Monday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

Day #8

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:36. 

I've got a few phone calls to make this morning to verify medical appointments.

Zack and his crew are here (finally) to help with spreading the mulch and to re-do the driveway.

We've got grocery shopping to do this morning. 

The Practice:

I started inside with a full round of The 10+ adding to #3, #4, #6, #7, #9 and #10 focused on Consistency and Health.

Next I went outside on the east side of The Shed to get some privacy.

I started with a Round reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on:

Hang the muscles,

Open the joints.

and

Slow is Smooth,

Smooth is Fast!

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on the quality of my Techniques and Sequence.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on Abdominal Breathing and Sequence.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms focused on Opening my Joints.

That's it for this morning......

Sunday Practice

  

The Details and Notes:

It's a cool 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:35. 

Jeff is came up at 10:00 and we practiced until 12:10 then he visited inside with GG and I until 1:00 ish

Great time at the Lyle Lovett concert at Look Park last night. Leland Sklar was on Bass!! Wow!

Russ Kunkel on drum set. The whole band were seasoned Pros. but the bottom end was truly fabulous.

The Practice:

I started with finger exercises and a brief Warm Up

Next I did a Round (left side) before Jeff came. 

Next I did a round of Standing and Healing Qi

After Jeff arrived and we drank tea and chatted a bit we started with Lower Deflect Parry and Punch with Whole Body whenever issuing power and when to shit weight and when to bring the waist around to the front

Next we did a couple of rounds of San Shou (The Taiji Dance)  (both sides) The Sequence is getting more familiar and we worked on a few Taiji principles during the first round. One specific we worked on is the proper extension (hinge/triangle) at the Elbow and Shoulder. Jeff was straightening his arm too much.

Next we did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Alternating sided Changes 1-6. We focused on the sequence's for #5 (Pheonix) & #6 (Rooster)

We also worked on Cheng Style Baguazhang's Yin/Yang Circle Walking. Especially the introduction.

Saturday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:34.

Jeff has conflicts this morning so we are going to meet at 10:00 tomorrow morning here in Leyden.

We're going to see Lyle Lovett and his large small band at Look Park this evening. We are meeting with Gerri and George in Noho for a picnic before the concert. 

The Practice:

I started in my main practice area with The Finger Exercises

Next I did a round of all 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo (both sides) I think I've flushed out #4 on the left side. Yay!

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on Sequence, Direction and Techniques.

Next I did a round of Sunsu focused on Correct Direction. I think I've flushed out the Correct Ending. Yay!

Next I did a brief Warm Up using the first 4 of The 10, adding to #3 and #4.

Next I did a Round. I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I & II. I started on the right side and 1/2 way through Part II I realized I had inadvertently switched to the left. I tried to remember 1. Which side I did yesterday 2. Which side I started on today. I switched back to the right side. Oy!

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

That's all I had juice for today......

Friday Practice

 The Details and Notes:

It's 56 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:33.

Chris is coming up at 10 to work on the picture boards for Mom's service next weekend.

The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice area this morning.

I started with a round of all 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's 1-4 (both sides) I did #4 several times on the left side focused on Sequence and Direction.

Next I did a brief Warm Up using the first 4 of The 10. Adding to #3 and #4

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I and II. I focused on staying on the left side and Sequence (especially in Part III)

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 5-8 focused on Sequence and the overall quality of my Walk and Changes.

That's it for today......

Thursday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #7 in the rotation. I need another day in #7 to really get the proper sequences of the Kata and Weapons Forms.

It's a cool 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:32.

Govt' Mule at the Tree House last night with Ron and Cindy, Peter and Susan and Tom. Great show!

We got stopped by a very nice MA State Police Officer on I91 last night for having our lights out. I received a warning.

Ron and Cindy stayed with us last night. We got up and made Bacon, Scrabbled Eggs and Toast. Yum!

Later we went to SYC and had lunch (sandwiches from the Guilford Country Store.

The Practice:

GG and Cindy took Echo for a long walk. Ron was on The Deck looking for bear and wild life and I went out to my main practice area and started with a full round of The 10+.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on Staying Soft and Smooth and Breathing in and out through my nose, Sequence and staying of the right side.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on Sequence and Techniques.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into Sequence. I did the end several times to solidify the end and directions. I got a little confused right at the end but after several repetitions I think I flushed it out. I'll do it again tomorrow morning.

Next I did Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 5-8 tuned in to Stance Work, Fully Turning to the Rear and Sequence.

