First Snow in Augusta, Maine

Pretty self explanatory. Where are those snow tires ....
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The Great Race, Episode One - Two Hours in Boston

Picking up Matthew from Boston Logan International Airport gave us the opportunity with only a few hours of daylight to explore a city I had always been curious about since I was a kid. Not only does does Boston house the recognized institutes of higher learning such as Harvard and MIT, it also happens to be the place where is recorded the events and the mind set that was fundamental to America, one of self-reliance that seems to mark the people of the region. Mind you we only had two hours or so, but we made the most of it. We didn't have time to be polite, so we searched for a map (we didn't realized these were kind of hard to find) and proceeded to be real tourists (camera in tow), looking down at a map to give us directions and with the audacity of people desperate to see something of note, but without the time to be polite. 

Just the same, the local Bostonians seemed friendly, out of character to the reputation that proceeded them. They were helpful and seemed to almost find it novel that a Californian and Mainer would find themselves in downtown Boston during the off-peak tourist season. Who cares, we were there to see the sights, and Matt was there to do reconnaissance for the future dates he was going to take down here. At least that's what I told him he was supposed to be doing.

We just picked a parking spot, ours just happened to be beneath the North Station of the MBTA.
Which is an acronym for Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, affectionately known as the T by locals, who use it for public transport around Boston and suburbs.

After wandering around (without a map at first),  we found a statue of this guy named Paul.
After that, the rest was history, so to speak.

The warning lights from that famous ride shown from the steeple of this church.

Humble church that played a role in housing the lights that warned the militia of the British arrival.

Old North Episcopal Church

This seal marks the bricked roads along the Freedom Trail, a path that runs along downtown Boston, visiting 16 significant historical sights of the area - we only got to a few of them.

Matt and I finally found a place that had maps. No longer aimless we now had a way to get our bearings.

Thought not officially on the Freedom Trail, Matt spent a lot of time around the Quincy Market when coming down with his family, so we came here to find some grub.

With a high probability of vegan dishes, we decided on Wagamama.

Several options chosen, Number 38 in the coconut sauce was unanimously voted as the winner.

New England spelling tutorial. Different words over here, who knew?

Fanueil Hall - where rousing speeches were made to encourage the baby nation to become independent of Great Britain.

Sometimes referred to as "the Cradle of Liberty" - we did not have to time to take the tour of historically significant events of the Hall.

Plaque inside Fanueil Hall

My only experience with Samuel Adams, no ID required.

Matt shows the markings of the Freedom Trail. It's a nice addition, because if you think you're lost, look for this red stripe or the brick line similar to this that marks the complete trail.

People movers are the way to get around. And it's still all about the wheels. The guy with the meaty ones gets the girl's number. Sorry rice-rockets, she's looking for the guy with the Big Wheels.

Interview in traditional garb of the day. Must've been a pain to clean.

In a short time, it was still lots of fun. Next time, we're driving to Portland taking the train in, then hitting the T. But now we know a little of our way around, where to eat and what to see. Future plans include the aquarium, Bunker Hill,  MIT, Harvard Square. And a host of others. I'll keep you posted. Don't forget to hit the title for the jump to Wiki.

Everyday Religion

Often, after some time in the Christian walk, we forget how we came into it. How Christ lead and continues to lead in our lives. I was just discussing this topic with a friend of mine who was formerly in a Bible study group I used to give back in California. The subject of complete surrender came up and we saw how many times we as Christians refuse to give everything to God, yet still continue to claim to walk with Him.

Look at the silliness of this idea. I have replaced the original words with words more like many of the Christian walks today:

1. Some to Jesus I surrender;
   Some to Him I freely give;
   I will ever love and trust Him,
   In His presence daily live.
   • Refrain:
     I surrender Some,
     I surrender Some;
     Some to Thee, my blessed Savior,
     I surrender Some.
2. Some to Jesus I surrender;
   Humbly at His feet I bow,
   Worldly pleasures partly forsaken;
   Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3. Some to Jesus I surrender;
   Make me, Savior, partly Thine;
   Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
   Truly know that Thou art mine.
4. Some to Jesus I surrender;
   Lord, I give myself to Thee;
   Fill me with Thy love and power;
   Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5. Some to Jesus I surrender;
   Now I feel the sacred flame.
   Oh, the joy of part salvation!
   Glory, glory, to His Name!

