Miscellaneous Missives

#30 Checking In Map My Ride and caring physician  I love the Map My Ride app.  It gives me my route, distance in miles, miles per hour (even breaks down MPH for each mile).  When I bet a previous time (or even ride within one of my top ten times) for a segment of a route, I get and email with this information.  Today I woke up to an email congratulating me on my 150th workout since I started using the app (April 2014).  Celebrating small milestones is a good way to wake up in the morning. Also, this morning I received a call from my doctor's nurse.  She wanted to know how I was doing with the new asthma meds.  Since my insurance deductible starts again tomorrow, she wanted to get me in if I needed to be seen.  I told her that I didn't need to be seen, but I wasn't quite sure and wanted to experiment today on my ride.  "What if I don't take my one inhaler before the ride to see if the steroid inhaler I have to take twice a day is helpin...

#29 Foliage (natural plantings according to signs) along the bike trail and beautiful summer days! Today's gratitude comes from the foliage along the bike trail.  I kept passing purple, orange, and white flowers as I rode.  I wanted a picture, but I was didn't want to stop.  Finally, at an intersection, I stopped to take a picture.  It's another beautiful day along the bike trail. Every summer is beautiful, but I feel the days this summer have been especially wonderful.  My bike ride today was fabulous, and now I will spend the remainder of the afternoon outside reading.  When people ask me if I have any big plans for the summer, the answer is really no.  I'm biking and reading and enjoying.   As I was typing this post, I received an email from a friend who is going to ride into Cedar Falls with me on RAGBRAI.  We'll certainly be able to get caught up as we ride!  Once again, life is good. 

#28 fellow cyclist and great friend KK and coming home fellow blogers Sometime this spring, I invited friends on Facebook to join my for the Fulton Gran Fondo.  My friend J said she would join me.  Four weeks before the ride, we started training.  When the ride was finished, I continued riding for RAGBRAI following the training schedule, and J joined me for the long rids (50, 60, 65) each week.  She always refers to herself as the "support staff", but the reality is she's the stronger cyclist.  This last weekend we cycled the University of Okoboji Campus Ride.  It was a wonderful weekend.  Next weekend we are riding the metric century (61.5 miles) Tour D'Amico.   I've really enjoyed this rides and am thankful to have someone with me to keep me going. Today I came home to KK who was a bit crabby at first.  As I continued to unpack and get laundry started, he conked out on the bed.  It's good to go away, but it's also good to come ...

#27 Dan Price An Amazing Story Dan Price, founder and CEO of Gravity Payments , if you haven't heard of him go find the Google machine.  While watching the news (NBC Nightly News) tonight, I learned about this man.  Basically, he took a pay cut, so he could raise the minimum wage for his employes to $70,000 a year.  A classroom wrote him letters, and he visited their class.  He told them if they kept writing him a letter a year, he would give them $1000 scholarship when they graduated.  This guy is amazing.  Wow!  What would the world be like with more people like Dan Price? Also today was the perfect day for the University of Okoboji Campus Ride!

#26 I'm thankful for Sugar Babies and God's Country. J and I are in God's Country sitting on the deck geeking on the internet, eating Sugar Babies, and looking through booklet for the 31st Annual University of Okoboji Campus Ride.  It's a lazy evening as we prepare for tomorrow's ride.

The Daily Show Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes , The Daily Show on Facebook , Daily Show Video Archive Al Franken and Jon Stewart-- What's not to like?  What's not a gratitude if it's not these two men?  Of course, I don't have an actual picture, but I think this video should count.  #25 I give thanks for Al Franken and Jon Stewart.  Heck, I'm also going to throw in the Supreme Court (nice job with today's ruling folks!).

