Yes, it's STILL winter

     Recently one of our grandkids asked his Mom if it was STILL winter.  His reply to her obvious answer was, "Winter sure lasts a long time."  I agree, indeed it does.  February might be the shortest month on the calendar, but it usually seems like the longest to me.  By now, I have truly had enough of winter, and this year is no exception.  It seems like we have had to alter our work schedule several times due to snow or ice storms. Enough is enough, already.

    The simple removal of the screws, I am allergic too, in my right foot, turned out to be more than I anticipated.   My body was ticked off at the coating on the screws and  formed excess scar tissue, which made my toe go crooked.  On Feb. 8, not only did the screws have to be removed, but the scar tissue as well.  What was supposed to be a 2 day recovery, has turned into a 4 week one. 2 more weeks of keeping my foot elevated in the chair.  It feels like more of a challenge mentally, this time around.  My mind was prepared for 2 rounds of chair time, but not 3. I wasn't ready for another 4 weeks off of work.  I find myself much more impatient for the hours to pass quickly.  I want all of this to be done with.

     Our daughter didn't need to come and help us this time, since the surgery wasn't as major,  and I would only be bound to the chair for 2 weeks, instead of 4.  I have a weeks worth of meals in the freezer, and by week 2,  I can be up 25 minutes of each hour, so I am be able to do simple meals. It turned out to be good that we didn't need her help, since all 4 kids ended up doing intervals of the 4 day fever.  Thank goodness they are doing better now.

     So what does one do when they spend so much time in a recliner with their feet elevated?  I have been knitting, making energy saving, felted dryer balls.  I had planned to put a picture of them here, but for some reason, my computer won't let me upload it. I can only post pics that are already on my photo page.  Perhaps I will be able to go back and add it in later, when I figure out what is going on.

  I have also been making story bracelets that tell the story of Jesus and his life.  Each bead and charm stands for an event. It begins of with a blue bead, and the star.   The  written, narration  that comes with each bracelet, goes like this;

Blue bead – One night

Star charm – There was a very bright star

3 beads – That was followed by 3 wise men, or kings

White bead – They followed the star to a stable, where they saw the baby Jesus, God's own son, lying in a manger.

Wooden bead – Jesus grew up to be a carpenter

Fish charm – And a fisher of men

12 beads – He called 12 disciples to help him spread the good news

World bead – Around the world

Black disciple bead – But one disciple betrayed him

Black bead – And one dark day, Jesus was crucified

Cross charm – Hung on a cross, where he died

Red bead – And shed his blood

Clear or white bead – To make you pure

Angel charm – On the 3^rd day he arose

Blue bead – And went to heaven

3 crystal or glass beads – Where he rules as part of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Heart charm – And he did all this because he loves you, and wants to live in your heart.

    A wonderful and easy way to witness . I encourage those that buy one to wear it each day.  People will notice it and comment, and when they do, it gives the wearer a wonderful opportunity to share the awesome story of Christ's sacrifice for us, in an easy and fun  way.

      Time is also spent watching NetFlix movies and reading.  A good opportunity for  some additional time in prayer each day, too.

    Since  I have a bit of money from selling the bracelets and dryer balls,  I can buy some of the bike bling, we have been wanting.  I guess I should change that to say, "Bling I have been wanting."  As long as the bike works, Tony has a comfortable seat, food and water, he could care less about "bike bling."  Obviously, I don't share in that attitude.  I was excited to have enough dollars to buy several things I have been yearning for.

 March is usually when we start to get things ready to ride, so now is as good of a time as any to shop for the "bling".  First on my list was  a compass for Rollin.  I finally found one that didn't cost a days wages.   Now I have to figure out where on the trike to mount it.  Seems like that is always a challenge for me.  Once I figure out where I want it, things get harder because I need to ponder, just how to get it to stay on, in the desried position. A compass or bike light,  that point to the ground, aren't of much use.

     I have been spending time on  the online forum I am part of.  It is called BROL, (Bent Riders On Line.)  Great resource for all members.  We share our experiences and knowledge with one another.  One of my BROL buddies from WA will be riding PALM this year.  Looking forward to meeting him.

