The Fourth Bike Ride

Hello, I have only been on my bike for the fourth time this season. I have great excuses, it is too hot, or it is too hard to get my bike out as it is behind other things. Consequently, I have become uncertain while riding. Today we decided to ride the bike trail south of Ely. We have not done that yet. We have to haul the bikes to Ely because we are not capable of riding that far in one day anymore. There was a certain amount of grumping as we had not used the bike carrier in some time. It finally got on the car with the bikes secured, but not before Leroy cut his finger. A Band-Aid helped. But the bleeding seemed a bit much, guess the blood thinner is doing its job. We rode a round trip of 9.4 miles. We were happy to get back to the car. Certain body parts were talking to us. Even though it was during the week, the trail was rather busy, we probably met or were passed by 30 riders. Maybe we were the slowest people out there as we did not catch up to anyone. We did see some wild life. The rabbits seemed to run faster than we rode. There were some wooly bears on the trail and a turkey buzzard in the sky along with a number of butterflies. Leroy also saw a small snake and a praying mantis. We went in the morning and by the time we came in the house it was 86 F. degrees. Certainly, time to be home. Paula

Sunday News September 29, 2025 Hello, They celebrated Leroy’s 50 years ordination anniversary. We went to service Saturday night, and two on Sunday morning. During the service, they had a small validation and commendation along with a prayer. Leroy said a few words. After the service, Leroy and I stood at the door to receive congratulations and hand out bookmarks. The bookmarks had a picture of every church he has served as well as the years he was there. They were quite nice. There was also some time for fellowship and treats. It was nice. Another person on the church staff made a good slide show. By Sunday afternoon we were a bit tired. We both took a nap. I did get out and pick okra at the community garden. Half of it had gotten too large and went into the compost bin. Glad we have the bin. There was a Grant Wood Walk of the neighborhood. Grant Wood spent some time living here as a kid. We had gone on this tour earlier in the summer on a very hot day so they were repeating it. I wish I had gone again because one neighbor invited them in to see his historic home and what had been done to it. I had talked to him a few days ahead of the tour so I knew it might happen, but was not sure. I just stayed home and rested. Regrets. Amazing how 50 years can seem like such a short time when looking back on it rather than ahead to it. I was pleased for Leroy that the church wanted to honor him this way. Paula

Conundrums at the Grocery Store

Hello, Warning, if a potato is taken from the side of a heap, potatoes can fall. Only two went down to the floor, but it meant that the next potatoes came from the top of the heap whether they were worthy or not. Then it was time to move on to get eggs. How much should be paid for organic, free range, or pasture raised. Buying local was at the top of the buying criteria. Then some eggs were in plastic cartons and some were in cardboard. The cardboard carton, pasture raised, local with a small sale price won my purchase. Local honey that will fit in my own quart jar was an easy decision. Keeping it from dripping after filling was more challenging. The jar stayed in place while getting some other items across the aisle. On returning, all looked done, but just as soon as the jar was removed and capped a drip fell on the tray under it. Some tea we like was on sale. Should I get that or the not on sale, equal exchange organic kind? The on-sale tea found its way into my cart, but with some guilt produced. We support others around the world in other ways, but maybe buying their products gives them more dignity. I remember a day when I just went to the grocery store and bought the item we liked if it was priced at an affordable level. Life has more questions for me now. I try to go organic for the sake of the earth and the future, but sometimes the seductive voice of savings calls loudly. Who knew grocery shopping could be an ethical question. Paula

A long Day

Hello, Yesterday was another heart test day. We were there in plenty of time. We don’t live very far away, but did not really know the entrance they wanted us to use. Luckily, there were helpful people who could help at points of confusion. The parking ramp was rather full. I would slow looking for a spot to park with a car very close behind me. They kept honking every time I slowed. Pulling to the side, allowed them to pass and I was able to back into a spot. Leroy, as usual, thought it was a crooked parking affair, but I just ignored that. He did admit as we left the car, “It is better than I thought.” Just before Leroy was ready to go in, a heart attack person needed attention ahead of Leroy. I think it was a wait of an hour and a half. Leroy was bored, but not hurting so that is good. They found that he has no blockages to his heart. That means more tests in the future to try to ascertain what is the problem. Because they go in through an artery, he has to be careful with his right wrist. I zip his pants, button or snap, put on socks, shoes and tie them. He manages to eat with his left hand without spilling. No heavy lifting, no tugging, no vacuuming, no washing dishes, etc. for a few days. He feels a bit limited. I took the sticky pads off his arm and chest. Those places where they connected wires. He had already pulled on one side of his shirt so I missed two of them until last night. as the nurse stated, “If you wait too long the glue stays on the body.” Sure enough, there was a sticky feel. After searching for rubbing alcohol, I could not find the sticky places. How did that happen? Paula

How much water

Hello, I watered a mum plant at church that was inside the building. The dish under was not very deep. Just a little water was needed. Somehow my little got way too large. I raced to find a rag, asked the custodian. “Sure, I have rags,” he told me as he handed me a medium sized towel. The water was pouring off the table, splashing on the wall, and spreading out on the floor. The towel only held about half the water. The wastebasket was close; after wringing out some of the water, I raced back downstairs to find more of these rag towels. Back up the stairs, and sopped up as much as it could hold. Hurry down stairs for another towel when the flow finally stopped. It was a calmer affair to water the outdoor plant where the excess water would not cause any harm. It is good that Leroy is almost done getting drops in the first cataract eye. He seems to blink just as the drop falls. Or I might be aiming in the wrong place, or he might move his face just as it drops. It is definitely a challenge to get this job done. Seems to me he was more cooperative with the nurses at the surgery center. Hopefully, we have enough drops to make it to the end of the month. The trials of the easy life. Paula

One more on Leroy’s Health

Hello, He feels so good this morning. He even helped with dishes at noon. Last night he did have a headache. Apparently in the night it went away. He had taken pain pills, but that just took off the edge. I have come to the conclusion that everyone and their grandmother must have A Fib. Oops, it is probably just their grandmother who has it since age seems to be the major qualifier. This morning, I went to tai chi. When it is over I always report the number of participants to the person at the library desk. As I was telling the woman, she commented, “See that man out on the bench outside the window. He has been sitting there for some time and cursing.” “I will stay with you,” I told her. Not sure what I planned to do in the event of an issue. He had a small blanket with him, no shirt, not shaved, large tattoo on his back, and something that looked like mail. After a bit, the woman stated. “He has been much quieter now.” A woman came into the library with her two children. The man outside got up went to the garbage bin, put stuff in, and then I did not see him. Going closer to the window, he was spotted on the cement on his blanket using his phone. I suggested, “I think you should call someone to just check up on him.” She called the city office and the mayor came over. I left as he was coming. All that made my morning longer, but I was glad to wait with her. Paula

Leroy is Bored

Hello, Leroy’s second cataract surgery went well. It was earlier in the morning. He could drink water closer to the surgery, so he got up at 4:30 for his last drink. The anesthesiologist, came in and said that she would give him half of the dose he had last time, even though it was quite low. He was talking normally when they brough him back in the room and he remembered much of what happened in the operation. They too noticed how much better he was this time. No one had to ask, “Does he always talk like this?” This time they did not highlight the signs of a stroke. And they were not adamant about not leaving him alone for 24 hours. He is not to do much for the rest of the day. He is bored. He is listening to an audio book, but gets rather tired of that. Now we just have to spend some more time getting tests for his heart. Amazing how the focus of one’s life can change in a heartbeat. Paula