Monday, June 8, 2020

Do Over Re Do Try Again

DO Over:

So I found myself writing an uninspiring post last week after complaining about how uninspiring KAFM has been. What A Phuc-N hypocrite! I wrote that post around the 5am time frame and was a bit complacent. When it comes down to it, my only hinderance is myself. Every Day Is Special

Wish I Could Post The Video 
RE Do:

Scored an opportunity, seven days later, I am off on the road again. Thankful for the Colorado Mountains, fortunate to have skills, and beyond stoked about my cycling freedom.


My accommodations here were quaint and just lovely. Even offered a nearly unused Weber BBQ for my outdoor cooking pleasure under a canopy of stars. I love standing outside while manning a BBQ. I previously dry rubbed a dead animal, seasoned some asparagus, and sliced potatoes for the grill. Life Is Good


My task at hand was fulfilling minor repairs and then laying down multiple layers of UV protection deck stain in trade of a couple of night stays and some cash. Some might view this as a job or that four letter word WORK. But for me, hustling these side jobs, I view it as a way for my body and mind living in sync and harmony.


TRY AGAIN:

I realized how my last post lacked the true nature of car camping. The descriptive beauty that encompassed me. I briefly mentioned the night sky but that post lacked overall pizazz. I only referred to skinny dipping but failed to mention the Crystal River's cascading sounds thoughout the valley. Such a pleasant way to fall asleep.


That Full Moon Friday Night was absolutely stunning. About an hour before the rise, the stargazing took my breath away. Satellites raced across the nighttime sky. Mr Moon illuminated the fluffy front of clouds approaching from the west and a thundering lightning storm took suit. Sometime around 3 or 4am came the hut shaking thunder. The kind of lightning bolts that allowed no counting for thunder. Awesome Sh*T


Not only my breath but time literally disappeared. I became rich with inspiration from all different angles. A full spectrum of thoughts and ideas rattled their way around my noodle. The energetic discharge sparked my imagination.


While sitting in the easy chair before the storm, gazing up towards the unseen galaxies, I found myself in a parasympathetic state of mind. Thinking alone but not excluding time away. I never wish time away. I am giving my best effort to not wish any days away. Its deeply systemic wasting away time. But its also a challenging endeavor to put myself in a position not to waste away time and energy. I Do Feel Grateful


Backwoods Tom,

Doing my best to learn something new there brother man. Thank you for your kind words and frank meanings. You are the only one that I know that post multiple times a day. I like that about you. Keep It Spicy Brother T


MagicEye And Mr Bill,

You two were rather responsive to my monochrome photo in the last post. I purposely took these black and white monochrome photos for you two. Thanx so much for corresponding with me over the years here on this magical blogging digital format. Plus, I always enjoy your photos and outings. Very Cool How You Both Are Able To Post Daily


Margret D,

The children are doing just fine and thanx for asking. I welcome you to my world and thanx for joining in recently. Your photos are wonderful and I can't thank you enough. Looking forward to your future postings.



Perth,

Wow, What Can I Say?!?!? You were one of my original followers and THANK YOU. I appreciate how you stream my radio shows and how you have engaged in my part of the world. Big Hugs!! May was truly full of ups and downs. You cracked me up with your comment " you exhaust us " and well timed humor for sure. I am pleased you enjoyed the series of photos but YOUR photographs are top shelf. And you post amazing photos EVERY Damn DAY. Very Impressive!! Again, thanx for having a listen while at work. P.S. Your Super Nurse Photo, Stellar



Stevenson And Tanza,

The both of you showed interest in my leftover sushi rolls. I often take all the leftovers in the refrigerator, add rice, and call it Budget Sushi. Sometimes I will add a can of tuna or splurge and add a white fish like tilapia or a flounder. S.Q., thanx for all of your positive feed back from over the years. Your novels always lift my spirits. Tanza, thank you for your informative insights. I feel as of you and I would talk the night away.



