Providence Bridge Pedal 2016

     For the past twenty years, Providence has been holding an annual biking event in Portland, usually in a morning in August. The event, called the Providence Bridge pedal, closes ten of Portland's bridges for half the day and gives cyclists the option to ride six, eight, or all ten of the closed Portland trans-Willamette bridges. This excluded Portland's newest bridge-- the Tillikum Crossing, a designated transit bridge. It was featured in the 2015 ride, but omitted this year by TriMet, the bridge's owner. Dad and I attended this year, and despite my ability to ride nearly seventy miles (albeit unintentionally, and not wanting to touch a bike for several days afterwards) we chose the shorter, 13-mile six bridge ride.
     The Bridge Pedal provides a cyclist the opportunity to take many bridges less traveled, and also to safely navigate certain bridges I am scared to drive, let alone ride on the narrow sidewalk of. The start and finish line are located on Naito Pkwy on the Portland waterfront. Despite the tendency to visualize this as a race, the scene at the start is anything but-- groups of people, families, friends, adults, children-- all metaphorically revving their engines to go, before being started off in small, relatively slow-moving groups. First was the low and normally accessible Hawthorne Bridge, then back over the dangerous Ross Island. They closed one lane, but even so I watched a child nearly wander towards the 40 MPH traffic heading East. From here, the route navigated the closed routes of I-405, onto I-5, back to surface streets, and then back to I-405 via the Freemont Bridge, which carries I-405 across the Willamette. From here it was downhill towards downtown where the course ended after passing Union Station. All routes end here, but some also covered the St. John's bridge, a Green replica of the Golden Gate in North Portland. The route takes longer, and so starts earlier, one reason that we chose the ride that we did. Neither of us are what might be called morning people.
     While it did get crowded, the route affords the opportunity to not only legally ride on freeways in Portland, but provides the opportunity to own the freeways, stop at the top to get a bike fixed or watch Portland's fireboat shoot water from all sides to entertain riders. There were stops and activities on top of both of Portland's main freeway bridges-- the Marquam (I-5) and Freemont (I-405,) with fabulous views of the Willamette River, and, for those interested in railroads, a bird's-eye view of Union Pacific's Albina Yard.
     If the Bridge Pedal has one advantage, it is that it has enough courses, that one of them is likely to be a cyclist's speed. There are rides of various lengths as mentioned earlier, and it is by no means a formal event--even children should be fine riding the shorter eight-bridges run. However children and their families also have the option to take a shorter children's ride, and there is even a walk, for those who would rather not ride. There truly is something for everyone.

From their vantage point atop Marquam Bridge, participants watch as Portland's fire boat puts on a show for the participating cyclists

Local Events - Issue 64 - KPO

Yes, you can still ride streamliners

    In the past, rail travel used to be a romantic and luxurious. There was even a time when streamlined locomotives would pull custom-built equipment through picturesque countrysides, as railroads made names for themselves by hauling named trains with certain features attached to these names. These names were so successful, that many-- such as Great Northern's Empire Builder and the Illinois Central's City of New Orleans are still used by Amtrak today. Not to spit on Amtrak, but the modern superliners aren't quite was passenger trains used to be, at least from pictures I have seen. And today, the original operators and equipment are long gone...mostly.
     A handful of private operators own some of these old streamlined cars, and still use them for private events, or rent them out to excursions or tour operators. A train of these private cars was in Portland yesterday and my Dad, Mr. Kramer the elder got himself a chance to talk with the owner of two of these cars. I was invited along.
     After parking in front of the station, and meandering out to the platform, we found the consist, a string of railcars parked behind an Amtrak P42, serving as a switcher. We talked with both car owners, before being invited aboard for a tour of the two cars the tour operator would allow us to see: The former SP Overland Trail, and former CB&Q Silver Splendor. The two cars were serving as part of a tour, in connection with several sleepers, though these were off limits.
     Our first stop was the Overland Trail, an old coach which, for purposes of the tour, had been rearranged as a theatre, with chairs facing the front of the car where a makeshift stage had been assembled. A pair of old paintings of streamliners remained in the front from a film that had been shot in the car at one point, and remained to this day. I had never seen a stage set up in a car before, and marveled at the arrangement as the host explained his project.

Looking North in the Silver Splendor's dome section. The red and black emblem in the left is the Silver Splendor's logo.

