Like a page in a book...Bags for Books

Keep the theme Time, Talents, Treasures, in mind when thinking about me.

This term was shared to me many years ago and has become something I think about regularly. 

In short we all have time, talents and some form of treasures. I've come to understand that what works for me is to think about MY time, talents and treasures.  Which leads me to conduct myself in a certain manner.

Being in this state being often has seemingly impossible things happen to me on a regular basis.  So much so that I live expectantly, eager for what is happening next or soon trusting that the probability that it is going to be something awesome!

As I was about to leave the office HUB-13 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/t6cR4htj9CgrUSXQ9

Yolanda L. Robinson asked if I would join her on a ride to the office Wanda McNeill via the Mercer County Parks Commission.

During the ride Landy mentioned that she was securing bags to be filled with books that would be given to children for the holidays.  She went on to mention that Wanda Webster Stansbury had initiated her participation. 

Wanda Webster Stansbury and I have collaborated in the past on literacy efforts.  Via my relationship with www.MagazineLiteracy.org I was able to secure copies of Highlights Magazine for students at the Gregory School.  Followed by the Gregory Schools adoption of an LBOT - Library Boxes of Trenton.

http://trenton365.blogspot.com/2016/06/library-boxes-of-trenton-nj.html

I was then able to connect with Danielle Miller Winrow of Sprout U School of The Arts

https://www.sproutuschoolofthearts.org/

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NfHteXvVRxF5EPhg6

Trenton 365 Dr. Kevin Kita

I recently sat down with Dr. Kevin Kita.  We met via social media, then in person and my most recent visit to his office in Morrisville PA.

The reluctant to be called "Doctor" is a calming presence and one that I appreciate.  The estetics of his office, the location etc. work nicely together.

Prior to our in-person meeting we chatted on the phone and Dr. Kita shared about his practice, what it is and is not and his vision to share his gifts and talents.  When we met in person I did not receive any service but 

Horticulture Inquiry - Quercus acutissima

I'm a bit "country" meaning I really enjoy the outdoors and everything that comes with it.  Growing up in Ewing Township I spent most of my time outside playing in "The Hole" a location where the municipalities of Trenton and Ewing gathered soil that would be used to reinforce the banks of the Delaware River during a flood.  At least that is what I was told.

"The Hole" was bordered by a cemetery, a creek and two main arteries.  It was full of wildlife and native vegetation.  I remember eating blackberries, raspberries, crab apples and when things were good wild strawberries even though I was told they would make me sick.

"The Hole" was a meeting place and hangout location for my family, their friends and plenty of others.  In this space I learned to ride motorcycles, throw "dirt bombs" learned what bees liked sandy soil, flew kites and more.

So when the 2 trees outside of our 100+ year old row home in Trenton, New Jersey began to drop an over abundance of seeds/nuts, I perked up.

I put a few videos and some images out to my social media network to learn about these trees.  The trees are behaving as they normally do except this year there is large dropping a "bumper crop" in the street, on parked cars, the sidewalk and me while cleaning them up.  Within a 24 hour period I've picked up over 80lbs. of nuts, caps, leaves and debris from the crushed droppings.

The local family of squirrels are enjoying themselves however I am also worried that someone may try to capitalize on the "Act of God" and file a slip and fall claim.  I would hate to see these trees planted by the City of Trenton removed since they provide needed shade to the street as well as shelter for the native wildlife and quite frankly I think they are beautiful!

I posted videos and images to my Facebook Friends hoping to learn a few things, mainly if this was normal and if these nuts/seeds were edible.  A few minutes later the replies poured in!  I am thankful for the ability to quickly connect with people who have similar interests and much needed knowledge.

In addition to receiving replies from people who own Tree Service Companies, work for Tree Service Companies, Master Gardeners, a few jokes and more, it has been narrowed down to Quercus acutissima.



Thank you for all of the replies, now to see if I can eat these bad boys!

Timothy J. Mellor was first to nail it.  Thanks to the Master Gardeners of Mercer County NJ as well, Mary, Debbie, Dana and Barbara.

Center for Child and Family Achievement Trenton NJ

A few weeks ago I received a message from the WIMG 1300 AM & www.wimg1300.com Office Manager Vennie Stansbury.  She mentioned that a Trenton based non-profit was looking to share some information about programming and a pop up art event they were having as a fundraiser.

I was contacted by Executive Director and Founder Wanda W. Stansbury, no relation to Vennie and the process began.  We played a bit of phone tag and then Artist friend Tasha O'Neil sent a email and we scheduled a visit to the "Pop Up Art Gallery" in the Princeton Shopping Center on Harrison St. in Princeton Township NJ.

Upon visiting the Gallery I was glad to see so many Artist' who I consider friends with work hanging.  Clifford Ward who has a space at The Grounds for Sculpture, Kathleen Liao, Educator Mel Leipzig, Gyuri Hollosy also with space at GFS, Carmen Seldon and several others.  this exhibit also includes various artist friom the







http://www.ccfatrenton.org/

Old Speckled Hen Distinguished English Pale Ale

While traveling I like to partake in the local food and beverage scenes. 

Recently while in Caribbean I was introduced to Old Speckled Hen 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Speckled_Hen

Listen to Old Speckled Hen.m4a by Trenton365 on #SoundCloud

https://on.soundcloud.com/dLA8U

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz extended review

Recently I took the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz for an extended test ride.

My focus was to see the practicality of this SUV with a "pickup" bed.

First off, thank you to Hyundai USA for the access and the team at DriveShop NYC for the service, prompt delivery and pickup.

My vehicle came in the California Sand color, reminiscent of a muted tan or a camel color if you are thinking sport coats.  

The vehicle looks good, I would even say striking.  I don't see many of these on the road and I find that appealing. The angles, lines, lighting, wheel design and color works very well. 

The Santa Cruz appears to sit a bit higher than other SUV's of this size and I noticed this while driving. The view is more open and clear, ALL GOOD!  Additionally the ergonomics to enter and exit the vehicle does not give this impression.

In the cockpit everything feels comfortable and where it should be.  Good ease of use and preparing to drive was a pleasure.  All of the typical amenities you would expect in a 2024 vehicle are here.  Technology including apps, maps and entertainment center are very user friendly and easy to navigate. 

A big highlight for me was the safety features including the lane assist and parking camera's!

Seating surfaces are firm but comfortable. Leg room was fine for riders 6' and under in the front and rear seats.

Performance is very good and plenty for daily driving. Cruising at highway speeds and rolling passes are not an issue.  In fact the turbo is smooth and powerful, easily pinning riders back into the seats.

The "pickup" bed is a good feature and I think more people would take advantage if the industry provided more options.  The Santa Cruz bed is smaller than itscompetitors at 27 cubic feet.  But it works!  I wouldn't load mulch or stone.  However you can carry 5 people comfortably and have room for some gear.  Access to the bed is an issue for me.  No pass through other than the small rear window.

Storage creativity in the doorways and under the rear compartment seats are helpful.  Folding the rear seats in the up position also increases the ability to move cargo in the cabin.

Under the bed provides wet and dry storage with a drain plug.  Good for tailgating.  A rolling bed/rooftop cover provides some bed shelter but the locking mechanism and pull strap were cumbersome to operate. 

Mileage was good ~23 MPG as advertised

Towing capacity of 3500 lbs. (Not tested)

If your looking for comparable vehicles;

Ford Maverick, Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma.

I enjoyed this vehicle. The look, performance and feel all resonate with me.

A bigger bed, a pass through the rear seat would be nice additions.