Tew's Life on the Bayou - a retrospective view

It has been nearly three years since I began this blog.  This is my 191st entry in 35 months, meaning that, from the beginning, I have averaged a little over five blogs a month (≈1/wk).  My output has gone down some from year one.  My goal this year and beyond is to level off at about one entry per week. With my anemic start this year, I'm going to have to step it up a bit, just to meet this goal.

One question that I have thought about (and I'm sure I'm not alone as a blogger in asking this), "Now that Facebook has become such a universal phenomenon, what role does a blog serve that social networking doesn't presently serve?"  To me, this is a valid question, but I think there is an obvious answer.  And it has to do with the intended permanence of each entry.  Facebook is a place for spontaneous expression of feelings and thoughts (perhaps like a fleeting telephone conversation), whereas, a blog entry is generally much more thought out (like a carefully drafted letter to a friend you haven't written to in some time).

I believe my blogs have inevitably given some insight into my life and interests.  This may be largely beneficial only to my own posterity, but that is as it should be.  Occasionally, it has been self instructive.  For example, I was taken aback by revisiting my 5 Jan 2009, "50 things I would like to do" entry.  I quickly realized that, even if I only accomplished 1/10 of what is on this list, I would be doing well.

It's interesting to me that my work-related blog entries have come in handy on several occasions.  For example, the freeze we had a year ago was rather harsh, and now there is some evidence that the severe winter we had one year ago may have had a greater adverse impact on USDA-bred sugarcane varieties as a whole, than on LSU-bred varieties (that must pass through early selection stages in a more northerly environment).  To illustrate the severity of the freezing conditions a year ago, I have referred back to the graph I put together for the 12 Jan 2010 (Freezing on the Bayou) entry.  Being in the blogosphere, the graph is readily available, even when I am away from my own personal computer.

I anticipate using my blog more for documentation purposes in the future.  Certainly, my previous blog to this one, dated 8 Jan 2011, "Excess sugarcane bagasse -- what to do with it," was done with documentation in mind.  I'm not going to be sitting up in the middle of the night, wondering why I am blogging when I am aware that only a tiny handful of people are going to be reading my blogs anyway.  I know a few faithful followers, probably mostly family, will keep reading my blogs, and I genuinely do appreciate your responses.  Feedback is always welcomed.  I will try to keep my blogs varied, and will likely shift them toward being more family oriented in the future. 

I wish this had been my first blog of the year, but I can't reverse the order now...so we move forward.  If this one seems a bit scatter shot, remember that I am recovering from a pretty severe cold, and my head isn't fully clear yet.

Pictures from Thanksgiving trip

Due to low batteries, I only took one picture of a view we will have from our not-quite-finished home near Tracy City, TN.  The picture didn't come out as well as hoped, with the camera focused on close up trees and the backdrop being somewhat out of focus.  It least it shows that a lot of clearing of underbrush across the highway was generously done in our behalf by the developer, which gives us the view we had hoped for when we purchased the property. 

We traveled north to Plymouth, IN (25 mi. south of South Bend in northern Indiana) to be with Matt & Julie and our grandchildren, Allison, Lauren, and Megan at Thanksgiving time.  The day after Thanksgiving, we joined the family in traveling to a tree farm near the school where Matt works, where they picked out a very special tree.  I took a picture of the grandchildren in front of it.  Over this past weekend, the Bertassos had a lot of snow.  We felt fortunate that we didn't have to contend with the white stuff while we were there.

Thanksgiving Holiday at the Bertasso's

Starting tomorrow, we will be traveling to Tennessee and Indiana.  While our original plan during our Thanksgiving Week trip was to start furnishing our new home in Tennessee and to move our pop up trailer inside the carport (presently on a neighbor's property), it appears that neither will happen on this trip.  The house is not quite finished yet, and we cannot legally enter it until it is finished and signed off.  While in the vicinity, we will take time to meet a few key people, winterize our pop up, and that's about it. 

So, the main thrust of our trip has changed to visiting Julie, Matt, and our grandchildren further up the road in Plymouth, Indiana.  We are excited to be able to be with family during Thanksgiving.  It's been a while since we have had that experience.

