Happy Halloween

Yes I am all set apparently to attain a concealed carry permit. Going through an old wallet I found my hunter’s safety certificate, along with a ticket to the World Trade Center from many a year past. Something I thought I would never find. Of course I cannot currently afford the whole buying a sidearm and becoming proficient at it. Not because becoming truly proficient is required, but because I would demand it of myself. The ammunition and range fees are not cheap.

Has it really been five years since I’ve gone hunting? I have been pulling out my hunting wear, finding all sorts of neat survival gear in the pockets. Plenty of road kill, dead deer, on the roads this time of year with the rut on. Too late to plan a hunting trip this year. My guns could use a good cleaning as they have been sitting idle now for years.

The short days and long nights, the blustery cold winds and dark clouds, make this time of year a time to spend indoors, and the TV show producers are taking advantage with a slew of new shows. Some of a dark nature. Misao has declared with great vigor “Revenge” as ‘our’ show. Sometimes my wife scares me.

And if all this not scary enough, what’s going on with our food? The packaging holds smaller portions. The olive oil Misao buys has changed from glass to plastic bottling. Yet prices still rise. Then among all this the most insidious, hideous and suspicious of all plots unfolds before our very eyes. Wendy’s, that fast food staple now run by Dave’s daughter …Wendy, is now producing their big and tasty burgers. Burgers that actually look like what they have been showing us over these many decades in advertising. One can only imagine the reasoning, the devious intention behind such a tempting offering.

Could things get any worse; more foreboding? Answer me this. How could the garden fencing above be older than that shown to the left? The newer product broken and covered in rust while the older remains clear and strong, standing bold against the elements. Two words that strike fear in the hearts of all men are to blame; Martha Stewart. Yes, these are Kmart products. The more durable (older) of the two bought when Martha Stewart endorsed their garden product line.

Martha Stewart’s influence may seem benign but the controlling reach of her arts and crafts cabal is unmatched throughout the world.

Yes, the days are growing short and dark and reviewing my exercise log I found I hadn’t gone out for a ride in an extremely long time; weeks. So I ventured one day on my mountain bike to an eerie stretch of trail I heard of referred to once as ‘the art trail.’ Part of a social ride long past I have never heard of this ‘art trail’ mentioned since. The horrors of the ordeal obviously blotted out the experience, from the minds of those in attendance. A trail I first found and road under the encouragement of my wife as we were on a ride together. Advantageous to us, though we couldn’t concieve of why at the time, we flew by the one inhabitant standing watch before he knew we were there. Not knowing the nature of the diet of the inhabitants of this hidden neglected stretch of land, and me with my well marbled bullish frame, we counted ourselves fortunate to pass without incident. This is Wisconsin after all.

The arts and crafts nature of the totems that line this path of peril point to a single allegiance, to a figure of craftiness, a dictator of aesthetics; Martha Stewart. And if she has joined forces with Wendy …

What unholy reverence could this alter of handcraft be devoted to?

And what was the fate of the rider of this bicycle, now set in prominence over the trail as if some kind of trophy. Yes, I took  my life into my own hands once more to capture these images. If only in the hope of providing a warning to those who may unintentionally come upon this trail of terror. That recognizing these images they would venture no further, but in consideration of their loved ones turn around and be saved. No. I will not tell you the location of this terrifying trek lest the fool hearted take it upon themselves to test fate. Yet, these arts and crafts omens of doom can be found here and there along most all bike trails, even those so well used as the Hank Aaron Trail. So prevalent is their reach, need I be watchful for my well being? Would this cabal of arts and crafts, and suspicious dietary practices look to silence any and all who would expose them to the light of day?

Having exposed this evil in our midst, if this be my final post, if you are never to be blessed with the inspired flow of wisdom and unmatched knowledge my words convey, never seeking personal reward or gratification for myself, you’ll know why.

Happy Halloween!

Windy ! !! !!! ! ! ! !

The winds have been tormenting this last week. Especially hard on one when working outside all day as I have been doing much of the past week. But the winds, the skies, the temperatures and the fates for some were all wonderfully aligned for WORS’ final event of the season. Sponsored by Wigwam, one of the premiere producers of the stuff that goes under your athletic footwear, and I’m not talking about your feet. Fat Kats, the producers of this, one of the greatest of WORS events, did a great job as always.

The joys of mountain bike riding are only outdone by those of pushing. I have some good video and pictures that I will eventually get up on Flickr and You/Tube for those who want to look for any images of themselves. A Winter project that will require me to subscribe $$$ again to Flickr so I can organize the photos for the convenience of visitors. I arrived as the Citizen class was finishing and left after catching some video of the Elite starts.

