Happy New Year

And Merry Christmas too.

Yes it is still the Christmas season; the wise men have yet to arrive. One radio station kept the Christmas music through the Christmas weekend. You would think retailers would want to keep the music playing for the after Christmas sales. But basically if you want to hear Christmas music now you have to be playing it yourself.

Getting back to the gym but finding myself severely restricted. Misao thought I was dead as I collapsed after Christmas sleeping ten hours straight. The exhaustion has kept me from doing much this last week. Maybe I need to try a new energy drink. No room on the credit card to send for my usual stuff.

What did I get for Christmas? Two pounds. And some jeans with a sweater and a book. I hear a lot about Acai products. I'm sure for most people it would help them lose weight. I'm not most people.

Happy New Year!!

Oh Little Town

This is claimed to be the actual birth place of Jesus. It is a cave. Iconography covers every surface. The actual cave floor is protected underneath the marble.

Merry Christmas. And thanks to Alois for his Christmas post.

Das Christkind kommt!

Der beliebteste Christbaum in Deutschland ist die Nordmanntanne. Dieses Jahr mit einer neuen Christbaumspitze.

Frohe Weihnachten und alles Gute für das neue Jahr!

Merry Christmas

And Happy New Year, and a

Great Big Congratulations

to #1 niece graduating from Eastern Kentucky University tomorrow. That there is fueden country. I'm sure she earned plenty honors and adulation's. We can't afford the time or money to go to the celebrating or we would be there.

I missed the gym and any other significant exercise, outside of walking the dog, the entire week. But we got the tree up, finished all our Christmas cards and got any gifts going out of town bought and sent. Today I put up the outdoor lights. A great relief and time to focus on deeper things. No Grinches will steal this Christmas. It just ain't possible. But we will enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season with a few more gifts to pick out before the big day.

Blue Snowflakes

It's that time of year when the weatherman's map is covered in blue for snow. And the garden is buried and frozen with our now frigid temperatures. Of course the secret to enjoying Winter, a season extremely unappreciated, is long underwear. A good down coat that extends below the waste and the joys of Winter are here for the taking.

Not prepared well to ride in this weather though. I hope to hit the gym regularly for two hours. Walking worked in with core training to make up the bulk of the time, working up to some off speed stuff. Keep the strength training for each muscle group on a weekly basis with a bit of emphasis on the shoulders. Work on the legs a lot if my knee allows. I'm suffering from the Santa Clause syndrome with my weight already shooting up and we didn't even have much for Thanksgiving. It's hard to figure out why I can't lose weight in the Winter.

I made the rice pudding. Rice cooked in half and half with a mixture of heavy whipping cream, egg yolks and sugar added towards the end. It's to die for. One spoonful sends you straight to heaven, makes your heart skip a beat. Misao was disappointed I didn't make a double batch.

Hope to spend much more time writing over the Winter on my other blogs. If I don't get a chance to write here before Christmas I hope every one has a merry one or a Happy Hanukkah. And no greetings for that manufactured holiday. A true holiday is based on a real significant event that occurs spontaneously and organically like Juneteenth Day. Not that not to be named I wont buy the stamps, stick the finger in the eye of Christmas holiday. Looking forward to a German Christmas post from Alois. And for you solstice worshippers here is a little song I found.

Happy Thanksgiving

Not John Madden's six legged beast but turducken all the same. Something I always wanted to try. I think someone came up with the idea just to find a way to cook a duck without it drying out. If we get the chance to go shopping today I'll be making rice pudding this evening.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Having no lights for my bike I will not be going on that Thanksgiving Tradition among some; The Turkey Hurl. I will also not be shopping on Black Friday, or Saturday cause we got no money. Have to decide if we will put up Christmas lights outdoors after Thanksgiving.

I can't stand the decorating for Christmas prior to Thanksgiving. And those radio stations...! I heard one was playing Christmas music before Halloween. We accidentally came upon an all Christmas music station the other night and before I could change the station I was hooked. All the happy merry warm and lovey season sentiments. So I'm stuck on Christmas music... at least until I hear that Christmas shoes song.

The hunting season is here and I am stuck at home with one vehicle among us and strapped for resources. This was from about ten days ago, a bow kill unless there was a special hunt going on. Ground venison is magnificent in a spaghetti sauce. Maybe next year.

Now Misao actually wants to see "Ninja Assassin" tomorrow, since we have no other plans to date. The star is her heart throb; or me minus 70 pounds. She thinks my hair is too long and wants to shave off all my wavy locks of silver and gold. And recalling the bike shoe incident I think it wise not to protest, but it still wont make me 70 pounds lighter. Maybe she wants to auction off my hair on e-bay.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

This, That and Everything Else

November has been good for riding so far but the snow will soon fly. I saw them taking out the shoring at Hoyt Park last week. A sure sign that the construction there is winding down. Prior to that, our entire Wisconsin congregation met out Lapham Peak's way. I took my bike and trail pass along but didn't get the chance to ride. The front tire was flat anyway. My second flat in one week. A bad valve. Not an uncommon ailment for the bontrager brand, though the tube lasted the season. I went to another trail work day this Saturday. It most likely was the last for this year.

Next year's WEMS and WORS schedules are out. So even though I competed in only three races and attended three more, what have I learned from this 2009 racing season? First that the buckwheat soba noodle is most excellent for a pasta boost the night before a race. I attribute it to producing my best race of the season where no hill was left unclimbed from the saddle. That ginseng is always good, but that rooibos tea has great benefits beyond what they claim.

Here is another picture from the Sheboygan Wigwam Ultimax. Team Alterra, known for putting training and race prep ahead of trail work, and a home grown business success story. And Rishi is another home grown company experting in tea. We really enjoyed this tea in the picture. It is amazing how Milwaukee produces such fine companies including restaurants, that strive for the highest standards. People here really take pride in their work and are committed to the region almost beyond reason. If not, with all our taxes and restrictions on business, Wisconsin would be Michigan.

