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