Giving Thanks!

South Haven Lighthouse

taken November 26

Thanksgiving has passed, and I have returned to my blogging duties.  Needed some time to collect my thoughts and maybe think about those things I am thankful for.  We seem to be getting into a bit of a family tradition at Castel de Atwood at the Glen Allegan. Almost sounds like a scotch, but truthfully its always neat to see the family, but sometimes it would be great to meet up more than once.  Unfortunately my schedule gets so jammed, but as I was reminded....its really no excuse.  I am terrible at breaking away and spending time with those I SHOULD be spending time with.  Its that work thing where I am compelled to work hard and make something of myself.  Like the heading of my blog, I am trying to point my life in a new and positive direction.  I just have to quit saying and start doing!

Mary Lou -
my wife of 25 years

During our few days visit, I gave some thought to some of the things I am thankful for this year.  I mean, one penny just won't cut it!  I do have a lot to be thankful for.  Health. For both my wife and I.  Even my folks looked very well.  Life.  That I able able to live my life in a country that values life. Employment.  Thats a biggie around these parts lately.  Love.  That there are people that love me for who I am (even though I sometimes may not show it back as often).  Blessing.  That I have a warm comfortable home, dependable transportation, yes even my Harley is a blessing, food on the table, clean clothes, and the tools I need to live my life.  Family.  That they support the direction my life is heading, and being secure enough in the knowledge that they are there for me when I need them as much as I am there for them should they need me.  Safety.  That we have men and women serving both home and abroad, keeping us all safe from all enemies, both foreign and domestic, and that they have written that check payable to the United States, at a cost of their life.  While I am not maybe the wealthiest person in terms of monetary or physical possessions, the gifts I have inside me as well as those around me are what make me rich!

Jesse and Cheyenne
Our two daughters

I took some time before I left for one last ride on Melissa.  Went up to J&P Cycles to get a full face helmet.  At the time I had this crazy thought of riding Melissa over to Thanksgiving, but those temps just got colder than expected.  I did learn I can ride in sub 30 degree temps, but I need some better gloves.  My gloves, even with the fleece lining, are terrible!  I need some heated gloves or at least some heated grips.  That would make a huge difference, but those are both rather spendy items.  The ride up was colder than coming back.  On the way home, I stopped at a christian bookstore and picked up a little birthday gift for Jesse, our daughter.  Nothing like waltzing thru a christian bookstore in full Harley leathers, eh?  Had one gentleman ask me if I was lost, another asked me if I had enough sense to find my way to a warmer climate.  As I left I could almost sense my Guardian Angels laughing hysterically.

Funny-those don't LOOK like
Notre Dame colors!

Soon I will be preparing Melissa for her yearly hibernation.  I make no qualms about how much I HATE not riding.  Like the saying goes, "If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand".  There is oil to be changed, filters to change, and time to get the service manual out and figure out how to do simple things like changing fork oil, or brake pads.  A new seat will be needed for next season.  Also a luggage rack so that an extra helmet can be strapped on, or perhaps a simple pack of clothes.  Also need to make a few needed repairs.  An electrical problem, as well as a faulty gas gauge.  I am still planning a trip to Wyoming, but I may put that to the side a year if things work out a certain way.  Perhaps a second bike might just make its way into the garage.  If nothing else, a trip just to The Badlands would be just as fun.  Stay tuned, you never know whats next!



Sister Tara and Glenn



Kamilla the exchange student
from Norway. 

My cousin Deb and wife Mary Lou

Sister Rhonda

Rhonda's husband Steve
A "unique" perspective on him!

Aunt Barb.  Maybe I should put the
camera...down?

In the meantime, find something to be thankful for. Christmas and Hanukkah are here!!

Peace and Love!



Me at my drafting desk.



An Affair of the Heart

The flags flying through the
\fall colors at my office.

