Maya graduated from a Junior Girl Scout to a Cadet in what is called a Bridging Ceremony this evening. The threat of thundershowers moved the event from the Old North Bridge to the Scout House. She was joined by her good friends Sarrinaugh and Allison who have shared the Girl Scout experience with her since we moved to Boston.
Attendance at the Willard Carnival was significantly higher than in years past. Perhaps the new school building was the draw. Maya and Lydia baked a wind power themed cake for the Cake Walk event and won first place in the Alternative Energy category. Jeanine was a volunteer at the bell ringing competition (big hammer, strikes target, sends clanger up a poll to ring the bell) and seemed quite relieved when her shift was over. I joined the girls at the carnival after my soccer game. We suffered a disappointing 0-1 loss. Although I was only able to play at about 70% intensity due to my knee, I made one notable run from midfield beating five opponents for a strong shot on goal. Regrettably it was right at the keeper.
Maya’s soccer team won their game today, cinching a first-place finish in their division and qualifying them for playoffs. Last night, Kyle helped Maya learn to do a proper chest trap and she used her newly acquired skill to great advantage twice during the game.
Each year, our field gets two haircuts. With the exception of Nala, who does not appreciate encroachment by anyone or thing on her territory, we all enjoy watching the methodical process of cutting and gathering the hay.
I had my first MRI this evening at 7:30pm. It took about 20 minutes to complete the scan which is rather annoying as the machine emits a very loud and irritating noise during operation. I will not get results until next week and if I am able to manage the pain see no reason why I cannot play soccer this weekend.
Mothers played daughters at this evenings end of the season soccer practice. Despite a respectable showing, experience and wisdom were no match for youth and talent. Jeanine demonstrated excellent field position and made several good defensive plays.
I finally got a chance to see an orthopedist about my ailing left knee. The good news is that I do not have arthritis beyond what is normal for someone my age and this is not the cause of my pain. The bad news is that I have a very clear case of patellar tendonitis sometimes called Jumper’s Knee. This condition is very treatable with rest and will take care of itself if I stop playing soccer. Fortunately there are only two games left in the season and I will have the entire summer to recuperate.
The doctor did notice something else, probably related to a previous injury, that he felt might be the underlying cause of the tendonitis and ordered an MRI to confirm his suspicions.
Kyle and good friend Nick Jessee have started a landscaping business together. I have been very impressed by Kyle’s entrepreneurial approach, commitment to customer satisfaction, and strong work ethic. I can recommend these Yard Dogs without reservation to anyone in need of hard working, inexpensive landscapers.
Nico and I returned today from Colorado a day later than planned after missing the only flight of the day out of Montrose due to a navigation error while driving back to the airport.
We have to leave the closing celebration early to catch our flight but not before Nicolai stops to speak with Tom Shadyac, director of I Am, the best film of the festival in my opinion and one worth seeing at any cost. I Am, an autobiographical documentary, explores what it means to be happy and calls into question the notion of the American Dream and our culture of consumption. Shadyac offers an alternative paradigm for fulfillment based on connectedness and kindness. Viewing the film was for me a life altering experience and I cannot recommend it highly enough to others.
Throughout the festival, Nicolai has been approached by fans who wanted to congratulate him on his story, and he has been very gracious with all of them. His charm, however, seems in greatest abundance when those fans are young women of his own age. Celebrity is not without its rewards.
The festival ends with a picnic in the town park where filmmakers and film goers mingle while enjoying great food and live music. A great way to end a great Memorial Day weekend.
Nico’s Challenge screens for the second time this morning at the Palm Theater on a truly massive screen. I decide that it is OK to bring my camera on stage during our Q&A session and capture this nice image of Nicolai responding to a qestion from the audience.
Appearing to defy gravity, Nicolai strikes a pose with the Mountainfilm banner early in the morning before people and cars crowd the main drag
The view from our balcony as the sun sets.