#24 Thanks to all those who make my life easier! Today has been a day of accomplishing nothing and everything.  I've basically done errands, Midwest Mountaineering (stuff sack for borrowed tent... love this place), Apple Store (new battery turned into new phone), physical therapy (golfer's elbow is certainly improving), Steeple People (finally dropped of bag of stuff at the consignment store)...  Since I received a new phone instead of a new battery, I needed to update the phone.  As I was getting frustrated about the slowness of the update, I realized there was no update because I had no internet.  To alleviate my frustration, I went out for one more errand and found these guys working.  Thanks to all the "workers" I came in contact with today and those I merely noticed. PS Thanks to my phone as a personal hotspot, I was still able to post before my round of golf.

"Life is sweet, sweet as strawberry wine And bitter too, like the seeds on the vine You are that, you are more than sublime And bitter too, loving you has been an experience" #23 Fresh Picked Strawberries Today was the perfect day for picking strawberries.  The picking is the easy part.  Cleaning them and preparing them for freezing is the task.  With the exception of the bowl I saved, all of the berries are in the freezer and the kitchen is clean, not bad for today.  

This was a train I saw as I was biking back home and not train for which I waited. #22 I'm thankful for chance meetings. In 26 days, I will be riding my bike out of Sioux City and tackling a huge climb.  It became a little more real today as I received my wrist band and bike band for the ride along with the jersey I purchased.  Ironically, yesterday on my ride, I had to stop for the train.  I was wearing an old RAGBRAI jersey (purchased on sale although I didn't ride).  The biker I pulled up next to looked at my jersey and asked if I was riding this year.  "Yes," I replied as the train passed.  We biked together for awhile before I turned off for another route.  "My ride package hasn't come yet," I moaned.  The biker assured me that it was on its way.  I guess today was proof.  I've noticed more RAGBRAI jerseys (none new yet) on the trails.  Perhaps we're all training for the seven day ride.  For some reason, it always ma...

#21 I'm thankful for dads. My Dad, Me, and my Grandpa Each and every Sunday (almost always), I call my dad for a check-in.  Sometimes it's a short call, and sometimes it's more lengthy.  If I forget to call, he leaves me messages.  Typically, I call on my way home from church, so it's approximately the same time each Sunday.  Instead of calling today, Father's Day, I called last night because I knew I'd be on my bike most of the morning.  He was fine with the early greeting and had already opened up my Father's Day cards.  I always get him two cards for any event, one is sentimental and the other is humorous.  I'm not sure why I do this, but it's become a "thing."  Happy Father's Day to all.  Let's spend today thinking of the wonderful moments we've shared with our Dads. This is one of my favorite pictures!

#20  I'm thankful for the farmers' market, and all the wonderful people that make it a positive experience. I bought from a new booth this morning at the Midtown Farmers' Market.  The booth was Wozupi Farms .  To be honest, I stopped because I thought they were Native (They are.).  My kale was immense and cost $2.50.  Since it's a pain to give change, I told the gentleman to keep the change.  He was a bit surprised.  "Do you like pea shoots ?"  he asked.  I explained that I didn't know anything about pea shoots, and he handed me a container of pea shoots.  "What do I do with them?" I asked.  His reply was that I should put them on my salad.  As I prepared dinner tonight, I did some research and added them to my tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.  Honestly, I'm enjoying the pea shoots, and the kale was certainly worth $3.00.   I will certainly make sure I'm buying from Wozupi Farms in the future.   

#19 I'm thankful for good reads and the authors that tell the stories. I'm on a committee (soon to get off) that has initiated Hennepin Reads .  Basically, four times a year, we bring in local authors and musicians (one time a belly dancer) to discuss their book.  Last night's author was Jonathan Odell.  Since I had met him and talked to him at one of my book clubs, I made the suggestion and did the initial contact.  He was phenomenal as he talked about so many important issues surrounding race.  Although I read liked his book Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League, I liked The Healing better until tonight.  After listening to him talk about his current (first released and then revised) book, it was difficult not to think I liked it the best.  We are truly blessed to have amazing authors like Jonathan Odell in Minneapolis.  If you haven't read either of these two books, I'd recommend them. Actually, I'm posting this morning because I emailed ...

