Eight Days A Week

 My title is a foggy misnomer if ever I heard one.  Time seems to ebb and flow at odd paces in my mind.  I could have sworn it was a week ago Monday (hence eight days) when I ran through the thunderstorm weather.  But, looking in my writings.... it was only FIVE days ago.... last Thursday!

Well, my intially thinking about it being eight days ago had me think of the Beatles song by the name of the title of this entry.  Not my favorite Beatles song by any means.... but it is/was in my head now because of the incorrect 8 day association with running in thunderstormy weather.  

Which then (of course.... hah!) led me to think about Beatles songs in general and which ones are my favorites.  My favorites, though, are not the "usual" favorites you hear all the time.  My favorites tend to get considerably less air time than what most folks like:

Tomorrow Never Knows - easily one of the most interesting/intriguing of their songs to me.

Taxman

I Am the Walrus

Obviously, there are more "popular" songs, but the above three are the ones I find the most interesting to listen to.  And, of course the Beatles are considered beyond measure by most folks.... but there are a lot of works by others I appreciate as much or more than the Beatles (think early Chicago, CSN (&Y), Jethro Tull and others).  

So... why this foray into the Beatles?  Well, it all goes back to the "eight days"..... I thought it was eight days ago I ran in the heavy rain..... and I thought this while I was running early this morning in another VERY HEAVY rain.  Strangely, I felt no aggravation about the heavy rain this morning, like I did the prior time.  I think I was just simply ACCEPTING that it was what I needed to do in order to get the miles in.  There was no way I could get enough miles in and get to the U on time for class if I didn't run in the downpour.   So.... I just stomped them out.

However, at about mile 4 (~kilometer 6.5) of the 8 miles (~13 km) I ran, an explosive, gunshot intensive sound erupted and the sky above me briefly brightened to an almost dawn brightness.  It was a huge, upper atmosphere burst of lightning high up in the sky.  It caused considerable rumbling for a while afterwards too.  It was interesting.  There was not a whole helluva lot I could do about it either, being about four miles (~6.5 km) from home.  So, I just kept my pace going, and kept on using the headlight on my hat  to illuminate the path enough to keep me from slipping. Even though it was ~74 degrees (~23 C), by the time I returned home I was rather chilly.... from being sopping wet the whole time.  Fortunately, the upper atmosphere crashing thunderous noise from the lightning was a one-time only occurrence this morning.   

* * * * * 

I have to say, I am extremely curious about the upcoming Presidential Debate this Thursday.  Having the microphones turned off unless it is the candidate's turn to speak will definitely help Biden and will hinder Trump.  The lack of an audience will definitely hurt Trump, but I think it will be a neutral thing for Biden (IMO he would be fine with or without an audience).  I hope Biden does not attempt to adopt a "tough guy" demeanor as some are suggesting he should..... I think it would simply not work, and would have him look silly..... "tough guy" is not his persona. I cannot imagine what chaos Trump will accomplish given the restrictions he has agreed to.... but I am sure he will do SOMETHING.  That "chaos" aspect is what I believe his base lives for.... and it invigorates his base..... so I know Trump will do SOMETHING.  I think it will be a carnival and/or circus on Thursday.

* * * * * 

I have been watching the US Olympic Trials and it has invigorated my excitement about the Summer Olympics.  If the televisors of the Olympics adopt the same strategy as they are using at the trials.... it will be a much more watchable, "old-school" style of televising the event..... which I am hoping VERY MUCH for it to be.  I used to faithfully watch the Olympics because it was exciting and was televised well in a way that fostered excitement for the competitors.  But, sometimes, depending upon the broadcast company, they instead of focusing on the sports and the competition.... they instead try to dramatize everything into "us-vs-them" drama.  The last Summer Olympics seemed unwatchable to me because of this lack of attention to the actual competitions, IMO.  

* * * * * 

I only have a minute before heading back to class.  I have been gripping the stem of one of my pipes as I type because I wanted to loosen my jaws, and I forgot a bite splint this morning.  Gripping the stem has relaxed the tense jaw muscles quite a bit.  

PipeTobacco

Comments Commentary Monday

 

I found it nice and enjoyable to be able to comment to various comments in an actual post when I did so last week, so I am thinking I will try to keep doing so on Mondays.  So, here are some of the comments I thought I would address from last week. Again, I am placing the comments in alphabetical order of the commenter's moniker:

 AC

 "Did you still do the music part, at least?"

This was referencing the prior routine I had after a hard/busy/intensive workday where I would enjoy a big-bowled pipe and loud classical music on my drive home in my truck.  No, I actually did not have classical music playing.  Instead, I simply listened to NPR.  It was not particularly memorable, just basic news.  

 "I saw a little, white, puffy cloud in the distance. I stayed in, juts in case. 😇😉"

I really appreciated the above comment!  It made me smile. 

 

Liz Hinds

"Your dedication and perseverance are amazing!"

Thank you for thinking so!  I am not really sure if it is actual dedication nor perseverance actually.  One thing I have learned about myself is that I can be damn stubborn towards myself, if I put my mind to it.  I DO NOT like it when I say I am going to do something, and then I do not do it.  Not doing something I say I will do, makes me feel like a failure.  I feel like a failure enough of the time.  I do not need to feel it more by not doing what I say I will do.  

Margaret

"It's a relief to finish a big project and the release seems appropriate for some sort of celebration whether a pipe, an IPA or both. :)"

I agree with you, the finishing of a big project, especially one that involves a lot of fine, precise work on the computer.... DESERVES some sort of reward!  Unfortunately, I did not indulge in either a beloved pipe nor an IPA.  Both of these WOULD have been wonderful additions, but having a pipe (other than in a very tightly controlled manner (see Mike, below)) seems too damn risky, and having an IPA alone seems rather "blah".  I DID get to go swimming with my wife, however.  That did help to reduce the headachy feeling I had from all the nitty-gritty computer fussing.  In a PERFECT world, I would have had a pipe on the way home, listened to intense classical music, went swimming with my wife, and then would have gone to visit my FIL and had a libation or two and several more pipes.  Unfortunately, that is only an historical artifact now. :(

"You are incredibly dedicated!"