     For the last 2 years I have been looking for a good wind resistant jacket for riding. The one I use now, doesn't do much unless I have a few layers under it, which makes for a lot of extra things to stow, if the day warms. A jacket that will cut the wind and not take up a lot of room will suit the bill, just fine.  Someone on BROL mentioned a good one that they got at Wal-Mart for 15 bucks.  It only seemed to be made in Mens sizes,  I ordered a size small, and I am expecting it any day. Delivered to the house for an additional 97 cents.  Hard to beat that deal.

     Update;   Feb 19, 2013.
 My jacket came today.  Very good quality, well made, with 2 zipper side pockets. Light weight enough than it can roll up pretty small.  Tony liked it so well, he asked me to order one for him too.  I asked him it was bling, he replied "No, more about comfort and warmth."  What ever it's  called, I don't think we will regret purchasing them.  Besides, now we will match.   :o)  

     Some one else on BROL mention converting a dog back pack sold by Outward Hound, to a great side pannier for trikes.  They even posted pictures of how to do it.  I ordered a set, even though I won't be able to convert them for a few weeks.  I think that using a size XL will be just the right size to put my Camelbak in.  I have had such a hard time finding a place to mount it. (Told you that is a problem for me.)  I had it behind my seat, but I I can't fill it to full capacity when I have it there.  I tried under my seat too, but find it very difficult to get in and out easily.  This side pack should solve the problem of where to put it.  Again,  my apologies for no picture. I'll try to post one when I have things up and working.

     Had  brief meeting with the driver that will pull our camping trailer on PALM.   The look of excitement on his face as he leaned forward to hear the details, warmed my heart.  It was great to share our excitement and anticipation, along with how things work and what to expect.

     Needless to say, all of this is bringing on a few symptoms of riding fever.  A longing to see cotton ball clouds drifting across the sky, hear the birds spring serenade, look for little spots of green, see the farmers working in the fields,  and watch the buds pop to life.

     The weather forecast today is predicting  a 2 day storm  of snow and ice.  Yes, it is STILL winter.

   

Anticipation

Our PALM application was filled out and sent by my niece in SD.  We knew it arrived on Jan 14 around 10:30 AM.  PALM filled in one day this year,  but we didn't know if we are in or not.  What we know is that PALM is at smaller schools this year, this  means less flexibility on how many riders, over the usual 750 riders, would be accepted.   Last year anyone who had their application postmarked on the day after the apps were available was in, we weren't sure that was the situation this year.  It's possible they could even look at the postmark times, to see who gets in.

Meanwhile, the Lord provided us with a driver for the camper.  So grateful for this, it will make things so much easier.   A fellow who we know through another friend is willing to pull the camper from school to school.  Our trailer only sleeps 4, and we have 4 riders, so he will borrow our tent and one of our cots.  We are splitting the cost of paying him with my niece.

The camper can't be at the next school before noon each day, and the drivers will  go on a separate route from the riders.  We plan to have Roger, our driver, have the trailer parked, and set up when we get in.  Hopefully it won't be as hot as last year, but if it is, he can open the windows and run the fan to cool it down.  We won't have any place to plug in, so not sure if we will use the fridge, it is not a 3 way, just  electric.  In looking at the  riding route, I think there is at least 1 day that there will be no place to stop for lunch.  We will have food with us, so we can pack our lunch that day.  Also no concerns about packing up a wet tent, or getting flooded out, no gear to haul twice a day.  Life will be easier, for sure.

Hopefully our son-in-law will help us get the bikes to Norton shores.  Not sure yet, how we will get them back from Luna Pier. Our trailer has no place to put a bike holder and our trike wouldn't fit in one anyway.  We will have our car there, so won't need to take the bus, but we may need to transport the bikes in the truck if no one is available to pick us up. The ride ends on a Friday, so it could be challenging to get someone to come and pick us up, plus it is clear on the other side of the state.  If my Niece's hubby comes the last day or 2 he can bring the cargo trailer and pick us up, like he did last year, that worked out great.   If we need to use the PALM truck to get our bikes back, we will have to pay the bus fee of $46.00 per person.