Yes, I haven't written much in a while so maybe I'll have to cover all my blogs in this one post. And yes, Windows 7 wasn't much of an improvement.

In my pursuit of the life of reckless disregard I not only watch 'Poker After Dark' after work, but play online poker at the same time. Most sites have free tournaments to qualify for TV Poker shows going on now.

It looks like it will be a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving this year as our oven is not working and no respectable turkey would fit in the convection/microwave oven we have been using. But with the Macy's Parade, a dog show and plenty of football on TV, including the Packers, how could it not be a good day. How can anyone live in this great nation and not be thankful.

A movie is always an option. And I'm sure with the holiday opening of "Ninja Assassin" it is certain to become a holiday classic... or not.The time of year when we will find "It's a Wonderful Life" on TV multiple times a week if not every day. A true classic that was unappreciated in its time but has become a favorite around the world. And I heard they made a novella into a movie. I believe it is called "A Christmas Carol."

The 'Beer Man' is looking for a small pickup for $3K abouts. Almost anything that runs. Of course I am always looking for a job. A good firm with good people who can work rather than sit in meetings all day. An office where everyone spontaneously breaks out in song and dance every now and then. Top hats and canes required... tails optional.

Indian Summer

A lazy Saturday. Made all the more sweet after surviving a Friday the 13th without suffering any nightmares, getting caught in a murderous maze or stirring the ire of any hockey masked punks. But not so lazy in that we worked last night and will be working tonight. And with the short days I will have to be getting out soon if I want to catch a ride today, as it has been a week with days above 50 or more. And it looks like more mild days to come.

On the first of these Indian Summer days I was anxious to get out for a good ride. Misao was fixed to the computer, feeding her Internet addiction, when I called out, "Where's my bike shoes!"

She didn't answer and I called out louder, ... and then louder. She came marching downstairs, as the computer is upstairs, and as she came into my office. I spotted my shoes in the paper recycling box (no, I don't wear paper shoes). I picked them up and said, "Here they are."

Then bam!

... Misao hit me. She hit me square on the back and a sharp pain pierced my spine. I thought certain that if not broken the imminent swelling would cause some kind of paralysis if only temporary. I questioned whether to go on my ride, not wanting to collapse helpless in the roadway or worse on some obscure trail where it could take days to be found.

But I rode anyway. And have had many days of riding satisfaction.

Emery's has started their Winter training sessions. I seriously have to make a plan for my aerobic training this Winter. Either getting a trainer or spend many an hour at the gym. Have to work back into the strength training too.

I will be missing deer hunting this year in more ways than one. The bow hunters have been out enjoying the rut for a couple weeks. Hunting is far more expensive than one can imagine. The ammunition, getting out to a range to practice and site in your gun on a regular basis (the closest range is over an hour drive). Traveling to and managing your land to maximize your chances. And all the equipment, the lodging and food, not to mention the processing costs. Similar to a season of racing. But I consider the bicycling higher in health benefits. Still I'm wearing my blaze orange gear when I get the chance.

I really miss getting up to our property. The clean air and water and not only deer but plenty of fowl and rabbit to hunt. Or just clearing the land to promote growth in the strongest and most desirable trees.

They have an all terrain unicyclist on TV right now. My back still hurts.


Here is another picture from Sheboygan. Windows 7 seems to work slightly better; very slightly.

I Ran Out of Duct Tape

Not that there is a shortage in the world. And the oven doesn't work any more. The water heaters are long past their life expectancy as is my CPAP machine. That's over $5K to replace. I still haven't gotten to the dentist, but Misao will be finishing up her dental work soon.


So naturally we didn't buy any candy for Halloween. We hid out till trick or treat was over. It was a comparatively quiet Halloween this year. The bar parties on our route were only on the day itself this year. Some years they seemed to go nonstop for a week.


Having upset the duct work in the basement with repairs and such, I was straightening and refitting the ducts when I ran out of tape. Yes, believe it or not I was actually using duct tape on ducts. A quick call and Misao brought some home with her. Sealing up the system to maximize the efficienabilities. New insulation and a new door should save us some coin this Winter. Can't skip on the Christmas gifts.




Winter... How to train? Emery's is going to have Winter training sessions in Menominee Falls. The cost in gas is a bit much for me to think of going. I didn't get to the Halloween cyclocross to take pictures either. Had to go to the dump. A picture from Sheboygan this year. Our You/Tube has the video with the double take taken out.


The scale is tipping up and I have to get back to the gym on a regular basis. Most likely wont have a trainer this year outside of declaring bankruptcy. Of course we are looking at beautiful weather coming in a few days. Have to get the riding in when I can, after I clean and maintain the bikes, and buy a couple gallons of roofing cement to patch the roof while it's warm.

And still no 'Windows 7.' The recovery disk creation program needed to set up to install '7' kept failing so I had to call HP to have them send me a set of recovery disks. They came today. Will try tonight or tomorrow. We'll see what happens finally.

The Mundane

For those who doubt my prior claims of half a birthday cake here is a picture. And it was a good cake too. I wish I had the other half to assuage my sweet tooth. Misao bought ten pounds of pure cane sugar. That should keep us stocked for at least a week.




Outside of a short lecture at UWM mundane tasks have been the standard. Getting the sales tax report ready, working on the finances and going to get an oil change. Going to the dump tomorrow to get the rubbish out of the way and keep the repairs moving. Then there is the Halloween cyclocross race at Washington Park tomorrow, and the 'Tour of Tosa' on Sunday.


I checked my car in for the oil change today, and went to the waiting room with eager anticipation. One look at the cookie tray and my dreams were smashed. Empty! The room was a bit full but one man was evidently self conscience and guilt struck at my glance. Obviously he ate more than one, leaving me with none. I bet he had three or four.

