Tuesday's travesties

Whats does a bagpiper do before an organized run by a bunch of disorganized people? Why he gets them into a frenzy.
June at Stewart Field, Newburgh NY. Getting ready for the Salute to the Military run. Great weather early day, a little detergent and you had free laundry service on the way home.
You have the right to color television.... Under the tunnel of Mahan Hall West point, NY the custom bike has a flat tire a few of us tried to help out. The tire had been repaired previously with a normal tubeless tire plug. the mushroom plug we installed worked but then we discovered he had a air leak from the rim itself as well. My old clunker H-D just kept right on going.

Catching up on a few different things so it this seems more disjointed that normal don't worry its the new normal.

Just a few fotos covering some sordid aspects of my simple life.

Now back to the regularly unscheduled chaos.

Monday, How does one go about hurting ones self while preparing to run a marathon? Maybe running with a 500 foot elevation change then along a 4 lane highway, and a golfcourse should do as long as the temps are over 70 degrees and the humidity is 90%+ Nyah that didn't do it. And the 9.34 miles were a cake walk after the 11 mile run on the Saturday before. Now running out of water would do it. Thankfully the camelback went dry within a mile of my finish. I got lucky. Note to self. Fill Camel Back fully stupid.

Tuesday, Bagpipe practice at 09:00, Chiropractic visit at 10:30, Lunch at a German Restaurant at 12:00 and stopping by the Marina to bust horns of a friend thats a good way to begin a Tuesday. Running 3.3 miles after a evening Thunderstorm, still better than getting washed down by the deluge. Tomorrow, its another day to leave a sweat puddle under the rowing machine in the base fitness center. I have to give the operators credit though. They see me coming and they unlock the janitor's closet and tell me to help my self to the mop when I'm done. You'd think they just lay out a few sponges.

Other than that just a typical eneventful couple of days.

Cheers.

Sunday Blog

St. Paddy's day 10K Yorktown, NY
Hmm last update was Thursday, OK lets see what I can do and not bore you to tears.

Friday I took time off from running from reality and rode my bicycle instead, did a little cross training and just had an easy day of it. And there is a reason for that.

Saturday was my long training run of the week. Knocked out 11 miles in just under 2 hours. Not bad for a 50 year old Juvenile Delinquent wearing a knee brace. Just a simple out and back course with a goodly climb in the middle. The average elevation change was 350 feet. Got on the roadway at 20 till 5 in the morning and the weather was excellent, clear pastel blue skies setting moon, ahead of me on the outward leg. Rising sun and a glorious morning on the inward leg. Listening to the birds warm up and start singing in the grey hours before dawn is fantastic and the bull frogs by the lake adding a bass line to the song.

It isn't untill I'm about an hour and a half into the early morning run i see anotherperson on the road , not driving a car or truck; but usually riding a bicycle. The early hours of the day are mine.

Sunday Morning, you would think that I would rest after a long run and not before. Actually I find it easier to take a liesurely jog and allow myself to get wound up over details. Still for the 3.3 miles i went 35 minutes may seem fast to some but its my average time.

Tomorrow depending upon my inclination I shall do between 6 and 10 miles of easy running. The 6 mile course has a higher elevation than the 10 mile loop but both will see a substantial climb in the first two miles.

So what do I do besides run and try to raise funds for the leukemia and lymphoma Society you might ask? Well by looking at the photos in flicker you may mark me as a cross dresser. That was a fund raising run in Albany this past may.

No, I actually don't do too much. Play the bagpipes somewhat, some lumberjacking and automotive repair when essential. Generally I just go about life living and enjoying it. Have a few beers relax and watch people. It can be so much better than reality TV.

Cheers & Prosit Alles!
Q

A Running Fool, Marathon Prep for Team In Training

Ok last posting was on Monday, its now Thursday I'll start with the dreaded statistics and get them out of the way.

Monday ran 9.6 miles, Tuesday 4.0, Wednesday 3.57 and Today/Thursday 6.4
The Monday run had an elevation change of 500+ feet and today's run 562 feet.
Total distance run since starting the training 138.55 miles, for the month of June 95.40 and this week starting on Sunday 26.6

I don't think I ever ran that much when I was in the Army! Well tomorrow, Friday is my off day and no running. Saturday I'll bang out 11 miles.

So whats all this stupid running for?
I'm trying to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Theres a link to my fundraising page here in the side bar. As for why? Well my older brother is now a 17 year Leukemia Survivor and I figured it would be a good thing to help other Leukemia Victims. So I'm begging funds and running.

One thing I really hate though is asking people to put out for a cause, What makes matters worse is the economy has taken a dump and some folks are jusitifably concerned about their own cash flow; retirees on fixed incomes Students and recent graduates with education loans to repay, The list can get longer.

Still there is a good side to my running for charity. I see thinks most people only see on nature shows on TV. Get to watch the sunrise, know the scent of the air during false dawn before people are moving and the light has a grey quality to it.
Then there is the wildlife, Rabbits, Deer, Coyotes, and the sounds of the Frogs in the lakes and wetlands. Even seen snakes warming them selves in the morning sun.

Yes, the aspects of what I can see at an early hour outweight the self imposed regime of awakening early. So what have you done today to change another's life?

Have a safe day all.
Q
http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/corps08/qchastant

Monday Madness; Team In Training & Marathon prep.

Seems like a good name, and it rolls; Monday Madness.

As for today I've run already and tried a new thing with the run as well. Used a Camel Back water carrier for my first time. It wasn't uncomfortable to use just different and for the longer run really helpful as my hands were unencumbered. I purchased it as a clearance item so I saved a couple of dollars as well.

Running;

Yesterday, I was at Rocland Lake State Park with the Team In Training People, We had a group run at 08:00 with 3 miles around the lake. I broke my run/jog in a small series of runs and sprints as I had done a consistant pace for 10 miles on Saturday.

Today, I ran for 9.6 miles through the Village of Highland Falls and the Main Campus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. In 1 hour and 59 minutes I went from the south end of Highland Falls, up through Eagle Valley, down on to the West Point Golf Course in through Washington Gate, down through Central Area and out around Buffalo Soldier's Field and out Thayer Gate, down Main St Highland Falls and back to Home.

Surprisingly I still had water in the Camel Back when I was done. Lost about 3 to 4 pounds water weight via sweat but didn't feel bad at all. I believe the Camel Back really helped.

Other regards;
Later today I shall grab my bagpipes and go practice. Also I practiced a bit at Rockland St. park before the run yesterday. Now its a matter of learning to walk and play. Hmm walking and chewing gum has posed problems in the past, this could get ugly.

OK I'll ask you, the good readers to please click on the link to the left that reads http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/corps08/qchastant and if you can please make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Team In Training website.

Thank you for your help with my fundraising effort.

Sincerely
Q

Saturday UPDATE, June 14, 2008

Well, not too much to say or add. Still training for the Marine Corps Marathon and attempting to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through their Team In Train Program. My fund raising web site attachment is to the left of this entry.
Its http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/corps08/qchastant

Today was my long run for the week at 10 miles. carried a flashlight with me but probably didn't need to. Finished the run in 2 hours and 3 minutes which I think is OK. Woke at 03:30 this morning and was running on the course at 04:30 finished at 06:33.

Saw a few things along the route, several rabbits, crows, deer, speeders caught by the State Police; all those things helped to distract me from my thoughts which is a good thing.

Tomorrow morning at 08:00 there is a Team in training group run in Congers NY at Rockland Lake. Since I did 10 miles today, I'll probably go and do only 3 to 4 miles tomorrow, or about 1/2 hour to 3/4 hour.

Waiting to see when the thunderstorms start otherwise just chilling today.

Have a good day all.

Q

Friday the 13th and life is good.

For those of you afraid of Friday the Thirteeth; Cheer up it'll gone by tomorrow.

I've attached a link for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training Fund Raising to the Blog. If you can support me and make a donation, please accept my thanks, If you can't don't sweat the issue and just offer the moral encouragement I'll need.

I'm attempting to raise funds to help combat Leukemia and Lymphomas this year. As for my reasons, Well I've a brother who is a 17 year survivor of leukemia, and I've know a few folks who didn't survive the disease. I'd like to help more people get to the point where my brother is today.

Well training for the Marine Corps Marathon has been a major activity of late and today I'm giving my body a much deserved rest. Tomorrow morning I'm headed out for a ten mile excursion. While early to bed and early to rise might make a man Healthy, Wealthy and Wise; I also know it allows me to get an early start and beat the heat of the day.

On Wednesday I did 3.4 miles overall doing a jog/run alternation of 5 minute intervals 6/7.5/6/7.5/6/8/ miles per hour and started the cool down at 4.5 which is faster than my fast walk so that bumped the run mileage to 3.5 for the day.
Thursday I did 6.8 miles with about a 620 foot climb & descent in the middle. That was 1 hour and 14 minutes in duration. Climbing the hill isn't easy but I feel its excellent training for what I hope to do come October.

Last night I was in Whiteplains, NY. for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's fall kick off party Picked up some more materials for when i go out and about asking hat in hand for support

Hopefully though the Cancer Research pays off for all cancer victims not just those of Leukemias and Lymphomas. And then Running can remain a pleasant diversion.

Well that sums up the week not counting a small amount of time given to practicing my bagpipes.

Have a safe week everyone.

Q

Tuesday and what I've done since yesterday.

Just something different really. At 05:00 today it was already 75 degrees Farenheit.
I was also out the door for a 5 mile jog at 05:10, I wanted to be done before 06:00 as todays hight was reported be going into the upper 90's close to 100. I've got one thermometer on the west windows of where I live. This afternoon, in direct sunlight with some reflection from the thermopanes it read over 120 degrees. So yes it was hot outside today.

On Tuesday Mornings I practice my Piping with Mr. Joe Brady Sr. Generally about 09:00to 10:00 Eastern Time. Today due to the heat and humidity things just didn't feel as good as they could of though. I've music to put into my Copy Book and try to learn.
My hands don't always respond the way I want when I play and practice. Its probably a combination of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and personal angst.

