Here are a few odds and ends. Blog housekeeping, I guess
August 19, 2007

This past week we visited the Official Med School Alma Mater of Your Humble Bloggist. I was reminded of the story of Sir Edmund Hillary that I was going to tell back at Mauna Kea, Menehune Slay Sir Charles Again post. Flashback to 1985. Pulmonary physiology 101 or whatever was being taught by John West, a Kiwi researcher of renown, who is well-acquainted with countryman Sir Ed. One day the mountaineer visited to give some lectures about health care in the Himalayas. Sir Ed is a prime example of a gent who gives back, having sponsored many worthy health care projects for the Sherpa people. West then announces that he is holding a contest involving a pulmonary-oriented crossword puzzle, and whoever can finish it the fastest wins a poster of Everest autographed by none other than Hillary.

Some of you may know that I enjoy the occasional puzzle competition.

It didn't take long for me to solve, and as a result I was able to meet the legend and obtain this nice artifact, which has stayed with the St. John Smythe caravan lo these many moons. Who knew that crosswording success could lead to such great prizes? Regrettably the photo of me with the great mountaineer has disappeared, part of the same album that contained the photo of the young air band in Hamilton Hall, if you remember from the '80s tribute post.

There was a recent birthday of the Official Breathing Partner, who somehow becomes more awesome with every passing year. Forty-fine ooh la la!

Did I ever mention our sort-of pets, the cricket family? Somebody may be able to tell me why they do not chirp. They may be an example of indoor, domesticated evolution. I really have no idea. I am told that in Japan or Vietnam or somewhere, they are considered to be good luck. And so we watch the babies grow. Maybe they move out eventually, because it's not like they are multiplying in the house.

The thermometer in our pool registers a cool 90+. Can anyone say heat wave?

Yesterday I went and got a cheap mirror from that orange store, last mentioned in the unexpectedly awesome weekend post, that I can put at the bottom of the pool so I can check my form while doing my ridiculous tethered swim workout. I'm sorry if you think less of me for this prime piece of geekitude. I think I can understand it, though.

I've been on call the past few days. There are a lot of unusual eye traumas that roll in when I'm on the hot seat. Some of the stories...you wouldn't be able to make them up. Youngest Progeny just took this picture of Your Humble Exhausted Blogger.

We have a very unusual canine, Kona, who likes to attack lawnmower wheels, but only when the engine is running and the whirling blades are millimeters away. It's always the left front wheel too. Unwise!

With this lovely image, the St. John-Smythe family wish you all a happy dog day afternoon and awesome week! Check back next week for the 20th Anniversary, Reality Tour, Haiku-Filled Blogtacular Post!