Sim·pli·fy

Mom's New Boots

2010-01-09T11:09:00.000-06:00

For my mom's birthday it was decided that us girls(4) were going to get her new winter boots. She has two pairs of boots now, she told me that one pair is probaby 50 years old and the other I remember from when I was in high school. That is how old they are. So I decided that mom needed a new pair of boots and she was going to get UGGs. I have a pair and they are awesome at keeping my feet warm. Mom was not thrilled with this idea, she thought her boots were perfectly fine. That was until this past Thursday. When we go the snow and it was below zero. I was talking to her and she said, I need those boots you want to get me. So Friday I meet her uptown in Pella at Brown's shoe store. Just a little info on mom. She is a bargin shopper and is always looking at prices. So I thought that I would get to the store before her and get the sales people up to date. Basically under NO circumstances was she to see the prices. I walk into the store and she is already there. Luckily they were looking at the wrong boots, saved there. The sales person and I sat her down and started bringing her boots to try on. She finally had it down to two boot. So I had her put a different boot on each foot. After walking around she had made her decision. (this was 20 minutes later and after alot of questions). She picked the ones I was wanting for her to begin with but she needed to choose for herself. They are a beautiful soft brown leather with the UGG shearling inside. She wanted to wear them out of the store so the sales person sprayed them down with sealant for her.

I paid for the boot and the sales person boxed up her old ones and away we went...But wait the price is on the box. So I had the sales person mark out the cost of the boots. Then mom and I went to Smokey Row for lunch. As we were walking, I actually think mom was strutting alittle, mom goes.."these are really warm". I just smiled.

Mom and her new boots.

I called her later and she said that they are two pretty to wear. I informed her that she will wear them everytime she goes out and there is snow on the ground or it is cold. That UGGs are like pearls you need to wear them. I dont know if she believed that but I was worth a try. I stopped out after work and gave the boots another good spraying with the waterproof spray. So Mom is all set for the winter. If history serves she will have her new boots for a long time.

Oh on a side note. She could read the price on the box. I think she got out a magnifying glass to do this but oh well. I think she is excited to have a new pair of boots.

I had fun watching her try on all of them.

Until Next time...PEACE

Getting Rid of Stuff

2010-01-05T20:44:00.000-06:00

I have started my simplification project for 2010. Today Bill took 2 huge boxes to goodwill. One contained 42 cookbooks. I enjoy looking at cookbooks but I only use maybe 5 of them. Hopefully someone who will use them can find a good bargin. I have gone through all of the totes on one wall, cleaning them out and labeling them hoping to keep cycling, running, household stuff more organized. I also shredded about 4 bags of old bills etc. It just feels good to get rid of things that are not used or needed.

My next project is going to be to go through all of the dvd, cd etc and put them in order.

Until Next time Peace

2010

2009-12-27T21:58:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! I hope that your holidays were all that you expected and wanted. You can probably tell what my goal is for the year. I want to simplify my life. I think it will take more than a year but I can get a good start. I am going to start going through all of my stuff. If i have not opened it, looked at it, worn it or even knew I had it, it is going out the door.

I believe that you cannot truly be happy if you are worried about the materialistic things in your life. Wearing or owning the "it" name brands. It is a waste of money, time and energy.

So I am going to simplify. I am going to enjoy life more. I am going to try to enjoy working out not make it a chore, I want to enjoy my friends. Maybe I should say I want to simplify and enjoy. :).

So there are my plans for 2010. Simplify and Enjoy.

Peace

In Memory

2009-07-06T20:48:00.003-05:00

It does not seem that long ago that I was writing about having to put Sophie down. In reality it was not that long ago. I am sad at having to do it again. This time for Blackers.

On Monday the 29th I took Blackers to the vet, Bill and I had both noticed that he has not been acting or feeling well. The vet listened to his heart and got a funny look on his face. Blackers heart was not working. An EKG was done and his heart rate would go from 102 to 248 to 150. His heart was failing. I decided to have blood work done to see if it was his kidneys or liver. AS I was waiting for Blackers to be brought back out, i realized that I didnt have a choice. I couldnt afford to pay 2-3 hundred dollars to get an animal cardiologist involved and if it was his kidney or liver, I would not put him through the IV's etc. I could not let him suffer so I made the decision to put him down.

I have not been handling this very well, Blackers was my buddy. He slept with me, met me at the door and was always with me when I was home. I felt like I was failing him. I was letting him down by putting him down. As they were giving him the shot I was telling him how much I loved him and thanked him for all of his companionship and that I would see him again someday. I told him he was going to go and see Charlie and Sophie.

Every time I go to bed I miss him, he would always be there waiting for me. I think that I will have a hard time for a long time. I know he had a good life however it is very difficult.

Blackers thank you for everything, for helping me through so much. I will always love and remember you. I will see you again someday.

with a heavy heart...peace

Hello

2009-03-26T20:53:00.003-05:00

It has been a looong time since my last posting...it is amazing how time just gets away from you. The problem is I have a lot to say and nothing to say. Does that make any sense at all. I started my training for my season of tri's the first of January. It was going very well for a while, however since the time change it has been awful. I have just been tired. I know that I do not get enough sleep.

I joined a cycling team this year. All Nine Yards - Pinks. They are a great group of ladies. However I am wondering if that was a good idea for me. I feel pressure, Which I am totally putting on myself, to participate and do well. I want to do well so that I can do the team and sponsors proud. I need to get in the mind set that you do the best that you can and that is all that anyone can ask of you.

I think another thing makes me nervous is riding with a set group. When you go on RAGBRAI you are riding with alot of people yet you are usually only with one or two people, I am so use to riding by myself that when I get in a group setting I get way nervous. JS and I ride very well together, I enjoy my rides with her. I tried one gravel ride with the gravel group and it was a disaster for me. I know that I need to keep going to them however I am finding myself backing away. Making all kinds of excuses. I am finding myself backing away from all of the activities that the Pinks are doing. Like the Wed ladies night at Bike World and the modeling of clothing that evening.

I want to belong just having a hard time at the moment.

On to a lighter subject. I can tell that spring is here. My grass is starting to turn green, the birds are singing and my cats are driving me nuts..:). They have spring fever really bad. I try to open the windows so the ones in the house can get some fresh air. I am mentally planning out my backyard, I am going to replant some grasses and get rid of others. Bill is going to build me some more raised gardens so I can plant some more veggies. Love fresh veggies. Now if i could only have a chicken coop...dont think that would fly in town. :)

I am looking forward to sitting on my deck and just enjoying the weather.

Well that is about all that has been going on with me.

Until next time..PEACE

Must Read..

2009-01-06T17:24:00.003-06:00

If you have love for any animal you need to read this article. It will break your heart and make you smile.

5 of my kids

2008-12-27T12:04:00.004-06:00

The kids got a fish for christmas. Winston was checking it out.

A catnip induced fight. Looks like Thomas has the upper hand so to speak.

Diva #1 Posom

Diva #2 Spaz

The elder man Blackers

PEACE

The Curtain has closed

2008-12-14T19:22:00.012-06:00

The stage is dark, the seats are empty. Costumes have been cleaned and props stored. The Curtain has closed on the Newton Community Theater's production of "Scrooge".

The last 11 days have been a whirlwind, 8 shows in 11 days. I was honored to play the part of Mrs. Cratchet. We had been rehearsing 4 days a week since Sept. Sept and Oct I did not have to be at each practice. November was a different story 4 even 5 days a week.

The show included a cast of 61, ages ranging from 6 to 70. It was a great experience to work with so many different people some I have worked with before, most I had not.

To say that the show was good does not even come close to how great of a show it actually was. We performed 8 shows and for all 8 shows, we were getting standing ovations before the last song was done. At first I didn't quite understand why then someone said to me. "You have one lead character, scrooge, however look at the supporting cast..you have people playing supporting character's that have had the leads in shows before." Then it hit me how incredible this show was.

Am I sad that it is over, yes, Am I tired and ready for a break, oh yes. I do not think we could have done another show most of the cast were getting colds and losing their voices.

It is hard to believe that it is almost Christmas. I have not started Christmas shopping, I need to get that done sometime this week. I actually am having a hard time getting motivated to shop.

My stage husband was Gary Kopsa. The question I was most asked was "Are you 2 really married"? The statement I heard the most to me.."I didnt know that you could sing". Surprise! :)Click HERE for more Pictures of the shows. Sorry they uploaded out of order.

I am sad that it is over however it is time to move on. After Christmas I will start my triathlon training again.

CREATING SCROOGE:
I helped make Lonnie who is 39 into a 60 year old looking Mr. Scrooge. It was alot of fun.

Lonnie as Lonnie

Lonnie as Mr. Scrooge

Click Here to see how it was done, I enjoy make up not the kind that makes you pretty but the special effects stuff.

Click Here for Final cast party Pictures. Over look the hair I had a fake bun and to make it work they pretty much plastered my hair with hair products..ickky..:)

It is Monday and I have had a day to reflect and I miss my Cratchet family. I know that I will see them around. I feel like I did after doing the Hy-Vee Tri. I have put in so much time on this project, That now that it is over I am lost. "What do I do now?" I need to just relax and rest up spring is coming..I just got the entry form for BRRR..hard to believe that Brrr is just around the corner.

I wish you all Happy Holiday and Peace on Earth!

PEACE

In Memory

2008-11-28T21:12:00.003-06:00

It was a sad day at the Goodman household, I had to have our Sophie put to sleep. She has been fighting a thyroid issue for years. Lately she has not been able to make it to the kitty litter and her back legs were starting to give out.

I do not now for sure how old Sophie was, she showed up the fall of 1996(I think that is the right year) and has been a part of our family since. If I had to guess I would say she was 13-15 years old.

Her nickname was Toto. I will miss Toto but I know that she is in a better place. I told her that where she was going she would be young again and could play with all of the other kitties, like she use to.

This has been A very difficult day for me, I do not like making these decisions, It just breaks my heart. I know there are alot of people who do not understand the bond between humans and animals but believe me it is a very strong bond. I am glad that I had the strength to be talking to her and petting her as she passed away. I have always said, my cats have been good friends to me and I will be with them to the end no matter how hard it is. The other cats knew something was going on, they have not left myside all day and for that I am greatful.

Toto thank you for being there for me, it was a pleasure taking care of you all of these years. I will see you again someday! Love you.

PEACE

Bikers have big hearts...Triathlons are not just for healthy people

2008-11-16T17:34:00.003-06:00

When I say that I am a cyclist alot of times I get the "oh you are one of THOSE people". I have not quite figure out what THOSE people do however if that is what a cyclist does then yes I am one of "THOSE" people. I dont think that "NON THOSE PEOPLE" really understand what "THOSE PEOPLE" are all about. Most of them are very caring people. So as I find things in my reading or internet searching. I am going to mention some of "THOSE" people with big hearts.

One of "THOSE" is Robbie, Oakley Rob, RVS he has many names. I have known Rob a long time. I met him through Bill. His Nickname at the time was Baby Burf..make your own joke there.

What really caught my attention was this year when I was e-mailing him about some glasses and he said that he was doing the Hy Vee Tri as a team. I though great, however It was not just a three man team it was a 4 man team. The way I understand is Rob has a friend that has Noonan's disease, and he wanted to do a Triathlon. So Robbie and 2 other friends. Said ok we will do this tri with you. So they set up a team. I know the swimmer was Greg Allen. Greg is acutally from Pella and 3 years ahead of me in school. The runner was Rich Newkirk.

How I got to thinking about this again was I was talking to Rob at a cross race and asked him if they were going to do more tri's. He said that they told his friend that they would do 1 to 2 tri's a year. Hy Vee was not just a one time deal. I was looking thru the Hy Vee pics and came across the ones below..

They say that a picture is worth a 1000 words. Look at his face, it is pure joy.

Alot of times I will get into the oh woest me mind set, then I see pics like the ones above and realize how lucky I am. To Be healthy and to know people like Rob.

PEACE.