Topped off the fuel tank of my vehicle today as well. Hope not to drive it for a few days. At least untill I need to, not want to. Gasoline is now $4.22 a gallon, being on a restricted income after retirement I need to be careful with myspending.

Also did my grocery shopping for the week too. Next time I go out I've about a $2.00 or so worth of recycleables to return for the deposits.

Otherwise, I vegitated all afternoon due to the heat. Got two letters to post tomorrow and also have to hit the fitness center for some other exercise routines too.

This almost does it for today. Just two things. Visit www.brakingthecycle.org for Team Guinan amd www.teamintraining.org/wch for myself.

Have a safe week.
Q

Monday update, 9 June 08

I'll repost the links so they stay current.
Two links should be posted www.brakingthecycle.org and www.teamintraining.org/wch

One is the AIDS Ride, John Guinan supported and Team Guinan supports
the other I am currently supporting

Hmmm last entry 5 June OK I guess I start with 6 June.

6 June, Friday. Thunderstorms in AM, ran 6 miles in 60 minutes. Or should I say I had the devil of a run for the day? :D Followed with going to John's wake in the Afternoon. I had no words for the family.

7 June, Saturday, Ran 9 miles in 1:46:00 not a blistering pace, but warm foggy and humid. I had a choice, attend Johns funeral or go play with some folks in the Delaware River. I said my good by to John on Friday, The funeral and wake would be nice but I think the crowds would of been intimidating for the family as well. They've got grief enough to deal with and I've no way to provide comfort except for support when and as they may need it. They can reach me through Ed.

Saturday on the river was fun I was able to forget about my cares and worries. Finished a mini Keg of Beer; didn't drink it all by myself, I did share. Played a few songs on the bagpipes and went home. Motorcycle rally to attend on Sunday.

8 June Sunday, ran a slow 3 miles and then went to the Rolling Thunder, NY Chptr 3, Salute to the Military Ride. Good ride. I stopped to help a rider with a flat tire. the reat tire just wouldn't hold air. Got back to the rally site a bit latter, heard some speaches and music had a dog and a burger and some soda. Also spoke to Congressman John Hall, told him he's got some excellent staffers and that they should be commended also. The one staffer didn't recognize me although he aided me in my case. He was pleasantly surprised.

9 June, Monday. the heat is on and summer is in full function. 81 in the shade/86 in the sun when I finished my morning run. Only 2 miles. Good enough with the heat..

Well time for more water and to kick back abit.

Be safe and take it easy, Life is too serious not to have some fun.

Q

John's Charity Ride.

As I said in the earlier post I'd post a connection to the Charity event John rode in, supported and believed in.

The web address is www.brakingthecycle.org

While I'm actively trying to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ( www.teamintraing.org/wch ), I can also take time for this. Braking the Cycle is to combat HIV/AIDS. John believed in this Charity and fund raising event and rode in it untill he became ill. I'll ask you; if you can, to support either or both organizations if you are able. www.brakingthecycle.org

The Aids Ride is September this year and theres plenty of time to train and ride for the event as well as raise money to help end HIV/AIDS.

Today's training report for my self; Interval traing. distance covered 3.7 miles time 38 min.

Wednesday; Fundraising & Marathon Training.

I am working to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am doing this through the Team In Training Program and information can be found at www.teamintraining.org/wch

I hope to meet the fundraising goal of $2,800 and also run in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. on October 26th. I've choosen this as a charity to support personally this year as my older brother is now a 17 year survivor of Leukemia, I'm retired from a job in public safety and have time to try to raise funds and train for the event.

There is also a person whom I hope to emulate in this regard and that is John Guinan. He was very active with the Annual Bicycle Ride Against AIDS. He passed away yesterday from an agressive brain cancer. His Daughter and Friends Rode last year as Team Guinan on his behalf. Please Google the Aids Ride and if you can please make a contribution for Team Guinan on John's behalf. Its a very worthy cause and I'll try to find a link for my next posting.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Team In Training/Marine Corps Marathon update.
I've sent numerous letters out to People and Organizations I know and don't know asking for support. I'll be participating in a fall event the Marine Corps Marathon with the grace of God and the Support of Man.

Training update:
the last week of may I had a cumulative running mileage of 35.6 miles, Bicycling 0 mi
1 June run 4.25
2 June run 7.0
3 June Bic 22
4 June run 8.25

Closing for now, everyone please have a safe week and drive with courtesy.

Q

To John Guinan.

John Passed On last night and he will be missed. He had an agrssive brain cancer, we all knew that he had a tough battle and it would be hard for him and his family. I've not the words to express my regret at his lossing the battle.

John had a strong heart and supported the battle against AIDS and HIV through an annual Bike Ride raising funds, for work against that terrible disease. I can only hope to emulate his strenght and resolve. John, you will be missed greatly.
Good Bye Sir.

Saturday, AM run, USMA Graduation, bagpipe practice

Yep another run. Today was to be a cross training day, but I figured it a better day to get some slow eay miles in, a maintenance run for my base mileage. So about 5 miles done this morning before 7AM.

Also next week I'll be asking local store owners to pledge donations for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TnT) program. I've signed on to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Now have to concentrate on training safely and raising funds. The training is the easier part.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. had its graduation today, it felt good not having to go and work for such an auspicous event. Retirement has some good points.

Ah the afternoon has been pleasant, since the showers have passed for now, I was outside practicing my piping and I guess a few customers at the motel next door think I did pretty good, a couple even applauded. Funny though, my instructor thinks I'm doing well, maybe I'm my own worse critic; But the mistakes i make really annoy me. Still learning to play a musical instrument at any age take practice and i can play a few tunes now comfortably.

I e-mailed a friend of my who works for the Army Reserves and asked if he's up for a lunch get together on tuesday. I think I shall phone him on monday, it i don't get an e-mail response by tonight. Wow, I've been retired from the Army Reserves just over 7 years now. Where does the time go? It feels like just a couple of days ago.

Well its almost time to ring up the brothers and Mom & Dad see how they're doing. As for the weather todayot bad, about 60 degrees farenheit, overcast with a modest southernly breeze when I ran, rained about lunch time , and now my thermometer is reading 82 degrees F/27degrees C in the sun. the humidity is more of an issue. but not bad overall.

Have a good day.

Friday, Wow already?

With the Monday Memorial holiday the week just zipped by. Sent two letters out this week asking for support for my marathon attempt for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, have also stopped at a few business in the village and asked for support from them also. Wow, asking support and begging funds is not an easy task.

Wednesday: I ran about 7.8 miles at best, didn't manage my watersupply well but was able to finish without stopping my run. Had two beers at the South Gate and asked Emon for support for the LLS. Also a hair stylist across the street feom him and I'll need to catch Mayor Joe either at his Liquor Store or at work. Got a lot of begging to do over the next few weeks.

Thursday: Cross training day. Treadmill for speed work, 3.4 miles in 30 minutes with a progressive pace. 6MPH 10 minutes/6.5MPH 5min/7.0MPH 5min/7.5MPH 5min/8MPH 5min. 30 min run for 3.4 miles + 5min cooldown for 3.7 miles in 35 minutes. 22 min on the rowing machine for 4K meters, Thigh adductions and strectching. Bicycled to and from the gym for 6 miles. Then in the afternoon went to Pierre's and did yard work, cut wood, weed wacked. Got home showered ate dinner late and was in bed by 8 PM.

Friday: Early morning run. Goal was 8 miles, ran 8 miles in 1hr:34min. started at 05:16 and finished at 06:50. Took a fast pee break at the 5 mile mark. Had a good run and fisinshed strong. Next week, I aim for 9 miles on Friday. 8.8 miles would be my 10% increase goal. Did laundry today, clean sheets on the bed! Clean clothes for the next week or so. It was really needed. Did a little banking today, I should see my retirement income Monday. Paid off my credit card also. Should have a clean slate for June. Yea!

Well tomorrow may be a run day. Depends upon the Gym, if they open or not as it is also Graduation Day. Tomorrow is a cross training day.

Thats all for now.
Q

Tuesday, Training now in earnest.

Tuesday and training began in eanest yesterday May 26th Memorial Day. I'm not setting a time for any run completion. I have set a distance goal. This week i want to achieve 8 miles comfortably by Friday. Yesterday I ran 7.7 miles and today was a cross training day. Speed work for 3.15 miles on the treadmill, rowing and light weight/strenght training. Spent about an hour and a half at the gym plus bicycled to and from the Gym.

Other stuff:
Bagpiping is progressing well and my intructor wants me to start on classical piping.

My chiropractor suggests once a month visits while training for the marathon.

Had lunch yesterday with Carol, she is a very pleasant lady and i would like to join her again. She seems confidant and sure of herself. I do like that. Well let me post this before the thunderstorm knocks me off line.

Memorial Day Weekend/Sunday

Well, things are moving along in different ways. Almost a snowballing effect, It is thrilling and unnerving at the same time.

Thursday evening I signed up to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC come the end of October.

Friday morning I did a hard cross training regimen at the Fitness Center. 3.8 miles in 35 minutes, followed by 20/22 minutes of hard rowing on the machine, left a sizable sweat puddle under it then the inner thighs ussing the adduction machine for the patella injury followed by stretching. The over to brewster for a Chiro appt with Anne and used Frank's tire machine to break down the trailer tires to install new valves.

Saturday, ran about 6 or so miles, I do need to clock it properly. Ran from fire Station 3 on 293 out to Camp natural bridge and back

Today, I took my last truely down day from running and tommorrow the runs start in earnest.

Been awake since 04:00 and at 08:00 I was at the Shopette on Post to see who would show for the mystery ride. Only one other biker showed up, Disappointing really. But made the ride regardless. Down 9w to Bear mtn bridge, Up 9D to Peekskill rd and out 301 towards carmel. left on to Farmers Mills rd and right onto Gypsie Trail road to Putnam Cty Veterans Park. Back out to gypsietrail roud south to Nichols rd. Out to rt 52 and into Carmel where we went to George's for Breakfast. Over ate and back to Highland Falls.

