Its the end of the year as we know it; And I feel fine.

Well 2008 is drawing to a close and a new year begins just micro seconds after the stroke of midnight. I suppose reflections on the waning year are in order. If I were a serious blogger I'd have my thoughs laid out and ordered by the months, weeks, days, hours and minutes; But I'm not and my thought won't be. I'm a man, who's train of though will be switched onto different tracks and occasionally derail. So if you can deal with a circuitous route of though, enjoy the ride.

January:
Freedom, Freedom, Freedom from work but not NY as I originally planned. Foiled by my own self. I dislocated the patella on my right knee and spent some time undergoing physical therapy and rehab.

Jim Guinan's Store in Garrison, NY closed officially for the last time. Those of us who felt as comfortable there as in our own homes lost a part of our selves that day.

February:
Mike Mihalic passed away and was buried next to his son; A man never to act cross or bitter athough he would of had reason if he chose to. A gentle soul who is not forgotten.

March:
Ran in my first 10K race in many a year on the 16th and did comfortably at just under an hour. Knee braces were very much needed. Then played the bagpipe in the Southgate tavern on St. Paddy's day proper.

April:
Taxes of course, but also paid a visit to Congressman Hall's Office as it had been over 100 days since I retired from the Fire Department at the U.S. Military Academy and not seen a retirement check. I was living off my savings and it was seriously depleted by that point. When the Dod fouls something up it is beyond comprehension as to how screwed up the flunkies can get it. Hopefully the actions I took prevented any bonuses from being provided to the work force at the Army Benefits Center. I even as the Inspector General's Office to look into why the paperwork sat untouched for 56 days.

May:
Signed up with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, to do a fund raiser and run in the Team in Training program. I choose the Marine Corps Marathon asmy goal to run in. two reasons; My older brother is a Leukemia Survivor, and I felt that as I now had the time being retired i could commit myself to the training and fund raising.
Saturday, May 24th became my official first day of training with an easy paced 7.5 mile run on Rt 293 in West Point, NY.

June; the statrt of Summer:
Lots of running and fundraising work in June. Spent about $100 in fund raising mailings alone. Ran 143.77 miles for the month.

I don't remember clearly but I'd need to look at Wendy Bounds' Blog to recall the month and day I learned John Guinan passed on. His brain cancer caused his family so much grief and suffering, yet John took it nobly and presented a strong face for his friends. His strenght made it easier for everyone. Yes, we railed and mourned in our own ways. God Bless you John, you like Mike live on in our hearts.

July:
Hot and humid days. Still doing a great many mailings for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Running early in the morning and hiding from the Sun at mid-day. Having had a few bouts with skin cancer over the years I now try to avoid excess exposure to strong sun light.

Ran 187.69 miles for the month with 17.8 miles being my longest run.

August:
Still hot and humid many days spent starting my running at 04:00 to avoid the high heat of the day. Continued my fund raising efforts.

Ran 160.59 miles for the month. Longest run was 20 miles in 4 hours. Dehydration was an issue and I learned a strong lesson on that day.
Also ran two 5K races on back to back days, Sat & Sun with a time of 25:47 for both races.

September:
Still running and fund raising. 164.03 miles for the month. Also took part in helping Team Guinan raise funds to support the war on AIDS. John Guinan rode for years in Braking the Cycle and his daughter and friends have worked hard to support his memory by riding the 275 miles from Gettysburg PA to Manhattan NY. It was an honor to support all the members; Kelly, Ed, Christine, Dean, Chris, Wendy & Lisa. I'm more than ready to support them again next year.

October:
Ah the fruition of my training for the Marine Corps Marathon.
Ran 154.09 miles for the month and completed the MCM in 5:23:56 from the starting gun and 5:15:00 from crossing the starting line. I achieved my fund raising goal of 2,800 dollars and went over that as well thans to Team Guinan and ABATE of Pennsylvania's Pike County Chapter. Thanks for everyone's support on my behalf.



Novemeber:
Freedom!
I'm out of the Apartment and on the road freeloading at my brother's and parent's homes. No not really; I was out of the Apartment by mid Novemeber and was glad to be free of it. Read the full blog for the year especially the summer season and you'll understand why.

Spent a week at my youngest brother's place getting some things in order and helping out there. Took his sons to Karate practice and Swim team practice in addition to minor chores around the home while I was there. Then it was on to my Parent's home in Mississippi for Thanksgiving.

In regards to running. Yes, I'm still running I ran a Half Marathon on the 29th of Novemebr down in Orange Beach Alabama 2:26:49 and completed just 90.45 miles for the month. 7 days I didn't run and most days were very short on mileage at about 3 miles a day on average.

December:
Went from MS to FL to MS to FL and will be returning to MS for a couple of days in January but I'm in FL for now.

I'm at my Aunt's home for the Christmas & New Years Holidays and after the New Year, I'll drive my Parents back to MS before returning to FL and heading to Key West for a few weeks.

As for Running. Um yeah I've been doing that alot. Helps to maintain my sanity over the excess food intake of the holidays. Dis another half marathon on the 14th of December, just two days after I turned 51. Finished in 2:18:22. A strong finish and excellent time for me.

Also for December including today the 31st. I've run ever day of the month and completed 164.48 miles. Since keeping a record of distances run since the end of May I've accumlated 1145.66 miles. Tomorrow Morning I will run my last consecutive day and complete out running since Thanksgiving Morning. Tomorrow will make 36 days of running. How far I go I don't know I'm just going out to run.

OK not a very exciting or inciteful blog. I haven't thank everyone enough for the support they've given me over the past year. Especially those who've helped with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society effort in various ways; Jerry & Benny.

But in and case, my regards to Everyone even if I haven't mentioned you directly.
and Consider the words to Auld Lang Syne. Peace and safety is my wish for everyone in the upcoming year.

May you be sorrounded by friends where every you may go and enjoy each day you recieve as we are not certain of tomorrow.

Q

22 Dec, 2008. Almost Christmas.

Well lets see I last posted on December 14th and what have I done since then?

Well I've been running still, practicing my bagpiping, sight seeing, eating, drinking, road tripping and wasting time; but not essentially in that order.

While the weather here is much nicer than the NE currently, I do sort of miss the snow and Christmas season in the NE. A Green Christmas just seems different, especially when you seen the decorations under palm trees. Don't get me wrong, I don't miss moving and piling snow; my former land lady might miss me doing that but hey, I don't ( nor do I miss some other things.) hehehehee.

This past Saturday and Sunday I did a 1080 mile road trip. Drove my van back up to ocean Springs, MS on Saturday and Sunday drove my parents in their car back to Tarpon Springs, FL. Still even with all the driving I've done I haven't missed a day's running this week either. With all the distance I've recorded since begining my marathon training back in may; I'm well on my way to attaining 1,150 miles for the year. Not a record by some measures; but for myself, I'm astounded.

Well the good news for the year is one of my Cousins (in the Army) is away from Iraq and should be home within a couple of more days if not home already. All my brothers are healthy and their families are doing OK. My Parents are here in FL with my Aunt another Cousin and myself. My other Cousins are all doing well and living is easy.

So what is next? Maybe a little Christmas Shopping, but not too much otherwise. Somehow even though I hear the music on the radio, see the decorations on the yards and in the stores I feel very disassociated from the Christmas season this year. Maybe its because I'm more accustomed to working either Christmas day or eve and not having it free to do as I will.

Well to all my friends from Team Guinan and from Jim's Store as well as the guys whom I worked with at the West Point, NY. Fire Department; Have a safe, secure and enjoyable Christmas and Holiday Season. May God Bless you all and watch over you, Keep the reason for the season in your hearts and observe it as you deem fit. But no matter where you go, or what you do. You've all have had a memorial impact upon my life and I can't thank you all enough for the time I've spent with you.

So unless I post Christmas Greetings, please accept this from me for now:

Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year to You and Yours.
Everyone in every way makes a difference in everyones' lives no matter how great or minor. I've been enriched by knowing so many people over the years and have been made more aware of society beyond my own small social circles. I can not thank you all for the greatest gifts; Of your selves and your friendship.

Thank you all.

Q

December 14th, Florida.

Well I've been in florida for a few days now and things are much calmer here. I arrived in Tarpon Springs the evening of Wednesday the 11th and got a fair night's sleep.

There have been a few problems enroute though and I'll know more Mondaym morning; One issue is I melted down the wheel bearings on the right side of my boat trailer. I suspect I've done the worst and may need a new axle as I fear I've gouged the spindle. Still once the trailer is repaired I shall attempt to get my little boat in the the waters of Lake Tarpon for a few days before Christmas.

Also next weekend I'll do a two day fast turnaround trip back to MS. God save me, but I'll drive my parents over to Fla to my Aunt's home for a small Christmas gathering.

Some good news this week as well; My Cousin is due to be wheels up from Iraq next week. It shall be good to have him back in country.

As for my escapades, well...
I've been running still and did a half marathon today. The 7th annual Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon aka a half marathon. The course was flat except for two overpasses and a drawbridge. The weather was warm but the cloud cover made things much more bearable. the Pinellas County Sheriffs' office provided road coverage on the courseand kept us safe from our selves as well. The temperature touched the 75* mark but again the cloud cover helped it to feel cooler. Yet still it was a fast course and I finished in 2hours, 18 minutes, 22 seconds. which is 8:47 faster than two weeks ago.

For everyone still in NY, take things easy & stay safe.

Regards,

Q

Tuesday 9 Dec and running around.

Well while I've been on my road trip I been running every day. The runs in December so far have been in the local areas of Ocean Springs and Biloxi, Mississippi. Tomorrow will be my last run here as I will be departing for Florida.

As for days and distances its pretty straight forward. December 1st, 4.5 miles; 2nd, 4.5 miles; 3rd, 4.5 miles; 4th, 6.93 miles; 5th, 4.5 miles; 6th, 6.55 miles;
7th, 4.5 miles; 8th, 4.5 miles; 9th, 6.55 miles.

The weather however has been anything but stabile. Breezy & cool in the lower 30s F for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Warm and humid in the 60's on the 4th. back to 32 degrees on the 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th. and back to the 60's this morning.