 I like being thought of as dedicated.  However, it really is more that I can be quite stubborn to myself. 

 "Hoping for your retirees' group visit in July!"

I am also quite hopeful!!!!!   The cigar I had the privilege to enjoy at the cigar bar on my wife's trip convinced me that I have a good shot at fitting in to the retiree's group and it could be a wonderful occasional treat.  And, if I get "accepted" I may even be able to eventually substitute the much preferred pipe instead of a cigar.... after I have a better read of the "lay of the land," so-to-speak.   

"I can't imagine running in that heat and humidity...   ....do you think the eagerness to keep to your miles is part of the fat guy inside? A fear of going back to that?"

Interestingly, the heat and humidity do not seem to bother me all too terribly.  Of course, I AM sopping wet from head to toe on hot days after my run..... this includes any shirts, shorts, socks, and inside my shoes being sopping wet.  It also includes the brim of my hat too.  My region is notoriously humid so the sweat does little actual evaporating nor cooling.  WHAT DOES bother me is bright sun.  I unfortunately have very limited tanning abilities, and more than actually tan, I tend to just get red, like a lobster.  And, with sun exposure, my skin feels rather itchy and uncomfortable.  The last two years were the best years I have had regarding tanning.... and they came about by running in the early morning (daybreak to about 10:30am) and having exposed areas covered with sunscreen.  Gradually over the course of the summer, I WAS able to get a fairly normal type of "farmer's tan" on those exposed areas by Fall.  

Regarding the "fat guy inside"..... I do not really think the reason I RUN is to keep the fat guy at bay.  When I accomplished my 130 pound (~59 kg; ~4.25 stone) weight loss way back when, I was not running.  Instead, I was walking 5 miles every day of the week.  If I did not run now, I would want to go back to at least walking.  

But, why do I RUN?  And, why do I continue to RUN.  There are several reasons...... a) as a chubby kid (~222 pounds (~101kg; 16 stone) when I graduated high school), I felt out-of-place by not being in any sports, b) because of my weight, I never THOUGHT I could run, c) when in older life, I found that I COULD run, it surprised the hell out of me, and I felt so amazed at myself, I had to keep doing it, d) I felt even more amazed thinking that a slovenly, pipe-smoking, old codger like myself COULD run.... that it just encouraged me...  because I NEVER THOUGHT it would be possible..... and also probably some of e) it gets the exercise out of the way more quickly so I can do other things.  :) 

Then, when COVID happened, I had already been running a fair amount, and had been dreaming of trying something BIG (at least to me)..... to "Run the Year" (running the number of miles of the year.... in the year).  Then with the greater flexibility of my schedule during COVID, I was able to wrangle in enough miles TO DO IT!  And, I have tried to stay at that level since. 

 

Mike

Mike said about himself.... "Maybe it's the fear of relapse that keeps me from lusting after a cigarette." 

I am not sure if you are aware that in the 6.5 years I have now abstained from my beloved pipes and pipe tobaccos, that I have allowed myself TWO pipes and ONE cigar.  One pipe happened perhaps two years ago on a trip when I went to Chicago and happened to be near the nation's oldest pipe shop, Iwan Ries.  

The second pipe was this past November on what would have been my Dad's 100th Birthday.  I allowed myself a pipe as I sat out at the cemetery at his headstone,  talking and talking with/to him about memories with my Dad.  

The cigar happened on a trip I went on with my wife for her work.  The city had a cigar bar, and I had a cigar and a beer out on their back patio (this occurred about 3-4 weeks ago).  

And, let me tell you.... each of those two pipes I had were utterly sublime and were pure bliss in all regards. Each allowed me to feel more "me" and I felt very contented like when I was a kid.  The cigar too, was very pleasant.  

Unlike you, I never lost the love of my pipe tobaccos (like you did for cigarettes).  Every day of the past 6.5 years I have remembered and thought of them.  I thought that I WOULD experience a linear slope-like decline in desire for a pipe as time wore on.  But, for me it has not been like that.  Instead, my desire for a pipe and pipe tobacco undulates.  Occasionally, some days it is moderately "low" in terms of desire, but many, many days it is very, robustly strong.  I suspect that after all this length of time.... it will always be so for me. 

Right now, I am trying to find a way to have an occasional pipe.  This is meaning.... once in a great while.  But, I struggle with how to do so WITHOUT falling off the wagon.  I do not know if/when I will know a plan that would work, but I suspect it should NOT include me having a bowl of pipe tobacco at home, because I think that could too easily allow me to finesse my way back into smoking my pipe at will.     

"As far as tastes, I am more like you. I favor savory over sweet. What I want to know is Mayonnaise or Cool Whip?"

Haha! That last question is better left unanswered.  But, I do remember Herb Albert's "Taste of Honey" album well. 

But, regarding sweet things..... I actually have a voracious appetite for sweet desserts.... I am just not as fond of "sweet" savory items. I have eaten vanilla frosting out of the can by the spoonful.... and if given  the option.... still would.   

"I admire your commitment to running. When you started out, I was skeptical you would stick with it."

I can be awfully damn stubborn (at least to myself) when I want to be.  Having the goal of trying to reach the new year helps.  It is interesting that some of my students have learned about my running and my running "the year".... and they are often flabbergasted that an old curmudgeon like myself CAN do it.  

"There is another thing I had considered when first we connected. I did not think you would stick with blogging and yet, here you are many years later still involved. And I hope you take this the way I intend it." 

