Day 1701: Worn out

I got all the way to the end of August before I collapsed after swimming.  Just pushed too hard for too long.  I did 320 lengths and intended to do more after dinner, but a cold front blew through and brought heavy rain.  The pool was still open and losing warmth rapidly, so I jumped in and closed it.  After a hot shower, I fell fast asleep till Steve came home at 9:00.  But, I reached 98.35 miles.  So, tomorrow, I have to do 330 lengths to reach 100 miles.

Labor Day Weekend.  The unofficial end of summer.  Forty years ago, I was in Sister's Hospital in Buffalo awaiting the arrival of our first child.  In those days, no one knew the gender in advance, but the consensus from all the old wives' tales was that it would be a boy.  Today, we sent off a couple birthday cards to our son, hoping they arrive before his birthday on Sept. 5.  He's turning forty years old and we will not be together to celebrate.  In fact, most of his birthdays have been spent apart and that makes me very sad.  Since Christmas, we've only seen him for two hours in an airport layover in May.  Our pledge in the next year is to see our sons more often.

Day 1700: Laptop troubles

So my laptop is stuck.  Once before, the touch pad froze and none of the operations would not shut down.  That time I called tech support and while we were analyzing the problem, it suddenly started working again.  Perhaps all the movie files are slowing the operations.  I'm hoping that once it cools it will restart.

The only news today is that I hit 96.75 miles today!  Just 3.3 miles of intense swimming left and then I can dial back on the intensity of the workouts.

Day 1699: Summer sunset

Another 1.5 miles today gave me 95 total miles, aching shoulders, sore fingers(?) and stinging eyes.  The season is almost over and my body needs a rest.

I spent three more hours on the Quest video and am pleased with the progress.  I cut five minutes after I discovered a way to split the video clips.  Tomorrow, I hope to inject a few segments from the go-pro camera and begin working on the credits.  By the weekend, I should be able to add music.

Sunset over Lake Erie 

Day 1698: Home for the summer

My beloved Penelope women writers, devoted friends for thirty years.

This was our last meeting at Pat's for her household goods have been sold and soon the house will go on the market.  Her husband is now a resident of the County Home and she will soon move to Fredonia Place.  She's the pioneer in our group and is bravely and stoically showing us the way toward the future.

My home for the summer!  Exquisite, isn't it? 

93.5 miles!  That's two miles ahead of last year!

My boy, Paddy.

The forecast is for three more days of temperatures in the 80s, so I've been pushing hard.  It was so hot and humid today that the swimming was hard again, but I did 300 anyway.  I jammed my finger into the pool wall one day this week and now it's cracking.  No pain, so I think it'll be ok.

Day 1697: Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot

Strong women and the people who hate them.  It's a recurring theme these days

So many brilliant, tenacious women who never give up no matter what is thrown at them.  It's always been that way, but with Hillary running for President, a segment of Americans are crazed at the possibility of a woman president.

Tonight, we watched Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot about a woman war correspondent in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2006.  It was an awesome movie and I highly recommend it!  Tina Fey is brilliant, both as producer and actress.

And we've been following Samantha Bee's show, Full Frontal, which is highly effective and well-researched.  She's sarcastic, totally irreverent, insightful and biting.  She did a show on the councilwomen of Seattle who opposed a new football stadium for sound economic reasons and were attacked viciously.  And Rachel Maddow, an incredible journalist.  And then Leslie Jones, another comedienne from SNL, starred in the new Ghostbusters.  We didn't see it, but it was a great idea that was embraced by some and rejected by many.  All of these accomplished women have been tormented and threatened by online harassment.

Colin wrote a powerful piece about the assaults on Jones and the men who are threatened by strong, empowered women.   I was very proud of him.

I probably shouldn't write about an important subject at 11:30 at night after I swam two miles.   I can't keep my eyes open any longer.  92 miles!

Day 1696: 90 miles!

