
<img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34644775861_6db63c302e_t.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017" class="post-thumb"/>Judging from my blog records, sometimes this tournament is usually held in May, but sometimes in [late April](https://erikras.com/2014/04/28/the-14th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/) or [early June](https://erikras.com/2015/06/02/the-15th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/). Unlike some past years, this time we had fantastic weather. Even better than a perfectly sunny morning, we had a morning where it had rained for a few hours before we started, so even the normally soft sand, out of reach of the tide, was firm.

It is a nine-hole event, with a shotgun start. For you non-golfers out there, that means that everyone goes to their assigned hole, and then the tournament director, at the exact starting time, fires off an airhorn (obviously from the name, gunpowder was involved traditionally), and then we all begin. I was in one of three foursomes (nine holes = nine groups), but we never made those behind us wait, and those in front of us never made us wait, so it was ideal golf. The rest of my foursome had handicaps of 6 (that's for nine unusual holes), and mine was 5, so I was instructed to tee off first. It was a good four or five holes before I lost "honors", the right to tee off first because someone scored better than me.

The whole experience is really and truly unique. I'd recommend it for any golfer. It is so different from any other version of the game that I know. The rules are such that, as much as you may want to, you may only use a putter if you are inside the "green", a circle demarcated by red spray paint. In past years I have made the mistake of leaving all my woods in the car, but this time, I left my 5-wood to use as a "chipping" club, which allowed me to basically make a putting stroke when off the green.

I know of at least three stupid mistakes that could have resulted in one stroke less, but over all, I am quite happy with my performance. Nothing but pars and bogeys this year.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34614576982_6577b2d0cc_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34614576982_281fb74850.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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My group started on Hole #7, with [Mount Buciero](https://erikras.com/2015/08/24/hiking-mount-buciero/) still covered in clouds.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34736693296_7a40a62576_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34736693296_1f68d59208.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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All of the holes are perpendicular to the water. i.e. Downhill. This guy from my group hit his drive a little long and was down in the moist sand.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34391415650_c640fc3e29_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34391415650_92202f3585.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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The folks that went out to draw the greens early in the morning had some fun and drew a heart, which then warranted a caption.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/33968292083_c15ca1afc2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/33968292083_c422cbdd5f_z.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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Lining up my putt. In normal golf, the general rule is that if you can see a body of water, your putt will curve towards the water. The thing about Beach Golf is that you always know which way the ball will curve.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/33968293623_e423a96b85_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/33968293623_41e69576a2.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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Some wider perspective on the following photograph.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34644775861_a91774512c_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34644775861_6db63c302e.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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I'm pretty sure I have never putt on a smoother, faster surface. I think you'd have to be on a frozen lake or glass.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/33969826493_cc15b46a7b_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Beach Golf">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/33969826493_300708571b.jpg" alt="Laredo Beach Golf"/>
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Photo of my foursome by the official event photographer. _¡Guapos!_

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34776779675_4df08879f8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34776779675_36490a7176.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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Random dune porn from near one of the tees.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34391417740_98a4ae6978_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34391417740_4103e28b4d.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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This year they did the best job yet of marking where the tees were. This is the first tee.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/33935064794_de44af66db_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/33935064794_949db5678c.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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Putting on sand.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34776760825_2008de9ace_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Laredo Golf Playa 2017">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-20-the-17th-annual-laredo-beach-golf-tournament/34776760825_c6ce93f02c.jpg" alt="Laredo Golf Playa 2017"/>
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My scorecard. Handicap 5, four 3's and five 4's, for a gross score of 32, and a net even par of 27.

I'm already looking forward to next year!