So there I was cookieless. And me still getting over missing half a cake. Life just isn't fair.


And we received '7' in the mail. Another mundane task. I heard that computers were freezing up halfway through the new operating system installation. So if you, my many readers (over 1,000 U.S.), never hear from me again... all I can say is; Maybe I should have bought an Apple.

No Sugar

Haven't rode my bike much at all. Haven't written at all either, with several pieces sitting unfinished on more than one blog. I rolled out of bed in time to listen to one of my favorite talk show hosts and found coffee in the coffee maker waiting for me, but... no sugar.

No sugar. Coffee without sugar. Could things get any worse?

My mind has been buried in the house and a furniture project I am putting together in my head. So as the coffee was heating in the microwave I started right into working on the house. Didn't even shower or change.. or put on shoes. Using power tools the highlight of my day.

Four hours later I stopped for a yogurt before getting back to the work. I left a message for my friend to buy a 2x4 for me and drop it if he had the time, since Misao had the car. He never came by. Not sure if it was cause I told him a few weeks ago I'd beat the crap out of him if he said something I found offensive again. I doubt that was it.

So I'll have to run out to Menard's tomorrow before Misao goes to work.

The Guess Who. Good band.



Still having trouble with 'vista'. Will 7 be any better? I dont think Misao knows how to spell her name. The spell check keeps telling me it's mis-spelled.

Happy Birthday

Today is Misao's birthday and I asked her, "What do you want to do on your birthday?"

"Go to the Casino." she said.

So after churching we went to red loobster and after the casino where she got $25 worth of points for her birthday to spend on their restaurants. Then I bought her half a birthday cake.

It was a beautiful day and I asked Misao if she wanted to go for a bike ride. She said if I carry her on my back she would go. But time was short and we didn't sleep much this entire weekend.

Happy Sweetest Day

Yes tomorrow is Sweetest Day. A completely manufactured holiday created by certain industries to boost their profits. And we are in dire need of profits and will be trying to take full advantage. It means another weekend of non-stop action.

Last weekend it was rolling out of bed early to participate in the Trail work day Saturday and then the WORS finale on Sunday. Yes, there is a very beautiful and always well designed new section of mountain bike trail at Crystal Ridge. A rework of the Alpha Trail that winds through some lovely forest. Making the trail that much better. We walked the entire layout after we finished the days work and on our way back all the flags marking the county approved trail were gone. Not the first time according to the 'Beer Man.' But the county marked the trail GPS like and re-flagging will be no problem. Another trail work day this Sunday. I most likely wont be able to make it. Sunday is church day... unless there's a WORS race.

The trounce in the woods cheered me up. It would be nice to hit the North Woods and just work on my own little piece of land. They say a man lived out there for a year in an outfitters setup. That's why the access road was torn up. Driving in and out in all kinds of conditions. Of course I am supposed to be moving to Europe, but the finances aren't there.

Have to get a picture of the team from the Wigwam MTB Challenge. WORS has been promoting the GoPro camera all year and I have heard only good things about it. And it is not overly expensive. There was some talk by the nemesis of old of creating an all Clydesdale team for next year. Says he can get plenty of sponsors meaning spiffy new digs if it happens. An option if I'm still here. But first, and where ever I am, I have to get the training going strong. Working the abs and mid-section sure cleans out the insides but I have to get back on the bike.

Trying to work things out in my life I've come to a suitable analogy. It's like a plane where the pilot has died and I, a blind man (not really, just for analogies sake), am forced to land the plane even though there are other pilots aboard. And no one speaks out. And there could be few or many on board. I can't tell. The thing is... I could land the plane if people wouldn't keep lying to me.

Again... Happy Sweetest Day. No frowns allowed.

Summer is Gone

Yes, after some unusually warm September days the allusions to Summer are over. Several days of freezing nights and everything begins to shut down for Winter. It was still a week too early in Sheboygan to catch the Autumn colors in full glory at the Wigwam MTB Challenge. The trail conditions were perfect and the weather cold. And no I didn't enter the WORS Photo contest.

I didn't find the river crossing. I wasn't feeling that great. Finding it hard to motivate myself these days. If it wasn't for a picture of a cat in a blumentopf on the blog it may have taken me much longer even to get another post out. (cats are evil) Here I found an out of the way feature to catch some shots with my camera. The battery was low and the continuous shot feature wasn't working correctly and I found I didn't get all the shots I thought I got. And talk about air! A few good shots like this.

I found this corner of the track where some skilled mountain biking was going on up a rooted climbing turn. I caught some pictures on the approach through an interesting arrangement of trees. Sometime I'll have to get this years photos on Flick'r. I haven't had time to edit most of these photos yet. And I still have endless problems with 'vista.'

As the battery was dieing I just had to get a picture of the Shed Master. A man who can admire his image where ever its found. It seems the camera battery is actually defective. Nothing goes my way.

Check out my first attempt at video editing. It's late and time to say me prayers and go to bed. Good night to all.

Ok... A double take. I'll have the corrected version of the video on you/tube later.

Unser alter Kater ...

... schläft an seinem Lieblingsplatz - in einem leeren Terrakotta Blumentopf.

A hard Freeze

Yes, tonight is the first frost, at least first for those of us near the lake, and tomorrow night will be a hard freeze. And look for that snow to be flying. So much for global warming and so much for the Wigwam MTB Challenge. WORS' biggest cash award event of the year. Wet and cold will be. I still hope to be there with my camera. The complementary trainers provided by CycleOps, donated for the WORS competitors to warm up on, will be on sale for $229 plus tax. No extra cash for me to pick up one of those used items. Wigwam, the sponsor makes great socks. I know they will be giving free socks to the competitors. I'm not quite sure if there will be any for sale. I don't know why not.