Sondra And Wendy,

You two gals enjoyed the photos and appreciated the Colorado Beauty. Sondra, you have been there. Wendy, you would love to be there. Sondra, your right, some goals "need a do over" and carry meaning. Excellent point you offer there. Thank You. Wendy, you are incredible. Your postings inspire so many and you just continue pressing on. I am looking forward to following along your 50k journey. You Will Prevail. And You Are Right, Just Go Hike



Andrew,

You my man, you are a classic. I wish we would have crossed paths during my many visits to your neck of the woods. Gotta think that the laughter would have been gut busting. I appreciate your honesty, travels, and overall good nature. Again, congratulations to you and R!! I sure enjoy reading about all the family dynamics, the stylish titles you have dished out, and even those simple little trips out for a coffee. Always Entertaining And Thank You



Kathy And Rydn9ers,

You two are rather new followers of mine and I do enjoy your postings. Completely different life styles and I am fascinated by both. You both offer inspiring reads in your own ways. 9er, hope to ride like the wind with ya some day. Thank You Both For Your Time



KB,

Lets be honest here. You know that I only follow you because of BLK Dog. I have never had the privilege of meeting BLK Dog but I cherish that guy so much. Your trail cam has certainly grown on me over the years and your wildlife footage is remarkable. Your tribe has also grown on me and I have mentioned it before, You Guys Are Inspiring. You two humans take such good care of your animals, you are always thinking outside the box, and reading the progress has been amazing. Your happy tribe is a reflection of your character. THANK YOU SO MUCH



Fillfionka And Jagglam,

You two are my newest followers and thank you. Somehow I landed on the Polish map and its been a pleasure following you as well. You two are so creative and I enjoy reading along. Its refreshing knowing a geologist is checking out my images. Thanx for checking in and adding your two cents. Very Welcoming



Natalia,

You are one crafty little lady in the kitchen. Very Impressive!! You display your craft in a very unique way and thank you for always adding in the English recipes. Always A Treat, Pun Intended. You made mention to the happy dog in the last post. Shadow Boy was my main man and passed away almost two years ago. He was a very happy dog!! And thanx for noticing my acrylic works as well.



Eileen,

You and your daily little critters are fascinating. Thanx for mixing in some shadow art as well. Your postings are always so peaceful and informative. I thank you for that and thanx for following along here as well. Looking forward to all of your Summer Time Captures. You also noticed the Boy Dog photo and he loved the water on his terms. I understand the old bones comment for sure. I have a decent bed roll but the hips usually wake me up throughout the nights rest. I'm not sure about your reference to the youth and C19. Your hikes have brought a smile to my face on a number of occasions. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Plus, you have the perfect partner for it. Hike On



Milage:

12 Hours
172 Miles
4 PR's
10 Activities
Excellent Start For The 7th Day Of June


GOALS:

  1. Re-Read Catcher in the Rye
  2. Continue Writing Down Daily Intentions 
  3. Maybe Start Lifting Again
  4. Paint The Trim Around The House
  5. Weed The Garden 
  6. Ride Over The Monument 

Stay Sane And Think Of Others First,
Cheers

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

May Went Quick But I Learned A Valuable Lesson


The Boy Dog Spring of 2009 - Between 105 & 110 Pounds 
MAY 2020 NUMBERS:

Miles on the Bike - 336
PR's - 9
Hours - 36
Hiking - 7 Miler & 4 Miler
Activities - 21
MAY 2019 - 53 Hours and 788 Miles


Been riding just for the sake of riding. No real goal in mind or targeted zone. Finally received an unprofessional e-mail from EPIC canceling the Carson City Race. Bummer. I will definitely spend my $$$ with other Race Event Companies in the future but never again with Epic Rides.

