Doug Goodman

This has been a long winter. Nothing but rain and cold and dark clouds.  In fact, another giant storm has hit the Northeast.  Fortunately, it passed so far North, it didn't affect Houston.  So on Friday, the clouds disappeared, and the sun came out, and man, was it awesome.  Sunlight can do a lot for the soul.  Too bad it can also make you an idiot.

Saturday when we ran the dogs, it was another great, sunny day.  I think the dogs felt the change, too, cause they seemed eager to work and they all did really well.  Since the team met at 8:30, and the training area was within 15 minutes of where I live, I had more time to take it easy and get everything I needed in order.  So heading out, I felt really good.

The trails were long, though, which meant the team was out late.  It was past 1:30 when I finally got home. I was drained.  I put Mojo and Rider out and got something to eat.  I drank a half liter of water and two cokes at lunch, and then I took a nap.  I woke up thirsty, so I drank some more water.  I also had that grungy, yucky feeling you get from working outdoors, so I took a bath.  Then I went downstairs and watched some television.  That's when it happened.  I put my hand on my head.  It was warm.  My wife came downstairs and stopped and stared.  "You're red."  NOOooooo!!! 

Luckily, we keep the house stocked in Solarcaine.  I highly recommend the stuff.  It is all aloe vera and lidocaine, and man, does it help a sunburn.  It cools without stinging, and it is a thick jelly which makes it coat on without much friction (the enemy of anyone with a sunburn). 

Twenty four hours later, and my head is still a little warm.  The skies are also back to gray and overcast.  It seems the sun was here long enough just to catch me off guard.  I need to remember to always make a hat part of my pre-training checklist.  (Dog biscuits - check.  Dead guy - check.  Hat - check.)