Can Cellular Aging Be Reversed?

Researchers in Bangkok, Thailand are testing the world's first rejuvenating genes.  They call these genes "Rejuvenating DNA by Genomic Stability Molecules" or RED-GEMs.  Based on the success with old mice, pigs, and macaques, they are now going to begin human clinical trials late next year.  This is great news for those suffering from chronic diseases such as hypertension, osteoporosis and dementia as researchers believe these diseases may be related to the destruction of our DNA over time.  Imagine what your life would be like if you were able to somehow reverse this destruction of your own cells.  If other species are having positive outcomes with RED-GEMs, why can't this success be duplicated in humans?

Researchers are now testing mice with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases to see what happens when the rejuvenating genes are introduced.  I plan to follow these folks at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok as they initiate human trials.  The encouraging part about the findings is that there have not been any side effects other than reversing the aging process.  

Before I close today, I would like to offer my two cents related to aging.  Please keep in mind that I am not doctor although I am attracted to research in this field and I don't mind experimenting with molecules that are being used by researchers who are attempting to slow down or reverse the aging process.  Some may even call me a human lab rat because of my own personal trials.  Make sure you consult your physician before trying some of these ideas on yourself.  The bottom line is I'm experiencing results that seem to defy my own age.  Like the lab rat who turned into an energizer bunny and broke the measuring scale because it outran all others of its species when introduced to certain molecules, I had similar results when I climbed on my bike and rode 80 miles in two days over the hilly terrain in Northern Iowa just four days ago.  I could have gone further but that was the limit I agreed to in order to appease my wife.  She is not as fond of experiments as I am but she is becoming a believer in my protocols based on what she's seeing with her own eyes.  By the way, my legs are still feeling great after the bike ride.  If you're interested in this subject, please refer to my previous stories about this in my blog archives.  Have a great day.

Ragbrai Recap

 

Mission accomplished.  We made it.  Our experience was a combination of good planning and a series of audibles along the way.  The biggest surprise for me is how well I feel after a couple of long days on my bike.  The great weather helped.  So did being with highly experienced teammates.  Today's story is for those who may want to do something like this in the future.  I can't say enough great things about the people behind Ragbrai.  This is something that every able bodied person should do at least once in their lifetime.  There is something for everyone.  450 miles is super challenging for the trained athlete.  Those, like me, at the other end of the spectrum can dip their toes in the water at any point and ride for a few hours, a few days, or whatever feels right.

Now that I made it through a couple of days on the course, I would like to share some ideas to help you if you would like to give this a try.  First, don't try this alone.  You need support.  I'm fortunate that our team had everything we needed to make this a positive experience.  Second, make sure you train.  I admit that I didn't even own a bike until four months ago.  Even after getting my new ride, the storms on my days off kept me from doing the proper training.  What I did do right was train on the hills.  This was painful but I got the hang of it and built up some muscle memory.

Cell phone communication is a must.  I discovered that keeping my cell phone off helped a great deal because the battery drains when you're on the road all day.  A rechargeable battery pack is highly recommended so you can keep in touch with your teammates.

Go at your own pace.  There was no way I was going to keep up with my teammates so I cut them loose and told them we would regroup at the end of the day.  This also gave me an opportunity to meet people from all over the United States.  There were some participants from other parts of the world enjoying the beautiful Iowa weather.  I can't share what to do on bad weather days because the weather was almost perfect during my ride.

I logged about 80 miles during my two days in Northern Iowa.  Now that I got to experience Ragbrai I want to come back.  My team captain told me he imagined me on the side of the road teaching others what he taught me.  I think he's on to something because nothing excites me more than helping others live their dreams.  There's something else really special about Ragbrai.  It's Iowa nice.  Yes, there is a certain politeness that makes me feel giddy on a ride like Ragbrai.  Families line the streets offering encouragement.  Many told me they were praying for us.  You almost feel like a celebrity.  