Like That T-Rex?? 
EMPLOYMENT:

BCV I was holding down four part time jobs and five volunteer gigs. I went from full speed, a trip to San Diego, to absolutely dead in the waters. Pacing

Monochrome Mood 
Even though the gals in my office are working, continued paying monthly rent, I am not in the office these days. Its an ethical choice I made. Its Bigger Than Just Me

All Those Tiny Pools Are Ready For Some Rain 
A majority of my clients were elderly and I am not subjecting them to the unknown. Kids were also on my radar but they are now showing signs of a respiratory infection of some sorts. Very Problematic

Barrel Cacti - Beautiful Slab 
Who's really at risk here?? Some say the client. Some think is a Constitutional Right. Some wear a mask and other think mask wearing individuals are making a political statement. Blows my mind how human mankind evolved into this shallow being.

The Non Operational Flagstone Quarry 
About two weeks ago, I needed to make a decision. My conference with the GM regarding my previous position ( Work Trade Manager ) as a part ( 20 Hours A Month ) time employee at Crossroads Gym was a hit. We discussed guidelines and protocol procedures. Its very clear that I am in a position of visual comfort first and fore most.

Healthy Cacti - One The Verge Of Blooming 
The management and staff has always appreciated my upbeat personality and friendliness. They would like me to be seen cleaning machines and continuing to spread positivity in their facilities. For Truth, I was rather concerned my first day but NOBODY is using the gym. I sent Tim a video of the upstairs cardio room, larger room for sure, completely empty. One perspective, everyone is enjoying their routine while emerging themselves in the great outdoors. Maybe I Am Full Of Sh*T

I Personal Love A Flowering Barrel Cacti 
RADIO SHOW:

The station is just a weird place these days. Its always had a dynamic cloud but now its just another older building. The lack of leadership is a true disgrace to the founders.


Where do I get off on making that kind of statement?? Easy, I can paint a number of examples of how the station was a nucleus to/for the community. Anything you were ever in need of, a couple of networking conversations and situation solved.

Through The Clowns Mouth And Over The Path Is The Disc Basket 
So I reached out, yet again, blown off really, and then the "new" schedule was released. There were SIX open slots!! So why the Phuc did I make the effort?

My Latest Acrylic Pieces of Work - Unfinished Still 
The phone rings, not an e-mail?!? I was informed, days later, my request was denied BUT could I fill in Saturday Night of Memorial Weekend. I don't know why I felt obligated to cover the show but I said yes. Just like I always do. I put zero effort into the prep work and turned out one of my better shows. It Was A BLAST

Leftover That Needed To Be Eaten - Roll It Up With Rice - Oh Baby 
Listen HERE ( starts off with heavy guitar from the previous show ) if you are interested in Reggae, Funky R&B, and sprinkles of Hip Hop. What surprised me the most was the amount of phone calls that "poured" in. Mainly, listeners were just excited that a LIVE Programer was on air. A number of voices I recognized but mostly it was party goers at home calling in. Blows My Mind!! When I plan out a show, promote like crazy, whatever is the response. Wing it, Everyone Goes Ape Sh*t??

The Wind Blew My Commuter Over - Lucky The Lock Held Its Integrity
DISC GOLF:

Damn, have I ever been throwing the plastic well lately. The other day, All Pars, Two Birdie and one HS* bogie. My putter is having trouble finding the basket but my mid-range disc is on fire. Pitched my best offer to The Dude about making a Leadville road Trip to play the course up there. The town of Leadville is located at 10,152ft / 3094 meters and offers a spectacular course through the forest pines.

Someone from New Mexico Signed The THANK YOU Poster 
HS* stands for Horse Sh*t. My par putt was totally makable and nothing interfered with my line of sight. I threw my putter and it hit the top of the actual basket, skipped up into the chains for that destintic "MADE IT" sound, but falls backwards out of the basket and onto the ground. Couldn't Believe It

A Washed Out iPhone Photo with the Colorado River Flowing 
But my new approach to the game isn't something new but totally new to me. Speed Disc!! I am going to only throw my driver and my putter, play all 18 Holes, and as fast as possible. My plan is to speed walk the course while playing. Lets See How That Goes

CAR CAMPING:

Boogied out of dodge last week with an ice chest full of cooked meals packed away in tupperware. I sensed the general direction but not committed to anyone direction particularly. A couple hours later, found myself along the Crystal River for a few days. The daytime temperatures were perfect and just a little chilly at night still.


