19,000 Steps

Stardate 09.24.2026

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Here are some pictures of Edinburgh I shot during my 19,000-step tour of the city yesterday. If you visit me on Substack, I will also share some videos there once I have more free time.

Yesterday I visited the Royal Botanic Garden on the north end of the city. From there, I made my way to St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. I arrived just after 5 p.m. and discovered they were presenting a choir service at 5:30. I stayed.

Two lessons were presented during the service. The first was an account of St. Columba, a monk who left royalty to disciple men and bring faith to Scotland. The second came from Luke, chapter four, when Jesus was tempted by the Devil after spending 40 days in the wilderness following His baptism.

All I can say about the service is that I felt the presence of God while inside.

The voices were angelic.

After sunset, the temperature cooled into the low 60s, but I was still ready to eat outside. The city was coming to life around me. Beside me, a street magician entertained a crowd on a closed-off street. Walking tour guides moved through the area. Passersby spoke in multiple languages.

I ordered the Independence Day burger, fully loaded with two onion rings and capped with pickles on top. One block away, I found a cafe serving two scoops of ice cream.

After 19,000 steps, both sounded pretty good.

Today I'm planning to visit museums, monuments, and the other St. Mary's Cathedral, which happens to be from my denomination. Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park is also calling me to climb to the ridge overlooking my hotel. I spotted visitors standing on top of the ridge watching the sunset on my first day in Edinburgh.

I'm thankful the weather has been surprisingly good, with most of the rain coming at night. August is considered the best month to visit Scotland. September has its own appeal. The festival crowds have thinned, and I've had plenty of opportunities to explore on foot.

Tomorrow I'll take a four-hour train ride to London.

The DoNotAge international conference is coming up over the weekend. I'll be learning from some of the world's leading longevity researchers and interacting with people who are curious about how to live long and prosper in their senior years.

I'll be sharing those lessons in future stories.

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." — Psalm 90:17

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, 19,000 steps is a significant amount of exploration for one day.

Bones: And apparently enough exercise to justify a burger with onion rings and two scoops of ice cream.

Spock: Your assessment appears medically unscientific, Doctor.

Bones: I wasn't giving medical advice, Spock. I was talking about the Captain's priorities.

Some days give us a lesson in a cathedral. Some arrive while walking through a garden. Others show up in the middle of a crowded street with a magician performing beside the dinner table.

Yesterday gave me all three.

I'm grateful I had the time and energy to keep walking.

One step led to another, and eventually I found myself sitting inside a cathedral listening to voices that made me stop and simply be present.

Maybe that is enough for today.

One percent better. One day at a time.

Finding My Way Around

 Stardate 09.23.2026

I’m finding my way around a new country.

That sounds simple, but there is something exciting about it. Every day brings a small discovery.

The people I’ve met so far have been friendly. The customs are different from what I’m used to in the United States. One example caught my attention right away: tipping isn’t expected at eateries the way it is back home. The restaurants also don't charge a surcharge to use a bank card.

Public transportation is another difference. It is readily available, and I’m learning how to use it.

When I arrived at Edinburgh International Airport, I took the A bus into downtown Edinburgh. The A route begins at the terminal and ends in the downtown area. No rental car. No navigating unfamiliar roads. I simply found the bus, climbed aboard and watched the city come into view.

I am thankful I'm not navigating in a rental car. They drive on the opposite side of the road, and the driver sits on what would be the passenger side in the United States. There are roundabouts, which would further complicate things should I return and decide to get a rental car.

Today, I’m going to use the bus system again and explore a little more.

Yesterday, the weather reached 70 degrees, so I decided to have my first meal two blocks from my hotel. I ate outside and ordered fish and chips. The meal included a salad.

My friend and accountability partner, Joni, was recently in Scotland and told me how impressed she was with the farm-to-table practices here. I thought about that as I ate my salad. It was delightful.

The fish was crispy on the outside.

The fries were superior.

That was my first real meal in Scotland, and it gave me another small taste of what makes this place different.

Even my hotel has given me something to think about. The layout is small and simple. There isn't a lot of wasted space. Everything seems designed to serve a purpose.

There is an efficiency to it that I appreciate.

Maybe today's story is really a glimpse into Europe through the eyes of someone who is curious and willing to learn.

I'm still finding my way.

