July-2009

July 1st - 2009

Trying to settle back in to "family" mode.

Elizabeth and I connected the stroller/trailer to my bike and we took my brothers twins, Malcolm and Eleanor for a spin around the neighborhood in the morning. In the afternoon we all went out to the beach to play in the sand and hunt for seashells. After supper we put the kids to bed and watched a movie. (Marley and Me) Although it reads pretty booor-ring, it was another great day. Lizzy and I had our exercise time together. Brother Mike and I had our time together tinkering with the boat. And Sarah and I walked the deserted beach talking about the stuff that really matters and picking up sand dollars. Once we had a handful of shells each, we turned to head back and Sarah said, "I love that sound..."

Unsure of what she referred to, I paused to listen. Nothing. No birds. No music. No jet airplanes tearing through the sky. Every footstep made a 'squeak' in the sugar fine sand, but that wasn't it either. It took me a moment to realize what she heard. The only other sound was that of the small swell gently tumbling the broken shells at the edge of the surf.

"The waves.?" I asked. She just nodded her head and kept squeaking sand with each step.

My daughter likes the sound of the waves collapsing on the beach.

I almost cried.

Thursday, 2nd

Potential

A group of Panama City bike riders leave at 6:00PM from the local bike shop for a quick 25 mile circuit through "the Cove". I haven't pedaled hard in over a year. Sitting on a boat for 6 months at a time has a negative effect on your fitness level. But, I thought it would be fun, a social outing. . . so I participated. (Little did I know how it would bother me.) After the workout is when everyone socializes, not before. When I rolled up at 5:45, no one talked to me. The unknown new guy. I just smiled and tried to look friendly. About 15 guys started the ride. The group was gradually reduced to 6 strong riders. This really tough racer named Danny and I dropped everyone else and the two of us sprinted it out side by side at the end.

Now, at 7:00, everyone talked to me. The new FAST guy. They were a very friendly group and we talked about bikes, cornering skills, tires and all the organized rides around this area.

On my cool down ride home I was disturbed by how well I did. How good could I be if I actually tried. It's really a shame that very few people live up to their full potential. I am no exception to that fact. I have good lungs, a strong heart, and powerful legs, but, don't do much with them. I don't seem to appreciate my capabilities.

Friday, 3rd

Beach day!

Everybody piled into the small ski boat and "Captain" Mike piloted us across the bay. Jeanne, Mike and I actually took turns waterskiing! It's been probably 20 years since I got yanked around behind a boat. The conditions were just too rough for any real showing off, but it sure was fun!

Sarah and I walked the beach (again) and witnessed a most amazing sight. Fiddler Crabs by the millions! At first we thought our eyes were playing tricks on us. Huge patches of the beach seemed to be moving, floating like waves. Then we realized that the movement was being caused by tiny one and a half inch tan colored crustaceans. There must have been a mass hatching or something because they were everywhere. Billions of them! The other interesting thing we noticed was that some were "right handed" while others were "lefty's". They had two claws, but one pincher was huge, about 50% of the total body size, while the other was small enough to be confused with another leg. Some had big left claws. Some had big right claws. It was a great little "nature walk".

Saturday, July 4th - 2009

Happy Fourth of July!

Weather: sunny 85, north wind about 5 - 8.

Elizabeth talked my brother, Michael and sister, Jeanne into a 7:00AM bike ride this morning. 30 mile out and back route, east down hwy 98. This marked the fourth day this week for me to be on the bike. (I rode Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.) the four of us had a blast rolling down the road, swapping stories and enjoying the weather! We made it back to the house to find Sarah's famous Cinnamon Rolls - made from scratch - warm and waiting for us. Yummy!

I snuck in a short nap after lunch. Lit the grill around 4:00PM. Dinner was ready by 6:30 and the big fireworks show was scheduled for 9:00PM. Tried to watch highlights of the "Tour" but I was too wiped out. Sleeping by 10:30.

Sunday, 5th

Sad travel day. Jeanne left first. Then Danny and Amanda. E and I pulled out of the driveway last. Sarah goes back to her Mothers tomorrow after a short week at Dad's. Way too short.

Sunday, 19th - 2009

Two weeks have gone by without an entry. Sorry.

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