Boomer and Barry’s BIG Adventure!

Tuesday Morning Departure

Or – When to Flush your Cell Phone into the SEWER!  It has been a little long since I poisted.  Took some time to go see my fav rock band.  AGAIN!  Second time in about 9 months.  Met up with another couple, and after all was said and done, all we could do is laugh! When life drops lemons in your lap – make some lemonade. That’s exactly what we did, but the route we took to get to that ambrosia was a sightseeing tour of Chicago I hope to never make again ever. It’s not that I don’t like Chicago – I love Chicago, as long as I do not need to be near those expressways!

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Bella - our new addition
to the family

Our little tour began innocently enough Tuesday morning. I had to take our new puppy Bella to the vet for her second deworming treatment. As I was handling those things with the receptionist – Bella decided to drop right on my work boots and leave her “opinion” on the matter. Nothing like a good pile of crap on your shoes to start the day. Got back home, dressed in the full leathers – better rawhide than my hide on the bike, right Aunt T?! Mary wasn’t feeling the best, so I hugged her gently, we embraced for a moment, and then I was off. After all – she had purchased this as a Christmas present, and although I felt a little guilty leaving her dealing with some pain issues, I also knew if she had wanted she could have asked me to stay and I would have gladly done that. But – onward I went.

Me and those pesky TOLLS!

I am often struck by what I see while I am riding. Little details that I might ordinarily miss in my truck stick out. For instance I was just a few miles from home, heading east on Highway 30, and saw what I thought was a tree stump instead turned out to be a rather large beaver sticking his head up checking out the traffic. Or the poor baby skunk which met his demise trying to cross the highway and not making it (whew that was ripe!). Sometimes it’s the eagles or hawks surfing the sky overhead, perhaps a wild turkey wandering into an empty cornfield looking for a meal. The misguided Mercedes with Miss “AllAboutMe” primping her eyelashes while yakking on the cell phone all over the road. Gassed up in Morrison, Illinois and headed towards I-88 and onward to my destination. The rest of my trip to Chicago remained fairly uneventful, although paying tolls on a motorcycle can be – a challenge?



At the hotel safe



I pulled in to the hotel (Flag A), and gave thanks I had arrived safely, sent a text to my new “friends” and checked in. Unloaded the bike, covered it up, and was greeted by Barry, and then Cass (sorry dear – didn’t know that was YOU on that elevator!). Wonderful folks – smiling all the time, very positive – hey this will be a great show and a great time I thought. After taking some time to change into my concert ”uniform” we climbed into their car and were off. The time was 3:22 PM. We stopped for a moment at a gas station (Flag B) for some water, and as we pulled out, we heard a sound which we knew was trouble. A loud “clunk” from the engine area of the car, and suddenly we realized something had broken and the car was not going anywhere. Barry started making calls, and within about 40 minutes T & A Towing (interesting name!) shows up to cart the ill car away, and then our rental arrived. Whew – we were going to make it. After some nifty wrangling, we were back on the road. The time was 4:17 PM.

Chicago Skyline. Beautiful sight if you aren't lost!

Now – Chicago is a most difficult town to navigate in, but the route to the United Center was pretty much a straight shot, as long as you aren’t a bit distracted by the conversation. And in Chicago one missed turn can result in hours of redirection, as in this case. For whatever reason we took a wrong turn, which began our troubles. Soon I was seeing large commercial airliners landing, and knowing that Midway Airport was on the SOUTH side of Chicago, that could only mean we were approaching the O’Hare Airport Complex. Oops! After some redirection, we managed to find our way over to the Kennedy Expressway – at rush hour. With the highway full of cars I realized a GPS check of where we were might help us get to our destination faster. It’s at this time where I say – if you ever feel the urge to utilize GPS Navigation on any cell phone device at all – don’t. It took over 30 minutes to get to our turn, and by the time we got to where the GPS said to go – it was nearly 6 PM (Flag K) and we were nowhere NEAR the United Center. At this point – we were all beginning to wonder if we would even find our hotel again, but Barry remained cool under fire, fired up his own nav system, and eventually we found the Kennedy again, and by about 7:00 – 30 minutes before the show – we landed at the United Center – a bit tired and hungry but ready for the show (Flag N).