At the same time, technology makes the distance from home feel a little smaller. I'm using WhatsApp to stay connected with my family, sharing pieces of the adventure as I go.

I'm thousands of miles from home, learning new customs, figuring out transportation and seeing a new part of the world.

Psalm 90:17 comes to mind: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”

I don't know what today's bus ride will bring. That's part of the fun.

I'm learning.

I'm exploring.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here.

Join me here: https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Captain, your exploration appears to have begun with public transportation and fish and chips.”

Bones: “And somehow he has already developed an opinion about the fries.”

Michael: Fair assessment. I'm discovering that exploration doesn't require a grand plan. Sometimes it starts with getting on a bus, finding a place to eat and paying attention to what is happening around me.

Maybe that's today's lesson.

Keep looking. Keep learning. Keep moving forward.

One percent better, one day at a time.

Scotland, Mission One

Stardate 09.22.2026

Yesterday began with my checklist finally complete.

My wife dropped me off at the Cedar Rapids airport, and the next mission was officially underway.

The flight to Minneapolis was quick. I landed at Gate A with a short connection to Gate G. The airport tram was down, so I walked.

I made it to the gate just as boarding was completing.

Atlanta brought another short connection. Everything worked out, and soon I was settled in for the red-eye flight to Edinburgh. I did my best to sleep along the way.

When I landed in Edinburgh, I found a sign inviting travelers to use a QR code for the bus into the city.

£8.50 for a round-trip ticket.

That sounded like a good deal.

The bus ride gave me my first overview of Edinburgh. I had my phone ready, and I took plenty of photos along the way.

When the bus reached the end of the line, I started walking.

My phone guided me toward the hotel, and I got my first real look at the city on foot.

The hotels here are smaller than what I'm used to in the United States, but the space is being used efficiently. I got checked in, settled my things, and received a visitor guide with maps of the city.

Looking at those maps, I can already see plenty of opportunities to walk during my three days in Edinburgh.

That's something I'm looking forward to.

After a long day of planes, airports, connections, a red-eye flight, a bus ride and a walk through a new city, I made it.

And I made it just in time.

I was checked in before my 8:08 deadline.

The first mission is complete.

Now I get to explore Scotland.

One percent better. One day at a time.

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your checklist was completed with sufficient precision.

Bones: He also crossed an ocean, Spock. I'd say that's worth mentioning.

Spock: Agreed, Doctor. The exploration phase has now begun.

Yesterday reminded me how much can happen when you simply keep moving toward the next step.

My wife got me to the airport. The planes got me across the ocean. The bus gave me my first look at Edinburgh. My phone helped me find the hotel.

Now my feet get to do some exploring.

Engage.

The Next Mission

Stardate 09.21.2026

Yesterday began with a special visit to our house of worship.

Our bishop came to bless our new entrance.

During his homily, he talked about the importance of people coming together to accomplish something for the good of the community. He shared a story from a small church where he once served. The church needed a new roof. The congregation came together, each person bringing different gifts and strengths to the project. Together, they built the roof.

I thought about our own congregation.

For years, parishioners had struggled with the steep stairs leading into our church. There were injuries. Fundraising was put on hold. There were plenty of obstacles.

The congregation kept working toward a solution.

Yesterday, we stood together as our bishop blessed the new entrance. It is more welcoming, and it gives parishioners an easier way to enter our church.

It was a good reminder of what can happen when people bring their gifts to the same table.

After the service, we dedicated the rest of the day to family time.

The Chargers came up short, while the San Diego Padres came through and brought their magic number to two for the final wild-card spot. I also completed my checklist for the trip.

That brought me to this morning.

The next mission is ready.

This afternoon, I leave for Scotland and London.

Soon I will be meeting with my DoNotAge partners from around the world for our second international conference. Before the conference begins, I will have some time to explore Scotland. Then I'll take a roughly four-hour train ride into London.

After the conference, I will have some personal time to explore the London area before heading home.

I'll also be listening and learning.

Some of the doctors and researchers I will meet are working to understand how we can increase the number of years we live with good health and wellness. Longevity has become an important part of my own journey, and I'm looking forward to learning from people who have dedicated their lives to the subject.

I'm bringing my MacBook Pro along so I can continue my daily blog while I'm away. That means the stories will continue as the mission unfolds.

Yesterday, our bishop talked about a small church building a roof together.