Diana Hansen-Young - an artist we knew in Hawaii

Diana Hansen-Young

 I was browsing the net and bumped into dianahansenyoung.com.  We knew this rather intriguing lady, Diana Hansen-Young, and her two young children, when we lived in Hawaii.  They lived in our neighborhood and attended our church.  She was a fairly well known artist and had her own distinctive style of Hawaiian art that had a lot of local appeal.  Click on "Paintings" at her website to see a sampling of her style of painting, as illustrated by the painting below.  She is of Swedish stock and definitely doesn't look Hawaiian.  I don't know how she came to live in Hawaii, or the circumstances behind her marrying a fellow of Chinese descent (Mr. Young).  Her two children by her Chinese husband are named Heidi and Thekla.  She divorced Mr. Young. Discovering her website, and filling in some of the blanks up to the present time was fascinating for me, because she was such a compelling lady.  It doesn't surprise me that she is now living in Paris, and has continued to pursue the arts, both art and music.  She appears to have recently married another rather interesting fellow.  Her children, now grown, are obviously gifted.  I note that Thekla has become an attorney...even spending a brief time in New Orleans.  Apparently, Thekla moved down here two days before Katrina happened.  What a bummer.  It's too bad we weren't aware that she briefly moved down here.  I'm sure she would have remembered us, and our children who would have been about the same age range as herself.

First day of school for Allison

Our oldest granddaughter started school today, first day in first grade.  We're excited for her!  We got a kick out of the Bertasso blog report of her struggle to get her teacher's name right. 

Christmas in Indiana

Matt and Julie sent us airline tickets so that we could spend Christmas with them and our three grandchildren. What a wonderful Christmas gift. They were wonderful hosts. Somehow, Judy and I both ended up being sick during the trip. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed the time we had with Matt and Julie and our grandchildren. Santa was very generous to all on Christmas morning. We got to go into Chicago during the front and back ends of the trip, and while there, got to drive through the heart of the Windy City at Christmastime, walk around Millenium Park in the famed lakefront area of Chicago and walk under Cloud Gate (the big bean) and watch ice skaters skating from above, enjoy hot dogs at a downtown hot dog eatery, go to the Lincoln Park Zoo at nighttime in the winter (a rather different experience), drive around Wrigley Park (home of the Cubs) and more.

It was a white Christmas, but at least not a white out Christmas in Indiana. I tried to make a big snowman with the grand kids, but the snow was so dry, I ended up making a miniature snowman with three snowballs. When we got back, I couldn't believe I had only taken four pictures on the whole trip, Allison on the computer, Lauren being silly, and Megan with Julie nearby, and one of Maestro Snowman.

Mississippi and Tennessee Reports

Mississippi. We really enjoyed the time we had with Lori and James. On Sunday, after Church, we traveled up to Natchez, MS, and stayed there overnight. On Monday morning, it was already raining, so we decided not to rush to Vicksburg, but to follow our original plans. We spent some time in the morning looking at some of the historically significant buildings in downtown Natchez that make this town on the Mississippi River so special.

We followed the picturesque Natchez Trace (trail) up to Emerald Mound, the 2^nd largest Indian mound in the U.S. The rain actually stopped long enough for us to climb up the mound. Further up the road, we went to Sunken Trace, which gave a sense of the importance of the original trail that the road follows and that early American Indians used. Again, the rain subsided long enough for us to enjoy this experience.

We finally made our way up to the Vicksburg National Military Park. While it was raining off and on, we had a thoroughly enjoyable experience there, with very few others in the park while we were there. James took some impressive pictures and video segments that the overcast day actually enhanced.

The following day, we went to the WWII Museum in downtown New Orleans. The new movie that Tom Hanks narrates was an otherworldly experience, and truly helped me appreciate the scope of that war that was fought on several fronts. There was so much about WWII that I had was oblivious to, so the whole experience (movie and exhibition) was quite an education. We all enjoyed the time we had together, and we were all thrilled about how well this trip went. Lori posted some of the pics that James took during our time together on her Facebook page (Lori Ure > Photos > Mississippi & Louisiana 2009).


