Excerpt from Arthur Miller's BBC series

We're talking about something which is off the map of creation, which is why what we're talking... you know.. how we're talking now is a kind of bamboozling nonsense, if you like. That's by the way called negative theology - that is to say knowing that you don't know what you're talking about at this stage, and I think that's really what theology is about...

Evolutionary psychologist explains "ingratitude"

All people are not the same, and we would expect some people to start practicing courtesy and gratitude earlier than others. The most efficient way to be is probably to have an ability to learn gratitude quickly, but to suppress the actual learning of gratitude until the moment when ingratitude stops being beneficial. We might expect socially talented but ungrateful teenagers to learn gratitude double-quick soon after they storm out of their parents’ cozy semi-detached house, and get a room in a shared flat in a dodgy part of town. Interestingly enough, it seems that this is precisely what happens, but with one refinement: whereas these young adults become skilled at being grateful to most of the people they meet, they retain an ingratitude towards their parents. When dealing with someone who loves one unconditionally, it pays to exploit this and to remain demanding. Most co-operation, most love, is conditional upon reasonable behavior in return.

Aftermath

Our trip to Seattle was a good one but not easy. There were the usual hurdles to be overcome. There always are. Firstly, travel with a wheelchair is always a little harder. Right off the bat we had to fly a pud-knocker to Atlanta so I had to help Mother climb the stairs into the plane. It was fortunate she could manage it. Having our own wheelchair was a great benefit but things like gates being reassigned meant having to race around getting to the right place for our flights. Then the long flight took its toll. Then it wasn't that easy for Mother to get rest. Although the hotel room had an accessible shower, the rest of the room wasn't all that accessible. So we really worked at being there. Bev mentioned how Mother takes lots of cat naps during the day. We weren't able to do that on the trip and I think it completely wore her down. As for me, the lack of sleep completely exhausted me. Friday night I was focused on the fact that it would be my last to struggle through with only a few hours of sleep.

So now we have everyone home. It has been a slow recovery. Mother hasn't gotten back her strength she had before. I am still very tired. I've had to scale back my efforts to rest my body. It has been easier than I thought because all we've had here is rain since I've been back. I managed some short rides early in the week. The longer ones were difficult for me. Too much inactivity. Today I finally felt like a short run. My knees have been especially painful, probably due to being cramped up on the flights out and home.

The weekend came with lots of rain. I am hoping to get in some exercise tomorrow but it will probably be the treadmill variety. Then next week will be filled up with painting. I have lots to get done.

Indecision

Tonight I thought I would go by the gym and get in my 2.5 miles on the treadmill again. That would put me home and in bed no later than 1am. Problem is I have to get up around 5am to be on our way to Birmingham to fly to Seattle. So I am wondering which will feel worse, 4 hours of sleep or just staying awake all night. Right now I have been yawning. Sleep was shortened this morning. I awoke earlier than usual.

Signs of progress...

After a rainout of yesterday's ride, we took the singles down to Talladega Springs. Bev rode 24 miles unassisted. This was her first ride without any help from me. She even climbed the hill back to our house. SO I'd say she made some progress. Not being sick has to help also. But I am optimistic that by next Spring's Safari, she could do all the shorter rides without any problem whatsoever.

Bev rides...

Bev did a 22 mile ride today on the single I built for her. This was her best ride of several she's made on it, but she was feeling well for a change and the temperature was very nice. It feels like Fall is in the air. Riding by herself is giving her more exercise than tandem riding. She commented she felt as though she might need a nap today which tells me she is working harder. And that's a good thing. This might give her diet a little more success. It is easy to get on track when you are getting results. The increased effort might just get things moving.

On the run...

I managed to get in a short run last night after work. As badly as I'd liked to have gotten in a trail run, Monday's scheduled precluded that. So I did what I could. 2.5 miles on the treadmill at the fitness center since I couldn't get out to a trail. It isn't easy to get over to the trail. There's a good 12 to 15 minutes of driving there but its worth it to be off the roads. I don't think I'm going to run on the roads. The impact of the pavement is hard on the joints.

I have a vague idea that I'd like to attempt half of the 30 mile run at Cheaha in February. If we volunteer for an aid station, Bev could set up on the half way mark maybe with one of the girls and I could run that far as my goal. The Adam's Gap station is 15 miles. The station we did the first year is about 2.5 to 3 more. That could be doable. I'd still do lots of riding but the running will help shake up my metabolism and possibly improve my weight loss. One thing I'm aware of lately is the mental attitude that goes with running. Right now I am being careful about my intake because I know how important having a low weight will be to my success. I need to get my overall body weight down to a minimum to reduce stress on the legs and joints. Also, it just makes sense to have less mass to carry over those hills. So over these Autumn months, I'll be running often. Besides, I like being on the trail. Autumn is a beautiful time to be in the forest.

Today I didn't get out in the woods again. We had workers at the house putting in carpet and looking at a damaged door. They didn't finish up till around 11am. Too late to get out to the woods because I'd need at least a full hour running and 30 minutes to get there and back. That would leave no time to rest before work. So instead, I'll do another quick run at the fitness center after work. Last night 2.5 miles, tonight I'll have to go a bit further. Or maybe that's not such a great idea since tomorrow is a riding morning. Bev and I will meet Paul and Richmond to do a road ride. So plenty of workout in the next 12 hours.

Next week I'll be at Joe's home. Maybe we won't be hit by flu and we can have a nice visit there. Maybe he has some good trails for running.