So many logistics to work out, but many months to  do it.....if we get accepted on the tour.

I'm on my last week of keeping my foot elevated above my heart for 40 minutes of every hour, so lots of time to think about what needs to be done.  We are in the grips of winter, with single digit temps predicted the next few days, and it may even get below zero.  Some of the Plains states, already are at those frigid temperatures.  Fortunately, the  cloud cover from Lake Mi insulates us from the worst of  bitter winter air, to some degree.  Having lived in Bemidji MN, ND, SD, and IA,  during my growing up years, I often tell Tony that MI folks don't even know what cold is.  I remember many times when it might not get above zero for a week or 2.  Some days were too cold for outside recess. We had some cold walks to the bus stop, and we weren't allowed to wear pants or jeans to school.  In grade school we would wear pants under our dresses and take them off when we got to school.  Of course no one did that in high school.  Mini skirts might have looked cute, but did nothing to keep legs warm.  What a price to pay for fashion.  I'm far too practical to do that now.

An friend in WA that we know through an online biking forum, along with many others, is also hoping to ride PALM.  Each year 200-300 riders don't make it, we are hoping that we will not be among them.

Yesterday our anticipation ended.  We found out that all applications postmarked Jan 14, 2013 are accepted.  Praise the Lord!  With God's help, we will be riding PALM.  We are very excited.  Spring, please come soon, well as soon as my feet are ready to ride.

Is PALM in our future?

January 9, 2013

My first entry of the year, and although we are still closed for winter I thought I would update you all on what is going on. 

In October I had surgery to remove a bunion on my left foot.  Things went well until day 5 of my recovery, then instead of getting better, the pain seemed to get worse.  Little men with knives set up camp in my big toe and took turns tormenting me.  After a few days they became bored and left, only to be replaced by little men with stun guns who had random wars in my foot.  About 5 weeks after my surgery, my doctor decided I was allergic to the internal sutures in my foot.  His solution was to give me a very painful shot, right in the little men's camping spot.  This did not make them or me, very happy. They took it as a direct threat to seize territory and fought back with a vengeance.  The doctor, who had never met the little warriors,  said it would feel much better in 48 hours.  Sure enough, 2 days later the pain from the injection was gone, but the pain and swelling that had been an issue were still there, along with the little men, who thankfully were having war less and less.  By week 6 my doctor decided that not only was I allergic to the internal sutures, but also to the 2 titanium screws he had used.  Surgery for the right foot was scheduled for Dec 26, 2012.  A plan was made to use different sutures and different screws this time around, so reluctantly I went ahead with the surgery.  

I am 2 weeks into my recovery and things have actually been getting better each day, instead of worse and the little men must have found other entertainment, as they have not arrived at my door step.  The Right foot is still very  tender and will have to have the screws removed.  That is a minor procedure since the foot will then be healed enough that the screws will not need to be replaced.  It can be done on a Friday and my Monday, I should be up and about.  We won't schedule that until the left foot has healed.  

In October Tony and I had decided we weren't going to ride PALM 2013 because we didn't know if my feet would be up to doing the training miles needed.  Then the itinerary for the ride came out.  Very enticing and the ride goes through the town where our daughter and her family live.  What a shame such a good route and we weren't going to ride.  

 Entries for Pedal Across Lower Michigan(aka PALM)  will be available online on Jan 13th.  If it is like previous years, it will be full by Jan 14th.    Mileage is reasonable,  with the longest day being 57 miles, of course there will be some hills.  Weather, as usual,  is not guaranteed. So far we have endured the wettest PALM ever and several days of grueling heat, hills and cycle hating traffic.  The dates are June 22-28, 2013

Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri
Norton Shores	Grandville	Lake Odessa	Dansville	Manchester	Petersburg	Luna Pier
Approx Mileage	46	46	57	50	40	30
W/Optional Mileage	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	None

