tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58603577287877458222024-03-13T18:22:03.457-07:00Wirz's WheezesThe occasional ramblings of a Catholic, husband, father, and winemaker (in that order).Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-7362880625777156402016-03-10T22:40:00.000-08:002016-03-10T22:40:29.247-08:00Before I turn 40...As I approached the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, I did a little introspection. I started to think about not just the personal shortcomings that I want to fix, but the things that I want to <em>do. </em> I also had the realization that I am 35, and in 4 1/2 years, I will be 40. It is not that I fear turning any age, but when I was little, I looked at my great-grandparents, and knew they were in their 80s, and that seemed ancient. One grandfather died in his late 50s, the other in his early 70s. I am halfway to 70, so my little "aha" moment may have started a mini-midlife crisis. <br />
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When I was in college, one of the things that made me choose winemaking over vet medicine and the priesthood, was the realization that we do not live forever, and the idea of having two or three professions is very difficult, to say the least. This line of thought prompted me to do some real thinking. I took the idea of New Year's resolutions, and I tumbled it into a list of things that I want to do before I am 40. I broke it up into areas of faith, finance, family, fitness (running), career, and a miscellany file. I even built up a reading list of books that I want to go through in the next few years. There is one item that has been bugging me today: I put down that I want to be done with my corporate winemaking career before I am 45, preferably sooner. <br />
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I want to be independent. I want to be able to express my enological creativity with the grapes from the ranch, which is ultimately an expression of my family's hard work for decades. I want to be free from the mundane, the ineptitude, the stupidity, and the unimaginative machinations of corporate minions. <br />
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What brings this on? I have learned my trade through corporate winemaking, both good and bad. Being in Corporate America has its advantages; a paycheck every 2 weeks or month, paid benefits, and so on. However, at the end of the day, even the best employee is just that, an employee. Someone who is a number in the HR database, just as replaceable as a burnt out pump, sucked in tank, or beat up press. If companies merge, and people's jobs are made redundant, there is at best an attempt to be fair about picking the best (i.e. lowest cost, highest profit, most productive) employee, and deep-sixing the loser as quickly and humanely as possible. The shareholders must get their dividends at all cost. I did not spend an extra 3 years of my life in grad school and deny myself other careers and callings to be someone else's burnt-out pump after 30 years service. <br />
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Monster Winery and the others in the Cohort have been sold to a New Company. Today was The Day of Promotions, Demotions, Transfers, and New Org Charts. Monster Winery was largely unscathed, except for a couple of colleagues. I like working with these folks, and do not want to see their livelihoods lost. If they lose their jobs, The Company will move on, and the rejected get to pull themselves up by the bootstraps. <br />
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45 seems like a reasonable time to get out by. It must be absolute. By then, I will be middle-aged, but not too old to be scared and stuck. I will not give Corporate America my entire working life. I cannot; I deserve more. My family deserves more. <br />
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It is Lent; so I must focus on increased prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Tonight, my prayer is for my friends, that they can keep their jobs. Pray that we can find the courage to seek the will of God and to stay true to our calling.<br />
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<em>Pax et bonum,</em><br />
<em>D</em>Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-20334669931535581052014-12-31T23:28:00.002-08:002014-12-31T23:28:12.573-08:00<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here is a quick line about us clicking over the Gregorian Odometer again. So long, 2014, we had our ups, downs, and flirtations with mediocrity. Hello, 2015, may you have some promise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was looking over my "New Year's Resolutions/Self-Improvement Plan" for 2014 a week or so ago, and found that I had a snowball's chance of finishing my reading list, weight loss, running goals, and other ambitions that I set out for myself. I will try the same type of organization plan for the coming year, but I don't think that it will be quite as ambitious. I have in the top-line of this blog that I am a Catholic, husband, father, and winemaker. I know that I have a lot of room for improvement in all of those areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If there is anyone out there who still looks at this page anymore, I wish you a Happy, Prosperous, and Grace-filled 2015. God love you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Donald</span><br />
Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-59911460034661282982014-04-26T23:09:00.002-07:002014-04-26T23:09:52.923-07:00A vigil for four PopesAs I start to write, it is 10:30pm on Saturday, 26 April. In about two and a half hours, a momentous occasion will begin, the canonization Mass of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. For an institution that has seen over two millennia of human history, to say that tomorrow will be unprecedented is no small statement. Pope Francis will celebrate the Mass that elevates these two to the honors of the altar. Even more unprecedented will be the presence of Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI. He is set to concelebrate the Mass with the cardinals. For those of you who know me, you know the esteem and affection that I hold for B16, and you can imagine that I am excited to watch this unfold.<br />
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Pope John XXIII is a misunderstood man by many. True, he is rightly described as "The Good Pope", and seen as a lovely, convivial grandfatherly-like man. He called, and presided over the first session of, the Second Vatican Council. When he called for the Council, he looked for an updating of the Church's teachings for the modern world. That his motto was "Obedience and peace" is a telling reminder that he saw himself as a servant of God, a servant of his Church, and a disciple of Christ, in who alone we find true and lasting peace.<br />
