tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10877027410236413852024-03-16T21:07:14.464-04:00Where is Ron now?Ron Beattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022932930903462088noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-71168636908115098062024-03-01T07:48:00.027-05:002024-03-16T21:06:41.585-04:00Pritikin Forced March<p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMzkSeQmfGB0WEGTrq1KAYX-uWnTvmWQMaNDponps9NSG8JCCRKxZb1XNNmPuNP6BzYFHEspL1d1g1dyEzkLgQ5nzEirro44n9qBvcNDKoDZJpbYpvpn1YABp2CRaGrtV9_UxdZi3JFb9zTp2FGpods16GBgmk9yZHy0Shk6X3AxIKWiVbjq8UYUssLSU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341578333367085122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMzkSeQmfGB0WEGTrq1KAYX-uWnTvmWQMaNDponps9NSG8JCCRKxZb1XNNmPuNP6BzYFHEspL1d1g1dyEzkLgQ5nzEirro44n9qBvcNDKoDZJpbYpvpn1YABp2CRaGrtV9_UxdZi3JFb9zTp2FGpods16GBgmk9yZHy0Shk6X3AxIKWiVbjq8UYUssLSU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron (with sunburn) & Cynthia at Pritikin</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">17 Mar: Happy St. Patricks Day! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">16 Mar:We had a lighter schedule today. Ron made great progress on the</span><span> <span style="font-size: large;">puzzle. Friends cheered him on. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">We might go for a late walk. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLjhQnRi-fHqKNlZWs_zM4FmL2ntTnrZgbkwRHvdDhqvzjV1WbdQnWKyHF3FluQ8BGVnYpEI1_cKeYKxolYV9DM-IpJ8p9Syhsi80RoRjqWunP12_N0EBQybM8OTGp4O1lcvOEUJUeRZSdXe_UFzexPrracD24C3ndrQm9SfI0avkQMeXpoNSildIrRe4"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7347116259985030210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLjhQnRi-fHqKNlZWs_zM4FmL2ntTnrZgbkwRHvdDhqvzjV1WbdQnWKyHF3FluQ8BGVnYpEI1_cKeYKxolYV9DM-IpJ8p9Syhsi80RoRjqWunP12_N0EBQybM8OTGp4O1lcvOEUJUeRZSdXe_UFzexPrracD24C3ndrQm9SfI0avkQMeXpoNSildIrRe4=s320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">15 Mar: Ron puzzled, we exercised, attended lectures, and ate. Ron is bent over the latest puzzle beneath a wall of puzzles mostly done by him </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">14 Mar: We both had doctor appointments. Cynthia’s had perfect lab results. Ron is down two pounds after gaining five. He always has more than great labs. We are enjoying a couple from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, along with great staff </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">13 Mar: The days are crazy busy with lectures, fitness, eating, and the granddaddy of puzzles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">12 Mar: Fasting Labs at 11:00 AM. Cynthia’s weight was down 1.5 pounds in two weeks, while Ron is up to 181. The puzzle has caused weight gain! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">11 Mar: Cynthia made a trip to the Apple Store to send her watch in to be repaired. Unfortunately, (like UFFDA AWFUL) the watch cannot be repaired because it was microwaved in the MRI, and the Apple Care coverage is limited liability to repair. They would not take a trade in either. That was very disappointing! Cynthia decided not to buy another watch for about ten minutes until she buckled and decided her watch was too important. Ron is making progress on the puzzle. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">10 Mar: Iowa won the College Top Ten Championship. </span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">SUNDAY OFFERING</span></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">”Lord, give your servant an understanding mind.” (I Kings 3:9,RSV) The Hebrew word for understanding mind is Lebh Shomea, meaning a listening heart. When you pray for a listening heart God answers in surprising ways through surprising people. A death and an accident upended my life twenty-five years ago, but, recently, I experienced “call” to return to parish ministry. Yet, parish ministry was not the invitation I was hearing. Instead, it is being a <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>listening heart in Hoka tennis shoes, with a backpack of degrees, to those I meet on the trails I take. It is hearing God call through someone’s anger, suffering, grief, or loneliness. It is meeting the sacred in the eyes of a new acquaintance (with glistening eyes we nod our heads). It is bearing the spirit of God without unnecessary words. Forty-two years as a spiritual director changes nothing. Pray for a listening spirit and do not be surprised where the Wind blows you. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Pastor Cyntha Forde,</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">10 March 2024</div></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">9 Mar: This was Another day with three work out sessions. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">8 Mar: Two days in a row Cynthia had three work out sessions. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">7 Mar: Uffda what did we do besides exercise, listen to lectures, eat and work on a puzzle?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">6 Mar: Cynthia spent 3/4 of the day dealing with Apple Support. This was a challenge. She has to bring the watch to an Apple Store, which is scheduled for Monday noon. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">5 Mar: Our days are filled with classes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">4 Mar: Cynthia had a Pelvis MRI, and the new Apple Watch accidentally went into the machine for a few seconds burning it up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">3 March, Sunday: We really are crazy busy.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1mPVE-mrA1-jYiCHYsLd8iy2qTlzvhVV7dkd_-vvjY7P8XNLg7x3kVJeR8SbfVv2GjasozED7A0KmQMBTCdaZ4A9shT8UwjDfhLtVPVymSn3PDj3E-5Ap3wFjBYb2iuTumeOlde1vJuRLjqxNthEjVMyEYt4ksBe8ChO37JtBTQLU3iqxamtAYm60v_s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341943921713194642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1mPVE-mrA1-jYiCHYsLd8iy2qTlzvhVV7dkd_-vvjY7P8XNLg7x3kVJeR8SbfVv2GjasozED7A0KmQMBTCdaZ4A9shT8UwjDfhLtVPVymSn3PDj3E-5Ap3wFjBYb2iuTumeOlde1vJuRLjqxNthEjVMyEYt4ksBe8ChO37JtBTQLU3iqxamtAYm60v_s=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia dressed to dance</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 March: Classes continue daily except for Mondays. Ron is making progress on the Pritikin puzzle. This one is a challenge. Dinner tonight was followed by Latin American dance lessons. Cynthia was unable to participate due to a pulled hamstring, but she still dressed for the occasion. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 March: We arrived at Pritikin a week ago for continued investment in great health, not just good, but great health. The Pritikin benefits are numerous. We feel younger every year. Our arrival labs are gold-star-worthy. And Ron loves the jigsaw puzzles they buy for him. We have six classes a day; Ron’s favorite is Chef Vince’s cooking workshop because he gets to eat the leftovers. Cynthia says the fitness instructors love Ron because he dances to rock n roll music on the arc trainer making for a very lively group. The lecturers love his comedic wit, and so does Cynthia, and now you know who wrote this paragraph. Cynthia had a driver take her to a Lumbar MRI. The Houston ortho had not yet changed the order to a pelvis MRI, and thanks to the driver she was able to negotiate the Spanish-speaking staff. And thankfully, the pulled hamstring appears to be healing a lot. </span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7JC3z0-lu2QbWl7AeeDMPiJgl5y95kxvDY_unF87tADCKLpwo9RvmekrDCRVZb-hAQQPw3lTYIg3GNzMvDbrR5Pw7mc7UcrFeXxxkcJMjCPJinDNxxYUUYfB3I4LsvitqazP0y06m6-sdZIv-bNS7BHXhAMBilqKjiuQhvowJE4WiVVw0pvstaXAW2RM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341941483690817794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7JC3z0-lu2QbWl7AeeDMPiJgl5y95kxvDY_unF87tADCKLpwo9RvmekrDCRVZb-hAQQPw3lTYIg3GNzMvDbrR5Pw7mc7UcrFeXxxkcJMjCPJinDNxxYUUYfB3I4LsvitqazP0y06m6-sdZIv-bNS7BHXhAMBilqKjiuQhvowJE4WiVVw0pvstaXAW2RM=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia is the one in green</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibolIki4x7G5BWDX9u8mSLZZsH7kgi9ZlG0a7txEeyRu6tSBkw5L1Q8gHKcFPFQ9KprcxcOHYLO8Oqu-00Wu73zEMx2zaO7EaRcliEqiBjowSGi7Zr5-SP216zGharo_EjWm-okggYSiJECVRbAlR0pP2J3WyRvZVdrmjU-PJE7DVWuqcEU68O3Gj4npI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7341941303139312674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibolIki4x7G5BWDX9u8mSLZZsH7kgi9ZlG0a7txEeyRu6tSBkw5L1Q8gHKcFPFQ9KprcxcOHYLO8Oqu-00Wu73zEMx2zaO7EaRcliEqiBjowSGi7Zr5-SP216zGharo_EjWm-okggYSiJECVRbAlR0pP2J3WyRvZVdrmjU-PJE7DVWuqcEU68O3Gj4npI=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron in green dancing on Arc trainer machine</td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-33245689691915653172024-02-02T10:50:00.093-05:002024-03-05T22:23:29.634-05:00A February ride to Pritikin <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGwBovLQcdoeKSnB0TJGKKqutVIoRuc5uWb9COTjYS5_Fr4fGRorNYQgh8CARgdTKMdLE3Odyie8jvt1Nhjf2G5wV4sGXeVBMzRj43Hqv0I0pS0BZFVgVm4x1jaWxEfhQeimSRO-zl_fFDxAd91lwtoq7DueUwiSSipR9voXlfTaGFokJhG7hMoNXW_Qg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7334929713320931586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGwBovLQcdoeKSnB0TJGKKqutVIoRuc5uWb9COTjYS5_Fr4fGRorNYQgh8CARgdTKMdLE3Odyie8jvt1Nhjf2G5wV4sGXeVBMzRj43Hqv0I0pS0BZFVgVm4x1jaWxEfhQeimSRO-zl_fFDxAd91lwtoq7DueUwiSSipR9voXlfTaGFokJhG7hMoNXW_Qg=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The intrepid adventurers, dressed for cold</td></tr></tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">29 Feb: Happy Leap Day: We both received our lab reports that are gold star worthy. We are happy. Cynthia has an MRI tomorrow.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">28 Feb: Another crazy busy day! </span><div><span style="font-size: large;">27 Feb: Exercise classes begin at nine AM., our schedules are crazy busy. Cynthia had a two hour physical to determine she has a pulled or torn hamstring. Personal trainer begins tomorrow. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">26 Feb: 6:00 AM labs, doctor appointments, lectures. Cynthia passed the cardio stress test, proof positive she is still alive. </span><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">25 Feb: Cynthia arose at one AM again. Yuk. Ron returns today. Yay! </span><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">24 Feb: Cynthia arose at 5:15, ready to do stretch exercises and eat. Guests at last night’s dinner table joined her again today. One is a Methodist pastor; two are interested in discussing faith, and the other one is a social worker. Cynthia thinks she is catching a cold from the A/C fan. She tried napping but that didn't work. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div><span style="font-size: large;">23 Feb: We stopped at the Everglades Museum to watch a video about Seminoles wrestling alligators, plus another video about water conservation in Big Cypress swamp. Ron dropped off Cynthia at Pritikin while Ron continues to Big Pine Key for a quick visit. Cynthia’s hamstring is better. </span><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">22 Feb: dinner in Naples with Dave and Annie. Annie prepared a fabulous feast. </span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLHoIEEJEb4Q13s1GkZOlOJdV4o5UvXwnfUaxGocHoQKAT3DobZ34ANh8d3ucgWvyrwmNLj6f87gMYHI1Ol7ym4FORQgTAI4c2h0TiMqakg_MEfRtFYq1FMctZcXEF7trQtdkg5FsuvUGelITcM-r483x9xF59Ze7y1x1PDf3KFJqW8AhGGuj8JzS0Ob4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7339132425560083410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLHoIEEJEb4Q13s1GkZOlOJdV4o5UvXwnfUaxGocHoQKAT3DobZ34ANh8d3ucgWvyrwmNLj6f87gMYHI1Ol7ym4FORQgTAI4c2h0TiMqakg_MEfRtFYq1FMctZcXEF7trQtdkg5FsuvUGelITcM-r483x9xF59Ze7y1x1PDf3KFJqW8AhGGuj8JzS0Ob4=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron & BD on beach</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3kJvYq2SkEyMjnvFQUlKOSRzfB33aUpG_UhoAzRlCuWUUt_WzNW5rC87ZrDb9JPid1LiN3y-TeeRo_uQmBMObpXgOg0Lyv7pG-E6t_czEq-RunP8d4SRUG7MnnjgJPosq-oOsa1CY1xP3olH-jjagnAXZ3BqHsDfmg0sEl23w-IMxwdG0UfESCMAmuJo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7339130239691706498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3kJvYq2SkEyMjnvFQUlKOSRzfB33aUpG_UhoAzRlCuWUUt_WzNW5rC87ZrDb9JPid1LiN3y-TeeRo_uQmBMObpXgOg0Lyv7pG-E6t_czEq-RunP8d4SRUG7MnnjgJPosq-oOsa1CY1xP3olH-jjagnAXZ3BqHsDfmg0sEl23w-IMxwdG0UfESCMAmuJo=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owls manikins<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoqZR7v1EDzm-0oVhZBtRc5zQJLtd7cAcohKqAk-BTx1pLD0Qw8mwuMOOPV47B6bA18Tfd53Sqhzyv4M5w9q6w2TJv82lNASOrpp57mJv2__SajvS8knG1tyqLUSaHvLRs1XNDqbLW90kCH6QIvj16pQ_K4Mue2tsPCUaE0eV3L9Xbc_bS0Aq0459aXYs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7339130227745680834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoqZR7v1EDzm-0oVhZBtRc5zQJLtd7cAcohKqAk-BTx1pLD0Qw8mwuMOOPV47B6bA18Tfd53Sqhzyv4M5w9q6w2TJv82lNASOrpp57mJv2__SajvS8knG1tyqLUSaHvLRs1XNDqbLW90kCH6QIvj16pQ_K4Mue2tsPCUaE0eV3L9Xbc_bS0Aq0459aXYs=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T'nother owl manikin</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: large;">21 Feb: Overnight with Drew and BD We attended the Gentlemen at Jazz concert in the park. Photos to follow on E we have good wifi <br /></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">20 Feb: 19 miles to Venice, Florida and overnight (or two?) with Drew & BD. We attended an Audubon lecture on owls. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>19 Feb: 14 miles to Crystal River for lunch, 140 miles to dinner in Sarasota, FL, a classic guitar concert, and an overnight with Jan and Dorothy. <br /><br />18 Feb, Sunday: Dunnellon, FL: Rain, again the forecast was correct. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br />17 Feb: Dunnellon, FL: Rain, the forecast was correct.
<br /><br />16 Feb: We awakened in Mexico Beach and were delighted with the view from the balcony. We are disoriented despite a great night's sleep. The hotel is completely remodeled with new paint, new furnishings and new appliances. Rain is forecast for tomorrow and Sunday, so we asked for two more nights, but they did not have any vacancies or cancellations until the moment we turned in our room keys. We had planned to go to Lake Wales, but rain is predicted for Sunday. Instead, we drove south, continuing on US Highway 98 uneventfully until we came to stalled traffic due to an accident that shut off the highway in both directions close to Perry, Florida. Ron followed other drivers taking a parallel road. A while further on, firefighters were putting out a trailer fire on the shoulder of the road. We then exited US 98 at FL 121 N, but continued instead on County Road 336 to a R on Co. Rd. 40 into Dunnellon, FL and a left at Powell Road to a left at N. Williams Street to our Comfort Inn. Police were out in abundance upon our arrival in Dunnellon at five PM due to a shooting threat at the middle school. We checked in to the hotel and headed out for dinner at Miss Sweetie's cafe. Bummer, she was closed, </span><span>likely due to the shooting alarm.</span><span> The middle school was across the street</span><span> and </span><span>a lot of traffic was creating congestion.</span><span> And the traffic? This is a small town, everyone came to investigate. Thankfully, it was only a threat, and there was no identifiable source. We shopped for groceries, returned to our hotel and ate oatmeal and fruit. Rain is forecast for tomorrow. We will sleep in! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />15 Feb: So what day is this? The year? Where are we? Oh, yeah, Pace, Florida! After breakfast, we quickly packed and boogied off to cousin Martha’s fabulous home where she lives with her daughter and son-in-law. It was wonderful to see Martha’s bright, cheery smile and enjoy the interesting conversation and camaraderie. We had a Valentine’s Party with heart-designed cups, plates, and napkins. How fun is this! We ventured forth to have an early dinner at Ruby Tuesday and drove on Highway 98 towards our next hotel south of Panama City at Mexico Beach, but the traffic was horrendous. We are delighted with the hotel makeover after Hurricane Michael decimated the Gulf Coast region with wave surge of 15’. We WILL return to the hotel! Route: Davis Road (FL 291) N into Pace, 1st R on Diamond, 10 blocks to R on Floridatown Road S to L on Parkview, R on Bayview, R & L to Bayview Terrace. retrace route to S on US 90 across water to L on Scenic Highway (US 90) along east edge of Pensacola across Texar Bayou to L on 17th Street, then around rotary and over bridge on US 98 into Gulf Breeze, immediate R on FL 399 to Pensacola Beach through the Gulf Islands National Seashore (wonderful) and back to US 98. Here we made a BIG mistake AGAIN by staying on US 98 with interminable stop lights and stop-and-go traffic backed up for 3 miles at every light. NEVER, EVER take US 98 instead of FL 30 (which is great) through to Mexico Beach. We stopped at Walmart for blueberries and bananas as we rode through Panama City. As we rode the final 50 miles to Mexico Beach, we saw a raccoon sprint across the road about fifty feet ahead of us and saw several individual deer standing close beside the road as we rode by. We were very relieved to enter the safety of Mexico Beach and to see our El Governor Resort Hotel ahead.
<br /><br />14 Feb: We enjoyed our morning visit with Pat before leaving Denham at one PM driving I-12 E to I-10 East into Mississippi, then MS 607 SE to US 90 East and a gorgeous drive on the Gulf Coast highway to Biloxi, MS. We stopped for lunch at IHOP and should have taken I-110 north to I-10 east as US 90 east of Biloxi was devoid of scenery and filled with rush hour traffic and stop lights. We were close to Mobile by the time we resumed travel on I-10 East, and it was dark by the time we arrived at the tunnel under Mobile Bay. Driving on that high-speed highway in inky, black darkness was not pleasant for Cynthia. Our Comfort Inn was right off I-10 in Pensacola at FL Highway 291, Davis Road. Great that there was a Dennys within walking/ shuffling distance of the hotel. Cynthia's pulled hamstring seems to be better for all the rest sitting on the motorcycle.
<br /><br />13 Feb: Lafayette, Louisiana. Ron slept like a baby through the night, uninterrupted! He won the points for the first "I love you" of the day, and Cynthia won points for the first Happy Valentine's Day, oops that isn't until tomorrow?? She asked Ron, “Will you be my Valentine?” He asked for the job description. We are 52 miles from our destination near Baton Rouge and I-10 traffic logjam has cleared. We arrived at cousin Pat's duplex before noon and she took us out to the Salad Station for wonderful, huge salads. We talked genealogy, etc. for many hours until lack of sleep caught up to Cynthia first and Ron soon after. Route: I-10 E to Baton Rouge to I-12 E to exit 12 at LA 1026/ Juban Road S to round-a-bout to Buddy Ellis Road E 1.2 miles to a stop sign, R on John L road to R on Palmetto Lake Ave to immediate R to Palmetto Lake Court and cousin Pat.
<br /><br />12 Feb: Ron tried to sleep four times, but failed every time and spent the entire night packing and cleaning his recycling. At 4:30 AM, just as Ron had gotten to bed for the fourth time, Cynthia awakened, started the coffee, and announced that we needed to get up. Ron agreed that we needed to leave early, so he forgot about sleep and started doing his exercises. It was a sunny, chilly, and very windy day, and God was willing that we could leave by eleven-thirty AM for Baton Rouge. Highway 105 was not quick, so we stopped in Beaumont for lunch at Jason's Deli. We debated getting a hotel for the night to sleep early but decided to press on onto I-10. Except, the right lane of the interstate suddenly turned into an exit only, and we exited by error. Compounding the problem was that the entrance to I-10 eastbound at that exit was closed, so we wandered around the Louisiana countryside until we found Louisiana Highway 101 that took us back south to I-10. Once back on I-10 east of Lake Charles, the traffic was stop-and-go backed up for miles all the way to Lafayette. We exited Dusen, LA and entered a smoke-filled casino trying to figure out how to find a hotel. Dusen didn't have one, but someone gave directions to Highway 90 which parallels I-10. By now it was dark and this highway had a lot of traffic and stoplights. We reached Lafayette and a Hampton Inn. We will have hot oatmeal for breakfast. But first we will sleep. Zzzz. Route: TX 105 E to Beaumont, TX, R on US 96 access road S to Dowlen Road (first intersection) W 5 miles to Jason's Deli and another great salad bar.!! L on Phelan to I-10 frontage road N to I-10 E towards Baton Rouge, but we encountered parked traffic on the interstate and stayed overnight in Lafayette, Louisiana.
<br /><br />11 Feb, Sunday: The rain has stopped. Ron is packing. Cynthia is icing a pulled hamstring muscle. We moved boxes to storage. Ron is cleaning the condo. Cynthia’s bag is packed, she is showered and ready. NO! The TV is not on. We are not watching the Super Bowl but Cynthia sneaked a peek at the score. Tied 19-19, then the Chiefs won in OT! The big question is whether Cynthia will be able to ride passenger on the bike with her injury.
<br /><br />10 Feb: Rain is scheduled for the weekend. We will leave for Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Monday morning.
<br /><br />9 Feb: Cynthia shipped a box (mostly clothes) to Pritikin, a book to Carol and Bill, and we moved some boxes and clothes to the storage unit. Cynthia was able to secure an appointment for an MRI at two PM on March 1, in Doral, Fl.
<br /><br />8 Feb: Ron spent yesterday cleaning, packing and moving boxes of recycling to the car. We were outta here at 10:00 AM with a stop at Target to drop off plastic bags, then into Spring, Texas with the trunk and car full of recycling. We are so GOOD that we deserved our huge lunch at Jason’s Deli. Cynthia had an appointment with Dr. Birkin while Ron enjoyed chatting with other patients. We dropped off a box of genealogy books at the Conroe Central Library, then shopped at Walmart for reverse osmosis water before coming home. Cynthia ordered Rambo books, plus her revised edition of <span><b><i>Spirit in the South</i></b></span> for the Conroe library.
<br /><br />7 Feb: The sunrise had a few lovely rose highlights, and Ron sought to get Cynthia's attention by tapping her on the shoulder, but that startled her, she whirled around and shrieked in pain from the aggravation of her injury. The "sciatica" became much worse. After her appointment with Dr. Sharpless, Cynthia is taking a break for a pedicure and a manicure. She picked up her RX.
<br /><br />6 Feb: Chaos continues; Ron is recycling aluminum foil he has saved from foil on baked potatoes in restaurants, plus our foil to bake salmon and potatoes. Cynthia decided cooking is not a good idea, nor is ordering baked potatoes. Ron is dedicated to recycling; he will save the planet single handedly. We rode the bike to the <u>dermatologist</u>; a cheerful guy we like a lot. He inspected Cynthia's body for mole changes and declared the brown spots on her arms and chest are wisdom spots which doesn't make sense; if one had wisdom they would not go out in the sun. He froze five of the brown spots on her chest; the freeze was very uncomfortable. Evidently, the walk yesterday was too much for sciatica; we turned back after reaching the park. Ron walked tonight, Cynthia transcribed James Lea citations from the first of six research reports from Raquel. Slow work!
<br /><br />5 Feb: We took boxes and garment bags to the storage locker, ate lunch at Jason’s Deli, and mailed letters. Cynthia has a <u>doctor's appointment at Eyeland</u>. Less sciatica. Walk 3.0 miles. That was too much for Cynthia's sciatica.
<br /><br />4 Feb, Sunday: Worship and brunch. Our guests were sick and could not attend, but we enjoyed our meal! Ron moved boxes and garment bags to the car. He is organizing his boxes and aluminum foil. Yes, he recycles it. Cynthia did not walk today.
<br /><br />3 Feb: It rained through the night creating lots of puddles on the trail. Cynthia is wearing her hand brace to transcribe citations. Very slow progress. At least her sciatica is improving. We walked 2.5 miles at a leisurely pace, shopped at Walmart for the sweet potatoes and spinach that we forgot yesterday, and Ron walked again tonight. Ron is cleaning aluminum foil to recycle Thursday.
<br /><br />2 Feb: Cynthia needs to post a Feb. photo. She is hobbling around but "successfully" managed to walk, 2.13 miles! Ron had a successful day in the markets. Tomorrow is forecast to be a rainy day, so let's see if we get to Walmart for sweet potatoes and spinach.
<br /><br />1 Feb. arrived and the first day disappeared before we acknowledged it! Ron watched the market reports, did a lot of Sudokus, and shoveled mud from the sidewalk to the compost hole. We ran errands and dressed for dinner at the yacht club with Diane and John. 3.0 miles.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-48964122433477834542024-01-01T10:58:00.127-05:002024-02-18T16:37:20.154-05:00Happy New Year on Lake Conroe <p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvfMPK-9wSWylhewWi8eCkmQ-XUgEkFRnGF08wTk0A3pi2BQRx0D6wfv7Z7BZS4-f7TTpPfEsGCZRFm3xzIfUeYV0ISa9wGo9MmkGu1GkxX7vpIea3VTP_T3PRqKDgsZEMYlXznuZ6567ENSsDniMKoVfKltlLb_V3x1_SQGcjO4F6hEEmNf5S5zgXVbU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7320398972096889170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvfMPK-9wSWylhewWi8eCkmQ-XUgEkFRnGF08wTk0A3pi2BQRx0D6wfv7Z7BZS4-f7TTpPfEsGCZRFm3xzIfUeYV0ISa9wGo9MmkGu1GkxX7vpIea3VTP_T3PRqKDgsZEMYlXznuZ6567ENSsDniMKoVfKltlLb_V3x1_SQGcjO4F6hEEmNf5S5zgXVbU=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our patio</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">31 Jan: The sky is blue, the sun is shining, we walked five miles, and Ron listened to the market reports. Cynthia’s sciatica is complaining, and so is she. Now, we are back to work.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">30 Jan: Zoom! We were out the door for our walk at 10:21, twenty-one minutes after we pledged to leave. What a gorgeous day with a high of 71 degrees. But, we could not dilly-dally on the sitting bench soaking up the warm sunshine, we needed to visit newborn Baby Becks, and Cynthia needed a shower. Ron needed to stop at USPS and send a certified card, but the line in the post office was way too long to wait. We were only thirty minutes late. Becks smiled for the first time today at her Grandmother. They bonded!! Poor momma Rachel was so tired we did not stay long. As soon as we left, she and Becks fell asleep until four-thirty PM. We stopped at HEB for cornbread mix; then we stopped at the post office again to send the certified letter to Ron's bank, followed by Walmart for more filtered water, then Lakeside Pharmacy to pick up another RX. Ron is adding appendices to the James Lea book, and Cynthia completed the January financial report. 4.5 miles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">29 Jan: We awoke to gold; a brilliant sunrise flooded the rooms with every shade of sunshine in the Crayola box. Projects are being accomplished, some easily, some not. The James Lea book has now shifted to reviewing appendices. Cynthia has sciatica resulting from moving large boxes to the car. Cynthia stopped Lakeside Pharmacy for an anti-inflammatory RX. Our walk was uneventful. 5.0 miles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">28 Jan: After worship, we enjoyed brunch with Roxanne’s family at the Yacht Club, followed by a four-mile walk. </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzWCU0_yfKKp843Vs6PU6dRhHD-_HLO_e62ZnjOKVppRGbb39KVVTkeCLrzXIJLtPOdfsTIKUhrJ6fVnEGuAyOcx5bADlzzQNcYx1vm6TN-skFWGWOCiBjc4SGmrbYqOAFOpcYL3Z_c70stXTOyhbTVSzDNVcLJS9pOU4e_tAgNM1CGUampybWxgO0iWI" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7329564965615329682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzWCU0_yfKKp843Vs6PU6dRhHD-_HLO_e62ZnjOKVppRGbb39KVVTkeCLrzXIJLtPOdfsTIKUhrJ6fVnEGuAyOcx5bADlzzQNcYx1vm6TN-skFWGWOCiBjc4SGmrbYqOAFOpcYL3Z_c70stXTOyhbTVSzDNVcLJS9pOU4e_tAgNM1CGUampybWxgO0iWI=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma with her two darlings, Roxanne and Jon</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0); color: #0c0c14; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">SUNDAY OFFERING</span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0); color: #0c0c14; font-family: -apple-system, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto">Have you had experiences so profound that changed your life forever? We celebrated one of my life-changing moments today at a birthday brunch for my oldest daughter, Roxanne. The doctor said she was the second most beautiful baby he had delivered and the first was his own. Oh, yes, I agreed. I vividly remember kissing soft pink skin like a velvety rose petal. I call her my Rosebud. I was forever altered by that encounter. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0); color: #0c0c14; font-family: -apple-system, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto">There are existential encounters <a style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="-1"></a>that reconfigure our lives; in retrospect, we know “Someone” is calling us, whispering in the night and transforming our being. Like Moses standing at the burning bush, we stammer, “what is happening?” God uses all of the experiences of our lives, as well as the people, to transform us. Here we stand on holy ground. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0); color: #0c0c14; font-family: -apple-system, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto">“And we all, with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. “ 2 Cor: 3:18 RSV</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0); color: #0c0c14; font-family: -apple-system, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto">Pastor Cynthia Forde, </div><div dir="auto">28 January 2024</div></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">27 Jan: The forecast is for a cloudy, dry day, but flood warnings continue. The lake is receding; our benches are now accessible and no longer underwater. We enjoyed baked salmon and sweet potato for dinner. How can we be so crazy busy! 4 miles. </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihL446ePh7VxKMjMA31AyKTPYPiMveCuFgH3WquqKCI1SDsyrcm3ghg7S2puC6M9iJ-D6fXiAR5u0qH_DJhDFuZHeIs1WpoiAYR1FVkrtsSe8sJYM6xKmnDjZUZkSg5mxWoZJpRIlhG2cLXVpZ8fa9O3TUgZ0qX6dGXMxJD9h9NlcOFl7sbGmVJ39F_z0" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7328942516117587762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihL446ePh7VxKMjMA31AyKTPYPiMveCuFgH3WquqKCI1SDsyrcm3ghg7S2puC6M9iJ-D6fXiAR5u0qH_DJhDFuZHeIs1WpoiAYR1FVkrtsSe8sJYM6xKmnDjZUZkSg5mxWoZJpRIlhG2cLXVpZ8fa9O3TUgZ0qX6dGXMxJD9h9NlcOFl7sbGmVJ39F_z0=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron on bench before water rose to cover legs</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">26 Jan: Dr Sharpless Appt, dry cleaners, RX. A fun photo from Hawaii in 2010. We accrued 3.0 Miles just running errands. Cynthia is feeling partially organized for our trip in 15 days. </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVLp9Rj8-Ih-n0qQAFPbl_JxQOyxjyXv2_uJLveohHf_WAyuqrpofkd7mDKMMlFSaPXDNSFF6BOX0fjZ6XtbRW0Ci19rOYZeQqgouzVM34yyR0xQ9c0vrRJwAU8FtVXZmbC94pmLcJDcNmH1cSN4n6E88lmMdh1xHB59oY6FkMXKQZDFtvtcb2s4-41DY" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7328255756400596738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVLp9Rj8-Ih-n0qQAFPbl_JxQOyxjyXv2_uJLveohHf_WAyuqrpofkd7mDKMMlFSaPXDNSFF6BOX0fjZ6XtbRW0Ci19rOYZeQqgouzVM34yyR0xQ9c0vrRJwAU8FtVXZmbC94pmLcJDcNmH1cSN4n6E88lmMdh1xHB59oY6FkMXKQZDFtvtcb2s4-41DY=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo from Hawaii in 2012 ??</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">25 Jan: Montgomery County is in the global news because of flooding. But, we were able to walk five miles by circumventing puddles. We could not get to the benches at our halfway point because they are under water. Water is backing up in the parking garage via drains. We started packing! </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1zlEg21pQ0yTfzs9hTHG0tRLqttKX0mBtPnefAJz_JwGeXPRwffEW-S2tHFg1BM8Vh-tF6585zwDOiME0xWKqKm3ip0zu8TkfDb3IXDFgNT2lwYgKKmjxASCHKX8Ibck-kyyWojeDa9JVGmq0gfKFyKx9FOqyiF-yM0BWfs2vlafGuCAjHTAcLqNS1S0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7328255630256372434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1zlEg21pQ0yTfzs9hTHG0tRLqttKX0mBtPnefAJz_JwGeXPRwffEW-S2tHFg1BM8Vh-tF6585zwDOiME0xWKqKm3ip0zu8TkfDb3IXDFgNT2lwYgKKmjxASCHKX8Ibck-kyyWojeDa9JVGmq0gfKFyKx9FOqyiF-yM0BWfs2vlafGuCAjHTAcLqNS1S0=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the same bench in lake</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">24 Jan: Yes, the rain continued through the night and now through this day. The walkway from the condos to the boat ramp is underwater. A truck in the lake is surrounded by water, and the condos across the lake have water up to their foundation. We are good and the rest of our Texas family is fine. We drove to the fitness center a few blocks away because the walking trail is flooded. We had great workouts! We will repeat this tomorrow because rain is forecast through the night. 3.0 Miles on a treadmill. Ron used the rowing machine along with his regular routine. Ron found one of the first Christmas cards he gave to his beloved bride. She was delighted all over again. </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaAq2n6eobyIevOpXX4vbjorqeae6N4SNP5eojesvOZ0az9hGu4dgF8gtKxb6nBE-8fdg9MVjV7skLq1tdeA7RimGmV5QaNrO_ekXxRGDkW5R5hqrG9j_LQcltjQKP4nnmlUix3P79WpFTUBtPmDGc29bcww1kHJ1Hdg6bK837rq-nw46LzPe77tKzkJ0" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7328943272837691906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaAq2n6eobyIevOpXX4vbjorqeae6N4SNP5eojesvOZ0az9hGu4dgF8gtKxb6nBE-8fdg9MVjV7skLq1tdeA7RimGmV5QaNrO_ekXxRGDkW5R5hqrG9j_LQcltjQKP4nnmlUix3P79WpFTUBtPmDGc29bcww1kHJ1Hdg6bK837rq-nw46LzPe77tKzkJ0=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia LOVES this card</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">23 Jan: R.A.I.N. all the live long day, and into the night, and onto the morrow flooding is predicted. Ron is researching the Burton Third Dormitory room placement from an old MIT student directory. Cynthia drove to the fitness center and worked out. Cynthia’s Apple Watch did not track the time on the machine. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">22 Jan: The heavens opened and blessed Texas with a rainy day. Three more days could constitute our entire annual “rainy season.” The rain was so heavy leaving for the doctor’s office in the Woodlands, Cynthia threatened to turn back and cancel the appointment. But, it has already been cancelled twice so she prevailed. We arrived. The problem is arthritis. Arthritis on the left foot has pushed the bones causing a bunion. On the right foot, a pinched nerve plus arthritis causes pain. The Dr. injected cortisone in the pinched nerve and gave her a RX for an anti inflammatory. We stopped at Jason’s Deli to eat, and Ron took his glasses to Eyeland to get the frames repaired. Our last stop was for food at Walmart, and then home. Cynthia drove in the rain. Yay for her! 2.31 miles running errands. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">21 Jan: We visited Walden Church with Jon and friends, then brunch at the Yacht Club with Jon, Joanne, her husband Bill G. It is fun to see that everyone knows Jon! The real feel weather is 36 degrees but we did do our five-mile walk, and we are very thankful to accomplish this since rain is forecast for the next three days! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">20 Jan: Zoom! The days are speeding by like a bullet train as we progress towards our February 10th take-off for Pritikin in Doral, Florida. Ron is close to completion verifying source citations in James Lea manuscript. This was an exceptional day despite frigid weather with a low temperature BRRRRRR 28 degrees. Ron walked about five miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">19 Jan: We walked 5.15 Miles after returning from a trip to Dr Sharpless’ office for annual routine thyroid test, and a stop at Wally World and Lakeside Pharmacy. At seven PM we had a lovely dinner with Julie and Lamar at the yacht club. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">18 Jan: 7 Happy miles! We walked twice, YAY! The weather is lovely Ron is editing James Lea, and nearly finished checking source citations. We had a delicious salmon and baked sweet potato dinner, Mmmm! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">17 Jan: Our readers think we are going to talk about how cold it is! Ha! No, indeed! We have a better plan, and that is to boast about the wonderful weather we experienced on the return trip from the five mile walk to the lake. It was almost warm. The plan is to always walk with the bitter wind pushing us from behind. Yesterday, we saw a lot of deer cavorting along then trail; today we met the goose and her three protector ganders who don’t like us. Ron puts his foot out, like he is planning to kick, and they back off. 5.0 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">16 Nov: Out and About? Sort of. The sun is out, the snow has melted from the deck chairs, and the temperature increased to 31 degrees so we thought we should be brave and walk to the lake. It didn’t take long to choose the fitness center to turn around instead. Cynthia said it was hard to breathe under two layers of fabric covering her mouth and nose. We are glad to be home safe, and to see the streets mostly dry and not icy. Tomorrow the temperature will increase to a high of 45 degrees! Ron is editing James Lea! Hip, hip Hooray! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">15 Jan: Surprise! We awoke to snow! This is rare in SE Texas! After waiting for Cynthia’s 7 Volt battery to charge her Gerbing jacket, we set out to do our usual five mile walk to the lake, but once we went down the icy steps, crossed the slippery grass to the icy road, we decided it wasn’t safe for even crazies like us. This means the roads are too slick to drive to the fitness center. Instead, we are back inside, where Ron is working on James Lea! Glory, glory hallelujah! </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4KXWa5Y5k46pO09aQfawny0fpREzW48NzfheVRE4ksYpDnGNYhgWPesin7XiOiPaOj4wPjjigk3nPmySfazc5CdwyFo16o4CH_VV6SK04rUG1p-ZJHrB0K1OF5GUoVgGmFbv00AMxnMjX4ID98scG_1SxNC60VPjaunOS_i2tq6jSSQEIbZNRWV-jnyA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7324438878587787922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4KXWa5Y5k46pO09aQfawny0fpREzW48NzfheVRE4ksYpDnGNYhgWPesin7XiOiPaOj4wPjjigk3nPmySfazc5CdwyFo16o4CH_VV6SK04rUG1p-ZJHrB0K1OF5GUoVgGmFbv00AMxnMjX4ID98scG_1SxNC60VPjaunOS_i2tq6jSSQEIbZNRWV-jnyA=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia prepared for cold weather</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">14 Jan: OK! It is here! Good grief! Winter arrived! Our worship service was outstanding with an excellent sermon by the bishop’s assistant. We had brunch at Magnolia Diner and our chronic hypothermic walked for five miles while she stayed indoors working on projects. Son Paul texted he just tested positive for Covid again. Ron watched a zoom presentation of a celebration of life for his MIT alum who matriculated MIT age 16, graduated three years later at age 19. It was a very touching service for a fascinating man </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">13 Jan: Here we are, another too-busy day! Cynthia is amused by a message Ron sent to a research friend that we have adopted as a cousin, although she is likely Cynthia’s Lea cousin: <i>“Hi Barb, </i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cynthia's father drilled it into her head to NEVER EVER allow the gas tank to drop below half full. Personally, I try to never drive with the gas gauge much below empty. Our approach to cold weather is equally diverse. I like to walk out and about to see what the weather looks like - sometimes you see pretty interesting sights, like the farmer who drove his huge tractor into downtown to the pharmacy</i><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">. </span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cynthia follows your advice, stay indoors with a good book.” </i><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> Cynthia reports the condo is clean, the laundry is done, salmon is marinated to go into the oven, and she thinks Ron is very funny. Daughter Julie is also very funny: yesterday, Cynthia </span>asked Julie for the name of a medication RX by the dermatologist. Julie said, <i>“I lost my prescription license for impersonating a dermatologist; was there something else you would like to talk about, I know a lot about national security.” 5.0 miles </i></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">12 Jan: The forecast was anticipated to be a high of 68 degrees, but it did not feel like it because of twenty-mile per hour winds. By eleven A.M., we ventured forth to walk five miles. Yes, we did! The day was uneventful, but crazy busy. We had a lovely salmon dinner at the Cafe on the Green followed by a trip to Wally World to buy food in preparation for the big freeze Monday. Jon invested in a generator. Ron is working on MIT emails. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">11 Jan: We are worn out! Ron did not sleep well. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: large;">We are thankful to have one of the top-rated medical centers in the United States only seventy miles away: the Texas Medical Center of Houston is also rated #1 in Texas. Yet, navigating the busiest freeways in the U.S. is a major challenge to travel for our annual checkups. Should you require an outstanding cardiologist, we heartily recommend Dr. Kenneth Lance Gould, who has been Cynthia’s primary care physician for twenty-four years, and now Ron’s for fifteen years. He is the author of the book, <i>Heal Your Heart</i>. Dr. Gould pioneered the P.E.T. scan for cardiology, he is a research scientist whose practice is devoted to healing and preventing coronary artery disease. We are exhausted from the travels but affirmed with kudos for excellent results. Here are Dr. Gould's credentials</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">:</span></p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div dir="auto">Dr. K. Lance Gould</div><div dir="auto">Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished University Chair</div><div dir="auto">Professor of Cardiology</div><div dir="auto">Executive Director Weatherhead P.E.T. Center for Preventing and Reversing Atherosclerosis. </div></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">10 Jan: We both had hair appointments at eleven with Sasha, then a return to the Houston Medical Center for Ron’s appointment with the electrophysiologist, Dr. Anne Dougherty. We were able to get a bite to eat between appointments, but it was a tight race to make it to the medical center, so we arrived late The Texas Medical Center in one of the top rated in the U.S., the size of a city, with seven major hospitals The traffic in and out is horrendous, especially for one of us who worries about minor things like being late as a passenger on a motorcycle in heavy traffic six lanes wide inbound on one of the the busiest freeway in the nation. But, she thanks God for Ron’s professional skill level (now that they are home S.A.F.E.).</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhMzVaqz4bGIr_EH_spoLsCRCkyda-9QrTAXwDhvW9ajJSepx4mlytYH0sd1Jg5hx7iI8LI50zwPBp50sxaZqPIXPhpbNmpMy3e9tHSzHa_p0XREvcq3YzUtdNFZiZKDXRRtzt0qDwEFc_gqyfjaoczXWhHz7GNq6nGbOQD-LSRAO1EnX6-J49v0kdDhA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7322534240150100482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhMzVaqz4bGIr_EH_spoLsCRCkyda-9QrTAXwDhvW9ajJSepx4mlytYH0sd1Jg5hx7iI8LI50zwPBp50sxaZqPIXPhpbNmpMy3e9tHSzHa_p0XREvcq3YzUtdNFZiZKDXRRtzt0qDwEFc_gqyfjaoczXWhHz7GNq6nGbOQD-LSRAO1EnX6-J49v0kdDhA=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sasha trimming Ron's few remaining hairs</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p>Isn’t Ron handsome?</p><p><span style="font-size: large;">9 Jan: Worn-out from Yesterday’s medical appointments, we slept late, worked on and completed some projects. About two PM, we walked to the lake and back Our lab results show excellent reports. 5.0 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">8 Jan: Our annual checkup appointments were at eight AM, usually lasting until eleven AM, after labs are done. Thunderstorms and high winds made the ride home perilous. Thankfully, the heavy rain came in squalls and we avoided being caught in one. Because of the rain, the traffic was lighter. The Houston Medical Center, a city in itself, is the largest and finest in the world, making traffic challenging unless one knows where to go. Cynthia drove home successfully.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">7 Jan: After worship, we walked 5.0 miles, packed our bags, and drove to the Texas Medical Center for early Monday annual checkups. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">6 Jan: We met Jon at 8:15 AM to ride with him to Cheryl’s mother’s memorial service in Bellville, TX. From that sad occasion, we went to Charlotte’s joyful second birthday party, followed by a five-mile walk.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZeovREj3lAYs45B9JoX6e58CKFwqBMbzUenQqhUXXsamBje-wwiCyOODgBv9CcW5f6PAvQPPvF81wNuURNOWuGQFVLeXKgP05abta8Sy-Yji9Vi8uQ_XzTJgAt3oKRnxfyhtNULvhrITc3SVP-w0BW6zqJ1Sc0EMwna7CAgcmpmw_x4rMlKJu_-ZnVGA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7321534390194274306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZeovREj3lAYs45B9JoX6e58CKFwqBMbzUenQqhUXXsamBje-wwiCyOODgBv9CcW5f6PAvQPPvF81wNuURNOWuGQFVLeXKgP05abta8Sy-Yji9Vi8uQ_XzTJgAt3oKRnxfyhtNULvhrITc3SVP-w0BW6zqJ1Sc0EMwna7CAgcmpmw_x4rMlKJu_-ZnVGA=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte discovered presents</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8zadx0ewCz0_hyTsThWkubjMoToRkW8HNNVqCID3U3G0lCcjmSm82rDfsSTnIVFDgsJPBQtVXk3bTFFZoPtr_Tw6-8NxUGYYmcWvkMCYl6oBrk6Jfu-9Sp-A-c37zar03Hoxy6M0_sOGU10hlKuQ125CNGhkZxZeY55eszVJR5nVStlMwVH6TRYe6jcM" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7321534548330429346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8zadx0ewCz0_hyTsThWkubjMoToRkW8HNNVqCID3U3G0lCcjmSm82rDfsSTnIVFDgsJPBQtVXk3bTFFZoPtr_Tw6-8NxUGYYmcWvkMCYl6oBrk6Jfu-9Sp-A-c37zar03Hoxy6M0_sOGU10hlKuQ125CNGhkZxZeY55eszVJR5nVStlMwVH6TRYe6jcM=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia sat motionless with baby</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuIAxglHoOn14G0SLcapLOXuf_huSjsikSE8W14XtORx5b6i9sVpY0rosFO4FPBITMDHzMu1cnTtUDZu0rXX1foLE7H2abTzU3V5CJGhgBq5UbxAizSD-zy9p2aVAuDg-rf5ePI8d2t16Dt_QNch_YJJG2jsvDm7RSiRNhazejRrKjsi30DG0UnUk86oo" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7321532779500543458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuIAxglHoOn14G0SLcapLOXuf_huSjsikSE8W14XtORx5b6i9sVpY0rosFO4FPBITMDHzMu1cnTtUDZu0rXX1foLE7H2abTzU3V5CJGhgBq5UbxAizSD-zy9p2aVAuDg-rf5ePI8d2t16Dt_QNch_YJJG2jsvDm7RSiRNhazejRrKjsi30DG0UnUk86oo=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire family, Stan, Julie, Paul, Roxanne, Cynthia, Jon</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">5 Jan: We had plans to walk late in the AM, except we woke up to rain! One of us has a manicure and pedicure after lunch. The other one is working on financials. Cynthia started the #75Hard fitness program that isn't so difficult because we are already doing the nutrition. We exercise twice a day, and read over ten pages a day. We rarely have alcohol, and neither of us smoked. Cynthia started counting water so that's her big change. She is modifying the exercise program with the first set doing 20-25 minutes instead of 45 minutes. Ron does about 45 minutes for #1, and we both do 90 minutes of outdoor exercise when it isnt raining. The pedicure prevents her walk today. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvfMPK-9wSWylhewWi8eCkmQ-XUgEkFRnGF08wTk0A3pi2BQRx0D6wfv7Z7BZS4-f7TTpPfEsGCZRFm3xzIfUeYV0ISa9wGo9MmkGu1GkxX7vpIea3VTP_T3PRqKDgsZEMYlXznuZ6567ENSsDniMKoVfKltlLb_V3x1_SQGcjO4F6hEEmNf5S5zgXVbU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7320398972096889170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvfMPK-9wSWylhewWi8eCkmQ-XUgEkFRnGF08wTk0A3pi2BQRx0D6wfv7Z7BZS4-f7TTpPfEsGCZRFm3xzIfUeYV0ISa9wGo9MmkGu1GkxX7vpIea3VTP_T3PRqKDgsZEMYlXznuZ6567ENSsDniMKoVfKltlLb_V3x1_SQGcjO4F6hEEmNf5S5zgXVbU=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our balcony</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">4 Jan: Charlotte’s birthday, she says, “I TWO!” Ron had another successful day in the markets and at the Fitness Center, reporting he is lifting heavier weights now than when he finished last March. We walked twice. Cynthia completed the 2023 financial report for the CPA. “It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, the sky is blue…” 7.0 miles</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqPSBX1arEJP5XKab2zx_mx96xz5Ec3eaoHLupM45nLjOaPinfOuj_55D-DR7LflJAXAMolGIvtExFmy9tFNYziBdYWUcV2YiaFdeVxqXHkXLph3Ju-dK2GKBDAXxwAxWIzDc77CVB6orMb6JW1CqdGqPejPL4snd2DplFy4SsXhbd682TVI5znQyaBXs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7320067417003295282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqPSBX1arEJP5XKab2zx_mx96xz5Ec3eaoHLupM45nLjOaPinfOuj_55D-DR7LflJAXAMolGIvtExFmy9tFNYziBdYWUcV2YiaFdeVxqXHkXLph3Ju-dK2GKBDAXxwAxWIzDc77CVB6orMb6JW1CqdGqPejPL4snd2DplFy4SsXhbd682TVI5znQyaBXs=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte looks puzzled</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">3 Jan: Brrrr! The weather app says it is a real feel of 43 degrees and we are bundling up for our walk. One of us hates being cold; the other one is a chronic hypothermic. After freezing nearly to death, the chronic hypothermic suggested we ride the motorcycle twelve miles to get his new glasses. Cynthia drove the car; the new progressive lens for both distance and reading will take a few days to get used to, plus they are gradient to turn into sunglasses in the sun. Ron needs cataract surgery, but we will know more about when to schedule it after Ron tries the new glasses for a few days. If the glasses help enough, he will wait until December for surgery. We enjoyed humongous salads for lunch at Jason’s Deli, dropped off three pairs of Cynthia’s shoes to be repaired, and we walked to the fitness center again. 7.0 miles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 Jan: Ron’s new glasses did not arrive, but we walked five miles, rode the bike in frigid temperatures to run errands. Ron is delighted his stock investment was successful so we had a treat: Haagen Dazs Dulce de Leche. Oh, what fun! Santa Claus left a package for Ron under the tree. What a surprise, it is exactly what he wanted, an antique counter balance postage scale. Now, we are ready for sleep! 5.11 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 Jan. 2024: Here we are again, just like we were again, overlooking beautiful Lake Conroe. Ron started the coffee with a joyful “Happy New Year” awakening. After sleeping late, our favorite thing to do, we threw ourselves into routine exercises and gorged on oatmeal, raspberries, blueberries, and a banana. In other words, the year is new, our days continue the usual pace, but, we do get younger each year. And that’s a good thing! Ron helped Cynthia clean the condo, and the laundry was done, with yet another week stretching out before us without any outside commitments. We walked five miles, and Ron opened a bottle of champagne. Happy New Year! 5.0 miles </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-24438816912406772042023-12-01T17:16:00.165-05:002024-02-18T15:42:06.675-05:00Merry Christmas in Texas. Great grandchild # ten arrived. <p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">31 Dec: Hmmm! 123123: 12/31/23, the last day of the year! Worship at 10:00 AM. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Fifteen years ago, on New Year’s Eve, Ron responded to a friend's suggestion and proposed. Cynthia surprised both of us by saying, “Yes.” It has been a marvelous decision, a happy time, and a wonderful life. We are amazed at how fast the years have passed, but we echo each other’s: "Thank God!" 5.0 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">30 Dec: We walked to the lake and worked on financial reports; Cynthia upgraded her junk report, and Ron worked on James Lea. Late afternoon, we walked once again to the point. 5.20 miles</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">29 Dec: Today, we were glued to our electronics; Ron analyzed financial records for IRS required RMD calculation, and Cynthia did DNA administrative duties. We walked five miles, followed by egg white omelets at Magnolia Diner, picked up packages at Jon’s and an RX at Walgreens, and shopped for groceries at Walmart. Tick! Tick! Tick! Yup! Here we go again, zooming through another December to the big countdown at midnight Sunday. 5.0 miles</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">28:Dec: The day was chilly but sunny; we delayed walking until one PM when the outdoor temp hit 52 degrees. Ron completed his RMD analysis up through November, and we had a lovely dinner with Pastor Diane & John, Bishop Mike & Susan at the Cafe on the Green. 5.0 Miles</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">27 Dec: Wednesday was a most enjoyable day to sleep late, catch up on projects, turn on the old Dell laptop, used to write five volumes of the Rambo Book, to see if it works; yes, it does. Ron is working on financials to complete the MRD before Dec. 31. Cynthia completed Ron’s medical paperwork for Pritikin; hers was done yesterday. Reviewing cardiac procedures since 2010, we are thankful for Medicare, plus excellent supplemental policies. Cynthia’s Plan J requires no co-pay; it is no longer available, and the government cannot take it away. Ron has supplement D via Mutual of Omaha, which offers great coverage in addition to Medicare. We walked 5.31 miles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">26 Dec: We walked five miles after early AM email distractions. Cynthia checked her blood pressure after the walk: 104/68. Then we walked five miles before jumping up on the motorcycle to shop for food. (Well, we don’t exactly jump up, but it sounds energetic.) Traffic was heavy, the stores were still crowded, and the restaurant was closed. Because she was starving, Cynthia ate a half bag of unwashed globe grapes in Walmart. Ron is industriously editing James Lea. 5.0 miles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">25 Dec, Sunday: Merry Monday, Merry Christmas! Son Paul and his family are in England visiting granddaughter daughter Zoe and her new husband, Jack. Zoe is at the U of York studying for a master's in Public History. Jack is playing soccer (see photo). They will FaceTime at noon CST. Thank God for the gift of family, phone calls, e-mails, plus our 5.0-mile walk to the lake and back, and we call it a day! ZZzz </span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIga_NpsASzRffxUh2_6KZACO7094fKnVpEXdLnoI0EPt9rnj8hMtqtB2AIIGHhan8XmngKyWaZcn2Rf9iCBNjAyWI3EwD4kfKMcy-30Wo1cG_Jy_g0EFfth_5XxF4xO4Tp_JSwsq4A3p2ckirDGxeEKTLVP4uhphrTWEDsEyQ4CvFZdyi9e4UfUcU_xY" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7315947568293591986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIga_NpsASzRffxUh2_6KZACO7094fKnVpEXdLnoI0EPt9rnj8hMtqtB2AIIGHhan8XmngKyWaZcn2Rf9iCBNjAyWI3EwD4kfKMcy-30Wo1cG_Jy_g0EFfth_5XxF4xO4Tp_JSwsq4A3p2ckirDGxeEKTLVP4uhphrTWEDsEyQ4CvFZdyi9e4UfUcU_xY=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack, Paul, Zoe, Fyn, and Cheryl<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdQG9JweaWISdvAN97CYANJYvVrtqt4-laMUxaFuA3kX2wOeIz8tTbRw-sxx5cKSyDFQbHzgO3rffTHKzYXoNUffnhYIYP6dt8Gk_r32qZ0AXXkA_gGE3GRGipQr19b0RjJLLjCL5qMyQ3bPmDhW5MvJf3Chy2o92qzJKTbvtxMCHFxq-QQ8ShmLs_V6U" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7315947781684893282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdQG9JweaWISdvAN97CYANJYvVrtqt4-laMUxaFuA3kX2wOeIz8tTbRw-sxx5cKSyDFQbHzgO3rffTHKzYXoNUffnhYIYP6dt8Gk_r32qZ0AXXkA_gGE3GRGipQr19b0RjJLLjCL5qMyQ3bPmDhW5MvJf3Chy2o92qzJKTbvtxMCHFxq-QQ8ShmLs_V6U=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fyn in England</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWjbeTjoqL-0zS_wUQxbwNQ6q2Kb6JATLNMHJbr3Vv-xuPhqYRfHs1JoqWUEho2dwL-D8dDyM7iqPbrNzFPwP6PgXhtETsAmzuiliS15FPRoHfecCsNebL0rSdXgJkBMRQ53yM8mIMHrBeJfwYxnglCHEvMvcPjYzcWEsAWnnGofTxxTzBrhglMbfT8iM" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7317033952761815266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWjbeTjoqL-0zS_wUQxbwNQ6q2Kb6JATLNMHJbr3Vv-xuPhqYRfHs1JoqWUEho2dwL-D8dDyM7iqPbrNzFPwP6PgXhtETsAmzuiliS15FPRoHfecCsNebL0rSdXgJkBMRQ53yM8mIMHrBeJfwYxnglCHEvMvcPjYzcWEsAWnnGofTxxTzBrhglMbfT8iM=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe's husband Jack</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNL0J_2j7c7hsJSKfbWIph3Z0ZAxN4RTgmNNjl8u82VF530KVPqUn5xFk9GXi9x7FshphcLQau5k_ugweUT239rWH19IVpZqss8SDjo5oVH8EnWVHSrJisd3Ol9IaBlwsnD-dcj9APvZ_qFG6j7LGtixCoxJK8W6Vq2G1Kih_kiTcAG_dIRkZneYgAerQ" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7316702551305983826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNL0J_2j7c7hsJSKfbWIph3Z0ZAxN4RTgmNNjl8u82VF530KVPqUn5xFk9GXi9x7FshphcLQau5k_ugweUT239rWH19IVpZqss8SDjo5oVH8EnWVHSrJisd3Ol9IaBlwsnD-dcj9APvZ_qFG6j7LGtixCoxJK8W6Vq2G1Kih_kiTcAG_dIRkZneYgAerQ=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blaire and Becks</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTEa-4Ic6a4a9b5Une-_Z4rU6i_KpKrBfc1rK20BMQ_wzLzP0FPTzXdhd4U3RuRlD9_iFE-oWCZC1mmjd6wDDUqVVmNyjpUp-Pz5_5Ba7-hu0mBsL9xSGsL3h-LitCnRMatYNiQjqgvmyl1Ys9XXuyFU0B9AXnzo1oqBPojnxYSE_SNS0X61m_nXMutoE" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7316705731918960754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTEa-4Ic6a4a9b5Une-_Z4rU6i_KpKrBfc1rK20BMQ_wzLzP0FPTzXdhd4U3RuRlD9_iFE-oWCZC1mmjd6wDDUqVVmNyjpUp-Pz5_5Ba7-hu0mBsL9xSGsL3h-LitCnRMatYNiQjqgvmyl1Ys9XXuyFU0B9AXnzo1oqBPojnxYSE_SNS0X61m_nXMutoE=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Bonnie and her family</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">24 Dec: Brunch with Jon and Jim & Jan at the Yacht Club, followed by visiting</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 23-month-old Charlotte and her parents at one PM. We met Roxanne and Kiira, Julie, Lamar, and Jade for worship at four PM, then a Christmas celebration over dinner at the Salt Grass Restaurant. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoIaCszk10qI90-MD0uIFkAlkD9VodeJwmvYZpGILkL1hWsml2VcvhyRBva5sGyhpXflXpJGBxbc3A4oWvGoaKuMZ9rArwxAh2yn69Y7I1QIbEPG7oxVbMjbBDXfQRpjmB4FQCrkoXbeuYsKNjhAmF6bLB-cN_To_yXPBQsUbP1ti0V_GfjptRkajXvHo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7316702718491570466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoIaCszk10qI90-MD0uIFkAlkD9VodeJwmvYZpGILkL1hWsml2VcvhyRBva5sGyhpXflXpJGBxbc3A4oWvGoaKuMZ9rArwxAh2yn69Y7I1QIbEPG7oxVbMjbBDXfQRpjmB4FQCrkoXbeuYsKNjhAmF6bLB-cN_To_yXPBQsUbP1ti0V_GfjptRkajXvHo=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Charlotte (upper right)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixv6y9NFsxxOosYjX9bB8ioj35hjyd-qHvnkNOhAX-Pi8_APLtvC2-2CXqXZKcCTPM_VoEYU4u1Mw7N8DufZxuqVyJJSq5RpXx-Bxzwu07wAUXYtdiA7zIqXmeK_xo7f6mvyk5XcZpJi5Zo2k4VO9RArD-x0gJaW7V8jyDY5Cq3VS5dyEyfMAyFt2gNHw" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7316373600892594658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixv6y9NFsxxOosYjX9bB8ioj35hjyd-qHvnkNOhAX-Pi8_APLtvC2-2CXqXZKcCTPM_VoEYU4u1Mw7N8DufZxuqVyJJSq5RpXx-Bxzwu07wAUXYtdiA7zIqXmeK_xo7f6mvyk5XcZpJi5Zo2k4VO9RArD-x0gJaW7V8jyDY5Cq3VS5dyEyfMAyFt2gNHw=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron and Cynthia after church</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">23 Dec. We exercised, oatmealed, and walked; Ron did Sudokus and edited James Lea. Cynthia said this is</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Clean Condo Day! </span><span style="font-size: large;">5.0 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">22 Dec: Ron is sending his Christmas cards today. Cynthia is not sending cards. 5.0 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">21 Dec: Winter Solstice is upon us. So is writing Christmas cards, running errands, walking, and having a late lunch at Magnolia Diner. The hard drive did not successfully migrate everything to the new Mac, so we have many more things to accomplish before Feb. 10th. However, the past three days of work on James Lea's book were not saved when the Mac rebooted. Very sad! 8.31 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">20 Dec: Another five-mile day! Ron is hard at work on the Lea book Yaay! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">19 Dec: IMAGINE! Yet another crazy busy day doing the usual, followed by a five-mile walk, then a trip to the Apple Store in the Woodlands for Apple School on the new Apple Watch #9. The traffic was horrendous, but we were only a few minutes late. We learned GPS and cellular on the Watch are the same as on the iPhone. We get complimented often because we hold hands, “So sweet,” a lady said in Walmart. The truth is Ron holds Cynthia’s hand to keep her from falling, shopping, or dawdling. Take your pick. And now we are tired, as usual! 5.51 miles</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">18 Dec: Computers and James Lea ruled the day! Ron worked on the book, and Cynthia spent half the day struggling with security issues on several websites. We enjoyed two walks, 6.12 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">17 Dec, Sunday: Worship was wonderful with tiny angels dressed in white fluttery wings, Mary adoring, Joseph with arms raised, a heavenly choir, and bell ringers telling the story of Jesus’ birth. Midafternoon we walked 5.08 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">16 Dec: We exercised, oatmealed, walked to the lake, and drove to Jason’s Deli for their salad bar and our bike. Ron ran errands; Cynthia stopped at the pharmacy and then went home to read a gifted book, From Bremerton to River City, written by a 95-year-old woman about the first North Iowa Band Festival in 1938. And we walked again. 7.15 miles <br /><br />15 Dec: Another early AM, but an appointment with Cynthia’s retina specialist is scheduled for ten-fifteen. Good news all around. The retina specialist said everything looks good, and her AMD continues to be stable. We ate lunch at Jason’s Deli and walked to Eyeland to schedule an eye appointment for Ron’s RX glasses. Thankfully, they had an opening at two PM. He has prescribed transition lenses for reading and distance, using OSHA Safety design for use on the motorcycle. It will have a gradient design to turn into sunglasses in the bright sun. At 2:33, trouble started! Cynthia said, “I received a weather warning. Heavy rain is scheduled for 2:33. Oh, that’s Now.” And the forecast was right. But the optician was measuring Ron for new glasses. We finished, paid the bill, and wondered if we should sit at the optical company to wait for the rain to pass over or return to Jason’s Deli. Cynthia bolted towards food. By the time Ron arrived in the midst of the deluge, she was nearly finished eating avocado sourdough toast. The rain promised to pour indefinitely (eight PM). Cynthia texted Jon, who just had a flat tire and needed to get new ones a block away. He picked us up, we waited for new tires, and he brought us home. We will get the bike in the AM.
<br /><br />14 Dec: We left by nine-thirty for the ride to Hempstead for lunch with Carol S., stopping at the CPA, then onto Brenham for Ron’s eye appointment at 1:45 PM. It was a successful visit until we realized Ron’s eyes were still dilated as we returned for the ride home on the motorcycle. Thankfully, Ron did a great job, and we are still alive. We arrived home after dark; we had no walk today.
<br /><br />13 Dec: A busy day! Ron affixed the AZ motorcycle license tag for the next five years. 6.0 miles
<br /><br />12 Dec: Our walk to the lake at ten-thirty started out chilly but warmed up in the bright sunshine. Ron is in a HO HO HO mood, writing Christmas letters with a goal of ten a day until the end of the month. Cynthia is FA LA LA ing projects completed. Becks is amazingly alert for a newborn. Big sister Blaire is in love. 7.0 miles, all of the fitness rings are closed.
<br /><br />11 Dec: After the morning EO routine (exercise/oatmeal), we walked almost to the lake but turned to boogie back for our dentist appointments at 2:00 PM. Our good reports were followed by a stop at Walmart to search for hard sourdough pretzels; they did not have them. Dinner at Jason’s Deli was filling, and the ride home was not quite as chilly. 5.0 miles
<br /><br />10 Dec: We worshipped at Grace Lutheran Church, followed by brunch at Magnolia Diner. Cynthia erred in trying to type a document on her Mac; her right-hand ring finger and middle finger sagittal bands do not allow her to be raised to type on a keyboard. She put the brace back on. 4.0 miles
<br /><br />9 Dec: Luxuriating on a Saturday with nothing on our schedules except a walk, a trip to Walmart, and a package pick up from Jon. Almost everything from the 2011 17” MacBookPro hard drive migrated successfully to the new 15” MacBook Air. As we travel, it will conveniently hook up to 48” TV screens with an HTML cable. We started our walk at 2:00 PM despite 80 degrees, plus high humidity, because of some cloud cover. It worked - - sort of. We returned home alive but sweaty after a five-mile jaunt to the lake. Cynthia prepared baked salmon using a new recipe. Ron made a baked sweet potato using the potato pocket that ElaRuth gave him years ago. 5.0 miles
<br /><br />8 Dec. The Bishop’s Clergy Christmas luncheon was at 11:30 AM, but we arrived late and ate lettuce. We don’t eat pasta in cream sauce or butter rolls, and Cynthia disciplined herself not to eat the yummy-looking homemade carrot cake. We left the luncheon a few minutes early to get to our appointment at the Apple Store to have Ron’s old Mac checked out, plus Cynthia’s 2019 Apple Watch needed to be checked. The battery did show deterioration; she was offered a $60.00 trade-in on a new Apple Watch and bought one that includes the GPS and the cellular on the 2019 Watch. Ron successfully removed the hard drive from the 2011 Mac with a delightful Apple Store assistant. We walked to Best Buy, nearby, and Ron bought an adapter, and their Geek Squad announced the hard drive was still good. It is being migrated to the new Mac as we sit here exhausted from the day. Riding on I-45, one of the most dangerous freeways in the US, in the dark is stressful to one of us, while the other said he was ready to do something different after arriving home. Today's walk: two miles.
<br /><br />7 Dec: After oatmeal and exercises, we were off to the Apple Store to buy a new MacBook for Ron. Thankfully, they had what he needed in stock: a 15-inch MacBook Air with 16 Gig memory and 1 Terabyte SSD hard drive. We stopped at Jason's Deli for large luncheon salads and a baked potato, and then Cynthia had an eye appointment next door, with very little change in her RX. We walked to the lake and home, totaling 6.6 miles for the day. Ron could not take the old MacBook Pro apart to get the hard drive out to attempt migration to the new computer. When we stop at the Apple store again tomorrow, he will take both MacBooks to see if their Genius bar can help. This is being typed on the new MacBook Air, and Ron is delighted with the keyboard. Cynthia is happy to be riding the motorcycle instead of driving. One of these days, her disinclination to present "hairdo by helmet" will overcome her reluctance to drive in Houston traffic.
<br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzjstrBBJbn3_QLa3FmQn3NK0a33l8uH8mGgTubPknA54XwI8gyhn82otS6_pOXNnWCtzlxygb676xrCHVEx4bLLhY8UmIM5hDP3ctSQpS5R8fNvvWo8sH0ueBMpuABaQVP_AB-AbmJsW1aF3nyxRskqP21C2rb6foZiZgFkvWG8KXvK23jpf19zth2Y8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7310422919247893858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzjstrBBJbn3_QLa3FmQn3NK0a33l8uH8mGgTubPknA54XwI8gyhn82otS6_pOXNnWCtzlxygb676xrCHVEx4bLLhY8UmIM5hDP3ctSQpS5R8fNvvWo8sH0ueBMpuABaQVP_AB-AbmJsW1aF3nyxRskqP21C2rb6foZiZgFkvWG8KXvK23jpf19zth2Y8=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Blair & Baby Becks</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">6 Dec: Our tenth great-grandchild, Becks, arrived late afternoon, 7.6 oz. Her parents and big sister are elated and exhausted. The Smooches slept late, luxuriating in the peace of togetherness. We will be much rejuvenated if we get another few nights of good sleep. After compulsory morning exercises and oatmeal, we walked to the lake and back, collected too much from the storage locker, and bought groceries (although Ron forgot the walnuts on his 4-item shopping list). Ron connected Cynthia’s Mac to the 48” TV screen for a monitor to read about new Macs. 5.0 miles <br /><br />5 Dec: Ron said his goodbyes to Rex and the dogs before continuing to Corsicana to research Albert Miller Lea, who died there. The local genealogy librarian was familiar with Albert Miller Lea but had no Bible record. However, there were a couple of good biographical sketches of him in their vertical files. Next time, Ron will dig out his camera to take photographs. He did promise the librarian to send a copy of the Lea book and articles from the <i>Freeborn Standard</i> next time he researches in Minnesota. And home on the range, Cynthia walked to the fitness center and back, brimming with excitement because Ron is due in Walden soon and very soon! The happy ending is that he arrives about 3:30, and the Smooches are very happily reunited.