It's Veterans Day today.  When we all give thanks to those who have served our country's military services in one form or another. When we should all take pause for just a moment, turn to a veteran near you, and just say "Thanks for your service!".  Oh if it were all THAT simple.  I served in the navy at a time when nuclear weapons protesters were shouting obscenities at me on occasion, maybe pointing out my family lineage in ways I never knew, or just making a scene just to make a scene. I never wanted to serve for attention, but that kind of attention I could just as soon do without.  I really don't talk too much about my service, because all I really did was stand my watch - nothing more, but today I got several "Thank You's" and I really feel a little embarrassed by it all.  There are PLENTY of men and women who HAVE served who are much more deserving of a Thank You than I am or ever will be.  If I had actually been shot at or commanded men in battle that might be one thing, but babysitting a bunch of nuclear weapons on a ballistic missile submarine isn't exactly the cornerstone of an exciting military career!  My brother, however, is much more deserving of a Thank You, so from me to you bro - Thank You for your service!

My wife Mary
Deep in thought about how to keep me in line!

Its been a rather stressful few weeks.  I am the only man left standing in my department at work, and trying to do the work for the entire department is proving to be a bit of a strain.  Mary and I both have been fighting off the flu bug.  To top it off, Mary, my wife, went into a cardiac care facility for a heart catheterization the other day.  And this was not something that we were exactly expecting.  In fact, she was almost rushed into the care unit because her symptoms were almost indicating she was close to a heart attack.  GULP!  Try as I might to keep cool, that sort of test is not exactly what I would call normal.  ANYTHING that involves the heart is always a bit tricky - I don't care what doctor says what.  Prayers were said, calls made, and in we went.  We spent pretty much most of the day in the cardiac unit.  Doctors even told us if they found blockages what to expect.  Stents might be used, or even bypass surgery was a possible option.  In the end, all the thoughts and prayers from everyone won out, and as it turns out, there were no blockages of any kind.  Not even a burp.  To say THAT coming just before the holiday season - what a wonderful blessing to receive knowing at least your loving spouse who has been your lover for over 25 years has a clean set of pipes.  COOL.

Mary and I earlier this year

Thanksgiving is fast approaching.  My riding time is now almost at a standstill.  I did take some time today to go to the airport as part of a Welcome Home for a Marine returning from his tour in Afghanistan, but apparently this Marine missed his connecting flight home, so the airline put him on stand-by.  Tell me - what stupid airline puts a returning war hero on stand by??  Here is a Marine who hasn't been home in several months, and when he gets to the states....to HOME, they put him on stand-by.  I have my own opinions about such people, but repeating those feelings might get a little rough...stupid third rate jerks!  On the bright side, I put in some riding time last weekend.  Just took off, got lost, roamed around aimlessly through the countryside.  Not a care in the world.  That's the way to ride!  Some of my best praying times come like that.  Lately I have been trying to come up with a plan for a motorcycle trip to Wyoming next summer.  Actually, I have been plotting this trip for many years, but just didn't have the motorcycle yet.  I have the route planned, sort of, but its time to start figuring out some of the logistics, getting some much needed replacement parts on the bike, losing a few more pounds, finding some bike bags, stuff like that.  I am sure it will happen at some point, its just a matter of putting it all together.

Life has a funny way of tossing you rotten eggs.  Its how you deal with the crap that helps build the character of a person.  I suppose I could have run off and gotten all mentally irregular over Marys health issue that came up, but it never would have solved anything.  I could easily start beating down brick walls over my frustrations at work.  Maybe even put in for a rubber room reservation over some of the obstacles thrown in our path this whole year.  Anymore, it doesn't hardly faze me I guess.  Not sure if its some sort of "maturity" thing, or that I just don't care to get that excited about it.  Its been nearly two years ago I jumped on the wagon as it were.  For the most part I have been doing ok, not having hardly a wee dram of Guinness to quench my thirst, but the last month or so I have had a night or two of indulgence.  A glass of 15 year old scotch can be a wonderful thing, in moderation.  I found that I didn't need those Friday nights like I thought I did, but after awhile, I still had an occasional craving, so I caved.  A friend told me that just going as long as I did without a drop had a positive effect on me.  There have been many challenges this year, a lot of forks in the road, and sometimes a little cow pie in my eye from time to time.  In my mind - just wash the crap off, and get ready for the next manure truck!!!

Peace and Love Everybody - Its time for the holidays!!!



MY ultimate dream bike- The Harley Davidson
Elctra-Glide Ultra Limited. 