And, it's raining again... oh no. But the weather should break for tomorrows trail work day. I will probably go, but who knows. Afterwards back to working on the house. Made a big step forward on my home repairs yesterday. I needed much less material wise than I thought, which was a pleasant surprise and saved some coin.

Will drown my sorrows today in writing. Then jump out to the gym and do some quick errands. Most likely I wont finish anything today.

Go Packers!

Go Favre!

... Wait a minute!


Is that purple I see? Yes the hype is spread thick over this evenings game. For those of you who may not be from Wisconsin or Minnesota the entire population of the fore mentioned states will be sitting in front of our TVs this evening from beginning to end. An interesting you/tube video in the sidebar, there for a couple months, shows the Vikings' fans ripping Bret Favre. Along with the WORS Border Battle. A Packers win will have everyone here talking Super Bowl.


Health and other concerns will keep me from racing the final WORS event, but I hope to be there with my camera. Training for next year will be my focus after I get the repairs on my home to a required level of completion. Trying to keep a schedule but odd jobs that I am in dire need of keep setting back my plans.



Working in the basement today this item of interest dropped from the ceiling. It took me about three seconds to realize it wasn't a toy. Single shot breech loading .22 caliber. I always thought I may find some secret stash of cash as I do the seemingly endless repairs on this old shack. We'll see how this little item cleans up.

As we work our retail business I am always amazed at the popularity of Halloween. For the last several years as October 1st rolls around the zombie, vampire and satan wanna be's are out early drinking and carousing.

Besides working on the house I have been writing. The first time I am working on pieces on nearly all my blogs at the same time.

GO PACKERS!

Happy Ch'usok

Or harvest moon as we say in the west. But in Korea they call it Ch'usok and nearly the entire population will be going to their ancestral hometowns. The trains will be packed, isles filled with standing passengers. The roads will be traffic jammed over the entire country and when I was there cars that broke down were lifted out of traffic by military helicopter.

A shot of the honey I used to harvest. It isn't legal to keep honey bees in the city. If any of you living out of county and would let me keep bees on your property for some free honey let me know. The closer the better with the volatile gas prices.

Of course the population density in Korea is one reason many use bicycles and motorcycles to get around and even to carry large stacks of goods. I used a bicycle myself and later moved up to a motorbike when I was there. Just take a look at this bad boy. A full 88 cc's.

Overcast wet and occasionally raining makes it a laid back Saturday. Found this apparently new series on PBS as I run through some of my computer tasks and look to spend some time writing today on several of my blogs (if it dries out I really should cut the grass and work on the house). I'm blaming 'vista' for the formatting problems I'm having. Also related with the show is this adventure site that has some mountain biking and other sport oriented adventure travels.

I was channel surfing the other night and we caught part of "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" on TV.

Misao said, "He looks like Keanu Reeves."

"Really!" I said.

Woooeee!

Another Tuesday

And another blustery day. One of those days when the wind blows in your face no matter what direction you're riding. Ran some errands yesterday on my road bike. A dark sky, a few sprinkles and stiff wind said autumn is here. My favorite season. I saw my first pumpkin stand yesterday too. And cyclocross... The enthusiasts are experiencing bliss.

Here is a good portion of the peaches we took off the tree. Ate lots of cobbler and pie, and Misao made oodles of jam. And of course we gave plenty away. I didn't take out the runt or damaged peaches from the tree over the summer as I did last year. I think the main reason they were small this year though were the long stretches without rain. I only spend 5-10 minutes watering the entire garden and lawn when we don't get rain for a while.

I am working the core, my mid-section, where the most fat is, at the gym and at home. My left shoulder had stiffened up and was very painful as the weight I was benching went over double plates (2, 45's each side) and started shoulder strength training. My wife found a couple of pressure points under the shoulder blade that just melted the pain and tightness away, at least temporarily.

Then I pulled out this 'moxa' stuff from the drawer. Put a few of those season laden cylinders on those points and lit them. The blisters take a day or two to form. The next morning I rotated my shoulder and it went; pop, pop.... pop. It has been fine ever since but I haven't been lifting much.

Alternative medicines are something that I would pursue if I could afford it. One gentleman at the Wednesday Night Race awards evening recommended 'Apple a Day' and another place I can't find on the Internet.

Didn't get out to ride today. The first free day I have where Misao doesn't need the car I have to spend on a house repair. Have to be free to run back and forth to the hardware store because you don't always know what or how much you need until you get into the project. It is something that I cannot let sit once I start. With Winter coming and much needed work popping up from time to time the riding has suffered.

I can't wait for Windows 7 to come out with the problems I've been having. If I could have afforded it I would have gotten an Apple.

Rambles

Finally my work number has transferred over to my new cell phone. With the new all-in-one computer device I scanned some of my work for a future web site. Also am going through some albums to see if there is anything I might want to digitalized. Found wrapping paper scraps still looking for a proper place in the album, from a gift, undelivered, I wrapped this spring.

Here is a photo from when I was living in Korea. Took hap-ki-do all four years. A studio in a neighborhood where I was doing some volunteer work. Everyone should know how to defend themselves and I look good in black. They have a promotion for their hap-ki-do lessons going on at Bally, but they wear white. Yes I was that thin. Below is a picture of my teacher. A bit of a mountain biker also.

I had an interaction over the Internet with my younger brother once. He claimed I was a violent person. He couldn't really give any examples for his ridiculous claims. Certainly no one I trained with in Korea, or here in Milwaukee when I took karate at UWM, would say I am violent. I mentioned my brothers assertions to a guy I know from the gym and he laughed in disbelief. But kudos to my brother for actually communicating his concerns; everyone talks about me and no one talks to me.

I have been part of conversations, not complimentary to others, when the object of the conversation was absent. I don't initiate such conversations but when I find myself in such circumstance I make it a point when I meet that person to say; "Hey, I heard you....."