<br /><br />4 Dec: The ride from Miami south to Rockwall, Texas, on US 69 was quite pleasant, with fall scenery and colors adding to the green grass and fields along the road. Ron spent the night with cousin Rex and his wife Danielle, and we all went to dinner at a great restaurant there. Their home is quite hectic with four large dogs and eleven !! puppies. Cynthia made chili to take to her granddaughter in Bryan, Texas, for an all-gathering birthday party with Jesus in the morning. She was home by two. Two miles
<br /><br />3 Dec, Sunday: Ron is visiting Clarence in Kansas City for a couple of hours or maybe sixty hours! Who knows! Cold and rain are forecast in one hour (at three PM) south of KC. His next stopping spot should be a little more than an hour south of KC </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">UNLESS HE DECIDES TO GO ELSEWHERE. WHO knows? </span><span style="font-size: large;">Aha! Ron made it to Miami, Oklahoma, by dark. He phoned from a Walgreens drugstore while searching for a hotel. The good news was that he was only two minutes from a hotel and checked in with a Subway restaurant nearby. Meanwhile, at home on the range in Texas, Cynthia completed the final day of a 21-day, 10,000 steps-a-day challenge. 14,958 steps, 6.26 miles. She is a happier hiker with more steps daily, but walking on uneven ground in the dark (alone) is not a good choice.
<br /><br />2 Dec: Sat: Ron left Trenton, Illinois, mid-AM, for the arduous ride to Kansas City, MO, arriving in Excelsior Springs, MO (drenched) to visit his friend, Les. His wet shoes and socks sizzled on the heater. At about eight-thirty PM, he will ride to Kearney, MO, a suburb of KC, check in at the hotel, shop for food, and fall asleep. Kearney is about fifteen minutes west of Excelsior Springs. Ron has a detour, wet drizzle, or heavy humidity riding to Kearney. He arrived wet again at about nine PM. Tomorrow, he will visit Clarence in KC, and, God willing, he will leave for the next overnight before dark or rain. Cynthia walked 6.5 miles today (day 20 of 21)
<br /><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii4T2FOQJpqHrDJShDbtAgbY4-5cxGD8u82SiujoMmMsqT7KhoRdmmJl7CFEv9FrJdiI-LntE1J0jc8lF1TKeTcKJRNs-miaNmozedpaIM503X2nHZW2kSsrL68KLPYnY2vkJgEgetNe-doQ6pc0QAH5QzFSkaKELpEtc3809zQAOrX9N-cn-M2CdoDOw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7307770841578464562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii4T2FOQJpqHrDJShDbtAgbY4-5cxGD8u82SiujoMmMsqT7KhoRdmmJl7CFEv9FrJdiI-LntE1J0jc8lF1TKeTcKJRNs-miaNmozedpaIM503X2nHZW2kSsrL68KLPYnY2vkJgEgetNe-doQ6pc0QAH5QzFSkaKELpEtc3809zQAOrX9N-cn-M2CdoDOw=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson, Holden and Santa</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 Dec: Ron spent another day and night in Trenton, Illinois, keeping Ann company. He plans to leave for Kansas City, MO, tomorrow, likely about ten AM; he has several places to stop en route to Texas. Cynthia walked at 10:30, shopped for groceries, and (for those who understand the importance) had a broken fingernail repaired. HA! From the state of extreme boredom. 5.79 miles (day 19 of 21-day challenge)</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-46935808403972076122023-11-01T09:13:00.147-04:002023-12-01T18:20:20.949-05:00November Give Thanks No Matter What<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhygnqiYjIDJOMgHtIuUhSXAxJq5BstbMuha4Ph54Yg9wJ8j-Nwy7Wgs4hCmLPA9XXRlk5NXiMX0ceIHvgTv8wVmBPxtMwYPYHxknAh8na1tbMrH3I-4f0uZuVHyuOKx2xXw_waqoLvxeYaKEtA8QjghbgKxJYdRg9jScPczbr-3C6Lm8ejK2-C2AEJvOc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="485" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7299580665767402210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhygnqiYjIDJOMgHtIuUhSXAxJq5BstbMuha4Ph54Yg9wJ8j-Nwy7Wgs4hCmLPA9XXRlk5NXiMX0ceIHvgTv8wVmBPxtMwYPYHxknAh8na1tbMrH3I-4f0uZuVHyuOKx2xXw_waqoLvxeYaKEtA8QjghbgKxJYdRg9jScPczbr-3C6Lm8ejK2-C2AEJvOc=w640-h485" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia walked to this view point on Nov 9</td></tr></tbody></table><p> <br /> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">30 Nov: The End marks a beginning, well, maybe. Ron rode early AM to Edwardsville, but he hit rain at Lebanon, unable to return to Carlyle and pack his belongings to bring them back to Trenton. He is in Trenton to again spend the night. God willing, Friday AM he will check out of the hotel in Carlyle, return to say goodbye to Ann, and MAYBE he will begin the very cold ride to Texas. Ann will go into assisted living very close to her son, but lots of paper work needs to be done. It is a very rainy, all-day-rainy-day in Texas where one of us needs to walk at least five miles Thankfully, at eleven AM, the rain turned into a fine mist, allowing a one-hour boogie almost to the lake and back. She stopped short of walking the last stretch through the wet grass. By evening, feeling house bound and bored, she walked circles in the condo for twenty minutes. 5.68 Miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">29 Nov: Wed: Ron returned to visit Ann in Trenton, rode to pick up his Mac near Scott Air Force Base, where Computer Geek only charged $49.00 because he could not fix it. He spent the night at Don’s house but, following an hour walk, he returned to find Ann had fallen, unable to get up. A neighbor was called, and the two of them maneuvered her into position to get on her feet. 5.02 Miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">28 Nov: Tues: Ron’s friend Don in Trenton passed away this AM. Ron spent the day with Don’s invalid wife, other friends were there for support, too. Cynthia’s D-I-L’s mother suffered a fatal heart attack this afternoon. Prayers go up for those who are mourning. 15,329 steps 6.30 Miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">27 Nov: Mon: Cold in Texas! 5.0 Miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">26 Nov: Sunday: It is bitterly cold in Illinois. Ron rode in 32 degree temperature from Trenton to Carlyle. Cynthia is presiding at Grace Lutheran Church in Montgomery, Texas. Samantha, Adam, Noah, Steven, and Jon are worshipping at Grace, followed by a brunch at the Yacht Club. Two-year-old Noah was ill en route to the church, upchucking all over his clothes. His dad wrapped him in his own shirt and stayed in the car with him so Samantha and Steven were able to come into the church. It is a chilly 55 degrees in Texas. Cynthia only walked 3.0 miles, and none of it walking outdoors. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4ObHQN7XdUKbpHAgtpwKwJEhJ3pMfjEoXd3hT9YMbVqEIaZ6cz5-qAReu6P3EN5KGf7QdkPgIfv4R80Ch1TH-VyIhCl6vpuN6FSomWZK8y4PyQSTycRHzUGRYDRdk-BHwtWpIboqiwxrcJhZpKojAM2yIeI1PkRNkeFZtVwbRZBHvYhC6frgHxR53ccA"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7305965485632645970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4ObHQN7XdUKbpHAgtpwKwJEhJ3pMfjEoXd3hT9YMbVqEIaZ6cz5-qAReu6P3EN5KGf7QdkPgIfv4R80Ch1TH-VyIhCl6vpuN6FSomWZK8y4PyQSTycRHzUGRYDRdk-BHwtWpIboqiwxrcJhZpKojAM2yIeI1PkRNkeFZtVwbRZBHvYhC6frgHxR53ccA=s320" /></a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">25 Nov: Ron will return to Carlyle, stopping at the computer geek near Scott Air Force Base to retrieve his Mac. He plans to stay the week in Carlyle, visiting Don and Ann for card game fun. Cynthia is out for her walk to the lake. 5.0 Miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">24 Nov: Carol prepared a Friday Thanksgiving feast for Ron and Bill! Jon, Lauren, Tyler and Charlotte had a Friday Thanksgiving at the Cafe on the Green; all of us were entertained by Charlotte. Cynthia had two walks totaling EIGHT MILES, 8.17 Miles </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG0RccOa1DlKeuSy7o3xO8sYDhcFA4orLRye0mH7FabyY2HO7Wx5NZpDBapLfgJcWZECFuWH5M5IIdRt7aOn7MsjGFdsiP3-bHfD7GX1GE82oi04fRCuFQITNozWeEfWu4W2fWGmZdkT2byaIIvCSBFMQ6LjjtAFo_nBEdIMq0UH4W2Z5gPeyzha3XFmQ"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7305199098988845250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG0RccOa1DlKeuSy7o3xO8sYDhcFA4orLRye0mH7FabyY2HO7Wx5NZpDBapLfgJcWZECFuWH5M5IIdRt7aOn7MsjGFdsiP3-bHfD7GX1GE82oi04fRCuFQITNozWeEfWu4W2fWGmZdkT2byaIIvCSBFMQ6LjjtAFo_nBEdIMq0UH4W2Z5gPeyzha3XFmQ=s320" /></a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">23 Nov: Happy Thanksgiving! Cynthia is eternally thankful to God for Ron, for our relationship together even when apart for a month. We are thankful for siblings, four adult children, eleven grandchildren, and almost ten great grandchildren (8 are four years old and under). She is very thankful her hand is healing nicely, but she is cautious moving the right hand certain ways. It is raining in Texas at seven AM until ten AM, at forty four degrees. Ron, his sister Carol, and his nephew Eric, are identifying as Christmas tree ornaments. 2.0 Miles</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkHZqh6x-8woMxrNVgkAPwSG8EzzDLSLBx9PPPsIeH072BbJRcgJ5EqhrImLu2B9xIuzPFlIqwREDGjx9LFqEoqxwYPsUeAtj78Lh0RVFYQ8u_jTtlgve_8wf3LyJEt-de_pPffC8-EisfYA2xoHVCqXN2-M8ZMvDNv2rgcMEu36sdy8S6Sg40IkofivQ"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7304830290920893906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkHZqh6x-8woMxrNVgkAPwSG8EzzDLSLBx9PPPsIeH072BbJRcgJ5EqhrImLu2B9xIuzPFlIqwREDGjx9LFqEoqxwYPsUeAtj78Lh0RVFYQ8u_jTtlgve_8wf3LyJEt-de_pPffC8-EisfYA2xoHVCqXN2-M8ZMvDNv2rgcMEu36sdy8S6Sg40IkofivQ=s320" /></a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtDfRYW_P9645DFgKr998zbUdJ7nLtjlC4Z3JLj0_quULYkzK2Lzdx3M4G6X_Ex6mZKFYeeP_xHZzgqgAN1t9ETUejkVDEN7Q-hCyDb8nL03xDWLhV2SqVTSzI_amwkad8W6Nsp42wEKv_aGBH_R1FJ0SyC2u4FYhO471qsgGeKPtz4e-2MjlVKsbNEUM"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7304833260027680386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtDfRYW_P9645DFgKr998zbUdJ7nLtjlC4Z3JLj0_quULYkzK2Lzdx3M4G6X_Ex6mZKFYeeP_xHZzgqgAN1t9ETUejkVDEN7Q-hCyDb8nL03xDWLhV2SqVTSzI_amwkad8W6Nsp42wEKv_aGBH_R1FJ0SyC2u4FYhO471qsgGeKPtz4e-2MjlVKsbNEUM=s320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">22 Nov: Today is day 10 of a 21 day 10,000 step challenge, and on this day, she achieved 6.0 miles. Yaaay! It is a BRRRRRR day! Cynthia had a haircut, picked up packages at Jon’s, plus printed sermon and order of worship. It was time to eat salmon. Ron is delighted to get out of the house and into the woods again. <a href="https://www.bellarmine.edu/faculty/drobinson/BushHoneysuckle.asp" target="_blank">Bush honeysuckle (click here)</a> are terrified.!! Haha! Yes! <br /><br />21 Nov: Having soaked his feet and shoes yesterday, Ron decided to spend the day inside today reading <i>The Pritikin Edge</i> from cover to cover. It never ceases to amaze him that Americans are so much in denial of the future that awaits them as they sit hours daily indulging their every dietary whim. Brrrr! It is chilly in Illinois! Snow is forecast for Sunday near Trenton. It is even chilly in Texas! Cynthia treated herself to a VIP Pedicure that included a fabulous foot massage. Today’s 12,319 steps are nine to ten thousand less than our daily steps in Colorado through July and August. But, between being busy, a lot of rain, and now cold, it is good to be thankful NO MATTER WHAT! 5.04 miles
<br /><br />20 Nov: In eleven days Smooch leaves for Texas. Cynthia met with the pastor at Grace to review logistics for presiding at worship next Sunday. After that she had the rear brake pads replaced. In Illinois, it rained in the morning and again afternoon and into the night. Ron pulled only 12 bush honeysuckle while getting his shoes and socks entirely soaked in the water on wet leaves. Ron’s Mac cannot be repaired. He will go Mac shopping in Texas
<br /><br />19 Nov, Sunday: Worship in Texas included a festive hymn sing followed by a meal with a huge dessert bar. Cynthia ate a 2”square of quiche and fresh fruit, thereby avoiding all of the tempting home made desserts. On day 7 of the 21 day challenge, doing the exact same route to the lake and home to the condo, there is 500 step difference. 500 fewer steps. How can this be? Wearing the Apple Watch on the left hand instead of the right? 5.0 miles. Ron spent the day in Illionis pulling bush honeysuckle.
<br /><br />18 Nov: Early AM chaos reigned in Texas with a text message that a document needed to be scanned and resent. Instructions were included to scan with an iPhone or IPad, but neither worked. Cynthia explained to the sender she needed to EAT instead of trying to locate a scanning app. Cynthia does not have scan capability on either of her apple products. She drove to Jon’s and he scanned it using Turbo Scan, a download, and he showed her how to use this genius hack. She raced home to discover she had missed yesterday’s eye appointment, and now her phone is installing updates, so she missed calling Ron. Calm comes after coffee. 6.0 miles in Texas. In Illinois, Ron enjoyed a full day of pulling bush honelsuckle.
<br /><br />17 Nov: Day 5 of Cynthia's 21 Day 10,000 Step Challenge. Ron awakened at his sister's place in rural Mt. Olive, Illinois, and is preparing to wage war on bush honeysuckle again. He has nearly healed from his battle wounds of last week. Oh boy, oh boy, Carol, Bill and Ron drove into town for dinner at Ruby Tuesday, and Ron was able to buy frozen mango and blueberries as well as sourdough hard pretzels. Now it is time for his daily walk to the mailbox - a mile each way. Cynthia forgot a three PM eye appointment. 6.75 miles in Texas.
<br /><br />16 Nov: Ron returned to his sister’s tree farm near Litchfield, Illinois. His Mac has a “short” in it that the Geek cannot find. Ugh. Sad. The good news is the hard drive is not the culprit. (Give Thanks No Matter What.) During her afternoon walk, Cynthia took a video of a huge Great Blue Heron that allowed her to get very close to him. 16, 800 steps. 7.0 miles.
<br /><br />15 Nov: Ssshhhhh! Cynthia is planning a quiet day to complete a sermon. Ron won a game of Liverpool Rummy. (This is a miracle !!) Before dark, he put shoe glue on the soles of his Hoka shoes. Cynthia hiked 6.15 miles, 15,243 steps
<br /><br />14 Nov: Ann won two afternoon card games. Ron and Don played a game of chess but quit when Don insisted on the tournament "touch-move rule." Cynthia is crazy busy in Texas, preparing a sermon for 26 Nov and running errands. This is the second day of her 10,000 steps a day, 21 day challenge, and she aced the goal again. 5.0 miles
<br /><br />13 Nov: Good Morning Lake Carlyle from South WET Texas. At 5:00 AM, it is again raining, with the forecast of 100% wet stuff all day! Cynthia has an appointment with the audiologist at nine AM, followed by a trip to our Hempstead CPA, and lastly, the Grease Monkey to change oil in the car. In Illinois, Ron and partner drew wonderful cards for pinochle, and he had a very good time. Diane is such a good sport and energetic participant. 5.0 miles
<br /><br />12 Nov, Sunday: On this today, Ron relocated to Lake Carlyle for several days - until Thursday. Liverpool Rummy or pinochle. Ron arrived at Lake Carlyle after helping load firewood at his sister’s tree farm, then lost a couple card games to Ann and Don in Trenton. Cynthia attended worship at Grace Lutheran followed by a fellowship meal that included her first-ever piece of lasagna. It became a popular treat a long time after she stopped eating pastas. She is not sure why it is a treat to anyone. Only 1.5 miles accrued-because it rained all the day long.
<br /></span><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjehS3k6KoOMdCmm7hdyrSBzWob4uoWnDc9DcBvHIIHsdWX6zIOJezsdBTBa6UYj42Y1ZlwkGMefG22fMnU3RRQV8QJm-RhgPsjk-Gwpc3fTjvgMOA0lXdUBPvvn5Y2JxQzaf1i1PiTpeUYKA8oiPvKnlc8M2fyt7EGKdIImP2Uc9arFLFu-sP6zduWVj8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7300387303631471730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjehS3k6KoOMdCmm7hdyrSBzWob4uoWnDc9DcBvHIIHsdWX6zIOJezsdBTBa6UYj42Y1ZlwkGMefG22fMnU3RRQV8QJm-RhgPsjk-Gwpc3fTjvgMOA0lXdUBPvvn5Y2JxQzaf1i1PiTpeUYKA8oiPvKnlc8M2fyt7EGKdIImP2Uc9arFLFu-sP6zduWVj8=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte, Tyler, Cynthia & Lauren</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">11 Nov: Ron's last consecutive opportunity to pull bush honeysuckle is TODAY! Cynthia baptized Sweet Charlotte at her home. It was a lovely day, a wonderful ceremony, with such a loving family surrounding her. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV0ZHZG-MqOkd8adQ0U8P2JzmtO2BU3eeZN0VllqXfFeRV1fEdn8_uKNQQjCK1skfU4lLZIWpA5doPsLF0Btg9fMGkAhqAdAO_odUwD0qgQpeffmJmkMKcFDwRrkG3MwdwxLOOdYTax1LgLmAuDfW5Jx4cMAPkxgGpfcJITWBGp8KzAkO6Q_vFeozvnLM"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7300354289276339282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV0ZHZG-MqOkd8adQ0U8P2JzmtO2BU3eeZN0VllqXfFeRV1fEdn8_uKNQQjCK1skfU4lLZIWpA5doPsLF0Btg9fMGkAhqAdAO_odUwD0qgQpeffmJmkMKcFDwRrkG3MwdwxLOOdYTax1LgLmAuDfW5Jx4cMAPkxgGpfcJITWBGp8KzAkO6Q_vFeozvnLM=s320" /></a>
</span><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiduWVeq5yWh96onU03Mel1Rv5FhT2BOmhRpDP7Hf5ebHRN_s9C9rSOnwwNAZlK_yP8F9jcinxZWZlMxrGKSqGl3iTuHDGi_vdY0X4MmctmmkSEFsdXQWUnqCO0WYBPZ4QsrLxf4LVacRmspI2PwYg5Pxhpx0_5bXrF10NAVW0knJHigFpE26vxsZjcI2k" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7300356229885325394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiduWVeq5yWh96onU03Mel1Rv5FhT2BOmhRpDP7Hf5ebHRN_s9C9rSOnwwNAZlK_yP8F9jcinxZWZlMxrGKSqGl3iTuHDGi_vdY0X4MmctmmkSEFsdXQWUnqCO0WYBPZ4QsrLxf4LVacRmspI2PwYg5Pxhpx0_5bXrF10NAVW0knJHigFpE26vxsZjcI2k=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon, Cynthia and friend from Elkhorn</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">
10 Nov: TODAY. a day for more pulling of bush honeysuckle, that terribly invasive species. So far, Ron's body is not complaining, and he is sleeping quite well and waking well rested. That is such a relief.!! Ron's day proceeded as planned with bush honeysuckle until Carol & Bill arrived in the "side by side" to ask if he wanted to ride in the pickup with Mom's dining room table to go into his storage locker - which is where we went, then to Culvers for a sandwich (Ron had a small salad) and then to Dairy Queen for frozen custard - Ron ate a whole quart for only 12 grams of fat. Boy oh boy, did we celebrate Dad's birthday.!! Ron pulled a bit more bush honeysuckle and poached some from the neighbor. Carol cooked excellent salmon meal at 4:40. The rain in Texas started early, drizzle continues in the afternoon. The carpet cleaners arrived at eleven to clean the area rug spot where Cynthia spilled her Smoothie. She had dinner with her son Jon and a classmate from Iowa. Tomorrow she is presiding over the baptism of two-year-old great-granddaughter, Charlotte, who has a three-second-attention-span, max. 2.0 Miles
<br /><br />9 Nov: Another great, God-given day for pulling bush honeysuckle (184 today). Thank God. (It never hurts to thank the creator.) Cynthia, in Texas, arose at five AM eager to expend energy before rain late afternoon. She hoofed it out the door at 8:20 AM making the distance to the lake, stopping at the Fitness Center to say hi to the delightful attendant. On the way back, the older man with running difficulty challenged her to a race. Of course, she agreed and kept up with his pace by fast walking and running. That lasted only three blocks when he won because she tired out. She fell asleep at high noon until two PM when the rain started. 3.90 miles. Uffda Rain forecast for the next six days. Thank God no matter what!
<br /><br />8 Nov: Cynthia had an appointment with the foot and ankle specialist at ten AM, but the appointment was made in Colorado and showed up on her calendar as eleven MST. Therefore, she was unknowingly an hour late and unable to be seen. But, she did get an injection for bursitis from the orthopod. Ron spent the day getting up close and personal with one hundred eighty nine bush honeysuckle plants. Hmm, why are we seeing no mileages? Ron is walking the mile to the mailbox and back every evening. Ok. Cynthia got the point; once the temperature dropped to 77 degrees at seven PM (dark-thirty), she walked through lit parking lots for fifteen minutes. Thanks to a busy day with a lot of steps, she accrued 2.5 miles. It will be cooling off beginning tomorrow so she can walk before dark.
<br /><br />7 Nov: Ron took his computer to <a href="https://ifixgadget.net/" target="_blank">I Fix Gadget (click here)</a> near Scott AFB because the owner is confident that he can repair the broken Mac. Let’s pray! On the way he stopped in Edwardsville to drop off recycling and deposit a check at the Credit Union. Suzanne was there this time, and we enjoyed a quick half hour catch up. Ron arrived home in time for a delicious stir fry dinner with rice. In Texas, Cynthia picked up a RX and drove to the Woodlands o see Dr. Dice, the hand specialist. She bought a Juice Smoothie at a health food bar, brought it home and promptly dropped it on the clean carpet in the living room.
<br /><br />6 Nov: Ron slept very well and quite long, from 9 PM to 1:30am to 4am to 7am, and he feels really, really good. After exercising and eating, he bounced out of the house to do battle with bush honeysuckle. The bush honeysuckle that he eliminated last year has regenerated, so we think that the bush honeysuckle is winning. It was alarming to see that the poison ivy still has green leaves. Carol fed Bill and Ron yummy bean soup for lunch. Ron decided after pulling 108 plants that he had better give his back a rest. Cynthia had a busy day planned, helping Jon with some needed paperwork and seeing a couple of doctors, the allergist and the ENT.
<br /><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV_m5VlwEkWVrnpU2AFnCsZaTAjzXIEGNN0NG8J--2OWmhHWRPOfzQYlWeFCkCLTES2_-pXzU1-Dxkcq-E5jWgX-tt6gcjejmOloCsFbl1NCkGnHK16G0u4aIdxKU29VbL9J19mgwKmFEqGrtoX9J39YzOsXk30K_KF2SFUZnKlIwk5pNZp2XBOuZwSgU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7300356076060327394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV_m5VlwEkWVrnpU2AFnCsZaTAjzXIEGNN0NG8J--2OWmhHWRPOfzQYlWeFCkCLTES2_-pXzU1-Dxkcq-E5jWgX-tt6gcjejmOloCsFbl1NCkGnHK16G0u4aIdxKU29VbL9J19mgwKmFEqGrtoX9J39YzOsXk30K_KF2SFUZnKlIwk5pNZp2XBOuZwSgU=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia's daughters are taller</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p><span style="font-size: large;">5 Nov, Sunday: Fall back! The blog posts will be brief until Ron’s Mac is repaired. Cynthia still types slowly with one finger to protect her sagittal bands. She is off to worship, then an afternoon baby shower for Miss Becks, due Dec. 11th. Ron enjoyed a good night of sleep, but wore out early from pulling bush honeysuckle. Apparently moving 20 boxes weighing 30 to 50 pounds each was a bit too much.
<br /><br />4 Nov: Phooey! Ron cannot update the blog because his Mac died. He reports in our early AM phone call that he slept wonderfully well in his sleeping bag outside. Ron, Maxine and her husband Doug enjoyed breakfast at Denny’s at 9:00 AM. Maxine survived a stroke and appears fully capable, thanks to good doctors at Barnes hospital who inserted a tube into her arm all the way to the stroke site in her brain to syphon out the blood. Ron then spent a few hours digging through his storage locker in search of his 55-year-old orange Burton Third Bomber basketball jersey; he thrashed through four boxes and trunks full of shirts without finding it. He searched until exhausted at four PM, then rode to Sistah Carol’s for a couple of weeks to pull bush honeysuckle. Meanwhile, in Texas, Cynthia had a haircut followed by a manicure in preparation for Rachel’s baby shower tomorrow. She met son Jon for dinner at the Cafe on the Green. The TX weather turned TX hoT.
<br /><br />3 Nov: Ron rode from Carlyle Lake in Illinois to Gateway BMW Motorcycles of I-64 in Chesterfield (St. Louis) to give his motorcycle the 12,000 mile service. It is about an hour and a half ride to get there taking a slightly less traveled route over the Jefferson Barracks Bridge. We've had the bike just over one year. As usual, he was late leaving and arrived for the appointment an hour late. The folks at the shop were marvelous. Rachel is quite the motorcycle addict, Shannon is very, very expert at diagnosis, and Mark is a white haired wonderful mechanic. Ron borrowed a demo bike to ride ten miles to visit his aunt Margaret in St. Louis Ooops! Ron’s 2011 Mac has died. deader than a doornail. He may need to buy a new computer, but first he is going to take it to "I fix gadgets" near Scott Air Force Base. Thank God the critical files are all backed up (we hope). Just befpore dark, he rode to Edwardsville to search his jam-packed storage locker for his orange MIT Bomber basketball jersey. Cynthia had a Dr appointment and walked 3.0 miles
<br /><br />2 Nov: Ron is pleased that his Van Buren Telephone Co. material arrived, plus numerous envelopes of Sudokus from Oke and the Stalcops. Ron’s mail has not been opened since last March. Thanks to Cynthia's "heads-up" early morning call, Ron had great success with QQQ this morning. Now it is time for him to exercise and walk across the dam. Then he spent the day with Don and Ann and Diane playing cards with much gusto. After Diane left, Don beat Ron at one game of chess and made a significant oversight in the second. It looked like Ron was going to win that one until he blundered into a stalemate. In the meantime, Cynthia, after exercise and oatmeal is enjoying morning coffee looking at Lake Conroe in the newly remodeled condo. We lease the condo for our four-month stay in Texas. It overlooks the marina on the lake; we can walk next door to the yacht club, and the golf course and the fitness center (with swimming pools and tennis courts) are nearby. The sun is shining. Her heart is happy. Hmm, but I don't see any mileage. (I love you.) 2.5 miles! I love you, too.
<br /><br />1 Nov: Cynthia flew back to Houston, thereby avoiding a potentially cold ride on the first of December (and frozen "hairdo-by-helmet.") Will Cynthia continue posting daily mileages here? YES, Cynthia’s flight was fine. TSA precheck makes boarding a plane pleasant again. Son Jon picked her up at IAH with her car shiny bright, filled with fuel, and a happy guy to have his mom home. They picked up boxes she shipped home, plus boxes from the storage unit. Then Jon helped her get the boxes up to the condo. She did not get many miles: 3.0.</span></p><p></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-64614623231579610902023-10-01T12:45:00.127-04:002023-11-02T09:56:37.349-04:00Colorful October in Illinois <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxZJgverRifj90WjgivDOlmyMYe4FgrGihQuH0c6wsWm192lXklbs22rDtANsFcSqAQCn0xWW9Kzm1-FQ-RcxK31BjS_01bqQG59KK_yQaE4RrD6gMJVxaT3SL4uN1NhEWKO__7fn-nPd7C-mF0aXpRwrf2Bi7LVHbSqBtf-ZdaoLOXn50TjCncjHwEhE" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7293705533887949506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxZJgverRifj90WjgivDOlmyMYe4FgrGihQuH0c6wsWm192lXklbs22rDtANsFcSqAQCn0xWW9Kzm1-FQ-RcxK31BjS_01bqQG59KK_yQaE4RrD6gMJVxaT3SL4uN1NhEWKO__7fn-nPd7C-mF0aXpRwrf2Bi7LVHbSqBtf-ZdaoLOXn50TjCncjHwEhE=w566-h640" width="566" /></a><br />This </td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">This_photo_needed_an_extra_long_word_to_set_it_apart
<br /><br />31 Oct: Cynthia leaves for Texas tomorrow. Boo! I love you! And Hoo! SmoochSmooch, I love you. We sang the birthday song to bro Dean, and he complained that we were off key. What's a key? Ron walked across the dam twice on this cold and windy day. The second walk was no warmer than the first. QQQ was a big disappointment today. Maybe tomorrow will be better. I guess we are prepared for Cynthia's departure tomorrow. We will miss each other terribly unless we stay way too busy.
<br /><br />30 Oct: We both had a great sleep. And it is 33 degrees this morning; Cynthia is aghast. Ron is watching QQQ but realizing that it needs to go up an impossible amount for him to escape without a loss. If it goes up as much tomorrow as it did today, Ron will breathe a big sigh of relief. We tested Ron’s pacemaker and sent the results off to the electrophysiologist. Testing schedule according to doctor: (1/29/2024 4/29/2024 7/29/2024). This morning’s walk didn’t happen until noon and the temperature reached 44 degrees; but, the sun felt warm despite the wind. As we returned to our hotel tonight on the second walk, the temperature was a very cold 35 degrees. 8.08 miles <br /><br />29 Oct, Sunday: We were very sluggish this morning, but still quite happy to be alive and kicking. After the color radar stopped forecasting rain around 11:30, we walked across the dam in occasional very light drizzle. Carol and Bill drove down from Mt. Olive to join us for a late lunch at Los Amigos. Everyone enjoyed the food and conversation. We spent the remainder of the day on our computers. 4.5 miles
<br /><br />28 Oct: Sorta just like yesterday, Ron awakened at 3:30 am and didn't seem to sleep much after that. Despite a chilly, cloudy day we walked across the dam. Don and Ann joined us for lunch at Los Amigos, a trip to Walmart, and much conversation. The afternoon rain prevented us getting a second walk. Ron believes he might have slept better had we gotten a second walk. 4.0 miles
<br /><br />27 Oct: Just like yesterday although Ron awakened at 3 am and slept little after that, we did exercise, watch QQQ, and ate breakfast before walking across the dam on a beautiful day. We celebrated with lunch of steamed veggies and a baked potato at Los Amigos. Thereafter Ron fell asleep at his computer while transcribing a document and took a nap. QQQ was a severe disappointment today. 80 degrees for the high !!, but we walked again after it cooled off, and this time we walked into a light shower and returned home in dampened clothes. 7.69 miles.
<br /><br />26 Oct: After sleeping well another night and exercising, watching QQQ, and eating breakfast, we walked across the dam in significant winds. Ron spent the day doing things for members of the Swedish Colonial Society and editing Barb's manuscript. His medicines arrived today. He has gotten a lot of open windows closed on his computer, but next up is his text files, all 18 of them. We had to wait for a shower to end before Ron walked alone after dark, and it is still 74 degrees out.
<br /><br />25 Oct: We had a great night of sleep. The day is filled with huge responsibilities. Ron is watching the markets, cleaning before the cleaning crew arrives, making three phone calls, packing Cynthia's box and shipping it to Texas. There are Turvold photos to retake, and it would be great to shop for pretzels in Edwardsville. Cynthia's job is done; she reminded Ron. And we thank God daily for our life together. 4.01 miles
<br /><br />24 Oct: Ron again awakened at 3 am and was mostly unable to get back to sleep. At least this time there was a plausible explanation as he kept obsessing about flushing terrorists out of tunnels. The kids have their remote cars that they drive all around. One could be fitted with lights and a camera and run through tunnels in safety. Tonight, on our second walk, we avoided the stressful topic of terrorists. 8.53 miles
<br /><br />23 Oct: Ron had another sleepless night and is very puzzled about this sleeplessness. The good news is that he doesn't feel wiped out. Thank goodness Cynthia slept well. After exercises we started watching QQQ drop precipitously for the first few minutes, then gain for the rest of the day. Ron was able to sell one of yesterday's three call options for a profit, but the other two need the climb to continue before the end of the month. Two good walks and we achieved 8.0 miles. Jon shipped Ron’s RX.
<br /><br />22 Oct, Sunday: A gorgeous day unfolded, we are rested, temperature is sixty degrees, wind is light at five MPH, skies are blue, and the sun is shining brightly. It is indeed a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and we decided to try a a walk in the park. We hiked through the <a href="https://carlylelake.com/haunted-trail/" target="_blank">Haunted Nature Trail</a> set up by the City of Carlyle for last night’s children’s Halloween party that included hay rides. This is sponsored by the Carlyle Lake Fireworks Committee and the Optimists Club. Most of the Halloween decorations were being dismantled by noon, but we did see a couple of coffins, a lot of pumpkins, etc. After a lunch of steamed veggies and baked potato at Los Amigos, Ron worked on James Lea until he was startled to see it was already dark outside. Where does the time go? We walked the dam and celebrated a total of 9.1 miles today.
<br /><br />21 Oct: We are exercised, oatmealed, and likely feeling fatigue and muscle ache side-effects from Covid vaccine. It is a good day to sleep, especially after being awake since three AM, unable to go back to sleep. Recent statistics: We now have 11 grandchildren, the youngest being age nine. And we have 9.8 great-grandchildren with 7.8 of them age 4 and younger. Despite being worn out, Ron decided to walk at six PM after this day of recouperation.
<br /><br />20 Oct: Early morning walk didn’t happen until early noon; but, it was fun to see a trio of white-tailed deer scrambling down the steep side of the dam walkway. Ron bought two calls today when the price of QQQ dropped two or three times. We got our newest Covid booster, mailed a check to the bank, and bought sourdough English muffins, frozen mango, etc. These sourdough muffins might also be helping Ron sleep through the night. Ron had hoped to sell the calls at a profit, but the price of QQQ never went back up sufficiently. Our late afternoon walk didn’t happen until very late; we are thankful for covering 7.81 miles </span></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoMjZc0c7XrdYisDvN5NIaqqu7GqD5DCxF70poGCu6h1gg4zcdlzTZNxDDiWryezVolCkPGeQplMckjKsxf5z4w47vaHas2jQOo9GkuisT_fDHSPl-x_inHe7tbbNBJ7ngWqYEjUEcLUOkNc5KaPQ0xDha0RcWtVY4PyHnpbn7ljX72jdeLx_5S8OOtPE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7292063515374990418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoMjZc0c7XrdYisDvN5NIaqqu7GqD5DCxF70poGCu6h1gg4zcdlzTZNxDDiWryezVolCkPGeQplMckjKsxf5z4w47vaHas2jQOo9GkuisT_fDHSPl-x_inHe7tbbNBJ7ngWqYEjUEcLUOkNc5KaPQ0xDha0RcWtVY4PyHnpbn7ljX72jdeLx_5S8OOtPE=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the shouting tree.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiJ5pnCpaQGLT_83dhb5LIvd_l5xXguk76xKepIYVWMRyWZEUQmIXrMWeay639NLTgGGRtF-k7EWKqxyxsGHkkCdtyfhQUVX5Y3uNqQwFFC1gYmqDKP_dqS0VrRWJFH4bkTfQNwXt158ipRMa4tkEpNw66GvypJGwNlRsefROyafqqsY4DUPkW8-api-o" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7292063058412416994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiJ5pnCpaQGLT_83dhb5LIvd_l5xXguk76xKepIYVWMRyWZEUQmIXrMWeay639NLTgGGRtF-k7EWKqxyxsGHkkCdtyfhQUVX5Y3uNqQwFFC1gYmqDKP_dqS0VrRWJFH4bkTfQNwXt158ipRMa4tkEpNw66GvypJGwNlRsefROyafqqsY4DUPkW8-api-o=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">great grandchild.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKsBHllcPiyhLAu9Fuw-HTOcpU9hy2mi6FcpbT4_G6MWQUbR5bUDVml0xFa74ymTgNIJAZikMBt-aJNhJWSPm3l2GznscjvBjQpL6BWi1nMdsx61Nse_yNz_ayKOYQdiXFvIIX9qePEi1QDvQsgBP9TBJT4EOiDfbGs_oo7n_-dJoK-Kdb4BxfGZuR5yI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7292063686865048834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKsBHllcPiyhLAu9Fuw-HTOcpU9hy2mi6FcpbT4_G6MWQUbR5bUDVml0xFa74ymTgNIJAZikMBt-aJNhJWSPm3l2GznscjvBjQpL6BWi1nMdsx61Nse_yNz_ayKOYQdiXFvIIX9qePEi1QDvQsgBP9TBJT4EOiDfbGs_oo7n_-dJoK-Kdb4BxfGZuR5yI=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T'nother great grandchild</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">
19 Oct: Ron again spent the day with Barnett's great grandchildren. Perhaps they are now finished. Midway through he placed a limit order to buy a put option if the price rose higher than earlier, and after that transpired, he placed a new limit order to sell that put if the price dropped, which it did, so Ron made money today !! Life is EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD. Cynthia is feeling even better today (less congestion) so we walked twice and covered 8.18 miles
<br /><br />18 Oct: Ron spent the day working on Barnett Lea's great grandchildren. Life is good. Cynthia is feeling better today (less congestion) so we walked twice and covered 7.0 miles
<br /><br />17 Oct: Sistah Carol and hubby Bill joined Ron for another walk across the dam and made it as far as yesterday. While we were walking QQQ dropped enough for Ron's limit order to make a profitable transaction for him. We bid adeau to Carol and Bill after lunch at Los Amigos; they like the place and enjoy the more authentic Mexican food there. Then Ron and Cynthia returned to the hotel, and Cynthia is now snoozing and hopefully recovering from her congestion. Ron took a walk and talk across the dam after dark.
<br /><br />16 Oct: Ron's sister & husband arrived for one delightful, fun-filled day at Mariner's Village on lovely Lake Carlyle. Oops! Because of walking the dam in cold and wind, Cynthia’s annual sinusitis has kicked in, so she sat out the afternoon walk with Carol and Bill. Carol opined that she might nap, so Ron rode to Walmart for frozen mango, etc and returned just in time to walk over to Los Amigos for dinner at Bill's accustomed dinner time: 4:30
<br /><br />15 Oct, Sunday: Again the forecast is too cold to want to ride the motorcycle to church at 8:30 AM. Only two more Sundays in October. We walked the dam and faced heavy winds on our return trip at eleven AM, so we walked straight to Los Amigos, and it felt good to eat steamed veggies and a baked potato. We walked again at 5:30 PM with less wind. 7.0 miles
<br /><br />14 Oct: Ron slept surprisingly well considering the lack of pretzels. Maybe sourdough English muffins are a good substitute. Cynthia returned with a couple of new shades of pink after patronizing Lucky Nails. Ron walked across the dam and up one set of stairs. (The wind was too loud for walking and talking.) Cynthia was too cold to consider walking.
<br /><br />13 Oct: Ron spent another morning glued to his computer watching QQQ with great results today. A few more days like this and he will have recouped his entire "educational expense" for learning the ropes. Also, it appeared at midnight-thirty that he has finished all of Barb's suggested changes to the James Lea manuscript. It did rain in the afternoon, but we were able to walk across the dam about 6 PM. Cynthia said she is watching apples turn brown (hint: she is bored!) 6.0 miles.
<br /><br />12 Oct: Oatmealed and exercised, we are glued to our electronic devices after having wished granddaughter Zoe a happy birthday. She is in York, England studying for her MA in Public History. Amazing that she and Jack successfully moved to England with their two cats. Ron decided to buy a QQQ put at an early high today and sold it near the low for a handsome percentage profit. He is remembering that these options are short term investments, hopefully in and out on the same day. We went to Walmart for groceries and our annual senior flu vaccinations. Ron will likely run out of pretzels tonight, so this may be his last night to sleep uninterrupted until the next trip to Edwardsville. 4.86 miles
<br /><br />11 Oct. Wed: Our big excitement was having the cleaning ladies come in today. Cynthia gets excited about the strangest things. We walked the dam giving us 4.12 miles <br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigTvU-2sKnE1H1K-ZCCiBeY4KiaKBbGoiSX7jp5FNb0XqHWR1YDiAccvroZuYbicvdUAIqlhFdwTLXkblmGZv1J-eaXYB_IWgy3aEIaW4R_zOq9gMoq_X8SHA_BYdMUEOUQc_Fo17m33yDf87IHqrZYlJnPmK9VIW6NCzruJRyihv2zd-mfzeyHHDYEv8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7288853696103335362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigTvU-2sKnE1H1K-ZCCiBeY4KiaKBbGoiSX7jp5FNb0XqHWR1YDiAccvroZuYbicvdUAIqlhFdwTLXkblmGZv1J-eaXYB_IWgy3aEIaW4R_zOq9gMoq_X8SHA_BYdMUEOUQc_Fo17m33yDf87IHqrZYlJnPmK9VIW6NCzruJRyihv2zd-mfzeyHHDYEv8=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ggranddaughter Blaire</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoVURQROQkqy0bNzCrCycqYAmZrruIvXEZ3CgrpZRjSJrKlGkju8Ft7fkSX6Q4_79NGo-ViNcSo-Vjf3jFyL_W8UYaLudCQ2DA9Idi6WKnuUXnlpoWlDqWjKeyRLlqzHKpvVchdTj8PDGojAGpMiMRJzbm9pUO4baad81HHJHQ4D8FlGJcccLPMQ-s8mU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7288853889018569298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoVURQROQkqy0bNzCrCycqYAmZrruIvXEZ3CgrpZRjSJrKlGkju8Ft7fkSX6Q4_79NGo-ViNcSo-Vjf3jFyL_W8UYaLudCQ2DA9Idi6WKnuUXnlpoWlDqWjKeyRLlqzHKpvVchdTj8PDGojAGpMiMRJzbm9pUO4baad81HHJHQ4D8FlGJcccLPMQ-s8mU=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ggranddaughter Charlotte</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">10 Oct: Exercised, oatmealed, and our eyes are glued to Mac screens. It is a gorgeous, colorful fall day at Lake Carlyle. Photos of great granddaughters always stir Cynthia to post photos. These are Jon's granddaughters. He is outnumbered by two daughters and two great granddaughters. Ron continues working on James Lea, finding new things, thanks to Ancestry. 4.5 miles
<br /><br />9 Oct: The weekend events in the Middle East cast a pall over the world and our hearts. Ron is staying focused on James Lea now that he has resumed work on the manuscript. We walked the dam twice, and tried to focus on our projects. 7.49 miles
<br /><br />8 Oct, Sunday: The plan was to attend the 9 AM worship service at the Methodist church in Trenton and then to visit with Don and Ann. When temperature at daybreak was 47°, we were convinced to <u>not</u> ride 20 miles to Trenton. Then Don and Ann decided to not drive over to visit. So we are home alone at high noon, well-fed and exercised with plans to do a huuuuge walk over the dam and over the Kaskaskia River bridge. We sat for a couple of hours after that and went out for a second walk at 5:30 PM. 8.49 miles total </span></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ9iou4qmJmtzYvciYtqNuL6rk-p7lxyXLJZiLDP8_jKarfHz1-OWVcJJrBlP-U6wK1ZpzAq_ehNhFkcrDlOpOoal17k4NkuNwe31A5_Og9x3-BoQhrhniS0GJM3x2sySyUwnZ6WoQPM0O0C24yZjuVHHKUi6WqaUfSiYzU8IUoZuqwqKow4xpU0NBDTs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7287638256762655314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZ9iou4qmJmtzYvciYtqNuL6rk-p7lxyXLJZiLDP8_jKarfHz1-OWVcJJrBlP-U6wK1ZpzAq_ehNhFkcrDlOpOoal17k4NkuNwe31A5_Og9x3-BoQhrhniS0GJM3x2sySyUwnZ6WoQPM0O0C24yZjuVHHKUi6WqaUfSiYzU8IUoZuqwqKow4xpU0NBDTs=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youngest and oldest of us.<br />Cynthia, at 18 again, is the youngest.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN3Q0Eulgf9wl_SDulCAiF8B1WXyiLo57kzY7YrRKJipHX_GB6GsyWRdE_RLzWkqGPWbs5d4Fyadf9NDQXZq8iLCYiJsvk6lOIyvv2vovysP2IMoe11bko35deOHSQzysqrUzXaT9dAnS8u2iN0UKLtGPQxALGhzcvpYiOEtMWUcQ2oMk32QvroMn40Mo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7287638065099117666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN3Q0Eulgf9wl_SDulCAiF8B1WXyiLo57kzY7YrRKJipHX_GB6GsyWRdE_RLzWkqGPWbs5d4Fyadf9NDQXZq8iLCYiJsvk6lOIyvv2vovysP2IMoe11bko35deOHSQzysqrUzXaT9dAnS8u2iN0UKLtGPQxALGhzcvpYiOEtMWUcQ2oMk32QvroMn40Mo=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waiter took this photo of everyone.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />7 Oct: After spending the day on our computers getting Cynthia's photos of the Turvold Family OCRed and onto her computer, we met Eric and Denise, Eric's Uncle David, Erika, Trey, Chelsea, and Kyle for dinner at 3:30 PM at the 1818 Chop House in Edwardsville, Illinois. We food was very, very good and everyone enjoyed the meal and conversation. One week down, three to go before Cynthia flies to TX. 4.0 miles <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj0LeJfqeZyJ_ZOAzY1uogPf005T_1RG6lrjZgbnUB4MpVBjRLDeNYE_4upVjuhybv4qslJKnKduo3i_d17reoTQkTkRsf6gWX3bVjiUGDU7TDttjYwWcDQbEEsWbDhRpuHW_25zOsPnOWmtlCZPyJ72IWql9Q8bpJlPg6eQ8xNIxNxsqYOyxpBbmnlJQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7286911499474036930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj0LeJfqeZyJ_ZOAzY1uogPf005T_1RG6lrjZgbnUB4MpVBjRLDeNYE_4upVjuhybv4qslJKnKduo3i_d17reoTQkTkRsf6gWX3bVjiUGDU7TDttjYwWcDQbEEsWbDhRpuHW_25zOsPnOWmtlCZPyJ72IWql9Q8bpJlPg6eQ8xNIxNxsqYOyxpBbmnlJQ=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia's sails were refreshed</td></tr></tbody></table>
6 Oct: Another lovely morning, 60 degrees, and the sun is shining. After exercise and oatmealing, Cynthia bounced out to walk the dam, and Ron watched the markets. Ron was able to sell a couple of QQQ calls at a tiny profit, but the market was quite strange today, starting out way down for the first hour, then gradually gaining until it closed at an unusually high level. Ron was unable to convince Cynthia's Ventura operating system to read a jump drive. He is quite intolerant of these newer things that do not work. They frustrate him, so he avoids newer technologies like tablets and smartphones in order to be much less frequently frustrated. We walked the dam this evening, and Cynthia installed the newest updates on her macbook, which fixed the recalcitrant jump drive problem. 7.83 miles for the day.
<br /><br />5 Oct: A rainy day in Illinois! We walked late day after the sun appeared. 4.0 miles
<br /><br />4 Oct: Ron announced he is as happy as a seagull with a French Fry before heading to Don and Ann’s to spend a day. Cynthia is going walking and is editing a story she wrote for her grandchildren. 4.0 miles
<br /><br />3 Oct: After a great lunch with Carol and Bill at Ruby Tuesday's in Litchfield, we rode south on Illinois 127 through Greenville to <a href="http://marinersvillagecarlylelake.com" target="_blank">Mariners Village at Lake Carlyle</a> where we will walk,and enjoy the lake for the month of October. After dark, we walked partway out on the dam. Our total for the day is 2.7 miles.
<br /><br />2 Oct: Litchfield, Illinois: Cynthia is having a humorless day! Ron is at Sistah Carol’s tree farm. The Storage Company sent a statement charging $17.00 a month for insurance, totaling $204.00 a year, in addition to the cost of the storage unit. Insane, yes! Then a knock on the door and someone speaking in a foreign language, followed by a phone call Cynthia could not understand, so down to the front desk to learn they mistakenly had us checking out today. They had to make a new key. Then the internet keeps logging out. The desk clerk is really rude, saying his internet works fine, so mine should, too? Yes, GRR. Oh, well, life is too short to be grrrrring. It is time to meet Ron, Carol, and Bill for dinner. Unfortunately Ron arrived at the hotel to walk his bride to the restaurant only to find his key didn't work and his bride was gone, so he had to walk alone to find her already at the restaurant. Tomorrow is another day! 2.71 miles
<br /><br />1 Oct, Sunday: Turn the page. October is opening in Litchfield, Illinois. Our plan is to watch Mother Nature dressed in her fall finery using every color in the Crayola box. It is warm this week, but there is hope for cooler temperatures by the end of the week. 3.5 miles</span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-61226734199493013482023-09-01T10:44:00.092-04:002023-10-06T22:40:36.808-04:00September is Rolling Along On Two Wheels <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb0p_ADiB1MgDEvQtEs7NAzBlf0_sO3vJMvPEpkL51z36xEEtAYqetYAuZh7xu1S8-33wxzjCCgrt2uO1CTGwCOkvFzUBaxfjz_269MY6mjdjb-auiqJwkThToHl_vs1Mv5jNxLvR_Xye6C_T26Ov-UM4KksDvYNNeBKbQTzI7m_YhhuEk7NCRKN7RJJs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7273873635005564418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb0p_ADiB1MgDEvQtEs7NAzBlf0_sO3vJMvPEpkL51z36xEEtAYqetYAuZh7xu1S8-33wxzjCCgrt2uO1CTGwCOkvFzUBaxfjz_269MY6mjdjb-auiqJwkThToHl_vs1Mv5jNxLvR_Xye6C_T26Ov-UM4KksDvYNNeBKbQTzI7m_YhhuEk7NCRKN7RJJs=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These flowers say "I LOVE YOU"</td></tr></tbody></table>
<div><span style="font-size: large;">
30 Sep: After our usual exercises, we joined Carol and Bill at Denny's for breakfast. Cynthia enjoyed a ride out to their tree farm and further enjoyed hiking several trails through the woods. Carol made a marvelous salmon dinner, first marinating the salmon in balsomic vinegar with blackberries, and cooking squash, sweet potatoes and broccoli w/ green beans. Carol and Bill extended their hospitality by providing Cynthia a ride back to the hotel so that she didn't have to ride the motorcycle on their mile-long gravel driveway. Are we really ready for October? 3.8 miles.
<br /><br />29 Sep: One final visit with cousin Scott and Nadine before we left Keosauqua heading toward sistah Carol's. The day was pleasant but warm; we left at 1:30 PM and arrived in Litchfield at six PM, in time for dinner at Ruby Tuesday. Carol and Bill were surprised that we arrived so quickly and joined us at Ruby Tuesday. Route was US 34 E past Burlington to Monmouth, IL, R on US 67 S to Carlinville to L on IL 108 E to R on I-35 S 8 miles to Litchfield. This is our best, most comfortable route so far between Keosauqua and Mt. Olive. US 34 in Illinois was not good (and much of that can be avoided), and a few miles on US 67 were a bit bumpy.
<br /><br />28 Sep: After exercises and breakfast as always, we rode to Keosauqua to visit cousins Ken and Marvin at the Riverside grill for lunch, and then Ken dropped us off to visit Rex and Susie at their house. Ken gifted Ron with a strongbox full of old family photos. Some we've seen before but many were surprises, even to sistah Carol. Route was I-35 S briefly to L on IA 5 E quite a way to L on IA 92 E to R on IA 163 bypassing Ottumwa and on to US 34 E to Fairfield. The AmericInn was comfortable. Iowa state highway 1 was still miserable, but cousin Ken said that they've repaved the road to Selma providing that as a more pleasant route to Keosauqua.
<br /><br />27 Sep: We enjoyed a lovely ride on US 65 south to US 30 W to I-35 S to West Des Moines to visit cousin Sandy. Our hotel is 2 miles from her house. Sandy is as delightful as ever, and today is her birthday, so we sang Happy Birthday to her twice, the second time with her family at dinner. Van and his wife have raised a wonderful couple of kids, a high school freshman, Colton, and a college junior, Julie (?).<br /><br />26 Sep: We were packed and ready to roll "early" at 11 AM for lunch with Ray and Mary in Mason City. Our hotel is 1.4 miles from their house, but Ron missed the turns and arrived at their house first. We thoroughly enjoyed good conversation until Ron and Ray were dispatched to Subway for luncheon fixings and enjoyed more good conversation as we ate. Cynthia opted to rest at the hotel in the evening, whereas Ron chose to attend a flag football game wherein second grade grandson Rory nearly scored a last minute touchdown. <br /><br />25 Sep: 9 AM breakfast with Dick and Jane was a lot of fun, as usual. Ron and Dick talked about guy things, and who know what the girls talked about. Since Dick runs local coin auctions over the internet, I showed him my nephew's <a href="https://www.eaxtellcoinvarieties.com/double-dies.html" target="_blank">RPM coins web site (click here)</a>. Cynthia and I repeated our 3-mile walk of yesterday in an hour and ten minutes (according to the official time-keeper.) At 4:30 PM. Jerry and Betty picked us up for dinner with Dave and Annie, Dale and Ann. As usual, Annie outdid herself and prepared enough yummy food to feed a much younger army. As usual, we all ate far too much because it was so good, but surprisingly, Ron was able to sleep quite well without the usual need to empty fluids every couple of hours. A very good time was had by all. Thanks Annie. 3 miles
<br /><br />24 Sep, Sunday: Since it rained overnight, Dale and Ann picked us up at 8:45 sharp for church. We enjoyed seeing several people at church and at the ensuing coffee fellowship before Dale and Ann took us back to the hotel. After several days of inactivity, it was refreshing to get out for a familiar 3-mile walk from the hotel south. Dale and Ann picked us up again at 3:00 PM for the Sion Church Talent Show, a fund raiser featuring many church music singers. At 5 pm Timen drove us to meet Cynthia's Turvold cousins, Joey, her daughter Stephanie, and Tommie, a cousin from another line of Turvolds at Subway in the Casino for dinner and boisterous genealogical conversation.
<br /><br />23 Sep: Danny picked us up at 10:20 for lunch with him and Julie at the family farm. Their cat thoroughly enjoyed Ron's petting while we all conversed. Cynthia seems to be on a mission to acquaint everyone whose family has lived in Northwood for two generations that they are related to everyone else who has lived there two generations. Danny was happy to show us a couple of his newest excellent drawings, one of a B-29 flying low over the barn, much of which was drawn from memories of buildings removed and family long gone. Because of the wet conditions, Mary picked us up at the hotel for dinner with her and Lonnie at their farm. Lonnie never farmed, but bought twenty five acres from a neighboring farmer and has built a wonderful home with gardens and fruit trees all around. They fed us wild Minnesota rice, squash, and Alaskan halibut from his fishing trip last summer. Seven guys came home with 700 pounds of fish. LL (Lucky Lon) made his living as a contractor developing commercial properties in Rochester, Minnesota. If the drive were not so long, he would probably still be working. Mary has been Cynthia's florist for the last 15 years, an occupation that developed from picking flowers in her front yard. (It is a BIG front yard.)
<br /><br />22 Sep: After awakening, morning exercises and oatmeal, we rode the quickest route to Northwood via Minnesota highway 19 W and I-35 S. The multitude of yellows in the fall folliage made the trip quite beautiful despite being interstate highway most of the way. Mutual cousin David and his wife Pat joined us for dinner at the Casino, which did not disappoint. Dave and Pat both admitted unhappily to age-related problems, which is very disappointing to us all. We had hoped that Father Time was treating them better. They drove us in the rain back to our nearby hotel, and we parted with hopes that the next year will be much better for us all.
<br /><br />21 Sep: We stayed in Northfield a second night because Ron understood Cynthia to say that she would enjoy doing that to see the town. After breakfast, we walked to St. John's ELCA Church to see if Karl's wife was quilting, but there were no quilters there. It is allergy season so Cynthia went to the hotel and Ron walked alone through a very nice neighborhood to a small park, where he did his eye exercises while looking at a very vividly fall-colored red tree, and then found St. Olof's College, which is a very pretty campus. Just after noon, we joined Karl and his wife at Goodbye Monday Blues coffee house for a couple of hours of pleasant conversation about our lives and experiences. In the evening Ron and Cynthia again enjoyed fine dining at Subway.
<br /><br />20 Sep, Northfield, Minnesota: We rode through Hastings on US 61 to Northfield, home of <a href="https://wp.stolaf.edu" target="_blank">St. Olof College</a>. Karl met us at Perkins for a couple of hours over lunch. Cynthia and Ron walked a HOT mile and a half to the Perkins and were surprised that there was no sidewalk for the last half mile. Neither Karl nor I recognized each other, but I wore an unmistakable MIT tee shirt. We enjoyed hearing about Karl's Norwegian ancestors, his teaching of economics, his roles in the Sons of Norway etc. We parted with the expectation to see each other again tomorrow. Cynthia and Ron opted for a quick & simple Subway sub for dinner after Ron mailed a check to the bank and walked about downtown to find blueberries and raspberries for breakfast tomorrow. Route: L on US 61 S 18 miles to R on MN 50 E 7 mi to L on 240th Street (MN 47) to L on Northfield Blvd 11 mi to L on MN 3 S 2 mi to R into Radison Country Inn & Suites. It somehow seems improbable that the corn on one side of the highway can be dry and brown, ready for harvest, while the corn on the other side of the highway is lush and green, seemingly ready to grow for another month. Fall yellows continue to range from faint to vivid. QQQ closed disappointingly low after the Fed opined that another interest rate hike is likely to come.
<br /><br />19 Sep: Ron was up early enough to watch QQQ and buy 10 contracts for 269 at an early low; now we wait to see if it goes up as expected. Our route from the hotel to Hastings was absolutely familiar: out Lone Oak E to MN 55 S, merges with US 52 S, exit for 55 S to Hastings, and into town to meet Donna at the Perkins Restaurant. As it turns out, the Country Inn in Hastings was not the one where Cynthia had reservations, so we had to ride several miles north on US 61 to Cottage Grove to a different Country Inn & Suites. Donna drove out to our hotel to spend the evening with us over dinner at the Hy-Vee grocery Wahlburgers.<br /><br />18 Sep: We checked in to Hampton Inn at Minneapolis/ Eagen Airport. Dinner at 4:30 at <a href="https://axelsrestaurants.com/locations/mendota/" target="_blank">Axels in Mendota</a> with cousin Lance and Shelly and sister-in-law Carolyn was every bit as good as the dinner we all enjoyed dinner together last year. Route: I-94 W cross St. Croix River to L on I-494 S cross Mississippi to L on I-35E S to exit 98 Lone Oak Drive & Hampton Inn. Continue on Lone Oak to end, R on Sioux Trail 1 mi under Interstate to L on Mendota Heights Road to L on Great River Road to Axels
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig5w4guUVg4A-joHA4sXxthrEwHYSg3RRz6f_HbM7xB5bIxrVssZKMvRAKWh1sOIXQl94Y0JLwOFDWmhWkXQlPVSUnGdrGvvju4LHp0sSas8bLs27xk5aceltIq8k80rVw8aPjnObAaGmuCm9diz_E83inFO-gJxNFIaZJUUTQ1_wd3FsOX7VgGBVqKUw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7280346181597514498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig5w4guUVg4A-joHA4sXxthrEwHYSg3RRz6f_HbM7xB5bIxrVssZKMvRAKWh1sOIXQl94Y0JLwOFDWmhWkXQlPVSUnGdrGvvju4LHp0sSas8bLs27xk5aceltIq8k80rVw8aPjnObAaGmuCm9diz_E83inFO-gJxNFIaZJUUTQ1_wd3FsOX7VgGBVqKUw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia and Lana with Turvold trunk</td></tr></tbody></table>17 Sep, Sunday: It is dangerous for Cynthia to eat any sugar - it kicks off sugar cravings. Yesterday the caramel pecan roll wasn't too bad (and it was very, very good), but that led to a sugary muffin and pastries at the wedding. We rode to Hudson, Wisconsin in light traffic on scenic Minnesota highways 97 and 95 surrounded by early fall colors. Cynthia's Turvold cousin Lana in River Falls, WI prepared a feast of foods we could eat for lunch: baked sweet potatoes, salad, fruit and veggies. Ron was delighted and strove to leave no leftovers, but Lana packaged those to send with us to our hotel. Route: cross I-35 on County Road 2 to R on US 61 S to L on MN 97 E through Scandia past farm to R on MN 95 S through Stillwater to L on I-94 E crossing the St. Croix River to R on WI 35 S 8 miles to exit for Radio Road - Chapman Drive E 1 mi to R on Kingsbarn, L on Newcastle Drive, a lovely ride full of the lighter green leaves of fall mixed with early yellows and an occasional tinge of red or orange. <br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjIOVAXY_4Q9aD398tihham-nefIM7QfrRE1HzPPdaxM93p3VjIvxQF3DMUzjH0gBMLFls6eyyoetBFFBZgh2kF1pfnDTBpS5YzANC7nxaLKoylMShLg6OwV2weLX1iHQjgUUFxEJ0WhvhdUmAD19zF-QA4BO1gWrmXagJflSNyAJ260GsxIBJCU3X0Mw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7279798627229029074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjIOVAXY_4Q9aD398tihham-nefIM7QfrRE1HzPPdaxM93p3VjIvxQF3DMUzjH0gBMLFls6eyyoetBFFBZgh2kF1pfnDTBpS5YzANC7nxaLKoylMShLg6OwV2weLX1iHQjgUUFxEJ0WhvhdUmAD19zF-QA4BO1gWrmXagJflSNyAJ260GsxIBJCU3X0Mw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins, Jim, Diane, Jenn, Cynthia & John</td></tr></tbody></table>
16 Sep: We said our goodbyes to Brett's family before they left for swim lessons, packed and rode 48 miles on Interstate Highways to Forest Lake, MN, checked in to our hotel, and went next door to <a href="https://keyscafe.com/restaurants/forest-lake/" target="_blank">Keys Cafe</a> to eat egg white veggie omelets with no oil and sour dough bread toasted dry. Our plan was to arrive full at the wedding of Cynthia's cousin's granddaughter, so that we wouldn't eat bad stuff there, but our plan backfired because Keys makes everything from scratch and their pastries looked marvelous. We were sooo good, and THEN we divided a caramel pecan roll. (Cynthia ate one quarter of it.) The wedding was a lovely affair at the family farm in Scandia, Minnesota, and Cynthia's cousins were a hoot. Cynthia was delighted to meet nearly all of her cousin's kids and grandkids except for one who now lives in Hawaii. A fun time was had by all the survivors. Route: I-494 N to R on I-694 E to L on I-35W N to I-35 N to exit 131 L on County Road 2 W to Radison Hotel. County Road 2 E to Broadway, R on US 61 S to L on MN 97 E 17 miles through Scandia to L into farm.
<br /><br />15 Sep: Again Hudson was gone to daycare by the time Ron and Cynthia came upstairs. Again Holden responded to Ron's smile EVERY time. We walked only 3.5 miles because we overdid it yesterday and are too tired today. Since this was our last evening with them, Brett took us to a delightful restaurant, <a href="https://birchsonthelake.com" target="_blank">Birch's on the Lake</a>, where a couple of the waitresses were quite charmed by Hudson's cute smile.
<br /><br />14 Sep: Hudson was gone to daycare by the time Ron and Cynthia finished exercises and came upstairs. Holden again responded to Ron's smile EVERY time. This time Ron and Cynthia turned right from Trace Ridge and walked too far, 7.0 miles. It wore us both out, in part because it was 7 miles all at once instead of two 4-mile sessions as we did in Pagosa Springs. We crossed Minnetonka Blvd and walked uphill to a park then beyond that into another forested pathway, seemingly far removed from traffic.
<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJcdSgC5lnZNzobNKcEHHSJafze5X9OLHBSL2Mlm-6Fg3KMAf73Cuh3mgBoGL2L49rYn-4Ei0kuimD1hA-tzuJhZcPYuV92cB5ywfyUsUjEQu4XsdBoIwrnhR35mhzvapeEm92wvC1vPnFDnO805rJhsgtJwYdfUOQ75dBcYAARm-cJhOBrZ4oEItDgDw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7278478979668469586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJcdSgC5lnZNzobNKcEHHSJafze5X9OLHBSL2Mlm-6Fg3KMAf73Cuh3mgBoGL2L49rYn-4Ei0kuimD1hA-tzuJhZcPYuV92cB5ywfyUsUjEQu4XsdBoIwrnhR35mhzvapeEm92wvC1vPnFDnO805rJhsgtJwYdfUOQ75dBcYAARm-cJhOBrZ4oEItDgDw=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron (in middle) Hudson and Holden</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">
13 Sep: Precious boys. Observe Ron smiling at Holden. Holden's smile in return is delightful. Ron was astounded by how chubby Holden is, but that baby fat sure protects him from falls. The only time he howls is when he hits his head hard (about every third day) and whenever anyone takes something from him. (The howls when the popsicle was taken away were awesome.) Ron and Cynthia hiked left from Trace Ridge for 6.0 miles along a pathway that departed from the road into fields of cattails and swampy ground. When we found ourselves in a subdivision, we continued through it and circled back to our original path back home. It was quite delightful to discover so much undeveloped land so close to the I-494 corridor.
</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_-dr3soe7d22aecvUYIjAyT78LTJxOPBlPRXRzZdoUxjKYQ0hxQkPCMU17zJqqjsFwItpNCam2BZ1hCWBaNBbk15L7i9l-Xl6-TbNUWfC1aoDJlFq0SWqdJpwQx-KITEoJaFA6GflRhyEIazSTLqnjtyG8cVC4DZWgTKh-witSxIwGEoAHdz-hqntVQU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7278330114107831346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_-dr3soe7d22aecvUYIjAyT78LTJxOPBlPRXRzZdoUxjKYQ0hxQkPCMU17zJqqjsFwItpNCam2BZ1hCWBaNBbk15L7i9l-Xl6-TbNUWfC1aoDJlFq0SWqdJpwQx-KITEoJaFA6GflRhyEIazSTLqnjtyG8cVC4DZWgTKh-witSxIwGEoAHdz-hqntVQU=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron is entranced with the programming.</td></tr></tbody></table>
12 Sep: Vermillion, South Dakota to Wayzata, Minnesota, a Minneapolis suburb where grandson Brett and family are in a rental home. Hudson has been counting the days until our arrival. Holston was too young to remember us (and still is) and regarded us with suspicion at first. Once he decided that we were OK (following the lead of his parents and brother), he returned our smiles with a delightful smile of his own. As a matter of fact Ron decided that his job in the household was to continually smile at Holden, which caused Holden to continually smile in return, providing a very quiet household for everyone. Route: E on South Cherry St -> SD 50 E 22 mi into Iowa IA 3 (Ron missed this at a T intersection and went left on Iowa 12 N 18 miles by which time he knew he was lost, turned R on IA 10 E for 16 miles to L on US 75 N for 36 miles. Since we were approaching Minnesota, Ron knew that he was still lost and turned R on IA 9 E for 22 miles to IA 60 where we rejoined his original plan.) Ron's original instructions were R on IA 12 S 1 mi to L on CR C38 E 22 mi to L on US 75 N continue on IA 60 N 70 mi into Minnesota (MN 60) around several rotaries to L on US 71 N 70 miles over Minnesota River bridge to Olivia, MN, R on US 212 E 54 miles to Norwood Young America and L on MN 5 E 18 mi to L on MN 41 N 2 mi to R on MN 7 E 6 mi to L on Williston Rd 1 mi to R on Minnetonka Blvd 0.5 mi to L on McGinty 0.5 mi to L on Trace Ridge. This navigation fiasco probably resulted in 30 extra miles and an hour longer trip.