The 17th Annual Laredo Beach Golf Tournament


<img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-08-peter-t-brown-9-of-9/33405611644_ed5a91e741_t.jpg" alt="Peter Brown" class="post-thumb"/>

What follows is the final chapter of a serial essay written by my father, Paul Rasmussen, about his best friend, Peter Brown. [Part 1](https://erikras.com/2017/04/24/peter-t-brown-1-of-9/), [Part 2](https://erikras.com/2017/04/25/peter-t-brown-2-of-9/), [Part 3](https://erikras.com/2017/04/26/peter-t-brown-3-of-9/), [Part 4](https://erikras.com/2017/04/27/peter-t-brown-4-of-9/), [Part 5](https://erikras.com/2017/04/28/peter-t-brown-5-of-9/), [Part 6](https://erikras.com/2017/05/02/peter-t-brown-6-of-9/), [Part 7](https://erikras.com/2017/05/04/peter-t-brown-7-of-9/), [Part 8](https://erikras.com/2017/05/05/peter-t-brown-8-of-9/)

I returned for a third visit to St. Paul after Peter and Tina separated. Peter was living in a small apartment. We went out at night and played frisbee golf, and we reminisced about old times. [Bloodball](https://erikras.com/2017/04/24/peter-t-brown-1-of-9/). Accidentally getting into a pickup basketball game against varsity players at SIU. The sound made by Kentucky Derby horses as they raced past our spot on the rail in the infield. The decibel level at Indianapolis. The time Peter poured a gallon of cold milk on the back of his sunbathing girlfriend, and the look on her face. Potato Sausage soup made with Sauce Maurice. The time we played the same pinball machine for [18 hours on a dime](https://erikras.com/2017/04/27/peter-t-brown-4-of-9/). Eating oysters on Bourbon Street. The time we were camping out and a raccoon ran off with our whole loaf of bread. [Corn](https://erikras.com/2017/04/26/peter-t-brown-3-of-9/). In November of 2002 I got a call from Peter's father. He told me that Peter was hospitalized and not doing well. He suggested that I might want to go see him, but he cautioned me that Peter was no longer responsive. I flew to St. Paul the next morning and went directly to his hospital room. Peter's eyes were closed, and he never opened them. I spoke to him for awhile, but it was difficult for me, and I stayed less than an hour.

"I apologize to everyone."

That night I ate dinner with Tina. It was an early wake for Peter, but we also caught up with each other, and refreshed our already strong friendship. I spent the next morning with Peter in his hospital room. About midmorning, while I was gazing out the window, I heard Peter say "I apologize to everyone". I looked at him but there was no change. I didn't believe my ears. There was a nurse in the back of the room making notes, and I was about to ask him if he had heard Peter speak when the nurse said "He doesn't need to apologize to me".

![Peter Brown](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-08-peter-t-brown-9-of-9/34310958912_2dd79d5f78.jpg "Peter Brown")

The best picture of Peter I ever took

I spent another hour with Peter, holding his hand and talking to him, but he never spoke again or even indicated awareness. I drove back to the airport, and flew back to North Carolina. On the flight home I thought about Peter's last words. He may not have needed to apologize to the nurse, but he was right about his need to apologize to many people. When we were young, Peter offered the wittiest retorts, but he usually came off as arrogant and abrasive. Hell, he _was_ arrogant and abrasive. Many times over the years I took pride in the fact that while he drove everyone else crazy, I alone could live with him. I guess that was because I loved him like a brother. If I am able, I will steal his final words and make them mine.

When I got home I learned that Peter died while I was in the air. For better and for worse, he made me what I am today.


Peter T. Brown - 9 of 9


<img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-05-peter-t-brown-8-of-9/33405611644_ed5a91e741_t.jpg" alt="Peter Brown" class="post-thumb"/>

What follows is a serial essay written by my father, Paul Rasmussen, about his best friend, Peter Brown. [Part 1](https://erikras.com/2017/04/24/peter-t-brown-1-of-9/), [Part 2](https://erikras.com/2017/04/25/peter-t-brown-2-of-9/), [Part 3](https://erikras.com/2017/04/26/peter-t-brown-3-of-9/), [Part 4](https://erikras.com/2017/04/27/peter-t-brown-4-of-9/), [Part 5](https://erikras.com/2017/04/28/peter-t-brown-5-of-9/), [Part 6](https://erikras.com/2017/05/02/peter-t-brown-6-of-9/), [Part 7](https://erikras.com/2017/05/04/peter-t-brown-7-of-9/)

Sometime that fall Peter's kidneys stopped working entirely, and he began dialysis. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays he lay in a recliner for six hours connected to a machine which filtered waste from his blood. For several hours afterwards he was exhausted. Despite the toll it took on his body, Peter remained upbeat. He had a single standard answer to the "How are you doing?" inquiry, which he stuck to for thirty years. "Can't complain!" he would say cheerfully. Every time I heard him say that I thought to myself "Dude! If anybody has a right to complain it is you!", but I never said a word. Peter had a bucket list, and he expected me to help him tick things off. If he was careful, he could go three days between dialysis treatments, and with considerable advance planning, he could arrange for a dialysis session away from home. We went to the Kentucky Derby, we went to the Indianapolis 500, and in 1978 he talked me into driving to New Orleans for the Ali-Spinks fight.