An odd job left me feeling old. My body ached after the first day of trenching through dirt and clay. But feeling much better after the second day, then the third and having no real aches or pains after the fourth made me feel confident in my persistent youth. This and the Sweetest Day flower stand, standing out in the severe winds for two days, wore on me but I do enjoy the elements. Hope to get to our forest land up north before Winter sets in. And all signs are this is going to be a severe Winter for us here in the Midwest.

Sometimes my knees bother me. My right when I go down stairs and my left when I go up ladders. Not often, but it gives me concern. I find that loose fitting footwear may be the culprit so I avoid the loafers and sandals these days. It is barefoot or a firmly laced shoe. I believe I heard something on the radio some time back to the same effect. All I know is when I wear anything that lets my foot slide the knee pain frequents.


Of course the joys of grilled meat were far from absent at this latest WORS event, The MTB Challenge, leaving me with a difficult decision; beef burgers or brats? I went with a burger as our finances still don’t allow for me to splurge. When I got back to our friends house in Sheboygan I was treated to Johsonville brat burgers; The best of both worlds. And better yet my wife found bacon for $2/lb. shopping with her friend. The odd jobs I catch are also due to my friends. It is good to have friends.


I have concern over my health though on my latest doctors visit the basic numbers on blood pressure and such were all good. It is some digestive pain issues I have not been able to get checked out properly that concern me, but my weight needs to be addressed also. This Winter will be the critical turning point for my future health. I have not gone down in weight as I usually do every summer as I have been to preoccupied to train and compete nearly as much as in the past. Usual my weight rises every Winter without fail and I have been averaging overall five pounds heavier every year for the last many years. I must reverse this trend and this Winter, hopefully with the help of a trainer for my bike, I must determine to bring my weight down. Yes, William Shatner is overweight with a frame similar to mine and looks young and vibrant at eighty years old, but I think it best I try to drop about fifty pounds at least.


Happy Birthday to Misao! Her brother in Japan now has become a bit of a blogger. Next time I’ll put up some videos.

Golden Harvest

I really should take my camera out on my weekly route. The fields are turning gold, the pumpkins are stockpiled along the sides of the road for sale to anxious youth shining in their gleaming autumn orange and the leaves are beginning to turn. The weather is beautiful. I hope this Indian Summer does not mean an early Winter though it will get me to writing a lot more on my book(s).

My weekly drive also takes me by the Trek facilities here in Wisconsin as well as the major beekeeping equipment suppliers in the state. I miss keeping bees. The small towns have some very interesting small bike shops with rustic allure.

With competing out of my mind for this year the training has dropped in priority, though I am looking forward to our trip to Sheboygan this Sunday. I hope to get some good shots and video from the WORS race and Misao will be visiting with friends there. Hopefully the colors will be at their peak making the trip truly enjoyable on most every level. Hope to have many great pictures to share.

House repairs… They are unending. I filled this crack with a 3M product. The crack was there before the mud jacking of the garage apron which was done well. I took a masonry chisel and widened the crack so the patching cement, that came in caulking tubes, could really get into the crack and have its own solid presence, and the process also provided a clean surface. I vacuumed and brushed it out. It’s how you prepare a crack for repair. The learning never stops here. Learning and sharing about how to do things well is part of what makes life a joy. The cement product was a bit rubbery so I don’t have any after pictures. Didn’t trowel well (maybe I waited too long). But it doesn’t look too bad. I may grind it down smooth later.

I asked Misao to be more careful about spending money on frivolous things. She said she doesn’t. Another plus for Sunday, race day, is that the Packers play in the evening; Sunday Night Football. I knew the Detroit Lions would come back and beat the Dallas Cowboys last week because the Packers are never allowed to sit free and clear as leaders of the Central Division (is it the North Division now?). Misao bought two of these plastic popcorn tubs for football season. The Packers and Lions are now the only two undefeated teams, for all you international readers who might not be keeping up with football. The real football that all real men follow.

I have been considering going back to school for a Masters in a year or two. Today they have an open house for potential graduate students but I am unable to make most of the activities as our car is in the shop again. Just when you start to get ahead something happens.

Shopping around for a good trainer I see that those computerized models where you can follow routes on your computer or TV screen are not as expensive as I thought. You can even race others over the Internet. My Capitalist Watch List in the sidebar has Internet sellers that have some systems on sale. It looks like if you get a good sales price you could get one with all the necessary accessories for under $1,000. Still too expensive for me right now, but you never know what the future holds. I know the best computerized trainers run several thousand.

The Brewers are going for it all this afternoon. If they win they are in, if they lose they are out. What steams me is with all these stadiums, including ours, being paid for with tax payer’s money we cannot see the game on broadcast TV, only paid TV. Everyone makes more money if the series go all five games. Just like my dad thought the whole losing streak towards the end of the season was all planned as no one makes money when you have a runaway team. Why go to a game if nothing is at stake. if it is all a scam the Brewers will bury the Diamond Backs today. The game will just be a formality.

