Why Do I Even Try? I Guess It’s Better Than the Alternative

I do not mind getting older, in much the same way that I have embraced my baldness. I turned 59 last month but still feel reasonably youthful. I play lots of golf (old person sport, I know), but I walk the course instead of taking a cart. Last month, I did a day-hike on the Appalachian Trail with daughter Claire (more on her in a moment). I've spent the last 3 days riding close to 200 miles with close to 12,000' of elevation gain. But for the second time this summer, I have been the victim of ageism.

The first occurred during our Courts For Kids trip in Zambia. The school we were working at had close to 2000 kids, many of whom were very interested in helping with the project. My primary task was shoveling gravel into 5-gallon buckets to be used in the concrete-making process. While doing this work, I made a number of friends. Most were high school kids that came and helped me shovel. They were very curious about a lot of things and asked many questions. One was if anyone else in my family was with me on the trip. I pointed out Kelly and told them we were married. "Wow, she looks young", or words to that effect. I asked how old they thought she was and they replied "41". Then I asked how old they thought I was. With no hesitation, they said "58" (which I was at the time). Unbelievable.

The second instance occurred this evening. Dan and I had completed a good ride today. Just over 66 miles with over 4000' of elevation gain - our most to date. I felt much better than yesterday, and if we hadn't gotten a late start do to some early morning rain (that we tried unsuccessfully to avoid), we probably could have made another 20 or so miles. After I cleaned up and shaved off the gray stubble, we walked across the street for dinner. Everything was good - the food, the service, and the price. I didn't realize just how good the price was until I got my bill, complete with the 10% senior discount. THEY DIDN'T EVEN ASK!! It was most certainly not worth the $0.80 that I saved.

On to more pleasant topics. As is the case every September, the 3rd week of the month is a birthday fest in our family. Erin had hers on Wednesday and today is #22 for middle daughter, Claire. As I know we all are with all our kids, I am so very proud of her. She has blazed her own trail and she has found her happy place. Not many would have guessed that would be the Loo (aka Lewiston, Maine), but she is a senior at Bates College with a double major in Politics and European Studies. She's also a rower on one of the strongest D-III women's crews in the country. I have no choice but to think of her every day as I underpacked for the adventure this week and have just a pair of Bates Rowing gym shorts to wear every evening. Many more happy birthdays. I love you!

Dan pointed out that we were at the World's Largest Gift Shop and I didn't bother to go in and get anything for the birthday girl.

You've got to zoom in a bit, but shout out to good buddy Mark Baker on this one

"Everyone make sure you've got your phones. We're heading to Grillo's for dinner tonight and don't have a single thing to talk about". Seriously, the girl in the purple and her sister opposite her were staring at their phones the entire time. Mom and dad were also doing the same but my angle wasn't right to get that in the pic. Sad. I enjoy my phone. Not that much.