I hiked two old trails that I used to trail run with The Boy Dog on. Well, he would pull me up the mountain and I would happily provide him with treats as a reward. Now, the first day hike, I felt very slow but content. The hike was peaceful, the wild flowers are just about a week out from reveling themselves, and the dirt trails were ideal. Not Dusty Yet

Took Video Of This Solo Pilot Safety Departing 
My after hike reward was a rejuvenating birthday suit swim in the Crystal River. Its cold mountain snow run off but felt fantastic on my legs after a straight up and straight back down 4 mile hike. Speaking of crystal, the night skies were breathtakingly amazing. I always forget how beautiful a moonless night appears over head. Deep space without a telescope. Keep Looking Up

With My Sunglasses On, Looked Like Casper Peering Over The Ridge 
The next days hike was a 7 mile round trip that took me up to tree line. After about the first mile, I became pretty disappoint with myself. How the hell and why the H - E- Double - Hockey Sticks did I let myself go. I am so flipping out of shape right now. I have poor hiking legs and ZERO running capabilities. So Pathetic


GOALS:

  1. Write Down Daily Intentions
  2. Hydration When Feeling Hungry 
  3. Walk With Purpose
  4. Speak With Meaning
  5. Century Time On The Road Bike  
Sure Hope That Your May Went Off Without A Hitch, Stay Strong, & Think Of Others First
Cheers

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

New Directions - Same Ol Headwinds

Pretty good week on the bike. Our Earth's pressure gradients are in motion again so we are all dealing with headwinds BOTH ways. Not always but damn it. The wind was only taken out of my sails when I learned Ken Osmand passed away. RIP Eddie

Latest Field Trip - Included Solar & Battery Powered LED Lights
CYCLING:

Not too shabby this last week on the saddle. Mostly, I just rode the old ( 1995 Ricochet Model ) GT mountain bike. My commuter bike is just for that. A quick spin to Watson Island or a roll down to KAFM or that wonderfully delighting grocery store run. Oh Joy

Circling Winds This Time of Year - Brutal Gust Yesterday 
I don't necessary complain about the both ways of a headwind because I really don't have anywhere else to be. Few places that I would rather be but not crying in my Wheaties. Pumping my lymphatic system is the true desired goal. And after you read this sentence, go for a walk around the neighborhood block. Go, go do it, only takes about three minutes. Have fun, walk on, and wave politely to someone.

DISC GOLF:

Palisade Colorado has assembled some significant improvements to their public park and disc golf course. Good On Them


These signs are beautiful, informative, and offer awareness to sponsorship and local merchants. The A,B,C,D circle marker indicates which basket / pen placements. So this photo shows a RED B. The RED B Pro Tee is 335 feet and the Amateur Tee Pad is 213 feet away from the basket. Impressive


The sign also offers a handy little maker to the next tee pad. Also, at the base of each pen, they painted an arrow facing towards the next tee pad. The photo above has the number 11 in red over the yellow maker. Way Stylish


My Black & White shot with the basket dead center. The temperature was beyond ideal and a very light breeze circulated through the trees. Thankful about this game not ruining a good walk in the park. I played a solid round and surprised myself a few times. And my short game was righteous!!


I missed an ace on the 4th hole by that much. My red disc is on the ground and The Dude is making his birdie putt with his white putter hitting the chains. The bench of the next tee pad is conveniently placed in this photo as well. My simple creative flair there.

RADIO SHOW:


I hosted my first radio since before my San Diego trip. I was super rusty and made quite a few rookie mistakes. You can stream for free ( May 17th HERE ) for the next two weeks. Of course I aired a number of cover tunes and filtered in a few SNL skits here and there. I focused on a wide verity of music for anyone listening that just happened to turn on the radio at any given moment.