     Our next stop, The Silver Splendor was used by the CB&Q (Burlington Route) on their Zephyr passenger trains until the railroad was absorbed into the Burlington Northern in 1970. The Silver Splendor is a dome car, but unlike some carriers who made such cars first-class only, was open to coach-class travelers. The car was extravagantly decorated: grey carpets and upholstery, and teal-painted walls, we were invited into the dome portion, following clear-plastic handrails up the spiral stairs to the glass bubble with 360 degree vision for passengers. Opera music played quietly in the background as the owner explained, the few modifications he had made to make the dome more convenient. We went went back down into the belly of the old railcar, and walked to the lounge, where discussions about the railcar's potential employment. Business as usual in the rail museum business. It was only the pending departure and our expired meter that led us back into the modern world. Meanwhile, the passengers of the streamlined equipment would soon depart southbound to Los Angeles. Even now, years after such cars have all but faded into obscurity, one can still ride a streamliner, if you know the right people anyway! -KP

An advertisement aboard the Silver Splendor advertising her original employer, the CB&Q

Local Updates - Issue 64 - KPO

Cascade Lakes: Something That Should Be Seen in Person

     Of all the features that define the northwest, one of these is the Cascade Mountains. This volcanic chain stretching from California into Canada is famous both for its beauty, it's ecology, and its explosive history, which has occasionally reached into the present day. In addition to its history and natural beauty, the Cascades also offer several opportunities for recreation, including mountain climbing, hiking, and boating on the many lakes that form in between them. It is this last cause that draws our family out.

     We are a camping family, and have been as long as I can remember. This August, we made two primary trips, both of them into this beautiful mountain range. The first trip was one to Newberry National Volcanic Monument, a national monument focused around the volcanic features of Newberry Volcano. Our second trip was to Diamond Lake, located in southern Oregon, near the larger and more famous Crater Lake.

     The trip to Newberry started in the afternoon as soon as we could, but due to the distance to the park, it was evening by the time we arrived. Newberry National Volcanic Monument is centered around two lakes--Paulina and East--which fill a caldera (collapsed mountain top.) Over time, this caldera was divided into two lakes by a later eruption. Newberry Volcano has not erupted in 1,300 years, but is still being watched by the USGS as potentially active. We set up our camp on Paulina Lake where we had reserved a spot, and from there took many day trips, and activities in the park.

Looking across Paulina Lake at sunset

  
We hiked part way around the lake, visited hot springs on its shores, saw the great obsidian flow (one of the largest deposits of this rare form of lava) and drove to the highest point in the park to look over the park and the rest of the region. The air was clear, so we were able to see a number of cascade peaks. Of course we didn't waste the opportunity that the lake provided. At night, we shared the lake with insect-eating bats and watched the stars come out, enjoying the lack of light pollution in an area that rural. We also went swimming during the heat of the day. Exercise was difficult at times, since the park is located at 6,350 feet

The elevation at the top and the view including the three sisters in the background. Paulina Lake can be seen behind the rock spires

     Our second trip into the mountains, took us to Diamond Lake. Diamond Lake is a natural glacially-carved lake bordered on one side by shield volcano Mt. Bailey, and on the other side, Mt. Theilson. Unlike Paulina Lake, the weather was colder, windier, but still clear. Even children weren't seen swimming, though this could have more to do with the algae (thankfully a non-toxic variety) which would make swimming unpleasant. While I had been prepared to go swimming, We all kept busy, riding our bikes on the paved trail around the lake, including a pass through the village-sized Diamond Lake Resort, and evening bike rides to go look for bats and the Merganser ducks that wandered the lake in the evening.  Dad's model yacht also got its hull wet on several occasions before it got too rough for it to safely navigate.

The model yacht cruising on Diamond Lake, with Mt. Thielson in the background.

     The final lake we visited was Crater Lake, seen as a side trip of our diamond lake adventure. Crater Lake was close to Crater Lake, and we figured it would be a waste to not see it as well. Like Newberry, Crater Lake is a caldera left behind when the ancient Mt. Mazama collapsed in on itself. The caldera later flooded with rainwater and snowmelt brought in by violent storms. We did the normal tourist routine at Crater Lake: drove the Rim Drive, visited the lodge and sat in the wooden armchairs, and had quesadillas in an old campground-turned-picnic area. We tried to get a boat ride, but since they were full, we instead climbed a trail on foot up to an old (though still active) watchtower above the rim of the caldera which offered fabulous views of the countryside. There was some haze from a recently-extinguished wildfire, and one could feel the altitude rounding cures on the hikes. Thankfully no one fainted from the altitude!

