South on Highway 101 / Redwood Highway, 20080723we1518

Copperfields Books, 20080723we1412

Stopping at Copperfields Books (Independent Bookstore) in Santa Rosa,
California.

Leaving Sebastopol, 20080723we1355

We're getting on the road now. We hope to arrive at Google
headquarters in Mountain View, California around 4:30 PM for the open
house scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Then we'll continue going
south toward Santa Cruz. We'll probably stop somewhere along the way
and then continue on to Santa Cruz in the morning for the 9:00 AM open
house there.

The Rental Place, 20080723we1224

We stopped at the rental place to get a truck to pull Jay's house.

Driving to Sebastopol, 20080723we1028

Running Complete, 20080723we0938

I'm back at the Vardo Gypsy Wagon. I'm going to shower, dress, and
then try to find a laundromat in Sebastopol where I can wash my
clothes. We're leaving today around noon, and I want to make sure I'm
ready for the next 5 days as we journey to the Mexican border and then
return to Sebastopol.

Peace Site, 20080723we0855

Going through the Peace Site and continuing my run from here.

Going Running, 20080723we0826

I just finished giving myself a haircut and trimming my beard. I use a
standard trimmer and it seems to work fine. Doing it myself saves
hundreds of dollars on haircuts.

I'm now ready for my morning run, but as I start my run, I see the
apple trees. Of all the plant life here, I'm most impressed with the
apple trees. It's an amazing accomplishment for the plants around here
to survive, blossom, and thrive in the midst of what seems like arid
soil. Yet, the apple tree impresses me because it produces fruit --
even when planted in dry soil. It survives, and has enough left over
to give away. So, this is the thought I'll begin my morning run with.
I, also, in dry and difficult conditions, want to survive, blossom,
and thrive, but even more than that, I want to produce fruit when
times are hard. I want to have something of myself to give to others.
My prayer and hope is to have strength beyond what I need. To have joy
and hope overflowing to give to others. Even when it seems like life
is hard. Even if I'm going through a hard time. This is the teaching,
the admonition, I receive from the apple tree today.

Morning Light, 20080723we0633

I woke this morning around 5:00 AM, but decided to sleep for another
hour since I went to bed late last night. I've been going on longer
runs than usual, and I know my body needs to get plenty of sleep to
heal between runs.

Normally my runs are 36 minutes, but over the past five days I've been
going for 54 minute runs. Also, when I'm home, I usually carry my
heavy backpack in my bicycle trailer, and I carry fewer things. Being
on the road, I have more electronics gear, so the bag is heavier. So,
my body is really feeling the soreness of these additional demands.

I have a theory that every time a person engages in heavy exercise,
there are micro injuries. In weight lifting, it's the recovery from
these micro injuries that produces more muscle. Most micro injuries
can be healed in 24 hours, assuming a good night sleep. However, some
will need 48 hours. This is why weight lifters alternate the muscle
group worked on from one day to the next.

The amount of healing that takes place depends on the amount of sleep,
rest, and other factors. Some people go running everyday. For many
people, the body can recover in 24 hours from a short less intense
run. Howerver, if there are cumulative micro injuries, these may
result in a larger injury. For example, if a muscle is fatigued and
not provining the support or balance needed, more weight and strain
will be shifted to other muscles or ligaments. This could result in a
more serious injury.

As the body becomes conditioned and stronger, more muscles and stamina
infrastructure are created. The same workout seems easier because more
of the body is efficiently engaged in the task. This produces less
strain on any single area of the body, resulting in fewer micro
injuries and faster healing times. However, one should always be
mindful of the potential for cumulative micro injuries from repetitive
stress.

I find that trail running feels better than running on cement. The
surface is typically softer, and the slight variations in the trail
ensure a random and distributive stress on the entire body which
presumably would result in less identical repeated stressors - as
would be the case in walking or running on cement or stair climbing.

The stairs on Great Wall of China are of unequal height. Presumably if
they were the same height, fatigue would set in much faster since
doing even an easy task, repeatedly, can become hard if it is the same
task over and over without variation.