Loads of phone calls came through the studio and pleasant text messages put a little pep in my step. Because I was so rusty, missed a few breaks and had some dead air for a second or two. But I was pleased have a hobby again. I would be curious to hear your feed back. HINT HINT



eBIKE:

Here it is!! This is what I have been talking about. If I ever adventure out an the dating pool again, I am so going to buy my partner one of these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQZP7UZRW8s
This creative video is 11 minutes long and features a pro stud cyclist racing is wife up a short punchy climb in California. She has an eBike and check her out. Minimal effort and enjoyed the "outing" with her husband. They can ride togethers! I Want That

GOALS:
  1. Be A Better Human And Smile More
  2. Learn Something New 
  3. Zoom With Intentions 
  4. Run Around With My Head Cut Off 
  5. Stretch, Climb, And Hydrate
  6. Clip The 500 Mile Marker  

Enjoy Your Memorial Weekend, Be Safe, And Think Of Others First
Cheers

Monday, May 11, 2020

That Full Moon - The Flower Moon - Comet SWAN

I became very cagey and felt compelled to get the flock out of town. So I navigated my way up the foothills in order of cross paths with the beautiful Amber. I love spending time around her secluded compound as its rich, alive, and rejuvenating. Plus, the dinosaurs enjoy my company and the extra hand full of scratch helps. So Thats Cool

This Dinosaur Loves Me 
The outdoor garden is just coming on as they are about a month behind us. The indoor veggies have been thriving! Just look how lush everything is. The red leaf lettuce was absolutely mouth watering. And the arugula was fire tasty like a red radish. So Delightful

The Legendary Amber The Human 
CYCLING:

Something that I have become aware of while cycling is how one quickly becomes in tune with Mother Nature and seasonal patterns. Having that connection refuels and feeds the soul. Its something I never truly understood or grasp from behind the wheel of a large automobile. To me, its more than just a bike ride. Its a moment of real life experiences, appreciating the vivid desert flowers busting open for pollination, or evidence that we collectively are going through something. Flashing Peace Signs

Kicked My A$$ Head Winds 
That split second to connect with the fellow human race, all because of a simple hand gesture. That peace sign grants us the opportunity to be apart of something. Its a real conscious decision maker. A quick acknowledgment that possibly eases the headwind pain cave for a minute or two. Today, the weather was not friendly at all. Lightning strikes to the north along the Bookcliffs, stressful cross winds, and tiny pea-size hail aided in my adventure. Crazy Negotiations

Saturdays River Runners 
I was burning the cardiovascular system the other day on a back farmland road and a healthy sized dog gave chase from the safe side of the fence line. As I dug deep for more raw power, I gave thought to how we treat animals so differently from our fellow humans. Human barks and its on. Dog barks and we console with treats, rubs on the head, or a quick toss of a ball to show how cool we are. Play Time

I Love My Backyard 
It has become so easy or even the normal to hammer back with an arsenal of justifying words or just plain out be mean through social media outlets. The person that leaves the disrespecting comment carries on throughout their daily routine without any care what so ever. The person who reads that comment begins to ponder or dwell if you will. We are all guilty of this behavior from both sides of the coin. What I find so difficult is how hard it is to be my authentic self when these challenges arise. I really want to be reactionary and spew it back. However, I choose not to say something that I can't take back.

Yes, I Dressed Up That Spoon - Xmas Gifts About 5 or 6 Years Ago
I find myself asking these questions when a text or comments comes my way. Is my response kind? Is it true? Is it even necessary? What do I want to represent? And only then I act with intention. The world has become so polarized and holding my anger provides nothing. Nada. Zippo. How did life change us so quickly that it is very arduous or problematic to become the better person? Be The Better Person


Then I become excited about how the UK claims to have injected $2 billion pounds into their cycling infrastructure. And even more importantly!! The UK changed the laws of liability and presumed liabilities!! That is such a new age of cycling. If I understand this correctly?!?! If you are on your bike and are struck by a car, the DRIVER is at fault until proven otherwise. The idea is making cycling part of the traffic flow and drivers becoming aware of their own proprioceptions. Meaning, the dimensions and ramifications of all automobiles. YES

