Hello,
Barrel riding is the sport of one of the congregation members. Leroy and I had to go see her in action. Her ride was quick and almost the same time as the winner. Leroy learned however that they add their times and her previous time was not so good.
Rodeo participation is certainly not for the faint hearted. Not everyone would get on these animals risking life and getting their innards all churned up. Barrel racing is apparently the event of sissys as only females participate. It is less brutal, but still requires riding skill.
The only other time I went to the rodeo was in SLC area. That stadium was bigger and had much more glitz. This was up close and personal with the dirt and the animals. Probably more like the original events were. In the audience, accents were more southern with different speech patterns.
Yoga in the park meets three times a week. It is a great workout and a bit more strenuous than I do when I am by myself. The setting is great as the water sparkles on the lake and red headed woodpeckers move from tree to tree. Bats use the shelter at night. Brooms are necessary to make the area clean below the bat beds. Why would bats be there at night? Aren’t they out and about at night? This morning as I was lying there, bird poop landed just inches away from my mat. I think I felt a bit of moisture on my hand. Ick!
Our oldest is 35 today. How can we have a child so old? And to think we were old parents. I was 26 and Leroy was 25. For her birthday trip they are going to visit her birth city. How nice that she is living close enough to be able to do that.
Paula
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
More thoughts
Hello,
I made it sound as if Leroy and I always got a good gas mileage car and that is not quite true. We did have the big green beast translated van that probably got five mph. We did find it useful for hauling many people and things. I think we all have missed it from time to time as it could have done some job for us.
“When we get settled some place, I want to buy a truck,” said Leroy.
“What!” I shrieked, “What for?” This is unbelievable.
“To haul things,” Leroy said, “For instance, I could put those small branches and trashy debris that was under the bushes in it. I do not want to put them in the Saturn.”
Will I ever completely know this man? He can still surprise me. A truck?
The specialized batteries for a small desk clock are hard to find. If this clock had not been a gift it would be gone. Finally a new battery started it up again. About a week later it quit again. Pushing around on the battery started it. This happened several times and the last time it started up an hour ahead. However it seems easier to subtract the hour than to risk having it quit again so soon. How many times have I looked at it and panicked thinking I was very late? Life is exciting.
My bike gears were not working well so mostly I pulled up hills without changing gears. That means strength training for me. Finally the bike shop put on a new shifter and I am much happier. The right tool working well does make a difference.
Paula
I made it sound as if Leroy and I always got a good gas mileage car and that is not quite true. We did have the big green beast translated van that probably got five mph. We did find it useful for hauling many people and things. I think we all have missed it from time to time as it could have done some job for us.
“When we get settled some place, I want to buy a truck,” said Leroy.
“What!” I shrieked, “What for?” This is unbelievable.
“To haul things,” Leroy said, “For instance, I could put those small branches and trashy debris that was under the bushes in it. I do not want to put them in the Saturn.”
Will I ever completely know this man? He can still surprise me. A truck?
The specialized batteries for a small desk clock are hard to find. If this clock had not been a gift it would be gone. Finally a new battery started it up again. About a week later it quit again. Pushing around on the battery started it. This happened several times and the last time it started up an hour ahead. However it seems easier to subtract the hour than to risk having it quit again so soon. How many times have I looked at it and panicked thinking I was very late? Life is exciting.
My bike gears were not working well so mostly I pulled up hills without changing gears. That means strength training for me. Finally the bike shop put on a new shifter and I am much happier. The right tool working well does make a difference.
Paula
Saturday, July 25, 2009
No more riding
Hello,
Last evening Leroy rode five miles to find out if he was going to ride the last day of the official ride. The five miles took him 40 minutes. Usually he can easily ride ten miles an hour so he stayed home again today. Maybe next year? What a way to spend his vacation that he had trained for.
I do think that today Leroy is completely well and has a good bit of energy.
When we had our guests here, one of them was going to sleep alone in her vehicle parked on the driveway. She commented before going out there, “What is your neighbor like? Will I be safe out there? The cars are all such junkers. I think I will lock the door.”
“He is a very nice man.” I assured her, “I think you will be fine.”
I should tell you that my neighbor has several tattoos, long scraggly hair, and drives a Harley. The house could use some work and the cars are old. How easy it is to stereotype and assume something about others based on appearance.
Will people think better of us now that we no longer drive a 1990 car? I told Leroy maybe we should have tried to get the incentive cash for older cars. But Leroy’s first remark was, “We would have had to buy another car. Plus it has to get 18 MPG.” Is that fair? Those who have been damaging the environment are now paid highly to be more in line with kindness to the earth. While we who have always thought that was important get no reward but knowing that we have done the right thing all along. Perhaps that is what gives most satisfaction, knowing that what you do is good for all. I guess we have also saved on some gas money over time.
Paula
Last evening Leroy rode five miles to find out if he was going to ride the last day of the official ride. The five miles took him 40 minutes. Usually he can easily ride ten miles an hour so he stayed home again today. Maybe next year? What a way to spend his vacation that he had trained for.
I do think that today Leroy is completely well and has a good bit of energy.
When we had our guests here, one of them was going to sleep alone in her vehicle parked on the driveway. She commented before going out there, “What is your neighbor like? Will I be safe out there? The cars are all such junkers. I think I will lock the door.”
“He is a very nice man.” I assured her, “I think you will be fine.”
I should tell you that my neighbor has several tattoos, long scraggly hair, and drives a Harley. The house could use some work and the cars are old. How easy it is to stereotype and assume something about others based on appearance.
Will people think better of us now that we no longer drive a 1990 car? I told Leroy maybe we should have tried to get the incentive cash for older cars. But Leroy’s first remark was, “We would have had to buy another car. Plus it has to get 18 MPG.” Is that fair? Those who have been damaging the environment are now paid highly to be more in line with kindness to the earth. While we who have always thought that was important get no reward but knowing that we have done the right thing all along. Perhaps that is what gives most satisfaction, knowing that what you do is good for all. I guess we have also saved on some gas money over time.
