MAXIMIZING

In the movie 'Free Solo' star rock climber Alex Honnold states that he wants to maximize the time he has in his lifespan. It is the best movie I have seen since I dunno maybe since 'Old Yeller'. Knowing that Honnold climbed El Cap's wall with no rope gave me hope that all that had thought was impossible could well be possible. Tremendously uplifting.

The other photo above is from Mid October fungi hunting day in the Olympic National Forest. It is by far the largest one I have ever seen. It was stuck to the outside of standing dead conifer 25 feet up in the air. To knock it down the tracker used an extension painting pole hitting the fungi with the flat attachment until it shook loose as he tumbled backward with the final jolt. It was heavy to hold for the photo and snagging these things is not always easy. The extension pole was so wobbly that I couldn't even hold it straight let alone knock anything down. The people that hunt these things know what they are doing. Here is a picture of fellow grandfather and I holding a more modest shroom. I couldn't budge that one either!

It has been an eventful past few months for our family. Our first grandchild, beautiful Rhea Jade Merieah was born on August 11 at Kaiser Moanalua. As Mom and Dad have an address that is just one number different from ours (47-461 to 47-460) on the same street means she is growing up just steps away from Grandma Betty and me.

She has got we figure ancestors from every inhabitable continent. The second grandchild, equally beautiful as the first, Luna Lin-An arrived on October 18. Unfortunately, Renton WA is a couple thousand miles away but we were there prior to and for a while after her birth and us, grandparents are thrilled.

It has also been a decent year as far as reaching fitness goals. Had always wanted to place in a local race for age group and did so on March 3rd. Of course, it helped that there were only 3 in my division and the one who came in third stopped for lunch but nonetheless, am proud of my second place medal. The other big goal was to reach 3000 miles via walking, hiking and running. Thanks to buku miles done while on the road in Japan, Canada, the north and south-west USA plus Ahuimanu the 3000 line was crossed on Veterans Day 11/11/2018. Am pretty sure that this is the third year in a row that have done so but for 2018 will receive an official certificate. Am asking Forrest Gump, and his replicator 15000 ultra miler Rob Pope to sign it.

On October 18 while jogging pre-dawn on Renton's Heritage Park path my knit hat that was on my head disappeared. I had felt something hit the head briefly right before and then it was gone. When first noticed ran back to where the hat left and scouted to make sure had not run into any trees. Then on the next lap around something hit me hard on the back of my scalp.

scar shows where big bird smacked the head

I was stunned as it felt like a rock. Thinking that maybe a bum or kids were playing tricks I stopped and yelled at the trees "Knock it Off! I want my hat back and Am going to call the cops!" A few hundred meters later I told a lady pushing a stroller to be careful as someone had hit me. She mustered an understanding smile which confirmed she must have thought I was nuts. A bit later though I got to thinking that maybe a bird took the hat for its nest and hit me the second time as a warning to stay away. So before calling the cops decided to do a google search for Seattle bird attacks and sure enough found out that every October crows and other birds dive bomb northwest tourists.

cover photo from Seattle NPR story on dive bombing crows

Betty extended her stay in the northwest to help out a little longer but I returned on schedule to assist with baby Rhea. Good to be back where its warm. Although I like the cold my feet were aching and cracking. Some mornings upon first waking up could hardly walk to the bathroom. Think it was due to my osteoarthritis but could be is just due to living in the tropics for 44 years. A little excitement upon return. Fell down and skinned the knee while heading to the park early on 10/25. Then on the 27th while cleaning the fish tank on the lanai got bit by a good size centipede. Three days later my hand was still swollen. So that's the third mishap incident and hopefully the last of such for a while.

Names: I dunno how our granddaughters' names were chosen but I love their meanings. Rhea means flowing like water in a stream or river; Lin-An means trees in a peaceful forest. So when I think of natural areas now days can just picture little Rhea floating down the waterways while Luna Lin-An smiles at her from the woods.

The ways that view mountains nowadays has changed as well.

Anything, everything can happen - even for geezers who enjoy pretending they can float like Peter Strauss while running the 'Jericho mile.'

The other big fall event was our 40th on October 1. Am thankful for every day since that Betty said yes and hopeful that we will have yet more maximizing opportunities.

That's all, for now, best wishes everyone!