Beetle's New Halloween Costume

Auntie JoAnn got her this. Some sort of musketeer costume. I think we'll stick with the Tootsie suit.

When crossing the San Lorenzo River . . .

consider using a bridge. If one is not available, consider at least taking your shoes off and going across barefoot.

I did the Santa Cruz Mts. Trail Run (21K, about 13 miles) this morning, and the course crosses the San Lorenzo twice. As we were starting, I asked the race director if we should take our shoes off going through the river (water is about thigh deep). He said 'Either way works, I recommend leaving them on'. So with this knowledge and my Gore-Tex trail shoes, I decided to cross with my shoes on.

Two steps into the first crossing, I had an arrested development flashback and thought "I've made a huge mistake". I felt like I gained about 10 pounds crossing the river, and then the course headed right into a pretty steep climb. Here's a pic from their website:


Everything turned out OK, though I was worried about the state of my feet after crossing the river twice coupled with pounding dirt and rocks for 13 miles. It was a lot of fun, will definitely be doing more of their runs.

Things I've Learned - Don't Get Six Fillings In One Day

That's one for the ole' mental lockbox.

New FOCC Member

A new member has been added to the Friends of the Chandela Clan. Dwayne Wade, AKA Black Gerb AKA Gerby von Gerbison.

The Shakey Diaries

Shakey has a fan club of one wee fan back in the south. When we found out about this, I thought we should perhaps feature the old Shakester a bit more on the blog so as to delight this dedicated devotee. Hence, I came up with the idea of doing a week of the "Shakey Diaries." Unfortunately, Shakey's life took a turn in the direction of "unexciting" just as we began filming. It appears that stardom got the best of Shakey, and he deteriorated into a state of indolence, refusing to do anything for days except lay around on his lounge and bask in his fame. We appologize sincerely to the wee fan for not being able to offer a more exciting update. Once Shakey is again fit for filming, we will resume work on the "Shakey Diaries."

Worst picnic area ever

This was at a stop on highway 80 known as '40 Mile Desert' somewhere east of Reno. I can understand having a picnic table or two at every rest area, just for folks to stop quickly for a bite to eat on a long road trip. But, this place had 8 picnic tables out in the middle of a dusty gravel yard. Who wants to eat at this place?

Here's the bathrooms; they look like a prison cell block. Plus they were those no-flush type that you see out at campgrounds & beaches.


Check out the historical marker for this place.

(Somewhere on Highway 80)

Pa: "Hey kids, lets stop and have a nice family lunch!"

Little Billy: "Sounds great, Pa!"

Little Annie: "Alright!"

Ma: "Great! Hopefully there's a barren stretch of waterless alkali wasteland somewhere nearby!"

Pa: "Agreed! And if at all possible, let's find a place where, historically, starvation stalked men and animals at every mile!"

All (in unison): "Yay!"

Further proof

That Beets is the most photogenic dog, even when sleeping in the car. Somewhere in Nevada today.

Showdown in Great Falls

This is Beets after chasing a squirrel up a tree. In Gibson Park in Great Falls, MT.

No drilling in ANWR

I've never been to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but please don't drill there or open it for energy exploration. In all likelihood, I'll never get close to ANWR, but please, various politicians of the USA, leave it alone.

I realize gas is getting pricey. I know times are tough for lots of Americans. I know you need votes and want to satisfy the chants of 'Drill Baby, Drill'. I'm not arguing for the studies showing that the effect of drilling in ANWR would have a negligible and distant effect on the price of oil or that the ecological diversity in ANWR makes it one of the most unique and special places on earth.

Instead, I ask, have you ever been to a National Wildlife Refuge, or anywhere else on earth that moves you to realize that humans are not this planet's sole inhabitants? Have you seen a coyote peering at you anxiously from across a marsh? Have you heard a crowd of Sandhill Cranes making a ruckus early in the morning on a beautiful summer day? Have you seen a mother and baby moose grazing peacefully in one of the few unspoiled places on this floating rock we call home?

If not, please do. And, reconsider the catastrophically bad idea of drilling in ANWR.

Beets is down with the dinos

Kickin' it in Great Falls, MT.

Homegrown & Homemade Vegetable Fried Rice

I guess I have to start posting dinner pictures again since Ana is off jet-setting at her mini-archive. I made fried rice tonight with some tomatoes and chard from the garden.

Tomatoes:


Chard:


Finished product:


I also tossed in some mushrooms, peas, spinach, and sliced almonds.