Next I went down to the Driveway and did a round of Double Dao focused on Technique and Sequence

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #6 in the rotation (again/still). The last couple of days have been so busy I can just manage to get a Round in without it becoming a burden (which is not the Shen [consciousness] that I'm looking to develop)

It's 70 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:31.

Cindy and Ron Wajda are coming this afternoon for the Govt. Mule concert at The Tree House this evening then staying overnight.

I postponed the jam this afternoon until next Wednesday. 

Zack is coming tomorrow to re-do the driveway and help with mulching the Lanscaping beds.

I've got a bit of a three ring circus going on this week.

We've decided to put 4 Toyo tires on the Lexus after hearing the two of the continental tires that are currently on the Lexus have separated internal belts. They were on the front and that's the cause of the pulling. The Tire Wharehouse guy Mick could see that both the front tires were bad (belts slipping). Ugh!

We need to go grocery shopping. 

Yesterday GG did a dump run.

We got propane delivered today by Dead River.

The Practice: 

I started in The Driveway with a round of Lo Family Staff focused on Shoulders, Health and Fa Jin.

Next I went up to my main practice area:

I started with a round of Anyo Anim focused on Stance Work and Applications.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on Agility/Mobility, Lowering my Stances and Sequence.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 5-8 solidifying the Sequence and Techniques and Postures.

Next I did a full round of The 10+ focused on Health and Consistency.

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on The Classics and staying on the left side (left side sequence). I remained focused on Staying Soft and Smooth.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's a cool 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:31. It's a rainy day!

The Ponton's are coming at 10:00 this morning so we are busy picking up the house.

I called and made an appointment with Tire Wharehouse to get the rear tires moved to the front. They said that the two front tires the belts have been separated. My guess is that's what was causing the pull to the side, even when Cherry Rum switched the front tires. Oy Vey!!

After the tire wharehouse I went to the YMCA and did a round of CYBEX and 5 minutes on and Eliptical and 5 minutes on a treadmill.

The Practice:

It was 2 pm before I had the chance to do a Round. ugh!

After lunch and rest I went out on The Deck and did a Round (right side). I focused on:

Hang The Muscles,

Open The Joints,

Muscle Down, 

Bone Up

I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I

I also focused on Relaxed Balance and Breathing in and out through the nose.

Monday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 54 at the house. The air quality is good. The sunrise was at 5:30.

I'm up early, I have an 8:00 am appointment at Cherry Rum with the Lexus to get a 4 wheel alignment and possibly check for a rodent nest in the AC. I got the rodent nest taken care of it seems it's the tires on the Lexus that need to be addressed....New tires? I guess!

Bobby Balk is coming for a visit this afternoon.

The Practice:

I went across the street from Cherry Rum Auto to the fields in front of 4 Rivers Elementary School to Practice while I waited for the Lexus.

I started with a brief Warm Up focused on Stretching and Consistency.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

                                             "Rub The Neck Against The Collar"

Sunday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 65 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:29.

Air quality is better today.

I've got lawn mowing to do. I still have the path in the back field to do. I hosed off the lawn tractor after doing the back and front yards this morning.

The Practice:

I started in The Barn with Drum Set Practice on my Tama kit that I bought from Dave Konopka (RIP) a few years ago. I've been focusing on my Travis Picking and I can feel it when I try to play drums. It's challenging to keep everything up....Oy Vey!

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a round of Anyo Anim focused on Applications, Stance Work and Sequence.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on Agility, Mobility and Jumping, using full extension on my kicks and punches. I did the 'old style' of Double Knife Hand Challenge (the first movement that I learned from Sensei McCabe back in 1972. I practiced that movement for three years before starting formal Karate Training in '75.

Next I did a full round of The 10+ adding to #6, #7, #8, #9 and #10

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Relaxed Balance and Breathing 

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong.

Saturday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:28. It's forecast to be cooler today with a little less smoke but rainy this afternoon.

The Air Quality today ended up being pretty poor, although I couldn't really tell and neither could Jeff. It's not nearly as bad as what Tom Sokol and I experienced in Beverly Mass at the first Modern Arnis Camp we went to back in 1987. That was so bad we put our mattresses on the floor in the dorm room so we could get under the smoke (you could see it!) and breath relatively clear air (not). I don't think I'd be doing that in 2026! Nope!!

I've got Jeff coming up at 10 for training.

Chris and Jim drove up to retrieve her water bottle.

We went to the calling hours for Bobby's mom yesterday and then to The Farm Table for dinner; I got really sick when we got home. Ugh!