![Ali v. Spinks - Sept 15, 1978](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-05-peter-t-brown-8-of-9/33627332394_0e2eb7576c.jpg "Ali v. Spinks - Sept 15, 1978")

Ali v. Spinks - Sept 15, 1978

I was living in Knoxville at the time, and Peter and Mary lived in Nashville. Peter's plan was to borrow Mary's Porsche 911, and since Betsy was only 8 months pregnant, it was a no-brainer. When we got to New Orleans the day before the fight, we drove directly to the hotel where the weigh-in was scheduled to take place. The parking lot was full, but the hotel lobby was strangely deserted. We walked to the ballroom, and were almost there when the doors burst open and Ali came out. He was immediately followed by a swarm of press. Bigger than I had thought, Ali passed by me before I could think to punch him in the arm. I instantly reversed directions and joined the mad crush of reporters following Ali.

![Curt Gowdy](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-05-peter-t-brown-8-of-9/34309787082_a946468995_m.jpg "Curt Gowdy")

Curt Gowdy

I was pushed, and almost tripped, which is my justification for jabbing my elbow to help secure my position. A few seconds later I turned my head for a glance, and was delighted to see I had elbowed [Curt Gowdy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curt_Gowdy). The fight the next day was less memorable.

Two years after Erik was born, Betsy and I moved from Knoxville to Nashville for less than a year, and then relocated again, to Raleigh, North Carolina this time. While we were in Nashville, Peter and Mary got married. As I watched the ceremony, I was amused to realize that I knew Peter better than Mary did, and I knew Mary better than Peter did.

![Mary, Erik, and Paul](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-05-peter-t-brown-8-of-9/34428536406_a04f214003.jpg "Mary, Erik, and Paul")

Mary, Erik, and Paul - Raleigh, NC, 1981

I didn't see much of Peter for the next decade. He became active in the [American Kidney Fund](http://www.kidneyfund.org), and also the [Hemlock Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemlock_Society). He suffered through three kidney transplants, all of which eventually failed. Occasionally I was able to visit him after one of his operations, but almost all of the huge burden of caring for him fell to Mary. When they separated and later divorced, I was not surprised.

In 1991 Betsy and I returned to Beloit for my 20th reunion, and Peter came too. I didn't know too many people, but my very good friend Tina was there. Tina had been the best friend of my first college girlfriend. As a result, we had gotten to know each other very well during our first year. She was now a psychotherapist in St. Paul, so she should have known better, but she fell for Peter at the reunion, and he for her. After the reunion they called each other frequently, and eventually Peter moved to St. Paul.

I visited them once when they were living together there, and I went back a second time for their wedding. Peter had been the best man at both my weddings, and of course I had to be best man at both of his. I remember once again being amused by the knowledge that, not only did I know the groom better than the bride did, but I also knew the bride better than the groom did.

To be continued... [Part 9](https://erikras.com/2017/05/08/peter-t-brown-9-of-9/)


Peter T. Brown - 8 of 9


<img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-04-peter-t-brown-7-of-9/33405611644_ed5a91e741_t.jpg" alt="Peter Brown" class="post-thumb"/>

What follows is a serial essay written by my father, Paul Rasmussen, about his best friend, Peter Brown. [Part 1](https://erikras.com/2017/04/24/peter-t-brown-1-of-9/), [Part 2](https://erikras.com/2017/04/25/peter-t-brown-2-of-9/), [Part 3](https://erikras.com/2017/04/26/peter-t-brown-3-of-9/), [Part 4](https://erikras.com/2017/04/27/peter-t-brown-4-of-9/), [Part 5](https://erikras.com/2017/04/28/peter-t-brown-5-of-9/), [Part 6](https://erikras.com/2017/05/02/peter-t-brown-6-of-9/)