Paula
Friday, July 24, 2009
Company is gone
Hello,
Leroy is still home. I had been hoping that he would be able to ride the last day, but he just came back from a five-mile bike ride and is very tired. So he will rest some more tomorrow. He his over the sickness, but he has no energy. We know several people who have had something like this so it is now labeled the flu at our house.
These biking people are so used to staying at different homes that they just make themselves at home. Mostly they sat around in the backyard visiting or went down to the square.
Unfortunately it rained at 3:30 a.m. with a little hail thrown in. The lightening was brief so that was ok too. It had mostly stopped by 5:30 or 6:00. Many people were up and riding shortly after that.
Leroy, Carolyn (my sister), Gerald (brother-in-law), and I headed off to see the riders get out of town. We were almost through the square when a guy on a bike came up and said, “I will pay you to take my bags to the truck for transportation.”
“I want to see the riders go out of town,” I said, “I will not do it.”
Leroy said, “I will do that, but I have to go home and get the car.” We three walked off and left him making plans to get the job down.
At the side of the rode I became a one-woman send off as I waved, shouted “Good-bye”, and “Have a nice day”. The man standing next to me started waving and shouting “Be Careful”. Many riders waved and shouted, “Thanks, Good-bye Chariton”. I accepted the thanks even though I had not really done that much. I thought it was fun.
It was great that my sister’s family could be here for this exciting time in town. It is something to see a few thousand riders stream silently by. They just keep coming long after you think almost everyone must be gone.
Leroy commented that not so many people had come out to watch the riders unlike the first year that we rode in RAGBRAI when it seemed that most of the population sat in lawn chairs watching the parade of bikes going by. They would also clap and cheer. It was great.
Paula
Leroy is still home. I had been hoping that he would be able to ride the last day, but he just came back from a five-mile bike ride and is very tired. So he will rest some more tomorrow. He his over the sickness, but he has no energy. We know several people who have had something like this so it is now labeled the flu at our house.
These biking people are so used to staying at different homes that they just make themselves at home. Mostly they sat around in the backyard visiting or went down to the square.
Unfortunately it rained at 3:30 a.m. with a little hail thrown in. The lightening was brief so that was ok too. It had mostly stopped by 5:30 or 6:00. Many people were up and riding shortly after that.
Leroy, Carolyn (my sister), Gerald (brother-in-law), and I headed off to see the riders get out of town. We were almost through the square when a guy on a bike came up and said, “I will pay you to take my bags to the truck for transportation.”
“I want to see the riders go out of town,” I said, “I will not do it.”
Leroy said, “I will do that, but I have to go home and get the car.” We three walked off and left him making plans to get the job down.
At the side of the rode I became a one-woman send off as I waved, shouted “Good-bye”, and “Have a nice day”. The man standing next to me started waving and shouting “Be Careful”. Many riders waved and shouted, “Thanks, Good-bye Chariton”. I accepted the thanks even though I had not really done that much. I thought it was fun.
It was great that my sister’s family could be here for this exciting time in town. It is something to see a few thousand riders stream silently by. They just keep coming long after you think almost everyone must be gone.
Leroy commented that not so many people had come out to watch the riders unlike the first year that we rode in RAGBRAI when it seemed that most of the population sat in lawn chairs watching the parade of bikes going by. They would also clap and cheer. It was great.
Paula
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Full town
Hello,
The town is getting quite full in the afternoon because today was the shortest ride at 44 miles.
Leroy did not go because he was just too tired. He is not sure that he will even be able to go tomorrow. We will just have to face each day as it comes.
We have our ten people in the back yard. They bring lawn chairs and mostly just hang out after their showers. They did not ask if they could take a shower, but where was the bathroom with shower. They all have brought their own towel. That is good because I did not have enough for everyone. I have already boiled my eggs and purchased bread. Breakfast is almost ready.
Leroy is over at the church writing a sermon and taking pictures. He walked, but wondered if it would feel like a long trip. He gets tired so easily.
It is something to see the variety ages and sizes of people who are on this ride. Unlike when we went in the 80’s people have more weight. I am not sure how they can ride so much and still weigh so much. Mysteries!
The four inside people have also already come. They are going to be easy keepers too, however they did ask to do some laundry. We have a big camper parked at the back of the lot, but they do not require anything beyond space to park. There is an additional camper/van at the side that is using electricity but they paid for that. Now I suppose we should pass that on to the church since they pay the electric bill.
I did do some cleaning, but not as seriously as I had planned. I dusted, and vacuumed most of the floors. I ran out of time because I ended up spending so much time at the church yesterday. It takes a long time to bag 800 brownies.
Paula
The town is getting quite full in the afternoon because today was the shortest ride at 44 miles.
Leroy did not go because he was just too tired. He is not sure that he will even be able to go tomorrow. We will just have to face each day as it comes.
We have our ten people in the back yard. They bring lawn chairs and mostly just hang out after their showers. They did not ask if they could take a shower, but where was the bathroom with shower. They all have brought their own towel. That is good because I did not have enough for everyone. I have already boiled my eggs and purchased bread. Breakfast is almost ready.
Leroy is over at the church writing a sermon and taking pictures. He walked, but wondered if it would feel like a long trip. He gets tired so easily.
It is something to see the variety ages and sizes of people who are on this ride. Unlike when we went in the 80’s people have more weight. I am not sure how they can ride so much and still weigh so much. Mysteries!
The four inside people have also already come. They are going to be easy keepers too, however they did ask to do some laundry. We have a big camper parked at the back of the lot, but they do not require anything beyond space to park. There is an additional camper/van at the side that is using electricity but they paid for that. Now I suppose we should pass that on to the church since they pay the electric bill.
I did do some cleaning, but not as seriously as I had planned. I dusted, and vacuumed most of the floors. I ran out of time because I ended up spending so much time at the church yesterday. It takes a long time to bag 800 brownies.
Paula
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Adventures
Hello,
At 7:00 p.m. the phone rang. It was Leroy to tell me, “I was taking a nap when water started dripping on my head. The tent leaks.”
“Should I come get you?” I wanted to know.
“I think I will be ok it has mostly stopped raining,” he said, “I am using Iowatelcom’s phones. They have a place here so I am charging my phone. We can also use the internet.”