Blogging has been (by far) the most successful attempt I have ever made at "journaling".  I have book-style copies of journals from earlier attempts but they all quickly petered out.  For whatever reason, writing here has stuck.  I am amazed too.  It is almost a sort of "therapy" for me.  I can get out any thoughts and ideas that I need to keep more to myself in day-to-day living.  Writing here is akin to revealing my inner thoughts (perhaps mostly my id, but with some of my ego and superego as well).... thoughts that are not always a part of emotions I can reveal in the tangible world without being perceived as neurotic.  

It is interesting.... I had reached my 20th anniversary of starting this blog past October.  I had been meaning to mention it, but had not done so.  

 

Pat

"Lest anyone think that the Monkees were not capable of extraordinary work, please take a look at their rendition of the old Spanish piece Riu Chiu."

You are so very correct, Pat!  I remember that song from the show... now that you posted the link.  It indeed does show their strong abilities as singers!   If they would have put their mind to it, I think they could have developed more and more.... and would have been capable of  "C,S,N, & Y" level harmonies.   

 

Peppylady

"I'm sure you do."

Yes, there are so many past routines and past hobbies that I DO miss.  Libations and pipes with my FIL is a big one.  Just smoking my pipes in my offices and labs while I work during the day is another one.  Of course, I also miss earlier days in lots of ways.  I miss when the kids were young.  I miss my Mom and Dad, etc.   

 

* * * * *

• I got myself out of bed appropriately at 5:05am this morning, and hoofed out a relatively pleasant 10.5 miles (~17 km).  I am thinking I am not as fond of my current pair of damnably, outrageously expensive running shoes.  They are the same MODEL I first bought when my wife insisted that I get a "good" (read as damn expensive) shoe since I needed to protect my joints since I was running so much.  I acquiesced.  

• However, the model has changed from version 14 all the way now to version 20.  Version 20 shoes have a heel that extends almost an inch BEHIND where my heel is used to landing.  This makes me run LESS heel-to-toe, and more flat.  I am not sure I have liked that these last ~1,200 miles.  I wish they still had the more traditional heel.    

• I am carrying around one of my simple Dr. Grabow pipes from the pipe rack in my inner office today.  Sort of a pacifier, I guess.   

PipeTobacco

 

Underwear

 I am going to be rather “brief” today.  I actually wear boxers, though.  

I ran 10 miles this morning to finish up the week.  I think anyway, I had better check my total miles later, just in case.  It was very cloudy but not rainy….. good running weather for me.

I spent the day writing up a presentation coming soon.  It was exhausting with all the fussing and finessing of things.  I was bushes when I was done.  

It is still so ingrained in me that when I complete a difficult task (like putz-ing and fussing with this damn presentation), that my reward as I head off to home would be a large bowled pipe of whatever was my favorite tobacco of the moment.  Then I would while driving, turn up quite loud, the classic music station on the truck’s radio.  The two would usually temper my exhaustion so I would arrive home relatively jolly and appreciative of my accomplishment.  Or, conversely, I would have gone to see my FIL for libations, pipes, and discussion.  

I miss both of those end points to a hard work day.  

PipeTobacco 

Thunderstorms

 

I awoke at my planned for 5:00am this morning. My plan was to hoof out the miles I needed, running, to stay on track for this week.  

Due to the extreme heat, we have had the air conditioning on the last few days, even at night, because it was still in the 80s even in the night (high 90s during the day).  

It was VERY DARK and gloomy.  At this time of the year, while it is still ahead of sunrise at 5:00am, there is typically enough scattering of the upcoming sunrise to make it possible to see outside, even though it is only the purplish coloration you see when you are using your rods and their opsin proteins are expressing cis-retinal instead of trans-retinal. This morning there was no such purple hazy view.  

It was raining heavily with extremely dense clouds.  

Part of me wanted to say "to hell with running" this morning. If I waited until 6:00am so I could run on the indoor track, I would not have any damn time to accumulate the necessary miles to stay on track.  And, the thunder I also heard along with the heavy rain made me not want to venture outside.  

However, I knew I would be upset at myself if I did not do what I said I would do.  So, while cussing under my breath, I disrobed from my pajamas, and pulled up the running shorts I have and put on a pair of running socks (designed to limit wear and tear INSIDE my damnably, outrageously expensive running shoes) and put my running baseball cap atop of my noggin along with my running headlamp and ventured forth outside. With the rain, I did not want to risk my damnably, outrageously expensive running shoes, so I instead clamped onto my hooves the prior year's worn-out pair of damnably, outrageously expensive running shoes that had previously stomped out ~2,000 miles already.  I could (somewhat) afford for the old pair to get sopping wet. My current pair has only ~1,200 miles and needs to last a helluva lot longer still. 

Hearing the crack of thunder startled me as I opened the door, but it was actually a good thing.  I could tell the sound was coming from my left.  I peered up into the sky to try to discern if I could see even the most minor of detail to see the boundaries of clouds.  It took a minute or two to find a cloud edge, and I waited.  

After a few minutes, I could see that the cloud edge was moving slowly to the left.  This was good, for I only had heard thunder from my left and it appeared it was being pushed further away from me.  

So, I braced my shoulders, naked other than the natural fur from my "Sasquatch mode" and my shorts and walked off the back porch into the rain and toward the front of the house to the driveway.  I was pretty much drenched before I reached the driveway, it was raining that heavily.

I turned on the measurement device on my (my younger son's several years old, and long ago discarded by him) gizmo watch, and took off in the heavy rain.  I kept the brim of my hat very, very low to try to keep the rain off my glasses as best as I could.   

It was very, very wet and the rain was dense and heavy.  But, I was able to accomplish 7.5 miles (~12 km) in the time I had available before I had to get home, dry off, get dressed and potty our dog before I headed to the U to start my 8:00am class.