Got in home about 13:00, joined Sharon my landlady for her brother's retirement part on the West Point Ferry Boat after the ride, I drove Sharon and her friends to the Barnstormer BBQ, Where a gift certificate for George & Lisa was purchased. The back to Home, Sharon and co walked around to georges, while I took care of some minor business. Covered my Motorcycle, changed off my boots for Crocs, Washed my face, checked e-mails, and then walked over to George's house.

George, is a former co-worker at the Fire Department, We both retired about the same time. He's a nice enough charater, but he's had his share of misfortune too. Yesterday he mangled a couple of fingers on a tablesaw. Sooner or later he's gonna feel the throbbing in the extremities, but he also plays the stoic well too.

Still and all I'm proud of myself, had just one beer today, and it was more than enough. Of course by my standards it isn't a real beer as it has no true flavor or taste, but it was wet and cold. I'd rather of had a water at that point but so be it.

And finally, almost to the end. I spoke with a lady today, and we've a luncheon date tomorrow. As for tomorrow, In the early morning, I'll drive up to Station 3 park there and go for a run out to Natural Bridge and back. I don't think the fitness center will be open as it is Memorial Day tomorrow. A national day of rememberance for all the nations war dead from all wars. Very similar to Britian's and Canada's Rememberance Day, but not held on the date of Armistace Day from WWI. Now called Veterans Day here in the U.S.A. But I digress and nnonsequitor from the original thoughts. Tomorrow I start training for the Marine Corps Marathon, prior to going to lunch.

Have a quiet and safe Memorial Day on Monday.

Team In Training Tonight.

Well tonight, I trot over the hill to Monroe to sit in on a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TnT) meeting. I am considering running in the Marine Corps Marathon even thouh I'm not much of a distance runner. 10K distances being my longest races and then finishing at about the 1 hour mark. Still I know I can go further distances, I did about 7&3/4 miles this past saturday. So it should be a matter of putting my feeble mind to it and training up to the challenge.

Yesterday, I went to a farewell luncheon for a Gentleman I know from the FireDepatment. Pete's wife is returning from the Sandpit of the mideast and with her return the family is relocating to Alabama, the needs of the Army and all. Pete is a decent guy who'd give you the shirt off his back and will be missed.

Well, I need to get off this idiot box and go for a run & workout. Still the cool weather for spring doesn't make it easy.. Well regardless need to do that and get some practice in on my bagpipes too. On ward to better things hopefully.

Wednesday before Memorial Day

This is my Mother's Parent's plot in Westchester County NY. My Grandparents, Uncle and Aunts are here. I generally attempt to keep some flowers upon it but this year I haven't done so well. well at least there is a new flag for Memorial Day.

Ah it is a tad cool outside this morning still, I'll need to go make o day of it yet.
48 degrees farenheit this morning and the sun is coming out. Next I'll dress and bicycle to the gym for a work out. I've already been on the computer too long this morning and need to become physicaly active.

Yesterday I didn't work out at all. Maybe a day off was needed. Still I did things I've not done in some weeks. Basicly it was a simple day but of about 160 miles duration. Ack!
09:00 bagpipe practice with my instructor.
11:00-13:00 ensure family and friend's cemetary plots were marked for Memorial day
14:00-15:00 attempt to repair wire metal rack, abject failure, and put leaf blower in barn
16:00-17:00 shopping excursion, new shopping basket for bicycle and grocery carriers ordered.
18:00-22:00 watch DVD and screw around with the internet.

Monday, a new week and opprotunities

Yes, its Monday, for some a frightening day of the week with the dread of returning to the saltmine job digging their way in deeper and deeper, with the goal of some day reaching retirement and a life of relative leisure. (Insert sarcastic 'Right!' here).

Well I've got to consider a business plan, Can't see working for someone if I can make a few dollars working for myself. A Hotdog Cart concept geared at morning commuters may be my best option. Work from just before 5 AM to 9 AM roughly just selling Coffee and Rolls may work. I can't see expanding unto newspapers as that would neccessate a large commitment to delivery, storage, recycling and similar accounting burdens. But a small coffee stand with buttered rolls may be practical. What I'll need to do is get up tomorrow about 4:30 and ride over to the train station and start asking the commuters.

It operation would of neccessity be small, start with a five gallon water bottle, and a couple of coffee pots on a easily wheeled cart I can take onto the train platform safely, provided I can get the permissions needed from Metro North.

Monday to Friday, Rain or Shine, Hot or Cold, Exposed to the elements; Hmmm. Well unless I look it over and see that it is doable and maybe make a try at it I'll never know.

Well time to dress and wander to the gym. Things to consider today and a good workout sweeps away the mental cobwebs.

Well, draw the target on the wall, print bang head here with arrow pointing at same target and off we go.

Sunday Evening and its calm.

Ah yes, the weather is damp, the winds are gentle, the sun is stealing through the clouds and the evening is calm. Calm is good, and I need to make a decision soon. Do I want to go on communicationg via the internet or take the next step and call the lady. So outwardly while appear calm about the decision, inwardly I feel, I am under a Sword of Damocles.

Well a unfolding of events: Yesterday, Saturday 17th of May, I went for a morning jog/run. I though I had gone only about 6 miles intially, yet when I clocked it out on my truck's odometer it was closer to 7&3/4 miles. not too shabby. I also paid Sharon, my landlord rent for June and asked her if she would be ameniable to dinner that evening. As the Day progressed I'd gone to my younger brother's home and we went about stripping his clunker of a plow vehicle of it's 1980's era polution control devices. Also I brazed closed a exhaust port for some of the smog contols removed. The related plumbing was fairly shot and rusted out as well. When I left i took along my leaf blower to use at the rental in order to remove the spring tree droppings. And some other odds & ends for use on the boat railer.

Today, 18th of May, I awoke about 05:30 and got out for a run about 06:00. Kept it to only 3 miles today, made it a recovery day after yesterday. Showered and rode the bicycle to the Laundrymat. After returning to my humble abode I got the leaf blower out and started cleaning the yard debris out. No good deed goes unpunished and I sowed the seeds for myself. I didn't secure the fuel cap on the leaf blower properly and when I bent over at one point I spilled gas and oil 2 stroke mix upon myself. Well that pair of trousers have been rinsed out and hung to air. They recieved a long rinse with today's rain as well. Still the yard is now a bit clearer than what it was. I also broke up a corner cabinet that my landlady dragged home. She left the thin venerr wood cabinet out in two weeks worth of rain so it was destroyed. that way. Rather than leaving it to rot where it was I broke it apart and put it into the trash. Its a better place for it. But she won't learn.

This afternoon, I did a bit of shopping, 10 gallons of fuel at $3.92 a gallon Well the Van has a full tank for now. A quart of milk cold cereal and some hot dogs. I'm not a big hot dog fan but occasionally they're OK. Had two today, maybe I'll hvae tow tomorrow. I think my body might reject me for the meat. Also had two beers at the South Gate, $4.00 a beer, Well that'll become a rare treat at these prices.

So now I'm just updating the weblog/diary/journal/Blog and getting ready to do what ever next strikes my fancy. Tomorrow I might return the leafblower to Pierre's if I do I'm also bringing along the bracket for my bicycle mounted shopping basket. a weld didn't hold and I'll braze it back together.

No pictures to add today, maybe next time.
Cheers!
Q

Friday, Yeeeeaaaaahhhhhh!

Ok, like I'm retired and the weather sucks today, its raining. But still many people are looking forward to the weekend so some enthusiam please. Work out routine isn't always routine, but it is productive. Wednesday: just abit over 4 miles on the squirrel cage, 4000 meters on the indoor boat, and hip adductions to build up the inside of the legs. followed by a good stretching routine. Took the motorcycle out for a joyride in the afternoon and shared a poor quality wine with my landlady that evening. Thursday: Ran about 5&1/2 miles showered and then rode & pushed the bicycle about 7 or so miles later in the day. Swung by the Fire Department and advised some of the folks what was going on with the investigation as to why it took 100+ days to recieve retirement pay. when home and called it a day. Friday, today: Rain, ugh its needed but I don't need to like it. Drove up to the water treatment plant and gave Nutsy a set of specticle frames he should swing by a bit later to day to pay for em. Then went to the gym. Treadmill (aka squirrel cage) for 3.39 miles rower for 4000 meter and more leg clenching before stretching and calling it a day there. Dry clothes, hit the beer store for my weekend supplies and home otherwise nothing to really comment upon, I'm paying my rent for June this evening. A roof over my head, food in my belly and life is good.

Tuesday update. Boring title ain't it?

Ah Tuesday, the week's second monday. If your gainfully unemplyed as I am it isn't too bad a day.

Well since my last enter was on wednesday the 7th I guess thats as good a place as any to start.

Thursday the 8 was unremarkable as was Friday the 9th near as I can remember, both days were rather ordinary but I had some good news on Thursday, I got my retirement pay finally. Woohoo! So I wrote a letter of thanks to Congressman Hall's Office; Not to the Congressman but to and for his employees in the Goshen Office who assisted me with a problem. You don't thank the General for the work the Soldiers do. You direct his attention to their work and tell him they deserve thanks. Credit where it is deserved.

Saturday the 10th, Where to start & how to begin. I awoke about 02:00 or 2 AM and couldn't go back to sleep. That sucked. But I was supposed to be in Albany at 10:00 or 10 AM to meet with a few folks inregards to sleeping arrangements after the Halve Mein Hash House Harriers Annual Red Dress Hash in Albany. Now if you aren't familiar with Hashing you'll need to google it. But regardless there are pictures in my Flickr account tagged Red Dress Run that are funny, embarassing and different. I even wear a Red Dress. So just look for the photos of svwaywardson and have fun.