An hour later the phone rang. It was Brian calling to say, “Dad can’t get through to you, but he is wet and cold and wants to come home.”
Brian, Leroy, and I had a three-way conversation making plans for me to pick Leroy up after I made the estimated two-hour trip. I was to meet with him on highway 25 and Elm Street in Greenfield. How hard could that be? Greenfield is relatively small.
I raced around closed the windows incase it rained here, went back in for a shirt incase it was cold and got on the road shortly. It started to mist as I pulled out of the driveway. Later on it changed to real rain. Luckily the road is fairly straight and I have traveled it twice before.
When I got closer I tried calling Leroy, but no luck so I called Brian to relay the message to Leroy. Brian said he had been able to call Leroy so phone service was improving a little.
In Greenfield I realized that it was a serious trick to read the tiny street signs hidden in the dark. So I stopped at the first gas station and asked about Elm Street. I was already on the highway, but I had no idea if I had passed the street or not. The first woman had no idea about street names. Her co-worker spoke up and supplied this information. “Elm is farther to the right. The streets are in alphabetical order. Elm is just before a Lutheran Church. You will turn left.” I should write to that gas station and commend her. I found it to be perfect. I still could not see most leaf hidden street signs, but I saw a cross against the sky ahead of me. I turned on that street. It was Dodge Street so I turned around and swung onto Elm. Leroy was not hanging around, but a close cross street gave me a stopping place.
As I sat there trying to call Leroy a guy came by on a bike and carefully checked me out before he turned and rode away. Was he too looking for someone?
When I tried to call first Leroy, then Brian, and then again Leroy the phone would only try to ring once before it quit. I was so disgusted that I thought nasty thoughts about the phone company. Then Brian called me, “Did you find Dad yet?”
“No, but I am on Elm,” I replied. Just then I saw someone down at the appointed intersection. I got out and unceremoniously started walking and calling, “Leroy, Leroy!”
As I got closer Leroy turned his head and knew the connection was made. It was midnight by the time we got Leroy’s wet things in the car, the bike rake attached, the bike on, and drove home.
Leroy took today off. He has not felt well all day. At first he thought it was something he ate, but too many others said they thought it sounded like a flu they had. We will wait until tomorrow to find out if he will ride tomorrow.
Paula
Someone also told me that there are too many people at sports events using their cell phones and you often cannot get through. So I guess that is why I could not call. I will have to think better thoughts about the phone company.
At 7:00 p.m. the phone rang. It was Leroy to tell me, “I was taking a nap when water started dripping on my head. The tent leaks.”
“Should I come get you?” I wanted to know.
“I think I will be ok it has mostly stopped raining,” he said, “I am using Iowatelcom’s phones. They have a place here so I am charging my phone. We can also use the internet.”
An hour later the phone rang. It was Brian calling to say, “Dad can’t get through to you, but he is wet and cold and wants to come home.”
Brian, Leroy, and I had a three-way conversation making plans for me to pick Leroy up after I made the estimated two-hour trip. I was to meet with him on highway 25 and Elm Street in Greenfield. How hard could that be? Greenfield is relatively small.
I raced around closed the windows incase it rained here, went back in for a shirt incase it was cold and got on the road shortly. It started to mist as I pulled out of the driveway. Later on it changed to real rain. Luckily the road is fairly straight and I have traveled it twice before.
When I got closer I tried calling Leroy, but no luck so I called Brian to relay the message to Leroy. Brian said he had been able to call Leroy so phone service was improving a little.
In Greenfield I realized that it was a serious trick to read the tiny street signs hidden in the dark. So I stopped at the first gas station and asked about Elm Street. I was already on the highway, but I had no idea if I had passed the street or not. The first woman had no idea about street names. Her co-worker spoke up and supplied this information. “Elm is farther to the right. The streets are in alphabetical order. Elm is just before a Lutheran Church. You will turn left.” I should write to that gas station and commend her. I found it to be perfect. I still could not see most leaf hidden street signs, but I saw a cross against the sky ahead of me. I turned on that street. It was Dodge Street so I turned around and swung onto Elm. Leroy was not hanging around, but a close cross street gave me a stopping place.
As I sat there trying to call Leroy a guy came by on a bike and carefully checked me out before he turned and rode away. Was he too looking for someone?
When I tried to call first Leroy, then Brian, and then again Leroy the phone would only try to ring once before it quit. I was so disgusted that I thought nasty thoughts about the phone company. Then Brian called me, “Did you find Dad yet?”
“No, but I am on Elm,” I replied. Just then I saw someone down at the appointed intersection. I got out and unceremoniously started walking and calling, “Leroy, Leroy!”
As I got closer Leroy turned his head and knew the connection was made. It was midnight by the time we got Leroy’s wet things in the car, the bike rake attached, the bike on, and drove home.
Leroy took today off. He has not felt well all day. At first he thought it was something he ate, but too many others said they thought it sounded like a flu they had. We will wait until tomorrow to find out if he will ride tomorrow.
Paula
Someone also told me that there are too many people at sports events using their cell phones and you often cannot get through. So I guess that is why I could not call. I will have to think better thoughts about the phone company.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Leroy's 73 miles
Hello,
Leroy just called and told me that he is just five miles from the end. He had trouble finding food in the town where he stopped because they had run out of many things.
His legs are tired. He did have to walk part way up a couple hills. Will that count against him? Today there was 5,096 feet of climb. My legs might have been tired too.
He still has not found the group that he is to be connected with. He is not able to access his voice mail on this cell phone so they may have tried unsuccessfully to reach him. There was no phone service after he left Council Bluffs. Cell phone service in the US is the pits. Even though we are in hills it is not mountains.
“You should have taken care of that voice mail before you left home,” I said.
“I don’t know what to do about it,” he said.
“You should call the company,” I said.
“Now that I have been chastised, I am going to say good-bye,” he said.
“Oops! Sorry about that, but I have been stewing about it. I will talk about more pleasant things,” I said.
Why did I do that when I know he knows about the problem? The urge to dash in and fix it raced to the forefront?
Three boys were loitering by the library bike rack.
“Are you going on RAGBRAI?” one of them wanted to know.