* * * * * 

The sheer deliciousness of Sir Walter Raleigh pipe tobacco has continued filling my thoughts and my imagination since remembering the time of dissertation writing so long ago.  I had a dream last night featuring my smoking Sir Walter Raleigh while I was at some amorphous beach somewhere in the dream.  It was a beautiful dream.  And, during the rain, after completing the rosary,  I continued to revisit the memories of the flavors and pleasantness of that pipe tobacco while I ran.  

PipeTobacco

Tastes & Trivialities

 

To me, it is interesting how (probably based upon genetics more than upbringing, although that probably plays a role as well) there are several "tastes" that my wife and I disagree with each other in regards to foods and flavorants.  Here are a few:

Olives - I have never met an olive that I do not relish.  My wife abhors any type of olive.

Mustard - I enjoy all types of mustard (especially Dijon).  My wife avoids mustard whenever possible.

Matcha - Any food or drink infused with matcha is something I really enjoy.  My wife hates matcha and suggests it tastes like lawn clippings.

Taro - I have only recently (last few years) experienced taro, but I find it delightful in the cakes, cookies, candies, and other items I have had.  My wife finds the flavor quite unappealing.

Mushrooms - I could eat gallons of mushrooms of any sort.  My wife suggests they taste like eating "dirt".

Pickles - I greatly enjoy dill and gherkins, my wife greatly dislikes them.   My wife greatly enjoys sweet pickles, and I would prefer to avoid them.  However, we both greatly enjoy "bread & butter" pickles.

Ketchup (catsup) - my wife relishes ketchup on almost anything (including macaroni & cheese (gag)).  I generally avoid ketchup except perhaps on French Fries, which truthfully I very seldom eat.... but when I do, I would rather have something else on French Fries (mustard, BBQ sauce, marina sauce, gravy (like on Poutine), melted cheese, chili, or Ranch dressing).

Teriyaki - my wife would enjoy teriyaki flavors every day.  I dislike teriyaki immensely. 

Horseradish (and also wasabi) - I absolutely relish both horseradish and wasabi.  My wife grimmaces just seeing either of them available.   

Swiss Chard - I can eat pounds of the stuff.  My wife thinks it is intolerable.  

Kale - I enjoy, my wife abhors. 

Shrimp - my wife loves shrimp.  I simply cannot tolerate shrimp.  I dislike the flavor, and I immensely dislike the texture.

Cocktail Sauce -  my wife greatly enjoys this (yes, especially on shrimp).  I dislike it.... it is IMO just a "gussied up" ketchup.  

"Sweet & Sour" Sauce - my wife loves.... I would much prefer to avoid.

Tamarind - a relatively new flavor to me, but over the last several years I have found it delightful when I come across a dish that has this flavor, or in a few candies I have seen.  I had my wife try a few of these, and the "look" she gives me..... just tells me all I need to know.... she despises tamarind.  

Jack Fruit - another recent find, but since it has been available the last several years, when I see it, I will get some.  It is a beyond HUGE fruit, but at a few grocery stores, they will subdivide the enormous jack fruit into smaller sections, so that it is more workable to purchase for folks who do not want 10 pounds of it at a time.  I very much like the flavor of Jack Fruit.  My wife.... no. 

Obviously, my wife and I share MANY flavors in foods that we both like.  But, the flavors we disagree on are to me, rather interesting.   

* * * * *

Ran a very sweaty 10.4 miles this morning.  I did go "Sasquatch" mode again as it was 80 degrees (~26.5 C) at 5:45 am! My furry self, I think, scarred some of the wild turkeys I came across on the trail. 

Doing a lot of grading today, and I have also spent a lot of time finding and printing out receipts.. and filling out stacks of U required paperwork so I can receive reimbursement for the various U research travels I have had the last few months. 

* * * * *

It is an interesting dichotomy.  While running this morning, I was (after completing the rosary) allowing my mind to drift to whatever it wished, and I recognized a bit of a dichotomy:

As you may anticipate, my mind drifted, when allowed, to memories of pipe smoking.  I was remembering today, how.... so, so long ago, it felt utterly nourishing for me to indulge in bowl after bowlful of robust Sir Walter Raleigh pipe tobacco during the intensive period of my writing the near final draft of my doctoral dissertation.  Even though writing a dissertation is not classically considered a "fun" experience, I was remembering the many hours I spent at my desk nearly hidden in stacks and stacks of various journal articles, research notebooks, etc.  I remembered the three pipes I was primarily smoking at that time, and how they sat around on the desk, with the ashtray overflowing with spent pipe ashes, and the round canister of Sir Walter Raleigh on my desk.  And, I was remember the gentle word play I tried to incorporate in my dissertation writing.... simply to amuse me.  The pipes and Sir Walter Raleigh were integral companions during this gargantuan writing effort. And though it has been decades since that time, while running, I could almost feel and sense the experiences as if it was only yesterday. The flavors and textures and tastes and power of the Sir Walter Raleigh infused me and encouraged me to keep putting the words down.

But, then also as I ran, I was imaging the future "Retiree's Group" that I am so hoping to visit in July.  And, while I am now comfortably confident I will not make a fool of myself with a cigar, and will even enjoy it.... the bigger hope is that the fellows there will be folks who can fill some of that need I have for in terms of that sort of casual friendship.  I am hoping it will be similar to my imagination.  

And, perhaps if it goes as swimmingly as I hope, perhaps I will find it a comfortable venue to venture into having a pipe there instead of a cigar.  That would then hit the best of both worlds, IMO! 

Those thoughts percolated back and forth through my mind as I finished my run.

PipeTobacco 

Santa vs Sasquatch

Back when I had a rather girthsome BMI (BMI = obese at ~39) and had a true "Santa's bowlful of jelly" sort of belly,  the thought of ever going shirtless, other than when sleeping in bed....  was the stuff of nightmares.  