Change Is Good

2008-11-12T18:35:00.003-06:00

As you can see I have changed the look of my blog. I decided that for 2009 I am going simple. You cannot get more simple than black and white. I thought that I would let the posts and pictures add the color. I have also changed the title of the Blog. I have so many sayings that inspire me, so look for different ones added to the title every month or so. I hope that you enjoy the changes. Continue to stop by and see what it going on in my life...

PEACE

Bah Humbug

2008-09-16T20:59:00.003-05:00

Yes I am back at the Newton Communit Theater in the production of Scrooge the musical. I got the part of Mrs. Cratchit and Yes, I even get to sing. Ok it is a duet but It is singing. There are a few directors that I will audition for Wanda and Tim being two of them. Bill kind of pushed me in that direction. He said that I have been training so hard that I need to do something else to just kind of get a break. I will still exercise and do winter maintance however not really start to push it again until after the first of the year.

I am excited about this part, It has been almost two years since I did No No Nannette, we did a read through tonight it went very well. I know it will be a great show. So if you like theater and want to see a great christmas production. Come on over to Newton the first part of December and see Scrooge the musical.

PEACE...Bah Humbug :)

Inspector

2008-09-02T17:58:00.003-05:00

Bill and I are about done installing our new P-fit Pella windows. In July we got 7 new Pella windows to fit into existing frames. They went in so easy we decided to finish the rest of the house. But as you know you always have to have an inspector check things out to make sure that you did things right.

Below are a couple of pictures of our inspector...a trusting lad I was the only thing keeping him from falling out of a two story window.

Got to love them....PEACE

Thomas and Winston

2008-08-25T21:00:00.003-05:00

I caught Thomas and Winston being ...well Thomas and Winston

Thomas

Winston

PEACE

Difference a year makes...

2008-08-18T12:39:00.003-05:00

I posted this a year ago...

Thomas and Winston are 10 weeks old today. They are a joy to have around and would love to keep them, however I am still looking for a loving home to take both of them. I will not split them up now they take such good care of each other.

Thomas and Winston are a NOW a year and 10 weeks old....

Bill took these pictures, for some reason they like sleeping on the trash can...silly boys! They are by Handsome boys and are still taking good care of each other.

June 22nd will be here soon

2008-06-08T20:04:00.001-05:00

The tri that I have been training so hard for will be here in 14 day. Read how my training has been going....

Dan and Julies Biking Adventure

2008-05-10T22:49:00.002-05:00

Read about my Friday bike ride on the Racoon River Trail

Weddings bring families together

2008-05-10T17:57:00.004-05:00

My cousin Debbie got married today in Pella. It was kind of an unusual wedding, we were all suppose to wear western attire. Ok if that is what they want. I wore a lite blue cotton skirt with a peasant blouse and sandles. There were cowboy hats, string ties, jeans, skirts, boots if it was western it was there. What a fun time. It was a short and sweet wedding but what was fun was catching up the the cousins. We do not get together often enough and when we do it is just talk talk talk. It was a nice way to spend a saturday afternoon.

My Aunt Marlena on the Left and my mom on the right

Cousin Brenda, Kristi married to cousin Danny and me

Cousin Brenda, Cousin Debbie, me and cousin Danny

Iowa's Midsummer Bike Dream...By Phillip Ross

2008-04-26T21:55:00.006-05:00

I am notorious for clipping out articles that catch my attention and in the Readers Digest from I think 1984 there was an article called Iowa's Midsummer Bike Dream..By Phillip Ross. I found it very interesting so I am going to reprint it here for you. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did...PEACE

Iowa's Midsummer Bike Dream...By Phillip Ross

I am leaning against my bike under a shade tree in front of a farmhouse in northeastern Iowa. It is late July 1983, the temperature is above 90, and I'm exhausted. My odometer says I've put in 70 miles of back roads since morning. My body says I'm hurting all over. The map says I have 35 miles to go.

A few feet away an endless stream of bikers is passing, 7000 in all. Watching them, I ask myself, What am I, a city boy who gave up two wheelers 30 years ago, doing in this thing called Ragbrai?

Ragbrai is an acronym for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, the largest event of it's kind in the world. It is a 500 mile week-long trek that began 11 years ago when two writers from the Des Moines Register set out on a lark to prove that their state wasn't flat. As they filed stories each night, other bikers joined them en route. In the years since , more than 50,000 people from all 50 states and as far away as Australia have come along for the ride, and many make it an annual pilgrimage.

Why am I among them? In New York City, I had asked friends who are native Iowans what is so special about Ragbrai. When one of them said, "Ragbrai is like seeing a Norman Rockwell painting come alive," I was hooked. I mailed my application to the Register, together with $12.50 to have my luggage trucked along the route. Then I laid out $300 for a bike and flew to the Hawkeye State...

Saturday, July 23rd, 1983

I get a ride from Des Moines west to Onawa, the staging p;oint for this year's ride. On the outskirts of this town of 3283, a sign greets up: You'll like us. We are friendly. Cars, buses and vans, all laden with bicycles mounted upside down, are converging on a campground spreading around the Ragbrai information booth.

Hundreds of bikers head out of town for the ritualistic dip of their rear wheels in the muddy Missouri River, the state's western border with Nebraska. I look for the first of the families I have arranged to stay with by writing to local chambers of commerce. My host is Chuck Orsini, co-chairman of the Onawa Ragbrai Committee. Chuck tells me that ha and none co-workers have spent 200 hours each planning for this day since Onawa was notified of its selection to be a host town nearly six months ago. (Communities vie to be part of a route that changes from year to year)

Sunday July 24th, 1983

By 5:30 a.m. hosts of bikers are standing in line for the two dollar pancakes and sausage breakfast that Chuck's crew has been preparing since two o'clock. I begin to pedal at six. There is a slight drizzle, welcome relief from the heat. As far as the eye can see, front or back, there are bikers. They are riding two and three abreast, moving like alien creatures into the early Dawn. As we pedal into hill country past mile after mile of corn and soybean fields, the only sounds are of birds chirping and gears shifting.

We have 62 miles to go this day to Harlan. With only a third of it gone, I am ready to concede that not all Iowa is flat. My thighs are aching from the hills. At Soldier, I stop for coffee and hear that among the bikers who will become legends on this tour are two Hawkeyes riding a tandem. The man in front, 32 year old Herbie Althaus, has no legs and pedals with artificial limbs. The man in back, 36 year old Pat McLuen, is blind. i have seen another much talked of biker, Henry Braafhart. he has gray hair, and the back of his T-shirt reads "82 and Good as New."

At the halfway point, the heavens open up. I haven't packed rain gear, and for ten miles struggle against head winds.I arrived soaking wet in Panama, a town of 300, where several hundred bikers have taken refuge in a grove of trees. Sitting in a car under one of these trees is John Dressel, his gravelly voice booming over a microphone "Welcome to Panama. Free beer and lemonade. Polish sausages one dollar." John is a retired farmer, and as I dry off at his side he tells me that he has bad feet and that his mike comes from being civil defense director, "which entails watching for tornado's and some other things that I cannot recall right now."

The rain stops. The hills continue. I see young racers riding one behind the other, wheels almost touching, to cut down the wind resistance. I see the dawdlers who are content to enjoy the scenery. There are the oddities: a group in war paint, a women carrying a dachshund in her rear basket, a few who are pedaling odd contraptions that do not look much like bicycles. The Oettings, Mike and Elena, are hauling there two young children in a buggy attached to the rear of Mike's bike. When I comment that pulling two kids 50 miles would not be my idea of a fun family vacation, he smiles. "Fun is not what we are looking for," he says "Adventure is."

Monday, July 25th, 1983

This is Ragbrai's shortest day, 46 miles to Guthrie Center, and it takes only a few miles to figure out why. Hills, hills, hills.

I chug along side a white haired women who tells me she's 73 and is slow pedaling up the hills but enjoys coming down them. I wish her well and pick up my pace. Coasting down another hill, I hear a loud "Whoopee!" I turn my head just in time to watch her whiz past.

Soon I spot a farmer sitting on his front lawn. "Nice to see you," I say. "You betcha" he answers. " How far to Kimballton?" I ask. " Two and a half hills up the road," he says.

Kimballton is a Danish town, lined with Danish and American flags. As in all the other villages en route, Kimballton's people have pulled out the stops for us bikers. The hot item on their menu is aebleskiver-sugary Danish pancakes- and there are long lines waiting to try them. A resident tells me about Kimballton's monthly dances, attended by people of all ages. I tell her I cannot imagine my two teenage daughters going to a dance with their father back in New York. "I guess things are a little different here,: she replies.

That afternoon, I ride for five miles atop along ridge under billowy clouds. The ridge is known as the "M and M" because water on it's western side flows to the Missouri and on it eastern side to the Mississippi. In every direction there are views of patchwork fields with farmhouses and barns, each separate, each complete, each producing. It is all quietly exhilarating, and I try to store up on it, as thought it were energy, for the hills.

I arrive in Guthrie Center exhausted. There are lines for food, cold showers and chemical toilets. I buy a soft drink from three 12 year old girls raising funds for the Valley reamers 4-H club.They say they are very excited about having us here. I ask Why. "Because Guthrie Center is usually boring," Julie Schoonover says. "Dull," Julie Donovan adds. "Dead, " chimes in Teresa McCool.

When I ask where else they'd like to live, they exchanger glances and say that, well, maybe Guthrie Center is as good a place as any.

Tuesday, July 26th, 1983

Up and at 'em at 5:30. Mist hangs low over a field of soybeans. But outside of town the road rises, and the early-morning sun is hitting the spokes of the wheels...flash,flash,flash... as hundreds of bikes ascend as if to heaven.

I share this breathtaking scene with two 23 year old women, Lori Salus and her friend Kate Lounsberry, both from Oregon. They rather matter of fact tell me that they began biking six weeks ago in Oregon, timed their trip to hook up with Ragbrai, and will continue on at week's end to Michigan.

The hills suddenly end and we are in the Iowas I have been eagerly looking forward to...flat as she goes. On the way to Ames, we hit a stretch of four lane highway where we are brushed by the draft from passing trucks. a jarring reminder of how much Ragbrai depends on the practically car-less secondary roads we mostly use.

A few miles onto country roads again, and I come to Bouton, population 130. I hitch my steed outside the air conditioned oasis of Friendship Hall of the Christ Lutheran Church. Inside there's a counter overflowing with homemade cakes, pies, sandwiches. I stoke up for for 70 cents.

Wednesday, July 27th, 1983

The less said about this day the better. I am up at five, and everything inside me rebels against biking 71 miles today. I pedal slowly out of town, cursing Ragbrai, Iowa and myself. Half a day later. I lie down to nap. Ants crawling over y legs motivate me to move on. I feel a surge of strength and pedal furiously for 15 miles. When I stop for lemonade, I am filled with self congratulations. Then I overhear several bikers talking about how easy the last stretch was because we had a tail wind. So much for my inner resources.

I am picked up at day's end by my friends the Coursons and Lynners. They take me to their lakeside cottage, were everyone has helped prepare a potluck dinner.

Thursday, July 28th, 1983

A welcome break. To get an overview of Ragbrai, I ride the "sag wagon" a van and trailer that moves up and down the road picking up bikes and bikers who have broken down. The volunteer driver is Kay Reasoner, a legal secretary from Des Moines.

We begin our ride at 9:30 a.m. and, within an hour, have our full complement of 16 riders. These include a family of four with bad colds, plus two teenagers with knee problems. All enter the van silently, with a sense of defeat that is not reduced by the good natured boos and shouts of "Never!" that the sag wagon draws when it passes bikers.

Kay fills me in on a nursing mother whose husband was riding with the baby. The two became separated, feeding time arrived, and bikers began passing word of the problem until the parents were reunited. A different kind of reunion story Kay tells me is about a "same time next year" couple who make the bike ride their annual tryst.

Friday, July 29th, 1983

This is the big one, 105 miles from Grundy Center to Manchester. I am up at five and raring to go. My sense of purpose lasts until I step outside. It is raining steadily. I begin riding with the enthusiasm of someone on the way to an IRS audit.