“I am just commuting around town,” I replied.
“What does commute mean?” he asked.
“For me it means riding around town and doing errands,” I said.
“What are errands,” this late elementary or jr. high student wanted to know. Are vocabularies limited? Seems to me to be the case. Maybe no one speaks with children so they have a hard time just absorbing the language.
Paula
Leroy just called and told me that he is just five miles from the end. He had trouble finding food in the town where he stopped because they had run out of many things.
His legs are tired. He did have to walk part way up a couple hills. Will that count against him? Today there was 5,096 feet of climb. My legs might have been tired too.
He still has not found the group that he is to be connected with. He is not able to access his voice mail on this cell phone so they may have tried unsuccessfully to reach him. There was no phone service after he left Council Bluffs. Cell phone service in the US is the pits. Even though we are in hills it is not mountains.
“You should have taken care of that voice mail before you left home,” I said.
“I don’t know what to do about it,” he said.
“You should call the company,” I said.
“Now that I have been chastised, I am going to say good-bye,” he said.
“Oops! Sorry about that, but I have been stewing about it. I will talk about more pleasant things,” I said.
Why did I do that when I know he knows about the problem? The urge to dash in and fix it raced to the forefront?
Three boys were loitering by the library bike rack.
“Are you going on RAGBRAI?” one of them wanted to know.
“I am just commuting around town,” I replied.
“What does commute mean?” he asked.
“For me it means riding around town and doing errands,” I said.
“What are errands,” this late elementary or jr. high student wanted to know. Are vocabularies limited? Seems to me to be the case. Maybe no one speaks with children so they have a hard time just absorbing the language.
Paula
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Leroy to Council Bluffs
Hello,
Leroy made some last minute packing adjustments due to the cool morning weather. Decisions were tough because it is cool, but he would warm up riding the bike, especially when the sun came out strongly. The bag should stretch more. However, we left the house just at the time Leroy wanted to be on the road with just what would fit in the bag.
The cool air, but sun in the windows caused Leroy to reconsider the amount of cool or warm weather clothes, but it was too late now. He was stuck with his selections. He would make them work.
Just south of Council Bluffs where the ride begins, we pulled off to rest and have a little lunch. At least three groups were there with bikes on their cars, trailers, or campers. Excitement starts to build. Why didn’t I sign up and go too?
A man approached us and asked, “Are you going on the bike ride?”
“Yes,” Leroy said.
“I’m meeting my daughter and she is going. She will be riding alone and celebrating her 50th birthday,” he said.
At the camping place we walked over strong stiff hay type stubbles looking for a place to set up Leroy’s tent. On the last bike trip, we ruined a tent bottom camping on just such wicked spikes. There was a nice manicured grass strip next to the road. Some tents were already there so Leroy went over and joined them. At two in the afternoon there were already several thousand people moving around the area. More than ever I wanted to join the ride, but I kissed Leroy good-by, got in the car, and worked my way slowly out of town.
Paula
Leroy made some last minute packing adjustments due to the cool morning weather. Decisions were tough because it is cool, but he would warm up riding the bike, especially when the sun came out strongly. The bag should stretch more. However, we left the house just at the time Leroy wanted to be on the road with just what would fit in the bag.
The cool air, but sun in the windows caused Leroy to reconsider the amount of cool or warm weather clothes, but it was too late now. He was stuck with his selections. He would make them work.
Just south of Council Bluffs where the ride begins, we pulled off to rest and have a little lunch. At least three groups were there with bikes on their cars, trailers, or campers. Excitement starts to build. Why didn’t I sign up and go too?
A man approached us and asked, “Are you going on the bike ride?”
“Yes,” Leroy said.
“I’m meeting my daughter and she is going. She will be riding alone and celebrating her 50th birthday,” he said.
At the camping place we walked over strong stiff hay type stubbles looking for a place to set up Leroy’s tent. On the last bike trip, we ruined a tent bottom camping on just such wicked spikes. There was a nice manicured grass strip next to the road. Some tents were already there so Leroy went over and joined them. At two in the afternoon there were already several thousand people moving around the area. More than ever I wanted to join the ride, but I kissed Leroy good-by, got in the car, and worked my way slowly out of town.
Paula
Friday, July 17, 2009
Bye to a friend
Hello,
Yesterday Leroy had the Toyota out and about. Just as he pulled in the driveway it started to make funny noises. When he checked the oil he found it almost gone. Putting more oil in did not solve the problem. It is a 1990 so it seemed prudent to pass it on rather than spend more money on it. The junk man gave us money for it and he will collect it tomorrow.
Leroy feels bad about losing the car. He had become quite attached to it. Both of us liked some features on it better than we like the “new” car that is 2004 so not really new at all anymore. One good thing we did not have to have it towed when it quit functioning. One bad thing we had talked about selling it earlier, but decided to wait a little while. We could have gotten a little more money had we decided to sell earlier, but then if we had known that it died soon after we would have felt guilty and responsible so we were spared those feelings. What should I do with all of the bags that I had stashed in the car to use when I went to the store? Will we get another car and then I might want them back?
At the moment we plan to have one car. After all we do not drive everyday and we can discuss the possibilities ahead of time if we each need to go some longer distance.
Tomorrow I will take Leroy to Council Bluffs. After fussing with his packing he has managed to get all in a backpack that he used in Slovakia. The tent and sleeping bag are tied to the bag. The Register carries baggage in two or three semis. They throw it out on the ground. The hardest part might be finding your bag in the pile. Leroy can take it on his back, but he is hoping for a short distance to transport it. The bag is heavy so he will have to walk the bike. He is strong; he can do it. Leroy said, “Some of the rest of the bike riders from Chariton are a little worried about me since I am so much older than they are.” I figure that 60 is a young age and he can do it. Many other people go with support teams and they carry the baggage to the area that they will spend the night. The bike riders just get themselves there. So Leroy will have to work harder than some.
Paula
Yesterday Leroy had the Toyota out and about. Just as he pulled in the driveway it started to make funny noises. When he checked the oil he found it almost gone. Putting more oil in did not solve the problem. It is a 1990 so it seemed prudent to pass it on rather than spend more money on it. The junk man gave us money for it and he will collect it tomorrow.