Sometime during my first week of employment I realized our plan would not work. The state facility which employed me was the natural place for Betsy to work as well. We were in a small town in East Tennessee, and it was 1973. She could not list my address on her application. I had naively thought we could pretend to be married, but I realized I could not lie to my boss. I called Betsy and convinced her to marry me at the courthouse in Maryville, just south of Knoxville. I took Mary with me to the hospital in order to get the blood tests necessary for the marriage license. Sadly, Betsy's Greyhound bus broke down, and got to Knoxville two hours late. It was no longer possible to make it to the Maryville Court House before it closed. Betsy laid low for a week, and then on May 29th we got married in Morristown. We went out of county to avoid reading about it in the local newspaper. We made it to the courthouse before it closed at 5:00, but C. Frank Davis, the local Justice of the Peace, said it was too close to 5:00. Peter had a talk with him, some money changed hands, and then C. Frank Davis told me he would be glad to marry us right then if we would just follow him across the street to his house. His wife, in her house slippers, served as witness, with Peter and Mary standing beside us.

![Paul and Betsy Wedding - Morristown, TN](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-04-peter-t-brown-7-of-9/34454224915_166f8d7e92_z.jpg "Paul and Betsy Wedding - Morristown, TN")

Wedding #1 - Morristown, TN - May 29, 1973

Three months later we got married again, this time in Ann Arbor. Once again Peter and Mary were there, although in Ann Arbor we had a few more friends as well. Nobody else in Ann Arbor knew about our Tennessee wedding, and nobody in Greeneville knew about our Ann Arbor wedding.

![Paul and Betsy Wedding - Ann Arbor](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-04-peter-t-brown-7-of-9/34412882706_672ab468f9.jpg "Paul and Betsy Wedding - Ann Arbor")

Wedding #2 - Ann Arbor, MI - September 1, 1973  
Betsy, Peter, and Paul

![Peter adjusts Paul's tie](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-04-peter-t-brown-7-of-9/34069713330_29d342a24a.jpg "Peter adjusts Paul's tie")

The Best Man adjusts the Groom's tie  
Paul and Peter

![Peter and Joyce at Paul and Betsy's wedding in Ann Arbor](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-04-peter-t-brown-7-of-9/33612225044_0d0754dfca.jpg "Peter and Joyce at Paul and Betsy's wedding in Ann Arbor")

Peter and Paul's mother, Joyce

![Wedding Friends](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-04-peter-t-brown-7-of-9/34294695822_632bbe4bdd.jpg "Wedding Friends")

Best Friends  
In the back, from left to right: Hoy, Peter, Gwen, Stein, and Mary. Paul in foreground.

In 1972 I had been lucky enough to win $50 and a first place trophy in Carbondale's first annual pinball tournament, and in 1973 the Tournament Director wanted me to come back and defend my title. I declined. He offered to pay all my expenses in exchange for me conducting some press interviews, and I accepted. Peter drove to Carbondale with me. Along the way he captured a silverfish in a rest room, and came up with an idea. "You need a gimmick" he said. He took the bottom off of a matchbox, and wrapped it in cellophane with the silverfish inside. "Susie Silverfish" he said. ![Silverfish](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-04-peter-t-brown-7-of-9/34454506305_23c96b1d8f_t.jpg "Silverfish") "Your good luck charm. You put her on the pinball machine whenever you compete, see-through side down".

John had done a good job lining up press coverage, and I gave several radio and press interviews. Inevitably I was asked what my secret was, and I would explain about Susie, and how I would place her on the machine where she could get a good view. Just at the right time, when they were pretty sure I was crazy, I pulled Susie in her see-through matchbox out of my pocket, and left them befuddled and wanting more.

I appreciated having my expenses paid, and tried to give John some advertising value for his money. I didn't embarrass myself during the competition, but I didn't distinguish myself either. Almost all the machines were different, and I had played almost no pinball since getting married. I didn't win, place or show, and when we left Carbondale the next morning I never expected to return, and I never have.

