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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.

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

I’ve been down in Dallas area for work this week. Got to meet up with @jsharr for lunch. His choice of Fernando’s was en pointe! While there, I saw Tom Hanks having lunch with some sketchy guy so I had to get a photo. Had a great visit. I look forward to having a more relaxed visit next time, or return the favor if he comes my way!

I can honestly say no regerts. I like the lower CG for handling. The 2.5 is more athletic than the 2.0 in the CX5 and I’m getting better gas mileage. I was getting 27 most of the time with the CX5. I’ve been getting around 32 with the CX30. CarPlay is a huge step forward over the old Bluetooth connection. The seats are more supportive. Plus there is just that new car feel and let’s not forget the Soul Red! Really liking it!

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.

Gumpettes 2017 Outback has 90k miles. At the point of either keep it til it doesn’t run anymore or trade. We we back to the dealer we bought it from. There value on the trade was in the range I thought it should be plus we got 2 k off asking price plus a free hitch. Will pick up the 24 Outback Tuesday.

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.

I found a place. I gave them some money. She said I could move in at the end of April. I lived there a few years ago. It's okay. Small, 470 sq. ft. studio. I'll have to keep my bikes inside. They have a garden so I can plant some things.

Remember when I said my old boss kept trying to pry me away from the current one with obscene money. Well, I have a new job. It is a consulting job rather than a fly job. So... Now I have two part time jobs with two full time pay-checks. So much for retirement.

At the age of six, my stepfather’s father drove him along with his mother and two siblings to the county courthouse, left them there and drove off. He was born in 1928 so this was during the Depression. At the time, women didn't have many career options so she didn't have too many good job opportunities. She resorted to prostitution. To help the family, he would get up early and collect nightcrawlers and try to sell them by the side of the road to people going fishing. He was tall for his age. At 16, toward the end of WWII, he joined the Merchant Marines. He was eventually assigned to the 'SS Cliffs Victory' where he worked as a telegraph operator. He did that for several years. Eventually, he moved on. He was usually self-employed selling various items. Eventually ended up selling real estate and owning his own agency. He became was quite successful and was truly a self-made man. I will always be grateful to my stepfather because he gave my mother a wonder gift. He married her and gave her a second life. She wasn't struggling after my father passed or anything like that. When she my father was alive, he gave her the opportunity to have a family, finish college and start her career. When she married my stepfather after my dad died, he was able to give her a second life with a comfortable life style and traveling around the world. He made her happy the rest of his life. This picture is a caricature of him at his post of the 'Cliffs Victory'. It was drawn by a friend of his. At the time he smoked a lot (he later quit) and read a lot. Yes, he was that tall and lanky. The End

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.

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.

I’m hungry and I gotta pee. Waiting out in the lobby to get called in and abused for my stress test. They gave me a towel to wipe all that gel goop off — which is needed to roll the hand held device with the ball. No RG it was not as fun as it sounds. Marriage is way better than ultrasound. After all this cardio stuff I have to rush home and zoom with my boss to go over my annual goals — FML Anyway I have been studying for my stress test. I did not want to embarrass myself.

Stopped at Maker's Mark for a Distillery tour and tasting and as we were taking the tour through one of the wearhouses I found my Bourbon

Did you hear that they were trying to say that John Elway actually murdered those people? They were looking for a slow white Bronco.