One last thing before I move on to our family weekend.  Please don't ever tell me you're too old to do something like this.  I met a couple of men in their 80's who shared their stories with me.  Neither one was ready to hang it up.  One of them said cycling is the secret to staying young.  He lit up when he shared his rides throughout the country.  This is living.  It's a lifestyle.  I would like to thank my teammates, Steve, Joan, and Kevin, for all the encouragement.    Special thanks to Steve from my day job who sold me my bike.  I named her Giovanna to celebrate Tuscany where a DNA test pinpointed an unknown part of my heritage.  My dream is to bike ride in Italy with my wife someday.  Ragbrai was the first chapter.  With God's grace, hopefully there will be more stories to share in the future.  Have a great day.

Our Last Day on the Ragbrai Course

You will need to come back tomorrow to see if my teammates and I survived our Ragbrai adventure.  Our plan is to bike ride from Charles City to West Union today and then return to our homes.  I wrote this story in advance not knowing how the Wifi would be in northern Iowa where we're surrounded by cornfields.  We have 63 miles to go before our volunteers drive us back to our vehicles we parked at the beginning of our ride.  If you see a story when you come back tomorrow, that means we survived.  It also means the compromise I made with my wife turned out okay.  I hope to post some pictures and share a bit more about our adventure.  Have a great day.

Find a Way to Win

 For approximately 18,000 Ragbrai cyclists, this is day 5.  For my friends and me, it's our day 1.  Yes, we are irregular in our approach.  Consider us Late In and Early Out for Ragbrai.  I call it the "compromise bike ride" since I'm taking into consideration my wife's concerns about my lack of proper training.  The inclement weather during training season didn't help.  That's okay, this team of new friends I'm with found a way to come together and help each other do something special, bike partway across Iowa.

I feel blessed with amazing weather we're having this week.  Highs were in the 90s on day one.  Temps this week are topping out at 80º setting us up for success today and tomorrow.  We plan to exit the course tomorrow, one day before the other riders cross the finish line at the Mississippi River in Lansing.  

Come back on the weekend to see some pictures from the Ragbrai adventure.  Special thanks to my friend, Steve, his girlfriend, Joan, Kevin, and the volunteers who offered lodging, ride support, and encouragement for this cycling newbie.  I would also like to thank my friend, Steve, from my day job who parted with his beloved bike.  He gave me the friends and family price.  I promised Steve I would take great care of my new ride and hope this is only the beginning of a lifelong adventure.  Have a great day.

Outdoor Camping Tonight

 I can't believe how excited I am.  The plan is in place for a couple of days of riding along the Ragbrai route.  I'm camping at a high school in Mason City tonight.  At 7am tomorrow morning I meet up with my team for our ride.  If all goes well, we will be cycling from Mason City to Charles City.  Our team captain arranged for us to camp at a private residence about seven miles away from where the other 18,000 cyclists are staying.  We pack up in the morning and head to West Union.  A retired couple volunteered to drive us back to Mason City so we can pick up our vehicles and go home.

I'm beyond thrilled to team up with a new friend and his girl friend.  We met when the couple was cycling and I was hiking with my wife in the Amana Colonies.  He offered us beers and we talked about cycling.  I was hooked.  My hope is that this experience continues with expanded chapters in future years.  I will post pictures when this ride comes to a conclusion.  Have a great day.

Joy, Joy, Joy

Before I begin today, I would like to give a shout out to my younger brother.  He's one year younger than me and today is his birthday.  My brother is living proof you can overcome any obstacle.  Happy birthday, bro.  Thanks for all you do to help those most in need of a hand up. 

I would like to share some joy with you today.  This is my vacation week.  I was originally planning to ride my bike across Iowa with approximately 18,000 riders from all over America.  After listening to my wife, I  decided to cut my ride time by about 80 to 90% and proceed cautiously.  You see, the last time I ignored her, I ended up nearly dead when I skidded off the road, back on the road, and collided with a fast-moving van who didn't see me until it was too late.  My wife had a premonition the morning of the accident and warned me.  Let's just say my listening skills are improving.

Now the joy, joy, joy part.  The scorching heat riders encountered on day one of Ragbrai is now behind us.  The skies are clearing after a bit of rain and temps are becoming ideal.  My original team found a way to get back on track and we are meeting Thursday morning to ride together.  The logistics are being worked out for ride support.  A few moments ago, the captain of my team texted that we now have more options for moving forward.  I will be sharing my Ragbrai experiences with you in future stories.  It's going to be a great adventure.  Have a great day.

