Accountability

Some photos might not be suitable for small children. After reviewing the photos we took on our vacation trip to Akumal, MX, I found one shot of me coming out of Akumal Bay with my fins and mask in hand. Barbara took the picture while standing on the seawall above me. I was impressed by the photo; impressed to go on a serious training program that is. About the only arena where I would not immediately be recognized as a non-athlete, would be in the grand parade at a Sumo wrestling event. Therefore I am proclaiming the starting point in my quest to re-shape, and re-define, the ectomorphic figure I have become. You are my accountability team. I will not show the "before" picture until I have the "after" picture to go along with it. This may take more time than some of you have to wait, but Rome wasn't destroyed in a day.I'm hoping to be able to once again take nature photos without having to hide in the tall grass. I have a desire to see my belts again. I really don't like tight clothing. It is embarassing to be asked to step on the scales at airports to see if there is any extra charge for travel. I will need to start counting tortillas and lay off of the nachos for a while. My son-in-law just set up a gym in his garage so I may go over and use the equipment there. If there is a break in my posting, it may be due to the inability to raise my arms to the keyboard. Please keep checking by because I will be back when the pain subsides.
I have a dream. No, not that dream. I have a dream where I leave the comfort of Fatville and cross the narrow bridge over the Cholesterol River into the Land of Lean. I always wake up before I get to the end of the bridge. I would like to stay asleep until this is over, but that has been part of the problem. I may build a sweat lodge in the back yard and rid my body of toxins and evil (fat) spirits. I will keep you posted on my progress. That's all for right now, Barb wants me to take her to lunch.

I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist. Mae West

Will power is the ability to eat one salted peanut.

Spring Variance

Just wanted to include everyone. Positive thinking is a good thing. It won't be long before your transformation occurs. While you are thinking blooms, we are anticipating the warmth that follows Spring here. This actually dipicts an Arizona summer temperature more than one of ours. We usually top out just under 100 on our hottest days. Last year was very wet and mild for the Valley. I think we had one day during the summer that reached 100. I'm pretty sure Billings, MT beat us. I am trying to shed my winter coat - I've been wearing it for a couple of years now. I did manage during the course of my eight day diet to loose nine pounds. About thirty more and I'll be just right. I appreciate your supportive comments. Many people here have the sniffles, plus watery, itchy eyes, as an abundance of pollen from Oaks, Mesquite, Huisache, and other trees travels on the March breezes. In Austin during the late winter and early Spring the pollen of the Mountain Juniper tree gave many people "Cedar Fever". People called the tree a Cedar, even though it is a Juniper. Austin is at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, and on the west side of the city the limestone hills are beautiful. I wrote this poem while living there.

Austin Winter

Another hot winter’s day

Liquid crystal moves over limestone.

Skies threaten more water,
not frozen.

Green grass.
Mountain Juniper pollen.

Southerly breezes huff
against a norther.

Everybody hates me because I'm so universally liked. - Peter de Vries

Edible Mammals

I found this picture on the web the other day, apparently from L.A., and it put me in mind of day six of my diet. Anything with edible meat on it had my attention yesterday. During the day I went to the back yard to practice my stalking skills on the Anole lizards living in my flower beds. However, they were spared when I got a call from a friend who said he was cooking fajitas and wanted us to come over for supper. I was limited to meat and tomatoes, but I don't think they ever tasted better. Today and tomorrow are the last days of the diet, and are designed to slowly move participants back to normal (but restrained) eating habits. I calculated my weight loss at around nine pounds yesterday. I am going to buy a thermal cover for the pool today to prevent night time heat loss. This should mean a return to the water in a week or so. I know why hippos enjoy lolling in the water all day. They look cute, but are in the group of cute animals you want to avoid when paddling in a fiberglass canoe. Especially if they've been dieting.






ARTIST: Richard Thompson TITLE:

1952 Vincent Black Lightning

(Selected verses)


Said Red Molly to James that's a fine motorbike
A girl could feel special on any such like
Said James to Red Molly, well my hat's off to you
It's a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952
And I've seen you at the corners and cafes it seems
Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme

And he pulled her on behind
And down to Box Hill they did ride.
Says James, in my opinion, there's nothing in this world
Beats a 52 Vincent and a red headed girl.


I was put in the country mood once again after Beth blogged on Lacy J's song "Sixteenth Avenue" yesterday. I also found a picture of a 1952 Vincent motorcycle engine and it put me in mind of a bluegrass song "1952 Vincent Black Lightning". The Del McCoury Band did a nice job on this one. Del has a high tenor voice and delivers a good rendition of this sad story. I may even pull out my Martin and give it a try myself today.



There's so much pollution in the air now that if it weren't for our lungs there'd be no place to put it all. - Robert Orben