The view from the slopes of what was once Mt. Mazama, on the drive approaching the Crater Lake Rim

Part of Crater Lake, with Wizard Island in the foreground, as seen en-route to the watchtower.

     The Cascades are large, and there is no way to see them all, at least without dedicating ones life to it. However, I am certain that we will continue to visit the mountains, and the lakes, forests and endless adventures that await within them. -KP

Travels - Issue 64 - KPO

[Ch] The world might end, but are we thinking about it the wrong way.

With all of these tornados hitting the midwest, earthquakes in Italy, I guarantee you that someone out there is going to be writing somewhere about the end of the world, rapture, and eternal damnation. And as Christians, it makes sense that this is something we should be talking about, and certainly something that we should be prepared for. Our salvation is important, and not everyone who thinks they have it really does (Matt. 7:21). But what I have recently come to the conclusion about is that for several people like me-- anxious people-- it will a lot less thinking about the end of the world and being aware of it or spiritually prepared for it, and much more WORRYING about it. That's where the problems lie.
     First, no one knows if these tornados and hurricanes and whatnot mean that the world will end next year. They very well might, this all might be building up to the horrors of Revelations. We also might have 1,000 more years on this planet: only God above knows the day or time, to my understanding anyway (Matt. 24:36). Christian eschatology is both a fascinating and terrifying subject, one I have done little delving into. But we are also told not to worry(Matt. 6:25.) Jesus illustrates beautifully just how counterproductive worrying is, and how little it can fix. Sure there is preparedness, and being aware of things. Again, being aware of our spiritual state, and our relationship with Christ is essential. But letting day to day things bother us so isn't. I believe that the reason we worry about the end of the world is for entirely selfish reasons. What is it doing to do to ME? What is it going to MY life? What won't I be able to do because the world will end first. We don't worry about others, we don't stress about the overall impact such a cataclysmic event will have, we just worry about ourselves.
     Perhaps you have concluded that I am just another fat happy gentleman who has never had a panic attack and sees anxiety as something one can simply get over. While its true that I don't understand everyone's situation specifically, I am anxious myself, so i can relate to how controlling anxiety can be. How much I want to stop worrying and can't, how the smallest, most irrational things can seem critical me, how I can't stop worrying until I have all the answers, a goal I can never achieve. So ignorance of the issues facing anxious people isn't my greatest fault: if anything, it would be hypocrisy. A man as anxious as I saying not to worry. But I am speakign to myself as much as everyone else.
     And yes, I admit it, the world may be ending. The bible does mention Earthquakes, and while I haven't found it myself, people often use weather as a sign of the end times as well. And yes Newton did say that he thought the world would end when we achieved speeds of over fifty miles per hour (Dan. 12:4) However, the number of dates set for the end of the world are endless, and all of them so far have been wrong. We don't know when, but all of us (even atheists) admit that someday it will. So will the world end? Yes. Will it end soon? No one knows: no one on Earth anyway. But there is one who does. Instead of worrying about when the world will end, perhaps it would be more beneficial for us to examine our relationship with the only individual who knows. Pray, stay strong, be faithful. Not all of us know Jesus. So while the world is still here, we should let that be our priority. we can do nothing about the world ending, but we can do something about where we will be standing when it does. KP