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Pope John Paul II (styled "the Great" by many) is still in the minds of so much of the world. He reigned from 1978 to 2005. Until I was 24, there was only one Pope; the former Karol Jozef Wojtyla of Wadowice, Poland. He was a philosopher, an actor, a poet, and a priest. Of all the hundreds of documents, speeches, and homilies that came from his pontificate, there is one theme. This was the theme at the very beginning: BE NOT AFRAID! OPEN WIDE THE DOORS TO CHRIST!<br />
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Sainthood is not the Medal of Honor. Sainthood is not the lifetime achievement award of some organization for seller of most widgets. Sainthood is not an earthly honor. Sainthood is what we are all called to. For these two men to be formally declared saints is to declare that they lived lives of such heroic virtue that their souls are in heaven now, and they are actively interceding on our behalf. This is why we honor and venerate the thousands of saints on the rolls of the Church, this is why images exist in our Churches and homes. If we cooperate with God's grace in our lives, this is what can happen!<br />
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I attended World Youth Day in Rome in 2000. After a few days' soujourn in Italy, my group of pilgrims arrived in Rome. I scorched my feet and backside on the cobblestones of St Peter's Square waiting for John Paul II to arrive to start our time in Rome together. I will never forget the thrill that we had as we saw him go past. At one point in his reflection for opening World Youth Day, he asked us, "Why are you here?", "Who are you here to see?". The correct answers were not, "St Peter's", "the Colosseum", or "the Pope", but rather "Jesus". The whole point of these men's lives was to point us to God and his Son. <br />
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John Paul II inspired so many of us through his life and his witness. John XXIII inspired the Council Fathers to allow themselves to be open to the Holy Spirit. It has been said that John Paul II told us <strong>what we believe</strong>, Benedict XVI told us <strong>why we believe it</strong>, and now Pope Francis is showing us <strong>how</strong> <strong>to act</strong> <strong>out what we believe.</strong> <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and preserve in running the race before us," Hebrews 12:1</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<img height="717" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp5st9mkJu1y8mkm3xQz6Lsm59FI5xfYG8hy6wtm05W0tkYu6kyR9mdBhgQBIgxEI1cFMTj_JLA-EZsKAvn1GWDkpiS6jToXul7n-sZiY-D8zojSvJWadOW3f8IU87iy0bs7YULmwdjAR/s1600/j23jp2c27414.jpg" width="478" /><br />
Popes St. John XXIII and John Paul II, pray for us! We love you!<br />
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Pax,<br />
DonaldDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-10681991328764417102013-05-17T13:00:00.000-07:002013-05-17T13:00:01.334-07:00B16 Quote of the WeekThe more the depths of our souls are directed to God, the better we will be able to pray. The more prayer is the foundation of our entire existence, the more we will be men of peace. The more we can bear pain, the more we will be able to understand others and open ourselves to them. This orientation pervasively shaping our whole consciousness, this silent presence of God at the heart our thinking, our meditating, and our being, is what we mean by "prayer without ceasing". This is ultimately what we mean by love of God, which is at the same time the condition and the driving force behind love of neighbor.<br />
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-Jesus of Nazareth, Pgs 129-130Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-75881958514978332642013-03-09T17:30:00.003-08:002013-03-09T17:30:38.005-08:00A blessing of a day
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am writing this post white on the road on a business trip
to Tennessee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a short-notice
trip; I decided to take it last Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I left on Wednesday night, and arrived at my destination on Thursday
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, my travel itinerary
is not the point of this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
wanted to write a post that includes the abdication of the now-Pope Emeritus,
Benedict XVI, but have needed time to process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, though, has been a blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was done with my meetings in TN last night,
and opted not to do an immediate red-eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stayed the night, ostensibly, just to go visit some of the big sights
in country and bluegrass music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
thing that I really wanted to do was visit an old friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was at Cal Poly, I lived in a house my
senior year that was run by the Newman Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was one of four men and two women who lived in the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the course of that year, they became
like the brothers that I never had, and the sisters that I want my daughter to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two and a half years ago, I lost one
of those brothers in a plane crash. It’s slightly ironic that I am writing this
post in an airport terminal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
women is in a convent,with the Nashville Dominicans, and has recently taken her
first vows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is about halfway through
her formation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My little sister, Katie,
is now Sister Rose Miriam, O.P..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
visited her today on my way into Nashville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a rather short visit; I arrived just before noon
prayer and lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She met me in the
chapel, which is absolutely gorgeous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was dedicated in 2006 because the previous chapel was not big enough to house
the entire community and guests at big Masses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I counted chairs for about 100 in the old chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, they have a wonderful
problem; the convent is filled to the brim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, today, there was a retreat taking place for prospective