To be continued... [Part 8](https://erikras.com/2017/05/05/peter-t-brown-8-of-9/)


Peter T. Brown - 7 of 9


<img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-02-peter-t-brown-6-of-9/33405611644_ed5a91e741_t.jpg" alt="Peter Brown" class="post-thumb"/>

What follows is a serial essay written by my father, Paul Rasmussen, about his best friend, Peter Brown. [Part 1](https://erikras.com/2017/04/24/peter-t-brown-1-of-9/), [Part 2](https://erikras.com/2017/04/25/peter-t-brown-2-of-9/), [Part 3](https://erikras.com/2017/04/26/peter-t-brown-3-of-9/), [Part 4](https://erikras.com/2017/04/27/peter-t-brown-4-of-9/), [Part 5](https://erikras.com/2017/04/28/peter-t-brown-5-of-9/)

Two jobs requiring Masters degrees in Behavior Modification came open in Greeneville, Tennessee, and Mary and I applied, and were selected to fill them. I rented a cute guest cottage in Greeneville, and Mary lived there with me until she found an apartment of her own. Somewhere along the way my friend Hoy stopped by for a prolonged visit, setting up his hammock near the guest house. I had talked the landlord into renting me the cottage by telling him I was engaged to be married, and was preparing the cottage for my bride. One Friday evening he asked to speak with me, and told me that it didn't seem to be working out as I had said it would. I told him to give me just a little more time, as my bride would be joining me soon. Thirty minutes later I packed a bag and drove north towards Kentucky. I was headed for Wendover. I knew Betsy was visiting her friends Vernie and Cecil there. My plan was to locate the Frontier Nursing Service, where Betsy had worked on her field term. I hoped someone at FNS would know Vernie and Cecil. I did not know their last name.

![Cecil and Vernie](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-02-peter-t-brown-6-of-9/34167832192_3f42ceac7c.jpg "Cecil and Vernie")

Cecil, Vernie, their daughter Lois, and Betsy

It was well after dark when I got to FNS, and of course it was all locked up. I found a security guard, and he knew Vernie and Cecil. He told me they lived about 3 miles down a dirt road, off to the right, and down a hill. He said that due to the rain that day, the road was only barely passable.

The road was exceedingly muddy, and difficult to drive in the total darkness. After about three miles I saw a driveway appear on my right, and I turned. It quickly became steep, and I realized that right or wrong, I would not be driving back up that driveway tonight. At the bottom I saw a small house, and at the window, looking out at me, I saw Betsy.

It was easy to see why Betsy was so fond of her friends. Noble Kentucky country people, Cecil had built their home, and now made tables, lamps and rocking chairs in his workshop. Vernie made beautiful quilts, cooked all day, and tended her enormous garden. On weekend evenings their adult children would show up carrying guitars and fiddles, and make music.

![Cathead Biscuits](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-02-peter-t-brown-6-of-9/34195127871_5ca937ced6_m.jpg "Cathead Biscuits")They welcomed me warmly and found a small room and bed for me, and in the morning, after visiting their outhouse, I had the best breakfast of my life. Vernie laid out huge cathead biscuits with her homemade jam, eggs, country ham, fried potatoes, gravy and pancakes.

After breakfast Betsy and I went for a walk. Sitting in the middle of a swinging bridge, I proposed marriage, and Betsy accepted. A day later I was able to drive my VW up their driveway and back to Greeneville. I kicked out Hoy, and spruced the place up. Our plan was for Betsy and me to live in sin for the summer, and get married at her parents' house in Ann Arbor in the fall.

![Swinging Bridge in Wendover, KY](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-02-peter-t-brown-6-of-9/34023434730_15ce7cbf4c.jpg "Swinging Bridge in Wendover, KY")

Publisher's Note: This is the only photo on the internet of a swinging bridge in Wendover, Kentucky, courtesy of [Ann Cameron Siegal](http://www.themomentarypause.com/galleries/autumns-majesty/), which is a short walk from the old location of the Frontier Nursing Service, so it is very likely the same one.