#18 I am thankful for a beautiful day and and everything it entails. I've wanted to paddle board for a couple of years.  When I knew a friend was going to be in town, I asked if we could go paddle boarding.  While it was her first time paddle boarding this year, it was my first time paddle boarding.  As the picture shows, I was able to get up and paddle, but in all reality, I spend most of my time kneeling or sitting on the paddle board.  Sitting and kneeling allowed us more time to converse.  Plus, standing caused my legs to shake.  I guess the muscles I'm building for biking are different.   Anyway,  it was a glorious day.  The weather was perfect.  After paddle boarding we sat next to the lake and continued to reconnect.  Life is good.

#17 Critters outside my door talking. Many people wonder what teachers do all day with their "summers off."  Today was field trip day.  After my PT appointment, I took a young lady with me to the Enchanted Rock Garden.  We both left with two rocks.  I'm pleased with my rock and will share more later.  When I returned from the rock garden (and Patrick's Deli) trip, I heard a bird outside my deck.  As I kept searching for the bird, I realized the sound was actually coming from this squirrel.  I wondered if the poor squirrel was hurt or merely having a bad day.  A friend says he was mad.  He certainly was crabby. 

#16 I'm thankful for the crazy Republican candidates! I'll admit that I did not take today's gratitude picture, but today I am thankful for Donald Trump's run for President.  What?  Yep!  Ladies and gentleman this is going to be an entertaining election year.  Jeb (not Bush), Rubio, The Donald, Paul, Fiorina... the list is long, and the participants are all unique (unique as in crazy).  Before the 2008 election, I spent quite a bit of time in Iowa as the candidates visited  God's Country.  I saw Obama , Edwards , H. Clinton, and B. Clinton  (It's interesting that I didn't blog about listening to Hillary because I was "put off" by her arrogance and the her handlers).  Anyway, it's a unique experience when one is in attendance of the candidates speeches in northwest Iowa.  Typically, it's a small venue, and it's worth participating.  This year I have a new plan.  I'll go see Bernie and probably Hillary, but I really want to...

#15 Although I'm crazy freaked out about camping, I'm thankful for those who have loaned me items and given me suggestions. Actually, I've probably posted about this in the past, but when I sleep in a tent for seven nights on RAGBRAI, it will be the first time I've slept in a tent.  I borrowed a tent from a friend (friend's brother) and attempted to put it up this weekend.  For some reason, I was not able to figure it out.  As I stood looking at the tent, I felt as though I was going to cry (literally).  This morning I saw a picture of one of the "hills" on today's RAGBRAI blog , and I started to panic about the hills. What the hell have I gotten myself into?  In 33 days, I will be sleeping in a tent and readying to climb major hills coming out of Sioux City (WTF).

#14  Mr. Monarch in the Clover  "Sunday morning rain is falling Steal some covers share some skin Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable You twist to fit the mold that I am in But things just get so crazy living life gets hard to do..." Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 Today is day 14 of taking pictures of my gratitudes.  Although today has become quite stressful, this morning started out with coffee an cereal on the deck.  I'm thankful for the views from the deck at my dad's house.  

#13 I'm thankful for the outside part of this highway (71), so I can bike and stay away from the vehicles.  I'm also thankful for hills to ride. I came to God's Country for three reasons 1) visit with friends 2) visit local establishments (Aspasia, Sugar Shack, and Taco House) 3) ride hills.  My plan is going well.  Both yesterday and today I rode the hills, but today I started a bit late because my back red light was dead, and I forgot the charger.  Instead of giving up, I went to the local bike shop to get a cheap light to make me visible in the fog (haze?  whatever!).  While I was purchasing my light, I asked him about roads/paths with the highest climb and told him where I was riding.  "Those rollers are probably the highest climb in this area),"  I replied.  Rollers is a biking term; I consider them hills.  Basically, I'm riding the hills and perhaps the rollers.