I'm going to start my morning routine of stretching (Yoga/Pilates),
breathing exercises, meditation, and then running.

Evening Report, 20080722tu2249

Jay, Marty, and I just got back from Santa Rosa. I'm settled into the
Vardo Gypsy Wagon for the night. I've enjoyed staying in the Vardo
these past five nights. It's very comfortable.

It's too dark now to take a photo with the iPhone, so I picked this
picture from the Peace Site collection of pictures:
http://www.resourcesforlife.com/docs/item774

Tomorrow around noon we plan to get on the road again and continue our
trip down to the Mexican border.

Rickshaw Rudy's, Pedal Cab Service, Santa Rosa, 20080722tu2104

In front of Toad in the Hole Pub.

Veggie Pasty and Salad at The Toad Hole in Santa Rosa, 20080722tu2043

Sunflower Garden, 20080722tu1940

Visiting friends in Santa Rosa who have a sunflower garden.

Driving from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa, 20080722tu1918

Resting in the Vardo Gypsy Wagon, 20080722tu1749

Returning to the Vardo Gypsy Wagon, 20080722tu1651

This is a photo of rocks used for landscaping near Whole Foods Market
at McKinley Center in Sebastopol, California.

National Peace Site, Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Sebastopol, California, Photos, 20080722tu1604

Photos of the National Peace Site at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol, California are now available. The photo collection includes a map and photos have detailed descriptions. A slideshow is below. A permanent page has been created on the Resources for Life website for this National Peace Site.

Quiche and Raspberry Fizz, 20080722tu1307

The broccoli quiche has generous portions of broccoli and a flaky crust. A side salad has edible flowers, spinach, and other fresh greens with a light oil dressing and sprinkles of sunflower seeds. The raspberry fizz has fresh raspberries in a non-bitter soda water with fresh mint leaves.

Smart Car, 20080722tu1249

I'm at McKinley Center in Sebastopol, California where Whole Foods and Infusions Teahouse are located. I'm going to stop by the Teahouse to upload the Peace Site photos. The car pictured here is a Smart Car.

Finished taking photos, 20080722tu1234

I've just spent about 90 minutes photographing the National Peace Site. I'm going to go and sort through the photos to get them uploaded. I took photos with different exposures and a variety of depth of field settings. So, I'll need to review which ones look the best for posting.

National Peace Site - Taking Photos, 20080722tu1104

I'm back at the National Peace Site. There is some really good lighting today, and I'd like to get photos of the items identified and numbered on the map.

Middle Eastern Plate at Infusions Teahouse, 20080722tu0957

The Middle Eastern Plate at Infusions Teahouse has wheat pita, dolmas, olives, and a seasoned spread. [1034] It's been a busy morning so far. I've made some updates to the Border to Border Tour page, and responded to a computer support phone call.

Infusions Teahouse, 20080722tu0845

I just arrived at Infusions Teahouse. They open in about 15 minutes (at 9AM). I'm planning to stop at Whole Foods while I'm waiting for Infusions to open. [0923] For those of you who are new to my journal, the numbers in brackets are a time stamp expressed in 24-hour time. So, it's 9:23 AM right now. I just finished updating the National Peace Site Map entry to include two pages that describe the map.

Run Complete, 2080722tu0759

I just finished my morning run. Along the route this morning I paused my workout monitor to do some reflective writing. These are two fresh plums that were on the ground along my running route today. They will make a nice light breakfast. My running stats for this morning are: 6.07 km, 54 minutes, 8:53 min/km, 582 calories burned.

National Peace Site, Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Sebastopol, California, 20080722tu0733

I'm back at the National Peace Site near Sebastopol, California, having completed the trail loop through Ragle Ranch Regional Park. This photo shows a map of the Peace Site. There are some shortcuts in the labyrinth, but I walk the complete spiral of the path to remind myself that peace takes time and patience. I've posted the guide to the map below as two pages. The map and descriptive pages can be enlarged by clicking on the images. I was really fascinated to learn about this peace site and how many people from different places have contributed to it.