Leroy feels bad about losing the car. He had become quite attached to it. Both of us liked some features on it better than we like the “new” car that is 2004 so not really new at all anymore. One good thing we did not have to have it towed when it quit functioning. One bad thing we had talked about selling it earlier, but decided to wait a little while. We could have gotten a little more money had we decided to sell earlier, but then if we had known that it died soon after we would have felt guilty and responsible so we were spared those feelings. What should I do with all of the bags that I had stashed in the car to use when I went to the store? Will we get another car and then I might want them back?
At the moment we plan to have one car. After all we do not drive everyday and we can discuss the possibilities ahead of time if we each need to go some longer distance.
Tomorrow I will take Leroy to Council Bluffs. After fussing with his packing he has managed to get all in a backpack that he used in Slovakia. The tent and sleeping bag are tied to the bag. The Register carries baggage in two or three semis. They throw it out on the ground. The hardest part might be finding your bag in the pile. Leroy can take it on his back, but he is hoping for a short distance to transport it. The bag is heavy so he will have to walk the bike. He is strong; he can do it. Leroy said, “Some of the rest of the bike riders from Chariton are a little worried about me since I am so much older than they are.” I figure that 60 is a young age and he can do it. Many other people go with support teams and they carry the baggage to the area that they will spend the night. The bike riders just get themselves there. So Leroy will have to work harder than some.
Paula
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Closet Cleaning
Hello,
I spent an enjoyable afternoon helping a woman clean out her closet. She had purchased this privilege at the Youth Group auction. She is perhaps twenty years younger than I am, but we got along very nicely.
She told me, “If you think something is outdated or not nice tell me so I can get rid of it.”
“I am not so good at that, but I would say if you have not worn it in 2-3 years it should probably go,” I answered.
We set right to work moving through shoes, purses/bags, folded clothes, and hanging clothes. I took things out, gave them to her, and put back the keepers. I was impressed with her fortitude at tossing many things. We had several boxes lined up to take away and her closet looked quite different when we finished.
She did say, “Now Paula what you see here stays here, right?”
“Absolutely!” I said. So you will not get any more details in this closet story but to tell you there is a certain amount of exposure and trust in this type of activity. Maybe I should do this for a job as I rather enjoyed it. It is so much easier to have someone else decide what needs to go.
I am so happy to see two red headed woodpeckers when we do yoga. They must have a home close by. I had not seen any of them in years and now I am treated weekly. We do yoga three times a week, but I do not always see them.
Leroy will be riding in RAGBRAI. He has almost ridden 500 miles to train for this hilly ride. I will take him to Council Bluffs on Saturday. There he will camp overnight with about 10,000 other riders and start on Sunday morning. They will come to Chariton Wednesday so he can sleep in his bed that night. We will have ten people tenting in our back yard and four additional people sleeping on the floor in the house. Plus my sister and her husband will be in the spare bedroom as they are on their way to Yellowstone. It will be fun.
Paula
I spent an enjoyable afternoon helping a woman clean out her closet. She had purchased this privilege at the Youth Group auction. She is perhaps twenty years younger than I am, but we got along very nicely.
She told me, “If you think something is outdated or not nice tell me so I can get rid of it.”
“I am not so good at that, but I would say if you have not worn it in 2-3 years it should probably go,” I answered.
We set right to work moving through shoes, purses/bags, folded clothes, and hanging clothes. I took things out, gave them to her, and put back the keepers. I was impressed with her fortitude at tossing many things. We had several boxes lined up to take away and her closet looked quite different when we finished.
She did say, “Now Paula what you see here stays here, right?”
“Absolutely!” I said. So you will not get any more details in this closet story but to tell you there is a certain amount of exposure and trust in this type of activity. Maybe I should do this for a job as I rather enjoyed it. It is so much easier to have someone else decide what needs to go.
I am so happy to see two red headed woodpeckers when we do yoga. They must have a home close by. I had not seen any of them in years and now I am treated weekly. We do yoga three times a week, but I do not always see them.
Leroy will be riding in RAGBRAI. He has almost ridden 500 miles to train for this hilly ride. I will take him to Council Bluffs on Saturday. There he will camp overnight with about 10,000 other riders and start on Sunday morning. They will come to Chariton Wednesday so he can sleep in his bed that night. We will have ten people tenting in our back yard and four additional people sleeping on the floor in the house. Plus my sister and her husband will be in the spare bedroom as they are on their way to Yellowstone. It will be fun.
Paula
Monday, July 13, 2009
Out and about
Hello,
Yoga was first on my schedule. It was a beautiful morning in the park with the sun sparkling on the water. There was a returnee who used to lead the Tai Chi portion of the morning so we did an extended session. Refreshments followed so it was a good morning. This is when I really notice that I am an introvert. Most of these people know each other so they talk easily. I am not quite sure where I can fit in. Do I approach this group that is talking? Do I stand around and look lost hoping someone will talk to me? I get the distinct feeling that extroverts have none of these dilemmas.
This afternoon was a tour of the distribution center for Iowa’s largest grocery store. They have a total of 240 stores that are in eight states. One of their buildings covers 12 acres. We went in the refrigerator and freezer areas where they make tons of ice. It was interesting to see how they ripen bananas to just the right amount for shipping to the stores. They employ here 1200 people who come from miles away.
Leroy had a phone interview with a church that is close to Clinton, IA. Leroy is not sure of his impression about going there. How much does all of this depend on feelings?
What we really want is a church that fits Leroy’s ideal church image and is thirty minutes from all of our children. We do not want much do we?
Before we moved to Ely, IA I was hoping for some place that was close to both of our parents. It was just about two hours from each. Can there be a place that fits that criteria again with children living in Washington, D.C., New Brighton, MN and Salt Lake City?
For those who do not use a cell phone much Tracfone is a good deal. I signed up for 30 more minutes (I still had 180 minutes.) and an additional year of service for a mere $65. That calculates to just a little more than $5 per month. Suits me just fine.
