99to1

Towards establishing a home practice (as if for the first time).
On the mat moments (not minutes) after waking.
[Very good...though got to the mat by 06:30 and the alarm rang at 05:30...problem is I didn't wake with the alarm. Not so bad considering how much we ate at Al's and what time I got to bed after watching a re-run of the west wing and a small session on the drum-kit]
Do three sun sals.
Do not go back to bed (the hardest part).

Presently a little after 07:00...traffic might be a monster today, as it's the first day back after the construction vacation.

itunes just did a nice segue from Calexico into Elbow...sweet.

A's and B's...right after waking.
Going to make this my regular practice and stick to it.
It's amazing how much sweat I can produce with such a simple practice.

Still not waking with alarm...will try to accept that I may need much more sleep than I had been getting.
Will try to tuck in early and get up late for a while...see how my energy levels change.

With the morning practice. Still not managing an early waking...it'll come I imagine the deeper I get with practice.
Evening seated meditation is back too. Funny I keep referring to these disciplines as if they were tides...in then out...like I have no control over them...am working on that.

Have again taken up apple cider and honey in the mornings. yum

Gilles and I will soon be lent to the production department...it's a zoo up there...two training specialists in production look out!!

itunes since openning the browser this am;
Van Morrison-Chris Whitley-Iron and Wine-Bill Frisell

How could I possibly mix up the order???
I'm doing 2 A's and 2 B's...
During my second A I found myself going into Virab-1...so an A and a B, and an A and a B was this mornings practice.
Mind was elsewhere, but breathing was good.

My mind already knows the order of primary series...funny.

They named JP to the manager's position, I think that was wise.

I had a dream last night, where I was in some kind of a grocery store, and noticed that there was a black bear in one of the asiles.

In the dream, I remembered the advice given to us when we were in Cape Breton:

Do not make eye contact
Do not turn your back
Do not run
Do not panic
Speak in a low calming voice
Raise your arms slowly to appear larger
Slowly back away...

I had several chances to try to execute these actions...
But I kept looking him right in the eye...

Loren's childhood friend Nancy is visiting over night. They're out for a walk right now...I'm just in from my first visit with Hilary in many months.

Oh Lord!

She has brought me back in contact with myself...very physical session...very emotional session...funny all the work was set to the music backdrop of Sting, his greatest hits. Quite funny to experience such profound work to music I know so well.

Pecs, bicepts, lower back, middle back, and aroud shoulderblades, she did some very deep work, and I feel great.

Tonight I'll probably undo a lot of it, when Drew and I head to Rougemont for a night ride...the weather is perfect.

At the top of Rougemont is quite a sight.
Especially when you're right at the cross's base at the summit of the mountain, and it's nighttime on a clear night, and the breeze is just perfect to cool you from the 35 minute, 3 kilometer pedal.

It was the low-key Eastern-township version of the view from the hollywood hills out onto LA. All the lights and the grid and the ground and air traffic, and the stars in the sky...well ok LA is probably too smoggy and bright to get a good view of the celestial bodies.

Drew and I left for the mountain around 21:30, and we had pedalled to the summit by around 01:00. I was back home for around 02:30 and in bed before 03:00.

Breakfast with Loren and Nancy at Chez Cora's for 10:30 this am. That one meal, The Maurice with a side of bacon, a fresh fruit cocktail and a caffe-latte, was the only meal I needed all day!

Loren did serve us some sweet summer peaches after we watched West Wing reruns...yum.

Had a very deep 3 hour nap after we droped Nancy at the bus station...was playing an Eric Satie disk on repeat in the background...woke quite refreshed...21:15 or there abouts right now and I'm again ready for bed ...

Sweet dreams...

So last night I made it to navasana once, then from the beginning, almost to back-bending, a second pass at primary series. It felt odd not going to closing...though I did go that far once I had fallen asleep.

I was doing electronics troubleshooting (and not actually doing any asana). I was trying to hook up that little TV set I got after my grandmother passed away. I'm guessing that it must be about 30 years old now. I need a little monitor to browse my mp3 disks at 295, and to get through the menus on the ashtanga dvd I want to play there.

So Darby and Nicole lead me through primary series twice last night...I was playing their dvd as my video test source to see if I could get that little tv to run. The visual was so wonky that I had to connect the audio just to be sure that some signal was getting to the tv...it took that long to get the visual even close to correct.

Very odd experience listening to those two familiar voices guiding me...it's been a very long time since I've been in Darby's company...I followed lead classes with him for over 2 years...some part of my mind was actually doing the postures while another was fudging with the tv set.

It's sort of working now...the tv that is.

Mornings have been good, I've been doing postures every day. It's starting to feel like I'm getting my morinings back...though that's note quite true since I'm sleeping in wayyyy late before I get around to the mat. Positive side: daily postures are happening...

Might consider throwing in a lead priamry with the dvd once a week...just for exercise...as I'm getting very little cycling done, and the calories in:calories out ratio is suffering.

Folding...bed...'night

The last time I sweat that much was when I dropped in to see Christine when she was subbing for Darby...is that months ago now???