 

Who Do You Belong To?

Today's question may be a bit of a challenge for some.  As a people, we tend to put ourselves in categories.  Once we define ourselves, we quarrel with others about why our category is better than theirs.  Sound familiar?  Take football, for example.  All things are divided.  We love our teams and we love cheering for them.  Which conference is superior?  Which division has the best team?  Who will win the Super Bowl?  Every year new players are drafted.  Loyal fans stick with their team until death.  

The heart of today's question goes deeper than sports categories.  I'm looking at this question from God's point of view.  He didn't draft us to play for him, he created us to worship him.  All of us.  Even the people who choose not to be on his team.  No special abilities or talents are required to be in his category.  

I've heard every objection about why people don't believe they belong to God's team.  Perhaps they were tainted by religious people who had their own agenda.  Maybe they were abused or bullied and never heard a response when they cried out for help.  Some are simply fed up with the ways of the world and can't fathom how a loving God can allow these conditions to continue so they choose not to believe.

Consider another idea.  Maybe the Creator of the universe allows free will because that's how much he loves you.  You belong to him but you don't have to be on the team if you would rather do things your way and not worship.  Maybe it's possible that every single bad thing going on in this world is related to bad choices.  What if the reality is we are all prisoners?  We want to be on God's team but we don't know how to join.  Dark forces are in the way.  Voices get in our heads trying to tell us we aren't worthy to be on God's team.  

Consider today's story as an invitation to be on God's team.  Not in a wishy washy kind of way.  You are being drafted for a position that only you can fill.  Together, we can fight off dark forces that only want the worst for us.  Together, we can change the world.  Together, we can share our stories about how we discovered which team we belong with.  Choose wisely.  Your choice matters.  God's team is eternal.  Death is only a penalty flag.  Jesus erased every penalty you ever committed when he died for you.  That's how much God wants you.  Have a great day.

Ragbrai is a Partial Scratch

Today is the first official day for avid cyclists who are cycling 462 miles across the the northern portion of Iowa.  I was planning to be one of "those" people today but I instead listened to the smarter one in our household who voiced a strong opinion.  There's a reason why our 33 years of marriage is so strong.  We listen to each other and make compromises.  My wife is not against the idea of Ragbrai.  She prefers that I take a longer term approach to proper training and ease into it.  

I'm still working out the details of the compromise.  Instead of a full week of cycling 40 to 100 miles daily, I will dip my toes in the shallow end of the pool and ride for at least a day with the possibility of camping overnight on the side of the road in order to extend the adventure an extra day.  The balance of my time can be used to work on my book projects this week.  This makes sense for our household since my time in Verona has been extended and I will be reporting one week from tomorrow for another twenty-one days.  Good luck to all the participants.  I hope to see you on the road some time this week.  Have a great day.

Date Night at the Theater

I made it home safely yesterday from my day job assignment.  The vacation has officially begun.  It's date night at the theater in Brooklyn not far from our home.  The town mayor is one of my day job teammates.  We're going to see the play, Mama Won't Fly.  If you live in the area, there is still time to get your tickets and enjoy a night out.  Have a great day.

Family Time Begins Tonight

 Vacation time is on the radar.  It begins tonight when I return home.   Nothing beats family time.  Special thanks to my wife for keeping our household running this past week.  I'm packing my bags and checking out.  See you soon, my lady.  Have a great day.

Better Late Than Never

 I'm still here, no longer missing in action.  Sorry for being tardy today.  I simply forgot to write when I got up and modified my morning routine.  I should be back tomorrow at my regularly scheduled time slot.  Have a great day.

Irish Gem in Wisconsin

 

You never know what you're going to encounter when you find yourself in unknown territory.  Yesterday I was in Oregon.  Not the state.  It's a quaint village about seven miles away from our new day job location in Verona, Wisconsin which is opening next month.  I overheard one of the visitors to our table talking about Mulligan's.  It turns out that Mulligan's is next door to the office we were visiting.

For those of you who may be new to my daily stories, I wanted to share a wee bit from my past.  My dad, may his Irish soul rest in peace, owned a pub named Mulligan's.  He was the king of marketing.  Dad taught me that life is an adventure.  This is a lesson my wife and I passed on to our children who are now adults.  The next time our paths cross, make sure you ask about my dad's shalieghl that he displayed at Mulligan's in Arizona.  Have a great day.