Well that covers the physical exercise aspects of my time so far here. Also I've been running around doing other things as well. Between doing basic repairs around my parent's home to cutting down and removing a tree from their front yard.

Well that covers the running around Mississippi for the first part of this week; And later this week I should be running around Florida.

Have a good week all.
Q

Friday update. Ocean Springs, MS

Ah the weather is in flux, the temperature drops and rebounds and drops again. The winds do blow both high and low and its off again in me kilt I'll go. No not really too blustery for the kilt when the winds do blow.

Yesterday I got off for my morning run, this time I ran the new bridge connecting Ocean Springs with Biloxi and a few miles more before a weather front came through. Crossing the bridge is nice and as I started before sun up I was looking onto the lighted towers of the Casinos and Hotels. On my way back across the bay, the sun illuminating the tops of the clouds from below the horizon and while on the bridge the sun shone fore as an elongated orange lozgene between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the storm clouds gathering. I ran just shy of 7 miles and felt good about it even with the humidity accompaning the 60 degree temperature. As I got back to my parent's home the rains started and that pretty much controled the morning.

Later in the Afternoon I drove about to see the area abit more and recieved a call from a local shop that the chain saw, chain I had dropped off for sharpening was done. So now my chainsaw is back in service after taking down an ornamental tree that was alowed to grow wild without ever being properly pruned. Now there is a very small stump with a deep pit cut out of it waiting to be ground into saw dust and dirt.

Well yesterday evening the local city had it's Christmas Tree lighting and visit from St. Nick. The children's chior performed nicely in prep for the fat man and it was nice enough weather wise in the late evening. Still blustery but the rains had ceased hours beforehand so the ground was dry. The PD did a good job of directing traffic to safe parking areas and keeping the lane infront of the park open and just before 19:00/7PM the Fire Department delivered the Big Man himself with a rear mounted Aerial Truck. The St. Nick that came did not need additional padding or a false beard as he was well endowed with his own. Even his red suit appeared of higher quality than the average prepackaged Santa Suit. So I shall say even for a small burg it was an impressive display.

After the tree lighting and arrival of St. Nick, I went over to the beach front. There I sat upon the guide rail and watched the clouds moving from North to South across the sky reflecting the lights of the Biloxi Casinos into a combined light show of Mother Nature and Man. The lights don't really change much but the fast moving and changing clouds made the display nice to watch for a while.

After watching the clouds and having walked along Washington Ave (primary N/S road) in ocean Springs I decided it was time to head back towards my parents home for the night. I got there about a hour & a half or so later from what should usually be a 20minute drive. Nope I didn't have a motor vehicle accident but I came across one moments before the local police agency arrived. Well thankfully I didn't need to play good samaritan but since the roadway was blocked by the two cars infront of the the Bar/Restaurant. The LEO was on one side with his car blocking the road and I was on the other with my van blocking the road and diverting traffic around the block so the accident scene could be safely cleared. There was a reason I put the amber warning flashers in the back of the van after I purchased it 6 years ago.

In regards to the driving skills and abilities of the locals and transients, I'm less than impressed.

Well that pretty much sums up the worst of Thursday.

This morning, Friday the 5th of December dawn clear and blustery. I started out on my daily run about 05:30/5:30AM with low 30 degree (F) temps and a stiff breeze. Quite a change from the 60 of yesterday morning. Yet I got my 4&1/2 miles done before the local speed racers started going to the highschool. Its safer by far to run in the wee hours of the morning than near sun rise. Between 5 & 6 than after 6 as then the roads start filling with speeding zombies.

Well, that pretty much covers things for now and I'll be headed to the beach with my bagpipes shortly.

Everyone have a safe day,
Q

Anger management, venting and issues.

Well, I been getting out to run each morning. Aside from the half marathon my normal morning run is 4 & 1/2 miles. I start my run in the dark about 5AM and finish befor 6Am. It helps moderate my mood.

My father has managed to piss me off. Micro managing control freak who does things at his time and speed.eaning unless it is critical to him it will never get done or a job has got to do it to his standards no matter how wrong it may be. case in point, the penny wise, pound foolish methodology of fence repair; After hurricane Katrina the fence around his yard was in tatters. A smart person would not of attempted to salvage the fence. He wanted to save the fence in order to save money. Well now a few years after Katrina the fence needes reapair again. The posts supporting the repaired section where never set properly and only a single nail was used to support the stringers holding the vetical planks.

I'm not fixing the fence. Especially if thats the standard to persue. Doing things on the cheap costs four times as much in the long run.

Well next week I'm on the road again from this layover and won't deal with him face to face again for a while to come. I don't need that level of supressed anger in my life.Its one thing to be opinionated. Its another to have todeal with another person who has to always be catered and defered to as his always right and won't admit when he's wrong or made a mistake.

Yes, I can be stubborn and mule headed. Still even I know when to say Thank you, Please, and ask for assistance. It is rare that I've ever recieved a compliment from my father and more often he's made demands upon me and my brothers that have driven us from him.

Well, he can stew in his own juices for another year after this visit.

Well if nothing else the weather down here has been easier than in NY, and I've gotten my bagpipes out several time to practice down by the beach front. That seems to help calm me down.

OK I apologize for venting like that. But I'm human and have my moments too.

Regardless, everyone have a safe and easy holiday season. I'll be off and on randomly.

Q

Sunday the last day of November, 2008

Well Novemeber ends tonight and December starts. Come December 31st, 2007 My retirement became official and I can celebrate with the end of the year.

But how have I spent the past 11 months?, More of it seems to have been spent in training for the Marine Corps Marathon or Physical Therapy than anything else. But thats just my impression. I do know theres been more to the past year. Between seeing my brothers, cousins, and friends. Saying till we meet again as one went off to Iraq and I departed the NY Hudson Valley Region. And while here in Mississippi i travel to Alabama yesterday and partook in a half marathon, and I've been removing a dead & dying ornamental tree from my parents' front yard the brush pile is considerably smaller than expected but I also spent a few hours struggling valiently to make it small and managable too.

Still the weather here is nicer than NY was for the most part as the temepratures are much more moderate. I'll miss the snow alittle but not shoveling it. Still it'll be interesting to watch the southern drivers deal with inclement weather. Most have no clue how to drive safely when the weather turns sour. Just check your computers and see what happens in Atlanta GA for proof of that statement whenever they get a touch of snow there.

No I'm not pining for snow, sleet or freezing rain; I dealt with it for all too long.

Well in a short while I'll go down by the beachfront with my bagpipes and practice a little. Is nice to feel the breeze blowing over the entrance to Biloxi Bay and the temperature is as you may experience with a mild fall or spring day.

But its not all fun and games, while I'm visiting my Parents I'm taking care of the harder work they can't do for them selves and also I'll be plotting my next trip. Tarpon Springs Florida is most likely my next stop.

Well Since I'm nor inclined to really plan out my future activites for now I'll just do the chores that need doing. Get some running in as Mom tends to over feed me whenever I visit and give some considerations to my next move.

Have a safe December everyone and think about who is important in your lives. Care for them as you can even if they tend to drive you a little crazy and be happy for your time with them.

Regards,

Q

Did a half marathon today on the spur of the moment.

This is a race report I posted on a bulletin board/forum discussion site I'm a member of.

Ran a Half Marathon on the spur of the moment today.

Um anyone every say to hell with it and run a race without taking the time to prep and train up to it? I did today. Also ran my first ever half marathon too.

I'm in Missippi visiting relatives and decided on the spur of the moment to take part in a half marathon.

As for preparation, I've basicly had none since the MCM last month. didn't run on mon, tue, or wed this week due to travel from NY state and ran 4.2 miles on thursday and 4.5 miles on friday with the lonest run being two weeks prior to leaving NY at at 6 miles.

So woke at 04:00, depart for Orange Beach at 05:00 and arrive by 07:10 checkin get my bib & chip and start stretching.

The forecast is for showers and rain today so I'm hopeful for overcast skies. Well about 07:30 the skies are clearing and the sun is shining. A glorious sunny morning dawns. Arrrgggghhhhhh.

08:00 and the race starts in the Orange Beach Sports Complex and goes onto a local jogging/bicycle trail headed east. There is some shade along the trail and its nice, a little warm and humid but not too bad. At the end of the trail we turn right and run along side a highway till we reach Alabama 182 and run west along that. The Orange Beach Police provided safety coverage along rt 182 as we were running across the entrances to several shopping plazas.

As for the stretch of 182, Its between the condos on the beach and the shopping plazas for about 2 miles then breaks out to an open stretch. Its long straigh and relatively flat with no protection from the sun. After about 4 miles on 182 we turn north into Gulf shores and head back up towards the oposite side of the trail we went out on. maybe 2 miles on the pavement to the trail and roughly 4 miles on trail till returning to the sports plex.

Water points were adequate and the volunteers excellent. The strectch along 182 could of had an additional water stop but overall it was bad.

The sponsors for the run and the event coordinators had a nice after event festivity and I could of walked off with a door prize if i chose, but I didn't need more stuf to drag along.

Aside from the 71 degree+ temeprature and lack of shade it isn't bad overall. Aside from the heat & humidity the course is easy enough and
fairly fast.

The drawback to the half marathon. I now look like a half boiled lobster.

time 2:26:49.

In other bits; Thanksgiving Day was quiet and uneventful took 3 days to drive to MS from NY so I really didn't train up or prepare to run in a half marathon. But I figured what the hell I'd do it anyway.

Otherwise, I hope everyone had a easy thanksgiving and will have a safe weekend and holiday season.

Homeless and care free.

Strange title, Homeless and care free. But a little truthful too. I'm free from my previous address and am traveling about the U.S. This week for Thanksgiving I'm in Mississippi visiting with my parents and will be in the region for another week or so.

Tomorrow, Schwartz Fritag, Black Friday, I am not going shopping. Lord no I do not want to nor do I need to go into that madness. If I do purchase anything it shall be bar and chain oil for my small chainsaw so I can remove an ornamental tree in my parent's front yard. It was damaged by Hurricane Katrina and never fully recoverd.