So Saturday everyone Hashed through the Tulip festival in Albany NY.

Sunday we had a recovery run and everyone dressed a bit more conservatively for that.

Monday, Mundane Monday; Got the van serviced, bagpipe practice, little unimportant odds & ends.

Tuesday, the second monday of the week. Got my new dental crown installed, topped off the fuel tank in the van and parked it hopefully for the remainder of the week. Rode my bicycle to the Gym had a good work out and the day is done.

So just a simple mundane weekend, nothing too unusual or hazardous and life goes on.

Cheers & Prosit!
Q

Wednesday update.

Wednesday, 7 May 2008. Well since I last posted on the 4th I've done a few minor things and one major. First the minor items, Monday the 5 I worked out in the fitness center and ran a few miles before heading up to my Little brother's house to kill some trees for him, He wants to expand the area where he had his garden last summer. Also I got my boat hooked up and pulled it home. Replaced the electrical connector on the van for the trailer lights as it was corroded into history. Tuesday, bagpipe practice in the morning and mucked about with the spare tires for the trailers, took a 6 mile walk in the afternoon and purchased replacement tire valves as well as some trash bags. Today, rode my bicycle to the fitness center, ran 3 miles on the treadmill, rowed for about 22 minutes for 4000 meters, and did my floor exercises as the physical therapist taught me to. Then at noon time i rode to the laundrymat and did a load of wash and came home. Now I need to get some clothes on and get the motorcycle on the road. The West Point MMP is haveing a Picnic this afternoon and then a ride to Bear Mountain State Park. Ah one final item I asked the Army's IG office to try to find out why it took 50 days to forward my retirement info to OPM. Someone is gonna get a foul taste from that I'm sure.

Chao people.
Q

Physical and Social Contact.

I am a male, I like to think I am aloof and independent; the truth is I am not. I have a need for physical and emotional contact and support. Yes, there are those times I may appear as a individual with no connection, concerns or cares. But often that is a front I display. That front broke down a little last night, it may of been the wine, or the vodka tinged lemonade which helped. but the chink in the armor has been exposed. Of course easy conversation and light foot massage and a need for physical contact probably helped. Not that I'm complaining. i actually found the situation enjoyable.

Maybe in the future, I can open myself some more. But for now; I'm content with what I've got. I yearn for more. But I'm not going to force myself on anyone. Let alone a woman I can sit comfortably with.

Some good news today. May 2, 2008

Yes I had some good news today. Mr. Schwartz, an aid for my Congressman's Office in NY. Called and now finally after 4 Months and 2 days there is some action on my retirement pay. Of course there are catches. We're dealing with Corruption know as the Federal Government. But still in 5 days time I should see a deposit of about $8,000 of course this'll probably be minus no less than 30% in taxes alone. Still, lesson 1 never but never respond in a timely fashion to a federal malfunctionary who requests timely assistance; Because you shall never recieve the same in return.

Still if things do happen as I've been told they should, I'll write a very nice thank you letter to the staffer C/O Mr. John Hall.

Walpurgis Night on the 30th was quiet.

Did a brush burn today and recovered my chainsaws and weed wacker from the shop after servicing.

OK thats the bulk nada, nothing of any other real importance and its about bed time. So off I go to Whimsy Town.

I'm buzzed on wine & feel Fine

Well, yes thats true, at least the title of this issue. But still being intoxicated isn't anyway to go through life regardless of how ggo it may feel momentarily.

As for today, well I dislike jogging or running in the rain; I always have dislike the experience. Still because I need to exercise i did go out and runn today. Going to the Fitness center working out could of been done, But I can barely afford the fuel for my van and I didn't feel like riding my bicycle in the rain today; So I did an abreviated work out. I ran 2 mile with about a 150 foot minimum change in elevation for the entire route. The first mile out was all up hill and down hill on the return. Actually I thin by the time I hit 8/10th of a mile I climbed about 200 feet elevation but i need to use my GPS device to asetain that.

But going back to the title, I've just finished consuming the equivelant of 6 glasses of wine and I'm enjoying the buzz.

Hmmm other activities, tomorrow I've got a bit of bagpipe practice and hopefully I'll get a call telling me my chainsaws and weed wacker are ready for pickup from the shop. Also the MMP?MC has an organized ride to OCC in the Town of Newburgh. Well that I need to attend and as it kicks off in the afternoon I don't see any time conflicts. Hopefully the weather is more ameniable tomorrow than it would of been today.

Ah and I sent an e-mail inquiry to Islam Today yesterday asking if there were exceptions to Sharia Law on the prohibition on shaving for Firemen and related Emergency Services Responders. Some How i don't think i'll recieve a straight answer. But hey you never know.

Well Time to relax and enjoy the buzz.
Have a safe time all,
Q

Relaxing & checking e-mails & web accounts.

Relaxing this morning, Well, sort of anyway. Jogged about 7 miles this morning, used my small portable Wonder Washer to clean my running clothes, while I showered. It does only about 1 pound of laundry, so a sweat socked T-shirt, socks, briefs and shorts is a load for it. But still the purchase if it lasts a year will be cheaper than hauling a load to the laundrymat once a week.

Hmmm, well I could take the motorcycle out for a joy ride today, but thats on for tomorrow's schedule depending upon the weather. Severl choices for tomorrow. The 29th Annual Tattoo, a Poker Run, or a Picnic given at Putnam County Park by the Veterans for Loyaty Day.

Well, one more cup of java and maybe I'll ask Sharon if she's up for a walk on the hillside today.
Yeah, after a 7 mile jog, it might be pushing it a bit but. Its not like the extra exercise will kill me, at least not right away.

But it does feel good to just sit with the windows open and let fresh air waft through the apartment after a long closed up winter. So another cuppa joe and away I go.

Cheers
Q

Better, faster, more capable; Maybe the Bionic Man, but not U.S. Federal agencies.

In my saga of waiting for a retirment check, I retired 31 Dec 2007, I've learned one reason why things are going slower than the extended election year. The fuggin numb drained, arsebreeding, gaping mawed, slacked witted wenches and gibbering limp wrists who work for the Defense Finance and Accounting Services never forwarded the pertinent information that I retired to OPM untill the 19th of February. Only 50 days after I retired. WTF?

Well that little tidbit of Info was passed onto my Congressional Rep's office today as well. Yep paybanding will be a good thing for them when they don't get a pay raise due to ineeficency if I have anything to do about it. And yes, I'll suggest to the congressmans office that it would be a good thing to do inorder to help those folks perform their functions more effectively in the future. So thats my Major Vent for the Day. I've a few other things to complain about but their minor in comparison.

Well at least I've some good beer in my refrigerator and haven't anywhere to go or anything to do. Not that I could afford to do anything as I'm down to $1600 in checking and $1600 in savings to hold me till the F'heads get things fixed. What with fuel today $3.61 a gallon when I topped off my truck's fuel tank. Hopefully its parked for the weekend. I'm almost afraid to see what the next oil change and service will cost me.

well time for another beer and call it a night, as i can't afford to go out on Friday nights anymore due to the Corporate greed of my nation and F' ineffectiveness of the shit for brains in the Senate and Congress.

Good night.

I've been dumped & I'm crushed, not.

Yeah I'm still single, the lady I dated a couple of times felt I was too free spirited and relaxed about relationships and dissolved the relationship. Oh well, thats how it goes and I'll try again with some one else some other time.

Still I didn't want to push too much as I was nervous about meeting her, dating and developing a relation ship. Maybe I moved too slowly and carefully for her tastes as well.

Dumped by E-mail, it was a new experience for me but I wish her well regardless.

We all won't find that one person we can go through life with.

Q

Damn glitches and computer gremlins.

Yeah I tried to post yesterday but the usual glitches and gremlins struck and confounded my actions.

Well to summerize all that's occured over the last week & a half or so:
15 April I recieved a letter from OPM dated 14 April to pay into my retirement system monies not collected while I was a Tempory and Term Hire in the 1980's So on Monday the 17th I mailed to OPM the sum of $1,026 to cover the costs quoted in the letter.

17 April, Thursday evening I broke a molar so that pretty much set the tune for friday morning.
18 April, Friday did my morning run and then went to the dentist for an emergency visit. $50 copay for insurance and $750 paid up front for a new crown. Gack, its not so much the cost, which is high but the fact I still haven't seen a full retirement check yet. Thanks OPM.
Out of the Dentist's facilities by 11:30 and on my way to my Brother's home in PA to babysit his two 12 week old puppies for the weekend.
19 April, Walk the pups then secure them while I go for a 4.8 mile run. then walk em a few more times during the day while I do numerous loads of laundry for my brother & his girl friend.
20 April, walk the pups and sort of repeat the morning of the 19th. but with a 4 mile run instead.
In the afternoon my brother gets back into the area and invites me over to a local bar called Mel's, Well Mr. Alcohol drives my Bro and I call it a night and head back to his domicile while I'm able. I don't need to be drunk & stupid for a long ride home so I crash at his place for the night.
21 April, wake up walk the pups and leave their mess for my brother to clean up. When I leave stop by Big W Mechanical and talk to Warner, get some information that I can provide to my local MC club for a future group ride. Get home and go for a 5.4 mile walk.
22 April, go to the fitness center to workout, slight interruption for a false fire alarm.
23 April, 3mile & change jog and bagpipe practice. Get a call from OPM at the end of practice. They screwed up again/still. and used the wrong info to figure out my pay in for the retirement when they didn't collect any monies. I've already sent on check to the idiots. OK I give verbal OK over the telephone to collect the difference from the first full check its $200+ Dollars I want to say closer to $300 Dollars. But now I want these idiots to just get the system working. Its now coming on 1/3 of a year since I've retired and the system isn't working like they said it should.
24 April, talked to Mr. Matthew Schwartz (?) at Congressman John Hall's office, I returned his call at noon time after spending the morning with the West Point MMP/MC at the grand opening of Orange County Chopper's new store/office/manufacturing (assembling they don't actually manufacture squat) facility in the Town of Newburgh, NY. But I digress. I brought Mr. Schwartz up to date with what has occurred with OPM. He seemed happy that the system was moving a bit faster than the 4 to 6 weeks that I was originally informed to expect. I'm not so sure its working properly though.