Paula
Yoga was first on my schedule. It was a beautiful morning in the park with the sun sparkling on the water. There was a returnee who used to lead the Tai Chi portion of the morning so we did an extended session. Refreshments followed so it was a good morning. This is when I really notice that I am an introvert. Most of these people know each other so they talk easily. I am not quite sure where I can fit in. Do I approach this group that is talking? Do I stand around and look lost hoping someone will talk to me? I get the distinct feeling that extroverts have none of these dilemmas.
This afternoon was a tour of the distribution center for Iowa’s largest grocery store. They have a total of 240 stores that are in eight states. One of their buildings covers 12 acres. We went in the refrigerator and freezer areas where they make tons of ice. It was interesting to see how they ripen bananas to just the right amount for shipping to the stores. They employ here 1200 people who come from miles away.
Leroy had a phone interview with a church that is close to Clinton, IA. Leroy is not sure of his impression about going there. How much does all of this depend on feelings?
What we really want is a church that fits Leroy’s ideal church image and is thirty minutes from all of our children. We do not want much do we?
Before we moved to Ely, IA I was hoping for some place that was close to both of our parents. It was just about two hours from each. Can there be a place that fits that criteria again with children living in Washington, D.C., New Brighton, MN and Salt Lake City?
For those who do not use a cell phone much Tracfone is a good deal. I signed up for 30 more minutes (I still had 180 minutes.) and an additional year of service for a mere $65. That calculates to just a little more than $5 per month. Suits me just fine.
Paula
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bugs rule
Hello,
“Leroy, come here,” I said this morning.
This rather large half-inch bug was lying on its back in the middle of the bathroom floor. It could not get back over and I was not inclined to help it. It was probably dying anyway so we helped in on its way.
“Do we need to have the exterminator again?” Leroy wondered.
The contract that was in place when we first came is no longer. There has been no invasion of bugs, but is this the beginning?
We get up in the night and go the bathroom without turning on a light because there is enough light from outside. What would it be like to step on this critter in the dark? Not appealing!
Leroy is performing a small wedding with a large reception afterwards. I will be going to the reception, but I have nothing to wear. My fancy dress that would be cool seems too fancy. Other dresses that are more casual are too warm and the rest of my clothes seem too casual. I have too many clothes, but not the right ones for every occasion.
At least my hair looks fairly good today because it is humid.
We ate the last of our front door border lettuce today. It is a bit sad to think this is the end of it. It has been so good this year. I cannot remember when we started eating it, but we have eaten some almost daily. Often lettuce gets bitter in the heat, but it has been the best this year even up to the end.
Our tomatoes and peppers are still growing. Our basil looks great, but I forget to use it. The cilantro and parsley are hanging on, but not thriving. Everywhere I look I see gigantic tomatoes. It seems that everyone but us uses Miracle-gro.
Paula
“Leroy, come here,” I said this morning.
This rather large half-inch bug was lying on its back in the middle of the bathroom floor. It could not get back over and I was not inclined to help it. It was probably dying anyway so we helped in on its way.
“Do we need to have the exterminator again?” Leroy wondered.
The contract that was in place when we first came is no longer. There has been no invasion of bugs, but is this the beginning?
We get up in the night and go the bathroom without turning on a light because there is enough light from outside. What would it be like to step on this critter in the dark? Not appealing!
Leroy is performing a small wedding with a large reception afterwards. I will be going to the reception, but I have nothing to wear. My fancy dress that would be cool seems too fancy. Other dresses that are more casual are too warm and the rest of my clothes seem too casual. I have too many clothes, but not the right ones for every occasion.
At least my hair looks fairly good today because it is humid.
We ate the last of our front door border lettuce today. It is a bit sad to think this is the end of it. It has been so good this year. I cannot remember when we started eating it, but we have eaten some almost daily. Often lettuce gets bitter in the heat, but it has been the best this year even up to the end.
Our tomatoes and peppers are still growing. Our basil looks great, but I forget to use it. The cilantro and parsley are hanging on, but not thriving. Everywhere I look I see gigantic tomatoes. It seems that everyone but us uses Miracle-gro.
Paula
Friday, July 10, 2009
Ordinary Days
Hello,
“Leroy, I am having trouble focusing and getting a little bit a light flash at the edge of my eyes.” I said.
It resolved itself rather quickly so I ignored it hoping that is not a mistake. The Mayo clinic site says that some people do get migraine headaches that have an aura. It is rare not to have pain with it, but the eye doctor did suggest that I might have eye migraines. Better no pain than pain, but it does make me uneasy after my head injury.
Last week the Ukrainian pastor brought us a large bowl of goat cheese that I split into three groups and froze two. We did not drink the quart of goat’s milk right away because I was sick and not eating. Leroy was unsure if he could drink it because of his lactose intolerance. So when I felt better I made some gingerbread. Leroy seemed to handle that ok, but there was still more milk. Next I made sour cream cinnamon twists, an old recipe from my mother. Leroy decided that he had more trouble with that. Today I used the last of the milk in a sour cream coffee cake. It was in the Betty Crocker cookbook that my parents gave me as a wedding present. It took a shocking amount of sugar and butter (I changed that to oil). My More with Less Cookbook does a much better job of using acceptable amounts. It is hard for me to believe that I grew up eating quite a lot of these things. Maybe I did not eat so much because I remember stopping in the middle of a cookie. But sweets were always available in my house.
A young guy in the congregation came over to help Leroy get rid of two bushes in the backyard. That is great because Leroy has not liked this bush from day one. Now we will have to do something with that area so it can look decent. I was thinking I could put in shade perennials, but the tree above it lost a lot of branches this last winter so I am not sure what to do.
Paula
“Leroy, I am having trouble focusing and getting a little bit a light flash at the edge of my eyes.” I said.
It resolved itself rather quickly so I ignored it hoping that is not a mistake. The Mayo clinic site says that some people do get migraine headaches that have an aura. It is rare not to have pain with it, but the eye doctor did suggest that I might have eye migraines. Better no pain than pain, but it does make me uneasy after my head injury.