Scuttle Buttin Blues

Standing next to Freedom Rock

October 17th, 2010

Often times we all get the blues.  Sometimes its the stirring of an old memory, a song perhaps, the smell of a familiar food.  Our senses strain to absorb all those tangible and even intangible processes. Fall colors stir my senses, help me feel alive, happy, free.  Even the smell of burning leaves or the "spice" of the outdoors wafting across the wooded landscapes penetrating my nostrils with an invigorating aroma gives me some sense of gratitude and adventure.  I am alive, riding my Harley with almost sensory abandon, scouring the countryside for those scenic travels awash in fall slendor on an almost daily pursuit now.  Colors are presently near peak in Iowa, but the telling of the tale says soon it will be time to park for another season.  My soul is starting to feel the blues of the season as it succumbs to the snowy trails of winter.



The inscription on top is a prayer recited
from Eleanor Roosevelt.



Last year I rode over to the Freedom Rock, and this year I decided to make a return trip.  Freedom Rock is just that.  A rock!  There is located west of Des Moines a rather large rock that a local artisan paints in a veterans motif, paying tribute to all veterans for their service and sacrifice.  I try to visit it every year as the mural is changed during the Memorial Day weekend every year, so it is a neat little trip to make on the Harley just to see how the mural changes.  The artist also has used the ashes from fallen Vietnam veterans in the paint as an additional honor to those fallen.  To date the remains of 16 veterans resides in the paint on that rock.

My return trip this year was held up for a few days by a flu bug which kept me home trying to recover. It's a nasty bug, but October 17th I felt well enough to suit up and mount up for a days ride there and back.  Probably not the best decision to ride since I still felt a bit weak from the bug I have been fending off, but I also knew the weather was spot on perfect, and I needed some wind in my hair.  The trip really is not all that scenic in itself, although there were spots of colored foilage dotting my route.  Stopping briefly just west of Ames for gas, I noted other groups of Harleys heading out as well, so I knew I probably would not be alone.  The trip there is a bit over 180 miles one way, and a perfect day for getting outside and enjoying the sunshine.



The east side of Freedom Rock 2010.  The image of
the helicopter contains the remains of 16 veterans.



As I pulled up, I noticed several cars parked in the rock area and even a few Harleys as well.  Looked like I wasn't the only one with the same bright idea.  The rock was beautifully colored, including a prayer recited from Eleanor Roosevelt that is just about the best way to describe how I feel about veterans.  As the "crowd" mingled, one couple and I struck up a conversation about the rock, and as it turns out, the gentleman I was speaking with was an old World War II veteran of the navy.  We hit it off, talking about our naval experiences and sharing our thoughts on the rock and of being a veteran.  I hope that I see this man again, as he was a delightful reminder of his service to our country!  He plans to attend the Honor Flight to Washington DC next April in Cedar Rapids, so I hope to see him there.  He served on LSM 275, a landing ship platform designed to land supplies and equipment onto beachheads.  Coincidentally they have posted a web site, so anyone who has a chance go to lsm275.com for a look see. 



This is a testament to the recent
National Guard deployments from
Iowa this past summer.



After spending about an hour at the rock, talking with various visitors and just enjoying the beautiful day, I decided it was time to start heading back.  The ride back would take almost 3 hours, and I would be getting back home after sunset.  One of the most dangerous times on any motorcycle is at night.  The visibility of a motorcycles is reduced, the profile is not recognizable, and the deer love to roam the roads at night.  Its bad enough to hit a deer in a car, but on a motorcycle the chances of surviving an impact with a large animal such as a deer are pretty low.  Riding in town at night can be ok in well lit areas, but in the rural areas it is a dangerous trip even for the best motorcyclists. While I have ridden at night in the outlying areas, I simply prefer to not push my luck any. 

As I pulled into the driveway, I made my prayers known.  On every trip on my Harley, before I leave the garage I always thank God I am alive, and so it goes when I get home.  Riding any motorcycle is inherently dangerous, and I take my riding very seriously.  I dont like taking chances on the bike, and I always consider not only my safety but the safety of those around me.  To that end, as I pulled into the garage, I thanked God I was alive, and thanks Him for my trip.  That I live in a country where I am free to ride as I like, where I like, and do what I choose to do.  I am most thankful that I have the support of my family as well, for they relish in my riding as much as I enjoy riding.

Hi Mom - Get Healed Up.  Peace and Love everybody!