And that brings me up to date sort of. I also went for a 5 mile jog today, the 77 degree (Farenheit) temperatures, low humidity and slight breeze helped, but, I still drank all the water I carried and needed more when I was done.

Tomorrow the 25th I'll check to see if my chain saws are ready for pick up from the shop.

Well I'm done for tonight, have a safe weekend whoever reads this.
Q

Post Script.

Yesterday I didn't run, but I walked between 5 and 6 miles across the front hill of the West Point range areas ( just west of Rt 9W ) and through the Village of Highland Falls, NY. Also found out my GPS unit needed new batteries on the walk, I wanted to record some terrain elevations and distances. Ohwell maybe next time.

In the morning I attended Bagpipe Practice and should be returning next Wedensday as Joe has a trip this weekend to see hid Daughter. Now to get off the computer and practice some.

OK have a good day all.

Tuesday, Not a bad day.

Ok aside from waking reasonably early and running about 3 miles, I also did my bit at Physical Therapy and asked the therapist if it was normal for a brace to flex side to side. One of the other therapists was fairly awed by the amount of flexation laterally my knee brace has developed. They asked me to bring it along on thursday when I go in for my re-eval so that the prosthetics specialist can have a look see at it too. I've only had it a month so far and wear it whilst I'm running or doing heavy lifting and long walks. I'm trying to get it to fall apart like the braces did on the young child who played in the movie 'Forest Gump'.

Took some photos of the Hudson valley and added them to my Flickr account today as well. Probably what I should do is just make an attachment of the Blog and add it to Flickr if or link the blog to Flickr if some one wants to view the photos.

Well, This past weekend I got some paperwork from OPM. Its been filled out and a check mailed off with it to the Sucking Head Wounds in Washington D.C. 115 days and the retirement system is just at the point of where they should of been at the 60 day mark. If I ever marry, when I die the death notice is go out in equally timely fashion. Yeah it'll be fun to get it in the ass with taxes on what the whores now owe me. I'm the one who is abused by the system and then ends up paying the tax penalty. Sheesh.

F' em all. Yeah the paperwork has been returned to OPM. Certified Mail, Return Reciept; Now lets see those Sucking Head Wounds foul up.

OK rant mode off. Time to go play with my bicycle and get it ready for the summer. I'll probably be riding it extesively if the price of gasoline keeps climbing like it has. Maybe its time to move to a flat place where the riding is easy. OK thats all for today. i'll add more later as I feel the need.

Sunday and I'm relaxing after my date & run.

I enjoyed my date last night, we met at the Barnsidder in Sugar Loaf and had dinner of Roast Beef followed by coffee. Then a easy walk to the theatre for the Concert. The young ladies playing with the USMA's Concert Band were very good. One played both the flute and the oboe and the other played just the flute. The entire program only lasted an hour and 15 minutes but it made for a very pleasant evening. I think, I may be falling in love.

Well today I got out about 06:30 and did a mild 4 mile jog, 1/2 mile uphill to the highschool track 12 laps around and 1/2 mile back home. I am going to have to invest in some lube or tape. I'm developing a case of runners nipples and starting to chaff a bit now. Still the exercise is good and it'll help for when I start training in seriousness for a Marathon. I am going to try to raise monies for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so they can research cures for blood cancers. My older brother is a Leukemia Suvivor so it'll make it even more personal for myself.

Well not too much more going on today. I may play my bagpipes, I may not. But there is always something I can do.

Cheers,
Q

Ah Saturday

OK several things,
Finally got a letter I've been waiting for from OPM regarding retirement. Not that its now been over 100 days since I've retired. But still its an issue of timeliness. So now Monday I will go to the Credit Union and get a Bank check made out for just over $1,000 dollars to pay into the retirement system for just shy of 16 months work for which no contributions were made into my retirement system, although i inquired about paying previously to no avail. The end result my retirement payments will increase by $72.00 a month. Over the course of 2 years that will be recouped and well worth the initial cost. Still 100 days to get this ball rolling is rediculous. Still I'll make photocopies of everything for my records knowing how screwed up OPM is.

This evening I've a Date with a pleasant Lady and I hope this turns to become a long term relationship. Stiil right now I feel like a schoolboy headed to the principal's office. Nervous, yes, scared? not as much as my time in Bosnia & Herzigovinia. Still I'm getting goose bumps.

Exercise. Ah the bane and essential activity to a healthy life. I've been exercising on a regular basis for some months now and maybe I'm ready to consider a commitment to something even more daring. I know I can run 6.1 miles and finish well, yes 1 hour is finishing well for a 6'2" 230 pound 50 year old beer consumer. Still I'm going to try something new I think. I'm going to try to train up for and run a marathon. I feel I can run a 5 hour period with proper training. Its a matter of getting into the grove and doing it. Now to do something with the run. The Leukemia Society has a good program and they offer coaching and training tips. Since my Older Brother is a Leukemia survivor, well lets say I've the time and now an added incentive.

Also I've been asked to take part in an AIDS ride this year as well, so if there aren't too many conflicts of dates perhaps I'll train for and do both this year.

As for today I ran 5 miles and now am recovering. I should of gotten out earlier in the day but 10:00 AM, 65 degrees and sunny skies aren't bad, just not my idea of comfortable running conditions. Well thats all for now, I should take a short nap to rest up for this evening but again, I'm nervous and may not get the rest needed but I'll try.

Have a safe day.

Ah Friday and life is easy.

Tomorrow I have a date with a pleasant lady and I'm nervous as a schoolboy being sent to the principal's office. Why I'm nervous I don't know. Maybe it is because I think I like this lady very much.

As for today, it was easy, a piece of cake, a walk in the woods. It was fast. All I really did today was go to the fitness center and work out for about an hour and a half. 35 minutes on the treadmill at 6 MPH with increasing steepness at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 17.5 minutes before going into cooll down mode at 30 minutes. Then onto the rowing machine for another 20 minutes followed by some of the execises and strecthing routines recommended by my Physical Therapist. Then I made a few suggestions to the fitness center's manager.

As for the Afternoon just a simple 50 mile jaunt to my brother's house to get my bicycle, chainsaws and weed wacker so I could get them serviced for the new season of killing trees shrubs weeds and other plants. While there I played with his dog for a bit. She's not a bad dog just not the brightest of the breed. Then it was over to the shop to let them service the tools and home. About 130 miles for the day. or about 9 gallons of gasoline at $3.32 a gallon (lowest price locally).

Well dinner was a simple meal; salad, barbequed pork sandwich, beer and flan for desert, followed by more beer earlier this evening. Now I'm out of beer.

Tomorrow morning its off to the fitness center and then who knows what till tomorrow evening's meeting the Barn Sider and Concert at the Lyceum in Sugar Loaf. :)

Yesterday, 2 mile run in the morning before PT and Orthopeadic appointment at the VA hospital. Then a 5 to 6 mile walk in the afternoon.

Sooner or later my knee brace is going to disassemble itself from the use and abuse its recieving from me. Think of Forest Gump running his leg braces off in the movie of the same name.

Well time to clean up and go to bed tomorrow should be a good day, just waiting to see what the weather does or doesn't do. Thunderstorms are forecast as well as a changing weather pattern. The original idea was to go for a walk on the hiking trails. Well we'll see what happens.

Cheers & prosit.
Q

Ah another week of leisure is almost done.

Physical Therapy at 09:00 followed by my orthopeadic followup at 11:40 which happened at noon. So much for timeliness. I ain't sweating it there are people in worse shape than me.

Retirement news:
Well Congressman Halls Oriface said I should have a response in 4 to 6 weeks. Lets see, I retired december 31st, I was there on April 8th its a leap year 29 days in February. Um 31+29+31=91+8=99+1=100 OK its now over 100 days sice I retired and OPM ain't done squat shit. Now I can expect another 28 to 42 days for a response. Yeah Like I'll respond quickly to any shit for brains politician who thinks they deserve my F'n help. OPM said that I should see my first retirement check in the 60 day time frame. fuckin liars! OK, Carnivore, read this. There ain't no politician who can expect a quick and timely rendering of assistance if they need it to save their life and you can bet your ass sure as shit I won't render it. Fuck you mercenary magots.

In other news, The Orthopeadic specialist doesn't believe I need surgury on my knee and I will be re-evaluated by the Physical therapist on the 19th. Yes, my right knee has responded well to physical therapy. I won'r speculate on how much effort I made but there have been days where it was self torture to do the prescribed work outs. Hey, did I mention I did a 5 kilometer race this past Sunday and finished in 27 minutes? Of course I wore my knee brace for that.

Today I ran/jogged 2 miles before going to the VA Hospital, then when I got home I went for a 5 to 6 mile walk. Of course all that physical expenditure of energy ain't doing me any good if I keep drinking like a fish and eating like a pig.

Ah got new reeds for my bagpipes this week, Its a world of difference. I can play em again.

Well that covers most of whats going on in my corner of the world. Hopeing your week has benn better,

Q

Monday and I'm Angered by Federal Ignorance

Well lets see. this past Thursday I had my usual Physical Therapy session followed by Breakfast at the I-84 Diner. Lots of food. Whoa too much food. But a good visit with an Army buddy.

Friday, worked out in the fitness center had a laugh at the coffee shop. the owner made a connection between me and a semiretired professional wrestler named Hacksaw Jim Dugan. Yes I met the wrestler once. But he was interested in the equipment I worked with. Then called OPM to inquire about my retirement pay. was told that it was refered to a specialist on April1st. asked for a name and phone number. the phone number was to a different shop and there was no answer or return phone call after I let a message. I'm seeing my Congressman's office on Tuesday after my Physical Therapy appointment at the VA Hospital. Yeah lets play ball. I want my entitlement with OPM paying taxes instead of me as a penalty,Like that will happen. Still a hand written apology from the head of OPM for my benefit because you just know that I'll get a lump payment and have a big bite taken out in taxes, thusly screwing me again.