Sticks from heaven!



The show itself was spectacular as usual. As if there were any doubt. I mean – after this many years the boys pretty much have a proven track record. Little things like the guy directly behind me bumping into me about every other bar, and then the “I’m sorry!”, or the young lass who started taking her top off to “Limelight” (security made her put her clothes on again!), and then a wafting odor of rotten socks permeated my nose. Anybody who has been to any rock show knows that smell. There was the guy who has a denim vest on that had about 40,000 different band pins and patches on it. During the intermission I spoke with some of the folks around me. The father who brought his teenaged sons, the four friends who drove from St Louis to see the show. The couple next to me who had been married for four years who seemed a bit shocked at my nearly 26 years of wedded “bliss”. The great thing about this concert – everyone was respectful of one another.



"La Villa Strangiato" 
The song that KILLED music careers



After the show, I located Barry and Cass, and as we made our way back to the hotel – hunger was taking over rapidly. It was almost midnight when we returned, and after some pizza Barry offered a toast to “absent friends”. I never make any bones that one of my favorites songs is “Time Stand Still”…”to pass an evening with a drink and a friend” and that’s exactly what we did. Of course, by then we were about to all collapse, and after returning to my room, I gave thanks for two great friends a great time and some great laughs. The next morning we had a simple breakfast together, and chatted for several moments in the parking lot. It is said you can always tell a man’s heart by the firmness of his handshake. A firm handshake is a mark of a true friend, but a limp shake is the mark of a lukewarm dishrag. Barry had taken care of both Cass and I, and held my hand firm as we said our good byes.



Melissa taking a break from me!



The trip home was relatively uneventful. The woman who nearly ran my Harley over – I could have put my foot on her bumper. That’s close! The tolls were again a bit frustrating. Not paying them, but rather having to remove gloves control the bike, find the cash and HOPE I get the correct change back. A quick stop for gas and a sandwich was all I needed on the way. The bike was performing wonderfully, the roar filling my ears with that beautiful “Harley” music. When I pulled in to the garage – a bit stiff from the previous evening, a little saddle sore, I remembered a prayer from another biker who had remarked “When I leave the garage I say Thank Goodness I am alive, and when I return I say Thank Goodness I am alive”. I spent a few moments thinking about that prayer, walked into the kitchen and kissed my wife – and the first thing I said to her was ”Thank goodness I am alive”. 



RUSH - what a great concert



Unfortunately Mary is having some issues again.  The nerves are coming alive, and with that some of the pain has returned.  Pain treatments will help, but we take each day at a time. Some days are good, while others a challenge.  Think they call that life!  Cheyenne is doing ok in school, but she is getting that dreaded "senior-itis".  You know the kind.  Right at the end of their junior year - they know those seniors are gone in a month and they are large and in charge.  Jesse has finally found work at Wal Mart.  Next step not sure yet, but to coin a phrase - the curse WORKS dad.  You know the curse - "I hope when you grow up you have kids that act exactly the same way you do".  That curse.  Not sure how I got the curse, but I am pretty sure there is NO known cure.

I'll be travelling to a little town called Waverly this weekend.  Another National Guard soldier lost his life in Afghanistan, and I am riding escort duty for the body of the soldier as part of the Patriot Guard mission.  For now - I'll just say Happy Birthday to "me pappy"!

Peace & Love!

Me Pappy - you're only as young as you feel pop!

A Wild & Crazy Guy!

Steve Martin - The ORIGINAL
Wild and Crazy Guy

First off - before we go any further.  Anybody who has my birthday on their calendars as March 3rd - blow it out your ear!  I just checked my birth certificate, and it clearly states I was born March 4th.  I was there, although I do not recall much about the date, other than maybe I was crying some, and pooping my drawers, and wanting to be fed.  I am sure if you ask Mary - she will be most astute in letting folks know the crazy coot hadn't changed. Yeah whatever.  I am not the only stubborn ol' cuss in the family.  Its just that Friday is my birthday - so grant me a small measure of whine and grouch.

