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After the "severing" on Wednesday, I closeted myself in my office to polish my resume and begin waking up all my possible contacts. Several went big for me. Alteryx, a low-code analytics platform I have contributed to heavily both in my previous role and outside of it, is standing firm with me. I received word from them they not only still want me for the conference next month, where I was to be a "Company" speaker, but they are covering my expenses while there. They also have asked for my CV and already have spoken to someone to at the least become a paid consultant for them for a Professional Services program they offer to their clients. Might even get a real offer out of it too. My network here in Tampa is heavily in the Tech space, with many meetups for young devs, data science, and other groups I am active in. I've already had 3 initial interviews today. Two of which seem like realistic positions I can see myself in. Two other interviews and a lunch meeting with a CTO on Monday too. I was pretty down on Wed/Thurs but to see the amount of support I am receiving and the kind of ridiculous response, I did not expect to have any interviews for weeks, let alone a practical half dozen in 48 hrs. The effort I put in doing meetups, speaking engagements, going to coding sessions, or mentoring the young and beginning coding groups over the years has paid serious dividends.

But Emmy tossed her first high school no-hitter last night VS Corydon Central High School. Second pitch of the game she hit Corydon’s lead-off square in the shoulder and put her aboard. Second batter was a 3-2 walk. We know both of those girls well from travel ball. Two kids you DO NOT want to put on base. But Em settled in to get out of the inning. After that first inning she cruised to an 11-0 win by run rule striking out 10.

of separation after close to 30 years of marriage. Opened bank accounts in my name today. Told Martha we need to start untangling our joint lives and moving on. I think we will end up selling the house. I have been here too long. It is scary and lonely to think of starting over this late in life. Not sure what that will look like. The coming months will be hard, but they will be better than being trapped in a lifeless, loveless marriage. I know that at some point the emotional dam I have built will break and lots of ugly stuff will come spilling out. This makes me feel scared and alone My biggest concern is how do I tell this to my boys and my mother. I don't want the anger and the hurt to turn me into something I am not. I do not want to say hurtful things no matter how badly I hurt. The numbness is beginning to fade and the pain and hurt grow, but I realize this is part of the process I have to go through. And I have come to the realization that I cannot do this alone. I know I need to find someone to talk too, someone who knows about this, because I have no idea what to do next. This makes me feel lost. I was naïve enough to believe those words I said about til death do us part. That is what is hardest. I am a man of my word and this is one promise I will not be able to keep. This makes me feel broken The End

from the revolving dining room in the Skylon. Judie proudly turned 75 today.

Restoring a 1956 Harmony archtop tenor guitar I bought in pieces for 10 bucks. Here's what I started with: Here's how it looks now.:

In the fall of 2022 our youngest son had asked us to consider a 2nd home, one it the Minneapolis area. His reasoning was that ask the grandkids got older and into more activities, we would want to see them more throughout the year. We had been renting a furnished one bedroom apartment for a month or 2 in the summer in Brooklyn Park MN, through a firm that assists with corporate relocations. We could see we would need a bigger place going forward. Last summer we met with a real estate agent in June, to start the search, but, that search got derailed. In December I contacted the agent again to restart the search. About a week ago I made an offer for a 2 bedroom townhome near where my son lives. The offer was accepted and the closing will be in mid May. It has a 2 car garage, so, room for bikes and a Big Green Egg. The inspection and walk through was yesterday, which my son and DIL did for me. My main residence will still be AZ (especially in the winter....). I will likely drive to MN this year, rather than fly.

Driving home from an awesome week in St. Petersburg, I stopped at a grocery store to pick up dinner supplies including a few bottles of wine. Put the grocery box on top of my suitcase for the short drive home. Opened the rear door of my suv and the box started to fall. One wine bottle Brooke just as I grabbed the box. My SIL went into full panic mode running around freaking out. In a few short seconds I realized I needed a tourniquet so I pulled of my belt and synched it around my arm. Then we drove to Hospital one, where I sat 4 .5 hours and the triage nurse would come give me a new wad of gauze every once in a while. She then said it would probably be 5 more hours of waiting and. suggested another hospital. By. then, my SIL went home as my daughter came home from work. She drove me to the suggested hospital, the triage nurse didn't even look at the wound. Sent us to a waiting room absolutely full of psych and drug induced zombies. It was like going to a war zone full of crackheads including one dedicating in a corner on the floor. Left there and went to a third hospital, where I was properly triaged, and sent to a surgical suite. The doctor looked at it and said he had a plastic surgeon coming in to fix it. That took 3 hours and the photo was 45 minutes after the dressing was changed for the fifth time. When the surgeon arrived, he crapped on everyone and started barking out all the crap he needed and said this was a real mess. Anyway, he reconnected a tendon and artery and 26 stitches and 11 1/2 hours after the incident, I was sent home. Tylenol 3 is the order of the day.

