Is Spring Approaching?

There hasn't been much opportunity to ride lately. But finally, circumstances gave way to opportunity and God blessed me with another fine, late-winter day. No frigid temperatures and drizzle this time.



Instead, the sun was brilliant and among bare trees and infinite shades of brown were tiny patches of green. Even with frequent morning temperatures below freezing, there are patches of green. Days are getting longer and there is hope for spring's approach. This hope, coupled with time outdoors to clear my head renewed my spirit.



I like pedaling over bridges. At bicycle speeds, creek crossings are peaceful. Those of you that usually drive an automobile across creeks may not remember that...you can HEAR them.

Have Another Piece of Pie

It was a terribly busy week. But even with all the travel and extra work hours, I noticed that the President put his signature on the tax rebate plan. As I understand it, the purpose is to boost a sluggish economy. I've never been mistaken for a clever economist, but I don't get it. It seems like an over-simplistic, short term, symptom treatment.

In fact, one might suggest that over-consuming is the real source of our economic woes. Individually, and as a nation, we buy more than we need with money we do not have. We have racked-up a debt burden that is stiffling. As a nation, we are morbidly obese with debt. We have consumed so many pieces of the American pie that we are sluggish with weight of the debt. Now, as we are sick and pushing back from the table to take a breath, our leaders are urging us to have another piece of pie.

I can't help wondering if a diet would be a better idea. Granted, diets are not easy and involve a high degree of discipline and constraint. Diets also are uncomfortable and require a prolonged adjustment to a better lifestyle. But diets can lead to more healthly living and prolonged life.

If we've got some money laying around and we are looking for a good use. Let's not buy another piece of pie. Let's invest in taking off some of this excess weight.

Sunday Excursion

 

Went out on a spring-like Sunday afternoon. Rode down a gravel road, over a bridge, by a pond.

 

 

Thought about writing about certain political frustrations I've been pondering lately. Did this instead. Politics can wait.

Clown Bike

I've just completed my first week at the new job. I was not hugely productive unless you count all that new employee orientation, getting set-up in the system, learning office procedures, meeting colleagues, and getting the keys, computer, and phone as being productive. I guess that is always the first step, so let's count it.

There was no overnight travel required so far, but I've also made preparations for that. Janet calls it the clown bike. The prior post included only photos of the unfolded bike on a short test ride. Here is what it looks like after about 10 seconds of folding.




I don't have photos yet of it packed in a suitcase. But in this configuration, it fits nicely behind the seat of my truck. I've taken it with me to run errands and rode a little while away from the house.

Yep. The preparations are in place. I'm ready to go to work and serve my employer...without totally neglecting my physical and mental health.