<br /><br />11 Sep: North Platte, Nebraska to Vermillion, SD where we visited Cynthia’s lovely friend, Gay and her husband Dean. It was just too amusing to learn that Dean has a twin brother Dale, the same names as my two brothers. Much fun conversation. The evening was too short. Route: US 83 N 21 miles to R on Nebraska 92 E 37 mi to R on NE 2 S only 1 mi to hard L on Victoria Springs Road N then E 33 mi to L on US 183 N 7 mi to R on NE 91 E 45 mi to L on US 281 N 13 mi to R on NE 70 E 23 mi to L on NE 14 N 26 mi to R on US 20 E 42 mi to L on NE 57 N 4 mi to R on NE 59 E 6 mi to L on NE 15 N 16 mi to R on NE 12 (and 15) to L on 15 N into South Dakota (SD 19) N 2 mi to R on 320th St -> South Dakota Street into Vermillion, SD. Victoria Springs Road was under construction, and Ron was petrified to see that the surface had been torn down to dirt and there was water standing in ruts in the dirt road. Usually that means mud and a VERY slick surface that can cause the rear wheel to slide around sideways in a heartbeat dropping the bike into the mud too quickly to control. Fortunately, this particular time the bike stayed stable, and we sashayed across the mud surface in 100 feet. It was also entirely amusing to enter into Vermillion on South Dakota Street and to realize that in the middle of town the street name would change to North Dakota Street.
<br /><br />10 Sep, Sunday: We rode out from Berthoud under threat of rain, experienced about 5 minutes of light rain in Greeley, Colorado and continued on under heavy gray skies for an hour until a delightful light blue appeared on the horizon. Soon thereafter we emerged into a lovely whisp-filled light blue sky and slightly warmer temperatures (71° versus 61°). Imagine our delight when we exited I-80 onto old US highway 83 and discovered both a Ruby Tuesday and a Hampton Inn at that interchange. We are full and ready to sleep soundly. Route: 1st Street N to County Road 56 E past I-25 to L on CR 13 N to R on CR 50 to L on CR 17 (but missed this turn and rode through Miliken until a sign towards Greeley) R on US 34 E until merge with I-76 NE into Nebraska, merging into I-80 E to exit 177 at US 83 in North Platte. There was light traffic on I-76, so that was quite pleasant, but the last 60 miles on I-80 was much heavier and faster, so not as enjoyable.
<br /><br />9 Sep: We visited Dick & Fran, Ron's cousins. We talked, ate and ate some more garden fresh vegetables (especially good tomatoes and cucumbers). We did not walk. Dick and Fran plan to be in Iowa about a week before we get there.
<br /><br />8 Sep: We DID leave by ten AM for a 9.5 hour ride to Berthoud, Colorado. HA! A long funny story to follow when we have time. Oh my, was that ride ever a joy. Weather was perfect, uncrowded roadway was smooth and twisty with lots of greenery and delightful views. Route: W on US 50 to Gunnison & over <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_Pass" target="_blank">Monarch Pass (click here)</a> 126 mi to Poncha Springs and L on US 285 N through Buena Vista and Fairplay 109 mi to a L on County Road 73 N towards Evergreen, L on CO 74 N 5 mi to L on CR 65 N 3 mi to L on I-40 W 3 mi to R on US 6 E 2 mi to sharp left on CO 119 N 26 mi to Nederland traffic circle CO 72 W 21 mi to R on CO 7 E 14 mi to R on US 36 E 1 mi to straight on CO 66 E 8 mi to L on US 287 N 5 mi to R on County Road 2E 2 mi to L on CR 15 E 2 mi to R on Indiana St to L on Victoria St. Road construction on US 50 stopped us for half an hour in a spot that was cool and sunny with pleasant vistas, much less inconvenient than the possible 2 hour delays. When we went over Monarch Pass at 11,312' the winds were strong and gusty, and Ron was happy that he chose a lower route rather than going over the Trail Ridge Road through the Rocky Mountain National Park. The plan was to stop after a good distance, but the scenery was so beautiful and the road was so smooth that Ron just didn't stop much until it became possible to make it all the way to Berthoud, and we did. Dick and Fran were expecting us tomorrow, and that was our plan too, but the ride was easy, beautiful and pleasant, so we surprised everyone by showing up a day early . . . and then had the audacity to ask to stay overnight, to which Dick and Fran graciously agreed. Thanks a million, Dick and Fran.
<br /><br />7 Sep: We are sleeping in. Zzzz Cynthia is exercised, oatmealed, with financial market, and communications completed; Ron is enjoying a sound snooze that happens doing eye exercises. We hiked along the great water sports recreation area alongside Uncompaghre River for 6.0 miles. Cynthia has a manicure appointment at three.
<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfdDJUf-WuBvDwShsJSVktbmd1fCUpgjhPG7EwD6e1RoRze3rWv_F_1GUJUE1P99NFYmpPLZbtR8pVHvVqNphitmKv9JD0YRcSGgp7zIg7hWEPsaH-9B_k7YdoACnASzNtbeyEXd2axALQSo2UB8peHWWbd65eR8_F4fCJWpRpTzRW2gNYFzpy_nQMg8Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7275816246947319938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfdDJUf-WuBvDwShsJSVktbmd1fCUpgjhPG7EwD6e1RoRze3rWv_F_1GUJUE1P99NFYmpPLZbtR8pVHvVqNphitmKv9JD0YRcSGgp7zIg7hWEPsaH-9B_k7YdoACnASzNtbeyEXd2axALQSo2UB8peHWWbd65eR8_F4fCJWpRpTzRW2gNYFzpy_nQMg8Q=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron in Botanical Garder</td></tr></tbody></table>
6 Sept: Montrose, CO. Exercised, oatmealed, and now onto our morning walk; we toured a fairly recent and small botanical garden followed by salmon lunch at our favorite Montrose restaurant, the Stone House. Cynthia spent a century on the phone this afternoon with Verizon to get Ron’s name to appear on caller ID instead of her name.
<br /><br />5 Sept: Zandy was not happy to see her new friend Ron leave. We were loaded and riding from Gunnison at eleven AM for the one hour journey to Montrose. As we rode west on US 50, we saw signs announcing that the highway was closed 28 miles ahead, so Ron turned right at the first detour sign onto Colorado highway 92. My goodness, is that a breathtaking road along the north rim of The Black Canyon, littered with 25 MPH hairpins and gorgeous views for two additional hours. This took us all the way north to Delta, where we turned south on US 50 (yes, the same road we detoured from). Dinner at the Stone House in Montrose is always a treat.
<br /><br />4 Sep: Today Howard picked a hike where we could let Zandy, an oversized puppy that hasn't learned not to jump up on people, off her leash. After our overexertion yesterday, this was a good choice, although there was little shade. Cynthia and Sage hiked the three mile flats.
<br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixm8a6SbILpOl5n1u0mbhac_T5sQOriSIZBdyPqTiSOi0UsaRIXzA2w567_OwqURKoiZm3_ZHOwSfG3OnVeRGc-VQE1TSTo_2qsQQyCw7xE5i13F8yhLMCG0yIvh4tXgYA2lYYnxFM5WVosVTVgdyCRVQiFsxB2TsWJBQyYYwzuHylFX96xv3aVTE_C3o" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7275529874238707314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixm8a6SbILpOl5n1u0mbhac_T5sQOriSIZBdyPqTiSOi0UsaRIXzA2w567_OwqURKoiZm3_ZHOwSfG3OnVeRGc-VQE1TSTo_2qsQQyCw7xE5i13F8yhLMCG0yIvh4tXgYA2lYYnxFM5WVosVTVgdyCRVQiFsxB2TsWJBQyYYwzuHylFX96xv3aVTE_C3o=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pinnacles near Gunnison</td></tr></tbody></table>
3 Sep, Sunday: Since Cynthia likes lake views, Howard took us to the <a href="https://liveandlethike.com/2020/11/17/dillon-pinnacles-trail-curecanti-national-recreation-area-co/" target="_blank">Dillon Pinnacles Trail (click here)</a> adjacent to the Blue Mesa Reservoir. It was a lovely hike, slightly uphill, with water views for three hours. Cynthia returned exhausted. Sage prepared fabulous food! Ron and Howard hiked a second time to the summit of 12,500' Napolean mountain. The rocky top was merely piles of loose rock, and the wind was strong enough that Ron sat down a couple of times on the descent to wait for less wind. We had enough time afterwards to look for the Jewish burials in the Tincup cemetery.
<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKbDi2SAHzWDx3UxeBVzkWhZyAi9GXZrhE8nfI7pOA1TvjKkBtte6chUa1Fj9uKY2NbNDmArpJvg5SxIVOt9LH2WifHfibz550xS9PxArkjGpuyomgwkKo4YUHiKLlrlAztG07BdcqzDgPyUh7KGTtcjldYrP4b15U-bOKbgkKQFKgSQD73jI7TTMLpqk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7275529181863374306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKbDi2SAHzWDx3UxeBVzkWhZyAi9GXZrhE8nfI7pOA1TvjKkBtte6chUa1Fj9uKY2NbNDmArpJvg5SxIVOt9LH2WifHfibz550xS9PxArkjGpuyomgwkKo4YUHiKLlrlAztG07BdcqzDgPyUh7KGTtcjldYrP4b15U-bOKbgkKQFKgSQD73jI7TTMLpqk=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howard & Ron in hiking regallia</td></tr></tbody></table>
2 Sep: We left "early" to visit and hike with Ron’s MIT alum Howard and his partner Sage in Gunnison, CO until Sept 5. Blogging may or may not happen. Sage is an exceptional cook. We had a fast three mile afternoon hike with their labradoodle Zandy, who dove into any loose water she could find. Route: US 160 E 58 miles to Del Norte, L on Colo 112 E 13 mi to Center, CO, L on US 285 N 23 mi to L on Colo 114 W 60 mi to L on US 50 W through Gunnison to left turn followed by a curve right and R at Western Lumber onto frontage road, R on Thornton, then 2nd right on Carbon Court (no sign)
<br /><br />1 Sep. After exercising and oatmeal, we were NOT out the door early to walk. With the sun already intense at 10:30 AM, and two nasty blisters on Cynthia’s toes, we opted to turn back. Yup, back to finishing up chores. We watched the stock market until one and enjoyed a salmon lunch at Boss Hogg’s with our favorite waitress Eliza. Twenty-five years ago today, Cynthia’s oldest son Scott died from Leukemia. 6.82 miles </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-16972359378971708172023-08-01T23:35:00.120-04:002023-09-01T10:43:30.693-04:00August in Pagosa Springs Editing James Lea<p><span style="font-size: large;">31 Aug: Two days until departure, but we didn't get up early, so it was already 2 in the afternoon by the time we finished eating at Boss Hogg's after our morning walk and breakfasts. It was a warm day, but we are pleased with the packing progress and our pleasant evening walk, spotting several deer. 9.16 miles today! <br /><br />30 Aug: This was a successful day on all counts. QQQ went up enough for Ron to make money on his last call option - - but then he immediately bought a put. Ron's packing is progressing, and he made the first trip to deposit recycling at the EMS station. We said good-bye to new friends Chuck and Jean for ten minutes on the evening walk and returned with the rising of a big <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_moon">"blue moon" (click here)</a>. 6,16 miles
<br /><br />29 Aug: We enjoyed a pleasant day. Ron walked in the AM, Cynthia’s feet are sore, but we walked tonight, so double 4.66 for Ron’s mileage. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha3YAp6qjyu7orCmQkdd7qoZWcYYplmGPP6NV4hGoCoa3-QQMMX-_Hrwd40_NrtMx90BFdlP4FZkXII6QVtdob0EpG1XusIb8HUhpmGPuN36CYYh8tiXELRIiwNYr7aL2MEWfPJPtTc_Ya0CGZ6AsixiXxkBA6Yprd3cFJUsx0Blk0p0D5PlP-xhuFE5I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7272574674593909122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha3YAp6qjyu7orCmQkdd7qoZWcYYplmGPP6NV4hGoCoa3-QQMMX-_Hrwd40_NrtMx90BFdlP4FZkXII6QVtdob0EpG1XusIb8HUhpmGPuN36CYYh8tiXELRIiwNYr7aL2MEWfPJPtTc_Ya0CGZ6AsixiXxkBA6Yprd3cFJUsx0Blk0p0D5PlP-xhuFE5I=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on August 11 was as spectacular</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">
28 Aug: Ron continues mending, now a pair of socks. Our day is just that exciting. We did eat lunch at Boss Hogg's and saw Eliza again. Our evening walk was pleasant with an amazing, colorful sunset. We met a local couple here who live in Bentwater, Texas, across the lake from us in our winter condo. 9.14 Miles.
<br /><br />27 Aug, Sunday: We are still not early birds, getting started walking today at 10:30, immediately after exercises and oatmeal. Countdown proceeds, only six more days until departure. Ron is preparing recycling to drop off in at the EMS station two blocks away, bookkeeping, and preparing for initial attempts to pack everything into five little luggages. 8.92 Miles, sore feet.
<br /><br />26 Aug: Another slow morning, but we did our exercises, ate oatmeal and walked as usual. It was a little warm for Cynthia, but we had cloud cover a few times which enabled us to complete the usual walk to the boat ramp. In the evening, the sunset pinks were marvelous for the second time this week, and we enjoyed seeing a cute little skunk ahead of us on the path for 50 yards. One of us kept a wise distance behind, while the more adventurous one (male) trotted right behind him. Cynthia’s total miles for June, July and August totaled 374.42. Today, 8.84 Miles. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg78P2A9VMUmNTEO0Cj_cnI2gLXiv7ZYVj86iD6Ur7NLA4q9zsEGB2BLCBeqTCg0yjNyZLxLTFV8LmOXrtnernxlG29pQ5D8N631eCP7GPzJGDvpeTx9WtUmfdmBgV1yF6nC-7jAccwf9C6Bm1LvlQi_XPoJnjvMXQwM03QrD7lAgNpQmMRbXg28CebCcM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7271832459207794578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg78P2A9VMUmNTEO0Cj_cnI2gLXiv7ZYVj86iD6Ur7NLA4q9zsEGB2BLCBeqTCg0yjNyZLxLTFV8LmOXrtnernxlG29pQ5D8N631eCP7GPzJGDvpeTx9WtUmfdmBgV1yF6nC-7jAccwf9C6Bm1LvlQi_XPoJnjvMXQwM03QrD7lAgNpQmMRbXg28CebCcM=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSzd1E2nzYGFIbdTJpnIo9N8owTERSc0sw7TrCLGsW8ZET97iJysYA2JmQuTAV0Zn1b0hsXUIttKy84yGIfyHX57Of4wybQtM0q9Upby9fmlrfRx4vFD7HlBsDtZFqZy19ygYCaGcythMeT3ayJtAf5mU_hW1rUCd7ZHxplVTZPfEvz1W3gWGY_LgkHrc" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-size: large;">25 Aug: We arose later today because QQQ is in the basement. After the usual exercises and oatmeal we went out for the usual walk and were surprised to see the pavers at work on the second lane in the subdivision. We scattered dried flowers down the hillside of the dam, and finished our "morning" walk at Boss Hogg's. All afternoon we fought sleep as our stomachs digested way too much food. We walked late this evening and got back after dark, easy to do now since dark is an hour earlier than in early July. 9.5 Miles
<br /><br />24 Aug: We were delighted to see QQQ open at a price nearly high enough to trade, but that rapidly vanished as the price plummeted all day long to end up $11 cheaper than the opening price. Ron is hoping for a recovery in a few days after the Fed conference winds down and things get back to "normal." We did our usual two walks today despite cloudy skies and a little rain. 8.5 Miles
<br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSzd1E2nzYGFIbdTJpnIo9N8owTERSc0sw7TrCLGsW8ZET97iJysYA2JmQuTAV0Zn1b0hsXUIttKy84yGIfyHX57Of4wybQtM0q9Upby9fmlrfRx4vFD7HlBsDtZFqZy19ygYCaGcythMeT3ayJtAf5mU_hW1rUCd7ZHxplVTZPfEvz1W3gWGY_LgkHrc" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7272020656644493650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSzd1E2nzYGFIbdTJpnIo9N8owTERSc0sw7TrCLGsW8ZET97iJysYA2JmQuTAV0Zn1b0hsXUIttKy84yGIfyHX57Of4wybQtM0q9Upby9fmlrfRx4vFD7HlBsDtZFqZy19ygYCaGcythMeT3ayJtAf5mU_hW1rUCd7ZHxplVTZPfEvz1W3gWGY_LgkHrc=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, more flowers</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">23 Aug: Housekeeping comes again today. Cynthia is excited. Ron straightened his messes, Amber came and went, Cynthia is showered clean, the room is clean, and she is a happy girl. We walked the usual route and were quite pleased to see much more progress with the asphalt today, but there is still an incredible amount left to do for one crew and one paver. Just past the paving crew were five large bucks, one with a 12 point rack. The rest of the walk was uneventful. Ron sewed on a button, then rode to Walmart & City Market for groceries. He returned with two bouquets of roses, and made an exquisite arrangement of pinks and golds. We ate at Boss Hogg's, and our waitress was named Rain. Interesting that we put the rain cover back on Cynthia's new seat, and it rained at 5 o'clock for a few minutes. Tonight is laundry, and EVERYTHING will be clean. Imagine that.!! Cynthia walked 5.27 miles, but opted not to walk tonight following the rain. Ron walked and reports more progress on the asphalt.
<br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8rvrcErBFk81WgK7ZyPnJ-jJSBI3T9PdcxiiLmBVPiNzzB1cG_iab0VH1_3doZdW5P6vypo2k5hYQdJtp9GSm7BSirOKrRPlRPqhXTnQzgpV3JkFkerniRKa1cRFPEKtmYdkFAsu6Toh6yArDM7THnxdSaFRS2j3vOfMwYAOVNSHsOlyZq7KzitcgtT4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7270343546531900290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8rvrcErBFk81WgK7ZyPnJ-jJSBI3T9PdcxiiLmBVPiNzzB1cG_iab0VH1_3doZdW5P6vypo2k5hYQdJtp9GSm7BSirOKrRPlRPqhXTnQzgpV3JkFkerniRKa1cRFPEKtmYdkFAsu6Toh6yArDM7THnxdSaFRS2j3vOfMwYAOVNSHsOlyZq7KzitcgtT4=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more rainbow than rain</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">
22 Aug: Today is another early day. Ron was convinced he would get to sleep earlier yesterday, but it didn't happen. We were up early watching QQQ for our morning excitement, but it didn't behave well despiting opening much higher than expected. It then spent the rest of the day in the basement hiding. Our morning walk started out with disappointment that the street resurfacing project showed no signs of progress until we had walked to the lake and back. Then we were excited to see workers around the asphalt machine. In the evening we walked past the 1/4 mile new asphalt lane. Wonderful, even if slower than molasses, and now they have placed cones to mark those suspension destroying ditches. 8.6 Miles
<br /><br />21 Aug: Again up too early only beause Ron doesn't get to sleep early enough, time after time after time. Ron made money with QQQ on three out of six remaining contracts, but the market will have to go up significantly to make the other three profitable. We enjoyed a quick, short walk this morning and only saw one road grader and one water truck, so our crew has mostly moved elsewhere. Early afternoon we did lunch at Boss Hogg's with Eliza as waitress. Cynthia's sister in Palm Desert has a lot of water damage from the hurricane. (One doesn't think of mud in the desert being a big problem.) Walk number 2 this evening was delightfully cool. What a pleasant change.!! There were surprisingly large and deep (10 inches) ditches at the two junctions where the newly smoothed dirt roads join the old asphalt roads leading into the subdivision. Ron decided that this means that asphalt surfacing should begin tomorrow. It was unbelievable that there was no signage to indicate that motorists were about to hit such a potentially damaging ditch. The other excitement was seeing a fox near the dam for the second time this year. 8.0 miles
<br /><br />20 Aug, Sunday: Maybe today the early bird will sleep in. She did! We are ever so curious to see if the truckers return tomorrow to continue working on the subdivision streets putting down “Ambient Mix Asphalt.” Thirteen more days until departure towards Gunnison, Montrose, Berthoud, Vermillion SD, Medina, MN and Scandia, MN. Our evening walk was pleasant, and we enjoyed fun conversations with Jim and Ming. 5.0 Miles
<br /><br />19 Aug: Saturday means we sleep in. Zzzz. Oops no, someone awakened early and quickly. We exercised, ate and walked, but not early enough to escape the heat, so we turned around early and came back to work on our computers until Ron decided to ride to Walmart for groceries. It was hot, but the store was not crowded, and shopping went quickly. We will undoubtedly walk late this evening, and it will still be too hot. There are firefighters at the hotel between camps; they got the little fire out and will move to a bigger one. 6.0 Miles
<br /><br />18 Aug: Another good morning walk, a bit earlier today, but still a bit too hot for us. Cynthia is in favor of 2 pm lunch at Boss Hogg's; Eliza and the good cook are working. The trucks and construction workers are not in sight today. The stock market went up a bit but not far enough; maybe Monday. The evening walk was pleasant. 8.0 miles.
<br /><br />17 Aug: We both slept quite well, Ron for seven uninterrupted hours, Cynthia without foot pain. (But the AC was too cold for her.) Ron spent the day watching QQQ fall and fall and fall. Maybe tomorrow it will rise and rise and rise. Let's hope. At 10:30 am, Cynthia required a ride to the hairdresser. We are lucky that Ron was still able to recognize her when he returned to pick her up. 4.90 miles on the evening walk
<br /><br />16 Aug: WOW, we both slept well, and Cynthia was astounded to awaken after a night with no foot pains at all. That was some foot massage with the pedicure yesterday !! We exercised, ate, walked, and were very pleased with the progress on the subdivision streets. They are now smooth and level without lumps and bumps. Then we ate at Boss Hogg's, salad, salmon & a baked potato. Now Ron is busy writing cards to send to invite more people to the Burton 3rd reunion party. Cynthia tried typing and discovered that it puts too much pressure on her sagittal bands. Ron's trip for groceries was a bit unnerving as it headed straight towards a very ugly dark black sky, but he returned to the hotel just as the first strong gusts of water-drop-filled winds blasted the area. The rain prevented us from taking a second walk tonight. 5.23 miles
<br /><br />15 Aug: Up late. Cynthia slept well despite foot spasms at night that sometime awakened her. Her foot spasms did keep Ron awake so he worked on James Lea from 3:30 am until 6. He is falling asleep this afternoon, alone in the room while Cynthia gets a pedicure & manicure. The pedicure was the best ever; it really helped arthritis in her feet. She is unaccustomed to pain-free feet. Interesting to see daily progress as the streets are being covered with a new layer of packed dirt and rock, preparing for asphalt in the subdivision. 8.0 Miles
<br /><br />14 Aug: Another exciting day. We did our morning exercises, ate oatmeal (invariably), walked to the boat ramp and back, ate lunch at Boss Hogg's and spent the afternoon on our computers. Ron is excited to be figuring out a couple of complicated wills and estates. This morning as we returned through the subdivision, we passed a long line of trucks pulling belly dump trailers, apparently waiting to add mixed dirt & rock to the interior streets. This evening six of those huge trucks parked across from the hotel. Now it is evening and time to walk again despite threat of rain. 9.20 miles!
<br /><br />13 Aug: Sunday: Some of the family are scattered right now; that's unusual. Son Paul is in Berlin, going to Prague Monday, then to York, England on Friday to help his daughter Zoe and her new husband Jack move into their apartment. Zoe's classes begin in Sept. Jack will play soccer. Grandson Eric and his wife, Emily, are in Italy on the Amalfi Coast. Son Jon and both of his daughters are in Iowa for a funeral. We walked twice, totaling 8.5 miles.
<br /><br />12 Aug: We 😴! Finally, at 10:30 AM we hoofed it to the boat dock, stopping to visit Jerry and Linda en route. Ron transcribed documents for most of the afternoon while Cynthia had a nice nap. Then Ron napped for an an hour and a half. By that time, Cynthia was sleepy, so Ron walked alone tonight; he has 8.5 miles. Cynthia has miles: 4.53.
</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieqfjDfu523lW0vsK9pdH-RV7IYLna0pSUh107Es5SHGsbKxlzKIoXH4NTDgq6EjEZ55qg73WN-ZFWymmrwLtrIpj5ZyRKD8kzyiWNkYqWiy31vhyzC68QRAOtAs4Tnf9mFQUTgaKCID7_3A3PKBlNDQQiCvThQAaLkrgog9xibHAHwxvRvgsJLnH-6xk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7265908605939319970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieqfjDfu523lW0vsK9pdH-RV7IYLna0pSUh107Es5SHGsbKxlzKIoXH4NTDgq6EjEZ55qg73WN-ZFWymmrwLtrIpj5ZyRKD8kzyiWNkYqWiy31vhyzC68QRAOtAs4Tnf9mFQUTgaKCID7_3A3PKBlNDQQiCvThQAaLkrgog9xibHAHwxvRvgsJLnH-6xk=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sunsets are amazing and this was after it started to fade !!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">11 Aug: Because the road was being oiled, we circled around the lake back to our hotel, stopping to eat lunch at Boss Hogg’s, thereby adding 3/4 mile to the morning walk. Back to our computers for the afternoon. By the time we walked in the evening, the oil had dried sufficiently for us to cross the roadway as usual. Highlight of the day was the sunset from the boat dock. 10 Total miles. 22381 steps
<br /><br />10 Aug: Up early again to watch QQQ, and Ron couldn't help but buy several more contracts. Now we need the market to go up significantly in the next eight days. We walked a shorter loop in the neighborhood and were rewarded with several sightings of bucks. Then we ate at Boss Hogg's and spent the remainder of the day on our computers. The evening walk was cool and pleasant, with a stop to chat with Jerry and Linda from College Station, Texas. The sky turned a menacing black over the mountains, but it did not rain on us. On the way home, eleven bucks meandered alongside of us, including a ten-point buck. 6.40
<br /><br />9 Aug: We were up sorta early at 7:30 and straightened up our messes so that housekeeping could keep house. We decided not to walk this morning to give Cynthia's feet a break, so we spent all day staring at our computers until our evening walk. QQQ suffered again as credit ratings for several major US banks were downgraded. Don't expect consumers to slow down spending just because credit costs more. Ditto US government spending. The national debt is horrible, more than $100,000 for every man, woman and child. Paul says that whenever the <a href="https://watcher.guru/news/brics-saudi-arabia-iran-brazil-pay-chinese-yuan-ditch-us-dollar" target="_blank">BRICS block</a> establishes another currency to buy and sell oil, the inflation in this country will go through the roof. 4.25 miles <br /><br />8 Aug: Joy! Cooler weather blew into Pagosa Springs, making the morning and evening walks pleasant. We enjoyed meeting a retired high school math teacher, Greg, and his wife, Vicky, on our way home tonight. They call us the “Happy Couple.” Fabulous folks live in Pagosa Springs! Fifteen years ago today, we decided to take a thirty-day research trip together to solve a genealogy mystery; we fell in love, and we are still on that journey. A happy couple indeed. 9.0 miles
<br /><br />7 Aug: We completed our morning 4.25-mile walk to the boat dock. Ron had an excellent pedicure at one PM. It took an hour and a half, but it was a fantastic job. We repeated the walk at seven, except tonight, Ron added a stunt, fall and roll as he made a mis-step off the curb. Cynthia inspected him to be sure he wasn’t bleeding. He was delighted that he stayed clean and didn’t tear his clothes. 8.5 miles.
<br /><br />6 Aug, Sunday: We enjoyed a short, warm, two-mile walk at 9:45 AM, then Ron rode to Walmart and City Market for postcards. He returned without postcards but with fresh roses for his beloved bride. Our hotel staff originally stocked our room with a vase for fleurs. Cynthia is no longer wearing a brace on her right hand, but typing will be limited. Total 6.0 miles for the day.
<br /><br />5 Aug: The editor is at work in the hotel room, with thanks to Barb W. for her research and helpful edits. Yaay. No morning walk due to the heat. Ten more days of 85 degree highs are forecast. 4.5 miles tonight at seven PM. Fun to see two large bucks with big antlers, ten or twelve point racks.
<br /><br />4 Aug: We left for Durango at 8:45 AM to meet Ron’s friends, Cindy and Greg from Big Pine Key, and Cindy’s friend, Renee, and her husband, Gordon, from Durango, at Jean-Pierre’s Bakery for a delightful brunch. A good visit was had by all. From there, we went to Spine Colorado for X-rays and an injection in Cynthia’s bursa. She is now overhauled and hopes to last several more decades. Ron is working on James Lea. 2.0 miles. Good night
<br /><br />3 Aug: Walking about 9.0 miles in two pleasant trips made this a great day. The downside was Cynthia’s Apple Watch quit working, so we don’t have exact mileage. 9.0
<br /><br />2 Aug: We slept in until 7:30 before arising to check QQQ and discovered that the U.S. credit rating had been downgraded, so the markets were down when we needed them up. Oh well, time to finish preparing for housekeeping and to get busy walking. It was moderately hot, so we shortened our hike and avoided the big hill. 6.23 miles.
<br /><br />1 Aug: We arose at 6:30 to leave for Durango to see the retina specialist, Dr. Haug, at 10:30. Cynthia is overjoyed with the comfort and security provided by the new Russell "Day-Long" motorcycle seat. Dr. Haug hails from Minnesnowda and delivered nothing but good news. The retina bleeding has stopped; Cynthia does not have “wet” AMD. Instead, she has a type of dry AMD that affects the optic nerve, so her glasses prescription can be expected to change sporadically. The red dot wallpaper vision was likely caused by a heat stroke. Good news all around! All we must do is sit in the shade whenever Cynthia becomes overheated. We came home and napped before we walked 3.0 miles. Zzzz, good night. </span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-43601005224700941972023-07-01T21:29:00.089-04:002023-08-09T13:46:54.928-04:00Hurray, Hurray, Birthday in Pagosa Springs <div><span style="font-size: large;">31 Jul: The last day of the birthday month! Up early for QQQ, and change the August blog title. We are not too exciting when all we do is eat, work, and hike. This AM we walked to City Market for decongestant. Ron walked again in the evening, but Cynthia is resting to prevent her allergy-driven sinus infection from turning into bronchitis and bronchial pneumonia.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">30 Jul, Sunday: The morning trek began at ten AM, not quite so hot, but we did shorten our walk. It was fun to see several deer out and about, too. At four PM, the skies look like rain. Hmm. It drizzled a bit but the fround stayed dry. Wearing raincoats, we walked dry for 4.5 miles at seven. Total of 7 miles today.
<br /><br />29 Jul: After oatmealing and exercising, we bounded out the door (well, not really). We did walk 4.09 miles on our usual trek, but it was too hot. Ron rode to Walmart to fill an RX, and then we slept for two hours. (All that bounding wore us out.)
<br /><br />28 Jul: Woo-hoo! Here we are, up early, with plans to hike at 9:30. Ron tuned into the markets reaping rewards. Cynthia phoned her retina specialist in TX and negotiated for a new appointment in Durango on Tuesday, 10 days earlier. The pacemaker test is completed; now to exercise. Our new custom seat arrived, too. By the time activities were completed, it was too hot to walk. We will hike tonight. Cynthia is delighted to learn the name of our tenth great-grand, baby, due in November. Life is good! 5.07 Miles </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />27 Jul: Lunch at Boss Hogg’s with friends from Texas. 9.0 miles
<br /><br />26 Jul: Ron continued work on the MIT reunion and the markets. Our walk this evening was pleasant, not too hot at 7:45 PM. But we didn’t get far after chatting with Ann and her poodle, one of the many friends we enjoy in PS. 2.0 Miles.
<br /><br />25 Jul: This was a quiet, lazy day with ninety-degree temps that kept us indoors until time for our evening walk. 3.0 Miles
<br /><br />24 Jul: Early this morning, Cynthia called her retina specialist in Houston, who recommended she get checked. Ron was greatly surprised when a taxi for Durango showed up twenty minutes later. He grabbed his just-cooked oatmeal, a banana, and morning pills, and we were off to Durango to see the SW Eye Consultants, an hour's drive away. They worked us in, ran tests, and showed us fluid slides under the retina and news of bleeding behind the retina, all related to wet macular degeneration. This is all treatable. As bad news goes, this was wonderful. We have an appointment to see the retina specialist on August eleventh at one PM. Until then, we know nothing more. We walked a little way this evening with Cynthia in her new shoes. Her feet are much happier. Two miles.
<br /><br />23 Jul, Sunday: Cynthia reports seeing things, flashes of light. Ron again spent the day communicating with his MIT buddies until late when he walked to the boat ramp and returned after dark.
<br /><br />22 Jul: With our noses in our computers, we managed to do nothing else. Cynthia read two books. Ron typed messages and finally hiked at 7pm.
<br /><br />21 Jul: We skipped the morning walk and met David to hear about his extensive journey to Lea's ancestral areas. Cynthia decided to rest her feet since the new shoes should arrive before too long. Ron typed messages all afternoon and finally hiked late, returning after dark.
<br /><br />20 Jul: The morning heat was tough. We turned back before we reached the lake. By then, her feet were again hurting. David, one of the Lea YDNA participants, met us for dinner to discuss his research. Grandson Eric is in Guatemala on a mission assignment. 3.0 miles.
<br /><br />19 Jul: Ron is almost finished with the early MIT communications. We walked twice and enjoyed talking about skiing, fishing, and motorcycles with Mike. Cynthia again continued hiking morning and evening despite the painful blisters. 8.80 miles.
<br /><br />18 Jul: The internet has been sporadic, slowing Ron's progress on MIT correspondence. Cynthia has one month to wear the brace on her right hand; it will be removed slightly at a time. It is unlikely she will type much for a while. We received the sad news that MIT alum Carlton Sockwell suddenly passed away in April. He was Cynthia’s favorite of Ron’s MIT friends, an amazing, beloved math professor who continued to tutor students after retirement for thirty-five years. Cynthia continued hiking morning and evening despite the painful blisters on her feet. 8.5 miles <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw8thbv_BoQPAXzQ53GhBz4axkR1c5CdGWzY5tM3J0dF4R82d7wVXg4rRshP5nlUvC7AzyHjtLFN-YQDGJA66KVavDUE8aMTwHYVqDqHfTa-u3uYRVhym1a5Mx-Xlu1YszuFfuoEdsCn9tSVSUgiuMgXv6C2smG_Bc5D5GA7_dJqctBIrDuy6HnKMBWrQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7257268398645561874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw8thbv_BoQPAXzQ53GhBz4axkR1c5CdGWzY5tM3J0dF4R82d7wVXg4rRshP5nlUvC7AzyHjtLFN-YQDGJA66KVavDUE8aMTwHYVqDqHfTa-u3uYRVhym1a5Mx-Xlu1YszuFfuoEdsCn9tSVSUgiuMgXv6C2smG_Bc5D5GA7_dJqctBIrDuy6HnKMBWrQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday from Zoe, Jack & his parents</td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />17 Jul: It always pays to think ahead. For some reason, perhaps our cluttered minds, we posted Aug instead of Jul! We walked 5.3 miles in AM at 8:30 before it got too hot, but this aggravated Cynthia's feet and blisters. After dinner at Boss Hogg’s, Ron walked an additional 4.25 miles.
<br /><br />16 Jul, Sunday: The high point of the birthday month of July is the 16th, the big day. Sadly, during the evening walk, Cynthia's feet blistered in the new shoes. 9.30 miles
<br /><br />15 Jul: We have added the Bates Eye Exercises (click here) to our daily regimen for the past three months. We also started <a href="https://getsightcarefast.net/long/?aff_id=26&subid2=7623_sessid20230715202749648&subid=6382">SightCare</a> supplements in concert with the exercises. Watch the video, then read the reviews. Ron is definitely seeing improvement with astigmatism. Cynthia’s vision has not yet improved, but she will continue the supplements to keep macular degeneration at bay. We have no side effects. And one more interesting piece of advice: it is good to change shoes frequently. We wear Hokas until they are worn out. Cynthia’s shoes had spread and flattened out, so her feet hurt. In addition, she wears Turf-Toe steel plates (Amazon) under custom orthotics for a bunion. The steel plate slid to the opposite side, not under the big toe. Yes, her feet hurt. Today, she changed the orthotics and turf toe steel plates to new Hoka shoes discovering she shoulda changed to new shoes months ago. 7.80 miles
<br /><br />14 Jul: Ron is making positive contact with many MIT alumni. We decided to stay in Pagosa Springs until after Labor Day. We can get the James Lea book off our computers to the publisher during this August. 8.5 miles.
<br /><br />13 Jul: We exercised, oatmealed, and Ron worked on his MIT organization while Cynthia did stretches. We ate at Boss Hoggs, then walked to City Market. Our evening walk was uneventful. 5.83 miles
<br /><br />12 Jul: After watching QQQ in vain, Ron finally did his exercises and ate. Now we can go walking again when it is not as "too hot" as it will be later. Excitement builds as we approach the precise "Happy Birthday." Cynthia did exercises for tight IT Band and then fell asleep. Now, it is time for the second walk. We met Justin and Madison close to the last turn. 9.2 miles <br /><br />11 Jul: We walked again a little too late and too hot, but at least we walked. Cynthia met another family this evening because she was impressed that the woman rowed the boat forcefully onto the shore - but that meant that we arrived "home" after dark but still ahead of dark thirty. 8.9 miles <br /><br />10 Jul: The best part of our daily hikes is that we meet the loveliest people, like Ray and Twyla from St. Louis, MO, who are staying at their son's house, helping him remodel it for rental (since his plans to relocate to Pagosa fell through). Ray suffered a heart attack at age 48, so they didn't need convincing about healthy eating and fitness. They return to STL tomorrow, so we won't be able to enjoy their company again here & now. We wish them a safe journey. 9.0 miles today.
<br /><br />9 Jul, Sunday: Happy Birthday, Rachel! Our morning walk to the boat dock (4.5 miles) began after 11:00 AM, translating to being HOT. We visited with Jim's extended family and his charming 97-year-old mother. Ron is focused on MIT correspondence. The mosquitoes were out in abundance tonight 8.5 miles
<br /><br />8 Jul: What fun visiting with Linda and Greg G. (3 G), who live overlooking the lake close to the boat dock. After that visit, we remembered several more about meeting them on prior visits. 9.0 miles.<br /><br />7 Jul: Ron is on a roll, organizing a Burton Third MIT reunion for April 2024. Some of the more hilarious memories of dorm life: Students could not plug in appliances to cook in their rooms, so one clever guy used an iron to make toasted cheese sandwiches. The dorm rooms had single light bulb fixtures in the ceiling, so one duo shorted the electricity at the wall socket to turn off the electrical current and replaced the single bulb with a new ceiling fixture. Students invented "hall bowling" in 1963 by rolling a heavy metal gear the length of the hall, calling it a strike if the gear threw off sparks when it hit the radiator at the end of the hall. Oh, what fun! 9.0 miles.<br /><br />6 Jul: We almost rested, but not quite. MIT DTYD 2024 is barreling full-steam ahead. We walked at 7:30 P.M, but only 3.33 miles to the lake and back. Now we will sleepzzzzz. </span></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhImRpEXUldbGrX1NaH4T6IP6AccSvljTTRECfiXWTo6qjwq4rjfpA9YQKS4cFQ2IT-Q774Ez2YVL4BXC6-O2g04vFahW7b8ua54aNZQPE79VNIKtHHu6lEFHg9X4v1__UbL7jeFLz-FhnLLii7j3N2geTzJyqrzsCXrJDe7RwGXbD0YFN-lo9tcjb-Rik" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7252549759983832194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhImRpEXUldbGrX1NaH4T6IP6AccSvljTTRECfiXWTo6qjwq4rjfpA9YQKS4cFQ2IT-Q774Ez2YVL4BXC6-O2g04vFahW7b8ua54aNZQPE79VNIKtHHu6lEFHg9X4v1__UbL7jeFLz-FhnLLii7j3N2geTzJyqrzsCXrJDe7RwGXbD0YFN-lo9tcjb-Rik=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the boat dock</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br /><br />5 Jul: Ron stayed up too late working on an unofficial MIT reunion event for Patriot's Day 2024 and sent a blind-CC invitational E-mail to 90 alumni. Significant progress has been made. Have you guessed we are tired? 9.0 miles!
<br /><br />4 Jul: Independence Day and Happy Birthday to Don. 9.2 miles
<br /><br />3 Jul: We arose a bit late and started our morning walk at about 10:45, which means that we were hot by the time we returned, so we continued straight to Boss Hog's for luncheon baked potatoes & salmon, this time without the kidney beans and tomato that were the suspects in Ron's stomach upset yesterday. We were also late beginning our evening walk, about 7:30+, so we had a chance to return before dark until we met a lovely couple by the lake, Suellen and Doug (doing his exercises) and Hank the dog. 8.54 miles
<br /><br />2 Jul, Sunday: Our first walk was lovely and cool, and our lunch at Boss Hog's seemed fine although Ron felt uncomfortably full after one big salad and 1.6 baked potatoes. His overfull feeling didn't go away, and by 6pm had turned into acute stomach pain. During our second walk, he stopped at a "Johnny on the Spot" to reduce the load on his stomach and threw up three times. That relieved the stomach pain only briefly, and before falling asleep, he threw up another three times. Ron likely had food poisoning from the salad bar. Yuk. 8.80 miles.
<br /><br />1 Jul: Birthday month begins. Sixteen days until the apex of the month. Love and Smooch. On our evening walk, we met Stumpy, a six or eight-point buck with antlers still in velvet. 7.45 miles</span></div>Ron Beattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022932930903462088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-56624560561850699422023-06-01T11:07:00.084-04:002023-09-25T16:01:33.524-04:00June, Too Soon! Hasta La Vista Sedona<div><span style="font-size: large;">30 Jun: QQQ success this morning. It rose from the get-go to new highs, enabling Ron to sell at substantial profit. Pat was able to tear himself away from his truck and steering pump problem to join us for lunch at the Stone House. After we said our goodbyes, we rode off towards Ouray without much traffic to bother us. The day was warm and the scenery pleasant rolling hills and ranchlands. Ron is quite puzzled by his recent lack of confidence in turns. It is embarassing for a motorcyclist to be slower on mountain roads than cars. The snow-covered peaks at the tops of the passes were worth the ride, and traffic remained unnoticeable. A good day was had by all the survivors. We arrived at the West End Lodge in Pagosa Springs and were greeted by our familiar friends here. They had even put our packages into "our" room and provided a flower vase. Apparently we are more memorable than I thought. On our evening walk to the lake, we noticed smoke from a forest fire much too close to agosa Springs. Firefighters shopping at City Market explained to Ron that this was one of two fires, each covering about 200 acres. 3.9 miles<br /><br />29 Jun: To be continued after packing & riding. The ride from Grand Junction to Montrose was short and sweet and early enough to be comfortable, although the scenery was unremarkable. Again the Quality Inn said we'd have to wait for our room, and again we rode over to the Stone House for luncheon salads. Cynthia found a pedicurist and Ron visited with Pat for the afternoon until dinner time at Denny's. We were shocked and disappointed to learn that the waitress lied to us. The person delivering the food said the cook had used as little oil as possible, and our omelets looked quite oily. Never again will we order at Denny's without first asking if they have cooking spray in the kitchen. 2.06 miles <br /><br />28 Jun: The ride from Steamboat to Craig on US 40 was pleasant, but without snow-covered mountain scenery, just large expanses of open grasslands and hills. The ride south from Craig to Rifle on Colorado 13 became hot although the roadside scenery was delicious yellow brown grasslands - actually dying from excessive heat and little moisture. The remaining miles from Rifle to Grand Junction through that winding canyon was terrific scenery since I-70 follows the Colorado River. 1.85 miles<br /><br />27 Jun: We had the most spectacular view of snow covered mountain peaks from our Rodeway Inn hotel this morning. We expected more similar views as we rode, but none matched the magnificence we saw in Leadville. The wind started out disturbingly strong from Leadville on Colorado Route 91 north to Interstate 70, but I-70 is a disaster since it is badly rutted and potholed. Add the wind and the traffic and we were happy to get off I-70 nine miles later to take Colorado Route 9 north toward Kremmling - - - until the wind grew in intensity again and again and the ride became a tedious battle with the unrelenting wind. One has to continually remind oneself that there have been no recent reports of motorcyclists blown off the road by the winds in Colorado. The thought of those winds above tree line caused us to abandon our intended route over Trail Ridge Road crossing Rocky Mountain National Park at 10,000+ feet. Instead, we headed west on US 40 to Steamboat Springs, again with strong wind gusts broadsides several times, but once we cleared Rabbit Ears Pass, the winds diminished significantly so that the last 15 miles was actually pleasant. After booking ourselves in to the Quality Inn, we ate at Seeds, a new, healthy choices restaurant there. Delicious. Being way too full afterwards, we walked and sat by the Yampa River, watching rafters and several young boys who were surfing in a standing wave on the snow-melt swollen river. 2.03 miles <br /></span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyf9rTELSmtO3vcWbyjVz1khx6W6QuIMUyoJ_8xmCWQB0c5s7R7IrAS54tS9qsTDgVysS91Y22tQ9YL2OE5wsLsygNzyWIIsgNojWvA07vwK1JfLJXMK5-N8Nmyu_sb82hGYYGqRBdKto6k4Ho4oYX7OHkDg5DAAptdMEWPCk1CxR_k2KA6HCrLO7LPL8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7249203200175173426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyf9rTELSmtO3vcWbyjVz1khx6W6QuIMUyoJ_8xmCWQB0c5s7R7IrAS54tS9qsTDgVysS91Y22tQ9YL2OE5wsLsygNzyWIIsgNojWvA07vwK1JfLJXMK5-N8Nmyu_sb82hGYYGqRBdKto6k4Ho4oYX7OHkDg5DAAptdMEWPCk1CxR_k2KA6HCrLO7LPL8=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia foreground, snow behind<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwnjwmCHg4hBBZuujHr1GJJkhM4GnRvTxqMn2Tz7bE-4C2gleCxKlYgI4AiiZm_6TDjKmMLMX25uI9ydBuTcDWf1pN_ViaQ-Kw-u0imzDqEKl1Oy8yimrGj08JnE5pbHt0OHFf5IfdA1KgC2VyQplf2wceS_Wau3v9rOrw_T5gmP3C5qCJZ55KhVyVRRA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7249203022533797234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwnjwmCHg4hBBZuujHr1GJJkhM4GnRvTxqMn2Tz7bE-4C2gleCxKlYgI4AiiZm_6TDjKmMLMX25uI9ydBuTcDWf1pN_ViaQ-Kw-u0imzDqEKl1Oy8yimrGj08JnE5pbHt0OHFf5IfdA1KgC2VyQplf2wceS_Wau3v9rOrw_T5gmP3C5qCJZ55KhVyVRRA=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron, Cynthia, Helen and Doug in Aspen</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">26 Jun: We got on the road "early" at 10:20 AM in order to ride from Montrose to Aspen, a three-hour ride to join Helen and Doug for lunch at the White House Tavern. We should have picked a quieter place. After lunch, we rode another two hours over Independence Pass to Leadville, CO. Our route: US 550 N mi towards Delta to a R on D Rd -> 1900 Rd to R on F Rd to L on 2000 Rd to R on G Rd to L on 2050 Rd to R on H Rd to L on 2075 Rd to R on Colo 92 to L on Colo 133 to R on CO 82 into Aspen and over Independence Pass @ 12,095 feet to a L on US 24 into Leadville. It is 115 degrees in Texas, and we were in snow as shown in photo. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">25 Jun: Montrose, CO, Ron spent the day with Pat A. working on his truck after dropping Cynthia off at Zion Lutheran Church to worship. She walked the two miles back to the hotel, stopping at Denny’s for lunch. After Ron and Pat finally found all the bolts holding the steering pump and the reservoir in place, we all gathered at Denny's for a goodbye dinner.<br /><br />24 Jun: Ron decided The River’s Edge to be his favorite place to stay in Ouray because the owner walked across America a couple years ago. We were packed and on the road early, arriving in Montrose, CO at 11:30 AM, unable to check in early. That was fine, we love eating at the Stone House. Our grilled salmon salad was delicious. They had a fantastic lemon sorbet for dessert. Ron was happy to get half of Cynthia’s.
<br /><br />23 Jun: Worn out, we slept late, Ron researched the markets, and we walked the River Trail. 4.0 Miles The name of the river means “Dirty Water.”
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFDuMPANnEI9j7TzsU_1L5LZu-JQb7YXBEBYF0TAIQeCE6VGrT0waUVoPlB_z6Gz9JGjztKNNXrFI4xhjRyBTkF-JvDArjbmsrElDmqMAxwn7R0pMckCSrcqfvJ5ufXkBDVY_vTABVJ19pvFF83aivLAvxwd0cf2ppKn6QrbsfUUgUerYZ3ZrhgM32Ju8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7247699275428547634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFDuMPANnEI9j7TzsU_1L5LZu-JQb7YXBEBYF0TAIQeCE6VGrT0waUVoPlB_z6Gz9JGjztKNNXrFI4xhjRyBTkF-JvDArjbmsrElDmqMAxwn7R0pMckCSrcqfvJ5ufXkBDVY_vTABVJ19pvFF83aivLAvxwd0cf2ppKn6QrbsfUUgUerYZ3ZrhgM32Ju8=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncompahgre River is raging today</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGNio7kxG6OQeCuJkMKGZnjEbRBKy-KGG_r0_3cg6-ZdyLvI2WZLO4FGxHMTpjEYUJjsC5UpnKJJUewGBpg1g07l5APzzAO-cRrxJKbGTQJuhahmVyU6rGypClYJhtL3bAxfgpl7vwWlfG2x-uzUvZfbV6r5xf1RkPpDWjermv7P-Qvnn3yykqBcHAAr4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7247699123768330258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGNio7kxG6OQeCuJkMKGZnjEbRBKy-KGG_r0_3cg6-ZdyLvI2WZLO4FGxHMTpjEYUJjsC5UpnKJJUewGBpg1g07l5APzzAO-cRrxJKbGTQJuhahmVyU6rGypClYJhtL3bAxfgpl7vwWlfG2x-uzUvZfbV6r5xf1RkPpDWjermv7P-Qvnn3yykqBcHAAr4=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is snow high in the Rockies</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>22 Jun: Ouray today, a cabin next to a river. </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">Durango to Ouray, CO is always a breathtaking ride. Today, it was more so, the air was crisp, and the leaves on the trees fresh and new, with magnificent snow-capped mountains on three sides. It seemed like spring at Nola’s Summit Pass. Arriving in Ouray, we quickly shed our jackets to walk about searching for food. Only one restaurant has food we eat, and they don’t open until five. We settled for splitting a very large house salad and an English muffin before locating our lodging. Ron remembered it was on the Umcompaghre River, but it wasn’t the hotel he thought it was. That’s ok. The Rivers Edge is better. </span><span>We walked the River Trail 4.0 Miles. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">21 Jun: We hiked six miles on the <a href="https://www.durango.org/places/trail-systems/horse-gulch/">Horse Gulch Trail</a>. The trail was very dry, loose, soil causing Cynthia to slip twice and fall on her tush; Ron slid once, except he stayed upright. We ate sandwiches using sour dough bread from Jean-Pierre’s Bakery, and spinach and kale because we did not want to buy more food. Ron said he brought the wine (water). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">20 Jun: Cynthia’s hand Dr appointment was good news and bad news. The good news is her hand is healing, no surgery is needed, but she must wear the hand brace two more months. The bad news is her left thumb is dislocated due to arthritis, and it needs reconstruction similar to a knee or hip replacement. The Dr. gave her a cortisone shot in the thumb, plus a comfort brace. We enjoyed lunch at Jean-Pierre’s French restaurant. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">19 Jun: Ride to Durango, CO, lunch at Abiquiu Cafe is lovely </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">18 Jun: Happy Father’s Day! Today, we pack! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">17 Jun: Our wifi has been down. Cynthia walked to the plaza and found it too crowded to walk! We enjoyed a lovely dinner with Mark and Vangie. <br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">16 Jun: will be here too soon. No wifi. We rode to Walgreens to pick up a RX.</span><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiucdAmcJHlj1vNuNGipdRLTtp9JhYpe9IpzdU6Spete-NjB603TUdyKDU-1l1aWsgEkstnVyocwZNgt0pf-1NPhxPJmZpnTmmVS73tTYnVgTbQbBArz405xC41pKuZOGyqa-r3cgumH31UODnBdky9KPephJoP0jSTyzzsmYAXT4E2rETM75nlnPRV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7245128058816656066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiucdAmcJHlj1vNuNGipdRLTtp9JhYpe9IpzdU6Spete-NjB603TUdyKDU-1l1aWsgEkstnVyocwZNgt0pf-1NPhxPJmZpnTmmVS73tTYnVgTbQbBArz405xC41pKuZOGyqa-r3cgumH31UODnBdky9KPephJoP0jSTyzzsmYAXT4E2rETM75nlnPRV=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alto Street is narrow here<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrC0A_P-xNEZIkXRBG64CTcJP0dHejD9qE7nYhON4xxds5dTElJzwEqjQhbB_dEFkA8-H0eAcga6VT0z81up5clxeZ3WDAFa-D0L19o9V1BYUFAhbiMH-PEeipGJN9HHiHckgSVefnHN5UeSiMUTa7emdLW5oZRUSsY_CNQ9gcbqL-OS0p2rPyIz_R" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7245128212743273042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrC0A_P-xNEZIkXRBG64CTcJP0dHejD9qE7nYhON4xxds5dTElJzwEqjQhbB_dEFkA8-H0eAcga6VT0z81up5clxeZ3WDAFa-D0L19o9V1BYUFAhbiMH-PEeipGJN9HHiHckgSVefnHN5UeSiMUTa7emdLW5oZRUSsY_CNQ9gcbqL-OS0p2rPyIz_R=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">408 Arroyo Tenorio</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcOKmML-QBYWMUPaKcfd5gvkGWJEp_BT5NAWigHdnRrDHg8oKB0QycG9Mh1LD2wyJgM3H3S58B9vFB1WhJvXXVgA3waDeEQ-H3coLRu_xA73y6AxZqEk3Ew7q1z4eYiQ-EgdPuLkwLRGTQ_D6UXYSmIeR0xcprqwo1z76-TIaD8hYP6YewZAh_Qii6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7245127846415957586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcOKmML-QBYWMUPaKcfd5gvkGWJEp_BT5NAWigHdnRrDHg8oKB0QycG9Mh1LD2wyJgM3H3S58B9vFB1WhJvXXVgA3waDeEQ-H3coLRu_xA73y6AxZqEk3Ew7q1z4eYiQ-EgdPuLkwLRGTQ_D6UXYSmIeR0xcprqwo1z76-TIaD8hYP6YewZAh_Qii6=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Fe Supreme Court Building</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">15 Jun: Ron intended to blog, but spent the morning watching QQQ climb and climb and climb now that I need it to go down. We walked to the Administrative Office of the Courts following the path Ron used to take to work, toured the Capitol, walked to the plaza and saw where Swansons Ice Cream used to be. They went out of business when Ron moved. And we walked to 408 Arroyo Tenorio, his second house in Santa Fe. 4.5 miles
<br /><br />14 Jun: and another day. Let’s take a hike! So we did that with John B. on the Ponderosa Trail in Bandelier National Monument. Ron and John hiked down a trillion switchbacks into the canyon and across the creek while Cynthia stayed on the trail atop the canyon. We had a great dinner with Nina, John, and Linda at Vinaigrette, despite arriving late in our hiking clothes!!!
<br /><br />13 Jun: Here we are in Santa Fe with no idea what we might want to do with ourselves on a nice day - and we have yet to come up with any ideas. Ron should have gone shopping for popcorn and pretzels. We enjoyed a pleasant visit with Michael and Claire at Vinaigrette from 5 pm until 7 pm. They are as delightful as ever.<br /><br />12 Jun: Ron had a wonderfully lovely visit with Lupe until Cynthia called at 3 pm to say she saw road signs for St. Francis Drive. Cynthia’s flight to ABQ was delayed while United found another aircraft, but she still caught the shuttle to Santa Fe and arrived early for her reunion with Smooch. We were excited.!! and are pleased to discover that we still love each other after an entire week apart. We returned to the apartment and allowed Cynthia to catch up on her sleep. (She awakened at 3 am two mornings in a row.)</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinHL2pGrtRogpQ4WR0qstewzYtqXK83mHI7oM1KpG8zqV_Tgh7_sfNxtpFjshlZ4ZOkcuVHClUxx5-3dMYpf1eQ4tXNukEHwMBGxiboQqo5ANlVcVjQCv_a4tTAqPzSE1HU_ztJdfBSsBRIMjC-GT6z4fUze_73Td7Tm8e6cyrn56czIvbTiMcCCFV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7243736565425102018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinHL2pGrtRogpQ4WR0qstewzYtqXK83mHI7oM1KpG8zqV_Tgh7_sfNxtpFjshlZ4ZOkcuVHClUxx5-3dMYpf1eQ4tXNukEHwMBGxiboQqo5ANlVcVjQCv_a4tTAqPzSE1HU_ztJdfBSsBRIMjC-GT6z4fUze_73Td7Tm8e6cyrn56czIvbTiMcCCFV=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack and Zoe seated behind roses<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHOKts-73zg3suFneuZMgsqQHUSGHecYzHAkIZLmsQq0fBv4PAjZsSjprqEZk_3v0oycqaVhmRl3xfCUt8RnGCQkVCFNM1sY7088XphsJSDjY9T1jIdg-AwzCFXKIg2gI7DKUAVFW-dv21Xzm0qffzr70-vp8kUxpay1h2ZQD6lR6CuM8SFq3ko15I" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7243793491296969698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHOKts-73zg3suFneuZMgsqQHUSGHecYzHAkIZLmsQq0fBv4PAjZsSjprqEZk_3v0oycqaVhmRl3xfCUt8RnGCQkVCFNM1sY7088XphsJSDjY9T1jIdg-AwzCFXKIg2gI7DKUAVFW-dv21Xzm0qffzr70-vp8kUxpay1h2ZQD6lR6CuM8SFq3ko15I=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">girlfriend, Jack, Robin, Alexander, Cynthia, <br />Hamilton and Jon<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfaFN4CSUgb61FZYOpHKVwwTVuoc3NM-U0shTYkbbz5OBS3irMVXF3I8WuUE1NeE6aW5t3RFSCWf2DMTBQf0jFC1w5hisfPOyDtboxfki8DRJ8tQXDlPE2kZeA5waZYUKRLskdDIrKZJDmpNlIH3tZQFrqqlbxs4W2WQXFNGfGJMy0NVZ5TIrqQA9c" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7243734987742524578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfaFN4CSUgb61FZYOpHKVwwTVuoc3NM-U0shTYkbbz5OBS3irMVXF3I8WuUE1NeE6aW5t3RFSCWf2DMTBQf0jFC1w5hisfPOyDtboxfki8DRJ8tQXDlPE2kZeA5waZYUKRLskdDIrKZJDmpNlIH3tZQFrqqlbxs4W2WQXFNGfGJMy0NVZ5TIrqQA9c=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin, Alexander and Cynthia</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">
<br /><br />11 Jun, Sunday: Cynthia thoroughly enjoyed visiting niece Robin and her sons, Alexander and Hamilton, at the Wedding Brunch. Ron could not find friends to visit in Santa Fe today; bummer. He idled all day, including waiting at Mark's house for a couple of hours doing his eye exercises and calling Paul about QQQ. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5K8ue8ndMZhCBofcwJzPOaFTed8uqgrWrrule5cyNpSZrdl5LQQ-ps8uD2uvSk7V2Sd9FX2zKC0BNpbEmuAlMCTJhGLl2dcST_Bun3HO2CmTcZJwRQ4YLz__RM9f37IIwxBY4peSy1keMNX38uz2Sk2GG6ljEujRDF3auhFzGwPvzueIzlkcbdMy1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7243793108660727378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5K8ue8ndMZhCBofcwJzPOaFTed8uqgrWrrule5cyNpSZrdl5LQQ-ps8uD2uvSk7V2Sd9FX2zKC0BNpbEmuAlMCTJhGLl2dcST_Bun3HO2CmTcZJwRQ4YLz__RM9f37IIwxBY4peSy1keMNX38uz2Sk2GG6ljEujRDF3auhFzGwPvzueIzlkcbdMy1=s320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwsAUOi6VoIM_bTsqE4c0VMVq_F18g9fr9CA-dad5MQivrWuHnHoPsizC5bhZzK-i4rgopthLAf5-NnScfXD7eyylqX8EvVMEWENHTiCoo5kh2-65GUK39wWp64cMX1OFRflRy1Y0KqQebE7Nn1J65mtiEuVYD2CeDQDV-RbEbQINDOBeRpnvuGKnJ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7244027388654788594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwsAUOi6VoIM_bTsqE4c0VMVq_F18g9fr9CA-dad5MQivrWuHnHoPsizC5bhZzK-i4rgopthLAf5-NnScfXD7eyylqX8EvVMEWENHTiCoo5kh2-65GUK39wWp64cMX1OFRflRy1Y0KqQebE7Nn1J65mtiEuVYD2CeDQDV-RbEbQINDOBeRpnvuGKnJ=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandmother Cynthia is the shortest</td></tr></tbody></table>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">10 Jun: Granddaughter Zoe and Jack’s wedding in Round Top, Texas, was a lovely affair held under a huge oak tree, which shaded and cooled the magnificent event. The bride was beautiful, and the bride's grandmother was also beautiful. Cynthia stayed overnight in a lovely hotel in Round Top. In Santa Fe, Ron and John got an early start at 9 am for an industrious hike at the Santa Fe ski basin up the Windsor Trail to the Wilderness boundary fence, then up along the fenceline to 11,500 feet elevation in the snowfields. We met Sylvia, a delightfully enthusiastic young woman hiking solo up there who claimed to be 70 years old, rehabbing after a successful knee operation. The hike went up and up and up, and the views expanded with each up. We returned just in time to clean up for Peter's dinner party, full of interesting people, as can be expected in Santa Fe. Ron seldom remembers names but did particularly enjoy conversation with Steve. Cynthia stayed up past midnight getting her new iPad copesetic.
<br /><br />9 Jun: Cynthia packed and shipped Ron’s shoes and stuff to Colorado, plus she is getting a pedicure. Cynthia's iPad fell on the floor, cracked, and refused to connect to WiFi or Verizon. Long story. She could not make a phone call. Or text. Ron spent the afternoon with Janie and went to dinner with Janie and Roxanne.
<br /><br />8 Jun: Ron had a successful day with QQQ, then he visited Tony at nine AM, ran to a hot luncheon with Maria Tortilla at 11:30 at Vinaigrette, and joined John for a short (5 mile) hike at 3 PM. The hike was down and down and down, crossed the stream, equal parts up and down to cross the stream again, then up and up and up to the starting point, the Borrego Trail above Hyde Park. The stream flowed vigorously, and several smaller trickles wound down the watershed.
<br /><br />7 Jun: Cynthia again had a doctor's appointment. She got an A+ for perfect weight and terrific labs. Linda laundered Ron’s clothes, and Ron could hang them all over the apartment to dry. Ron called Janie S. for lunch at Harry's Roadhouse (no longer owned by Harry; he gave it to some of his employees). We walked in the arroyo in the evening with Janie's two cats, so Ron learned all the new cat calls.
<br /><br />6 Jun: Dr. Appts. Cynthia received an A+ on her mammogram. Her hand is healing; she has two and a half months to wear the brace! Ron started late morning and rode the old Highway 14 (the Turquoise Trail) through Madrid to Santa Fe. This route is a calm and pleasant way to get to Santa Fe instead of the busy interstate highways.
<br /><br />5 Jun: Cynthia has a flight to Texas. Charlie convinced Ron to stay a day before riding to Santa Fe. Charlie and Ron walked three miles on walking paths around his neighborhood. Very lovely with the mountain views, so close.
<br /><br />4 Jun: We rode on I-40 to I-25 south to Gibson Road and Yale Avenue to the Albuquerque Airport Comfort Inn (not recommended). We arrived at the hotel early to find rooms unavailable and no reservation. Evidently, the website needed one more click to actually reserve the room. After unloading bags, we walked the half mile to Dennys for egg white omelets. It is warm in ABQ! Dinner with Sam and Charlie was delightful. Sam prepared salmon and asparagus, yum.
<br /><br />3 Jun: How fun to make a new friend from Washinton State riding a nice Suzuki V-Strom. Ron chose the wrong lane and got on I-40, but we turned around and took the exit south on New Mexico Highway 602 to Highway 53 East. The Zuni reservation surprised us by being so green as we turned south into the turquoise Valley. Every house had many vehicles, but gas stations were scarce once we detoured west on 53 to Zuni, NM. We thoroughly enjoyed hiking two miles in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/elmo/planyourvisit/hiking.htm" target="_blank">El Morro Monument with a steep climb to a very exposed, narrow ridge walk (click here)</a>. Amazing hike. Exhausted, we arrived at Sky City Casino and Hotel lodging near Acoma.
<br /><br />2 Jun: We rode on the Indian Highways through Indian lands to the Comfort Inn in Gallup, New Mexico, beginning first on US 89 N 3 miles, R on the Townsend-Winona Road 8 miles until the left turn towards Leupp, then continuing on Indian Highway 15. And we skirted rain hither, thither, and yon as we wound around through the volcanic landscape in the arid Southwest. We rained on a couple of times but kept going anyway. I had forgotten that the Indians don't believe in road signs, so we saw one or two Indian Highway 15 signs as we started, but no indication of which way to turn at the first T intersection (left) and no notice that Highway 15 was a right turn three miles later. Ron was sure he was going the right way, but the only signage read "Do not pass" and "Pass with Care." We even rode through Greasewood without knowing that there was a town there. Coming upon a familiar Chevron station at the intersection with AZ Highway 191 was quite a relief. We followed 191 south towards dark rain clouds and ducked into the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/hutr/index.htm" target="_blank">Hubbell Trading Post museum</a> at Ganado to avoid a shower. (We have stopped there before.) The museum is a delight to tour, and we watched a Navajo woman meticulously weaving a rug. After passing through Tec Nos Pas, we turned south on US 491 to Gallup.