Last week the Ukrainian pastor brought us a large bowl of goat cheese that I split into three groups and froze two. We did not drink the quart of goat’s milk right away because I was sick and not eating. Leroy was unsure if he could drink it because of his lactose intolerance. So when I felt better I made some gingerbread. Leroy seemed to handle that ok, but there was still more milk. Next I made sour cream cinnamon twists, an old recipe from my mother. Leroy decided that he had more trouble with that. Today I used the last of the milk in a sour cream coffee cake. It was in the Betty Crocker cookbook that my parents gave me as a wedding present. It took a shocking amount of sugar and butter (I changed that to oil). My More with Less Cookbook does a much better job of using acceptable amounts. It is hard for me to believe that I grew up eating quite a lot of these things. Maybe I did not eat so much because I remember stopping in the middle of a cookie. But sweets were always available in my house.
A young guy in the congregation came over to help Leroy get rid of two bushes in the backyard. That is great because Leroy has not liked this bush from day one. Now we will have to do something with that area so it can look decent. I was thinking I could put in shade perennials, but the tree above it lost a lot of branches this last winter so I am not sure what to do.
Paula
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Family Picture
Hello,
It took a long time, but we finally got the pictures framed and in our possession. They look good. I had gotten to the point of wondering if we had done the right thing, but I like it. It is great having them all in one big frame. The person in the shop commented on how good the photographer was to catch the light on the grass the way he did.
Where should we hang it? The living room really did not need any more pictures on the wall, but we could take some down. Grant Wood print came off its spot over the piano. After two days I knew that I did not like the family there because I could not see it as well as I would like. Then it was on to the kitchen where I took down an arrangement of four small pictures. It looked good when Leroy held it up. Here I could look at it while we ate or any number of times when I was in the room. Leroy put it up and we both agree this is the right spot. Now if all of life could be so easy to find the right spot.
Leroy put up the last mini blinds in the kitchen over the sink. For some reason the blind would not fit in the holder so it could be made secure. This caused much muttering, sighing, and fuming before it was accomplished. It is still not perfect, but it works. I will say that it makes the room dark so it will only be down when necessary.
Today for the first time since I fell down I have been able to wash my hands without feeling pain. I fell hard on my left hand in particular and there are certain movements that were not good for the finder joints. Do you know how hard it is to wash hands without rubbing them together? How often I would rub my hand over something and feel pain was amazing to me. I think now 4.5 weeks later it is healed even though it is still painful for me to get the gallon of milk out of the frig with that hand. It is on the mend.
Paula
It took a long time, but we finally got the pictures framed and in our possession. They look good. I had gotten to the point of wondering if we had done the right thing, but I like it. It is great having them all in one big frame. The person in the shop commented on how good the photographer was to catch the light on the grass the way he did.
Where should we hang it? The living room really did not need any more pictures on the wall, but we could take some down. Grant Wood print came off its spot over the piano. After two days I knew that I did not like the family there because I could not see it as well as I would like. Then it was on to the kitchen where I took down an arrangement of four small pictures. It looked good when Leroy held it up. Here I could look at it while we ate or any number of times when I was in the room. Leroy put it up and we both agree this is the right spot. Now if all of life could be so easy to find the right spot.
Leroy put up the last mini blinds in the kitchen over the sink. For some reason the blind would not fit in the holder so it could be made secure. This caused much muttering, sighing, and fuming before it was accomplished. It is still not perfect, but it works. I will say that it makes the room dark so it will only be down when necessary.
Today for the first time since I fell down I have been able to wash my hands without feeling pain. I fell hard on my left hand in particular and there are certain movements that were not good for the finder joints. Do you know how hard it is to wash hands without rubbing them together? How often I would rub my hand over something and feel pain was amazing to me. I think now 4.5 weeks later it is healed even though it is still painful for me to get the gallon of milk out of the frig with that hand. It is on the mend.
Paula
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Planting Flowers
Hello,
Thursday I helped plant some flowers and vines in pots on the city square. I like working with the dirt that someone else has already prepared so it was fun. I knew almost everyone who was there and that is nice too.
It was requested that each adopt a planter to keep it watered. I like doing that too. I feel part of the community and have some ownership in it. The tricky part is figuring out how to get the water to the pot. Of course I cannot drive there even though I did on the planting night. What a waste of exercise time and the earth’s resources. It is less than a mile for me, but two gallons of water weigh 16 pounds so carrying is out. I drove before because I was again supposed to bring two gallons of water and I did not think of anything to put it in but two five gallon buckets. I mostly filled those buckets and drove like a sedate old lady at 10 miles per hour working to keep the water level as I eased around corners. Success!
I have now emptied a gallon of milk so I can use that as well as the three half gallon containers I found on my search down stairs in the assortment that I might need sometime. It works very well to put these containers in the bike bags. Leroy helped me today but I do not think that was necessary.
We have gotten some insurance statements on the cost of my big trip and fall sequence. The first bill has come and we must pay $900+ for the CT scan. Creates many feelings. I am glad that we have insurance so that it was not the full $2,000+ that we owe, maybe I should not have gone to the emergency room, after all it all showed nothing that needed attention, grateful we have the money to pay this, but still know that more is to come. We have the insurance statement on the dr. bills, $200 for the eye doctor and $600 for the radiologist. No bills yet from them and not yet for the emergency room use. More money to go away there too I suppose. Soon I will have met my deductible. Last year we had too much money in our flexible spending account and we had to use some creative thinking to use all of it, this year it is already all used. Such is life.
Paula
Thursday I helped plant some flowers and vines in pots on the city square. I like working with the dirt that someone else has already prepared so it was fun. I knew almost everyone who was there and that is nice too.
It was requested that each adopt a planter to keep it watered. I like doing that too. I feel part of the community and have some ownership in it. The tricky part is figuring out how to get the water to the pot. Of course I cannot drive there even though I did on the planting night. What a waste of exercise time and the earth’s resources. It is less than a mile for me, but two gallons of water weigh 16 pounds so carrying is out. I drove before because I was again supposed to bring two gallons of water and I did not think of anything to put it in but two five gallon buckets. I mostly filled those buckets and drove like a sedate old lady at 10 miles per hour working to keep the water level as I eased around corners. Success!