New Experiences = New Life

 Are you bored?  Ask yourself why you are getting up every morning and reliving everything you did yesterday.  Imagine something new for today.  Life does not need to be boring.  

Decide today that you are going to meet new people.  Try a new activity.  Change your routine.  If you desire a new life, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to new experiences.  Have a great day.

Road Trip Today

 I'm on the road again.  It's time to get back to Verona, Wisconsin for some day job support to our new team. I'm moving fast to get moving and the clock is ticking.  Have a great day.

Sending Out Prayers Today

I have some good friends who are struggling today.  I just want them to know I'm praying for them.  I'm on my way to my house of worship to send my prayers to Heaven.  If you are in a difficult place today, I'm praying for you.  Have a great day. 

Life Without the Debt Monster

 It's been four months since our debt monster was put to rest once and for all.  All I can say is that if you have one in your house the sooner you get rid of him the better your life will be.  It's so easy to cave to the constant bombardment of ads from companies who want you to buy now and pay later.  

Maybe you're asking, "What's the best kind of home to live in?"  For me, the answer is simple... A house that is owned by you and not the bank.  The grass seems greener.  The view out the window is better.  And you sleep soundly.  

The best way to fight inflation is to be debt free.  The best way to vacation is to prepay so there are no headaches when you come home.  My wife and I greatly appreciate our debt-free lives.  Now that we are no longer feeding the debt monster we can turn our attention to helping others.  The journey to debt-free living begins with a commitment to spend less than you earn and do it consistently.  It's worth it.  Just remember this race is a marathon and not a sprint.  Have a great day.

Celebrating 33 Years of Marriage Today

I love to meet couples who have been married for long periods of time.  They have much wisdom to offer.  These are challenging times we're living in.  The Evil One knows that married couples are a reflection of God and his love for us.  Maybe that's why the attacks are so great.  A marital vow is sacred.  I don't take it for granted.  Every day I'm with my wife is a blessing.  If you feel inclined to say or do something in honor of our marriage, I have a suggestion.  The greatest gift you can give is to say a prayer for our marriage.  There may be one or two of you out there from my original wedding party who read these stories.  I consider that a great gift that you would take time out of your busy schedules to visit me here.  I'm forever grateful for your support.  

I will be celebrating with my wife later tonight.  We will be sitting on our back porch reminiscing our first 33 years of marriage.  Thank all of you for being a part of my life.  And to my love, Happy Anniversary.  I love you with all my heart.  Have a great day. 

The Good News about Spiritual Attacks

I know people who get discouraged when they feel like they are under some kind of spiritual attack.  The older I get the more I realize that is quite possible these spiritual attacks are a positive sign.  In fact, the absence of spiritual attacks may mean that the enemy doesn't see any threats.  

Do you find it strange how so many people were under the influence of the enemy when Jesus was around.  It seems to me like possession was common.  Maybe that's because the enemy was running scared the moment Jesus began his public ministry.  Jesus himself was constantly attacked.  He spent 40 days in the desert dealing one on one with the enemy.  The enemy had it right.  Jesus was a big threat to the powers and principalities.

How about you?  Do you ever feel like dark forces are showing up every time you try to do something good with your life?  Do family arguments seem to erupt just before you're walking out the door to worship?  Be thankful.  You're on the right track.  A word of caution.  Make sure you pray daily for spiritual protection when the enemy is present.  Don't forget to pray for your loved ones as well.  If the enemy can't stop you, the spiritual attacks will be extended to your loved ones.  Have a great day.

Revisiting an Enemy Attack from My Teenage Years

 

If my siblings happen across this story I really don't know if they will laugh, cry, or be indifferent.  Their only request is that I leave them out of my stories.  I had a strange dream early this morning that took me back to a dark time in my teenage years.  I have a feeling there are some readers out there who can relate.  The good news is I'm fully healed.  The bad news is there was some damage done during this period of my life.  The enemy knew exactly how to strike.  I'm sharing my dream to help you understand the real enemy that is always lurking.

