Don't want to bore you all with my "oh life is a Blessing", "it's the little joys", happy mumbo jumbo. But you all know my philosophy by now. Life is too short for regrets. Be thankful. Each day is a Blessing. Surround yourself with positive people you love. DREAM.
This week has been a "normal" one so far. Monday - catching up with laundry on the line, freezing the last of the peaches, gardening, yard projects, etc. Tuesday- an amazing day with my crafting ladies at church. And in the end, a chance to spend quality one-on-one time with a dear friend. And this morning, some good gardening time after picking up the house.
It was in that one-on-one time Tuesday with my dear friend, that I was able to really talk about Ken's trip - and what it meant to me. Why it was hard for me. I have the most amazing love with my dear husband. We are truly partners in life. It was so hard to not be able to share every day with him while he was gone. Sharing the day's events. The little touches and tweeks as we pass in the house. Physically being able to look at him, talk with him, and touch him. I am so Blessed to have found him, to have every day with him. Three weeks without him really showed me how strong that bond is. And Tuesday I was able to put words to those feelings.
Today is shaping up to be another great normal day. Up early, house picked up, healthy breakfast for all, garbage and recycling out, and now it's time to head out to the gardens for awhile, to get some weeding in during the cool of the morning. Looking forward to working with the boy this afternoon - and then some time in the bedroom starting the decorating touches. Just a great, normal, beautiful day.
Every day is a Blessing from God, sometimes in disguise, but always there. God Bless!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Global Warming? mmm
Well, it is July 28th, and last night temperatures reached under 50 degrees. Highs these last two days have been in the low 60s. We have donned sweatshirts and jeans. When it is normally in the 90s. So we are kind of in shock, to say the least.
So tonight - the house is cold, feeling almost like fall. I made a big pot of potato soup, and fresh biscuits, for dinner. That, and a cup of cocoa, and I feel all warm and snuggly under a blanket on the couch. We've nestled in for a night of tv, after a long weekend of traveling and visiting.
We'll take the cool break. Just hoping that summer comes back. This isn't the best weather for growing a garden!
So tonight - the house is cold, feeling almost like fall. I made a big pot of potato soup, and fresh biscuits, for dinner. That, and a cup of cocoa, and I feel all warm and snuggly under a blanket on the couch. We've nestled in for a night of tv, after a long weekend of traveling and visiting.
We'll take the cool break. Just hoping that summer comes back. This isn't the best weather for growing a garden!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Confessions of a woman redefined
In the last few weeks I have had a lot of time to think. I took several road trips - some solo. And those road trips took me to visits with people from various aspects of my life. My best friends from high school. A crazy group of some of my closest college buddies. My sister and nieces.
These last few years have brought so much change in my life. So when I get together with people, and we start to discuss our lives, what is going on, where we are at, I start to wonder what they think of where I'm at now. I see my life change from such a different viewpoint.
The pinnacle of these introspective visits came when talking with a dear friend from college, who is also at a crossroads. We discussed the fact that neither of us would have guessed that in our mid-forties, we'd be uncertain about the direction our lives were taking. We both have so many options. And we are both unsure of the direction we are supposed to go.
It's difficult being at a cross-roads. Especially for so long. When I left my job almost 2 years ago, abandoning the stress of type-A management life, I had no idea where I was headed. I did NOT think I would be headed into part-time work, staying home, and being a domestic. Because being a domestic - a stay-at-home mother and wife - had been my dream. The dream that was out of reach. The dream I'd stopped dreaming.
I cannot explain the joy I have in my current life. I cannot explain how it feels to garden, can, and provide for my family. To cook real food for them. To keep a beautiful yard, and a comfortable home. To have settled into our little town, walking to and from work as a part-time substitute teacher. Walking to the library, to the store.
In all of my life in management, I had told many people my only regret was not staying home with the kids. Of course they are now almost both grown, my youngest being 16. But I have realized that it's NOT too late. That the dream didn't have to die. That I can be that at home mom and wife NOW.