In reading these descriptions, one becomes mindful that peacemakers are all over the planet, they are well connected, and well equipped. They have been in every generation. They were, they are, and they are to come. The attention to detail given in the description conveys the care that was given to the creation of this peace site.

Photos. Photos from what I call a 54 Minute Peace Run are now available. A slideshow is below. Click here for more information about the 54 Minute Peace Run.

National Peace Site, 20080722tu0703

I'm at the National Peace Site. There's a sweet smell in the air, like honey. The plants here have interesting aromas. I've been taking my run slow this morning to soak in the surroundings. There is a very cute brown humming bird sitting alone on a fence about three meters from me and singing or calling out with great enthusiasm. I'm going to continue my run.

Living on the mist that falls from heaven, 20080722tu0645

As I was running through the Burbank gardens (see photo), I was thinking about how much of the plant life here survives and thrives for months without the benefit of a typical rainfall, without artificial watering, in seemingly dusty dry soil. These plants are nourished by the almost invisible mist that falls from the heavens (skies). I was thinking about how life, or the situation we find ourself in, gets dry and parched sometimes. In these times it would be good to heighten our senses to perceive the "mist" that falls from heaven that can nourish and nurture our souls. In the morning hours, there is a peacefulness that I've noticed. It's a kind of peacefulness that, like mist for plants, can nourish the soul.

Going Running, 20080722tu0633

I'm going on the 54 Minute Peace Run. There is a fine mist that falls like rain at night and keeps
the plants and flowers green despite not having a typical rainfall. This is apparently how the ground can be dry and dusty yet the plants are thriving.

Morning Report, 20080722tu0502

I woke this morning and looked at the clock to see that it was 5:02 AM. I like it when I'm able to wake without an alarm clock at this hour, since 5AM is my desired wakeup time. (see www.ScheduleForLife.com)

It's too dark here to take a picture, so I selected this picture from the Ashland, Oregon collection of pictures. I'm going to do my morning stretching (Yoga), breathing exercises, and meditation. Then I hope to go running.

Going to sleep, favorite picture, 20080721mo2254

It's too dark to post a photo, so I thought I'd put up this one from
earlier today that was taken near the ocean west of Bodega Bay. I'm
going to sleep late so I probably won't be awake until about 7 am.

Power Mobility, 20080721mo1931

IOGEAR has a product called Gear Juice that provides numerous power tips for various phones and other products.

Solar Mobility, 20080721mo1929

Voltaic Systems has a backpack with solar panels on the back. It seems like a useful product, but a little bit expensive at about $250.

Bodega Bay, California, 20080721mo1905

Photos of Bodega Bay, California and the ocean shoreline west of Bodega Bay are now available. A slideshow is below.

Samosas at Infusions Teahouse, 20080721mo1734

I'm at Infusions Teahouse getting some more work done and uploading photos. For some reason, I'm not able to send email from my notebook computer, but I can send email from my phone. I presume it is a problem with the ISP for the Teahouse.

Infusions Teahouse, 20080721mo1721

I've setup my mobile office at Infusions Teahouse.

Bodega Bay, 20080721mo1554

Driving back to Sebastopol.

Ocean Shoreline west of Bodega Bay, 20080721mo1528

Tomato Basil Pasta, 20080721mo1439

Salad, 20080721mo1432

Bread with oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, 20080721mo1407

The Sandpiper Restaurant at Bodega Bay, 20080721mo1400

Bodega Highway, 20080721mo1343

We're traveling south west on Bodega Highway on our way to Bodega Bay.

Florence Avenue, Sebastopol, California, 20080721mo1252

Photos of sculptures along Florence Avenue in Sebastopol, California are now available. A slideshow is below.

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company - Building Workshop, 20080721mo1207

Photos from the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company Building Workshop held on 20080719sa are now available. A slideshow is below.

54 Minute Peace Run, 20080721mo1027

Peace Run. I call this the "54 Minute Peace Run" because the run includes a National Peace Site as the main landmark for the run.  The National Peace Site includes the familiar pillar that proclaims "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in many languages. The run takes about 54 minutes, a number divisible by 18 -- the numerical equivalent for Chai which means life in Hebrew. So, "Peace" and "Life" are my meditations and focus for this run. When I reach the National Peace Site, I navigate the labyrinth and then continue to the trail that loops through Ragle park.