But as for being homeless, I'm without a roof of my own but that doesn't mean I'm without friends or shelter. Care free meaning I've consolidated and controlled my bills. Thus I can live frugally as I travel about. One plus of the poor economy is the drop in the cost of fuel. So I'll enjoy that while I can.

As for immediate plans and activities. There is a 1/2 marathon being held Saturday the 29th in Orange Beach, Alabama. Thats 100 miles from where I am today and might be interesting to try. Otherwise for today a simple run along the local roads and practicing with my bagpipes on the nearby beach front.

To my friends up in NY, I hope you've all have had a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Stay warm and take things easy.

Q

On the road again (see also back in nomadic mode.)

18 November, 2008.
I am free again and out of the Apartment! woohooo play Richie Haven's, Freedom loud and hard and Canned Heat's, Going Up Th Country. OK its good to be out of the small place and getting about. But I'm not making solid progress in any one direction and will be finalizing a few smaller details locally first. Um I just realized I need to get my trailer inspected to keep it legal and also need to deposit a check at the credit union. So a day trip back to Highland Falls will occur this afternoon.

I almost cant believe there were 9 full trash bags removed from my small apartment. OK some of it was nick knacks & brick-a-brack I acquired over the years and what not but as they became meaningless with time it was time to dispose of them. One of the local Churches Thrift Shops got my futon. And depending upon how I choose to shelter myself in the coming weeks and months there may be more furniture provided to yet another thrift shop. I am contemplating a small travel trailer as a more practical mode of portable shelter.

So today I am posting from my youngest brother's computer and will be running about consolidating stuff I'll drag along on my journeys. But just getting out of the fatal trap of Highland Falls is a plus.

Highland Falls isn't the worst place on the planet but it a phrase such as "You can't get there from here" ever applied to a place that is it. No bus service to speak of. The nearest train station is in Garrison NY and a taxi at this writing is $25 one way for about 10 miles. The senior bus only serves Ft. Montgomery and Highland Falls and needs to be contacted for service no later than the day before you have to use it and thus in not a true service. A bus to the train station with 8 runs a day would be a better service for the community and region. Well not my problem I free from that closely inbred region of NY state. YYYYEEEEEEAAAAAAAA!

So where do I go from here? Again I'll be consolidating what I need and want to drag about and then its off to Mississippi for Thanksgiving with my Parents. departing hopefully by Thursday the 20th Then after that a new decision shall be made.

Final thing, Wednesday the 19th there is an official welcome back for the members of the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, USAR, in Danbury, CT. and I plan to be there for that. I've friends still serving with it and this shall be a bit of closure for me as well.

Have a safe Thanksgiving and holiday period.
Q

On the road again (see also back in nomidic mode.

Marine Corps Marathon, 26 Oct 08

Marine Corps Marathon, 26 Oct 08
Originally uploaded by svwaywardson

Just one of me running in the Marine Corps Marathon.
About 70 degrees and Sunny in DC on Sunday October 26th, 2008.

Don't know what the mile marker was but it the humidity had dropped to the point where the sweat was evaporating fast.

Otherwise Happy veterans Day, 2008.


Ah life is interesting, I will be getting my van back on the road on wednesday the 12th after having a major tranny failure this past Friday. then its rush to move final bits into storage before my pilgrimage to Mississippi.

As today is Veterans day, I'll ask you to just take a moment and reflect upon what it truely means to you, yourself. and how your life may be different today if not for the sacrifices of others.

Also in regards to veterans day, Joe Brady Sr. lead a small contingent of his students to the NY State Veterans Home in Montross NY. to play for the Veterans and their families there. Mr. Brady thank you for providing me with an opprotunity to play for the veterans there.

Well back to the grind stone so to speak, I've a few items to box up and prepare for departure by next weekend.

Have a safe week everyone.

Q

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Sunday, 9 Nov 2008

Well things have been bad and things have been worse. But at least I don't travel in a hearse.

I'm without high tech transportation for a few days, the Transmission in the Van decided 126,300 miles was enough and imploded on Friday Morning. Just as I started across the Newburg/Beacon bridge on my way to Castle Point VA Hospital to donate some items followed by a run to my brother's barn to secure some more odds & ends.

Well I dropped some items off at the VA and then nursed the Van to the Ford Dealership I purchased it from. I knew the tranny was FUBAR and they wanted to ensure that before ordering a replacement. I refuse ever to deal with AAMCO/COTTMAN/LEE MILES as they don't offer a worth while warranty, true nationwide service or stand behind their work; Or at least that has been my experience with the idiots. Yep I will always suggest people look to better alternatives. Ford at least is giving a 3 year 100,000 mile warranty for a refurtbished tranny.

So getting home from the dealership was another experience, walked to the train station in beacon paid 2.75 for a trip to Garrison, NY dialed the taxi for Highland Falls/446 TAXI, and never recieved a response or call back as was expected from those asshats. They provided shoddy and spotty service to and from Garrison Landing for the Cadets from West Point. So I waited where I knew the Cadets escaping for the weekend would be dropped off and jumped in the first TAXI headed back to Highland Falls, $20.00 It could of been worse but a reliable bus service would be better.

So what else is new? Hmmm. Ran 6.82 miles in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 39 seconds on friday morning, I might of been able to run faster but the climb up and over West Point is always a challenge. Just a simple 371/2 miles on Saturday Morning and a easy 4 mile run this morning.

Walked to the South Gate Tavern in Highland Falls last night and saw Jim Donnery from Guinan's He's doing well and says Jane & his Mom are doing fine too. Emon's Bar is OK, but is geared for a much different crowd. Still, I'm in more for the social contact than the quality of the bevergaes. That and since the weather was less than nice i didn't want to stay out too long. Walking back home alongside a busy roadway at night isn't my idea of a fun or safe activity.

Armistace/Veterans Day is this coming Tuesday the 11th. I'm supposed to play bagpipes alongside Joe Brady Sr. and a few other Students of his at the Veterans Home in Montross but since I'm without transportation I couldn't get down for a group practice session today and tuesday morning doesn't look good either. So I'm a little disappointed but hey at least Joe is doing what he can for the folks at the Home.

Well, I need to turn my attention to packing some more stuff and getting ready to blow out of here after I get the van back sometime later this week.

Safe week all.
Q.

Friday morning at 3:00 AM

Do you ever awaken early and can not fall back asleep? I know I do. Well I guess an update is in order.

I'm still exercising and running; Tuesday morning I exercised my right to vote after I had gone running. Wednesday morning I had an intense workout at the gym, yes a mop was needed. Thursday I took off from the hard exercise and slugged out while a little later this morning I'm planing on at least a 10 kilometer run.

Still in the process of packing and disposing of stuff. I'm amazed at all I've gathered over the time I've been here. Still sorting through clothes I don't wear to take to the thrift store or dump in the local donation bins. Also will be packing away my printer/scanner and some computer peripherals. The laptop can stay out for a little longer as I'm still picking and choosing different albums to load into my MP3 player. 90% of what I've loaded comes under unknown Album/Artist as I'm loading from my CD colletion. I may even add some zydeco music. Yes I can run from A to Z, addagios to zydeco. Rap & hiphop aren't on the list and thats not a bad thing I don't care much for that style.

Ah good I am now beginning to feel like sleep is returning. so to all, I'll try again later.

Q

Monday morning and tomorrow is electionday.

Yeah tomorrow is electionday, meaning today is media blitz day. I wonder how many of us will be utter relieved when the madness is over? So far this is shaping up to be as nasty and contentious an election period as humanly possible to pull off and may make the recounts in Florida pale in comparison.

Well, regardless of who you support as a candidate, vote. While your voice in congress has been reduced by the numbers game, more population and stagnated number of representatives. Your vote does count, even look into the local and state issues you can decide upon. Those are often under reported and poorly explained prior to the actual day of the election. and an uniformed choice at the voting booth can leave you with no choice.

Still vote for the candiate and issues of your choice.

OK now that the Public Service Message is out of the way; back to my normal state of ill defined reason to being here.

I'm keeping up with my physical fitness routines, not running the crazy long distances but still running and exercising.

Friday was Halloween/Samhain and I spent the morning packing up and tranfering some belongings to my brother's barn in anticipation of a mid November departure. Saturday evening I pulled on my kilt and sporran and went to a local halloween party. No great shakes but a bit of fun.

Saturday morning I hooked up with one of my cousins, and we got onto West Point and took a block of parking spaces for a tailparty for the Army/AirForce Game. Yes, we were able to get all the beer and food transports to the same area and keep the logistics simple. It helped that I had a plan and defined mission statement to pull the coup off. The parking NAZIs had no clue about what was done. and the exact details are subject to a secrecy disclosure act and will not be revealed. Still the KISS criteria helped.

The Game was a disappointment for Army Fans, but hey what can I say? Regardless it was a fantastic day for the spectators, clear skies, warm temperatures, good food and plentiful beverages.

Sunday got out and ran followed by laundry, grocery shopping and following another of my cousins progress in the NYC Marathon. She had a very good time of just over 4 hours and I feel did very well. After the portion of the NYC Marathon I was interested in was over it was off to a local bar for a sandwich, onion rings and beer.

In regards to returning back to standard time, Its gonna feel strange watching sun set come earlier again.

As for today, I'm heading out to the gym in a while and then its back to cleaning up and disposing of stuff as well as packing away things. I'm committed to a mid November departure.

Safe day everyone.
Q

Early snow, bad weather and halloween.

A short synopsis, I finally got back to my current abode on Tuesday the 28 of October. While the weather here in the Hudson Valley wasn't pleasant elsewhere in the region it was worse. Snow almost 1 foot fell in western orange and Eastern Pike Counties, pleanty of folks lost power due to trees still with leaves upon them having limbs break or themselves falling under the load of snow.

While I wasn't directly affected, my older brother who lives in Pike County, PA. was and he asked me to check upon a few things while he was working a job above the squall line in NY State.

His house had been without power since sometime on Tuesday and I went over with an old portable generator just big enough to operate essential items. Boiler for heat, well pump, rerigerator. Well I was able to power up the refrigerator and freezer there as well as a lamp or two but I couldn't power his boiler or well as he hadn't had an electrician put in a AB switch and power supply point to feed it.
But compared to many people in the Pike County Region he got lucky and had electrical services restored by about 17:00/5:00PM.