I do not take for granted the fact that I am able to do this now, in my 40s. After almost 20 years in industry, working long days. I am so Blessed to be able to do this. And I have to admit, I am not sorry. I do not regret where my life is at all.
There are some people who look down on me for not working full time. For leaving a "good" job in a tough economy. There are some who say I am taking things away from my family because of my lower income. That I am throwing away my education. I beg to differ. I have never been happier. I do more for my family now than I ever have. I am a better woman, wife, and mother. I play games with my kids; we have an active lifestyle.
It took me a long time to realize what makes me happy. And to realize that I deserve to be happy. And to be confident enough to DO what it takes to make me happy. I am so thankful to have gotten to this place. Of true balance. And happiness. I am so Blessed.
These last few years have brought so much change in my life. So when I get together with people, and we start to discuss our lives, what is going on, where we are at, I start to wonder what they think of where I'm at now. I see my life change from such a different viewpoint.
The pinnacle of these introspective visits came when talking with a dear friend from college, who is also at a crossroads. We discussed the fact that neither of us would have guessed that in our mid-forties, we'd be uncertain about the direction our lives were taking. We both have so many options. And we are both unsure of the direction we are supposed to go.
It's difficult being at a cross-roads. Especially for so long. When I left my job almost 2 years ago, abandoning the stress of type-A management life, I had no idea where I was headed. I did NOT think I would be headed into part-time work, staying home, and being a domestic. Because being a domestic - a stay-at-home mother and wife - had been my dream. The dream that was out of reach. The dream I'd stopped dreaming.
I cannot explain the joy I have in my current life. I cannot explain how it feels to garden, can, and provide for my family. To cook real food for them. To keep a beautiful yard, and a comfortable home. To have settled into our little town, walking to and from work as a part-time substitute teacher. Walking to the library, to the store.
In all of my life in management, I had told many people my only regret was not staying home with the kids. Of course they are now almost both grown, my youngest being 16. But I have realized that it's NOT too late. That the dream didn't have to die. That I can be that at home mom and wife NOW.
I do not take for granted the fact that I am able to do this now, in my 40s. After almost 20 years in industry, working long days. I am so Blessed to be able to do this. And I have to admit, I am not sorry. I do not regret where my life is at all.
There are some people who look down on me for not working full time. For leaving a "good" job in a tough economy. There are some who say I am taking things away from my family because of my lower income. That I am throwing away my education. I beg to differ. I have never been happier. I do more for my family now than I ever have. I am a better woman, wife, and mother. I play games with my kids; we have an active lifestyle.
It took me a long time to realize what makes me happy. And to realize that I deserve to be happy. And to be confident enough to DO what it takes to make me happy. I am so thankful to have gotten to this place. Of true balance. And happiness. I am so Blessed.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Getting life back to normal...
What a whirlwind these last 3 weeks have been. What began with hosting our annual 4th of July bash, has included:
Last night, when the guys made it home, it started to feel like normal again. We had the other family over too - so we were all here to welcome them back! We enjoyed hearing just a few of the stories... knowing there are many, many more to come.
Today was a WONDERFUL, back-to-normal day. Got up early, made the guys breakfast, and then ran to the store to work for a couple of hours. The guys picked me up at lunch, and we went to the lake to have a picnic - in the absolutely PERFECT weather we are currently having, sitting and relaxing. Ken started unpacking, and washing the bike. I did some weeding and watering. And now, dinner is baking. Meatloaf, garlic smashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and peach kuchen. A good, old-fashioned dinner for my traveling man. Something he hasn't had in awhile.
So while dinner is baking, we are sitting in the living room, I on my laptop, he watching NASCAR. It is SO good to be back to normal. I have always loved my life, but nothing like 3 weeks out of norm to make me realize just how much. I am so Blessed.