A mile or two out, the rain stops, and the day emerges cool and cloudy, ideal biking weather. Energy surges as I move through countryside aromatic with alfalfa and clover. I stop at Brandon's Koffee Kup Kafe, where the curtains are checkered red and while, and along one wall are photographs of every high school graduating class since 1920. Some of the pictures have only six faces. I order homemade muffins, bacon and eggs, all of which taste like they are supposed to.

By 11, I'm slowing down. I stop at the 68 mile marker for a rest. I know I must be getting tired because I check my odometer when I get off the bike and check it again when I leave, to see if, by some miracle, it has advanced.

As I leave one rest stop, I hear the shrill screams of hogs. A farmer is using an electric prod to move his fattened crop up a ramp into a big semi, which he tells me will deliver them to the slaughterhouse.

I am feeling grim for the next ten miles. But as I enter dairy country, where cows live linger, my outlook improves. Later, when my odometer reads 92, I swell with pride.

Coming down the homestretch, I begin to see this week as a metaphor. We are all different and all ultimately alone. Yet we are making the journey together, reflections off the same prism. I am getting maudlin about my fellow riders and the hospitable people along the way when suddenly I hit Manchester. It is 4:20, the odometer says 104, and I feel the warm glow I felt coming home from the Army.

Saturday, July 30th, 1983

It's a measly 59 miles to Dubuque and departure. At the food stands outside Dyersville's St. Francis Xavier Church, bikers are downing bratwurst and corn even though it's only 8:30a.m. A band is playing polka music, and several riders begin to dance.

In Dubuque, there is a breakup celebration overlooking the Mississippi. Front wheels are dipped in the river to symbolize the crossing of one of the few states bordered by two great rivers. Beer is consumed in great quantities, and a stand to set up for farewell speeches.

Flying east over Illinois, I look out he window, back at Iowa and the week that was. Images float past me, of doors being opened to strangers, of physical endurance, of a landscape that lies right out there, direct and guileless, like the people who inhabit it.

Before I left New York, I had wondered out loud to a friend what it was that I , who have experienced the excitement of both coasts, was looking for on the back roads of Iowa. "Perhaps," she said, "to see if the center holds" And now I am coming back to tell her that it does.

This was written almost 25 years ago. alot about RAGBRAI has changed yet alot has remained the same...Perhaps the center does still hold...PEACE

The Image they really want to send...

2008-03-29T10:24:00.004-05:00

I have certain sites on the internet that i go to, to keep up with what is going on. One of the sites is the Punk Rock Racing site. They had pictures from their training in Indiana. One caught my eye.

-Image from Punk Rock Cycling site

Ok I looked at the bottle trying to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was a New fangled water bottle or pop bottle, I just couldnt buy that. It looks like a wine bottle to me. If that was the only thing it wouldnt be so bad however if you look closer she is driving.

Every bikers worst nightmare are drunk drivers. Here you have a "biker" who is drinking while driving. Is that the kind of image the Punk Rockers want to send. I think that people forget that there are very easily influenced children, teenagers and adults out there who think wow if it is ok for them, then I can do it to.

If you want to be in the public eye think before you do, there are people watching.

These are my own opinions not my husbands or anyones elses if you dont like them come to me, as a biker I am entitled to my opinion when it comes to biker image and safety.

PEACE

What a nice day!

2008-03-14T22:37:00.004-05:00

What a great day to take off. I am trying to use up my 2007 vacation and decided to take today off. I know that it is early in the season but I was itching to get some yard work done. So I proceeded outside with my clippers and trimmed my grasses. I didnt get this done last fall. So I did some clipping, drug the brush to the burn pile and found a couple of rakes that we had use last fall. We never did get them put away because the next day the snow started. I learned a lesson with one of these rakes last fall. Before I tell you the story I will see if you can figure out which one I used.

Can you tell? See if this helps...

Lesson learned...do NOT use a plastic rake when taking care of a burning fire...It will melt. I thought that i would help by adding some more leaves to the fire but you have to spread out the existing ashes first...yah right. I just started to laugh...Bill wanted to know what was so funny, I tried to hide it from him, however it is hard to hide a rake. He basically rolled his eyes , shook his head then started to laugh. What else could he do. I think that I will just leave it by the fire pit as a conversation piece...

It was a nice day today...hope that you could enjoy it...

PEACE!

Buying Condoms.

2008-03-09T20:03:00.002-05:00

It has been a long time since I have had to go and buy some condoms. Way back then they were just called "Trojans" came in one size and style. My roommates and I would laugh over the colored ones.

The other day I went on a condom buying trip. I just stood staring at the selection that is now available.

You can get ribbed, bumped, sensitive, Extra Large-isnt that what every male says they need. You can get them in different lengths, this might cause an issue if you dont know exactly how LONG your partner is, does this mean you have to buy a multi pack in length and size...hmmm let me see you look like a std medium...They have warming condons for those times you cannot get her warmed up enough yourself. There are lubed, non lubed and my favorite flavored. Who in their right mind wants to suck on a piece of latex. I dont care if it is tropical banana. They have scented so that you dont smell the condom..Isnt that what most high school and college boys want, for OTHER high school and college boys to be able to tell that yes you did get lucky. You can get Extra Strength what you have not had sex in such a long time you are afraid you will blow the top off. You can even get Pleasure shaped condoms. They look like something went really wrong at the condom factory. I finally selected a variety pack, sensitive, ribbed, flavored and normal. I would hate to give the person only one choice. If you need a good laugh go and check out the condom aisle, you just might learn something.

PEACE.

In Memory

2008-02-29T18:46:00.003-06:00

1990 - 2008

My Charlie passed away today, he was 17 years old. I found him when I got home from work. I had a feeling that something was wrong. It looks like he may of had a heart attack. He and I had a good 17 years together. There were good times and bad times but we made it through. There was many a time he was my comfort. I think God was waiting to take Charlie, He had to make sure that there was a replacement or two.

Godspeed Charlie, I will miss you, Thank you for all you did for me. I love you!

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

peace

Some of my favorite things,

2008-02-28T19:40:00.003-06:00

Wow it has almost been a month since I have posted. I need to catch up.I thought that I would mention some of my favorite thing or products that I use.

Facial Products: Elemis I first learned about Elemis on one of our cruises. I have always taken care of my skin however it keeps changing with the weather and age. I have very rosy skin which tends to be sensitive. I use Chamomile Cleanser, with the day and night moisturising cream. They are a little pricey However my thinking on skin care is I only have one skin I need to take care of it.

Lotions: I have tried all kinds of lotions, In the summer I have to use a light lotion and in the winter more of a body butter. I have very itchy skin and swimming and exercising does not help. I have found a great product that seems to make my skin soft and non itchy. Before I tell you the product I will say I found it on sale and decided to give it a try. It is Avalon Organic Baby products ok you can stop laughing hysterically. I was reading the label and it said to protect the skin making is smooth and soft. Well I want smooth soft skin. So I bought the lotion and tear free shampoo and body wash. Really like the stuff. I have replaced my Dove soap with this. my skin feels smooth and soft just like a babys butt...ok maybe not quite that soft. If you want to pamper yourself try Watkins Lemon cream shea butter this butter has a wonderful lemon smell. You can find it at Walmart at least in Newton.

ToothPaste: Tom's of Maine I use the orange-mango.

Shampoo: I tend to rotate my shampoos. I do not have a favorite which seems kind of strange. I have wavy/curly hair which tends to be dry so I look for a moisturising shampoo. Sometimes I will heat up a little bit of olive oil, massage it into my hair and scalp let it soak in for about 1/2 hour. Then shampoo it out. This leaves the hair nice and soft.

Favorite Scent: Lavander and Rosmary,I grow both of these. They say if you take a drop or two of Lavander oil ,add water then spritz your sheets and pillows you will get a better nights sleep. I am planning on trying this once I find some pure lavander.

Well that is all for now I hope that you enjoyed seeing some of my favorite things.

PEACE

Brrrr

2008-02-03T09:43:00.002-06:00

Yep BRRRR was yesterday, nice day for riding. My friend Julie and I rode together. As usual the wind was in our face on the way to Rippey and at our backs on the way to Perry. After the ride we went and got a nice big bowl of chili and Julie won a crocheted hat. Kyle, Julie's husband, asked if she really "won" after taking a look at the hat. What do men know about style. Julie's bike had an issue it would shift from the big gear in front to the granny gear, missing the middle gear, so we made a stop at Irwin's on the way home and dropped off both bikes. Julie's to get a tune up and mine so Bill could take it home. I needed to go bra shopping and didn't want it sitting in the parking lot. Now Bra shopping is a whole different story all together.

It was a great Saturday, very fun and actually relaxing. The pic below was taken by the Des Moines Register.

L to R
Kyle S, Taylor W, Julie G, Julie S, and Troy T. Waiting for the Brr Ride to start.

Time for a Change

2008-01-27T21:13:00.000-06:00

I have decided this year to change the blog up a bit. It will still be what is going on in Bill and my life however I am going to throw in stuff that I feel is important to live everyday the best that I can. I am an avid reader, I am always looking for interesting articles to read. I do not follow the mainstream, I look for unique.

Here are a few things that I believe when it comes to well being.

1. There is a time for holistic medicine and a time for western medicine.
2. Accupuncture works.
3. Massages are a preventive medicine
4. Exercising is a great thing
5. You need to take care of your skin. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
6. Water is God's liquor. Drink alot of it.
7. pop and/or soda is deadly stop drinking it.
8. read food labels
9. naps are good so is laughing.
10. Dont always follow the crowd, you are missing so much by not doing your own thing.

I hope that you enjoy the change.

PEACE

A True Hero

2008-01-13T20:35:00.000-06:00

To my way of thinking there are very few true heros left today and last week a very modest true hero passed away at the age of 88. Sir Edmund Hillary. The first man to ever climb Everest. What makes Sir Hillary a hero is not that he was the first man to climb Everest it was what he did after. He tried to help third world countries better themselves. Napal being one of his favorites. Actually there is not a picture of him on top of Everest because he was behind the camera not in front of it. There are not many selfless "heros" left. Sir Edmund Hillary was one of them.

Duffy cartoon

PEACE

Looking Back and Ahead

2007-12-29T21:17:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone. It is hard to believe that 2007 is almost finished. It is true what they say that time seems to go faster as you get older, There are many times I want to say "Just Slow Down".

2007 brought some new feline companions to us. We found homes for 4 of them, lets just say that the rest keep us warm at night.

I rode 1/2 of the Brrr ride, it was very cold that day.

March brought the Newton Community Theater production of No No Nannette, in which I played the grumpy maid. No type casting there.

I did my first Triathlon in August, as did my good friend Julie S. We both finished and lived to tell about it. Acually the tri bug has bitten us both. If you want to follow our training for 2008 please go to our blog
www.2julesandabike.blogspot.com, JS and I will be keeping a journal of how our training is going.

This fall I went to a couple of cycle cross races, I really enjoyed watching them and hope to try one this next year.

2008 is going to be a life change for me, I need to take better care of me. I have been letting this part of my life get pushed to the back. Not anymore. I am going to eat better, exercise more, even learn to meditate if that what it takes. I am going to simplify me. It sounds simple however I know it will be a struggle. Not much in life worth doing is not a struggle.

I hope that your 2007 was productive and that your 2008 is all that you wish for.

PEACE.

What is wrong with this picture...?

2007-12-08T14:34:00.000-06:00

Oh the joys of having young cats. A few years ago I bought Bill a Palm Christmas Tree, well now you can see why we cannot have a real one. It would not last a day. I was wanting to hang stockings across the door however I hung one up and had to pull Winston off of the screen because he wanted to play with it. So the Palm Christmas Tree is all the decorations we have in the house. I hope that it can last until after Christmas! If you will notice in the pictures there is a wine holder full of wine. Bill's parents gave me a case of different wines for Christmas. Bless their hearts they know what it takes to put up with Bill and all of the cats. :) Peace!

The fix is on

2007-11-16T18:39:00.000-06:00

There is a neat web site called www.alliedautowatch.com If you have allied insurance and a vehicle getting fixed. You put in your phone number and you can watch the progress of your vehicles repair. Scooter is suppose to be finished on Monday. I am going to be afraid to drive him, he will looks so nice.

