STRATOSPHERE. (Link) Zenith 1000Z
The owner has sold this radio.
It's one word that would grab most radio aficionados attention- it did mine.
It's one word that would grab most radio aficionados attention- it did mine.
Zenith 1000Z Stratosphere (This photo doesn't do it justice.) Scanning down the page, I noticed, "...near Medford, Oregon. Local Pick-up Only." That's where we live! I revived myself, then sought out Russell to share the news.
"Russ, you're never going to believe this. There is a Stratosphere for sale in this area! Local pick-up only." As predicted, it caught Russ' attention. We contacted the owner, and made arrangements to see it; soon we were on our way.
The Zenith 1000Z chassis.
Although I couldn't afford to put the Strat in my STI; I couldn't resist "picturing" my STI on the Strat.
As it turned out, the Stratosphere dwell within a hour's drive of our home. During the ride there--on a beautiful blue-skied, warm, sunny day--many questions rumbled in my mind. Who might owe this top-of-the-radio Zenith radio? Where did he live? How did he get it? Why was he selling it? I would soon find out the answers to all these questions...and more.
Five acres of masterful landscaping, a on-going project accomplished by many years of imagination and effort.
When given permission to write this blog, I promised not to divulge the exact location- but I can tell you, I felt honored to be granted access. A long, windy road delivered us to a forested area, fronting a rolling hillside. The sun pranced on one of the slopes, then leapt into a pond; it glistened on the water. A gaggle of geese and goslings floated peacefully underneath an arched walkway that lead to an island featuring a cedar gazebo.
Peaceful perfection; a perfect place for reflection.
 | Wildlife flourished in the naturally landscaped area. |
Further back, atop a small knoll, a contemporary-style cedar home with expansive windows, sat.
Arf, arf! A well-groomed Sheltie Collie came bounding up, following on his heels, the owner. The sheltie then took off to explore, returning later.
This little "lassie" greeted us.
"Hello. My name is Jeff Rense. Nice to meet you." After exchanging the obligatory greetings, we were given the grand tour. Jeff told us a bit more about himself. He had relocated from Montecito, (Santa Barbara County), California- a number of years ago. A single dad, he came here with his daughter, to escape an every increasing influx of Hollywood celebrities-which included Dennis Miller and Oprah.
 Peeking through the railway tunnel.  Jeff explaining how much the trees have grown since he planted them. |  Jeff's is currently in the process of putting together his small scale railway. |
When Jeff purchased the raw property; he had a vision, one he succeeded in bringing to fruition. He built the striking cedar house, numerous ponds, trails and is even adding a small-scale railway on the five-acre property. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co5aum87h9w (Video of railway in action.)
The results would indicate he must have been blessed with 20/20. vision. With the eye of an artist, he painted his vision onto the acreage, will the skill of a great master putting his brush to the easel.
Jeff preparing for another radio program.
And his interest in radios? It became apparent as he shared his livelihood with me. Jeff is the mastermind and founder of Rense.com. He manages, owes and operates several radio networks. He has a weekly radio program at 7:00 pm, Monday- Friday. It's an interesting site; I'd recommend talking a look and/or listen. After an extended, pleasant chat, I had one final question. I wondered why he liked old radios. His interest exceeded early electronics, "Makes me feel good, seeing them." A smile crept across his face.
Lilly pads on the pond behind the home.
We'd like to thank Jeff for his kind hospitality and sharing his Stratosphere and interesting life with us.
Till next time,
Regards,
Sue
phlog's blog
Till next time,
Regards,
Sue
phlog's blog
Strat with cat.
ps.. Some people feel it is necessary to place a cat on the center bottom of the Stratosphere. If you happen to be lucky enough to owe a 1000Z, and would like to, I would recommend the Cleo-CAT-tra. Think she's one cool cat, who I believe, could pull it off. ;) Jeff mentioned, that he heard from a friend, just last week, that someone had found a white cat with Zenith stamped on the bottom. Did Zenith actually produce a cat to keep the Strat company? No one seems to know for sure. Truth or legend? The question lingers on.
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