I saw several Trébuchets outside my childhood home.  Dark angels were loading these catapults with cow dung and hurling the ammo directly at us.  They worked like ants never taking a break.  My siblings and I were doing our best to ignore the attacks while we prepared for school.  I fell asleep this morning after the dream and didn't remember it until I sat down to write today's story.

I'm sharing this dream with you because I have a feeling it might help someone who feels like I did during my dark times.  There is an opposing force in this world that only wants destruction.  The enemy wants your soul.  The good news is that the Creator of the universe can disarm the enemy and rescue us.  He will leave the 99 houses that are living in peace and harmony and come to the house caked in cow dung to free the captives.  Are you the lost one?  Don't give up.  Please pray for the families who are under attack.  This war will not end until the one in charge of gathering up the sheep returns.  Have a great day.

The Bike Wheels are in Motion

My bike training for Ragbrai has been subpar.  Anyone in their right mind would call the whole thing off and move on.  Mother Nature kicked me in the butt on my best training day opportunities with nonstop rain.  She extended her Winter reign forcing bike riders off the icy roads.  The only thing I have going for me is my daily regimen of molecules and supplements that have really only been tested on yeast cells and mice.  That brings up the question of the day... Can a 62yr-old novice bike rider who has no team support survive the elements and make it to the finish line at the 49th Annual Ragbrai ride across the state of Iowa?

For the record, the Mrs. doesn't think so.  The last time conditions looked so bleak was 2,000 years ago when a young pregnant girl needed a place to stay and there was no room at the Inn.  In order to prevail, I will need to camp along roadsides and carry my own gear.  Mike Mulligan had his steam shovel, Mary Ann, to get around.  This Michael Mulligan has his own sidekick, Giovanna who will be hauling my molecules, tent, and sleeping bag.  The smart riders signed up on time and get their gear hauled for them.  I may not have inherited the smart gene prevalent in numerous relatives but I did somehow receive the "I'm not giving up" gene that allowed me to make it this far in life.  That gene is sometimes in conflict with the "mañana" gene also known as the "I'll do that tomorrow" gene.  Every good writer loves conflict.  I'm living it.  At least the bike wheels are in motion.  Stay tuned.  See you mañana.  Have a great day.

Is This Heaven?

 Kevin Costner once asked, "Is this Heaven?"

The answer?  No, it's Iowa.  Well, I'm in Iowa and this week feels like a glimpse of Heaven.  That's because I get the rare opportunity to play tennis three times in one week beginning with today when I sub for another player on the indoor courts.  It's a good thing because once again we're facing fierce rain.  I'm back on the courts for my regular session on Wednesday after work and then again Saturday morning before my inventory assignment later in the day.

One week from today I'll be on the road again.  It's time to leave Heaven and help my teammates open a new location in Wisconsin.  That's my version of Heaven on earth, doing what you love and doing it often.  Have a great day.

It's Time to Come Off the Ledge

If you find yourself on the ledge today and you're thinking about jumping, hold on a moment.  The easy way off the ledge is to simply jump.  I don't recommend this for one reason.  That's not your purpose in life.  Hear me out.  I'm offering you another idea.  You may think you don't see any other way other than to jump.  Those voices in your head that nag you want you to believe you're done.  They want to own your soul forever.  The sad truth is these voices are getting louder and louder.  Jumping will not end your pain.  You are going to live forever.  Jumping will keep you in captivity.  Facing your challenges will open the door to peace and tranquility.  

Congratulations.  You made it to paragraph two and you're still here.  I may not be standing next to you right now and I don't know what you're going through but I care.  I just want you to know that no matter how bad your situation is right now you are loved.  The Creator of the universe loves you.  The Creator of the universe knows every hair on your head.  The Creator of the universe sent his only Son, Jesus, to rescue you.  Yes, rescue you.  He died for you.  Why?  So that you may have eternal life.  Some day you will look back at this moment and be thankful you came off the ledge.  You will understand that the eternal life you have in Heaven far outweighs whatever it is you are going through.  If you have any guilt at all about what you've done or haven't done in this world, you are forgiven.  That's right.  Forgiven.  Those voices in your head don't want you to know that.  They are screaming, "Guilty."  Tell those voices that you are a child of God.  Tell them you are forgiven.  Ask them to depart.  It's time to come off the ledge.  Jesus is with you today and every day.  You are forgiven.  Please don't ever forget that.  Thank you for visiting.  Have a great day.