- for Ken - 3 weeks of on and off-road motorcycle travel down the continental divide - over 6000 miles! An amazing trip, they are home safe and sound!
- for William - a trip to Lifest (his first) as well as a quick trip to visit family in Eau Claire.
- for me - well, in addition to running the house hold while Ken was gone, I painted and redecorated the bedroom, traveled for a weekend visit with friends in Minneapolis, traveled for two days to visit college friends in Red Wing, and visited my family in Eau Claire.
Last night, when the guys made it home, it started to feel like normal again. We had the other family over too - so we were all here to welcome them back! We enjoyed hearing just a few of the stories... knowing there are many, many more to come.
Today was a WONDERFUL, back-to-normal day. Got up early, made the guys breakfast, and then ran to the store to work for a couple of hours. The guys picked me up at lunch, and we went to the lake to have a picnic - in the absolutely PERFECT weather we are currently having, sitting and relaxing. Ken started unpacking, and washing the bike. I did some weeding and watering. And now, dinner is baking. Meatloaf, garlic smashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and peach kuchen. A good, old-fashioned dinner for my traveling man. Something he hasn't had in awhile.
So while dinner is baking, we are sitting in the living room, I on my laptop, he watching NASCAR. It is SO good to be back to normal. I have always loved my life, but nothing like 3 weeks out of norm to make me realize just how much. I am so Blessed.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
And the vacation goes on! or.... OUT DAMN SPOT(S)!
Last night was the second time that Ken was unable to check in due to no service. Talk about LONG evenings. But he checked in this afternoon, and they are in Del Norte, CO, and still LOVING the trip. As much as I miss him, I am SO happy he has had this opportunity. It is truly a trip of a lifetime, something that he will talk about for the rest of his life. What an amazing gift!
On the home front - the painting of the bedroom is truly underway, the last coat of primer drying as we speak. The painting is a story in itself. But then, isn't most of my life?
I had most of the bedroom emptied a week ago. And then, the looming job of actually PAINTING was just too much. I found every excuse in the world. I had gardening to do. I had shopping to do. I had to clean the house. A friend needed me. All of this time, however, I was prepping. Bought the spackle. Bought the paint. Started taping.... all of this over a WEEK ago!
I had planned on painting the primer last night, but then got a call from a friend in need (SO thankful for that call!), so I headed out. By the time I got home, it was almost 10, and I wasn't about to start then. (Of course not!)
I decided last night, since all of the clocks were unplugged, to let myself sleep in today. The first day in MONTHS I've not set an alarm. And I slept until after 8 am! It was amazing. Totally refreshed, I really had no excuse to start painting.
We have a relatively small house. And only a single window air conditioning unit - in the living room -is used to cool the house. The bedroom, of course, is the furthest room away. Today we have a heat advisory - expected temps to reach upper nineties, with a heat index of over 100. Of course. So no opening the windows. All of this equates to one HOT room. I was literally sweating EVERYWHERE after getting the primer coat(s) done.
Yes, you read that right. COATS. As in multiple.
Let's go back to 1996. Only in our first home for 6 months, I decided the first room to decorate would be our bedroom. We were newly married, and of course had registered for (and received) our entire bedroom set - in burgundy magnolias with dark green accents.
DO NOT JUDGE ME.
It was 1996. I was in style. I swear.
So to match the BEAUTIFUL bedroom set, I thought burgundy sponge painting the bottom half of the wall would be amazing. And it was, in 1996.
Fast forward 17 years, and I hate that paint. Which is why when Ken decided to take a 3 week road trip, I decided that I had the perfect time to redo the bedroom. (Let's admit it - it was more than overdue after 17 years.)
Guess what? Burgundy is dark. REALLY dark. So of course, I couldn't get away with one coat of primer, I had to use two.
But I am victorious! The burgundy sponge painting is GONE. I have a clean slate for my new bedroom colors. And I cannot wait to get started. Four hours, and I'm in there adding chocolate and blue to make that burgundy sponge painting a distant memory.
