Question of the Day

Last weekend as I wandered around town I noticed some people wearing dust masks trying to protect themselves from the smoky environment due to Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in California history. On the other hand I saw others, some walking with their children, as if it were a typical weekend shopping day. Every day since then has become progressively worse with many schools closed and events cancelled today. I came down with a cold this week but can’t tell if my coughing is from the cold or from the environment. It does seem really bad outside, right?

How are you coping with all this smoke? Do you wear a mask outside? If so, is it the recommended N95 type? Try to stay indoors more? (I read that many indoor places don’t provide much protection either!) Is this going to become more common in the future?

The other day I was running on the Lamorinda trail in Lafayette when I encountered a huge flock of wild turkeys right on the trail. There were so many that as I approached them I was contemplating what to do if they started attacking me. Thankfully, they let me pass and I completed my run. Other times I’ve seen coyotes, lizards, deer and raccoons. The one animal I worry about is the mountain lion. Don’t flee they say; easier said than done!

What are some interesting animals you’ve encountered in this area?

Photo by Flickr user presidioofmonterey

“Narowski was left paralyzed from the chest down at the age of 25 as the consequence of a vehicle crash involving alcohol outside of Santa Barbara, California.”

Last week a 35 year old Tennessee woman was arrested for felony DUI after causing a massive crash on S. Broadway in Walnut Creek that resulted in the death of a driver and 8 month old infant.

This makes me so upset. When you drink do you make sure to have a designated driver or other plan ready when returning home?

I recently read an article where it’s illegal to go trick or treating on Halloween where kids older than 12 potentially face fines, misdemeanors or amazingly, even jail time for trick or treating! How old is too old to go trick or treating? Have you ever refused to give candy to someone you felt was too old or didn’t dress up?

There could be repercussions…

The midterm elections will take place next month on Tuesday, November 6th. Check your Contra Costa voting registration status here. Do you plan on voting this election?

This week we learned about a new cycling studio that recently opened in Walnut Creek by Indigo, which also offers yoga and pilates classes. There are plenty of other gyms offering a wide variety of workouts, with more expected to open soon. These days I keep it simple; put on my running shoes, and go running right out the front door. What’s your favorite workout?

The other day I found myself at Plaza Park in Lafayette (confirming that A Runner’s Mind really did close) when I realized it was dinner time and I was responsible for bringing dinner home. At that moment I peered into Sideboard wondering if they offered any interesting takeout options. Sure enough there was a sign for a bucket of fried chicken takeout. Tired of the usual go-to options like pizza etc, I decided to go for it and we quite enjoyed it at home.

What is your favorite takeout spot?

Orville Wright and group around a table

In the above photo you can see the inventor of the airplane, Orville Wright. I wouldn’t mind sitting down for dinner with him but I think I’d most like to have dinner with Teddy Roosevelt or Bill Gates. Who would you most like to have dinner with?

Yesterday we learned that the vegetarian restaurant The Lettuce Inn will be relocating within downtown Concord which got me thinking about my own meager vegetable intake. When I’m at a restaurant I try to convince myself to order a vegetarian dish. But then I see any number of meat dishes listed and I get an unbearable urge to order that instead, even if I know it will be less healthy. How can I convince myself to eat more veggies? Are you a vegetarian? If so, what made you become one? Health, environmental or something else?

Although Vitamin Shoppe closed in downtown Walnut Creek this spring, the multi billion dollar vitamin and nutritional supplement market is still booming. Do you take any vitamins/nutritional supplements or do you believe they have no effect? I take vitamin D and L. reuteri probiotics. I feel good but maybe it’s just a placebo effect?