Did these sun sals right after mowing the back lawn at 295. I'm letting two strawberry patches grow...actually I'm tempeted to turn the entire back yard into a strawberry field (forever) [couldn't resist]. That would be novel eh? No more mowing and tons of berries!!! Oh I wish...

Well when I got to my 5th B I was full out exhasuted and sweating buckets, and about as tired as when I used to get to navasana in the Tuesday night lead class. It's fair to say the practice has changed for me. The breathing was good though.

Soon, my baby-toe knuckles will be healed (from a demo vinyasa on a concrete surface [seemed like not a bad idea at the time]...ouch!)

And then I'll be able to try and lead myself through primary series perhaps once or twice a week.
In the mean time I will try 3 and 3 for my morning routine.

No cycling...no asana either...
Though we did manage to get some chores done, and host a very agreeable dinner party with Hannah and Colin as guests.

Loren did her scando-meatballs and an arrabiata sauce. She also did that rice-shrimp-pecan-garlic salade (and I forgot to serve it!).

We had a wonderful time. Colin chose one of Loren's images from Mapping a Place To Lie Down. Loren offered him his choice of one of those images as his birthday present. I climbed the rafters to free the exhibit from storage...nothing got broken...

He chose Library...and I searched my audio cassette archives to locate the recording I made of Loren telling her Dean/Father story...just to complete the gift...it was quite touching for all of us.

Loren and I hadn't heard that passage since we recorded it in 1994.

Gio and I did a canal ride last night (Drew couldn’t make it due to a Tea-date...I couldn’t get any details out of him today)...it was a perfect ride...perfect...despite that I forgot to bring biscotti to have with fresh trail-brewed café-latte.

Though, after we got back we devoured one of the desserts that Hannah and Colin brought over Sunday night...it was a lemon/coconut mousse. Gio wanted to wash his down with milk...I opted for a chilled glass of Alsatian wine that was in the fridge (also from Sunday night).
Y U M !!!

We met two teenagers who pedaled all the way out to the wall from LaSalle. They did not cross the Mercier bridge...they went LaSalle-Verdun-Nun’s Island (yes I know it’s considered part of Verdun)-icebreaker bridge-canal wall.

Their ride was not even half over and they’d cycled more than 20 km. The older guy had pinch-flatted and was trying to figure how to use his buddies spare tube...he had presta valves...his buddy schrader...Gio tossed them a back-up tube he carries around. They were so happy to have an easy fix they wanted to give him 10$! It's pretty remote...they weren't going to find any other charitable offerings...and they were insisting he take the money...Gio kindly declined.

The weather couldn’t have been more ideal...slight breeze, cool, and way less humid than it’s been around here recently.

The Japanese (French??) lilac tree out front has two renegade blossoms...it smelled so sweet by the front door last night.

Still on track with seated meditation at night and 3 & 3 in the mornings...a very very stiff undertaking...I’m thinking that doing the postures so soon after waking (3-4 minutes) will break down this stiff body much more quickly then practicing at other times.

There is fall in the air.

Well the conditions tonight were very much like tuesday night's...
Except for the bugs...
Oh My God!
Drew and I got out on the second part of the wall...west of the Champlain bridge...and there were literaly tons of bugs...we were choking...actually it threw Drew into a vomiting fit.

I've never seen anything like it...the bugs that is...not Drew's fit.
We turned back shortly after starting that section...it was a fun fast ride both ways this side of the Champlain though.

Had a nice chat while waiting for two ships to pass at the St. Lambert Locks.

Well Friday night past started my third week of vacation. I've encountered some budgetary and disciplinary obstacles and they've kept me from going through with the Hart and Darby workshop at Saatva. Perhaps next year I'll be better preparde.

Will take care of some home chores, do some postures and a little camping. Loren and I had the kitchen tarp up yesterday afternoon just to test the new pole configuration. That'll keep some things dry in the case of rain...and keep Drew and I in shelter in the cse we can't get a wooded camp-site.

Will probably drop in to see Christine at Saatva either Tuesday or Wednesday...shall I go by bike??? I wonder...

It's almost 00:30...just got in...
Took Colin out to Rougemont tonight.
Weather was great, and the ride was wonderful.
This is my favorite time of the year.
Paul Simon on itunes...
"these are the days of miracle and wonder...don't cry, baby don't cry"

Colin's mother is in the hospital tonight, there's a medcation issue. Also the doctors were a little concered due to her failing a basic cognative test.

How many numbers are on a clock?

Well during last night's ride I had some soreness in my knee, the same one I hurt last season. It was the first time I was aware of anything out of the ordinary with this knee since the actual injury.

It is now very sore bearing load and bending (I think that's exactly what a knee does) I'm quite concerned.

No yoga this am with Christine, will hook up with her after the class and have coffee...now what about the camping/riding trip Drew and I have planned??

Is packed...well that's an overstatment. It's almost all in bags and boxes...and is awaiting to be put into Al's van.
Wait a moment...time to google...

What to bring on a camping trip? From here.

Much of this is optional, and much will depend on where you're going and what you're doing. Please adapt the list to suit your needs. Remember that what you take---including any humans---has to fit into your car, and despite your careful packing efforts, the content will expand before you return home!