vocations to the order; the priest-chaplain and I were the only men there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an odd feeling, but I digress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was radiant with a serene joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that may sound corny, but it is so
very, very true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chatted for about
10-15 minutes, and we shared where we were with our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her about how the Newman Center in San
Luis Obispo is being remodeled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
kitchen is being dedicated to the memory of Mike Ross, our fallen brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both got misty eyed at his memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She let me stay for noon prayers, which I was
glad to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the prayers, I caught the
priest, and was able to go to Confession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That priest is a wonderful confessor and a true physician for a
soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My penance was one that I wish was
given more often; to pray for my parish priest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I walked out of the convent, my heart was full of the grace of seeing
my “little sister” and going to Confession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did go to Music Row.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I toured the Ryman Auditorium, one of the finest concert halls in
America, and the “Mother Church” of country and bluegrass music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had lunch at a pub, and a beer at Tootsie’s
Bar, where many of the legends of country music got their start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was about 2 pm and there was a live
band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll put up a photo of the Ryman, and of the
convent chapel when I get home, if they look ok.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Regarding Benedict’s abdication,
it was a blow emotionally, as I have respected the man as a theologian and
priest long before he was elected to the See of Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now have an understanding for his motive; I
have no desire to entertain various conspiracy theories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust that his mind was guided by God to
abdicate, and trust that the Holy Spirit will act through the College of
Cardinals when the conclave begins next Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have re-started my reading of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus of Nazareth, Volume 1</i> for the
umpteenth time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, though, I am
looking at his text with a new appreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over the next two weeks, I will post a few choice quotations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My flight boards soon, so I need to sign off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next time I post, I will have my feet on
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">terra firma</i> of California.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-14451543531278736472013-02-08T08:14:00.002-08:002013-02-08T08:14:54.790-08:00Kicking!Here's a quick post to let you know that I'm still alive and kicking. The family is doing well; LnJ are doing great in kindergarten, and are getting tall (and still skinny). O is almost 3, still thinking that he is a triplet. And Alie is getting kicked around from the inside. She is due with number 4 in late may, right around the twins 6th birthday. So far, so good with this pregnancy. She just is a bit tired. <br />
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Work is going well; we had a good harvest at home,and at the winery. I have quite a few projects that I am working on these days, but they are all meaningful. Running took a bit of a hiatus over December and January. My weight went up a bit because of that. Have no fear, the running has returned, and I have my sights set on the Salinas Valley Half in August for a PR. I am shooting for a 1:45, which would be a 5:45 PR. <br />
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Short post, more to follow. Keep calm and pray a rosary!<br />
<br />
DDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-35726222530955236572012-10-12T22:36:00.000-07:002012-10-12T22:36:05.011-07:00Vatican II, the reading list, runningIt is the middle of harvest, so the idea of having a current book to read, save for the latest issue of Runners' World, and my winemaking texts, is laughable. That said, current events are nudging me to carve out some time for real reading. You see, yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II was a council envisioned by Blessed Pope John XXIII (yes, that is 23rd) to update and rearticulate the timeless teachings of the Catholic Faith for the modern world. Over the course of three years, the world was left with a batch of documents, a new pope (John XXIII died and Paul VI was elected), and a feeling of optimism. <br />
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I link to a post by Whispers, and link to a video of Pope Benedict giving an off the cuff reflection. On the first night of the council, Pope John appeared at his window and addressed the crowd that had gathered in St. Peter's Square. That talk is referred as the "discorso alla luna", the "discourse to the moon", as there was a radiant moon that night in Rome. Benedict took a page from John's book to reflect on his feelings on the optimism that came from the council and on the quiet, confident humility that the Holy Spirit calls us to. <br />
<br />
So, where does the reading come in? Benedict opened a "Year for Faith" in the Church, emphasizing our dedication to the letter of the Council, not just the amorphous "Spirit of Vatican II", which was used as an excuse for poor teaching, catechetics, liturgy, and nearly ran our Church into the ground. My plan for this Year of Faith is to really dig in and read all of those un-read books on the shelf: Jesus of Nazareth, The Confessions, The City of God, Introduction to Christianity, Feast of Faith. I plan on reading all of the Mass readings for the year. That will get me at least 1/3 of the Bible read in one year. I need to dedicate more time to prayer. I can pray when I'm running, driving, or when I have a quiet moment in the office. <br />
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Pray for me, I'll pray for you.<br />
D<br />
<a href="http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-lord-doesnt-forget-us-in-moonlight.html">http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-lord-doesnt-forget-us-in-moonlight.html</a><br />