That last stanza really hit me that a part surrender constitutes an incomplete salvation realized. Also in verse three. We really don't appreciate the ramifications of an incomplete surrender. We really tie God's hands when we don't give Him all.

Ristorante Lombardi - New Menu Item

Newly added: Tomato Bisque

After being sick all week, I treated myself to some really good food in Freeport. To my pleasant surprise, in addition to the Signature Soup,  they have added a new Tomato Bisque to the menu.  A little more subtle taste and less artificial than other soups of similar nature, by comparison.  Quite delicious, it is creamy, and fresh and a perfect evening soup (or rainy day soup, or light soup). Served with the special bread (I had the Avocado and Tomato Sandwich - on Wheat), it made a satisfying dinner.

Behind the dining and serving area, there is a place for board games or just general ruckus, you can look through what they have available, or bring your own, or they have some downstairs in the lower room. Did I mention they also have internet access, but you have to get the password from one of the owners. Tonight there was a game going on that had the main Chef and the rest of the crew laughing, along with the guests, with such intensity that I could stop, I started to cry, and my chest started to heart, but that wouldn't get me to stop.  It continued for a few hours. 

At the end of the evening, I was short on the bill so I volunteered to help with the dishes. It's not tucked away like some other places so it wasn't a completely unpleasant task. One can do dishes but be adequately engaged in the conversation around the cooking area. Before that the last call was made, and the night staff was preparing pastries for the following business day. I left shortly after.

Summary: If you're sick, go get soup at the Ristorante Lombardi.

Semi-Annual Recital

Renon on Violin

About twice a year, if you're lucky enough, you get to hear a recital of some of the young performers in Topsham. Usually some fun songs just to enjoy some music and some food afterwards. This particular even, included with the fine classical violins and piano, we had an exceptional treat. The kids gave a recital of prose, highlighting the every day life of a medieval village. Dressed up in mock peasant garb, they spoke of glass blowing and marriages planned for the financial benefit of the parties involved, their resignation and defiance of the arranged marriage, and plans of advancement from squire to knight. The music was fun and wonderful. Adri's song was wonderfully cheeky, and Mary hit the piercing high note with her beautiful rendition of The Prayer (while Jonathan busted out the Italian! - What else do those Gerrans boys do?) But the recitation was fun, and light, and put on with sincere child-like lack of reservation, it was refreshing. The food was tasty and company could only be minimally improved on.



Sienna



Perla

Summer

Luca

Perla and Yesenia

Rose and Liz

As for the pics, you get to see my recent trial on Photoshop. If you can't tell it's been shopped, then great. If you can, send me a message.

Inspiration - The breath of life

As I came upon this blog entry by Barry Howe, Inspiration, several days ago when it was first posted, the first thought that entered my head was the kind of inspiration that motivates art or conquests or achievements. I had to chuckle when I read Christy's comment below it. That's the kind of inspiration I was thinking of.

Inspiration is what has launched ships, written plays, invented light bulbs, won medals, conquered kingdoms. And wrote the Bible:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: - 1 Timothy 3:16

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. - Job 32:8

It is not an accidental metaphor. To think the physiologic activity of breathing is analogous to the movement of the Holy Spirit on a person's heart is not so far fetched, and further analogies ensue that can be applied to the spiritual life:

1) It is the collection of substances in high enough quantities to be harmful (i.e. acid) that initiates the drive to inspire.

2) Inspiration is never forced in. A contraction of the diaphragm creates a vacuum, a void of substance, if you will, that is filled then with life-giving air. Only on a ventilator, an unnatural situation and an emergency, is 'inspiration' forced. And even then, it is not really inspiration, but mere ventilation.