12:34 Baby 
So these are just some of the randomly odd thoughts I have while cursing around this glorious desert valley floor. Then, The Colorado River distracts me from that thought process. A lovely herd of horses kick about while man serves the cattle fresh cut hay. Catching a bird of prey as it effortlessly soars in flight. Baby goats!! Baby goats are so damn cute. All while simply pedaling along and daydreaming. And then, a passerby flashes the peace sign. Righteousness


REPERCUSSIONS:

My "Stimulus" check arrived by snail mail. Now, those bastards are implying that this is not taxable income but it sure A$$ Hell isn't free Phuc-N money ether. So I made the decision to divide the $1200 four equal ways and donate it to four separate non profit outfits here in the grand valley. Actually, one non profit company is technically a national company. Sure, usual bills linger over my head. Most of my May payments were covered but come June, who knows. But my choice of giving unconditional support carries more merit in my heart than a few of my unpaid bills that will return again in June. Those same bills will arrive this July as well. So Take That Donald. He Can Kiss My A$$



The Donald clearly knew of my strong hatred towards him by the fact that he did not sign my check. He Is A Real Cock Sucker

DISC GOLF:

Been on my game! Only took 8 weeks to figure out my SH*T. To the best of my knowledge, I started playing disc golf ( we played the game like a game of horse and didn't not refer to our game as Disc Golf ) in the spring of 1976. We only played six holes and those holes consisted of a concrete cinder block with a wooden post stuck through it. We had the one regular beach throwing style frisbees back then. Later that summer, someone used orange construction tape to make the official target area between the top and mid area on the post. They also added three more holes for a "proper" 9 hole course.


The summer of 1978, Morley Field in San Diego California was created. The original 18 hole course with proper concrete tee pads and baskets. None of that hippy dippy nonsense. So I have unofficially been throwing plastic for four decades and JUST NOW discovered my preferable playing style. Classic

The Dude Is Getting All Kinds Of Cheeky With It 
There is always something to be Grateful Dead about. While The Dude & I were discussing how well used the park has been during this time, he announces he wanted to make a thank you card. A thank you card for the park? He brought over a roll of construction paper, multi-colored sharpies, and the creation was under construction. Together, this is what we came up with. Elementary Yet Cool

Cutting String For Hanging Sharpies With 
Not only was it not ripped down BUT all kinds of park users signed it. Talk about stoked. I didn't think the sign had a chance but one week later, Tada


And how does this happen?? I could literally throw my putter a thousand more times and never produce this undesirable result. Yes, not in the basket so it doesn't count as in. Had to snap off a photo because we both just stood there in disbelief.

From A Possible Elusive Birdie To A Ridiculous Par 
ASTRONOMY TIME:

While looking towards the night sky, beauty is everywhere. The full moon, The Flower Moon, the other night rose amongst the high cirrus clouds and illuminated our Mother Earth. Bike riding the streets quickly became tranquil. No daily programed sounds interfered with the serenity of night time cruising. Only little unobscured sounds filled the airwaves. Like when the Colorado River currents dance off the pillars of the bicycle bridge. And soon, Comet SWAN will be seen by the naked eye. Naked. Early mornings will be conducive for witnessing such a brilliant interplanetary iceberg as it dazzles in the East-Northeastern sky line.

This photo/diagram is from space weather dot com 
And if that's not enough, Mr Moon will be part of a face in the predawn hours on the 13th and 14th of May. Jupiter and Saturn will accompany Mr Moon to create a happy little face. Kinda Cool. But speaking of Planets, Neptune, Mars, Jupiter, And Saturn will line themselves across the sky as Mr Moon approaches form the north. Keep Looking Up

GOALS:

  1. Act With Compassion 
  2. Paint And Post Latest Acrylic Pieces 
  3. Bust Out The 575
  4. Stretch And Hydrate
  5. Ride Like Nobody Is Watching 

Stay Focused And Think Of Others First,
Cheers