http://www.flickr.com/photos/37421672@N02/sets/72157622545459432/
A bit old, and a few duplicates, but enjoy.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
This One's for Lee
I'm reporting from the Christchurch Central Library this time. A few items of note in my mind today.
Hank got new shoes. After the horrible grinding noise Hank made every time we stopped became too much to handle, Betsy and I decided to take him to see the doctor yet again. "It's the brake pads. Guarantee it." $100 later, Hank had some new kicks, and the horrible grinding noise has stopped grinding my brain.
The Christchurch Central Library has Sports Illustrated! Not only do they have the latest (or nearly) issue, but they have many back issues. This beats finding a Borders. Awesome. I've picked out about a dozen to take a look at.
The biggest news is of the chess variety. Some of you may recall a legendary chess match I played the last time I was in New Zealand, in Christchurch's Cathedral Square. Well, I revisited the life size playing board again today. For those of you that haven't heard, the board is life size because each piece is the size of a toddler, and the board is as big as a living room. The last time I played on this massive, very public board Lee Granas was my corner man, so to speak. This time, Lee was there in spirit. Dry mouthed, wobbly kneed, I played a Maori yet again. Playing in such a public way, on such a novelty of a board, induced some nervousness I wouldn't ordinarily experience; but it's part of the experience. I played solidly, if conservatively, and didn't make any big mistakes. My opponent's efforts fell short, and I emerged from chess battle victorious. It was really gratifying to play on this very memorable board again, and I would like to dedicate my victory to Lee Granas.
Hank got new shoes. After the horrible grinding noise Hank made every time we stopped became too much to handle, Betsy and I decided to take him to see the doctor yet again. "It's the brake pads. Guarantee it." $100 later, Hank had some new kicks, and the horrible grinding noise has stopped grinding my brain.
The Christchurch Central Library has Sports Illustrated! Not only do they have the latest (or nearly) issue, but they have many back issues. This beats finding a Borders. Awesome. I've picked out about a dozen to take a look at.
The biggest news is of the chess variety. Some of you may recall a legendary chess match I played the last time I was in New Zealand, in Christchurch's Cathedral Square. Well, I revisited the life size playing board again today. For those of you that haven't heard, the board is life size because each piece is the size of a toddler, and the board is as big as a living room. The last time I played on this massive, very public board Lee Granas was my corner man, so to speak. This time, Lee was there in spirit. Dry mouthed, wobbly kneed, I played a Maori yet again. Playing in such a public way, on such a novelty of a board, induced some nervousness I wouldn't ordinarily experience; but it's part of the experience. I played solidly, if conservatively, and didn't make any big mistakes. My opponent's efforts fell short, and I emerged from chess battle victorious. It was really gratifying to play on this very memorable board again, and I would like to dedicate my victory to Lee Granas.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Moving Right Along
Chalk up another couple of hikes for Team Comiskey-Ehlers. We hiked 45 miles in 6 days, on the hardest portion of the Queen Charlotte track. At night, instead of staying in huts, we bonded on our own in our tent! Then, we headed over to Nelson Lakes National Park. We spent a couple of beautiful days there. Day 1 included a arduous but very rewarding hike to about 5000 ft. The views were spectacular, some of the best we've seen. We also saw our first snow up close! Day two involved mostly reading and playing with the cutest little baby ducks I've ever seen. At this stage, their "quacks" were more like barely audible little chirps. Adorable.
Now, we're eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mr. Dick Ehlers. We'll make our way to Christchurch, then fly up to Auckland to meet him, then work our way back down, with him, on a scenic train journey. Good times, lucky us.
Just read Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakaur (?). It was the most gripping book I've read in a while. Now I'm reading Three Cups of Tea, recommended to me by the very credible Lee Granas. Of course, I'm also reading a chess book; Winning Chess Openings, by Yasser Seirawan. I'm learning the Barcza Opening, King's Indian Defense, and the Pirc Defense. Good reads (and openings) all.
Now, we're eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mr. Dick Ehlers. We'll make our way to Christchurch, then fly up to Auckland to meet him, then work our way back down, with him, on a scenic train journey. Good times, lucky us.
Just read Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakaur (?). It was the most gripping book I've read in a while. Now I'm reading Three Cups of Tea, recommended to me by the very credible Lee Granas. Of course, I'm also reading a chess book; Winning Chess Openings, by Yasser Seirawan. I'm learning the Barcza Opening, King's Indian Defense, and the Pirc Defense. Good reads (and openings) all.
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