Ninety miles!  Last year, I hit ninety miles on Aug. 24 and 100 miles on Sept.  2.  I didn't think it would be possible, but I increased my pace so much over the past few weeks, that now I expect to reach my goal by Sept. 1.  The only problem with swimming 1.5 miles per day is that I'm starving.  Tonight, I ate six homemade tacos for dinner.  SIX!  Then, we topped it off with a big slice of ice cream birthday cake.  No worries. I'll burn it off tomorrow.  

I had lunch with the backpacking ladies from Brocton and Cassadaga.  What sets them apart from other adult leaders is their eagerness to learn everything they can about the organization, required skills and management.  I had prepared a packet of information for them about current issues we face and how we're addressing them. I also made a list of skills they need to acquire in the next few years.  Our focus will be on Leave No Trace principles, the route and equipment.  I feel very confident in their abilities to direct Quest for the future, once they get some experience under their belts.  Our biggest concern is finding leadership from Fredonia.  

Tonight, at 8:30, a call came in for a lost hiker in the Chautauqua Gorge.  Damn!  Why do they always call for help after dark? It puts every first responder at risk!  It makes me crazy when hikers go out alone and prepared.  I understand getting lost, but if someone is in trouble, call while it's still light!  It's so much more difficult to locate a lost hiker at night.  Fortunately, they found this one quickly, but that's not always the case.  

Two brilliant, lovely Violet Etchings!

Day 1695: John Plumb for Congress

Fat Lady Sings rebloomed! 

John Plumb, candidate for the 23rd Congressional District

Our friend Tom hosted a reception for local candidates and of course, it rained like crazy.

Mr. Plumb is an impressive candidate.  He is a retired naval officer who worked on submarines and in the Pentagon.  Hopefully, he can unseat the incumbent who is a despicable tea party right winger.  

Too tired to write any more tonight.  I swam another 300 to hit 88.7 miles and I can hardly move. 

Day 1694: Steve's 70th

What do you get for a man who has everything?

His favorite foods, talking to his kids and lots of sweet messages from friends and family.

Oh yeah, and a trip to Australia!

Steve loves pizza, but this one was not great.

And an ice cream cake and a gift certificate for more ice cream! 

He said there were times in his life that he did not expect to see 70, but he's in great shape and planning on another twenty-five years!

Day 1693: Treasures from early Quests

When we cleaned out old bins of backpacking gear this morning, we found these treasures, packets of photos that Lee took in the early days of Quest.  Steve's shorts are hysterical, as well as his mustache.  And my hair!  This was before I knew how to straighten it.  We were so thin and young! 

Quest 2 day hike in 1995

Steve in 1997, his pioneer stage

Me in 1997 with out-of-control naturally curly hair!

Kiel and Colin on Quest 1996

They accompanied us for years before they entered eighth grade in 1998.

Day 1692: Coolest day in months!

We enjoyed a lovely anniversary yesterday, but the day felt a bit strange without swimming.  I spent too many hours sitting, during the drive into Buffalo, then the Buffalo River tour was two more hours of sitting.  There's much more to do along the river front than we expected and it's close enough to return for more fun.

The Naval Park is one attraction we must definitely visit in the future.

The park right at the entrance to Lake Erie

Overnight, the temperature and humidity dropped so it actually felt cool enough to go for a long walk this morning.  We trekked over to the college to check out campus on the first day of classes.  Students were bustling about on a campus that looks very different from when they left in May.  The new Rockefeller Arts Center addition is done, the landscaping is nearly complete, and the overhead walkway is gone.  It's a great improvement because it opened up the center of campus.

I was determined to get back in the water early to get the mileage in before the cool evening air settled in.  With the water at 84 degrees, I was able to do a full mile without stopping and then added another half after an hour's rest.  That gives me 84 miles for the season.  

Day 1691: 45th Anniversary

How very blessed we are to spend this glorious day together and celebrate forty five years of marriage! 