The Color of Time

I get all sorts of giddy inside when the colors start coming out.  I just cannot get enough of the reds yellows even some purples here and there.  So just for giggles, here are a few pics from my Friday bike ride to the Mississippi Palisades State Park north of Savanna, Illinois.  This is a wonderful park with a number of scenic viewpoints along the Mississippi River where you can see for miles.  It is also a very popular route for us motorcyclists to see the fall colors, so I took this trip on Friday so as to avoid the traffic which seems to really clog up the place on weekends.

There will be more to follow.  After all - ITS FALL!!!  Oh thats right, did I mention that the Quack Attack is back???  Woo Hoo!!!

See what riding a Harley does to me?  Puts a big ol' SMILE on my face!

This is from a viewpoint looking north.  What an incredible view!

The train moving north from Savanna, Illinois along the river.

Planes Trains Automobiles and Color!

Leaving the park ran into more color.

This is from my office at the Department of Transportation today.

This tree is almost in full bloom at my office.

Same tree, just a different angle.

Ok - I couldn't get enough of this tree.  Its really colorfull from inside the office too.

This is looking at the Flag thru the fall colors in the front of the office.

This is a tree just west of my office.

Melissa during my ride along the Mississippi River

Peace and Love everybody - Enjoy!

Gettin' the Gloves Off



You know, there are some things in life that chaff my ass.  Yes I am going to be downright blunt.  There are some things that just irritate me like bird crap on my Harley.  I am a pretty patient guy, but lately I have been getting some signals that I am not welcome in certain places.  Take, for instance, the attorney's office I visited recently.  I went in all dressed up (hey - Levis and a sport shirt is dressed up to me!), checked in with the secretary, only to discover my appointment was canceled.  "Excuse me - why?" and the response "I don't know".  After a bit of wrangling we got it straight, met with the attorney for a couple hours, and left with some information I needed to resolve a dispute.  I don't care if you are personal assistant to Billy Gates or Mr. Barack H. Obama, if I make an appointment, my time is just as valuable, if not more so than yours.

Melissa - after a nice long bubble bath

This particular rant begins in another place.  Let it never be said that I am not one that narrows his vision on one thing.  Take my Harley (Melissa!).  I have wanted a Harley since before Gerald Ford was president.  That being said, you never know what might come at you, and I actually looked over a couple other non Harley models a few weeks back.  It is amazing to see what different manufacturers come up with, and its neat just to study them.  Unfortunately, there are a few select individuals who seriously need some Ex Lax in their feedbag.  Take, for instance, the guy at the drug store the other day who began staring at me while I was mounting up to go home. "You Harley guys are too obnoxious".  Excuse me?  Where did THAT come from?  Whatever - then I must be obnoxious because I ride a Harley, right?

Chrome.  Gotta have lots and lots of Chrome!!

Then there was the two younger "ladies" and I use that term loosely, who decided to walk right in front of me while I was trying to pull out of a gas station after I had gassed up Melissa.  They kept walking right in front of me and kept glancing back knowing I wanted around them.  When they got to the end of the entrance they stopped effectively blocking me from leaving.  They didn't look a day over about 20 (I got an ingrown toenail that's older than that!) and I am not sure if it was the Harley or my leather jacket, but after I got around them, they decided to give me the "Hawaiian Peace" sign. 

A few days ago I went to the bank to deposit a check I had been waiting for awhile.  Another one of those "private" surveys I had drawn up for a business associate had been completed, and all I wanted to do was put my money in the bank.  I filled out the deposit slip, walked up to the teller, leather jacket on, and she asks if I was on that "noisy Harley" she heard pull up.  "Well, yes now that you mention it I did"....to which she responded "Why can't you Harley guys tone it down".  Tone what down? "Every Harley I hear is so darn loud and those guys are all tattooed and obnoxious".  HUH?  About that time the head teller took over, handed me my receipt, and thanked me for the business.  Not sure I heard the last part ma'am!

My personal message about Breast Cancer Awareness
For my Aunt Barb who survived that horrible disease!

The more I ride my Heritage, the more I get the "impression" that just because I ride a Harley, just because I OWN A HARLEY, means I MUST be one of "those" guys. Lets set the record straight.  I ride a Harley because its what I like.  It fits me and my lifestyle.  It holds fond memories of looking through all those biker mags every time I came home from sea.  It wasn't the "Playboy" mag I took with me on that submarine - it was a stack of bike mags.  I tried other models, and some of them seemed ok, but for my riding experience, nothing beats a Harley.  I work two jobs to make a living to pay for the things I love, Now I am guilty by association just because I own a Harley.  BAH HUMBUG! 