http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2012/10/quote-of-day-night-and-half-century.htmlDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-68858352974828971052012-10-08T22:51:00.000-07:002012-10-08T22:51:57.095-07:00Still kickingFor those of you that come by on rare occasion to see if I am still around, have no fear for Donald is here! It is the middle of harvest at the winery. Which means grapes, interns, and lots of work. things have been going pretty well at the job, and we shall leave it at that. On the home front, we are not at Hazel's anymore. Our home was sold out from under us, and we are no renting at a ranch about five miles from the winery. Well, it is 5.5 miles, as I clocked it this afternoon. Today was "run to work day", as Alie's car was in the shop, and mine was filled with car seats. It was a nice run. peaking of running, I ran the Salinas Valley Half Marathon in August, finishing in 1:53; three minutes slower than last year.<br />
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For a bit of nuttiness, I have signed up for the Big Sur Half to be run in mid-November. that's rig, it's harvest, and I'm training for a half, too. I ll keep you updated as things progress. Hope you are well, where've you are.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
DDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-57556952888022277982012-04-05T22:28:00.002-07:002012-04-05T23:00:24.458-07:00Hemingway of the wineryIn the last few days, I have had one of my bosses call me, "The Hemingway of Paicines", the miniscule wide spot in the road where the winery is. I am not sure if this is a compliment or not. This guy likes Hemingway and Kipling, that I know. At any rate, I know that this blog, with its three followers, is not Hemingway or Kipling. So, tonight is Holy Saturday. Tonight, we Catholics enter the Easter Triduum (three days of Holy Thursday to Good Friday, to Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil). My preference would have been to go to Mass, followed by Adoration. Unfortunately, the wife was not feeling well, so I was not able to go. <br /> At any rate, after dinner, I was watching the sun go down in the kitchen. Leo climbed up onto my leg, and we talked about the sun going down, and how it was twilight. He asked when the sun would come back up, and we talked about twilight being that part of the day after the sun goes down, but before it is dark. He told me that the dark is on his "list of things that he is scared of". I got the idea to show him the stars before he went to sleep. Sure enough, after putting pajamas on, and after doing the night time routine, the twins wanted to see the stars. I took them outside, and showed them how to find the North Star. i showed them Venus, Mars. There was a nearly full moon out tonight. I thought them their first Shakespeare: I got them to repeat, "I am as constant as the Northern Star," (Julius Caesar). After the annoyances and frustrations of the last few days, I felt like I was doing the right thing, like I was following The Plan. Too bad it took a full bottle of wine. Great way to start the Triduum, right. Now, I think I will go off onto the porch to sing one of my favorite hymns. Since no one comments on this blog, I'll tell you the title: "Pange Lingua Gloriosi", by my patron, St. Thomas Aquinas. Happy Holy Week.Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-31934049334902315562012-04-01T21:56:00.004-07:002012-04-01T22:06:50.537-07:00NVM Results-why I have I not posted this???So, I ran the Napa Valley Marathon on Sunday, 4 March. I did not post my race report, Lord only knows why. So, here is the skinny:<br /><div class="pluck-persona-first-blog-single-post-content"> <p>Race day was great. You could not get better weather, if you asked, begged, and pleaded for it. Chilly at about 40F at the gun (or air-raid siren, rather), with a couple wisps of cloud. The first five miles went like a breeze. Around mile 6, I met a man running his 47th, yes, 47th marathon. We chatted for the better part of the next 8 miles. We made it through the half in 1:56. I saw Alie, the kids, and family around mile 14. Shortly thereafter, the wheels fell off the cart. An ankle injury from 2 years ago reared its ugly head, and I did a walk-run the last ten or so miles. I nearly broke down in tears at mile 24. But, I saw someone I was not expecting to see: Amby Burfoot. Amby won the 1968 Boston Marathon, and was the editor-in-chief for Runner's World for many years. He was walking the course backwards. I don't know if he had run the race, and was coming back, or was just walking along those last couple mile to encourage us in. I saw him, and managed to start running a bit more again. I waved, and said "Hey, Amby". He smiled, and said, "Finish strong,". Sounds silly, but the guy helped me out a bit. </p><p>The last mile was a little surreal. We were no longer running among the vines, but were going through a couple of residential neighborhoods to get to the finish at Vintage High. Someone said, "You're doing the 0.2 now,". That fact encouraged me greatly. I crossed the road to the last straightaway in front of the high school. I was overjoyed, I started running, and thought, "Well, let's see if I can get a little out of the crowd,". I took my hat off, and started waving it over my head. The crowd roared, well, as much as about 150 people can roar on a Sunday morning. Much to my delight, Alie and kids had just arrived, and I saw my wife hold Ollie over the railing. Finish time of 4:42:46. Second fastest marathon ever (PR of 4:27 in 2005).<br /></p><p>It was a great day. The race did not turn out as expected, but I was not terribly surprised. Before I commit to another marathon, I need to evaluate my ability to train well much better, and drop about 20#. The foot has healed, I got 3 miles in this morning, and now its time get after it again. Watch out critters, I'll be out there tomorrow morning.<br /></p><p>Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week! We're in the 0.2 of Lent and here comes Easter!</p><p>D<br /></p> </div>Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-53030156779922161432012-03-03T18:45:00.000-08:002012-03-03T18:46:12.058-08:00Napa Valley Marathon in the AM<div class="pluck-persona-first-blog-single-post-content"> <p>Ok, campers, I am running the Napa Valley Marathon. The course is Calistoga to Napa along the Silverado Trail. I am staying with the family tonight in one of the guest cottages that our company owns in Calistoga. I've got my training done; it did not go exactly as planned. So, in case any of you are wondering, here are the goals:</p><ul><li>"C" goal: Break 5:00 (last year's Big Sur debacle time)</li><li>"B" goal: PR/Break 4:27.</li><li>"A" goal: Break 4:00.</li></ul><p>Based on my 20-miler, and my overall health, I think I can hit all three. I'll fill you in tomorrow!</p><p>St Joseph, pray for us. </p><p>St Sebastian, pray for us.