Miscellaneous Missives

Today I was at Minnehaha Falls.  Even though many warnings have been given about flooded creeks and rivers, many are still putting themselves in danger.  On Sunday afternoon a man went in Minnehaha Creek to save his dog and needed to be rescued himself.  The flooding is creating many dangerous situations.  Luckily, the man and dog are fine.  I, too, would go in after my dog. Dangerous situations can also occur at the grocery store without one realizing.  A week ago I bought a bag of Kettle Sea Salt and Vinegar chips.  Tonight, I sat down to have some with my sun tea.  Some people worry about brewing sun tea.  People should really worry about making mistakes in the potato chips aisle.  Dangerous situations can be caused by not paying attention!  Anyway, when I poured the chips out of the bag, they looked weird.  When I tasted them, they tasted flat.  I checked the bag, baked.  My lack of attention landed tasteles...

I've been going to get a new bike pump for a couple of weeks because my bike tires need air.  After today's ride, I went to Erik's.  It seems there are two types of tire valves, Presta and Schrader.  My valve is a Presta.  Instead of getting a new pump, I was able to get an adapter for three dollars.  When I arrived home and looked more closely at my pump, I decided that I didn't need the adapter, but I still couldn't get the tire pumped up.  Embarrassed, I took my bike and the pump back to Erik's.  A young man was super helpful.  When I bought the bike, they didn't tell me how to use the valve, and it is indeed different.  Now, I know how to use the valve and have inflated tires.  Perhaps tomorrow's ride will be a bit faster. Today I stopped and waited for a deer to cross the bike trail.  This section of bike trails runs next to the train tracks, and the deer was a little unsure about the rocks and the tracks (and perhaps...

A couple weeks ago at the farmers' market, I bought a frozen popsicle.  The brand is Jonny Pops , and they have an interesting story.  They were developed by four Minnesota college students and have all natural ingredients.  My first pop was the mixed berry, and it was delightful.  I've also had the Coconut Pineapple Paradise and the Choco Latte.  Yes, I am a fan of all three.  Although they are a bit expensive, I appreciate that they pay it forward.  The message on my stick tonight said, "Recognize someone you admire."  It seems as though equation #30 is an advertisement.

View of Minneapolis this morning... almost doesn't look real. A great city with great bike trails! I enjoy these cooler mornings and sunny afternoons although we've really only had two.  Today was the perfect morning for my 55 mile ride.   Honestly, I only road 52, but I rationalized it because I rode 29 instead of 25 yesterday.  This afternoon I celebrated by meeting friends at Sebastian Joe's for ice cream.  Sitting outside we discussed everything from summer days to outdoor activities to the latest books we've read.   The Typist came recommended, so I ordered it and had it sent to my phone.  I love summer (and modern technology)!

Earlier this month, I realized that orange pylons actually mean a closed trail .  This morning, I came across concrete barriers blocking the bike trail.  As I stood looking at them wandering what to do, a gentleman crossed the blockade.  "It's not really closed.  You can get through,"  he stated.  He also went on to explain there was a mudslide that had covered the road, but it was cleaned up and passable.  Although I was hesitant, I decided to give it a go and discovered the guy was right.  Concrete barriers don't necessarily mean closed trail. Today marks the 30th anniversary of Prince's album Purple Rain.   When Doves Cry was the first single released.  I bet I'm not the only one that knows all of the words to this song!

This morning I did a quick thirty mile ride before I left "God's Country."  I wanted to check out some of the Day 2 Ride for RAGBRAI.  Not only is it less miles, I think it will be a bit flatter although I did not ride the entire route.  My plan was to ride 15 miles out and then return home.  My first 15 miles was with the wind, and I rode 14.5 miles an hour.  My return trip was 12.1 miles an hour.  It, however, was a beautiful morning for a ride.  Basically, all I did was ride today.  First, I rode my bike.  Then, I rode in my car.  Since 169 is closed I had to take an alternate route which adds 30 to 60 minutes onto my ride.  Yep, that's my post for today.  All I did is ride. FB friends will know this, but yesterday I went to the Sugar Shack in Arnolds Park, Iowa.  It's in the Central Emporium.  While I was talking to a friend, I noticed the little boy in front of my had Sixlets.  Sixlets!  Ins...

Last night after a wonderful day visiting friends in Sioux Falls, I sat out on Dad's deck and read.  I looked over at the owl decoy that he used to keep the swallows from nesting in the corner and noticed they had built the nest on the top of the owl's head.  Immediately, I sent a text of the picture to my dad.  Next, I called him because I couldn't wait for his reaction.  Of course, I found it hilarious.  He, on the other hand, was not amused.  After some conversation, he explained that I needed to get rid of the nest.  Not knowing if I had what it took, I told him I would do my best.   It wouldn't require ruining the nest, but maybe I could take it down and put it in the grass.  Unsure of my ability to ruin their habitat, even if it was problematic to my father, I gingerly walked towards the owl.  It was hanging from a hook, so I grabbed the bottom of the owl and removed it from the hook.  As soon as I did, I noticed there were...