To be continued... [Part 7](https://erikras.com/2017/05/04/peter-t-brown-7-of-9/)


Peter T. Brown - 6 of 9


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34258268371_fc5921ac2f_o_d.gif" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Nora Plasma Globe Gif">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34258268371_19ea307080_t.jpg" alt="Nora Plasma Globe Gif"/>
</a>

When planning our Sunday with rain in the forecast, we brainstormed several ideas, including the San Sebastián Aquarium, but in the end we settled on the _Eureka! Science Museum_, or [_Eureka! Zientzia Museoa_](http://www.eurekamuseoa.es), in Basque. Having driven two hours east to San Sebastián, we had a slight head start on the also-eastbound rain storm. We decided to visit the beach and see a strange mangled-metal art piece jutting out of the rocks, aptly named _el [Peine del Viento](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peine_del_Viento)_ (The Comb of the Wind).  <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33545000994_d92c28a450_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33545000994_d62983f969.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

The beach. There were a few knuckleheads swimming.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33544998994_3fba1e5fb1_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33544998994_f130660044_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

Anyone else reminded of iconic images of [James Dean with a cigarette](https://www.google.es/search?tbm=isch&q=james+dean+cigarette) hanging from his lips?

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33544999564_a4ac9df84f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33544999564_dcf1d163a6.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

The girls were a little cold.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33545000084_f3622b47a5_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33545000084_b445be4e90.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

James Dean got a little Paparazzi shy.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33577492863_d2be75ba5d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Peine de los Vientos">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33577492863_3566b85aa3.jpg" alt="Peine de los Vientos"/>
</a>

"Is this art?", I asked. "That's what they say," replied my wife.

Everyone was posing here, so we sheep'd on in and did the same.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576951663_6e9453801a_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576951663_96a3b8e442.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

After a bit of wait in the wind and rain, my sister-in-law showed up to accompany us for the day. The camera and the model get most of the credit, but I think this is a pretty great photo.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576955123_834a59f029_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576955123_0df9d2930d_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

Cool cliff face. It's neat how sedimentary rock can be pushed to perfectly vertical like this.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576957113_59d863ab20_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576957113_4e6a832bbe.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

One last look at the brazier-like geography as we scurried in the rain to find a place to eat lunch. That blue building directly under the tower is the Aquarium, which will remain on our todo list.

And, if there's one word you need when you are hungry in San Sebastián, it is [TAPAS](https://erikras.com/2011/08/11/tapas-in-san-sebastian/). (or, if you're cool, _pintxos_, pronounced _pinchos_)

We found a place called [Bar Pepe](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187457-d4053579-Reviews-Bar_Pepe-San_Sebastian_Donostia_Province_of_Guipuzcoa_Basque_Country.html).

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34387673295_2d45470626_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Tapas in San Sebastián">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34387673295_d865b4bdfb.jpg" alt="Tapas in San Sebastián"/>
</a>

Mmmm!!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576960683_5a5659d525_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576960683_3136058737.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

They have these delicious things called _tostas_, which are slices of bread, toasted, with toppings, not too dissimilar to a pizza. I had one with smoked salmon, tomato, and goat cheese. Delicious!

Metaphorical fuel tanks full, it was time to head to the science museum.

The woman at the ticket desk was one of these people that do their job so well, you feel like applauding. She immediately gauged us for what we were, determined what sort of experience we were looking to have, explained all the schedules of all the shows, pointed to the map upside-down (from her perspective) and generally did a fantastic job. It was complicated because the shows (and all of the museum) were divided into three languages: Spanish, Basque, and French. All three adults commented on her professionalism after we walked away. Plus she didn't ask if Ian was over the 4yo cut off, which he is [as of last week](https://erikras.com/2017/04/25/ian-is-four/), so he got in at the under-four price.

The first thing we went to was a show about electricity. It was suitably awesome even for those of us with university degrees that knew all the answers the presenter asked of the audience. The age limit for the show was 4+, so our 4yo that didn't pay like one got to see it. Afterwards he claimed it was boring, but during the show, he was as still and attentive as I have ever seen him, clearly rapt. The electricity presenter, who was about 24 years old, did a fantastic job.