</p><p>Bl. Junipero Serra, pray for us. </p><p> </p><p>Donald</p> </div>Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-32996881917675009142012-01-07T07:55:00.000-08:002012-01-07T08:23:59.401-08:002011 wrap, 2012, and WENDELLWe should start with the most exciting news first. On Wednesday, 4 January 2012, my sister Sarah gave birth to her first child. Wendell David Fruit came into the world at 3:13pm, 19" long, weighing in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces. Wendell, Sarah, and Sean are doing well; Sarah and Wendell should come home from the hospital today. Thanks be to God!!!<br /><br />2011 certainly had its high and low points. I was blessed to complete the Big Sur Marathon in May. I was offered and accepted my new job at Blossom Hill, removing a couple of hours off my commute each day. Alie and I witnessed the Solemn Vows of Br. Dominic David in April. I hit my goal for the Salinas Valley Half Marathon in August. The family sold more grapes than it did in 2010. Gabe came home from Afghanistan, and is in Monterey for the next year. I ran over 430 miles. All three of my kids are in good health, growing every day. We just had possibly the best Christmas season in recent memory. We had a great time with the family around, the kids had fun, and we had a good experience at Christmas Mass.<br /><br />2011 had its crosses, too. We lost Jack, Alison's grandfather in March. I thought very highly of him; he was a good man, and one of the sharpest I have encountered. I had hoped that he would survive and enjoy a couple of good years after his wife, Vyn, passed in February of 2010. That was not to be. I lost a mentor in September, when Carol Thorup passed away. When I got my new position at Blossom Hill, I inherited her old office. I think about her everyday when I walk in to the office, some of her books on my shelf, and the picture of Thomas Jefferson on the wall.<br /><br />I am looking forward to 2012. The twins will be five in May; Oliver will turn two in March. I am in training for the Napa Valley Marathon in March. I have my goals, and I think I will hit them. Bottom line is to break four hours. I plan on attending the ASEV (American Society for Enology and Viticulture) meeting in Portland in June. I may run the Salinas Valley Half again. My summer running will be dictated by how well I do at Napa. <br /><br />I wrote the reading list for 2012 the other day; it includes over 10 books, and finally getting through Fr Reggie Foster's <a href="http://www.frcoulter.com/latin">"First Experience</a>". I am looking to be a bigger part of the team at Blossom Hill. <br /><br />Pray for me, and as always, I pray for you. Happy Epiphany!<br />DonaldDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-44619857873890411102011-12-25T14:07:00.000-08:002011-12-25T14:15:54.602-08:00Now bring us a figgy pudding!I would like to take a moment to wish all you you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas!!!<br /><br />Very early this morning, Dad, Heidi, Sarah, Krist, Sean and I attended Midnight Mass at Immaculate Conception in Tres Pinos for the first time in a very long time. It was a beautiful experience simply to be in the presence of my sisters in a place that has a tremendous place in the history of our family. <br /><br />Christmas dinner is coming in a bit, so there will be photos to come, hopefully. God bless us all!Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-85704416019268363812011-12-04T06:57:00.000-08:002011-12-04T07:16:55.236-08:00Happy AdventWell, campers, I'm still here. The news:<br /><ul><li>It is <span style="font-style: italic;">cold</span>, well, for CA. We had 26F yesterday, and 24F this morning. Brrr.</li><li>The kids are huge. Joseph and Leo are reading more and more all the time. Their weekly preschool teacher thinks that Joseph is reading at the 2nd grade level. Wow!</li><li>Sarah (sister) is about 8 months pregnant with Child#1. The planned name will remain the surprise to you all.</li><li>The new windows we had in the house are working quite well. We had a 32F differential between the coldest part of the house and outside this morning. Yay!</li><li>I am in week #3 of training for the Napa Valley Marathon. I missed the registration window for Big Sur by 2 hours back in August. So, I signed up for Napa Valley. I plan on running 10 miles after mass today. <br /></li><li>Speaking of Mass, I like the revised translation for the Mass. Our pastor has had us use the repsonses since mid summer, but hearing the new prayers is wonderful. A bit clunky at first, but we will get there. I plan on a larger post later.</li></ul>More posts, more pictures coming along sometime soon.<br /><br />Pax!Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-85268057895425720482011-10-08T08:23:00.000-07:002011-10-08T08:33:40.667-07:00I'm still here, are you?I have not posted for awhile for several reasons: not enough hours in the day, spending too much of my online time either on Facebook or The Loop, but chief among them is that the prime reader of this blog passed away. I was contemplating not continuing Wheezes, as she was a great supporter and lover of the pictures that I used to post. In fact, she would often give me a hard time when I would seen her, and too much time had passed between photo posts.<br /><br />So, Wheezes is still here, it is harvest, so I'm not sure about how many more posts you'll see in the near future, but oh well. The kids are getting BIG! Oliver is going to be our little bruiser. Leo and Joseph are reading (amazing!). Alie is doing ok, and I've taken the lab manager job at Blossom Hill (back to where I started). <br /><br />Happy Harvest!Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-1012875198990612912011-06-12T15:20:00.000-07:002011-06-12T15:41:44.073-07:00Photos for friendsSome of you may be wondering, "Where are all of these kid pictures Donald keeps promising???". Well, here are some to keep you interested.<br />From Oliver's 1st birthday party (L to R: Joseph, Oliver, and Leo):<br /><br /><img src="file:///Users/alisonndonaldwirz/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-ajwvK89-yOWF_5e9LupCHpf5DWbcObHfgIdUWgmM3nSscT4TVqfok-F_xbUvLNbir-aVkraIArA0QNbYF7LJP6zmizipzP8HUWr7PdhAaCLV4MAt7jFXd7wOXJntZVrGzzd2B1ZQl0L/s1600/100_3028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-ajwvK89-yOWF_5e9LupCHpf5DWbcObHfgIdUWgmM3nSscT4TVqfok-F_xbUvLNbir-aVkraIArA0QNbYF7LJP6zmizipzP8HUWr7PdhAaCLV4MAt7jFXd7wOXJntZVrGzzd2B1ZQl0L/s320/100_3028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617465394311694034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The birthday boy + cake...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7V-HtOaR_-o5VReXoG6FYiS1bcRdB3WDz6eBqWLmorTZ3bspP3v5APaKy5fvgVZIzoTtobO7ec5rFTAL1I13pVaf3ELSsPBfzhU9ynnlvQ0gyTwucZCpY_lgJvhS-M7YEv_D_Sjroj4W5/s1600/100_3038.