On the home front - the painting of the bedroom is truly underway, the last coat of primer drying as we speak. The painting is a story in itself. But then, isn't most of my life?
I had most of the bedroom emptied a week ago. And then, the looming job of actually PAINTING was just too much. I found every excuse in the world. I had gardening to do. I had shopping to do. I had to clean the house. A friend needed me. All of this time, however, I was prepping. Bought the spackle. Bought the paint. Started taping.... all of this over a WEEK ago!
I had planned on painting the primer last night, but then got a call from a friend in need (SO thankful for that call!), so I headed out. By the time I got home, it was almost 10, and I wasn't about to start then. (Of course not!)
I decided last night, since all of the clocks were unplugged, to let myself sleep in today. The first day in MONTHS I've not set an alarm. And I slept until after 8 am! It was amazing. Totally refreshed, I really had no excuse to start painting.
We have a relatively small house. And only a single window air conditioning unit - in the living room -is used to cool the house. The bedroom, of course, is the furthest room away. Today we have a heat advisory - expected temps to reach upper nineties, with a heat index of over 100. Of course. So no opening the windows. All of this equates to one HOT room. I was literally sweating EVERYWHERE after getting the primer coat(s) done.
Yes, you read that right. COATS. As in multiple.
Let's go back to 1996. Only in our first home for 6 months, I decided the first room to decorate would be our bedroom. We were newly married, and of course had registered for (and received) our entire bedroom set - in burgundy magnolias with dark green accents.
DO NOT JUDGE ME.
It was 1996. I was in style. I swear.
So to match the BEAUTIFUL bedroom set, I thought burgundy sponge painting the bottom half of the wall would be amazing. And it was, in 1996.
Fast forward 17 years, and I hate that paint. Which is why when Ken decided to take a 3 week road trip, I decided that I had the perfect time to redo the bedroom. (Let's admit it - it was more than overdue after 17 years.)
Guess what? Burgundy is dark. REALLY dark. So of course, I couldn't get away with one coat of primer, I had to use two.
But I am victorious! The burgundy sponge painting is GONE. I have a clean slate for my new bedroom colors. And I cannot wait to get started. Four hours, and I'm in there adding chocolate and blue to make that burgundy sponge painting a distant memory.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Update from the road - a phone call!
Tonight as we were rushing out the door to meet my husband's family for dinner, he called. What a WONDERFUL surprise. We chatted forever, and it was just what I needed. To hear the stories, the excitement in his voice.
It sounds like they are having the trip of a lifetime. I can't count how many times he said that we have to go back. To show me. They are in Colorado right now, stayed last night in Steamboat Springs, waking up to the sunrise over the river.. absolutely beautiful.
It sounds like they are having the trip of a lifetime. I can't count how many times he said that we have to go back. To show me. They are in Colorado right now, stayed last night in Steamboat Springs, waking up to the sunrise over the river.. absolutely beautiful.
Today's ride was very much off-road, up and down steep inclines, crossing rivers. Loose, dusty gravel and a thunderstorm. I cannot even fathom. But they made it - through a tough day - and he said they took lots of pictures to share. I cannot wait to see the pictures, and hear all of the stories.. I love that he takes time to send me pictures like this...
So they will continue on tomorrow - finishing up Colorado and heading into New Mexico. And the stories and memories will continue to be made.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Update from the road...tire issues!
Wednesday's ride wasn't so smooth, with Ken getting a flat! New tires - put on before they hit the trail - in Kalispell, and already a flat. They patched it with hopes of the patch holding. His last text was a BEAUTIFUL sunset from their campsite... Montana - Big Sky Country for sure.
This morning the patch was not holding, so they had to make a side trip to Helena to get it fixed. After that they were able to ride from Lincoln to Bozeman. So not as many miles as hoped today, but these kind of issues are to be expected.