Anyone who is narrow minded enough to believe that ALL Harley guys are rabble rousing law breaking obnoxious one percenters have never been on a Patriot Guard ride.  Never attended a military funeral on a bike.  Never sent off young men and women to war.  I have met teachers, engineers, police officers, firefighters, doctors, some of the most hard working honest decent people on those Harley's who give their time freely to such causes as breast cancer awareness, Toys for Tots, and Coats for Kids.  It is so amazing to see someone pull up behind you on the side of the road just to ask if everything was ok.  Some of the friendliest folks you want to ever meet can be found on a Harley.  How anyone can make the assumption that a guy on a Harley must be up to no good needs to remember one thing "Judge Not - Lest YE BE JUDGED".

That sure felt good.  Peace and Love everybody!

Signs of the Season



Figaro just loves to sit on top of anyone who will let him
Including ME!

Welcome to Fall!  Wheee!  I love this time of year.  College football everywhere.  Food coming out in pails and buckets.  The horizon chock full of so many colors as if angels had painted the landscape in joyous celebration of the harvest.  Neighbors passing blessings to each other in the street.  There is that fall 'nip' in the air, so very fresh and delightful.  Wind blowing the trees around as if the trees were waving goodnight until spring.  Riding the Harley is wonderful this time of year.  Wearing the full gear is easier now, unlike mid July when even looking at a leather jacket makes you sweat in agony.  And Halloween is almost upon us - BOO!



Cheyenne before Homecoming



Our youngest Cheyenne finally went to the homecoming dance this year.  She was almost giddy with excitement.  She went with a friend from school.  Right now the only "boys" she looks at are the Jonas Brothers.  Boys at school are 'obnoxious' which is actually kind of nice for a change.  Dad doesn't worry about her as much, in part because any boy who wants to take Cheyenne out is going to have his hands full.  Maybe all that grilling is finally paying off.  She is doing well in school, particularly in Algebra.  Unfortunately teachers at school don't like Dad helping with the algebra homework.  If we do it Dads way we miss some of the important lessons, so Dad refrains from helping much.  We get a lot of help from school, and she does quite well to get her studies in order, although we do slip on occasion.  Its those slips that help me step in to teach a bit, and teaching is cool!



Cheyenne (left) Jesse(center) and Katelyn



Jesse, our oldest, is having a bit more of a struggle.  Her boyfriend had some "personal" issues and has left for Ohio.  Consequently there will be no wedding, but as with Cheyenne, it has served Jesse well to remind her of some of life's lessons and how to learn from her mistakes.  She is looking for new work, and hoping to go back to college (Dad WAS right!) and work into paralegal studies at some point.  She has remained quite positive and resilient, and I have seen a definite positive change in her attitude. She has a big heart, and I know she will make it.  Its one of life's negatives she is working into a positive .

As for Mary and I.  Work work work, and when you are done working, work some more! Mary has outperformed most of her management goals by far, but she works a bit more than her body can handle.  I pick up where she can't (my mommy taught me!) and step up the house where I can.  She enjoys being a supervisor, but sometimes it gets a bit hard to work 60 hours and only get paid for forty.  Salaried folks do not apparently get the same overtime perks.  My consulting work has been all but nill, until I got a call last week that work was coming.  Things have been plenty tight with lack of that extra work and all the furloughs I have suffered through, so maybe just MAYBE this will help.  I love what I do, enjoy it immensely!  I think my biggest joy comes from driving through a neighborhood I helped to design.  That's just neat! 



The 2009 Road King Custom at Cedar River Harley in Charles City.
What a beauty and that includes the pricetag.