My new "throne"

Now - don't say that my wife Mary doesnt have a sense of humor.  After all....she married me.  We have been mulling a few options about some of the things we need to work on in the house.  Actually the list is so long I don't even bother looking any more, but little reminders like the vanity and sink in the bathroom, the carpet in the kitchen, and a singing toilet are all signs that the hunny do list needs addressing.  As we discussed these things the other night, our toilet started singing to us upon flush.  Again. It was then my wife had an epiphany - why not get the ol' geezer a new toilet.  For his birthday.  After all...he is the king of his castle why not a new throne right?  Now - to me a present is something you go get, gift wrap and present ready to use.  Oh no - not the toilet.  I had to go buy the blessed stool myself with MY money, and then had to install the durn thing.  Well, after a little prodding ands cajoling off I went, purchased a nice tall toilet, got it home, installed it, and then the water line was about 4 inches too short, which gave the guy at Menards a chuckle.  Got the new water line on, and violay!  No more singing toilet.  No ribbon, no wrapping paper.  Not even a cake or a cookie!  Maybe I will spoil myself just a tad and have a small dram of that 15 year old scotch in my office.  Don't drink it much, but it sure is smooth!

Wanting to RIDE!

The good thing about tomorrow is its the signal that spring, and RIDING season, are upon us.  THANK GOD!  I never thought this winter would end.  The cover is off the bike for a few minor repairs.  I sent the seat in to be reworked and repadded.  It should be back here next week.  I have a couple things to check, and then grab a full inspection by the mechanic, just to make sure I am not missing anything.  Those inspections may seem a bit spendy, but a little money and effort now can literally save your life.  A couple weeks ago it got up to almost 70 degrees - mighty tempting to go for a ride, but with all the sand and grit and water around, I chose to stay in.  Still have a couple other items to get.  A new brake pedal pad would finish off the accents.  I did install a new luggage rack on the back, and all I need is a little nicer weather.  I am taking a couple days next month to attend a concert in Chicago.  Might be a nice time to take the bike over to the hotel and then meet up with some friends.

To all y'all well wishers.  Thank you for remembering!  Now.....what was I doing?

Peace and Love!

Birthdays!

A Soul With No Substance



Edward and Margaret Gehrke in the Rocky Mountain
National Park



En route the Zephyr. Here I am this mid-July afternoon going home, and glad to be going home.

Surely I care little about home. I never have. Back to Nebraska to the hateful heat of summer to work day after day, to monotony, most would say, but glad. This long, silver train makes swift passage. It is streaking across the flat Colorado country as I sit here, alone.

Why should I be so near to tears? The whole trip to Colorado like a dream now. The whole thing drops from my shoulders now like a jeweled coat, and I lay it aside, feeling I've never worn it at all.

Margaret Gehrke

Lately thats how we have been feeling.  Not for snow, or winter cold, but just to feel a mountain air, or suck in a salty taste of an ocean breeze.  Maybe spend a day hiking thru Yosimite, or perhaps take in Yellowstone.  Unfortunately we do not have any of those things here.  The frozen fields that surround our home only serve to further our desire to be amongst the scenic areas of the West. 

I believe that Margaret Gehrke has captured our feelings about parks and mountains well.  She kept journals of her travels west, and they represent a true love affair with the Western United States, with our National Parks, that both her and her husband Edward shared in their many years of marriage.  She kept her scrapbook well maintained, and today it is part of the Nebraska Historical Society's many archives and records.  Her observations are very unique and surprisingly accurate. These scrapbooks date from the early 1920's until about 1953. 

As Mary heals, we are discovering how much we miss the West.



My Pre SuperBowl Attire



A Dash of Insanity



Mary on New Years Eve just
prior to surgery.