Martial arts is about discipline on several levels. Fighting to keep in shape or restore ones health is a discipline. So is trying to be a good person. It requires constant attention. Man is more than material.

It is autumn. Most trail work gets done in the spring and autumn. I wont be helping on the trail work day tomorrow (it's Sunday). It is also the time to plant bulbs. we don't currently have any bulbs in the ground but I made a small new garden plot in the front where I may try the layer (aka sandwich or lasagna) system to have blooms all spring long.

A Lazy Tuesday

Calling around I could find no work that pays today. And, it's raining again, oh no... Two solid weeks of work would 'start' to make a dent in our debt. Two solid weeks of work on the house, requiring the expenditure of the hard gained dollar, would put me in good shape as far as being ready for the Winter. I got to some of that work yesterday and will be taking on a chunk today. I also have about a dozen pieces for my various blogs bouncing around in my head that I could spend a whole week on. Some of that I will get to today also.

And of course I have to keep riding. I had a nice ride this last Sunday and if not for the falling darkness and approaching rainfall may have kept going forever. At least that is how I felt.

Just being in the limited nature our metro area provides is an upper. Seeing these deer munching acorns under an old oak tree in the park reminded me of the hunting season. The north woods with clean air, clean water and good food drawn from the immediate environment. Our economic circumstance will keep me from participating in either the bow or gun season. I'll be lucky to get up once to shoot a few rabbits.

Continuing the ride down the trails of unofficialdom along the river, here is the passage under the Swan Blvd bridge. Just pick a proper line and trust in the roll, gliding right through. Don't let worry or fear frustrate what comes natural like to the bike.

I chased off some ducks loitering on the trail here, obviously up to no good. A steep drop with no room for error. What everyone in the know will tell you is, keep your eyes where you want to go and don't look where you don't want to go... or that is where you will go. The river being low it would be a hard landing. That white blob is my black tire.

Not only getting back to riding more but already looking to get ready for next year. Am going to focus more on the core training at the gym and with the extra work looking to have a trainer this Winter. People recommend the spinning classes at Bally, but the mornings are too early with our schedule and I hate the crowds in the evening. I think I have plenty of upper body strength and don't need any extra weight there.

Moss roses. A nice ground cover. Another part of my friends garden. Will be giving him more help after this rain passes. It is nice to work with old friends, doing manly man stuff and trading friendly insults. Working in the hot sun where the only sunscreen used is a baseball cap. After many a day of work we decided what I will be paid for this labor intensive project. Not that I haven't helped without compensation before, but he has money and I don't, and he's my friend. And you would just have to be a jackass not to pay someone for this kind of hard labor.

When building trail one of the first lessons is the circle of death. That is you don't work when anyone or their tool is within the reach of the tool you are using yourself. I had brought over my digging tool, a 5+ foot long iron bar (it's really heavy), to help with the task at my friends property. Slamming the rock hard clay soil with shovels has brought some hurt to my wrists and elbows. I was digging and he was swinging this iron bar at an angle, shattering and shaving off the hard packed earth at the same time, striking perilously close to my foot.

"If you slip you're really going to mess up my foot." I said.

To which he responded, "Then you can't chase me."

I paused and replied, "You're right!"

The truth is all around us.

Frank!!!

When working days on end in the old studio classroom at SARUP there was nothing like Frank to get the room on fire in the middle of an all nighter.

Tuesday

Or happy birfday day to the Shed Master. No I'm not giving you $2 for beer.


And I'm not riding because I've been shoveling dirt all day. A small part of the extensive garden of my elementary school friend. No... we are not currently in elementary school, it is where we met. A good portion of the earth moving on the never ending projects he comes up with were accomplished with my help. And really... this is only a very small part. Pretty, isn't it.


And now we are digging up part of the yard again because the grass wasn't green here. He blames poor advice from the sod man who claimed you only need 1 inch of top soil under the sod. So take out the clay soils and then new top soil and sod. 6 inches of top soil is what you need but we will be providing 8-10 inches. Always ultra-meticulous and over doing everything.


Since pretty colors are so dominant today, why is the valve cap red? It is a slime tube. A self sealing tube. And you best orientate the valve like so when you're not using your bike. Otherwise the slime that drips into the valve while riding or parked will blow back into your tire pump. YUCK!


New camera means more pictures. I can't wait till 7 is released. I planned on taking a long ride today but after seven hours of digging and shoveling dirt and I was exhausted. An honest days work.

Treadfest

Maybe I should have bought a cheaper camera and got a photoshop package instead. Or I could have bought that and more along with the phones and camera. I don't have to pay for it for 18 months. But we just spent the minimum to get the financing and things we need. So being a struggle to edit and create videos I'll just put in a single clip and a photo from the now infamous Treadfest.

It sure was dusty and hot for September but a taste of Summer at last. Wished I had decided to race, but the way I felt after just hiking around maybe it was best I didn't. Besides, I saved some money and enjoyed taking photos. Racing sport makes the photo taking much less enjoyable. More rushed and it is always nice to catch photos of people you know but they are mostly racing sport themselves.

I'll get all the photos onto Flick'r eventually for all you looking for pictures of yourself. And hopefully put together a video montage to post in the future.

This weekend the local trails will be empty with the popular Chequamegan Fat Tire Festival. Though many are going I hear lots of complaints about the people up there. I go up to those parts whenever I can and know what they mean. The Ore To Shore, already past for this year, is highly touted and the area has more and better restaurants so they say. The Fall Color Festival, something for the whole family, is soon and sounds like a good time but... no money and a time crunch.

Happy riding everyone.

Going Mobile

Yes, to save a bit of coin we went mobile. A cell for each and broadband Internet. To get 18 months free financing we got a camera also. Small like our last one. So I will be going to Treadfest, at least to take some pictures and video. Maybe enter that competition they keep holding. And the camera has some great features. 16 shots in a second with one click make it ideal for sporting events. A feature only available on Nikon cameras.

