This morning I was on my usual drive to the prison. As I rounded a long curve in the Ozark mountains, I had an epiphany. Much reflection is needed, but I will post it soon.
Much reflection is needed
April 23, 2009I’m simply and forever grateful
March 24, 2009Thirty-one years ago today I put on a pair of new running shoes and went out to see what jogging was all about. Getting some exercise transformed my life and has served me well though all sorts of trials. The old expression about not adding years to your life, but adding life to your years, is certainly true.
My mileage is modest and only for fitness. But I have had the privilege of running in Muscatine, Iowa, … Cincinnati, Ohio, … Eldorado, Arkansas … St. Louis, Missouri … Washington, D.C. … Mystic, Connecticut … Springfield, Massachusetts … Dayton, Ohio … Palm Beach, Florida … Houston, Texas … Memphis, Tennessee … Minneapolis, Minnesota … Tokyo, Japan … Seoul, Korea … Kenting, Taiwan … Scotland … England … and a host of other places on odd trips here and there. In Tokyo, my daily run was around the Imperial Palace grounds. And believe me I wasn’t the only one out on the roads in either Tokyo or Seoul. Sunrise exercises were the norm.
Any road races were purely social but included 3 half-marathons, several 15k, 10k, and 5k events. I have shared the road with Paul Cummings, Mary Decker Slaney, Bill Rodgers, Julie Isphording. My favorite race with a 10 miler north of Alton, Illinois along the Mississippi River. It was flat, foggy, misty, about 39 degrees, and I was in a singlet and shorts. Perfect for a run of such length.
I seldom run if it is over 80. The coldest temp was -12. There has been one fall — on snow-covered ice in Cincinnati. Seven years were spent running 3.5 miles several days per week with a blind man tethered to me by a small coiled cord. He also was able to water ski and downhill ski, so his physical sense was well developed due to being sighted until his early 20s.
But all in all, and after 31 years, I’m simply and forever grateful for the capability and opportunity to get out on the road, get the pulse up, breathe deeply, and listen to the birds.
Beyond what one would expect
March 23, 2009Mozart’s Mass in C minor plays on a Sony Walkman CD unit hooked to a couple of miniature battery-powered speakers near my weight machine in a corner of our basement. My workout time goes quickly and much more peacefully than when the news is on.
Yesterday was the recognition Mass and brunch for volunteers in the Criminal Justice Ministry of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Testimonies given by three offenders, now returned to society, were beyond what one would expect and should remove any doubt as to the importance of our work in this ministry. Each year this event is a highlight for me and my wife.
If you’ve ever been there
March 21, 2009Received the DVD of “Rachel Getting Married” from Netflix on Wednesday, watched it Wednesday evening, and again on Friday evening. We found it simply wonderful with superb casting.
If you’ve ever been there, it is hard to not find yourself nodding frequently and reflecting on the severe impact chemical dependence has on everyone in and near the family circle.
What a peaceful place
March 18, 2009Hilton Head was not on my “to do” list, but in-laws invited us down for a visit. The routine was simple: eat, find something to do, eat, find another thing to do, eat, repeat as necessary. I must admit we had a wonderful time.
A small island in a lagoon was just across the golf course fairway bordering their villa’s patio. In the evening, the island’s trees would slowly fill with egrets, herons, anhingas. Several of the birds were carrying sticks, reeds, and anything else that appeared to be useful for assembling a nest.
Lunch the first day was at The Crazy Crab at Jarvis Creek. A wonderful broiled sampler of fresh seafood was, after all, a reason for the 860 mile drive. Temperatures were perfect. Bugs were non-existent.
Harbour Town, South Beach Marina, and Sheltered Cove drew our attention on one busy day. Dinner at Little Venice on their outdoor patio in Sheltered Cove was very pleasant . On the one chilly day we headed for Beaufort. A buggy tour hosted by a Percheron named Rocky, who delegated the speaking parts to a very knowledgeable young woman, was a great way to experience the history of the old seaside town.
Very quickly after the tour we found ourselves sitting on the porch of Plums Restaurant for crab cake and shrimp salad sandwiches. We passed on dessert since the Chocolate Tree was a brief walk away. Strolling around the neighborhood took us to The Parish Church of St. Helena, an Episcopal Church founded in 1712. What a peaceful place surrounded by a historic cemetery.
In a dim light... 