I have now emptied a gallon of milk so I can use that as well as the three half gallon containers I found on my search down stairs in the assortment that I might need sometime. It works very well to put these containers in the bike bags. Leroy helped me today but I do not think that was necessary.
We have gotten some insurance statements on the cost of my big trip and fall sequence. The first bill has come and we must pay $900+ for the CT scan. Creates many feelings. I am glad that we have insurance so that it was not the full $2,000+ that we owe, maybe I should not have gone to the emergency room, after all it all showed nothing that needed attention, grateful we have the money to pay this, but still know that more is to come. We have the insurance statement on the dr. bills, $200 for the eye doctor and $600 for the radiologist. No bills yet from them and not yet for the emergency room use. More money to go away there too I suppose. Soon I will have met my deductible. Last year we had too much money in our flexible spending account and we had to use some creative thinking to use all of it, this year it is already all used. Such is life.
Paula
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Seeking not finding
Hello,
On my way out the door I remembered I should take my credit card. The usual storage spot in my purse was empty of all my cards: debit, credit, health insurance, car insurance, and AARP card. I remembered using my credit card four days before, but where had I put it and where were all the rest. I searched my purse thoroughly moved on to the backpack, bike bags and other bags that I had carried into stores recently. Nothing. They just had to be in one of those spots. I must look in all those places again, but more carefully. But maybe Alzheimer’s had set in and I put them in the freezer. However, I do not want to look there in case I find them. Just then Leroy came home and I told him about it. He then looked in all the places I had already looked, but results could come because it is a fresh eye. Again no luck!
“Because they are all gone I think I must have done something with them,” I said, “I hate to think about canceling these cards, but I do not want someone to use all our money.”
“I will check the bank account just in case,” Leroy said.
“There has been no activity for ten days so they are probably in the house,” he reported.
After checking all logical places again a vague memory of putting them in a zipper pocket floated through my mind. There was one bag with a zipper pocket that I had not yet checked. There they were, treasure waiting to be found. The best thing is that I did not have to look in the freezer.
I feel my brain is still more intact than it is for Alzheimer’s people. I can put off making plans to leave society.
Paula
On my way out the door I remembered I should take my credit card. The usual storage spot in my purse was empty of all my cards: debit, credit, health insurance, car insurance, and AARP card. I remembered using my credit card four days before, but where had I put it and where were all the rest. I searched my purse thoroughly moved on to the backpack, bike bags and other bags that I had carried into stores recently. Nothing. They just had to be in one of those spots. I must look in all those places again, but more carefully. But maybe Alzheimer’s had set in and I put them in the freezer. However, I do not want to look there in case I find them. Just then Leroy came home and I told him about it. He then looked in all the places I had already looked, but results could come because it is a fresh eye. Again no luck!
“Because they are all gone I think I must have done something with them,” I said, “I hate to think about canceling these cards, but I do not want someone to use all our money.”
“I will check the bank account just in case,” Leroy said.
“There has been no activity for ten days so they are probably in the house,” he reported.
After checking all logical places again a vague memory of putting them in a zipper pocket floated through my mind. There was one bag with a zipper pocket that I had not yet checked. There they were, treasure waiting to be found. The best thing is that I did not have to look in the freezer.
I feel my brain is still more intact than it is for Alzheimer’s people. I can put off making plans to leave society.
Paula
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
road Excitement
Hello,
I have joined a yoga group in town that meets at the state park about four miles from the house. I drove out two times and decided that I really should ride the bike because that would be a nice ride except for the short stretch on the highway.
It was a good ride and there were almost no vehicles out there at 7:30 in the morning so I set off with confidence this morning. When I reached the highway I waited for a car to pass, but started when I saw something quite a distance away. Before I could get the fourth mile down the road I could see and hear that it was a semi coming quite rapidly. Although I did not like to do it I pulled between and a little over the rumble strip on the side of the pavement. There is still a narrow foot wide swath of pavement before the drop off to the unpaved shoulder. I felt ok there, but realized that the truck seemed to be picking up speed as we were meeting a car so there was no hope of any extra room. I gave my self a little pep talk, “Hang on Paula. Be prepared for wind.” I managed to remain upright, but the force of the wind was great enough to blow my review mirror out of place.
When I told Leroy about it at noon he said, “You were lucky. A guy at the last baptism told me that he was blown over by a semi before he even knew what had happened. His hands were still on the handlebars. He got bruises some scratches and cracked his helmet.”
My plan is if I see a semi coming behind me to get off the road and walk far to the edge. Hopefully I will see them in enough time that I can get off without falling over from the drop off. Trick riding might be a good skill to have.
I am enjoying the yoga with the sun sparkling on the lake. It is beautiful and peaceful. We are under a shelter that has been swept of any fecal matter from birds or bats. We also use mats.
Paula
I have joined a yoga group in town that meets at the state park about four miles from the house. I drove out two times and decided that I really should ride the bike because that would be a nice ride except for the short stretch on the highway.
It was a good ride and there were almost no vehicles out there at 7:30 in the morning so I set off with confidence this morning. When I reached the highway I waited for a car to pass, but started when I saw something quite a distance away. Before I could get the fourth mile down the road I could see and hear that it was a semi coming quite rapidly. Although I did not like to do it I pulled between and a little over the rumble strip on the side of the pavement. There is still a narrow foot wide swath of pavement before the drop off to the unpaved shoulder. I felt ok there, but realized that the truck seemed to be picking up speed as we were meeting a car so there was no hope of any extra room. I gave my self a little pep talk, “Hang on Paula. Be prepared for wind.” I managed to remain upright, but the force of the wind was great enough to blow my review mirror out of place.
When I told Leroy about it at noon he said, “You were lucky. A guy at the last baptism told me that he was blown over by a semi before he even knew what had happened. His hands were still on the handlebars. He got bruises some scratches and cracked his helmet.”
My plan is if I see a semi coming behind me to get off the road and walk far to the edge. Hopefully I will see them in enough time that I can get off without falling over from the drop off. Trick riding might be a good skill to have.
I am enjoying the yoga with the sun sparkling on the lake. It is beautiful and peaceful. We are under a shelter that has been swept of any fecal matter from birds or bats. We also use mats.
Paula
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