Christianity, Issue 64; KPO

Modern is not inherently relevant

When I started the Kramer Paper Online (KPO) three years ago, I had a vision of carrying the family newsletter I had written on and off since I was a young boy into the twenty-first century. The Kramer Paper in its print form, has only been seen by a handful of people, but what it is like is evident by the posts on this blog up to this point. These posts are written in a third-person news style, or a personal reporting style, like might be written for a class paper. Regardless, they all have one thing in common. Even as I have grown into a man, the wording and phrasing of these articles comes across more as a diary entry than a news article. And that's fine: the Kramer Paper was, for most of it's run as a print newsletter, my equivalent of a daily journal (or weekly, monthly, depending on where it was in its lifespan.) The choice between these two styles restricts me too much as a creative writer. The KPO is no longer a newsletter: it's a personal blog, and I have beliefs, interests, and adventures that I could share better in this context. While I may continue to offer Kramer Paper newsletters in the old format as, say, a christmas letter, the KPO needs to move away from the news-style and accept its place on the blogosphere.
The Kramer Paper was actually quite dead when I revived it, but I saw a need to bring it back. I had moved out of home for the first time, and wanted to share where I was. Few people understood why I was doing this, with phone calls and email, and I can understand why. See, when I revived the KP in its online format, I saw it continuing to write news articles like I had written when I was younger, but upgrade it to a more modern setting. Which brings me to my point: modern is NOT always relevant. A sinking ship cannot always be saved by a simple upgrade, nor can a simple change result in a new creation. I think about Interflug's A310s while I write this, acquired three years prior ot the demise of the company. While I am sure that these two situations are really no comparison, but the point I am attempting to make is this: a blog needs to say something that people want to hear. The Kramer Paper made money because a cute young boy was writing articles for family and friends. That little boy has grown (though I hope in spirit this may not entirely be the case.) The Kramer Paper does not merely need to modernize and hit the internet, it needs to evolve and change as I grow, or it will go the same way as the aforementioned East German airline and, for that matter, its homeland.
"Mommy blogs" as I call them are evidence that a blog about family life can be interesting and relevant, but I am not a mom, nor will I ever be, I being a man: but I digress. The point is that articles written in a faux-news format that I have used on and off for the past sixteen years cannot continue, at least not as the primary bread-and-butter of the blog. I would very much like to continue writing articles (or posts as the case may be) under the name of the Kramer Paper. Yes, 'Kramer Paper' sounds silly. Yes, it is uncreative. (Though you try creating a good newspaper name with the last name "Kramer.") However that name has graced sixty-three issues of a family newsletter over the course of sixteen years. It may be a perfect time to quit, and I will. However I don't think that the KP needs to be retired. So with no further ado, I present to you the new "Kramer Paper." Our new slogan should be a clue as to where the KPO is going. More posts like this. It may be renamed at some point, it will certainly be re-considered, (it is now the KPO after all, not merely the KP) but I think the newsletter first published in 2000 will continue to exist, in some name and in some form, for many years to come. Whether the KPO remains relevant however remains to be seen. -KP

Editorials, Issue 64

Bird in the Spotlight: Swainson's Thrush

Animal-in-the-Spotlight
Issue 64 - 

Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
Image Source

     Imagine you are out walking in the forest in the Pacific Northwest. The air is cool, and the canopy of trees captures the sunlight casting small shadows over the trail on which you walk. Small sparrows and wrens fly for cover as you pass, and shrubbery blows in the wind. 
     As you walk, you hear a bird call from somewhere out of sight, a circular warbling sound, that raises in pitch until its nearly inaudible. You stop and listen: there it is again. It's almost magical, like few birds you may have heard before. It's call has elements similar to that of a Robin, but it's nothing like a robin call, though equally beautiful. And if your forest adventures are anything like mine, you probably hear a lot more of them than you see. I am talking, of course, about the Swainson's Thrush.
     The Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) is a thrush found on the west coat, into the rockies and through southern Canada. These birds have beautiful warbling call which rolls and rises in pitch. Males do a lot of singing in the morning to mark their small territory. They also sing during the day, and in evenings.
     The Swainson's has several features typical of thrushes: the body shape, it's large black eyes and bill shape, as well as spots found on Juveniles. Certain elements of its call are similar to other thrushes I have researched as well.  unlike my experience with Robins, these birds prefer to avoid urban areas when breeding, and migrate at night, sometimes flying over residential areas calling to each other as they do, though I have never observed this, living in the middle of the suburbs. Their bodies are olive-grey above, with lighter bellies. Speaking from experience, this makes them somewhat difficult to spot. I had an interesting run in with one during the first weekend after school in which I stalked one around a campground at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

Issue 64 - Birdwatching

Sources:
- Youtube video "Thrushes" by Peterson's Field Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOfY3Cu8FTA
- National Audubon Field Guide to North American Birds, Western Region
- Birds of the Willamette Valley

Mysterious Flashing Star Identified

Issue 64 - Science & Technology

Garden Home-- For years, young Steven Kramer looked out his window in late summer or early autumn and noticed a star (or something similar) flashing in the gap between two trees in the Northeastern sky. Unlike most stars, the object flashed green red white, and sometimes even appeared to flash blue or yellow.

