Inspired Weekend

Good friends and colleagues, united for brain power and good times, in the baking heat of Northern California.

Russ and I played host to some dental chums through the Danville connection. Our chemist, Greg Dorsman from the research facility and Dr. David Alleman, Six Steps, from Utah. Along with David were three of his extraordinary children, Megan, Davey and Ben.

After picking Greg up at Oakland airport, Wednesday morning, we proceeded to spend the afternoon at UCSF, School of Dentistry, lab (I'm not sure of the privacy protocol, so I'm leaving out these names). The science of research was not only fun but fascinating. Again with privacy, I'll skip to an exceptional and late lunch. Never partaking of Peruvian food, Russ and I are converts, dining on paella and a sea food chowder (chupa de mare), mange bella (is that a mutilation of language or what?)

Back to the lab for the results, further discussion and on to the R-Wild Horse Ranch, Platina, California. After slogging our way through 5:00 SF traffic, we glide into the Diamond Car Pool lane in my sleek Mom-Mobile. This is where I make my valued contribution in this think tank weekend. Sometimes three heads are better than two when it comes to commuting. "Love ya, man."

Smooth sailing, we arrive at the Ranch at about midnight, give or take. Greg is settled into his cozy motel room and we to our intimate trailer.

Work, play, work, play, translates into talk shop, ride horses, compare science notes, ride dirt bikes, discuss formulas and applications, hit the hot tub for late night star gazing, bat watching and a review of the days scientific achievements, stimulated by all the oxygen circulating physical activity. I, for one, was honored to be surrounded by so much brilliance.

David and his illustrious family arrived Friday morning, having driven all night from Utah, alternating drivers between David, Davey (23 +/-) and Ben (20). Daughter, Megan (31), is exempt from driving detail. She is the driving force behind this sojourn; a joyous soul seeking to fulfill her equine dream. As well as the impetus for her dad and brothers to join the dental think tank.

Megan was born with physical challenges, requiring a family committed to her daily care and well being. We witnessed family values at the highest level on an hourly basis as the her dad and brothers saw to her many needs with compassion and tenacity, including her in every aspect of our busy days. Megan, in turn, inspired us with wit and charm and a delight in being that still gives me goosebumps.

As a fellow horse lover, we shared the joy in simply seeing horses, let alone the supreme elation of riding one. Anticipating her opportunity to sit upon one of nature's noblest creatures, for days in advance, her brother did stretching exercises with her to help her ease her tight legs in the saddle. Devotion. Megan shared the widest, most genuine smile as she was lead around the arena on my husband's Morgan, Mica. Remember the old commercial slogan, Kodak moment? This was beyond that. Hand clutching the saddle horn, purple All stars on her feet, Megan was the Queen of Parade, the Cowgirl Princess and so much more as she and her entourage circled the arena, weaved the poles, and circled barrels, camera flashing. Priceless.

The next day, braving the Platina heat (90's to 100), Megan and David sat in the shade as I bathed and groomed Dobby, our 28 yr old Arab Horse Elf. We talked about horses, Arabs, Harry Potter and how Dobby got his name.

Over 'recreational' meals (I don't consider a trailer 'camping') of smoked chicken, taters, onions; gourmet salads, corn; breakfast scrambles, melons, summer fruits and ending with a pancake breakfast we discussed dental materials, compounds, teaching strategies, teeth and dental schools; sports, horses, surfing, and motorcycles, music, computers and need for art, not only for its own sake but as a means to higher brain function.

Russ and I hope this will be the first of many more such gatherings, using the power of exercise and play to enhance analysis and cognitive thinking, strengthening our relationships with fun and fundamentals.

What I will remember most fondly is Miss Megan, whether clutching the saddle horn or a red Otter Pop, her gracious spirit made all our days richer.