Putting Up Christmas Lights

2007-11-12T20:19:00.001-06:00

Bill and I put up Christmas Lights Sunday and we had a little Help. Oliver climbed up the ladder and got stuck on the dormer so Bill had to help him down.

The Deer Lost

2007-11-12T20:14:00.000-06:00

Bill had a little run in with a deer. The poor deer lost however the car was a close second. Scooter goes in Wed to get fixed.

Art By Tommy Original

2007-09-27T17:42:00.000-05:00

I am the proud owner of an original Art By Tommy. I even got to watch him work for a little bit until his bodyguard showed up and scared me away.

Below is a photo of Tommy hard at work or at least he was until he realized that I was watching.

I just had time to snap the next picture as his friend and bodyguard Winston showed up. I didnt want to make them mad so I left.

Ah the final masterpiece an Art By Tommy Original on a semi tightly rolled paper medium. I heard that the paper is very expensive. I will treasure forever.

PEACE

We Remember......May We Never Forget

2007-09-11T19:07:00.000-05:00

What Bill did on Labor Day

2007-09-03T20:33:00.000-05:00

shhhh enough said peace :)

What I did on my labor day vacation...

2007-09-03T20:22:00.000-05:00

It was a hectic weekend, however the main focus was we celebrated my mom's 70th birthday. She does not turn 70 until January but this was the only weekend we could all get together. So all three of my sisters and there family's were here from Thurs until Monday. There was alot of laughing, eating and drinking. Below are a few pics from the miniture golf outing.

L to R, Sister Lisa, Sister Susan, nephew Alex, niece Andrea(both are Susan's children), Lisa's husband Dave (Holding Flag)

L to R Niece Maja, Nephew Musa (Lori's children) and Nephew Pete(Susan's)

Nephew Pete(Susan), Sister Lori

Mom Sally and Nephew Will(Susan)

Lori and Susan had the purple shirts made up. On the back it says Sally's 70th birthday world tour. My sister took a picture of it I will post it when I get the picture. I will also have a family pic coming. But I thought that you might enjoy these.

until next time

Peace

I finished...

2007-08-26T20:19:00.000-05:00

Today was the Cy-Tri and I can now say that I am a triathlete. I really did not have any idea what to expect but it was exciting to be involved instead of on the outside looking in like I have done so many times.

Bill and I got to the lake around 7:00am, the traffic into the park looked like a funeral procession. Once we were parked we took my stuff to the transition area and found a spot to park the bike and my stuff, after getting that set up we went to the registration tent to get the "chip" and to have my number "11" put on my arms and my age as of Dec 31,2007 "45" put on my leg. I think I had the most fun looking at people ages.

There were 5 "swim" waves so to speak. They send swimmers out in groups so that you do not have 360 people all trying to get the same spot. I was lucky to get in the first wave..the bright you cannot miss orange cap. I elected to start closer to the back of the pack. I had heard horror stories of getting kicked and bumped etc. They are all true. Some guy about lost his foot because he kept kicking me in the boob. needless to say you cannot get into a rythem. Good thing that I knew more than one stroke. I did a little crawl , alittle breast stroke and the little used side stroke. I think that the side stroke worked almost as well as the crawl. I also got a good stomach full of lake water. I do not know for sure what my time was in the swim. The official results are not out yet, but no "Green" caps passed me so I was happy with the.

After getting out of the lake we had to run up this nice little hill, ickky. Bill was yelling encouragements to me over the fence. All I said was I am tired and I had a long way to go.

It took a little bit for my legs to get warmed up on the bike. I did not mind the hills however I could have done without the head wind. So I tried to get as small as possible, kind of hard for a person my size, and then cranked it when the wind was at my back. I finished some where around 50 minutes for a 15.5 mile ride. I was happy with that. What was neat was as I was leaving the transition zone, I heard "There goes Julie" and I recognized the voice as Kristin's. Her, Bruce and the kids had drive up to support me, Julie and the others in the Race.

Next up was the run. I knew that I would have issues with the run. I use to run all of the time however have not been running lately. I was barely training at 3 miles. From the start it was tough. I could not get my heart rate to drop so I would hyper ventilate. So I figured as long as I made it to the finish line I didnt care how I got there. I say that I walked at least 1/2 the run. I was disappoined, In practices I was doing 3 miles in a little over 30 minutes. That was not to be. So I walked trotted, and encouraged others on. I have to say the crowd was great. They were the ones that kept me going. Each little bit of encouragement was very much appreciated.

I finished at around 1 hour 52 minutes. I was both happy and disappointed. I wanted to do it in under 2 hours however I knew I was well below that when I started the run. I need to keep telling myself that I finished. It was my first tri and the goal was to finish. Not to bad for a 44 year old over weight female.

I want to thank Bill he was a great support crew. He went and got stuff for me that I had left in the truck. He yelled encourgement to me constantly. I know that I do not give him enough credit. He even pulled over to the side of the road in time for me to get sick on the way home. Now is that love or what. Love you Bill.

Thank you Julie S. for asking me to do the tri and for training with me when we could find the time.

Thanks to Kyle S., Kyle's parents and Bruce and Kristin, for there support.

To everyone who yelled encouragement to me even though they did not know me. You have no Idea what that ment and how much it helped.

Will I do another one? I would say yes however there will need to be alot of changes in me. Bill took some pic and they do not lie, I have alot of work to do and the first one is weight. I am over weight and it really effects how a person feels. It is going to be a tough battle since I am a stress eater and work is stressful at the moment. However it must be done so it will be done. I need to work on my running which is just going to take time, I have run a marathon, I can get up to 6 miles. I need to get in the lake more to figure out the best way to swim and I just need to keep doing what I am doing on the bike.

Peace, ride safe and if you have any desire to do a tri...GO FOR IT!

It is now time for me to go to bed, I am tired and it has been a long day!

The most beautiful sport

2007-07-29T11:57:00.000-05:00

As I sat watching the Final stage of the 2007 Tour de France this morning I got to thinking about what a beautiful sport cycling is. In America we are so use to dealing with the it's all about me attitude of professional athletes. I want the most money, I want the fame I I I I I ....for the past three weeks I have watched young men tear themselves apart to help out their team leaders, they know that they have no chance of winning a stage or winning the tour but they are proud to help try and get their leader a win. Where else do you see athletes who are bruised, broken and stiched together continue on for the sake of their team.

Professional Cyclists are the most drugged tested athletes in the world, if they are caught or though to be using drugs they are suspended or fired. Maybe Americans need to take this attitude, but no we just ignore because once again it all comes back to money.

Cyclists dont ride for the money they ride for the love of the sport, it gets in your blood and in your soul. I am proud to be a cyclist, I know that I will never be great, I know that I will never be fast but that does not mean that when I am flying down a hill or climbing up one that I cannot for a moment pretend that I am riding up one of the epic climbs of the Tour de France, or any of the other great tours. You never know one day I might just get over there and try but until then I am proud to be a member of one of the most beautiful sports in the world..cycling.

PEACE...keep riding and keep safe.

800

2007-07-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

Well I have hit the 800 mile mark since April. I am happy with that and I think that I can achieve my goal of 2000. I think that I am finally getting my cycling legs back now if I could just get my running legs back. Oh well one thing at a time.

PEACE

Where have they gone...

2007-07-21T17:36:00.000-05:00

Where have all of the cool bad boys on motorcycles gone? All I see are NOT cool fat boys on Motorcycles.....

My babies are growing up

2007-07-21T17:25:00.000-05:00

Thomas and Winston are 10 weeks old today. They are a joy to have around and would love to keep them, however I am still looking for a loving home to take both of them. I will not split them up now they take such good care of each other.

Training

2007-07-19T20:58:00.000-05:00

Well I would like to report that the training is going great and wonderful, however that would not be true. The swimming and the biking are going very well. The running is not going so well. I went out for a run on Tuesday and did only 1/2 of what I should have done. Ok it was 100 degrees in the shade but it was discouraging. Tonight I went out for my run and again was not able to complete what my training sheet told me that I needed to do. As I walked home I kept thinking why am I doing this. A big part of being able to do multi sport events or endurance events is you have to be tough mentally. I am having trouble mentally, I am very tired mentally. I use to be able to just clear my mind when I ran and hopefully I will be able to get back there, but for now I am struggling.

PEACE

HOT!!!!

2007-07-09T20:21:00.000-05:00

I stated in Feb that I was crazy by trying to do the Brrr ride in 10 degrees below zero, well I am still crazy I rode Sunday in 95+ degree weather in the Ride for Sight. From Ankeny to Colfax went great. Not to hot and the wind behind us but once we left Colfax things went down hill real fast. It was like the temp had gone up 20 degrees in 10 minutes. It got miserable and hilly. One of my regular riding routes is to Ira and the trail so I knew what we were in for. So once we got to Ira we hopped on the trail to Mingo. Well that is where I made a big mistake. I chose for Julie and I to take the rode instead of the trail. I had been on the trail many time but never been on the road now I know why it was hilly, hot and windy. Julie did a great job getting up the hills however the heat was to much. She decided to quit at mile 49. Another gentleman also stopped so I called the sag wagon and decided to troop on. There were a few more hills then I turned South and it was like a furnace hitting me in the face. I can usually handle the wind and heat if I take it slow however the combination on Sunday was deadly. I couldnt take enough water in the even begin to cool me off. I kept riding until the sag wagon caught up with me and then I gave it up. I rode 60 miles I would have loved to do the whole thing however I knew that I was near my limit when my heartrate wouldnt drop on the flats.

After I got home I took a nice shower and tried to take a nap however that was not to be after about a 1/2 hour the muscle spasms started. This spasm started in the arch of my foot, went up the inside of my leg into my groin. You know how with a charlie horse your muscle freezes up. That is what this was doing all the way up my leg. I didnt know whether to scream, puke or passout. I finally got down on the floor drank some water then bent my knee. This seemed to take the cramp out. Of course Bill was not home to be my hero. All of the action was done by the time he walked in the door.

I took today off and just rested. Tomorrow it is back to training. I just need to be more careful in the heat. Heat exhaustion in not something you want to mess around with.

I ride by myself so much that I can sometimes forget if there is someone with me. I need to be aware of how Julie is doing. I am lucky I have the chance to get out and ride during the week where Julie is busy with other responsibilities. She did great riding 49 miles, I am proud of her she rode with guts up the hills and in that miserable hot/windy weather. Sunday was not a day to be doing alot of physical exercise and she was out there determained to get as many miles in as she could. I will be more aware next time, getting the miles is not worth hurting a friend.

Peace...stay cool..keep riding carefully

Training Update

2007-07-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

I feel that the training is going well. I am not to concerned about the biking and swimming. The running has me a bit nervous. The legs are going NO we don't want to run. So we are having a battle of the wills so to speak. I am more of a distance runner so I am trying to do some "sprints"(I use the word sprint very lightly) to get the legs to move alittle faster. So it is 3 minute sprint one minute trot etc. It is a slow process but I will get there or die trying.

Swimming I have been doing 50 sprints with 15 second rest then doing 100 sprints with a slow 50 rest. Then I have been doing some distance swimming. Biking I will try to maintain a mph between houses or stop signs. I will also try to power up hills.

It is so much easier to get out and do something when you have a goal that you want to reach.

Sunday Julie S. and I are going to do the Ride for Sight. It is suppose to be hot so we are both starting to hydrate now. We will need all of the fluids that we can get. It will be a great training ride.

Well until next time..PEACE and stay cool.

Kitten Update

2007-07-06T21:35:00.001-05:00

It has been awhile since I have updated on the kittens. They will be 8 weeks old tomorrow. That is hard to believe. I am having a harder time finding good homes for these two and if we keep them much longer they will not be going anywhere. We are quite attached to them. Betty Boop the mother of the first set of kittens went to visit the vet this week and got fixed so no more babies for her. Spaz will be going for a visit in a couple of weeks. We spend so much money and time there I hope they name an exam room after us. :).

This is a picture of Thomas taking a nap in the kitty sling.

Thomas and Master Winston Greybeard(I let Bill name one and look what the poor thing has to put up with...)

Bill and Thomas napping. Bill is proud of this pic, most of the time the cats are laying with me.