     "When I first saw it it scared me," Steven said, "I had no idea what it was. Dad came in my room and told me that it was an airplane or helicopter, but then it never moved."

     The years went by, and it kept appearing over those trees at that same time. As Steven grew older, fear turned to curiosity and admiration of its beauty. It was added to a tongue-in-cheek family flag he drew, and several theories about its identity were thrown around. Last night, it was identified with a fairly high certainty.

     "I finally decided to set things straight," Steven said, "I went up to my room with a star wheel, but wasn't able to find anything decisive. So I did what any reasonable man would do: I looked up red and green flashing star northeast."

     What followed were a number of articles describing a bright flashing star in the Northeast, visible in autumn: Capella.  While the page described a November sky, several checks were done involving star arrangements with the big dipper. All of them checked out

     "The webpage suggested that many people wonder about this object," Steven said, "It's good to know I'm not alone."

     The article stated that the star is a binary system about 42 lightyears away. The star itself is about the same color as the sun, except much larger. the flashing it produces is evident in all stars but due to Capella's brightness-- it's the sixth-brightest object in the sky-- makes this effect more visible that on most other stars.

The flag of the property designed by Steven Kramer depicting two major astronomical features viewed out his bedroom window. Capella is the pink star on the right.

Original ID made with this article:
http://earthsky.org/?p=3623

Parkways a Great Way to Spend a Sunday

Issue 64 - Around Town
Portland-- In a city the size of Portland, it is easy to imagine that there might be several traditions and activities that a household might not be aware of, especially when located in a suburban town like ours. A recent discovery of ours is the Portland Parkways.

     Portland Parkways is a social bike ride that takes place on Sundays around Portland. It sets a course around parts of town, and then closes streets and encourages all who want to participate to do so. This results in Portlanders of all sizes, riding bicycles of all makes, models and sizes, along the designated course thorough a given part of town. SOme are babies in baskets, others elderly adults. All are welcome, and there are activities for all: food trucks for all ages, activities for children, and a relatively easy course, though some parts proved more difficult than others.

When Mom announced an interest in going, Steven went to church early, and then he helped load up the bikes and headed to SouthEast where the course had opened at 11:00. The two parked, and found the course, though with some difficulty.

     Like the last Parkways ride they took part in, this ride specialized in touring parks, with closed streets forming a closed circuit for bikers to travel in either direction. As in the last one, parks were set up with climbing towers, bouncing houses, food trucks and more. They didn’t partake in many food trucks, but did stop for a  bowl of unusual, but delicious ice cream. 

     This course, unlike the last one in North Portland was enjoyable, but not as popular as the last one. Mom was hoping for more parks, and while there were several, there were fewer, and they were less awe-inspiring than the likes of Peninsula parks than the course in North Portland. However, there were unique fun parts of this as well. The course went through neighborhoods of houses dating back so far the curbs still had rings to tie up horses. The ancient houses were beautiful and in many cases well kept up. A careful rider looking beneath their bike might notice flowers “sprouting” from stripes on crosswalks, and careful murals painted on the road at intersections.

     “Overall, I think was worth the trip.” Steven said, “But you have to be attentive. Many of the details along the route are ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ situations.” -KP

One of the painted intersections along the course. While not an ideal photo, the image captures the creativity employed by local artists.

Local Events, issue 64; KPO

The (Rail)Road to Essex

Essex, MT-- About halfway through my second year at SOU, I was growing weary of the academic scene. I had been in school since two years of kindergarten with only summers for breaks. After failing my first course and consequently withdrawing, I decided to take spring term off along with summer, and get away from school to get some work experience. While at school I examined a few jobs, and interviewed for one, but when housing couldn’t be provided, I declined, and went home instead to begin organizing my summer job. 

The Westbound Empire Builder arrives in Essex, MT. While the town is accessible from US Route 2, Amtrak is an efficient way to get to the Inn and the company provides a complementary van to the station.

I turned my head to the stars, so to speak, and looked at several national parks. I interviewed with Bryce Canyon, and Grand Tetons. Meanwhile though I thought back to a railroading magazine which had talked about the Izaac Walton Inn, in Essex Montana. It was located right off of the mainline for BNSF Railway’s line from Seattle to Chicago. I applied, interviewed, and ultimately got a job as a night audit. By early June, I was on a train bound for Essex. When I arrived, I was given a night on the house, and then moved into my housing.

