Melting!!

It's m-e-l-t-i-n-g ...  hip, hip, hooray!! It was still slippery (and dark ... and cold ... 18 degrees) when I ran to the Y at 5:40 AM, but this afternoon the sun was shining and the snow piles were shrinking! I still have 6' lining the sides of my driveway, but a few weeks of 75 degree temps ought to take care of that! Morning workout: ran to the Y, lifted, and swam. Talked to Bill Nevala at the pool for a little while. I cut the swim a few minutes short and opted for an extra mile on the run home. Afternoon workout: 40 minutes on the bike.

This afternoon my cell phone rang. Unknown caller. I heard, "This is officer ... from the Rochester Police Department." It's amazing how fast, furious and far-reaching your thoughts can fly in about 2 seconds. I was imagining the worst, but wasn't quite sure what. Turns out he was calling about the Fetzer 20K parade permit. Whew.

Here's the text from a Soles4Soles email I received today. I didn't realize it, but Hanny's in downtown Rochester (19 st Ave SW) is a collection point.

No one was expecting it. But we are prepared to respond. On March 11, 2011, no one was thinking about an 8.9 earthquake that would cause a tsunami to hit Japan, home to the world’s third largest economy. Together, we watched in disbelief as the waves flooded inland and moved homes, buildings, and cars like they were toys a child might play with in a bathtub. But the only thing harmless and innocent about this event were the unsuspecting people whose lives have been...for lack of a better word...displaced. I remember when the announcement of the Asian tsunami hit and one shoe remained along the beach. It was in that moment when I decided to get off the couch and do something to help.

Seven years later, we have a proven model that works. Seven years later more than 13 million shoes have been distributed in more than 127 countries around the world. Soles4Souls is poised to respond in ways I could have only dreamed about in 2004. I am saddened by the devastation in Japan and am committed to continuing to monitor the developing effects of this powerful quake. We are fully equipped for an extensive response should the need prove to be as widespread as our partners are predicting.

Shoes protect from disease and provide hope for tomorrow. Whether it’s Southeast Asia, New Orleans, Haiti, Africa, or Japan, Soles4Souls is committed to helping people in the midst of extreme poverty and those recovering from natural disasters by providing shoes that will protect them from disease and provide them a sense of hope for a better tomorrow.

The tragedy in Japan reminds us of the 300 million children around the world who live a life of tragedy and disaster every day. By giving them the gift of shoes, you tell them that it’s possible to dream beyond their current situation and remind them that there are people who love and care about them. Join our response by donating shoes and giving generously today!

If you’re interested in supporting Soles4Souls’ relief efforts, let me encourage you to visit http://www.giveshoes.org/ to find the nearest shoe drop-off location or to financially sponsor a new pair of shoes from your laptop or smart phone. You can also text the word “SHOES” to 20222 to donate $5 immediately.

Situations like Japan remind us just how much we have. Consider sharing your extra shoes and a few extra dollars to help change the lives of people around the world with the gift of shoes.

I appreciate you,
Wayne Elsey
Founder/CEO

Our meal tonight at our Cooking Light get together was another winner. I made a chocolate dessert and didn't eat one.

Me ...

and dear friends.

Laura and Barbara

Margo

Kathryn

Barbara, Diane, Laura

Laura and Mary

I have to say that my favorite thing was Kathryn's Irish Soda Bread with her homemade rhubarb cherry freezer jam.

It's late. I'm tired. Good night ..........