Riding time has been at a bit of a premium.  Not much time to ride when you are busily tending to the herd.  I did get in about a 400 mile day two weeks ago.  Made a big circle of sorts riding west to Ames, then north to Mason City, on through Waterloo to home.  On the way I stopped at Cedar River Harley.  Found a gorgeous Road King, and they even have one of the newer Electraglide Limiteds on display.  I hope I can figure out how to get my hands on one of those Limiteds soon.  My goal, at least for the riding portion, is to get to Alaska on the Harley by the time I turn 50.  I read an article in a motorcycle magazine many years ago about a guy that rode his Harley from Florida to Alaska, then down along the Pacific Coast Highway to the top of Baha California, then back home.  Not sure I have those kinds of lofty goals, but even if I can get to Calgary, Alberta, what an awesome ride that would be!!!

Peace and Love everybody!!!

Potayto Potahto Tomayto Tomahto

Weather outside is beautimus today!  Where am I?  Working my fingers to the washing machine and cleaning the house.  Mary is at work, the kids are - doing whatever kids do these days.  Bowling started last night - I won't be setting any scoring records again this year.  The Harley is running much better, although longer rides are giving me a sore bum.  A new seat would cure that, but that budget was eaten in the repair bill I had to fork out last month.  Its Labor Day weekend, and the firemen are out in drogues with their annual drive for Jerry Lewis and his kids.  Fall is a coming, and its one of my favorite times of the year to be out and about, seeing the natural beauty before the doldrums of winter.

Our trip last weekend to Minneapolis - WOW! What a wonderful time.  Mary and I have never allowed ourselves to do much outside of the workplace or home.  We always felt compelled to work hard to earn our keep, although THAT lesson took awhile to sink in.  This trip was a reminder and a breath of fresh air.  First the concert.  The setting could not have been more perfect.  80 degrees, a bit of a breeze but not too bad.  The band - Rush - far exceeded my every hope.  Even new material from any band can be a surprise, but these guys have almost 40 years together, and I have never seen a tighter, or better sounding band.  The best part was the venue.  It is an outdoor arena, the weather was perfect, and the last half of the show was illuminating from none other than a waxing gibbous moonrise!  How cool is that?  The only bad side was some idiot, and I say this with utter disgust, had to be chased down by 6 police officers and several security teams right in front of me as the last number was being played.  It took 8 people to get this person under control, and by then the band was already thru most of the encore.  That put aside, the band left me a great memory and a renewed spirit.

On our return trip, Mary and I stopped at a local diner called Mickeys.  Its one of those diners ran from the confines of a tram car.  Located in downtown St. Paul, it appears to have a sizeable customer base.  While the food was good, I did watch the cook in his preparations.  I noticed a large metallic pitcher that he was using, but didn't quite know what it was for, until he pulled a large container of lard out and began spooning the lard into this pitcher.  Now - I ordinarily don't have much issue with lard, if its used in moderation, but this was different.  The pitcher was used to melt the lard, and then he poured the entire contents of lard into the hash browns, causing my stomach to flutter and my gout to scream!  I paid the price for my meal, both literally and figuratively.  It took the better part of three days to recover, and I can honestly say lard does NOT sit well with my stomach.

We did see a couple of "sights" so to speak.  Downtown St. Paul is literally loaded with attractions, but the ones that really struck me were the churches.  One in particular is the Cathedral of St. Paul, whose foundation began in June 1907.  It is the highest structure in St. Paul, and is located very close to downtown. On October 14, 1958, it was consecrated by Archbishop William O'Brady, securing its place among the premier houses of worship in the United States.  This is a wonderful testament of faith that stands within just a few blocks of downtown.  I highly recommend a visit to this place, and I will make it a regular stop on my return trips to that city.  All in all we counted six different churches standing in their architectural grace, not to mention the various spires and statues that grace the landscape.  St. Paul reminds me a bit of another town, but that's another story.

Of course, upon our return, things just seem to not be going as well.  I may be forced to close my consulting business because there is simply no work.  We received a "you owe us" gram for some company I have never heard of (oh Mr. Attorney!). Mary went thru another pain procedure on her back.  Its been 9 months since her last one, but these procedures always make me nervous.  I have also been reading about faith in the morning.  Something about starting the day off right by first praying and then moving to the routine of the day.  I can honestly say in three weeks of doing that, things have only gotten worse, not better.  Work at the office is not going well, either.  Sometimes you can tell who your supporters are just by how they greet you in the morning, and lately only a couple of the brass are even saying anything at all.  Whine as I may, I suppose things could be worse.  Certainly if you asked those miners in Chile they might sober us all up a bit!

