50

Okay, kids .... you'll remember when we used Mom as a "cone" when we played our physical games.  Let me tell you:  a LOT has changed over the years, particularly in 2011 when Mom as committed herself to riding her bike Monday through Friday [10 miles minimum, up to 20 and averaging 75 miles/week] and swimming 120 laps  [3/4 mile daily] AND power hiking with me on weekends.  This afternoon, Mom topped me two games to three in pool volley ball, and it took me three games to knock her and Grandpa off ... six games total for the weekend.  Miom is setting an example of commitment and determination.  Pick up the gauntlet!  By the way, up until today, my top bike ride was 47 miles.  I set out this morning at 0615.  Twenty miles in when I reached the Red Hills Visitor Center at the Saguaro National Park, I told myself I would get to 50 miles on this ride.  When I pulled into the garage, I logged 59.25 miles.  That puts me at 447.83 for the month of July; I've never topped 400 miles before.

from Albert Einstein

Still true today ....


"The World is too dangerous to live in -- not because of the people who do evil, but because of the people who stand by and let them."

Albert Einstein, physicist and human rights activist.

Off the Map

Rarely do I watch a film more than once, and rarer still that I would actually rent a film more than once.  Last night was one of those rare occasions.  We netflixed "Off the Map" for the second time in five years or so.  This quirky film stars two of my favorites, Sam Elliott and Joan Allen -- both are excellent -- and Valentina de Angeles plays the lead role of 11-year old Bo.  "Off the Map" is one of those great fills that you just stumble into, like I hope readers might stumble into it from this blog.  This film is about depression, growing up, self-discovery and in its own unique way about minimalism, which I doubt was a much-used term when the fill was made in 2003.  It will make you laugh and it may make you cry, but it will certainly make you feel good about your place in the world.  Check it out.  You'll be glad you did.