Today I went to Scheel's in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  It's where I typically buy my athletic shoes since they always have at least one 10 Narrow.  Today they had one 10 Narrow, but it was ugly.  I tried on seven to eight pairs of shoes and ended up with two pairs.  Since I'm not brave enough to clip in (yet), one pair will be my new biking shoes.  I'm pleased with my purchases! Happy Summer!!

Notice one can't see the bottom of the hill. Power = Rate of Work Done Today I tackled a set of hills that will finish the first day of RAGBRAI.  Last night I drove the hills to see if they were as steep as I remembered them from my childhood, and it totally freaked me out!  This morning I took of to do some smaller hills and put in some initial miles before I went to the hills that seemed like mountains in my car.  Of course, I freaked out more than I needed to.  The hills are definitely ridable even though I was sucking air.  I'll ride them a couple more times before I leave.  As I rode today, it was interesting because other hills seemed to be equal in intensity.  Perhaps it's a good thing I'm getting some practice on these Iowa hills.  It will make me feel powerful. Seems a bit similar...

According to another BuzzFeed quiz, I have a wandering mind .  Although I'm not sure it's completely valid, there is some validity.  Due to this wandering mind, it's probably OK that I feel to be lacking momentum this morning.  I decided to abstain from riding my twenty miles this morning due to the thunder.  Since the rain is steady and strong, I feel as though this was a good decision.  The problem is that I am twenty miles behind that I will need to make up this weekend.  The larger problem is that I am still in my pjs and have only accomplished finishing a YA book.  Perhaps I should take a shower and incredible thoughts will form in my mind.

I found a equation (formula)  for growth. C = starting amount, r = rate (% in decimal form), and t = time periods I'm not really sure this is helpful, but I passed the ducks on a walk today.  They are growing!  The babies look like adults.  Today is my "off" day which means there's no biking, no appointments, no...  My plan is to read, but so far today I've only tried to straighten out my calendar and order tickets to the Counting Crows .  Maybe I'll get some reading done before I play golf tonight, but let's be honest, it's probably going to storm and golf won't happen.  More reading?

Work = Force x Distance Since I'm training for RAGBRAI (only riding two days), I'm putting a lot of work into this biking.  Yesterday I pedaled 58 miles, and today I pedaled 18.  For me, this is hard work.  Today the humidity was crazy, and I came home super sweaty and gross.  I'm amazed at how easy other bikers make it look.  It's almost like they know something I don't know.  Do they?  Today I had a million bikers pass me and felt super slow although my time wasn't horrible. I have decided to take at least one picture per ride until the end of the summer (?).  Today's picture is a picture I've thought about taking every time I pass this long grass.  Yeah, I don't know what it is, but it looks cool.  It's at a bad place to stop, but today I decided to actually stop and take the picture.

"The father of a daughter is nothing but a high-class hostage.  A father turns a stony face to his sons, berates them, shakes his antlers, paws the ground, snorts, runs them off into the underbrush, but when his daughter puts her arm over his shoulder and says, 'Daddy, I need to ask you something,'  he is a pat of butter in a hot frying pan" Garrison Keilor Many people are changing their Facebook picture to honor their dads.  This morning I did the same.  For Father's Day I not only gave my dad his favorite beer, I also made an Animoto video.  He opened it yesterday although I thought he should've waited for today.  Two of my favorite pictures come from our trip to Alaska.  Today I did my weekly check-in with my dad and his girlfriend, Carol.  Each Sunday morning I call them to chat and see how life is going.  Of course, this morning I also sent my Father's Day greetings.  He, too, had a greeting from me as he shared the Garrison...

A day of reading with the cat. Summer + Books = Reading Today was the perfect day for doing nothing.  I moved my 55 mile ride to Monday because of questionable weather forecasts.  Instead, I read two books and listened to the rain, thunder, and lightening.  The first book was Hannah Delivered .  Since the author is coming to speak at our church in July, I thought I should get it read.  Although it wasn't super well written, it had an interesting story, and I couldn't wait to see how the book ended (3.5 out of 5).  Next, I read Kick by Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman (2 out of 5).  Walter Dean Myers mentioned it in his book Just Write:  Here's How !  It was ok, but not great... maybe not even super good ( Kick , not Just Write ).  When I write about YA books in the summer, I post to the school's book blog.  I try to make every book sound like it should be read because I believe there's a reader who will love every book. ...

KK loves having Dad visit too. He always sits on Dad's bag and computer case. I have the best dad.  He came this weekend to hook up my air conditioning.  My father came to help me on Father's Day weekend.  It was excellent.  Two years ago, he did the same thing , and I called it the Father's Day Coup.  Last night, Dad gave his breakfast request.  "Anything!" I replied.  He wanted to go to Isles Bun and Coffee.  Since we needed to go to the hardware store to get some final odds and ends, it was the perfect location.  Plus, who can resist a mammoth cinnamon roll? For Father's Day (and birthdays, etc.), I always get Dad two cards.  One is serious, and one is funny.  This year I didn't have a gift to go with the cards.  As I grabbed a beer out of my fridge last night, he shared, "This is my favorite beer."  Done.  Today we went to Four Firkins , and I bought him two six packs of Sweet Child of Vine .  We had a...