The Practice:

I started in my main practice area with a brief Warm Up focused on Consistency, Health and stretching my Fascia.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I

After Jeff we started with Tea and Conversation

Next we did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms Changes 1-8. I recited the names of the Postures on Changes 1-5 and the rest where I could. I referred to my notes often, but the wind was messing with my papers (Ugh!). We focused on #6 and #7

Next we did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 1-4 in the correct placement on the circle. I talked about adjusting for age and injury (Jeff's lower back has been an issue that he deals with on a regular basis) FYI - Injuries Suck!!

Next we did a round of The Taiji San Shou (Dance) primary side first stopping at various places to acquire more skill and detail 1- Wave Hands 2 - Da Lu 3 - Push Hands (horizontal, vertical and stepping) 

Next we did the second side for Sequence.

That took all of our two hours (10-noon) and it started to rain. Plus Jeff's back was getting tight so it was time to stop.

Friday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #5 in the rotation.

It's 68 at the house. The air quality is still poor from the Canadian wildfires! The sunrise was at 5:27.

Eli Painting came yesterday to give us and estimate yesterday. This morning our conversation is about power washing the soffit and gutters on the east (and west) side of the house.

We're going to Ba's mom's calling hours this evening.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with two rounds of Monkey Staff focused on Technique and Sequence.

Next I went up to my main practice area and did a round of Anyo Lima focused on Consistency and Applications.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on Agility and Mobility

Next I did a full round of The 10+ adding to #3, #6, #7, #8, #9 and #10

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Breathing and Moving from my Waist.

Next I did a full round of Standing and Healing Qigong 

Thursday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 68 at the house. The air quality is still bad from the fires in Canada. The sunrise was at 5:26.

I've got an 8:30 appointment with Dr. Goldsher to have my stitches out and get my night guard fitted.

The Practice:

I practiced in The Driveway this morning.

I started with a brief Warm Up focused on consistency.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima focused on Technique, Sequence and Applications.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on Spinning, Jumping and Full Extension.

Next I drove into town to go to the Dentist then to the YMCA for a round of CYBEX and Stairmaster (6 minutes) and Treadmill (6 minutes) then to Marsh Groove for a couple of sandwiches and a couple of Pork Chops for the grill.

When I got back to Leyden I went to my main practice area and did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. Jim Flynn called 1/2 way through Part II to discuss painting. He referred me to Eli Painting. Someone is coming at 6 tonight to give us an estimate. 

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 77 at the house and forecast to be in the 90's this afternoon with high humidity with very bad air quality. The sunrise was at 5:25.

I've got an 11 am appointment in Springfield VT with True Hearing. I drove up to Audio Nova in Springfield, VT only to find out that there was nobody there that could see me. Stacey, the woman behind the desk was less than helpful and very difficult to deal with. I will not be going back there! I called True Hearing when I got back home and made an appointment for Aug 4th in Pittsfield, Ma. The best thing about going to Springfield, VT was that I ran into Carolyn Sullivan on my way to the bathroom at the grocery store next door because Audio Nova wanted to charge me for using their bathroom. Ugh! 

The Practice:

I started inside with a brief Warm Up focused on Consistency and Health.

I went out to my main practice area and did a Round (right side) focused on using a Calm Centered Mind, moving Slowly and soothing my nervous system; doing my best to activate my parasympathetic nervous system.

I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

It was time to prepare to drive north to Audio Nova.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #4 in the rotation.

It's 68 at the house and it's forecast to be in the nineties this afternoon.

The sunrise was at 5:24

I've got the YMCA today and possibly grocery shopping and a dump run.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Staff on both sides. I focused on the little jump and single leg squatting. 

Next I did two rounds of Anyo Dalawa to flush out the correct Sequence. I also focused on Basics.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on Sequence and Techniques.

Next I went up to my main training area and did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 5-8 (again) around my main Bagua Tree (below). I focused on solidifying the Sequence's (especially changes #5 and #7) and Posture's.

Next I did a brief Warm Up focused on Consistency, Stretching Fascia and Health.

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on The Principles.

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong.

Prof. Cheng Man-Ching and Master T. T. Liang

 

Prof. Cheng Man-Ching and Master T. T. Liang

Monday Practice

 

                                                   Milk Snake near my garage......

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #3 in the rotation.

It's 63 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:23.

My right knee was bothering me last evening. I think it was the power broom work that I did yesterday that got it tweaked.

I had a phone conversation with Travis this morning. I had texted Ray about talking but he was camping, so tomorrow or Wednesday?

 

The Practice:

I went out to The Driveway and did a round of Taiji Dao using Master Liang's Broadsword.

