diddlee

It was May 15th in 2007 we bought the Blue Santana. On our ride this morning we averaged 15.9 mph for 27 miles. A very good pace for us considering how little chance we've had for riding this year. It has us looking forward to the Tennessee Tandem Rally. After those hills around Lake Martin dam, we shouldn't have any problem with middle Tennessee. My weight loss plan isn't going as well as I'd like. But I must keep at it. I stay hungry a lot! Perhaps it is that old "stress" problem. I confess I have been eating to feel better. I've had a few chocolate bars. But perhaps that stress level will subside somewhat.

I still am not sure how the assisted living will go. Yesterday, Mom didn't get good rest and when I stopped by, I saw her lying over onto a pillow to nap. It made me feel sad to see her tired and uncomfortable. But today she told me she had a better night. She appeared more rested. She spoke of having good interactions with another lady there. With a little time, I think things might be ok. Especially once she gets a private room where we can organize her things for her. It makes me feel a little better.

Today was sad. The house on Mountainview Lake Road was purchased to allow my Mom to live as long as she could independently. It was the best compromise to allow her to have a private space of her own. But today, we made a change and Mom went to live in the assisted living. They can see to her needs around the clock. With the call light, help is available on demand. It is a nice place. I am hoping she can find some friendship there and enjoy some of the folks living there. I aim to do my part and get her every Monday for lunch and take her out as much as we can. I think some of our family is unhappy about the choice. But this time has been coming ever since the first sign of the Parkinson's appeared. It might have been postponed for a while, but it wasn't going to be long in any case. It still makes me feel like I've let someone down. But we have some obligations coming with regard to Sara. To help her with her education, we need to be able to work more days. There are thing...

We did a short tandem ride out on 601 and 609 this morning. The places that were so torn up had been repaired. The road is now passable for autos. This is the first ride we've done without some kind of failure. I asked Bev if we should stop short of the truck and carry the bike a little while just for good luck. We don't need to tempt fate. So we got home in good time to do another little section of the split rail fence. I put in another 2 posts and put up the rails. The wind was blowing quite a bit today but no rain. The hole near the top had lots of rocks to dislodge. It will be the area closest to the lake that will be hard to dig. There is one section that might be almost all rocks. But tonight the rain that has been promised has arrived. It is raining now and should carry on through the morning. We might be getting close to an inch of rain by now. That should get the grass growing. Tomorrow morning I have to take Sara up to UAB for the evaluation program. We are hopeful th...

Morning came later than usual today. With David and Max here, usually we get awakened as soon as light hits the sky. Today was different. Max waited till almost 7:30 to arise. David was 30 minutes later. That let me get a little more beauty rest than usual. Today was put to good use. Home Depot has its monthly project for kids today. The boys built a flower pot holder for a Mother's day gift for Mom. When we got back home, I took the boys on a tandem bike ride. Max in the trailer with David as stoker. His legs have grown long enough to be able ride behind me. Then after some lunch, I tackled another section of rail fencing. This photo is off the internet. Ours is a two rail fence. But it gives you the general idea. I put in 3 posts today. If I continue to put in 3 posts per day, I'll have the whole fence installed quickly. It looks good. It will look even better when the wood ages to that gray patina. If the rain delays coming in tomorrow morning, I think I'll do the high s...