Lunch at Buffalo RiverWorks

Pierce Arrow Museum

Beef on weck dip with crostini

Tater tot poutine

View of the Buffalo River

View of the restaurant from the river tour

Part of Silo City

Buffalo Lighthouse

The petting zoo at Canalside

Day 1690: Star Trek night

Eighty five degrees, so I mowed the lawn, swam all afternoon, worked on the video, made pizza for dinner and swam more through this lovely evening.  350 lengths, almost two more miles.  Grand total: 82.5 miles, ten this week alone.  Star Trek, Out of Darkness was the perfect way to cap off the night and the week.


Yesterday, I downloaded photos taken by Rachel P, one of our student leaders.   Most of them are of our hike group, but they are delightful.  Time to get back to posting on the Quest Facebook page.

At the base of Dibble Hill

Emma and Emma eating cattails 

Climbing Dibble Hill together for the umpteenth time!

Day 1689: Old friends are best friends!

Best friends for over fifty years!

We all married in 1971.  Judy and Claude in January, 

Mike and Laraine in early August and us in late August.  We all would have celebrated our 45th anniversaries together, but unfortunately, Mike's been dead for sixteen years now.  Nevertheless, Laraine got us a cake to share for this special occasion. 

It was a great day for many reasons, but being with these dear friends was the best.  Second, I hit 80 miles today.  So, I have 28 days to swim the last twenty miles.  The one bad thing that happened was that our hometown hero, Jenn Suhr, failed to medal at the Olympics.  She has been very ill for over a week and just couldn't perform. The whole community feels terrible for her.  Four years of preparation undone by a virus. 

Day 1688: Storage space!

Our meeting with the MS principal was hugely successful!  We got new storages space, shelves, a bit of funding and time to do presentations to all three faculties in October and November.  We are two happy advisers tonight!

Before in our old dark, dingy storage space.

After the move

All equipment organized neatly in our new room!

Tents and packs are readily accessible in far less space by going vertical.

We still have to sort through the bins, toss out the junk and organize the contents, but this is so much better.  I'm sure the athletic department is happy we moved our stuff as well.  The only unhappy person will be the custodian who uses this room.

Hooray!

Day 1687 77.7 miles!

Tonight, I am out of clever or poetic things to say, or even mundane comments.  I did another 320 lengths and am very tired, but happy with my mileage thus far.

My son, the swimming champ!

Day 1686: Suhr succeeds

Jenn Suhr advanced to the finals!  Despite her illness, she was able to clear 4.6 meters for a second place finish.  Now, she has a few days to recuperate from the upper respiratory illness.  In other Olympic news, Simone Biles earned a gold medal in the floor exercise.  Poor Gabby Douglas has been tormented by online bullies who have criticized her for her hair, not putting her hand over her heart during the national anthem, and not smiling.  It's so painful for her to be harassed and so incredibly inappropriate.

Steve has been gone for many hours today.  He started the day with minor dental surgery and I hoped he'd be able to rest and recover, but no.  Then he was off to meetings with County Legislators over the new EMS plan.  He'd been home about three minutes when a call came in from Lake Erie Beach that there was a kayaker in distress off the break wall in very rough waters.  Unfortunately, they've lost sight of him and are in recovery mode.

I spent most of the day working on a report to the MS Principal that will help provide guidance for a smooth transition for Quest leadership.  We're meeting on Thursday and want to be prepared.  I've specified five key problems that must be addressed for Quest to continue at all: secure storage for Quest gear, an operating budget beyond student fees, declining number of Fredonia backpackers, declining number of Fredonia staff participants, and the issue of new expedition leadership.   Then I created a chart highlighting every adult leader's strengths and weaknesses so the principal will know what personnel are available.  Next, I polished the lists of responsibilities for each key role.  I still want to outline steps for potential leaders to follow to be prepared to take over in five years.  I'm saying three to five, but that's a question mark, too.  I'd like to dream that we could go on for another ten, but that's not realistic.  Steve turns 70 next week.  How much longer does he want to do this?  I do plan to be hiking at age 70, in 2019.  After that, who knows.