Well I am doing it....

2007-06-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

Julie S. asked if I wanted to do the sprint tri with her and I decided I would. I had created an exercise blog at the beginning of the year so last night I changed it over to my training blog for the tri. The address is below if you are interested.
I call it julesdream because I have a few athletic dreams that I would like to do. One being a tri another biggie being to ride the classic Alps in France.

Until later...PEACE

www.julesdream.blogspot.com

Saturday Pieathlon/cross ride

2007-06-24T20:22:00.000-05:00

Saturday Julie S. and I rode the 1st annual pieathlon in Adel. It was a great day for a ride. We both decided to skip the run just not quite ready for that. The first part of our 30+ mile bike ride went as expected. On the road not to many hills. Once we hit the Raccoon River Valley trail we started to see a difference. Friday night a storm had gone thru and there was all kinds of brush on the trail. Not to mention big ole trees across the trail. We went from road riding to Cross riding. What a hoot. Of course neither one of us had a camera. We were dragging our bikes over and under branches. I will be very surprised if I do not end up with poison Ivy or something ickky. It was a nice ride. The only issue I had with the whole ride was they ran out of pie. Julie actually got the last piece of apple pie. The lady selling the pie said that people were buying whole pies at a time. hmmm Maybe I need to start a pie baking business if they are that popular. Oh well it was a great day all around. Julie is over 1/2 way to her riding goal for the year. She will easily make it and probably double it. Our next adventure is the Cycle for Sight on July 8th.

PEACE

What a Week

2007-06-17T08:41:00.000-05:00

It was a difficult week for me. 4 of the 6 kittens have gone to their new homes. I know that they will be well taken care of however It broke my heart to see them go.

Bob went to his new home on Thursday, He and his new papa Kyle i have heard are bonding quite well. Big kitty sister Ty on the other hand is have a few issues. That is to be expected. They will work things out.

Stevie and Phillip who I call the twins went to their farm on Friday. I had tears streaming down my face as we drove to Otley to drop them off. Poor Bill he was a real trooper thru all of this. Stevie and Phillip have there own kittie house in the middle of a bunch of BIG evergreen trees. They were having a ball exploring their new home when we left. I feel better after having seen the set up.

Ellie got picked up by her new mommie on Saturday afternoon. By that time I was all cried out. Ellie will have a good home with 3 little boys and two other cats to play with.

These leaves Winston and Thomas. I was hoping to move them out on the front porch after the bigger kitties left however it is to hot for them so they are now running around my living room, having a great time.

Yesterday Julie S. and I went on a nice bike ride on the Des Moines trail. We climbed the DAM hill then ended up at Irwins where Bill got a tandem ready for us to ride in the Johnston parade. I thought that we did quite will having never rode a tandem together. We didnt hit anyone or run into anything. If we ever ride a tandem again it will need to be adjusted better. Julie had an awful seat and my seat was to low but we had fun. Just an FYI if you ever ride in a parade with Kyle R. and Mark be ready to duck when they throw candy they are terrible. I think i got hit with more candy then they got to the kids. Mark threw a piece of candy and smacked some poor girl in the head. In their defense I am sure that it is not easy to ride a unicycle and throw candy. Well after the parade Julie and I dropped off the tandem and then rode our bikes back to her house. I stopped at Target on my way home and then drove home, however I didnt get my nap, I was to busy playing with the kittens.

Today(Sunday) it is hot and muggie.The Hy-Vee triathelon is going on this afternoon I know a few people that are participating and have thought about going to watch but I think that I will just stay home and get some things done, maybe get a bike ride in later. I do wish them all luck. I admire people who can do that. I hope to one day do a tri, I am not a sprinter so it would have to be a distance one. I need to find someone who wants to train with me to help motivate me.

Next week Julie S. and I are going to do the Pieathalon in Adel. You run, bike and eat pie. It is to raise money for cancer research. It should be alot of fun.

That about it for now. Stay cool.

PEACE

Kids big adventure

2007-06-10T20:57:00.000-05:00

We had an exciting weekend, but first I found out something really important in a kitten world...Pooping is a spectator sport. When one goes they all go.

Friday's adventure...we played in the grass for the first time. I put a blanket on the yard and put the kittens on the blanket. You would have thought I had put them in the middle of a lake. First one paw...then quick pull it back, then another and quick pull it back...then I turned around and there goes Phillip...after that I saw 3 of the little bugger trying to climb the tree. So I got Bill to help me watch them. Well Bill flunks kitten watching 101. I had to coax one out from under the deck..needless to say our adventure thus ended. But they had fun.

Saturday's adventure was to go to see Dr Curry and the girls at the Vet clinic. The first check up. They were little troopers, we put them in the carrier and they fell asleep. Once we got to the vets Bill took care of two and I took Two. Alas Bill flunked kitten sitting at the vets 101. My two laid on my lap and fell asleep, Bill was chasing his all over the place. Two weighed 2 lbs and 2 weighed 1.8 lbs. Little tankers. We got our temp taken that was not a big hit then we got our first shots. After that it was back home where once again they fell asleep in the carrier.

We were told that they would not be as playful as normal because of the shot. I wonder if they knew this they were running all over the place.

Well today was a leisurly day....

In less than two weeks they will all be at their new homes. It takes 7-14 days for the shots to reach full potential. It is going to be sad to see them go.

My two little ones are getting real active. They are starting to fight and sniff at the food. Little Thomas had an adventure he got under the work bench then the tread mill. Mama was frantic. Finally Bill pushed him out and I grabbed him. So what does the little poop do, he tries to do it again. That pathway has been blocked by a cardboard poster roll. So Thomas will have to find another way out.

I did get a couple of rides in this weekend. Went hilling and I can really feel it in my legs. I am close to 500 miles since the beginning of April. I know for some that is not alot but I am happy with that.

Well Be happy and safe. PEACE

Kittens

2007-06-07T20:55:00.001-05:00

Updated pics of my babies.

Bob is being adopted by a very nice family that already have a cat. I told them to warn there other cat that a cyclone is going to be coming soon. He is a little terror but a lovable terror.

Phillip and Stevie are going to be farm cats in Otley. They will be good mousers.

Thomas and Ellie are going to a home here in Newton. This home has three boys and a couple of cats. But they are a cat family.

Winston still needs an adoptive family. He is a very shy and adorable kitten.

PEACE

How I spent my weekend...

2007-06-03T20:40:00.001-05:00

PEACE

More Babies..

2007-05-30T20:56:00.000-05:00

Here are pictures of the 2 week olds..they are kind of shy. The gray one is Winston and the yellow is Thomas

It is a Privilege

2007-05-29T20:06:00.000-05:00

I have the privilege of being the care taker for two sets of kittens. 4 of them are 5 weeks old and 2 of them are 2 weeks old. The 5 weeks old kittens are on our porch on what I am calling the nursery. I had forgotten how utterly enjoyable kittens can be. I will sit out there for hours just watching and playing with them. It is such a pleasure watching them figure out new things for the first time. Tasting food, drinking water, learning how to give themselves a bath and the biggie going pottie in the litter pan. It is so cute they concentrate so hard and have to find that perfect spot to go. I am getting very attached to them and have a feeling that Bill will have to pry them from me when it is time for them to be adopted out. I know that I cannot keep them all however that does not mean giving them away will be any easier.

This is Elli the only girl in the whole bunch. She can be a little princess at times however she can beat up on her brothers when she feels like it.

Stevie and Phillip are identical. The only difference is that Phillip got scratched in the eye so it waters alittle however once that heals the only way that I can tell is that Phillip has a darker spot on one foot. There eyes are starting to change color, I think that they will have golden eyes like there mom.

Geoffrey is the result of an accident in the color factory. He is gold tiger stripe with white paws, that have yellow spots on the toes, a white belly and black hair over a gold tail. He is a sweetie.

Then there is Miss Betty Boop, mama. She also needs a home. She showed up this winter. Betty is an incredibly loving cat.

I know you are asking why dont I keep them, well I have 5 adult cats in the house now and 2 kittens. I cannot hold any more. I call the inside cats the geriatrics. Three of them are over 13, one is 17 and then there is Posom she is 4.

Aside from taking care of kittens I have started to ride my bike more. I rode 40 miles on Friday then 22 on Sunday. I am hoping to get out more however the weather has not cooperated very well.

That is about it keep biking and remember "There is no yesterday and no tomorrow, live for today"

PEACE

Even in Death Life goes on....

2007-04-27T20:16:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago this saturday I had a friend die of cancer she was only 46 I am 44. Believe me when I say this hit close to home. Even though she smoked like a smoke stack that does not mean in two years that I will not be sticken with cancer. However life goes on. I had a very enjoyable girls day out with Julie and Alexa S. We rode the mayors ride. Great day, great ride, great friend. This morning I get a call from Bill, Seymour one of the cats that we had adopted had been hit and killed by a car. I was and am second guessing myself should I have taken him to the animal rescue league. Would he have been better off there. Bill and I aquired 5 cats from the neighbors when they just left them, I loved them like I did my own house cats. However life goes on. One of the adoptes had 4 kittens on Tuesday and Seymour is one of the dads. Death is very difficult however we need to live life to the fullest for we have no idea what tomorrow bring. I want all of you to give a hug and tell those the you love that you love them. whether they are people or animals. Dont let anyone fool you animals have feeling to. There is a saying that starts out like this...Dance as if no one is watching...I love to dance music is good for the soul ..Tonight I have been drinking toasts to those friend that I have lost....Animal and people...thank you for being a friend and I hope that you are at the pearly gates waiting for me when it is my time to go...Until then I am going to do alot of dancing...come and dance with me...PEACE

The Final Curtain has Closed

2007-04-08T18:02:00.000-05:00

Since December all of my time and energy has been on the play No No Nanette, from learning lines to helping build the set. As with anything in life all good things must come to an end. Last night the final curtain closed on NCT's production of No No Nanette. It was a great run for the theater and the cast. I am having what they call post production depression. It usually happens. For the past 4 months I have been so focused on the play and then it is all over. I know in my heart that it is time for something else however I will miss the people and the performances.

The show was set in the 1920's so that ment pen curls and for some reason my hair took the longest..

I was the crabby maid

However a play is not all work we have alot of fun goofing around....

So the final curtain has fallen and I thank all of the cast/crew for a great show!

My biking has been put on hold for the play, now the bike and road are calling to me. It is time to make up some miles and enjoy the nature that God has created.

PEACE...

I am still alive..

2007-04-02T20:53:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that it has been over a month since I last posted. March was a very very busy month. We had play practice 5 nights a week so life was basically sleep, work, play practice, sleep, work, play practice. My biking has really suffered. However only this week and then I can hit the roads again.

We opened last Friday night with NO NO Nannette. We had a great crowd that makes all of the hours of practice worth while. If you need something to do this weekend drive down to Newton YMCA to see No No Nannette. It isnt everyday you get to see me with pin curls and a cigarette.

I have kept swimming but I have not been on a bike in over a week. Bad Julie I know. I promised that I would not ride on the road this week. I do not want to risk an injury. But wait until next week I have a lot of making up to do.

Here are my goals for this year.

1. Ride 2000 + Miles, I dont know if I can to this again but it is worth a try.
2. Do 3-100 mile rides all different routes.
3. Do a race be it a mt bike race, road race or cross race.
4. To just enjoy the bike sometimes I forget that it is for fun. I have a tendency to make it a job. That is why I gave biking up 10 years ago. It was not fun anymore. I do not want that to happen again.

I will post some pics when I get them from the play. Until then Keep riding and keep smiling...

PEACE

What a strange week....

2007-03-02T22:38:00.000-06:00

What a strange week. The weather has gone crazy. We were one of the many without electricity. Luckly it was for only 54 hours. At one point the house was in the 40's. It is freaky to see your breath in your own house. Bill and I adapted quite well. We used candles and put many many blankets on the bed to keep warm. We also did alot of reading by flashlight and candle light. It was actually peaceful. Just the simplicity of it.

When we got the bad weather Thursday night and Friday I was sure that we would lose power again but so far so good. When you go thru mini crisis like this you really find out who your friends are. I must say Bill and I have some great friends.