Next I did a round of Pa-Kua Knife focused on Sequence. I did good except for the Butterfly Kicks.

Next I did a row of Level Pushes with my left side.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on Sequence and Appications.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on Technique and Sequence.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Changes 5-8 focused on doing the Changes at the correct position on the Circle and the overall quality of my Guard, Walking (Lion Walking) using more extension.

Next I went up to my main training area and did a round of The 10+ focused on Health, Coordination and Leg Strength.

Next I did a Round (right side) mentally observing the principles. I recited my version of the Taiji Classics during Part I & II.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Sunday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm not counting today in the rotation. I've just got too much to do!

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:23.

I slept in again this morning. I was up at 3 but dozed until 7:30.....I was just too cozy and warm. I got up and stripped the bed and took a shower to start my day.

More cleaning up today and trying out my electric weed whacker. Surprise, surprise I started the Stihl Weed Whacker and did a bunch of tall grass around the garden and the mail box too. Then I filled up the gas tank while it was running and changed out the week whacker for the power broom and then did as much power broom-ing of TRG as I could handle. Yeow! That is some very physical work. I certainly feel all of 75 doing that. I'm grateful that I'm able to do any!

Later I did a little more clean up with the Electric Weed Whacker which is fine for the small stuff.

The Practice:

Before lunch I went out to my main training area and did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 1-4 reciting the names of the Palms throughout. I also focused on the quality of my Circle Walking ( I used Lion Walking and did the round around my main Bagua tree) I did the Changes in the correct location paying close attention to the nuance and overall quality of my postures.

Next I did a brief Warm Up focused on Health and Consistency.

Next I did a Round (right side) observing the Taiji Classics throughout the Round.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

That's all I had the juice for today.

Saturday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #3 in the rotation.

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:22.

I've got a 10-11 video meeting with Jeff this morning.

I'm undecided about what to do with my Stihl Weed Whacker. Ugh!! I'm still not sure.....

The Practice:

I started upstairs in The Loft with using Dumbbells to do #8+

After meeting with Jeff I went through some paper work from years gone by, attempting to clear out some of the paper work that is very out of date. Some of my scheduling books from years ago I find interesting.

Next I did a brief Warm Up....

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 reciting the names of the Postures where I could. I did the round around my Bosu Ball Platform.

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a Round (left side) focused on staying on the left side and breathing through my nose. I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I 

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong. 

Than's all I had the juice for today.

Friday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #2 in the rotation.

It's 71 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:21.

I still can't seem to start the Sthil Weed Whacker! I'm trying not to get too frustrated. Jared is coming later today to help.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Jian using my metal Lung Ching Sword. I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on following the tip of the sword with my eyes and the overall quality of my postures.

Next I did a row of Lazy D's with my left hand.

Next I went up to my main practice area and did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into Sequence, Techniques, Direction and Applications.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata focused on the changes I've made to this Kata and the quality of my Angle Kicks and Knee Lifts (Steps).

Next I did a full round of The 10 adding to #7, #8, #9 (incorporating Ba Shi's Golden Rooster, Single Leg Squats and Push The Mountain Into The Sea) and #10 (Three Swings and Song Gong 1-4) I was focused on Consistency and just Doing without much thinking.....Accessing Discipling to Just Do Them!

Next I did a round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Opening and Closing my weighted Kua.

Next I did a full round of Standing and Healing Qigong.

I was focused on accessing gratitude and appreciation for having learned all these Forms, Qigong's and Modalities.

Thursday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm not counting today in the rotation. I've just got too much going on.

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:20. 

I've got a bunch to do this morning:

- I tried and tried to start my Weed Whacker motor but only ended up getting more and more frustrated. I haven't been able to start the motor for all the attachments that I have for it....ALL Season. I came in and called Jared Smith for help. Ugh! I'm going to keep trying but if I can't start it he will come tomorrow 

- grocery shopping at Big Y - I did shop with a list. I had brought a cooler for the cold stuff.

- a dump run - GG did one with the old computer parts. 

- CYBEX and Eliptical Trainer at the YMCA - I did CYBEX then 6 minutes of the Stair Master. Boy did that get my heart rate up dangerously close to the max of 150 for a 75 year old. I remember the day's when I could do 3+ hours!! 

and phone calls to:

- Ray

- Travis

The Practice:

After a very frustrating bout with the Sthil Weed Whacker I went up to my main practice area.

I did a Round (right side) focused on acquiring a calm state of mind. 

That's all I had the juice for today......