Besides that sedentary work, I swam 400 lengths, two miles!  The water is down to 85 degrees and felt great.  I started out with a full mile before noon because we were expecting a storm that didn't come, then added 120 and 80 lengths before 4:00.  So, now my total is 76 miles!

The last Flasher

Remains of my beautiful Krossa Regal and Sum and Substance hostas

Day 1685: Mowing again

Weekend rain!  The region needed it so badly, but that means the weeds and grass are growing again.  It doesn't seem to be enough to suit the deer, however, because they have just about finished off all my big hostas.  In the stone wall garden, all that's left are stems.   I  zipped through the yard just before more rain hit.  Perfect timing.

 74 miles!  Yesterday, I swam 300 lengths and added 250 today.  The water is down to 86 degrees so it was much easier to endure.   I plan to reach 90 miles by the end of August.

Fredonia's Olympian, Jenn Suhr, must jump tomorrow to qualify for the pole vault.  Unfortunately, she has contracted a terrible virus and is very ill.  Her husband wrote a long, somber post complaining about how disappointed they are.  I hope he's doing that to psych out the competitors, because it was not very flattering.  I hope she recovers quickly and achieves the success she's been striving for.  The whole community is rooting for her!

Day 1684:Saying goodbye

By 10:00 am, the house was empty and quiet again.  Sisters, nephews and niece departed early for home.  We were sorry to see them go, but we'll meet again in December in Columbus. 

Lots of this

As little cooking as we could manage.

Laurie grilled watermelon and mango slices.  Who knew it could be so yummy?

Jason's 30th birthday!

Celebrating Brad and Sarah's engagement.

Can't wait for the wedding!

Day 1683: Celebrations!

So much to celebrate today!  It's 11:55 and too late to write much except for a few tidbits.

We had a family party to celebrate birthdays for Steve, my brother Steve and nephew Jason, plus Brad and Sarah's engagement and our 45th anniversary.  Then we called Justin to sing happy birthday for his 40th birthday on Sept. 5.  Best of all, everyone is happy and healthy.

We got rain several times today and it broke the intense heat.

Evan had an outstanding meet in Edmonton and is flying home tomorrow.  He loves his swimming family so much and it always moved by his experiences, especially when they overlap with the Olympics.

Michael Phelps earned his 23rd gold today and many others, including Simone Manuel,  had spectacular finishes.

I am so grateful to have had much of our family here with us for this weekend celebration.  Pictures tomorrow.

Day 1682: Lots of winners!

Brutally hot today!  We could hardly breathe inside the house or move outside.  We spent most of the day in the pool, but the water was over 90.  Dinner was at my brother's house and that was even worse until the sun set.  We are supposed to host dinner tomorrow night, but I am not cooking.  We'll find some other alternative for supper.

Swimming was incredible again tonight.  Joseph Schooling beat Michael Phelps in the 100 fly tonight by a hair and Michael was very gracious.  He said it was the best he could do today.  After all, he has pushed his body mightily for a long time.  This young man idolized Michael and posed for a picture with him at the 2008 Olympics when he was just a kid. Now he has a unique title, the man who beat Phelps.

The US ladies were outstanding!  Maya Dirado and Katie Ledecky both took golds again! Wow!

Day 1681: Phelps wins again!

Family arrived today for the weekend, sisters, nieces, nephews all gathering for our birthday, anniversary and engagement celebration.  So wonderful to be all together!  We spent the afternoon stewing in the pool, snacking, visiting and then followed it with a raucous dinner at Whiskey Hill.

Fortunately, we made it home in time to watch Michael Phelps win his 22nd gold medal in the 200 IM.  He took it by over two body lengths while Lochte placed fifth.  Then he had just 37 minutes to collect his medal, cool down and get ready to qualify for the 100 fly.

