Today, a rainy day, while at the gym, I could overhear a political discussion between two guys who were obviously not working out very hard. One fellow in particular was going on about this and that candidate, I wasn't really paying that close of attention. Then his voice got louder and I heard him say, "European, think about that word -- YOU'RE A PEON -- he enunciated. "Well I don't want any part of that. I want -- a mer I CAN." "A Mer I CAN," he more exageratedly enunciated.
The other guy said, "What about Mex I CAN?" And then I just couldn't hear anymore, whether physically or philosophically, and I went back to mind my own work out business.

More Mammoth Photos

Not just big photos.

Mammoth Lakes, Ca.The strange beauty of the high desert.

And Mono Lake.
Hannah as the co-pilot (soon to be permitted pilot).

Shout out to South Lake Tahoe. . . and God, who was apparently trying to tell us something.

Unleash 'em

Don't you just want to let all these little doggies free? I did. My job took me (and accompanying me, Hannah) to Mammoth Lakes, Ca.
This is not snow in this doggies eyes, it is tiny rocks and salt from the parking lot. The wind was whipping it up quite vigorously. Don't you just want to free this little doggie? I did. I was dressed for a business meeting -- skirt suit, manicured hair, make-up, brief case -- and then I had to stop in the torrential winds to take photos of Mammoth Mt's. sled dogs. The rocks and salt stung my stockinged legs and the wind whipped my hair and papers about. Nothing about my presentation looked the same after that.

Call of the Wild

Mountain biking has been incredible these past few balmy spring days.  If I haven't been working, or cleaning the house,  I have been in the canyon on the bike -- yeehaa!  Today I went on my feet, running it is called, and had almost as much fun.

I also went to see our friend Kieth Lowell Jensen's movie at the 

Crest theater:  Why Lie I Need A Drink.  He humorously dispels the urban legend that pan-handlers make enough money to own a nice home and swanky vehicle (which they park in a secret place while they grab their cardboard sign and beg for the day).  Go figure.  As guilded as the Crest Theater is, I always manage to fall asleep when I am there (like the time I saw David Sedaris), and sure enough, I fell asleep during the middle of the movie.  But only for about ten minutes or so, so I think I am still good.  Right?  Why Lie, I Need a Nap.

A Very Fine Ending

Hannah is the girl who didn't know if she would make it on the snowboarding team -- who not only made it on the team,  she made Varsity as a Freshman and then qualified for the State finals.

It was an incredibly busy week. . . up in beautiful Tahoe.  We had practices and then four races.  Mornings began in the Village at North Star at 7:00 am (Starbucks and roaring fires around the outdoor skating rink awaited the parents).  The races were very exciting, tons of energy and excitement surrounded the whole event. Parents and spectators gathered at the finish line listening closely for bib numbers and times being announced -- and more importantly to spot their child speeding down the course, hoping they wouldn't injure themselves.  I volunteered one afternoon to record times on a white board during the event for spectators, racers, and coaches to check -- it was hectic, but good to be involved.  There were team activities every evening; it was go, go, go.

Hannah was very successful.  First, she had tons of fun, built team comradery, and gained confidence.  Secondly, her times were great, she finished all races with no falls, and ended up placing 14th out of 100 competitors in the slalom.  It was exciting.  One of the days, after her race was over, I skied while she boarded and I could not even come close to keeping up with Miss Speedy.  It was a lot of fun.  And now the season has come to an end.  I am going to sleep.