It is quite interesting for me to realize that my BMI change (current BMI = normal at ~23.0) has been something I have kept for roughly 18 years now.  Back when I had the requisite "Santa belly" my beard was just a bit of grey scattered throughout it to give a true salt-and-pepper appearance....  and my beard and mustache was short (perhaps 1 inch in length (~2.54 cm)).  Now my beard is much longer, more robust, and more Santa-esque..... and all my hair is uniformly grey (not the desired Santa white color, but a gunmetal grey).... however, my belly is no longer appropriately Santa "big".  As I hope to go to Santa School upon retirement, to be a Santa after Santa School, I will need spray whitener for my beard and mustache and an insert a pillow for my belly.  

Even though I still am emotionally a "fat-guy" inside, I can force myself to go shirtless when running in high temperatures.  Yesterday's sopping wet shirt chaffed areas uncomfortably when wet.  But, to go "Sasquatch Mode" it needs to be either VERY EARLY morning, or it needs to be EXTENSIVELY CLOUDY.  I dislike wearing sunscreen, but when I have to run in the bright sun I will wear a long sleeved shirt and then slather on sunscreen on exposed skin (non furry facial areas, neck, ears, etc), outer plams, exposed portions of legs.  

I was able to get in a reasonably acceptable 8.2 miles (~13 km) this morning before heading to the U for my 8:00am class because I did not allow myself to be a damnably, lazy lout... and forced myself out of bed.  I still did not hit the pavement at 5:00am as I had hoped.... but I did get on the trail by 5:17am.  I can do better.... and I need to work on that.  But, today was at least acceptable.

This is about all I can muster in writing today.  Lots of teaching ahead.  The computer bag I have in the teaching lab I am in this morning has a wonderful pouch of pipe tobacco that is an aromatic with a vanilla overtone, but also made with Green River Black Cavendish.  Green River Black Cavendish is a blending pipe tobacco that is made from a good quality burley leaf that is then infused with a light sugar solution and then gently heated until the burley leaf darkens (sort of like how an onion when heated caramelizes).  This gives the pipe tobacco a really beautiful in-pouch aroma, and when it is smoked, there is a bit of a wonderful, sweet, brown sugar flavor to the smoke.  While I have the students work on some of their cow heart dissections this morning, I occasionally open the pouch and deeply smell the beautiful crumbles of the Green River Black Cavendish.  

PipeTobacco

PipeTobacco 

 

Pondering.... Comment Replies & More

 

I did not get to reply to comments recently due to the trip to pseudo-Chicago.  So, I thought I would reply to some of the more recent ones today.  Please know that I ALWAYS appreciate your comments and learn from them and find them valuable.  Comments I am replying to are listed alphabetically by commenters name:

AC

 "You are certainly devoted. It still surprises me sometimes although I know it to be the case."

The above was in reference to my attending Mass in pseudo-Chicago.  And, I thank you for suggesting I am devoted.  I am not so sure if I truly am or not, but it is nice that I am seen that way.  For me, going to Mass is always a bit of a sanctuary for me.  It is a place where I can find calmness and tranquility.  And, it is always a place where I find a sense of family as well.  

"Although I might recognize them if I were to hear them, I don't know the other songs, but I do know Daydream Believer. As with you, it's not necessarily a favorite."

The Monkees had A LOT of rather "schlocky" songs that could grate on your nerves (Daydream Believer being one of them IMO), but to my ears, there WERE some very good songs.  Here are links to two examples:

"Pleasant Valley Sunday" 

"Love is Only Sleeping" 

"But I can 'listen' and commiserate."

 And, I do appreciate your doing so, very much!

GaP

"To me, that says it all, Professor, in regard to your pipe-smoking."

This was in reference to my saying that I "felt more myself" when I was at the cigar bar a while ago.  And, I do think GaP has a point.  Without my pipe, I am NOT my full self.... at least the full self I was.  And, I do notice that loss.  But, the difficulty is still, what is the "correct" path?  Just because it is WHAT I would LIKE to do, does not meant it is what I SHOULD do.  But, then of course, the like/should conundrum also comes into play..... should I be a hedonist and do whatever the hell I want?  Or should I do what is for the betterment of others?  There may be no correct choice.  So, as in many things, I am attempting to determine a compromise.... an intermediate position.  It is just that it seems in this particular avocation, finding that compromise is not an easy task.   

Margaret

"The Monkees weren't really musicians, but their songs were catchy, and I enjoy catchy tunes." 

Actually, Tork and Nesmith were both musicians.  Dolenz had some background in instrumental music, but was mostly a singer, and Jones was a tv actor and had some singing experience.  It is very true that on their first two albums, I do not believe they played any of the actual music.  But, beginning on their third album and after that, the had considerably more control over their albums.  Tork was actually a quite good keyboardist.  Michael Nesmith wrote many songs, and in his career after the Monkees actually received several Grammy nominations for his songs with his group "The First National Band".  He also wrote the song, "Different Drum" which was a big hit for Linda Ronstadt when she was singing with the "Stone Poneys".  

Two of the later Monkees songs I enjoy include:

"Words"

"The Door Into Summer"

"I'm glad that you're going to keep with the retirees' cigar group."

After the unexpected foray at the cigar bar while on my wife's trip.....and it being very enjoyable, I now feel confident enough that I can reasonably well fit in to the retirees group.  I do not like being a "newbie" but, with the practice at the cigar bar, I do not feel so much a "newbie".   I am looking forward to the first meeting I can attend (likely July 11th).

"So, I can sympathize with the stress of having that type of person under your roof."

It is challenging.  Unexpectedly, however, things seem to have now for the last several days become rather even-keeled (knock on wood, hoping I am not jinxing the situation).  Father's Day, even, was uneventfully calm.  The only problem my wife and I are currently having to overlook is that our home looks like a tsunami strikes every day, and the place is a disaster zone inside as current folks in the home do not clean up in any way after themselves so our workload has at least quadrupled in regards to dishes, laundry, cleaning generally, etc.  My wife and I when just us two, are pleasantly tidy.   