#12 Nalo  I am thankful for the time with this dear creature. Nalo doesn't like to eat her dry food without soup and cheese mixed in, and I don't blame her.  In reality, she doesn't really like to eat her food at all.  She's more into napping which makes sense since napping is a wonderful thing.  I'm coaxing her to eat food and watching her nap while giving her love with pets and rubs.  I think she's glad that I'm here in God's Country with her. Love this Dog!

#11 Flying Creatures and the Noises of Nature The one thing I love about summer vacation is not knowing what day it is.  Each day is like Saturday, and I can basically do what I want.  I drove to God's Country this morning, and it's a lazy, rainy day.  It seems a bit calming in a productive kind of way.  Although I've only been here a a little over three hours, I've already been to the Sugar Shack , had lunch with a dear friend, and went grocery shopping. Since my dad and C are coming in tonight, I thought I should get some groceries.  I bought a container with four angel food cake cups (They looked like cupcakes without frosting to me).  Since I ate two, I have to make a decision.  Do I save the other two for Dad and C, or do I eat all and destroy the evidence?  It's not an easy decision.  Maybe I'll eat the other two and go buy four more.  Life is good!  

#10 Thankful for friend J 1) rode with me today 2) made this delicious (now eaten) rhubarb cake Some days my asthma is a bit out of control, and I don't know what to do.  Unfortunately, today was one of those days.  Honestly, there was one point of the ride, probably 20 miles into the ride when I thought I was going to break down in tears (the ugly cry kind) because I couldn't breathe and didn't know if I was going to make it, thinking at some point 911 could be called.  It's weird because I want to keep biking, and I'm not really sure when I should stop and when I can work through it.  The good news is I wasn't alone, and we finished the 54 miles (a bit short of 55).  If I had been alone, I'm not sure what I would have done.  I will say that sucking (gasping for) air sucks.

#9 A New Path As of today, I have logged over 1000 miles since the beginning of April. My gratitude today is officially from yesterday, but I posted early yesterday morning before the day unfolded.  My guess is I'll have many things to be thankful for today that may end up in a post for tomorrow.  When one posts in the morning, these things can/should happen. Lake Riley Since my normal 25 mile route was being repaved yesterday, I decided to try that gravel/limestone? path behind the Hopkins Depot.   At some point I must have veered off the course for the path more traveled because I ended up near the Glen Lake Golf Course.  Two ladies were riding their bikes in front of my.  I asked if they knew where the path led.  It seemed they didn't really know, but they were willing to help.  "Where are you trying to go?" one asked.  I informed them that I didn't really have a plan except to get in 25 miles.  The three of us biked for awhile u...

#8 A morning latte  on my deck  and chirping birds  = gratitude. When the alarm went off today signaling my morning ride, I decided to ignore it.  After all, it will be better to train in the heat of the day.  Instead, I decided to grab a latte and sit on my deck reading the news and all the interweb has to offer.  It's quiet with only the birds chirping and an occasional neighbor and his/her dog.  My next interweb reading is a synopsis for today's book club book, A Thread of Grace .  I read it years ago and loved it, but I don't remember it.   In fact, I read it so long ago that I can't find the book or the Kindle version, and it's not on my good reads.  Perhaps I should have read it again.  Naw, the interweb, my latte, and the birds are fine for now.

#7 Mighty Mississippi Water is always a calming element for me. Today as I was sitting in church debating if I had the energy for today's ride, the guest speaker talked about practices.  He mentioned one of his practices was cycling and explained sometimes it's easier than others.  Part of his message was using our practice when we're in the "thicket," along with the other tools we possess, to help us get through this thicket (whatever it may be).  He also talked about staying awake and noticing those things of wonder around us.  At the end of the message, the kind hearted and funny guy next to me asked me a question about my practice and my tools.  I explained that today my practice was another day of cycling and my tool was my bandana to keep the sweat away (most of it) from my face, especially eyes.  It seems I did have the energy for the ride.  Even though my ride was a bit of a struggle, I managed keep riding up to the Lowry Bridge.  ...

