Sean completed the 2011 Ironman Wisconsin in Madison a short time ago. I am impressed. I look forward to hearing his stories.
Category Archives: Family
Team Sean
Sean participates in the Ironman Wisconsin in Madison, WI tomorrow. I am impressed by the dedication he has shown to prepare for this event. It is very exciting. I will be glad to hear when he has finished. His mother and his aunt will be present in Madison as his cheering section. Actually, I think they are there now. And I wish I was. But it did not work out that way.
We came up with the idea of creating a group “Team Sean.” We made a sign and then invited folks to take pictures of themselves in various places and post the signs on his Facebook page. Folks did. The picture posted here is an example: Joel in Dublin with one of my favorite libations. I put another on Sean’s page.
I am very grateful to our friends who have participated. It has been fun to see the pictures and good to know that so many folks will be thinking of Sean and the others who are doing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run tomorrow.
See you along the Trail.
Proof
People always seem somewhat amazed and surprised when Tricia and I end up in the same place. It happens.
One place it happens is under the Presbyterian Big Tent. Two years ago we had a picture taken with Valerie Small. This summer, at Big Tent Two, Tony Aja snapped a picture of us while at dinner. No doubt Tricia and I will get together again – at least in two years. Maybe we should hold the Big Tent more often.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Family
Service Corps, Ghost Ranch
A portion of this year’s vacation was spent at Ghost Ranch on the Service Corps. (Note that the description gets the basic gist of things, but “help in food service, housekeeping, library, museums, and, on occasion, some off-Ranch community service” is not really a part of the work any more).
This was the first time I had ever done this. It probably will not be the last.
On the one hand, participation in the Service Corps involved paying (half-price for room and meals plus $50 registration) to do work that I go out of my way to avoid doing at any of the places I call home.
On the other hand, participation in the Service Corps provided an opportunity to meet and work with amazing people and to make a difference at a place that means a great deal to me – a place where I belong – a place that feels like (yet another) home.
Weighing these two factors, the other hand wins.
Hand down. One fine day, I will see you at Ghost Ranch.
Until then, see you along the Trail.
Filed under Family, Friends, Ghost Ranch Views
Oops
In all the chaos of disengaging from Big Tent Two, I forgot that today is not a vacation day – it is a holiday. I have to revise my entire plan for approaching the day.
While I do that, let me say:
- Happy Birthday to my sister, to Vince, and all those who share this day!
- Thanks to all those who have served and sacrificed in so many different ways to help my country do justice, seek peace, and be the best in can be.
- Thanks to all who serve today – in whatever ways.
- Thanks to all who love my country enough to remember its misdeeds and sins – and to help us make restitution and reparation so we can move into the future.
See you along the Trail.
Farewell
Sometimes
though heart be breaking
and eyes be leaking
though stomach be churning
and soul be aching
farewell is the best,
the only,
thing to say.
Charley II
Tricia’s brother Woody is an artist who specializes in portraits of pets using pastels on suede board.
For Christmas we had him do a portrait for each of the guys – one of the best presents we have ever given.
With many fond memories . . . RIP Charley.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Family
Charley
He’s grown some. He’s a bit bigger now. This was taken long ago – the day he came to live with us.
He is Sean and Eric’s dog – their first dog. Eric and Sean picked him thoughtfully and carefully, working so well together. They loved him well. They love him still.
When Sean and Eric left home for work and school, my brother and his family adopted Charley. We met in a park and shared a meal. Then they said, “Come Charley,” and he walked off with them and climbed into their car as though he had known them forever. My heart twinged when Charley never looked back and happily went off with Paul and Cindy, Billy, Greg, and Tommy. And well he should have gone – for they love him – he has found a good second home.
Yet he remembers us – always remembers us – always remembers Eric – always remember Sean – always remembers Tricia. You can tell in his eyes and in the excited way he greets us whenever we see him – which is, not as often as we might like, but often.
Now Charley ails. Seriously ails. An older bigger dog (did I mention that he grew and that the picture is from long ago) he faces health challenges. But come what may, he is loved and he is receiving good care and he will receive good care. And I am grateful to my brother and his family.
As I ponder what may be, tears well in my eyes. I bite my bottom lip to hold them back and memories flood over me. A smile dances in my heart and gently crosses my lips – a smile for Charley – for my sons – for my family – for love that never dies.
See you along the Trail.
Signifcant witness and not-so significant games
Went to Noble Road for worship today. Communion was celebrated – Eric helped serve – always cool to be present when that happens.
For a number of years, Noble Road has done “Epiphany Stars.” These are simple star shapes cut from paper. On the paper is written a word. People are invited to take a star and receive the word on that star as a gift from God – to reflect on it through the year – to see if and how the quality or meaning of that word plays out in the coming year.
Before people receive a star, there is an invitation to reflect on the stars of the previous year. Only a couple of people share reflections but they are usually profound. This year was no exception. One person received the gift of “courage” and had to find the courage to move – leaving behind a home of 56 years – and making a new start because of health reasons. Another person spoke through tears of receiving the star of “loyalty” – of having that star for two years – and of spending those two years saying a long good-bye to a partner who disappeared into the horror we know as Alzheimer’s.
Such witnesses – such experiences – make the rest of the day seem insignificant.
Football was watched – with the VanRoosDales and MillerBrandts coming to watch the Steelers-Browns on the new TV. In terms of support, the crowd leaned a little bit toward the Browns. As the game progressed and the Steelers dominated, some of the neutral folks shifted toward the Cleveland camp. Texting with Bridgett and Valerie helped to balance the odds and increased the fun.
The Packers-Bears were next with the Packers prevailing. Basketball then took the stage with the Cavaliers losing. Duke was playing tonight but was not broadcast in Cleveland and for some reason, the Winking Lizard was not showing it either. So Tricia followed it on her Android phone.
Scrabble was played again with Tricia winning one; Eric winning two; and Eric and I tying on the fourth game.
During all of this, I did laundry and some packing.
Tomorrow – travel to NYC and the Shire on the Hudson. Back to work on Tuesday.
And tomorrow marks the beginning (again – the previous times have been practice – can this be the real thing) of working for health goals.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Cleveland Heights, Family, Football, Friends
Of the tube and goals
Managed to wake up earlier today – 9:30 or so. But spent most of the day vegetating in front of the TV. Started with a portion of The Alamo – the 2004 version with Billy Bob Thornton and Jason Patrick and some others. I prefer the John Wayne version.
Football followed – a disastrous day for the Big Ten. A great win for Texas Christian. SEC domination. Penn State started well against Florida but faded. I still wonder if it is not time for Jon Pa to retire; I have been wondering that for a few years.
The evening brought the Winter Classic hockey game – and the Penguins lost. That means both teams I care about lost. Connecticut appears a bit overmatched against Oklahoma – knew that going in.
Played Scrabble once again. Eric won two. I did pick up one. But Eric has won more than his share – or at least some of my share – over this vacation.
Another day of overeating with pizza ordered in and cookies sought out. My plan is to adjust my eating starting on Monday. We have folks coming in to watch the Steelers tomorrow – well later today.
Goals for new year – starting Monday
Daily – eating well
Daily – 10,000 steps
Weekly – 5 times of exercise
Monthly – 10 pounds weight loss
Monthly – 333,333 steps
Monthly – 90% normal blood sugar readings
Annual – 120 pounds weight loss
Annual – 4,000,000 steps
The daily steps don’t add up to the monthly or yearly steps – I will have to figure that out.
Not sure what the rewards will be – have to figure those out.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Cleveland Heights, Family, Football, Movie