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7V-HtOaR_-o5VReXoG6FYiS1bcRdB3WDz6eBqWLmorTZ3bspP3v5APaKy5fvgVZIzoTtobO7ec5rFTAL1I13pVaf3ELSsPBfzhU9ynnlvQ0gyTwucZCpY_lgJvhS-M7YEv_D_Sjroj4W5/s320/100_3038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617466487002703234" border="0" /></a>Uh oh, kids just got up from nap, more photos to follow, again...Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-84059632864491980832011-05-08T15:41:00.000-07:002011-05-08T15:54:46.696-07:00Big Sur Race ReportI know that there have been scores of readers waiting with baited breath for this RR, so here it is, and what a doozy. On Friday, I got off of work early to go to the expo. I spent about an hour or so there; long enough to get my bib, tag, etc. I got a great deal on a new watch, swung by the RW booth where I got to briefly meet Tish Hamilton, Susan, and Bart Yasso. Forgot to get an autograph, whoops...<br /><br />On Saturday, I got to take my last little shakedown run; 2.5 miles. It went really well, and then all H3!! broke loose. I get home and DW says that Boy#3 is congested and not feeling well. Boys #1 and 2 started getting sick, so between chasing/caring for kids, doing dinner, and so forth, I went to bed at midnight. Ugh.<br /><br />I got up at 2:30am so I could get to Monterey and the bus (definately regretting the decision to not go for a hotel). The upshot to the drive was I got to listen to the Beatification Mass for John Paul II. JP2 was a big inspiration for me growing up, and I was very happy to listen to the ceremonies from Rome.<br /><br />I eventually got on the bus, and was transported to the magical place that is Marathon Village. Yes, we were in a parking lot at 4am in Carmel. Let’s say that the most popular place was the Safeway near the staging area. I got to the official, sanctioned staging area soon enough, and munched my bagel and coffee.<br /><br />We got the orders to go to the starting corrals, and I soon found myself at the back of Corral A. Since I had put down my ultimate goal of sub-4:00, I was in Corral A for possibly the only time in my running career. I chatted up a nice lady in the corral with me, and before we knew it we were off!<br /><br />Mile 1: 10:10, a little slow, but a nice warmup. Up the first hill.<br /><br />Miles 2-10: Magnificent. Up and down the hills of the Carmel Highlands, and out to Big Sur. it was clear, sunny, cool, just gorgeous! I even logged a 7:47 mile at one point. I was chatting with a few people, life was good. On pace for a 3:50ish finish.<br /><br />Mile 11: Started to slow a bit, I took this a sign that I need to switch to an energy conservation mode, took GU, tucked in. (10:25)<br /><br />Miles 12-13: not bad, but feeling tired. Hit the 13.1 turnaround mark at 1:57, still on pace for a sub four.<br /><br />Miles 14-15: Not bad, feeling slower, but the miles are manageable 10:15, 10:26.<br /><br />Miles 16-26.2: WALL! Noooooo! What is this thing??? I go to a walk to try to regroup. I started running again at mile 17, and did a run/walk mix to get to the finish.<br /><br />Low point was at mile 23, in the middle of the Highlands; I stopped at a bridge, strectched my calves (they were like rocks), and leaned over the bridge. I decided that even though I felt horrible, I was going to finish this mess. I have done fence work on the ranch with a full pack on for six or seven miles, had trained for this race, and I was going to finish, even if I had to drag my inert carcass over the line. Resume the walk/jog.<br /><br />Miles 24 and 25 were through Point Lobos State Reserve. if you are ever in the Monterey Bay Area, you must go there. It was just gorgeous, sunny, the water was sapphire blue and calm. It motivated me to run most of this stretch.<br /><br />I got out of Pt. Lobos, and made it to the finish. The last 20 yards, I put my hands up in the air, closed my eyes, and went for it. Official time: 5:00:31. Dad was waiting for me at the finish line. Dad is not the most demonstrative person going, so hearing him say, “I’m proud of you,” made me very happy.<br /><br />I went into his race with a few goals: I met two of them (finishing and beating my time of 5:27 from 2007). I did not beat the 3:59 of my friend, but I will have more chances. There is no point in going into some the mean, dark places my mind went for awhile. Mike probably would have smiled, told me not to worry, and ask if I wanted a beer. While I was on that bridge in the Highlands, I decided that this was not my last marathon. In fact, I want to do Big Sur agian next year. There are a couple of pikermis (half-marathons) in the area between now and then.<br /><br />There are a couple of things that went wrong: 1) trying to do 26.2 miles on 2 hours sleep is not a good idea, 2) I should have gotten more than 1-17.5 miler as a long run, 3) I really need to drop about 20#. At any rate, it was a beautiful day on the Pacific Coast, and I will do better next time.<br /><br />A couple of photos:<br />At about mile 8, don’t I look happy?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG_KdxSA-9u69rOXwh3T1AuUMzB4bjkyEqBqqt0kijahAiKnZpRVchM_Nbe-_CVBY_85XJ_LttILEst8Gsq10bzLv4CkV2GscBOoE8lkaNTCIDW1NZVY3EimBdvq74psJz_o8WcYStHle/s1600/marathon+wave.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG_KdxSA-9u69rOXwh3T1AuUMzB4bjkyEqBqqt0kijahAiKnZpRVchM_Nbe-_CVBY_85XJ_LttILEst8Gsq10bzLv4CkV2GscBOoE8lkaNTCIDW1NZVY3EimBdvq74psJz_o8WcYStHle/s320/marathon+wave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604480865108767698" border="0" /></a><br />Finish line in sight, thank heavens!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUjcUsyXNVP9FKQFtP1WLvf7Bf1O5kcq5VE-fZZ3sDC84I7Kec2NefxyPH_48OKl9OSWMaoBNM_Eplj_tZ3gM4QT5Ar4oxd2PyEXt1yfFJQ3jrqzA5BOEbigu4h8jTpllWpj6dAi-Wyf-/s1600/marathon+finish.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUjcUsyXNVP9FKQFtP1WLvf7Bf1O5kcq5VE-fZZ3sDC84I7Kec2NefxyPH_48OKl9OSWMaoBNM_Eplj_tZ3gM4QT5Ar4oxd2PyEXt1yfFJQ3jrqzA5BOEbigu4h8jTpllWpj6dAi-Wyf-/s320/marathon+finish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604481584291622818" border="0" /></a>Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-34601818456434652692011-04-30T10:42:00.000-07:002011-04-30T10:52:42.271-07:00Tomorrow is the day!In less than 24 hours, I will toe the line at the Big Sur Marathon. I am confident that I will finish the course, and do well. I went to the Expo in Monterey yesterday after work, and picked up my bib (number), timing tag, and other paraphenalia. I was a good little Donald and only got a couple of small items: a new watch ($12-amazing deal) and a copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">Going Long</span>, a compilation of long essays from Runner's World magazine. I also met Bart Yasso and Tish Hamilton, both writers for RW. Both are really nice folks. Can you believe that Tish is doing the Boston to Big Sur Challenge. She ran the Boston Marathon 13 days ago, and is running the BSIM tomorrow. <br /><br />My training did not go exactly as planned. My longest run was a 17.5 miler two weeks ago, but the backbone of my training was a lot of 8-10 mile runs, and even more 4-6 milers. When I did the 17.5 miler, I knew that I could run at least 20, but I didn't want to push it only two weeks out. <br /><br />The goals:<br />"A" goal: Sub 4 hours, you know why.