Marching Band

Let me just say, I am a band geek from way back.  I was in the band when being in the band wasn't cool, especially at Morrilton.  I got the yearbook out a few weeks ago and counted a total of 41 students in band my senior year.  That was for three grades.  I am very proud to say that both of my kids have joined the band.  This is Stephen's first year of high school band, and he loves it.  He has been playing the trumpet since the sixth grade.  Skylar has just started playing in the sixth grade.  She is on trumpet as well for now, but will switch to French horn after Christmas.

I am also proud to say that the band has grown since my high school days.  I would approximate that there are a little over 100 students in the 9th-12th grade high school band.  They sound great and they seem to have a LOT of fun.

Here is a short video of the pre-game entertainment from last night's game.  The band now enters by marching around the entire track and then stands on the track to play the national anthem and the alma mater.  They percussion section then plays several drum cadences while the rest of the band performs "dance" routines.  Like I said, they look like they have so much fun.

In a few weeks, once they are performing their full half-time show, I plan to take a real camera (not my dumb phone) and get some higher quality video.  In the meantime, this short snippet of their "Out of This World" halftime show including the theme from Star Trek and songs from Star Wars will have to do.

August Is In the Books

I can't believe another month has passed already.  August has come and gone.  I managed to break the ten mile mark on a single ride this month.  Only did it once, but that's OK.  Considering that August is typically the hottest month around here, I don't think I did too shabby.   I am definitely looking forward to cooler weather though.  Unfortunately, that also means that the days are getting shorter.  I have noticed the evenings slowly encroaching on my ride time.  I have to leave earlier in order to finish up before it gets too dark.  I don't know what I am going to do this winter when it is dark when I leave for work and dark when I get home.  Longer rides on the weekends I suppose.  But I sure will miss my nightly rides.

August also means that yet another school year has started.  My babies are growing up on me.  Stephen started ninth grade - a freshman in high school.  That is just hard to believe.  So far he seems to like it.  He was pretty excited the first few days, but that has settled down to his usual level of enthusiasm.  Skylar is in sixth grade.  She is doing just fine, but has not seemed overly excited this year.  They are both in band.  Both playing trumpet although Skylar will switch to French horn after the first semester.  Stephen will be marching at all of the football games this year, and he really likes that.

What I Have Learned

Since buying our bikes in late May, I have learned a few things:

• I love riding my bike
• Riding is great exercise
• Eventually the behind does get used to the seat
• Sometimes I feel like I could ride for hours
• Sometimes a short ride is plenty
• I enjoy riding with my family
• I enjoy riding alone
• Getting more exercise does not equal weight loss (very discouraging)
• Long, slow inclines are more tiring than short, steep hills
• Even riding on hot evenings are tolerable with the wind in your face
• Did I mention, I love riding my bike

Here are my totals for the month of July - over 100 miles for the month.  If you had told me when we bought the bikes that I would ride that much, I would have never believed you. Can't wait to see what August brings.

Keep it Between the Lines

My boy is growing up. I can't believe he is old enough to get his permit...and in just 2 short years will be driving alone (well if I let him that is)

58+ Miles