So the boys stopped early tonight - at a hotel - so they can do laundry, etc. Hopefully tomorrow's ride will be smoother. They are still loving the sights. Beautiful country.
On the home front? William is now gone, leaving me to try to find our friendly bat all by myself. I've done some "digging" around in the basement, trying to get him to come out, but nothing yet. It was a beautiful day, so I spent some time on the yard today. Will get back down in the store room after dinner. I asked William to grab a tennis racket and fishing net before he left. He grabbed the musky net... (Any of you know how big those are???) Too funny. May need to take some goofy pix.. there is definitely an entire blog in the future with this. Oh, the joys.
This morning the patch was not holding, so they had to make a side trip to Helena to get it fixed. After that they were able to ride from Lincoln to Bozeman. So not as many miles as hoped today, but these kind of issues are to be expected.
So the boys stopped early tonight - at a hotel - so they can do laundry, etc. Hopefully tomorrow's ride will be smoother. They are still loving the sights. Beautiful country.
On the home front? William is now gone, leaving me to try to find our friendly bat all by myself. I've done some "digging" around in the basement, trying to get him to come out, but nothing yet. It was a beautiful day, so I spent some time on the yard today. Will get back down in the store room after dinner. I asked William to grab a tennis racket and fishing net before he left. He grabbed the musky net... (Any of you know how big those are???) Too funny. May need to take some goofy pix.. there is definitely an entire blog in the future with this. Oh, the joys.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
mechanic, accountant, exterminator.. OH MY! And an update from the road...
Yesterday was hard for me. Because the guys finally hit the off-road trail, there was no contact. It was a long day waiting for the text that they had arrived somewhere to camp. But at 11:30 pm they had arrived, set up camp, enjoyed dinner, and had a chance to check in. They rode 122 miles on the trail yesterday - Ken enjoyed it very much!
Life on the home front is.... shall we say, ironic.
Ken has been gone for 6 days. In those six days, I have added the following skills to my resume.
The garden was the first shock. I have to work it daily - to stay ahead - and having missed two days, I am paying for it. What a workout. Good for the soul! What I wouldn't give to have it tilled...
I'm dealing with the bills - knowing which to pay online, which snail mail, and have them all on the calendar.
If my friend cannot fix the lawn mower tomorrow, I will head to Menards to buy the old fashioned non-electric kind, which I've wanted to get anyway, so I can mow the lawn. It will be a heckuva workout to boot.
In beginning my renovation of the bedroom, I ended up with two new skills. Demolition - taking down the chair rail - is probably my favorite, but spackler sounds pretty cool. I will in the next week be adding painter as well, but I'm not there yet.
But the bat. Seriously? We've lived in this house since 1995 and have never had a bat. I hate bats. Oh, the stories from our old farm house. Ken loves to tell about my horror stories with the bats out there. So the fact that the first time he leaves for an extended period of time, WE GET A BAT. ugh. ironic.
Like I said. We shut the basement door. I'll deal with THAT job tomorrow.
Life on the home front is.... shall we say, ironic.
Ken has been gone for 6 days. In those six days, I have added the following skills to my resume.
- dirt turner (while I do a lot of the gardening, I don't use the tiller, can't, and so I am tilling the entire country garden the old way - with a crazy tool I inherited from my uncle)
- accountant (taking over all the bill paying)
- small engine diagnostic (the lawn mower started smoking, and I knew enough to call a friend's husband for help)
- demolition (removed all the chair rail in the bedroom. felt good to tear something apart, I won't lie)
- spackler (yep - you read that right. spackling the nail holes as I prep the bedroom walls)
- exterminator (William discovered a bat in the basement tonight. We shut the door. I'll deal with that tomorrow)
The garden was the first shock. I have to work it daily - to stay ahead - and having missed two days, I am paying for it. What a workout. Good for the soul! What I wouldn't give to have it tilled...