So my day on Wednesday was easy enough, hit the gym first thing in the morning, field a call from my brother asking for assistance and spend the afternoon in Pike County tending a genset wit powercables snaked through his home. That and I took his two dogs for a short walk as well. Now his dogs well they aren't small and they aren't even a yearold yet. Still they got to be at least 80 pounds apiece. A mix between a Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever. Nice dogs, just in need of more training and discipline.

Today Thursday the 30th, I started my day with a 3.3 mile run, followed by a show and wasting the better part of the day on the computer. Late this afternoon/early this evening I took a 3.3 mile walk, and have had a few beers. Basicly I squandered a good day.

Tomorrow is Halloween. Hmm Costume, thats easy I'll put on my kilt and claim I'm Grounds Keeper Willie from the Simpsons. Or just go off as the World's Worst Piper.

Well that is the simple update for today, if I don't add more on friday or during thweekend it due to being caught up in a few commitmants.

Have a safe Samhain/Halloween and weekend everyone.
Cheers & Prosit Alles!

Q

Photos,

Just pictures of myself the competitors shirt, finisher's medal and running singlet.

Tuesday, October 28th. I'm Home and the Marathon is Done.

Good Morning every one and a wet rainy morning it is but I'm enjoying it as I'm back at my apartment for the time being. Lots of things to catch up upon over the next few days and a lot of packing to do as well. But thats unimportant.

The Marine Corps Marathon, in the Greater Washington DC Metro area is Done. I finished under my own power and I'm content with my times and efforts to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, To all my Donors a deep and heart felt; Thank You All!.

The statistics for the marathon. Aproximately 30,000 runners and I didn't even try to count the spectators and well wishers , to all of you also Thank You for the emotional support. As for myself, well I'll post the sttistical information and then a cut & past of material I've written covering my impressions, thoughts and images of the last few days.

Clock time; 5 hours 23 minutes and 56 seconds.
Net time, from crossing the official start to finish; 5 hours and 15 minutes.
Pace; 12 minutes a mile.
Overall; 13,783.
Males; 8957th (to cross the line).
Division; 740th (for my age group).

Now the cut and past covering the last few days in depth.

26 October, 2008. The Marine Corps Marathon.

OK, today is Sunday, the 26th of October 2008, The time is now 17:00 Hours/5:00 PM and I'm back in my Hotel Room. First my impressions about Washington DC since arriving Saturday Afternoon. Niggardly, Greedy, Money Grubbing, and Just Plan Ignorrant are my fist bimpressions and since first impressions are important. The City of Washington and the surrounding Virginia Metropolitan area has failed miserably.

Union Station in DC on Saturday Afternoon, you need to navigate arround slow wide cues of people. Informational and Direction Signage is minimal to None existant and not all too clear of intent. Unless you've have a person how has navigated the confusing mismash of ignorant layout and addaptation you're scewed.

Still the shuttle service to the Hotel was aceptable aside for on driver who was impatient to get back to collect the next possible set of fairs. Well I can understand that to an extent as Amtrak was only an hour off schedule arriving in DC.

The DC Metro System. Another fouling of the genepool allowed some motherless bean counter to develop a system based upon a zone fair system. Only there is no explanation of how the zone fairs work and you're left on your own to try to figure it out. Fist the stops are all listed Alphabeticly and a price is indicated . But if you're a visitor and need to see where the stops are in relation to a system map you're screwed as thats not conviently located, a system map is at a seperate informational Kiosk and your stuck shifting your attention back and forth between different places to develop an Idea of how much you need to spend inorder to make a minimal payment.

Another Ignorant aspect of the DC Metro is that it delays you by making you use the metrocard to exit the station so that the fair for the zone can be collected. The dung beatles who developed the system and run it currently could learn better lessons from Europe, NewYork City and Boston.

So would I ever spend a dime more than essential to help support a faultering system. F no!

Now as for the Marine Corps Marathon itself, Aside from the major ignorrance of transportation issues to the start and return to the hotel. The Marine Corps Marathon is a great run. Would I do it again? I can't honestly answer. Again issues I've noted stem from the transportation side making the access less than good and departure from the finish point is problematic too.

The Metro to the pentagon leaves you walking a longer than needed circuitous route to the baggage check. Adequate temporary signage to the baggage drop off is lacking. So unless you've been there before you're at a loss for neccessary information on where to go. Still I must commend the the members of the U.S. Marine Corps for they were able to give me the directions I did so need.

As for starting points compared to the start in relation to the finish line, you spend a great deal of time walking to your start corral, even knowing you've a further walk to the actually start point of the raced depending upon what your estimated finish time will be.
I chose the 5:00 to 5:29 starting corral based upon my estimated finishing time. From the Gun Start of the race till I actually stepped over the timing bar at the start I would estimate at a minimum of a 15 minutes was expended.

So after walking at least 15 minutes I finally crossed the start point and begin my marathon. A few related items concerning the Marthon. The original weather forecast was for a high in the mid to upper 60's with a high likelyhood of rain in the afternoon. I was looking forward to the cloud cover and cooler temps and thus did not employ Sunblock. So what happens? Well the Skies break clear, no clouds in the sky and I get a modest sunburn on my neck, shoulders, upper arms. and the temps push 70 degrees or possibly higher during the run. As for my mode of dress, Army BDU Cap, Team in Training Running Singlet, Army Physical Fitness shorts, Veterans Administration Supplied Kneed Braces, Wicking Socks and Brooks DEFYANCE running shoes with about 35 miles on them for break inpurposes and with today's 26.2 mile run + interminable walking, over 61.4 miles on the shoes.

OK so much for that gripping and complaining.

As for the course itself, The hills weren't as steep as I trained upon but the long straight aways where the terrain is flat was an adjustment, That and just the shear volume of runners.

I planned to stay ahead of the 5 hour and 30 group for my run but alas that was not to be. I actually ran stronger and faster than I inteneded and caught the lead of the 5 hour group and passed them near the 8 mile mark and I don't think I saw them again.

As for myself, I was in good spirits most of the run and even encouraged the crowd, to ring the cowbells more and cheer louder along several points. Well along much of the course. Finally after the 20 mile mark my fast early pace started to pay me back and I was feeling the effects in my calves. between the 21 and 22 mile points it was time to breakdown and walk a bit., Yet some of the runners were not running much faster than my walk. I just rolled my shoulders back looked forward and marched hard into it. After a bit I recovered enough to run some more but for the last 4 miles of the marathon that was to be my routine. Run till I was feeling the effects and walk hard till I felt like running again. near the 24/25 mile mark I broke out my secret weapon. A Mantra. This is my course It will not beat me, I will beat it. At that point I had a strong hamstring pull and just worked my way through the pain I felt.

Finally near the last mile I broke into my jogging pace to the Marine Corps Memorial. I attempted to maintain that pace up the hill but the first half just wouldn't let me do that, after I made my right turn and saw the finishing arch I made my final sprint. Yes sprint. I don't know where that energry reserve came from but I passed runners who gave it their all and were as tired as myself but managed to stay ahead of me till that point. I don't remember my exact final time on the clock I'd like to say 5 hours and 21 minutes, it may of been 5 hours and 23 minutes. But I shall wait on checking the results and and post them a little later.

20:00 hours/8:00PM Its late in the evening and I'm calling it a night within the hour. I've had dinner dessert, and a couple of beers. I feel if I go souvenier shopping I'll do it Monday Morning. I could take the subway to the pentagon and hit their PX up. But thats doubtful. Even grabbing stuff here is not too likely as the prices are jacked up too much. I don't know what the profit margins vs taxes are but its a disinsentive to support the local economy. As an example I'll be posting this and other information either from the Amtrak or after I get home as paying $10.00 for internet access isn't within my budgetary allocation, especially when so many Motels will provide internet access as part of the room fee. You may consider the Marriott Hotel chain off my short list of facilities to use whilst traveling. Hello Motel 6 and Econolodges.

Well this is all for tonight, I'm headed off to bed shortly and tomrrow will likely be a long day traveling back home. Then I need to start packing the tent and preparing my caravan for a mid November excursion to Mississippi.

Monday, 27 October, 2008.
16:00/4:00 Pm bouncing along on Amtrack trying to type this blog/journal entry. Well I'm on my way back to NY state. The marathon over and a small tour of the Nation's Capitol done. As for my impressions of Monday in DC near the Library of Congress, The Russell Senate Office Building, The Supreme Court Building is shocking, The Police and Security presence is overwhelming; Even with Congress and the Senate not being in session the security presence is pervasive. Now its true I wouldn't go out of my way to aid a politician, but by the same token, I won't go out of my way to harm one either, Although I can understand the truth about any U.S. Political leader being a potential target, even amongst themselves.

Still I'm less than impressed by the overall high costs in the DC area and the way it is driven onto everyone. But those entities that should be paying. Lobbyists, PACs, Business and Industrial Barons seem to enjoy many ,too many priveleges, when I see this.

Still the interrior of our nation's Capitol Building is wonderous and enlightening of our history. I would recommend that an indepth tour be taken if the opprotunity is ever provided.

I'm still less than impressed with the Greater DC Area Metro even if it is clean. Systems maps aren't located conviently enough, the Metro Card Kiosk appear to be configured never to return change for unused fare thus robbing the tourist of money. OK thirty cents may not seem like much but it adds up over the course of thousands of visitors robbed by the niggardly individuals charged with operating and maintaining a poorly designed system.

Well its now a 4 hour train ride via Amtrak back to New Rochelle on a shaky train. The wonder of the North East Corridor. then I'll get the 62 bus to White Plains and transfer there to Metro North to Brewster North where I'll get with my youngest brother for another over night stay befor going home to clear out the Apartment.

Union Station in Washington DC was also never designed for the volume of passenger traffic now using it as well. I believe Penn Station and grand Central Station Both in NYC do a much better job of Passenger movement. Well, most of the trip has helped uphold my already poor image and expectations of the Washington DC Metro Area. Needless to say my impressions are whats being passed along and not the filtering of a national guide book extoling the virtues of the area. Oh there are some very nice aspects but, the negatives seem to stand out glaringly.