More discussion  between Tony and I on whether or not we should do the ride.  Once again we decided not too.  There is all the hauling of gear to and from the truck, setting up and taking down the tent.  Although Tony is willng to help and does what he can, much of the responsibility falls on my shoulders.   Would I be up to that after a day of riding?   We checked to see what the cancellation fees were.  The fees were $15.00 per person.  That wasn't so much to risk.  Our hearts wanted to ride, we just didn't know how my feet would be by spring.  Swelling is a big issue after bunion surgery and can be for 6-9 months.  Needing to be reminded of why I had this surgery in the first place, I had already tried my biking sandal on my swollen foot, and it did fit, at least I would be able to get biking shoes on ,and since during much of the ride my feet are in a recumbent position and not down, that might help with the swelling, some.  So many things to think about and consider. 

Then we began to think about taking our little camping trailer.  

Since we don't know anyone enthused enough about this ride to be a volunteer driver, we would have to hire one. If all we had to worry about was riding and not dealing with the tent and gear, it would be  much easier,  and if I had a day or 2 when I wasn't able to ride, we would have a comfortable place to rest and hang out. Purchasing the meal plan meant we wouldn't have to mess with cooking or clean up.   Finding someone who would be willing to drive the trailer from school to school each day, might be a challenge. They would be on their own each day while we rode and would need to have their own sleeping arrangements, likely a tent. Not many seniors want to sleep in a tent and I wouldn't trust our car and trailer to just any college student.  I called my niece in SD to see if she and her daughter were going to ride.

  She told she didn't think they were.  

About 2 weeks later she called me back and said she thought they were going to do the tour.  My heart began to beat faster and by the end of the conversation, my palms were sweaty.  As we discussed it more, we  talked about using the trailer and splitting the cost of hiring a driver.  It would be well worth the extra money to know we had a comfortable place to sleep. 

  We each agreed to pray about it and get back to each other.  Tony and I prayed about it and put word out that we might be looking for a driver.  After we followed up on a few false leads, a friend of ours told us he thought he knew of someone who might be interested.  We talked to the gentleman, a retired senior and he agreed to do be our "trailer puller."  Our driver is a friend of a friend and someone that we do know, better yet he is a Christian, so we will have someone  else praying for us each day as we ride.

I called up my niece and we decided it was a go.  We will register and see if we get accepted. 

So here we are, 5 days before registration, once again, hoping and praying that we will have our app in on time to be accepted, remembering that each year the ride is usually full within 48 hours.   In the end it is in the Lord's hand.  Perhaps he will give us a chance to ride and share and live our faith as we face the daily challenges this tour presents. We have many wonderful friends and memories of last years ride, would love to add to those.

 In the end, we want what he wants. 

Sadly our friends Jeff and Kiersten Baker who rode with us for the past 2 years, would not be able to join us.  

In September Jeff was diagnosed with leukemia.  He is now on his 3rd round of chemo.  We are praying that he will be in remission soon, so he can receive a bone marrow transplant.  After much prayer and some donor drives, God has graciously provided 3 matching donors.   Even as I write this Jeff and Kiersten are at the U of M seeing a specialist.  In light of all they are facing, this ride  and it's challenges, seem like a trivial thing.   Please keep he and Kiersten in your prayers.  They are leaning on the Lord and each other to get them through this.   If you want to follow their journey, here is a link to Jeff's CarePage.  

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/JeffBaker/updates/3451803?client_code=spectrumhealth&ipc=mur

As always thanks for letting us share a piece of our life with you,  and for your prayers.

Closed for Winter

Closed for the winter.  See you in the spring.

Long over due update

A sincere apology to all my loyal Blog followers out there.  I have been so remiss in keeping my postings up.  Seemed like life was filled with phone calls and so many other things regarding my Dad's estate, including another trip to ND for an estate auction.   Once more,  our little camping trailer would be our home away from home.  

Rollin was in pieces in the back of the car.

The Steven's Point exit was on our way and we hoped to get the situation with our chainrings resolved at the Hostel shoppe. After overnighting at a campground we headed to the bike shop.  Turns out the spacing between the gear rings was off and one gear ring was bent.  Likely from all the chain problems,  yanking and reaming that had to be done to get the chain loose, each time it jammed.  Hopefully it is resolved now. Since Tony can't give me a visual picture of what is going on when I change gears,  I  marked the places where the thumb shifter needs to be when the chain is on the middle and the big gear ring.