<br />"B" goal: Beat my 2005 SF marathon PR of 4:27.<br />"C" goal: Beat my 2007 BSIM debacle of ~5:25. <br /><br />I'll be sure to post a race report either tomorrow evening or Monday. I hope you all have a great weekend.Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-81975198729910115652011-03-12T14:56:00.000-08:002011-03-12T15:49:45.180-08:00*tap, tap* Is this thing on?So it has been a lot longer than I really like to pass between posts. I think that may be a theme for this blog. Apologies for those of you who still look at this from time to time. I think that all three of this blogs "followers" live within one mile of me.<br /><br />At any rate, it is March in Cienega. The vineyard is being pruned, and as always, the mad rush to finish before budbreak is on. We have had a pretty mild and wet winter, but along the way, we have had the usual frost and a small snowfall.<br /><br />The family is ok. Leo and Joseph are three (and ten months). Oliver will turn the big ONE this coming Friday. Sadly, that is the day we will lay Alie's grandfather to rest (see previous post).<br /><br />Lent is here. This is the latest start to Lent in recent memory, with Easter coming on 24 April. I've given up Facebook, and am looking to read several books that have been on the shelf for far. I'm looking to re-read and finish <span style="font-style: italic;">Jesus of Nazareth</span>, especially as Pope Benedict released the second installment (covering Holy Week) this past week. Perhaps the Holy Week book can be a Holy Week/Easter season read.<br /><br />Running took a dive this week, especially with getting to watch the boys with Alie out of town.<br /><br />I hope this is the beginning of more productive blogging, and that this finds all of you in the ether well.<br /><br />Look below for a new Oliver photo (this one taken just before Christmas):<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_ts02mZQYtyVm2ME-YXecDbRGScmmsBUw0vnZYJ1vucmWf5h_GLVkqtBgulKQammHIQaTMTs6Gx0ZpPQedKkaUzOWGuu4eFuK5wI65X-DLQXrVfpmgkcH5XP0d6vYnNewDilSPJNfDe_/s1600/100_2887.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_ts02mZQYtyVm2ME-YXecDbRGScmmsBUw0vnZYJ1vucmWf5h_GLVkqtBgulKQammHIQaTMTs6Gx0ZpPQedKkaUzOWGuu4eFuK5wI65X-DLQXrVfpmgkcH5XP0d6vYnNewDilSPJNfDe_/s320/100_2887.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583344504590286786" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="file:///Users/alisonndonaldwirz/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-75662529029392766452011-03-09T23:45:00.000-08:002011-03-10T18:29:47.086-08:00Prayer Request-URGENTPlease offer prayers for Alie's grandfather, Dr. Jack Blackmon. He has suffered a massive heart attack, and will likely not survive the week. Pray for Alie and her family.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">St. Joseph, patron of fathers, pray for us.<br />St. Joseph, patron of a happy death, pray for us.<br /><br /></span><span>***UPDATE: Jack passed away around 3am on Thursday (3/10) morning. Rest in peace, Jack.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-9281903380474332382011-01-09T21:07:00.000-08:002011-01-09T21:57:06.947-08:00Marathon training starts tomorrowMy 16 weeks of fun starts tomorrow. Marathon training. I got in an interesting long run this afternoon. I ran from the church (Tres Pinots) to the San Benito River Bridge. Total: 9 miles, 1 hour, 25 min. Here we go!Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-68976970496658785362010-12-16T23:16:00.000-08:002010-12-16T23:27:51.300-08:00Still here, folks!So I was just looking at the blog, and I noticed that I have only put up four posts this year. Thanks to all four or five of you who actually look at this thing. I'll be posting some photos of some fun things that have happened recently, like Ollie's baptism, decorating the grottoes (coming this Saturday), the vineyard, and general Wirz-boy shenanigans. <br /><br />A followup to the the last post about Mike Ross. I have signed up to run <a href="http://www.bsim.org">Big Sur</a> in May. I've done it once before; it is a challenge to put it mildly. I've started running again, which is really good. Come 2 January, I start formally training (actually running set distances each week). I'm looking at the race in several ways: a tribute to Mike (running Big Sur was actually something that one of our housemates in SLO and I had talked about doing), getting back into shape, getting back into running (I need a fixed goal to get my butt on the road), and simply, I like to run. <br /><br />At this point, I'm looking to run the whole race without injuring myself. When I ran in 2007, I hurt my hip at mile 15. I was on pace for a 3:45 finish, but ended up walk/running the last 11 miles. I finished in about 5:20. I'd like to PR (my best time is 4:27), Mike ran San Diego in 3:59, so my pie-in-the-sky goal would be to run in under 3:50. This works out to about 8:45/mile. I can do this. Of course, I'll keep you posted. <br /><br />Christmas is coming. We'll get the tree this weekend, if it isn't too rainy.Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-44470341655765354262010-10-17T18:14:00.000-07:002010-10-17T18:15:40.448-07:00Thoughts on Mike Ross (1978-2010)I did something that gave me great pause a few weeks ago; I buried a brother. Mike Ross, whom I went to Cal Poly with, and lived with for a year, died in an airplane crash on Sept 7. He was flying with his father, Bob, also a pilot, over Arkansas when their plane crashed. They both died in the crash; Mike was 32. <br /><br />I do not have a biological brother. I told my mother to take my youngest sister, Esther, back to the hospital when she was born. I was six, but I had always wanted a brother. By the time I finished my year at the Joe (St Joseph) House in 2002, I felt that I had gained three brothers and two sisters. I have stayed pretty close to one of the men and one of the women, but I had let my relationship with Mike slide pretty bad. I had not seen him in the flesh for at least two years, and had not spoke or emailed him in a long time. Now, the opportunity to talk or visit Mike this side of heaven is gone. <br /><br />Mike was a man of action, while I am one of contemplation. I remember after praying the Rosary one night for house prayer night at the Joe House, he said he really did not enjoy praying the Rosary that much. On the other hand, he served. He was a regular fixture at the Newman Center’s turn at People’s Kitchen, where the homeless of San Luis Obispo were fed daily. He took part in nearly every single housebuilding trip to Tijuana. Now, after death, I found that he was working for La Mancha Media, a non-profit that created online videos for other non-profits. He was also doing housebuilding trips to Tijuana every month. Mike was a source of God’s love and light in the world.