Campsite Equipment
Tent, poles, tent stakes, tie-downs
Plastic ground tarp for under the tent
Plastic tarp for over the tent (if tent is leaky)
Air mattress & pump
Sleeping mats
Sleeping bag
Blankets
Pillow
Lantern
Lantern fuel & funnel (if gas)
Flashlight & batteries
Portable shower
Trash bags
Rope (clothes line and 1000 other uses!)
Clothes pins (amazing what a little wind will do!)
First Aid kit

The Camp Site
Pitch tent on highest spot
Use under-tent tarp---always!
Be considerate of your neighbors
Will the spot be too noisy? (i.e. near busy restrooms)

Tools
Small shovel
Hammer
Scissors
Camping knife, army knife
Camping saw
Screw drivers
Wrenches
Waterproof matches
"Fire starters"
Fire wood

Cooking
Camp stove
Camp stove fuel & funnel (if gas)
Grill for fireplace
Camping pots with lids
Tea kettle or coffee pot
Frying pan (cast iron?)
Cooler & ice
Can opener
Bottle opener
Spoons, knives, forks
Plastic or tin mugs
Plastic or paper cups
Plates
Bowls
Serving spoon
Spatula
Hot pad
Dish towel
Sponge/scrubber
Dish pan
Nature-friendly dish soap
Paper towels
Sandwich bags
Plastic food storage bags or containers

Food, etc.
Some good almost-non-perishables:
Muffins
Bread
Chips
Peanut butter & jelly
Cocoa
Tea & coffee
Powdered drink mix
Pancake mix
Oatmeal, granola
Fruit (apples, pears)
Pasta
Canned salsa, sauce
Non-perishables
Canned goods
Twinkies and Pop-Tarts
Avoid glass containers, if possible
Water
Salt, pepper, seasonings
Cooking oil
Ketchup, mustard, steak sauce, etc

Personal Items
If hiking, see the Hiking List
Cash (in the local currency)
Identification: Passport, license, birth certificate
Towel (beach & shower)
Wash cloth
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Sandals or "flip-flops"
Lounge chairs
Insect repellant
Sunscreen
Walkman & batteries, tapes, etc.
Trail guides, maps
Backpack
Canteen
Toilet paper
Tissues
Prescription medicine
Sweater or light jacket
Heavy coat
Rain and wind gear
Hats & Gloves
Sunglasses
Bathing suit
At least 2 pairs of footwear
One "nice" outfit

Fun Stuff
Floats
Frisbee, soccer ball, volleyball, etc.
Board Games (Scrabble is my fave!)
Deck of cards
Books
Camera & film
Binoculars
Bird & Plant ID Books

Campground Features to look for...
Tent spots available?
How many cars, people, and/or tents allowed per site
Pool/swimming, ball courts, other amenities
Adult only or are children allowed?
Are pets allowed?
Fire places at each site
Picnic tables at each site
Camp store? Firewood?
Camp activities (hayrides, etc)
Discounts to local attractions
Proximity to what you'll be doing
Good restaurants and places to pick up supplies in the area
Cost should be reasonable
Trailer hookups?
Hot Showers
Laundry facilities
"Quiet time" hours

What not to bring camping...
A loud radio
Firearms
Anything valuable or easily damaged
Pets (if not permitted)

"Be Prepared"
Camping is wonderful. There's nothing quite like sleeping in the outdoors or the almost out-of-doors. In preparing to head out camping, you must balance your needs with what you can carry. Consider what is available where you are going: If you're going to a campground, maybe you won't need that portable shower.
Just use your common sense. If it's going to rain, I stay at a B&B. If cooking is a hassle, bring along food that doesn't require preparation (or just head out to a restaurant).

It's up to you how you want to enjoy your camping experience! Be safe, and have fun!

Well after a brief review the only thing I didn't already pack (I figure I've got 90% of that stuff taken care of) is Toilet Paper...must remember to make that be the first thing I do after writing this entry...God Bless Google.

Proof of the restorative effects of night riding.
Hannah's message on the machine today

At Coaticook started with Drew and I headed for the Eastern Townships...and a call on the cell to Doug, ostensibly to let him know Drew and I wouldn't need his cooler for our camping weekend...Doug had news from work...he told us he'd been in contact with the office and that there'd been more layoffs.

We lost 2 people in our business division. One was my supervisor. I think I've logged an entry or 2 about him...(we were not very fond), and there was another layoff a little further up the chain.

I'm very interested to see how our dept will get shuffled around...since JP recently got the manager's position and my supervisor has been laidoff we're down 2 supervisors and there's lots of training contracts and we're shorter staffed then we've ever been.

Anyhow...The riding was fantastic!!!!!!!!!
It's all about the ride and everything was bang-on. The weather, the trail conditions, the meals, the company (Drew's great), the transportation (Al lent us his van), my knee worked painlessly...any how...couldn't have been better...didn't even have to change my tires...the trails were dry and perfect for the run down Mythos xc I've been riding.

Though I can't imagine I forgot to pack coffee...even after reading my googled list :-(

I hope Drew will send me copies of some of the campfire shots we took.
Great end to a casual week off.