G’s new pad.

I think I may go back to bed again. Womaxx started this a day before me. Youngest son is starting now. My dishwasher died just in time for easter. The repair tech is coming sometime tomorrow. On the good news side, the IRS just released my taxes that were on hold. It appeared in the bank yesterday.

A new GRAVEL BIKE. (My first non road bike) A Giant Revolt Advanced. My commuter bike that I ride in the rain all winter has been on It's last legs for a while this winter, and is in need a major overhaul. My Rocky Mountain has been my rain bike since 2009. It was a great bike and I did my first,( and my fastest ) century on that bike. My wife and I were talking this weekend as we are going away for a week for our Anniversary in June and she suggested taking our non-road bikes to ride some of the trails. I told her my bike would need a major overhaul after the winter because right now it is shot and she said "It's 15 years old, and you have put 30,000km on it, it doesn't owe you anything. Let's go look at new bikes." (I love that woman) so I said "I'm in!" I put fenders on it for the rain but they come off easy. We have lots of back roads around here so I may do a couple gravel road rides too

A friend asked me to check in on my mom. I call her every week or every other week or when we have time. We both pour a Manhattan and share stories. Someone said they called and she didn't answer so I should check in. I figured they called her her cell and it wasn't on and things were good. Sure enough, she said she plugged in her cell and noticed a bunch of missed calls. She said people get pissed at her for not having it on all the time. They said what if something happened to me, how would she know? Her reply was, what could I do? He is thousands of miles away, I couldn't do anything. Does it matter if I find out immediately or tomorrow? We agreed this was the best approach. Take care of yourself and if something goes wrong, oh well. She's 80. Still delivers Meals on Wheels even though she could be receiving them. There are two organizations that provide the service. She thinks one is doing it wrong and she has ideas how to fix it. I happen to agree, but I'll let her deal with fixing it. I told her I was shopping for a van to live in so I could work remotely, visit her more often, and help deliver meals on wheels. She said I was nuts. My mom knows how to figure shit out. She's thinking about taking a college course on short stories. I told her to enroll. She'll be late to class, not read the story, and still know more than anyone in the room.

Or three. Got a new toy and have not quite figured it out yet.

And I still have all my teeth Replacing the springs wasn't a hard job, I wouldn't consider it very dangerous , although there are people that prolly shouldn't do this type of work. Anyway, cost me 200 dollars for two high cycle springs, so an upgrade, and took about 3 hours total, I didn't call for prices but I'm sure I saved a few dollars.

From last Sunday:

Stopped at a country bar on my way home for lunch. Good food, Cheap beer and racing on tv ALL THE TIME. Order a half dozen wings and a Potosi cow pie. https://www.potosibrewery.com/our-beer/cow-pie/

There is a little bar out on the camp road. I finally stopped in after driving past for forty years. Not the warmest welcome. Another guy came in and they are chattin' it up. Bartender/owner finally came over and shared a dog story with me.

Thursday I went to Mancelona, MI for the SpringFest2024 Dryland sled dog race. I wasn't racing but was helping put on the race. Took the SXS, radios for workers and the large coffee maker. Some there thought the coffee was the most important thing. Thursday I spent the afternoon riding ORV trails in the area then when the family who were putting on the race got home from work after 5pm we set up trails. 3 mile and 1.5 mile. Friday morning I went out and rode some more ORV trails then went back and reset some barriers that blew down over night. The other help who were not morning people got there about 11 to finish setting up the race. I was the only one camped there Thursday night. Racers started arriving about 9am Friday morning. With 150 teams racing the field filled up by evening. This was one of the biggest dryland races since it was a qualifier for the North American championship and World Championships. Many of the TeamUSA from 2023 were there and racing in their team uniforms from the world championship in Spain last November. The first time the top two 4 dog teams in USA raced together other than the world championship. This time the daughter of the race hosts won by 2 seconds over the 2 day race. Mandy and Dan put on a very exciting show. I went up with 3 dogs and came home with 4. Kilo is the grandson and nephew of the 3 I took with me. Meet 6 month old Kilo. He is a very good boy. The official trail help on duty. Lemon, Mandy's retired leader and mother of many of her racing team with Beretta. One low quality cell phone picture till I get the hundreds of better ones and the video processed.