Saturday, Workout and a date. Yes!

Sunday, 5K race finished in 27:00 followed by celebratory binging. 2 slices of pizza, 1 donut, 1 bananna, 1 Guinness, 1 French Dip Roast Beef Sandwich, 1 Newcastle Brown Ale, 6 pints of Sam Adams Boston Lager.

Today, Monday, Bagpipe practice followed later a six mile walk with a visit at WPFD station #2 after a stop at the class 6 store. While at station 2 I showed one of the Firement some things about the M810 Bitumous dispenser that is used as a water tanker. I should send the head of DES/Fire& Emrgency Services a bill for work as a consultant.

Tomorrow. Physical Therapy and a visit to Congressman John Hall's office and possibly Senator Hillary Clinton's too. A full fiscal quarter without my earned entitled retitrement income? Right. I am angry, and now want satisfaction.

I've been drinking and am bored

Yeah I've been drinking, Belgian Brews; fairly potent stuff too.
Well so far today I've been to the gym and a few websites I occasionally act trollishly upon, but usually have fun with.

Well next week I resume bag pipe practice and see what transpires, March is over April is swinging in and hopefully spring will start warming us up. I may run in the NURD later this season. I just need to get a red skirt that fits and viola coupled witha red T-shirt I've a red dress for the red dress run.

The Red Dress Run is a hash event started on the left coast, most Hashes use it as a means of charitable activity for their area, also its fun and funny. Everyone involved wears a red dress regardless of gender. So the giggles & shits factor is high. The one I am comtemplating is the Halve Mein Hashes' run in May. I should contact Wendy and see if she's up to it if for no other reason than a good laugh or to aid in the raising of some coin to a good cause.

OK enough drunken foolishness for tonight. Cheers & prosit you Sots.

Q

Friday's update.

Friday, freaky friday. Haven't done much today, worked out this morning and then slugged out the rest of the day. though I did go to a local museum for a change of pace. Hopefully since Monday is the end of the month and I haven't yet seen a full retirement check; I shall see it then. No check and the poo begins to be flung!

Well Jim Sr. should be in Fla now, he left yesterday. I trust the warm weather will agree with him. Gave John and Dean an assist getting the store cleaned up a little yesterday as well. Now its just a matter of the immediate family slugging away at it. I told John I'd help him and for him or Dean to give me a call.

Saturday hopefully will be more pleasant than today and I'll get the motorcycle out for a putt. Got nowhere to go and everthing to do. I also responded to some personal ads today. I hope to hear back and maybe meet one lady for coffee. I'm not looking for a hook up or gratuitous sex. I would like to me a lady who's company I enjoy and hopefully enjoys mine as well. Then depending upon how we percieve each other we can move onto a relationship. Preferably long term and familial in nature.

Well, there it is my heart on my sleeve for all the world to see. Hopefully I won't be tongue tied at the first meeting nor come across as a pompous, self center obnoxious bore of a fool.
Well, tomorrow's a new day and I look forward to seeing what it brings.

Have a safe weekend.
Q

simple update

tuesday, 25 March, 2008. Went for a supposedly easy jog this morning at about the 2&1/2 mile mark my quads acted up and became noncooperative and had to walk the 1/2 mile home. which wasn't an issue really as I also had Physical therapy scheduled for mid morning as well.

Hmm did I ever mention I'm a bit of a wise arse? No? well i am. Today one of the Therapists to another patien requested that he walk right. I piped up that she wanted him to walk erect and to stop dragging his knuckles. There was a little chuckle from that comment. As for Phys Therapy, its for my right knee. seems my quadracepts (spelling?) are pulling the patela out of place causing me some discomfort, if not out right pain at times. So before the Dr. considers cutting as a cure, its exercise time. Like I've got a problem with exercising. :)

Stopped at Guina's twice today, once to see when John would stop by and the second time to help clean the basement. We also found another airconditioning unit to dispose of while doing the clean up. Thats going on Thursday the 27th.

OK I suppose I'm up todate on my activities. Oh yeah also have a chiropractic apppointment on the 27th as well. Otherwise, things are going pretty good.

Cheers.
Q

Ah another week done.

Well today is Easter Sunday, This evening I'll be at my brother's home for dinner and then back to what ever I end up doing.

Well since my last entry was just after St. Paddy's Day I'll just fast forward. Been to the VA for Physical Therapy for my right knee, been fitted with a polycentricly hinged knee brace and am still working out regularly for the most part. Most days I'll get out and jog a few miles, mix in the rowing machine and aother small bits. Saturday however I took a break from the jogging and went for a walk with my land lady. She's a hoot, and can ellicit a blush from me.

Good Friday, I had gone to my little brother's place and helped him with his truck. We replaced the right rear spring shackle and mount as a precautionary measure. Now both have been replaced and may be good for another 100,000 miles. The old ones rusted through and the left side actually broke. He's gonna have to take the truck to a shop to get the engine pulled to replace the oil pan though. There are some things I won't attempt.

Tomorrow at 10:00 I'll be back at Guinan's Store, I still call it the store as that's what I've always known it as. And I'll help John clear out the basement somewhat. We'll do what we can and I've no qualms about helping them out with closing. I just wish it didn't have to happen as I enjoyed the place. Well enough reminiscing.

Ah, just a quick question for any readers; Do any of you keep a dictionary by the computer as a resource or do you just rely on a spell check program? I keep the dictionary and thesaurus both handy. Don't always use them but they do help me at times.

Well the price of fuel is inching ever upwards. Cheapest fuel here in NY state near where I live is 12 miles over the mountain at $3.24 a gallon. Diesel fuel is getting even higher. Thank you Exxon Mobile, Mssrs Bush, Chenny, Bin Laden, Chavez and all the Wahhabists freaks. Things would be tough with just tightening markets due to India, China and other nations Industrializing. But you forementioned idiots don't help the common man. So in my own little way, if the demigod politicians and uber rich ever need my physical assistance or intervention be prepare to pay cash through the nose. Cause I'll be more than happy to bleed you till it hurts too. Well enough for my usual rant.

So for every one else have a pleasant Easter, enjoy your families and stay safe; For the politicians an bureaucrats who have removed the people from the equation and have made basic services worse please crawl under a rock at the bottom of a cess pool and die a slow, miserable, lonely and agonizing death.

Cheers to every one who matters to me.

The after St. Patricks Day curse. :)

You were warned about over doing it on St. Paddy's Day Now he's gonna play the bagpipes badly in you head for the next few hours.

After St. Paddy's Day.

So last night you went out to whoop it up and today you'll be paying the piper because you over indulged. I won't offer my cures for curing the Hangover or silencing the Katzenjammer. i won't even commiserate with you. I've seen too many stupid drunks in my time and I don't need to emulate them.

So what did I do on St. Paddy's Day? I took and easy day, no strenuous physical effort had a few beers and played with my bagpipes. I'm not as good a piper as I'd like to be; between carpal tunnel and bad circulation in the hands. But I will make the effort and try.

As for what I'm doing today, well my plans of traveling the U.S. a bit have taken a back seat. I start Physical Therapy for a knee injury. I wear an Ace bandage to support the knee when i go jogging but there was a point where i couldn't jog let alone walk up & down stairs without almost debilitating physical pain. But I'll try PT before surgery every time.

So for those of you who controled your beverage consuming ways for St. Paddy's Day; Welcome to my open club. And those of you who've over imbibed. OK kiddies, yeah the neighbors kids who play garage rock loudly and badly. Feel free to practice in my front yard till i return from PT, then go back to your garage you little Montebanks.

But if you are still hazy and bleary eyed to realize what I'm suggesting. Don't worry the bad taste in your mouth and the green hair that won't wash out will be a longer reminder not to over do it.

St Paddy's Day activities.

St. Patrick's Day is Monday of Easter Week this year. Also St. Paddy's Day is different things to different people; International Amatuer Drunkards Day, a Religous day of reflection, Parades and other activities. Yes, I'm an American of Irish Ancestry, as well as French and German, But I am an American First so I'll keep the Saint's day in my own way.

Tomorrow (Sunday) there is a road race in FDR park in Yorktown, NY. I very well may run the 6 kilometer event in my Kilt while wearing a Kelly Green beret. Now the Kilt is a registered pattern for the U.S. Army and the Beret has a large VFW cross & shield design along with an Irish Harp Pin and SFC rank pin and Regimental Crest. So yeah I'll appear some what militant during the run.

Adding to the irish theme of today's entry, I uploaded a series of photos to the Flickr website. the tag is Guinan's. The photos are fairly ordinary, I'm not a trained photographer, and they aren't staged for the most part. The people who made Jim Guinan's store in Garrison, NY what it was, images of the store, and images of the events.

If I knew how to link photos I would but I don't so I won't.

As as for myself, I soon start physical therapy for a recurring knee injury. I've threatened the people at the VA Hospital that I could show up half drunk, wearing a kilt and signing Irish Songs badly. Their response was a very concise very simple and droll "Well that would be different".
Yes, They do have a sense of Humor! :)

Well, in a little bit I shall venture forth and practice with my Bagpipes. I wonder if I could get a free beer to go some where else if I bring them into a bar with me?

Return to the Land of Ice & Snow.

Today I am in Santee South Carolina, Tonight I'll be back in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York and yesterday I was in Tarpon Springs Florida. While I do ride Motorcycles I was not in Florida for Bike week, or as I now refer to it as Rich Urban Biker Zombie Trailer Week. No, I had a more important reason to be in La Florida.