On a happy note one of those great friends had a baby boy tonight. We just had lunch with her and her husband this afternoon and at 7:34pm she had a 8lb 13oz baby boy. Life keeps going on no matter what else is going on in the world.

Below are some pics I took of the damage. Enjoy and be thankful for what you have it can be taken away so quickly...PEACE!

A tree branch barely missed Bill's truck, actually it took off part of the bug guard.

Our trees were at there limit for snow and Ice. If you look closely you can see the electrical wires the branches are hanging over them.

1st Ave the main road in town had a huge 120 year old tree fall across it. Taking down all of the power in the area.

A friend had a big branch fall on her house. The following pic is not one of Bill's smarter moments...

BRRRR and more....

2007-02-14T16:51:00.000-06:00

Ok I will admit I was one of the 500 crazies on the BRR ride. I didnt make it the whole way. I rode 1/2. I was very happy with that. My toes are what gave out on me. I figured when I could no longer feel them it was time to call it a day. Kind of strange but hubby and I figured out later that it was because I had to many socks on and they couldnt circulate. Who would have thought. I had icicles hanging from my eye lashes. The bad side effect was I was down with a cold all last week and didnt exercise at all. I finally felt well enough to start exercising again on Sunday. Would I do it again Sure would. I learned a few things. Fewer socks and ski goggles. Otherwise I was dressed fine. So see you all at BRR next year. I know Julie S. Will be ready to go. She couldnt make it this year with me she hurt her back. I missed her but we will have more rides this year.

Aside from riding in the cold I have been busy with a play. One of my other hobbies is theatre. Newton Community Theater is putting on No No Nannette the last weekend of March and the first of April. I am the sarcastic maid..no typcasting involved there. If you are free come and see the show.

Well Bill has hockey tonight so I am treating myself to a valentines day present...a massage...love massages.

Keep riding or doing you thing..

Peace

BRRR it is cold out.

2007-01-29T17:15:00.000-06:00

When you look in the dictionary under the word commen sense... you will not find my name in the list. Yes I took the bike out today in 18 mile an hours winds. It reminded me of the bike ride from hell last year(that would be Brr to those of you who do not know). There is a reason for my insanity. I want to ride my new bike Saturday, however Bill said that I needed to get out and get a few miles on it so we can find any issues. I guess he was right. I threw the chain twice...I think that is considered an issue. I do not know if I will ride it Saturday on Brrr or take my trusty road bike. If the roads are clear I will probably use the road bike. But you never know. I do know it will not be the mountain bike, that about killed me last year. I was happy with my winter riding gear, I was for the most part warm and comfy.

Peace.

Official Crazy Catagory Member

2007-01-19T22:01:00.000-06:00

I am an official member. I went for a bike ride today and when I started out it was 17 degrees. I got to try all of my new winter riding gear and for the most part it was not to bad. You have to train to do BRR...get use to that cold.

This is a pic of my birthday present from Bill's mom. It is my Elmer Fudd hat, it might look dorky but it is warm....

Happy riding to all of you crazy people.

PEACE

How well do you actually know me?

2007-01-18T11:47:00.000-06:00

Julie Sedore had a quiz on her blog and it was fun. So I am doing one of my own to see how well people know me. Have fun and if you dont do well that is fine. I dont expect many to know me to well.

More than you ever wanted to know about me...

Take my quiz!

Take This Quiz | See Scores | Make Own Quiz

Bill made it home

2007-01-15T12:28:00.000-06:00

Bill finally made it home last night. It was not a pleasant drive for him and his friend Dan. Took about 13.5 hours from Tulsa. Dan spent the night on the couch. He has spent many a night on our couch, Whenever he comes to help Bill. The Cats were kind of freaked out, they kept looking at me like "Mom that strange dude is on the couch again". My souviner from the Chili Bowl was three bottles of Mexican Coca Cola. I asked Bill if it had the real stuff in it, he didnt know. Yah right, how come I only got three bottles instead of the 8 pack bottles usually come in..hmmm.

On a different subject. I had said something to Bill about wanting to try some cyclecross races...well I am now the proud owner of a new cyclecross frame. It is the winter work in progress on Bill's Blog on the Irwins's web page. Check it out if you get the chance. http://irwinsbikes.com/bill/

When Bill is away Julie Plays

2007-01-13T20:46:00.000-06:00

Bill has been in Oklahoma all week for the Chili Bowl, the Chili Bowl is an indoor sprint car race. I know does not sound to exciting to me either. Anyway when Bill is away I try new stuff. So today I made homemade bread, refried beans and chicken parmesan. The first batch of bread I made I tried to make healthy, I substituted flax meal for oil. Didnt turn out to well kind of dry. The second batch was wheat/oatmeal bread. It didnt turn out to bad, I think that it is an aquired taste. The refried beans turned out very well however it is a all day project and I dont like them that well. The chicken parmesan was wonderful, it is a keeper. I have another bread recipe I just might try tomorrow. Aside from baking the kids(cats) and I watched the Colt football game and a couple of movies. One upon a time in Mexico and the Italian job. Both entertaining.

Trivia Fact: It has been proven that when Bill is gone in the winter for more than two days it will snow at least 4 inches. Take a look outside it has snowed. So next time you want to know if it is going to snow just call and I will let you know if Bill is going to be gone.

Well that is about all for now, if anyone would like the Chicken Parmesan recipe let me know. I am going to hunt for some more recipes to try.

Have fun in the snow....Peace

I am now ready for biking season

2007-01-06T16:59:00.000-06:00

It was another beautiful day today but I gave up riding so that I could get my road bike ready for the coming season. I had been telling Bill since November that i wanted to get my bike cleaned and checked. Well it didnt happen so I put my bike in the car and headed to Irwins. Bill was laughing when he saw me walk in, He knew exactly what I wanted. So now thanks to Kyle and Bill my bike has a clean chain, a tightened bottom bracket and is all polished and pretty.

Since I was at Irwins I thought that i might as well stock up on some stuff. So I am now the proud owner of a new pink/purple helmet,

a pair of inbetween gloves, they are for when the claws are to warm and the fingerless are to cold

and some socks. If you want some great socks look into getting some Pearl Izumi wool or some of the wool Specialized. They are wonderful!

I also got my Mountain Bike down today. I did not ride it at all last year. I need to do some Mt Bike riding this year. It is a Cinelli. Cinelli made a few mountain bikes back in the early 90's, I like the bike so I dont see why I need to get a newer one.

Hopefully I will be able to get out tomorrow, If not there is always the trainer.

Happy Biking...

December 29th?

2006-12-29T21:47:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe that it is December 29th. I think that this is the first time I have been out on my rode bike in December. It was a beautiful day again. I rode my usual ride to Reasnor and back. I have a wonderful surprise on the way back. I topped a hill, looked up in the trees and there was a Bald Eagle sitting there as pretty as you please. I just stopped and watched. The Eagle flew away after a few minutes. What a beautiful creature. It is one thing to be looking for them but it is another to just happen across one.

I know that alot of people dont want to hear this but I am ready for some snow. I enjoy the snow and the cold. So maybe just a couple of weeks of it would be nice.

"Good old days start with good new days like today."

PEACE

Reflection on 2006, Looking ahead 2007

2006-12-26T20:19:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe that 2006 is coming to an end but it is, so it is time to reflect on 2006 and to look forward to 2007. I do not make New Years Resolutions I have a list of things that I want to do and/or see before my life is over. So I add or subtract from this list each year. Some of the items that have been completed from my list are:

1. See Niagra Fall
2. Visit the Statue of Liberty-Got to go into her crown
3. See a broadway Play
4. Run a Marathon
5. do RAGBRAI
6. Ride Amtrak
7. Get stamp in passport
8. Visit Africa
9. Alien museum in Roswell New Mexico.
10. Visit Vietnam war Memorial
11. Visit the Smithsonian

I have one in process: Visit all 50 states, I have visited alot but have some to go mostly real southern states , Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi.. and Western states, Montana, Wyoming.

What I have accompolished this year that was on my list

1. Learned to do the butterfly. It might not be pretty but I can do it.
2. started riding my bike again, this has been a 10 year process
3. saw Lance...I just wanted to see him. RAGBRAI allowed that.

Some of the Items still on my list. Some are long term some are quick fixes so to speak.

1. do a triathelon, I would like to someday do a 1/2 or full Iron Man. 2. do a cyclecross race
3. cycle the French Alps especially Alp d' huez (I am looking for someone to go with me on this one)
4. I would like to visit Scotland, Ireland, See Nessie..(Loch Ness Monster),
5. Auschwitz-one of the most powerful places on earth
6. Learn to scuba dive
7. Learn or relearn to ride a motorcycle
8. Get a tatoo..shhh dont let mom know.

Some new ones will be added and some will come off because they are no longer important to me.

An anonymous frier in a Nebraska monastery wrote this late in life.

If I had my life to live over again,
I'd try to make more mistakes next time.
I would relax, I would limber up,
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take more trips. I would be crazier.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers,
and watch more sunsets.
I would do more walking and looking.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
If I had to do it over again I would go places,
do things, and travel lighter.
If I had my life to live over I would start barefooted
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the
fall.
I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.
I'd pick more daisies.

So if you see me stopping and petting a cat or dog, or smelling a flower you know why. I tell people that the first 40 years of my life I tried to please everyone but me so the Next 40 are for me. I welcome all my friends to come along. You never know what kind of fun we will have.

Have a wonderful and fullfilling 2007! I hope to see you around.

Peace

Merry Christmas Everybody!

2006-12-17T19:59:00.000-06:00

Christmas Memories:

One Christmas my sisters and I received ice skates from Santa. We were lucky enough to live next to a couple of ponds and a river. So Mom, Dad, my sisters and I all bundled up and went and cleared snow off of one of the ponds. We all went ice skating. I think I was around 6 years old. For some reason I alway remember this.

One year I received a simple music box as a gift it was a nativity scene under a glass dome and it plays Silent Night. Everytime I listen to this play I want to cry. It is the most beautiful sound.

Christmas is not about the gifts it is about the giving. It is about friends and family. I sometimes think that we lose site of this. This Christmas sit back and think about everyone who has touched your life this year or ever. Give thanks for family and friends. For what you have not what you dont have. Give thanks for the time that you are given.

"We cannot buy time, it is a gift from God"

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Conviences of modern life.

2006-12-09T23:00:00.001-06:00

I have had the pleasure of being without a washing machine for a week, actually at this writing I am still without a washing machine, I have one at LOWE's but It needs to be picked up...Another story entirely.

It was not a pleasure to be without this convience. I have clothing piling up all over the place. Now you say "why dont you go to a laundromat"...not this chick. Got scared to death at one, never again, Also another story.

I can also hear you thinking ..."Why did it take you a week to get a new one". Well my lovely husband has something against the local Maytag hardware store in town. He would rather wait a week for a belt to be ordered. Not me I can be impatient at times and this was one of them. But the catch is I was out of town on business so I had no control over the situation. When I got home I went to this local hardware store,got the belt and attempted to fix the washing machine(I have the bruises and sore finger tips to prove it). Well our machine had alot more issues then just the belt. Cheaper to buy a new one than to try and fix the old.

This did get me thinking about all of the modern conviences that we take for granted everyday. Televisions, Internet, phones, computers etc. Then I asked myself of all of these conviences which one could I not do without and why?

My answer the Washing machine, I hate to talk on the phone. the computer can be a real hassle sometimes. I can wash my own dishes by hand, have for years. Line dry my clothing. However I dont have a wash board and stream close to wash clothing.

So now I ask you which convience could you NOT live without and why?

Peace

The Fortnight Before Christmas, new spin on an old Classic

2006-12-06T21:20:00.000-06:00

THE FORTNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS BY Wiley Miller

T'was the fortnight before Christmas,
And all through the Pole,
El Nino arrived and left a big hole,
Santa's product was good but his marketing stunk,
He hoped for salvation to get out of his funk.
But his stockholding elves, Tired of ink that is red,
Had visions of buyout dance in there heads.
Production had stalled and quotas weren't met.
Though Santa was worried, he wasn't done yet.
But try as he might, E.F. Hutton had spoke
To tell one and all that Santa was broke.
Christmas arrived with no stuff to unwrap.
No gadgets or gismos or other such crap.
But this wasn't a Christmas in which to be sad,
As the best gift of all is one we already had.
It's a smile and a hug that brings us true joy,
And lasts a lot longer than any gizmo or toy.
So turn to a loved one, whether nearby or far,
And tell them a loved on is just what they are......