<br /><br />1 Jun: Flagstaff, AZ: Just as the merry month of May was at its merriest, here we are in another month and another town. Flagstaff is much more relaxed; Cynthia wore a jacket to breakfast. We rode 18 miles to the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm" target="_blank">Sunset Crater National Monument (click here)</a> and thoroughly enjoyed the Visitor's Center and a good long hike around the Lava fields. This volcano is unique because Indians lived in the vicinity as the volcano started warning of the impending eruption. They moved several miles away, taking all their "valuable" possessions, including roof beams !! We were rained upon getting there, leaving, and one other time today. The arid Southwest in action. We rode 20 miles north to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wupa/index.htm" target="_blank">Wupatki (click here)</a>, where the Indians built an impressive pueblo that has been significantly restored. We enjoyed another mile-long walk through the pueblo, although the sun was quickly too hot whenever it peaked through the clouds.</span><p></p></div></div></span></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-18669891055765922742023-05-01T00:16:00.137-04:002023-07-30T20:53:48.368-04:00Hurray, hurray for the 1st of May in Sedona<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbouFz6wnFWM9_q2cc0aJ7OwmWqOmfRqsQhbm3ip0enQOfZtt34jTT0EfqC6O1nIhwBQvChod2GeoXYhDTPo5D9_RGV_78ScvnHgiaRRT6L6CY6LAM4Wxusiv7nbaIQbHqSZkS1wqfhW00ut07TnMAFhSg4YH1216gifZgZnaXfDtecHgY5VuC7nC-" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7231757288879164466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbouFz6wnFWM9_q2cc0aJ7OwmWqOmfRqsQhbm3ip0enQOfZtt34jTT0EfqC6O1nIhwBQvChod2GeoXYhDTPo5D9_RGV_78ScvnHgiaRRT6L6CY6LAM4Wxusiv7nbaIQbHqSZkS1wqfhW00ut07TnMAFhSg4YH1216gifZgZnaXfDtecHgY5VuC7nC-=s320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>31 May: As we leave the merry month of May, we also ride away from beautiful Sedona to Flagstaff. The astounding part is that Ron's packing was completed earlier than ususal and we finished housecleaning only an hour past our check out time. (Ron has learned that the housekeepers are delighted to discover him still cleaning when they arrive.) The ride north to Flagstaff was scenic and uneventful unless you consider that there was little to no traffic to slow us down.</span><span> As we rode up the switchbacks onto the Mogollon rim, we encountered a surprisingly chill wind. Then again, Flagstaff is at 6900 feet elevation. Route: 89-A N to I-17 N to I-40 E to exit 198, R on Butler Ave .7mi, L on 4th Street .7mi, R on Industrial Blvd .6mi, L on Steve's Road, R to Best Western Pony Soldier.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Happiness isn't something that depends on our surroundings ... It's something we make inside ourselves." </span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Corrie ten Boom </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">30 May: This will be an early to hike day, then filled with packing and recycling until dinner at Linda and Dale’s at 5 PM. With luck everything will be packed and ready to roll first thing in the morning - don't we wish. 4.0 Miles</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">29 May: Memorial Day, so no QQQ. We hiked at 10:30 and enjoyed watching a backhoe digging loose rock from the entrance to the irrigation canal. Cynthia took a video to delight the younger generation. At 4:15 we rode south to dinner at Cucina Rustica with pastors David and Gwen B. Our waiter was quite a character, with a strong accent that was hard to understand. This time they got the message no oil, no butter, no fat, no cheese and delivered immediately with no backtalk. 3.0 miles</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">28 May, Sunday: Worship at Christ Lutheran was wonderful. The sermon highlighted the need for being feathers on the breath of God, a need for good leadership and communication to overcome division in our troubled times. We stand united with a constitution like no other country. Being in the presence of America’s beauty, its red rocks and rills, is a gift. Cythia became teary-eyed while singing the national anthem in church. After breakfast at Cafe Jose, Ron rode to Cottonwood for frozen mango and pretzels. Cynthia is almost packed. Ron hasn't started packing yet. 3.9 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">27 May: We hiked a short one early because Cynthia has a nail appt at one. Cynthia's goal is to pack her saddlebag. On our evening hike, we met a delightful foursome from Santa Fe at the overlook after our mandatory hill climb! We enjoyed visiting so much that we failed to notice the encroaching darkness, so we boogied off down the hill via the access road past Cresent Moon Ranch house. 3.02 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">26 May: Two hikes, it was such fun meeting Brad and Natasha from Duluth, MN, and how fun to see Gretchen with little Gitsy in the park. 6.5 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">25 May: Ron strapped the big box of Cynthia's clothing, etc to the back of the bike and mailed it back to Texas. We hiked twice, and our backs have survived too much bending over to move rocks to help clear the trail. It took us this many hikes to decide which path is a trail that leads to Buddha Beach and on to the old water-powered pump. 5.10 miles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">24 May: We leave for ABQ a week from today. LIFE IS GOOD! Thank God! Thank God! Two hours hiking, moving rock, and clearing trees from the flood damaged trail left us exhausted. Progress is being made. The evening walk was also satisfying. 5.25 miles, 13,868 steps </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">23 May: Exercised, oatmealed, and QQQ’d, we were hiking by 8:30 AM for three miles before returning to more of the crazy market returns. Ron rode to Cottonwood for groceries for the "last time." Cynthia started packing. We went out for a second hike at 6:30, but that is only an hour and a half before darkness threatens. Five miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">22 May: We tried to hike early, but that turned into 10:45 AM when the sun is already too intense; so we opted for forty-five minutes with a second hike at 6:30 PM when it was cooler and pleasant. We met Angela again, this time with her husband Ryan and two cute, cute little ones, Finn and Johanna. 4.7 miles</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3c6qJW4HzBK1rPgykSrkNfBEGffxS2UJ41i_LjEp2RUZqT_eX-KHDwqEXn3ugksbu2KWvgUZQwwAaaZS3zXQOl21erozThKf_mzEXYsSqPpvDYuvtlmKUH8kk5lgU1yARIVc0sLy3K2zot0wR3COUKL0_ME1NF7QCqonSkcIKC_GCVjdNesdMpwjZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7236082449164028898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3c6qJW4HzBK1rPgykSrkNfBEGffxS2UJ41i_LjEp2RUZqT_eX-KHDwqEXn3ugksbu2KWvgUZQwwAaaZS3zXQOl21erozThKf_mzEXYsSqPpvDYuvtlmKUH8kk5lgU1yARIVc0sLy3K2zot0wR3COUKL0_ME1NF7QCqonSkcIKC_GCVjdNesdMpwjZ=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another lovely day in Sedona</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">21 May, Sunday: Oh, oh! Oh, no! Our friends at church gave Ron a two-sided, complicated puzzle. We enjoyed breakfast at Cafe Jose, and Cynthia fell asleep while Ron now puzzles away. It is 85 degrees warm today, very hot degrees outside, and it is steamy hot indoors. Ron was able to spend almost the entire day on the puzzle. We walked only 3 miles in the cool of the evening.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">20 May: Our one day to sleep in, now that QQQ obsession has gripped Ron. We did sleep in until nearly 9 AM. Whoopee !! Then we exercised, ate, and went for a quick walk through the park, past the pump, and up the hill. We met the nicest person, Angela, writing at the picnic table chained to a tree that had kept it from being washed downstream in the flooding. After exchanging life histories, we proceeded up the hill to find that the temperature had gotten too warm to continue before evening, so we returned by the upper route across the meadows. We went for a second walk this evening after it cooled off and helped some folks from Napa Valley find the vortex. 5.0 Miles</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSfet2Sv0jBpH8mDmJV2Vs_DqpBFokYsu9V_PhMpD_Cm8KsRDz5Gj624H3xxRrf4DQATYw-JgDViAdu6engkyYbkJy9Feo3ow857xuvNl1UQTTaxoehnHdWdXSWvuHvvaMEWLoTAJAm15-t9SrEP56Rhf7MwfqjaldvIzUkd36sCHQIwWWFtZ3ctj6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7236081535894646642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSfet2Sv0jBpH8mDmJV2Vs_DqpBFokYsu9V_PhMpD_Cm8KsRDz5Gj624H3xxRrf4DQATYw-JgDViAdu6engkyYbkJy9Feo3ow857xuvNl1UQTTaxoehnHdWdXSWvuHvvaMEWLoTAJAm15-t9SrEP56Rhf7MwfqjaldvIzUkd36sCHQIwWWFtZ3ctj6=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back after all these years of wedded bliss.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">19 May: Tomorrow, Ron will get Tori's photo aligned with the text below. First QQQ, exercises, oatmeal, and a ride to Elite for Cynthia's hair. Cynthia walked to Cafe Jose to get steps on her Apple Watch. Then instead of breakfast at Cafe Jose, as planned, we rode home to avoid the approaching thunderstorm. We listened to thunder for a couple of hours - but no rain. Had we known, we would have eaten omelets. Ron is patiently waiting for QQQ to go down again, a certainty now that the debt limit talks have stalled and the Fed is threatening another interest rate rise. Over the weekend, he will work on James Lea instead; now, his focus is on the great-grandchildren of James Lea of Cobbs Creek. The lightest drizzle of rain commenced about 4 PM and continued until midnight without leaving much wetness anywhere.</span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSmD2ppp56mMjzGARDl9gzNGUAhlx39vsbVlAiZJaNQ1JcwpoblgK1ow4xquqHBNF0VHn3iZEjr9YwJvGxiU6hi-IHi_UUEIiNw0GXAmgmFr4eQO11jVOrmd8zDlXSR2ahxg5U6MS1BEZ0qbJaevwJNec1fO5FqAdlN4qin3H6yrNUFQ7SgLiE5h5O" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7234672054590372738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSmD2ppp56mMjzGARDl9gzNGUAhlx39vsbVlAiZJaNQ1JcwpoblgK1ow4xquqHBNF0VHn3iZEjr9YwJvGxiU6hi-IHi_UUEIiNw0GXAmgmFr4eQO11jVOrmd8zDlXSR2ahxg5U6MS1BEZ0qbJaevwJNec1fO5FqAdlN4qin3H6yrNUFQ7SgLiE5h5O=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tori on the Path to Willingness</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>18 May: And the rains came, fortunately after we finished our walk and had met Tori</span><span> </span><span>on the Ridge Trail</span><span>, a painter, and musician (The Path to Willingness). Cynthia wanted to capture her sweet persona as we said goodbye. Tori was framed against the deep red rocks, and Cynthia captured the image, but unfortunately, the light did not fall on her sweet face. Thank you, Tori! We got an earlier start than usual and were able to hike up the hill and up the Ridge Trail to the Sketch Trail, which we soon decided was too challenging for us just now. It rained lightly for the rest of the day without amounting to much. 6.17 miles </span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjslANGhyc27WNhWNDoqL_hnlCeHjxmE_KwDhOs8pydoYR2wjq6vhOWU01dbQP44l2R6jZPqMMwZPHf8UyICklPmSmN-YgYWaqtNM56KjE2bwXiTZzJSw5X7Ia1VZqB6p3-zFbbGX7aQJOsQCqZXsdzWqNRlBevxUSaDRdNz10TtZLO-hnzAggs52Es" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7236111960876447890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjslANGhyc27WNhWNDoqL_hnlCeHjxmE_KwDhOs8pydoYR2wjq6vhOWU01dbQP44l2R6jZPqMMwZPHf8UyICklPmSmN-YgYWaqtNM56KjE2bwXiTZzJSw5X7Ia1VZqB6p3-zFbbGX7aQJOsQCqZXsdzWqNRlBevxUSaDRdNz10TtZLO-hnzAggs52Es=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tivoli Fest-ivities #2</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">
17 May: We have dinner this evening with Nellie & Lisa, cousins of Deb, an Iowa friend who sent Danish party favors from the <a href="https://www.danishwindmill.com" target="_blank">Elkhorn Danish Windmill (click here)</a>. Both girls were wonderfully sweet, and Nellie's Eddie was also a nice man. We all enjoyed a couple of hours of reminiscing "Tivoli Fest" (even though Ron and Eddie were about 60 years out of the loop).<p><span style="font-size: large;">16 May: Rain is forecast again today, but only at 30%. We need to hike, but the temperature is 85 degrees Hot. Ron rode to Cottonwood for groceries, and we hiked 3.39 miles at 6:00 PM when it cooled down. After we hiked through the fields and up to the road, we met a mom and her two UT grad student daughters who wanted to swim in Oak Creek, so we led them down the hill to a wide spot in the creek where they could swim. <span style="font-size: large;">
<br /><br />15 May: Another day on pins and needles, wondering if QQQ would go up or down, and eventually, it did move far enough up for Ron to sell his calls at a profit. Our new efforts to improve our vision require us to exercise our eyes for an hour daily. As he does those exercises, Ron often falls asleep mid-exercise. We tried a late hike when it cooled off, but the rain forecast was actually correct, and we got wet while putting on our plastic rain ponchos! One little mile!
<br /><br />14 May, Sunday: HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! After a beautiful Lutheran church service and visit with friends, we enjoyed a good breakfast at Cafe Jose and rested our overfull stomachs all afternoon. After a short nap, we awoke to dark skies threatening rain. Ron spent the second day on the puzzle given to him by Dale and Linda for his birthday.<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ1p5x0zhOY8XR9by7Rcr-RGrALg9VFlg-KeNLhFA5HHJVwp-P2qXZxgeZWqW49etykJ3ZzQYyZdJwdYGxHHQytKkwJvShuZr4eGsUW_qF1x_1NT8SD0POOvUAGsH2HgXii3ep303Lqw8BEAJn9RZ1LwtEbLevdcrxSZDnBTA4SBX98UeItExd-mjG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7233433966800175394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ1p5x0zhOY8XR9by7Rcr-RGrALg9VFlg-KeNLhFA5HHJVwp-P2qXZxgeZWqW49etykJ3ZzQYyZdJwdYGxHHQytKkwJvShuZr4eGsUW_qF1x_1NT8SD0POOvUAGsH2HgXii3ep303Lqw8BEAJn9RZ1LwtEbLevdcrxSZDnBTA4SBX98UeItExd-mjG=s320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>13 May: Ron is editing… he did finish entering the great-grandchildren of James Lea of Kilgore's Branch</span><span> this weekend</span><span>. Our granddaughter Zoe (Magna cum Laude with Honors Distinction) and her fiance Jack (All-American soccer goalie) graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Cynthia was delighted to be able to watch the ceremony on her computer. They will wed on June 10 and move to York, England, for Zoe to pursue a master's in public history, and Jack will play soccer, hopefully professionally. </span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbouFz6wnFWM9_q2cc0aJ7OwmWqOmfRqsQhbm3ip0enQOfZtt34jTT0EfqC6O1nIhwBQvChod2GeoXYhDTPo5D9_RGV_78ScvnHgiaRRT6L6CY6LAM4Wxusiv7nbaIQbHqSZkS1wqfhW00ut07TnMAFhSg4YH1216gifZgZnaXfDtecHgY5VuC7nC-" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7231757288879164466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbouFz6wnFWM9_q2cc0aJ7OwmWqOmfRqsQhbm3ip0enQOfZtt34jTT0EfqC6O1nIhwBQvChod2GeoXYhDTPo5D9_RGV_78ScvnHgiaRRT6L6CY6LAM4Wxusiv7nbaIQbHqSZkS1wqfhW00ut07TnMAFhSg4YH1216gifZgZnaXfDtecHgY5VuC7nC-=s320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>12 May: HAPPY ANNIBIRSARY!</span><span> </span><span> We celebrated our twelfth anniversary, and Ron is now 76 years old. (Let's see - born in '47 so math works out.) We could never have envisioned our lives so changed & wonderful fifteen years ago. Ron continues to say that he had the perfect life for a bachelor - - and leave it to God to improve upon perfection.</span><span> Ron again bought QQQ calls, but the market didn't agree with him until closing. He then rode to Cottonwood Walmart for the last groceries we would need while here. Then at 5:30, we joined Linda and Dale (whose birthday was Wednesday, May 10)</span><span> </span><span>at Judi’s Restaurant to celebrate our birthdays and anniversary</span><span> over dinner. 3.6 miles </span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieBYuZWtX7DIMVEZbXwpNMP7hRIJVokx8xXc_N-9gI3wxhQYBY0HQjCVWKqjWDXDoBhsCuycOiS4ppbxCSQWKpAPwhvSL3hEkYQRNbaav7MbPS-aJe-sW9vYss9VrLmTCiczguk90rLeMc2iKMEagbvo_v8AF1OAN4Fd_4uuUnUpFXxJCe4wrZ1UgE" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7231756632971513810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieBYuZWtX7DIMVEZbXwpNMP7hRIJVokx8xXc_N-9gI3wxhQYBY0HQjCVWKqjWDXDoBhsCuycOiS4ppbxCSQWKpAPwhvSL3hEkYQRNbaav7MbPS-aJe-sW9vYss9VrLmTCiczguk90rLeMc2iKMEagbvo_v8AF1OAN4Fd_4uuUnUpFXxJCe4wrZ1UgE=s320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>11 May: I LOVE YOU, SMOOCH! We hiked the Ridge Trail (marked with a black diamond on the maps) for quite a distance. The black diamond means it climbs and climbs and climbs some more. Actually, there are a couple of difficult rocks</span><span> </span><span>covered with loose sand & gravel</span><span> to scramble over. (Falling is not allowed.) We turned back before reaching the second junction with the Sketch Trail, totaling 6.10 miles. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">10 May: We arose early and decided it was too cold to be up, so we went back to bed to warm up and fell asleep. At one, we went for the first of two hikes, moved rocks again, and met several lovely people. Our second walk in the evening only took us as far as Buddha Beach again. 5.42 miles. We started SightCare eye exercise program. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">9 May: We can hike early today! Nope! We left at 1:30 when the temp was at 80 degrees and did rock maintenance ... moving loose rocks to create a better trail than the one the flooding left us. We went out again at six, found a shortcut to Buddha Beach, and helped a girl from NYC find it too. Ron is enjoying telling people that Buddha Beach is buried under 6 to 10 feet of loose rock and gravel left by the flooding, which carried the vortex downstream too. 5.00 miles </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">8 May: Ron arose at 5:30 to finish exercises and breakfast and QQQ in time to leave at 7 am and took the motorcycle to Scottsdale for 6,000-mile maintenance. And twelve hours later, he successfully returned home with groceries, new light bulbs, and a better coffee pot. He spent several afternoon hours in Cave Creek visiting with his cousin Rex and Susie. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYE96BoqCKgBpgrrCx_YSsi9m6PalRRP7PpzPhxaJIdqMJOpvW16kbE6ZED_MlaAuKCZzoDO42zbWQX8gLcIoyYIetzPDSU-_pNVDBpVWdUbLereUjFXJRUdS3lsZyat3M-qNOeYn1bcAmJhBeaDVGKHxpq930N2VjQ-Xs_ih7o_2-zph7nFTmqBM6" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7230657594952635202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYE96BoqCKgBpgrrCx_YSsi9m6PalRRP7PpzPhxaJIdqMJOpvW16kbE6ZED_MlaAuKCZzoDO42zbWQX8gLcIoyYIetzPDSU-_pNVDBpVWdUbLereUjFXJRUdS3lsZyat3M-qNOeYn1bcAmJhBeaDVGKHxpq930N2VjQ-Xs_ih7o_2-zph7nFTmqBM6=w300-h400" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">7 May, Sunday: A week went by already here at the Creekside Cottage. Thanks be to God for the earth's beauty and the beautiful sermons Pastor David preaches. And let's also thank God for the choir and Jim. Despite being tired, we hiked again to the top of the hill and the junction with the Sketch Trail. Then we collapsed for the remainder of the afternoon. 3.5 miles. Ron discovered the need for one more sentence to make the next picture fit correctly. Oops, today it took two more sentences.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6eFQQUz4i2zwjAPdJyWZDXvTPpMnMetaSKeo729jJGujmSw3RK2AQ8AvCFc_lZuN-R29OeAp193m-Iu1AM5jVqPG-DstXVQuNF7bKjYV2GsQ78t-CYlByq71FSaqP3ZKnkWGgtaecy9llzL70Y_deya9FQEui5j_NhHg30oENecdFzA-N0C2z6jRH" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7230246043489127714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6eFQQUz4i2zwjAPdJyWZDXvTPpMnMetaSKeo729jJGujmSw3RK2AQ8AvCFc_lZuN-R29OeAp193m-Iu1AM5jVqPG-DstXVQuNF7bKjYV2GsQ78t-CYlByq71FSaqP3ZKnkWGgtaecy9llzL70Y_deya9FQEui5j_NhHg30oENecdFzA-N0C2z6jRH=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guests shot us in the back as we hiked</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">6 May: Hiking Bell Rock was the goal, but we weren't sure if our guests were hikers. Indeed, they are young and fit! Jim even scrambled to the top of Spaceship Rock. We hiked 6.09 miles with our granddaughter's fiance’s parents, followed by breakfast at Miley's cafe. Our ride home through Page Springs was lovely, so one would not know it was Arizona. In a rush to depart on time this morning, Ron accidentally melted his shirt while trying to iron on a patch. Fortunately, he has identified a candidate patch for that spot. (He still hasn't finished the mending job on May 18th.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>5 May: It is lovely to sleep with open windows and not need A/C because the cold overnight air</span><span> </span><span>keeps us chilly until noon.</span><span> QQQ behaved nicely. Now it is time to hike! </span><span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hiking Sedona! The flooding was impressive, leaving debris twelve feet high in trees and piled in heaps blocking the trails. Buddha Beach is no longer; the Slickrock slab is covered by a pile of loose rocks up to ten feet high. Cynthia’s </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">hiking goal of thirty days consecutively turned into 37 days because of the rain, but her total was 159.33 miles, not too shabby for a great-grandmother. Photos (?) are from </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">today's hike, where many old Westerns were filmed. We once met a guy who grew up in the area then. His parents hosted and fed many movie stars, including John Wayne. He remembered seeing the valley filled with water when the creek flooded.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">4 May: National Day of Prayer begins with thanksgiving for life lived abundantly and together. We pray for healing for our country. QQQ didn't behave as planned, so we hope for better behavior tomorrow. The ride to Cottonwood for groceries was windy, but the ride back was very scenic and pleasant.<br /><br />3 May: It is wonderfully cool at night and early AM. The microwave is a combo microwave and air fryer. (This modern world needs to be simplified.) Cynthia is still exhausted, so Ron walked alone today out the door and over the rocky "trail" to discover Buddha Beach covered with rocks and sand up to 8 feet deep, another casualty of the flooding this March. No more cute piles of rocks, no more psychic vortex. He again made it to the top of the hill and came back via the Secret Slickrock Trail, and the wind was strongest where the exposure was greatest a fun combo.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuVsxHoQx_kjoKdIUlkjlssUsFXHq8W9KDisZfnJwZ0LIyHHrMamwtcxN18if3NdiMgaAzlBJ_CoiTyvS9Y3YeRz8vFHSYCWcIwavZJzvy1ox4hXgNeTfMmerc765zTneOEvJsuvdVPGEBtk9vWkGOhBWfKMBiEU77oRfWB46qZJTPt3QsxTkuTgcL" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7233434764288320434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuVsxHoQx_kjoKdIUlkjlssUsFXHq8W9KDisZfnJwZ0LIyHHrMamwtcxN18if3NdiMgaAzlBJ_CoiTyvS9Y3YeRz8vFHSYCWcIwavZJzvy1ox4hXgNeTfMmerc765zTneOEvJsuvdVPGEBtk9vWkGOhBWfKMBiEU77oRfWB46qZJTPt3QsxTkuTgcL=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia with niece Kelly</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 May: We are ensconced in Creekside Cottage, a block to the Red Rock Crossing of Oak Creek, with a phenomenal view of Cathedral Rock, the most photographed spot in Sedona. We walk through the adjacent Crescent Moon State Park to terrific hiking trails, and the weather forecast for next week is excellent. Those fantastic hiking trails are gone because massive flooding washed them away on March 22nd this year. We could pick our way over river rock and sand to find recognizable portions of the trail to the top of the nearest hill. 4 miles. We discovered that the rose bush adjacent to the porch is blooming a few red blooms. Yes, JOY.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0Oz1UJ_AQ6JMJDOrUo-UKDwm8u5zZG9GeH-uiil9VzA_A904EGCEH5ea7G_G3Vdkf_UhBDJ5xYP-gnS4RJpCCq2w-BHXIhD8PuTqlB_E0o0SLrjfAUaHhWy7flPjwZPFlrF_9zWeQq4pbU8gjF9AMzNGhzAmlVXCz-zX8U5s_53jtYIOJB4LPCmS1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7228641177305261266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0Oz1UJ_AQ6JMJDOrUo-UKDwm8u5zZG9GeH-uiil9VzA_A904EGCEH5ea7G_G3Vdkf_UhBDJ5xYP-gnS4RJpCCq2w-BHXIhD8PuTqlB_E0o0SLrjfAUaHhWy7flPjwZPFlrF_9zWeQq4pbU8gjF9AMzNGhzAmlVXCz-zX8U5s_53jtYIOJB4LPCmS1=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tivoli fest (see Apr 24)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 May: Mee weefee returns !!! Oh, Joy, oh, Joy. Yes, JOY. Ron made one trip with a big box to the Creekside Cottage & recycling to Sedona before Cynthia returned, but ran into a mile-long backup due to a paving crew on the return trip, so he could not welcome his WeeFee home. Ron cleaned, packed, and prepared to move to the Creekside Cottage while his exhausted WeeFee slept. Cynthia and her children arose at three AM for early airline departures from Palm Springs Airport, plus she had a two-hour shuttle ride returning to Sedona. Zzzz</span></p>Ron Beattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022932930903462088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-20472640412729566842023-04-01T12:15:00.124-04:002023-07-30T14:34:07.097-04:00April Flowers From Sedona Showers <div><span style="font-size: large;">1 May: Mee weefee returns !!! Oh Joy, oh, Joy.</span><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigwMItAIgGDi9Fyonk3NmNMHrdQxD6zAJXbWkLPtLOnN0J_m1l9pZdezlxl8XsO7P2ZqzXUrg_GkQBfke7H3NmbwjHtssWvsvv9gAhwQbKIVfXtSU0ZfxVJXqziykBosgw3kczp8VrwPaWLzhi0BfPXtn8WK6-wUyg8FjpfoYWPEgqZmX9Jrx1lrc1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7227965095822944162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigwMItAIgGDi9Fyonk3NmNMHrdQxD6zAJXbWkLPtLOnN0J_m1l9pZdezlxl8XsO7P2ZqzXUrg_GkQBfke7H3NmbwjHtssWvsvv9gAhwQbKIVfXtSU0ZfxVJXqziykBosgw3kczp8VrwPaWLzhi0BfPXtn8WK6-wUyg8FjpfoYWPEgqZmX9Jrx1lrc1=w193-h400" width="193" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters: Bonnie & Cynthia</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>30 Apr, Sunday: Ron rode to church service and got there on time - without adult supervision. Then he hurried home for another peanut butter toast sandwich before another big hike, Big Park Loop to Rector Connector to Courthouse Loop , with camera in hand to take lots of wildflower photos, etc. Photos to come one of these days. He spent 20 minutes talking to Bob & Lisa, a fun couple. Bob talked about his several heart attacks and his denial of each one. Lisa kept saying he had it wrong. Ron is not in the shape he thought he was; still tired from yesterdays uphills, today was a struggle despite much less hilly. Dinner of cornbread & pretzels and to sleep early tonight.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCWKERXTDhiAqST_3ykJrsnTuS1eIWv5bLkNjTV2SDmXXJSqWEMXpL9KoFsEi-6lTttgyu-diWBq9rMqgK6YNN1r09F9g1qeQ6WJihIpZVj1pqR78GmLnGCFgr41YGeg0T7dokRPzKE1KZJWiyfLn-Uz94ZYT8HldJMYYN-5Y1BO9LRDB7uKq9a6bN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7233450734431384642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCWKERXTDhiAqST_3ykJrsnTuS1eIWv5bLkNjTV2SDmXXJSqWEMXpL9KoFsEi-6lTttgyu-diWBq9rMqgK6YNN1r09F9g1qeQ6WJihIpZVj1pqR78GmLnGCFgr41YGeg0T7dokRPzKE1KZJWiyfLn-Uz94ZYT8HldJMYYN-5Y1BO9LRDB7uKq9a6bN=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia and niece Robin, both too tall</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuVsxHoQx_kjoKdIUlkjlssUsFXHq8W9KDisZfnJwZ0LIyHHrMamwtcxN18if3NdiMgaAzlBJ_CoiTyvS9Y3YeRz8vFHSYCWcIwavZJzvy1ox4hXgNeTfMmerc765zTneOEvJsuvdVPGEBtk9vWkGOhBWfKMBiEU77oRfWB46qZJTPt3QsxTkuTgcL" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7233434764288320434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuVsxHoQx_kjoKdIUlkjlssUsFXHq8W9KDisZfnJwZ0LIyHHrMamwtcxN18if3NdiMgaAzlBJ_CoiTyvS9Y3YeRz8vFHSYCWcIwavZJzvy1ox4hXgNeTfMmerc765zTneOEvJsuvdVPGEBtk9vWkGOhBWfKMBiEU77oRfWB46qZJTPt3QsxTkuTgcL=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia & Lauren, both in yellow</td></tr></tbody></table>
29 Apr: Without adult supervision, Ron ate peanut butter toast sandwich and hiked the Made in the Shade Trail and out the Hiline Trail to the overlooking point, a very industrious uphill hike. He had hoped to get to the first rock chute and return, but his body told him NO. At that point, Ron laid down in the shade and fell asleep for perhaps an hour, so his hiking time was 9:52 to 11:30 and 1:15 to 2:40. The views at the point are of Cathedral Rock and the valley west of it, quite awe inspiring. After his nap, as he returned, Zack and Vicky, 20-somethings, passed him, so Ron kept pace and talked with them to the enjoyment of all concerned. Vicky is a personal trainer who has a bad back from gymnastics, and they are visiting grandparents who stay in shape, so we had lots of common interests. More James Lea, more tree debris, and a walk to the store for bananas, raspberries and frozen mango, with return in nearly total darkness.
<br /><br />28 Apr: In a radical departure from normal, we rode the motorcycle to the Bell Rock Trailhead for our hike around the Big Park Loop. The reason for such radical behavior was Cynthia's departure via airport shuttle (Sue) at 1:45 PM. After a two hour shuttle, Cynthia sat in the airport an hour to catch a 5:45 flight from Phoenix to Palm Springs to join her children. She arrived in Palm Springs on time at 6:45, and waited another hour for her children to arrive. </span> Ron is left without adult supervision until his beloved weefee returns Monday at 1:00 PM. Oh oh! Ron continues working on James Lea when the sun is hot and on the derelict tree when the shade extends that far in the evening.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">27 Apr: Today Ron bought a couple of QQQ call options, submitted a limit, and we hiked at ten AM so that Cynthia could get pedicured and manicured at three PM. His calls were still pending when we returned at noon, so Ron sold them at a profit near the high for the day and bought a put option. Ron ran the electric chain saw to dismantle the derelict tree destroyed by this spring's heavy snow. 6.33 miles. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>26 Apr: </span><span>Ron's 90-day pacemaker test was completed. Successful day in the markets. 6.13 miles.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">25 Apr: Late afternoon, we hiked 6.23 miles on the Slim Shady Trail with fewer bikes and hikers. We have FUN! The yucca are beginning to bloom.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7bm_k5c2V9dV4SPus1MxZcbFPr6oEIqAdKmvmJ6FYB17pRTESDkUhDQ5pQJKOMDfxXwX9-ml0pkFLOMPpkOaYMs79pFh4c_LxfmOgNSL3ka-GymvPSJ8Z8rRujI_S5HCfGePWL8h6DaiEoom27VHE9bkg1k9LHpWvsZWkodFDkH3LCdQbA065t99L" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7226021115182901506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7bm_k5c2V9dV4SPus1MxZcbFPr6oEIqAdKmvmJ6FYB17pRTESDkUhDQ5pQJKOMDfxXwX9-ml0pkFLOMPpkOaYMs79pFh4c_LxfmOgNSL3ka-GymvPSJ8Z8rRujI_S5HCfGePWL8h6DaiEoom27VHE9bkg1k9LHpWvsZWkodFDkH3LCdQbA065t99L=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane, Cynthia, Ron, Carol and Paul.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>24 Apr: We thoroughly enjoyed our guests, sharing wonderful memories as neighbors for nineteen years in Elk Horn, Iowa, forty years ago. After breakfast we drove to Bell Rock Trailhead and hiked the Courthouse Loop. Jane saw a couple of people atop Spaceship Rock and decided instantly to hike up it. Ron followed, but was too slow to witness her assent of the steepest five feet of the climb - whereupon he stopped as he had previously. She</span></span> practiced a couple of yoga poses and<span> reported magnificent views. Cynthia's Apple Watch 5.30 miles. </span><span> </span></span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZfePmm4dyB49AfpA0xyDO4Ts5hz9O8IROWu9_RTHuVpWDpEcD7H0_S3J0I5WjEsHcnsMyygcFkgg8yPeehWtzrfoWBuUIvN-bSHV4S97XRjvAGClMhbOP0ue7SN4vLMzf69NQJk6_XS3LDhl2WjO-1389zwNRPX19-gMKaLuCHEhjA_4kfNvYOh58" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7226192043496391986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZfePmm4dyB49AfpA0xyDO4Ts5hz9O8IROWu9_RTHuVpWDpEcD7H0_S3J0I5WjEsHcnsMyygcFkgg8yPeehWtzrfoWBuUIvN-bSHV4S97XRjvAGClMhbOP0ue7SN4vLMzf69NQJk6_XS3LDhl2WjO-1389zwNRPX19-gMKaLuCHEhjA_4kfNvYOh58=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tivoli fest, tepleat with Danish flag</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>23 Apr, Sunday: After worship, we were </span><span> </span><span>comfortable </span><span>hiking the Slim Shady Trail. Then Cynthia forced Ron to clean house while she prepared food in advance for our guests. We enjoyed conversation on our deck here with its lovely view of a couple of immense red rocks until time for dinner at Cucina Rustica out doors on their patio, warmed by heaters, and entertained with lovely guitar music and more good conversation.</span><span> </span><span> 6.0 miles.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">22 Apr: Saturday, we slept in until 6:30, exercised, fed our faces, and hiked 5.35 miles on the Big Park Loop. What fun to meet familiar faces, a couple we visited with at the same spot a few weeks ago, our pastor’s wife, and the bike patrol guy with a red cross on his shirt. (Cynthia remembered that a couple of years ago his wife told him that the big red cross on his shirt was "to attract chicks"). The wild flowers continue to delight us, covering greater expanses and adding new colors occasionally. 5.35 miles </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">21 Apr: We only have ten days left in the Village of Oak Creek before we transfer into Sedona. We hiked the same trail, starting at 5:30, and arrived home in the dark at 8:15 PM happy to survive alive. 6.20 miles. The Village of Oak Creek and Sedona do not have streetlights apart from low-wattage lights downtown; it gets black in a hurry! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">20 Apr: Ron enjoyed a successful QQQ morning in the markets, and the forecast promised a gorgeous day ahead of us. The Shady Slim Trail was almost deserted at five PM, cool and comfortable with lots of new flowers, many of which we did not see going out at 5 pm but which were quite striking upon return at 7 pm. Quite remarkable that the rain a month ago spurred this floral show now that the weather has warmed up significantly. 6 miles. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">19 Apr: The high-temperature forecast today is 70, a fantastic day for a big hike at one PM. We were tired, but out the door to hike almost six miles on the Slim Shady Trail. Rest, icing, and exercises have greatly improved Cynthia’s feet (tendonitis). </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>18 Apr: Still embroiled in the great struggle with QQQ. Today we hope to sell our puts at a profit and buy a call. Thereupon we stop hoping for it to fall, and we start rooting for QQQ to go up and up and up.
<br /><br />17 Apr: Tomorrow, QQQ will again move front and center (actually we hope for a significant drop to recoup our "investment.") We are absorbed with our computers. 5.81 miles on the Park loop. Reading the news it is apparent our country faces danger, from without and within. To hate is evil. Changes begin inside each one of us. One of the best posts I've come across with such a great message!<div><br /></div><div>12 Ted Lasso Leadership Lessons:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Believe in yourself</div><div>2. Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing</div><div>3. All people are different people</div><div>4. See good in others</div><div>5. Courage is about being willing to try</div><div>6. Vulnerability is a strength not a weakness</div><div>7. Tell the truth</div><div>8. Winning is an attitude</div><div>9. Optimists do more</div><div>10. Stay teachable</div><div>11. Be a Goldfish - If you do something wrong do not let it define you. Forget it - like a goldfish - within 10 seconds.</div><div>12. Happiness is a choice</div><br />16 Apr, Sunday: Another day of rest - except on church days we have to arise at 6:30 to get to the church on time. Great hike up to the Yavapai Vista. 6.22 miles on the SlimShady Trail. <br /><br />15 Apr: The stock market is closed, so we can sleep in - except that the light will awaken us at 5:30 anyway. Cynthia is like a little Easter chicken; as soon as she sees daylight, she is up and foraging for food. We hiked the Bell Rock loop. 5.49 miles<br /><br />14 Apr: Our day started after sleeping eight uninterrupted hours. Miracles still happen !! Cynthia's feet are still not good, neither is Ron's QQQ, although both are better today. At best, Ron could have made $20 on one trade today, but that moment passed in a flash. Today Ron finally resumed working on James Lea after about ten days off. Cynthia's feet were not too sore to flutter around the house, cleaning, but they are too sore to hike with Ron, so he is off late this afternoon with a camera to see if he gets far enough to find a good photo for this blog.<br /><br />13 Apr: Cynthia is suffering from foot pain again; Ron suffers from QQQ pain. The highlight of Ron's day was his energetic (i.e. tiring) hike from the house at 4 PM uphill and onto the Hiline Trail to the first good view down the valley towards Sedona. As he hiked that trail, he was again impressed that Cynthia had hiked that with him a few years ago - it is very rocky, often with significant exposure. And it is hard to imagine that we took Julie and Lamar on that trail too.
<br /><br />12 Apr: A quiet day of genealogy, success in the market, and eating. We eat a lot. Ron is up to 172 lbs. Cynthia is enjoying lovely pink roses. We hiked at four, meeting the nicest people like Renee, a physician originally from Houston. As we returned on the trail, the landscapes became unreal and surreal because the late afternoon sunshine and shadows bathed the mountains in many unusual colors. Several trees, scrubs and flowers are budding, leafing and flowering nicely now. There is nothing like a vibrant spring. Climbing, camaraderie, and communion with nature is what drives us. 6.34 miles
<p>11 Apr: The third day of Easter is also hot. Ron rode to Cottonwood for groceries. We followed that with a 2.26-mile walk. </p>
<p>10 Apr: The second day after Easter is a foretaste of the heat to come. It was too hot to hike mid-day. Besides Cynthia had a mani//pedi and her nails needed to cure. Ron's move outdoors to the veranda proved very pleasant, with the birds singing and deer running in the yard beneath us. Ron made delicious-smelling lentil soup. </p>
<p>9 Apr, Sunday: Happy Easter! After a beautiful worship experience and pigging out, we felt lazy! Besides, after all those lovely cool days this month, the temperature suddenly rocketed up to 90 degrees. It was time to hike the Slim Shady Trail again at four PM. 6.26 miles. On the way home, we chatted with neighbor John, who was weeding his nicely landscaped yard. His wife, Sherrie, the culinary marvel, joined us and gifted us freshly baked bread. It is delicious. Mmmm. </p>
<p>8 Apr: Holy Saturday, Easter triduum, and Resurrection blessings and prayers uplifted for friends and for spiritual renewal. Come, Lord Jesus. The Slim Shady Trail at 4 PM was almost isolated except for a few bikers and Janet, a delightful hiker from Florida whom we thoroughly enjoyed. 5.82 miles. </p>
<p>7 Apr: Good Friday, a quiet day of contemplation. We had a lovely late afternoon hike, 5.53 miles. </p>
<p>6 Apr: QQQ caused us to jump out of bed at 6:34 AM to watch the markets. At 10:30, we were out the door to hike 5.69 miles, returning worn out. Cynthia is halfway through a course on the History of Radicalism, plus slowly working her way through a great book by David Bentley Hart, <i>The Experience of God, Consciousness, Being and Bliss</i>.</p>
<p>5 Apr: Yay! We were exercised and out the door by ten-thirty AM and onto the Big Park Loop 5.67 miles. After the hike, Ron rode to Cottonwood for groceries. </p>
<p>4 Apr: A windy day and activities kept us from hiking. Cynthia lay down and fell asleep for an hour. After Iowa's loss, Ron started researching basketball and was fascinated to read about Dr. J. first, then Lonzo Ball next. Ron's friend Larry suggested that he look up Connie Hawkins. Next was Wilt Chamberlain who said he thought the greatest basketball player of all time was Meadowlark Lemon, and when you consider Meadowlark's halfcourt hook shot and immense hands, you have to agree. All that research accomplished nothing, but it sure was fun. </p></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZYpzgCNxuyGP3AkppkQkizontdw9x6yzncYOC5a1LOAgwuTVJkedUYRFTxVV3LOfxHWViHG12DrkKAcVvqGEaLJ7CVp3tdyUvsLF-ILXxKdB9m5TIG0qUK83PVab8sv71NfS5KT6wQ9W-ZdQujUIHu9M-4F3REgy1xmu2BnwRTcXSHqEEXe3zpZda" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7218587961415972626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZYpzgCNxuyGP3AkppkQkizontdw9x6yzncYOC5a1LOAgwuTVJkedUYRFTxVV3LOfxHWViHG12DrkKAcVvqGEaLJ7CVp3tdyUvsLF-ILXxKdB9m5TIG0qUK83PVab8sv71NfS5KT6wQ9W-ZdQujUIHu9M-4F3REgy1xmu2BnwRTcXSHqEEXe3zpZda=w185-h400" width="185" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granddaughter Fyn with<br />a basket full of Easter<br />blessings</td></tr></tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">3 Apr: And we are enjoying another wonderful day that God has granted us. However, Ron spent the morning glued to his QQQ observations without success. Hopefully tomorrow it will move low enough to jolt him into action. Between times once, he did wash a couple of floors and straighten up his piles of various junks. Cynthia is frustrated trying to type, deciding it will just wait another four months!
<p>2 Apr, Sunday: The ride to church was fine at 50 degrees, and Pastor David delivered another fine sermon. We were delighted to converse with Dale and Linda afterwards and decided to eat lunch at home rather than at a restaurant, followed by a struggle to start hiking. But, halfway around Big Park Loop we recovered our zest and were thankful for the 5.69 miles we accomplished. Cynthia was disappointed that Iowa lost to LSU, and Ron was disgusted to learn that the refs were absolutely terrible. Highlights show the outraged LSU coach walking onto the playing floor and grabbing a ref without a technical foul call as opposed to the gratuitous technical called on Iowa's star player. Looks to me like black refs gave the game to a black team - no racism there.</p><p>1 Apr: Exercised and oatmealed, we decided upon a longer hike, the Courthouse Butte Loop, a challenging 7.5 miles that gave us fatigue, but also, a great sense of accomplishment!!! We noticed today that pear trees, red buds and a few flowers are blooming much more enthusiastically, thanks to the recent rains. Cynthia discovered a place that will turn a blog into a book format of 20 pages for ten dollars! We would have 5475 pages or 273 books, which would cost $2730.00 (Ron's side note. I am quite glad that she did the math.)</p></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibxI28bCIsFAD_0aiar0ZmBCDrmBNw5LKYm5QjjOkgTLT-I5BeGOMmRuVRrFgtfHHs3Szam7qZfYp66cyGXgkdKSfvjjyLZbjrF5OtAMCISfQaDqTIgvJuEhUoR3FedR0TJikRSHPCJ7DihJVAsngz_T_fV8bWTgSgY9JynYiF8zhSKAEwgLUn_iNt" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7216897538706284626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibxI28bCIsFAD_0aiar0ZmBCDrmBNw5LKYm5QjjOkgTLT-I5BeGOMmRuVRrFgtfHHs3Szam7qZfYp66cyGXgkdKSfvjjyLZbjrF5OtAMCISfQaDqTIgvJuEhUoR3FedR0TJikRSHPCJ7DihJVAsngz_T_fV8bWTgSgY9JynYiF8zhSKAEwgLUn_iNt=w523-h640" width="523" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the bottom of the map, start with the Big Park Loop east to edge of map</td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-61302878848883115792023-03-01T12:35:00.133-05:002023-04-01T23:22:54.608-04:00Marching off to Sedona again<p><span style="color: #333333;">Reminder to self: work on Duncan's package, and add info from Dawn Harvey. </span></p><span><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZt5aH_R5xSAbfh8oytMaaC5c9aGnYk2w4MycOzXOychWy0kYdoIADnAUmn0YDP0Isolq1k2xz1oZKC2ALfyypKVLFYqFIyiS5RUDHEcPkUoUdfmZoPjqv6l59zsNyIfwvkCzRJrg3QSTM7M3TAzCh9oYSeDFr9FZlsD-G85XNElh6OES5UYqoBiT0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7206315713457250626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZt5aH_R5xSAbfh8oytMaaC5c9aGnYk2w4MycOzXOychWy0kYdoIADnAUmn0YDP0Isolq1k2xz1oZKC2ALfyypKVLFYqFIyiS5RUDHEcPkUoUdfmZoPjqv6l59zsNyIfwvkCzRJrg3QSTM7M3TAzCh9oYSeDFr9FZlsD-G85XNElh6OES5UYqoBiT0=w309-h400" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Beatty is Smooch with SmoochSmooch</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">31 Mar: Good-bye March! The sun is shining and the Smooches will hike at one PM (after QQQ watching ends). Out in the real world, the darkness of hatred prevails at the worst level since the Civil War. This will not end well for any of us. Oh well, the sun is still shining, the forecast is a high of 58 degrees, and it is a great day to hike the Slim Shady Trail. It is rougher and rockier with more ups and downs. We really enjoyed meeting Bill and Liz, a delightful couple who hike! Liz even runs six miles a morning, in addition to hiking. Our enjoyment was wonderful, our accomplishment satisfying, and the mileage was 6.08. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>30 Mar: The world turns, we are awake, exercised and fed. QQQ is again misbehaving. The cloudy skies mean hiking will be more comfortable today although the forecast high is 50 degrees !!. Oops, No, Cynthia stuck her nose out the door, collected a few snowflakes, and decided that she should keep her respiratory system</span><span> warmer</span><span>. She is approaching eight weeks of wearing a brace on her right hand to hopefully heal strained sagittal bands. This process takes six months, God willing. Ron is ever helpful, opening jars, etc. Writing and typing are nearly impossible. Ron continues clipping tree debris into fire starter. Zero miles.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>29 Mar: We checked the markets, exercised and ate. QQQ is not behaving as forecast, so Ron is a bit stymied today. The forecast is 65 degrees warm. Our time would have been better spent hiking early since the sun is intense. Oh well, off we go. Wish us luck. Luck held! The clouds accumulated, the temperature dropped, and the wind was welcome at first but cooled us a bit too much later. We recorded 5.44 miles. It was fun to visit again</span><span> </span><span>this year </span><span>with neighbor John who lives up the street, and to meet another neighbor, Laura, with her Sheltie. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>28 Mar: Amazing that we bound out of bed at 6:30 AM to follow the DOW ticker three hours ahead of us on Wall Street. This was a successful QQQ day, with another potential success a few days ahead.</span><span> Looks like Ron has completed all other projects, so James Lea is about to again gain ascendancy. Yay! Ron has rested for a month from his work on James Lea. 5.31 miles</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>27 Mar: And Ron is back to watching QQQ obsessively since it dropped this morning to 308, but we will wait a day or two hoping for better results. (That was a big mistake.) The box of clothing that Cynthia shipped from Texas arrived. Ron spent two hours outside clipping the downed branches into kindling. Now we are waiting for Cynthia to be ready to hike. This time we will remember to take water, carrots and an apple. Ron's calf muscles have been sore for three days now. They apparently are unused to the hills. </span></span><span>We didn’t begin hiking until 2:00 PM and reversed our hike around the Big Park Loop achieving 5.88 miles today. We meet the nicest folks on the trail. A gray haired lady moved here a few years ago full time; when she said she was a Norwegian from MN, Cynthia said they were likely cousins because she is related to half of the Norwegians in MN. The lady clinched it when she said her grandmother owned a farm near DesMoines. There’s the proof! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>26 Mar, Sunday: Another early morning for the ride to worship at Christ Lutheran Sedona at 8:30. This is an exceptional congregation. After we returned home and fed our faces, we hiked 5.79 miles. It is fun to see the water glistening as "streams" "flow" down the cliffs. Now we rest, although Ron decided to bake a sweet potato and clip some more of the tree debris in the yard just before dark.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>25 Mar: We awakened to vivid sunshine for the first time in our first week in Sedona. Cynthia is ready to walk after she finishes coffee, so we plan to have a good time. We are 1.25 miles from the Bell Rock Trailhead with five hills to climb on the way back. The hills are minimal when we are energetic as we start, but they constitute quite the challenge when we return. Our total mileage today was 5.97 after hiking the Big Park Loop with lots of ups and downs, zigs and zags and bicyclists</span></span><span> </span><span>to avoid</span><span>. Cynthia's goal is 4 to 7 miles a day for the next thirty days. As Ron was clipping tree branches into stackable sizes, he was amazed to watch <b>a bobcat walk past within ten feet</b> of him. The cat seemed entirely unconcerned and totally uninterested in Ron. This is not a big cat, not even as big as an Australian Shepherd. I've seen Maine coon cats that look larger with all of their hair. This bobcat is a short hair, and the tail is a bob.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>24 Mar: Ron is ensconced at home watching for a good time to sell his latest QQQ option (No such luck today.) A</span><span>fter exercise, oatmeal and mending, h</span><span>e took a break at 11 AM to ride back to Clarks, hoping to find their raspberries on sale at 2/$4 and was delighted to purchase 4 big clamshells. He also found the Ezekiel flaxseed bread that Cynthia now enjoys. He began trimming the tree debris in the yard, and Cynthia insisted that we visit a pharmacy in Sedona. The ride was pleasant enough except for the long line of slow traffic for a mile. The red rocks were not as vivid under these cloudy skies (that we seldom see here). </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4sS5ohJ5BwyBlsIe7fWJTnHC4s_SgZNrtsLOo1-aU_ot9TpEZJ3Kyp0nAUk1xlZd2xe-RSVLcTQsXCjOT-qK3ips_AkIWa3tBgPLV90jwIqHhRYpGGuEz-T28dVpNl781osxhFH-amZnKGY2K4laDgxPVekvnWw1CprzK6-ECTyGT3OYx1mJ8fPLO" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7213873100605534242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4sS5ohJ5BwyBlsIe7fWJTnHC4s_SgZNrtsLOo1-aU_ot9TpEZJ3Kyp0nAUk1xlZd2xe-RSVLcTQsXCjOT-qK3ips_AkIWa3tBgPLV90jwIqHhRYpGGuEz-T28dVpNl781osxhFH-amZnKGY2K4laDgxPVekvnWw1CprzK6-ECTyGT3OYx1mJ8fPLO=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron with his little stream</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>23 Mar: The sun is shining! A friend emailed Cynthia the news that parts of Sedona are being evacuated due to flooding. We are high and dry in the Village of Oak Creek, and Ron bought a lot of groceries</span></span><span> </span><span>yesterday</span><span> in Cottonwood. We expect more rain or snow by tonight. Ron wanted to hike to see water flowing in any of the arroyos, and we did see a nice little stream after passing the Bell Rock Trailhead. The trail was mostly dry, but there was a bit of mud and occasional puddles. Our hike was 3.87 miles. At dusk two white-tailed deer visited the arroyo behind the house.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>22 Mar: Housebound in the rain another day! This is our second day to arise at 6:30 AM to watch QQQ soon after the New York Stock Exchange opens. We saw wildlife in the backyard, not javelinas or deer, but couple of cute bunnies. When QQQ rose to 313+, Ron bought a 312 put and was very surprised</span><span> </span><span>to be able to sell that at a significant profit</span><span> at 3:59 EDT, a mere minute before the market closed. Then Ron rode to Walmart in Cottonwood to stock up on groceries. In Cornville Oak Creek had flooded fields and the roadway providing very unusual scenery for Arizona.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>21 Mar: Wow !! Whoever woulda thunk that it would rain without ceasing ALL DAY.!! Housebound in Sedona! The rain is forecast to stop late tomorrow afternoon. Maybe we will ride 50 miles to Cottonwood for cheaper groceries. In a week the desert should be blooming beautifully. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>20 Mar: Our final leg to Sedona was on AZ 260 winding around the Mogollon Rim of Arizona (fun to see on Google Earth) to I-17 N to AZ 179 N into the Village of Oak Creek. 80 miles. Our first 70 miles through the National Forest were chilly at 39 degrees and again featured lots and lots of snowfields surrounding us. It was a relief to descend off the rim into warmer temperatures at Camp Verde. After we turned onto Highway 179 - - - Wow, Beaver Creek was a rushing torrent that we have never before seen. <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/hiking/2017/02/28/woods-canyon-sedona-hike/98529310/" target="_blank">Access is at the Ranger Station via the Woods Canyon Trailhead (click here)</a>.</span></span><span> </span><span> Apparently the rain today is melting a snowpack somewhere up high.</span><span> Interesting to know that Dry Beaver Creek merges with Wet Beaver Creek near the Indian ruins at Montezuma Well and the</span><span> </span><span>developed community of </span><span>Rimrock</span><span>. On a more mundane note, we shopped at Clark's (expensive) Grocery for things we will need in the next day or two until the rains stop. So strange to be</span><span> </span><span>trapped indoors</span><span> in Sedona because of "continuing" rain for 36 hours per forecast.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>19 Mar, Sunday: We plan to ride 97 miles to Payson, AZ this morning, leaving at 11 am. And we did get started at 11, but it was a tough ride with winds shoving us around and temperatures still cold at close to 40 degrees. The winds were forecast at 10 mph and turned into 18 mph with gusts to 37 mph as we rode. After we arrived Ron updated the blog and we walked around the neighborhood to Walmart to purchase popcorn. (And it is now time to pop more popcorn). The forecast for midweek promises rain and snow, so Monday we move on to our Vacation Rental in the Village of Oak Creek. Our route was N on AZ 260 towards Show Low, L on Woolford Rd (at Speedway gas station) -> S. Central Ave 1 mi to L on Whipple Drive .8 mi to L on Duece of Clubs 1 block to R on Clark/ AZ 260 (again) 88 miles to Payson, L on US 87 1 block to Comfort Inn.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>18 Mar: If the roads are reputed to be dry by noon, we will ride to Show Low, Arizona today, God willing. And God was indeed willing! The route was US 60 W, 200 miles. It is surreal to see snow in the New Mexico desert. We were less cold, especially after we crossed the Continental Divide. Perhaps the mango and blueberry pie at Pie Town, NM warmed us up. It is surreal that we ate pie! But in our defense, we did eat egg white veggie omelets first. We arrived in Pinetop, AZ, seven miles from Show Low. It boasts four restaurants that claim to be fine dining. Ron walked 1.2 miles to Safeway for bananas, blueberries, and pretzels. There are several hiking trails, but we didn't check them out. Cynthia's new BMW passenger seat will arrive in Pagosa Springs, CO about the third week of July. Yay!!!!!! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2UOtA3iSsElXMKlHS6gxc4dEoa7Qs8_SJATbNRobwnnwgvxjMbqi0nAPbH5CSMw8E8Hz-Kvy-enh7IE8QJ20u9vQguuJ_fNzfpcXnbvzsjBxzSjtyuRc7t50-ZsB0TPo3NU3adg8bT8aZdgMGxzWa7Q_VH-BgrzO8UWrh_JT2unbx8Z-63c5XX7n0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="506" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7212043878084127938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2UOtA3iSsElXMKlHS6gxc4dEoa7Qs8_SJATbNRobwnnwgvxjMbqi0nAPbH5CSMw8E8Hz-Kvy-enh7IE8QJ20u9vQguuJ_fNzfpcXnbvzsjBxzSjtyuRc7t50-ZsB0TPo3NU3adg8bT8aZdgMGxzWa7Q_VH-BgrzO8UWrh_JT2unbx8Z-63c5XX7n0=w640-h506" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of snow in the desert, something seldom seen<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDkGn8qDPFoJw8UB0OnzHtX0QQJIPzWBiXMaMRdYlsbVi7Owqh7MIwoNkX3M-Us-7R29tacKWK1UfY2z-Fo2Ub1bDebiZqMc5tQaQiWjKaQwQIncdJy5FHZqFyHPemEDpQensgyImSCyZ3BXg0yU1MRRUvsJDuxbtM3mSi_0jH3wl1f7pYlP7bN--e" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7212043887640829058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDkGn8qDPFoJw8UB0OnzHtX0QQJIPzWBiXMaMRdYlsbVi7Owqh7MIwoNkX3M-Us-7R29tacKWK1UfY2z-Fo2Ub1bDebiZqMc5tQaQiWjKaQwQIncdJy5FHZqFyHPemEDpQensgyImSCyZ3BXg0yU1MRRUvsJDuxbtM3mSi_0jH3wl1f7pYlP7bN--e=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new motorcycle close to snow</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>17 Mar: Happy St. Patrick's Day! With the luck of the Irish, we will arrive in Magdalena, NM, dry and not frozen to death, by late afternoon. No such luck, </span><span>we arrived in Socorro, NM after riding 164 miles in sometimes freezing temperatures, often with marvelous views of snow covering the roadside, nearby mountains, and desert. One noteworthy view was of snow spotting the face of a red rock cliff immediately beside the road. It was 38 degrees when we left Roswell, dropping to 30 degrees after Ron opted to suffer the rough road through Lincoln and Capitan instead of taking smoother pavement into cloud-enshrouded and snow-covered Ruidoso. Poor Cynthia's back was already suffering from the miscue Thursday when Ron rode off a curb leaving a gas station. Strangely, the road was smoother between Lincoln and Capitan than before Lincoln or after Capitan. When we saw a snow plow heading east, Ron thought, Uh Oh, and indeed we soon found ourselves on roads where the fine rock had been spread to melt snow. Fortunately, there had been enough traffic to create "lanes" free from the rock. The roads were still damp in places and the temperature was below freezing, so we went slowly down mountain curves. Although it had snowed earlier all along the way, it did not snow on us. When it is 30 outside, subtract at least ten degrees on a motorcycle at 65 MPH. All of Cynthia's clothing is heated, so she was warm, except for her feet. Our seats are heated, and so are the grips on the handlebars. Fortunately, Ron had put on gloves when we stopped in Lincoln, b</span></span><span>ut his face was very cold</span><span>. The snow-covered roadsides and mountains were gorgeous, and as we neared Socorro, the fog-enshrouded mountain was surreal. The temperature was below 35 degrees all day until 30 miles from Socorro when it</span><span> </span><span>slowly</span><span> rose to a balmy 42 degrees. Tomorrow we ride to Springerville, AZ, God willing. Today's route was simplicity itself: US 380 W to I-25 N to US 60 into Socorro and the Comfort Inn, 164 miles today.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl_oR7fE7gao9v-mk0RJxyIqL3V4CwcQ2NrENTEUC8Dj5cT1m7M6bfU8EbzjUQ7KauvPWJM_L_sCmI9WXVtkTRpGV_fXah3_G5N4VFKyyySYMQ2FQfAjbtkR9DlJXFgIE6LAfAFYMFh8ltdriY2SznaGUKb8TsdPuPDt1S7g9w718g9UuMaTH616jy" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7211346169461391394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl_oR7fE7gao9v-mk0RJxyIqL3V4CwcQ2NrENTEUC8Dj5cT1m7M6bfU8EbzjUQ7KauvPWJM_L_sCmI9WXVtkTRpGV_fXah3_G5N4VFKyyySYMQ2FQfAjbtkR9DlJXFgIE6LAfAFYMFh8ltdriY2SznaGUKb8TsdPuPDt1S7g9w718g9UuMaTH616jy=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooch and SmoochSmooch were younger once</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>16 Mar: The forecast winds were daunting, 24+ with gusts to 40 mph, so we opted to sit in Roswell for a respite. No regular oatmeal; good thing we carry our own. QQQ is on the rise. By mid-afternoon, it is 306. How high will it go today? Ron is an investor with risk-taking genes, and he opted to sell his 304 option at a loss near the high for the day. Cynthia lost a quarter once and will never again gamble.</span><span> </span><span> Ron found Mom's Oatmeal on his shopping expedition.</span><span> </span><span> The choice for the rest of our trip is to ride in the cold or ride in the wind. If we wait for warmer weather, the winds begin to blow much harder.</span></span></div><div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSaPyZU_MRgQiOp5xGbNh-O1hoW1lWIZSnacHUkP6Avi9KOrxIxjYzDCzTiLB-EdJkfMBLiqmtEAmii_N5_TlXde-Y6E2rHjBvvQ7cIGMrnadlulbtKPfkq3WAOrDl9MqZ08ifqqj5b8XDhfdHwoFud8ZEhlq-VgPeo4-zrlMNpw5dMCrDL_wPI5Ob" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7211225720120048274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSaPyZU_MRgQiOp5xGbNh-O1hoW1lWIZSnacHUkP6Avi9KOrxIxjYzDCzTiLB-EdJkfMBLiqmtEAmii_N5_TlXde-Y6E2rHjBvvQ7cIGMrnadlulbtKPfkq3WAOrDl9MqZ08ifqqj5b8XDhfdHwoFud8ZEhlq-VgPeo4-zrlMNpw5dMCrDL_wPI5Ob=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">daughter Julie and her Lamar</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>15 Mar: Leaving Lamesa, Ron stopped for fuel and, while watching traffic, mistook a curb for a ramp, dropped off that curb and the jolt jolted Cynthia's back pain so much that she cried tears. The route from Lamesa, Texas to Roswell, New Mexico was quite pleasant with only moderate winds (as opposed to the horrendous winds two years ago - <a href="http://whereisronnow.blogspot.com/2021/02/" target="_blank">cf. this blog March 4-5, 2021</a>). The Texas town of Brownfield is named for its </span>peculiarly orange-brown soil, obvious in numerous newly-plowed fields. We arrived in Roswell before our room was ready and had to wait fifteen minutes to check-in. Then we immediately headed back south to the Cattle Baron Restaurant for salad bars, a baked sweet potato, and salmon, prepared deliciously. This route was even simpler: R on TX 137 to Brownfield, L on US 380 to Roswell. 171 miles today.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>14 Mar: We were up way too early and left Fredericksburg on highway 87 toward Lamesa, TX. The interesting observation about today's scenery was that Spring regressed as we continued north and west until we found ourselves again surrounded by the dull, drab colors of winter. En route, we passed trees with new</span> spring-green leaves and others covered with bright magenta buds. At the last minute, Ron decided to bypass San Angelo on loop 306 that he remembered from looking at the maps. Loop 306 is a misnomer; it bypasses 1/3 of the city, then disappears. Apparently, you need to know to take the US 277 for the other 2/3rds of the loop. After a very frustrating experience with the industrial outskirts of San Angelo and TX 208, we emerged on FM 2105 at</span><span> US 87</span><span> and Pepe's Diner</span><span> which had great food for us. We arrived in Lamesa and checked in to the Shiloh Inn at about 4 pm. Ron then walked to one grocery store and rode to two more in search of pretzels, blueberries, and bananas. Our route was much simpler: L on US 87 NW through Mason (40 miles) to L on TX 29 W (US 377) 30 miles to R on US 83 N (24 miles) to L on US 87 N (don't fall for Loop 306 bullshit at San Angelo) to Lamesa, TX. 284 miles today.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">13 Mar: We checked out early AM and began our journey to Sedona, AZ by staying overnight in Fredricksburg, Texas after an enjoyable dinner with Casey and Lucinda, Cynthia's clergy colleagues. We had hoped to arrive by two PM, but due to all of Ron's last-minute "necessities," we didn't get out of Montgomery until 10:30 and arrived at 3:15. The bluebonnets were again spectacular, and one particular roadside was covered in combination with orange Indian paintbrush too. Also spectacular was one huge field full of yellow flowers. Ron always enjoys great conversation with Casey and never pays any attention to the conversation on the feminine side of the table. Blogging will continue on the journey as we are able. Our route was TX 105 W to Brenham, R on Blue Bell Road (2 miles) to L on TX 36 S (1 mile) to R on US 290 W through Ledbetter & Giddings (45 miles) to L on TX 21 W through Bastrop (12 miles) to R on toll road TX 71 W (30 miles) to US 290 W (again) to Fredericksburg (60 miles), L on TX 16 to EconoLodge (never again - mice). 217 miles today.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12 Mar, Sunday: We worked hard all day and made two trips to the storage locker. This will be a hard work day! We pack, move boxes to the storage unit, clean the condo, and drop off the car so Jon can car-sit. At 6:00 we are pleased with our progress.</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs217gq5go_ppRjt0oBJ3kW3RjzNbIeKuICLkI92zO_r8_wDl_591WplkL6PNCNKGfs8MYbTtyhu6z9_TuzXyIKxUVNeitO4HDeTh2c9Gb_dDfbpW67bvU80F5CxQCD1mc2ib317LJ-MUTrc-j5qck48cqKQKqs9e3qQk7LNNjJPxAextTUC1I0qfA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7209852453358456626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs217gq5go_ppRjt0oBJ3kW3RjzNbIeKuICLkI92zO_r8_wDl_591WplkL6PNCNKGfs8MYbTtyhu6z9_TuzXyIKxUVNeitO4HDeTh2c9Gb_dDfbpW67bvU80F5CxQCD1mc2ib317LJ-MUTrc-j5qck48cqKQKqs9e3qQk7LNNjJPxAextTUC1I0qfA=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia w/ granddaughter Zoe</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0HpvV7oWel4-QiMI9TOsWczl4m4hsaKa7m2sJYS4JROdo-Y4sqGG2z1ksT6ryF-Mo45RbTWs4NozI0ov0XZZ78ZMDWcsDU_zqvpOOUrRXvGeV3RtIN3gy5GtxjslEBsGx1mk-koVN_Pl7KlcWWehY-V4TXlCnvyH8K9ME5PHxgZTzc---rsa_S6ok" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7209852789234908722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0HpvV7oWel4-QiMI9TOsWczl4m4hsaKa7m2sJYS4JROdo-Y4sqGG2z1ksT6ryF-Mo45RbTWs4NozI0ov0XZZ78ZMDWcsDU_zqvpOOUrRXvGeV3RtIN3gy5GtxjslEBsGx1mk-koVN_Pl7KlcWWehY-V4TXlCnvyH8K9ME5PHxgZTzc---rsa_S6ok=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fyn in foreground</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11 Mar: Tomorrow... Ron is being left without adult supervision for the third day in a row. Cynthia </span><span style="font-size: large;">had fun at Zoe’s wedding shower, a high tea with a Bridgerton theme. It was off-the-charts elegant with fashionistas in hats, etc. Zoe looked like a fairy tale princess. A most hilarious moment was reading eight-year-old Fyn’s messages to her sister, the bride-to-be, “Don't worry about me. I will be fine. It is ok !!”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJIqg2_2IGM4uCCq9zlG8wwBJy8g2Bt4Wz-tqK0-Vv2O5yYJ46NWlROYy9coqU4yakJ2zRiCHvcLhZNgmwxl-sbplPc9U2oeX3M8J0N_fLMJ2qul8-BgvJE5Ug1N5ZAKZdv7JH6dXB81NVFf0l6Z5AByObj-k86N19b_3Ky62u03bgDBTJnAPI3ojp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7209862784603042994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJIqg2_2IGM4uCCq9zlG8wwBJy8g2Bt4Wz-tqK0-Vv2O5yYJ46NWlROYy9coqU4yakJ2zRiCHvcLhZNgmwxl-sbplPc9U2oeX3M8J0N_fLMJ2qul8-BgvJE5Ug1N5ZAKZdv7JH6dXB81NVFf0l6Z5AByObj-k86N19b_3Ky62u03bgDBTJnAPI3ojp=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">daughters Roxanne & Julie, daughter-in-law Tina</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10 Mar: Ron is spending another day watching hopefully for a QQQ recovery, despite the forecast. He is finally ready to begin the final packing the two boxes full of papers that came home in December. Precious little has been discarded/ recycled. Cooler today at 66 degrees now but 80% humidity here in Montgomery/ Houston. Cynthia had a girl's day with a pedi/many. Her haircut is now very short for hiking. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">9 Mar: Cynthia is spending the day with her grandchildren in Bryan, Texas. Oh, Goodie, the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush are blooming in abundance en route to Bryan. Ron spent the day putting his new AeroFlow nicknacks on the motorcycle, although he mounted the AeroWings in reverse and cannot remove them until the adhesive is totally cured on Sunday afternoon.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8 Mar: Another day almost like yesterday except we walked 8.72 miles. Yay for us! Cynthia moved more items to the storage unit. Ron is always crazy busy, and Cynthia's right-hand doesn't work in a brace.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7 Mar: The second best part of today was getting in our walk early while it was only 70 degrees. Of course, the best part was waking up! With Ron's very necessary help, Cynthia moved packed containers from the condo into the storage unit. Ron is achieving great progress for our departure. We had a second walk at 6:30 PM totaling 7 miles. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6 Mar: Ron is back to watching QQQ again, intermixed with straightening up his messes and cleaning the kitchen. (He should have sold for a small loss when it hit 303.76 instead of waiting for 304 and a tiny profit. 20/20 hindsight.) Cynthia already did the laundry before leaving to see Gina about the brace holding her fingers from bending. We are hopeful that the sagittal bands are healing, God willing. Cynthia scored points for the first "I love you" of the day, but Ron gets points for writing it on the blog for all the world to see.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5 Mar, Sunday: We awakened, exercised, ate, and are ready to go to church with minutes to spare. Ron is mending the zippers on his pants today. We ate a second breakfast of egg white omelets at Magnolia Diner - our romantic date for the month. Cynthia wants to wait until late to walk, but Ron might go twice again today.. (His weight has crept up to 176.2 this morning. Blood pressure 87/57 pulse 61.) today's blood pressure is an improvement over the recent 60/36 on 23 Feb. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4 Mar: Ron walked twice and talked with friends to and from the lake. He spent the afternoon clipping and filing his toenails - how did that ever become so difficult and so time-consuming? Cynthia packed and fed her face an egg white omelet with broccoli florets. Yuk. (She forgot to buy a bag of mixed veggies for her omelet.) Ron ate cornbread with salmon out of a can. Somehow Cynthia objects to that smell but doesn't mind the smell of salmon she cooks. Nephew Eric is having trouble with his RPM coins website again. Somehow it looks like Dreamhost is messing up his HTML as part of their conversion.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3 Mar: The morning started early since Cynthia had a fasting blood draw an hour away. She made it on time, but Ron stayed behind to tend his options garden and sold at 10:55 EST for another profit.!! Cynthia's Dr appointment at noon went well. Lab tests are excellent. Ron walked late after finding and recording Medicare statements. (Obviously an obsessive-compulsive disorder.)</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZt5aH_R5xSAbfh8oytMaaC5c9aGnYk2w4MycOzXOychWy0kYdoIADnAUmn0YDP0Isolq1k2xz1oZKC2ALfyypKVLFYqFIyiS5RUDHEcPkUoUdfmZoPjqv6l59zsNyIfwvkCzRJrg3QSTM7M3TAzCh9oYSeDFr9FZlsD-G85XNElh6OES5UYqoBiT0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7206315713457250626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZt5aH_R5xSAbfh8oytMaaC5c9aGnYk2w4MycOzXOychWy0kYdoIADnAUmn0YDP0Isolq1k2xz1oZKC2ALfyypKVLFYqFIyiS5RUDHEcPkUoUdfmZoPjqv6l59zsNyIfwvkCzRJrg3QSTM7M3TAzCh9oYSeDFr9FZlsD-G85XNElh6OES5UYqoBiT0=w309-h400" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Beatty is Smooch with SmoochSmooch</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2 Mar: We are thankful for a beautiful life. Cynthia is packing in earnest. Ron is not, yet, but he did check his options first thing and bought another one. We walked the usual before noon, and Ron started<span> </span><span>mending his jacket and was</span><span> watching his options intently after 2 PM when his contracts became "in the money." he even sold two of them for a profit. Eureka !! In the evening, we enjoyed a good meal at the Cosy Grape in Montgomery with Jon & Tina, old friends Jan & Jim, and new friends Bill & Tina. A fine time was had by all (even though Ron could not stop smiling despite the wonderment of our new friends). Cynthia had called ahead to find that the restaurant was entirely unable to cook anything without oil, so Ron took his own baked sweet potato to the restaurant.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>1 Mar: Cynthia is off to discuss spiritual direction with Pastor Diane. Ron is slaving away with his various projects, having made yet another foray into the dangerous world of options. We will walk later today as it is forecast (correctly) to be another hot one. At about 2 pm, when it was obvious that his options were not going to pay off today, Ron called the Woodlands BMW to see if they could tune the suspension for a gentler ride for his beloved's tush, and the service scheduler said to bring it in anytime, so Ron rode the bike there promptly, and they did indeed adjust</span><span> </span><span>the suspension immediately (from Road and Auto to Dynamic and Min)</span><span>. Our exercise walk totaled 2.5 miles, but Cynthia achieved four miles with another walk. </span></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-82791453285498816852023-02-01T12:13:00.102-05:002023-03-01T13:55:29.513-05:00FEB Winter Returns to Texas<p> <span style="color: #333333;">Reminder to self: work on Duncan's package, add info from Dawn Harvey. </span></p><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: x-large; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw6Y-NGgwbq5Kxe-_ZAZLgYSA6K10Ib5AozyuqzIwhGfpE5k3TUyPbC-hT-WjwWZaYxBzU_2jOk58NO0Hm_bF26lOEg2OLx_IwCrpYFNqhEg752-EK6dFdG4JvtHQrESvmRzY4XoFF1tDhMXmLsVlOy4XN9N4MdiOl4bkS-XapsNQigTDNJK4ggnBh" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7174499850411621410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw6Y-NGgwbq5Kxe-_ZAZLgYSA6K10Ib5AozyuqzIwhGfpE5k3TUyPbC-hT-WjwWZaYxBzU_2jOk58NO0Hm_bF26lOEg2OLx_IwCrpYFNqhEg752-EK6dFdG4JvtHQrESvmRzY4XoFF1tDhMXmLsVlOy4XN9N4MdiOl4bkS-XapsNQigTDNJK4ggnBh=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from our condo balcony</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span>Yes, this is that same photo, but we don't have a snow-covered scene to put here yet.</span></div><div><span>Yes the same reminders, but Ron is the patient sort.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>We are in a rental condo at The Point on the Walden peninsula, Lake Conroe, Montgomery Texas.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">28 Feb: The end is here (of February). Now we (hi Ron) need to think of a March blog title by morning. Our morning walk was late but done by one-thirty. Ron's big jobs for the day (that he actually did) are to cook the package of lentils and sew a bit on his shirt. Cynthia cooked her delicious salmon recipe for dinner, and we are back at work. Ron finished documenting the family of Lawrence "Larry" Lea and then called Paul about QQQ options. Cynthia organized clothing to be shipped to Sedona, to be shipped to California, to go back into the storage unit, or into the travel bag, finding all this most awkward with her right hand in a brace. 