Tennessee. I took three days off to make some person-to-person contacts with potential contractors to build our future home in Tennessee. One day was spent getting there, one doing business on site, and one getting back home. I was very happy to be able to make some important contacts, and to get a better handle on what steps need to be taken in order for us to move forward with our home building.

What was meant to be a whirlwind trip, however, got stalled in a record-setting snowstorm in Washington D.C. I had the misfortune of having D.C. as the leg between Nashville and New Orleans in both directions. In coming back, our jet got as far as being de-iced and on the tarmac, but the snow was coming down so fast that snow plows couldn’t keep up, so we never got clearance to take off Friday evening. It continued to snow through Saturday, and Dulles ended up with 18+ inches of snow, eclipsing the previous snowstorm record of 12.1 inches in the month of December, and the 6^th greatest overall snowfall from a single snowstorm on record for the area. I finally got out Sunday evening. What a relief!

Plans through December

My agenda for the remainder of the Month of December is as follows:

Dec 6 - 12 (Sun - Sat): Making sugarcane crosses at Canal Point, FL (see last year's blog this time of year).

Dec 12 - 16 (Sat - Wed): Spending time with Lori & James, who are coming into town. We're excited.

Dec 17 - 19 (Thu - Sat): Whirlwind trip to our future home site in Tracy City, TN, meeting with Grant Miller, and other people we will be contracting work out to.

Dec 22 - 28 (Tue - Mon): Judy and I will be spending Christmas with Julie, Matt, and three granddaughters, Allison, Lauren, and Megan, the youngest of whom I will be introducing myself to for the very first time.

On another note: I am updating the book, "Tew Heritage," which is a history of Wm. Thos. Tew and his wife, Clara, and their descendants. I had conversations with descendants of each of his seven children last night, and was amazed at the level of interest there is in me pursuing this project. It will probably take several months to complete. When completed, it may very well go on line, so I may be looking for some "family" expertise.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, JULIE!

So strange. Last night, I was talking with my wife, Judy, about how forgetful I am becoming, and how even people at work are commenting about my forgetfulness. Judy had some good advice for me. I was probably being a little more defensive than I needed to during our conversation. At any rate, throughout the whole day, it didn't occur to me that yesterday was our youngest daughter's birthday.

Sorry about that, Julie. I hope you had a great birthday! Also, it's great to see that your youngest daughter, Megan, is doing so well, and getting along so well with Lauren, who will be a pre-schooler. And it's exiting to know that Allison is taking the big step into kindergarten this year. I bet she's really excited about that. I'm sure Matt is excited too in his role as a school administrator. I wish you all the best.

I will be off to Cairns, Australia for almost two weeks (Aug 12-25) going to the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) Breeding & Germplasm Workshop with a fellow scientist, Dr. Anna Hale, from our Station. Following the meeting, we will spend a couple of extra days in Australia. We will join a post-meeting tour group for at least one day in order to experience the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. I will try to post a blog or two during our travels.

Neal's Birthday

Megan's 1st birthday

Wow, it's hard to believe that Matt and Julie's youngest daughter, Megan, is already one year old. Happy Birthday, Megan! In her young life, Megan has gone through some uncommon challenges, having to endure two bouts of reconstructive surgery for her cleft lip and palate, with more reconstructive surgery yet to come. It's amazing what can be done in this day and age, and Megan looks so great. The picture above was taken at Easter time this year. Judy worked late into the night on several evenings making the Easter dresses for Allison, Lauren, and Megan, and so the picture as a gift had a little extra meaning.

Bradly Tew Berntson and Jane Anne Fitts Wedding

I don't always acknowledge extended family wedding announcements, but this one had special interest to me. I have always had a special place in my heart for my sister Norma. Brad is the oldest of Norma's two flesh and blood children, Heidi being her other child. Norma raised four boys who came from her husband, Dale's first marriage. Dale, a prominent surgeon in SLC, died in 1999. Norma now lives in an apartment complex just off Foothill Drive, southeast of the University of Utah. Brad lives in Holladay, Heidi in Sandy, both in the Salt Lake Valley.

