Will someone tell him this is not an air race?

Austin didn’t win
At the end he spun up high
Don’t try this at home

At the end of a rain delayed Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, a freak accident sent 25-year-old Austin Dillon flying inverted over two rows of cars.  That phase of his terrifying ride came to an end at the catch fence.  His car went from 180 MPH to full stop in about two car lengths.  The car fell back on the track and slid to the side.  The ride wasn’t over.  An out of control car came spinning his way.   Another hit sent the demolished vehicle into another spin.

Shock and near panic followed.  Crew members ran to Austin’s aid.  He climbed out and waved at the crowd.  Austin suffered a bruised tail bone and arm.  Some spectators were also injured.

Can you believe he finished seventh?  He did.

This is not why I watch NASCAR races.  I like to see the ballet of a well executed pit stop.  Or a clean, smart pass.  It’s good to see a different strategy develop and bring the driver and car to victory lane.

I suppose it’s like water polo or hockey, if you don’t understand the rules and strategies, it can be very confusing.

Life is like that too.

Do you remember the radio program, X Minus One?  It was, in their own words:

“. . . Adventures in which you will live in a million could-be years on a thousand maybe worlds.“

I really liked that program, but they don’t do that on radio these days.  That genre doesn’t do as well (for me) on a screen–be it big or little.

Are modern minds being limited and imagination stifled?  I hope not.

Free-range

My mind wanders far,
Time, space impose no limits,
Imagination.

Obligatory post of an outdoor scene (my pic from another time)

I was in a meeting recently, and from where I sat I could look out a window.  I tried to stay alert and attentive, but my mind went for a walk.  I tried to get it back, but once again it strayed.  My third attempt was also an exercise in futility.  Then the wayward one spoke clearly to me

The Sun Calls

Brightly the sun shines

Inviting me to come, play

But I’m trapped indoors.

Has this ever happened to you?

We’ve been eagerly awaiting spring and it’s coming soon to your neighborhood and mine.  I’m talking about spring.  It may shock some, but it is not my favorite season.  The joy in seeing spring, for me, is winter’s end.

Earliest Spring

Lead-gray sky above,
Thick clouds sent from the west lake,
Earth is cold and damp.

Single degree temps,
Chill me to my very bones,
Winter bites down hard.

Naked she stands guard,
Watching over the bleak land,
With spring comes glory.

Why plant a tree?

I was a youngster when my grandfather planted three trees–three tiny trees.  I asked, “Whatcha doin’ Grandpa?”

He responded, “I’m planting these three trees.”

Still curious, I asked, “Why.”

“So they’ll grow tall and give shade to this area,” was his reply.

My questions continued, “How long will that take?”

He responded, “Probably thirty years.”

I Thought about that for a while.  Then I asked, “You probably won’t be around then, huh?”

“I probably won’t,” he agreed.

My final question followed, “So why then are you doing it?”

He proceeded to explain life cycles people, plants and animals.  He told me about the importance of leaving your part of the world better than you found it.