Once we arrived in Goodrich ND, we claimed our usual spot at the park a block from my Dad's house.
   After the expense of 2 trips out west in such a short period of time, it was a blessing to be able to camp for only $15.00 each night.  My older sister had come from MO and was staying at a motel in a nearby town,  being able to have our meals at the trailer would help us all.  We had supper at the picnic table and whatever family wanted to join in were welcome.

The only drawback  about our camping  was that the electric at the park wasn't set up so we could use our air conditioner.  We had a few very hot evenings.

Everything going on the sale had to be washed or polished, plus washing walls, cleaning cupboards and baseboards,  we didn't have time  or the energy to ride.  We feel into bed, exhausted each night.


 A sad day, but made easier because my Dad  had always loved a good auction.  Most likely many of the things being sold, came from auctions.  We had a good turnout,  and with the Lord's help, made it through the day.

We did some fall riding, but it seemed like I didn't have the energy to and ride and blog.  Losing a parent is a hard thing, no matter how old a person is.

Our friend Jeff, who rode with us in PALM this year, has been diagnosed with leukemia.   No wonder, he was only up to riding one day on PALM.  He is on his second round of chemo and is on the bone marrow transplant list.  If you are healthy and under 44 years of age, please donate bone marrow.  Even if you aren't a match for Jeff, you may be for someone else.  Also please keep our dear friends Jeff and Kiersten in your prayers.


Oct 12th, I had the bunion on my left foot removed.  By the way, this is a surgery to be avoided, if at all possible.  Our daughter and her  4 home schooled children came up and helped for a week and a half.  I was so glad she could.  For the first 2 weeks I could only be up 10 minutes of each hour, the next 2 weeks I got to graduate to being up 20 minutes of every hour.    I'm almost recovered now and will have the second foot done the day after Christmas. I dread it, but  I wanted to have it all over with by the time spring riding weather arrives.

Snow covers the ground and more predicted tonight, so even if I were in riding condition, our riding for the season would be done.

Big news!  We recently purchased 2 lots in the village of Northport MI , population 548,  located on the Leelanau Penninsula. There is nothing on the lots right now and we really aren't sure yet what our plans for them might be.  Maybe a pole barn, maybe a cottage. For now, we have a variance to put our camping trailer there for the summer. At this point we have no plans to move there, but rather, to  use it as a vacation property.  It is 90 minutes  north of us.  From the lots,  it's  a 2  block stroll to 3 public beaches, a playground  and the marina .  Downtown, with it's quaint little shops is a short walk away.  We have an ongoing love affair with Lake Michigan and have always wanted to own property near the lake.  We've talked and dreamed of such a thing for years, but never thought it would come to pass.  Our ultimate would be to own property on the lake, but that is not in our financial realm.  We are still pinching ourselves to make sure this is real.

 The  only thing missing from the scene of white sand and turquoise waters is palm trees. When we visited last summer, sailboat lessons entertained us.  We are looking forward to using our tandem kayak in the bay.  There are sandcastles to be built and swimming to done.  roads to be explored and places to ride.  More fun times ahead.

The area is known for it's vineyards and wineries, with many fruit orchards dotting the landscape as well.  30 miles from where we are and on the other side of the peninsula you will find the famed Sleeping Bear National lakeshore and dunes.  This 40 mile long, 3 sided, piece of land that juts out into Lake Michigan is one of the most unique places on earth.  A good portion of it is in a land conservancy, so the area will not face a future of big box stores or huge hotels. Many place to hike and explore.

Northport is on the bay side of the peninsula, Lake Michigan is 2/1/2 miles across the peninsula, and 10 miles from the village, at lands end , is the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, and Leelanau State Park.

Christmas Cove has already become one of our favorite places. We love to sit there and listen to the waves and are looking forward to walking the beach next summer, seeking Petoskey stones and other cool rocks. Peterson Beach is another great place to scan the beach for treasures.

