Jeremy, Goals, and The Baltimore Marathon

A new experience yesterday--actually attending a running event of world class proportions: The Baltimore Marathon.

Wow! I was amazed at the number of people--20,000 runners and over 70,000 spectators all over Baltimore! And it was a sight to behold--all of the people and runners.

And of course our own--Jeremy who ran in the Half Marathin. That would be 13.1 miles for those of you who are trying to figure the distance out..

We went with Nicole and had a great time at the running festival. We watched the start, enjoyed the crowds and Inner Harbor while he ran, and then watched him finish with panache!

Jeremy was the winner--he set a tough goal, trained for it, and completed it! We should all be able to set goals and then have the intensity and mettle to achieve them!

Way to go Jer!

Monroe and Ash Lawn-Highland

So the answer to the question about the 5th President is of course James Monroe.

His home is also near Charlottesville, VA and is very close to Jefferson's Monticello. The home is called Ash Lawn-Highland. James and Elizabeth lived there although due to fire and subsequent rebuilding only part of the original structure survives. The surviving part, interestingly enough, is painted white and you can see that part in the pictures. The not so original part is yellow.

In addition to the Monroe Doctrine, James is credited with saving the originals of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence when the British fooled the military and attacked Washington instead of Baltimore.

By comparison to both Monticello and Montpelier, Ash Lawn-Highland is modest, but still well above the standard for a normal Virginia family of the time.

Many of the furnishings are authentic Monroe or period pieces--but the curator has made some significant deviations which if you are a purist could detract from the historical sense of the visit.

An interesting tidbit--the first White House wedding (although during the period it was known as the President's House) was for Monroe's daughter Maria Hester Monroe Gouverneur (1803–1850) who married her second cousin Samuel L. Gouverneur on March 8, 1820.

Ash Lawn-Highland is owned and administered by The college of William and Mary.

Madison and Montpelier

Continuing in my Charlottesville, VA vacation series. On to President number 4, James Madison.

Chris and I visited the Madison plantation at Montpelier Station, VA and had a very enjoyable afternoon.

I learned two very important things during my visit with the Madisons.

First, how to spell Montpelier! Yeah--that was a toughie for me because obviously I have been mispronouncing the place all these years.

Second, that the correct spelling of James' wife's name is Dolley! (Check it out!)

And adjunct item we learned was that James was reported to be a short as 5'2" tall. Although most historians give his height as 5'4". I did read that his height is listed between 5'2" and 5'6" and that the more a person liked him, the taller his height was recorded.

I was honored to be able to pose with the former President and First Lady. Due to his vertically challenged stature, James is almost always shown seated in the presence of Dolley.

The plantation is a great place to visit. I recommend early in the day--but any really nice day will do. I did enjoy early October. The house has been fully restored but is sparsely furnished. Try not to compare Montpelier to Monticello--it will not work. They are light years apart in terms of historical recreation. But, Montpelier is coming along fast.

You can see the genius of Madison in the construction of the house. Jefferson reportedly called Madison the best farmer he had ever known. And it seems true.

A tour of the house is fascinating, but like so many other places--no pictures! Ugh! There are many outside areas and archaeological places to visit. Additionally, the influence of the Dupont's (subsequent owners of the property to the Madisons) can be seen and the foundation is attempting to account for these changes and in many cases recreate the originals as closely as possible.

The discussion of the enslaved people working for the Madisons and of course Madison's authoring of the Constitution generates some interesting comments during the tours. I find it interesting that we continue to impose a revisionist view of history on things past without truly understanding the times and situation. We need to adopt the idea--that that is he way it was and we cannot fully understand it using our 20th and 21st century reasoning.

Would we do things differently? Don't say yes too quickly without really getting into the period and recognizing what the alternatives were.

Trapped

That's it. It hit me last evening as I was out shopping with Chris. She dragged me out against my will and we were in Macy's where her cover story was that she wanted to return a pair of shoes. But in fact, she wanted to buy me some new shirts because she was tired of looking at me wearing the same t-shirt around the house. Actually, one of about 4 t-shirts that I like.

There I was--in the men's clothing area when I had an epiphany. Not only do I HATE shopping for clothes, but I realized why:

I'm a twenty-something trapped in a fifty-something's body!

I want to wear the hot, young fashions--but I would look ridiculous. You've seen them around--the near fifty-somethings wearing the teenager style shirts and jeans. It is not pretty!

I think my daughter calls it: age appropriate attire or something like that.