Wow.  Its been a bit since I last posted.  Things have been, as the title suggests, a bit insane around here.  Not that we don't all have occasional moments of driving ourselves to the brink of madness every now and then, but this is too different from those times.  This is a 5 alarm, which way is up, pass the scotch and the valium, brass tacks nut farm around here.  While it isn't hitting full panic mode yet, the last few weeks have been awful.  I knew when I signed up for marriage and children there would be times of trial and frustration, but this isn't in the Dad's Handbook for The Middle Aged Lunatic.

This started January 12th.  Mary had a surgery performed on her lower back to relieve the pressure on the disks in her lumbar section of her spine.  The procedure seems sound enough, and after querying about this procedure, decided this could really benefit Mary's back pain.  The surgery went well, although some slight complications with the location of the vertebrae, the disks, and scar tissue which had formed around some of the disk areas.  After surgery we met her in her "penthouse" suite at Mercy Hospital, and left her in good hands.  I must say the staff was very helpful, and the doctor explained everything in details we both understood well.  The next day I could tell the initial shock to her back was obvious.  She could barely move, and although she had managed to walk a couple times, felt pretty sore.  The next two days were very much the same, walk, go to the bathroom, lay down, sleep an hour, get up, repeat.  The object was to get her moving so that the stiffness would work out and the back could adjust to the clamps now supporting her spine.  At the end of her stay at the hospital, Mary was moving around fairly well, although she needed a lot of help with about every aspect of her life.



How to "properly" supervise
yard work at the office.



And that is where the insanity started.  As it turned out, I grossly underestimated the amount of help Mary needed, the work load I was carrying, the ability of our daughters to assist, the requirements for Marys care, and my ability remain calm and steady under fire.  PFFFFT!  The first week home, I think Mary and I got 12 hours sleep in 6 days.  My consulting work had taken on new work I had not counted on.  The day job was really taking a toll, especially when I had several disagreements with staff over project loads, survey operations, and hiring a new staff surveyor.  And to boot, the cats crapped under my desk!  The surgery was a success, but Mary needed constant supervision, as she was still quite unsteady just walking to the bathroom.  And speaking of bathroom, the potty runs every 90 minutes in the middle of the night were totally unexpected.  Even bathing had to be supervised, not to mention keeping Marys lower extremities clean from her bathroom visits.  Finally realizing how exhausted Mary and I were, I took last Friday off to get some rest from it all.  As a fellow surveyor told me last week, this is the truest test of a relationship.

This is not exactly my idea of
"volunteering".

We visited the doctor tonight, where he examined the incision, answered all of our questions, shared some funny stories about getting lost in Queens (don't ask!) and addressed Mary's prescription needs.  Monday night one of the staples started showing some signs of drainage.  The clamps are holding well, but a byproduct of that is the pressure being taken off the nerves is allowing those compressed nerves to wake up ans swell a bit.  The drainage is fine, fairly normal, no signs of any infection, but to be safe he prescribed an antibiotic.  Her physical progress is better than expected, as she only needs one crutch to walk around with.  The right leg is still fairly weak, however, with time the strength in that leg is expected to return.  She still needs some assistance with bathing, but as her progress increases we gain more confidence.  The pain in her lower back for the most part, is gone.  While not completely eradicated, her ability to move around, to be mobile, and to enjoy life, increases every day.  We are now planning a trip to another NASCAR race, as yet to be determined. We are also looking into a couple overnight trips, just little mom and dad getaways that we discovered last year really helped us feel better about us, each other, and our marriage.

There is still much to be done.  The staples holding the incision together have remained for now due to the unexpected drainage.  The walker, well, Mary offered to do something with it that I think is physically impossible.  In fact - I think if anyone gets near her with a walker, they might be wearing it permanently.  For me, just seeing her live relatively pain free after years of back pain has been a true blessing.  While it was frustrating at the time, the care and love she needed was more than worth the sleepless nights, the fatigued days, the fret and the worry.  We just want to enjoy each other in these later years of life.  Maybe be a bit more active, and a little more patient.  Mary has been a bit humbled by the need for all the care she needed, but she also realized to get better she would have to put her fears aside and let those things happen.  Her goal is to be more mobile and play a bit more active role in the day to day life in our home.  Even though it was a bit insane at times, the sacrifice was small but well worth it. 

