"In his domestic administration my father had this system . . . to keep a journal and insert in it all occurrences of any note . . . A record very pleasant to look at when time begins to efface the memory of events, and very well suited to get us out of perplexity: When was such and such a thing begun? When completed? What retinues came? How long did they stay? Our trips, our absences; marriages; deaths; the receipt of happy or unhappy news . . . An ancient custom, which I think it would be good to revive, each man in each man's home. And I think I am a fool to have neglected it." (Montaigne, Book I, Essay 35 (publ. 1580))

Saturday, December 31, 2005

Flashback: Grade School PE





Remember “bump out?” The grade schoolers got in line and took turns shooting free throws. Two basketballs are used. If you miss your shot, you can rebound and shoot again – but you better make it before the person behind you in line makes his or her shot, or else you are eliminated from the game. If you are in danger of elimination, you can “bump out” the other person’s basketball by whamming it with your own basketball. While they retrieve, you score! (In our game, retrieval of a properly bumped-out basketball involves a long trip across the park. Plenty of time for even the worst shooter to make good.) Last person standing of course wins.

We had our most recent game on December 30. Played in gorgeous weather at the park right outside our front door. Various of the participants won games. Christopher was the most aggressive bump-out-er. Photos show the intense action, as well as somber bumpees. In photo at top, you can see that everyone (except Chris) is trying to figure out where the heck Nicole's shot is headed. (Chris is trying to figure out how far he can bump her basketball should it come back to earth.)

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