4 miles. Ron walked to the lake and back after dark </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">27 Feb: We arose in time to walk almost to the lake before we needed to turn around in order to get to Cynthia's appointment for her splint that keeps her fingers "immobile" while the sagittal bands heal (we hope). The ride there on the motorcycle went smoothly, and we arrived half an hour early. Gina is a fun girl and quite talented at making splints. On the way home we stopped for salads at Jason's Deli and at Walmart for frozen mango. Our evening walk, plus walking through the day brought us a total of 7 miles. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">26 Feb: We slept beautifully at Julie's, arose, exercised as usual, made oatmeal in a foreign environment (Julie's clean kitchen), and are excited to see what the day brings (besides more sherbert). We enjoyed a lazy morning of casual conversation and more sherbert until noon, when we left and stopped at Jason's Deli for huge salads. In the evening we walked to the point and to Walden road and turned in early for a good night of sleep.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">25 Feb: We are ready for something different! After we exercise. oatmeal, and walk, Ron will load the car with recycling, and pack overnight bags for a slumber party at our daughter Julie's. We had a wonderful time visiting with Julie until Lamar arrived to cook salmon and sweet potatoes for dinner, delicious. Afterwards, we gathered around Julie's custom-made lazy susan with our Christmas present, a 200-piece jigsaw puzzle of our favorite picture of our wedding. It was a delightful evening, but I was shocked to hear that the time had fled and it was after 11 pm. At that late hour Julie reminded Ron that she had purchased sherbert especially for him, so he ate half of the container labeled lime.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">24 Feb: Is already gone, and Ron failed to update the blog yesterday too. However, everything stays the same: up, exercise, eat, walk, work on James Lea, eat more, walk more, sleep. Repeat. Great-granddaughter Abigayle sent a precious letter. Ron never dreamed he would have grandchildren much less have great-grandchildren! 6.52 miles. FUN FUN FUN</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">23 Feb: See 24 Feb. 7.62 miles</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">22 Feb: Retirement is wonderful. We can awaken after sunrise, exercise, eat oatmeal and stresslessly mess with our computers until motivated to get out the door for a walk. By all means, give it a try as soon as you are able.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">21 Feb: was a hot Tuesday in Texas. Ron is enjoying making plans for DTYD at MIT in mid-April 2024. Cynthia is delighted to attend. After lunch today, Ron walked to the lake while Cynthia stayed out of the sun in the fitness center. We walked again after dinner, her miles totaling 3.75 miles. James Lea is progressing slowly as Ron finds more and more on Find-A-Grave.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>20 Feb: Cynthia's</span><span> </span><span>sagittal bands on her </span><span>right hand are now immobilized in a brace for a few months. Normal right-hand tasks are challenging. Cynthia's sagittal bands have stretched and weakened during her 18+ years on the planet. It might take 3-6 months of wearing the brace to heal. Is this better than surgery? We will see. Ron will have many extra tasks to do, like cooking, washing Cynthia's hair, and typing. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">19 Feb: Jon, Tina, Rachel, Ryan, and Blaire met us for brunch after worship, but the Yacht Club had a really horrible singing guitar player making an intolerably loud noise. Ron asked to have the volume reduced, watched as the performer tweaked his amplifier minutely, told the management that he was leaving, and walked out. Cynthia phoned him when the "music" finally stopped. We won't go back to this convenient fine dining location that we have patronized frequently for ten years. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">18 Feb: Good golly it will be cold, 36 degrees overnight! We didn't get a lot done today, in part because Ron was up until 2 AM last night. Ron did a bit more editing, having found amazing things thanks to Ancestry and Find-A-Grave. He walked to the lake and back while Cynthia hit the machines at the fitness center again. Ron is all excited to think of motivating a DTYD reunion at MIT in 2024. Cynthia's walking totaled 3 miles</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>17 Feb: The housecleaning frenzy is afoot. One bathroom and one bedroom are very clean, the carpets are vacuumed, the laundry is done, and her clothes are organized for shipping or storage unit.</span><span> </span><span> Ron even cleaned the kitchen a bit.</span><span> Ron took a break from editing to walk four miles, plus we walked together in the evening. Cynthia totaled 3.75 miles</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>16 Feb: </span><span>QQQ finally did what Ron needed to see to purchase a call option. Now let's see if he loses this money too. Ron walked all alone in the afternoon while Cynthia ran errands and then spent time at the fitness center. We walked together in the dark. Cynthia’s total mileage was five. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>15 Feb: </span><span>Cynthia arose at the crack of light to launch herself and Lexus in the direction of her annual dermatologist appointment two hours away in the center of Houston’s insane traffic. Ron was without adult supervision sand didn't even get into trouble, thanks to James Lea. Cynthia successfully traveled the crowded freeways of Houston even though she had to take her least favorite route. It is not surprising that it takes an entire day to travel downtown. The dermatologist/ esthetician applied a chemical scrub that leaves Cynthia looking like a spousal abuse victim. She is forbidden to go into the sunlight or sweat for a week. Ron walked solo this evening. </span><span>How did these two days sneak past us? One was misnumbering our calendar.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">14 Feb: Happy Valentines Day to my beloved, brilliant, handsome, witty, fun-filled Smooch. You are a gift from God. I love you♥️ And Smooch got points for the first "I love you" of the day, although he didn't have a cute little heart emoji. 15 Valentine's Days together! The new AeroFlow windscreen arrived, so Ron will have reading to do before installing it with all the various little glue thingees. 7 Miles hoop de doo!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Two diary entries: hers: “Dear Diary: told him I love him several times, I prepared a fabulous meal, and he just lay awake for hours. Maybe there's someone else he is thinking about.” and His diary: “Dang, I can't figure out why the motorcycle won't start.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>13 Feb: Tomorrow, another God-given day to enjoy. We arose at 4:14, as in the AM!</span><span> </span></span><span>(Ouch sayeth the retirees.)</span><span> </span><span> Cynthia took the car to be serviced at 8:30 AM.</span><span><span> </span><span>The mechanic is an</span></span><span> inexpensive,</span><span> </span><span>experienced</span><span> </span><span>Lexus mechanic</span><span>. Jon drove Cynthia from and to the mchanic's shop morning and afternoon. It was an amazing experience for her, driving home and seeing through a</span><span> </span><span>sparkling clean</span><span> windshield! On our sunset walk we found Coach in his truck</span><span> </span><span>at the marina</span><span> watching the birds. Mileage on our walks totaled 7.62 miles. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>12 Feb, Sunday: And we awaken to another bright, beautiful day in Houston. Ron is rehearsing his proselytic passion, phraseology to motivate retirees to replace the morning commute with a daily exercise routine in order to keep the body functioning as well as possible as long as possible. Otherwise decay soon eliminates the ability to pursue other interests. Ask those active elders you know how much time they spend sitting. You will learn that they don't spend much time sitting. Enough for today. We enjoyed church. (Cynthia really likes the hearing earbuds tuned to the sound system. She actually heard the sermon for the second Sunday in a row.!!) Then we ate a light lunch at home and walked to the fitness center, to the lake and back, passing a </span><span>noisy</span><span> </span><span>gaggle of</span><span> </span><span>aggressive </span><span>geese twice. We are now preparing for bed after our second outing of the day. 7.64 miles</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11 Feb: The forecast is for cold weather. This translates to sleep. And we were indeed still in bed, Cynthia asleep, when Ron's pill alarm started ringing at 9 AM. We upped, exercised, ate, and walked. It wasn't bad until we turned around into the wind. Even then it was a nice day for a walk. Salmon is baking for dinner which will be followed by the second walk of the day. Seven Miles </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10 Feb: After the usual and an earlier walk than usual, we drove to the bank first to wire money to England for DNA analysis, then to the Hodge Podge Lodge for a late lunch with Larry & Dawn at 1:30. Ron had been watching QQQ for an opportunity to buy a call, but didn't see it. We walked a second time into a cold windy evening with a great sunset. Seven miles </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>9 Feb: </span><span>Cynthia bounced out of the condo early to get a dress fitted for granddaughter Zoe’s June wedding and to do her girlicure thing. Ron was spared the girlicure thing because he was too slow to get going by 9 AM. We walked four miles, followed by work on James Lea. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8 Feb: Cynthia had an appointment with the ENT doctor and audiologist in the morning, followed by a car inspection, getting the safety tag, and lunch at Magnolia Diner. We were so busy, we might have walked and forgotten. One of Ron's pills was stuck in his throat for an hour. The ENT said that there are two sphincters that keep stomach acid in the stomach and some pills are rough enough and light enough that the sphincter doesn't fully relax to let the pill through, then spasms and won't release after the pill is stuck halfway through. It was very unpleasant.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">7 Feb: Another glorious day for an early walk. (We were more than halfway there by noon under threat of rain and a few light sprinkles.) The sun breaks through the clouds, and we haven’t had the forecast of severe thunderstorms ... Yet. Maybe we will get a second walk today? We did! And we have a total of 7.2 miles! Ron has resumed working on James Lea after a few days of cleaning and straightening his messes. (My beloved certainly puts up with a lot.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6 Feb: Ron was delighted to sleep 7 hours uninterrupted last night. We walked to the lake early and expect to walk again before dark because the next two days are forecast to be stormy. Ron is continuing to get paper off the floor and prepared for recycling. Things are looking better. 7.6 miles, 18,066 steps. Cynthia's daily goal is to close all of the Fitness rings on the iPhone. </span></div></span><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">5 Feb, Sunday: Rested, exercised, and oatmealed, we went off to worship on this glorious sunny day! After lunch, we walked, and we were surprised by the warmth. Almost six miles - Yay!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>4 Feb: Ron awakened at 2:23 and was not yet back to sleep by 3:45, so he is blogging before resuming James Lea. Tomorrow is forecast to be a beautiful "warm" and sunny day, and Sunday should be even better. No surprise that we were not early to rise this morning, but we did walk twice on this lovely, sunny, and cool day. Yay for us: we walked 8.23 miles in two trips. And the condo is CLEAN.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>3 Feb: So what does Friday bring for us.? Let's thank God in advance. We walked our usual four miles to the lake at noon and drove to Walmart for groceries before joining Pastor Diane and John for</span></span><span> </span><span>dinner at the yacht club</span><span> at five PM. Ron thoroughly enjoyed talking with John about Cream and other rock and roll bands we have seen (Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead). John remembers the first concert he ever attended. Ron was probably too stoned to remember. (I'll have to ask a roommate.) Unfortunately, we found Friday night "happy hour" at the Yacht Club unpleasantly loud and noisy.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiNRtQgzOAM_O6hR9Jfq111OcnvTJ91AV0CThIdFfxKrcxlmQl7abj7_LCR2KiFjQjbztGJ0a5f7AckJ_s1mJch_hx9h6F-jTZxNATRQqUGG5WtPX9Qf2kcZZ8XeLzJLMXdwP3HUgXQFhfxbUbKha3rBggm43bu75IIcJ6Bt5dM_HTyIygvFLx_DGm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7195698534382577378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiNRtQgzOAM_O6hR9Jfq111OcnvTJ91AV0CThIdFfxKrcxlmQl7abj7_LCR2KiFjQjbztGJ0a5f7AckJ_s1mJch_hx9h6F-jTZxNATRQqUGG5WtPX9Qf2kcZZ8XeLzJLMXdwP3HUgXQFhfxbUbKha3rBggm43bu75IIcJ6Bt5dM_HTyIygvFLx_DGm=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia's newest role model</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">2 Feb: After another wonderfully leisurely retirement morning, we were out of bed and breakfasted before 10 AM. Ron called the credit union to make sure he had money in his account. We looked at the 11 Bankstons on the chart of all mankind and decided that we need another 30 Bankston males to test their Big Y DNA. Cynthia immediately signed up three more participants, and now we are down to 27 more needed. The morning rain finally stopped about noon, and Ron walked the usual four miles. Cynthia, being the adventurous one, considered a morning ride (see photo). She spent the afternoon on the phone with FTDNA, and did not get lunch until four-thirty! Ron is still following QQQ and is tempted to buy a put today but Paul advised against it. Organizing piles of papers is Ron's priority today.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>Feb 1: Good morning from the shores of Lake Conroe, Texas. The temperature at eleven AM is 32 degrees, and it is raining, not snowing.</span><span> </span><span> We enjoyed sleeping late and resuming our projects.</span></span><span><span> After lunch, Cynthia drove to the fitness center and worked out. (All the guys go home for lunch and leave the equipment free.) Ron, the chronic hypothermic, walked the usual to the other point. The excitement was seeing ten fire trucks at the apartments a block from ours; we were told that a water heater caught fire. We are elated that Dr. Gleeson said our "Leas of Caswell County DNA Project" is the most comprehensive FTDNA Big Y Project he has seen. He is a renowned genetic genealogist from the UK. (He is indeed a medical doctor. He simply decided that genealogy is just more fun.)</span><span> </span></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-47242337874404089182023-01-01T17:24:00.086-05:002023-02-01T13:45:58.679-05:00Happy New Year for the 76th time<p> <span style="color: #333333;">Reminder to self: work on Duncan's package, add info from Dawn Harvey. </span></p><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: x-large; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw6Y-NGgwbq5Kxe-_ZAZLgYSA6K10Ib5AozyuqzIwhGfpE5k3TUyPbC-hT-WjwWZaYxBzU_2jOk58NO0Hm_bF26lOEg2OLx_IwCrpYFNqhEg752-EK6dFdG4JvtHQrESvmRzY4XoFF1tDhMXmLsVlOy4XN9N4MdiOl4bkS-XapsNQigTDNJK4ggnBh" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7174499850411621410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw6Y-NGgwbq5Kxe-_ZAZLgYSA6K10Ib5AozyuqzIwhGfpE5k3TUyPbC-hT-WjwWZaYxBzU_2jOk58NO0Hm_bF26lOEg2OLx_IwCrpYFNqhEg752-EK6dFdG4JvtHQrESvmRzY4XoFF1tDhMXmLsVlOy4XN9N4MdiOl4bkS-XapsNQigTDNJK4ggnBh=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from our condo balcony</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;">
We are in a rental condo at The Point on the Walden peninsula, Lake Conroe, Montgomery Texas.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">31 Jan: This mornings treat was a Zoom meeting with Maurice, genetic genealogist from the U.K. Cynthia's cramming for DNA exam paid off. No rain in the forecast, so the plan is to walk at noon soon. Too cold for Cynthia, so Ron walked solo coldo and quickly.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">30 Jan: Yikes, the day flew by into the night. We walked our usual 5 miles despite 41 degree temperature … four to the lake and back, plus an additional mile while running errands (we ate omelets at Magnolia Diner) and grocery shopping. Cynthia baked berry covered salmon for dinner, and Ron popped popcorn as usual. Then we cuddled up together to read through Maurice's DNA report together, looking for questions and confusions.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">29 Jan: Rain is forecast for the next few days, including today. We managed to get from condo to car to church to car dry. At times on the drive homeward, the downpour was heavy. After feeding our faces, we are ensconced with our Macs, DNA, and the Lea book. Cynthia made ice cream we can eat by using the blender, almond milk and frozen bits of banana and strawberries. Ron made hot air popcorn that always warms up our chilled bodies. Ron walked at six PM and only needed waders in a couple of places. Cynthia is engrossed in a DNA Project. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">28 Jan: We enjoyed sleeping late, exercised, and got oatmealed. It is a rainy day, so we will be condo-bound, cleaning and glued to our Macs. Ron started his morning doing dishes and housecleaning/ straightening his messes. Cynthia started laundry including the sheets. The condo is clean! Rain ended around 3 PM so we got in a good walk totaling almost four miles, tippy toeing around soggy spots. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">27 Jan: Cynthia had fasting labs to check her thyroid meds today, followed by omelets at Magnolia Diner; we mailed tax records to the CPA, then shopped at Walmart and walked four miles. In case our readers wonder about our posts, we use this blog for our IRS diary, etc. Ron walked a second trip to the lake to talk with Donna and discovered that she is doing fine; Greg's passing was inevitable although an unexpected shock yesterday. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">26 Jan: Ron is hoping that Paul's forecast for QQQ will miraculously come true at the last minute. (No such luck.) Hi Cynthia, you have homework to do: complete steps 1,2,3 on Jan 24th below. SmoochSmoochSmooch, I love you. (First written I love you of the day.) Goodnight. We spent all morning reviewing Maurice’s DNA update analysis, a delightful day, followed by a 4 mile roundtrip walk to the lake. Donna G. phoned with sad news that college freshman roommate Greg passed away this afternoon. </span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNZGO5FC9WxQuIJ08id_6B8OA28XgtPuwjM7NioZ2Y_agVciVDde38dcBWRXKDCx7WDkJPG3BWRI1h_XAJaQuAxtO7I7tsnn9GBewMSRE60jJHo_Zewtnoh0kmgKMH_S72zxB3oSbvpm4iOHIp_xSBn-OSCXlK0rWKe_efB4_PSbK3HmGxSXE8F-sm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7192284807498926018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNZGO5FC9WxQuIJ08id_6B8OA28XgtPuwjM7NioZ2Y_agVciVDde38dcBWRXKDCx7WDkJPG3BWRI1h_XAJaQuAxtO7I7tsnn9GBewMSRE60jJHo_Zewtnoh0kmgKMH_S72zxB3oSbvpm4iOHIp_xSBn-OSCXlK0rWKe_efB4_PSbK3HmGxSXE8F-sm=w466-h640" width="466" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the usual Houston traffic on I-10, twenty six lanes wide</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>25 Jan: Cynthia woke up early, exercised, ate and drove Ron to Sasha's with instructions that he was to keep quiet until Sasha finished fixing Cynthia's hair color. (Last week Ron distracted Sasha so that he made her hair highlights too dark.) We were rewarded by a dazzling smile from dee Weefee with the correctly colored hair. Whew. Then we ate huge salads at Jason's Deli, yum, and drove a few miles to the Medical Center for Ron’s appointment</span></span><span> </span><span>at two PM</span><span><span> with </span><span>Dr. Dougherty,</span><span> his electrophysiologist. Cynthia does not like driving to the medical center. Streets and buildings have changed so that nothing is familiar any more. </span></span><span>Medical Center parking was frustrating; first we circled the block once (at a crawl) to find the entrance; we had not parked in this building before; </span><span>Cynthia couldn't reach </span><span>the ticket box, so Ron walked around the car to push the correct button to get two tickets</span><span>. Ron passed all his tests today; he is alive! EKG good, pacemaker good for three more years, resident fellow interrogation good, and Dr. Dougherty quite happy with everything. Ron likes having her professional opinion that he is alive! A</span><span>t 3:30 in the afternoon t</span><span>he</span><span> </span><span>traffic was horrendous on the</span><span> return trip with a trillion zillion cars rushing to get home.</span><span> (See photo above.)</span><span> We survived. Fortunately it was a sunny day, and the sun was not blinding us today. Ron immediately popped popcorn for his beloved and walked his 4 miles to the lake and return. While talking to Paul, Ron learned of all the mistakes he made on this venture into the options markets. OOfta. Instead of going to bed at a reasonable time, it is now 2:17 PM. Goodnight.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>24 Jan:</span><span> </span><span> The forecast for heavy rain proved true; the sky is black. We exercised and are hunkered down with projects. </span><span>Today's </span><span>continuing rain</span><span> </span><span>forecast is proving true, so Ron, at Cynthia's urging, has documented his Green Mountain Club trail maintenance for 2022. Cynthia has an appointment with her audiologist at 4:30 - - - - because every time her IPhone is upgraded, it loses contact with the hearing aids and it needs to be reset. Lets see, that sequence was 1, 2, 3, and wait a couple of minutes. Then open and close the battery doors on the hearing aids and repeat steps 1 & 3. Then turn the cell phone off to reset everything, open and close the battery doors, and try steps 1,2,3 again. Part one of the IRS accounting is complete. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">23 Jan: This is the start of another jam-packed week of activity beginning with Cynthia’s Routine Upper GI exam, which means we woke up before six AM and left the condo at 7:00 AM for Hermann Memorial Hospital in the Woodlands. The plan was for Cynthia to drive the car, but at 7:25 AM on Texas 105, the blinding sun sits right on the roadway dead ahead. How do the regular commuters survive? After ten minutes of this Cynthia's nerves were so badly frayed that she chickened out and asked Ron to drive. He was not happy with the situation either, but we arrived alive at the hospital after wandering around lost in the neighborhood of the hospital for ten minutes. Then there was no direct access from the parking garage into the hospital. What kind of fools build mazes like this anyway? The good news is that her Barrett's esophagus is non-cancerous and looks nice and healthy (according to the doctor). We gorged ourselves overfull of salads and potato at Jason's Deli before returning to the condo. Ron walked across the peninsula to the lake and back before sunset.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>22 Jan, Sunday: Again, <u>already</u> ?? We are off to worship on this sunny, but chilly day. We walked 5.7 miles. Ron ate some of the lentils for dinner with popcorn and pretzels. Early to bed tonight, the alarm is set for 5:30 AM.</span><span> </span><span> No food for Cynthia after midnight.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">21 Jan: Ron promises to finish cleaning the kitchen and commense going through the papers cluttering the couch. It is supposed to be a rainy day, and Cynthia is nearly desperate at the thought of no Splenda. We made a trip to UPS to pick up a print job, and we shopped for Splenda at ALDI. Walmart has the cheapest price for the 200 packs. Deep into the dark night we pounded away working on our projects. The kitchen is cleaner. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">20 Jan: The days are getting longer as our time here is getting shorter. We have so much to do before March first. Ron spent the day doing James Lea wild goose chases until the sky stopped leaking so he could walk to the lake and back with a half hour break to chat with Coach at the fitness center. He did only the tiniest bit of cleaning or straightening today, but he did cook the lentils using the chili fluid. It is edible, and Cynthia thought it delicious. She is knee deep in accounting and IRS tax prep. Ron's put option reversed course and is worthless today. ( I should have asked for you to wish me GOOD luck.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">19 Jan: And today, during our morning walk, we saw NO deer, but we did watch an eagle soar up to his nest and land. Isn't it peculiar that we have to reside amidst all these people to see wildlife? 7.2 miles.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">18 Jan: Another wonderful, God given day to enjoy. We wish all of our friends and family a great Wednesday. The kitchen is getting cleaner! Ron just cannot prevent himself from working on James Lea whenever he is supposed to be doing housework.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>17 Jan: We walked to the lake, rode to the storage unit and mailed letters today. Ron is still cleaning the kitchen, a never-ending job. We ran the errands and walked again, totaling 7.56 miles. WooHoo! (</span><span>WooHoo!</span><span> indicates that Cynthia is feeling better now.) We stayed up late discussing the ten e-mails sent she me to answer my request for two references for James Lea. Turns out we need to go to the Conroe library to consult their excellent genealogy collection one of these days (after Ron finishes cleaning the kitchen). Goodnight. The put executed early and was in the money by market close today.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>16 Jan: Ron cleaned the kitchen. We walked to the end of the breakwater this AM with plans to walk again later today. Cynthia’s cough is greatly improved. Ron walked twice. 4.7 miles for Cynthia; a thousand trillion zillions for Ron who wins!</span><span> </span><span> Today Ron placed an order for his first stock option, a put on QQQ for 280. Wish me luck.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">15 Jan, Sunday: Life is good. We are off to worship, then brunch with daughters Roxanne and Julie (with her Lamar). Brunch lasted from 11:30 to 2:30 and was lovely and fun for all. Ron walked at five-thirty. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">14 Jan: Cynthia made an executive decision to go to urgent care to ward off the possibility of an upper respiratory infection turning into bronchitis. The Covid test was negative, and it is not bronchitis. She is on a Z-Pak. Feeling good, she is not walking outdoors yet today. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">13 Jan: Cynthia received word her 92 year old brother in law passed away last night. He enjoyed a long, successful life. Cynthia needs to be outa the house early for an appointment to see about new glasses. Ron hasn't been getting out of bed that early (9 AM) and did not today either. He wasn't feeling well rested. Cynthia has hope for improved glasses, one for reading, one for distance. Ron cleaned the kitchen somewhat. Stay tuned for tomorrow's report. Cynthia's cough is progressing, but she has new nose spray to help and did not walk in the wind and cold today. Ron walked briskly at 5:30, returned by 6:20 and did not find it windy at all. Cynthia cooked salmon w/ berries, and it was delicious. 9 PM pill alarm. Goodnight.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">12 Jan: Today Cynthia is bothered by an increase in coughing. Let's hope it is merely a brief visitation. It is 11:14, so Ron needs to put on his other shoe so we can walk. It is now later, we walked twice, noon and sunset, grocery shopped (and brought home lots of food), and Cynthia whipped up frozen banana & strawberry "ice cream," then she cooked chili. Ron decided it is time to stop working on James Lea until he gets the kitchen and apartment cleaned and organized. Goodnight. 7.23 miles total.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">11 Jan: We seem to be over the blahs that affected us yesterday and enjoyed our morning walk in the morning today. Ron continues proofreading transcriptions in the James Lea book. Cynthia is researching the James Sargent family for the book. We walked again at sunset, ate a baked sweet potato, and stayed up later than intended again. Goodnight.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">10 Jan: We spent the morning playing catch up on our computers before realizing it was time to eat lunch, and just like that it was two PM, late for our morning walk. It was warm in the sunshine for the four-mile walk across the Peninsula to the lake and back. Ron popped some corn and continued cleaning the kitchen once we got home. Ron's labs were perfect! Cynthia's were almost perfect. She needs to drink more water, but apart from that, great labs. </span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7yGh_3JnZ7p3sW9YR_cgx5ZYsbtZ7vHl2fV-Te5BmLkCyQK_8RZtZAcT0maXoYXZjJpfRoZrCIbPmTrT7ojK__hqbwdCja2dbpoDyAlLQJIiDi1Frc6aOTL2Cz2Pnj0I4F73xnhWLcnzLm9Fb-xdnG25VUTTS2oKlrUrCUVS8yR5kyZFLooMKY59M" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7186877605033606098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7yGh_3JnZ7p3sW9YR_cgx5ZYsbtZ7vHl2fV-Te5BmLkCyQK_8RZtZAcT0maXoYXZjJpfRoZrCIbPmTrT7ojK__hqbwdCja2dbpoDyAlLQJIiDi1Frc6aOTL2Cz2Pnj0I4F73xnhWLcnzLm9Fb-xdnG25VUTTS2oKlrUrCUVS8yR5kyZFLooMKY59M=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia and Sasha playing grown up</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">9 Jan: We walked 12 minutes from the hotel to the cardiologist's office at 8:35 this morning to be treated with good news all around. Cynthia is always greatly amused watching everyone respond to Ron’s warmth and good humor. After labs, Cynthia scarfed down a banana and whole wheat bread before we walked briskly back to the hotel to pack up and hurry to see Sasha at 12:30 PM</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Cynthia's hairdresser since 1981. Immediately afterward we ate huge salads and a huge baked potato at Jason’s Deli before getting onto Beltway Eight in 4:30 rush hour to ride endlessly to get back to Montgomery, arriving at Walmart by 5:08. The traffic was horrendous, stop-and-go traffic for a mile in places and cars blowing by at 80 and 90 MPH in other places. After grabbing our necessary bananas and frozen mango, we asked about Covid boosters, and the pharmacist was available to jab us immediately. We are boostered. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">8 Jan, Sunday: The clock feels like it is racing. We have a lot to do, like walk twice today, and ride to the medical center downtown to stay overnight before our annual checkup with the cardiologist. We are his favorite patients to see first thing every year because we do what he tells us to do, i.e. eat no added fat, sodium, or sugar. Ouch, Cynthia ate a piece of birthday cake yesterday! But this is the only cake she has eaten in twelve months or more, and she is confident it won’t affect her labs. </span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfgKHpckhllChGdBPeDaJIlGvAnkPKghQb8LbAtaE7XUhUKOlRRqBZeNDGijioyI_kKCCW2bxSv1yRka9lu-Pzjv90WK9ihHTJLcKSJBgH9sYPgMjVF6Hvhhq0m6hW0POpjSwnXZCPH5LFkFoxYOror8VLwTmEG57ZGyuyioJaJWlwFyKyG5utu75d" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7186104589776870114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfgKHpckhllChGdBPeDaJIlGvAnkPKghQb8LbAtaE7XUhUKOlRRqBZeNDGijioyI_kKCCW2bxSv1yRka9lu-Pzjv90WK9ihHTJLcKSJBgH9sYPgMjVF6Hvhhq0m6hW0POpjSwnXZCPH5LFkFoxYOror8VLwTmEG57ZGyuyioJaJWlwFyKyG5utu75d=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte at 1</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>7 Jan: We PARTYed, with a ride home afterwards courtesy of son Jon from Zoe's engagement party and Charlotte's first birthday party, a</span><span> Winter “One”derland, with a snow blower to boot. Jon posted a zillion photos somewhere. Cousins Noah and Blaire (and a couple more toddlers) shared some of the adult adulations. We had a marvelous time, talking with the other old foggies at both parties. (We especially enjoyed Jack's parents and Tyler's grandparents.)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">6 Jan: Yesterday evening we again got to bed later than desired, but this morning out of bed earlier, fed earlier, walked earlier, and dry cleaning fetched before mid-afternoon. We enjoyed popcorn prior to our second walk for the day. 7.72 total miles! 9:20 PM and Ron's brain is shutting down. Goodnight.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">5 Jan: Another successful day of sleeping late and walking earlier than yesterday. We finished with walk #1 at 1:30 PM, and Ron promised to clean the kitchen soon. After running errands, we did walk #2 totaling 7.37 miles, and 17,545 steps. Cynthia baked a lovely piece of salmon, AND, Ron did indeed clean the kitchen. (Will miracles never cease?)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4th Jan: Due to yesterday's success with sleeping late and walking, we get tired, fall asleep, and then sleep in late. Cynthia and Ron rode the bike to the doctor's office to get a prescription, to Jon’s to get mail, and to Walmart to return broken lightbulbs. We then walked a total of 5.2 miles, starting at 3 PM, then ate a baked sweet potato and microwaved popcorn. Cynthia is working on her class newsletter. Ron continues making progress with the James Lea book. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />3th of Jan: More fun with words for the 3rth time.!! It was a fabulous, great weather day for walking. Cynthia recorded 8.64 miles total from two shifts of walking, with 20,795 steps, after which she needed to ice her feet. All of this walking is excellent for continued good health, but it consumes so much time. In between walking trips, we shopped for groceries.<br /><br />
2th of Jan: It is forecast to be a rainy day! But the color radar shows no rain until noon, and the rain is supposed to pop up in scattered places, primarily right here. Being ever hopeful, we started walking at ten minutes to eleven. By 11:03 faint raindrops started, and we turned back, arriving home at 11:21. No rain, and the sun came out, so Ron walked afternoon, returning with a drenched shirt from the heat and humidity. About ten minutes after he returned, the forecast downpour poured down. After our respective "dinners," we enjoyed a glass of champagne apiece.<br /><br />
1 Jan 2023, Sunday: Cynthia already posted January under a different name. I wonder whose name will survive the battle. Cynthia asks, Hey, Ron, do you wonder where we will be in 2023? Right now, she knows where Ron is. Ron is back to work on James Lea and is enjoying it. And, in the usual two sessions, we walked 7.44 miles, 17, 926 steps! Yay for us. The wonder of 2023 is that God has allowed us to live this long in such good health. Thank God.<br />
Where we will be, God only knows. Where we think we might be is in Sedona, then Santa Fe, then Pagosa Springs, then Butte, Montana or maybe the Olympic Penninsula of Washington/ Oregon - - - unless we stay right here in the Houston area or somewhere else in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.<br /></span></div></span>Ron Beattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022932930903462088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-36961019302637741462022-11-28T21:43:00.183-05:002023-02-11T16:37:01.049-05:00Christmas 2022 <div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKAw9Ih6CbbPgBrbg5GDa8s7WN17XZZoE0ejcYU3Di3iTkhgZm-u82retjhHE_cdqXGcgvobrnHY6Rft8gC2vOJOcbMJniKQ1DtUUrUpdZ91FwJ-Qo8YVgA2okUn83rvGev6jVKBybvY3fLoaATDykS9i0PVsRCLamQ4EQEK-FWMaLdVEkD5WYrew5" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_Z9Vg4lZmLY5ieX6w_m9oi0jgS7RRWkuiHWWhafamn8ZyTnYdj_LcgcdB7zCAYM9HTTcp9AG0MrMMMWfnaTcVMYh0tqrVKtaEL3SHNqkrZMEEE5BGuDo_O3DxNI_to2dp7u2sH5ZI6Dw8UXkXkt3gaYUyE6Umpb983460srkbe5fdVGQP0rir4z4o" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p><span><span style="color: #333333;">Reminder to self: send trail maintenance to Green Mountain Club, work on Duncan's package, add info from Dawn Harvey. It is also time for asset reallocation</span><span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></p><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: x-large; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw6Y-NGgwbq5Kxe-_ZAZLgYSA6K10Ib5AozyuqzIwhGfpE5k3TUyPbC-hT-WjwWZaYxBzU_2jOk58NO0Hm_bF26lOEg2OLx_IwCrpYFNqhEg752-EK6dFdG4JvtHQrESvmRzY4XoFF1tDhMXmLsVlOy4XN9N4MdiOl4bkS-XapsNQigTDNJK4ggnBh" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7174499850411621410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw6Y-NGgwbq5Kxe-_ZAZLgYSA6K10Ib5AozyuqzIwhGfpE5k3TUyPbC-hT-WjwWZaYxBzU_2jOk58NO0Hm_bF26lOEg2OLx_IwCrpYFNqhEg752-EK6dFdG4JvtHQrESvmRzY4XoFF1tDhMXmLsVlOy4XN9N4MdiOl4bkS-XapsNQigTDNJK4ggnBh=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from our condo balcony</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;">We are in a rental condo at The Point on the Walden peninsula, Lake Conroe, Montgomery Texas.</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
31 Dec: Does it seem to you like we are approaching the end of something? Hmmm! I bet it’s the end of the month. Or maybe the year? We have walked <b>139 </b>miles so far this month. <b> </b>Ron finished logging his receipts and preparing recycling. He is pleased to have received many responses to his annual letter, mailed and e-mailed in the last four days. Tomorrow is tomorrow !!<br /><br />
30 Dec: Not up early, but oatmealed, exercised, and happy. Late morning Cynthia went by herself to the doctor's office to pick up a prescription and then stopped at the storage unit. Ron stayed home to clean the kitchen. We walked twice for a <b>total of 7.5 miles</b>.<br /> Wow !! It is truly a surprise that I feel so strongly motivated by an article that will outrage liberals, but I do feel the need to post this exposé showing how much socialism has infiltrated America. It also explains why we now have such a labor shortage, so much inflation, and the election results. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://committeetounleashprosperity.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Paying-Americans-Not-to-Work.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1672458474680000&usg=AOvVaw0_qfY_PyeWqtlbFg7XkzZ_" href="https://committeetounleashprosperity.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Paying-Americans-Not-to-Work.pdf" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">https://committeetounleashprosperity.<wbr></wbr>com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Paying-Americans-Not-to-Work.pdf</a><br /><br />
29 Dec: The rain came early, but dried up by 10:30 AM. Ron printed his Christmas letter, mailed more cards, shopped for groceries, and we walked twice, 7.5 miles, 17,816 steps. Cynthia is icing her sore tootsies while the salmon (Mmmmm) is baking. Rain returned after dark and came down in torrents accompanied by lotsa lightning until after midnight, when Ron finally retired.</span><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKAw9Ih6CbbPgBrbg5GDa8s7WN17XZZoE0ejcYU3Di3iTkhgZm-u82retjhHE_cdqXGcgvobrnHY6Rft8gC2vOJOcbMJniKQ1DtUUrUpdZ91FwJ-Qo8YVgA2okUn83rvGev6jVKBybvY3fLoaATDykS9i0PVsRCLamQ4EQEK-FWMaLdVEkD5WYrew5" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7182581964308125778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKAw9Ih6CbbPgBrbg5GDa8s7WN17XZZoE0ejcYU3Di3iTkhgZm-u82retjhHE_cdqXGcgvobrnHY6Rft8gC2vOJOcbMJniKQ1DtUUrUpdZ91FwJ-Qo8YVgA2okUn83rvGev6jVKBybvY3fLoaATDykS9i0PVsRCLamQ4EQEK-FWMaLdVEkD5WYrew5=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia (in red) and Ron</td></tr></tbody></table>
</span></span><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_Z9Vg4lZmLY5ieX6w_m9oi0jgS7RRWkuiHWWhafamn8ZyTnYdj_LcgcdB7zCAYM9HTTcp9AG0MrMMMWfnaTcVMYh0tqrVKtaEL3SHNqkrZMEEE5BGuDo_O3DxNI_to2dp7u2sH5ZI6Dw8UXkXkt3gaYUyE6Umpb983460srkbe5fdVGQP0rir4z4o" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7182581863853655506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_Z9Vg4lZmLY5ieX6w_m9oi0jgS7RRWkuiHWWhafamn8ZyTnYdj_LcgcdB7zCAYM9HTTcp9AG0MrMMMWfnaTcVMYh0tqrVKtaEL3SHNqkrZMEEE5BGuDo_O3DxNI_to2dp7u2sH5ZI6Dw8UXkXkt3gaYUyE6Umpb983460srkbe5fdVGQP0rir4z4o=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily, Eric, Cynthia (the short one) and Ron</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;">
28 Dec: On this leisurely day, we walked to the Cafe on the Green to meet daughter Julie, grandson Eric, and his lovely bride, Emily, for lunch. Ron mailed Christmas cards in the afternoon, and we did a second walk, giving us a whopping 8.39-mile day, and 20, 000 steps. Yay for us!<br /><br />
27 Dec: The sun is up, and so are we. Now exercised, oatmealed, and happy, we will go for a long walk in the early afternoon. Ron took care of his MRD for this year and is still working on Christmas cards (Yes, for this year.) He has the letter ready to e-mail, but the list of recipients is still a work in progress. The cards are nearly all addressed, but only a few have written messages. As usual for Ron, these projects just drag on and on for almost ever. After two walks totaling 7.92 miles, we reached a total of 18,891 steps! Yay for us! <br /><br />
26 Dec: And just like that, Christmas is over? Or, it is only 365 shopping days away? The church celebrates the Season of Christmas for twelve days. Norwegians celebrate twenty days of Julbukking. Yay for us. We walked 7.27 miles, totaling 17,641 steps. <br /><br />
25 Dec, Sunday: Merry Christmas ! and God bless you. Nothing more needs to be said. We enjoyed a short church service. (Most of the congregation attended Christmas eve services last night, but we don't drive in the dark.) 6.8 miles today.<br /><br />
24 Dec: We walked at three PM, 37 degrees. On the return from the lake, it was likely below 32 because the puddles were freezing. Four-mile walk. Ron pruned the Christmas letter down to one page.</span></div><br /><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">O Holy Night, </span></span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those who have lost loved ones, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those who have never known what it is to be loved, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those who have lost faith, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those clergy who are struggling to believe, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those who are weary, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those whose homes are divided by hate, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a Holy Night, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fall on your knees, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Holy Night of hope is given for you. </span></div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;">
23 Dec: Will we have electric power? Heat? Water? Eight AM, no heat, no refrigerator. On the bright side, we have lights, and water, and thank God the microwave makes oatmeal and heats hot coffee. It is an electric issue for the whole building that will be rectified by noon. At ten AM it is a real feel of seven degrees outside; no walking for us today. At 9:30 PM, still no heat and no power to the refrigerator, but it is a comfortable 66 degrees inside. At 9:31 the fans started blowing heat into the living room. Praise God !! And, as a bonus, it is forecast to warm up by Sunday afternoon. Ron has worked on James Lea non-stop for a couple of days and was delighted to finally find the right words to express a strongly held opinion. Maybe tomorrow he will get Christmas cards into the mail and his annual letter posted online and e-mailed. Zero miles today. <br /><br />
22 Dec: Ron is sending at least a few Christmas greetings ahead of Christmas this year. At eleven AM we walked 4.75 miles at 53 degrees. By six PM the temp dropped to 29 degrees with a real feel of 10, thanks to 20 MPH winds. By ten PM real feel of -6. Walden has been having rolling blackouts. We experienced one of them at six PM. Thankfully, the salmon had finished baking.<br /><br />
21 Dec: We slept late! Cynthia had labs nearby at one PM. After returning from the doctor’s office, we worked on the book, walked four miles, and researched Walter G. Rambo. Ron sent an annual Christmas letter to his MIT friends, and Cynthia is writing email Christmas notes. <br /><br />
20 Dec: Cynthia has an appointment with the retina specialist to take a test they forgot to do on Friday. We will also stock up on groceries for the big freeze anticipated Thursday. Oh, my! The traffic was abysmal. The drive to the retina specialist, to Aldis to two Walmarts, to Kroger’s, came to total stops often and took nearly two hours. Once we arrived home, we ate and then walked to the lake and back. The Dr. phoned while we were on the trail with excellent news, the macular degeneration is stable. Yea! Cynthia will have an eye exam in January to see if her prescription can be tweaked. Great news! 4.75 miles!<br /><br />
19 Dec: Ron has maintained his target weight of 175.4 this morning, the third day in a row (mostly because he cannot find his favorite Snyders sourdough hard pretzels at a price he is willing to pay). Heavy cold rain is falling now at 1 PM and is forecast to continue until dark, so we should make good progress with housecleaning and with editing the James Lea book. Conversations of interest… Ron asked: "Do you know why a hubsand’s work (the dishes) is never done?" Cynthia replied, "Because it takes him so long to do it." Ron said, "No, it’s because he doesn’t do it." Cynthia said, "I can’t lift the heavy mattress to get the fitted sheet corners tucked in." Ron said, "Let’s go make the bed. Don’t we get to cuddle first?" <br /><br /><div style="font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAd3Bs_kqCIOarSJ6XD1sRfK8eX2EzyJeWna00vJYBwegJJu5wjQtCnZPW4emZyS4dVJmFqoSOyJWc9ia9ZEp1jqvx7cek7Y1gY5xmnapE2lUGrLUzbLhffbAuNS5BuBt_jNmcoeiyFi84KzPuOYIeau_jb3daoZ-vFw1YKTkqG7vLu5mb1HIjscWd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7178689321528007938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAd3Bs_kqCIOarSJ6XD1sRfK8eX2EzyJeWna00vJYBwegJJu5wjQtCnZPW4emZyS4dVJmFqoSOyJWc9ia9ZEp1jqvx7cek7Y1gY5xmnapE2lUGrLUzbLhffbAuNS5BuBt_jNmcoeiyFi84KzPuOYIeau_jb3daoZ-vFw1YKTkqG7vLu5mb1HIjscWd=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silent children, teens reading</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: large;">
18 Dec, Sunday: Church service today included an unusual, silent children's skit. The young kids came out dressed in costume, including three adorable little angels, and simply posed silently. Teenagers read from the pulpit. Then everyone went back to their seats. After worship, we enjoyed brunch at the yacht club with Merry and Bill, a fun time that didn’t conclude until 2:30 PM. Afterward we walked to the lake and back in the cold. Four miles. <br /><br />
17 Dec: Life is good! Ron weighed 175.8 this morning, which allows him to buy pretzels again. (This is noteworthy because the pretzels help him sleep longer through the night - we still have no explanation for that phenomenon.) At high noon the temperature reached a balmy 52 degrees. We walked four miles to the lake and back in the warm sunshine. After attending a Christmas party at the yacht club, we walked to Walden Road and back despite the cold. This coming week the temperatures will dip to frigid degrees by Friday when the temperature is forecast to stay below freezing all day. Seven miles total.<br /><br />
16 Dec: Cynthia had an appointment with the retina specialist who said her macular degeneration is stable. We shopped, got fuel, and walked to the lake, and back after the rain stopped. We enjoyed baked salmon for dinner. Four miles.<br /><br />
15 Dec: It was a delightfully cool day for our first walk in the early afternoon. Eureka, success. Ron's search for photos came to an early and successful end around dusk this afternoon. Now for a second walk before cornbread for dinner. Seven miles total<br /><br />
14 Dec: We awoke to an amazing skyscape, a surreal blue was mirrored in the lake beneath our balcony. By ten AM, a cloudy gray enters our view. We walked to the fitness center, and home in time for Cynthia’s doctor's appointment. Now it’s time to do a longer walk. Yay for us! 7 miles today! 16,691 steps.<br /><br />
13 Dec: Good grief !! We have now passed the halfway mark in December, halfway to Christmas. Today we were on the road at about nine-thirty for the trip to Hempstead and Brenham, Texas. We have stops at the bank, post office, CPA, and social security office before Ron sees the ophthalmologist. This is a very busy day. Woo Hoo! Have a successful day! but no walking.<br /><br />
12 Dec: At 2 in the afternoon our walk is still awaiting . . . and we did walk, although there was an unnoticeably slight mist.</span><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj274MYqmHrZFLgreQ8a6FQtttxGjm5pbPATcTYHonuG7-Ak-CJwFOH1CHCLZIC5iDJR0mOZxJ2yn8xCT2s3KBY09kkqoMVeXKLDanap4k2_CXNy32VGkKQJCmQwNfhRQT3ATjavdHasJ8zMdiwJpQ7VbYHUoO41-Xk_aUEwa3-Ujqxl7_xwxixeyWO" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7176463614099919906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj274MYqmHrZFLgreQ8a6FQtttxGjm5pbPATcTYHonuG7-Ak-CJwFOH1CHCLZIC5iDJR0mOZxJ2yn8xCT2s3KBY09kkqoMVeXKLDanap4k2_CXNy32VGkKQJCmQwNfhRQT3ATjavdHasJ8zMdiwJpQ7VbYHUoO41-Xk_aUEwa3-Ujqxl7_xwxixeyWO=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia holding Charlotte</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">
11 Dec, Sunday: After church, we enjoyed a lovely brunch with Jon's family (except Rachel and Blaire, who are sick) at the Yacht Club. One-year-old Charlotte was the center of attention (imagine that) and enjoyed playing peek-a-boo with great grandmother and flirting with Ron. Lauren seemed very relieved to have four other adults focused on Charlotte. Jon picked up the tab and said it was his Christmas gift to us. (He stole our line.) It was just the right number of people and the right composition for a delightful Sunday brunch. At 3 pm Ron and Cynthia walked the usual 4 miles past the fitness center to the Lake and back.<br /><br />
10 Dec: Other than a 4-mile walk, we spent the entire day in the condo, especially since the rain started at about 5 pm. Ron wrote an annual letter in preparation for mailing several cards and letters.<br /><br />
9 Dec: A landmark weigh-in at 175.6, so Ron again bought pretzels and snacked. We plan a busy day, first closing up DNA notes and files, second finances including writing checks to pay for the motorcycle, third shipping Cynthia's old heated gear to a delighted new recipient. Ron is finally positioned to resume working on James Lea - tomorrow - or maybe the next day.</span><br /><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtYaVwp4q0YLt48Z7dTH2DLGHEKu4ZQX6w7AdnMDnnxgbSqSucUfdpYcvJ1ep4UU4a54bT-lCeLMIFUYtRMCW-r9njVEgVvtkvYpJotmuGGne_82y7lamhMj5M-FeCPEflnR6BaWTC94S-yP8yBqyB-_lVEtpXdfsKuFxAqXaATICLgwfIdFBYhOo5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7174503598245169746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtYaVwp4q0YLt48Z7dTH2DLGHEKu4ZQX6w7AdnMDnnxgbSqSucUfdpYcvJ1ep4UU4a54bT-lCeLMIFUYtRMCW-r9njVEgVvtkvYpJotmuGGne_82y7lamhMj5M-FeCPEflnR6BaWTC94S-yP8yBqyB-_lVEtpXdfsKuFxAqXaATICLgwfIdFBYhOo5=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View straight down from our balcony</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">
8 Dec: </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">O Christmas Tree, whose lovely branches be beneath our balcony! </span><span style="font-size: large;">We walked our normal four-mile round trip early, before the day heated up, but still returned sweaty. Ron's weight is down to 176.4, well on its way toward 175. His frozen mango snacking solution is excellent and is his ice cream substitute. Ron continues working on his financial e-mails and spreadsheet. The light at the end of the tunnel has dawned. We drove out to haul boxes back from the storage locker and to get Ron a flu shot at Walmart (along with bananas, etc). After a second walk, after dark, we totaled 7.29 miles. Yay for us!<br /><br />
7 Dec: Good grief !! The high for the day is forecast to be 81 degrees, and the same for tomorrow. We can go swimming! Ron's weight is down a pound, to 178, on its way towards his target of 175. Snacking on frozen mango is a great solution. We again slept well and walked our normal four-mile round trip to the new benches beside the lake. All right !! A second walk this evening increased our mileage to 7 miles; this includes all of Cynthia's walking throughout the day. Finally, a successful day of "activity" as measured by her AppleWatch. Ron uses other measures to determine successful activity.<br /><br />
6 Dec: We did our usual exercise, oatmeal, and fruit routine. At about noon we walked four miles to the lake and back, stopping at the fitness center both ways. Ron continued making notes about his DNA pursuits until his Safari stopped responding; then he had to close all his windows and shut down Safari, which terminated his note-taking. Now he is free to retrieve all his financial statements to see how badly his portfolio has been affected by the last year of market volatility and inflation. Wish me luck.<br /><br />
5 Dec: It is wonderful to be reunited. Ron and his beloved bride enjoyed a good, long night of sleep in Montgomery, Texas! Yaay! We had to leave the condo at 9:20 to attend and join other retired pastors for the bishop’s Christmas Hymn Sing, followed by a social hour with snacks including pineapple, broccoli, and other foodstuffs we could actually eat. Cynthia drove her new, used Lexas to and from without undue discomfort.</span></div></div></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg4-SY3uXdlXYUYjK_GJZlOa88ehwikPCa21LhWRPGsvI6qi5FvPZS0LOufNa4cFBL2LCaC6ncwhK7-b4LEzH8DGAE19STZX2vbV7H0uzJHN2PIn2MGSlyizfARzoMnWrG7khZhF-m60epijwYUai34q7ff6oH6lyWa10d_7iCEvsolM22a41oSYef" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7174498396953768770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg4-SY3uXdlXYUYjK_GJZlOa88ehwikPCa21LhWRPGsvI6qi5FvPZS0LOufNa4cFBL2LCaC6ncwhK7-b4LEzH8DGAE19STZX2vbV7H0uzJHN2PIn2MGSlyizfARzoMnWrG7khZhF-m60epijwYUai34q7ff6oH6lyWa10d_7iCEvsolM22a41oSYef=w400-h266" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">
4 Dec, Sunday: </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">RON IS A CHRONIC HYPOTHERMIC. He left Illinois three days ago, riding towards Texas in temps of 35 degrees, with 20-30 MPH winds. (35 degrees at 60 MPH is the equivalent of 25 degrees.) The motorcycle handlebars and seats are heated, and he is bundled and swathed in layers. He says everything is good, except that high winds are scary on elevated roadways and bridges. Ron enjoyed a good morning of conversation with cousin Rex and Danielle and left the afternoon to wander about in the vicinity of Dallas hunting for I-45 south. He was about to stop and dig out his GPS when he discovered I-45 in Wilmer, TX, and arrived home to his bride in Montgomery as darkness was falling! </span></span></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">CYNTHIA DOES NOT DO COLD. I arrived in Texas a month ago, and await his arrival on Monday by making veggie/lentil soup, (warming) sourdough bread, and cookies for dessert. I found recipes online for no added sodium, no added fat, and no added sugar. Here is the cookie recipe:</span></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Purée two bananas
whip in one cup of dry oatmeal
Add 1/4 cup of walnut pieces
A dash of vanilla<br />
Drop bite-size dollops onto a paper plate
Microwave two minutes
Eat or freeze</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;">Recipe from my friend Annie Stevens!</div></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
3 Dec: Today's question is whether Ron can make the 316 miles to Rockwall, Texas to visit cousin Rex? If not, where will he come to rest? Spin that bottle again. Cynthia spent her day walking and cooking soup! Ron arrived in Rockwall, Texas by 5:30 PM! Hint, this is only 3 hours and 6 minutes away from Cynthia. Cousin Rex and Danielle were delightful, and we enjoyed conversing all evening into the night. Ron was quite surprised to discover that Rex's kids are mostly grown, with one graduated and two in their final years of high school. Kayla, the graduate, was in and out; Kylie was out until late; and the younger Rex was sleeping after an eventful day when he successfully tried out to become a left-handed pitcher for a national youth baseball team.<br /><br />
2 Dec: Ron rode about twenty miles to visit Clarence in Kansas City, Kansas, arriving about eleven AM. We had a marvelous couple of hours conversing until Ron decided that he had better get on the road and make miles south in the warm and windy weather since the winds are forecast to be much worse tomorrow with freezing temperatures. Spin the bottle: where or when he goes, nobody knows. The distance from KC to Dallas, TX is over 500 miles. Ron covered 200 miles in windy weather (gusts to 35 mph were forecast) and came to rest in a fleabag motel in Miami, Oklahoma. Cynthia awakened at five AM in Texas and loved the voicemail Ron left at 11:00 PM last night! She is oatmealed but is still sleepy. Should she arise and exercise, or go back to sleep? But arise! At 8:45, she has an appointment with the allergist. By three PM, the homemade vegetable broth is finished cooking and is refrigerated until Sunday; then it will be time to cook the lentils and veggies in the broth. Reminder to self, buy sourdough bread. Cynthia’s blood pressure elevated to unacceptable levels by eight PM, so her son Jon took her to St Luke’s to investigate; after multiple scans and EKG with all “excellent” results except for low saline and low heart rate, it was determined she needed IV saline fluids. Home by 2:30 AM, she slept beautifully, awakening on Dec. 3.<br /><br />
1 Dec: Hello December! Ron began the ride to Kansas City at 11:30 am in 36-degree temperatures. It was a cold ride. In Missouri, soon after crossing the Mississippi, the thermometer rose a whole degree and then a second degree. After six, not five, cold hours, Ron arrived in Excelsior Springs at Joan's house. Les came by an hour later and stayed until almost 9 pm. Ron and Joan continued discussing the peculiar world that houses us all for another hour before Ron excused himself to ride another half hour to a SafeStay hotel in Kearney, MO. The headlight on the new bike lit up the roadway quite well so that Ron was comfortable riding at night despite the possibility of deer & other fauna on the roadway. Cynthia found a recipe for lentil soup with homemade vegetable broth which she will prepare for Dec. 6th. Together by Dec. 6! Let Christmas begin!</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 5px 0px 8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The time between Dec. 1, 2022, 8:30:00 AM and Dec. 6, 2022, 5:30:00 <br />
5 days, 9 hours, 0 minutes, and 0 seconds<br />
5.375 days<br />
129 hours<br />
464,400 seconds</span></p></span></div></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-10202869915362383662022-10-31T16:37:00.174-04:002022-12-01T10:29:45.969-05:00Novembrrrrr! Too Far Apart<p> <span style="color: #333333;">Reminder to self: send trail maintenance to Green Mountain Club, work on Duncan's package, add info from Dawn Harvey. It is also time for asset reallocation,</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">MRD, and</span><span style="color: #333333;"> AuthorHouse direct deposit.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQFA9kwFLd_zGxrCb49mpzVU4WXfsg_Ts8HLZHBWkga03PkLJGymFdhkQHXRA7Qz0GIaTWdWfxWKghTpeVN1QLs369WH3xrI6dMiqeSTaP8indkHzsIUW6j-kAWWCsMDt0rBGrJ7gNN1eTDZi8XuMWJ2zj46aB97tw4HaSDuV_zuAiC-gnNhFOVnXq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7167847114628341170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQFA9kwFLd_zGxrCb49mpzVU4WXfsg_Ts8HLZHBWkga03PkLJGymFdhkQHXRA7Qz0GIaTWdWfxWKghTpeVN1QLs369WH3xrI6dMiqeSTaP8indkHzsIUW6j-kAWWCsMDt0rBGrJ7gNN1eTDZi8XuMWJ2zj46aB97tw4HaSDuV_zuAiC-gnNhFOVnXq=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson sent Ron a picture.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">30 Nov: Wednesday: Ron leaves Illinois tomorrow morning. Woo Hoo! 2:30 AM, and Cynthia is wide-eyed awake in Texas, unable to go back to sleep. Yuk! Sciatica is surfacing due to sitting in condo. But, this is an exciting day, she is having lunch with a cousin from Minnesota. Ron slept well, woke up early, exercised (with interruption by a SmoochSmooch phone call), ate oatmeal, and made more DNA notes as he closed some of the 40 windows open on his computer. 10 am and the temperature has risen to 33 degrees with 16 mph winds, Brrrh. Time to get dressed to motorcycle the 20 frigid miles to visit Don & Ann for the day. Ron especially enjoyed his visit today because he beat Don at chess twice. Then Diane came to play Liverpool rummy and won the second game. (Diane's husband rides a K1600GTL and a R1150RT - but he wasn't there. Diane was a nearby neighbor in Trenton but was born the year before Ron left for college.) We finished barely in time for Ron to return to Carlyle before dark. Good-bye November! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">29 Nov: Tuesday in a Texas Town, Cynthia was up at the crack of early, oatmealed by 6:30, and prepared for a day of exercise. Well, at least a long walk to the lake was planned, but that did not work out because of rain and trillion percent humidity. Ron rode to Edwardsville, arriving at the crack of 11 am to meet Maxine at Denny's. Maxine had a rough year last year with interminable dentistry, a stroke with miraculously great recovery, perhaps entirely due to hubby Doug's immediate call to fetch an ambulance, a couple of falls, and atrial fibrulation. Wow, lets hope this coming year is much, much better. From there Ron went to Office Max, Batteries Plus, Walmart, recycling, Target, Hallmark, GNC, the credit union, Bussey Bank, and then to Connie's house. Surprise: She was home. We walked and talked for a pleasant hour before it was time to leave</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">28 Nov: In Texas, a “boil-water” warning was issued to Harris and Montgomery Counties because three water treatment plants had low pressure readings. Walmart sold out of bottled water within an hour, and Cynthia will boil water. She arose at three AM! Yuk. After falling back asleep at seven to eight thirty, she is ready to walk to the lake. She walked three miles and used machines in fitness center. Ron played Liverpool Rummy with Ann and Don. Today was a miracle, he won two of three games! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">27 Nov, Sunday: The rain on the lake stopped early, and after the pavement dried, Ron rode over to spend the day with Don & Ann. Due to the late start, we only played one game of Liverpool rummy. Meanwhile, in TX, Cynthia worshipped at Grace Lutheran, and stopped to visit baby Charlotte at Jon’s (She is so cute). Now, she will walk to the Lake Conroe. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">26 Nov: Ron packed the bike and rode to Edwardsville to pay his storage locker rent with a credit card. Then he visited "his infamous storage unit" but, after pulling a few things out, decided that it would take too long and be too dusty and dirty to get the items he wanted. Connie was not at home, so Ron left a note on her door and hurried over to Nephew Eric's for a second Turkey dinner with Eric’s family. He left at 4:15 and discovered (again) that it takes longer to ride to Carlyle, meaning that he arrived at the Mariner's Village after 20 miles of riding in the dark. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Cynthia (in Texas) is mighty pleased to think about Ron’s return. She walked three miles this morning and used circuit machine in the fitness center. She spent the afternoon with Jon and Tina while they babysat baby Charlotte. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span><span>25 Nov: </span>Ron is en route to breakfast at Denny’s Restaurant in Litchfield with Bill and Carol. His clothes are sparkling clean, free from mud and stick tights, for another feast day tomorrow at nephew Eric’s. In Texas, it is drizzly, and Cynthia is crazy bored. Instead of exercise, she spent the afternoon with Jon and Tina. Thanks to Jon, the car windows are sparking and clear. And Jon figured that the orange light on the</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">dash</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> indicates low tire pressure. </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKR_FIXzp00ceaQ6BlHYVBdd4pbPFF0_g8AMOFaszkFfc_z1f276MQEYAkiN1Y2rxP6hpTV1Jc-drQVCpaEKsqO7nwFUTTatSBucpYDWpGzByhZIXxDqqkCrOhlkQfQOv_Ywoyv87QnuLAg3SnjmlGn4vWe1DB0Mmhckpse1pZdRnwmoN0fQC2l7gM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7169734501944204130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKR_FIXzp00ceaQ6BlHYVBdd4pbPFF0_g8AMOFaszkFfc_z1f276MQEYAkiN1Y2rxP6hpTV1Jc-drQVCpaEKsqO7nwFUTTatSBucpYDWpGzByhZIXxDqqkCrOhlkQfQOv_Ywoyv87QnuLAg3SnjmlGn4vWe1DB0Mmhckpse1pZdRnwmoN0fQC2l7gM=w260-h400" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One granddaughter, one grandmother</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">24 Nov: </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Thanksgiving </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">is the Word of the day, and We are thankful! Grateful for the gift of life, we thank God for families, health, and our friends</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">! Happy Thanksgiving. Cynthia drove into Houston for dinner with son Paul’s family, running into fierce driving rain on a few occasions. The food was fabulous. The ride home was unnerving as she left their Houston subdivision and maneuvered onto the widest, busiest freeway in the world: <a href="https://markozen.com/2017/08/23/the-widest-freeway-in-the-world/">Interstate Ten </a>. Once she was a few miles north, the rain slowed its intensity. In Illinois, Carol spent the day cooking and Ron contributed by staying out the of the kitchen. Turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries, beans and peas were delicious, especially when followed by wonderful pumpkin pie. Thank you Sistah Carol and Bill. After dinner settled a bit, Ron again walked to the mailbox, a mile in the dark on Carol's driveway each way.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">23 Nov: Oatmealed and exercised in Texas, Cynthia is ready for a quieter day than yesterday. The Feb. trip with children to Palm Desert was cancelled due to 92-year-old uncle Bob’s broken femur, and refunds are forthcoming. In Illinois, Ron is off to Mudslide Hill to tackle bush honeysuckle; with any luck he will survive. The day was going well for all until after dinner, when Carol discovered that she had forgotten the persimmon nut bread in the oven and it smelled a bit burned . Ron reminded everyone that he thoroughly enjoys being the devourer of kitchen ctostrophes. (The nut bread was actually delicious.) Ron showered and washed clothes to prepare for Thanksgiving day. First written I love you of the day was won by Cynthia in Texas! and she walked 4.42 miles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">22 Nov: It is 6:32 AM in Montgomery, Texas, and Cynthia is oatmealed and ready to roll. It is time to exercise. After walking four miles, she went to her hand doctor in the Woodlands. He is going to fit her with a brace to immobilize the ring finger and hope that the saggital band will relax back into its proper place. Meanwhile, in Illinois, Ron pulled bush honeysuckle plants despite getting lost </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">trying to find Mudslide Hill and getting his clothing full of sticktights again. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">21 Nov: The temperatures in Texas are forecast to be miserably cold and wet. (It is a good day to use the fitness center… Cynthia walked 2.2 miles on a treadmill.) Ron pulled 120 more bush honeysuckle plants and walked two miles at night. Someone, somewhere, should have a wealth-generating idea for this invasive plant with a sweet name.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">20 Nov: No plans yet. We will see what Carol & Bill suggest. We drove into town for groceries and lunch at Dennys. Then Ron resumed his attacks on bush honeysuckle and DNA. Cynthia went to worship, shopped at Walmart, and wrote this</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: large;">SUNDAY OFFERING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: large;">She looked up at me with a shy, uncertain smile. She, In her seventies, her feet shuffling, is pushing a Walmart cart next to her spouse, whose hands are on the cart handle beside hers. They are dressed for worship. Of course, it is Sunday. What is wrong with this picture (my curious mind wants to know)? The scenario repeats itself three times in the same Walmart; three couples are dressed in Sunday best. In each case, it is the husband patiently guiding his wife. She clutches the cart handle like it is a life preserver. Yes, it is. And I recognize that she Is his life, and he Is taking his beloved bride, with memory or stroke issues, for a walk in the warmth of this Walmart store. Be thankful for those who walk beside you; be good to each other. <b>Amen.</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">19 Nov: I love you, my beloved SmoochSmooch (and get points for the first I love you of the day). What more could anyone ask for than being loved? Ron is off to an early start with his packing to leave but is still eating oatmeal at 9:30. The motorcycle was loaded and moving by 11:30. It wasn't that cold, and the wind was much less of a nuisance than feared. After arrival in Mt. Olive, Ron was soon hunting bush honeysuckle. After a delicious salmon & rice dinner, Ron walked to the mailbox & back (a mile each way). Early to bed tonight.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">18 Nov: Cynthia has an 8:45 appointment with the allergist for testing and hopes that the years of allergy drops have boosted her system so that there is no more need for daily sublingual drops. Ron was quite amazed</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">at noon,</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> as he rode the motorcycle</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> in 30-degree weather, to see another motorcyclist going in the opposite direction. The next amazement was when he actually went out on the last hand and won a game of Liverpool rummy. He stayed up way too late and walked the length of the dam at midnight, surprised again, this time by a roller skater. It was actually much warmer, merely because the winds had died. Birds were floating on the lake, but they were too far away to decide if they were seagulls or something else.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCrSsISPWhusoYn_rQ1UbE7Mv57V6gUb4ggUC0l4zc0G_6mmTpEalR95rsE4XgoSEeNA4MMKUERg4Gajkf_u22uqteQSVYiyCZ-6N8NyEDr4igPRMz0q5PpvwkqzScP4RI70_t7vUKSGoWK80CH-Ak2ExK3Chb_B3OGF7PByDpY0OUvFClpes1EvKL" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7167155068633543138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCrSsISPWhusoYn_rQ1UbE7Mv57V6gUb4ggUC0l4zc0G_6mmTpEalR95rsE4XgoSEeNA4MMKUERg4Gajkf_u22uqteQSVYiyCZ-6N8NyEDr4igPRMz0q5PpvwkqzScP4RI70_t7vUKSGoWK80CH-Ak2ExK3Chb_B3OGF7PByDpY0OUvFClpes1EvKL=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the artistic shoreline rocks remain</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">17 Nov: Cynthia is oatmealed, exercised, and Smooched! At 10:30, she went to the bank, and Ron continued working on James Lea, putting October photographs into their proper places. And that's our final offer. Cynthia hiked 4.25 miles, and added another mile running errands. Ron </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">rode over to play chess in 38-degree chilly weather and lost the Liverpool rummy game by one card when Ann drew the card she needed before Ron drew the card he needed. The return to Mariner's Village was not much warmer than the morning ride, but Ron decided to</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> walk across 3/4 of the dam to get one iota of exercise.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">Our bench multiplied…and received dry footing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">16 Nov: We again moved forward to the sixteenth! Cynthia met with Wartburg Seminary reps at nine AM at Grace Lutheran Church. They updated her on the seminary,</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> asked for donations,</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> and got her "No" answer - the economy is too uncertain. At four PM, Doctor's Appointment…Dr. Moran gave her a cortisone injection in the bursa. Ron had his usual luck with Don, Ann, and Liverpool rummy. Ann now takes a nap mid-afternoon, leaving Ron and Don to play chess, with the usual outcome of Don winning.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">15 Nov: NO !! Today is now. Wet pavement convinced Ron to stay indoors until 2pm when the pavement looked dry enough to walk over the hills and through the woods to grandmother's house, , , (oops, the Christmas carol overcame me) to cross over the suspension bridge and come back across the dam. It was warmer, with no rain in the forecast or on the color radar as Ron walked. Now he is back to work on DNA, thinking that next time, he needs to read his sister's notes before he does much.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">14 Nov: That’s today. Ron is awake, exercised, and oatmealed an hour before the temperature rises above freezing. And tonight in Texas, reflecting on today, Cynthia worked hard; she returned packages and continued work on tax files while the sky was leaking ferociously or just spitting. It is interesting to see Texas male behavior, “Can I help you, ma'am?” Or the cop who pulled her over today… Jesting about whether I had twenty warrants or a trunk full of drugs. In response to my question, “Whaat did I do?” “Ma’am, you ran a red light.” “I can’t make a right turn on a red light?” “Yes, ma'am, but you gotta stop first and then turn.” “Ohhh!” No ticket, no warning! Nice guys in Texas </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">13 Nov, Sunday: After a visit to the Springfield coin show with nephew Eric, Ron relocated to Lake Carlyle to be able to visit his friends Don & Ann. Lucky Ron, the weather was a balmy 36 degrees when his motorcycle started rolling out of Carol's mile-long driveway. It dropped 34 degrees south of Greenville as the</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">winter wonderland</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> appeared, with snow covering the adjacent fields. Ron loved having a white Christmas, even a few days early. His fingers did not freeze off despite his refusal to wear more effective gloves or to turn on his heated handgrips. When Ron called to confirm plans for tomorrow, Don expressed no desire to come out to play in the snow. Cynthia worshipped at Grace Lutheran and attended the catered congregational dinner. Of course, she could not eat the lasagna, pasta, dinner rolls, delicious-looking carrot cake, and other desserts! But the spinach and zucchini were tasty! She spent two hours working on tax files.