1. I get perty darn tard after about six or seven miles of picking them up and putting them down -- but it’s a good kind of tard. Nevertheless, lead me to those lightweight boots!

2. Outings are a great way to have fun -- and to build the kind of friendship that inspires and sustains us. A great part of an outing is getting to know some new people -- and catching up with old friends -- sort of like an old-fashioned cocktail party. Enchante de faire votre connaissances, mesdames et messieurs!

3. Organizing and coordinating an outings program takes consistent effort and attention. To make an outings program sustainable, we need to share the load, and to provide sufficient funds to make it work easily.

4. On a hot day in July, basking like a fat old river otter -- in a deep green magical pool, floating down a West Virginia river -- -- is one fine, sensual, eggs-perience.