Get back, see how football is going, go to church and then catch the Packers vs the Bears. Sounds like a plan. I just haven't been feeling well or riding much so I think it best not to race. I'll have to put my hopes for mountain bike glory on Sheboygan.

No more land lines, better voice mail and a more secure Internet connection. Probably wont have the numbers switched over until tomorrow. My cell is my former business number available on one of my other blogs. I'm just getting easier to reach all the time.

No more cables and wires running through the house. We wont save much but we'll save the church a few dollars too by Misao not using a cell on their package. Now if I can get repairs done and the house prepped for Winter we should be running trim and with the extra work getting our debt down.

Trail work today. Lots of people came to help. A crew with chainsaws, some more post holes dug and signs installed and the Oak Hill Trails are good to go. I last about 90 minutes before I start petering out. I should bring some drink along to keep going as do others. Plenty of refreshments afterwards. Thanks 'Beer Man' and thanks for the pleasant company to all those I worked with.

Missing the chance to write more on topics dear to my heart, my memoirs and reflections along with professional interests, but am happy to get the work and we need the money. I could try writing a book. The more I work on houses the more I get back into my design work. With the school season starting regular lectures at SARUP will keep me motivated and inspired.

Labor Day

Which is not today. The labor that pays alludes me today but hopefully tomorrow will be different. I wrenched my back (feeling a lot better) and re-tenderized my knee on a job site last week and that, with the extreme lack of funds, will keep me from Treadfest. My bestest favorite venue. No room on the CC for preregistration and no cash. If I had a camera I would go to take pictures. No Wednesday Night race tonight either as it stands now. Besides, my heart isn't into it.

But Misao and I had a nice ride on Sunday and enjoyed the holiday with a movie. "Julie and Julia" will get many a nomination. Then I busted out the gas grill. Misao always protests the use of the gas grill. I don't know why. we had a roast and some frozen steaks and pork we grilled up, among other things.

"Do you want to grill the meat (a bacon cut from an oriental market) you have in the refrigerator too?" I asked.

"No!" she said.

But that is what she always says. Then when i fire up the grill she starts bringing anything and everything out to grill, including zucchini and the fore mentioned meat. Pushes in and starts moving my well planned arrangement around to fit in all her stuff. Then she walks away leaving me to sort everything out. To restore order and reason to the world of grilled meats.

People say daughters are a joy. I imagine they would do much the same thing only it would make one very happy rather than...

rather than....

Leaving one to marvel at the capacity for opposites to attract. It would be nice to find out.

Still haven't called a dentist. The tooth hurts less than before with the chunk busted off.

Last night at the monthly meeting they decided to hold the awards for the Wednesday Night Races next week. Yes, tonight is the final Wednesday Night Race and next week at 7:00, after the Hank Aaron Trail Open House they will meet at Benno's Bar and Grill for the awards. Afterwards Fat Tire Beer is having a promotional event. I doubt they produce an NA version and I am not sure who Benno is. I'm not sure of a lot of things. I'm just guessing and hoping. My family says I'm crazy and angrily demand I never ask them again.

All that free publicity I give people. Can I still call myself a capitalist?

I posted this on the wrong blog and the d*** Vista wouldn't let me copy clip over so I had to retype the whole thing and set up the links again.

Tuesday's Main Event

Before I write about the 'Wheel and Sprocket' sponsored ride this last Tuesday I feel compelled to comment on a very important issue. I feel I've disappointed myself and others as well.

I did not know that was a veggie burger. By the time I was aware of the fact I had already added the condiments and, the food being free, I felt it best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Yes, free food and the opportunity to demo some Bikes, mountain and others, sponsored by 'Wheel and Sprocket.' Hoyt Park was ideal for its access to trails as well as the parkway for those looking to test out some bicycles and appreciate the company of good people. They plan to do it again at least once next year.

After looping the trail all too familiar to me I test rode the Trek 69er. So named for having a 26" wheel on the rear and a 29" wheel on the front. I found it counter intuitive that I continually felt the tendency that my tail was going to fly in the air sending me over the handle bars. They don't make the model any more.

Then a full 29er, the 'FELT nine.' Nice smooth ride that makes you feel big on the trail. Both test rides reminded me what a tank my 28+lb Trek 6700 is. The seven or so pound difference from my bike was very noticeable and I realized I need to get new front derailleurs. So nice when it just shifts smoothly without any finessing.

So did I enjoy myself? I can't enjoy much of anything any more. But more work today. Working with others is much more fulfilling, stimulating and just plain motivational than trying to work alone at home. Though I'm busy my projects at home are progressing more quickly.

Maybe I'll have a decent camera soon and provide some nice pictures. WORS is winding down its season. Certainly planning to make Treadfest and the Wigwam MTB Challenge.

Strongest Man

Another trail work day yesterday. Cool and dreary. Sunshine would have been nice but the rain has made the yard lush and green and will help bring the farmers crops to harvest. We have peppers and plenty of peaches beginning to ripen though the peaches look a bit small this year. The rhubarb is well established and has plenty of room to spread. The tomato, hanging upside down from a bucket, came crashing down earlier this summer and suffered a setback but will still produce. Haven't been able to find that garden fabric in the stores.

So shall I, the great lifter of fallen trees, declare myself strongest man on the trail work crew. I shall. Again someone has to promote me, that kind handsome all around good guy that carries heavy loads (and good looking). The Oak Hill Trails will all be open by the end of the year.

I had some you/tube to post but had problems with Vista and copy clip. A real pick me up unlike those confusing pick me ups found on that other blog. Pick me ups that require interpretation, translation or true stretches of the imagination to understand.