Our congregation built a new entrance together.

Today, I'm heading across the ocean to learn from people around the world.

There is a lot ahead.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your checklist is complete. Your next mission has been authorized.

Bones: Scotland and London, Spock. He's going to learn about longevity, too.

Spock: Precisely, Doctor. I suspect the Captain will find a few lessons worth bringing home.

Yesterday reminded me that every person has something to contribute. Sometimes it takes a roof. Sometimes it takes a new entrance. Sometimes it takes boarding an airplane and crossing an ocean.

I'm grateful for the people who helped make yesterday possible.

And I'm grateful for the people who will become part of the next story.

One percent better. One day at a time.

Engage.

 

Family Day Today

Stardate 09.20.2026

I spent yesterday with my wife chipping away at the massive to-do list after returning home from cardio tennis. We accomplished quite a bit.

Today is family day.

After worship, we will gather at our son's home to cheer for our favorite sports teams. There is some extra excitement surrounding the San Diego Padres right now.

While I was sleeping, the Padres found a way to beat the Miami Marlins in extra innings. Ethan Salas delivered the walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning, giving San Diego a 7-6 victory. The win was their 12th in the last 13 games and brought their playoff-clinching magic number down to three.

The turnaround near the end of the season has our family excited. The Padres are right in the middle of the National League wild-card race, and every game carries plenty of meaning now.

Today we will cheer for them together.

Our other favorite team, the Chargers, will be playing at the same time. That should make for an interesting afternoon at our son's home.

This is one of my favorite ways to spend family time. We gather together, watch our teams, celebrate the good plays, endure the difficult ones, and enjoy each other's company.

There is something special about having a shared interest that brings everyone into the same room.

Today begins with worship. Then comes family, football and baseball.

I'm grateful for all of it.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

— Psalm 118:24

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, the probability of simultaneous sporting events producing emotional volatility appears quite high.

Bones: Spock, he's watching with family. Let the man enjoy the afternoon.

Spock: A logical observation, Bones.

Bones: I have those occasionally.

I'll take their advice today. There will be plenty of time for travel tomorrow. Today is for worship, family, and a couple of teams worth cheering for.

One day at a time.

Engage.

Captain's Note: "Our calling is not to write perfect words, but to reveal perfect grace through imperfect moments—one percent better, one day at a time."

Cardio Tennis Today

Stardate 09.19.2026

I’m moving fast this morning.

After a great night of sleep, I’m rushing to get ready for cardio tennis at 8am. I’ve been away from home for a long time, and I need a good workout before I get back on the road.

Europe is only a couple of days away.

There is still plenty to do before I leave. This morning, I’m focused on getting my body moving and enjoying some time on the tennis court.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Michael, your schedule appears to have accelerated.”

Bones: “Let him play tennis, Spock. He’s earned the workout.”

Spock: “Agreed. Physical preparation appears logical before another journey.”

A good night of sleep, a little cardio tennis, and a few quiet minutes with God. That’s enough for this morning.

Now I need to get moving.

Engage.

Lucy is Legal

Stardate 09.18.2026

Lucy has been parked in my driveway since her adoption a couple of months ago. I was fortunate to work with a concierge from my day job to locate her outside of Chicago. Once I drove her home, I discovered my insurance company considered her a commercial vehicle.

While it's true this type of van has commercial applications, the Ram ProMaster is also one of the popular choices for people like me who want to build a van for travel adventures. That's where the insurance challenge popped up.

Yesterday, I visited a local insurance agent who uncovered a creative solution. She researched multiple companies for me and found a way to insure Lucy without breaking the bank. My agent classified her as a recreational vehicle.

Lucy is now fully street legal.

I set aside time to get the paperwork handled for Lucy's title and registration while taking care of the insurance issues. Once the anti-theft device for the plates arrives from Amazon today, I will be able to install Lucy's new Iowa plates.

Thanks to our daughter, Lucy will have personalized plates in about six weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing those plates on the van.

The real work on the van conversion begins once my travel assignments are complete. I'm building modules for the plumbing, electrical system, galley, and shower using extruded aluminum.

For once in my life, I believe I can actually finish a major project on time.

There are 3 years, 9 months, and 17 days remaining until the Mission Clock runs out and full-time travel begins.

May you live long and prosper.