Daytona is only three weeks away, and RIDING season shouldn't be too far off after that....THANK GOODNESS!!  I miss my Melissa.


The 2011 Road King Classic with the 103 cubic inch engine.



Peace and Love Everybody!

A footnote:  For all you BEARS fans out there...DAD!  My sincerest apologies.  Maybe next year, eh?? 

A New Year for The Same Old

A few original ornaments
from our first year

Its been awhile since my last installment of things Harley and such.  Holidays are supposedly a pretty busy time, and this year was another shining example of our hectic schedules.  I just wish for once that folks would sit down and read the Good Book and realize Christmas ain't about who you can run over at the mall.  Its not about expanding your credit card debt our your waistline.  Its just amazing that the time of year when we all should be at our best, we fail miserably.  Not just as a country, or a people, but as a species in general.  Sometimes I wonder if the gene pool needs a bit of cleaning out, because there is more inexcusable behavior our there than I care for.  Thankfully, the holidays are behind us, and maybe we can all return to our regularly scheduled insanity.

After a big snowstorm two
days before Christmas

This year has been hard.  Jesse decided to go to Arizona before Christmas.  Not that I can blame her.  The weather in Iowa can be downright bitter in wintertime.  Cold weather snow, and ice are all products of living in Iowa, and it can really wear on you.  Unfortunately planning was not good and she realized quite rapidly sometimes that living with Mom and Dad isn't that bad compared to being in a strange city with no room, no food, and no shower.  As my mother reminds me all the time - its a "learning experience" and this is one of those times she will count her blessings a bit differently next time.  The "real world" can be foreboding unless you have a real plan in place, as in this case.  Thankfully, Uncle wasn't too far off, and was able to lend a hand and give her a place to stay for a week or so. 

Melissa in September

Melissa has been put to sleep for the winter.  Oil changed, polished a bit, battery tender at the ready.  I took one last ride after returning from Michigan, but that was so cold, I think I am still trying to warm up.  Planning new rides for 2011 is already taking shape some.  A trip or two to Michigan, perhaps a trip to Kansas, and Sturgis may be in the offiing.  Whether these come to fruition is another story, but at least for now I can plan and dream.  Sturgis is supposedly a rite of passage for any "true" biker, although whether I am one of those is a bit doubtful.  My goal would be Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, and Devils Tower - not sleeping amongst 700,000 biker maniacs. Thats just not my speed.  I love to ride, see the scenery, be out amongst the mountains, but in all that something draws me to Sturgis.  Another biker goal is to ride to the Mackinac Bridge.  Its well within reach, but logistically will be a bit more difficult.  Lots of goals and planning to do - and its the first week of January!



Our Christmas Tree All lit
Ready for Santa!



My wife Mary will undergo a small procedure on her back of a different nature on January 12th.  A new procedure known as ILIF may be able to alleviate the pain she is experiencing in her lumbar area.  Scans show at least two disks may need this procedure.  Its pretty simple actually.  A metal brace is put in between the two vertabrae, and a fragment of bone is put in creating a fuse.  The brace will help the spinal column to lift off the disk area, lessening the pressure on the nerves and reducing the pain.  Its quite new and has shown some good results in other patients.  If this can work, it may help her to become more mobile and allowing her to be more active.  Back pain is never fun, but the last few years its gotten progressively worse.  In the last four years she has needed epidural treatments and medication to control the pain, but those procedures are failing to control the pain.  The last resort is a full fusion of the back, and that is a long and drawn out surgery.  Recovery times extending into the 6 and 8 months, whereas this ILIF procedure should see a full recovery in the matter of a few weeks. 

For all of you - Have a safe and prosperous New Year!

Peace and Love!

My Family Christmas 2010

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.