Not too long ago, while I was in Utah on a trip, Brad let me stay at his house while he was away. I regret that Brad and my sons Alan and Neal have never gotten to know each other. Here they are, cousins, living so close, and actually having what I believe are very compatable personalities. Brad was formerly married; I believe this is his second marriage. I wish him and Jane the very best. They are getting married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 8, and will have a pot luck wedding barbeque about a month later on Saturday, June 6, 2009 (11-3 pm) at Sugar House Park. Maybe Alan and Neal can attend and represent our side of the extended family at the reception. I'm sure most of Burton and Louise's clan will be there.

Happy birthdays are in order

Happy birthday to my wife. Last night, we went out and had nice buffet dinner. In Cajun country on a Friday evening, especially during Lent, this means all-you-can-eat seafood. I especially enjoyed the boiled shrimp. The shrimp are hugh down here. Judy got some nice birthday cards and several phone calls from family and friends.

Tomorrow is Lori's birthday. Happy birthday to Lori as well!

I spent the better part of the day planting our garden. The only thing that we have in the garden that carries over is three rows of potatoes planted in early February that are just about ready to flower. Everything else was cleaned out to make room for today's planting. Today, I planted beans, cowpeas, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and spinach. Later on, I will transplant a few vine plants, like watermelon, canteloupe, cucumbers, and squash. It's a bit risky to plant them right now. Judy ordered some edamame soybeans that we are going to try for the first time. Soybeans are supposed to be pretty healthy, and the edible ones are quite tasty. We'll see what happens and report.

In memory of my sister Lynette Tew

Yesterday, December 19, was Lynette's birthday. Were she still alive, she would have just turned 59 years old. Lynette was my only full-blooded sibling. She was the victim of a brain tumor that took her life at the tender age of 19 in the year 1969. Lynette had a very different personality than I did. She was very outgoing. In school, she was very popular, but always stuck up for those who were being victimized for issues they had no control over, such as ethnicity or being handicapped. Lynette was vivacious and lived life to the fullest until the time of her death. God bless her memory.

Annual Crop Science Meeting and Megan's surgery

Last week, I was in Houston for the 2008 Joint Annual Meeting of the following societies: ASA, CSSA, SSSA, GSA, GCAGS, and HGS. Don't worry, I don't know what at least two of these acronyms stand for either. The one I am most closely affiliated with is the CSSA or Crop Science Society of America. What was different about this year is that we linked up with the GSA (Geological Society of America) and the GCAGS and HGS, whatever they stand for. Check out the links at the above website, if curious. It was fun to see some new and different booths for a change. I got a little carried away at all the exhibitor booths selling rocks and gems, and ended up buying perhaps more than I should have. I was invited to be a Symposium speaker at one of the sessions this year, which was a first for me, and probably the last. No surprise...the topic had to do with energy cane.

Also, this week was eventful in our family in that our granddaughter, Megan had her first surgery (Bertasso Blogsite: October 10, 2008 entry) to correct her cleft lip and palate. It sounds like the surgery went as smoothly as could be expected. Matt and Julie's blogsite relate their experience, and of course with some great pictures. Matt's mom came out to baby sit during the surgery period and will be with the family for another week to help out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIE!!!

Wow, it's hard to imagine that our youngest daughter, Julie, has been married to her husband, Matt, for six years, and that they have three children. Time does fly. In a conversation between Allison and Lauren, their two older children, following a funeral, Allison told Lauren that people don't die until they get really old, like 50. Well, at age 60, let's just say we have rather different perspectives on whether 50 is really old. Another thing that is hard to imagine is that my brother, Fred, when he was my exact age, had a house full of kids and a 3-year old as his youngest. I get tired, just thinking about that one!

I wish Julie the very best on her birthday. We're very proud of what she has accomplished thus far in her life. Again, happy birthday, Julie.