While in Charlottesville last weekend we saw a couple adorned in earrings and youthful clothes trying to hide their years of experience. It wasn't an enjoyable sight to behold.

So I should dress my age?

Really?

And just after having a birthday too--no wonder this is still on my mind.

So as I sit here this morning, screaming out at the world because I'm older I take stock of the situation. It is pretty dismal!

I'm actually here at my computer this morning and not playing racquetball because my elbow is sore and I don't know why. I decided, in a moment of incredible rational thought, to give it a rest after my league match was canceled last night. What a concept. I never had elbow problems as a twenty-something and I played racquetball five times per week!

I'm wearing glasses so I can see the computer screen! I have 20/15 vision for anything farther away than eight feet! Used to be able to see up close, too.

I have a sore muscle in my right leg, too! Don't know where that came from!

I was in bed by 10pm last night--not the 1 am of my youth!

Hmmm--then it is true--I am definitely trapped!

I wonder if there is a way out?

Anyone? Ideas?

Yeah, I know--get over it. It happens to us all. Embrace it.

Really? I don't have many options, so I guess I need to embrace where I am and play smarter, not harder. And live smarter, not harder.

Jefferson and Monticello

Well, I finally got to visit Charlottesville, VA and Monticello. It was well worth the visit and there is so much to do there.

This picture is my favorite--it is of course the famous nickle view (which is the back of the house) but I shot it through some flowers to frame it a bit.

The house is well furnished and really is a testament to Jefferson and the enlightened person he was--as a scientist and a political figure.

The front of the house is very different. Most people don't realize it. As with most places they did not allow pictures inside-which is too bad because there is a lot of neat stuff in there.

The gardens and paths are absolutely beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the grounds and looking around at the fascinating things. Of the five historical sites we visited--this one is by far the best and most complete. It is also the most expensive, but well worth the money.

Along the paths, Chris was able to capture this hummingbird doing its routine. The bird stayed in place for quite some time.

I definitely recommend a visit to Monticello--as part of a day or weekend in Charlottesville. Allow at least four hours to fully enjoy the place.

Monday Musings - October 5, 2009

1. It is amazing how quickly a week can go by when you are busy and how long it takes to go by when you want it to be next week.

2. Charlottesville, VA is a rocking town. We had a great time there this past weekend. Wine and history, what could be better.

3. Why it is that when you are having fun, but you need to be somewhere else the time spent doing fun is gone so quickly.

4. The reward for a great weekend in Virginia is really rotten traffic on the way home.

5. Hot air balloons are really neat.

6. Monticello is awesome and so is Montpelier. I can't believe I've lived here so long and only just this weekend got to these historic places.

7. Pop quiz--and the 5th President of the U.S. was? And he is from where? I saw his house and plantation too.

8. Why does a two-and-a-half hour drive today seem as long as a six hour drive a couple years
ago?

Leaves and Autumn

I just could not believe the number of leaves which fell from the trees and made their way into my pool over the weekend.

It reminded me of the last time we had a major thunderstorm--except--this time no storm.

I began the shut down process last evening and I was reminded this morning as I was taking the pool cleaner out of the pool in 50 degree weather that the days of swimming and lounging on a floatie are over for 2009!

It is time to secure summer and pack it away for the 2010 edition.

It's really rotten though when you think of it, here it is almost October and the pool is closed not to be enjoyed again until May. That is like 7 months away! The agony of it all. The thought of living somewhere the pool can be open year round really appeals to me.

The falling leaves just remind me that I am already behind the power curve on the pool.

On our abbreviated walk with Makayla last evening , Chris and I saw a tree already devoid of leaves. I remarked that they were all in my pool!

But--we are off to Charlottesville this weekend for an Autumn three-day weekend of wine and fun! That should be nice. Except I'll be further behind in my pool closing. Ugh! So much to do, so little time.

Well, I remind myself when I am behind in racquetball that I only need to win the next point. Similarly, I only need to get done today what needs to get done today; looking at the mountain ahead of me will only make me----
a. scared
b. depressed
c. want to run away
d. quit
e. go read a book
f. some or all of the above!

Monday Musings - September 28, 2009

1. Birthday celebrations which span multiple days are a lot of fun! Especially when they are mostly close friend and family affairs.

2. Football, steaks, grilling, and Sunday afternoons with family--what could be better?

3. The annual pool closing event is at hand! I cannot believe it and I can't even procrastinate! The leaves will overwhelm me if I do!

4. An amazing thing happened on Friday and Saturday--Chris got me into a grocery store on three separate occasions! That never happens! I must be slipping!

