School at the JPaul Getty Villa Summer Institute

I just returned from an incredible experience. Three days of study from experts in the fields of Greek and Roman antiquity--the culture, the history, the preservation of ancient artifacts. Most of our lecturers had PHD's from Oxford or Berkley and had a passion for their interests. It was also a behind the scenes look at art installation and art conservation.

The photo is Victorious Youth, a Greek bronze created between 300-100 BC. The Romans at this time were gatherers or thieves of Greek art. The feet broken off at the ankles indicates that the bronze was attached to a marble or stone pedestal that was too heavy to transport. The bronze was roped and ripped out of the statue. Quel dommage. He was then transported by ship and found thousands of years later in international waters-the ship must have sunk. When found, he was rather encrusted but this is what preserved him. It's an amazing piece of art.

A Rainy Night

May 29th-- raining and 54 degrees this morning when it wasn't raining. A strange May with expectations of city-wide flooding. I've loved it and have been able to pull a ton of deadly grass off the hillside. We planted strawberries, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, peas, squash and they've been fed abundantly. There are now three patches of berries and I'm expanding the goldens-our favorites. It's a competitive jaunt to the garden to beat out Max, Annika and Holly who love the berries as much as me.

So....here is Jillian with her friends from Chicago, Jake and his sister Lauren. They built a fire and made s'mores. The sky was intensely beautiful

Jillian and I Visiting the Graves

A Kayak adventure On the NaPali Coast

In a nutshell, or ten short video clips, is our kayak trip along the NaPali Coast. Remember that I did this series for teaching The Odyssey, hence the continual reference to Tony as Mr. Martinez. The final video is back in civilization and the incredible view of sunset.

50 is Fabulous!

Tony and I spent four fabulous days in the surf and biking.

My 50th Birthday Photo

The artist is Keira and her work can be found at: peaceandpandemonium.blogspot.com
Wow. A third of the family got cut off!!! No explanation.

On the Precipice of 50

I've been thinking long and hard, (too long and too hard some might say) as to how I should spend birthday number 50. On the dark side of the moon, it is just another day; I've been getting closer to 50 for a long time and the day doesn't mean I am SUDDENLY 50. On the light side of the moon it is a hugely significant day. It marks a half century of a short life.

I've definitely decided not to teach that day, (maybe). Should I spend it alone in contemplation and resolution or in the presence of those I love. Should I spend a wad or let it be still.

Janita, my birthday sister, invited me to go skydiving and I've embraced that idea fully unless I am kayaking in the bay.

I only have a month left to decide. Time flies; it's already been 50 years.