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl17a0SdS_g1z1FN3mE_3xoDkXyUJi3S7D6_bA1dY2k-CNEBs_tUduYozqbPJnppEy0w3KXKefHQc4OObdfncJLYBxpX4vL3smWm1ECTZ2rRem5bloFTwicBvye8kXRu4v9zCBDp6HwPEkVV1-hWNjgNafp0BvnSikwDwk2dZbYAMmDoKHzzAh0eNF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7163385254176698530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl17a0SdS_g1z1FN3mE_3xoDkXyUJi3S7D6_bA1dY2k-CNEBs_tUduYozqbPJnppEy0w3KXKefHQc4OObdfncJLYBxpX4vL3smWm1ECTZ2rRem5bloFTwicBvye8kXRu4v9zCBDp6HwPEkVV1-hWNjgNafp0BvnSikwDwk2dZbYAMmDoKHzzAh0eNF=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron's bike looked like this before Cynthia</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">12 Nov: Cynthia's days in Texas are slowly continuing towards December. It is 37 degrees at 7 AM. Cynthia planned to clean up fallen branches at the family cemetery, but yesterday's heavy rain would make the ground too muddy. The summer drought took a terrible toll on the trees, and dead branches were everywhere. The company is sending men and a container to haul them away. Cynthia will walk at ten AM when it is warmer. At sistah Carol's in rural Illinois near Mt. Olive, the thermometer plummeted so that the forecast high is 39 lovely degrees warm as Ron heads out the door to pull bigger bush honeysuckle plants. What an incredible change from the 70+ degrees yesterday, and a strong wind makes it much colder. He has already finished a couple of harder sudokus. Carol has a nice-smelling soup/ stew/ sauce simmering for lunch. (She and Bill went to the splitter shed with a bigger chainsaw for the bigger trunk they dragged in yesterday. They hauled in a second trunk today and cut off lots of 18" rounds for splitting another day.) Down yonder again in Texas, Cynthia walked a total of 5.3 miles! Part of that mileage was because she forgot her cell phone at the yacht club and walked back to get it. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja89wGdm6SCMOGnR3I4ieZSb_1I6CteRhsiUZypUgjc10ewqsi4HrPya8kdd2TLNagpWcNa7cpb2s1-4yqNcYd9RjoCPrLpnHMuczoMVGO16NB4cy9T6xfjSfsi4lwOsK3jqzf5ZIJa8s4Qcl7e18YLkhqrU-fd31WSoZBJ0F5Vf8mBY9qmjHxMqrB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7165125270263362322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja89wGdm6SCMOGnR3I4ieZSb_1I6CteRhsiUZypUgjc10ewqsi4HrPya8kdd2TLNagpWcNa7cpb2s1-4yqNcYd9RjoCPrLpnHMuczoMVGO16NB4cy9T6xfjSfsi4lwOsK3jqzf5ZIJa8s4Qcl7e18YLkhqrU-fd31WSoZBJ0F5Vf8mBY9qmjHxMqrB=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm damage at Scott's Grove</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">11 Nov: Ron was back in the bush honeysuckle patch after breakfast at Denny’s in Litchfield with Carol and Bill. Cynthia and Jon attended a funeral for an Elk Horn, Iowa, family friend, and her visit to Scott's grave was a disappointment since recent storm damage made the grave site unapproachable. Cynthia is </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">frustrated that the stock market keeps getting worser and worser.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">10 Nov: Texas is cooling off, not a lot, but every little bit helps. Cynthia (successfully) drove to Hempstead to meet with the CPA, and she had a lovely lunch with her friend, Carol. Ron (successfully) kept stickers out of his clothing because he showered, washed his clothes, and stayed out of the woods. He and Carol did DNA, he worked on James Lea, and he walked four miles. Bill is feeling much improved.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">9 Nov: Ron harvested bush honeysuckle. The harvest is great; now we need to sell the harvest! Meanwhile, in a Texas town, someone is exercised and oatmealed. Today’s appointment with the retina specialist had to be canceled because it was in the downtown medical center, a location booked by accident. (Cynthia goofed.) By the time she realized her mistake and canceled the appointment, it was too late, too hot to walk in the sultry afternoon temperatures.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 Nov: Ron, Carol, and Bill ate heartily at Denny's in Litchfield. (Thanks you Jeri.) Well, at least Ron ate a whole lotta food. He laid down to rest his stomach for an hour before heading out to harvest, came back, ate, lay down, pulled more bush honeysuckle, and lay down. In Texas, Cynthia walked after a great night sleep! She danced for six minutes first and then walked </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">4.4 miles! She is convinced that she won the power ball billions, but something is wrong with Powerball computers. Afterward she cleaned and reorganized the storage unit. </span></span></p><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">7 Nov: Ron continued harvesting bush honeysuckle, all work, and no play until Sudokus in the evening. Cynthia had an appointment with a new gastroenterologist in the Woodlands. She spends an inordinate amount of time blocking text, email, and phone calls from people who want political contributions. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkf4w0-cAIpECPCJtOwX9yb-y90Gm4rCCNGv5TOLUepiKUT6_UJdTD1WI6pbkqVsqwPjOyJK-Vx6Rh_N-n2JNaP7W4t-ShKXr_6jvKwpQ0xmJ7qG_xBI6HbNwci8axRtdCgN3BTgngSBLR1Y6_PLyX_AOWlZG1trCOCoHf6XxsN_FMBE_uhXEbqdn5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7163085575593024818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkf4w0-cAIpECPCJtOwX9yb-y90Gm4rCCNGv5TOLUepiKUT6_UJdTD1WI6pbkqVsqwPjOyJK-Vx6Rh_N-n2JNaP7W4t-ShKXr_6jvKwpQ0xmJ7qG_xBI6HbNwci8axRtdCgN3BTgngSBLR1Y6_PLyX_AOWlZG1trCOCoHf6XxsN_FMBE_uhXEbqdn5=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrilee is remembered on All Saints Sunday</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">6 Nov: Ron harvested 101 bush honeysuckle. (If anyone has a good use for honeysuckle, we have a great supply to sell !!) Ron wasn’t wildly excited to hear about the movie Cynthia watched, despite the oddity of her viewing any movie. The best part of the movie was the faith aspect; plus, it was a true story near Sunbury in Colonial Pennsylvania. Cynthia worshipped at Grace Lutheran on All Saints Sunday, lighting a candle for sister Merrilee. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3wWPM8IKJk-K1dXW4anApjHthF0p74zbvn0Y32-lOhTOFg868UJ_xpSLCvBVg2pZYke4u_S3W4oqHci6tUsbj6hWf97qIT1AxLFmS2jW_eYVyGa8920eTUF9ZCFFyuosxPZZ2ajFVAAD4lLODxPKK1ELP-J2yjolUP0TSVaOSch8jEfaGSw_vua3_" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7162576246153183794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3wWPM8IKJk-K1dXW4anApjHthF0p74zbvn0Y32-lOhTOFg868UJ_xpSLCvBVg2pZYke4u_S3W4oqHci6tUsbj6hWf97qIT1AxLFmS2jW_eYVyGa8920eTUF9ZCFFyuosxPZZ2ajFVAAD4lLODxPKK1ELP-J2yjolUP0TSVaOSch8jEfaGSw_vua3_=s320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIrcyt6Es3Wozs1KdkJf8c_YSBndWpPzGNfnGVWt4o6CfsD87ls1tyvhanviGapXf2HGCvIddZPJdvwVyiYdS6PHhpAXuRHjQY49otz5gapDPnqeVrSB5H4tiP4B9_AYkUBm-XZskKFQlOxKVAS2gp4QrC8FdeYor4wzjjNR2M4HYi_ZhUQbO_4gVt" style="background-color: white; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7162576082678813010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIrcyt6Es3Wozs1KdkJf8c_YSBndWpPzGNfnGVWt4o6CfsD87ls1tyvhanviGapXf2HGCvIddZPJdvwVyiYdS6PHhpAXuRHjQY49otz5gapDPnqeVrSB5H4tiP4B9_AYkUBm-XZskKFQlOxKVAS2gp4QrC8FdeYor4wzjjNR2M4HYi_ZhUQbO_4gVt=s320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 Nov: Cynthia walked to Lake Conroe and return 4.0 miles, and discovered a new stone platform for our bench. Instead of one, two new benches will be added. This was a long walk after not exercising for many weeks! Zzzzz. In Illinois, Ron pulled bush honeysuckle three times, then puzzled over DNA with Carol. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 Nov: At Lake Carlyle, Ron is packing to move to Sistah Carols; in Texas, Cynthia saw the allergist. She is very happy with the accidentally purchased car! Bummer, her vision has worsened. Macular degeneration is not fun. But thank God for the vision today! The ride to Carol's was windy for the one stretch of 15 miles east of Greenville, but the new route through Alhambra was very pleasant. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 Nov: Ron will arrive at Don's by 10 am. Any bets? It was closer to 10:23, and the project was trimming two small hedges and digging out one small, dead tree. Then we spent the afternoon playing Liverpool rummy again. And Cynthia had her annual dental appointment.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 Nov: Ron worked on James Lea this morning for the first time in a month. Then Don called and invited him over to help with a project, but by the time Ron arrived, Don was no longer in the mood to work, so we agreed that Ron would arrive earlier tomorrow. Then we played Liverpool Rummy for the rest of the day, and Ron enjoyed getting the most points every game. (The object is to get the fewest points.) In Texas, Cynthia had her first annual Dr. appointment. Cynthia voted!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 Nov: Cynthia’s new Uber friend picked her up at 10:25 this morning and took her to the St. Louis airport for her flight to Houston. She was coughing a bit more this morning, and Ron has only one itchy spot today. The package is ready to ship, and Ron is ready to roll, so we will update you again later. After shipping Cynthia's box to Texas at the local NAPA auto parts store, Ron rode 20 miles to visit Don and Ann for the afternoon, then stayed up past midnight working on James Lea.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-86082196949941447422022-10-01T14:57:00.087-04:002022-12-29T15:46:59.876-05:00Octobrrrr and more brrr <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihY4zu1XjIPR2M-Db-SUAgl7iTNShZyDzUhX6xYlaHGGDLl_yd7LUV4U8TGo0kcx2PFrXTNvdv36aKm63PKv6vi0rcj58wXSGbMwc6WWaALKYhGB9grbk4e4Xrd0fdhAvXSAvCMzvbuxS1wbj5oAb6ll5OKO_-yhSfxffEcGhfZ-DTAEr_1E-Tph_U" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7154418120114208770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihY4zu1XjIPR2M-Db-SUAgl7iTNShZyDzUhX6xYlaHGGDLl_yd7LUV4U8TGo0kcx2PFrXTNvdv36aKm63PKv6vi0rcj58wXSGbMwc6WWaALKYhGB9grbk4e4Xrd0fdhAvXSAvCMzvbuxS1wbj5oAb6ll5OKO_-yhSfxffEcGhfZ-DTAEr_1E-Tph_U=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new motorcycle covered with Minnesota snow, 14 Oct 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">31 Oct: Cynthia’s flight from St. Louis to Houston International Airport is tomorrow! Her cough is almost gone, and Ron hasn’t itched since 8 PM Sunday night. This is Reformation Day. But it is also a meloncholy day since the Smooches will be apart for an entire month starting tomorrow. Ron is altogether too curious to check out the "Haunted Trail" before the ghouls dismantle it. Now that the welts on his feet have stopped itching, he can put on shoes and go for it. Nope, instead he fell asleep early (after staying up until 1 AM last night).</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">30 Oct, Sunday: Cynthia flies out to Houston in two more days. Rain, rain, rain today ! But that is really no problem for us since we haven't ventured outside for a walk since the 21st.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">29 Oct: Tomorrow is no longer another day, it’s today! It is also the last day of Cynthia’s antibiotics. Ron’s itching is not quite so pervasive. We enjoyed a pleasant dinner next door at Los Amigos with nephew Eric and his family. Erika is enjoying law school and finding it not too difficult. Kyle is enjoying college and finding it not too difficult. Eric is looking forward to retirement in April. And Denise was sitting too far away from Ron for him to hear much of her conversation with Cynthia.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">28 Oct: Thank God that the itching is subsiding, and Ron again gargled warm salt water, so his sore throat isn't insufferable. Bob's BMW found a GPS to send to Ron since his bike sold quickly for more than they expected. Now Ron can return the Garmin purchased in Cedar Falls to Walmart. Next task is to find the mounting hardware or at least a charging cable for the new one.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">27 Oct: Cynthia won’t bet on weller for a few days! She has two more days of antibiotics, still coughing relentlessly, and she may be facing a month yet of “productive coughing!” Ron’s </span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">hives are fading somewhat. Good boy, he is taking the Benadryl, but he awoke with a nasty sore throat. Ron baked a sweet potato in the microwave, mixed up a protein drink, and heated salmon and black beans for a deluxe gourmet dinner. He then gargled salt water to kill whatever is in his throat. At bedtime, Cynthia discovered that she too has welts developing apace all over her body. This is such a mystery to us now. How can it be? Neither of us liked what the other had so we changed ailments.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">26 Oct: So who wants to bet whether we will be weller or not? No bets, and we are only a little bit weller. Ron rode the motorcycle to Walmart for Benadryl, frozen mango, and hearing aid batteries. We haven't walked in a week.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">2</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">5 Oct: If we had known how miserable we would be after arriving here, we woulda taken our time to enjoy the colder Northern weather longer. No one would have predicted that our lives would be focused so much on coughing, coughing, and itching. We look forward to the day, perhaps weeks away, when we are still living but no longer coughing or itching. Ron has eaten his oatmeal and frozen pineapple and is getting ready for another long, hot soak in the tub. Cynthia was doing so well last night and this morning until 10 am when she exhausted herself with another coughing "spell." This is our fifth day of being able to do little more than cough, cough, and itch. Sistah Carol is worser still, and now Bill is also ailing.- ouch, ouch.</span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmvVhk5J85QVFVk2bKmHE4vV2hDsbc0HHezcqCMnKmANhf59qxeBcSliyp9CLDi5auA-1XochoapkVEuJgGPwrPwDgHiQLM06PG7KgAM5ATTBpMSDlvsUMzn826_rS3ZVNKKG9wTOqIgffhW-iM7CcDv9HHs-28IEia-Aw4dC-vflujkoKxosQM6AA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFeYjAHB6hg1xiCzsdk670052sSFZgS6tzmaLmxe8fbQ-CS9gwtw2Kww4Hfad_o-wAoHB4Enz05DEPygbQYu2612DPdDYiPd-uHHpAbfZs4Mc0vbA6Umi3IwDCTrWgrUzdUgSa06RXWyyDhVgg3O_wzzJMz3VXRO2OLRzv4hpHXLShaHp1AMv5hO6f" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7158903756428632066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFeYjAHB6hg1xiCzsdk670052sSFZgS6tzmaLmxe8fbQ-CS9gwtw2Kww4Hfad_o-wAoHB4Enz05DEPygbQYu2612DPdDYiPd-uHHpAbfZs4Mc0vbA6Umi3IwDCTrWgrUzdUgSa06RXWyyDhVgg3O_wzzJMz3VXRO2OLRzv4hpHXLShaHp1AMv5hO6f=w212-h320" width="212" /></a></span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmvVhk5J85QVFVk2bKmHE4vV2hDsbc0HHezcqCMnKmANhf59qxeBcSliyp9CLDi5auA-1XochoapkVEuJgGPwrPwDgHiQLM06PG7KgAM5ATTBpMSDlvsUMzn826_rS3ZVNKKG9wTOqIgffhW-iM7CcDv9HHs-28IEia-Aw4dC-vflujkoKxosQM6AA" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7158887221956999202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmvVhk5J85QVFVk2bKmHE4vV2hDsbc0HHezcqCMnKmANhf59qxeBcSliyp9CLDi5auA-1XochoapkVEuJgGPwrPwDgHiQLM06PG7KgAM5ATTBpMSDlvsUMzn826_rS3ZVNKKG9wTOqIgffhW-iM7CcDv9HHs-28IEia-Aw4dC-vflujkoKxosQM6AA=w164-h320" width="164" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikR7tw7pQ5UPg3YOIYlpbPKQPSVVaJTdEKZF5RG1PDOiwCWH41mEFZiCQL6ySpHgMdNl11WQS9rS_ZhuED720DalJNzjp4ntcrRl6wFeWm1Rp8lqK1DKm7EwKUMtnopmdLMfIqrxQPJfVwdPzUYGufNBvBbL6GcWEfeT0-fo46udf3i_h5JlX-KFZT" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7158887045605600114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikR7tw7pQ5UPg3YOIYlpbPKQPSVVaJTdEKZF5RG1PDOiwCWH41mEFZiCQL6ySpHgMdNl11WQS9rS_ZhuED720DalJNzjp4ntcrRl6wFeWm1Rp8lqK1DKm7EwKUMtnopmdLMfIqrxQPJfVwdPzUYGufNBvBbL6GcWEfeT0-fo46udf3i_h5JlX-KFZT=w183-h320" width="183" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">A celebration of Life was held today hosted by Cynthia’s sister Bonnie, for their sister, Merrilee Reid who died a year ago from Covid Pneumonia. Cynthia and her children will visit the last week of February. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">24 Oct: Another day another dollar, but looks like we are unlikely to go anywhere to spend that dollar. Ron has decided to spend a half hour today day soaking in a super hot tub of water to try to drown all his new found "friends." Cynthia is relieved to be coughing so much less today. We switched rooms to eliminate that as a source of Ron's continuing "new" bites. They are finally less irritating after the soaking. Sistah Carol is worser.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">23 Oct, Sunday: After suffering together through the morning, Ron and Cynthia decided it was time to take Cynthia 10 miles west to the emergency room of St. Joseph Hospital in Breese, where we received prompt attention by their very pleasant staff. Cynthia's X-ray showed a possible pneumonia in a small corner of one lung, so she is now on a second course of a different antibiotic. Albuterol inhalation reduced her wheeziness, so we received a prescription for that too. The result is that Cynthia was more comfortable later in the day and slept well at night. While at the drug store, Ron bought a ChiggereX cream that seems to be effective to reduce his itch although the count of his red lumps has increased to perhaps a hundred. Sistah Carol reported a sore throat - ouch.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> 22 Oct: Only 9 fun-filled days left in Illinois for poor sick WeeFee and itchy Ron. Rubbing alcohol seems to be helping Ron's very itchy bites. Hot water soaks also seem to help. Oops, both turn out to be bad ideas.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">21 Oct: We exercised, ate oatmeal, and napped. Ron snores to the tune of Amazing Grace. In addition to additional groceries, Ron bought more cough syrup and cough drops. He then walked 4 miles while talking with friends via cell phone. Somewhere along the way he suffered thirty insect bites that itch terribly and were swollen large and red by bedtime. </span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">
20 Oct: We relocated from Litchfield to Lake Carlyle for the duration of our stay together before Cynthia flies back to Texas (and warmer weather) on the 1st of November. Cynthia’s bronchitis needs to go away! Poor girlie has had several rough days. route: IL 16 E to Hillsboro, IL, 127 S through Greenville to Carlyle.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">
19 Oct: Carol and Bill picked us up from the hotel to have breakfast at Denney’s followed by a ride to her tree farm. As this is written, Cynthia and Bill are about asleep. Carol and Ron rode in the "side by side" out to and halfway down mud slide hill, now nearly completely grass covered.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
18 Oct: The ride from Keokuk, Iowa to Hampton Inn, Litchfield to visit Sistah Dear was very rough. Illinois needs better roads. Carol and Bill joined us to enjoy frozen salads at Ruby Tuesday followed by a trip to Urgent Care. Cynthia has bronchitis and is now treated with a ZPak, Afrin nose spray, Robitussin diabetic cough syrup, Halls sugar free cough drops, and Tylenol. route US 218 S to US 136 E crossing Mississippi River on "new" bridge to R on IL 96 S, but missed turn for county road 1120 (at 2 miles) and instead turned on County 900 E to R on Illinois 94 S through several turns to L on US 24 E to R on IL 99 S in Mt. Sterling 15 miles to L on IL 104 into Moredosia to R on US 67 S 60 miles to Jerseyville, L on IL 16 E was terrible road surface for 20 miles until crossing IL 159. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
17 Oct: We continued down US 218 S to turn on Salem Road then IA 16 E to IA 1 S into Keosauqua in even more bitterly cold weather and visited several of Ron's cousins: Rex & Susie, then Marvin & Doris and Ken joined us for lunch at the Riverview Restaurant. We left before dark and spent the night in a Hampton Inn in Keokuk, Iowa. Ron exchanged the Garmin Drive 52 GPS for the next more expensive model; the Drive 52 is not satisfactory for adding waypoints or seeing the entire route. route: S on Iowa 1 to L on IA 2 E to R on US 218 S into Keokuk. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
16 Oct: We checked out of the hotel in Eagan to visit Greg in Hastings at 10:30 am (no detour today), then on towards Keosauqua on a bitterly cold day. Cynthia’s foot warmers were burning her feet but withdrawing heat from the jacket, and her gloves did not heat at all. Compounding these problems, the rain pants caused her to slip and slide all over the new seat cushion. The good news is the seat cushion is comfy to sit on provided Cynthia can stay seated on the bike instead of sliding off the bike into the ditch. We stopped for lunch at a Subway just south of Waterloo, Iowa and made it to Cedar Rapids, Iowa before dark - 250 miles. route: Pleasant Drive S to 160th Street W to Jorgen Ave S, Northfield Blvd S to US 52 S through Rochester, MN to US 63 S to Waterloo, Iowa, L on US 218/ I-380 S to US 218 S. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW57w9EbrxBYU26VLPBAZO2wsIi7gDeZoM541pt_nRH5zr7_X-3fUC8AqZwTAPclbwmMy-UlS-VWfiX0p0gRZ3dtrZ80cLfttnUUH6lT_GbroOvI_vYep1rKDeq3GEs6L6-BBXpG22J2_Kx9G3vyTaZC95l4WAdAcnxL1lVaeEFvd6bHEcR12xSRlC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7155304381909210642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW57w9EbrxBYU26VLPBAZO2wsIi7gDeZoM541pt_nRH5zr7_X-3fUC8AqZwTAPclbwmMy-UlS-VWfiX0p0gRZ3dtrZ80cLfttnUUH6lT_GbroOvI_vYep1rKDeq3GEs6L6-BBXpG22J2_Kx9G3vyTaZC95l4WAdAcnxL1lVaeEFvd6bHEcR12xSRlC=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron, Lance and Shelley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span>15 Oct: We packed everything onto the motorcycle and departed at 1 pm to ride to Eagan, Minnesota, where we are staying one night at the Hampton Inn. Since we were able to check in before 2 pm, Ron was able to continue to Hastings to visit Greg and Donna. But, since we had dinner reservations for Axels in Mendota, he left after visiting for about an hour and a half. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Lance & Shelley picked us up at the hotel at 5 pm, and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">dinner lived up to our expectations. Sister-in-law Carolyn joined us, participated enthusiastically in the conversations, and contributed to the good times had by all. Route: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span>Minnesota highway 55 E to I-494 S and E to exit 71, Pilot Knob Road S 1/2 mile to L on Lone Oak Blvd E to Eagandale place and the Hampton Inn. Then Lone Oak Blvd E to MN 55 E, detour S on US 52 to L on 160th Street E to MN 55 E to General Sieben Drive to 1st avenue to the Benedictine Living Community - Regina</span>.</span></span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN80kneIZm-1rRn2ewbALtVOUWpxWTz4F72LTUCtCnq7QoP7POrx8UcH7GO8L2nNH_36IsbqoYLsWxa8nu-ay-Hd5FssGlMIXJ4ohNJQR0mmPPJH84G353bpfrHq9_KwhEQbFHKPCZ5O0Nf3JxGXC37kHxRVTw6J7BJjYaDRHBw1V5gwbGAjI_kvS-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7155304542786532146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN80kneIZm-1rRn2ewbALtVOUWpxWTz4F72LTUCtCnq7QoP7POrx8UcH7GO8L2nNH_36IsbqoYLsWxa8nu-ay-Hd5FssGlMIXJ4ohNJQR0mmPPJH84G353bpfrHq9_KwhEQbFHKPCZ5O0Nf3JxGXC37kHxRVTw6J7BJjYaDRHBw1V5gwbGAjI_kvS-=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Charley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">
14 Oct: Ron brushed 1/2" of snow off his new motorcycle and rode with certain trepidation in 36 degree temperature over into</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Minneapolis to visit sister-in-law Carolyn. The roads were only damp and not slick. Carolyn's new pet is a whippet, Amy, who is just so very curious and so very energetic that she sniffed Ron thoroughly, played chase excitedly, and needed to go outside every half hour to see if the weather was warmer yet. None of the three cats came downstairs during Ron's visit. Route: Minnesota highway 55 E to I-494 S to MN 62 E (Crosstown Highway) to 28th street exit.</span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6AejB5tBhq6cRZ1miOgevHHI-1RVdPGXUszIeEDDFnrEpmpaJlnr0UjuPzHGJZq4UyS1SLEWKvaDTWy0bX9sG3cx3J_weYX2kgRHP3ACDATr2RzH2O-wzKqKIo6leRPDjjqew91-Jr7z7XIf8ge9XV3jQ7j4cIe-7h_Ak670DxWZOUvJUAsbwEA_A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7154194429870483378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6AejB5tBhq6cRZ1miOgevHHI-1RVdPGXUszIeEDDFnrEpmpaJlnr0UjuPzHGJZq4UyS1SLEWKvaDTWy0bX9sG3cx3J_weYX2kgRHP3ACDATr2RzH2O-wzKqKIo6leRPDjjqew91-Jr7z7XIf8ge9XV3jQ7j4cIe-7h_Ak670DxWZOUvJUAsbwEA_A=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooch, SmoochSmooch and Hudson waiting</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">13 Oct: Today Hudson went to school and the house was bizarrely quiet. Even Holden slept most of the day. Cynthia asked for a (motorcycle) ride over to a nail salon for a manicure; Ron shopped at Aldi again and picked up one item at Target. Cynthia is delighted with her new whoopie cushion !! At 6 pm, Brett and Jenn drove us in two cars over to the </span><a href="https://www.covwayzata.com" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Cov Restaurant (click here)</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> in Wayzata, Minnesota with two great grandsons, where all the adults ate too much excellent food! The baby is sleeping, but Hudson is wide awake. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">12 Oct: Happy Birthday Zoe! We spent this rainy day indoors, although the noise level in a household with an active 4-year-old boy overwhelmed Cynthia. Lord knows why she didn't remove her hearing aides. Ron finally finished the PDF for Nimrod Taylor and posted it to <a href="http://therambofamilytree.blogspot.com" target="_blank">therambofamilytree.blogspot.com (click here)</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">11 Oct: Ron rode to Aldi for groceries: blueberries, bananas, and grapes. Besides those staples, he got sourdough bread, sweet potatoes, asparagus, frozen broccoli florets, frozen mango, oatmeal, and pretzels. Now we are venturing out into the wind for the last 80 degree walk of the year, which was really quite pleasant.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpCyliinGxWyL_QkJQC7K0gyFZAJ4UVzzgwqJ7bbKAhCpZdqTJVAYnvblKVEtrs0xqNsQCGchxOlNYQUFc1O0isHPeMPnbwRUKyXq2UJz8RQ-Yjq5SY41FDtacYdisec3WI7Do1CdxWw7NM97_YEyaubUm8wcnr8_I6Ass8HBxSrJC1VAsGJ8Ae7fS" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7153449160057045042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpCyliinGxWyL_QkJQC7K0gyFZAJ4UVzzgwqJ7bbKAhCpZdqTJVAYnvblKVEtrs0xqNsQCGchxOlNYQUFc1O0isHPeMPnbwRUKyXq2UJz8RQ-Yjq5SY41FDtacYdisec3WI7Do1CdxWw7NM97_YEyaubUm8wcnr8_I6Ass8HBxSrJC1VAsGJ8Ae7fS=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron, Holden and Hudson in a pile</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwc5qLlrWEHNETobC_EmF68TVeT776SvoNN8F_VM0s_Nowat50EY_05NRVGIJrQlunnsAAVQxK6LsyU6-1fqaNuXWQNJkj8pl5p-VDNCFew1A9rU6_BOoshpnJ0G7B3P0NfTSYlhExxLROXjd_PLDeab8AGulaPNlybkwMBgxyPHxYnSu-KKPf3deq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7153449011516149282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwc5qLlrWEHNETobC_EmF68TVeT776SvoNN8F_VM0s_Nowat50EY_05NRVGIJrQlunnsAAVQxK6LsyU6-1fqaNuXWQNJkj8pl5p-VDNCFew1A9rU6_BOoshpnJ0G7B3P0NfTSYlhExxLROXjd_PLDeab8AGulaPNlybkwMBgxyPHxYnSu-KKPf3deq=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great-grandmother holding Holden</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="mobile-photo">
10 Oct: Ron decided to spare Cynthia the lumps and bumps of old roads and uncharacter-istically chose to ride to Medina on I-35 N to I-494 W (which was bumpy at first), to MN 55 W to Arrowhead Drive, which has changed with a new intersection and two new streets before arriving at Bluebell Trail. This was supposed to be one of the warmer days this week, but it still wasn't overly warm for motorcycling. Hudson gave us a suitably warm greeting, and the dogs were also happy to see us. Great grandmother was estatic to hold baby Holden.</p></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">9 Oct, Sunday: We visited with Dick and Jane after breakfast until noon. Dick is a former traveler and motorcyclist, so he and Ron always find something to talk about. Cynthia and Jane have known each other for more than twenty five years, so they also find things to discuss. At 1 PM we rode into town to pick up healthy cookies to give to Ann and Dale. The visit there was enhanced by 7-year-old Cole, Bria who is younger, their mother Melissa, and Ann's daughter Tanna. Cole was riding Dale's oversized three-wheeled bicycle around and around in the parking lot. Ann looked surprisingly good for the medical traumas she has experienced recently, and after we left, she went right back into the hospital. At 3:30 we left them to visit Penny briefly (Hi and Goodbye), then rode to Mason City to visit Ray & Mary and Dick & Fran. We enjoyed polite conversation with everyone participating until Ray and Ron drove off for a to-go dinner from Applebys. Then the "boys" sat in the kitchen and the "girls" sat in the dining room and enjoyed more spirited conversations. A fine, fun time was had by all, with the consequence that Ron and Cynthia rode the motorcycle home in the dark. Fortunately we did not run into any errant livestock.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Here is Cynthia’s recap of the ride from Ohio to Northwood: </span></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">“Mother Nature is resplendent in her fall finery, dressed in every Color in the Crayola box. We hiked the sugar maple tree forest near Middletown, Ohio and learned the tree sap spigots are turned on to flow mid Feb. It takes 50 gals of sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup. Syrup in the stores does not compare to the real syrup taste on blueberry pancakes with walnuts. Do not add butter! Lunch at an Amish restaurant worked for us, lots of fresh vegetables. But check the labels on the decorative goods they sell… all trinkets made in China. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The ride from Ohio to</span><span> </span><span>the Allen County Public Library in</span><span> Fort Wayne, Indiana was beautiful. The trees are amazingly huge. The library had a fascinating Abraham Lincoln exhibit.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>The ride</span><span> </span><span>across Indiana and Illinois</span><span> from Fort Wayne to Dubuque, Iowa was equally lovely. It is harvest time. Crossing the Wabash River, </span></span><span>crossing the Illinois River on </span><span>the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln_Memorial_Bridge#/media/File:Illinois_River_A_Lincoln_Mem_Bridge_.jpg" target="_blank">Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge (click here)</a><span>, the Mississippi River Bridge at Savanna, and the ride along the River, through the hills leading to Dubuque, Iowa at dusk. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Not nice was the confusing signage on US 52 leading to Dubuque, and then discovering the Hampton Inn was full, and Dubuque does not have hotels sprinkled along the highway. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Today, we took the scenic tour of eastern Iowa criss-crossing the River northwest to Decorah, Iowa, then west to Northwood, my hometown, and site of my class reunion.”</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">
8 Oct: Northwood, Iowa. Ron's pacemaker report WAS sent today, thanks to Cynthia reading this blog. Today's big events were a tour of the new high school with Annie & Dave and a cadre of classmates. The 4 million dollar new gym is truly magnificent, and it is open to the public (by membership) when the school is not using it. The class reunion dinner at the Woodfire Grill was great food and a wonderful time visiting with everyone. Thirteen people attended: Cynthia and I, Annie & Dave, Vic & Nola, Laverne & Shelly, Jerry & Betty, Ray, Sue, Myra. Unfortunately not everyone was able to hear and not everyone was able to speak clearly. While this diminished the ability to communicate, everyone felt included and appreciated. Warm fuzzies all around.<div><div>
<br />
7 Oct: Our long day yesterday left us a short day today to get to Northwood - - - except that Iowa route 3 was "closed to through traffic" when we got there. So we had to backtrack and guess our way back to US route 20 which took us to our intended US route 52. The positive spin is that the scenery was outstanding all day long, but especially on our intended route and backtrack. We stopped in Decorah, Iowa for a Subway sandwich and were shocked to see that a lovely blue sky full of patchy white clouds had turned dark and ominous, threatening rain, during that lunch break. The other shock was that the temperature had become suddenly cold. Regardless of threat of rain, we arrived in Northwood dry and chilled. Dave and Pat joined us at the <a href="https://www.diamondjoworth.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diamond Jo Worth Casino (click here)</a> near Northwood (actually adjacent to the property that Cynthia's grandparents had owned). Dave and Pat were positive and upbeat as always, despite telling stories of hospital visits and back pain that have plagued them in the past year. Thank God we didn't have similarly distressing stories to exchange. Route: US 20 W to US 52 N (through Guttenberg with a great view of the Mississippi River) to R on IA 51 N to L on IA 9 W through Decorah to R on Walnut (after Riceville, no signage) N to L on 430 (no signage) to L on US 218 W into St. Ansgar to R on IA 105 E to Northwood. Note to self: avoid Iowa route 105 east of Northwood; it was very lumpy and bumpy. Iowa 9 was not great either. <div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 Oct: Our intention was to be on the road leaving Fort Wayne by eight AM to ride 250 miles to someplace for an overnight. Even though we failed to leave that early, we were pleased to be on the road at 9:30. US 24 W was bumpy enough that Ron decided to try I-39 N, which might be my favorite interstate highway, smooth and not full of traffic. After riding over a million pavement joints, especially on US 52 in Illinois, we crossed the Mississippi at Savanna onto smooth Iowa pavement and wound our way through the flooded lowlands towards Debuque. It is very amusing that we were heading due south passing road signs proclaiming "North on US 52." And we surprised ourselves by arriving in Dubuque, Iowa at seven PM as daylight dimmed. Wow! Mother Nature is resplendent, dressed in fall finery, using every color in the Crayola box. Peculiar that no signs indicated that Debuque is NOT actually on US 52, but rather a few miles east of it, so again we wandered around looking for any hotel and eventually stopped to hunt for hotels on the GPS and discovered that Debuque was 5 miles east on US 20. Another peculiarity was that the town of Bellevue, Iowa is on a bluff with great views of the river but no hotels whatsoever. Someone is missing a great opportunity to make good money. Route: US 24 W to El Paso, Illinois, then R on I-39 N to L on US 52 W. And that was close to a 400 mile day.<br /></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 Oct: Fort Wayne, Indiana. We spent the day in the Allen County Public Library researching genealogy. Ron's new camera captured over 200 pages of various books. Ron bought an el cheapo Garmin GPS as a preferable alternative to the BMW app on Cynthia's phone. He can return it to Walmart within 14 days if it proves unsatisfactory.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 Oct: Ron figured out a good, simple route to Fort Wayne, Indiana, but the chosen road had low posted speed limits and slow drivers on the road this morning at noon. Route Ohio route 306 South to Streetsboro, R on OH 303 W through Hudson to L on OH 606 S to R on OH 3 S, L on US 42 S to R on US 224 W to Van Wert, R on US 30 W to Fort Wayne - - - where the BMW route guidance failed miserably leaving us wandering all over town until Ron decided to ride by "dead reckoning" towards the sunset in the southwest to find the hotel. That also failed because he neglected to turn south when he encountered I-69 but we eventually arrived after 20 additional miles of wandering.<br /></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 Oct: Walt drove us past Burton to Middlefield, Ohio for lunch at <a href="https://www.maryyodersamishkitchen.com/home/" target="_blank">Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen (click here)</a>, then we hiked in the <a href="https://www.sugarbushcreekfarm.com" target="_blank">Sugarbush Creek Farm (click here)</a> and learned of Ohio's forest of sugar maple trees. It takes fifty gallons of sugar tree sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. Then we went for a nice walk in the Swine Creek Park (much more attractive than it sounds).</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 Oct, Sunday: </span></span>Novelty, Ohio visiting Pam and Walt. Walt drove us to Burton, Ohio for a walking tour of <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x8831733d2db8f299%3A0x8dc569830f961dc9!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMdRsyazI6M4Qx8QFgrFN60apbpmpGiHglgxuBV%3Dw284-h160-k-no!5sold%20town%20pioneer%20village%20near%20middlefield%2C%20oh%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMdRsyazI6M4Qx8QFgrFN60apbpmpGiHglgxuBV&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiskuL8-ND6AhXOmGoFHZwFDcUQoip6BAhzEAM" target="_blank">Century Village Museum (click here)</a> and to Punderson, OH for a walk on the boardwalk at the <a href="https://www.pundersonmanor.com" target="_blank">Punderson State Park including the Manor (click here)</a>. Cynthia made wonderfully delicious baked salmon and sweet potatoes for dinner, and Ron again spent the evening watching sports on TV with Walter.</span></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 Oct: Wish us luck with the weather. And we thank everyone who did wish us good luck with the weather. It rained before dawn, but was dry when we awakened at 5:30 am. We hustled through our packing and breakfast and left about 7:30 despite the lightest rain, just beginning. Although we had our doubts for the first twenty miles, our strategy was vindicated by drier and drier conditions. Contrary to Ron's normal routing, this time, since time was of the essence, so we took Interstate 70 to I-76 to the Ohio Turnpike to I-80 and then wandered around since exit 193 seemed stuck and the exit 187 was closed. The BMW GPS was worthless. We stopped in Bainbridge</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> at the Buckeye Chocolate Cafe</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">to call Walt</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> and discovered that the cafe could feed us salads. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">While Ron was grocery shopping next door at Grand Union, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Walt joined us and then led us to the Arborwear warehouse which is filled with</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> displays and products for sale</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">. We then went back to Walt and Pam's house, settled in to their guest apartment, and spent the afternoon and evening watching sports on TV with Walter.</span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTe6BhcXdzouQIFNeD9T_ZThSh-qI3fmfehPwkIusjFQwCd6QILSmVKkWOnpCld-xwZVXhuYbnD9ByBpPmiEzqCSphTzyU8DrAyCjqm1k4qH2vXq-_e-2WdC3BCQbue9vVjKwvmbfK5tuz2bTIqkJs0JZapBuvOGZpp7IIWhnS6cx0l6oWrJeHhCKQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7149620636190476690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTe6BhcXdzouQIFNeD9T_ZThSh-qI3fmfehPwkIusjFQwCd6QILSmVKkWOnpCld-xwZVXhuYbnD9ByBpPmiEzqCSphTzyU8DrAyCjqm1k4qH2vXq-_e-2WdC3BCQbue9vVjKwvmbfK5tuz2bTIqkJs0JZapBuvOGZpp7IIWhnS6cx0l6oWrJeHhCKQ=s320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">1 October, In Memory of Merrilee, Cynthia’s sister, who passed away from Covid pneumonia a year ago this day. She was a vital force and is missed. </span></p><p></p></div></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-47738056975937007892022-09-01T12:31:00.077-04:002022-10-21T21:11:17.875-04:00Septembrrr<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;">Read below for 27 Sep to hear about</span><span style="color: #333333;"> Miss Bella, a joyful, happy woman. Love to you, Miss Bella! </span></span></p><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">30 Sep: The initial 600 mile service at Bob's BMW took longer than we hoped.</span></span></span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> The service wasn't finished until 1:15, so we didn't get rolling out of Jim's driveway until 2:55, and we did not get as far north as was desirable, although we did get to Harmarville just northeast of Pittsburg.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Contrary to Ron's normal routing, we took Interstate 70 to Interstate 76 and passed the most beautiful fall folliage, with resplendent reds, near Somerset, Pennsylvania (where it was also quite chilly).</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: #333333;">29 Sep: After awakening in Culpeper, VA, we decided to ride ASAP</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">towards Mount Airy</span><span style="color: #333333;"> instead of waiting an hour for Ruby Tuesday to open for lunch. (Besides we were quite full of oatmeal with the blueberries and bananas that we had purchased.) </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">We had lunch at the Mount Airy Inn before returning to Jim’s house. Because of Ian, Ron will get the six hundred mile service done early tomorrow AM, then return to Mount Airy, pick up Cynthia and the luggage, and take off for Cleveland, Ohio to miss the impending rainfall from Ian due here Saturday.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">28 Sep: At one PM we began the ride towards Mount Airy, Maryland in lovely cool weather on good, smooth roads, with a planned overnight in Culpeper, Virginia. We opted for a "short" distance because the bike is too tough for the feminine passenger's tush! Roughly 150 miles to Culpeper, and Cynthia reports that her tush was fine for the first hour and a half. route: US 501 N into Virginia, US 360/ 58 E to a L on US 15 N.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">27 Sep: </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">The Hampton Inn, Roxboro, NC has a delightful morning dining staff person who is Miss Bella, a joyful, happy woman who calls us Mr. and Mrs. Oatmeal! Love to you, Miss Bella! Ron spent most of the day at the library and the Recorder of Deeds photographing several books and deeds from his list of items needed for the book. The camera worked excellently well and the photos ran through OCR better than previous photos from other cameras. We dined again at Brookland Eats, this time with </span></span>Steve and Karen, managers of Caswell County Historical Association.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">26 Sep: We needed to put 600 miles on the bike in order to have the first service done, so Ron's great brainstorm was to travel south on old US Highway 15 to & from Caswell County for genealogy photos. Ron bought a new tiny camera with image stabilization and low light ability. The Powershot Elph 360 HS is indeed much smaller than the Canon Powershot SX540 HS.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">25 Sep, Sunday: A day of rest! Jim and Joni took us for a ride in the Maryland countryside that we all enjoyed - even though we drove through a couple of heavy showers.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">24 Sep: We did spend the entire day at Bob's BMW </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">in Jessup, Maryland</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> and left with a brand new, shiny black R1250RT. Ron was hugely disappointed that he was only offered $500 trade in on that marvelous K1600GTL that he has enjoyed riding for 6 years. Jim explained that the K1600 is not a popular model because it weighs too much - Ron's exact complaint - so the dealorships cannot sell the used ones either - and his needs a new rear shock at $2500, a new disk rotor at $1000 besides new tires at $800 and no telling what all else. Bob's has not yet listed it as a project bike for ?? $</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">23 Sep: This was the day of missed turns. Ron had a lovely route planned, but missed an early turn and traveled 20 miles too far on PA route 611. Once he stopped and consulted the GPS for a better route, it suggested one that we don't like (hard on Cynthia's back), so we forced it to take us further south on 611 which turned out to be a pleasant road, the west on PA 32 a busy highway to West on PA 22 even busier until we arrived in Harrisburg - - - and mis-remembered that the Ruby Tuesday here seemed closed for good when we were here earlier this summer. We called, but Ron's eyesight misread the phone number as 581 instead of 561. We turned south on US 15 to Gettysburg, then MD 97 E to MD 27 S to Jim's house just before dark.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">22 Sep: And the question is: where will we be? Answer is that we began the day in Troy, NY, waiting for the heavy rains to end and for the bike to be fixed. Around 1 pm Dustin called to say come and get it, all fixed. NY 7 W into Troy, L on US 4 S to East Greenwich (except I wandered around looking for Hays Road prematurely. Eventually we rode through Renssellaer trying to find NY 9J (River Road)). It was worth the trouble as we enjoyed spectacular views of the Hudson River. NY 9J continued S to US 9 S to R on NY 199 W crossing the Hudson on a magnificent high bridge (with no wind) and then onto US 209 S to Milford, PA and our Hampton Inn destination. It was another scenic day as the fall folliage changes are appearing even this far south.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">21 Sep: Our likely departure date is today, a day early.</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> 438 miles to Bob's BMW, avoiding interstate highways</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">.</span><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> The weather is better for riding on this day, so Ron is finishing recycling, then we ride.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> We had hoped for an early departure, but at 11:30 with a couple more things to do, that is not to be. We were on the road at 3 pm and the afternoon light made the scenery just wonderful, what with lime green leaves and occasional oranges showing that fall folliage is beginning to appear.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> Perhaps we will make it to Delaware Water Gap tonight. Nope, after 60 miles, when we turned south on NY 22, the bike engine started running on only half of the cylinders, so Ron decided that the "check engine" light might actually be indicating a problem. Fortunately Max BMW was only 14 miles further down NY 7, we turned around, and the bike resumed running well until we arrived at Max BMW at 5 p.m. The fault diagnostics indicate that an ignition coil is failing. Tony Beatty was not at the desk, but Dustin was very sympathetic and coordinated to begin</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> repairs tomorrow. Salesman Craig was such a nice guy that he gave us a ride to the hotel; his station wagon is more accustomed to carrying dogs than people; he has been showing dogs for more than 20 years. The trees outside the hotel were among the most colorful we've seen this autumn.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>20 Sep: CYNTHIA HAS A HAIRCUT AT 10:30 AM </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">and Ron was able to get her there on time. After more bug and tar removal, the rains resumed.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">19 Sep: Forecast was for a rainy day. But it will be mostly dry until late day. A good day for packing. Cynthia is at breakfast while Ron is doing math, adding and subtracting. He adds Armorall to the bike, and removes bugs and tar. He actually started packing during the first shower about 11 am, then returned for more bug and tar removing until the storms started in earnest at 3 pm.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">18 Sep, Sunday: Forecast is for rain after 1 pm. Let's go hiking early - meaning Ron needs to get to bed NOW. We successfully navigated the trail to the sinkholes again! 3 miles RT, and we finished before the rain arrived. The bike looks magnificent with a thousand coats of Armorall! Ron has moved on from ArmorAll to bug and tar remover on the wheels. It is not working well, and he is getting tired of all this cleaning and polishing. {GMC: 1 hour w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">17 Sep: The distance hiking to the sinkholes hasn’t changed! Ron carried one large rock 200 yards or more uphill to create a check dam. Oofta. This fall day was spectacular. We are charged up with plans to pack, Armorall the bike, and get on the road next Thursday. The third or fourth application of ArmorAll is beginning to improve the appearance. If the rain holds off, Ron will get another coat on tomorrow morning. {GMC: 1 hour with bucket & trowel}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">16 Sep: Life is wonderful. We had a glorious three-mile hike to the sinkholes; Ron spent most of the afternoon prepping and painting an engine guard on the bike. And we feel great. Cynthia accidentally bought a car. The cost of the car is two thousand less than our rental car for the winter; it will be parked near Jon so he can start it and drive it once a week. {GMC: 1 hour w/ hoe</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">}</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">15 Sep: After three miles of hiking in Arctic temperatures (according to Cynthia) without being frozen, we ate lunch and phoned the BMW dealer to hear the joyous news that our new bike should arrive a week from Saturday! Yaaaay! And the good (?) news about a bolt that didn't fit is that there isn't a thread to bolt it into. The bad news is ending the sentence with a preposition. {GMC: 1 hour w/ bucket & trowel}</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCgP3iX_PbX3qsN_-m-0PIGhb01XUq8MApUEkbKDLn4GYUb07ZxUyg59KAUbBRu6bct-TF_D08EN0Vm4rINqNLeAh2iUxDudOGFG8X8OfaeDfQJuKxY2XsbusM0kceay1_j6chGHhnMAjkk0A-22JSSjY8D89MRxzUq1xCa6Fua_ac_Js-BJSd7Pht" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7143605270186766002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCgP3iX_PbX3qsN_-m-0PIGhb01XUq8MApUEkbKDLn4GYUb07ZxUyg59KAUbBRu6bct-TF_D08EN0Vm4rINqNLeAh2iUxDudOGFG8X8OfaeDfQJuKxY2XsbusM0kceay1_j6chGHhnMAjkk0A-22JSSjY8D89MRxzUq1xCa6Fua_ac_Js-BJSd7Pht=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harrison, Cynthiia (in middle), Ron</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">14 Sep: First, we hiked three miles. We rode the spiffier (cleaned) bike to Hanover for an early dinner with Harrison at 4 pm and returned by 7:30 pm. The ride from Killington to Hanover, NH was lovely on this pleasant fall day with cool temperatures, iconic Vermont red barns, and high church steeples in the distance signaling that a New England village is clustered at the base. Grand nephew Harrison, a sophomore at Dartmouth, is an engaging and lively conversationalist. We enjoyed our visit with him immensely. The return trip was even more fun after Ron turned the wrong direction (north) on U.S. Highway 5. When we arrived at the intersection with Vermont 17, we took that west and north along some river for miles and eventually came into Woodstock from the north, turned right on U.S. 4 and found our way back to the Inn at Long Trail. {GMC: 1 hour w/ hoe}</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">13 Sep: It is supposed to rain all day, but Ron painted a second coat between showers. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Otherwise, we've spent the day indoors "packing." Ron has been good today (and yesterday), so he can now afford to take time for genealogy.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">12 Sep: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">We are so thankful for a good night's sleep, the ability to exercise, breakfast, and out the door "early" to go hiking. (Early means before noon). </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">It is a glorious Monday. Life is wonderful.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> We hiked three miles to the sinkholes and enjoyed spinach salads.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> Ron cleaned the bike with Armor-All and Wheel & Tire cleaner. How can two retired people be so crazy busy? {GMC: 2 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">11 Sep: That 4-year-old was yelling continually at breakfast until Ron decided it was time to <b>YELL</b> at her to <b>STOP YELLING</b>, after which her parents left the room with her. Once that family left the inn, Ron painted a second coat on one engine guard, masked off the other guard and sprayed it first coat, with cleaning of the rims between coats. Bike is getting spiffier by the day. We then ate lunch and went hiking and trail maintaining. Ron actually DID start the packing to leave process, recording his receipts collection. {GMC: 1 hour w/ bucket & trowel moving dirt}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">10 Sep: repeat </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">10 Sep: Ron had better begin packing in order to be ready to leave by the 24th. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">We are exercised, oatmealed, and happy! Thank God! Cynthia's forgot to ice after hiking yesterday, so her sleep was disturbed by sciatic pains. (Our aches and pains, another best seller.) Ron intended to continue motorcycle appearance improvements this afternoon (but didn't), and Cynthia demands less strenuous hiking today. We hiked over to the pub for luncheon salads. Two youngsters screamed during the meal. Then we discovered they have the room next to us… when they started screaming outside. We hiked 1.5 miles to escape. {GMC: 1 hour w/ hoe} </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">9 Sep: We slept much better in part because we got to bed earlier - - speaking of which I'm late already this evening. goodnight. Cynthia’s bronchitis is apparently healed. We hiked three miles to the sink holes. Ron has the motorcycle looking spiffy! I hope one of our readers is keeping a log on our sleep habits; it will be a best seller. {GMC: 1 hour w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 Sep: We are not well motivated this morning. Cynthia's sleep was disturbed which consequently disturbed Ron's sleep, so we are both tired despite 8 hours in bed. Ron used steel wool on the motorcycle crash bars, preparing to paint them. Next is to use cleaner on the rims to improve that appearance. But we've delayed hiking long enough that it is time for lunch. We attempted a hike, but Cynthia decided after a quarter mile that she isn't up to it yet, so we returned and Ron returned to James Lea.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">7 Sep: It is still raining this morning, a light rain expected to continue for the next several hours. Fooey. The good news is that the computer is responding normally again. Now if we could only convince our bodies to do the same. We rode into town to purchase our 4th blood pressure cuff. I really, really need to remind Cynthia to always pack a blood pressure cuff into any box she is going to ship to us anywhere. Ron purchased supplies to prettify the motorcycle prior to trade-in/ sale.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 Sep: Rainy day again, so we are not likely to venture out onto wet rocks for a hike and a tumble. There are noticeably fewer leaves obscuring the forest floor. Most of the undergrowth is preparing for winter and a few brightly colored leaves are now adorning the trails. Today is a good one for indoor activities, like mending the torn pants leg, preparing recycling, James Lea, etc. etc. We met a delightful and wet couple of AT hikers dinnertime at the pub, Ashley and Luke. Their camping site at Cooper Shelter last night turned into a small lake by morning, so everything was soaking wet, including Ashley's down sleeping bag. T</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">hey told us about meeting a family of six hikers on the trail, the youngest being a 4-year-old boy, and that this family (and 4-year-old) was hiking 20-mile days.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> And then at 1030 pm, this computer stopped responding to a few key combinations and the touchpad. Fortunately Ron was able to save all open documents and close several applications before shutting it down for the night.</span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv6Q7rbqmHfpZoF1axa3jYwLPiHa1b7P2EJEKBX2pvpJKnoquj6lM18AMeSc6el5N3W8w9jL_Z7VK-Resy14eKoPBRvIUgEM0wur6-18Ll4OiE3NgIN-L1kIIDkTPPAyE7G7owsGwIKM-3e84MSpA8liQDct8A4oUByMafLxIRCoSlTtvdhK6mbad7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7141892260664910642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv6Q7rbqmHfpZoF1axa3jYwLPiHa1b7P2EJEKBX2pvpJKnoquj6lM18AMeSc6el5N3W8w9jL_Z7VK-Resy14eKoPBRvIUgEM0wur6-18Ll4OiE3NgIN-L1kIIDkTPPAyE7G7owsGwIKM-3e84MSpA8liQDct8A4oUByMafLxIRCoSlTtvdhK6mbad7=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"professional" wound bandaging</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 Sep: Somewhat invigorated after a good night sleep, Cynthia, the dizzy blonde, was indeed a bit light headed while walking to breakfast and discovered unusually high blood pressure, which has given us lots of hypotheticization but no answers. Ron is pleased to report that his</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> three or four minor bruises from the fall yesterday are pain free a day later. The forecast of rain all day is holding true, so there is no worries about the Smooches venturing forth to damage themselves again today. We took great pictures of Cynthia's artistic bandaging. Maybe she will post it today.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">4 Sep: Cynthia is feeling better today, but not well enough to hike, so Ron gets to go hiking without adult supervision. His thought is that he can attempt to hike to Killington and back in 7 hours. Well, there were trees to saw, and Ron discovered that he is not in adequate physical condition to hike uphill 3 hours, saw trees (about 5), and hike back downhill comfortably - with the unfortunate consequence that he took a tumble into a pile of rocks when his foot caught on something. The good news is that the worst damage is a torn pants leg that needs mending. Second worst is that his shirt needed immediate washing to prevent blood stains from the scratch on his right arm. We slept well. {GMC: 6 hours w/ saw & clippers}</span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 Sep: Today we rode into town immediately after breakfast to take Cynthia to Emergency Health Clinic in an attempt to forestall her cough turning in to bronchitis, but we were too late - already is. Ron found Fels Naptha (Eureka !!) at Grand Union and picked up Rustoleum at Home Depot while Cynthia was being medically examined. Then we got bananas, blueberries, grapes, and pretzels at Hannaford before getting frozen mango at Aldi. We got it all !! The big surprise came as Ron was unloading the motorcycle. He turned around to see Cynthia sprawled and rolling on the ground. She had left her motorcycle helment on while trying to climb the rock wall steps to the yard and apparently stepped onto thin air for her last step. The poor dear is in bed now, where we hope she cannot hurt herself any further.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 Sep: Cynthia wants to ride to town for something, and Ron is agreeable since he is out of frozen mango and pretzels. But first, he is off at 10:30 (alone) to hike and maintain trail. we never did get to town because Ron decided en route that he wanted to hike past Jungle Junction towards Killington Mountain, since in years past we hiked that far occasionally. Then he eventually remembered that he hiked for three hours to get to the tree that he cut before his atrial fibrillation. (He is curious to see if it has been moved at all.) It was just shy of three hours when he turned around to hike back, but at least he made it as far as a particularly memorable tree before turning around. So he didn't get back to the Inn until close to 5pm, and with dinner scheduled for 5:30, Cynthia was unwilling to go to town after all. {GMC: 2 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 Sep: We slept well until 5 AM when Cynthia's stomach decided to become upset about who knows what. Then we slept another couple of hours to arise at 8 AM. It is much, much chillier today with a forecast high of 60 degrees and a brisk wind to help. We are in no hurry to hike today. Ron finished his Bankston thoughts and back to James Lea. Cynthia's stomach is upset, and neither of us managed to get out the door and hike today. Ron is pleased with his progress on James Lea.</span></span></p><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><p></p></div>Ron Beattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022932930903462088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-44220918993004209092022-07-31T19:51:00.094-04:002023-01-24T16:19:26.358-05:00August in Vermont, where sultry means 85 degrees and 80 % humidity.<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><div><div><div><div><div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">31 Aug: Ron needs to tell Walt and Jim when to expect us. I guess if the new bike arrives in Jessup, MD, we will go there to see what Bob's BMW actually offers to us for a trade in when they can see our bike in person. And Ron will just have to change the descriptions of the Bankstons to take into account the puzzling new thoughts about the information in Anson County. Cynthia is ready to hike, and Ron is still on his computer after checking the weather and marshalling his thoughts. And we did hike to the sinkholes without stress or distress. {GMC: 2 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">30 Aug: Exercised, oatmealed, and Cynthia is off to get a manicure, and girlicure! Ron went for a hike at 3:22 and arrived at the sinkholes at 3:58, but the rumbles of thunder convinced hiw to return instead of hiking to Jungle Junction. Calls to the BMW dealer were disappointing. The new bike is not yet arrived in the States, and the dealer is likely to offer only $4,000 to $5,000 for our present, 6-year-old bike for which we paid in excess of</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">$25,000</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">. Ron is thinking that since our bike (the </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">BMW K1600GTL)</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> is still perfectly good and well maintained, we might as well continue using it instead of spending so much for a new bike. Ron also is in a quandry about the various George Leas in Caswell County and elsewhere. And that spills over into new thoughts about the Bankstons in Anson County, NC.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">29 Aug: We hiked to the sink holes once again… 3 miles, while Ron worked with a hoe. Icing the feet with real ice this time finally paid off with a good nights sleep.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">28 Aug, Sunday: How did Saturday disappear? We hiked to the sink holes again today. Cynthia got up there much more quickly than on previous days (at least Ron didn't catch up as fast as usual). Today when we arrived at the sink holes, Cynthia felt that she could easily make it to the ski run but decided to be happy with todays hike.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Upon return to the Inn we ate salads, and Cynthia iced her back and feet (with frozen pineapple and frozen mango). It was fun to meet a couple from Big Pine Key, FL.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">{GMC: 1 hour w/ hoe}</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">27 Aug: I guess DNA sucked up the entire day without Ron noticing the blog at all. We did hike to the sink holes again, but Cynthia’s sleep last night and tonight was disturbed. {GMC: 1 hour w/ bucket & trowel}</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">26 Aug: Again we awakened, exercised, ate, and are now set to hike uphill again. Cynthia delayed icing her feet yesterday and had a disrupted sleep. Ron ain't too well rested either but we are more energetic than last week. Ron is again distracted by DNA, so James Lea may have to wait until tomorrow.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">{GMC: 1 hour w/ trowel setting rocks as steps}</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">25 Aug: And today the rains finally came. Fortunately Cynthia and I were only about a quarter of a rocky mile from the Inn and our el cheapo plastic ponchos kept us reasonably dry. We then spent the day on our computers, quite happy that the Wi-Fi has been fixed after last night's failure. {GMC: 1 hour with bucket moving dirt}</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">24 Aug: Another day with a "comfortable" hike to the sinkholes to help Cynthia's bursitis and arthritis in her feet. Trail maintenance continues at a subdued rate since Salt counld not commit to leaving my waterbars alone. Mostly, I now try to bury the waterbars beneath a mound of dirt. Documentation of James Lea continues to be absorbing. Ron realized that we haven't met many hikers this year because he is absorbed in sudokus at every meal. More icing and the feet are feeling better and we are sleeping better. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">{GMC: 1/2 hour w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">23 Aug: It showered ever so lightly overnight and was mostly dry by morning. The forecast is again rain 83% chance at 1 pm, pop up thunderstorms using moisture from the Great Lakes. We hiked uphill for an hour and returned before 1 pm for lunch and to work on James Lea. It stayed dry the rest of the day despite the forecast. Cynthia is beginning to consistantly ice her feet after hiking, especially if Ron reminds her. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">{GMC: 1/2 hour w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">22 Aug: We slept better except for lying awake for an hour or more about 2:30 pm. Fortunately it is cooler and breezy today. We hiked early since there was rain in the forecast, but it didn't show up today. We did our usual trip to the sinkholes without difficulty, but are a bit puzzled that we haven't felt as strong or hiked as far as in previous years. {GMC: 2 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">21 Aug, Sunday: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Another day closer to goodbye August. We didn't sleep all that well last night, and it is hot again today, 82 degrees at 11 AM. Cynthia's arthritis in her feet has been a problem despite icing them yesterday afternoon. Now we have new ice and a new bottle of water, so Cynthia is living high. However, as she ices her feet this morning, she decided not to hike, so Ron will go as soon as his body assimilates the energy from a bowl of frozen mango. Waterbar maintenance calls. The newest procedure is to bury the rocks in the waterbars under dirt so that Mr. Salt cannot see them. {GMC: 2 hours w/ hoe & bucket}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">20 Aug: A screaming two-year-old is making breakfast a challenge. The dad finally removed the screaming boy from the dining room. Whew, thank goodness that removal happened before Ron arrived at the breakfast table. Now we are set to go a-hiking, and we hiked for a good hour almost to the sinkholes before turning back in order to get to Sugar and Spice for a second breakfast on our way into town for bananas, grapes, jellybeans and frozen mango, staples of our diet. {GMC: 2 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">19 Aug: We celebrated Cynthia's better feeling iced feet by hiking to the ski run and back today, 2.4 miles each way for this terrific view (above). Scott, the chef here, continues to outdo himself cooking salmon and potatoes excellently well for us. James Lea continues to progress slowly. The ice bag is getting quite low, but frozen mango is a great alternative. {GMC: 4 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">18 Aug: Ron plans to spend the day working on James Lea, but Lo!!, the skies stopped showering by 10:30 AM. Cynthia slept poorly with more back pain and is icing, so Ron may have to hike solo, and he hiked all the way to jungle junction, about 3 miles each way except that he took a left onto the gravel road uphill towards Pico peak. Scenery on the gravel road was outstanding with emerald green ski runs down from the top of Killington peak and a more expansive views of the scene above. {GMC: 1 hour w/ clippers}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">17 Aug: We slept the night through! Ron slept 8 hours uninterrupted.!! Thank God for life and everything else (especially Cynthia). 3.4 miles to the sinkholes where we met two charming hikers, YeahYeah and Flip and treated them to lunch. Too amusing that Flip and Anna were classmates at Appalachian State University and completed a semester project together last year. We whiled away the afternoon in the Inn because it rained. Cynthia wants to hike to Jungle Junction tomorrow, but it looks like we will have a rainy day. Cynthia thinks we won't see Salt again, that he has made a statement and wants to avoid us. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">16 Aug: Ron's sleep was interrupted for a couple of hours with ruminations about how to motivate Bankston cousins to get their DNA tested and how to convince Salt to leave the water bars alone. No good ideas for either task, but we arose early, ate early and hiked about the usual hour after Ron spent yet more time on the jigsaw this morning and then again this afternoon after our hike to the sinkholes and back. Ron moved into place two big rocks, the last he will do until he has a chance again to talk with Salt to see if we can arrive at an agreement of water bars versus ski run. We did enjoy treating two hikers, James and Anna to lunch w/ desserts. {GMC: 1 hour w/ lever}</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">15 Aug: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> The puzzle overtakes all conscious thought! But,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> we exercised, oatmealed, hiked 2.5 hours to the sinkholes, and returned. Ron is upset and disappointed that Salt is moving rocks from the water bars again. If Salt is determined to destroy the trail, there is no reason to continue trail maintenance. (Salt professes intentions to snowboard down the trail.) Today's hiking and trail maintenance is completed; Cynthia showered and did the laundry with great satisfaction, while Ron puzzled away the afternoon! {GMC: 2.5 hours w/ hoe & lever}</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">14 Aug, Sunday: We hiked Kent Pond Trail for 4.5 miles while Ron carried clippers attacking branches overhanging the trail. OH NO, Ron is hooked by a puzzle! In his defense, it was initiated by a thru-hiker. {GMC: 3 hours w/ hoe & lever}</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">13 Aug: Ron was behind in updates; now he needs to sleep. We hiked the Sherburne Pass Trail to the sinkholes, with Ron doing trail maintenance on water bars. There is one huge rock he is trying to move into a better place. {GMC: 2.5 hours w/ hoe} </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">12 Aug: Good Morning to us! The sun is shining, the high is forecast to be 74 cool degrees. Yay! We hiked a good hike, and Cynthia's aches and pains were quiescent. Ron then returned to the waterbars for another 1.5 hours before dark. It is time for a shower, shirt wash, toothbrushing, and bed. {GMC: 4 hours w/ hoe & bucket}</span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnv9VMuAIyYq6uqJlzlei5M8K-cIlgW2RcJpo2pfeUICJrTZcasUnQvVNPi8zkcPJlw_jdP-I05L4o5JR0tBx3FkZpnJ5_5Yfo-sHvFRY4R2kHTbU0rcUJcb8B6SJUlME2vSwXl3Oe0LE5X00R0DO8qpkA-Splyhmn5OsB04Jm3YY2bg80W5Co0zIV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7130703576980958354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnv9VMuAIyYq6uqJlzlei5M8K-cIlgW2RcJpo2pfeUICJrTZcasUnQvVNPi8zkcPJlw_jdP-I05L4o5JR0tBx3FkZpnJ5_5Yfo-sHvFRY4R2kHTbU0rcUJcb8B6SJUlME2vSwXl3Oe0LE5X00R0DO8qpkA-Splyhmn5OsB04Jm3YY2bg80W5Co0zIV=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He came, he sawed and he conquered</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">11 Aug: </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Ron awakened at 2:30 am and stayed awake working on James Lea until 5:30 am. It made for a very tired morning until we began hiking. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">3.4 miles hiking. Ron cleaned out water bars and retrieved one big rock that Salt threw away. The trail looks good with the hanging tree removed! Ron intended to get to bed early tonight - but no, he never actually does that. {GMC: 2 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">10 Aug: Will we cool off as forecasted on Sunday and Monday? Glorious cool day!!!! </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">3.6 miles hiking to the sinkholes and back. Cynthia's bursa, back and feet are considerably improved. She feels like a new woman - or her normal self.