5. I am becoming a huge fan of house concerts and getting up close to the performers. They are a lot of fun and the ultra-small venue really allows for a good exchange between the performers and the crowd. And it is a great night/day out with friends.

6. Just to lay it down--yes, I know the Orioles are are attempting to lost 100 games this year--with seven to go they need three wind to only lose 99. Does it really matter? I think they have sewed up being the 28th best team in Major League Baseball for the 2009 season. Although being the 29th best team is within their reach!

7. Futility! It's frustrating!

8. I finished the new Dan Brown book--The Lost Symbol. I recommend it--especially if you liked The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.

9. I noticed the sunrise this morning as I left the club after my racquetball match. It is getting later and later every day.

10. What to know what is funny? Makayla, my dog. Last night she was so tired after playing with Ben (Jeremy's dog) all day that when I went to put her out for the last time before going to bed, she just went up the stairs instead of going outside. I put her on the bed and she didn't move all night and didn't even get up when I left this morning. Why can't she do that on weekends instead of getting up three or four times a night when I want to sleep and then sleep in?

My Birthday--2009

Thanks to all who contacted me to wish me a happy birthday--it was great.

Here are some of the highlights of the day:

1:30am - dog wakes up and needs to go out
4:00am - dog can't sleep wakes me up, I move the dog and myself downstairs to the couch to let Chris sleep
6:00am - I hear the grandfather clock chime
6:15am - I hear the chimes again
6:30am - Dog unhappy again, give her more water and food
7:00am - Chris hears me and calls me back to bed, she takes the shift with the dog
9:20am - wake up after sleeping hard and stumble downstairs and talk to Mom on the phone
10:00am - boat concert canceled due to rotten weather (something about small craft advisory on the bay and of course--the rain!)--plan B at a friends house
11:30am - head out shopping to get food for Sunday
1:00pm - nap (yay)
2:45pm - head off to the house concert (former boat concert)
3:10pm - house concert, wine club, fun afternoon/evening with friends
8:30pm - home from the concert
9:30pm - the old people turn in for the night because the restless-dog night before is getting to us

So a sedate, but interesting day.

The band at the house concert was ilyaimy They are very good with a country/folk/modern/new grass sound. I was impressed with their tight harmonies. We had a really good time and we also drank some great wine and ate some awesome food at the concert.

A great birthday! I won't detail gifts because, well, that's a bit conceited. But thanks to all who also gave me very nice gifts.

I will write, though, that I won a prize at the wine club--a book: How to Satisfy a Woman Every Time: and have her beg for more! And on top of that, I learned what a riddler is! (nope--not Batman's nemesis!)

The Joy of Life

This past Sunday, the message at our church included an interesting thought about life.

Jesus understood the need for joy in our lives. And for the things which bring us joy.

I ran across this anonymous quote about joy:

The great teachings unanimously emphasize that all the peace, wisdom, and joy in the universe are already within us; we don't have to gain, develop, or attain them. We're like a child standing in a beautiful park with his eyes shut tight. We don't need to imagine trees, flowers, deer, birds, and sky; we merely need to open our eyes and realize what is already here, who we really are -- as soon as we quit pretending we're small or unholy.

I distill this all down--joy is our own responsibility. It is the way we individually live and view life and what is around us. Do we see life as a blessing or a curse?

Jesus had a way of taking situations and transforming them. At a wedding he once attended, He saved the reception by providing wine and also helping to ensure the joy of those attending.

Now on the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine left.” Jesus replied, “Woman, why are you saying this to me? My time has not yet come.” His mother told the servants, “Whatever he tells you, do it.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washing, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the water jars with water.” So they filled them up to the very top. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the head steward,” and they did. When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!” Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs, in Cana of Galilee. In this way he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. John 2:1-11 - NET Bible

While we are each responsible for our joy and our view of the world--sometimes in dire circumstances when we notice that someone outside of the circumstance cares--it does help to reaffirm the joy which is resident within us. Here at a wedding--Jesus did just that for the party afterwards. And no, this wasn't grape juice either--people do not get drunk on grape juice. Jesus was contributing to the celebration and merriment. He was an instrument of joy by protecting the bridegroom from ridicule.

Jesus wants us happy and joyful.

We each need to work to find the joy in life. Chris will tell you that sometimes I have a problem with joy. I am so caught up in what I want to do next or what I think I should be doing that I forget to find joy in what I am doing.

Be joyful! In all things find the joy.