Ryan Murphy collected a gold in the 200 M backstroke and Simone Manuel won gold in the 100 M freestyle. And perhaps most significant, Simone Biles won gold and Aly Raisman won silver for the overall gymnastics championship.  It was another thrilling night!

In Canada, Evan has won four medals this week at the IGLA games in Edmonton.   He won gold in the 400 Medley Relay, bronze in the 50 free, bronze in the 100 fly and silver in the 200 free.  This is in the 35-39 age group.

Day 1680: Lochte vs Phelps

It was too hot to do much of anything but swim, read and watch the Olympics.

I could barely lift my arms all afternoon and completed sets of only 70, 50, 40 and 40 lengths. 

Then this evening, it was a completely different story.  110 more after 8:30 when the sun was going down and the stars were twinkling.  So, I'm up to 68 miles!

Two of the best swimmers in history, pitted against each other in the 200 M IM semifinal

Phelps 1:55.78

Lochte 1:56.28

Tomorrow night's final will be thrilling! 

And another remarkable story: Kristin Armstrong pedaled to her third consecutive gold medal in cycling.  2008, 2012 and 2016.  What extraordinary effort, self-discipline and dedication!  

Tomorrow, she will turn 43!  It's a lonely, dangerous event, but she is the world's best!

And the ladies' 4 by 200 free relay:  Gold!  

Leah Smith, Allison Schmidt, Maya Dirado and Katie Ledecky.  

An amazing team!

Ledecky now has three golds and one silver from a relay. She is a machine!  Wow!

Day 1679: Gold! Gold! Gold!

Katie Ledecky won gold in the  200 M freestyle!

The women's gymnastics team won gold! Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Madison Kocien!

Douglas, Raisman, Biles, Kocien, Hernandez

And Michael Phelps won his 20th gold!  The 200 Fly, a beast of an event, by .04.  He beat the South African who was taunting him.  Awesome!

And the men's 4 by 200 free relay team of Townley Haas, Conor Dwyer, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps result: Gold!  21 golds for Michael Phelps!

The incredible, incomparable, Michael Phelps!

Day 1678: 65 Miles

It's been a sad season for lilies.  Last night, the deer, not the drought,  polished off the backyard lilies.  There were only a couple orange lilies left and generally they prefer yellow, but they ate them anyway.  In the front garden, lovely Violet Etching remains.  I suspect the front beds are saved by the traffic on the street.

I hit 65 miles today, but it was hard.  My shoulders need a rest. Perhaps a day off will come with a rainstorm on Friday.  Then I watch background pieces on the Olympic swimmers who never stop working out and push myself to do more.    

I wish so much that I had had access to a pool when I was a kid, not because I wanted to become a competitive swimmer, but because I just love it.  I never learned to swim till college when I went to free swim and watched and practiced till I figured it out.  Then my kids taught me how to breathe properly when we first got our pool.  So, there are thirty-eight days left to complete thirty-five miles.  Can I do it?  Yes, I can!

Day 1677: 19 Golds!

Michael Phelps won his 19th gold medal when he swam the second leg of the men's 4 by 100 relay along with Adrian, Dressel and Nathan.  It was a thrilling race!  What an unbelievable accomplishment!  And, Katie Ledecky beat her own world record in the 400M freestyle!  What a great night for swimming!

Simone Biles was brilliant, as were Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian!  Love watching these strong, talented young athletes.  Biles and Raisman will represent the US in the all-round competition.

I started reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child  yesterday and have had a hard time putting it down.  Between swim sets, while making dinner,  between Olympic events, I read.   It's not the same caliber as the first seven books, but still enjoyable.  I won't reveal the secret!

We don't usually think of spaghetti and meatballs as a summer meal, but this was delicious,  especially after swimming 300 lengths!  Plus, it will last for the hot, humid days coming up this week.