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">{GMC: 2 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">9 Aug: The forecast is for a warm night but a cooler day. It’s a little bit cooler but remains too humid to hike. Ron is still fatigued from yesterday's extreme sauna conditions and hasn't had the energy to go work on water bars. Instead, he is working on James Lea. Cynthia is working on Bankston DNA. We are blessed! Life is good! </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">{GMC: 1 hour w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 Aug: Forecast is HOT again, highs in the mid-80s. Cynthia has an appointment in Rutland for the afternoon, so we can sneak off to Sugar and Spice for a late lunch at 1:30 if we finish hiking early. And we did finish in two hours and twenty minutes after Ron trekked ahead of Cynthia with the trusty saw and removed the large log blocking the trail (two levers and a counterbalance log helped). The day was miserably humid, and Ron's shirt would have won any wet shirt contest. {GMC: 2:20}</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">7 Aug, Sunday: Wow !! The whole month of August stretches out before us. Interesting to think that we will soon be asking, "Where did that month go?" For now, today, a-hiking we will go - if the internet ever works well enough to see the forecast. Not bad, bye. Woo-Hoo! We hiked almost to the sinkholes, where Ron finished sawing the huge hanging tree with three branches. We heard it creaking and cracking until it finally gave way and fell with a resounding thud. 9 PM, and it is still stinking HOT. Ron had to wash his clean shirt again already and took a shower for good measure. Thank goodness Wannie found a fan for our bedroom. {GMC: 3 hours sawing} </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 Aug: Ron, being filled with ambition and zeal, mended zippers on his hiking pants. (The only pants he ever wears.) That kept him busy </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">until 1 pm lunchtime (salads).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> Cynthia worked on improving her Sudoku skills and iced her sore feet! We got to bed "early" after a bedtime sudoku session. {GMC 1.5 hours w/ bucket (for water bars)}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 Aug: Let's guess, will we hike or will we not? Cynthia has sore feet is the first clue! Well, we did manage five miles to Thundering Falls Road. {GMC: 3 hours w/ clippers}</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 Aug: Another great day looms ahead of us. The plan was to hike Thundering Falls on the AT. After breakfast, we discovered that we were tired, and the temperatures were already crazy hot, so we decided to take our tired bodies to bed and sleep the day away! We finally bestirred ourselves at 4 PM to toddle over to the Inn for dinner. Scott, the chef, is quite talented and used the caramelized juice from</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">baked sweet potatoes</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> to glaze the baked salmon. Mmmm! Now we are relaxed and full and happy. Ron continues to work perfecting Cynthia's James Lea book.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 Aug: </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Ron awakened at 4:30 am, perfect for planned departure at about 5:15 am in dawn's early light. It was cool at 58 degrees and often quite foggy, but never bad enough to slow down. The views of the fog over the wetlands when the roadway was clear were wonderfully enchanting. He arrived in Troy, New York, at 7 AM, washed the bike, shopped at Walmart, and was quite amazed to be invited into Max BMW before 8 AM. His notion had been to park the bike for a couple of hours</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">to allow it to cool off before the</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">84,000-mile </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">servicing.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> The service manager is Tony Beatty; nice to meet someone with a familiar name.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> The estimated six-hour service was completed after 5 pm, but Ron was happy to have so much time to work on Cynthia's James Lea book. The sun is shining on Cynthia, the temperature is a pleasant 70 degrees in Killington, and it is boring working on DNA. She was a happy Smooch Smooch when Ron arrived home at 8:15 PM with a whole bag of groceries.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEievhyoo5avAi7qyTxYWrk5PtUwEnwgO_hCAH6qYhauC-D7iv5QOAjCiIZITj8qRz7yuA0LPYmLB86TEB7XQFLXKaWBib0dT1sgRQ2RnrDeEn4cdrP80vXD6tLZA4SVCm6nFG1Qeu1BvUbHga6q_N78hmly9mp_RYxIXzLYfd_Q5Ll46WimkiI6qInB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7127257279951332946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEievhyoo5avAi7qyTxYWrk5PtUwEnwgO_hCAH6qYhauC-D7iv5QOAjCiIZITj8qRz7yuA0LPYmLB86TEB7XQFLXKaWBib0dT1sgRQ2RnrDeEn4cdrP80vXD6tLZA4SVCm6nFG1Qeu1BvUbHga6q_N78hmly9mp_RYxIXzLYfd_Q5Ll46WimkiI6qInB=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the photo from 10 years ago. In the black jacket, Bomber carried a rubber chicken on his hike.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 Aug: O What fun! We met Bomber again, ten years later, This time, Bomber (Eric) had his lovely bride with him, and we enjoyed a delightful breakfast reminiscing. After breakfast, Cynthia did a FaceTime with granddaughter Ellanore, and the 15% rains started at 11:30. About 3 PM Ron decided to hike since it wasn't raining - but those 15%ers kept getting him wet as he sawed at the two large trees still remaining. Cynthia took another zero day working on DNA projects. {GMC: 3 hours}</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 Aug: Remember how energy-filled we were yesterday? But that was last month when Cynthia was younger; her</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> energy dissipated this month; she slept the morning away! Ron worked on James Lea all morning, then lunched with Cynthia after she awakened before trundling out of the room with a saw in hand. He exhausted himself in the "heat" today, sawing another large limb from the big broken tree near the sinkholes. The innkeepers must think we are weird because we eat so many vegetables. {GMC: 3 hours}</span></span></p><p></p></div><p></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-53595693599315478852022-07-02T09:44:00.109-04:002022-08-01T20:27:03.688-04:00Happy smooch smooch to you! July is Birthday month<p> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Smooch Smooch to You, <br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Smooch Smooch to You, <br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Smooch Smooch Dear Smooch Smooch, <br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Smooch Smooch to You <br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">(sung to the tune of Happy Birthday to You).</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1ZEYy0z_UJFyLylwrw3dhtvyzcFrKwNWh23TUA6Yvb1FVQq_CeoB0E5RcY8LwIxhmfjuOo2VueVEpvwp-s9y5vLdkyjOMCZ-RBbiuZivtTNV8IUYtRxOcl8cAcLWJceyko6HS97qd_OeupyBT6O34WOJXE9dheMOSnPQJbXdoJASR8rKgD73YoM-Y" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7116580754622877202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1ZEYy0z_UJFyLylwrw3dhtvyzcFrKwNWh23TUA6Yvb1FVQq_CeoB0E5RcY8LwIxhmfjuOo2VueVEpvwp-s9y5vLdkyjOMCZ-RBbiuZivtTNV8IUYtRxOcl8cAcLWJceyko6HS97qd_OeupyBT6O34WOJXE9dheMOSnPQJbXdoJASR8rKgD73YoM-Y=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Inn at Long Trail ^ is below the big white rock (named Deer Leap).</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 OCT: We are expected at Cynthia's class reunion in Northwood, Iowa. Ron's next pacemaker report can also be sent today.</span></span></span><div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 AUG: Wednesday: BMW motorcycle 84,000-mile service appointment.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">1 Aug: Ron needs a title and photo for August in Killington, VT</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">31 Jul, Sunday: Yikes, tomorrow is August. On the last day of the birthday month, we enjoyed a lazy morning and computer work. Finally, at 11:30 AM, we gathered all of our energy, backpack and hoe and headed off to the Sherburne Pass Trail, where we successfully climbed to the ski run, 2.8 miles straight up. We enjoyed a lovely lunch (of an apple and a carrot) overlooking Deer Leap. A lovely hiker named Teresa chatted with us at the ski run. Cynthia did not recognize her at first because the sun was in our eyes. The hard part was standing up again! The flies and gnats were surprisingly absent today, even at the Ski Run. Ron continued to work on water bars going up the mountain and down. Our successful hike totaled 5.6 miles roundtrip. The nicest part of our travels is the people we meet while hiking or in McGrath's dining. Today's hike was successful on all counts. We are energized, refreshed, and ready to hike tomorrow. {GMC: 4 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">30 Jul: Today's big adventure is to remove the huge tree from the trail, ax in hand, with help from Salt (guys name). Cynthia is working on a project at the Inn where she can access wifi. Ron and Salt used saw and leverage to roll an eight foot section of the tree down the trail. After a nap and dinner Ron hiked up to the other major obstacle and sawed for 8 minutes. (GMC: 4. hours with saw & hatchet)</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">29 Jul: Only three days left of Cynthia's birthday month. We hiked 3.4 miles to the sinkholes and back. Celebrate soon.!! Cynthia did! She celebrated by showering and looking gorgeous. Life is very good. It was fun talking to two tables of people at the Inn tonight. Murray got back from California tonight after 36 hours in airports. Cynthia iced her bursitis and feet again before bed. {GMC: 2.5 hours w/ hoe hoe hoe}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">28 Jul: Supposed to rain in the afternoon. The plan was to hike early, and we were successful in beginning our hike right at eleven AM and ending at 1;23 PM, burning up all of our energy very early. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">It is humid with a trillion gnats in our faces. Ron suggests we inhale deeply and swallow. Did you know that all of the gnats in the world together weigh more than all of the elephants? 3.4 miles {GMC: 2.5 hours}</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">27 Jul: Supposed to be dry again today, but since Cynthia's bursitis is still aching, we hiked our usual therapeutic Kent Pond trail to Thundering Falls, but the leg warmed up and was OK.'we enjoyed meeting a cute couple from Texas, Buckey, and Whoopie!</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Six successful miles! Then it was time for dinner. Then more James Lea. Except we laid down and fell asleep. {GMC: 3 hours with clippers (Ron's hand needs a rest.)}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">26 Jul: Up early, well rested, exercised, fed, and ready to hike Kent Pond again. Cynthia's bursitis did quite well, and we discovered that our get-up-and-go returns after a few days of good rest. We hiked 4.2 miles and enjoyed seeing a couple of <a href="https://uswildflowers.com/detail.php?SName=Monotropa%20uniflora" target="_blank">"ghost" flowers (click here)</a>. We've eaten our typical luncheon salads with Irish soda bread for dessert, and Ron went out with a hoe and saw after working on James Lea for an hour. We met the nicest "adventure" motorcyclists today, Cathy & Ray. They are riding 2-up on a BMW 1200GS Adventure. Today was day four of the Northeast "discovery" routes. Ray had planned to camp at Gifford Woods Park, but a bear visited the nearby dumpster twice, and Cathy insisted they move. And now it is 11:37 again. Fooey. Cynthia slept so nicely that Ron stayed up until 1:30 working on James Lea. {GMC: 3 hours w/ clippers + 3 hours</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">hoe </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">&</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">saw}</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">25 Jul: Only a week left of the birthday month. We awakened too late to exercise before breakfast !! Ron rushed through most of his to not be exercising later on a full stomach. After breakfast, he returned to obsession with James Lea. Now, nearly noon, it is dry enough and cool enough to hike. Ron is curious to see how the rain affected his trail maintenance, but we hiked Kent Pond again to be gentle with Cynthia's injured leg and had a good hike. However, it was a disappointment to not go downhill to Thundering Falls to witness it "thundering" because of the night's rain. {GMC: 1.5 hours w/ clippers & saw}</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">24 Jul, Sunday: Today, we should be rested and refreshed with get up and go restored. Wish us luck. We managed 3.6 miles on the Kent Pond Trail and headed off to Sugar and Spice for egg white veggie omelets and blueberry pancakes. Have you ever tasted the difference between real and artificial maple syrup? MMMM! We rode into Rutland afterward to pick up a prescription for Cynthia, bought groceries, and were lucky to return to the Inn dry (no rain yet).</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Good grief !! How did it get to be 10:50 pm already? Time to get to bed. The forecast rain started soon after midnight and continued until after daylight. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">{GMC: 1.5 hours w/ clippers}</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">23 Jul: Another glorious day to be alive. UFFDA! Our bodies are telling us to rest today. After breakfast, we slept for several hours, lunched, and returned to the room on this hot, enervating day. These cabins in Vermont do not have A/C. Cynthia is icing her feet and bursa! Ron was shocked to discover that he get up and go got up and went. Lying abed and falling asleep until 1 pm was another shocker, so he decided to take a day of rest this hot afternoon (87 degrees) and work on James Lea. Before dinner, Ron sang the (original) birthday song to Sistah Carol; she was appreciative. After dinner, he returned to his sawing on the massive tree trunk for an hour. {GMC: 1-hour sawing}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">22 Jul: Ron is committed to working on James Lea again now for several days (between sudokus). Thank goodness for a relaxing day yesterday and a good, long night's sleep. And now we are exercised, fed, and ready to hike up the <a href="https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7036951/sherburne-pass-trail" target="_blank">Sherbourne Pass Trail (click here)</a> again. Unfortunately, Cynthia took a fall and wrenched an ankle. We arrived at the Inn for dinner later than usual; the Irish band started playing the endless sing-along, O Danny Boy. (To Cynthia, it sounds like 99 bottles of beer on the wall.) Ron went out a second time to see a little on his favorite oversized tree trunk nearby.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">{GMC: 3 hours w/ hoe}</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">21 Jul: We have faith that we will survive this long. Thank God we did and enjoyed another day of rest and relaxation. Ron sauntered up the trail only a little way, twice, with a bucket and hoe to work on water bars. (And was chased indoors by rain after being warned by thunder both times.) Scott, the chef, cooked us a wonderful salmon dinner with veggies and baked potato. Irish soda bread toasted dry is our favorite "dessert." We are happy "campers." {GMC: 3 hours streambed maintenance w/ hoe & bucket}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">20 Jul: Will Ron be able to move after yesterday's exertions? Yes, but Cynthia is all worked out. Ron took a leisurely morning to catch up on genealogy but plans to hike to Pico with a saw after lunch (whenever Cynthia wakes up - she is now stirring). Uffda! She slept </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">until 12:38, and then we headed to the Inn for lunch. The chef is late, so hunger will be abated at that time. Ron left at 4 pm and hiked to the AT Junction (Jungle Junction), 3.2 miles up yonder, with a plan to do some sewing on the way back down. The heat made for an exhausting, sweat-drenched two hours uphill and caused Ron to begin to believe that he was not in the shape he had been in before here, but the downhill return reassured him that his body was doing well. {GMC: 4.5 hours - some sawing}</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">19 Jul: Birthday month is half past, and the rain is entirely past. Hiking ahoy!! Cynthia is frustrated with the Wifi…! She has to go to the Inn or access it by holding the Mac up to the window. So forget communication until September! We hiked to the sinkholes. Ron sawed logs fallen across the trail en route. Today's amazing find on the forest floor was the tiny bolt that fell out of the saw four days ago. One very large tree remains, but not for long. Because of the trees shading the trail, it is surprisingly comfortable as long as we have a breeze. The number of hikers has increased at the Inn and along the trail. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Ron and the trusty saw returned to remove more of a tree at six PM. {GMC 4 hours +2.5 hours sawing & streambed maintenance}</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">18 Jul: If we can move, we will hike - unless it rains. Pray for rain. Our prayers were successful ALL day, but the total accumulation was not substantial. Ron spent the day working on the Yocum genealogy claimed by cousin Duncan and then transitioned to typing obituaries from Verla's collection into the <i>Rambo Family Tree</i>.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">17 Jul: The plan is to make today easy with a hike on the AT around Kent Pond to Thundering Falls and back. It was NOT easy; we could both barely drag ourselves there and back. Fortunately, the bugs were not bad, and the weather was not hot. 5.7 miles later, we staggered into the Inn for large luncheon salads and tried <a href="https://magners.co.uk/our-story/" target="_blank">Magner's Irish cider (click here)</a>. {GMC: 4 hours w/ clippers & sawed one tree blocking trail}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCuPEv-_LdH0GcDMblppfoawwytpyvqBRUNUsPXStG1RSpVXGg5o66vUiSq4QlXjjCzUtY1nYyZjw-fDP0hkBWhs9iRx08DPh3uLDp9QJLcA79XKdnYf2c8ZbBoYYAR9XcwXnDrK2Ic9558mAWs87bpGyvVt2Ijca3n8jFFTGWOfp6sS-F0T_Z9j6K" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7121158244110182562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCuPEv-_LdH0GcDMblppfoawwytpyvqBRUNUsPXStG1RSpVXGg5o66vUiSq4QlXjjCzUtY1nYyZjw-fDP0hkBWhs9iRx08DPh3uLDp9QJLcA79XKdnYf2c8ZbBoYYAR9XcwXnDrK2Ic9558mAWs87bpGyvVt2Ijca3n8jFFTGWOfp6sS-F0T_Z9j6K=s320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">16 Jul: Another day for which to thank God. Breakfast was a hoot! The wait staff surprised Cynthia with the birthday song, plus a blueberry pan "cake" and birthday candle! We hiked six miles round trip to the ski run, but this time we rested a couple of times in each direction. The trail has lots of rocks and roots, so it is not an easy climb. We enjoyed salmon and baked sweet potatoes at the Inn, and nearby guests sang Happy Birthday. We struggled over a Sodoku, and now it is time to sleep! {GMC: 4 hours clipping}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">15 Jul: We hope to awaken again, God willing. We did awaken on this cool, sunny, gorgeous day in the Green Mountains. Cynthia had a girl's day at the Signature Day Salon. And we lunched at the Inn. {GMC: 1 hour with saw}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">14 Jul: is another gorgeous day. We hiked, and Ron hoed as we walked. (His hands needed a break from all the sawing and clipping; using a hoe is easier.) Today Ron is trying to increase his energy with a bowl of "frozen" mango before hiking; it worked only moderately well. Using the hoe is hard on Ron's back. If it ain't one thing, it is the other. Cynthia talked Ron into relinquishing his clothes so that she could wash them. He showered and pre-washed his clothing. Can you imagine that Ron is ALL clean? {GMC: 3 hours with hoe}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">13 Jul: is a gorgeous day. We hiked, and Ron sawed as we walked uphill to the sinkholes. An army of people with cross saws is needed to cut through the one large tree that fell across the trail in yesterday's storm. Ron was tired when we began hiking, and all the sawing did little to rejuvenate him. We were in bed before 10 pm, but Ron was unable to fall asleep until after he got up to work on the computer for an hour at midnight. {GMC: 3 hours with saw}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">12 Jul: Anniversary of eleven years and two months! Rain is anticipated, giving us a break from hiking. But the rain did not appear by lunchtime, so Ron hiked with the hoe and bucket to do trail maintenance. Cynthia took a break to catch up on a huge backload of correspondence. After hearing distant thunder, Ron returned to the Inn moments before the storm arrived with torrential sheets of rain and hail blowing sideways for thirty minutes. (Timing is everything.) Ron returned before dark to inspect the trail for damage from the deluge, but there was little evidence of the rain. It is awfully dry here. {GMC: 4 hours with hoe and bucket}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYZTNrqhhPgoNS9C1y0ixHfBJ_4Lrp96YBaE-8-YobMYgiEmApN8UUoe8-yK1-SIX7oy-C9u5AqH9nEu2flJw8k5rZUDhaUyE2cgWT5QAgJqJBnWoZPQEF8KF7dbINs-bHQvUSyeR0HYuvujhYwxGPm9KmzmVJxqUu-imxlmaj4-TK-EWIIXSid2Y2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7119461738506161426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYZTNrqhhPgoNS9C1y0ixHfBJ_4Lrp96YBaE-8-YobMYgiEmApN8UUoe8-yK1-SIX7oy-C9u5AqH9nEu2flJw8k5rZUDhaUyE2cgWT5QAgJqJBnWoZPQEF8KF7dbINs-bHQvUSyeR0HYuvujhYwxGPm9KmzmVJxqUu-imxlmaj4-TK-EWIIXSid2Y2=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surrounded by stinging nettle</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">11 Jul: This is the biggest week of the birthday month; the lethargy has to go. Cynthia decided doing Sudokus is the root cause of lethargy. It is possible Irish Soda Bread may be a contributing factor, although it is very tasty. We hiked the Sherburne Pass Trail to the sinkholes and return; Ron removed a lot of stinging nettles and sawed fallen trees. {GMC: 3 hours sawed there trees} </span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9ccPTAfW2uB9GS58qnQI0IjSOzwTxkVr09DoYMqaAdwmt5PJm8aaUs3pihKrEqkjk_MgRy5toX-3sZu6HFS1Y-ADBEs5_pnAxBsHhGzdeAFowc0DTmx5LA8taxxI8Byng4p1Y7XuIgsw-4z4DAjlJg_f1PmnUWzQSUSD_eiC7IhTdKJmlR9Kpt6Oy" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7119461829977773618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9ccPTAfW2uB9GS58qnQI0IjSOzwTxkVr09DoYMqaAdwmt5PJm8aaUs3pihKrEqkjk_MgRy5toX-3sZu6HFS1Y-ADBEs5_pnAxBsHhGzdeAFowc0DTmx5LA8taxxI8Byng4p1Y7XuIgsw-4z4DAjlJg_f1PmnUWzQSUSD_eiC7IhTdKJmlR9Kpt6Oy=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. SmoochSmooch in radient glory</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">10 Jul, Sunday: One of us is exhausted. The other one is on his computer doing family group sheets. This means that it will be lunchtime soon so we can eat and avoid hiking today because it is too warm. Well, at 12:45, before lunch, we pulled ourselves out of our lethargy and slowly ambled up the Sherburne Pass Trail for a total of 3.8 miles round trip; this doesn't sound like a lot, but the climbing is cumbersome. Ron used clippers up and downhill. We met Herb and Cathy from the Green Mountain Club at the sinkholes. Herb informed us that the trail is slated for rerouting above the sinkhole to avoid imminent collapse. Upon the return and after eating veggies, Cynthia sank back into familiar lethargy. Sigh!</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Ron heard three good bear stories from Murray to get the adrenalin pumping. The most exciting was about his son, Conner, who bicycled downhill past a large bear which then woofed at him and took up chase. To his dismay, as he heard momma bear's claws clattering on the rocks behind him, Conner discovered that two cubs were fleeing downhill ahead of him on the same narrow track. He avers that he has never peddled faster down that track, and he was desperately hoping that the cubs would vere off the trail, which they eventually did. After he crossed an open area, he stopped to look back and saw momma displaying her displeasure by snorting and clawing the ground. {GMC 3 hours w/ clippers}</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">9 Jul: Happy Birthday Rachel! We hiked up the Sherburne Pass Trail North to the Deer Leep Junction, then southbound on the AT and Long Trail to Maine Junction. The crazy rock scramble up over bounders was not easy. But, the day was lovely and we continued hiking easy until the downhill that seemed forever down and down and down to Route Four, the highway hill climb to the Inn at Long Trail, our home for the next two months. The hiking time was three hours and the distance covered was 3.5 miles. Cynthia cleaned up for dinner and listened to one song of the Live Irish Music. OUCH. Ron went back up mountain to saw and move two big logs. A BIG guy named "Salt" came along and helped pry one sawed log off the trail. {GMC: 4 hours w/ hoe, clippers and sawed two logs}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 Jul: More dry weather, suitable for a hike up the Sherbourne Pass Trail with bucket, hoe, and clippers. (Ron's hand might complain about the overuse of clippers yesterday.) After many delay tactics, including lunch, we hiked 3.8 miles roundtrip to the sinkholes and back. It was humid, and still. The mosquitoes feasted on Cynthia and she has a nasty blister on her toe, good grief! The chef prepared a lovely tuna steak and shrimp dinner with baked potato and veggies. {GMC: 4 hours with hoe} </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">7 Jul: The forecast is for a dry day. Lets Hike !! Hiker Camel (Bridget) awakens at 4 AM to begin hiking while it is still dark; Rude and Daddy Long Legs start hiking with the first light. We sleep in. We started at noon and hiked from Gifford Woods State Park to Thundering Falls, almost six miles, and returned exhausted; Ron sawed through two logs that had fallen across the trail but was only able to move them aongside the trail. Granddaughter Corrie and husband Alan had their fourth child last night, a baby boy named James Alan, 10 lbs. 4 ozs. 23 inches long.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Cynthia bluetoothed her cell phone to Ron's pacemaker reader and sent a report to his doctor today.</span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> {GMC: 4 hrs - sawed two logs & clipped a million branches)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">6 Jul: The morning rain kept us indoors, and Rude surprised Ron by presenting him with a very colorful AT-themed Buff neck gaiter. Ron rode into town for frozen mango, pretzels, and grapes and mailed his storage locker check and an SCS Fellow award. Late in the day, we hiked to the top of the first hill on the Sherbourne Pass Trail. Ron did a bit of sawing - wow !! is he out of shape !! Daddy Long Legs asked if we had been here on July 4th, 2019; he thinks he remembers meeting us then, and the blog bears him out. We did indeed arrive here on July 4th, 2019. Goodness, but time is zooming ahead too fast. (Birthday month is passing apace.) {GMC: 1 hour - sawed a bit.}</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 Jul: Another happily United day. But today's forecast of rain is holding true, so this may be a day of rest to help Cynthia's ankle and knee recover. There was no sufficient break in the rain for Ron to decide to ride to town. Cynthia is sudoku'ed out. We had a fun time at dinner with three hikers who arrived early for breakfast after hiking down from Killington starting before daylight, Bridget (Camel), Rude, and Daddy Long Legs. They will zero tomorrow, so we will enjoy their company again and get a group photo or two. Ron mended several holes, wrote a check for storage locker rent and submitted a service request to BMW Max near Troy, NY. He has scattered his mess all over the living room couch and the bed. Tomorrow he will mail the check in town and call BMW Max.</span></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7jHG-j_hfe4V45JPD09L2AQm2tAeEjVIwa0DC5nksAU2LKMRaaohgrJt1rkNOX4-UZWtoxYwRgb6ZHMuT6LZE4cfprEAnW8maVd74XAlG6jiJs-608tx43pLBTfpspZltxg2dAiImW2ZjtuBDTjA1rgzOCq-Vdp8OfwdO4cRUhdbfwod2b2dt3M-G" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7116657641606154834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7jHG-j_hfe4V45JPD09L2AQm2tAeEjVIwa0DC5nksAU2LKMRaaohgrJt1rkNOX4-UZWtoxYwRgb6ZHMuT6LZE4cfprEAnW8maVd74XAlG6jiJs-608tx43pLBTfpspZltxg2dAiImW2ZjtuBDTjA1rgzOCq-Vdp8OfwdO4cRUhdbfwod2b2dt3M-G=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream feeding into Kent Pond</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">4 Jul: Happy Independence Day! United... we slept until 8:30 and returned to sleep at 10:30 AM until 1:30 PM. After a very late lunch, we hiked 3.2 miles along Kent Pond. Imagine our delight to encounter Charlie, swinging an axe to clear a tree from the trail. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">We reached a big rock that signals to Ron where the trail begins a constant descent to <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89e02a0ce8092b85%3A0x123c684ca03f2bd!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipO4lOJew-_D_qLhjaIJajtfsApWFZSUqRghciMO%3Dw213-h160-k-no!5sThundering%20Falls%20killington%2C%20vt%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipO4lOJew-_D_qLhjaIJajtfsApWFZSUqRghciMO&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUp-2qjOL4AhUqgoQIHacNBNoQoip6BAhkEAM" target="_blank">Thundering Falls (click here)</a>. Cynthia turned back five minutes later, whereas</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Ron, the Speedy Gonzales, continued hiking and pulled a tree off the trail before returning to catch up with Cynthia back at the bike. God bless the USA! We have some Wifi in our room this year, but only on the Mac computers, so writing happens sporadically. {GMC: 2 hours - pulled dead tree from trail.}</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>3 Jul, Sunday: Exercised, well-fed at our happy hiking place, the sun is shining, and United, we hiked the Sherburne Pass Trail. A fabulous 2.5 months of glorious hiking stretch out ahead of us. We love it here! </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">The 2.9-mile hike to this ski run seemed so easy, that we didn’t stop for rest. The downhill became torturous for Cynthia’s feet and knee because she didn’t stop and rest on the way up. You can sorta see the Inn at Long Trail beneath the patch of white rock. This will give you an idea of our elevation climb. God bless the USA! {GMC: 3 hours - waterbars.}</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>2 Jul: United we hike!</span><span> </span><span> We enjoyed a wonderfully good night's sleep accentuated by extensive rain, but then</span><span> we never got started hiking. Maybe tomorrow. Ron did wash the motorcycle a bit and rode into Rutland for groceries. We are delighted to have internet in room 17 now, and there is a new bed and couch, besides a new concrete sidewalk and new yellow lines in the parking lot. Okie gave Ron a host of new sudokus, which helped to derail productivity. Oh well, maybe tomorrow again.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>1 Jul: United we ride! After a good night's sleep together, we packed everything onto the bike and rode to <a href="https://kimballfarm.com/location/carlisle/" target="_blank">Kimball Farms (click here)</a> to retrieve credit cards. Of course, this means we both enthusiastically ate ice cream despite our strict and faithful adherence to our diet at all other times! The ride to Killington was confusing because Ron misread the maps and misremembered the route, causing him to pass under I-495 and continue far too far looking for an entrance before he stopped to consult the GPS for a better way. Cynthia will post, “<i>Thoughts From the Back of a Bike Staring at a Red Helmet,</i>” It could be a best seller. Oke greeted us upon our arrival at the Inn. It certainly was good to see him looking good. The route: MA-1A S through the Sumner Tunnel to MA-3 N to cross the Charles past the Museum of Science into Cambridge, immediate L on Commercial Avenue </span><span>past hotels</span><span> </span><span>to Memorial Drive, past MIT & Harvard to MA route 2 (where Ron also missed a turn and wandered a bit before stopping to consult the GPS). MA-2 W to I-95 N to MA-225 W to Carlisle Kimball Farms to retrieve "wallet" and more ice cream. MA-225 W to I-495 S (eventually) to MA-2 W to exit 90B, MA-140 N -> MA-12 N into New Hampshire, and NH-12 N to Walpole, NH, L on US-5 cross river into Vermont N on I-91 to VT-103 W much further than expected to VT-100 N past all those beautiful lakes to Killington & US-4 W to the <a href="http://www.innatlongtrail.com" target="_blank">Inn at Long Trail (click here)</a></span></span></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-3269594275738249172022-05-31T13:23:00.131-04:002023-01-24T15:30:39.001-05:00June is transition between Smooch birthday & SmoochSmooch birthday<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUUh5rQIJ4HzWpYsS2HSDgbuMO-5l6FRneow2JfHPQ52VL61gPskWquwn7Zh7eHGkoQ2e4V8EDIhy-_Q4Dz3XpPVU2JXoYJIUU1EgTdcRQbU2AYKC_YBUhVGCLZjFZJY404N4q5_d3A4kkt0RN4rLAe04yVSPdnSmEdp1R5e3HrK-kL84x8JpC5V3G" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7108873956455223618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUUh5rQIJ4HzWpYsS2HSDgbuMO-5l6FRneow2JfHPQ52VL61gPskWquwn7Zh7eHGkoQ2e4V8EDIhy-_Q4Dz3XpPVU2JXoYJIUU1EgTdcRQbU2AYKC_YBUhVGCLZjFZJY404N4q5_d3A4kkt0RN4rLAe04yVSPdnSmEdp1R5e3HrK-kL84x8JpC5V3G=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia enjoys costumes, Ron doesn't</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">30 Jun: Mee beloved Weefee returns, and we scurry off to Vermont for hiking. Her flight departs IAH at 9:52 AM, arrives BOS at 2:45 PM to her beloved Smooch! Ron hopes to get moving early in order to visit Maggie in Hingham on the way to Boston Logan by 2:44 PM. Excitement builds in Texas with good flying weather to Boston. Cynthia arried on schedule and called the hotel to send a shuttle. Ahhh! Life is good! Well! Cynthia arrived at the hotel to discover Ron at the front desk, unable to check in because he left his credit cards at Kimball Farm after buying contraband ice cream. (He is caught.) A phone call solved the problem. They found the cards, now he must return and eat another ice cream cone! The route to the airport was MA-225 a few miles to Kimball Farm in Carlisle, then MA-225 to the very busy I-95 circumferential around Boston (formerly Route 128) (but Ron continued south another 4 miles on I-95 instead of switching to I-93 N as was needed) then N on I-93 to exit 7 for MA-3 S to exit 36 Derby St E to MA-53 N to Linden Ponds Way to visit Maggie for an hour. Leaving N on MA-53, Ron turned on Pleasant Street as before and trusted the GPS, but the</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> GPS cannot be trusted to pick a good route. It picked a route through downtown Quincy to get to a point on Quincy Shore Drive instead of the more pleasant route Ron used a week earlier. En route to the airport, Ron used the left exit off I-93 to the airport, a better choice, and this time he was ready for that left exit onto MA-1A N to the Hilton Garden Inn.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">29 Jun: Cynthia sawher ENT Dr. at 9:00 to get her old hearing aids recalibrated, then checked out of the condo before one and shipped a box to Killington. Then to a pedicure and manicurist, to the</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Woodlands to</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> pick up a prescription and to return the rental car before finally spending the night at a hotel by the airport. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Mission Accomplished in Texas by 4:45 PM. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">The beloved weefee is ensconced at the Houston IAH Hampton Inn, with shuttle ordered for 7:30 AM tomorrow, and she is sleeping early. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Ron and Margie drove to Nashua for a relaxed afternoon luncheon with</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Bob & Rachel and Sock</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">. It is wondefully satisfying to visit with friends from college. After returning to Sharon, NH, Ron packed the motorcycle ASAP and returned on the same roads to Carlisle (123, 124, 119 & 225) to sleep out one more night before returning the sleeping bag & tent to Dave. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">28 Jun: Ron and Margie hiked in New Hampshire on Ted's Trail up North Pack. Cynthia had Dr. appointments at 10:00 and 4:00 for thyroid tests, and a dental appointment at 2:00 with Dr. Nunn. (This info is for the IRS.) All of the boxes are back in the storage unit with a mental note to Cynthia to get it organized and cleaned in November. And KABOOM, after using the credit card at the doctors office, the card holder with credit cards is missing. She raced back to check, nada there. Credit cards are cancelled, new ones ordered. At least the new drivers license is already coming. Later she discovered the lost wallet and credit cards in a zippered compartment of her very own purse. Isn’t life fun! Oooohh, when available, hubsand Ron usually performs a second search to discover such overlooked items. Ted's Trail was a "good" hike, up over lots of rocks and roots to a several good vistas out over New Hampshire's mountain</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">greenery</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">27 Jun: Cynthia successfully renewed her drivers license at 9:30 in Hempstead, Texas, followed by lunch with friends Carol and Sandy. Whew !! Now that anxiety abou eyesight can be put to rest for a few years. In the evening, Jon and Tina took her to see Roxanne’s newly remodeled bathroom, and they all went to dinner at Jason’s Deli. Ron awakened at 5 AM, thought the clock read 6 AM and rode 15 minutes to Peterborough, only to be dismayed that Shaws grocery would not open for another hour at 7 AM. Fooey, so he made the best of the situation by walking into downtown Peterborough to use up that hour. He was pleased to acquire blueberries, bananas, and pretzels before the rain, forecast to arrive at 8 AM. But at 8 AM the forecast was set back an hour - and similarly at 9 AM and 10 AM. Ron was eager to ride north to Concord, NH to see Beanie and Eddie, but scattered rain was falling along the route. At 11 AM, just as Ron was deciding to go despite the forecasts, the rain began in Sharon. It soon stopped, but began again two hours later, again just as Ron was deciding to go. Finally at 3 PM he gave up that notion and waited for Margie and Richard to return. Margie wanted to walk, so Ron got in a second multi mile walk.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">26 Jun, Sunday: Ron enjoyed both nights camping out at Rick's over the weekend before returning to Margie’s on those same roads (10, 119, 202, 124, 123). Margie asked Ron to keep her <a href="https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/maine-coon/" target="_blank">Maine Coon Cat (click here)</a> company by sleeping indoors, or at least on the screened-in back porch. Ron thoroughly enjoyed the back porch, being both closer to the bathroom and free from mosquitoes on those nocturnal forays. Romeo (the cat) seemed to enjoy Ron's presence although he remained cautiously out of reach. In Texas, Cynthia worshipped at Grace Lutheran, followed by brunch at the yacht club with Roxanne, Jon and Tina.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">25 Jun: After lots of conversation with Margie and Richard, Ron rode to Gill, Massachusetts to visit Rick & Sherry for the weekend. Ron asked for Rick's help to get the motorcycle onto the center stand in order to measure the oil level. (The engine needs to be on the centerstand, fully warmed up with the fan running for one minute before it is turned off. Then after another minute the oil level is checked.) </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Immediately after that, Rick suggested that they canoe on the Connecticut River in flat water behind a dam. Ron was very nervous being in a racing profile boat on the river (narrow and shaky).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> We did not fall in and didn't even get very muddy. Meanwhile in Texas, Cynthia is attending the birthday party for one-year-old great grandson, Noah. 25 toddlers! The noise is a whole lotta loud! Ron's route: New Hampshire highway 123 south to L on NH 124 W to L on US 202 S/W to R on NH 119 W to L on NH 10 S -> MA 10 S 5 miles to Main Street in Gill.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCCpgso4ZznQ6UCeebJZ-xHIvOqiS84zrT-fO8tK4AIlctGyupge0m5D7fAQO4EwSNvUc1Qi2BfP_jjMkylV4KHXvmU1ydLGETmGC3vUjWQR4JK-S3cIIlJccWP0ERt2P0t3Su-QysY8cyUYw96zYDa5Vtb_dkUlv54PA3PuIziJyVWl0QwNXRtrNM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7113364179902599650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCCpgso4ZznQ6UCeebJZ-xHIvOqiS84zrT-fO8tK4AIlctGyupge0m5D7fAQO4EwSNvUc1Qi2BfP_jjMkylV4KHXvmU1ydLGETmGC3vUjWQR4JK-S3cIIlJccWP0ERt2P0t3Su-QysY8cyUYw96zYDa5Vtb_dkUlv54PA3PuIziJyVWl0QwNXRtrNM=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are these two doing in an airplane??</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPQHlqZqZVZzTC5xX2VmQFrittT0zdktb1gOmEdrL_uMmRI3OyEY656dSvtL7HD0pSZwrhl9pB_1Ms336XTlRV2I40pkCB4AOZlw2-ufZFXcNOiclJ6-wpAhjD__a4LDNe2PXef7UmHAzlkfHS8puFHO8XqrPUKKgJ1yOJU4qD4A_7XA_boIlUPFKh" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7113365947537907490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPQHlqZqZVZzTC5xX2VmQFrittT0zdktb1gOmEdrL_uMmRI3OyEY656dSvtL7HD0pSZwrhl9pB_1Ms336XTlRV2I40pkCB4AOZlw2-ufZFXcNOiclJ6-wpAhjD__a4LDNe2PXef7UmHAzlkfHS8puFHO8XqrPUKKgJ1yOJU4qD4A_7XA_boIlUPFKh=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon's family is getting bigger</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">24 Jun:</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Cynthia had a haircut.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> Margie invited Ron to make her house his base of operations, so Ron borrowed Dave's camping gear to continue camping at Margie and Richard’s. It was indeed lovely to see Margie and Richard again. They are looking good and taking good care of themselves, and threading their ways through the individual issues associated with aging. Route: MA 225 N to R on Canal Street N -> NH 124 N to a R on NH 123 N to Jarmany Hill Road.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">23 Jun: Ron camped at Dave’s, but he has no Verizon signal to call people. Yesterday's visit with Richard convinced Ron that Richard will enjoy postcards much more than visits, so that freed Ron to spend the entire day with Dave & Kris including two multi-mile walks. Cynthia’s ENT removed the Earlens</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">and refunded the purchase price</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> because they are not working for her. She has a busy schedule of appointments, plus getting hiking equipment shipped to Vermont, SCS shirts shipped to Carol and Dean. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">22 Jun: Cynthia flew from Boston to Houston, leaving Ron without adult supervision. He rode with her on the shuttle, into the airport and held her hand across the security barrier as she walked to TSA Precheck. Now, that’s an awesome, incredible, amazing Smooch! I love you! Great weather for departure and arrival. Yikes, airline descent air pressure was painful on ear drums. Ron's afternoon began well enough with a stop at Trader Joe's to get chocolate for Richard and a bag of frozen mango for lunch. However the visit with Richard was depressing since Richard is living in his imagination, can no longer converse and seems to consider visitors unwelcome burdens. The ride to Carlisle went well except for the blinding sun, and Dave and Kris were very welcoming - but we stayed up talking far too long into the night. Ron is very happy to be sleeping in a tent. MA 1A S to MA 3 N to L on Sorrow Drive, left lane for MA 28 N/ North Station to cross Charles River Dam, first L to Memorial Drive to L on Western Avenue to Arsenal Street to R on Arlington St and R on Coolidge Hill Road. After visiting Richard, L on Greye -> Arlington St., L on Aberdeen, R on Huron, around rotary to Concord Pike and MA 2 W then R on MA 225 N to Curve Street in Carlisle.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">21 Jun: The forecast is for dry weather for our ride across Connecticut to Hingham, Massachusetts to visit Ron's exercise guru Maggie before riding into Boston. Maggie had a terrible accident in her wheelchair. She was crossing a street in the Linden Ponds complex when a 97-year-old driver failed to stop at a stop sign and hit her, breaking her spine in three places and cracking her pelvis entirely. She is now confined to bed without the ablilty to get into a wheelchair and remain independent. After giving up in despair for a month or so, she regrouped and is now interested in writing a book of suggestions to make nursing homes places to live instead of places to go to wait to die. AttaGirl Maggie. Our route was surprisingly pleasant despite Northeastern traffic and interstates. I-84 E past Waterbury, Connecticut to exit 27, I-691 E to Meridan, exit on Connecticut 66 E through Middletown, merging with US 6 E and then with I-295 to exit 2B which merges with US 1 North</span></span></span> then left on MA 1A to a Ruby Tuesday at an Outlet Mall in Wrentham. After filling ourselves full of salad, we continued on I-495 S/E to exit 33A for I-95 N to exit 26 and I-93 N to exit 7 for Massachusetts Highway 3 S towards Cape Cod to exit 36, Derby Street and MA 53 N to Linden Ponds Way. After a lovely visit with Maggie, we continued North on MA 53 to a R on Pleasant Street -> Commercial Street -> North Street -> Pearl Street to a L on Evans Street, L on MA 3A to a R on Southern Artery, L on Sea Street, L on Quincy Shore Drive with lovely views of the Bay. Back on MA 3 feeding into I-93 N to exit 16 for Logan staying L to get on I-90 E (toll) to MA 1A to HGI - except that I missed the little sign in the tunnel that pointed to the left exit onto 1A, so we toured the airport looking for a way out.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEcfcrCFHbUJDv_sM9zsaYGgW4N1NRM8solobmUoEjyJY3IoIUtEZYObB3Ap1_aR_Ep9bxUL8rIt1U6gsP620x9L5x1BxYEmnQRqaPrnRocZRvrNLRmTcXOleDYEloBt0C7PZKTqaQtEBIb6ZKDpoMV44Mk0DJsMYjXRhV3WzD4u5Ru0AsT8pnKlfO" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7113363767972643938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEcfcrCFHbUJDv_sM9zsaYGgW4N1NRM8solobmUoEjyJY3IoIUtEZYObB3Ap1_aR_Ep9bxUL8rIt1U6gsP620x9L5x1BxYEmnQRqaPrnRocZRvrNLRmTcXOleDYEloBt0C7PZKTqaQtEBIb6ZKDpoMV44Mk0DJsMYjXRhV3WzD4u5Ru0AsT8pnKlfO=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson w/ baby brother</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">20 Jun: One more overnight in Danbury. We are looking for a different hike today, except we crashed. Cynthia slept all afternoon. Grandson Brett and Jen announced the birth of a second son, eleven pounds! Our granddaughter Zoe and Jack announced their engagement to be married 10 June 2023, right after their college graduation. Zoe will continue higher ed; Jack wants to play pro soccer goalie.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">19 Jun, Sunday: </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Happy Fathers Day to all fathers everywhere! Now that we have eaten breakfast and eaten RX pills, it is time to discover where we can get in a good walk in the vicinity of Danbury. We walked on the road (US 6) a mile</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">west</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> to Farrington Forest and enjoyed a lovely, serene walk in the woods there. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Ron enjoyed his dinner of red potatoes and the show by </span><a href="https://www.musicofcream.com" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Music of Cream (click here)</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> at </span><a href="https://www.darylshouseclub.com" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Daryl's House (click here)</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> in Pawling, New York. The performance started at 7 PM (after the band checked the sound system at 6 PM - a delightful preview of their ability. The show was very, very good, but still did not measure up to the 2005 concerts by the Cream at Prince Albert Hall.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">18 Jun: We left Jim and Becky at 11:15 AM, on schedule, despite a forecast of rain at 9 AM, to ride to Danbury, Connecticut. This route is trivially easy: US 11 N to R on PA 29 S/E to L on I-81 N to exit 182 to Ruby Tuesday first (in Moosic, PA), then back on I-81 N to</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> I-84 E to</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> Danbury, Connecticut later. Ohhh noooo! that Ruby Tuesday has been closed for several months, - - - but we were able ot order great salads at Nonno's Pizza & Family Restaurant next door. Ohhh Nooo #2 - - - The winds and cold were quite trying all day long, especially northbound in the morning. Cold and winds continued all afternoon until we arrived in Danbury at 5 PM, half frozen and worn out. Days like this make Ron question if he really likes riding motorcycles that much. We enjoyed a nice dinner of salmon, veggies and potatoes at the Hilton Garden Inn restaurant, and our waitress was delightful. Then Ron discovered that Trader Joe's is just beyond the neighboring wooded lot and sashayed out for grapes, blueberries and frozen mango.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">17 Jun: Jim has recommended another good hike, starting at a Weiser Forest parking area off Pennsylvania route 54 E (via </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">highway 61 S/E and 487 N)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">. The Roaring Creek Trail was a flat gravel road on the ridge overlooking the lake. At first we traversed fishermans trails to the waters edge and enjoyed views of the mountains across the lake, but when those trails faded into obscurity, we climbed to the ridgetop road and continued for two miles to the site of bridge construction. On return we rode through Shamokin, which is an interesting old mining town. Back in Selinsgrove, Perkins again served us egg white omelets, and for dinner, Jim and Becky cooked us very, very tasty grilled salmon and corn on the cob for dinner. (Nevi was eager to finish uneaten corn off the cob.) They are encouraging us to visit again and often.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0jRPGlKeikh59Nf2KtujKpmaFt0kqYSil63rpTRm-QOsLJDFbl1GuuzOgXxVMnW1Yrw-BC7fZLI_UwJsd_wVbRgtx0INEZ5cl3jv4NtJxTUT6Yi7aDsTKJaVsUN6uHDbPTw_1ThtpzwHFQH65QYIa_DipiUmtJin8jWPUYbhlbWAtxB_8llE5cCN3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7109962130089910610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0jRPGlKeikh59Nf2KtujKpmaFt0kqYSil63rpTRm-QOsLJDFbl1GuuzOgXxVMnW1Yrw-BC7fZLI_UwJsd_wVbRgtx0INEZ5cl3jv4NtJxTUT6Yi7aDsTKJaVsUN6uHDbPTw_1ThtpzwHFQH65QYIa_DipiUmtJin8jWPUYbhlbWAtxB_8llE5cCN3=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron and Nevaeh</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">16 Jun: We awakened</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">too warm in the middle of the night, which caused us to</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> awaken</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> late</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">. (The comforter is suitable for minus degrees.) After our exercises, we hustled out the door and onto the motorcycle to Perkins for egg white veggie omelets; they did a good job. Then we stopped at Giant for groceries and rode a whole host of tiny PA highways to </span><a href="https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/RickettsGlenStatePark/Pages/default.aspx" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Ricketts Glen State Park (click here)</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">. Since we started hiking at noon, we were justifiably nervous about the prospects of rain at 4 PM, but the hike was everything Jim and Becky said. Waterfalls and more waterfalls despite the miniscule size of the stream. This trail is not for people squeamish about "exposure," and Cynthia hyperventilates when the trailside dropoff becomes significant. We hiked two miles uphill and saw both of the 47-foot high falls before good sense dictated that we save Cynthia's composure by returning. The forecast of significant rain & possible hail at 4 PM was a contributing factor. The same route on southbound return was quicker than the northbound version: US 11 N to L on PA 54 N to R on PA 642 (which had too many big bumps) to L on PA 42 N to R on PA 118 to the parking area. On the return, we turned into Sunbury on PA 147, crossing a different bridge over the big, wide river. Jim and Becky treated us to a lovely dinner (under threat of rain) at the new <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x89cf6b6d1d0bbd73%3A0xff435e9f49ab2370!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNfXutvXnFtdhoCJnSDQt0za7YzNX9oDO55B4bF%3Dw213-h160-k-no!5sMidtown%20Bistro%20Sunbury%2C%20pa%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipNfXutvXnFtdhoCJnSDQt0za7YzNX9oDO55B4bF&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwin1sGbl7j4AhW4oWoFHeG6CUgQoip6BAhIEAM" target="_blank">Midtown Bistro (click here)</a>, and</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Nevaeh, the sweet Old English Sheep Dog, led us all on</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> a pleasant walk around the neighborhood at dusk. She is a quick sniffer.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Now, as I finish this blog entry at 10 PM, the thunder has arrived, but apparently no rain.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">15 Jun: We left the Doubletree in York on I-83 north to a Ruby Tuesday in Harrisburg, PA where we again found an excellently well run establishment with a great salad bar. It was hot and the bright sun caused Ron to miss a couple of turns and wander through more of Harrisburg than intended before he finally got back on US 322 to a R on US 22 N along the Susquehanna to Duncannon, a town known to all AT hikers. (And only hikers would stay at the <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-doyle-hotel-duncannon" target="_blank">Doyle hotel (click here)</a>, but nearly everyone likes the food and the</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">bar</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">.) Immediately after crossing the river bridge, we turned R on US 15 N on the opposite side of the river with great views. R on PA 61 S across the river into Sunbury and the GPS guided us to Jim and Becky's house. Jim had great suggestions for a hike tomorrow and informed us that rain is not forecast to begin until 4 PM. </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS2QnyA4sFg2MF_Nkc-5g4qtk1wkmxgOaOSZAmjGzrfoPOd_QAyu3IJevp0YK9h_RFBV1wobJNzi1ktwssHNkirDWB6V4t1VcgakxiW_nX1zVFef_5ShH_DpsltjMZzPJvArr8tFF6APOGXiDAM9iFHwNhnQsGhBh-KbTP3FFDgWPTZ41rrtk0wm4t" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7109962562889001554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS2QnyA4sFg2MF_Nkc-5g4qtk1wkmxgOaOSZAmjGzrfoPOd_QAyu3IJevp0YK9h_RFBV1wobJNzi1ktwssHNkirDWB6V4t1VcgakxiW_nX1zVFef_5ShH_DpsltjMZzPJvArr8tFF6APOGXiDAM9iFHwNhnQsGhBh-KbTP3FFDgWPTZ41rrtk0wm4t=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma Bear and the Flower Girls</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">14 Jun: We loved our visit in York with Mary Lois and family. We arose, ate breakfast and looked at the color radar, which galvanized us into immediate action as a big storm was due to descend upon us momentarily. In the fifteen minutes it took us to get the motorcycle in motion, a very light rain began to fall, but we arrived at the Shenk Embassy 95% dry. The first big shock was the transformation of the cluttered, decrepit, dirty garage into a clean, comfortable, modern living space, well appointed and nicely decorated with photos of family and inspirational Bible phrases on all walls. It was terrific to see Mamma Bear's video slideshow of her AT hike to complete the Trail in memory of Papa Bear. Youngest Flower Girl, 16-year-old Hannah, is a talented artist; we enjoyed her book and many drawing. The slideshow and video clips of the Boys hike was similarly enthralling. Kevin dropped by for lunch. Kevin now employs two of his sisters in his web design business. Wendy and ?? also came for lunch, as did Keeshon. (Autumn and Keeshon work for the school as mentors for 13 to 16 year olds.) Austin surprised me by giving me a big hug before I saw him; he is no longr the string bean hiker that I met years ago; he is now a married man with two very active youngsters in tow. The girls had prepared salads and baked potatoes, so everyone was able to eat until Ron was full. After lunch we walked over to the new school, so radically different from the previous two times we've been there. They held classes last year and have seven operational classrooms. I shot a couple of baskets in the gymnasium. It is now a </span><a href="https://www.tidingsofpeace.org" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Christian school )(click here)</a><span style="background-color: white;">, and some of the parents prefer a Christian education for their children even though they themselves are not Christian. It is always uplifting to visit the Shenks, and this time was no exception. They fed us dinner and bid us fond farewells until we meet again.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">13 Jun: No rush, but we need to check out of Doubletree and ride to York, Pennsylvania to see Ron's hiker friends, the Preacher Boys and their mom. Ron has OD'ed on traffic and decided not to go into Philadelphia. Cynthia shipped her dress back to Texas. It is hot, and we are weary. We backtracked to the Ruby Tuesday for lunch; King Street south to 2nd Street north to L on Delaware 2 west to R on DE 7 to Ruby Tuesday. After a satisfying and filling lunch of salad, we continued on DE 7 N/W to merge with DE 41 N/W to merge with US 30 W around Lancaster to R on I-83 N to the Comfort Inn. We arrived a little too late to visit today, so Ron went out to Weis grocery for bananas, </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">blueberries,</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">and lettuce.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilBCPjxdDczHfG05CH_9Q-0kYuWRqftUN28lceiwWr5ptqtVDKn8tupiNxQ_-kLp9Z1q6Rm0FJ3vm0xxZbcstol3XZRO4Jib0dDiyCT6g_GCYSgtEyvPgA4hVSdtEE-hklg50Msv0neVZ5WxC3M2ahTtXgVG0XDjTGJNolJ-OlzfWFQeXg89IGnAGI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7110322632947722642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilBCPjxdDczHfG05CH_9Q-0kYuWRqftUN28lceiwWr5ptqtVDKn8tupiNxQ_-kLp9Z1q6Rm0FJ3vm0xxZbcstol3XZRO4Jib0dDiyCT6g_GCYSgtEyvPgA4hVSdtEE-hklg50Msv0neVZ5WxC3M2ahTtXgVG0XDjTGJNolJ-OlzfWFQeXg89IGnAGI=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anticipating the wedding</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj57N_EZlw8QGzHj1tQHamzT9MBUvbQ8EVqJJHIEqqrbTyzWxiesE3d6eGWp83shyq6BsjFlwUfSn22pv9_w3GTt6eCFIkpXhLHhUNKFcKbFoW-ak6oTpZflu8Rao3lSvqXVoSxkn7mRd9ypoqXqL7n60DKJ4hBGDo8zsC-pWZe6pLa0HL7RKq2eMLM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7110321410138047378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj57N_EZlw8QGzHj1tQHamzT9MBUvbQ8EVqJJHIEqqrbTyzWxiesE3d6eGWp83shyq6BsjFlwUfSn22pv9_w3GTt6eCFIkpXhLHhUNKFcKbFoW-ak6oTpZflu8Rao3lSvqXVoSxkn7mRd9ypoqXqL7n60DKJ4hBGDo8zsC-pWZe6pLa0HL7RKq2eMLM=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia speaking</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZEy99Q1Nu2M0cUqQ958Echngb4-wMKXXJcddwD3QiyWZ3AF_e9qio2N8l1iOuOiEZl3_-oXBHPlDlu_OEhitVmn1Uwi2VBnF41pukvg6Qi2a4xYBB79twO5tmKNHYxOaTLdVZLEaKHifg116eF8OHr-yNKy8wZ-WF8TGooR4KhN48esED7LaF3rN9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7110321259752404706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZEy99Q1Nu2M0cUqQ958Echngb4-wMKXXJcddwD3QiyWZ3AF_e9qio2N8l1iOuOiEZl3_-oXBHPlDlu_OEhitVmn1Uwi2VBnF41pukvg6Qi2a4xYBB79twO5tmKNHYxOaTLdVZLEaKHifg116eF8OHr-yNKy8wZ-WF8TGooR4KhN48esED7LaF3rN9=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia speaking with gestures</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCKUxt03yGijtxhTruRwzw8H1NgJaFPp6J8q5BFzj4ETgyBP1i_nN8hdYKMK_4mI2Y6Cfd4FT3Ettj3_c41Cin-LcKwK6bsYENQm_F9EMAkLrplzLvwD17JGdXOhI0_5E1zDatSb-KZNK4M2dW4w9icKtlwR4OCUHYClNjyv0ms2CuB8aL_ombn2dd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7109962339859940210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCKUxt03yGijtxhTruRwzw8H1NgJaFPp6J8q5BFzj4ETgyBP1i_nN8hdYKMK_4mI2Y6Cfd4FT3Ettj3_c41Cin-LcKwK6bsYENQm_F9EMAkLrplzLvwD17JGdXOhI0_5E1zDatSb-KZNK4M2dW4w9icKtlwR4OCUHYClNjyv0ms2CuB8aL_ombn2dd=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wedding re-enactment</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">12 Jun, Sunday: Because Ron was so late getting to bed, poor Cynthia did not get sufficient sleep. We awakened and breakfasted with several of our Rambo cousins before boarding the tour buses for a ride over to <a href="https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=14760" target="_blank">Gov. Printz park (click here)</a> for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Sweden_Farmstead_Museum" target="_blank">farmstead dedication (click here)</a>, the primary reason for this event. We are keynote speakers at the Rambo Reunion. Cynthia delivered a beautiful speech on cue about 11 AM. <a href="https://vimeo.com/728885010/3ceb231bd2?embedded=true&source=video_title&owner=1110460" target="_blank">Click here to see a video of her speech</a> (you have to click on the little arrow). Then she motioned Ron to come forward, but he thought the speeches were to be before lunch indoors and was entirely unprepared. Still, he got a hearty laugh and a few comments from his obvious confusion. Rob Rambo then presented a marvelous re-enactment of Peter Gunnarson Rambo recalling his courtship of Brita. This was followed by the reenactment of the wedding ceremony with Rev. Kim-Eric Williams officiating, followed by a lovely song by Emily Tepe, Iva. Thereafter, we all walked across the park and grounds to lunch at the Corinthian Yacht Club. Ron again indulged in several lenghty discussions with genealogy cousins again.</span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj49bXFJxGCLkSkW4QdkKFQDyMBiWJ9abN7gPJSM_dg3Y1NgF76-cvfm76rB6_g8a4jEtTfLabm-83n02ahY-irFlt-WHjjgCgy8OxxUpuBqKRVhbOgoFvG5D48ClnBIPmCoQBQsLNO9qJTrQG9pSO9bK-vPqBQo8Da-vkBidSIFRwUrMFLOZKXF0gx" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7110321557944945506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj49bXFJxGCLkSkW4QdkKFQDyMBiWJ9abN7gPJSM_dg3Y1NgF76-cvfm76rB6_g8a4jEtTfLabm-83n02ahY-irFlt-WHjjgCgy8OxxUpuBqKRVhbOgoFvG5D48ClnBIPmCoQBQsLNO9qJTrQG9pSO9bK-vPqBQo8Da-vkBidSIFRwUrMFLOZKXF0gx=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia blessing wreath in Peter Rambo's memory</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">11 June: We awakened and breakfasted early because Cynthia is always nervous about the schedule - and the clock in our room was an hour early. Our RAMBO Reunion events included a a tour bus ride to the <a href="https://swedishamericanmuseum.org/about/" target="_blank">Swedish American Museum (click here)</a>, then <a href="https://www.old-swedes.org" target="_blank">Gloria Dei Church</a></span></span></span><a href="https://www.old-swedes.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">(click here)</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> (where Cynthia blessed a wreath and we ate lunch), followed by the <a href="https://www.kalmarnyckel.org" target="_blank">Kalmar Nyckel Museum</a></span><a href="https://www.kalmarnyckel.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">(click here)</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">, and finally <a href="https://holytrinitywilmington.org" target="_blank">Holy Trinity Church</a></span><a href="https://holytrinitywilmington.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">(click here)</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> in Wilmington. Cynthia and Ron spoke about DNA at the Stiddem Society dinner this evening. It was a long, full day followed by a couple of lengthy discussions for Ron about genealogy.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">10 Jun: Goal: Check in to Doubletree in Wilmington for reunion. We awakened at a reasonable hour, ate a</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">leisurely</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> breakfast and departed before noon. Intended route is DE 1 (toll) N to DE 7 N to Ruby Tuesday on Limestone Pike, then somehow to the Doubletree as the GPS suggests. Cynthia is ensconced in our room, with dinner in her tummy, ready to sleep. We must arise and try to shine at six AM. Rain is now forecast for Sunday Ohhhh no! - (Cynthia's words, Ron is unconcerned.) The GPS took us a route that Ron had intended to avoid: Delaware 7 S to a L on DE 2 E into the streets of Wilmington, R on 8th Street S to L on King Street to the hotel. Wilmington traffic is really quite light and manageable.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">9 Jun: We packed up and checked out by 11 AM to visit Dean & Janina until mid-afternoon, but stayed longer when they decided to feed us a late salad & veggies lunch. We left about 3 PM and stopped at the Ruby Tuesday in Milford for additional salad before continuing north up DelMarVa to the Hilton Garden Inn in Dover. Ron wanted to exit early to avoid the toll into Dover, but got confused by the road signs and ended up entering Dover Air Force Base instead. The gate personnel straightened him out so that he easily found Delaware highway 10 and US 13 through Dover. Route was simply Delaware 1 north to business 1 into Milford, L on Buccaneer to Ruby Tuesday, then US 113 North back onto DE 1 to Dover AFB exit 95, then DE 10 N to US 13 N through Dover to the HGI.</span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4KbsSgqojVv36uReDrMIYr9Na2LZhQSe90Pq1LejFl-IUnRVCWz0VtBrSVLlLuAqXPf_Xs6DlECBDU0ZxhsT3yCK2c8ZyQ-ef3hShP0WiHOusBobISVGcQcXbzouqxokWZJDdcPn700j0WLyGn6RtJFI6xcZ5N1a6dD18VDUXnLtSuMyBcAFOITzw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7107630333970528546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4KbsSgqojVv36uReDrMIYr9Na2LZhQSe90Pq1LejFl-IUnRVCWz0VtBrSVLlLuAqXPf_Xs6DlECBDU0ZxhsT3yCK2c8ZyQ-ef3hShP0WiHOusBobISVGcQcXbzouqxokWZJDdcPn700j0WLyGn6RtJFI6xcZ5N1a6dD18VDUXnLtSuMyBcAFOITzw=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean, Cynthia and Ron (guess which is Cynthia)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">8 Jun: We slept in until 7:30 and drove over about 11 AM to spend the day with brother </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Dean & Janina. Janina provided us all a tasty luncheon of lots of veggies. The afternoon was spent in pleasant conversation since the weather was really too hot to be comfortable outside. Ron and Cynthia thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Beatty family scrapbook Janina has created with photos from Dean and Carol. Janina again prepared a lovely salmon dinner on her new Foreman Grill although the new grill is apparently inferior to the old one. Ron went for blueberries and gasoline after dropping Cynthia at the hotel and was out past dark. Janina opined that the druggies are the ones out after dark, and that description fits the people Ron saw shopping. And here it is 11 PM again. Goodnight.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">7 Jun: </span></span></span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> We left </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Jim & Joni's by eleven AM and stopped at Bob’s BMW in Jessup to order a new bike. Jim has convinced Ron that the R1250RT model is due for redesign and replacement in the near future and that</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">model is so</span><span><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> popular that it disappears from showroom floors before it arrives. Our</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> new bike is not yet in production but should arrive in six to eight weeks. At that time we will still be in Vermont, so Ron will boogie down to MD and switch out the bikes. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> When Cynthia dismounted at Bob's and removed her helmet, she realized she was missing a hearing aid. Cynthia checked the floors at Bob's without finding the hearing aid, so we returned to Jim's (40 miles) and scoured the house, walked the same steps, and found nothing. Bummer. The rain that was forecast for 3 PM arrived on schedule while we were searching. We remounted the bike and headed east toward Lewes, Delaware, hoping that the rain had passed us bye. No such luck, we soon ran into light showers that persisted for 50 miles until the merge onto I-97. At times the showers were somewhat heavy, but we kept our speed up and stayed dry. Ron was very relieved that the rain stopped for our ride on I-97 and for the ride across the <a href="https://thenewswheel.com/5-of-the-scariest-bridges-in-america/" target="_blank">Chesapeake Bay Bridge (click here)</a>. The wind was strong enough to create whitecaps on the bay below the bridge and white knuckles on Ron's hands. We were able to enjoy dinner</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">in Easton, Maryland</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> at Ruby Tuesday!! We are very happy that Google can still find Ruby Tuesday Restaurants that are open. When we arrived at our Hampton Inn in Rehoboth, Delaware, we</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> searched our luggage but still found no hearing aid. And this is the aid for Cynthia's "good" ear that hears better. Since it was already dark, we told Dean we'd see him tomorrow. Our route from West Falls Drive was MD 27 South briefly to L on Gillis Falls Road E to R on Woodbine Road S crossing I-70 (in light rain) to L on MD 144 E to R on MD 32 E all the way to L on US 1 N to R on Guilford Road E and Bob's BMW. After our return to Jim's, we skipped Bob's BMW and continued E on MD 32 to merge onto I-97 S to a left exit onto US 50 E (which crosses the Bay Bridge) and enters Easton, Maryland. Then R on MD 322 S a mile to Ruby Tuesday. Return N on MD 322 to a tight right on US 50</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">S/E</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> to L on MD 328 E to Denton, MD and R on MD 404 E to R on DE 36 which joins DE 16 E to R on DE 1 S to the Rehoboth Hampton Inn. Delaware does not require helmets for experienced motorcyclists, and Ron is looking forward to riding without that uncomfortable nuisance.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">6 Jun: Bob's BMW is closed Mondays. Will we wear out our welcome with Jim & Joni? Apparently not; we didn't even awaken until after they went to work this morning. (The pretzels did their job last night.) We walked 4.3 miles round trip to the Buffalo Road, enjoying beautiful weather and a beautiful day in Maryland. After Jim and Joni returned home, we rnjoyed another great dinner with them at the Mount Airy Inn. How fun to see several geese with their goslings waddling to the lake. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">5 Jun: Sunday: We spent </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">another day with Jim & Joni by sleeping late, breakfast in Mount Airy, followed by a 2.7 mile walk of the historic community. This is the highest point east to the ocean, started by a need for steam engines to cool after climbing to this high point. The hills were steep walking today, too. Jim showed us the fascinating <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Main_Line_Subdivision" target="_blank">Mt. Airy railroad tunnel (click here)</a> that was built in 1901 by the B & O RR to bypass the highest elevation with a half-mile tunnel (still in use, now underneath a shopping plaza). Also fascinating to learn that Maryland 144 was formerly US 40, the first <a href="https://nationalroadpa.org" target="_blank">National Road (click here)</a> (east to west).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">4 Jun: We expected to </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">spend all day with Jim & Joni, always a fun couple to visit. Jim is on top of everything motorcycle, and informed Ron that BMW is preparing to retire the R1250RT in favor of a 1300 CC model that will probably have "bugs" to work out. That news motivated us to get serious about trading our motorcycle for a lighter weight BMW 1250 RT ASAP. Consequently after a hearty breakfast at the Mt. Airy Inn, we rode to District Harley (and BMW) in Gaithersburg to look at one there, but the only one available there was sold before it arrived. The R1250RT models are in demand and scarce. After we returned, Jim loaded us all up into his Jeep and took us to the Potomac River where we hiked on the C&O Canal Trail for 2 miles and saw a huge Great Blue Heron. The Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Frederick, MD had a terrible salad bar, one of the worst we've ever seen at a Ruby Tuesday</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 Jun: We are packed to leave Waynesboro, VA, after a large salad at Outback Restaurant, and </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, and arrive at Jim & Joni's in Mt. Airy, MD sometime this afternoon. Thank you Outback, Josh Hughes, manager, and Tonja Michelle, waitress for outstanding service We NEVER EVER dreamed an Outback could meet our cardiac dietary restrictions! WOW! Our route was simplicity itself: US 250 East to the Parkway North to US 340 in Front Royal through Harpers Ferry (familiar !!) to I-70 East in Frederick, MD to MD 27 North a few miles to West Falls Road and Jim and Joni's. Jim had warned Ron of new rock on his driveway and met us to provide smoother passage for Cynthia and the luggage, leaving Ron to bounce and bump over the rocks solo. Wonderful to see Jim and Joni looking so healthy and happy again. Jim had cooked us a veggie dinner that was wonderful (especially the small boiled potatoes) and included barbequed chicken. Despite eating a lot of pretzels, Ron awakened several times through the night.