2000.4

2006-11-25T21:55:00.000-06:00

Well I did it I hit 2000 miles on my bike! Next year I hope to do more than 2000 but I will take each little victory as it comes. My next step is to get the road bike throughly cleaned. I will continue to ride on the trainer downstairs to the spinnervals dvd and if it is nice out the mountain bike has not been out for awile. In February comes Brrr or as I named it last year the "Ride from Hell". Hopefully in 2007 it will not be as bad.

I am glad that I took up riding again. I rode bikes all of the time up until about 10 years ago. I then just up and quit. I didnt realize how much I missed the freedom that I feel when I ride. The sites that I see and the benefits of the exercise. Hopefully I will learn to take it all in stride and will be riding for alot of years to come. I am past the years of being a competitive racer but that does not mean I will not try some races. I have learned that the first one across the line is not the only winner. If you try and you finish no matter how long it takes...then you are a winner!!!

"You are only a failure if you fail to try"

Peace

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T21:40:00.000-06:00

I hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. It is hard to believe that the holidays are upon us. Enjoy the weather this weekend, this is Iowa it can turn overnight!

Peace

Shadow Divers

2006-11-21T20:14:00.000-06:00

I recently finished reading a book that I would recommend to anyone. It was called Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson. The book is a non-fiction account of a group of deep sea divers who discovered a sunken U-boat off of the coast of New Jersey and the 6 years it took to aquire the identity of the lost U-boat. What struck me about this book is the way you are drawn into their world, you get to know the divers and the other charactors involved. The dedication that it took to do hours of research and the feeling that they needed to see this through. The main divers John Chatterton and Richie Kohler felt that they owed it to the men who lost their lives on this boat to Identify it and to let their living relatives know what really happened.

I got so drawn into the book that as I was reading during lunch one day, something happened that made me want to cry..instead i just put the book down and said "no that cant happen". When it is fiction you know that it is just a story however this is non-fiction, there is no editing to make it end like you want.

I do not know much about deep sea diving or ship wreck diving, however the book explains it very well. It is almost like the sirens of Greek mythology it just seduces you and makes you crave more.

If you are looking for a good read pick this book up. Let me know what you think. Because I did a lot of thinking after I had finished.

"Life is a matter of luck and the odds in favor of success are in no way enhanced by extreme caution"

- Erich Topp(1943)
one of the most highly decorated U-boat commanders of WWII

PEACE

Reflection: Another Year Older

2006-11-18T22:28:00.000-06:00

On the 17th I turned 44. It is interesting when you are young and you hear that someone is 44 you think of some old, grey haired lady with a cane or walker. Well it is not quite that bad. I do have some grey hairs but the cane and walker are going to have to wait for awhile.

Looking back over my first 44 years here are a few thing that I have noticed or learned.

1. Boys do not have cooties
2. Playing Cowboys and Indians was a good thing.
3. If you do not get to do something..you will not just die
4. If I had to do High School over again. I would not worry a bit about being popular, having a boyfriend etc. I would soak it all in , hang out with the nerds, the jocks, the druggies and the brains. You can learn from them all.
5. I learned that kissing is fun. Thank you Eddie.
6. Collage is difficult but it is a good experience. Enjoy it the big bad working world is not what it is all cracked up to be.
7. You need to start taking care of your body in your 20's, if you wait until you are 40 you will have alot of catching up to do.
8. Never say Never you will live to eat those words.
9. Anyone can run a marathon with enough grit and determaination.
10. Dream big, it is true the sky is the limit. Do not let anyone say you can't do that.
11. It is true eveyone you meet for any significant amount of time leaves alittle bit of themselves with you.
12. You become more spiritual or religous as you get older. You are not so invinsable anymore.
13. It is ok to cry.
14. It is good to laugh
15. Stop and smell the roses.
16. Eat ice cream if you want just not the whole 1/2 gallon.
17. Hang out with happy or fun people.
18. Listen to the stories that your parents and grandparents have to tell, they are amazing people.

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally warn out and screaming....Damn what a ride!!!!

I cannot wait to see what the next 44 years hold, maybe some of you will take part of the journey with me..

Peace

Happy Saturday

2006-11-11T08:06:00.000-06:00

It is Saturday the 11th and it feels like late fall early winter. I really dont mind. I am a person who has to have the 4 seasons otherwise I feel like something is missing. I am 116 miles from getting my 2000 for the year on my bike so I hope to hit the trail later this morning. I think it will be time for the shoe covers and claws to come out.

Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away and then Christmas. Wow hard to believe. We will be spending Thanksgiving with a group of friends that we went on the cruise with. It is going to be a very relaxed day. I am hoping to be able to bake some bread. I enjoy baking breads I just never do it anymore because it is just the two of us, and Bill does not quite get the pleasure of homemade bread. I have tried to culture him but it is just a lost cause...:)

Next Sunday is the Tour De Lights, Bill and I are going to ride it with the Sedore's. It is for a good cause, The Make A Wish foundation. Go to the following web site if you would like to participate.
http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/calendar/RidePopUp.asp?e=1571

Well my coffee is gone so I guess that it is time to get moving. but I am going to leave you with the following proverb. I need to keep this in mind, I have a tendency to keep looking to the past...PEACE

For Yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision:
But today well lived
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day.

-SANSKRIT PROVERB

What is important to Me

2006-11-06T19:48:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning I was sitting outside drinking my coffee and got to looking around. There was a blue bird singing, A squirrel was running around collecting nuts for winter. Spaz and Ollie were sitting on my lap. As I sat there I started to think about what people held dear to them. The more I thought about it the sadder I got. We hold our cars, homes and possessions dear to us, these are objects. People think nothing of killing cats, dogs, birds etc. However if they get a scratch on their car or if a window breaks they think that the world is coming to an end. What happened. Animals are living breathing creatures that God created. Tree, grass, flowers are living breathing things that God created. They are free, look out your window or go to a park. We need to learn to enjoy the simple things in life, the creations that God gave us. If we dont start taking care of them, they will be gone.

Have a great week and go and spend sometime watching and listening to the birds, feel the breeze on your face. Enjoy the simple things in life.

Peace

We are Back

2006-10-29T18:10:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone Bill, myself and 37 of our closest friends just got back from a wonderful week in the Western Carribean. There is nothing like a cruise to make you forget about life for while. We left last Friday October 20th at 2 am for a ride to KC to catch a plane to Ft Lauderdale. Then loaded onto the Carribean Princess on Saturday morning for trips to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumal Mexico. Had very nice weather and a great time on all of our excursions.

We went tubing on the white river in Jamaica. If you ever get the chance go tubing it was a blast. The river was as clear as can be and very refreshing.

We went snorkeling on Grand Cayman and went to stingray city. Stingrays are incredible animals.

We even went to hell and made it back.

Vacations are needed however it is always good to get back home again. My 4 legged fuzzy babies really missed there mom.

Peace

1840

2006-10-15T10:12:00.000-05:00

Well I am gaining on my quest for 2000 miles. I drove to Ira and hit the trail yesterday. The first time that I have done the whole thing. Not to bad as long as the wind was at your back but man that wind was ferocious. I have been doing some reading on getting a good aerobic base so I started to wear my heartrate monitor. Now I know why I have been having such issues. I am surprised that my heart didnt blow up. I have been riding way above where I should be. This winter I am going to follow the guidline of just riding in my aerobic heartrate and see If I can get my base built up. Kind of like a science experiment. I have noticed that I feel much better keeping a lower heartrate.

I took a couple of pics to try out a new camera I got. It came with an underwater case so I hope to get pics of fishes and cute butts...:)

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on" - Eleanor Roosevelt

The contrast of the field caught my eye:

How can you not like cows:

Bikers Row

2006-10-15T10:07:00.000-05:00

I was looking through some of the pictures I had taken of the turkey Fry and came across this one. Those of you who now Bill know that he has alot of bikes. Well this Pic proves it. As far as I know all of the bikes you see hanging are fulling operational. That is not even all of them. We have two bikes on trainers in the house plus several frames hanging around. I keep trying to give some away but Bill always finds out and says no....imagine that.

Figures

2006-10-10T18:30:00.000-05:00

It just figures. I went on a bike ride sunday. Very nice day to ride. Well anyway it is my goal to get 2000 miles on my bike and I was at around 1772. So I calculated and thought hey I will have reached 1800 by the time I get home. I rode into the driveway look at my computer and..................1799.7, it figures. I had to get back on my bike ride up the hill turn back around it then read 1800. So you never know I just might get my 2000 if I ride in rain, or snow or dead of night...sounds like a postman...Remember a true friend will..When you are sad -- help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.

Peace

One of my favorite fall memories

2006-10-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

Fall reminds me of many things..Football games, Marching Band, getting ready for basketball season. It also reminds me of one of my favorite memories. Those of you who know me know I grew up around horses those of you who dont now know. I can ride western, English but my favorite way is the cowboy way. Hop on and Hold on. That is how I learned. I have taken my share of tumbles and falls.

On nice falls days I would get Gunner, Star, Hooter, which ever horse I had at the time,get the bridle on ,hop on and just take off with the dogs. I grew up with the most fantastic playground. A river, Two ponds and acres of land. The dogs, horse and I would just take off. I would get totally lost in thought. Sometime I would get to singing. Hooter use to twitch his ears to my singing. The dogs would be off chasing whatever they could find. The trees would be beautiful and all we well with the world.

I miss my fall rides I have not had a horse or ridden for many years, but my memory of them is a happy place that I will sometimes go.

Peace

What I have learned biking this year

2006-10-08T19:50:00.000-05:00

I do some of my best thinking when I am exercising here are some of things I contemplated or thought about while riding this year.

1. I am not 30 years old anymore and It took a long time to remember this.
2. Thank goodness for hubbys that will come to there wifes rescue.
3. Sometimes fortune cookies do have a bit of truth
4. Lance does not dope, Floyd does not dope and Jan Ullrich what can you say the best natural talent in years and no one knew how to handle him or his talent. What a waste
5. Dont go to Walmart after 8:00 it is really scary.
6. Why did I take so long to start riding again, I really missed this.
7. Work is not my life dont let it take over.
8. Only 11 more days until our cruise.
9. I like hills I must be crazy.
10. What is my purpose in life.
11. I like watching animals they are so cool.
12. Claw and shoe covers are a must for Brrr
13. Butt butter is my friend.
14. I miss not riding RAGBRAI
15. Farmers are so cool..

These are just a few things that have gone through my mind. It is amazing how exercise just clears the mind and the soul...Peace

Fall Turkey Fry

2006-10-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

Well our annual turkey fry was once again a success. We fried up 6 turkeys and about 20 lbs of fish. Everyone brought great side dishes so if anyone went away hungry it was their fault. To accommidate the Iowa Hawkeye fans we set up a tv on the little deck. You could tell how the game was going by the cheers and the groans. Bill got his remote control cars out so he was like the pied piper with the kids. I think they ran all of the batteries down on all of his cars. It was a beautiful evening and as far as I could tell everyone had a great time. It is still up in the air at this moment as to whether we will continue this tradition or not.

Hawkeye Fans....

Kids

Kobi and Spencer...or is it Martin..

It is a beautiful day today I am debating a bike ride, run or to just be a slug...sorry to say the slug is winning the race so far.

Julie Day

2006-09-29T18:59:00.000-05:00

The nice thing about working somewhere for 20 years is you have vacation to use so every once in awhile I take what I call a Julie day. I try not to do any house work etc. Today was alittle different tomorrow is the turkey fry so Bill was also home and his friend Dan is here. So we did some cleaning. This afternoon i took off in my car with the bike in the back and went to the Baxter Trail. It was just to windy to fight the roads so that is why I didnt ride to the trail. I really enjoy riding I just feel so free. Today I saw. A baby garder snake, I about ran over him. A wild turkey, Some canadian Geese, two cats and about 4 goats that got on the trail. The squirrels were very busy today, makes me wonder if we are in for a hard winter. This trail goes through alot of farm land. So there were a couple of combines hard at work. The trees have turned more since the last time I was on the trail and everything seems to be getting ready for winter.