McCrum

"...which began my separation from anything Top 40."

 Mike, I can understand that.  The reason why I spoke of the Monkees in the first place in that entry was simply because I was thinking about how pleasant and easy it is for me to daydream about my pipes and pipe tobaccos.  And, daydream about them I regularly do, even after this now 6.5 years of refraining.  Because I like word associations, daydreaming lead me to remember the unpleasant "Daydream Believer" song by the Monkees, but then I also remembered that ACTUALLY they had a few quite good songs.  Most were NOT top 40, and most occurred on their 3rd - 6th albums.  

But, my PREFERRED "decade" inspired music preferences tend to drift more towards Motown, Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and sometimes Young), Chicago (early), Yardbirds, Folk Music, and...  most music from the 1965-1973 period... especially The Guess Who, The Who, Lightfoot, Carol King, America, Jethro Tull, and the like.    

Pam J

 "I’m in no way a Christian but I do agree with this:

“…do what you (I) can do to be of help, be of service.... which is what life is meant for.”

I think I learned it from Buddhism and AA."

Pam.... I agree with you.  There are so many philosophies, so many faiths, so many beliefs that have a similar focus.... the idea/notion that life is meant to be lived in service.  Even though I am very comfortable in my Roman Catholic Faith, I have often read about and thought about a variety of other philosophies and faiths.  To my manner of thinking, I find value in having a philosophy or faith and I find great comfort in the community of that philosophy or faith.  Even though it is only just a "mental exercise"....  from my readings of other philosophies and faiths over the decades, if Roman Catholicism did not exist as a philosophy/faith for me, I believe the top four philosophical or faith thoughts I would likely choose to follow would be:

1.  Greek Orthodoxy (or other Orthodoxy)

2.  Judaism

3.   Buddhism

4.  Hinduism (at least from what I understand from reading the Bhagavad Gita long ago. 

Pat

"Professor, if both you and your wife feel pained at being in your own home, the solution isn't for the two of you to go away from that home. It's to remove from your home the source of that discomfort, whether the source is an attitude, an object, or a person. To "work around" your discomfort is simply to avoid it and let it fester and grow worse. Resolving discomfort may itself be discomforting, but it's the only way to move forward."

Pat, you are, of course, correct in stating that we should not go away from the home because it is painful, and that the only "work around" is NOT to avoid it but to resolve it.  And, that is indeed our ultimate goal.  However, within the family construct there is a bit of a balancing act that needs to be taken into account as well, for there are some "tricky" aspects to the personality dynamics that are occurring.  Both of us of course LOVE the individual, but situation is rife with past discords and both my wife and I are trying to navigate through a field of landmines that are not of our choosing.  Sometimes, having a temporary break away from the epicenter of the emotional struggle can help.  And, by "work arounds" I am thinking of mostly things that can be attempted to "nudge" things towards a more positive direction.  Believe me, we both want to RESOLVE the discomfort and conflict.  It just unfortunately, requires a lot of hope, patience, and finesse.  And, patience and finesse are damn exhausting at times.      

And, of course, my own internal abilities in terms of patience and finesse were for decades facilitated by my pipes.  They were always an easy "go to" for me when I needed a boost in thinking, a boost in patience, or a boost in trying to be physically, emotionally, or philosophically precise and acting with finesse.  In some ways, I am more like a rudderless vessel in these ways without my pipe.  

 

* * * * * 

• Ran a HOT and SWEATY 10 miles this morning!  We are going to have high temperatures in the mid 90s (~35-36 C) virtually the whole damn week!  

• I overslept this morning and did not hit the pavement until 7:15am today, so I did not attempt "Sasquatch Mode" running (running without a shirt.... just trunks, socks and shoes) because it was already too bright out and I knew I would get sunburned.  I rubbed sunscreen on the non-furred parts of my face, my neck, the back of my palms and legs between the socks and trunks.  When I finished my run and took off the shirt, shorts and socks.... I could literally wring out a hefty amount of perspiration into the sink from these clothes.  As it is also very humid in my region as well, my skin was covered in heavy perspiration as well, since it does not evaporate off much.  

• As I have to teach at 8:00am tomorrow, I hope I can roust myself out of bed early enough to run, and I will likely be able to go "Sasquatch Mode" so it will be a bit more comfortable in the heat. I SHOULD try to hit the pavement at 5:00am.   

PipeTobacco
 

Daydream Believer

 

As I have been doing a fair amount of grading, one of the benefits of grading is that relatively speaking it is somewhat mindless.  This affords me the ability to drift around into various other thoughts.  This is likely to be so most of today as well.  

My wife and I went swimming last night which further helped my mood about all manner of things that had been challenging.  And my new book from the parish I visited has proven extremely helpful in giving me thought tools to help me refocus away from my worries as much and more towards service..... enormously helpful for my mood.  

I even had a pleasant time drifting off to sleep last night.  In my mind I relived the pleasantries of the cigar and beer experience I had at the cigar bar when I was able to travel with my wife.  I remembered the delightful creaminess of the Arturo Fuente Hemingway.  It was not as flavorful as a pipe, but it was so pleasant, so unexpected, and so simultaneously NORMAL feeling that the afternoon on that patio, quietly enjoying the cigar and the single beer felt so affirming.  I felt more "me" than I have felt in a long while.  

And, I even had a dream that I remembered last night too!  In the dream I was smoking one of my Peterson pipes and had the great pleasure of enjoying a bowlful of simple, traditional Prince Albert pipe tobacco.  Every gentle nuance of the leaf seemed vivid and punctuated in my dream.