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 Jun: Ron REALLY must get "serious" about packing today. And indeed he did, plus a hiking trip and getting drenched in a severe thunderstorm. Ron looked up <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crabtree_Falls_(North_Carolina)" target="_blank">Crabtree Falls (click here)</a> (as suggested by a housekeeper) and also found the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Tunnel" target="_blank">Blue Ridge Tunnel (click here)</a> in Nelson County, VA, so he knew where the Afton Post Office is located. As he returned from his quick hike up to see the flowers again at Jarmin Gap, he thought that the ten minutes to Afton to mail post cards wouldn't make a bit of difference, despite the thunder that he had heard and the black skies to the north and west. And it didn't matter much until he ran into a smattering of raindrops as he neared the first exit into Waynesboro, so he made the quick decision to get off the interstate onto Delphine Avenue. What he did not remember is that that street heads straight north and has no places to seek shelter for two miles. Ron remembers no worse deluge than the second one to hit him, which immediately drenched him thoroughly. Ron was able to enjoy seeing wind blowing the rainfall at a 60 degree angle. There were a couple of times that he couldn't even see the street in front of him, but he did manage to get to the nearest Speedway station and wait there for 20 minutes until the rain nearly stopped before continuing. Strangely, despite being soaked, he wasn't chilled.)</span></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuzqXY0ewVm3wZsG1gUiirVuBs5rk40iHrW4mguYiQ9-vTQxzLNZRYOe4TpSl-uCRvOU_HohvwEHZLb30DPqHgEJ7As4_-_8u5dXlXGmxPUwdfRO-lSDsuzQtXdgV3FhqI2PV1BYEysxbdkRfyjGbVHK2I2qMM52baIYFjffLm9llCQ73swR_qRnAo" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7104745269709638018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuzqXY0ewVm3wZsG1gUiirVuBs5rk40iHrW4mguYiQ9-vTQxzLNZRYOe4TpSl-uCRvOU_HohvwEHZLb30DPqHgEJ7As4_-_8u5dXlXGmxPUwdfRO-lSDsuzQtXdgV3FhqI2PV1BYEysxbdkRfyjGbVHK2I2qMM52baIYFjffLm9llCQ73swR_qRnAo=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookie the tall mountain laurel</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 Jun: Only two more days before packing and riding - it is now time to begin the packing process - after we go hiking. The hike was very, very satisfying but also very, very HOT. We rode to Jarmin Gap and commensed hiking north, down at first to the pleasant little stream, then up and up and up for a long, long way into marvelous clouds of <a href="https://virginiawildflowers.org/2015/05/24/mountain-laurel/" target="_blank">white and pink flowers, mountain laurel (click here)</a>. Once we arrived over the crest of the mountain, Cynthia stared briefly at the trail downhill and decided to let Ron go it alone. He did, and we both remembered that in a previous year, on a similar hike, Cynthia had made the same decision and Ron hiked alone that day also. Today was much, much prettier with the blooms even more magnificent than earlier. Oops, Ron spent his day working on genealogy, with satisfying results but zero progress on packing.</span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuzqXY0ewVm3wZsG1gUiirVuBs5rk40iHrW4mguYiQ9-vTQxzLNZRYOe4TpSl-uCRvOU_HohvwEHZLb30DPqHgEJ7As4_-_8u5dXlXGmxPUwdfRO-lSDsuzQtXdgV3FhqI2PV1BYEysxbdkRfyjGbVHK2I2qMM52baIYFjffLm9llCQ73swR_qRnAo"> </a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></p>Ron Beattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022932930903462088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-959330062028986392022-04-30T18:24:00.111-04:002023-01-19T17:32:18.513-05:00Hurray, Hurray for the 12th of May<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWIt3lC0x258INOgw_5qQzguevqTa069T4SvwhLW-VYzkWBlYVd02D4BRRxO5KNgFh1z42tP5D_b4TiU0hI6Gp3e-JvCMete3CmsQ3a4L955QlQ0_NLB9t5f0O6iTOwk4OJZCPtKQOwGcGs83zzcEyrjbGfkm6fmd-6LVeOLvTW_qG5IC0PptOu3Wq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7092544365922869858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWIt3lC0x258INOgw_5qQzguevqTa069T4SvwhLW-VYzkWBlYVd02D4BRRxO5KNgFh1z42tP5D_b4TiU0hI6Gp3e-JvCMete3CmsQ3a4L955QlQ0_NLB9t5f0O6iTOwk4OJZCPtKQOwGcGs83zzcEyrjbGfkm6fmd-6LVeOLvTW_qG5IC0PptOu3Wq=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You may kiss the bride !!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWeG-jRqObJDb6TmUy936GOcnBxjE2MVz3Y_8adbBmb2oK-5hKtpSVN1FV6TEOqJJ-uNVyEz3ptor6kVyAyAG68SdvgwwnO372ehsMr6yhl69LrGOU7VJQgwBDsycUmwmKCuq2uGnI_K5RaGEyr6aafE90FOTKEShqXEpYZbIVAFObE6b9C1nYWZ7p" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7092543987962918098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWeG-jRqObJDb6TmUy936GOcnBxjE2MVz3Y_8adbBmb2oK-5hKtpSVN1FV6TEOqJJ-uNVyEz3ptor6kVyAyAG68SdvgwwnO372ehsMr6yhl69LrGOU7VJQgwBDsycUmwmKCuq2uGnI_K5RaGEyr6aafE90FOTKEShqXEpYZbIVAFObE6b9C1nYWZ7p=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flashback to May 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Jun: Only two more days before packing and riding - now time to begin the packing process. Cynthia sees an echo on this blog! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">31 May: And Cynthia woke up in sunburn pain after a fitful night. Her big plan for the day is an ice cold shower and a pedicure and manicure. Ron is spending the day reviewing genealogy photos, except for walking periodically, and walking with Cynthia to the salon.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">30 May: We did indeed hike someplace today! We hiked again from McCormick Gap up past the microwave towers to Beagle Gap and back. Today this hike exhausted poor Cynthia, who sat in the sun too long on tractor seats atop the mountain, talking to first a solitary male through-hiker named Radio, then on the return trip, to a 63-year-old through-hiking couple from Iowa who were entransed by our lifestyle. Much fun, but too much time in the sun for Cynthia. We invite all these through-hikers to join us in Vermont at the Inn at Long Trail for a free dinner.</span></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwLY-5UtkldKstzyjkOaHNe9XPf0PkMjCsS_F60G95Dzwi_-33gpnaS4KGnmAlndpPdAE4X95mHOM3fOXptbtdmxI0KZXyp8mbjTEePqabOZQPaE92CDwjnchcjdRBtW6mvYItJzUQwyLtRRZo0TNPk9qkmevBPaJ1Rpo77Re1c0zNlcM-s91VwzY4" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7104291532466469026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwLY-5UtkldKstzyjkOaHNe9XPf0PkMjCsS_F60G95Dzwi_-33gpnaS4KGnmAlndpPdAE4X95mHOM3fOXptbtdmxI0KZXyp8mbjTEePqabOZQPaE92CDwjnchcjdRBtW6mvYItJzUQwyLtRRZo0TNPk9qkmevBPaJ1Rpo77Re1c0zNlcM-s91VwzY4=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with a nice view</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">29 May: OK Folks, Today is the day for a big hike! God willing, no fog, or rain, or sore feet! Ohhh! Did we have fun on our 4.1 mile hike from Beagle Gap, making new friends, Darla and Doug. They already eat as we do and joined us for sweet potato and veggie dinner at the Outback Steak House. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">28 May: Hopefully a good nights sleep now, starting yesterday at 10:30. Annnnddd…. One of us is still sleepy on the 28th of May! Ron took the bike to the car wash first, then to Wayne’s Cycle Shop to have the front wheel balanced, an hour long process. Cynthia worked on her talks. Congratulations to Grand Niece Erika, who graduated Summa Cum Laude and was accepted at law school, and to Grand Nephew Kyle, a HS graduate accepted at SIUEdwardsville. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">27 May: Forecast is for rain and thunderstorms all day long. We might have to resort to walking the floors of the hotel twenty times. Ron walked in installments including stairs. He called Bob's BMW and discovered no need to go there for service or trade in. Rebuilding or replacing rear shock costs more than $2,000 and takes 3 months. They have no R1250RT bikes to sell. The good news is that Ron was able to get dinner reservations for Daryl's House Club on June 19 to see the act "Music of Cream."</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">26 May: Today. We woke up, exercised and computered before riding the bike to hike. The fog was so thick in the mountains, a wise Smooch returned to the hotel, turned around immediately at the end of the Interstate exit. Cynthia is enjoying good light, thanks to a new higher wattage bulb and Ron. Our only exercise for the day was a five-block walk to Martin's grocery for frozen mango and pretzels.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">25 May: We did it! Yay for us! We hiked McCormicks Gap to Beagle Gap and back, 5.3 miles! Did I mention we are tired and starved? We returned to the bike around 2:30 in the afternoon feeling and seeing more moisture in the air. We did meet and talk to several through hikers. I guess the bubble must be approaching. Ron is still organizing and incorporating the photos he took in North Carolina.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">24 May: Everything looks very wet out the window, but the puddles are quiet. Maybe Ron should go out to wash the motorcycle. Hey, the forecast & color radar is radically changed, and we can go hiking today. Question is: How wet and muddy are the trails? Answer is that the mist and fog were still quite unpleasant despite appearances through the window. The rest of the week looks good for hiking. But !! Cynthia doesn’t do muddy trails, so she will hike tomorrow! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">23 May: Today it is Ron's turn to worry: Charlotte said she'd be working this morning 7:30 to 3, but the desk is unattended. (Worrying stopped when Ron discovered Daniel hiding in a darkened office, purportedly on a conference call.) Rain is forecast for this afternoon, so we'd better dig out our rain gear. HA, we didn't need it since we began noticing rain drops as we neared the Blue Ridge Parkway. We made a U-turn and headed back down the mountain to spend the day in the hotel. The real bummer is that Outback doesn't serve lunch midweek. Ron stayed awake until 2:30 AM putting a James Anderson plat for 641 acres into his James Lea Grants and Deeds platplotter app - which conclusively confirms the location of Lawrence Bankston's earlier property on Richland Creek. (This is Waaay Exciting for those of you unfamiliar with the passion for genealogy.)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">22 May, Sunday: The clock is ticking, the Rambo Reunion in June is approaching. But, we have ten days to do the exercise that we have neglected for an entire month of constant travel and research. The downside is the 90 degree temperature. The familiar guard at the National Parks entrance station asked where we have been. Our hike was delightful, but we did not find those three miles easy. Still, we did much, much better than the first time we came here in 2009. A highlight was running into 5 through hikers, names unknown. The Outback Restaurant held true to their promise to provide us with large salads and baked potatoes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">21 May: The Hampton Inn, Roxboro, NC has a delightful dining staff person who is Miss Bella, a joyful, happy woman who calls us Mr. and Mrs. Oatmeal! Love to you, Miss Bella! Ron spent the morning taking pictures of books in the Person County Library, then we enjoyed a wonderful luncheon conversation with Michael J. at Brookland Eats again. At one PM we loaded the motorcycle and transitioned to Waynesboro, VA to hike the Appalachian Trail until early June. We are elated to discover our sweet Charlotte, manager of the Comfort Inn, is well and healthy! And the Outback Restaurant has baked sweet potatoes with steamed veggies. Life is good! Our route was again simple: US 501 north out of Roxboro, turning right (east/ north) on US 29 and following that nearly to Waynesboro except for short legs on VA 6 (north & east) and US 250 west.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">20 May: oofta, it is midnight:30, and Ron is now somewhat exhausted. After waking up this morning, off we went to the Person County Recorder of Deeds to look for more neighbors to the Leas and Bankstons. Then a fun lunch with Randall Lea and wife at <a href="https://www.brooklandeats.com" target="_blank">Brookland Eats (click here)</a>, then Ron rode over to Yanceyville to look for more deeds at the Caswell Recorder of Deeds. Most peculiar (to Ron) was that the Caswell County Courthouse does not allow visitors to bring any electronic equipment into the courthouse. None. The guard said that Ron could bring a camera into the Recorder of Deeds if they allowed it. The clerk there said that she could allow it if the Sheriff allowed it. Ron then asked the guard if he could exit a different door to go to ask permission of the sheriff, whereupon the guard, a sheriff's deputy, walked in to talk with clerk and came back to tell me I could take my camera in there.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">19 May: With a late checkout, we are back in the NC State Archives for the morning, followed by a meeting in Hillsborough with the County Deed Recorder at two PM, then onto Roxboro, NC Courthouse and Library. We consider our three days in Raleigh a great success. Mark, Orange County Recorder of Deeds, has been busy and sent me the <a href="https://piedmontwanderings.blogspot.com/2022/02/recovered-colonial-deeds-of-orange.html" target="_blank">link to his site that links to many Lord Granville deeds</a>. Dinner at the Colonial Inn was less than a success. Their chef could not imagine a single thing to feed Ron without oil, butter, fat or cheese, so he bought pretzels and sourdough bread from the local grocery, <a href="https://www.weaverstreetmarket.coop/location/hillsborough/" target="_blank">Weaver Street Market (click here)</a>, highly recommended. We followed the GPS directions on nothing but tiny roads without having any idea where we were except to know that most times we were heading due north.</span></span></span> Our route was simplicity itself: we rode south on Dawson Street to I-40, turned west and stayed on I-40 until exiting onto Old Highway 86 which turns into Churton Street and we parked right beside the Recorder of Deeds office. Mark has been busy since our last visit, and he won reelection by a 65-35 margin. We then continued N on NC 86 to R on Walnut Grove Church Road to a L on NC 157 N to R on US 158 to the Hampton Inn</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">18 May: The blog becomes a bit repetitious when we spend all day every day inside the North Carolina State Archives. Ron looked at another 50 wills and estate papers. Have you ever tried to read faded old handwriting and scribbles? Cynthia ran out of things to amuse herself, but at least she didn't get into the wrong elevator again. At 5 PM we again rode to Vidrio's for the identitical dinner, but this time it cost $68 instead of $41; we liked the previous waitress better.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">17 May: We were a tiny bit chilly as we rode the bike the six blocks to the North Carolina State Archives, but Cynthia froze inside. Note to Cynthia, wear a sweater! We had a fun day, despite the chill. Our friend Gaye no longer works there. Bummer! Cynthia took the B elevator to the basement snack room on the second floor, and she failed to notice she was on a different elevator to return to the second floor. The elevator door closed, but the buttons would not respond to any further action. She kept pressing buttons and stood there, locked in an unresponsive elevator. Then she read a sign on the wall, <b>Staff Only</b>. It was key operated and dark. She finally pressed a button with an R on it that opened the door. </span></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">At five, we were hungry and discovered a nice restaurant that has fed us before, <a href="https://www.vidrioraleigh.com" target="_blank">Vidrio (click here)</a>. Cynthia remembered eating there as soon as she saw the decor. Ron only remembers walking upstairs. The executive chef came to talk to us and did a good job for us again. We will most likely eat there again tomorrow.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">16 May: Monday we make the transition to Raleigh to stay at the Hampton Inn about a mile from the NC Archives. Oh, joy! We found a Ruby Tuesdays restaurant only 14 miles from Raleigh. Delightedly full, we left the restaurant despite a forecast of an imminent severe thunderstorm, rode straight towards an ugly black turbulent sky, and turned before finding raindrops to arrive dry at the Hampton Inn Downtown. The rain came within minutes after we unloaded our luggage. Wish us luck at the archives on Tueday. Ron still needs to figure out what to look for while we are there. At least he compiled a list of names to look for wills. Our route included a missed turn. We left Myrtle beach by the route that Hans had suggested, </span></span></span>N on Harrison Rd to E on Grissom Parkway, L on US 501 N to R on SC 31 N to L on SC 9 N to L on US 701 N L on NC 410 N, L on NC 131, L on NC 87 .4 mi to R on Tar Heel Ferry Rd 1.3 mi to L on River Road (rough) -> Tabor Church Road <span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">to L on NC 53 (missed a turn) and got onto I-95 for the last 20 miles.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">15 May, Sunday: We had a fabulous day at Brookgreen Gardens created from an original 48,000 acre rice plantation, eventually turned into four plantations by 1932, when a sculptor named Anna Hyatt Huntington purchased all four as a home for her life size sculptures.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Tomorrow we ride to Raleigh. Ron still needs to prioritize his research interests there. </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir5MLJC3ddF_RFnSFg5xY_AUvE8XtcYFdlaaFD4V6bCjTt62tDqUFvyLGsAuWpQs-yaXm-wojG5f7mr-4ARm9q4S2mu_np0N5EbeMskAiPJzqWLf9NjaunhHSbG9aYSSwBzQ7JTy5AIT8P58rwUbH-k3Qw36pKWCLcP_cjRJhoahmWZBKV-XH6lAU8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7098158339780835730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir5MLJC3ddF_RFnSFg5xY_AUvE8XtcYFdlaaFD4V6bCjTt62tDqUFvyLGsAuWpQs-yaXm-wojG5f7mr-4ARm9q4S2mu_np0N5EbeMskAiPJzqWLf9NjaunhHSbG9aYSSwBzQ7JTy5AIT8P58rwUbH-k3Qw36pKWCLcP_cjRJhoahmWZBKV-XH6lAU8=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springmaid pier in moon light</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBsLS08LcOTse9xN1CFr9Y4Zj8gNRVG44k48ToVMMsTLrik-4EF6lyB5IM86BS5ohdKIPVxgFODSqldqKOUypBBytRsN8CLDnrFAqV1XxBf-_JhjDHo1QYUlYzRikDskABRkXp4LUaaO0y6QrXPYYAcHG8IXoWAfCL15UiDtFDasqUZ7gLx4nZWHZ4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7098107479903516002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBsLS08LcOTse9xN1CFr9Y4Zj8gNRVG44k48ToVMMsTLrik-4EF6lyB5IM86BS5ohdKIPVxgFODSqldqKOUypBBytRsN8CLDnrFAqV1XxBf-_JhjDHo1QYUlYzRikDskABRkXp4LUaaO0y6QrXPYYAcHG8IXoWAfCL15UiDtFDasqUZ7gLx4nZWHZ4=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same view during daylight</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">14 May: We are scheduled to visit Hans and Audrey after breakfast until about 3 PM, when Cynthia gets her cure - manicure. It took nearly an hour riding to US 501 west (N on Harrison Rd to E on Grissom Parkway - stopping at </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Walmart for packaged salad) then to SC 31 N to SC 9 N to US 701 S 1 mile to Hans and Audrey's house. We enjoyed a tour of the garden and orchard - Hans has quite the green thumb. Then Audrey added some home grown lettuce, radishes and corn to our salad mix & spinach for delightful salads for all. We were sent home with the leftovers. Hans is a good storyteller and has a host of interesting experiences and stories. Two PM rolled around far too quickly, and Cynthia insisted on leaving promptly so as to get her nails done. Audrey showed me the color radar about then with lovely reds and yellows in the vicinity. We did run through one cloudburst, a veritable downpour, for a few minutes on SC 9, and the car ahead kept up speed, so we didn't run into whatever we couldn't see ahead of us. It was honestly raining so hard that all I could see was a black haze ahead of us that had been a black pickup truck before the rain started. All's well that ends well and Cynthia was on time for her manicure. Ron then shopped at Food Lion for blueberries, grapes and pretzels.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">13 May: Another day just like the most other days, except that we enjoy our ocean views, ate salad at the hotel restaurant, and walked out the Springmaid pier to take a video for great grandchildren. After dinner, we enjoyed a long walk on the beach and the neighboring <a href="https://southcarolinaparks.com/myrtle-beach?asset=2672-ig-17860361836942347" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach State Park (click here)</a> boardwalk. Ron is making a little progress on James Lea.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="color: #333333;">12 May: </span><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Happy Annibursary to mee beloved WeeFee</b></span><span style="color: #333333;">. Happy 75th birthday to my beloved Smooch! Isn’t love grand? Here we are eleven years later still over the moon in love! Up, exercised and oatmealed, we were almost ready to walk when Ron looked out the window to see one very wet pier. Hans and Audrey have recommended <a href="https://www.brookgreen.org" target="_blank">Brookgreen Gardens (click here)</a>, $18 admission for seniors, but it is too wet to enjoy a garden tour today. Next restaurant to try is <a href="https://www.magnoliasat26th.com/home" target="_blank">Magnolias on 26th (click here)</a>, supposed to have a good salad bar although reviews are mixed. Instead we stayed inside all day and used our computers mercilessly.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">11 May: Schedule has us moving to the Doubletree at Myrtle Beach for five days (including our annibursary) with an ocean view. Duncan joined us for a very pleasant hour of conversation over breakfast. Our ride was pleasant and uneventful except for a very windy ride over a very beautiful, very high bridge leaving Charleston. We simply stayed on US 17 the entire time from Charleston to Myrtle Beach and followed the GPS to the Doubletree without problem and discovered there that they did indeed have a room with a view for us. Cynthia was astounded that this one SC highway was absent the lumps and bumps she has grown weary of in SC. Ron called Hans upon arrival, and we enjoyed good conversation</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">with Hans and Audrey and good food at</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> <a href="https://www.angelosteakandpasta.com" target="_blank">Angelo's Steak and Pasta (click here)</a> a few blocks from our hotel. And here it is too late again, another night = Goodnight.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">10 May: We spent the day with Duncan, subject to a couple of interruptions. We breakfasted together at the hotel. We, Ron and Cynthia, had already eaten bowls of oatmeal in our room, so we were not too upset when the waitress brought an omelet made with egg yolks despite our repeated order for egg whites. When Cynthia asked to have the omelet redone, the cook declared the kitchen closed. Duncan was called away to take his wife for a covid test (negative) and rejoined us for lunch at Ruby Tuesday, salads all around. We then rode over to Duncan's house and met the three dogs, Woof, woof and woof, before riding with Duncan to <a href="https://www.ccprc.com/61/Folly-Beach-County-Park" target="_blank">Folly Beach (click here)</a> for a nice long walk on the beach. Unfortunately, Cynthia's feet were not up to that length of a walk barefoot, and some of the shells became quite uncomfortable to her feet. (Ron knew his feet were too tender to walk barefoot.)</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">9 May: Today we transition to Charleston, SC after breakfast with Clark & Elizabeth at our Hilton Garden Inn at Harbison. First we stopped at Sam's Club and were able to fill our tires with the additional 3 lbs of air they each needed. The traffic on I-26 was not particularly obnoxious, so we stayed on it 80 miles to SC 27 W, then US 78 S but turned early onto an old version of the Orangeburg Road. After a couple of "blind" turns at T intersections, Ron stopped to put our destination address into the GPS and followed it to SC 61 which was bordered by live oaks that delightfully shaded the roadway. <a href="https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/middleton-place/" target="_blank">Middleton Place (click here)</a>, <a href="http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/charleston/S10817710050/index.htm" target="_blank">Magnolia (click here)</a> and Drayton Plantations were all very appealing, but a Ruby Tuesday lunch was overdue for mee diabetic WeeFee. Incidentally, it was cool enough that Cynthia wore her heated gear the entire ride. If we hadn't missed the "final" turn for SC 61, we would have ridden straight to the hotel. However, the trees have grown large enough to obscure that overhead sign, so Ron rode over a couple of bridges unnecessarily, to Charleston and back. The hotel is the Riverview Cambria. The river is a mile away, so the view is a minature. Immediately after checking in to the hotel we buggied to the nearby Ruby Tuesday and stuffed ourselves full.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">8 May, Sunday: Happy Mothers Day! Our last day and last Ruby Tuesday meal here in the vicinity of Columbia, SC. It was again a delight to dine with Dick, and Clark and Elizabeth. We did miss Mary and hope she is over her fever, missed Tom and Cheryl and hope they had fun whereever they vacationed, missed Grreg and Donna and hope they enjoyed Mother's Day in Minnesnowda.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">7 May: Another day in Irmo, SC and another Ruby Tuesday meal is anticipated, God willing. After digesting breakfast for a bit and mending one sock, we walked across parking lots and medians to the building formerly housing Ruby Tuesday and returned. It is peculiar to see so few cars in the mall parking lots. We also came right up all six flights of stairs to our top floor room without pause (as opposed</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">yesterday</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> when we walked the hall after each flight of stairs). Time to go to Ruby Tuesday to meet Dick. Ron is discovering that he can eat a tremendous salad at Ruby Tuesday, but not four days in a row. And we did also join him to walk around the mall at 4:30 PM, fun, fun, fun. The mall was much, much busier at 5 PM. 5.7 miles today. We are exhausted </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">6 May: Again up "early," we are breakfasted, pilled and ready for more extensive exercise before Ruby Tuesday again at 1:30 PM. Outdoor temperature of 85 degrees and bright sunlight convinced us to walk the floors and stairs of the hotel three times and use the fitness center, which was surprisingly nice. It is wonderfully nice to see Dick multiple times, but also quite a disappointment that he can no longer walk well. We walked again achieving a total of 5.6 miles. Tonight we need to be abed earlier. </span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHN5nCCMCgBqahRAnON2T3wjdAH-WkHxBSCI7ofNJUMnnq0Q_To0i6Vq2Rnlg8EcpZln9Allmi9YxZhaIeZMcsEsMPO6HFXel3K1ZDRDct9nCnWvg7oRDY7aBA2pe5A-TLjZYv-IVagNKpZc3Jzn4WO2gKcMyrvn43_0-_cFEmTkXVUDYJLHS1fzmq" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7094442822814308978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHN5nCCMCgBqahRAnON2T3wjdAH-WkHxBSCI7ofNJUMnnq0Q_To0i6Vq2Rnlg8EcpZln9Allmi9YxZhaIeZMcsEsMPO6HFXel3K1ZDRDct9nCnWvg7oRDY7aBA2pe5A-TLjZYv-IVagNKpZc3Jzn4WO2gKcMyrvn43_0-_cFEmTkXVUDYJLHS1fzmq=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dick, Mary, Ron, Liz & Clark</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 May: A wonderful time was had by all the survivors at Ruby Tuesday in Lexington as shown in the picture to the left. Ron has gotten absorbed in genealogy while answering e-mails both of the last two nights.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">4 May: Rock Hill, SC… Nice hotel, rude staff, and horrid breakfast. Since there is a Ruby Tuesday on the corner, we were in no hurry to get on the road and enjoyed a huge salad first. Without a computer to plan a route, Ron used his GPS to find South Carolina route 121/ 76 for many, many miles to US 176 South and eventually US 76 East through Chapin to Irmo and the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Hilton Garden Inn, in Columbia SC. Ron enjoyed SC 121 thoroughly with its light traffic and few towns; Cynthia abhorred the multitude of lumps and bumps she experienced as passenger with a sensitive back. We probably traveled an extra 25 miles wandering as we did. We arrived at 4 pm and by 6 Ron was recovered enough to ride over to see Dick, then Clark before buying bananas, grapes and pretzels at Kroger.</span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: xx-large; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbeWE388VTOb26xNdFUrxU5dmGh7_7jM8RAaOmR7lbJtdpaVZ14WkAGHAnyOCvnvuMgQLL1BuhpxpyP15DGovIo5DYe7HcPFbPAUT9PIyaTUM3WkwYYroEGK7WriP7c-xZCqCkAODwde6Y25aGs0_cLXmajl0p6Kf5gYcdraQuaff0nzA2FN1EJnPH" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7093688163141064242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbeWE388VTOb26xNdFUrxU5dmGh7_7jM8RAaOmR7lbJtdpaVZ14WkAGHAnyOCvnvuMgQLL1BuhpxpyP15DGovIo5DYe7HcPFbPAUT9PIyaTUM3WkwYYroEGK7WriP7c-xZCqCkAODwde6Y25aGs0_cLXmajl0p6Kf5gYcdraQuaff0nzA2FN1EJnPH=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drew in foreground (enlarged)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 May: After saying good-byes to Nancy and Roger, we rode back to Ruby Tuesdays for lunch, then on to Lake Wylie and were surprised to find Drew and BD visiting Mary and Ed !! Ed had a fantastic roasted vegetable dinner already prepared for us. Then Anna and David stopped by separately to say their hellos and be congratulated on their year-old marriage. Ed even managed to take a group photo of u all (after David left). And Yaay, we arrived at Rock Hill, SC to the nicest Comfort Inn we have found to date, with a Ruby Tuesday restaurant right around the corner. Route: I-26 south to US 74 East to wandering all over Forest City looking for the Old Tryon Historical Society and back on US 74 to Gaston, North Carolina whereupon the GPS directed us onto many unfamiliar roads until we came to SC 557 and SC 49 which magically brought us within hailing distance of Ed and Mary's front door. This time we looked but still didn't find the main entrance to their gated community, so we parked next to the unmanned gate station close to their house. Oops, I had intended to leave Ashville on Alt 74 and my directions were not specific enough; had we done that, finding the <a href="https://www.oldtryon.com" target="_blank">Old Tryon Historical Society (click here)</a> would not have been so impossible.</span></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy796Jo1rAddDfbJ4v0uy7Xk4mzUvZEN-CtfGZaNziCqdj_rMeU3rb4PbBUfLSd4kplonyQdB59juQjdVCOUmTrkH9ui5UFkhcf2GUSKJ2EHV0xI4L94a9bkHkVqgn4f7fi48hXYg7V2y3W6pD--vD-2e9p0tmNhXokMwgNAx49qn1LD48ERp8V3dQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7093508448031723586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy796Jo1rAddDfbJ4v0uy7Xk4mzUvZEN-CtfGZaNziCqdj_rMeU3rb4PbBUfLSd4kplonyQdB59juQjdVCOUmTrkH9ui5UFkhcf2GUSKJ2EHV0xI4L94a9bkHkVqgn4f7fi48hXYg7V2y3W6pD--vD-2e9p0tmNhXokMwgNAx49qn1LD48ERp8V3dQ=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooch, SmoochSmooch & Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUD2LoO58ImZoaPyla7RyXorUeWidphG8niib-rRk1-Moz6vxV8zwAFxW8M94C2qlwzXdIJQkjFPmYbNrmuPAuunQyMmEUXyWfnxb6_iNLVs4Py8waKyXEgKaAVA1iOtiiCebPa4gmdezRn-Z6urrtAiItsgQbKpyX71Pdphec_4pzWrwusrEQh4Y3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7093508582520822690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUD2LoO58ImZoaPyla7RyXorUeWidphG8niib-rRk1-Moz6vxV8zwAFxW8M94C2qlwzXdIJQkjFPmYbNrmuPAuunQyMmEUXyWfnxb6_iNLVs4Py8waKyXEgKaAVA1iOtiiCebPa4gmdezRn-Z6urrtAiItsgQbKpyX71Pdphec_4pzWrwusrEQh4Y3=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron, Cynthia, Nancy & Roger</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx4dbhRm2Iz74akm9FHV0KTLlCVnA6nuD8mRqYKnBeVi1ORS9Q3RLAL5Ey9BFg4-wTNVuBDXGgAfrpj8m4d-0JAPkUxUYRjZyU7h2rboExyXYNKuXRJISijHM1QXRljY19tPUk3cFcBrd7UQf9FxxEq7fI8cBFXVjoqpREEKZfAzx_nrwFpQFh6GQ_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7093508748222428994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx4dbhRm2Iz74akm9FHV0KTLlCVnA6nuD8mRqYKnBeVi1ORS9Q3RLAL5Ey9BFg4-wTNVuBDXGgAfrpj8m4d-0JAPkUxUYRjZyU7h2rboExyXYNKuXRJISijHM1QXRljY19tPUk3cFcBrd7UQf9FxxEq7fI8cBFXVjoqpREEKZfAzx_nrwFpQFh6GQ_=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger is looking for fish. Ron inspecting eyelids.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span>2 May: Roger and Nancy drove us out NC 280 to </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Etowah and then US 64 to Penrose so that we could all</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span> hike the three mile loop to see the <a href="https://www.dupontforest.com/explore/triple-falls/" target="_blank">Triple Falls (click here)</a> of the Little River in the DuPont Forest southwest of Hendersonville. Afterwards we all enjoyed terrific luncheon salads at Ruby Tuesday and then an even better dinner close to home at <a href="https://www.131-main.com/asheville/" target="_blank">131 Main (click here)</a> in Biltmore Park</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">1 May: Hurray, hurray for the 12th of May, Ron's birthday and our 11th wedding annibursary. We rode from Athens, GA to Asheville, NC to visit friends Roger and Nancy. We went for an immediate walk on one of the trails in their wooded subdivision. Route: </span>Business 78 E 1 mile to L on Hawthorne Rd N 1.6 mi to R on US 129 S towards Winterville, exit 100 N on US 29 N 24 mi to L on GA 327 N (Bryant Park Rd) to R on GA 51 E (Starrs Bridge Rd) to L on GA 17 N (Broad St) merge onto I-85 N cross river to L on SC 11 N past Tamassee 30 m to L on SC 130 N -> NC 281 -> US 64 E through Brevard -> NC 280 to Ruby Tuesday (I missed this last turn, so we stayed straight on US 64 until we got to I-26, not a good alternative). After stuffing ourselves at Ruby Tuesday, N on I-26 3 miles to exit 37, NC 146 E then immediate R onto Schenck Pkwy/ Ramble Way, R at Promenade Dr to R on Hallett Court.</span></p><p></p>Ron Beattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022932930903462088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-51340265996536880082022-03-31T20:37:00.100-04:002022-05-04T22:31:51.744-04:00April in Miami! <p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkJT2Iy9avTmUze0MdEwg-XqqbAjcCqLMzYGNVvsCmS8sS0GM0T4na2lgkfAK-wEuUTFwCd4Y0jfPVVahSKaYiQ_bQb8B7JDWORdaXMLOTvCs-jLAeTZKS7IjaEzD6RkwZP048UghY472xrMEuS8nHr8rfLAn164jk-dIZmWxaToOUfdS8V_GOBz5t" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7092544730839978674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkJT2Iy9avTmUze0MdEwg-XqqbAjcCqLMzYGNVvsCmS8sS0GM0T4na2lgkfAK-wEuUTFwCd4Y0jfPVVahSKaYiQ_bQb8B7JDWORdaXMLOTvCs-jLAeTZKS7IjaEzD6RkwZP048UghY472xrMEuS8nHr8rfLAn164jk-dIZmWxaToOUfdS8V_GOBz5t=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharon with Cynthia and Ron</td></tr></tbody></table>30 Apr: Tomorrow we hope to see cousin Sharon and watch Rhys play music. And we DID. Rhys as a 10-year-olf guitarist and his 6-year-old neighbor drummer are phenomenally good. Ron made a trip to Walmart for frozen mango, blueberries, carrots and grapes beforehand, but in the evening as he tried to find the nearby IHOP, he went in the entirely wrong direction on a different street. Since he has been similarly confused all his adult life, this is not worrisome. Our visit with cousin Sharon was an unqualified success. She was sufficiently distracted by our company/ conversation that she seemed somewhat oblivious to her perpetual pain while we visited. She and Don live in <a href="https://www.phgainc.org/locations/athens-ga/" target="_blank">Presbyterian Village in Athens (click here)</a>, a lovely, brand new facility.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">29 Apr: We took our time getting packed and on the road today. Temperatures were a bit warmer than forecast, so we were very comfortable all the way. The route was Mt Param Road through a posh part of Atlanta to Roswell Road north (not New Mexico) to I-285 E with a million other traffics, to I-85 N (traffics continuing) to E on GA 316 and lots more traffic. Georgia 316 is one peculiar road, a divided highway with right hand exits and overpasses for many streets, occasional traffic lights, and occasional left had exits. Ron missed several turns today and had to back track to get to the Ruby Tuesday in Winder. The rest of the way eastward was without surprises except that Ron missd another turn when he was stopped at a stop light directly beneath</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">GA 316 (that he intended to take). </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">The GPS told him that the turn was still .4 miles ahead, so we went 5 miles southeast on GA 53 before picking up US 78 northeast into Athens and then Epps Ferry Road to our Quality Inn hotel. We visited Quint and Lori in the evening and enjoyed dinner with them and Rhys at </span><a href="http://www.depalmasitaliancafe.com" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" target="_blank">DePalma's Italian Restaurant</a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">. Their dog, Ollie, ate hole in Ron's pants cuffs.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">28 Apr: We slept well except for both of us awakening at 4 AM for a couple of hours before returning to sleep. Up and oatmealed, Cynthia took a cold shower (apparently Michael forgot to turn on the water heater in the guest house.) We luncheoned at Ruby Tueday again and stuffed ourselves wonderfully full. Tonight Angi invited us over for dinner, and dinner was indeed marvelous. Michael grilled chicken into wonderully tasty morsels, and Angi provided baked sweet potatoes and asparagus.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">27 Apr: Our readers know what comes first: Exercise, then oatmeal with berries and bananas! We bought our own food. The hotel manager said she is excited about implementing healthy breakfasts. Yay for her. Ron remembered a Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Marietta, Georgia (near Angi's) for lunch. Yaaay. They are open, although many Ruby Tuesdays are now closed. Plans for the next two days are to stay with Angi in Sandy Springs, GA. Route: </span></span>N on I-75 to exit 261 (Ruby Tuesday) Delk Road E to R on Powers Ferry Road S across river to R (near Publix) on Northside Drive S. There are marvelous HUGE mansions along this part of Northside Drive.</span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">26 Apr: We arose early, ate our oatmeal with bananas and berries and departed forthwith to the Archives, a two mile ride. Unfortunately Ron found nothing of significance about the Joseph Henderson family there.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">25 Apr: And just like that, tomorrow turned into today. We have our own comfort food for breakfast, Yaay! The manager</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> asked </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">how we liked the breakfast</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> and was quite surprised when we replied that we cannot eat anything they provide and that we bought our own food. At high noon we rode to Clayton State College and walked 3.4 miles around a lovely lake. Cynthia had a protein drink and frozen raw veggies for lunch. Ron ate oatmeal. 5.0 miles total today </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">24 Apr: Morrow, Georgia until Wednesday. The breakfast at this Comfort Inn is not good. We bought our own oatmeal, berries and bananas. It is convenient to have an IHOP next door for egg white veggie omelets, but the wait was excessive. We tried the protein pancakes (olive oil instead of butter in the batter), and they are fine. The drive to visit cousin Don C. in Lithonia was interesting and uneventful; the ride home facing the sun was unnerving to the passenger, but Ron is a confident rider. We stopped at Clayton State University to walk for an hour and twenty minutes on their lovely campus. That was so enjoyable, we will do it again tomorrow. Our route to and from Don's was amusing in that we were on 5 sections of Panola Road: Clayton State Blvd to L on N. Lee -> N. Parkway to R on Forest Parkway -> Panola Road -> Village Parkway and R on W. Panola Road, L on E. Atlanta and immediate R on Fairview Road short distance to L on Panola Road to L on GA 155 (Snapfinger) across river to R on Panola to R on US 278 (Covington Highway) to L on Wellborn to R on Stone Mountain, L on Shadow Rock R on Holt L on Deshon</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">23 Apr: Our lunch at IHOP in Macon with niece Danielle was lovely. The cook did a geat job with our egg white omelets. Todays ride north on US Highway 23 was delightful; little traffic, lovely verdant hills and woods, etc. The GPS was hard to read for the last ten miles on Interstate 75, but Ron was able to see enough to make the correct turns and get off at the correct exit for Morrow, Georgia. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">22 Apr: Breakfast at the Comfort Inn was Yuk. Post Covid restaurants are understaffed with long lines; many closed. We had a lovely visit with Don Bankston and his wife, this AM. The ride from Brunswick, GA to Macon, GA was made so enjoyable by a stop at Captain Joe’s Seafood Restaurant in Baxley, Georgia. Mmmmm! Their salad bar was a delightful surprise. The Hilton Garden Inn no longer serves dinner in the evenings, a big surprise, so Cynthia ate a protein bar. We drove towards a blinding sun to Kroger to buy pretzels, frozen mango, oatmeal and berries, our evening meal. Our route: Golden Isles Parkway N to county road 99 W to US 341 to Jessup, Hazelhorst & Eastman, US 23 to I-16 into Macon, I-75 S to hotel.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">21 Apr: Orlando to Brunswick, Georgia by evening. Verizon and Wi-Fi are deplorable in Florida. Our overnight was at a Choice Hotel, which features package instant oatmeal, bananas, apples and oranges for fruit. But two long lines of fat-laden eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy. So folks are Happy. We are happy with our oatmeal and fruit. Route: </span></span>US 192 W to US 27 N to L on county road 474 (W) to FL 33 N to FL 19 N in Greenland to US 17 N at Palatka to I-295 W around Jacksonville to US 17 N to I-95 briefly into Brunswick</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">20 Apr: And so we go! Who knows what time Ron will have us packed and on the road! But, today, we begin a two-day ride to Brunswick, GA. Hotel rates are now astronomical. We said goodbyes to special new friends and to old friends like Diane, plus the staff. We finally departed</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Pritikin at two PM and arrived in Kissimmee (near Orlando) at eight PM after un uneventful but windy and chilly ride. Seeing an IHOP and Denny’s within walking distance was a good sign, but they were short-staffed in both places. We opted for IHOP. Interesting to see people order monster cinnamon rolls! We are full and ready to go to sleep. Our route was simplicity itself: North on 87th Street to US 27 north (Okeechobee Street), skirting South Bay by taking FL 827 and county road 827 to find US 98 N through Pahokee then back on US 27 N and followed the GPS directions to W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and a Comfort Inn. The wind was too strong to enjoy the one good view of Lake Okeechobee from a highway overpass. (Altogether, the scenery was disappointing.) Ron found it amusing to go right through Lake Wales.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">19 Apr: Ron again rode, facing the morning sun, to Margate, FL to visit former boss Jerry and wife Judy. They were not yet home when Ron arrived, so he waited on the porch eating frozen mango until they did arrive with grandchildren in tow, Lucas and Andy, Becky's kids, amazingly well behaved. Jerry revels in seeing shock register on faces when he tells people that he is 80 years old. Jerry and Judy are still in great shape. Cynthia has core, then cardio classes, followed by a body composition scan. Ron returned tonight, but two hours late. The GPS took him to the old Pritikin location in Aventura, FL ! He was only a little lost in metropolitan Miami but his GPS finally got him back after he set it manually. Route: US 1 N to Florida Turnpike/ Ronald Regan Toll road to exit 66, FL 844, Atlantic Blvd to Margate Blvd. Return trip was a mess following the GPS that found Pritikin's old address at Aventura Mall.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">18 Apr, Post Easter… Ron is in the Keys, Cynthia is at Pritikin in Doral, FL She did 45 minutes on the Arc Trainer: 2.5 miles and 300 calories, followed by the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">fitness trainer at 9:30, then lunch. This afternoon, it is time to memorize her speech for the Rambo reunion, and walk again at night. Total 6.9 miles today! Ron and friends Greg and Cindy had a leisurely day at the beach, relaxing and enjoying the ocean views.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">17 Apr, Happy Easter Sunday! Cynthia has wished everyone in the Western Hemisphere Happy Easter! We awoke to news that Carol and Bill are engaged. Yaaaay! Bob and Bobbie left to return to Maine, such a great couple! We had early AM final labs, took the strength class, Ron packed, and we returned to the dining hall to eat lunch at 12:30, starving. Ron was able to be on the bike heading toward the Keys by 2:30 PM. He will return Tuesday night to retrieve his beloved bride for early Wednesday AM departure towards GA, a two day ride. Cynthia walked on the golf course trail tonight… 6 miles total today. Ron's ride to Big Pine Key was uneventful although Miami Turnpike traffic isn't fun. Neither was facing the Florida sun while riding westward, although the sparkling sunlight off the water was quite striking. Lots of bridges, lots of water views. Cynthia usually revels in the water views, so it seems strange that she preferred to eat a few more Pritikin meals rather than ride to the keys. Route: FL 826 toll road to FL 874 toll road to Ronald Regan Florida Turnpike to Homestead and US 1 into the Keys.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">16 Apr, Holy Saturday: Two fitness classes this AM, Cynthia has a workout with her trainer at two, and a haircut at three. Today, James made Ron an Easter egg omelet. Tooo cute! The variety of fresh fruits and veggies is such a treat for us. Cooking class was a delicious delight, including pineapple sorbet. The chef invited Ron to eat the leftovers. The class applauded! Dinner was very pleasant! We enjoyed the company of a cute couple from Connecticut, Lisa and Richard. She is here for two months. We walked the trail tonight</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1E-EWesi1UilTLyMxxCRjXzwEl0iksoPzJInZ8-3CXnzYcVktT5ioXiaXFHy8mcTqGsYvI2EvfunFI7imnJLegtQOFwBxGtP8GIDr80P0-l1yphol76HmBHneZnORGmPO_k5VUsu73j0QhfAEUXz5-o3uoCyMvWGt1ycJOn_GvX3li0g2QM3JbsD3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7087311771667597186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1E-EWesi1UilTLyMxxCRjXzwEl0iksoPzJInZ8-3CXnzYcVktT5ioXiaXFHy8mcTqGsYvI2EvfunFI7imnJLegtQOFwBxGtP8GIDr80P0-l1yphol76HmBHneZnORGmPO_k5VUsu73j0QhfAEUXz5-o3uoCyMvWGt1ycJOn_GvX3li0g2QM3JbsD3=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron scarffing cooking class leftovers</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">15 Apr, Good Friday: James, dining room manager, made Ron an Easter Bunny egg white veggie omelet! Cute. Ron eats an inordinate amount of food, goes to cooking classes so he can eat the leftovers, and loses weight. The vegetable Quesadilla was delicious. Cynthia lost two pounds this month, too. Our box of clothing is almost ready to ship back to Texas. We had a great evening walk. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">14 Apr, Maundy Thursday: The clock is ticking! Ron leaves Sunday for the Keys; this means our packing has to happen tomorrow and Saturday in order to ship a box of our belongings back to Texas. Cynthia stays here until Ron returns Tues. night for our Wednesday departure towards GA. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">13 Apr: Ron has celebrity status at Pritikin again because of outstanding labs. (Also he finished the new puzzle.) We had good sleep, and we had a good day with three workout sessions. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">12 Apr: We are not sleeping enough at night because of early rising. Cynthia had labs drawn at 6;45 AM, and Ron has yoga at eight AM. Today Cynthia's new Earlens hearing aids allowed her to actually hear the lectures. Frank's lecture on feet and the back this AM was terrific; Cynthia especially enjoyed Dr. Fruge's talk about the necessity of sleep. Zzzz. Dr Fruge uses a CPap. That might be nice, but it certainly would interfere with cuddling. The day is lovely. So was our evening walk at sunset. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">11 Apr: We are blessed with another unusually cool day for south Florida, a forecast high of 80 degrees with a cloud cover and breezes; it feels chilly at 70 degrees mid-morning. The A/C in the fitness center feels like subzero. There are no organized fitness classes on Mondays, but Cynthia has a personal trainer hour and Ron is deep at work on the new puzzle. We meet the loveliest people at Pritikin, and some left yesterday. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">10 Apr, Passion Sunday takes time for meditation on the suffering of Christ, and also on Holy Week ahead. This is a lovely day in Miami. Cynthia’s hearing cleared. Yaaay </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">9 Apr: And another cool, lovely day filled with a lot of exercise, too much food, and great conversations. Chef Vince received a new puzzle which Ron promptly started. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">8 Apr: This is a gorgeous day in Miami… cool breezes blessed our walk to breakfast. Our normal schedule prevailed, like overeating three times a day, plus snacks. But it is good, healthy fruits, vegetables, and grains so we each lost two pounds in two weeks. Tonight’s dinner service was crazy. The woman who joined us never did get her meal. We walked the golf course trail accompanied by a gorgeous sunset. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">7 Apr: Today’s torture was core, cardio, and fitness training for Cynthia, and Ron continued with core and two cardio’s, plus lectures and mind-bending puzzles. Cynthia remembered to set a workout on her Apple Watch, but she forgot to turn it off after the exercise. This means the exercise numbers look astounding! We both had medical appointments today… and continue our gold star status. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">6 Apr: Another successful day of being good little longevities. We exercised, attended lectures, and Cynthia’s fitness trainer Jacky taught her how use her Apple Watch to record workouts. Only two more weeks left of our Pritikin stay! The days are racing by. Cynthia is finally getting serious about writing the speech about Colonial Swedish women for June. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">5 Apr: We sent Ron's pacemaker report electronically to the doctors in Houston before breakfast. Exercise classes were followed by another great lecture by Frank. Cynthia had a 2:30 appointment at Mercy Hospital to have her hearing checked. Evidently, her current hearing loss issue is head congestion that started clearing by lunchtime today. She used one of the private cars available for Pritikin guests that comes with a driver. It was not cheap, but the driver waited for her so she did not have to hassle with an Uber on the return trip. Dinner conversation with a Harvard instructor and an MIT microbiologist researcher was delightful. The sunset was marvelous. Sleep is good! IRS ALERT </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">4 Apr: Cynthia awoke to an absence of sound. She alerted her audiologist and ENT in Texas, and she had a personal trainer for her workout session. Ron did cardio, attended two lectures, did puzzles, and ate a lot. The light rain is lovely. Are we boring or what? This happens when Ron is distracted by jigsaws, Pritikin or genealogy, but it is marvelous fun for us.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilOK-aNvMPLDWkVC7Ei-kNnZ9FkB93CAMBoHx4Nem2iVOPNrYTt75fEhmhkGdDnDOBcRjnp8qHOojGXCXNEA5KTTa1utaYcUfq-2ztwQy9j68B6suciLW5gI4QWhy36_HmDTB8QBDpyBaOO-PUPCcuPOYUYQOLY3OhHPvBKCrW4VIuE5Ff_pWLsvzV" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7082535958931524898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilOK-aNvMPLDWkVC7Ei-kNnZ9FkB93CAMBoHx4Nem2iVOPNrYTt75fEhmhkGdDnDOBcRjnp8qHOojGXCXNEA5KTTa1utaYcUfq-2ztwQy9j68B6suciLW5gI4QWhy36_HmDTB8QBDpyBaOO-PUPCcuPOYUYQOLY3OhHPvBKCrW4VIuE5Ff_pWLsvzV=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rambo Reunion tees</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFugNlQ6srPNsPkHXwT3DrWoFuB-dAHuOnSdNNaMgabbwmvgP5T55n5CyE-22bIFCvHPuqceYu3Kx2WGUhaGq8bKp5cIk-mZHK8nP2IUAg6ltlEq2NMNX0rdFJG3nj8o1FLpou_aXijVNxa7OJ5Zvj0hw-69IKIhg1bZ49GIkswGS7mnhcxD-a3btj" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7084261431902647154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFugNlQ6srPNsPkHXwT3DrWoFuB-dAHuOnSdNNaMgabbwmvgP5T55n5CyE-22bIFCvHPuqceYu3Kx2WGUhaGq8bKp5cIk-mZHK8nP2IUAg6ltlEq2NMNX0rdFJG3nj8o1FLpou_aXijVNxa7OJ5Zvj0hw-69IKIhg1bZ49GIkswGS7mnhcxD-a3btj=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron at jigsaw during cooking class</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">3 Apr, Sunday: We had two workout sessions. Cynthia had a personal trainer for an hour. Ron walked to the market, did a second 30 minutes of cardio, and walked the trails tonight. Plus, we ate a lot. We talked a lot. And we wore our matching Rambo shirts for a publicity photo-op session! </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">A fun day was had by all of the survivors! Us!</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8-T0F6uFc_tkkvGK5PmhdF3tExF_Q3FYyUyss1-XEZOEXPnOqTwlNQ87xQLMTFnTRJhoxUfg5TlOADoKHrkcz2boKfuOWjLC0sbFS146rBnYyNL_J0cbR20A59I96wlJkY54dh1TiQyl4fUbUXkktUHjdsTeAMK2D6AF-ecmHHXOj3HSA7_-riIfo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7081800730245949074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8-T0F6uFc_tkkvGK5PmhdF3tExF_Q3FYyUyss1-XEZOEXPnOqTwlNQ87xQLMTFnTRJhoxUfg5TlOADoKHrkcz2boKfuOWjLC0sbFS146rBnYyNL_J0cbR20A59I96wlJkY54dh1TiQyl4fUbUXkktUHjdsTeAMK2D6AF-ecmHHXOj3HSA7_-riIfo=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cross from Dublin</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzutfczt7OE3kqxQJIWgbaFYogPHWC0SBmXBMiraXXCitPXitcI4kYOuby7WSyWX36ZQOWTKpGiBdEyUeT7Lf-kBxxFoU78ohBGOukPZ9pOi9BHmRgOddCybljm73ewGhUaPswrcBTLF2XUJsle5my7p6FOXYTvomUvEfb-W6nMOq57aiA-3UsWst2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7081800714724689378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzutfczt7OE3kqxQJIWgbaFYogPHWC0SBmXBMiraXXCitPXitcI4kYOuby7WSyWX36ZQOWTKpGiBdEyUeT7Lf-kBxxFoU78ohBGOukPZ9pOi9BHmRgOddCybljm73ewGhUaPswrcBTLF2XUJsle5my7p6FOXYTvomUvEfb-W6nMOq57aiA-3UsWst2=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cynthia didn't explain this one</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">2 Apr: Cynthia’s book, </span><i style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">A Lost Sheep of Shenandoah</i><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">. is published and awaiting marketing. Son Paul and Granddaughter Zoe sent the photos of the cross from Dublin Ireland today; she is looking at grad schools. We had core, cardio, and Cynthia had a fitness training session. Ron ate a monster salad followed by another cardio session and the charges paid. The food today was divine. We said good-bye to Tami, a very lovely lady who is leaving early in the AM, and enjoyed dinner with Ward from Toronto, a nice breath of fresh air! </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">1 April, Happy Birthday Samantha, with humongous hugs from Grandmother and Ron! Granddaughter Zoe and her dad are in Ireland attending a writers conference while shopping for graduate school. And we are happily exercising and learning more about keeping our bodies heathy in Miami. Ron is feeling much improved, but Cynthia is dragging. </span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1087702741023641385.post-50182319702429155922022-02-28T22:43:00.084-05:002022-12-29T23:12:45.644-05:00 Marchin On Wheels To Miami <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1TlHu5w8xLoV-KuO1DEibxT-Kf1UTGPzNEgdkMM1QxUufX25rJF4Qi_piEp0bv2t1_86lZW3x2eZs6oLIxYADGA34lXx7Kus7iU8bKJzf3zItKmWKpHrJZjh_7dtQguAPcNDTazXA8in44jQluvKXcfzW6DjSFOGsT4GZuH4zRYkoPieVzoCikuJo" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7069980824636416898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1TlHu5w8xLoV-KuO1DEibxT-Kf1UTGPzNEgdkMM1QxUufX25rJF4Qi_piEp0bv2t1_86lZW3x2eZs6oLIxYADGA34lXx7Kus7iU8bKJzf3zItKmWKpHrJZjh_7dtQguAPcNDTazXA8in44jQluvKXcfzW6DjSFOGsT4GZuH4zRYkoPieVzoCikuJo=s320" /></a></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">31 Mar, Thurs: And with this day, we kiss March good-bye and say hello to sound. The new ear buds arrived for the hearing aids and Cynthia is ecstatic. Wow! Dessert at lunch was warm bread pudding. Mmmm! We exercised three times today, and Ron went for an evening walk, too. Good-bye March! </span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">30 Mar: Cynthia’s new ear buds arrive tomorrow. This is to be an uneventful day, three lectures, cardio and strength training, plus a long evening walk. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span>29 Mar: Time is going too fast! We are moving to the middle of the second week at Pritikin. The good news is that Ron is apparently over his cold, and Cynthia has not inherited it. Cynthia will post her awesome labs to tell our readers what a difference it makes to not eat added sugar or added sodium in our meals, plus we are committed to maintaining the exercise when we leave here. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Cynthia and Ron each had total cholesterol of 101. Her BP upon arrival was 123, two days later it was 118, and today it is 110. Ron always has perfect BP. Yay for us.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8kHzz4wNpgdKhsT9z7H-rD0QjbfISBcbmeqg5HVpRHY24HObv7cz68bQjWCwuol0W3lv1KZegChtjWAJJ3jX2XiGv0Z_OBrzQKxJNL3vcLiFVblIf_FxGgT-tLO-vIG8Xayo6JYgLMTzs412XVn4Zhn5D17tW9oY9mwkX3_AHxefL0w5XEZ--T3vH" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7080652039920152002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8kHzz4wNpgdKhsT9z7H-rD0QjbfISBcbmeqg5HVpRHY24HObv7cz68bQjWCwuol0W3lv1KZegChtjWAJJ3jX2XiGv0Z_OBrzQKxJNL3vcLiFVblIf_FxGgT-tLO-vIG8Xayo6JYgLMTzs412XVn4Zhn5D17tW9oY9mwkX3_AHxefL0w5XEZ--T3vH=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Pritikin sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: large;">28 Mar: Cynthia filmed a video of a very large iguana for her grandchildren. We don’t have regular fitness classes on Mondays, but we did hit the gym. and atttended lectures. In addition, Cynthia had an hour cardio with her fitness instructor. We enjoyed a nice dinner with a couple from Dallas. The sunset was lovely, <br /><br />
27 Mar, Sunday: Neither of us slept well! Two fitness classes, one personal trainer class, and no lectures today. We napped this afternoon. It was fun to meet Asha at dinner, to see Tammy and Dianne again. Ron has a bad cold.<br /><br />
26 Mar: We are worn out! Ron was on the arc trainer twice, and we did strength training. Cynthia worked out with fitness trainer and loves icing her feet with the machine. The weather has cooled down considerably. The second jigsaw is now complete, but Ron asked Vince for a few days off to get other projects done.<br /><br />
25 Mar: Cynthia has an early AM appointment with the medical director who awarded her a gold star for reaching Okinawa status with her health. Cardio was great… the "<a href="https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us/cybex/r-series-lower-body-arc-trainer?_gl=1*17x5j57*_up*MQ.." target="_blank">arc trainer" (click here)</a> machine is awesome. Ron is making great progress on this second Pritikin jigsaw puzzle.<br /><br />
24 Mar: Ron met with Dr. Areces, his Pritikin cardiologist. She was beside herself with delight that Ron had aced his entrance labs. Ron is eating with gusto everything he can find and loving the challenging puzzle. We had the second of four Covid tests while we are here and attended a lecture on diabetes. It was also great to see young Brian again; he is quite the success story for losing so much weight.
<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">
23 Mar: More eating, more exercising, and lectures on managing aging joints. Ron spent four hours this afternoon,and Cynthia four this evening with Frank, the biomechanical fitness expert. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span>22 Mar: We were scheduled to be awake early, but that didn't happen until 7:20. The day was filled with yoga for Ron, exercise classes for both of us, and lectures.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Ron completed that jigsaw puzzle in short order.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">The supervisor of the medical department, </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Nelson, was quite surprised that the jigsaw puzzle was completed overnight; (it had been sitting unfinished for two months). He surmised that the motorcycle guy was here and came searching for Ron. As it turns out Chef Vince had copies of several puzzles, so he found another one to challenge Ron. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span>
21 Mar: New arrivals have a busy Monday with a blood draw</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">, stress test</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">, Dr. appointments, etc. Cynthia aced her stress test but her feet paid a price. Ron apparently lasted a little longer and was awarded a higher MET level (<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-mets#bottom-line" target="_blank">metabolic equivalent test (click here)</a>). It was wonderful to discover a much thinner Brian (from Texas). Apparently he is finally sticking to Pritikin eating while not here better than in the past.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">20 Mar, Sunday: For our final day riding from Naples to Pritikin (at the Trump Doral) we took the old Tamiami Trail, US 41 and stopped midway at the <a href="https://floridanationalparksassociation.org/big-cypress-national-preserve" target="_blank">Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center (click here)</a> to watch the alligators, fish and birds. Apparently alligators eat only once a week but can survive without eating for a couple of years, so the other critters are nonchalantly cohabitating. After check in at Pritimin, we were able to eat snacks and our first Pritikin dinner. Ron discovered a wooden jigsaw puzzle 80% completed.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">19 Mar: Venice to Naples, dinner tonight with Annie and Dave. We were introduced to a dizzying array of neighbors and friends. Oh, did we have fun, and oh, is Annie a great cook! Again, door to door on I-75 to avoid Spring Breakers.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">
18 Mar: A short hop on the interstate between Ocala, Florida and Sarasota brought us to visit Jan and Dorothy. Another short stint on I-75 brought us to Venice, Florida to overnight with Drew and BD. They are such fun. After our ever so slow day of Spring Break traffic on the 16th, we opted for the Interstate 75 door to door.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">17 Mar: St. George Island to Ocala, Florida with a stop in Crystal River to visit with Tom and Dot K. We spent the night in Ocala and enjoyed an awesome dinner with Eddie and Beanie at Ivy’s On the Square. Route: after retracing our steps across the causeway on FL 300, we turned east on US 98 for miles and miles of Florida piney woods until we arrived at Crystal River. Tom and Dot were waiting for us at Crackers Bar & Grill, a nice restaurant, and they bought our lunch. We retraced our route north on US 98 to east on W. Dunnelson Road to L on US 41 N to R on FL 40 E to the Ocala downtown Hilton Garden Inn. Pleasant, bucolic scenery for today's relaxing ride.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9RUOTAwEbOEZziK_eSYSNL_hMH6iu_Pr5nN0j3YMxKR70RZjZWlNKSpGTwmRbgFqaX48Swd-_cB2KsYXBcEmS5acdIHJ2tchi7dEAULQ6_MSgTb0vI7aC6fUX6RoQ3voYKS5DuJcVzwKVlPTiyE4UWBoYu2UNWlGrejBCcne4JeLODQx1u08cMbQI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7076805855530829394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9RUOTAwEbOEZziK_eSYSNL_hMH6iu_Pr5nN0j3YMxKR70RZjZWlNKSpGTwmRbgFqaX48Swd-_cB2KsYXBcEmS5acdIHJ2tchi7dEAULQ6_MSgTb0vI7aC6fUX6RoQ3voYKS5DuJcVzwKVlPTiyE4UWBoYu2UNWlGrejBCcne4JeLODQx1u08cMbQI=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hampton Inn has views of the Gulf</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">16 Mar: Leaving the lovely views from the Hampton Inn, our first stop was the CVS to get a Covid test, a requirement for Pritikin check in. Our route between Daphne, Alabama and St. George Island, Florida covered a lot of miles along the coast during Spring Break, so we had bumper to bumper traffic for eight hours, especially on US 98. In compensation, the gulf views were wonderful. Route: </span>I-10 E (no scenic route available) to Pennsacola and I-110 S to US 98 across bridge to FL 399 through Pennsacola Beach and E to US 98 through Mexico Beach and St. Joe to R on South Bay Shore Drive (scenic) to FL 300 S across the causeway onto St. George Island. It was fun to see Trudy and family, including a couple of very tall young men.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span>15 Mar: Jackson Mississippi to Daphne, Alabama… maybe! Rain is forecast from here to Daphne. Ron, however, interpreted the color radar forecast to imply that we might avoid all the rain, and we did. We started</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">at eleven</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span> after the streets dried and rode east on Pascagoula Street to I-55 south to US 49 south and east to US 98 east at Hattiesburg to I-10 east and back onto 98 south to stay at the Hampton Inn. (Ron is a bit puzzled that US 98 went smack dab into the heart of downtown Mobile in contrast to his reading of the maps. The mis-queue came with a scenic bonus</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">on Spring Hill Avenue; the</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> huge overarching live oak trees draped with Spanish moss were an awesome sight. (Ron had also intended to look for a restaurant going through Hattiesburg, but after waiting a long time at the first stop light, he changed his mind to</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">take I-59 south,</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> bypassing Hattiesburg, to US 98 instead.) After the delightful views of water crossing the rivers on old US 98, we arrived at 2:45 PM dry and hungry. Dinner at Felix’s Fish Camp was delicious, and we had a great view of the bay. Ron was reminded that we must get a Covid-19 test within seven days of our 20 March arrival at Pritikin. Cynthia booked our CVS appointments with dizzying quickness for 11:00 AM tomorrow. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">14 Mar: We spent all day at the Mississippi Archives hunting for any documentation among Frances Powell Otken’s papers for that 1788 death date of a James Lea, and we found her source. It was sent to her in 1913 by a LEE descendant (not Lea) who had attended a DAR convention - which means that no family Bible record is involved and that this is second hand, unverifiable information.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">13 Mar, Sunday: We attended church with Pat at a New Life Gospel Church in Walker, then rushed over to Don's for another salmon luncheon. After returning to Pat's condo to pack, we departed towards Pat's ancestral properties and then up I-55 to Jackson, Mississippi. The roads and sights on MS 442 etc were pleasant and unremarkable. The ride up to Jackson was punctuated by multiple pit stops to relieve ourselves of excess fluids. The Old Capitol Inn is a more pleasant hotel than expected, in the heart of the Jackson state capitol district. Surprisingly, the streets are nearly deserted on this Sunday afternoon. Hungry, we walked eight blocks to the Westin Hotel to have a light dinner, but this was a bit too far for Pat since she hasn't been walking much since covid. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">12 Mar: We enjoyed a wonderfully pleasant visit with Pat all day in Denham Springs, and lunch at Duke's was every bit as good as expected. Too amusing to learn that Don and Duke are both Landrys.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">11 Mar: We spent the day after noon in Denham Springs with Pat B. Our schedule traveling is tight; we will catch up as time permits. We had a fabulous lunch at famous Don’s Seafood Restaurant. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">10 Mar: Let’s roll to Baton Rouge. We anticipated leaving by nine, but it was 11:00 by the time we were fully loaded and 12:00 after mailing a box to Pritikin, dropping more stuff at the storage unit, and returning the car. Our arrival time at the Hilton Garden Inn in Baton Rouge was 6:00 PM. We rode on Texas Route 105 east through the piney woods to I-10 east to Texas 12 (which turns into Louisiana 12) to Louisiana 190 east to Baton Rouge where the pines disappeared to bayous and fields turning green. Somehow the scenery was more interesting once we crossed the Louisiana border, despite the bridge construction for the first 20 miles. The take-away was visible poverty in western Louisiana with Dollar Stores as the most frequent retail outlet in many towns. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;">9 Mar: MD Anderson Mammogram Woodlands, males not encouraged to attend. Observation… we sold the lake house 6 years ago and gave all of the contents to children and grandchildren, so how do we still have so much stuff to pack, both into storage and onto the motorcycle? </span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">8 Mar: 7:30 AM departure, and the rain was challenging at times. It won't be fun to unload recycling in rain (85% probability). Then we see Sasha for final finishing touches, and afterwards, lunch at Pappadeaux with Helen. The treasured recycling was conveniently dropped off at the Pruett location since the Magnolia center is no longer open on Mon and Tuesday, despite the erroneous hours posted on the website. We dropped off a load of our packed items at the storage unit, and Cynthia found her TurfToe shoe insert. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">7 Mar: We enjoyed another pin cushion treatment from </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Dr. Wendy</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">. Everyone asks Cynthia about her wonderfully colorful black eyes. She tries to incriminate Ron, but he quips that he will never understand female aesthetics since her aesthetician gave her the black eyes. Dr. Wendy played GO quite some time ago, and her father is a good player, but he speaks no English. It must have rained last night because all the usual puddles were again filled with water. Ron continues his mission to transfer as much of the dirt at the waste treatment construction site to the various pitfalls that have jarred our bodies during our walks.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">6 Mar, Sunday: Dinner with Jon and Tina. Ron walked twice today, at 4 PM and again at 7 PM.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">5 Mar, Sat. Cynthia finishes packing for the thirty third time. Ron had the delightful surprise this evening of seeing three otters swimming in the lake at dusk. There was too much cloud cover for a nicely colored sunset.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">4 Mar, Fri: Cynthia is off to see Dr. Sharpless. (Ron gets to skip this one, so he is going to attempt photographing postcards in light winds.) </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">3 Mar: Cynthia was fitted with new tips for her hearing aids and they they work immeasurably better !! The new ear buds go down into her small ear canal, and sound, sweet, precious sound, is reason to rejoice. EARLENS.. Hearing, plus new prescription glasses are another reason to shout Halleujah. Halle= Praise, Lu = To, Ya= Yahweh. Ron walked a bunch (twice to the lake and to the point with Cynthia), Cynthia walked 2.7 miles total including he first outing in three weeks, to the point. Not a big walk, but no foot pain. Whew !!</span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqDqLVvQsqJrtP4HBLzBXISvJnZ5pLkkYa1zd4ffii954A8TqrXNEoKi8TMLvo9WJW8R7phFWGqcKjDUZHtzcghgtnFAnDoDbBFdhEIxQgA1oqsGdbMqS5HJcSMrmcqsoLDwufwwI7a7Ab8bZAjZQbe0Wk2DheM6HIPkW5moau9DmvWWhlD_vFNOM8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7070630522493416178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqDqLVvQsqJrtP4HBLzBXISvJnZ5pLkkYa1zd4ffii954A8TqrXNEoKi8TMLvo9WJW8R7phFWGqcKjDUZHtzcghgtnFAnDoDbBFdhEIxQgA1oqsGdbMqS5HJcSMrmcqsoLDwufwwI7a7Ab8bZAjZQbe0Wk2DheM6HIPkW5moau9DmvWWhlD_vFNOM8=s320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron loves his SmoochSmooch</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">2 Mar: Cynthia ventured forth to an appointment with Dr. Birken. She was surprised by a Smooch Note when she returned. The patio doors are open to cool, fresh, fragrant breezes; the lake is peaceful and calming. Ron photographed photos, etc., is organizing stacks of paper, and planting welcome home love notes. More clipping bushes, more transplanting dirt today.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">1 Mar: Yes, the heated gear is still for sale, but we will try again next fall. Today is our last session of fitness training with torturess Erin. Ron clipped a few more bushes on his way to the lake and back. Cynthia says our schedule is crazy for the next ten days.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> Ron pulled another couple of boxes full of old leftover recycling from the storage locker since our schedule includes stopping by the recycling drop off in Magnolia on the 8th. The challenge is to get everything ready to be recycled in a week. No way will James Lea be finished then, but much progress has been made. After we left the storage unit, Cynthia decided she had forgotten her sunglasses. We went back to retrieve them, but they weren’t to be found! Right. They were on her head! Ron again "freed" a bucket of dirt from one of the 30' tall piles on the construction site and transported it to the several holes he is attempting to fill/ mitigate on our normal pathways.</span></span></p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com