This is the Half Dome in Yosemite Park. On the right, you can see the Vernal and Nevada waterfalls. There are some things we do that remain "highlights" of our lives. The first night with your wife, the birth of your child, the events that make us who we are now In past years, I have walked up onto the top of that rock. First in 1965 when I was 15, and twice more over the years. Many folks do it, you actually need a permit now to keep the congestion under control. But by any standard, it's one hell of a eight mile walk just to the cables. Then the last bit, with steel cables for safety, because it's so steep you can barely stand. Scary, I will admit it. That walk takes strength and courage both. Each time, It was a major accomplishment of my life. So now I can go to my rest (not this year, thank you) knowing that at least three times I got to climb Half Dome, AND I survived the "Plague" or Pandemic of 2020. Not everyone can say both of those. Virginia Woolf said someplace (and quoting an old Roman) : I joined a vast fleet Sailing on the Ocean of Time When my ship sank The others sailed on My ship is loaded with these victories. And others, but these two will always be special for me. Thank you for giving us this place to write our stories.
May 31, 2021
10/9/21 Key pandemic skill: fort-building. Also: playing together and entertaining themselves. Pre-pandemic we were well into the playdate stage with our older kiddo (now 9); not quite there yet with our younger one (now 6). In the past year and a half we've done playground meet-ups, back-yard get-togethers, playdates at the community pool, etc. -- but the kids have still had to spend lots of time entertaining themselves and each other, especially since we don't allow much TV/screens. They've gotten pretty good at it.
October 8, 2021