Hopefully I will have some pics of the turkey fry to put on Sunday. We usually have a great time. Hope that this year is the same.

To me this is what Iowa is about..can't tell that I am an ole farm girl now can you!

1st 2006 Fall bike ride

2006-09-24T21:18:00.000-05:00

I finally got outside on the bike again. I have been riding inside on a trainer because it just gets dark to fast to ride after work. It was a beautiful day to ride especially if you were riding south very nice tail wind. The folage is starting to change colors, farmers are starting to harvest and it is nice and cool out. My kind of weather. I even had a passanger for a while..a little sweat bee needed a lift.

My bike now has 1746 miles on it. I was/am hoping for 2000 miles this year. I do not know if I will make it or not. I need to get in some long distance days, however the next few weeks i am busy on the weekend and then we are off on a nice cruise but you never know I might get a burst of enery and do 250 miles in a couple of weeks. I doubt it but you never know.

My biking partner for a little bit.

Summer Projects For 2006

2006-09-17T19:22:00.000-05:00

We got this years summer projects done for the house. Alittle background. We bought our home about 11 years ago. It is an older house with alot of charactor but it needed a lot of work. We also got a very nice, big back yard. Since we have bought the house we have repainted it, put in a sliding glass door and reroofed. Build two decks, a fire pit, a new garage and various other thing. We are getting very close to having it all done.

This is what the house looked like from the backyard when we first bought it. You will notice the lovely pea green color and that there is not a nice big garage like we have now.

We built a 2.5 car garage but instead of tearing the old garage down we unhooked it one saturday put it on a flat wagon and moved it to the backyard. It was not quite as easy as that sounds. To get the garage to the backyard we had to drive it up the street two houses and across our neighbors backyards. We call this the traveling garage because it originally came from the house across the street from us and when they built a new garage it was moved to the house that we bought. They made things to last back in the 30's.

When we bought the house there was a lot of shrubs and old trees between us and our neighbor. When the new neighbors moved in the cleaned out all of the old tree and shrubs and just planted grass. I enjoy decorative grasses so I planted some in front of the house well they did a little to well. So last year I dug them all up and Bill and I took 7 grasses split or cut them into thirds and transplanted them between the houses. I actually gave away two big clumps because I didnt have room for them. This spring I was out talking to them willing the to grow. And grow they did. I am very proud of my transplanted grasses.

For the past 5 years we have held a annual Crappy Turkey fry. The past three years during the summer we have had a project to get finished for the festivities. First was the staircase into the back yard, then the actual deck was built off of the garage and this year we put in the new fire pit, peagraveled about the house, outdoor speakers and Bill put in the patio garden for me. If you have never been to our house and are invited to the Turkey fry..come on over we usually have a great time. Most of the time more fun then we can handle...

We have done all of the renovations ourself except for framing the garage, roofing the house and putting in the sliding glass door. We did all of the drywalling for the garage and sliding glass door. We could not have gotten all of this done without the help of great friends..thanks goes to Dan M...my second hubby, Fred a true friend, Reggie a great ex Neighbor, Roy and Little Roy great ex neighbors, Jim a pain in the butt but a great guy... T.J, Britney, Dillon, Jacy, and Jasmine the neighborhood kids that for some reason loved being gophers for Bill and Dan. Also to Gerard, Leanne, Hannah, Bobbette and Bernie, Fred and Lea, Reggie and Lorie, and I know I have missed some, our great friends who have helped us break in our decks and firepits.... Peace....

Iowa Speedway

2006-09-16T09:19:00.000-05:00

Last night Bill had the pleasure of going to the first race at the new Iowa Speedway. He also was lucky enough to enjoy the race from a Suite. Spoiled Kid...below are some pictures that he took. Hope you enjoy them.

Labor Day 24 Hour Race Pics

2006-09-12T18:35:00.000-05:00

OOPs....

Mary and Kyle at the scorers table

Shelby and Friend

Kyle R. mixing his secret brew

Not sure who this is I was messing around with camera features...

Kyle R. and Kyle S. checking things out.

Kyle R showing us his best end.....

Never Forget 9/11

2006-09-10T21:45:00.000-05:00

Rest in Peace Jim, We miss you.

What a Beautiful Day

2006-09-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

It was an absolutely beautiful day today so I took off on another bike ride, Bill was suppose to go but he found that couch and I could not move him. This time i went West towards Ira. Ira is this little town that if you blink you will miss it. It is a 12 mile ride to Ira from where I live. Once there I hopped on the Baxter Trail otherwise known as the Chichaqua Trail which runs from Bondurant to Baxter. I have to take old paved roads to get there..

The Chichaqua Trail is an old railroad bed. Railroads fasinate me, I think they do because they are from a simplier time and are almost a thing of the past. Maybe in another life I was a hobo. :)

I road as far as Mingo then turned around. I knew that I had the 12 miles of wind and hills to ride back home.

Now this sign can be a bikers best friend or worse enemy, it just depends on if you are going down or up. Unfortunately I had to do both.

I took the following riding up the hill, I wouldnt recommend It, I about ran off the road.

The wind and the hills were tough today but If I had not gone I would have missed this beautiful day. I will say I bonked on the way home. Once again I didnt eat right. I need to stop doing that. For those of you who do not know what Bonked is, it is when you totally run out of energy and the best you can hope for is to limp your way home.

I cannot wait until the leaves start to change. Then there will be more rides and pictures. Hopefully my friend Julie will join me for a few of those...Well that's all for now.

Saturday Bike Ride

2006-09-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

I figured that since I shampooed carpets all day yesterday today was my day. ok after breaking up a cat fight, picking up the table and starting laundry, it was my day so I decided to go for a bike ride and I brought my camera along.

Can you find the turkey vulture in this pic?

People often ask me why I prefer riding on the roads compared to the trails. Most trails are made from old railroad tracks so you don't encounter the hills. Hills and wind are natures trainer. Give me hills over wind anyday. I also feel on the road I have more room to manuver. It is just my preference.

Both of the hills below are headed out of the river bottom. One East and One West. I judge how I am feeling that day by the one that goes East. Nice little hill. But the fun part is you get to go down them. I have reached over 30 MPH on both of them.. Wooo Hooo!

East:

West:

Breakfast of Champions...pop tarts...brown sugar and cinnamon my favorite.

This Picture is for Julie S...look at all of that corn in those beans...*gasp*

This is the Skunk River look for the waving photographer.

At one point in the ride there were 7 vultures hovering over head, I didnt think I looked or smelled that bad but I could have been wrong.

My least favorite hill. I think it is my least favorite because it comes after a mile long incline.

Farmland:

I finally made it home and saw that I had a few problems with the bike chain and crank, what is the old saying cobblers kids have no shoes well it is the same for Bike mechanics wives. Bike mechanics wives have dirty chains, cranks and gears...shame shame Bill!!

August is almost over

2006-08-28T21:14:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it that August is almost over. Wow time does fly. On Thursday will be my 15th wedding anniversary and Bill is still alive that is amazing. It actually has gone fast, we both say this, I think he says it to just keep the peace.

Last week I was in Wisconsin for work, I said I have my 20th anniversary with the company and they give me a trip to Wisconsin. I guess it could be worse. Wisconsin is actually a very nice state. It would be one that I could live in.

I finally got back on the bike tonight for the first time in a week and a half, my legs do not like me at the moment but they will just have to get use to it again. I love this cooler weather, fall is my favorite time of year, the colors are beautiful and it is the best time to bike.

As my fortune said the other night "The fastest way to lose a friend is to lend them money" oh so true.

Bill's summer project

2006-08-16T20:02:00.000-05:00

Bill's project for the summer was to build a new fire pit. Last year we put a new deck on the back of the garage. This year Bill said that it was a necessity to move the fire pit it was to close to the deck. Bill likes to build fires that they can see from outer space. I was against moving the pit because I had put some hard work into making it about 5 years ago. But oh well I lost and We now have a new firepit and I must say that it is very nice. If you look close you will see the Patio garden he built for me. I like to garden but didnt want a big garden. The garden also serves as a rail when people get to the deck landing so they dont fall off.

Bill and his friend Dan have had people ask them to build decks for them next summer. Who knows maybe there is a new business adventure for them.

There is a little bit to finish but we are very close.

Before:

after:

My 4 legged babies

2006-08-16T19:40:00.000-05:00

Charlie:

Charlie is my oldest 4 legged baby. He is 16 this year. He and I have been through alot together we have had our moments but he is there when I need him.

Sophie:

Sophie or Toto as we call her just showed up one Halloween. I think that she has got to be about 13-14. She has arthritis but she still rules the roost. She use to sleep right on my face and Bill said that I wouldnt even wake up. He would have to move her so that I could breath. Told you I sleep well.

Blackers:

I know real original name but Bill said that I couldnt name him because he would run away. It has been over 10 years since he showed up and he is still here. Blackers was a kitty that i saw in the distance. It took about 4 years before he would let me pet him. I think that he is about 11-12. He has taken over Sophie's sleep spot he sleeps with his back to me and his head on my pillow. One of the sweetest cats you would ever find.

Posom or as we call her Sweet P:

Have you ever had the feeling that you needed to be someplace? That is how I felt one Saturday. I just knew that I had to go and watch this triathelon. Well I pulled into the parking lot and saw this kitten run in front of me. Within this parking lot there was only one parking spot left and it got it. I got out of the car and there she was. So another baby added to my clan. Posom is three and a treat to have around but she is very picky about clean kitty litter...I guess with long hair I would be to.

Oliver:

What can you say about Ollie, he is actually the neighbors cat but he likes us better which does not sit real well with the neighbor. Ollie got his tail caught in the garage door so now we call him Oliver Stump. Ollie is just like the big doofie kid in the neighborhood. You just have to love him.

see what i mean a big doof...

Spaz:

Spaz is a neighbors cat but she is down at our house alot. She will sit on the air conditioner and wait for me to get up in the morning to feed her. She is probably the tiniest full grown cat I have ever seen.

Catching Up on What been going on.

2006-08-15T19:15:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone it has been awhile since I have been on so I thought that I would just catch you up with everything that has been going on.

My sister and I rode 2 days of RAGBRAI this year, we kind of got nostalgic it has been 17 years since we rode our first one. We did Wed and Thurs. I had issues on Wed with heat exhaustion. I seem to be having alot of issues with heat exhaustion this year. Well anyway. I was told that every day we all have a purpose. I think that my purpose that day was to make sure that a lady from Florida got to Newton. There was this lady at the intersection where I stopped and was waiting for my hubby to come and get me. Chris was waiting for the sag wagon. She had gotten blisters from her shorts rubbing. Now anyone who rides bikes and knows what chafing is like knows darn well you do not want to get blisters there. Any way the sag wag shows up and it is full. So I told her the Bill and I would get her to Newton. So my purpose that day was to get heat exhaustion so I could give Chris from Florida a ride to Newton. Makes me feel better anyway.

Thursday I was fine I kept plenty of fluid in my system and had a great day. Even got to see Lance. That was a thrill. I am a big Lance fan I believe in his mission to make people aware of the need for more cancer research.

Anyway back to Wednesday. Since I live in Newton we had over 50 people camped in our back yard what a great group of people they were from Rock Island or Rock something my husband knew them. It actually became a neighborhood task. We asked a couple of neighbors if they would mind opening up there showers. No problem they said. We had more of the riders thanking us. They said it was nice to have a hot shower, a real toilet and a mirror.

The really great thing was they traveled with there own massage therapyst..Two of them. We got a picture of my sister and I on the tables getting a massage. Now that is heaven. Bill kept laughing at my sister Susan he said if she was a dog her tongue would be hanging out.

That was pretty much July. I will try to catch you up later with more stuff that has been going on in our life.