My Cousin is in the Military and again is deploying to Rummy World aka The Sand Pit aka Iraq. I haven't seen him in a few years and felt that I must. Also I gave him the same message I gave a number of Resrvists I personally know and accept as part of my extended family. If they need anything to send me an e-mail and I will do what is reasonably within my ability to get them the specific item. After Serving in the Army for 25 years, working side by side with folks in both the good and the bad; you just don't retire walk away and forget them. Well I can't.

As for the last week and a half while I wasn't blogging; Well I was running/jogging, drinking, riding the motorcycle being a tourist and practicing alittle on my bagpipes.

Most mornings I would wake between 05:00 and 05:30 and go for a easy jog, the first day about 6 miles, the next three about 4&1/2 miles the next 2 miles Yeah you can guess I'm reducing to 0 but no. followed by about 6 miles again and back to 4&1/2 again for the next two days. Today since it is a long travel day I won't be out jogging also the muscles do need a rest/recovery period.

As for food, beer and other forms of alcohol, yeah I ate and drank too much but the binge is over. Thankfully. Funny when you stay with family some things seem like a movable feast.

I did some small odd jobs around my Aunt's home and for one of my cousins. but nothing of critical importance. I had accompanied another cousin to a property he owns and was renting out, where he had to go through the legal motions to evict the tenant. I try not to form opinions too quickly, but that young man who was being evicted has no prospects for a decent or good future. Lets just say that the small cotage will need several thousand dollars of repair to become habitable again and if there is a bridge under which the individual might reside; well a self respecting troll would urge him to go some where else. The former tenant has a drug use issue, grizzly bear mouth and humming bird arse.

On a better note, I also did the tourist routine. Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, two museums in St. Petersburg. The Dali Museum Oh yeah he was certifiably nuts and the Florida International Museum. The Treasures of the Vatican. If you see the Dali Museum you'll be surpised and entertained as well as shocked and amused; not pornography in the current sense but the traditional. As for the Treasures of the Vatican, Interesting items but the cattle herding entrance and progress through the displays reduces the viewing also the extremely subdued lighting makes some exhibits difficult to view. So the Vatican's treasures were less than inspiring.
On the fun side I did go to North Tampa and the Museum of Science and Industry aka MOSI where the Tampa Bay Ren Fair is help. a little cheesy but the cheese factor helps add to the fun.

But again, all good things must end and I'm headed back north. I almost wish I had a Frank Zappa Album with me just so I could hear about St. Alphonso's House of Pancakes and the warning not to eat the yellow snow.

Well anyone viewing this, have a safe day. take time to laugh a little, live a little and don't let the idiots wear on you. Life is too short to go through arngy over what we can't control. and maybe soon I'll be able to link appropriate photos.

Q

On the road again?

Well, probably not in the way Willie Nelson meant it. But I'll be on the road again soon enough and that is when this blog should see strange additions.

Currently the weather isn't great nor is it totally trash. Mid 30 (F) and light rain. I had my van serviced inpreparation for my road trips this year. I head to Florida on Thursday Saturday morning at the very latest. Don't rally need to go, but want to go. My cousin will be visiting family there and I want to see him before he is Iraq bound.

Yesterday was a wonderful day, made my VA appointment, they took X-rays of my knees for the Orthopeadist to review when I see him/her on March 12th. Then went over to Farnstock St. Park and practiced some bagpipe tunes. Followed by a run down to Cold Spring where I took a walk about Main St. Finally I progressed up to the Stadium. There Capt'n Tom Whyte (FDNY ret) threw a small get together and retirement social for me. Mr. Jim Guinan, John Guinan, John Scalpi, Mike and Lea Strang, Dan Donelly, Pierre, Helmut and Ed Preusser all from there came by to wish me well with the retirement from West Point (USMA) Fire Department. Mr Joe Brady Sr. was to come but he had a few last minute issues come up and couldn't make it. He did give me a call and apologied for missing the event. That he was willing to come is enough. Joe Sr. is my Bagpipe instructor and to try to teach me indicates he has a world of patience.

Truefully I realize everyone has a busy and hectic life and to try to cut out of work early for a Monday social gathering is difficult at best and somethimes just impossible. Well for my next trick I shall try to figure out how to post photos here or make working links to my Flickr account so you can view some of what I write about.

Till next time drive safely, enjoy yourselves and your families and remember life is too short to hold grudges, plus a grudge will never improve your outlook on life. But still smile it'll keep people guessing what you've been up to.

Last Farewells?

Strange name for a page, last farewells, but seemingly appropriate. Today many of us who were rugulars at Jim Guinan's store gave our last fare well to Mike Mihalic. Mike passed away the Friday after Valentine's Day. his passing was a bit of a shock to those of us who knew him.

He was preceeded by his son ten years ago by a MVA, I never knew his son but I knew Mike through my place of work. I would joke with Mike both while on I was on duty when he'd come into the Fire Station to do some work and at Jim's store about which telecommomunications cable he needed cut. While I wouldn't cut any cables, it would impact both our jobs adversely, I'd always get a loud "Oh don't do that" as it would be sure to cause Mike extra work he didn't need to perform.

Occasionally I'd over hear bits of information which I knew would impact Mike's work or his people so i would pass along those small bits of info to him. Most times the info was good and he was prepared for the changes and adjustments asked of him. But otherwise, we'd pass the breeze while crossing paths. often at Jim's store in Garrison or at the West Point Fire Department's Station 1.

Well today there was a Memorial Service for Mike. Many folks I know and quite a few more I didn't came to St.Phillips Church in garrison to say goodby to Mike. the Cold Spring Fire Department's Pipe and drums played and did a very nice job of it for his services. I will not, nay can not fault any part of their performance: they did a exceptionally nice job.

After the services, all those who were there were invited to the parish house for refreshments, Iwas a pleasure to speak to those there whom I know.

A bit later some of us retired to Jim's home, where he made us all most welcome and allowed us to say goodby to Mike in our own ways.

I titled this "Last Farewells?" as many of us regardless of relious faith or denomination trust in an after life. One in which we may meet again those we've loved and have parted with from our earthly realm.

On our temporial plane, we meet many people interact with some and move on. Sometimes making a lasting bond, somethimes not. But in the end many of us hope, pray and trust that we shall in some ways meet again with those we love or have made an impact upon our lives.
Mike is one such person. Mike you'll be missed.

Well as I said a few of us retired to Jim's after the church services. Jim's store is closed now, but for a little while those of us who were regulars were able to gather again and feel some of the comraderie of happier times. I trust that in the next life we all may be able to gather again and rejoin our friends and enjoy our companionships. So there isn't really a period at the end of the farewell so much as a question mark. For hopefully the farewells aren't final and we shall all meet again.

A snow day.

Fast with the fingers ain't always good. Now I need to edit to make a post.
Well, tomorrow I shall go to a memorial service for a gentleman who passed on. He was a good natured person and a friend to all who knew him. Mike will be missed.
As for the week, Well courtesy of the Dermatology Department I've been home bound for a few days. No sun exposure, wear sunscreen, stay away from the windows. Well I did get out and about yesterday for a bit. Tody, I went for a wlk after and before shoveling snow. But not moving the van today is a good thing. saves on fuel costs.

The snow isn't too bad though, dry and light easy to move. But the walk today wasn't fun once we (My landlady her dog and I) came to a stretch where the ice under the snow was continuous smooth and sloping down hill. More a comedy of errors than high art. Hey Moe watch this nyuck nyuck nyuck.

Still it was good to get out and about. Ah um uh men in skirts, Noo i'm not a cross dresser. But I do play the bagpipes and own a kilt. I got my kilt back yesterday from alterations. lossing weight is a good thing, not being able to keep the kilt up without a belt is just embarrassing; and possibly grounds for charges of public indecency.

High & lowlights of the week.

Hmmm, where to begin? Lets start with the highs, I have finally gotten a start on purging my apartment of the flotsam and jetsam of life. A small start but still a start. I'm not an overly religous person. I do feel that there is a supreme diety, but as to what methods of worship? well that is upon the individual. Still churches, regardless of denomination, synagoues, temples, mosques all serve a purpose; and some have thrift shops to help earn a small income for the organization. Well I've started taking some of my effects to a local church which I'm not a member of for their thrift shop. Why? Well they have a thrift shop with posted hours for one, and I'm not too concerned as towards how my donations are used to aid the community for two.



Sure I'd like to sell some items outright and make some spare change for my self, hey its the capitalist way. But either some folks don't want to pay what I'm asking or they want something more elaborate than what I've got for the price. Funny thing is I've offered to delivery the stuff free of additional cost within a specific area. Well since I apparently am not going to sell it, I'll let the church do its best.



Surprisingly when I delivered several shelving units to the church, it was as if I provided them with the high point of the week. That qualifies for a high point, even if it wasn't directly for me.



Today, is Saturday This morning I worked out for about an hour and 20 minutes. So thats a high point. Then this afternoon I also went up to my brother's place to put some items within his barn. After that he said he was having a problem with his old truck. The description sounded like an alignment issue so we jacked up the front and looked to see what may be loose broken or bent. Well the tierod ends were loose, and this with just 4000 miles of use for the year and after being professionally aligned by a registered repair shop. How loose? Well no effort was required to loosen the castleated nuts from the posts on either side. We retorques the tie rods to 80 foot pound and my brother took the truck for a test ride. When he returned he was reasonably happy and said the problem seems to be resolved. So that is another high for the week.



Lows, I'm trying to get a referal to the Orthopeadist for a knee injury, I'm still waiting to hear from the Dr's office when I can A) get an X-ray of the involved joint, B) see the Dr. to get her opinion, and C) Try to get organized and packed up so I can travel about the nation a little bit before it becomes to expensive to use modern conveyances.



Another Low, A gentleman I've known and joked with, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. He always had a good humor about himself and will be sorely missed, both by his wife and friends.



Well, that about covers it for the week. Nothing earth shattering or soul wrenching really, just the nuts and bolts of every day life. Also I've talked to my cousin who is leaving for a war zone soon, hopefully I'll see him for a short time before he goes off and I'll leave things at that.