Driving home from work yesterday I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some food. I like to park near the side entrance as it’s not as busy as the main entrances. Also they have a few self checkout spots near that door so it’s a win win. A lady was pushing one of those enormous carts made for toddler entertainment with a toddler and some bags. She goes right to the two empty spots I was shooting for and blocks one. I park in the other and get out. By then her groceries are in the car and she’s getting ready to unload junior. I say, if you’re finished with your cart I can take it in. She was overwhelmed by the offer, like, nobody asked this before? She said thanks so much I’ve been up since 2:30 and a little frazzled now. No worries, I doesn’t cost me anything to return the cart for you, have a good day. Little dude gave me a fist bump. The world is a better place when we look out for each other.

One of the guys I have been doing wheel building and repairs for the last number of years is moving up from his mobile repair business to a brick and mortar shop in Toronto. He hasn’t fully opened yet, the front door is locked and the windows are covered in paper, but the service department is operating and he has a dedicated and loyal clientele that keeps him busy. He asked if I could come in for a few hours a couple of days a week to help out so I said sure. Mostly high end road stuff which is great to work on. Plus he is a great guy and an awesome mechanic so a good opportunity to learn stuff.

Weather has been nice (off & on the last couple weeks. So I've got out a few times. Mostly about 18-20 miles.... So this afternoon I change up my planned route. I was thinking about 25 miles. Did some hills at the start instead of at the end. Ended up doing 32 miles....ouchie. The last 20-30 mins i was hurting. Had one cyclist pass me on my return route. I had just passed a subdivision & I think he came from there. No chit chat....just zoomed on by. I did pull up to a light next to a motorcyclist. He looks over at me & says wanna race? I told him lets see how fast you are...with a pump in your wheels! We both had a chuckle. Did go up a longish (1 mile or so) in my big ring. So kinda proud of dat. Lots of road debris as the shoulders weren't swept yet except in a few short places. And apparently i've turned into a Rapha jersey wearing douche. I got one from REI on sale and really like it. i was way overdressed. The last half of the ride I had to unzip my jacket & leave it flapping in the wind. Took off my full finger gloves & skull cap. and unzip my jersey. And i had a bunch of PRs. Because i lost my login to Strava so I'm starting all over again That's all from Hooterville today

Since I purchased my treadmill I've been on an iFit program for beginners. I'm on week 5 and I have already had to go back a week -- I guess I'm a flunky. My heart rate has been good however, during the running intervals it's staying in normal rates for my age. No more 160 bpm like 10 years ago; but i'm in cardio most of my run. I should note, I'm on a beta blocker for PTSD so that probably keeps the HR back a bit. I'm enjoying this journey, even if progress is a bit slower than I hoped. Regarding biking, I am taking in the Kona to the shop for a tune-up. I will likely only ride on the weekends due to demands from work, but I'm thankful to have the treadmill and Peloton as they work in a pinch. Couch

One of my colleagues from a few years back moved on to another company. Same tech but instead of marketing/media in the finance/audit/regulatory space. He's been happy and paid very well. He reached out a few weeks ago about a few roles available. I put my hat in the ring for two. Just had the first/second interview only a few hours apart. Sounds very promising, room for growth, good benefits and the pay, well, is very very good. Crossing some fingers.

. … . .

Was a great day. Early down in TN we played a great team. Easily one of the best HS teams in TN. Had an amazing pitcher. We were sitting at 5-0 in our tourney. We put 2 on them in the first. Emmy held them scoreless. But she gave up a 3 run homer in the 3rd by leaving a curveball a little fat over the plate that got tattooed over the left field fence. We came back and took the lead on a double that scored two. Emmy kept them scoreless until the last inning. We were up by 1. They had one on. Bunted her over that gave us an out. Induced a shallow pop up to bring up the leadoff. So one on, two down, huge leadoff up with game on the line. Fouls one off. Emmy paints a corner for strike 2 looking. Then gets the girl to swing out of her shoes at a rise ball and gets the K for the win! This game had all of the feelings of a sectional game. It was awesome to watch. I’ve seen her pitch a thousand games but every now and then you just know one is special. She finished with a career high 12 strike outs in 6 innings. I left TN early to head home because G got me tickets to see Arron Lewis. He is the former front man for Stained. We saw him in a small venue in French Lick. I ate dinner with him and we saw the show. It was amazing. His voice is still amazing. All acoustic. Just him and a couple of other guys with guitars. My kind of show. Everyone stayed seated. Just enjoying the music. Truly a great time. great day spending time with both my kids.

