

I know what Patrick is all about!

Mom (BBBC 2017.12)

My first entry for the Brave Bold Blogger Challenge was No. 28. I've decided to save the most important for last: Mother. I have a great mother. I admit, I don't spend enough time with her, especially since my Dad died. I would imagine many adults would say that about their mom. 

One thing that has been a blessing is our recent agreement to attend day trips sponsored by Sports Leisure Vacations. We've only been to one so far: Anthony Bourdain in San Francisco. A wonderful trip visiting Fisherman's Wharf, having a nice meal, and going to the War Memorial Opera House to see the famed ex-chef turned world food celebrity.  (I also got giggles out of watching my mom wince every time Anthony dropped the F-bomb--which was often.)

We are planning a trip to a Giants game. I'll be rooting for the visiting Washington Nationals. (I'm not a big Giants fan. Go A's!) 

I hope to go to more events like this. Visiting her at home is nice, but it is also fun to go on excursions, especially when neither of us has to drive. My Dad died a little over two years ago so these kind of meet-ups are especially precious. I love you, Mom. You're the greatest!

My Trail for Getting to Work and Back and Just Relaxing (BBBC 2017.27)

The Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail is one of the best bike trails on the west coast of North America. But this isn't that trail. I have never walked or rode that trail. I have; however, rode the Sacramento River Parkway Trail. In fact, I ride the trail nearly every weekday. An afterthought of the 32-mile Jedediah, the Sacramento River Parkway Trail is only about nine miles long, and I haven't traveled all of that either. Are you impressed yet? Joking aside, I live less than a mile from the trail, so it is a convenient place to walk the dog. Also, I usually ride my bike to work and the trail is a great way of cutting out traffic adding only about two miles to the round trip. Well worth it. 

Sacramento's iconic Tower Bridge next to an Embassy Suites with a (fuzzy) Sacramento Kings sign

Three Songs I Love to Sing Along With (BBBC 2017.26)

1. Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen
Ever since an old high school buddy turned me on to Bruce I have been a huge fan. Probably more than any other "Thunder Road" is the song I find myself singing alone with and singing it to myself without Bruce's help.

2. The Promised Land - Bruce Springsteen
When Bruce came roaring back in 1978 after the lawsuit that prevented him from recording music for nearly three years there was a passion in his voice that could not be understated. I played "Darkness on the Edge of Town" so much I soon needed another copy. The opening song to Side B was the emotional core to the album and whenever I heard Max Weinberg's opening base drum beats I find myself itching to sing the song--even when I not alone.

3. Rose Tattoo - Dropkick Murphys
I stopped collecting and listening to music years ago. Then, when I discovered Pandora.com, I started listening to music at work whenever I could. I started with the stuff I grew up with: Springsteen, of course, The Beatles, The Stones, Dylan, etc. I also started listening to newer stuff that Pandora's algorithm would play. I've never heard of The Dropkick Murphys until I heard "Rose Tattoo." Now, I can't get it out of my head.

Miller Park's Boat Launch (BBBC.25)

My twenty-fifth images found in my phone this morning is the boat ramp at Miller Park on the Sacramento River. After years of drought Northern California has been inundated with rain and subsequent flooding in certain areas. I live near the Sacramento River and ride the levee to work most days. 

I took a half-dozen pictures of how high the water is here. As a boat owner I can see launching anything but a fishing boat would be tough right now.