Tribute to my brother, Burton Tew Jr.

I just got back from a four-day business trip to Orlando, Florida, and not more than an hour or so after returning, my brother, Burton called from his home in West Valley City, Utah, to relate to me that he had passed an important milestone. He reached his 80th birthday on June 5. It seems rather strange to think that I have a brother who is 80 years old. At any rate, there was a nice get together to recognize his achievement at which around 160 people showed up. Several others sent e-mails, congratulating him. I suppose his call to me was a gentle reminder that I overlooked the event. Honestly, I really should have e-mailed him when he passed the mark, and feel badly that I didn't. In picture: Burton (left), Louise (center).

Burton has lived a most fascinating life, and is widely respected for his breadth of knowledge. He has been invited to speak at an array of forums on an incredibly wide range of topics. By training, he is a chemical engineer, but he can hold his own on topics that reach far beyond the realm of his formal training. It helps that he was born with a photographic memory. Burton has a great sense of humor, and the jokes in his memory bank that he can draw on is truly amazing. My personal favorite, is Rindercella, which he can still do on call, and every bit as funny as Archie Campbell's version. He and his sweetheart, Louise, raised six children, Leah, Patricia, Cindy, Bart (deceased), David, and Ronald. They presently have a pretty sizeable group of grandchildren, and are now at the age where great-grandchildren are part of their lives. Burton served on a mission in England (1948-50) and later with Louise as a missionary couple in San Diego (1992-93). Dad lived to age 78, so Burton has now surpassed him. God willing, he will have a few more birthdays yet to come.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NEAL!!!

Neal's and Megan's birthdays shouldn't be hard to remember, since they are only one day apart. Our son, Neal is a student at the University of Utah majoring in computer engineering. He shared a provocative video on his blogsite about the effect that oil depletion will have on our lives, especially in suburban USA. This video is actually a few years old, so in the light of what has happened since it was made, it sounds amazingly prophetic. Happy Birthday, Neal!!!

Tomorrow, I will be traveling to Ft. Collins for a crop germplasm meeting. I am currently chairman of the Sugarcane Crop Germplasm Committee. Chairs of all major crops will be in attendance. The National Seed Storage Laboratory (NSSL) is on the CSU campus in Ft. Collins. Seed is cryogenically preserved so that it can last "indefinitely." True seed of sugarcane is actually preserved here. While in Hawaii, I assisted in a project to produce true seed of some Saccharum officinarum accessions (the true chewing canes) native to New Guinea and surrounding areas. The seed was sent to Ft. Collins for long-term storage. This trip will also give me a chance to visit Lori and James, who live in Loveland, not far from Ft. Collins. I look forward to the trip.

New granddaughter -- Megan Marie Bertasso

Judy and I are proud grandparents once more with the arrival of Matt and Julie's third child, Megan Marie Bertasso. She is a treasure. Stats: 7 lbs, 10 oz.; 20.5" long. Mom and baby are doing great. Pictures and more details are available at Matt and Julie's blog site.

Labor was induced this morning (May 28), some ten days after the official due date (May 18). Judy arrived on May 10 to assist, knowing that the other two children each arrived about a week early, so she needed to extend her stay through a third week in order to be there when this one arrived.

For those who didn't know...

My wife, Judy, is an artist...and not just a good artist. She is a very good artist. While we still lived in Hawaii, and while I was working for the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association or HSPA (now the Hawaiian Agricultural Research Center or HARC), she created these two paintings that presently hang in my office. People who walk into my office and see the painting of sugarcane tasseling in the Maunawili Valley on Oahu, are amazed when I tell them they are looking at a painting and not a picture. For those with Google Earth, to see the location that inspired the painting, cut & paste coordinates: 21 20 50 N 157 46 08 W into the search box. The cane fire painting was created from a photo taken at Oahu Sugar Company during a controlled sugarcane burn just prior to harvest. Judy's signature is visible at the lower left corner of both paintings. Judy has several other paintings, some that have been given away to family, at school reunions, etc. I think you would agree that, had she pursued it, she could have made a living being an artist.