No Ramble today. I didn't ride either though the day was very beautiful. Hopefully will have more work this week and fine weather Tuesday for that 'Wheel and Sprocket' ride at Hoyt Park. I promised my friend overseas a snail mail but still waiting for something to write about. So many ways to share these days.

Devices

I got the all-in-one device working. I wont mention what the problem was. Going through old photos wondering how I could ever have been so thin. It makes me not want to eat.

I found an old photo of TunTun and tried the scanner. He never liked being kept on a chain.

To Race or not To Race?

That is the question. Have been getting some more work and haven't been able to ride much. With my health being off those few weeks earlier I don't feel confident to compete in a 30 mile race, only to be lapped by the elites three times. The prospects for the Reforestation Ramble are slim. Can't really afford the registration or gas either, though we have friends who would put us up Sunday night (we have to work Saturdays).

I doubt I will make the Wednesday night race either. I contemplated going to the velodrome in Kenosha this evening for their final event of the season, but it started raining and Misao had the car. Sorry Master man, but thanks for the blanket invitation anyway. Trail work Saturday, but I'm unclear about that. ... I'm unclear about a lot of things. But certainly setting my sites on Tuesday for the 'Wheel and Sprocket' sponsored Odd Tuesday Ride.

But we do have money to pay Best Buy, the God of consumption, a small tribute even after we finish paying for the TV. They offered 18 months free financing on purchases over $499. Our computer was so old and slow, and there are a lot of things I want to do, that we thought it best to upgrade. We didn't get a camera with that but we did get the latest and greatest in anti-virus stuff. It was taking multiple tries to enter my e-mail and five minutes for the inbox to open. ... ... But then the same thing happened with the new computer,... until I changed the password. ... Whatever that suggests. So when getting back from moving like an inchworm through attics of buildings with low sloped roofs filled with blown in insulation digging for cable etc. etc. etc. I've been changing all my passwords. I didn't know I had so many different sign ins on so many different sites. There may be some I have long forgotten about.

I could scan photos to post now but the all-in-one is having trouble connecting to the computer. Looks like no work tomorrow so I'll have time to get everything running and work on the yard and garden which are coming along nicely. I have some shady areas that need some flowers if anyone has any suggestions. Still possible to race Wednesday night. ... And the elites could only lap me twice at the Reforestation Ramble since they only race 50 miles.

To Race or not To Race?

Eventful

Eventful is one of those sites that send you e-mails about what's going on in your community. You can put in demands for your favorite performers to come to your city. I actually like getting their e-mails. I never knew so much was happening in Milwaukee entertainment wise, though I delete them after a quick look. But nothing eventful is happening for me this weekend as far as I know. I wish there were. I did promise a guy at church a punch in the face (he knows why) but if he keeps his mouth shut, or not, that is unlikely.

I went to the gym today and nothing eventful happened there. I did have a piece of one of my teeth fall off when I was brushing last night. Some might call that eventful. Just more money we don't have as I see it. It had been hurting for at least six months but was hoping to get all Misao's dental work done before I went to the dentist again. I don't consider a visit to the dentist eventful either.

My God! Do I sound like Andy Rooney?

But something eventful is happening with the Odd Tuesday Novice Rides held by Metro Mountain Bikers. Those are Tuesdays of odd sequence from the start of each month, the 1st, 3rd and the occasional 5th, and not Tuesdays falling on odd days of the month.

Yes, September 1st, the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm 'Wheel and Sprocket' is sponsoring the ride and food and beverages will be provided. They will also have some bikes for you all to demo on the Hoyt Trail. Some 29er's and others. They, the Wheel and Sprocket' people, were at the last ride and the last club meeting. Each time I neglected to point out that one of the regular Tuesday riders this summer has had only bad things to say about their repair department. The individual in question didn't say anything himself either, being at the last ride.

My friend is actually a cousin of the guy who runs Wheel and Sprocket. I usually see him at the gym but he wasn't there today, which made it even more uneventful than it usually is.

Here I Am

These last few weeks I've put most of my extra energy into the yard or house and on the computer when the energy wasn't there. Still feeling a bit sick and easily tired. Only a few rides that have left me exhausted and some trips to the gym. Today I took my bike to the gym and benched 255lbs which surprised me, since I haven't focused much on the strength training. Everyone backed out on going to the Fair Saturday so I didn't see Don going for the State record books. Did some trail work that morning on Oak Hill 2. The powers to be seemed happy with the progress made.

I decided to clear as much of the stone out of the garden plot as possible. Sifting all the soil a good eight inches down I ended up with four of these buckets full of stone. A bit of fresh soil and some other good things and I hope we can get a lot of spinach, lettuce and radishes before the growing year ends. Saw a fabric on TV that works like a green house. Will cover the plot, thinking I need a 10'x10' sheet, and see how long I can keep things growing. it will keep the plot warm and the rabbits out.

In our second garage I have piles of things for future use. Everything will find a purpose. Here is the stone I've taken out of the garden over the years. A handful or two each time I futzed in the garden. I should have cleaned all the stone out long ago but the garden was producing plenty. Just these last two years it has been dead.

My friend dropped off a lot of lilies, all different colors, and other flowers for the yard Saturday. Putting a plan together in my head as to where it will all go, along with other promised vegetation. Will do much of the work tomorrow. The yard and garden are developing and looking pretty good. Yes though I have been down and having some physical problems I also found determination and conviction and I need it. This old house is loaded with projects most necessary.

That's what you find in life sometimes. Hope and fear, anticipation and dread, hurt and joy all at the same time. Those are things touching on the very essence of what life is all about and require our attentions. When you work through them only good things can result.

I guarantee it.

I have to start riding everyday for substantial distances from now If I want to make the Reforestation Ramble. It is still a marathon format.

