Editor to Ride Pan-Mass Challenge!

Crater Ranch Editor in Chief Keith Ferguson yesterday registered to ride the Pan-Mass Challenge, that huge annual Massachusetts bicycle event that raises money for cancer research and treatment.

Each year, thousands of riders embark on a two-day ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown. The 190-mile ride is grueling to say the least, but not as grueling as raising the $4,200 donation minimum for the ride. This big wall of money has been the main reason I haven't done this ride before. This year, however, a work colleague that used to ride the PMC each year passed away from an illness, and some other folks have formed a team in his honor. With this added support, I decided this was the year to go for it. Plus, it will get me back out on the bike, which I didn't do seriously this past year, and help support a good cause.

I will post updates on my training and preparation as time goes on, but in the meantime please help get me started with a donation to the cause. The ride isn't until August, but why wait? Click here to donate via credit card. $4,200 is a lot of money, but it's for a good cause and with everyone's support I think I can get that much and more. Give till it hurts! Trust me, you won't be in as much pain as I'll feel after the first few rides on the stationary trainer.

Study Confirms: Baby Makes Three

Crater Ranch scientists, after an exhausting four month study, have confirmed the long-held belief that two parents, plus baby, makes three. The tally was complicated by the constant demand for play, naps, bottles, and drool cleanup. And then there were the baby's needs. Although the four months of late-night feedings, crying fits, and diaper containment breaches took their toll, the two parents also acknowledged that, "It could have been worse."

Keiran Frederick Ferguson is generally, and so far, a very happy, satisfied baby. He doesn't have extended crying fits, at least nothing that a bottle, a funny face, or a bounce on the yoga ball can't remedy. He smiles very easily, especially for his parents, and he eats extremely well. He has even started to grab and hold the bottle himself, although nipple placement still needs improvement (babies have trouble discerning mouths from eyes, nostrils, etc.). At the time of this report the baby's first teeth were coming in, and was soon to begin small amounts of solid food (if wet, soggy rice cereal can be considered solid).

Some of his favorite things so far include going outside in the stroller, playing with the stuffed polar bear, kicking, and shoving both hands into his mouth.