Miscellaneous Missives

before My dad came to town yesterday for some rest and relaxation.  His significant other kicked him out because he was working too hard.  She was concerned yesterday when he talked to her on the phone because he mentioned tasks we were completing.  I told dad to make sure she knew he was supervising, and the tasks were not excessive. Our eating, however, has been excessive.  We ate (and drank) at Surly last night and each had a sweet roll from Isles Bun and Coffee this morning.  These sweet rolls (cinnamon and pecan) are the size of one's head.  We've also been watching the Redneck Liberal  and laughing like hyenas (well, kinda).  When we get done doing nothing, we're going to put a new kitchen faucet on my kitchen sink. Yay for excessiveness. After

I've become the old lady setting her alarm for medications. I went to my doctor yesterday.  Seems the doctor in God's Country wasn't the brightest angel.  Not only will I be taking antibiotics every six hours with food, I'm also banned from my bike for a week (give or take).  Another doctor appointment is scheduled, and I'll be killing time by eating and reading.  Let's hope I have chosen good books. Currently, I'm finishing Deadly Harvest by Michael Stanley.  It's average and reminds me of the Alexander Mc Call Smith series.

from OK200 Arrival Email On Facebook Friday, I saw a post about a group of cyclists that were riding 200 miles in one day to bring awareness to human trafficking.  Admittedly, I didn't read the entire story, but I saw that they were going to arrive in Okoboji that evening.  As we were getting ready to have a Maid Rite (Sloppy Joe, loose meat...) and a malt at Bob's , we saw a group of three cyclist wearing the OK200 jerseys, so I stopped to thank them for bringing awareness to the cause and told them I had read of their ride.  We talked briefly, and I asked if I could donate online.  As they were answering, one of the riders gave his name and let me know he was $100 off his goal.  I told them I couldn't give them each $100, but I'd give them each $10.  All three gave me their name, and I donated to each as we ate overlooking the lake.  On each donation, I left a note saying I enjoyed talking to them in the Arnolds Park parking lot. Each of the...

Last night four of us old people closed the bar down.  We sat on the deck drinking adult beverages and telling stories.  I believe we were all surprised when we realized it was almost 2am.  The campus of the University of Okoboji is always full of life in the summer as opposed to most college campuses.  This weekend was the campus ride.  Fifteen hundred bikers showed up on campus to ride around the lakes area (25, 50, or 100 miles).  The ride started at 9:00 am.  Today's ride was a ride of leisure with stops at various bars/restaurants along the route.  We started with Jello shots (I did not participate and conversation with fellow riders at our first stop .  After riding several more miles we stop at a local residence for vodka lemonades (community member has a stop in front of their house with bloodies, vodka lemonades, beer, chips, cookies, hotdogs, etc...  all based on free will donations.  They merely love having riders on...

I am in God's Country.  God's Country is my home, and I love, love, love being in Okoboji.  The folks that live here, however, are Republicans which means they are misguided if not stupid.  As I was driving around today, I saw this bumper sticker.  Anyone who reads my blog knows how I feel about Hillary.  I don't like her (will vote for her), and I certainly don't like "feminist" telling me I need to vote for our first woman President.  That being said, no man running for office would have something like this used against him.  It's chauvinistic, and shows complete ignorance (stupidity).  I thought about passing him with my Bernie bumper sticker, but I'm better than that... Yesterday I had a great ride of rolling hills through the beautiful country side of corn fields, bean fields, and a variety of tree groves (groves of trees?).  Unfortunately, the saddle sores (not details... well a couple) are out of control (1" x 1" cyst is solid and...

Let's be honest.  Summer is a combination of scheduling appointments that didn't happen all year, catching up with friends I don't have (take) time to see during the school year, and having fun.  Yesterday was a combination of all of the above.  I explained to the dermatologist that getting old sucks, and she agreed.  My displeasure with life was short-lived since I left her office to kayak on Lake Minnetonka. Speaking of friends, a friend once gave me advice to which I need to pay more attention.  She told me my problem in groups of people with men involved is that I tend to hang out with the men first instead of making small talk with the women.  I've been participating in a couple rides with my bike club.  Most of the time it's mainly men, so I don't have a problem.  Last night it was almost equal women to men.  At the first rest stop,  a lady was irritated about the pace of the ride (too fast).  Instead of chatting with h...

At 5:34 pm summer officially hit the central time zone.  This is exciting.  Summer allows all sorts of time to hang with friends, read, golf, cycle, and well, do what I want to do.  After taking two days off cycling, tomorrow, I'm   back in (on) the saddle again  (hoping my bum is healing).  Last year I kept saying I had the training miles in but not the training ounces.  This year I"m trying to accomplish both.  Yesterday a midday happy hour helped with some of the ounces. Yay summer!