There's nothing prettier than a perfect spring day and a flag flying at full mast. The flag has been at half mast for way too long. For a month after the Columbia accident. Then, for several days when the Senator died. Then, for several more days when the helicopter carrying NASA and Forest Service search crews went down. They raised it midday yesterday. It feels very uplifting.

Tonight I am going to the season opener for the Astros. They are doing a special NASA tribute. The flight controllers are going to go down on the field with a big flag. I'm sure it will be moving. I wish it didn't take a horrible tragedy for people to stand up and take notice of the space program.

So, all I need to include in this entry is freshly baked apple pie and it will be about as all-American as it gets.

Check out this article: U.S. Forms its Own U.N.. And Happy April Fool's Day.

Wednesday night regatta season (I'm referring to sailing here) is about to start, and as such, I'm trying to find someone looking for crew (willing to look past the fact that I won't be available until May and that I'm a complete novice). Anyway, I sent an e-mail out to the sailors I know, and this was one of the funniest things I've gotten back:

when I ever do get my boat rigged, I have a faithful crew in the person of Jim Rogers. However, if you're not too picky about boats, there's almost always some scow or another looking for a able bodied crew that can hand, reef and steer. 'Course that's usually the boat that's skippered by an ill mannered rogue that's quick with the end of a rope and fast to rig the grate (for lashing).
Just kidding....we'll keep a weather eye for boats in need of hands.....