There were two messages here on September 1, that have moved to entries on other days. Please see August 27 and August 28.

About an hour ago I heard what, I promise you, sounded exactly like someone farting in my office, yet I was the only person in the room and it wasn't me!

As I was searching for the source of the sound, it went away. Then it came back again. Yet, it sounded like it was coming from my bookcase!

Was there some sick mouse hiding behind a book, gasping for air? No. Was it some sort of gag left here by my wife or Shane, to amuse themselves? No.

What, then?

I have a small light box, for viewing slides, which I purchased when most of my photography was film-based. When I finally realized that the fart-noise was coming from there, I pulled the cover off of the battery compartment and saw that one of the batteries was oozing acid as a grayish-silvery paste, and farting in the process. It stopped a few seconds later (after which I promptly washed my hands).

How bizarre. (Somebody I know is sure to think this is pretty funny.)

Now this is the way to start off the month: a new record speed, with a vengeance!

28.94 miles, in 96 minutes, gives me an average speed of 18.09 miles per hour. That's not just a new (personal) record, it's also the first time I've topped 18 mph (average) in almost two years.

Unfortunately, I don't have anything very exciting to say about today's ride. No problems at all with the bike, traffic was normal, the only riders I saw were coming towards me, and I just felt like I had more energy than I needed!

This new personal best does beautiful things to the performance chart, doesn't it?

My goal for the month of September is 12 rides, and at least 300 miles. Yes, that goal is significantly lower than my goal in August, but I have two good reasons: first, I didn't meet my goal in August, I only rode 15 times; and second, September almost always has more rain than August, so there will be fewer days available for riding.

I usually don't ride much at all in September, so even 12 rides will be a significant improvement.