I am now very eagerly hoping to visit the retirees cigar group across town as soon as I am able.  I believe the first Thursday I will have is now going to be July 11th (technically I could go July 4th, but I suspect it would not be a normal experience due to the holiday).  I feel very comfortable now going because I can enjoy an Arturo Fuente and hopefully find a nice cadre of new friends as well.  And, after visiting once or twice, I should have a good idea on how/if a transition by me to a pipe would be appropriate in future events.

Of course, it could be that the group may not be a good fit.  But, I cannot worry about that now.  I suspect, that if the folks are similar to the fellow from Mass, that they are likely a good group.  

Dreams, including day dreams are helpful.  My mood is much better today than it had been much of the week.   

"Daydream Believer" (the song) was NEVER a favorite of mine.  Actually, to my ears it is rather schlocky.  That does not mean I do not have several songs by the Monkees that I do greatly enjoy.  I would likely state that "Pleasant Valley Sunday" is very much a favorite of mine.   Other favorites include "The Door Into Summer",  "Love is Only Sleeping", and "Circle Sky" and "Can You Dig It?".

PipeTobacco 

Rolling

 

Even though I am often slow on the uptake, and I have difficulty at times remembering what I damn well know to be true.... given enough time for my feeble neurons to fire-up properly.... I can usually figure things out.  

With the circumstances that have been dealt regarding that which I do not talk about, work-arounds are the only viable option.  So, work-arounds are what I strive to do.  This time it only took me until last night to find one of the needed work-arounds.

When I was in pseudo-Chicago (the far hinterland aspects of Chicago), because of the timing of travels, I needed to attend Mass in pseudo-Chicago.  But, this turned out to be fortuitous for two reasons:

1.  I was able to arrive to the parish with enough time to receive the sacrament of Confession prior to Mass.

2.  I arrived also with enough time to see AND briefly VISIT the parish's small gift shop ahead of Mass.  

In the gift shop, I found a small book entitled "Daily Companion for Men".  I had not seen this book before, and was intrigued by its simplicity and organization.  I bought it, along with the "Daily Companion for Women" for my wife.  

During all the hustle and bustle of the remaining time in pseudo-Chicago, and the travel involved getting back home, and the drama that ensued shortly upon my return, I forgot about these two little books.... until last night.  

The book has a brief paragraph for each day of the year to read that focuses on ways to try to look more outward at what you (I) can do to be of help, be of service.... which is what life is meant for.  The Catholic-focused thoughts and ideas were very helpful.  After reading the small passage for yesterday, I felt more centered, less despondent, and more remembering of what I should do and strive to be each day.   

While I cannot change things in/for others that they do not themselves choose to change..... I can change how I respond to them.  I have to keep that in mind.   

* * * * * 

Running has been HARD since my return because my motivation has been low, and I have wanted to mostly just sleep.  BUT, I have forced myself to hoof out every damn mile I need to stay on track.  Same has been true for work.  I have had little motivation for work since my return, because I wanted to mostly just sleep.  BUT, I have forced myself to DO all the teaching and research that I need.... and tried to infuse my more typical "gusto" enthusiasm while teaching even though my heart was not into it.  

Even though I am deeply disappointed that I did not get to Iwan Ries, and I SO very much WANT to have a pipe.  My memories of late have been focused on reliving the more recent experience with having the cigar and glass of beer (IPA).  Perhaps because it was relatively recent, it is a pleasant memory that is easy to conger back up in my mind.  

So, I will work to keep rolling along as best as I can.

PipeTobacco

Anxiety & Trying to Combat It

Yesterday's brief post said a lot of things without saying much.  Right now, it pains me to feel like I do not want to be at home.  With who knows what the hell may suddenly happen, it feels more comfortable here at the U.  

But, that is not a way to live.  But, I feel stuck.  My wife feels similarly, perhaps not as acutely as me, but we both feel that way.  If our work schedules would permit it, I would like to go away with my wife where we can just enjoy each other and our surroundings.  

But there is not a helluva lot that can be done about things at the moment.  I simply need to persevere, and try to find work-arounds. 

We shall see.

PipeTobacco

Working Through Things

Things did not go as hoped for or planned.  

I thought I would be able to visit Iwan Ries by taking the Marta train into the city, but with the timing of the presentation, and the length of time to a) reach the closest Marta, the length of time being on Marta, and the time to reach Iwan Ries once in the city..... it was not possible to do so within open hours.... and this did not even consider the amount of time it would take to get back.  

I tried it out, actually, hoping to get there even with just a bit of time (I was hoping for at least 15 minutes of time, even though given my druthers, I had initially had envisioned spending a few leisurely hours there basking in the shops ephemeral joys and pleasant conversations.)  Getting back through all the system following my failed attempt also brought about challenges as many, many things were closing down.  I was fortunate to reach the last Marta back of the day.

Fortunately, plane travel back home was uneventful.

Sadly, upon return, chaos ensued as challenges with what I no longer mention here have been clouding the homefront.  

It is not a great start to the week, yesterday and continuing into today, when the U feels like the most tranquil place to be.  But so be it.

PipeTobacco

Wait

 Because I was a last minute “sub” my flight is different from the other fellow. It is kind of nice being alone and a “nobody” at the airport.  Idle chit-chat is not my forte.  I  am now safely through TSA and am awaiting the time to board the plane.  Because I have had a bit of a feeling of “largess” this afternoon…. I have treated myself to a Two Hearted IPA as I await boarding.  Not a normal thing for me to do at the airport, but I thought, “What the hell? Live it up!”  I just imbibed a generous mouthful of the delightful elixir, and its intense “hoppiness” came through exquisitely.  So, so pleasant a flavor.  

With my teaching all day up until this point, I could not yet investigate Iwan Ries options. BUT, I have thought of a potential plan that MAY be feasible.  When I get to the conference tonight, I will try to investigate further.  

I ran a relatively decent 8 miles this morning.  It is hard getting even that in when I have to be at the U ahead of an 8:00am classroom start.  So, I am “ok” with those meager miles.  My earlier, longer runs will hopefully allow me to accomplish my weekly goal of 50 after I run tomorrow and possibly Saturday if needed.  

