November and December 2008 |
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After getting back from Easter Island, November was a quiet month to catch our breaths. We enjoyed a brief afternoon visit from Ellen and Sid, cousins of cousin Ronnie. We had fun showing them the nearby beach and sharing family stories while dining in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. |
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| After 40 years since Artie and Dan last saw each other, former High School gymnast teammate Dan visited, with his friend Ann. | ||
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Much of our time in Florida is spent on our health and fitness routines, including at the Local "Y" (YMCA). |
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| Great instructors and equipment 7 days/week. | ||
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| We practice Tai Chi three days a week, Monday night plus Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The morning workouts are
after a 20 minute free-weights class in the same gym. Our wonderful instructor, Larry (who has appeared on previous pages "on-the-beach") also does a traditional Thanksgiving day session in the parking lot of the Y. Cold, but fun! |
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Here is our brave group that faced the early morning outdoor chill with Larry (below, wearing the Tai Chi shirt). The Y was closed, but we were there with our "energy" (Chi) flowing! |
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On Tuesday and Thursday nights, Artie practices his Aikido martial arts with Sensei Dan (left) at the Y. |
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At times, the fluidity of Aikido seems a blur! |
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Whether learning hand-to-hand techniques, or those with arms (like the staff, or "jo," shown at left),
Dan demonstrates the proper way for effective self defense. Despite the intensity of focus necessary to learn these skills, Dan keeps the atmosphere of the Dojo (the gym) "light" and fun throughout the class, as shown by several of the photos below. |
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Then again, the focus gets serious in order to master the form necessary for proper performance. |
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