The first few days were a bit difficult. I worked day shift for about a week before moving into night shift. This put me on a schedule opposite my peers, and they weren’t always understanding of this. Light would stream in my east-facing window when I got in bed. However, after a few months I managed to get comfortable. I made a few friends, settled into the company culture (to the best of my ability anyway.) I also set about exploring the wood along Essex Creek, finding a few special places in the woods, hiking along the Flathead River. By August, I had my favorite places in the woods, the requirements of my job, and a garden in the making.

“Fort Autumn” a fort I built in the woods on the banks of Essex Creek in the woods. It’s made of cobblestones and driftwood. While a bit cramped, it was large enough to sit in. 

However, it was a dry summer in Montana, and a fire broke out within a mile of the lodge. The railroad prepared for war by bringing in a firefighting train nicknamed “Sparky the Fire Train.” The woods were closed off and firefighters arrived in town. Finally, we were evacuated I spent a few days living with a coworker in the area before I was sent home for the summer, “honorably discharged” as it were. Which ended my summer employment.

The skyline of Essex Montana looking West. The  mountains are obstructed by smoke from the Sheep Fire. THe smoke was so thick that air quality was unsafe, and the smell hung in the air everywhere.

I have no regrets however. The lodge had a different culture, which I was forced to settle in to. I had never lived out of Oregon before, and while I was shy, I did make several friends. And the countryside around the lodge? Let’s just say I intend to return someday.

Event Planning Internship

After the graduation ceremony, I still had two courses to complete: One was a standard catalogue entry course but another, an internship had to be arranged. I did my coursework in two unrelated fields-- hospitality management, and nonprofit management. Initially, I had been unsure if an internship could be found that fit both, but after some searching, my Dad told me that the nonprofit he worked with, ORHF, was looking for an intern, to either write a grant or plan a volunteer appreciation event. Since an event is a hospitality aspect for a nonprofit, I chose the second option to fulfill both requirements.  When we returned from a vacation to the beach, the internship began.

The internship began with a one-on-one interview with the volunteer coordinator. After this, I had an initial meeting with the event committee, a group of ORHF volunteers and leaders who would be working with me on the project. We brainstormed ideas, and I was given an assignment to draft a couple of plans. 

Several different proposals were made including an Amtrak ride, a ride on a historic trolley, a dinner on a river cruise boat, or using a museum venue. Over the 120 hours of the internship most of these were weeded out. Some of these, such as a train ride at the beach were too far away. Others such as the river cruise, or the Amtrak ride exceeded our budget. We finally decided on the trolley, and began to work on the details of this. In order to get my internship hours, a lot of this was done alone. When I expressed interest in the trolley. I was invited to the trolley motorman’s meeting, where I was told about a park rental that might help our project. I was then put in touch with Lake Oswego, and I arranged for the trolley rental, and the park rental. After this, I rode the trolley myself to see what ORHF volunteers would be getting from the experience. I was pleased by what I found. The trolley motormen were very kind, and it seemed perfect. The event is scheduled for September, but most of the details are lined up.

The internship has been fun and very informative. At times it was stressful. Communication within the organization was at times difficult, but it has been an informative experience. Much like writing the business plan, event planning is a skill a hospitality management major will find useful in the future. 

The fireplace at Millennium Plaza Park in Lake Oswego. This is part of the pergola, which has been rented for ORHF’s Volunteer Appreciation Event

The Interior of the Willamette Shore Trolley, a ride that will be featured as apart of ORHF's appreciation event in September.

Outreach Work at Begins at Library

Hillsboro, OR- After several years with the Library as a children's librarian, my mother has been transferred to a new department, CEO or "Community Engagement and Outreach." The CEO specializes in bringing library activities to parks, schools, preschools, and retirement homes. In short, library activities outside the library.
"It was not my choice, but I am loving it now." She said in an interview with the Kramer Paper, "I am excited about what I'm doing... everybody in our department is." The CEO has offices in the  upstairs area separated from the rest of the library. From here, they plan outreach programs, and have lunches to build community among department members. These programs involve story times and activities in parks and school lunch programs over the summer, and future trivia nights at retirement homes.
Mom's new job also includes the title of 'Student Success Librarian.' This will involve going to after school programs and preschools after school starts and lead programs at these establishments. Hillsboro School District will add preschools this coming year, and CEO will be working with students and staff in library outreach after they open.
"Her new office space is more festive," Young Mr. Kramer said, "Everyone there seems to love what they're doing!"

