I've got a new thing to try: slack-rope walking.

I remember as a kid climbing on fences and trying to balance on 'em. This weekend, when Diana and I went to the beach for lunch, there was a chain looped between posts forming a little fence. The chain wasn't very slack, but it certainly wasn't pulled completely taut. I'd just eaten a great lunch in the warm sunshine in a beautiful spot with a beautiful wife, and was feeling giddy with happiness. Trying to balance on the chain seemed like a good idea, so I clambered on up there! Diana said "Adman..." in a warning, "I'm not so sure this is a good idea" tone. It took a tenative try or two to get situated, but I got up there, one leg on the chain, the other out in space, arms poised for balance.

At first my leg was totally wobbly as I struggled to get it under control. During that time, everything else was gone. No ocean roar, no people around, nothing but me and that chain. It was a really neat feeling. I really like doing an activity that requires such intense concentration that there isn't room for anything else.

I got my wobblyness under control, and was able to shift my weight and take an actual step. Then another. By that time, I was about at the end of the chain, and I hopped off, I'm sure with a huge shit-eating grin on my face. Diana hugged me proudly and gave me a kiss and told me she loved me.

Unfortunately, there's no place around the house to set up a rope. I'll have to work on that.