# 41 Hi Ho Silver!

Home, home on the range! After spending a glorious week with the family in tow, I have finished goal # 25, Ride a horse for one hour. Actually, it was a fairly simple one now that it is finished but at the time I did not realize we would be spending four days at a dude ranch in toasty Madison, Georgia. Who in their right mind goes to a southern state to ride horses in the hot, muggy month of August? The hidden agenda behind all this was to corral all four children to one location and entice them with a fun family vacation while sitting on the back of a horse. This might have been more difficult than my entire 60 list, but the stars were in alignment and everyone arrived motoring from Massachusetts, Wisconsin, California, and Atlanta.

Sitting in a saddle for over eleven hours during the four days was tolerable especially since the pool was always available to comfort our backsides. I do not have any wild horse stories to report because these equines knew how to behave and responded when we wanted to trot, cantor, or meander through the wooded trails. Each of us bonded with our own special horse and our ability to manuever these majestic animals improved every day.

Reflecting on this year, I feel that I have the ubiquitous horseshoe with all the good luck filling my life including a family who helped me embrace this goal and provided me with a week's worth of laughter and cherished bonding time. Thanks to my kids and my favorite horse, Sparky.

#40 Eating Across America

Hmmm, #40 post and what has happened since the last entry? Thirty-six goals are completed and many more on the cusp of being finalized. Could the end be in sight and it is only August? Let me reflect on one of the yummier goals...

Eating at 60 different restaurants (goal # 55) was a culinary experience and we were rarely disappointed in the outcome. Scouting out small cafes or out of the way restaurants was not included in this goal, but as long as we were traveling and needed to fuel our bellies, why not find an undiscovered gem of a chef in podunk Kansas or in a remote town in Wisconsin? On our road trips, the food fare was often a delightful surprise to our palettes and made us even more eager to pursue the perfect appetizing treat for the next meal.

There were many memorable eateries, but one of my favorites was the Enchantment Yanapai Restaurant. Not only was the food divine, but being in a valley surrounded by the red rocks of Sedona added to the ambiance of the moment and was one of the finer feasting and gazing experiences during our stay in Arizona.

Although dining out is always an optional activity, eating is mandatory and I might as well enjoy someone's cooking other than my own (what, me cook?). The wisdom acquired from this goal is to look beyond the golden arches of food joints and not be afraid to walk into a restaurant with a name like Ma's Cookin'.

#38 Hike Every Mountain--or at least 60!

It seems like eons ago when I began this journey of the hiking goal. It initially was my primary focus as we were living in Tucson at the time and the hiking trails were abundant in the area. Each trail was carefully recorded as I worked my way to the magical number "60". Hiking is one of those activities that can be categorized as a strenuous climb up a mountain or a leisurely walk through the woods and enjoyed for the simplicity of the activity. It often is free and the only equipment necessary are your own two feet.

Out of all the hikes, Quandary Peak (14,265) was by far the most challenging and ten of my faithful friends traveled to Colorado to climb this "fourteener" on a day that was blessed with blue skies and not a cloud in sight. According to all the veterans, this is a good thing as we heard horror stories of thunderstorms and lighting bolts ruining a day on the mountain. But lucky for us the hike continued uneventfully and as we climbed we encountered numerous mountain goats on the trail who nonchalantly passed by us with little more than a snort as we gasped for air while walking precariously over the rocks.

The view from the top gave us all pause as we realized that after slowly maneuvering step by step up the last 2000 feet, we actually made it. What an accomplishment and as I gazed around at the breathtaking view, I was humbled by the sheer magnitude of the climb. This is only one of fifty-five "fourteeners" and I felt like a small fly balancing on top of the mountain. I did not have long to reflect on the meaning of life because when my naturally funny cohorts stopped gasping and recovered from their ragged breathing--the hilarity began. I will only mention bathroom issues and gastronomical repercussions--and now my lips are sealed because what happens on the mountain stays on the mountain.

The last hike was in Governor Dodge State Park where Rob and I strolled over gently rolling hills and through flower laden prairies while we marveled at our good fortune to be in a place where preserving our natural land has been a priority. Without standing too long on my soapbox, let's make sure state and national parks are financially supported and maintained so future generations will be able to enjoy them as I have for this nonstop, hiking heaven of a sixtieth year.

# 37 To Be or Not To Be...

The goal of attending six plays has been surpassed and will continue to be enjoyed throughout the year. It began with a trip to New York where we were fortunate to attend three engaging performances seeing: Catch Me If You Can at a matinee, Lombardi that evening, and Memphis the next night. Whew! We were not exhausted but exhilarated because WE LOVE NY!

There is a side note to Catch Me If You Can that is worth mentioning. When we were in line purchasing tickets we realized that they would not be discounted despite the last minute time frame--thirty minutes before curtain call. No deal, and as I walked away a gentleman approached Rob with a free comp ticket for that show. Long story short-- I was fortunate to sit next to this kind soul who happened to be the theatre critic from the Philadelphia News (Someone erred in the head office and he received an extra ticket). Rob was seated elsewhere and wondered what happened to me at intermission since my new friend enlightened me on his reviews of previous shows, how he writes them, and his recommendation on what we should see next. Free ticket, free commentary--anything free in NY is short of a miracle!

Another near miraculous and favorite summer time ritual experience is the American Players Theatre in Spring Green. Noel Coward's lighthearted Blithe Spirit versus Fyodor Dostoevsky's harsh Crime and Punishment prevailed as satisfying theatre experiences despite their contrast in, well... about everything (if you have ever read either one, you will know what I mean).

The last play to complete this goal was the community theatre group, Oregon Straw Hat Players, performing, Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The talent among the locals is refreshing and certainly deserves a "hats off" for such a fine production.

From NY to Wisconsin, the diversity of talented people who are dedicated to their profession and are passionate about theatre is extraordinary; and the rest of us are the lucky recipients to their labor of love. Six plays checked off the list; a goal that was a pleasure to complete.