Bird in the Spotlight: American Dipper

The American Dipper, also known as the Water Ouzel, is a small grey, wren-like Bird found in Oregon, Montana, and much of western North America. The bird lives by fast-flowing water, where it hunts for water bugs. The American Dipper is North America's only aquatic songbird,and is able to dive underwater and "fly" while in search of aquatic insects and other food. There are reports of these birds being attacked by large fish while diving. They can be easily identified by their habit of bobbing their bodies up and down while standing on river rocks, and their white eyelid visible when they blink. Dippers build round nests by creek sides when rearing young. The Kramer family has encountered these birds at Clear Lake, Ashland Creek,and Essex Creek in Montana.
(sources available upon request)

The American Dipper Cynclus mexicanus
image source

Garden Crops and Chaos

Schollsdale-- For many years, The back yards of Kramerton (and to a lesser extent, the front yard) has been the site of several successful and diverse gardens. The Summer of 2006 has been no exception. We currently have four locations for growing vegetables, including a raised bed, and three small plots each dedicated to one or two crops.

In the shady corner, Potato plants were, until recently growing. They have since been harvested, yielding four buckets full. The front beds grow beans and tomatoes, and the raised bed is overflowing with bell peppers, onions, corn, beans, beets, carrots, and two types of squash. In the sense of the squash, the garden is literally overflowing: The squash have escaped their raised bed and proceeded to invade the lawn adjacent to it. In addition, the blueberry bushes remain, as do the cherry trees, as well as raspberry, and recently added grapevines.

All of the crops have been put to some use. Most are eaten raw or cooked, canned, made into relishes, and so forth. The squash however, has fewer uses due to the large sizes to which they are grown. Most end up as dinner dishes, or shredded and made into relishes. -KP

A squash vine that has begun to invade the lawn, with it's pumpkin-like fruit.

Mom harvesting beans in our raised bed in the backyard. 

'Secret Spot' Discovered in Montana Country Side

Essex, MT- As the waters of Essex Creek continued to lower as summer progressed, areas that were once wild with white water and treacherous became accessible to one carefully wading. Steven Kramer took the opportunity to explore the now-accessible creek-bed.
"I started at the bridge, and then waded downstream." Steven Kramer said when interviewed by the Kramer Paper, "I was about halfway down when I saw the bird." Steven, described it as a grey bird,with a strange habit of bobbing its body up and down whenever it moved. 
"I was curious," Steven said, "I had never seen anything like it. I thought it was a female thrush of some kind." Curious, he followed the bird down the canyon. "It seemed to be leading me somewhere," he said, "Every time I saw it, it would fly further down the creek,as if waiting for me."
Whether it was truly leading him anywhere may never be known, but he finally lost track of the bird when he arrived at a part of the creek with a waterfall, beautiful prismatic pool, rock piles, and a log that made a nice bench. "It was beautiful," Steven said, "I stopped there for about half an hour, and returned many times for the rest of the summer. I built a fort there and everything! it was like I was a settler. I named everything! Perhaps I got a bit too carried away."
The bird, later identified as an American Dipper (Cynclus mexicanus) was spotted several more times, and Steven went out of his way to give the bird its space. "I felt like it had led me there, like it had shared its favorite place with me. I wanted to respect it in exchange." Steven nicknamed it "The Dippers Place" in the bird's honor. Visits to the spot continued as long as they were possible. The Sheep Fire ultimately ended these excursions. "I might go back some day," Steven said, "I'd like to see how it changes over time." -KP

"Fort Autumn" a fort made of river rocks, and driftwood, was a shelter constructed above the waterfall in late summer

"Angel's Rest Pool" a deep and cold swimming hole. The log that served as a bench is in the background.

