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March 31, 2009

From the "Why Bother" Department

It never ceases to amaze me what people find to do with their time. Apparently the Performing Right Society (PRS for Music) has zeroed in on Rosemary Greenway, owner and operator of a private stable in Bushton, Wilts, England. She has the radio tuned to a station that plays music all day (for her four-footed guests) and because Ms. Greenway happens to employ two people who also enjoy the benefit of listening to the radio as well, the PRS insists that she pay a annual license fee of £99 since this is a performance (of sorts).

The mind boggles. Imagine if all stables were to flaunt the law and play music non-stop (without a license) for everyone to hear - the loss to the music industry would be hard to imagine. All those roving bands of musicians who, here to fore had been playing lucrative gigs at horse stables for non-stop music would be suddenly put out of work by callus and scofflaw stable owners. Oh the humanity...



Posted by pgutwin at 3:32 PM | Comments (0)

March 28, 2009

Dog Days

Becca is away for a few days enjoying herself, and she left Kaya with us for the duration. It's been interesting: Kaya is far more interested in getting up in the morning and going for a walk than I am, but we both enjoy it once we're out there; if Kaya does get left at home, she's awfully excited when we return, even if it's only been 20 minutes; and having a shadow around the house does present some responsibility I didn't anticipate - one can't use the word w-a-l-k unless it's in the context of getting your jacket on (otherwise you have a sad dog), and I've had to curb my habit of walking around the office when on the phone (it's a small space to be followed around by a dog).

I had thought I was immune to the persuasive powers of a dog, but I was wrong. I'm surprised how easy it's been to become very conscious of Kaya's situation (need to go out, fill the water dish, etc.) but also her happiness (and mine...). Now, I have real motivation to go out in the sun and enjoy it for a few minutes rather than just look at it from my office. It's a nice change.



Posted by pgutwin at 7:26 AM | Comments (0)

March 14, 2009

Getting Around

Today's weather forecast was favorable for a ride. As you may recall, last weekend Becca and I went on a bike-testing excursion. (I did the testing - she rode her crufty Cannondale). I had left the bike shop in a bit of a quandary over the two bikes I had ridden, but the choice became clear during the week, so I was ready to take the plunge.

So first thing this morning I went over to Earl's and purchased a Trek Madone 4.7. The next thing I did was drive over to Becca's and we went for our "normal" ride up through Milton (about 18 miles). It was really great to a) be out riding again and b) ride this really amazing new bike. Becca on the other hand rode her Cannondale again and complained the whole way.

I'll spare you the gushing about the bike. If you ride, you probably have an idea. If you don't, nothing I can say will make any sense.

After our ride, I went back home. But the day was so beautiful and I was still feeling pretty frisky, so I went out for a second ride, another 18 miles. It was just as fantastic as the first ride - a lot more hills (which I love).

After I got home (and relax, take a shower, etc.) I was trying to figure out what to have for dinner. Becca calls to remind me today is Pi Day. Menu dilema solved! Wow - It doesn't get any better than this!



Posted by pgutwin at 6:09 PM | Comments (0)

March 13, 2009

Sweet Life

The snow is almost all gone here in the valley (but it's still deep in the mountains) and the weather is warming up. And it's the time of the year when it's warm (above freezing) during the day and cold (below freezing) at night - perfect for sugaring.

We had some trees cut down last fall, and a few of the trees suffered some damage. This small sugar maple had a branch broken off, and now it's pumping out the sap. It'll be none the worse for ware - either from the loss of the limb or the sap.



Posted by pgutwin at 3:57 PM | Comments (0)

March 9, 2009

It Hurts

With all the back trouble I've had, you would think that I wouldn't be so shocked when it happens again. Saturday was a beautiful day and I finally got out to test ride some new bikes. But in my haste to get dressed and out the door, I must have tweaked my back - I remember standing at the back door with my hand on the knob, thinking "Wow, that's not a good feeling".

But I was pretty excited about the warmth and sun and getting out to do a little riding (on a couple of new, fancy bikes), so nothing like a little back pain was going to slow me down.

The sequel is probably obvious: I go out riding for maybe 30-45 minutes (not long), but it's not "normal" riding. I'm accelerating, breaking, charging up hills, all trying to work the bikes hard and figure out which one is best. Becca was with me - she made a comment about my apparent new speed (she's such a good riding buddy!).

But the test rides ended, and I left the store scratching my head trying to figure out which bike was the one for me. And to add to my musing about which of the excellent bikes I should choose, I started to think about laying down with the hot pad.

But no - there was no food in the house and I had to go shopping. And I had to go shopping before we left for our evening social commitment. So to make a long story short, I spend the rest of my day on my feet, grocery shopping, then driving to Stowe, then standing around drinking wine, then sitting down to dinner, and then driving back home.

So by the time I was getting ready for bed, I knew I was in serious trouble and was trying to figure out how I was going to a) get into bed without screaming and b) fall asleep with all the pain.

Fortunately there was a whole Sunday available to nurse by back. But there's nothing more depressing for me than to lay around waiting for my body to heal, so I wasn't such a happy camper.

I'm back to work, in mild discomfort but on the mend. Hopefully the weather will warm up later in the week, my back will return to what's become "normal" for me, and I'll decide on one of the bikes. THEN I'll be ready to roar into the weekend.

Posted by pgutwin at 1:59 PM | Comments (0)

March 6, 2009

Ready to Ride

Pardon me for expressing such passion, but I am so ready for winter to be over! I have rowed more than I care to say. Yes it's helped my fitness, but it's BOARING! I need to have the wind push me around, the sun in my eyes, watching the cars and cows go by. I NEED TO GO RIDING!!!

Ahem. OK, well, there you have it. Tomorrow is forecast to be in the 40's and sunny. I have two social engagements, one in the morning, and one in the evening. And someplace between those two, I'm going to go riding. Stand by for an update...



Posted by pgutwin at 8:59 PM | Comments (0)

March 3, 2009

Another Math Day

Owen points out that today is Square Root Day. I completely missed that which means:


The mind boggles.

Posted by pgutwin at 6:48 PM | Comments (0)

March 1, 2009

Don't Worry...

London was, briefly, a happier place recently. Stuart Semple released 2057 pink smiley faced clouds in London. Cool.

Posted by pgutwin at 10:05 AM | Comments (0)