Umbau zum City-Bike

Phillip hat ja schon erwähnt, dass ich mein MTB zum City-Bike umgebaut habe. Da ich meinem bisherigen 28" City-Bike die schlechten Radwege in München nicht mehr zumuten wollte, und ich ein zuverlässiges Rad für die tägliche Fahrt zur Arbeit benötige, habe ich mich dazu entschlossen. Ein MTB ist wesentlich robuster und durch die dickeren Reifen auch komfortabler durch den Strassendschungel zu kriegen.

Für ein vernüftiges City-Bike benötigte ich folgende Komponenten:

Scheinwerfer (Busch+Müller) + Scheinwerferhalter (Riese+Müller):

http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p16635_Lumotec-N2-Plus-Halogenlampe-mit-StVZO-Zulassung.html

http://www.komponentix.de/onlineshop/index.html?d__Scheinwerferhalter_riese_muller734.htm

Der Scheinwerfer von Busch+Müller mit Sensor ist eine tolle Sache. Wenn man am Tag durch eine dunkle Unterführung fahrt, geht plötzlich das Licht an. Sobald man wieder rauskommt, geht das Licht wieder aus!

Rücklicht:

http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p20186_Toplight-Flat-Permanent-Ruecklicht-mit-StvZO-Zulassung.html

Radschutz + Spoiler:

http://www.amazon.de/SKS-Radschutz-Bluemels-schwarz-Schutzblech/dp/B0019HHE1G/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=sports&qid=1249671195&sr=1-17

http://www.bike-components.de/products/info/p12601_Spoiler.html

Das vordere Schutzblech habe ich mit Kabelbinder an der Federgabel festgemacht. Das geht aber nur bei einer Marzocchi-Federgabel problemlos, da diese den Bogen in Form eines "M" hat, und deshalb das festgezurrte Schutzblech nicht verrutschen kann! Für die untere rechte Befestigung musste ich etwas basteln, da an der rechten Seite nichts zum festmachen vorhanden ist.

Links kann man die Scheibenbremsenaufnahme zur Befestigung des Schutzbleches verwenden.

Den Online-Shop http://www.bike-components.de/ kann ich sehr empfehlen. Er hat oft sehr gute Angebote, und bei vielen Artikeln sind Kundenbewertungen (ähnlich Amazon) zu finden, die einem bei der Kaufentscheidung weiterhelfen können.

A Beautiful Day

Do days get any finer than today? Sun shining amidst puffy white clouds floating on gentle breezes. Hard not to enjoy it. To be uplifted by the beauty of God's creations. So what else to do but take a long ride right in the middle of the day. Even to the point of cutting into my time listening to tolls of conservative wisdom.

So on this day I mounted my bi-wheeled agent of transport and set off. I traveled public thoroughfares and domains to the trails legitimated and manuchanced by clan Metro. Then, besides fluid paths, I journeyed the creastructions of the 'Master.' Doubly peregrinating monstrous limbs of fallen topiary in my quest for the perfect ride. I saw and conquered the buildifacations of the one called 'Bubba' before making haste over smooth path back to my own province of the Village of Piggs.

My first ride since Friday. I went to neither the gym or the Wednesday night race yesterday. I had gone out to do some yard work, as I have been doing near daily, and felt awful. But today was different, though I was too tired after my two hour ride to get to work I had intended on the house. Hopefully I'll be back to full capacity and beyond for the Reforestation Ramble. It would be wonderful if we could afford the time and currency to make the next WORS event; the Trek Border Battle. But not this year.

Being off the bike for a while my knee started bothering me. It gives me slight troubles these last two years. The fact that it bothers me more when I don't ride suggests that I have good form. I haven't done the strength training for my legs that I planner because of the knee. Doing extensions one leg at a time, so that I don't favor one over the other, my left knee just starts shaking though it doesn't really hurt at 90 lbs, my starting weight. I've actually focused on my arms more than I have in the past.

Misao heard the State Fair was only $2 today but I didn't feel like going. The other Don, not the WORS Don or Don Quixote, the one from the gym, will be trying for a State or better record for bench press in his age group. Not sure what his age group is. Something between 60 and 90. It is hard to tell these days. I may get together with some others from the gym to go and cheer him on. That would be this Saturday... or the next if I heard wrong. ... I think they said noon.

We have missed one of our most loved events, The State Fair, for some years now because of our financial circumstance. You may think it cheaper than a WORS event. But when one attends one must buy the roasted corn, the baked potato, the world famous cream puff and now chocolate covered bacon on a stick (I can't stop drooling), along with means of hydration. Then one must find, among the endless aisles of hawkers touting their wares, a $20 new and never before seen product offered at the special today only for your State fair price to purchase. It's all part of the ritual along with looking at all the animals. A very good walk.

Feel free to comment. It will cheer me up.

The Alterra Coffee Bean Classic

Another successful WORS event in Franklin, Wisconsin. I had been feeling like a cold was coming on for the last week. I had several days of renovation work that kept me from the Thursday ride and had missed the Wednesday night race. Saturday night we ended up working later than we have in a long time. We got home late and I had the jitters all night. Felt nauseous in the morning and had the shakes when I ate some breakfast, so I decided not to race. My wife and I did go to watch though.

It was highly spectated. Again, Al was helping along with the 'Beer Man.' We arrived as the citizens were finishing their race. I took some photos with my wife's phone. Nothing good enough for the photo competition but they'll work here. They also announced that race 11 is changing date and venue. Though they still have to post the details on their site.

Could it be Don Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza? Alas no. It is only 'Wally.' I should have done just as well or better than he if I had raced. I informed him that I always make this climb successfully to which he responded with a successful climb on the next lap. He missed last race with a family emergency and broke his 7 year streak of never missing a race.

Friday was the last time I was able to go out for a ride in a while. Even today I felt too weak and uneasy to go out. Too much work, a heavy heart, stress... who knows. I decided to start drinking non-alcoholic beer in my pursuit if a life of reckless abandon... as soon as I get paid which has been known top take months with that kind of work.