Can You Identify Your Greatest Obstacle?

How long is your excuse list?  If you don't have a list, maybe you're like me and you're hiding from the truth.  I heard it said that excuses are like a**h****s, everyone has one and they all stink.  I like to use the word obstacles because they don't stink so much and they are easy to visualize.  Your obstacles may be high walls, broken bridges, acts of Nature, bosses, friends, enemies, etc, etc.  Please take a moment and consider which obstacle is your greatest.  Don't go any further until you think you've got it.  This is really important.  If you can't identify your greatest obstacle you may be stuck for the rest of your life and you will die with regrets.

I finally found my own greatest obstacle.  It's a person.  I thought it was perhaps the Enemy.  These fallen angels are the kings of obstacles.  They will do anything to keep you from finding your way.  As strong as these foes are, there is a person who is stopping me.  This person may be your problem child as well.  I should have known better but I was blind.  I'm coming clean today.  My single greatest obstacle is that person in the mirror.  This person loves excuses.  This person loves to blame others.  This person is blind to who you can become if you can get past yourself.

It's time to flush all your excuses down the toilet and spray some air freshener.  It's time to look in the mirror and tell yourself you are committed to becoming the person you were created to be.  The fallen angels can't stop you, Mother Nature can't stop you, and you can beat the guy in the mirror if you're willing to go for it.  Every other obstacle you encounter is simply a way for you to get stronger.  Have a great day.

Tips for Reducing Stress in Times of Uncertainty

 There are two things you can pretty much count on, death and taxes.  Both are somewhat scary.  For most, there are other things that may be scarier.  That's because the other things are in the unknown zone.  We are living in extraordinary times.  The unknown is just outside our front door.  There are people who refuse to go outside because the uncertainty is too stressful.  If you are feeling more anxiety than ever and you want help, try these ideas...

1. Phone a friend.  You aren't the only one struggling with anxiety.  Your friend can share how he or she copes with uncertainty.
2. Volunteer.  Helping others will help you forget about the uncertainty you are experiencing.  
3. Exercise.  Let your own body pump you up with dopamine-like substances that are produced when you get your body moving.
4. Reach out to your Creator.  He knows everything about the unknown and he knows how to comfort you no matter how many trials you may face.
5. Meditate.  Imagine yourself in challenging situations.  Picture yourself slaying your giants.  The more you do this the more confident you will become.
6. Go outside.  Odds are that what you are afraid of in the unknown zone is actually much smaller than you think.  
7. Make a list of all your worries.  Take a few minutes and review everything you've written.  Remember the times in your past when you faced these worries.  If you beat the worry once you can beat it again. And if you didn't overcome the situation, recalling what happened can help you be smarter and stronger when you visualize what you're going to do differently so you can win.
8. Ask others to pray for you.  Be specific.  This is a powerful weapon for reducing stress.
9. Let go.  You may be holding on to something you're afraid of losing.  Letting go means you are willing to live without the very thing you don't want to let go of.  There is peace in letting go.  
10. Trust in a higher authority.  The more you trust your Creator the less you will dwell on the uncertainty.  

Uncertainty will never go away.  We all need to face it.  It's easier when you keep your stress levels to a minimum.  I hope these ideas help.  If they do, please share this story with a friend.  Have a great day.

Take a Look at This Sunset

A picture is worth a thousand words.  I have nothing else to say.  This moment unfolded as I was driving home after an intense workout on the tennis courts.  Five minutes later the moment was over and the colors faded away.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to share this moment with you.  It's one of the most dramatic sunsets I've ever seen.  Have a great day.

What is Your Contribution Today?

The sun will set at the end of the day.  The good news is that today's sunset will be one of the latest we will see for those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere.  For me it's 8:43 pm.  That brings up the question of the day... What is your contribution today?  What are you going to do that will make a difference before sunset?

My contribution may seem paltry to some.  I really don't care what others think.  If it inspires one person to make a contribution, then I'm going to count my contribution as a win.  Here goes...