PipeTobacco

Last Friday

 It has been a whirlwind of a time the last several days. 

My MIL seems perfectly fine.  We are all relieved.  My wife had a work related trip that required an overnight stay last Friday, and I was able to arrange my day so that I could go with her.  It ended up being at the same city I spoke of last year that we visited where there was a cigar lounge.... but when I visited it, I did not participate because the lounge was a room filled with video screens and computers and the few folks there were "gaming" or some other such computer nonsense thing.  

However, as I was walking about this town and strolled past the cigar lounge again, it looked different.  So, I moseyed inside.  It was still pathetic in terms of pipes and pipe tobaccos.  BUT, during the last year, they expanded by having the gizmo-computer-gaming part ISOLATED from the bar.  This gave the bar a much more normal "bar" feel and look.  And, they also added in a fenced in, comfortably large patio area outside in the back!  

From last year, you may recall that the lounge (and patio) only allow smoking of cigars (I do not understand the logic, but it is their rule).  So, since I had a few hours until I could meet again with my wife, I decided to give it all a try.  

I walked into their very large humidor which was probably 30 feet (~10m) by 40 feet (~12m) inside and held hundreds of different types of cigars.  I do not really know much about cigars, so I was roaming around rather aimlessly, but I happened to spy one called:

Arturo Fuente Hemingway

Even though from what I saw in the humidor, it was a "low-moderate" priced cigar, to me it was pretty damn expensive..... it was $11.00.  They had some in the humidor that I saw were priced at $80 for a single cigar.  

But, I said, "What the hell?" and ended up purchasing the Arturo Fuente Hemingway.  I then asked the barkeep to please bring me a draft of one of the brands of IPA they had called "Two Hearted".  

So, I went out to the patio and sat at a nice table in the shade with the cigar and my beer, and the book I had brought as well.  At the early-mid afternoon time, the patio was not busy nor crowded, as there were only three other fellows out there.  I presumed it would get busier after the normal end of the work day.  

So, I indulged in the cigar.  And, while it sure as hell was NOT a pipe, and it was NOT in any fashion as transcendent as a good pipe can be... it was quite pleasant! I was surprised.  And, it was by far the most flavorful cigar I have had ever in my life.  It was quite a nice way to spend part of the afternoon.  And, the Two Hearted IPA was wonderful (I have had that brand of IPA before.... beautifully strong in hops flavor!).  

And, now... if (when, hopefully) I am able to visit the close to home cigar bar where the "retirees" meet on Thursdays..... hopefully perhaps sometime in July..... I will be more at ease and will more readily feel like I fit in....  with having this sort of adventure as a "practice run".  

After the fun afternoon, my wife picked me up along the side of the road nearby, and we went to the hotel to change and then we went out to eat at a really pleasant and nice restaurant.  We shared a small pizza that had an array of roasted vegetables and interestingly also had cherry marinated pulled pork on it as well.  We chose it because it seemed odd, interesting, and different.  We also each had a sauteed potato taco.  Again, we chose it because it was odd and different.  It too was really good.... the filling was a mixture of pleasantly sauteed potato chunks with an array of Latin-typical spices and a variety of fresh herbs, shredded sauteed cabbage, and other vegetables.... and an avocado aioli sauce and fresh limes to squeeze over them served on a soft corn tortilla.  And, we also shared a bowl of tomato-chickpea soup that was beautifully spicy (my wife thought it a bit too intense for her) and robust.  My wife had Diet Coke to drink (she does not like to drink alcohol), and because this restaurant is renowned for its array of hard ciders, I first had a pear cider, and then followed it with a blueberry-apple cider.  Both were tasty, but... since I had the blueberry-apple last year, and knew it was a real winner.... I had that one second.   

After that relaxing day and a very fun evening and overnight time, my wife left at daybreak to complete the early morning work she also needed to do, and while she was away I ran 5 miles (~8 km) through town and through one of their parks.  A pleasant, scenic run.  

We then started to drive back home around 10am.   

Once we arrived back home from this fun adventure, we both had to dive back in to various work and home tasks and it has been busy as hell since then.  Nothing bad (fortunately).... just VERY, VERY BUSY.  I have had to do an especially large array of things for my teaching as well...  to permit me to go away late Thursday for this conference I told you about.  

It was approved for me to be able to go as a substitute for the other fellow....  and the U is paying for it.  But, there has been a pipe-related snag, unfortunately.  I found out, the conference, to my utter dismay, is NOT actually IN Chicago..... but is instead at some place way, WAY on the outskirts of the distant suburbs of Chicago.  Thus far, I have determined there is NO connection from this hinterland to the "L" (train/subway of Chicago).  And, the best I can figure is that a Taxi or an infernal Uber would charge upwards of $90 dollars to drive me to Chicago city.  So that too is "out".  I am going to try to figure out other options.  But, at this point, I am not sure if I am going to get to visit the illustrious oasis known as Iwan Ries.  And, if I do NOT get to go there, it will make me rather sad, as that was a MAJOR reason I agreed to substitute for the original co-presenter who had to bail.  If I cannot figure a way to get to Iwan Ries, and then still end up doing all this rigamarole, I will be SIGNIFICANTLY disappointed. 

* * * * * 

• Hit my 50 mile goal for last week with that 5 mile, Saturday morning run.

• Monday I ran a brisk 14.2 miles (~23 km) and it felt quite wonderful.  It was heavily cloudy and I started hoofing around 5:15am.  Probably my very favorite running conditions. It was about 60 degrees out.  

• Tuesday, before my 8:00am class, I was able to hoof out only 8 miles (~13 km) due to lack of time.

• Today, I had more flexible time again and I stomped out a more normal 10.3 miles (~16.5 km).   

PipeTobacco