Running Route. The running route that I follow in the morning (each morning since last Friday morning) takes me through the resident gardens of Burbank Heights, through the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, past the Chuck Sharp Cottage Garden, through the Sebastopol Memorial Lawn Cemetery where many veterans of war are buried, west along Bodega Avenue (Bodega Highway / Highway 12), north west along Ragle Road past the "War is Not the Answer" sign to the Ragle Ranch Regional Park where there is a National Peace Site.

Photos. Photos from the run are now available. A slideshow is below.

Masala Chai Spice Blonde Macaroon, 20080721mo1008

In addition to tea, Infusions Teahouse has a variety of nutritious foods as well as baked pastries, sweets.

Breakfast, 20080721mo0922

For breakfast today, I'm at Infusions Teahouse having a Spiced Chai with rice milk (sweetened with honey crystals) and the Middle Eastern Plate (wheat pita, black olives, dolmas, seasoned spread).

[0948] I'm catching up on emails and trying to sort photos for posting online. I'm having a strange problem with my outgoing mail servers from my notebook computer using wireless. I'm clearly able to get online to view the Internet, and I'm able to receive emails, however, my SMTP servers won't allow me to send. To clarify, in the swing photo (below), I was just taking a break on the swing after my run. This trip has allowed me some quiet and peaceful moments to reflect and look back as well as look forward. [0953] Yesterday while running, I saw a woman in the bushes and brush gathering and eating berries from bushes. She was dressed in very natural clothing, had no makeup on, and her hair was in dreadlocks. It was kind of like seeing someone in another country going about their daily routine of gathering food. There were other women doing the same, and also families gathering food. Today, as I'm working on updating my blog and trying to organize photos, there is a woman breast feeding her baby across the table from me (another woman with natural clothing and dreadlocks). I know that breast feeding in public happens in some places, although our society is fairly uptight about it. Obviously, out of courtesy and to respect her privacy, I wasn't staring at her. She wasn't using a cloth to cover herself, so this is another impression during my trip that makes me feel like I'm in another country -- some kind of tribal village place where people are more connected to the earth and nature. [0959] When I went running this morning, once I arrived at the park, I started and returned to the National Peace Site located in the park. There is a labyrinth at the Peace Site with a tree in the center.

Working on uploading photos, 20080721mo0918

My mobile office is now setup and running at Infusions Teahouse.

Infusions Teahouse, 20080721mo0905

Arriving at Infusions Teahouse.

Going to Infusions Teahouse, 20080721mo0857

Returned from Running, 20080721mo0806

When I returned from running this morning, I felt like swinging on the swing that is next to the Vardo Gypsy Wagon. I had a good run. It was my longest run on record with my Nike+ iPod running system, so a recorded message from Lance Armstrong played at the end of my run. I
remember the first time I broke a personal record and had Lance congratulate me, I was a bit surprised. Today's run was 6.37 km, 49 minutes 15 seconds, 7:43 min/km, 610 calories.

Yesterday at the Infusions Teahouse, I heard two songs by Brett Dennen: "Ain't No Reason" and "There is So Much More." At that time, I'd never heard his music before. By searching Google on a phrase from the lyrics (in quotes) and then the word lyrics, I was able to discover the song and artist. Going to iTunes and searching for Brett Dennen, I discovered both songs at the top of the list of his most popular songs. I was listening to these and some other upcoming Heart
Songs selections.

I posted some photos yesterday from Infusions Teahouse, but still have more to upload. Hopefully I'll get some more time with an Internet connection today and do that. We don't depart again until Wednesday for the remainder of the tour.

Going running, 20080721mo0657

Morning Light through Stained Glass, 20080721mo0558

The morning light shines through the stained glass in the door of the Vardo Gypsy Wagon. It's time for stretching (Yoga), breathing exercises, meditation, and running.