anniversaries

Yesterday was the 55th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Everest. It was also the 1st anniversary of my descent, face first, into the street and the last time I rode my bike. I can't even believe how annoying that little accident ended up being. My whole perspective on safe has changed and I can't seem to let the whole thing go. I usually imagine some vivid version of my own tragic death everyday. It's like TV that turns itself on in my head, but only lasts a few seconds. Cranes fall on me, trucks tip over as they take corners or I get caught in the middle of a gunfight in my neighborhood. Hopefully, with my heightened sense of danger, my reflexes and observatory powers will actually keep me from getting hurt the next time? At least on the slightly positive side, I do have some replacement teeth (even if I also envision those falling out of my mouth regularly), my jaw is hurting while I eat a little less each month that goes by and no one seems to notice my perpetually fat, scarred lip.

Luckily, there are so many good things keeping me busy lately, I don't have time to dwell on the danger and aftermath. Long weekends, long drives, handsome men, a freshly arranged patio, hundreds of seeds sprouting in my garden, soccer matches, visiting family, my dad's retirement, baby showers, BBQs, catamaran lessons, new recipes and old friends. Then there were the three days I was sick this week and couldn't eat, but that's just a blip. The season is in full swing and I love it.

well, blow me down

"And this here...this is a reef knot. It's used for tying two pieces of line together. It is very strong as you can see...but then comes easily untied," I said while grinning to my captive audience on the back of our friend's yacht while cruising Lake Union. I'm pretty sure that will be the last time anyone asks me to tie some knots for them.

I moved to my big finale. The bowline knot. My most complicated and impressive knot. "You see, just go around like this and back down, and there you have it, a perfect fixed loop, useful for attaching the head of the sail to the halyard, tying climbers to ropes or tying anything down, really." Just before I was about to take a bow and collect my praises, Blake comes out of the cabin, grabs my line and says, "This is a bowline? It's not a bowline."

"What?", I replied sharply, glancing quickly at the audience to gauge their reaction. "What do you know about it?"

"Yeah, that's not a bowline. I was an eagle scout (possibly not true). Here, let me show you." Blake proceeded to tie a perfect bowline, the very first time with twice my speed and flare. I ignored the snickering from the audience as I forced Blake to watch me re-tie the knot 4 times before I got it right. Around the other tree, the other way before coming back through the loop. Dang it!

I broke a key rule. Don't Get Cocky. I always say that. Well, not as much as I say 'Safety First', but probably second to that. I get out in the sailboats a few times, and suddenly I think I'm Popeye the sailor man. I have a lot to learn. Fortunately, I am sailing both days this weekend so I'll have plenty of opportunity to practice.

out of words, for now

My nephew.

My garden.


My mother. Cute huh?




















My nephew, only more sleepy.

Brothers and baby.