3) Despite the action of breathing, inspiration can be inhibited. Anything that does not belong, whether man-made or biological, natural or artificial, that causes obstruction can prevent the benefit of inspiration from occurring.

4) Inspiration is not optional for life; without inspiration we would die.

Without inspiration there would be no art or beauty or cleverness or wit or poetry or stories. Without inspiration we would not only stop breathing, we would cease to live.

Have you every tried to write a poem, a story, paint a picture, photograph beauty, or create anything without inspiration?

1) It is often the pain in one's life, whether internal or external, its relief or its presence that brings inspiration or prompts a seeking after God.

2) God and His inspiration is never forced. Without a need created, its reception is not desired.

3) Things we do or positions we place ourselves in, even if not intrinsically evil or harmful, can be an obstruction to inspiration as well as to God's Holy Spirit. We really have a difficult time believing that what we eat, what we watch, listen to, do, or even think about have a bearing on our reception of life itself.

4) One day, we will each get what we want, whether the continued abiding or the continued absence of the presence of God who inspires...

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; - Acts 17:28

Foot work

So the intellectual curiosity overcame me. Partly because business has kept me of the road work / treadmill and it was time to get back. Partly because I read Barry's blog entry on barefoot running. Partly when I first ran track back when I was a teenager, there was an article about one of the premier barefoot runner, a woman marathoner from South Africa (Zola Budd), and in high school I had tried it (very) briefly. It wasn't an absolutely new idea to me, but just the same I had no impetus to give a go until recently.

Today, I gave it that go. 3 miles at an easy pace (at the beginning of training it's my practice to do heart-rate training first, then speed work later, but that's just me, what do I know? I don't have a trainer anymore). I noticed a few things.

1) while I had paid attention to my stride previously, it was almost like a heightened awareness of my stride when going barefoot.
2) my cadence seemed to be faster. I attributed this to my stride being shortened so as not to reach with my foot, and land on my heel. This is one of the points that pro-barefoot runners make, it's better on the ankle and knee joints.
3) there is less temptation to land on your heel. It seemed more 'natural' to land on the balls of my feet when running barefoot, than even when I made a deliberate effort to run on the balls of my feet when I had my running shoes on.
4) for some reason, my knee didn't give me a problem. Since I was 19, it also took some warm up to loosen up my left knee. That didn't seem to even be an issue when running barefoot.
5) my biggest concern prior to running was my ankles. This proved to be poorly founded. No concern whatsoever. The ankles seemed stable and painless.
6) the biggest concern is something at end of my list: callouses (or lack thereof) on the bottom of my right foot. For some reason my left foot had no problem with this, but I could tell my right foot was tender. I imagine this will alleviate with time.
7) something that surprised me is that I had a more difficult time 'pulling' with my leg (i.e. making a deliberate effort to flex my hamstring in order to propel me forward, this in direct contrast to reaching or extending with the quads.) I'm not sure what to think of this, but pulling actually facilitates better form for me. We'll have to see with time.
8) I want to do it again! It felt more natural and free. With grown callouses, it will be even better.

I'll give it 3 days per week at about 3 miles for the first 2 weeks (remember, heart-rate training), then advance to 6 miles. When I introduce intervals, that may be a different story, but we'll see. That only means that you pick up the pace every 2 minutes, no big deal.

Let's see how things go in 2 weeks. (Don't forget to hit the jump on the title.)

Ristorante Lombardi

Signature Soups at the Ristorante Lombardi

If circumstances find you in the town of Freeport, Maine, there are a few things that you must not leave without seeing or experiencing. Without a doubt, the Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park,  Winslow Park, Casco Bay, and the Desert Dunes of Maine. You will miss something special if you don't go shopping at the flagship store of L.L.Bean at 2am since it's open 24 hrs.

But if you never do anything else, you have to stop by a small mom and pop's restaurant tucked  behind (west of) the I-295 a couple of miles in a comfortable and homey restaurant that serves the finest food this side of home. Prepared with the kindness and sincerity that only comes with a home-cooked meal, the head chef is wonderful and creative, and her assistant chefs and all the staff are so much fun and laugh so easily, conversation flows with such loose frivolity and enjoyment that it almost feels like being in a home with some of your good friends. Everyone visiting Freeport needs to visit this food joint.