The presentation involved the usual suspects, starting with a [plasma globe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_globe), and ending with a [Van de Graaff generator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_de_Graaff_generator) connected to a [Faraday cage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage) full of small Basque children. Not unlike an electrical charge shorting out, the amazingness of Nora's hair as a candidate to touch a Van de Graaff generator canceled out perfectly with her shyness to volunteer to be in front of an audience, so some other more outgoing kids with worse hair were chosen. Sadly the [Tesla coil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_coil), which was the grand finale, was broken this weekend. Still, it was an entertaining show for people of all levels of physics knowledge.

After the show was over, we wandered the museum.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576962923_b49380713e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576962923_1117c8e061.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

Another plasma globe.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34258268371_fc5921ac2f_o_d.gif" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Nora Plasma Globe Gif">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34258268371_fc5921ac2f_o.gif" alt="Nora Plasma Globe Gif"/>
</a>

Zzzzzap!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34002270370_795b9b2ef1_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34002270370_b29b7fa419_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

It turns out that these vertical columns of air that make beach balls hover can also make your hair look awesome. Who needs a Van de Graaff machine?!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576976263_d719f9d3fc_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576976263_c154c5ee5a_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

Ian lifting 200kg with the power of leverage!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576978483_4bccc90baf_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576978483_59079202f6.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

In the mirror room, things got a little crowded.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576979013_1a2746118d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576979013_2a50824f56_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

Jumping jazz hands!

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GzAhN_cc0YA?ecver=2" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;left:0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This was literally the thing that most blew my mind in the whole museum. It's a cosmic ray detector. Every little "worm" you see appear is caused by a cosmic ray from the universe, potentially emitted billions of years ago, interacting with the liquid in the detector. WOW!

Then it was time to go to the planetarium. They weren't having an actual planetary show, but it was a short film about a polar bear and a penguin that traveled to Mars, and then to Saturn to investigate how Mars also has icy poles, but Saturn has icy rings. The promotion of the myth that it's easy to zip between planets with a single jump cut bothered me, but I would definitely rate the 30 minute film as "watchable".

Then I went outside to drench my rear end on a rain-soaked bench for a photo op.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576979613_b608e8f1e6_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576979613_355b6574c3.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

"Yo Al, write this down..."

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576980013_5e1e99aaa9_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576980013_1344258283_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

Back inside we played some Mindball, where the most relaxed person wins, according to brain waves supposedly read from your forehead. Unsurprisingly, the simpleminded boys in our family defeated the complex girls.

Then it was on to the anatomy exhibit.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576981623_e7d5b98701_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576981623_86c827c549.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

There were many, many signs warning us that all the human and animal specimens were 100% real and 100% dead.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576980403_a9c2aba5fd_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576980403_964b533e81_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

Penises are strange, with or without skin.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576980903_9940a64ffd_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576980903_0dd7deea37.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

This dog reminded me a little too much of meat. When I commented this to my sister-in-law, she walked me over to the dead human and convinced me that it, too, looked like a fine cut of steak that might go well with some fried peppers. Disturbing, but true, Clarice.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576981333_3516435b2e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576981333_5d55164f7a_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

Blood head.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34386948845_a0e054452f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34386948845_1c58c2f38e_z.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

These panes of glass that you can change the lighting on each side are always creepy. Despite her father usually getting most of the credit/blame for Nora's appearance, she definitely shares some traits with her mother.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34386949775_c02888e985_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34386949775_1d9acf4c65.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

This photography room took a new "photo" every 20 seconds, leaving your shadow on the wall.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34386950835_305ef5068d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34386950835_218a797346.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

It was literally 4 minutes of fun!

With our time up, we headed back out to the car and got to briefly enjoy the exhibition of miniaturized local famous buildings, mostly various town halls and universities from the surrounding area.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576983273_4729e57e64_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/33576983273_20e1533251.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34002287620_062ef8a830_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34002287620_c20dc943cc.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34002290030_2a64348f3f_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="San Sebastian Science Museum">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2017-05-01-basque-tourism-san-sebastian-science-museum/34002290030_a51b2d2434.jpg" alt="San Sebastian Science Museum"/>
</a>

The level of detail was impressive.

We drove the two hours home and all zonked out in bed almost immediately. Hooray for Science! _Gora Zientzia_!


6 posts from May, 2017