The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh

Back in '79 one cheesy sports movie fired up my youthful basketball camp aspirations like no other - "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh". It was a story about a losing team consulting an astrologer and then stacking the team with only players of the Pisces sign. Say what you will about the short basketball shorts, but seeing Dr. J and Kareem jam was and always will be the best. When disco stars The Sylvers sang, "Mighty mighty Pisces, gonna bring 'em to their knees!" it was game over. Go Pisces!

Is Someday Going To Be Your Best Day?

Here's a short post that's long on substance, "Is Someday Going To Be Your Best Day", by Barry at Single Dad Life. Some key points in summary:

  • If you're convinced that someday is going to be your best day, you won't put enough into today, or get enough out of it.
  • Live with an Attitude of Gratitude. If you remind yourself daily to appreciate what you have and be thankful, life can be abundant.
  • Giving without expecting anything in return. The ultimate and most meaningful gift.

What's particularly meaningful during the holiday season is the concept of giving without expecting anything in return. We've generally been marketed to and conditioned since childhood to expect something back. Would you feel funny if you gave and didn't get? Is the act of giving enough to fill your emotional gas tank? I say yes, I think you'll find your gas tank to be quite full if you do so. How are you giving?  Better still, how are you showing a kid the importance of giving?

Be sure to make today your best day, give and give again, and be thankful for the opportunity to do so.  That's not too hard to remember at all.  Have a safe and happy holiday season.

 

 

The Number One Rule To Enjoying Your Kids More - Zenfamilyhabits

via zenfamilyhabits.net

For you parents and non-parents alike, here is a gentle reminder on how to make the best of time spent with kids. Yes, you don't necessarily have to be a parent to benefit from this read. The number one rule is "slow down", which I can say will require continued practice on my part. A friend recently told me about being on family vacation and how enjoyable it turned out to be because he was completely disconnnected from the Web and his Blackberry. Kudos to him for cutting the cord & being in the present. Make it a goal to follow his example, now!

The Number One Rule To Enjoying Your Kids More - Zenfamilyhabits

 

Views from North Kinsman Peak & South Kinsman Peak, White Mountains, NH

A rigorous but great hike with a super hiking squad, tackling North Kinsman Peak (4,293 feet) and South Kinsman Peak (4,358 feet). Thank goodness for my Jetboil!
- Rob

"The up-and-down 16.9-mile-long Kinsman Ridge Trail is one of the longest, toughest, but most rewarding hikes in the White Mountains, taking you up to open ridgeline ledges, through thick forests, along streams, and past waterfalls and cascades. It also passes by three very pretty mountain ponds, including Kinsman Pond, with its icy waters and fine views of Mts. Flume and Liberty and 5,000-footers Lincoln and Lafayette."
- excerpt from backpacker.com


(download)

First day of Fall

So, we've reached the first day of Fall here in New England and my tiny little garden is growing tired. I've pulled the rest of the tomatoes to ripen because it's getting colder at night and the plants will not last much longer. All of the flowers are still flourishing, mixed in with what's left of the veggies.  That's the nice thing about square foot gardening - there is room for plenty of variety.  Previously, I wouldn't have thought about mixing flowers in with the tomatoes, squash and cucumbers.  But it seems to work well, especially in terms of encouraging visits by bees and cross-pollination.

So, did we win the battle this Summer? I would say barely. Mother Nature served up two straight months of rainy, cloudy weather and it was no help. If I had not planted lettuce and things in early May, it would have been a bleak harvest until August. But as always, it was fun and I learned a lot. So until next Spring, keep on planting and growing...