Mother Teresa popped up on my news feed.  She was giving an acceptance speech.  She started by telling her audience she was unworthy.  Next, she shared a story about a little girl who was hungry.  She said, "Only God knows how many days it had been since the little girl had something to eat." 

The little girl ate the bread crumb by crumb.  Mother Teresa urged her to eat faster.  The little girl replied, "I need to eat slow because I'm afraid that when I'm done I will still be hungry."

Thank you for visiting today.  Thanks for taking the time to think about what you would like to do to contribute so the world can be better.  Have a great day.

Scorcher Today

You know it's a scorcher when the weatherman tells you it feels like 110º thanks to the high humidity. I'm thankful we got a reprieve yesterday so we could enjoy life outdoors after our morning storm.  Now that my 62nd orbit around the sun is complete I'm ready to explore what it's like to live in a relic of a carcass.  At least that's what my perception was as a teenager when I hit tennis balls in the middle of the day in the Phoenix heat.  Court temperatures soared to 140º in the summer time.  

Everything is about perception.  I no longer believe 62 is old.  There is much work to do.  I'm headed to my day job this morning.  It's a great day to be indoors.  Stay cool.  Have a great day.

My Birthday Wish for You

 My wife and youngest son treated me to a pancake breakfast at the fire station this morning.  The breakfast was sponsored by the Kiwanis in our home town.  The rain didn't stop the crowds.  Nor is it going to spoil our plans to celebrate my birthday later today at Holiday Lake about forty-five minutes from our home.  When I blow out my candles I'm going to make a special wish for you.  In order for this wish to come true your participation is necessary.  Ready?  Here goes...

I'm wishing you a long and prosperous life.  What I need from you is your willingness to make positive changes in your life that will make this birthday wish come true.  Maybe this wish is a bit selfish.  Why?  Because I'm heartbroken over all the losses from friends and family who have passed these last couple of years.  I've been working on a couple of books that are long overdue and one of the books is focused on longevity.  Rather than wait for "Live Long and Prosper" to be released, I'm sharing a couple of main points today on my 62nd birthday.

Do yourself a favor and order "Lifespan" by David A. Sinclair.  You can skip to page 304 and getting started on your journey to improved health.  I'm throwing in a disclaimer here.  I'm not a doctor so I'm not prescribing anything.  See your doctor and get approval.  Share the book with him or her and get your doctor on board.  Thank you for your willingness to try new ideas that may help you on your journey to better health.  Have a great day.

New Day Today

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.  My hope for you is that you make the most of it.  Sadly, I've lost some dear friends and family members recently and today I'm reflecting on the contributions they made to me and to this world.  What a waste it would be for those of us who are remaining to ignore what now falls upon our shoulders.

What are you doing with your new day today?  If you're not sure, ask God to guide you.  There is something for you to contribute.  Take a good hard look at all the gifts you have and decide today to share those gifts with others.  Have a great day.

RIP Erin

 Erin Cronican defied the odds.  She didn't let Stage IV cancer get in the way of living her dreams.  She got married.  She acted and directed.  She mentored fledgling actors.  She gave back.  All of this during a battle she fought with everything she had.

I got word yesterday that Erin has passed from this world.  My buddy, Wilson, has been with her in New York City since the beginning of the pandemic.  She will be missed but never forgotten.  You will see Erin's name again in the dedication when "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson" is released.  Thank you, Erin, for being a long time friend and inspiration.  Thank you for sharing your story with all of us and inspiring us to never give up no matter how difficult the odds.  I send condolences to your husband.  Thank you for taking Wilson under your wing for these last two years.  Your journey is complete now.  Wilson and I have work to do.  May you rest in peace, Erin.  

Decision Time

 Holy smokes.  July is here.  For me, that means decision time.  I'm still getting adjusted to my new bike, Giovanna.  I haven't spent as much time with her as I would like in preparation for Ragbrai later this month.  My wife is nervous about me riding from one of the state to the other with limited bike experience.  The training continues and I will make a decision about doing this 462 mile bike ride later this month.  It's a tough call for me.  I'm excited about what's on the calendar but also a bit nervous that my body might not be ready.  Stay tuned for the updates.  Have a great day.