The soup that has recently been added to the menu is fast becoming signature is pictured above and the name is currently under review by the current staff. What may give the appearance of an every day chowder, is the most addicting non-narcotic substance approved by the FDA for daily  consumption for symptoms of hyperphagia.

Do not leave Freeport, Maine, without having a sample of this marvelous soup with all the charm of eating on the deck beside the main dining room. The only down side to having some of this soup is that you'll want 2-3 servings at a time, and then you'll go back for more. And wish it was always in your own refrigerator just to have whenever you please. And you'll wonder if Ristorante Lombardi sells them commercially, and find yourself disappointed that they don't. (This is my last serving, so don't come steal mine, I have to make my own trip back out there ... and it won't be soon enough.)

Be sure to tip the servers :-) ... big.

10 Places

One of the funniest things to me are warning signs. By virtue of their existence, they speak of the condition of the modern thinking American, for in America, the Land of Litigation, where else can you find warnings to not eat this, don't park here, do not enter or do not cross. But this alone is not the humor thing. The humorous thing is that someone, some day long ago, before the warning sign was put up, someone tried to do just what the sign said not to do. They dove in head first, they swallowed the pill, they parked there, and they ate that. They took the medication while intoxicated and inserted the toy where it wasn't meant to.

While some of these signs / warning do provide protection of the producers of the product or owners of the product in question, other signs do not. They simply are trying to protect people from their own lack of common sense. The following article is a case in point and begins with an anecdote of a juror passing a note to a court marshall asking for a date:

10  of the most inappropriate places to flirt

1 - Hospital waiting room
2 - The gym
3 - A funeral
4 - A job interview
5 - The underwear section of a department store
6 - In line for the bathroom
7 - Your therapy appointment
8 - A parent-teacher conference
9 - On a date with someone else
10 - At work

While we may smile at CNN's choice of reportable news. We have to wonder what prompted such a list. Some where. In this country we call home. Someone had the lack of common sense to do this kind of deed, which resulted in a significantly bad outcome. Some actually did what we find so humorous.

And we missed out because they didn't get it on YouTube!

What is important?

A reevaluation of the importance of certain matters comes about in times of tragedy, pain, suffering. It is in those times of trouble that values are reexamined to seek the answer to this most fundamental question.

This question marks the bottom line of every action and thought. It displays the value that is necessary in every endeavor, or action set in motion. Each thought of consequence or purpose. In class of education, this question marks the focus of study. For each class tests to answer this very conjecture.

This question, asked at the end of life, then takes close scrutiny to every choice that came before and places each in appropriately glaring light. For truth will give its answer, and each decision must be weighed against the answer to this question. Is it time at the office, is it amount of money made and lost, is it fortunes built and legacy made? What is important, for the answer to this question drives the motive. By the answer to this question we choose our vocation, companion, even amusement and recreation. If we believe adventure and exploration is important then our activities follow suite.

At the end of school, if grades were more important than learning, or achievement better than mastery, then it shows itself in the kind of scholar or artisan produced, whether one who merely has performed the task required to receive a certificate, or whether mastery of information has been acquired.

This question drives our happiness, and we find ourselves deceived if at the outcome of all events, this question, put forth at the beginning, the middle and the end, is answered with the glib but hurried response, token to the impetuous disinterest in its underlying meaning. Meaning with such depth that to deny its acknowledgment would render us chasing with savage intensity those things that will not produce what we desire. Satisfaction and contentment.  Peace that is presumptively described as Divine. That may not be so.

So this question must be answered at every stage, and reopened again. Not so much that indecision creeps in but enough that we remember what drives us forward, ignites our hearts, and fuels our passions. Because in the existence that allows self-awareness enough to the education of the conscience, To Be Or Not to Be, once answered, that which provides meaning to the Being is the question that then begs attention: In order to Be, what is important?

What gives existence life?