28 october, 09:33 AM
Late addendum; The Bee Line Bus serivice in Westchester County is as jacked up as the DC Metro system. Their routing and informational signs do not clearly designate AM and PM times, nor do they inform you that from the New Rochelle transit Hub you need to walk two block to main street to catch the #60 Bus to get to the White Plains Train Satation, So a very loud F you to the inbreds operating the bus transit system in Westchester County, My the monies for administrative pay be slashed so badly the senior management is required to ride their own service and not be provided any info thats logical, concise and inteligent.

Well thats all for now
Aside from a few rants thrown in my experiences were pretty good really. But the rants and complaints are justifiable.

Again Thank you to every one who donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on my behalf. Have a very safe and easy week, Enjoy Halloween on Friday if you observe it, and take care of your selves.

Cheers & Prosit Alles!

Q.

Friday morning, prerace jitters and update.

Firday 24 October, 2008. I awoke this morning ot 03:30, nervousness about the up comming marathon is the most likely reason; although It is only a longer duration run than a few of the others I've done.

Still to burn time I played on the computer and visted a running related website I enjoy. Then at 06:00 I went out for my final run before the Marathon on Sunday. Just 3.3 miles home to Thayer Gate and back. I could of gone out much earlier in the morning, But again I chose not to maybe the 33/34 degree temperature felt daunting. Still my run is done for today, I've my coffee next to me and a bowl of cereal for breakfast.

Yesterday, was a scheduled down day from running and I spent the betterpart of the afternoon at my brother's property cutting back weeds,wild rose bushes and small trees from the frontage. I much prefer doing that sort of manual labor this time of year as I find it difficult to abid by the heat of summer. The draw back being my hands will blanch and go numb from the cooler temperatures, Just a few words concerning protecting your hands in the winter; Mittens and don't expose them to nature or chemicals such as fuel oil, gasoline or other vilotile hydrocarbons which evaporate quickly, Frost nip is a major concern and several serious repeat bouts have taken their toll over the years. Fire Trucks having enclosed cabins for the crew is a major plus come this time of year.

Well I'm going off line shortlyand later will heading to another of my brothers' home and spending the night there before catching the Morning Train to Washington DC. As for now its laundry time. I don't need the stuff I wore this morning reeking in a corner for a long weekend.

Safe day everone.

Q

Wednesday Evening before the weekend marathon

This is a cut and paste job covering some of the past three days. I'll be starting my Journey to Washington DC on friday evening and am not sure if I'll drag the laptop along to make reports; That shall be a last moment decision. So on with the last three days.

Monday Evening, 20 October, 2008.

Today according to my training regimen was supposed to be a rest and or cross training day. So I did not run today. However I've made a few decisions and took some actions which shall affect me over the coming months.

One decision is that it is past time to vacate my current apartment. So come the end of October I shall be moved out. This will not be a hardship, but it will be an adjustment. Second item is I will be going to Mississippi after Armistace/Veterans Day on November 11th. Two reasons for that shift of locations; I generally spend Thanksgiving with my Parents and since I'm not sure what the long term prognosis will be for my Father's current spate with Skin Cancer and my parents are both in their 70's its time to start looking out for them.

The one thing that will make this easier for me is that I'm not anchored to New York State by a wife or child, nor lover. True, I've my three brothers within a 60 mile radius of where I'm currently residing. And I'll miss getting together with them as often as I've been able to. But due to chance, choices and the vagaries of life I have not found a person whom I shall share my life with.

So October 31st, Halloween will be the last day I'm expecting to be with this current roof over my head.

As for today, I took the morning in a reasonably easy fashion and then started disassebling some aspects of my apartment. Tomorrow I'll do my 3.3 mile run as has become customary, follow that with Bagpipe practice in Peekskill and depending upon the whims of weather I shall either go back up to my one brother's abode to clear some of the undergrowth from his road frontage or I shall be packing and consolidating some of the items' i've acquired over time. But for now, I'm reducing dramatically what I've got here in the apartment. Now I've to move some scuba gear to the barn fold and stow my kitchen table, I choose items which could be folded, and or broken down easily to take up less space for furniture as I did lead a semi-nomadic life for years and would from time to time need to secure my possesions in a limited amount of space. And once again I find my self in a similar position.

Well in the words of Mad Magazine's Alfred E. Newman "What, me worry?".

So now I shall call it a night head to bed and see what the morning brings. I may be surpised by the capricousness of what ever happens next.

Tuesday Evening, 21 October, 2008

Today was a little different from my normal but not too different.

I ran my 3.3 mile route although my training regimen said only 3 and I was out from 06:00 to 06:30 running in the dark on the shoulder of the roads. Yes, I carry a light, wear reflective apparel and a reflective belt with a little white LED hanging off the back, but it is no longer surprising how many poor drivers have no concept of how much wider the travel lane is in comparrison to their cars and prefer to place their right tires on the wrong side of the white lane stripping.

Well after the run, morning cleasning rituals (aka the 3 S's) and breakfast, I grabbed up my Bagpipes and headed on down to Peekskill for practice at 08:30, I only got to Joe's place 5 to 10 minutes later than usual. There is no rhyme or reason for some of the traffic flow problems aside from attribution to really bad drivers who place them selves and need to be in the lead over anybody else. Anyone who uses US9 south of the Annsville Circle knows there is work in progress on 9 and the road shifts to 1 lane from two. But still they won't leave early and will cut, weave, swerve, and crowd traffic to get no where fast rather than leaving early to allow for delays. But as Joe and I are retired the slight delay isn't a critical issue. Still to the Asshole from New Jersey who blew through the Yeild Sign at the Bear Mountain Bridge Traffic Circle; Please, please, if your going to have yourself a motor vehicle incident, with your lack of driving courtesy it won't be an accident, please do so far away from quick response of emergency providers so you may have time to contemplate your actions and think upon the pain you are causing your self. Because if I had struck your vehicle with mine you would of learned a new meaning of anguish.

Well Bagpipe practice was uneventful and I'll be checking at a few Fire Stations/Halls this week to see if a few of us can spend some time in one on Sunday afternoons to practice together for a small gig on Armistace/Veterans Day come November 11th. For those who don't know Joe is Joe Brady Sr. and a he had been a Piping Judge for the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association.

After leaving Joe's, I headed for Danbury CT, This is probably one of the last time's I'll have lunch at Helga's/The Old Heidleberg Restaurant. Not because the restaurant is closing it isn't but I'll let on in a later posting why. Still my first stop was at the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion Drill Hall in Danbury, there I met with one of my former NCOICs Tim Winkler, from there he and I went on up to lunch. I can heartily recommend both the Jeagerschnitzel and Saurebraten. After lunch back to the reserve Center and I spoke with Another person there whom I've known for years and wished him well with his new assignment up in Mattydale, NY.

Well after my social visit it was time to head back towards home. Stopped in Cold Springs to say hi to Ed, but he was out of the office for the day and I just meandered on home after spending a little time window shopping on Main St. in Cold Spring.

That pretty much sums up the general events, now just cleaning and preparing what i'll bring along to the Marine Corps Marathon when I depart on Friday afternoon. I'll overnight at my youngest brother's home and he'll drop me at the train station on Saturday morning.

As for tomorrow/Wednesday, that'll start with a easy 5 mile run. So thats all for now.

Wednesday, 22 October, 1650hrs.

Ah simple plans should be easy to follow, no plans even easier. Well the simple plan was to run five miles this morning. Well yeah I ran the five and almost a full mile more. 5.95 miles. So much for following a training program to the exact letter.

Following breakfast after the run i drove up to Round Pond Recreation Area for a couple of hours of work & recreation. OK I wasn't working so much as the laundry facility was doing the work; Washing and drying my clothes. My recreation was practicing with my bagpipes and practice chanters, trying to learn what should be by now simple tunes. Still my hands respond poorly in cooler temperatures and even wearing fingerless gloves doesn't keep the fingers warm enough to work the way I would like them to. Cold weather injuries, frost nip, surface frost bite, does damage as does working with gasoline and diesel fuel in temperatures below freezing which I've done a great deal of as a younger man while in the Army.

While I'm very light skinned, my fingers and hands turn blanched white.

About noontime my laundry is done and everthing is folded, bagged and the clothes and pipes are secured for my next stop.

Fueling the van, it should be a simple propsition but I was ready to place my fist through the display screen of the fuel pump when it stopped working midway through fueling my van. Well if the damned bit of electronic crap is gonna screw up, my option is to ensure no other person gets screwed by it. and place a highway cone infront of it before I depart. Let the management try to figure out why that pump isn't being utilized by the other customers.

After I depart the Fuel Station I drop my clothes at home and head into Peekskill, There are two reasons to swing by the city, 1) my younger brother is working as a volunteer at a blood drive andit gives me an opprotunity to say hi to him. 2) Check on a couple of locations where Joe, a few other students and I can get together and practice for a small show on Armistace/Veterans' Day. Theres a chance we'll get some time and space at a Fire Hall on rts 202&35 in Peekskill proper.

As for donating blood, I am no longer an eligible donor. I used too donate, but after living in Europe during the outbreaks of Bovine Spongeform Encephalitis aka Mad Cow Disease, I have been added to the not suitable for donation lists. There is no viable test for the markers/prions which accompany the disease so untill one develops it there is no way of knowning if one has it. The disease itself is a neurological disorder and takes years to develop before obvious signs and symptoms are displayed.

After checking at a few possible locations for the Pipers to gather and practice I take the indirect route home. Stopping at a bar on Albany Post Road formerly called the Rusty Rudder and having a nautical theme; Now called Station 7 and having a Firefighters theme. Two beers and a sandwich & fries later I'm headed home. The chicken sandwich there is decent and the portions large, a very filling meal at 14:30 in the afternoon hours.

So I get home and take a nap, leading me to 10 till 5 in the evening when I started again recording impressions for the blog.

As I type this out onto word pad for later cutting and pastng to the blog I'm listening to the radio; 90.7 FM, WFUV from Fordham University in the Bronx. They are having a fund raising drive and even with the requests for support they are still playing a great eclectic mix of music. And thus goes my plug for radio.