Go Brewers!

Under the Weather

I have been feeling under the weather. Have a bit of a cold. Not riding as seriously after deciding not to compete, but only to take pictures, at the WORS Wigwam MTB Challenge; the final event of the season. The money saved will provide a bit of a chunk of the funds I need to get a trainer this Winter. The weather is already chilly.

This Saturday will be the Metro Mountain Biker’s social ride. I do not attend such events as drinking alcohol is too much of a feature. But it is known to be great fun and I haven’t heard of any problems on the roads on such events. The trails are a different matter.

One of the things which has kept me busy and worn me down was a wedding this last Saturday. They had a photo booth for all the guests. Not sure if they got the idea from Jay Leno. Two copies, one for the guests and one for the wedding album. Very nice idea. Here is one of the shots of us.

You may have noticed my wife’s highly fashionable eyewear. Those are actually my new glasses. I have been met by people I know, when they see me in my new spectacles, with laughter or remarks such as; “You look like a completely different person.” The progressive lenses take a bit of getting used to but are great for desk work. No problem with driving but I wouldn’t want to ride mountain bike trails with them. I have single vision sunglasses for riding (and driving) when I don’t wear my contacts. People say I look like Yakusa with them on. I just can’t wear contacts continuously.

My cousin also wrote a book and is working on another. He has done much research on the plane crash he wrote about (as a work of fiction) and the book is gripping for the unquestioned expertise it conveys as he is a pilot himself. That with a good story easy to understand makes it a great read. I am sure his writing will grow in complexity as he writes more. He’s an interesting character.

It was ‘World No Car Day’ last week and in celebration I spent nearly twelve hours behind the wheel of our car working. Another reason I got worn out. I need to make sure I am taking in liquids and food during my long delivery route so I don’t suffer later or lose focus while I am working. First time out I got lost twice. Some have asked me if I have claimed disability as my health conditions seem to leave me easily tired at times. No. I would never outside of losing some significant physical or mental capacity. I believe if I can drop some significant weight and watch what I put into my body I am just as durable as any other. I was surprised how well I road mountain bike this year considering my weight and the amount of time I trained. I was riding fifteen pounds heavier than last year yet I felt improvement in my climbing strength.

Still determined to get in a lot of riding this year. When I ordered my copy of “Ride the Divide” I also got a smart wool beanie that will serve me well into the Winter season, keeping my noggin toasty warm.

Some hideous creature knocked our peaches off the tree at night and ate them.

FOOTBALL!

What other title will due in such a fantastic season of the year. The cool weather does not dissuade me from riding, I just haven’t had time and this week has a lot going on. But Misao called and encouraged me to get out and exercise so I took a good walk. A have a weekly job of driving all day long to make deliveries. Because I am using our own car we will have to see how much we actually can clear and if I will keep the job long term. Sitting all day is the worst job for me health wise so I need to be more attentive of getting more exercise and losing weight. I am already spending two nights a week driving.

Life is wondrous. This tree is growing out of a dead stump out of a rotting bit of bark. My new eyeglasses are ready. The progressive lenses are not good for riding. The peripheral is a bit blurry and the lower vision is distorted, but they will be great for working on my books. A whole new style and look with a whole new fortune to go with it. The contacts are for riding only though I did get some single vision sunglasses that I hope will work great with riding and poker. Many riders believe Lasik surgery was the best decision they ever made. If the progressives don’t work out for general use I may get another of the same design in a single vision lens.

They say football is too violent with many old former players now suffering serious brain injuries. They say the hits are too hard. some claim it was not like that when they only had leather helmets. Some say getting rid of helmets would solve the problem. My solution is similar. First of all I believe the three point stance will be illegal in the future as most people do. But rather than getting rid of helmets so players will not hit so hard I say get rid of shoulder pads.

This weekend is a family event; a wedding. Last wedding everyone said they were not going until three days before when they said they were. Since I had made other plans and had no idea who the people getting married were and no one could tell me how they were related to the family I didn’t go. But me and my cousin were buddies as kids and his is tying the knot. This legal and health matters keep me off the bike, as well as needed house repairs that I can now do as we are getting some money put aside.

Maybe a trainer would be useful even now as the nights are getting longer and evenings are easier for getting in a ride. It was nice to get out for a walk. I used to take lots of walks before our dogs died. Not sure if we will ever get another dog.

Rays MTB Milwaukee is opening October 1st with a season grand opening event on the 15th. I hear they are looking for a new location as mothers don’t want to take their BMX youth to the northwest side location. It is considered a very tough neighborhood though I heard of no problems and they have a security guard outside the entrance with a clear view of all the vehicles. I think it is just a far drive for most enthusiasts and gas prices are high.

FOOTBALL!