So - maybe its time to ride.  Have a great weekend everyone.

Peace!!!

Positives and Negatives

I have been thinking a lot lately.  For me just getting up in the morning and navigating the 1.5 mile trek to my office can be adventure on the high plains.  Thinking, well, that's just not my forte.  I like to get things done, right, the first time. " I do one thing at a time, I do it well, and then I move on" as Dr. CE Winchester put it on MASH years ago.  Riding the Harley gives me time to get those bad negative thoughts out of my head, and focus more on prayer and reinforcing those positives which seem so distant at times.  Riding a Harley gives me time to focus on me, getting my mind right, keeping those important things in focus and letting the bad vibes just float away.  Some people meditate, some knit, I ride a Harley.  Seems easy enough, right???

For instance, last month my bike broke down.  I didn't just hit a bad vibe, I almost had a massive coronary!  Check out my last post, but I was pretty panicked.  There is a sound that metal makes when banging on metal.  I have heard that sound twice before.  Both times ended in utter disaster, with connecting rods hanging out of the side of the engine block, oil and antifreeze everywhere, and no horseys making power.  The clanging I heard from Melissa sounded almost identical.  I had all sorts of engine replacement visions and nightmares, but after the repair shop picked up the bike and gave it a once over, it turned out to be just a failed compensator cover.  The negative turning into a positive.

Of course, there is also the vice versa.  At work we have had several retirements.  There are several positions that really need to be filled, and one of them is for the professional land surveyor position.  While I don't have my full license yet, in anyone else's mind, this would be a prime opportunity to finish up my licensure, right?  Not so fast says my supervisor.  In his words "...even if you DID have your license we will not hire YOU as our PLS...".  The explanation defies belief, but it seems that the higher brass want someone with years of full licensure experience now.  In effect, even when I DO pass the final exam, the department simply will not hire me as a fully licensed surveyor.  After 10 years of effort to be shot down like that  was pretty discouraging.  While I still have a job, I had hoped I would be in line to be promoted, to take on those new challenges, instead, a positive went to a negative.  In all fairness they do have a point.  Our office needs that experience now, but it certainly was demoralizing to say the least.

Then there is the up and down circus I have been playing with a certain rock concert I have been wanting to attend since puberty.  For those that don't know who I am referring to, the band is called RUSH.  A rather odd progressive rock band from Toronto, Canada who has been putting out quality music since 1974 and continue to do so with the same three members to this day.  Granted they aren't a Led Zeppelin, but Led Zeppelin isn't making new music any more.  The short of it is I have been trying since I was 16 years old to see this band.  I distinctly remember being reminded that " you aren't going downtown by yourself to see that concert" in 11th grade.  Probably had a point, but since then I could tell all sorts of tales about failed attempts to see this band.  One year my wife was giving birth to our second daughter.  One year my truck broke down and I was forced to expedite repairs.  The list goes on and on and on and on.

Their last tour, "Snakes and Arrows" tour, I actually HAD a ticket.  I was all set.  I purchased some atypical concert tshirts online just for the show.  I had a ball cap all ready.  We had made plans to stay in a hotel that night.  Everything was perfect, until.  Two days before the concert, my wife was hospitalized with an injury to the ciatic nerve.  To her credit, she actually begged me to go without her.  She knew I had looked so forward to this concert, but my duties as husband and father are simply more important than some concert.  So, I ate a ticket.  Fast forward to April of this year.  Another tour, and another chance.  Again, we purchased my ticket.  Plans were made, changed, rearranged, dropped, then re planned.  For awhile I didn't think I would go this year after repairs to the truck in Atlanta on our vacation changed our vacation plans.  I have flipped from positive to negative so many times on whether I should go because things are a bit tight.  But, I am happy to announce that Friday night I will be in attendance at their Minneapolis show.  Thank GOODNESS!

Life has its positives and negatives.  Up and down, ever changing.  Riding the Harley is a lot like that.  Last weekend, feeling a bit frustrated at life, I was riding over by the Mississippi River, and ended up finding a hot rod show.  I don't know that I could ever afford a car like the little '64 Vette I was drooling over, or the Mustang Boss 302, or maybe even the '74 Dodge Charger, but just seeing those cars reminded me that no matter what happens in life, ya gotta take the positives with the negatives.

Peace!