Formulas

A formula is what infants eat.

It's also a category of race cars.

And, thanks to a Father's Day gift from my sons--Marc in
St. Louis and Joel in Minneapolis--the three of us had a chance
to sample the latter, July 26 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.

Elkhart Lake came to prominence in the early 1950s when
enterprising local leaders created the idea of road racing
through the town--then a population of about 500. The races
attracted large crowds and some of the world's leading
drivers. A few years later, a 4+ mile course was built nearby, and
it's hosted major events ever since.

Our instruction took place on a 2.1 mile course laid out inside the
larger Road America course. There was some classroom
conversation, then...out to the track in protective
driving suits (and they're warm) carrying our helmets.

The car is open-wheel, 1,100-pounds, capable of 130 mph--in effect,
a big, sleek go-kart on steroids. We were shown the brake-clutch-accelerator
relationship and sequential gearshift system...old stuff for motorcycle
riders like my sons, but not for me. We donned our helmets, sardined
ourselves into the car, fastened safety harnesses and were ready to go.

In small groups, we were told to follow an instructor in a lead car
show us the "line" through the series of turns (some, 90 degrees)
and straightaways.

While I didn't come close to challenging the car's potential speed
capability, I found that even 70 or 80 in a car with such immediate
response tends to focus your attention...quickly.

We had 90 minutes on the course, with a couple breaks.
I may have circled the course about 15 times, and could feel myself
gaining confidence with each lap. And I definitely was aware of
learning to anticipate what was ahead and positioning the car
accordingly.

The MasterCard ad says it well: The chance to share
an experience with the sons who gave me the gift...

Priceless.

Fruit Flies and Chiquita

When I was growing up--back in the last century--the moguls in the
banana industry created a spokesperson: Chiquita Banana.

They wrote a jingle...the last line of which was: "And you should
never put bananas...( long pause)... in the refrigerator."

Ever since I heard that in the 50's, I observed Chiquita's advice.
The thought of giving a banana a cool home never crossed my mind.

Until recently.

Bananas hanging on a hook to ripen are a prime target for fruit flies.
So on a recent trip to the supermarket, I asked the produce guy if he
had any bananas that didn't attract fruit flies. Somewhat startled, he said,
"Hey, just put 'em in the refrigerator."

I reminded him of Chiquita's advice. He said, not to worry. The skin may
change color a bit after a few days, but the banana isn't affected--except for being
cold and a little firmer.

I bought a bunch of bananas July 16 and parked them in the fridge. My guests
have eaten--and enjoyed--two, and the others still look good.

Sorry, Chiquita. I heeded your advice for 60+ years. You misled me.

A Lesson

In our daily lives, most of us encounter problems, troubles, inconveniences...call them what you will...big and small. In today's PC lingo, they're sometimes referred to as "challenges." As an innkeeper, I see a few...usually medical conditions that limit a guest's mobility or require special equipment in their room.

I had the privilege recently of observing a guest whose situation helped me to reflect on things that occur in my life--usually minor--that I tend to regard as "problems."

He is confined to a wheelchair and is not mobile. His vehicle, which he drives, has a ramp. With a little help from his wife, he accessed my deck and his room and his van. They adjusted to the physical arrangements immediately.

I asked about the circumstances of his disability. It was a car-truck accident when he was 19--he's now 52--resulting in spinal cord injuries. He was a college athlete--track and swimming.

And as I observed them, I reflected on how easily I become annoyed by simple things that could/should be brushed off.

The imprint he left: a big smile, easy laugh, sense of humor, positive attitude, great flexibility and a wonderful partner. When they checked out, I thanked them for providing me a reminder to be more grateful for the life I've been given, and to look at so-called "challenges" as what they often are: undiscovered opportunities.

Thanks, M and T