Yes, football is back. What we all live for. And the Packers are off to a great start. What a game! I think they just faced their greatest competition this year. Too bad coach McCarthy still does not know how to coach the closing minutes of a game. Same as last year, game after game, along with special team flubs. We could have a relaxing roll away season burying all foes before us, but no we must risk cardiac arrest every game as he invites the opposition to run roughshod over us in the last four minutes of every game. Still I am predicting a 12-4 winning season for the Packers. There is talk they will play in London next year.

I had to open the season in style. I ran out and bought some coconut oil for my popcorn popping. Coconut oil has been vilified in the various forms of media man subjects himself to these days but I have found it is extremely healthy. Not sure why the movie theaters dropped it. Sounds like product sabotage to me. And if you don’t like to put butter on your popcorn you have to be using coconut oil. It just tastes great, it’s good for your heart and you can use it on your skin and in your hair… the coconut oil that is. One of the best purchases I ever made. Medium high heat causes the popcorn to take longer to pop but it is well worth the extra time.

Misao has been more focused on serving sizes as the years pass, concerned over my weight. We also try to set a general menu. The Sunday menu will be popcorn and other various football appropriate snacks for the first two games, topped off with a salad for the Sunday Night Game. Church followed by ten plus straight hours of football, can it get any better? Only if we had cable or satellite TV.

We stopped by Teavana the other day in Mayfair Mall. The young gentleman there was enthusiastic and committed to the world of tea. he told us about everything that was good for appetite suppression, raising metabolism, helping digestion, etc.. etc. He’s made an impression on our neighbor also. He spoke a bit fast and exalted the ‘real’ teas, poo poo-ing the rooibos teas as ‘some bush’ though I hear the rooibos is very good for you. Not that I am calling him a tea Nazi, he might take offense at that.

We ended up buying a bit of Oolong tea. I am thinking of using an appetite suppression tea. Work hard on the trainer this Winter, take in planned nutrition to fit the workout and then drink plenty of tea to keep me from over eating, as I get extremely hungry when I workout a lot. It is actually cheaper to buy at the Teavana store as there is a 12% sales tax on items purchased from their main facility in Atlanta. The tea Nazi can set you up with anything you need.

There was a long dry spell for this blog and I have lost a bit of s following. I have to be more vigilant in sharing my wit, common sense and helpful hints for near all one’s daily concerns. All part of my plan to RULE THE WORLD!

Grilling

Sorry Californians, no pictures. I forgot my camera when partaking of the endless generosity of the Wheel and Sprocket crowd that hosted what may be the final Odd Tuesday Ride. No pictures of the grilled meats or the three fantastic bikes they had for people to demo either, though by the time we got back from the ride it was already dark.

We ended up there at one point, as the fencing around the flood control work is down. It was again a joy to be out in the forest with my bike and the company was good. They say riding by yourself is more enjoyable as one is not pushed beyond what they see as comfortable limits, condition or ability wise. But these Odd Tuesday Rides are always no drop rides so anyone who rides their bike at least once a week should be able to enjoy them. A brisk pace but not too fast, stopping at regular intervals to check everyone is still there and to explain the trail system in the area.

And it is nice to ride in a group. Keeping a tight formation, at least to start, keeping one on their toes, accelerating and break in quick response to the one you are behind to keep right on their back tire.

Riding to the event made it well over a fifteen mile ride for me. Wasn’t expecting it to be so dark when we got back from the ride and I had to get a brat and a burger afterwards. So the ride home was very dark and my bike was fit for racing meaning… I should have brought my lights.

Here are the Morning Glories that cover our fence. It takes most of the Summer for them to fill out and bloom. Dreamed of that land of the morning calm last night and most all my friends there. (That would be Korea) We have a second batch of baby rabbits invading our back yard this year. They hardly pay us any notice even though we are into the R months. You know you shouldn’t eat rabbit in months that don’t have an R in them. They can carry a fever in the Summer. Maybe I’ll get up hunting in the North Woods this year, at least small game. Today will be yard work.

The WORS 2012 season schedule is out. I am planning to be in fantastic shape next year. Getting back into the spirit though my former adversaries seem absent from the races this year. Have to take on a whole new crowd next year. Have to get a trainer before the New Year. Emery’s has some trainers and other fitness equipment. A full service bicycle place with a side of home fitness and a slice of triathlon gear for desert. They always have a high end computerized trainer available to demo. I never tested the equipment as I never had the money to buy one yet.

Very few peaches this year. Alois has been taking advantage of the fine weather Europe has been experiencing recently and doing lots of riding. Looking forward to his next post. Renewing his glider certification is more complicated than he thought.

My mother is making the doctors look good as her surgery went well. Her healing is a bit slower than desired so she is still in the hospital after her heart surgery. Thanks to all concerned.