On The Fly

Dubai, United Arab Emirates An image of a turquoise door popped-up on my computer screen, [Incoming video from 1740 Tsavorite Lane ]. Magically, his front door opened and Hercule Peridot appeared on my monitor. As always, he was impeccably dressed; a fine silk vest, and dashing gold necktie. His lean, congenial, smiling face radiating from my screen. Sensationnel, how in the world does he do it? I thought. He is always dressed to the T. “Adamas Bontemps, how are you my boy?” “I’m better than ever Peridot, and you?” “Fine, absolutely splendid. Have you considered the trip to Dubai?” “Yes, I’ve been reminiscing about my last adventure there.” “Your thoughts?” asked Peridot. “You mentioned visiting a Pearl dealer but . . . ” I hesitated a moment, “I’m wondering?” “Yes?” “Have you made plans for our accommodations yet? I asked.” “Well, interesting that you ask.” said Peridot. “I’ve narrowed it down to three possible hotels; The Emirates Tower,

Clay Jenkinson (click here) as Thomas Jefferson Recently I accepted and participated in the #ALSIceBucketChallenge . Subsequently, made a video, posted it to YouTube, FaceBook, and Twitter of me getting doused with ice water, made my donation to the ALS foundation , and challenged three friends to reciprocate. Currently over 1.7 million donors have contributed over $79.7 million. Honestly, it was fun, created awareness within my community, and was a refreshing summer cooler. The fact that this quirky social phenomena went viral, got me thinking. What would happen if people were challenged, no money involved, to build a better you. Would this in turn build a better social community?  The challenge: Recite out loud, in front of a mirror, the following oath every day for 32 days, I remember it well: “On my #honor, I will do my best to do my #duty to God and my country and obey the Scout Law; to #help other people at all times; to keep myself physically #strong, mentally #

Finishing Strong “Tomorrow my plan is to bike ride at least 60 miles, we’ll see how it goes.” “What did you say?” asked Lori. “I thought we were riding 58 miles?” Since my 50th birthday my self-proclaimed yearly goal is to complete a bicycle ride, in one day, at least my age, on or near my birthday. On August 17, 2014 Lori and I completed this years ride; a total of 63.5 miles in 5 hours and 17 minutes. A metric century! With the advent of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets I’ve been able to shout from the mountaintop my proposed goal to all who will listen. Even to those who could care less. This serves two purposes, to sustain a foundational fitness level as I get older. Cycling provides a exercise regiment and long-range goals to keep me motivated. Two, it challenges me to live up to my time commitments in daily activities and relationships. Yes, I truly love cycling. I’ve been a devoted bicyclist since about 15 years old. The fact is, it’s not the

Still somewhat giddy from our adventure with the bear, we moved on. “Little Lakes Valley trail is very popular,” said Brendan. Expect to see more day-hikers than usual.” Trailhead parking was already full when we arrived. Quickly we found out why from one of the locals. “We love this place; it’s an easy hike with glorious views.” We consulted our map, and the elevation gain from the trailhead to Chickenfoot Lake was less than 600 feet. An easy climb. Obviously, many weekend visitors and fishermen came to enjoy the scenic beauty and fish the abundant lakes. I paused to admire the graceful arc of a fly-line as a fisherman stood casting his line to the edge of tall green grass at Marsh lake. The weather patterns changed constantly. Our hike began with intense blue skies, blanketed by wispy clouds and interspersed with low-hanging cumulous clouds that framed the mountain peaks. Human sounds faded. Nature took over; murmuring waters and leaves shimmered as the breeze lightly ca