Steven Kramer's Novel Receives First Printing

Schollsdale - Steven Kramer has completed proofing his long awaited (and long talked about) novel, Father Time and had it printed in late July. The printing is informal, with a PDF submitted to a printing shop in Beaverton. Nevertheless, the result was the entire 77,000 word manuscript being printed for the first time.
"I'm happy with it," Steven said, "It still needs a lot of work, but I felt it was to a place where I could print it and share it with friends and family."
The novel-- a work in progress since 2012-- depicts the misadventures of a young woman as she is separated from her parents and spends the next several years living in various places trying to find her way home.
"I originally had the idea one night when I couldn't sleep," Steven said, when asked how he came up with the idea, "I decided to make up a story to entertain myself. I had an idea, and thought 'this is pretty neat.'"
The book has gone through several variations, including omitting a character from the original story, but in the end, he reverted much of the novel to its original story, with a few exceptions.
"It didn't seem that I was being true to myself," Steven said, "I had made all of these changes but none of them were really necessary. The story was fine the way it was. After chatting with a friend about it, I realized I had made a lot of changes that weren't necessary."
The printed copy of Father Time will remain at home. anyone interested in reading a draft may contact Mr. Kramer. Whether the novel will receive more formal publication remains to be seen.

The first, spiral bound draft of Father Time. The project has been in the works since 2012, with writing of the novel beginning 2013.

Steven Kramer Becomes Kramer Family's Most Recent College Graduate

Ashland,Oregon
After three years of studies at Southern Oregon University-- and an additional two at Portland Community College, Steven Kramer finally graduated from College on June 11, 2016. The ceremony occurred in Ashland Oregon in the morning, and was attended by the families of  many graduates, including Steven's Parents.
"Unfortunately, my degree isn't complete yet," Steven said at an interview with the Kramer Paper, "I still have two courses to go over the summer. But sine I am only missing eight credits, I got to walk today, and will receive my diploma by mail at the end of the summer."
After the ceremony, Steven will spend a few days with his family, before returning to Portland to begin an event-planning internship that makes up four of the missing eight credits, with an event planning course on the side.
"It'll be a busy summer for sure," Steven said, "I'll be hard at work. And I've never planned an event before so that should be a challenge."
When asked about his plans in the years above and beyond college, Steven replied that he was unsure.
"I'll probably go into hospitality" he replied, "Maybe work at a hotel. I've enjoyed experiences wiht that so far." -KP

Steven with his mother, on the SOU football field following the ceremony.

To Write a Business Plan

Ashland, OR.
Since I have been a business major for three years now, I was well aware that this moment would be coming. The entire business school curriculum is designed to prepare students for the "capstone assignment." Each major has a capstone, but the school of business' capstone is a bit more rigorous: write a business plan for a company of our choosing... from scratch. The plan was hypothetical-- though it didn't have to be-- and was to feature all necessary details including an actual location (though it didn't have to be currently available) products to be sold, number of employees, pay rates for each, and so on. All of this was done in the form of an excel template created by a now-retired professor. This automated much of the math for us-- all we needed were the inputs, the rest could be calculated. The calculations were transferred into other protected sheets which took the form of necessary financial statements to be featured in the final business plan. We were given a textbook as a guide, and set out choosing our business, and began to write the plan, piece by piece. There were two primary schools of thought on how to do business plans among SOU professors. The first, was to simply met to discuss, and have the entire project due at the end Since deadlines help me stay on task, I chose the alternative-- intermittent deadlines in which small sections, and finally the entire plan, followed by a presentation.
The process was very informative, and at time fun. Many other times, though, it proved stressful. The plan indirectly resulted in one of the worst bouts of anxiety I have had to face, and it took awhile to figure out which business I would do, and then how to gather information. Once the ball was rolling however, the process went well. I chose a bird watching supply store for my business located in the small, under-served town of Sherwood Oregon, outside of Portland. I got in touch with other birding stores for information, and with their help, and a number of online sources, the term flew by, and before long, it was time to present the plan. The professors sitting in on my plan were all people I respected, and no students came by to hear our speeches. This turned out to be a good thing: I fainted three quarters of the way through mine and was cut short. In a way, I was disappointing that I wasn't able to finish, but I was given a passing grade for what I got done.
I'm pleased with the results. I have the experience of planning a business, and have the plan itself in a neat maroon folder to show for it. In short, I suppose the stress was worth it: I made several friends, had an experience that will come in handy in the business world, and have  a plan for a potential business of mine. Sure it was hypothetical, but Sherwood is under-served in the industry. Will there ever bee a Sherwood Backyard and Bird? It's hard to say.