I saw this snapping turtle on the trail at the end of my ride.  Today's wind beat me around for two hours.  Actually, the wind speed (16) was faster than my average ride speed (12).  Time to get on with the rest of my day.

Today was the last day of school.  To celebrate I rode a camel with two humps.   I also celebrated by drinking two beers at happy hour.  Remember, hoppy makes me happy.  Summer... Bring it!

Cottonwood seeds look like snow on the ground even though green is all around. As I drove to school this morning, I decided to take advantage of my .5 personal day.  Basically, if I don't use it this year, I will lose it.  Since I have a PT appointment Thursday afternoon, I'm taking .5 personal day and .5 sick leave which means today is my PENULTIMATE day.  Thursday was a teacher workshop, so I think it's a perfect plan.  Tomorrow means a trip to the zoo and the last day of school.  I'm certainly excited about starting summer.

Itching Eyes + Sore Throat = MPI I love the new weather app.  In fact, I look at it at least three times a day.  Tonight I scrolled down to look at the pollen index.  I was surprised to quite surprised to see that it was only medium.  My eyes are itching like crazy, and my throat is sore.  Maybe I should call in sick tomorrow since obviously its not merely allergies.  Only two days left with students, one without. Today I also checked out 44 young adult books for my summer reading.  For some reason, the Maud Hart Lovelace books haven't arrived.  I have my own opinions on this, but it wouldn't be appropriate to share here... or maybe I just did!

Biking + Church = Beautiful Day Today was an absolute day.  I did nothing but attend church, bike, and eat!   I can't wait for summer vacation. Actually, today I rode 52 miles and feel great about it.  While I was sitting in church, I noticed the mug on the floor in front of me that said, "Of course you can."  It seemed a sign for today's ride.

As my friend, J, and I walked into the State Theater last night, we had the feeling that we were surrounded by "our kind of people."  I spoke a little with the gentleman next to me and was a bit surprised at the age (older than I had imagined) of the audience.  John Fugelsang was amazing.  I laughed more last night than I have in two months.  Stephanie Miller was a bit disappointing, but both comedians said what liberals really need to say. John Fugelsang plus/minus Stephanie Miller equals great night!

A simple math equation for Friday.  This week I am scheduled for three 25 mile rides and one 50 mile ride.  Sunday was supposed to be 25, but it was raining.  I did 6 miles plus an hour spin class.  Tuesday I did the first 25 mile ride, but I periodically strayed from my path needed to ask for help  Grand Rounds .  It's not surprising that I would get lost, and it's not surprising that most bikers are helpful with directions.  Today I did the same route (minus ignoring orange pylons).  Since I didn't get lost, my trip was 4.31 miles shorter.  The river is still running fast and high. I also found new respect for runners, especially marathon runners, this week.  Training for a marathon must be an arduous process!

Tonight in a rush to get small chores done before meeting peeps out for dinner, I dropped my iphone in soapy water.  I was quick getting it out... lighting fast.  It hit more suds than water and barely became wet.  As I was praising my quickness I realized everything worked except the receiver.  As soon as I realized my phone didn't work, I didn't grab for a bag of rice; I raced for the Apple Store.  My intention was to buy a new phone, but they talked me into talking to the Genius Bar ($268 vs. $529).  An angel, looking much like an older gentleman, appeared, and my iPhone is working.  Let's hope I don't need to belly-up to the Genius Bar anytime soon, but today's experience was superb.

I didn't attempt this. Orange Pylon = Closed Trail I saw the orange pylon and knew it meant closed trail, but I didn't realize the depth of the water.  The Minnehaha Creek is out of its banks.  It's been on the news, but still...  Soooo.... I passed the orange pylon and went slowly through the first two puddles which covered the trail.  The third area of water that covered the trail also covered my entire shoe and pedal.  At this point I turned back around.  As a friend explained today, I have a steep learning curve. It was a beautiful ride and day.

Ducks plus red water equals a swimming family.  It seems the ducks are comfortable swimming in the red water which is actually less red today.  Yep, that's all I have to report.  Happy Monday!

With all of this rain, it seems an equation for the volume of a cylinder seems appropriate.  Unfortunately, most of the water is not being kept in a cylinder.  This morning I passed the pond which typically homes the ducks whom have been photoed recently for my blog.  It was an eery red.  I took a picture thinking it looks as though I added a filter.  After a few minutes on the trail, I realized why the pond was red and wondered about the ducks.  Recently, the condo association added red cedar mulch to the area that refused to grow grass.  Last week I had a conversation with a friend about the overwhelming color.  I was worried that it was died and not natural.  Perhaps my concern was warranted.