Terrain  on the peninsula varies, flat riding in places,  with hills  rolling through the middle of this unique landscape, combined with many quiet country roads is a natural draw for cyclists.   We are looking forward to exploring with Rollin.

It's still hard to believe that God has given us our dream of having property near Lake Michigan. A totally unexpected blessing and one we are very grateful for.    Tune in next spring for more adventures.

Blue skies and smooth pedaling

Sunday Aug 12, 2012

     Blue skies, with white, cotton ball clouds drifting through, started off our afternoon ride.  With light breezes to cool us on our way, we couldn't have engineered better biking weather than we had today.

     Rollin is scheduled for an appointment at the Hostel Shoppe in Steven's point WI at the end of the month, until then we are kind of taking it easy on him.  It would be great if we had a place like the Hostel Shoppe closer, they do such a great job and really know about trikes.  We are still riding in our largest gear ring in the front, but hope to have that resolved by the time we return.  We aren't making a special trip to have Rollin taken care of, but we will be driving right past the Steven's Point exit, so figured we would stop and have the issues he is having taken care of.  Then we will be set for next year too.  We don't want any more chain jams.

     Todays route was nothing new.  Rode the hills into LeRoy, then connected up with the White Pine Trail and rode to Tutsin.   Last week, Tony saw Rex, the guy who is the trail monitor between Leroy and Tustin, Rex said there were 8 trees down on that section, but they have all been cleared.  Although we do more road riding than trail riding, we are grateful for the efforts of all  the volunteers.  They help keep the trail in good shape.

No sunny, Sunday ride is complete without an ice cream stop, so when  our bodies started saying,"ice cream, ice cream,"  we complied and stopped at the Dairy Station,  our reward was Chocolate Moose Tracks ice cream.  Yummy!

     Although many places are very dry, the farmers in our area, say the rains have come at just the right times.  The corn is standing proud and tall, bearing many ears.

      Last week the grandkids, along with our daughter, were up for Vacation Bible School.  The days were filled with activities, including a trip up the Leelanau Peninsula to the charming little village of Northport.   So many intriguing places to ride up there, spectacular views of the bay on one side of the peninsula and views of Lake MI on the other.  Not sure what the widest point of the peninsula is, but in the Northport area, it is about, 12 miles across. At lands end, the Grand Traverse Light House stands on regal guard.  We really need to return, and ride with Rollin.

      White sand beaches and turquoise waters would make one think they were in the Caribbean, rather than northern MI.  The only thing missing were palm trees, swaying in the wind. Such a beautiful area, these pictures, don't do it justice at all.

The grandkids played in the water and the sand on the edge of Northport Bay.

  I'm surprised they each had such abounding  energy,  as we headed off to church and back home, each night. After staying up each night watching the olympics, Tony and I nearly collapsed into the bed at the end of the day.  We were greeted by giggles and kids wanting to come and cuddle by 7 AM each morning.

  On the other days, there was frog hunting, swimming, and much throwing of mud bombs at the little toy boats that floated in the swimming area of the lake we live by.  That lake provides hours of entertainment for the kids, and the frogs that are caught and brought up to the little pond by the house, manage to find their way back to the lake, just fine.  Who knows what stories they have to tell upon their return.

   Something about  a small town war memorials touches my heart.  A reminder that men from all across America set there lives aside, some of them forever, to fight for our freedom. With these flowers standing guard,  this one in  LeRoy, is no exception.  It brings to mind my Grandpa, Dad, Uncles, cousins and other family members who have proudly served this great country of ours.

   Along the trail we had a nice chat with a  friend of ours from church.  Not only did she agree to have her picture taken, but she also took ours.

        This farmstead is along the way. It probably gets pretty noisy  around here in the winter when the snowmobiles go flying past.

   Wild flowers are gracing the roads,  like many colored jewels, sparkling  in the crown of summer.

   

     We rode 20, lazy,  miles today, enjoying every little bit of God's creation that we rode past.  Thanks Lord, for such wonderful day.