So with not further much ado, and while Simon & Garfunkel play on the radio I'll get on line check my e-mails and update my blog & other web accounts.

Cheers & prosit,
Q

Monday Morning Antsiness.

06:30 AM, Monday the 20th of October 2008.

Now I feel nervous about the upcoming Marathon on the 26th.
I'm in taper mode and I just want to run, run, run. I can hardly wait to get this done.
I've had no injuries in training aside from a loosened toenail bed and that is healing nicely.
I will wear my knee braces for the run, I have too due to prior injuries and instability both form stresses, injuries and abuse when I was much younger and now may be as much due to having been seriously over weight for years and still making strong demands upon my skeleton and musculature.

Well as for today, my training regimen calls for cross training and rest without any running as I desire. Tuesday will be a modest 3 mile run at nearly an 11 min a mile pace. Wednesday again a rest and cross training day. Thursday 5 miles, Friday 3 miles, Saturday Rest and Travel Day. Sunday the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Well that is what my training schedule is calling for at least.

Let me just say I am feeling antsy and just want to get this done now.

I still can hardly believe I ran up and down Bear Mountain yesterday. It wasn't the distance that makes it impressive for me its the elevation I climbed from the Bear Mountain Inn to the Road on the Summit. Oh I know compared to the runners in the Rocky Mountains, on the West Coast, and some locations here along the Appalachian Range that 1,123 feet is a modest bump. But I am still some what awed when held in comparisson to my other runs. Still the saving grace for me was the easy grade I climbed compared to a few other roads I've been training upon.

As for today, I'll be running a few items to storage for the winter, pricing out self storage facilities and preparing to abandon where I've called home for these past 7 years for a long term.

Waking up at odd hours due to the neighbors having loud noisy sex is also an added impetus. Yet still I want to try to follow my original plan, somewhat, for after I retired and see other aspects of the continetal United States. I don't want to be locked down to a single location as I have been.

So as for near term activities. Run the marathon on the 26th, a couple of Halloween events, Vote on Election Day, play the pipes with Joe Brady, Sr. at the State Veteran's Home in Montross on Nov 11th. Then depart for points south.

So today I'll go for an easy walk of several miles and transfer things I'm not too worried abou to my younger brother's barn for the winter. I don't thing I'm going to need a large room air conditioner unit for some time to come.

Cheers & prosit

Q

Sunday morning; One week till the Marine Corps Marathon.

OK so Thursday was my last entry, what has transpired since then? Not too much really, just trying to stay in a reasonable training mode for next Sunday's marathon in Washington DC. Since the marathon itself is week and a half befor the elections and just before Halloween, it could be interesting. Whats scarier, Lobbyists, Politicians seeking ofice or little kids trick or treating?

OK On friday morning I only ran 2.13 miles and kill that off in 18:35, climbing 222 feet to finish the first mile. After that just the mundane aspects of life, went to an Optometry shop for a quicky eye exam and order new glasses. Its been about 2 years since my last prescription change and I'm rough on lenses & frames. Hey theres only so much you can do with cable ties, duct tape and bailing wire; Bubble gum is just so unsanitary. Friday evening I took a 2&1/2 mile walk. On my return home I was estatic as I knew I wouldn't need my alarm clock at all during the weekend. My landlady's lover is in for the weekend. I really hate the Opera performances.

Saturday Morning after a fitfully sleep, Hmmm I wonder why. Did I say I hate live performances, I do especially when the stage is overhead. Well since its not a running day and I'm up early I might as well go out for breakfast. Fire up the motorcycle and off I go. Actually I was planning to be out most of the day with a few others anyway so it weren't a problem. Met with a few other riders and took them on back and side roads ove to Danbury CT to a good German Restuarant for Lunch. I Return home about 4:30 put some things away, throw the bagpipes in the van and go over to North Dock on West Point practice a bit by the river. After that park the van by the MP station, and go for maybe a three mile walk at worst. Up to the Football stadium around the NW corner down to Central area and out Thayer Gate. Stop at the South Gate for a couple of beers. Tried the new swill from Budwizzer, American Ale, Not great closer to a IPA than a good ale, but the color is OK. I'd get it as a alternative to good ales for the coors & bud drinkers as they like swill anyway. Back home and hopefully a nights sleep.

Sunday morning 04:00 and thus the Opera begins a new. OK get up get dress in my running clothes, check the e-mails and get out by 6AM leaving my MP# player charging and Looking forward to the morning's EIGHT & ONE HALF Mile Run.

Bear Mountain State Park, its a pretty place and nice to visit. I don't go often as motorcycles are charged full price for parking and commercial vehicles, ie my personal van, are not allowed to be used on park roads except by permit only and I don't qualify.

Well I'm in the park by 06:40 and now need to make a decision. On my run this morning do I want/need to wear full wind protection or not. I opt for the jacket head cover and gloves, leaving the legs exposed and start off from the Kiosk at the Bear Mountain Inn for Perkins Observatory 4.25 miles and 1,123 feet up hill.
Compared to the places I've been running The Roads are a gradual pitch and thus relatively easy. The distance to climb will be the real challenge.

I star with the breaking of dawn more or less and its light enough at 07:00 to dispense with carrying a flashlight. Traffic is sparse to nonexistant and off I go First 1/4 mile a level space to warm into this before turning onto the road leading up hill. 24minutes and 7 seconds into my climb I arrive at the Gate which is closed and dodge around it and continue upward. Well the skys are getting lighter and southward facing sides of the mountain were protected from the North Wind this morning; So I'm comfortably warm and have the wind shell open for venting. As i swing around the West side of Bear Mountain the wind hits me, Still its not as bad as I though it was going to be and i soldier on up the hill. Finally I'm in the area of the overlook at Perkins Observatory. I can make out the grey towers of Manhattan outlined against the lighter grey clouds above and behind and I pass my halfway point at 49 minutes and 27 seconds. Now I can ease on down the road. All this time I have the road from the gate up to, around and back down to the gate to myself I'm running on the double yellow with out worry or concern. The only creatures who are startles are some white tail deer which leave me to my running and thoughts. 1 hour 10 minutes and 6 seconds back at the gate, around and down hill I continue. As I'm running down hill I see 4 bicyclists laboring up, I think they were surprised to see a runner out so early in the morning. A few cars and motorcyclists pass me again going up the mountain and I'm on the last leg back inpast the Admin Building and finish fast on the flats returning to the Bear Mountain Inn. total time 1 hour 29 minutes and 15.86 seconds.

Start.. 00:00
Gate... 24:07
Tower.. 49:27
Gate... 1:10:06
Finish. 1:29:15
Elevation climbed 1,123 feet
Elevation descended 1,123 feet

And I didn't even need an alarm clock to get up and out in the morning. I still hate live performances. Well Time to get out some more for the remainder of the day.

Have an interesting time everyone,
Q

Thursday morning training report.

Thurdays training report;
Short run today only 6.28 miles in 1:05:15.18.
Hardest part of the entire run was a 582 foot climb in 1.54 miles.

Finally looked at the hill profiles for the Marine Corps Marathon yesterday. in the first 3 miles I climb to almost 140 feet, drop back down to about 60 feet by the 6 mile mark and climb to 160 by the 8 mile mark. drop down to an average of 10 to 25 feet till the 22 mile mark, climb to just under 40 feet at the 25 mile mark back down to about 20 at 26 miles with a final climb of 60 feet for the last two tenths of a mile.

I was laughing at myself when I saw how easy the climbs will be in comparison to what I've been doing for training. I'm just hoping for cool & overcast conditions on race day.

Another advantage it appears I'll have on race day is there will be food stations, in addition to water and aid stations. While Powerade will be the supplied beverage in addition to water, I've been running on body fat stores for almost all my long runs except for one. That was one of my beter runs too. So with my fat a r s e accustomed to running 20+ miles on thin gatorade, about a 60% to 70% mix vs the reccommended 100% mix which I found too strong for my liking; I think I'm in better shape than I knew.

Now its just a matter of going easy on my taper runs. I'm still weighing heavily the 1,123 foot climb as part of my last 8 mile run before the marathon. And that would be the last of my long climbing runs before the marathon the following week too.
For the marathon itself, I just need to be mindful of how I start out and continue along. I need to be easy and steady start through finish and not caught up in any mad dash due to excitement or adrenaline rush. As I'm sure I will be switching to stoic mode by the 24 mile mark at the latest. As I know how my muscles burn when deprived of energy stores.

Well there it is what I've done and some of what I am looking forward to over the next week & a half.

OK today's training run is done, laundry is done, breakfast is done. It must be time to get off the computer and break out the bagpipes for practice. Playing with Joe Brady Sr. and a few other students at the State veterans Home on the 11th of November and I'd like to be mentally prepared for that as well.

Cheers & prosit alles, I may post more later today as this is an early posting at 10:00 AM. Have a safe day & week.

Q

Just Wednesday morning. and a comment on Tuesday

Well yesterday was a mixed bag day;
A strong 3.3 mile run in the morning beating my time against myself and the clock on the local roads. followed by Bagpipe practice in Peekskill. A few of us will get together in November for Armistace/Veterans' Day to entertain the folks at the State Veterans Home in Montross, NY. Afterwards I stopped over in the Garrison boat basin. Saw Dean and spoke with a new boat own on diesel engine maintenance. He's got a new engien in his boat and its due servicing very soon. Followed that by going shopping for a new pair of jeans, Why is it the sizes I need want are always sold out? Are all the dwarves on the planet purchasing them or is most of the population now over 6foot tall wearing 36 inche waist and 34 inche inseam pants?
Lunch was a pulled Pork BBQ sandwich. Finished the day with a slow easy 2&1/2 mile walk and watching a DVD of the Simpson's Movie. with dinner being a Tunafish sandwich.

Today I plan to clean my apartment abit and get some cross training in. Bicycle to the gym, use the rowing machine and some weight training nothing too over the top as I'm on the downward slop of training for the marathon.

Well that covers yesterday and what I hope to cover for today.
Nothing to see here, move along, move along.

Restful & Relaxed Monday and a little introspection.