Friday evening, I picked up my rider packet and signed (but didn't read) all the waivers. I was also told they were out of "Large" so I could have a Med or XL jersey instead. Thankfully, I really wanted a Med, so got that and was happy with my choice. Same brand of jersey as my earlier post on my new team kit (Athlos). There was dinner and a ceremony, but I bailed so I could get stuff in place and also a nice night's rest before the ride. A good call as I got everything squared away and loaded the bike in my wife's car plus set the coffee maker to start an hour earlier! Saturday, at 5am, I was up and getting ready. Drank my cup (just one) of coffee, ate my overnight muesli breakfast, and got dressed for the ride. For the first day, it was the team (company) kit. My company was also a sponsor of the ride, so it was a good complement the ride jersey (my final day option) that many folks were wearing. We hopped in the car and my wife drove me to the start at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City where I hopped out, handed my overnight bag off to the ride coordinators, finished setting my bike up, and met up with the other folks I'd be riding with - 3 I knew, 2 I didn't. At 7:00am, we all assembled on the road in front of the hotel for the "big start" and special announcements. About 375 riders in total. Top fundraisers were announced. Team leader announced. Sponsors were announced. And then the riders with special circumstances were stationed at the front, the national anthem played, and at 7:15 we were off! For the first ~10 miles, we had a full police escort. Motorcycle cops would rotate around our group closing off intersections and keeping traffic at bay. We meandered our way from Crystal City over through JB Myer-Henderson and around the perimeter of Arlington National Cemetery as well as the chapel on base where my BiL's funeral took place before his burial in the cemetery. That was a bit emotional. Then, out the other side of the base and off for a loop around the Iwo Jima Memorial and past the Carillon and then through Rosslyn, across the Key Bridge into Georgetown, out past the Exorcist Stairs, and up MacArthur Blvd and then a steady ramble into Maryland and the increasing countryside heading NW. We passed through Potomac, kept going past White's Ferry, and then out into places I vaguely recognized, but never knew the name of or could pinpoint on a map. We wrapped up at the Frederick Fairgrounds for the end of Day 1 and the starting point of Day 2. Beautiful scenery and lots of fun. The ride (Face of America - Gettysburg) is a charity ride for enabling wounded vets (and non-vets) to continue being active and, for this particular ride, focusing on cycling in all its current forms for soldiers missing a limb(s), with paralysis, hearing or sight impaired, traumatic brain injuries, etc.. I rode with a woman who had lost her leg and was riding with a prosthetic - amazing to see her on the hills. Also amazing to see her reconnect with another rider who also lost his leg, and they were "neighbors" when recovering in the hospital. Ebike and motorized trikes were also big helps for many. Lots and lots of trikes, and a few handtrikes. We'd clear out if possible for the trikes on any downhills so they could get some momentum to get up the next hill. When they struggled, there were always folks riding with them to grab their "push" bars or keep them going straight. Generally, a pretty inspiring show of determination for many of these folks to get up and over hills that I wouldn't think twice about. Seeing one guy missing a leg, but riding without a prosthetic (but e-assisted), was pretty amazing too. It's hard to characterize it all in one way, as each of those folks (and ones I didn't see/notice) were uniquely handicapped, but finding ways to keep moving. Pretty impressive but also a gut check on how good most of us have it. Most of these folks were Iraq/Afghanistan era soldiers, and what we see is the stuff that would have killed soldiers back in Vietnam or before, is now often just taking a precious limb or sight. Body armor worked to keep folks alive in awful circumstances, but the parts not fully protected often meant they were saved on the battlefield, but in some way profoundly injured. Human spirit, though, kicks in, and the lucky ones figure out how to keep going. There were a lot of them on the ride. There were many rest stops scheduled through the day 1 route. I think four plus the final at the fairgrounds. So much food and drink, and plenty of time to talk to other folks and hear their stories (or just chat about bikes). Lots of volunteers out helping out and cheering the riders on. With the ride being a "rolling" escorted ride, there was a front led by the ride director, a wide variety of motorcycle support, and then the SAG and other support bringing up the rear. Very rarely did we stop other than at a rest stop, and it was really nice to have clear roads ahead of us (opposite lane traffic was open). It was a VERY hodge-podge collection of riders on a wide variety of bike. The pace of the ride - averaging 12mph or so - was one that made it doable for so many folks, and for me, it really allowed it to be a "conversation" ride where I could find random suckers people to chat up and hear about their "why" and other stuff. Folks from across the country and I definitely had a few interesting stories from folks I'd usually never get a chance to talk to. We wrapped up the ride with some food and drink at the fairgrounds, before shuttling off to our hotels for the evening. The boss took us out to dinner, so that was nice too. Thought I would watch some tv after dinner but was out like a light in minutes with the alarm set for a 5:20am start the next morning. I figured a slow 60 miles wouldn't be tough - it wasn't - but a long day and lots of "on" time chatting with folks really added up to me sleeping like a baby.