#6 I am thankful for the farmers who supply local food to the Midtown Farmers' Market. Farmers' Market + Saturday = gratitude  Today started with an omelet at the farmers' market.  It was my first trip to the farmers' market this summer. I love the farmers' market.  Even if I never bought anything (which I always do), I would still love to walk around listening to the people and viewing the beautiful, bountiful produce.  Plus, I learned that all items the vendors use are compostable (napkins, forks, stir sticks... everything).  Go Midtown Farmers' Market! My ride attire today was my Iowa State Cyclones jersey.  On my ride I passed five fellow Iowa State fans.  Three were wearing jerseys while two were wearing t-shirt.  Plus, I also passed one RAGBRAI jersey.  Go 'Clones!  Way to represent God's Country!

#5 someone has cleared the dead tree from the path. I am thankful for helpful folk.  There's a little path that passes the pond (where the ducks are living) and ends at the Midtown Greenway.  I have stopped using it with my bike, but I do continue to use it if I'm walking.  This morning, as I walked to my hair appointment, I realized someone had cut the dead branch that we used to have to duck under to get to our destinations.  It was a bit aggravating, but someone has taken care of it.  Thanks! Also, today J and I did a 49.2 mile ride, and it felt good after a week of laziness.  Plus, I started reading my first YA book of the summer which I will finish tonight.  I've already had tears in my eyes twice.  It's a dog story, and they tend to be sad and end poorly.  We'll see what happens.  All in all, it was a great day.

#4 Kitty Klaus #hugyourcat  not really recommended for all He really is a great pal even though he's crabby, and I'm thankful for him. Today's staff meeting was tolerable, and I was out of the building by 10:30.  My goal was to be on my bike by 11:00,  but as soon as I arrived home, I realized a nap seemed a better choice.  I slept for three hours awaking in time to have a late lunch (early dinner) with a group of friends.  It seems my only exercise for the day is going to be walking to lunch then walking to the grocery store.  My plan for tomorrow is to start the day with a smoothie before my fifty mile ride. Today is also National #hugyourcat Day.  Let's say it must be easier for some.  KK wanted no part of the affection and/or picture taking.  This was truly the best shot.  He's now getting ready for another nap.

#3 Thankful for spending time watching otters.  These little guys/gals are my favorites, and I took some good pictures today. Today was the last day with the kids, and we went to the Minnesota Zoo.  I had a group of twelve, twelve year olds.  At the beginning I was super excited with my group.  At twelve when it was down pouring and our check in was across the zoo, in the rain, I loved the tenacity of the three boys that took my roster to the check in point to make sure all twelve were checked in.  When all twelve finally checked in at the end of the day overzealous and full of glee, I was less excited, but it was a good day and a good group.  In less than twelve hours I will sit through another poke myself in the eye end of the school year meeting.   ...and that's twelve!

#2 Thankful that the ducks are back. The end of the school year is difficult to gauge.  Today is the penultimate day if one is counting days with students.  Tomorrow is the penultimate day if one is counting total days.  It's confusing, and I'm not sure what to think.  For today's last class we talked about gender and the media.  All students were engaged which is a good sign for the penultimate day. My first hour class earned a pizza party from the dean of students since they one the news trivia contest.  I'll be honest, I rarely pay attention during the news.  Each week there was a trivia questions, and most of the time one of the students would come give me the answer as I was looking at my email.  It truly was there win.  There tenacity helped them win.  That being said, when it was announced that we won the pizza party, I was not excited.  Sitting in my room for lunch with my first hour class as they ate pizza from Domin...

 #1 Thankful for Humor... This is funny, inappropriate but funny! Although the century ride is finished, I'm still training for RAGBRAI.  I'm really trying to ride as much as possible, and I'm following a suggested training regiment.  At first I thought my only concern was going to be camping for seven nights, but Saturday's ride and today's ride were challenging.  My guess is riding will get easier, but today's ride did remind me that it was Monday.  As far as I'm concerned it's time to put Monday to bed.  See ya Monday!