Chautauqua 2008
Here are some random thoughts from our annual pilgrimage to the Chautauqua Institution.
- Bicycle topic 1 this week: Emily and Anne had brand new bikes, with aluminum frames, soft seats, and 7 gears. Emily’s is a full adult sized 26″ bike. Oh. My. Garsh.
- Bicycle topic 2 this week: Emily’s bike was “borrowed” for about 20 hours until I found it behind a denominational house. The “borrower” hadn’t even bothered to take off the pink plastic hearts from her spokes. We spent most of our waking hours glancing at every bike that went by to see if it was Emily’s. I found this habit difficult to break even three days after I found it. We started locking Anne’s and Emily’s bikes afterwards. I also noticed that, other than at “club”, 30-50% of all bikes at Chautauqua are locked.
- Bicycle topic 3: the house bikes look decent, but aren’t that great to ride. While climbing what has become known as “Bennett’s Bloody Bend” (the hill above the sailing center) a gear slipped while I had all my weight on my right foot. I lost my balance and rolled right over the bike, hitting the pavement with my right shoulder and elbow, most knuckles, and right knee. The damage was minor–the pavement was easily repaired. I’ll probably have a scar on a knuckle and knee. And the rear rim of the bike is bent.
- Sailboat lessons are well worth the $60 (a $10 increase from last year) as long as you get a cute, young, friendly instructor. Oh, and as long you can go with someone you love.
We had a great time, and did well enough that the instructor let us do almost all the sailing. Our only regret: we didn’t take the camera. - Drama and disappointment on day one of club does not indicate a bad week ahead.
- Clouds and nastiness 5 miles from Lake Erie does not mean clouds and nastiness on the beach. (Oh, and be sure of the directions to Presque Isle before you leave Chautauqua).
- It seems the Chautauqua Institution is cutting back on bike patrol. Several of us commented on it. There was a report of an attack (or was it an attempted attack?) on a student at a practice room one evening. And then there was the bike incident! And I distinctly saw some kids in Group 2 flash a gang sign–Erie Crips if I’m not mistaken. What has Chautauqua come to?
- Theo introduced me to Hed PE (NSFW) on Friday. Take 2 pounds Limp Bizkit, add 2 cups Korn, salt with plenty of profanity, then grind together with Rage Against the Machine. That is Hed PE. I love it. (sorry, Mom)
- We got to see Switchfoot, where Emily officially fell in love with her first lead singer. And I took the best picture of the week.
- Next year may be the first time we let the kids have their own rooms, especially if Emily invites a friend to go with her (which right now seems like a good idea).
- Next year will be Nathan’s first to go kayaking and sailing at club.