<br /><br />Recently, the 100th birthday of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta came and passed. Her ethos was to follow the great command of Jesus in Luke 25. “Whatever you do to these, you do unto me,”. This, I believe, was Mike’s approach to living his faith and life ingeneral. <br /><br />This makes me stop, think, and demands that I examine my life. I try to live an honorable and faithful life. I feel like the young rich man who tells Jesus that he follows the commandments and asks what he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus tells him that he must sell all that he owns, leave his family, and follow. The young man cannot do this. At today’s dual memorial for Bob and Mike, no one talked about the the business that Bob ran or the job that Mike had. They talked about the kind of men that they were; men of love, integrity, and service. What kind of man am I, what kind of man or woman are you?<br /><br />Some of the photos at Mike’s reception showed him running the 2008 San Diego Marathon. I am plan on running the 2011 Big Sur Marathon. Maybe I will beat his PR and mine. Maybe I’ll run for La Mancha Media. What will you do to the least of God’s children?Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-45485436675574970392010-03-25T09:47:00.000-07:002010-03-25T10:07:38.171-07:00The Newest Little Runner<span style="font-style: italic;">Annuntio vobis gaudiam magnum, habemus </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">snuffin</span><span style="font-style: italic;">!</span> I announce to you a great joy, we have a snuffin! Oliver Michael Wirz was born last Thursday at 6:35pm, coming in at 6lbs 10oz, and 19" long. He was born about a month early, so his little lungs were not quite ready. He needed to go to a nicu, so in the wee hours on Friday, I got to chase an ambulance from Hollister to Good Samaritan in San Jose. I got to drive <span style="font-style: italic;">fast</span>! There were a few complications, so he will be coming home tomorrow (hopefully). In the last week, his lung function has improved greatly. The little guy can cry, so I wonder what kind of a set of lungs he will end up with. He's long like Leo and Joseph. I wonder what kind of a runner he will be. I told him that he'd have to run with Daddy, and he gurgled, so either he like the idea, or it was gas...<br /><br />Now, for the part that you are after, photos:<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHooSnb7lNqTYkK_gPoTxq6Qm-nVEOuDVlIjz7B5GfafzskWUU_MjbEnaEENtYGBWW8dUaslkN3F3h4J46AAL9ZRa_SapT8BEciWJVNAjC1juXPzM4VcExTWLKyQiORL-YAL8tLva1y_d/s1600/Oliver20.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHooSnb7lNqTYkK_gPoTxq6Qm-nVEOuDVlIjz7B5GfafzskWUU_MjbEnaEENtYGBWW8dUaslkN3F3h4J46AAL9ZRa_SapT8BEciWJVNAjC1juXPzM4VcExTWLKyQiORL-YAL8tLva1y_d/s320/Oliver20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452617156327747010" border="0" /></a><br />Just a few moments after birth, flexing the pipes.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyNzFAVej1fy9j_wi7JLyCKOfO-gnb8g8c9MkYGiMyGJZ9ilglIV3YrbkpRi82IThb7Cw5CPDACteYmvr1xrwMdzQFndHBmhHHzBXkyUMEh5emt0SaU40fIp-KrJzZzM6SQicYEfeQjXR/s1600/Oliver32.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyNzFAVej1fy9j_wi7JLyCKOfO-gnb8g8c9MkYGiMyGJZ9ilglIV3YrbkpRi82IThb7Cw5CPDACteYmvr1xrwMdzQFndHBmhHHzBXkyUMEh5emt0SaU40fIp-KrJzZzM6SQicYEfeQjXR/s320/Oliver32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452617651701494178" border="0" /></a><br />Snoozing on Monday. Having him in the isolette is a bit like feeding a baby critter without influencing him. <span style="font-style: italic;">Now feed your baby condor...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSciTxqMv_EVzW2uLiDWNlXpSkfINRtkQotz6hHx_o3zFiUUi38W-am5rtOtz5hOeG-umrBT2xgSzSdzBg5VIO_VGQQTlYu5wa5PHsUgkOk099UoSx-7kVXgJ45eCVrq_0VcHcxRN19OtX/s1600/Oliver33.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSciTxqMv_EVzW2uLiDWNlXpSkfINRtkQotz6hHx_o3zFiUUi38W-am5rtOtz5hOeG-umrBT2xgSzSdzBg5VIO_VGQQTlYu5wa5PHsUgkOk099UoSx-7kVXgJ45eCVrq_0VcHcxRN19OtX/s320/Oliver33.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452618373557989474" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Ollie!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Leo and Joseph want Oliver to come home now. Hopefully, tomorrow all three Wirz boys will be under one roof!<br /></div></div>Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5860357728787745822.post-71117533309678518792010-03-05T22:59:00.000-08:002010-03-05T23:25:15.686-08:00Still Kickin'It has been a good long while since I posted anything. In case you are wondering; we are still here. Alie is due with Baby Boy on 4 April. We are not expecting for her to go full term; the boys were 2 weeks early, she had a couple of complications (everyone is ok) in January, and Baby Boy is <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> active. Getting a few things organized in the casa is an ongoing challenge. Alie is on a lifting restriction (better than the bed rest requirement in January), so the boys go to day care while I am at work. When I'm not working, I have two little shadows. Nana helps on Sundays so I can go to church. <br /><br />I'm still working at the winery; most days are good. I have done enough VAs in the last two days to last quite some time. Degas, distill, titrate, repeat. Thankfully, I can say that I make <span style="font-style: italic;">wine</span>, not <span style="font-style: italic;">vinegar</span>. <br /><br />It is spring in Cienega. We are at above average for our yearly rainfall (nearly 18" so far), and we have about 6 weeks left in our rainy season. Pruning is going slow this year; Dad is frustrated, moreso than ever. I see the green grass, the fillaree, and mustard; I feel sun and gentle rain; the ground is moist. The roses are starting to push, the plum tree has bloomed. Another year has begun. It is the middle of Lent; I am looking forward to Easter. I am hoping for an Easter baby. I am rambling; I am sober. I have realized that I will be 30 this year. March 15 marks 10 years that Alie and I have been together (married for 8 on 10 August). Leo and Joseph will be 3 in May. I would not mind loosing 10, 20, or even 30 pounds. I miss running on a daily basis (look above to see why I have not been). Some days, I miss working at Monster Winery. I loved the Winter Olympics, and am rooting for <span style="font-style: italic;">die Schwiez</span> to do well at the World Cup. <br /><br />Again, I am rambling. Maybe in the next four months, I can write a more coherent post.<br /><br /><img src="file:///Users/alisonndonaldwirz/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06929230871593195638noreply@blogger.com0