Yes a restful and relaxed Monday, not by virtue of the Columbus Holiday Weekend. Although that could help. No restful and relaxing as I took a break from marathon training today inorder for my body to recover from my last really long training run before the Marine Corps Marathon on October 26th.

I'm not a strong athlete but I do have a good reason to run in my first marathon ever. I'm doing so as a fund raising effort for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
OK so what might be my connection with Leukemias or Lymphomas? My older brother is an eighteen year survivor of Leukemia and since I've retired from the Fire Department at West Point, NY. I've had time to consider doing some different things with my life now that I've more free time to do so.

The course of treatment my brother went through was difficult to watch and still on my days off from work when I wasn't performing my duties with the U.S. Army Reserve I would to to Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla NY. to visit with my brother. The Nurses there were rather surpised to see how often I was there and asked if I wouldn't mind visiting with another Leukemia Patient who's family lived further away and couldn't visit as often and so I would stop in and try to cheer up a younger person who was diagnose with the disease at a later stage than my brother and had a worse prognosis.

So I've seen different sides of how the disease strikes individuals and families. Knowing what I do and having been involved at a personal level in the past; I decided now was the time to try to do a little more involved to help others.

I've lost friends due to various causes over the years. Cancers, accidents, old age they all take an emotional toil one way or another. I can either rant and rail against the unfairness of things or I can take an active participatory roll in attempting to make a lasting change.

I do like to think that the roles I've played in life so far have made a positive change for others. Being a Professional and Volunteer Fireman and Emergency Medical Technician; Soldier trained in Civil Affairs assigned to Humanitarian and Peace Keeping Missions, And now as a participant in a fund raising venture hoping to discover a cure or better treatment for Lymphomas and Leukemias.

Doing things such as supporting Team Guinan in their quest to honor John Guinan and support Braking the Cycle was but an added benefit for me and invaluable for helping me learn a little more about my self. Please see Wendy Bounds' Little Chapel on the River Blog for more on the Braking the Cycle Ride. And yes, I'm more than willing to Support Team Guinan again for as long as they ride.

So is cancer ever a good thing? For the victim most definitely not. Even my first bouts with skin cancer were emotionaly trying. But after watching others struggle with more debilitating illnesses and others striving to help them in various ways; I can say my exposure to Cancer and HIV/AIDS support groups has had a positive influence on me.

I may still hold forth with dark or black humor and even gallows humor at times. But for me it is a coping mechanism. Sometimes to get through and make light of a bad situation, it is easier to mock the darker side of things. Yes, that may sound irreverant and even callous. Yet it also lets me vent my frustrations at what I can not change today and it is a safety valve.

So while I may of been resting physically today, I've had time to rethink why I do some things.

Also I did get in some bagpipe practic today as well so I've not been a total sluggard.

Have a pleasant and easy week everyone.

Q

Psychotic Sunday, hey with me it could be.

Saturday, 11 October.
Ran 3.3 miles this morning then went to my younger brother's home to secure my small sail boat in his yard for the winter. Although the weather has been pleasant enough to take it out I've been physically beat much of the time from the physical training effort for the up coming marathon.

After I disconnected the trailer from the van and covered the boat with a tarp, my brother and I helped one of his neighbors split fire wood for the upcoming winter. Following that is was move some big rocks which seem to sprout from the soil of their own initiative and move them to where we can start building a rock wall later. Also we picked up some fire wood that I had cut previously and shift that to the pile to split and dry for next season.

Physically I am tired, I want to hold off going to bed for a couple of hours thougg; for if I don't I'll be up way too early for the day again tomorrow. Also on Sunday the 12th I've an 16 to 18 mile run planned as my last long rung as I'm tapering for the marathon on October 26th. I'm not worried about running the marathon, maybe a be nervous and yes there is some apprehension but nothing that the actual event won't erase. I know I can go the full distance and I will. The stoic in me has kicked in. I just need to do this Sunday morning's run and its all gravy from there.

Well that pretty much winds up the Saturday effort. I'm mentally tired from waking up at 03:00 and the mind needs to go off line and reboot. Sleep perchance to dream aye but theres the rub. Well another hour and a half and its lights out for me. Good night,

Sunday, October 12th;
Woke up at 05:00 and felt good, pretty much well rested from Saturday and that would be critical for today.
By 05:30 I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast and by 06:30 I was headed out the door to Fire Station 3 on Route 293, West Point, NY. for my final long run before the Marine Corps Marathon in 2 weeks. Yes, I should of had a better dinner last night than a cappacino muffin, but thats water under the bridge and all that.

I arrive at the fire station by 06:45 and do some easy stretching to prepare for the run. I'm also hanging with the guys and enjoying their ribs and jibs at each out while waiting to go off shift before my run. They are a good group of people overall.

Still onto the run; just a little after 07:00 I start my stopwatch and lumber out of the Fire Station entrance, cross the street and turn west towards Long Mountain Parkway 5&4/10 miles away. Its scary how I've learned the mileages to various land marks. Well go another 100 meters past the overpass and head back towards the Fire Station. If I stopped at the Station that would of been just shy of 11 miles and I head down hill towards the west Point Golf Course and my next turn point 1&1/2 miles from the Fire Station. Then its a mile & a half back up hill to the Fire Station. Hey did I happen to mention its also a mile up hill to Long Mountain Parkway from just past the 4 mile mark?

At the Fire Station I stop but not for a short break but to replenish my water carrier, aka The Camel Back.
I'm using a two litre version and the five pounds it weighs full is much more noticable now. Still I head out back towards Long Mountain Parkway again, Only this time I'm only going out to my 3 mile mark near Area K to turn around at.

Near the 18 mile mark my legs give the first sign of lactic acid build up and my calves are burning. i slow to a fast walk going up hill for a few yards and then back into the run. Again near the 19&3/4 mile mark again the burn is back and slow to a fast walk for a little bit before getting back into my run for the final push up the hill. And back at the Fire Station I'm done.

Total time running was 4 hours and 17 minutes to cover the twenty miles. Not my best speed but I wasn't going for speed today. I was going for road time. Counting out the time for the water stop my road time was 4 hours 4 minutes and 34 seconds.

Well with that run finished I walk around the parking lot several times to slowly allow my body to adjust to a much reduced physical demand and then stretch and out a bit. After stretching I use the shower at the Fire Station before going off to do the day's laundry as well. next stop Round Pond Recreation Area.

So I go up to Round Pond and start my laundry, while waiting I break out my electronic bagpipes and practice with those for a while. Finish off the last bottle of ersatz gatoraid and wait. After I'm done with the laundry its back home have a bacon & mayonaise sandwich, a protein drink and a couple of handfuls of trail mix for lunch before making this journal entry into the blog.

And that brings me to 15:00 hours and time to disappear yet again for awhile. Now headed to the PX to purchase a second pair of jeans that fit and then maybe to the South Gate for a beer, probably a Half & Half made with Murphy's and Sam Adams. Lighter in taste than straight stout and just as enjoyable too.

Catch you all later have a safe and easy day & week. Tomorrow I'm sleeping in. Nyah probably not I'm too used to waking up early but I'll try.

Q

Saturday Morning @ 04:00

Yes, 04:00 and I'm blogging, I've got no life. Actually I awoke at 03:00 and couldn't fall back asleep so here I am just adding a bit to the blog.

Thursday started out with a short run and a hang over. As i got into the run the hangover disappated and the run became slightly longer than my normal short runs finishing out a 4&1/3 miles in 46 minutes.

In regards to other small aspects I do own a older GPS unit a Garmin 72. Its good for some things but not good for others, I can't use it as a road guide or TomTom unit. But its functional for telling me where I am, and thats the info I want out of it as when I do use it, I'm usually using it in conjunction with a old fashioned topograghic map.

Well the GPS was going to a blank screen while in the mode I normally us and I thought it had developed a problem from being in a hot back pack this past summer. I will use it to accurately record a trail or path to later mark out on the map for future reference. So for accuracy it is always in the WAAS enabled mode. I didn't consider disabling the WAAS Mode so I e-mailed Garmin the question as for why the screen goes blank. Garmin replied that a significant change in the Satelite system was causing the problem and to try the unit ouside the WAAS enabled mode. OK I'll give it a try and the system worked. Yea I don't need to mail it back to Garmin for repairs.

OK so I know what the issue is whats the repair? Down load an Update, so I check on line for the items I need to do that. Wow talk about insanity. The basic computer cables cost about 1/3rd of what the GPS unit did. Also since I use a laptop as my home computer I need an adapter with applicable software to run the UBS to 9 pin cable connection. OK well friday is another day and I'll take care of it then. So that pretty much covers Thursday.

Friday 10 October;
The day dawns clear and comfortably and I head off to the GYM for my physical exertion of the day. So out comes the Bicycle and I pedal my ass, but no body is buying, so I end up at the GYM. Grid lock in the locker room, I arrive as a mass of humanity is cleaning up there act inorder to go back to the daily grind. Still I find an open locker secure my dry clothes for when I'm done and head out to the floor.

First stop, the Giant Gerbil Trail also known as a Treadmill. Why because I can use it to make myself work a little harder than I've been doing. So I start off in a similar fashion as this past Monday. Slope set at 5%, speed at 6 MPH and after 5 minutes bump it up to 6.5 MPH. near the 15 minute mark bring the slope back to zero and bump the speed to 7.0 MPH another 5 minutes 8 MPH another 5 minutes reduce the speed for a short breather than increase it again. Finish out 3.4 miles in 30 minutes and with the cool down segment total 3.7 miles.

Second stop, The rowing machine. I generally spend 20 minutes on the rower at a steady pace and flow. And the sweat does flow; a indoor rowing machine with its own body of liquid. Not a neat trick as I fully create a good size puddle of sweat under it and need to use the mop from the janitorial closet to clean up after myself. So after my hard work out in the GYM, back to the locker room for dry clothes as I've got a bicycle ride ahead of me and sweat drenched clothes don't make for a comfortable ride no matter how short the distance and that effectively covers Friday morning ride home shower dress and do a computer search for near by (theres an oxymoron) shops which may have the computer patch cables for the Garmin GPS.