Tomorrow, I hope to go to a motorcycle event locally, but if I don't get there, well it ain't the end of the world; There are more important things thanmotorcycles, cars, trucks, boats and recreation. Family comes to the top of that list. Well I'll wish you the reader well and go about my life. Have a safe, easy week and allow yourself time to travel on the highways and byways safely.



Cheers, Q

Missives and meanderings

I though I posted something the other day, well it doesn't appear to be, so I guess I didn't.
Tried to contact the Dr's office yesterday don't you just love it when a call center doesn't answer the phone for what seems like hours? Ah well its a non-emergency. But I need a referal to the Orthopeadic Specialist so its a damn nuisance. Finally I've an appointment to see her on the 22nd so she can say yea or nay. Funny thing is I've some basic medical training (Emergency Medical Technician) from my previous position and can reasonable tell if there is a problem. Pain with movement and weight bearing problems for a joint such as the knee or elbow pretty much indicates that you go past a GP to a Specialist. Hmmm and socialized medicene would be easier to access how?

But the problem isn't that I've a functional issue, its that this now interfers with quality of life. I'm rather active and hope to stay that way for a few more decades; Yeah I want to become a burden upon the taxpayers, but thats another subject.

One of the things I want to do, depending upon the price of fuel and my logistics is to go camping and touring across the continental United States, before its put off limits by Homeland Security and ever rising prices. Having or needing knee surgery can delay another day at play. I don't desire to go to Heaven's waiting room and sit on my arse. I rather go jogging, swimming, scuba diving, sailing and motorcycling. So having a bum knee is an annoyance at best. Still I'm in better physical condition than so many other people I shouldn't complain. Maybe I'm just cranky cause I haven't done my 3 to 5 mile walk today.

Well time to ice down the knee, have a cold beverage and prepare for tomorrow. Maybe I' just practice my bagpiping.

Regardless, I trust you'll have a good day, I know I will even with minor problems. After all every day that i beat the worms to the feast its a good day.

Cheers

Got my laundry done and I've clean clothes for the new week, yea.
Now to head off to the UPS store and send a box of paper across the nation. Hmmmm I wonder which is more expensive, maintaining landfills or just shipping paper all over the place.

Ah well time to go annoy a few of my fellow creatures upon this planet. Maybe you'll be one as well that I bother. But don't work up a sweat over it afterall; It don't mean nothing, it don't mean a thing.

Now go enjoy the beverage of your choice, relax and realize that you'll never get out of life alive.

Of politicians, prostitutes, and protestations.

In regards to a current news article about Mrs Hillary Clinton pimping out her daughter; Perhaps her protests indicate an all too real truth behind the issue. Mrs Clinton wants power, she wants the presdency and she'll use every and any tool to achieve that goal. So what is to stop her from prostituting her own daughter to achiever her goals? After the ends justify the means.

Mrs Clinton, Mr. Obama, Mr. Huckabee and Mr. McCain; resign your offices and politic all you want. But stop struting families out. I don't give a (excrement) about them. Either your message works for me or it doesn't. Its that simple.

But I don't need a shrill harridan carpet bagger from illinois via arkansas whining about how she is percieved by the media.

Well, I'll probably be White Watered now for my comments, but seriously how did Mrs Clinton leverage her monies? Strong arm tactics? Lord nows she's familiar with impeachment proceedings having personally witnessed two seperate sets; One Democratic and the other Republican. Bubba's and Tricky Dick's if you don't know the references.

Yeah you can guess who I'll not vote for.

So any protests about my commentary? If there are please try to use standard english, the Queen's english even will work. But full words and complete sentences work the best along with setting paragraphs and using punctuation.

Well its now happy hour and time to start the never ending battle with my liver.

Inaction is also an action

So also is the choice of making no decision a decision. Regardless of what one doen't do, things still occur and life goes on. So go out and do something today, what? does it really matter? No. Just have some fun and move yourself.

Music lessons

Music, its different things to different people. Some folks got soul, swing, bounce and happy music. Others play the blues or have music so esoteric it seems imposible to fathom.

My self, well I'm learning to play the bagpipes. Difficult but not impossible well at least for much of humanity but for some people they'll never have the opprotunity due to numerous reasons.
Still I'm a novice and tend to diddle about at times.

But have you ever wanted to try something but figured it was too involved, difficult or time consuming? Truth be known, nothing is too difficult to attempt. Ya got to take the first step sometime. Can you imagine if a baby didn't take that first step? The same with music, after a few steps you can walk, a bit shakely, but with time and practice you get better and better. I'm still not as good at bagpiping as I'd like to be. Still I keep trying.

So what are you going to try today?

Of old motorcycles and ignorance.

I have an older model motorcycle, a 1985 Harley Davidson 62ci XLX for the stupid people 62 cubic inches is 1000 cc. Well today I picked it up from its annual winter service; why service the bike in the dead of winter? Well for starters most people don't consider the time of year and preparation for events. Too many imbeciles who can barely walk and chew gum at the same time but have plenty of cash will fall upon the motorcycle dealership shops and independent repair shops in droves wanting their vehicle preped for Bike week in Florida in two days and they are now number 600 in line due to not thinking ahead. Yeah most people are stupid, only it ain't against the law to be stupid.

When I was a bit younger and working in an automotive repair shop, people would not consider the week before the new season as a good time to get car repairs done. After all little Timmy or Daphne needed school supplies and the rush is on to get em. But if they acted ahead of time they's have what they needed and could spent that last week of summer leisurely preparing for the soccer mom mini bus season. Drop the mini-van at the shop get it serviced and have it back intime for the first PTO meeting or teacher confrence due to disciplinary problems from junior taking behavioral cues from Ma & Pa road rager.

But back to the motorcycle. Its an older bike one which I've had for 21 years of its existence, not being the original owner. The original owner being given a very long term vaction from society by a state legal system. But it has served me well over the years, travel to Canada, florida, Nebraska and various points inbetween. sometimes with sleeping roll firmly strapped on the bike. Most car drivers (aka cagers) don't comprehend motorcycling as a mode of transit. They say it is unsafe, uncomfortable and other things probably not repeatable in a blog which might be read by children. Well let us be reasonable, yeah right, Cars today are the unrealistic vehicle when compared to resources used and space needed to accomodate them. The motorcycle makes for a better commuter vehicle by its very nature. 4 motorcycles can park in the space on car takes up. 1 motorcycle can use 1/4 of the fuel and oil a typical car needs and can be more fun to operate. True motorcycles may not have airconditioning or heat for those days you are stuck in gridlock or on the highway waiting for an accident to clear. But typically a motorcyclist can get by those problems where cage enshrouded driver is stuck waiting and waiting.

As for a feeling of freedom a car offers, where is that freedom when you are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic that doesn't move? Drive a cage suffer road rage.

So yeah I'm pretty much calling the people who drive their cars everwhere ignorant. But it isn't their fault, afterall they didn't teach their children by example not to share the road with others, such as bicyclists or Gasp! pedestrians. And its the zoning board and planners faults for not having side walks right?

Lets face it when other road users need to share space on the highway, motorcyclists are probably the one group which can accomodate the needs of other users. They use less road space and can give clearance when a cage driver will hug the shoulder and run a bicyclist or jogger into a drainage ditch.

So if you drive a car, I'm gonna say you are ignorant, self serving, and wasteful compared to other road users.

And as for how much safer cars are today, well thats in direct response to how much unsafer car drivers have become.

Well if I've irritated some folks fine, if I caused a few people to think again how they do things fine, if you don't want to perruse my rambling rants any more thats fine too.
But remember your still ignorant.

Cheers & prosit,
Q

uneventful day

Got out and jogged about 3&1/2 miles this morning, then when and got some life sustaining supplies of beer & chips a few other assorted odds and ends and checked the inflation on my vehicle tires. Did a load of laundry had a beer and called it a day. So how bad can it be? I've had worse days much worse so today was a good day.

Cheers & prosit.
Q

Just hidding from the freezing rain

Nothing too much say today, got over to the gym this morning and back home just as the freezing rains started in earnest. Being not too much of a fool, stayed in started packing my juck and stayed away from the roads. I don't need to play on ice. Last night was the final night for Jim Guinan's store in Garrison NY. there are links to news stories and other folks blogs about it from Wendy Bounds' blog. Just do a search for any of the flowing. Little Chapel on the River (U.S. Book tittle) also printed as The Local in the UK. or Jim Guinan's Store.

Cheers & prosit.
Q

Of friends, time passages, passings and anchors.

The last couple of days have been kind of hectic and blurred into each other; and time passes ever onward waiting for no man and affecting all men. Yesterday marked the passing into history of my favorite small country store and publich house these past 7 years since I've moved back to NY state from pennsylvania. Located in Garrison, NY. Jim Guinan's store has been a haven from fast paced times and the insanity that posses as progress. Well, there will be histories of the Hudson Valley written and Jim's small part may be footnoted but probably not.

The bar in back of the store wasn't overly remarkable, the view was worth multiple times the value of the building. In the winter the fire place was always there to help warm both local and visitor alike. Jim even when not in residence was still a presence, after all the building was also his home. He had raised his children there after the family emigrated for Ireland. So it isn't some chain store being lost. It is our neighbors whom we accept as family being lost.

So I bemoan the fact that time advances and we fade. But still it is how some people and places affect us which are most profound. We meet people grow close for a while and then lose contact as we move on. So too we lose ourselves a little bit each time.

Well as for my self, I too need to start preparing more earnestly for my future which is fast approaching. I am going to go and travel about the continental United States. My brother has said I can use his home address for some purposes. It seems most states still don't want people to be semi or fully nomadic and to maintain some type of permanent address. Even more so now with the hightened levels of State Security here. Ah well some state will collect fees and taxes off me for a bit more I guess.

So for today take it easy, slow down and reflect a bit on what is important to you.
Cheers.
Q