It was so cold this morning that rowing a single didn't seem particularly safe
(theyÕre tippy little beasts). SO Rudder and 2 took out the double and I ended up
coxing for the Masters group (they were short-handed, apparently because several
people decided it was TOO DAMNED COLD). I said I'd cox on the theory that I
probably had more extra clothing in my car than anyone else, and I used it all. I
was still getting a little chilled by the end of practice, but it wasn't really
too bad because I was wearing the following:
On my
feet:
On my
legs:
On my body:
On my head:
Also, a pair of wool gloves and two fleece blankets
tucked in over my legs. Did I mention it gets really cold here at 5AM? I'd guess
it wasn't below about 30 degrees, but remember, in areas where that's a laughable
temperature, people don't spend much time sitting very still, on a lake, in
December. Or if they do, they build an ice-fishing hut and put a stove in it.
Fortunately, it's supposed to be around 70 degrees this afternoon,
when I have to go coach the juniors.
Yesterday I went on a short hike
with a former coworker and her child. This is how to make a 2 mile hike, on a flat
trail, more strenuous: take turns carrying a 10-month-old baby. Fortunately, he is
both easygoing and small, but his favorite thing was to be sitting on my
shoulders, so he could get a view. At that age, "holding on" is still a foreign
concept, so the bearer (me) has to reach up and hold him. Tiring. But he liked it
when I sang to him, so he rates high with me.
Today I am thankful
for: baby grins, with two bottom teeth showing, and a level of joy that comes
from living only in the moment.
No more Holiday Challenge updates,
since it's DONE! (Yes, I'm still gloating.)