Friday afternoon, OK I'm in luck just 10 miles down the road theres a shop with the 9 pin computer to GPS cable cable connector so I snag that up. chaging 45 dollars, it also doubles as a extrenal power source form a vehicle, not that I often will use it that way. Next stop, Radio Shack, Why because I need a USB to 9 pin cable adapter 20 miles another direction. Chaching 35 dollars. Not counting fuel used and personal time 80 dollars spent to down load a software upgrade free from Garmin. Well the down load of program changes work and the GPS unit is fully functional again.

Which brings me to something about American Business Practices. We're morons! yes American is a nation of morons and MBAs lead the way!

Oh our businesses and indusries can make world class products, but too often we don't keep up with technologies we've developed. It is ignorance to have to purchase an adapter along with associated software to make a simple patch cable functional with a newer computer. OK Irealize the original configuration was meant for a desk top and older lap tops but did anyone at Garmin wake up and smell the coffee? Hello imbicles, you need to offer the 4 pin GPS connector with a UBS port option. and how about updating the web site at the same time so a clearer picture of what the cables look like can be displayed too; Or would that cut into the profit margin.

Speaking of Ass Hat MBAs did anyone get a laugh from the bull shit in Congress this past week? The head of Lehman Bros. feels just terrible about the American Public being raped by bad business practices. But he still has his multi million dollar Pay Out along with the senior executives of AIG and how many other failing institutions?

Hopefully some day when he needs support and equity of a different nature he gets treated with all due care and support of a criminal that he is and losses it all. Not a governmental slap of the wrist and Bad Boy don't do that again. But the Ambulance Crew and Doctors and Nurses just telling him sorry parasite, But I've got honest working people who need more help care and assistance than you deserve or now can afford. And they just leave him on a bench off to the side of the Emergency Room while he watches the life blood slowly seep from his painfully open untreated gangreous wounds. Sort of whats happening now to millions of Americans because of greedy MBA practices.

So what am I doing the rest of the day? I think I've gotten my rant out of the way. I guess maybe I'll go for a run then take my little sail boat up to the winter storage loaction followed by putzing around in my brother's barn helping him to get stuff ready for winter.

Well at least I'm not going off about shoddy building construction which allows me to listen in on the Bed Spring Symphony and Estatic Choral Production from the couple upstairs.

I'm outa here for a while,

Q

Weird Wednesdays.

Q's escapades Blog entries for 7/8 Oct, 2008.

Well Tuesday the 7th was Slug Boy Day, no real exercise at all. In fact the closest thing resembling exercise was when I was practicing my bagpipes. But a general run down of the day seems to be the way I prefer to writ things out so thats what I'll do.

O8:30 AM, off to peeksill & Joe Brady's for instruction and begin prep for the Nov 11 bagpipe date at the Montross Veteran's Home. I got stuck in crawling traffic and gave Joe a call warning I may be delayed, but still made it on time. I shall avoid us route 9 for the foreseeable future while going to Joe's place.

10:15 AM, after bagpipe practice I'm headed down toward central Westchester County as I'm heading to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's HQ later in the evening for a send off for the Marine Corps Marathon.

11:00 Stop at the Pizza parlor across from the Cabin Restaurant at the junctions of 100, 100A and Sprain Brook Parkways before doubling back to Gate of Heaven Cemetary. I usually go to tend my Grandparents, Uncle and Aunts' resting place twice a year at least. So at the cemetary I have my slice of pizza and then weed around the broad leaf bases of what remains of the flowers I've planted there. Thats my attempt at a flower garden and I don't bother attempting to dig the bulbs out each year to protect them they seem to be doing fine on their own. While there I also talk to my parents but in a more conventional fashion by use of the cell phone.

12:00, Noon finds me at the Greenburg Fire Department and I'm in luck two of my cousins are in and I spend some time visiting with them. I also come to findout that some members of the GFD will be in my area for a sporting event on the 1st of Novemebr so Ilet them know I'll try to secure a group parking area for them for their tailgate session before the game.

13:00/1:00 PM, I'm clear of the Fire Department and headed towards and through the Central business district of White Plains. In regards to that part of Westchester County, just think of New Jersery with NY state tags and drivers licenses, just really poor drivers for the better part. Still I don't need to be at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's HQ till 18:00/6:00PM and I've got time to spare. I don't like shopping and have only $100 on me and use the credit card only for needed purchases so i bypass the merchant district and go to Saxon Woods Park across from the Business Park where the L&LS HQ is located.

At Saxon Woods, I've some time to be alone with my thoughts and just try to get some things of a minor nature done. So I break out my copy book of bagpiping tune and copy a score into it. I can't explain why but copying the notation out in long hand does help me to learn the music, even if I don't feel I play it all too well. I also take the pipes out of the case and set the drones to where they were earlier in the day and don't bother trying to tune them, to my untrained ear they sound close enough to pitch. At which point I go over several of the tunes I know.

After a while of diddling around with the bagpipes i secure them and break out a folding chair and just sit and diddle about with a tin whistle, I'm no musical phenom or prodigy but I'm trying to pull out a tune. Tin whistles are decievingly simple and hard at the same time as you need to control the pressure of your breath to keep a consistant sound level

15:00/3:00 PM finally I've had enough and take a drive into and back out of Mamaroneck and stop at a roadside stand for a dog and a ginger ale. then back into Saxon Woods Park inorder to burn off some more time. This time diddling about on my small pipes.

16:30/4:30 PM I drive across the street to the L&LS HQ building and park the van waiting for the 18:00/6:00 PM info/send off session.

17:30/5:30 PM I enter the building and sign in and go to the cafeteria where i meet with two of the staffers involved with both the NIKE event and the Marine Corps Marathon. I also have a slice of pizza while waiting for the event to start some water and pass some time with the ladies coordinating things.

18:00/6:00 PM several folks whom I recognize amble in and I greet them in my own less than endearing fashion, I also see Dan Elliot and let him know that we've been assigned a room together for the course of the three days. We also get the running singlets and other goodies for the race as well as information to bring with us for check in and safety proceedures on race day it self.

20:30/8:30 PM the meeting is over and I'm out of there headed home by way of Brewster & Carmel, NY. I've no desire to double back through Whiteplague I mean Whitepains, Oy wait a moment Whiteplains. So I jump on the Hutch with my Commercially Registered vehicle, technically an illegal act. and go up to I-684, Drive to the Croton Falls exit and take NY22 into Brewster and US6 over to Carmel. Stop in Fiddler's Green Pub aka Bar, have one Guiness and head on home for the night.

So about 20:30/10:30PM I arrive home take care of some triffling matters and go to bed.

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8 October, hey this morning as I write this, I awoke from a vivid dream, fast woman driver, white sports car, spinouts in frontof and almost under the front tires of another vehicle, donuts and smoking the tires, a angry police officer who drove a large heavy box truck stopping the sports car performing a magic trick of pepper spraying the woman driver and a male passenger but leaving me unscathed to take care of the peppersprayed driver and other male passenger whom i never saw in the sports car as i was in the passenger seat. Then I woke up. I've now clue what it all means but it was interesting enough that I kept it in my mind. Oh yeah the skyes were clear blue and the grass was all green and I don't recall any trees just lots of rolling hills.

Well a little later this morning I'm going out for a 6 to 10 mile run depending upon how I feel about the weather. I do want to get at least 6 miles in though. and thats all for now at 06:00/6:00 AM

Alrighty then just a little past Noon here in the lower Hudson valley and I'm getting dressed to go out for the second time, got a little banking to do. Did a 11&15/100 mile run this morning starting about 08:30 and finishing about 10:40 just a simple route, up the west side of the village and up moutain Ave to Stoney Lonesome road up to Continental and around back onto stoney, down to Merrit, down to Washington Down to Ruger, down Tower to the Hudson River up to the base of Ike Hall, down to North Dock, up Howard and along Cullum to Jefferson to Thayer to wilson to Swift to Thayer Gate along Main St. Highland Falls back to home. Just a modest set of hills.

Well got to run for now more later.
Q
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16:00/4:00 PM. Ok got a bit done today, had a little money I could budget for other items and purchased a new watch as I broke the crystal on the old one. Oh I'll try to get the crystal replaced but some times due to our disposable society that becomes an exercise in futility.

So this afternoon, I wandered off to Round Pond recreation Area. I can use the laundrymat and practice my bagpiping there without disturbing too many other people. Also today I gave the new running singlet from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society its first washing to help soften it up for the marine Corps Marathon on the 26th of October. Also need to determine what I'll wear and pack for the three days. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Since I'm only running on that Sunday for the weekend the process is simplified. Two pairs of sneakers, one for comfort and one for the run. I bring my electronic bagpipes to diddle around with and my MP3 player for the trip. I'll load a few more albums onto that as well. I only want them for the trip as during the run itself we aren't supposed to use anything which may enhance our performance and a MP3 player can be considered a perfromance enhancer.

After finishing laundry I went by Fire Station 2 and said hello to the guys there and had a laugh with them concerning a small segment of my run this morning. Well the burning question about which is faster a person running or a nearly 40 ton ladder truck; going up Stoney Lonesome Road has been answered. Over the short distance a strong runner is faster. Over a long distance the 40 ton diesel powered ladder truck has more endurance. And how did I learn this? I ran uphill against Truck one today. During my run this morning I was jogging down Stoney when I saw the ladder truck making it way up. The kicker is the Ladder truck had a rolling start compared to me. I had to come to a stop turn about and start running up hill. Yes. I was running fast enough to get ahead of the lumbering vehicle. Well so much for the speed of a heavy vehicle going up a 12% grade.

Following that minor bit of levity it was off to the service station for fuel, the PX for my old glasses, the screw in the frame is broken and firmly rusted in place, also purchased the watch as mentioned previously, and then over to the Comissary for my weekly grocery shopping. Which brings me up to the hour and preparing this portion of the blog.

So without anything better to do, I'll close for now and will add some more later for cutting and pasting to the blog.
Q.
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Yes another cut and paste posting but it seems to work fairly easily. and allows me more time to formulate and clarify my thoughts.

Cheers & Proasit Alles,
Q