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.