6   The wonderful thing about being a tad older is that I get absolutely elated about spending two dollars and forty-nine cents on nothing, and can get SO much from it.

7   In my younger days, I used to shoot buckets at small parks, just to get some exercise. It was always my favorite form of exercise next to swimming, and I would do that for hours. It sounds sorta boring, I know, but to me it was totally Zen.

8    It was great to return to the ways of the olde days. I still glided up and made some fun shots. Just got a little sore.

9   Moving on, Part the First: With all the madness of the Olympics, March Madness, baseball pre-season, and everything else, you'd think I would be targeting other things for the DN, but not really.

10   I of course have to once again appreciate the Olympics, and the Closing ceremonies. I also think that Canada has a perfect right to enjoy the hockey victory. It if were us, we would have united over the reincarnation of Cinderella, and you could bet that there would have been dancin' in the streets had the USA won. Let's appreciate vicariously the goodness that happened to Canada in Vancouver.

11  Moving on, Part the Second:  The Chilean earthquake hit all of us unexpectedly, and the magnitude made the head swim. I had immediately looked to Red Cross of Silicon Valley, and got developing news. When I get something good and solid, I'll let you all know the best resources to help out. They first had a number you could call to get info about friends and family, but at the time, it would default to Haiti, which is fine, but for people who want news now, not as efficient as we might like. I'll fill you in as soon as I get solid info.

12   Moving on, Part the Third: I'm sure I will return to more Olympics stuff. At this writing, the closing ceremonies have yet to occur, and it is tough to report stuff without staying glued to the teevee all night. with all due respect, that ain't happening!

13    Meanwhile, our lives continue to move through all the madness, courage, and twists and turns that the many Olympic stories mimic.

16    Bottom line is that we saw the people who dedicated their lives to sport, and contributed to some of the best moments in sports' history. You have to raise a glass.

17    In any genuine competition, all emerge as winners. Salud!

18    Moving on, Part Four:  Well, back to reality.

19    Somehow this week got booked up when I wasn't looking. Ever have that happen? I said "yes" to a lot of things, and all of a sudden I need a calendar. And YES I am old school. I don't have an electronic reminder sorta thing because really, I'd prefer not to be reminded of things through electronics. I still cling to the fact that I need to keep my mind active. I'll jot things down on a paper calendar, but having electronic reminders isn't my thing.

20   I don't think my cell would do that anyway. It is an older one, and can't even take pictures.

21   I really should update it, because it seems not to keep a clear signal. Yesterday when arranging some things with my Dad, I had to walk around in circles trying to keep talking to him.

22   Anyway, busy week, that's for sure.

23   Busy ain't necessarily bad, but our grading period ends this week, and that is never pleasant. It is always a race to the finish, with tons of papers to be graded, and a relentless deadline.

24   I'm ahead this time, for a change, so that's a good thing, but I also have lots to do, lots to do.

25   I hope you guys have a good week, beginning this fine morning.

26   Live life.

27   Love life.

28   Fly low.

29   Peace.