Two years is a long time to be doing anything on a daily basis. After a while, you can't tell whether you're in a groove or in a rut.

And so came the inspiration for my hiatus from blogging that starts today. As announced a couple of weeks ago, I'm going to take some substantial time off and re-evaluate what I'm doing here.

The news that I was planning this sabbatical triggered a larger reaction than I expected. Indeed, there's even going to be some coverage (photos and all) in the local print media over the next couple of days. While that's nice, and kind of amusing -- isn't anything more interesting happening around here? -- in the end, it's not important.

What's much more significant are the supportive messages I've received from readers of this blog in that two-week period. Many of these are people who already knew me on some level or other before they stumbled across this site. Now I guess they know me better, and in some cases I know them better for the comments they have left here. Other well-wishers are people I've never laid eyes on, and vice versa. Perhaps that's the best testament of all.

So now what? Five or six weeks of total radio silence. No blog writing, and probably not that much blog reading, as the two go hand in hand. I'm going to get my news from actual newspapers printed on dead trees. And I'm determined to sit down somewhere and read some actual books -- something I never get the chance to do.

There are other, more private plans for this time as well. As I play with the kids a little more, have that extra conversation with my spouse each day, get back in touch with my childhood roots, let go of current politics just a bit, get a little more work done, and do a little more working out, I'm sure the right path will open up before me. It always seems to do so.

Until then, remember that a hand-crafted blogroll sits just to your lower left, full of bloggy goodness. And if you haven't already done so, you can always start a blog of your own. Just go here and you'll be off and running in no time.

But be careful -- if writing is in your blood, this thing can be very, very addictive.

I purposely detoured my evening run today to take one last pass over the Broadway Bridge before it shuts down for two months. That sturdy old gal is now more than 90 years old, and she's been undergoing an overhaul that's had her half shut down for quite some time now. Most of the remaining work requires that no traffic at all be allowed on the span, and so it appears it will be off limits even to bikers and joggers as well as to motor vehicles.

Which is going to make a traffic mess, of course, but a necessary one.

A cruise along the south walkway gives the runner a bird's-eye view of the "luxury ghetto" of apartments that has sprung up almost right under the bridge's deck on the west side. For the folks in those units, there's going to be some eerie quiet during the 60-day shutdown. Granted, there will be some construction noise, but the usual steady roar of traffic will be silenced. Good time to head out to the pool down there by day, or to lie awake out on the little balcony at night.

Looks like there are going to be seven statewide ballot initiatives this November here in Oregon.

And it looks like I'll be voting no on each and every one of them. Except maybe the pot one.

Marlon Brando 1924-2004

I'm not qualified to write a retrospective of Marlon Brando's career. But between "On the Waterfront" and "The Godfather," to me there was, and is, no greater actor. His short part a few years back in "The Freshman," a comic reprise to "The Godfather," warmed my heart.

So long, you crazy old coot. To say you will be missed is so weak a line as to be almost sacrilegious.

1. Stay off highways.

2. Barbecue.

3. Possible sangria.

4. Some yard work.

5. One or two runs, one or two bike rides.

6. Wash one or both cars if ambitious.

7. Watch some baseball on TV.

8. Teach 3-year-old some wiffle ball skills.

9. Waterfront Blues Festival on radio all weekend.

10. Wander down to festival if spirit moves.

11. Be grateful for everything.

Worldwide Pablo today bemoans the fact that the anti-gay-marriage initiative that's going on the November ballot here in Oregon is sure to win. Not only that, but he notes that it will bring right-wingers out in droves, which could cost Kerry the state.

Wouldn't it be something if the electoral vote was close as a razor again, and Bush was re-elected because he narrowly won Oregon?

Thanks again, Multnomah County commissioners.

Thank you, thank you very much, everybody. I just flew in from Fallujah, and boy, how my arms, they are tired! But seriously, it's great to be here today in this court. I enjoy watching the kangaroos jump!

How do you like my new look? All I needed was a good Ba'ath! And I've been on South Beach -- the South Beach of Umm Qasr! You like the suit? Is my Kobe Bryant outfit.

Courtney Love, I want you, honey!

This Kurd walks into a bar. He orders a falafel. The bartender says, "You want mustard gas with that?" He he! O.k., so what's the difference between a Shiite and a Kuwaiti? None! They are both pussies! Hey, I'll be here all week. Try the foot-and-mouth veal!

I don't want to jinx it, but have you noticed that every now and then, when you're not even trying very hard, a bunch of issues get resolved in your favor?

Time to buy a lottery ticket.

Hard to believe, but here we are on the back nine of 2004.