All packed...

I am off to the lake in the morning, will be back phloggin' when I get home next week. As they say in Texas, "ya'll have a great week!"

Is it something I can ride?

I know it as a Utah Phillips song; you may know the John Denver version.

Daddy what's a train? Is it something I can ride?
Does it carry lots of grown-up folks and little kids inside?
Is it bigger than our house? Well, how can I explain
when my little boy and girl ask me "Daddy what's a train?"

I love trains, and when I was back on the east I got to take the Amtrak Acela express train from NYC to Washington, DC. I have taken this ride many times, but the view never ceases to amaze me…it is WAY better than driving 95 counting the rest stops named after notable New Jerseyans – yikes! (PS: “the Vince” after Vince Lombardi is my favorite!)

This time, I was even taking the train during light hours…here are some fantastic shots out my window going 150mph!

PS: My brother is a HUGE Utah Phillips fan, and it just so happens to be my little brother's birthday. if you are in Portland, Oregon today honk!!!

Long Island Sound a Sleep

Half way thru my trip east, I had the pleasure of spending one night on the Long Island Sound with my good friend Angela and her little bundle of joy – Annie – who I have a special connection with. I needed to relax a little, let my mind go, stop thinking about the Summit ahead...so I went up to see them and let go for a few hours. It was just what I needed - a good night of sleep and some quality time with the cutest baby on earth!

They were up staying with her folks for a few weeks and I have never been to Connecticut on good terms.

Ian has an utter distain for “The Nutmeg State.” Me, all I really know about Connecticut is what I have seen on Gilmore Girls (and we all know that isn’t really Connecticut – that’s some lot in Hollywood).

Anyways, the part of Connecticut that I saw, albeit for only for a few hours was beautiful!

Take a look:

NY friends - oh how we miss them!

One of the hardest parts of moving to TX last year was moving 2,500 miles away from our dearest friends. I miss them daily, and the only consolation is that work sends me east just about every four months and I can see them. Here are some shots of us last week. Aron was off gallivanting across the country – next time old man, you, me and a roof for plotting!

They are waving to you Ian!

Six days! Count down to the lake!

The lake is one of the most relaxing places on the planet for me. Watch out summer beach reading list, I am going to destroy you!

(These are other people's photos, I promise a bunch when I get back - computers for pholging are not allowed on this trip.)

You're Loved Dad!

Happy Father's Day, from your "cheezy" daughter!

Success!

Sorry I didn't post from the road, I was a little busy. Starting on Sunday, Consumers Union invited dozens of activists to Yonkers, NY for a first-ever Summit to meet each other, train in media, lobbying, and internet skills, and go to Washington for meetings with lawmakers and the media.

You can see all the photos and read a little bit about what I have been working on lately, just click here.

Good news...

Ian figured out how to put my camera software on my laptop so now I can post from the road! And on the road again, I am.

I leave Sunday for a 10 days trip back East. This is a pretty exciting trip for me for many reasons. I get to see friends and family along the way and I am about to finish up a very important professional victory. I am sure to have tons of pictures along the way – so stay tuned to the phlog for all the latest!

First up, New York…

Then on to the Nation’s Capitol.

Republic of Texas biker rally - yup you heard me

Last night we went to the Republic of Texas Biker Rally parade on Congress. I would say two things:

1. We TOTALLY were not wearing enough leather, and by not enough I mean none.
2. We had AWESOME seats. Take a look…

To the South
To the North
The green machine
The cat ladies