Posted in Likes, Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, adventure, fun, inspiration, Thoughts, yay on September 10, 2022|
No writing today. Instead, adventure.
Morning: an early drive through the fog-filled hills of Quebec to canoe through a giant water maze, home to beavers, frogs, birds, turtles and more.
Lunch: hot dog with ketchup and sauerkraut in honor of my grandfather, who also liked them that way.
Afternoon: three hours of hiking, climbing, zip-lining, rock climbing fun.
Ziptour – Adventure – Discover our Arbraska Parks
And now we rest.
* * *
Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, exercise for writers, Thoughts, Writers, yay on September 9, 2022|
Today, I went shopping for a new bicycle. It’s been a long time since I was in the market, but I used to ride a lot, first with my family and later through the beautiful Appalachian hills.
I found this site useful when it came to research, pricing and comparative data. Lots and lots of data: 99 Spokes.
Because it’s been so long and bikes have changed, I also needed a refresher on bike terminology and geometry. This page was helpful: Understanding Bicycle Geometry.
* * *
The weather was perfect, sun shining, warm with just enough humidity to make you appreciate a breeze, and a brilliant blue sky.
Lingering supply constraints (thanks, pandemic!) meant that my choices were somewhat limited, but I was optimistic. The owner of the store introduced me to several options, then rolled a bike outside and gestured toward the side of the building. “Go ahead, take it for a spin.” It was a gravel bike, something I didn’t know existed until a couple of weeks ago. (Told you it’s been a while.)
The bike shop was located in a little shopping center, the kind with a parking lot out front and a service road around the back and sides. The parking lot’s pavement quickly gave way to gravel, potholes and a little grassy hill. Perfect for testing.
I took bike number one for a spin. Then bike number two. I convinced Mr Man to find a bike of his own and join me. Then it was back to bike number one. It felt right.
Fit: good. Function: good. Smile: wide.
* * *
Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, Queen Elizabeth II, Thoughts on September 8, 2022| Leave a Comment »
“It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words, “And this too, shall pass away.” How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction!”
― Abraham Lincoln
* * *
Posted in Other, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, Thoughts, Writers, yay on September 4, 2022| Leave a Comment »
We were on our way to having one of those days. Our team did not win. And then the first bike shop was closed. The second bike shop was closed. The outdoors store was closed. And when we tried to drop off a package of mushroom soup, black bean soup, and hazelnut chocolate pudding to friends, they were not at home. It looked like our score for the day was going to be zero for four.
But then.
We found the friends. They were out on a walk and we headed their way. One pleasant stroll through a new neighborhood followed by treats in the back yard and good conversation later, and we achieved the improbable: A good day.
Sometimes, what goes wrong isn’t what matters. It’s the one thing that goes right.
* * *
Posted in Other, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, can do, Thoughts on August 15, 2022| Leave a Comment »
I revisited a thought today that I’ve shared in various forms before, but I think it bears repeating.
There’s a lot I can’t do.
I can’t fix the climate crisis, raise the water levels out west, convert all plastic waste into useful, non-polluting material, solve fusion energy or cure cancer. Wish I could, but I can’t.
But there is a lot I can do.
I can help those around me, contribute to a better environment, donate what I can spare to those who need help, write a funny story, share brownies with the neighbors, be kind (even to that man who was rude to me in the store this afternoon, he was probably having a hard day), and generally focus on what’s good and try to make more of that.
And the great part is, so can you.
* * *
Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, inspiration, quotes, Thoughts, Writers on August 14, 2022| Leave a Comment »
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
* * *
Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, cat herding, Thoughts on August 10, 2022| 2 Comments »
We’re still discussing whether to change the new cat’s name. Nothing seems quite right yet. His current name, Argyle, has a certain dignified cachet but doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue (or lend itself to endearments; Argie? Ugh; unless he becomes a pirate… which could be cool).
Here are just some of the many possible alternatives (and thanks to fellow cat-owned friends for helping with this list):
* * *
Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, creativity, Fiction, inspiration, Thoughts on August 8, 2022| Leave a Comment »
“Here’s to books, the cheapest vacation you can buy.”
― Charlaine Harris
* * *
Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, cat herding, home, Thoughts on August 4, 2022| Leave a Comment »
This is a story about the cat. Also other things.
Lord Argyle suffered through his first trip (with us) to the vet today.
Like so many other vets these days, ours is extremely busy. Between pandemic restrictions, new pet owners, reduced hours and practitioners, vets are having to deal with a lot lately.
Why It’s So Hard to Find a Veterinarian These Days – The Atlantic
Our original meet and greet appointment was scheduled for mid-October, but when we noticed that our fellow was having some issues, they got us in right away. Our vet really is great.
And yes, I made her brownies.
The final report was not bad. Not 100%, as he is having some allergic reactions, has a weird hole in his gums and oh yes, weighs sixteen pounds.
Sixteen! Big is fine, but we want to make sure he’s healthy too.
So while we think most of these issues will be relatively easy to resolve, we have a bit of work to do.
* * *
Heading home, cat loudly protesting the recent indignities, I watched a thought fly by.
“I was hoping this time would be a little easier. What if he’s not ok?”
To which the rest of me responded, “Are you kidding? One, you are not bleeding, so this cat is definitely easier than Neko.”
Truth.
“Two, if our three-year old cat were instead a newly-rescued kitten, he would have other issues. Fun stuff like conjunctivitis, bad digestion, ticks, fleas and worms.”
Also true. Ew.
“And three, if you went for a check-up today you would have issues too. Are your teeth perfect, your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar ideal, your heart rate and joints and eyesight all functioning at peak levels? Do you exercise enough? Do you eat only what you should and not what you shouldn’t?”
Wellll… You may have a point.*
“And yet, your life is good. Not perfect, but good. Do your best and his will be too.”
Ok. You’re right.
Here’s to a good life.
Not perfect, but good.
* * *
* Erm. See the previously mentioned brownies.
* * *
Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, cat herding, home, Thoughts on July 31, 2022| Leave a Comment »
The new cat is settling in. Despite the initial freak out and subsequent hiding marathon, today he came out from under his chair and decided that we would be allowed to pet him. We spent an hour demonstrating our kitty servant bonafides, and he graciously decided to give us a chance.
Progress, hooray!
* * *
You must be logged in to post a comment.