VITA57 Madrid

Some of the VITA57 working group members arrive in Madrid.

FPL 2006 Madrid

I learned a lot and had a great time with my colleagues at FPL 2006 in Madrid.

Keith, Leslie, and Bernie in the Metro

The Colors of Madrid

Got into Madrid a few hours ago. Walked around to get used to the 30 degree C temperature in my hotel room. We will see what this adventure has in store.

From Plaza Espana

Willis Reed

Saw the Allman Brothers at Meadowbrook last night. They did not play "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" as Susan wished. A fun time though. Odd that they have been doing this for thirty some years. When the Golden Mushroom used to cover `Reed, we called it "Willis Reed". Below, left to right, LeeJ, Shep, Tommy, and Greg.

Golden Mushroom at Onteora (1973)

Rockabilly Conflict

We saw Chris Isaak at Meadowbrook last night. Every time I hear “Wicked Game” I imagine how much more kick-ass it would be if Shane was playing guitar? Anyhow Chris and band were great; he had several very shiny outfits. Where was Yola? Back in `78, “Rockabilly Conflict” was the working title of a Brian Briggs song that came out as "See you on the other Side" after Nichole added the "Good-bye Frankie" bits. I had my head inside a Roland drum machine we ended up calling “Louie”.

Vibes 2006

Just back from Vibes 2006. This was my fourth. I did Bridgeport with Melanie back in 2000, then hit the last three in a row. Got in on Thursday and was fortunate to hook up with David, Patty, and crew. Friday got off to a kind start with Scarecrow Collection. Lot's of sun. The cool of the evening brought Assembly of Dust, Martin Sexton, and Deep Banana Blackout. I dug the Zep' covers. Lot's of laughing involved. Late night; but got up in time for a 9AM yoga class. The weather came on Saturday so by the time Keller was on, we were all wet. A fun time had by all.

Into 28 off

It's not common in slalom water skiing to pickup 24 buoys overnight; but that is precisely what happened yesterday. My back was hurting, I was whining, and I went out on Wednesday night just to run 32 MPH passes to try to feel better. Then last night I run 32, -15, and perhaps the cleanest, easiest -22 I have ever run. On my sixth pass, and with a stiff tailwind no less! I'm very happy. Saving the -28 work for next time around. Dave did OK too, running a smooth 4 at -38 into the Dube's headwind. 29 days on the water and just getting into -28. Uggh!

Six Day Stretch

After spending three work weeks on the road, I was particularly motivated to spend some quality time on the water. Six days straight at Dube's is a fine summer stretch. The first half featured a scorching New England heat wave. The last two days featured my back pain. Dave reminded me to lean. And Brian pointed out I ski better without a grimace.

Dave at -35 at the Dubes Pond Classic 14