Morning One on One with my direct supervisor had a surprise guest. HR! Seems my position is slated to move overseas in their cost savings initiatives. As soon as the meeting ended my computer was remote wiped and all credentials revoked. I had about 5 minutes to email myself some contacts and that's it. I'm now no longer slowly looking for a new role, I am for REAL looking for a job. I did get paid out till the end of the month and then my severance will last for 7 more weeks. I knew I wasn't happy with the changes and was looking for a new role, but it sucks when the transition isn't your choosing.

Walking with her friend Peony. Notice how they are kindred spirits with the coat coloring.

I had a solar filter on but took it off at totality.

We went out for dinner and a drink last night when someone came over to where we were sitting and asked Wo46 on how she was feeling. Wo46's responded....good, just my thumb is still sore. They also asked if she is done racing. She said...I not sure, I might give it another shot. I would like to see her get back on for another race. I enjoy racing with my son but I like racing with the little woman

DoSmudge1 is here with her doggie. We'll go to camp today. We'll dink around tomorrow, probably change the oil in her car. She will head home Sunday. Yesterday's walk....

For my wife’s birthday. It’ snot new it has 32,000 miles on it. Owl pick it up when we get back from our Niagara Falls get a way.

I was admitted to the hospital Wednesday evening. NPO (nothing by mouth) until today and gradually weaned to full diet. Low expectation for breakfast and lunch but dinner was first regular diet. It was inedible. Couldn’t cut broccoli stems with knife so shaved off ends and very tough and dry. Yes, they managed to ruin baked ziti too, but I did try three bites. Only dinner drink was 1% milk. At least anticipating going home tomorrow, but part of that decision was how well tolerated diet.

Midway through dinner got “full” and went into computer room to relax and work it off. Began to feel feverish sweaty and turned on the ceiling fan. Eventually took my BP and retook several times confirming original. 150/103 with a pulse of 133. Decided to go to the ER and with readings like that went to the head of the line. While just uncomfortable feeling, thankfully thought to ask for an emisis bowl (old school - now bags). About an hour later, still in ER, made good use of it - and I am not quiet, so nothing dainty. During the stay went through four or five of them. Twice when consultants were in my room interviewing me. Normal conversation then suddenly, mid sentence, grabbing it off the tray ending the conversation. I asked the nurses if the would add doctors to my known allergy list. Overall, considered gastroenteritis with cardiac complications.

Happy birthday Judie

Multi tasking at the moment, but, it was a steady rain (and had been for 3+ hours) Saturday morning at 4:30. I needed to leave the hotel at either 4:30 or 5:00 for a 5:00 or 5:30 start time for the double. Steady rain and 52 degrees didnt equate to an enjoyable ride, so I did not start (DNS). Also, the weather channel was showing that rain would be possible for most of the route during the day. I texted and talked with my younger son (in MSP, who has taken up cycling). I was thinking of just heading back to Phoenix, but the thought occurred to me that I would still be charged for the room for Saturday. My son said can you get in a shorter ride, since you do enjoy cycling in California. Darn it! I thought about bringing my laptop, but didnt. It would have been relatively simple to create a new route. While I was talking with him I got an idea: ride the first part of the double route, then take a detour to where the last sag stop is, in Los Alamos. It was somewhat difficult to judge the distance, but I figured it was at least 50 miles. The "detour road" I was going to turn on is actually on the return for the regular route. There was plenty of elevation gain in what I did, mainly on Foxen Canyon Rd. That road was on the Tour of California race at least once. I did a couple of extra detours, and ended with 62.5 miles and 3632 ft of elevation gain. I left the hotel at 9:45, and was back about 2:20. I did get a few sprinkles about 2 miles from the end. It was a quality ride with all that climbing (the complete route had 8400 ft of elevation gain). I didnt stop for more than a few minutes (taking off arm warmers, taking a couple of pics), so it was like I rode straight thru. An added benefit was, I was back early enough to shower and have an early dinner (with 2 beers) at the Firestone Walker Brewery in Buellton. I drove there, even though it was only about a mile away, and that was a good decision since it did rain. Breakfast this morning was at a local place, Ellens Pancakes. 2 Danish pancakes, 2 over easy eggs, bacon, and coffee. Enough food that I didnt need to stop for lunch on the drive home.

