So what's it like....Bull Gap

Today I didn't have a lot of time for riding so I took the bike out on 148 to Bee Gum road and mounted up to ride up the final hill of Bull Gap. For some strange reason I got away from the house and left my helmet and water behind. I took the chance and rode without the helmet but that wasn't smart. It was just too far to go back for it. Not having water wasn't good either. I don't know why I left them. I had them both but decided at the last second to close the camper before I left. Maybe I was just distracted. Anyway, I got out on the road and rode up to the top of the mountain making the best speed I can remember. You have to also factor in that I hadn't ridden the other 10 miles out there but I was encouraged. Then I turned around and rode over 6 mile hill up to Big John road. From there I rode back over 6 mile hill and down to Bee Gum. I pedaled up to 30 mph on the way down to the car. Overall average speed. 15.5 which includes some pretty good hills. Not bad for me!

Maxwell Atticus Simon

Welcome to planet Earth. The little fellow weighed in at 8lbs 2 oz and 20 inches. I don't think he appreciates the attention he was getting at the moment. This was apparently during his weighing in and bath time. This is the time that they stick the heel for some blood work. Poor little fellow. It doesn't get much better for us. The Buddha said, "life is suffering." Ain't it the truth! But there will be some pretty nice moments. Witnessing the miracle of new life is one of the better ones. I am glad to see some males coming to the family. All those years outnumbered by the women of the house have taken a toll. Now maybe we can see some manly influence for a change.

There is an African proverb that says "when death finds you, may it find you alive".

On July 31st, I died.... After having several weeks of discomfort in my neck and jawline, I made an appointment to see my PCP to determine what was going on. The consensus seemed to center around a gall bladder problem. But he suggested that we should rule out cardiac. Once I got over to the hospital, I had a wait of 20 minutes or more before I was sent up to my room. Immediately I was taken for a chest x-ray. Once I got back I saw my nurse and the lab tech were there and I lay down to let her get the blood. As I leaned back, I felt a wave of nausea and everything went quiet and dark. I became aware again after a short period of time, I'm unsure how long. and from there it was a lengthy process to be transported to Grandview where I received a heart catherization and ultimately, bypass grafts. It was literally like hitting the off switch on your computer.

Spock

Spock is my favorite character in all fiction. A character who bridged the gap between two worlds and faced disdain from each. Who strove for excellence and exemplified strength, character, intelligence, and control. His nearly emotionless demeanor was a perfect foil for those who would attempt to intimidate or insult him. It was a style I would endeavor to imitate to thwart those attempting to insult, demean, or scare me in my own young life. I bought this little figure to remind me to guard against letting my defenses down and allowing emotional hurt to strike me. But I doubt my recollection of Spock will work for me again. It was the last gift from my past. Perhaps I will find another reservoir of strength.

diddlee

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