Owing to the arrival of the Hellbeast, I only got out for maybe a dozen rides last year. The last one was mid September. Despite the forecast calling for rain and temps in the low 50’s, I said “to hell with it” and jumped out for a quick ten. ”Quick” relative. That was the hardest I’ve worked for a 14MPH average, in quite a while and uphill overpass sprints still suck, but the last stat is the most important:

troop 1001 cleaned up at Camporee. We won many of the events and we won best troop overall out of 37 patrols from 22 troops from five districts.

In a chair next to my next listening to nature’s music played by frogs and insects under a starlit sky.

The lovely Sara with an H & I took her nephew out for his birthday. It is usually about 3-4 hours including toy shopping, lunch & back home. Did I mention he is turning 6? So we go over & pick him up. We didn't have an entire plan dialed in yet. We found a toy store & go in. We find a BIG box of Brio train stuff & a metal locomotive (not Brio). Fair enough start. We have to run by our house & pick up some stuff...it's about a half hour oot. As we are pulling in the alley there is a big ol pile of toys with a big sign....FREE TOYS. There are 2 kids there loading up stuff. We ask if we can have some...they say you can have 1 box. So we take one and they are struggling with how to get the rest of the pile home. So we load it in the car & haul it over about a block. Tell the dad & he is cool with it. On the way to the French Bakery he sees a sign for a commuter train that terminates in our town. He LOVES trains. They aren't running today but we still had fun on the platform& looking at the cars. We made a promise to go for a train run with him. And off we go to the French Bakery. I get a day old cupcake & he gets something Off to bowling at the event center that has video games, Lazer tag, go carts etc. We bowl for an hour ( I beat him by 1 pin) We decide t play put put golf. We play the front nine. It's a little stacked up but he is running around talking to folks & makes a new friend right ahead of us. (I'll say I had 2 hole in ones) Then we head to the go carts. It's a bit of a wait but we get in & terrorize the crowd. Right next to it is the zip line. So we stand in that line. We are about half way in & Sarah takes him back to the go carts while I wait. It takes a bit and they come back. She & he hop on & do the ride. Then the back nine of the putt putt has a castle. So we have to do that. We are both beat & want to leave. As we are going through the arcade he HAS to play a frogger type game. We play for about 15 minutes & the card times out (we had 3 hours on the card) Then we go to the restaurant...spaghettiti. It must be a dance or something at the local High School as lots of HS age women are dressed in pretty dresses. Front desk says 30 minutes....but you can wait in the bar. We find a seat in the bar and lickety split we get told....no kids in the bar. Shortly after we exit we get a table. Soon enough he is crashing hard after we order. We get a go box as he chokes down a spumoni ice cream & take him home. We tell the 'rents we are exhausted. Dad says....all day every day....LOL

the above is G’s hunting dog the bottom pic is when Em fed a dorito to G’s cat

In my cubicle

Long time no see. Even just accidentally ran across an old bookmark to land here... I'd half forgotten about this place. So much trauma from the old Bicycling forum days. Glad to see many of you still alive and well. Did we lose anybody?

Our Walmart has closed all the self checkouts and has real people working checkout lines.

The last couple of weeks have been a love hate relationship

We have been camping at Mr. Raney's ranch for 30 years now. The Troop installed the flag poles as a thank you gift for Mr. Raney. Scouts Own Service this morning. Scout Vespers after the campfire last night My rifle range for the weekend was set up very last minute. Fishing Brisket, pork and chicken for dinner on Saturday Ryan learned this from me Group photo after retiring the colors on Saturday night

In my backyard.