I'm dealing with the bills - knowing which to pay online, which snail mail, and have them all on the calendar.
If my friend cannot fix the lawn mower tomorrow, I will head to Menards to buy the old fashioned non-electric kind, which I've wanted to get anyway, so I can mow the lawn. It will be a heckuva workout to boot.
In beginning my renovation of the bedroom, I ended up with two new skills. Demolition - taking down the chair rail - is probably my favorite, but spackler sounds pretty cool. I will in the next week be adding painter as well, but I'm not there yet.
But the bat. Seriously? We've lived in this house since 1995 and have never had a bat. I hate bats. Oh, the stories from our old farm house. Ken loves to tell about my horror stories with the bats out there. So the fact that the first time he leaves for an extended period of time, WE GET A BAT. ugh. ironic.
Like I said. We shut the basement door. I'll deal with THAT job tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
emotions on the homefront
So it is the end of day 5. I believe this is the longest that Ken and I have ever been apart. Weird, considering how much I travel to see friends, but it's usually a long weekend. Five days being the most. And it's more than just five days, it's the fact that there are still 16 days to GO.
I am trying to stay busy. Working on prepping the bedroom for painting, defrosting the freezer, working the garden, etc. But there is still the looming piece missing. He's never been gone for more than a couple of days. I'm starting to notice. I have so much more to do, the yard work, the bills, etc. Things that he normally handles.
The first four days of the trip, they stopped often - so he checked in. This morning they left for the trail head, now riding off-road. He hasn't checked in since 10. I know there will be times he can't get messages out. I know there will be times that they just don't stop. But the instant loss of contact has been maddening. It is why I have to keep busy. I pray that he has a chance to let me know how far they got. That they are ok.
I miss him like crazy. I miss that every day connection of talking about our days. Of making plans together. Since leaving my full time job, I've been able to spend SO much more time with him, and I have gotten spoiled.
A friend recently lost her husband - age 34. I now can imagine what she is going through. But my time apart, without him, is finite. It will be over in 16 more days. He will be home. She doesn't have that. Keeping her in my heart makes my days go easier.
Still hoping for that text. Just a few words - so I know all is well. Then back to keeping busy, until the next text. I will live from text to text. Holding my breath for the next word.
I am trying to stay busy. Working on prepping the bedroom for painting, defrosting the freezer, working the garden, etc. But there is still the looming piece missing. He's never been gone for more than a couple of days. I'm starting to notice. I have so much more to do, the yard work, the bills, etc. Things that he normally handles.
The first four days of the trip, they stopped often - so he checked in. This morning they left for the trail head, now riding off-road. He hasn't checked in since 10. I know there will be times he can't get messages out. I know there will be times that they just don't stop. But the instant loss of contact has been maddening. It is why I have to keep busy. I pray that he has a chance to let me know how far they got. That they are ok.
I miss him like crazy. I miss that every day connection of talking about our days. Of making plans together. Since leaving my full time job, I've been able to spend SO much more time with him, and I have gotten spoiled.
A friend recently lost her husband - age 34. I now can imagine what she is going through. But my time apart, without him, is finite. It will be over in 16 more days. He will be home. She doesn't have that. Keeping her in my heart makes my days go easier.
Still hoping for that text. Just a few words - so I know all is well. Then back to keeping busy, until the next text. I will live from text to text. Holding my breath for the next word.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Notes from the road....days 3 and 4
Day 3 they traveled from Ray, ND to Cut Rock, MT. It was a LONG day of riding, which ended up making for some sore riders.
Day 4 started out wet. Cut Rock had some pretty strong thunderstorms go through. Waiting out the storms caused them to miss the appointment at the Kalispell, MT Harley Dealer to get Ken's off-road tires mounted. After re-scheduling for Tuesday, they spent the day riding around Glacier National Park, taking the Going to the Sun Road. In Ken's words, "We have to go back".
We've been to Glacier, but were unable to get to the west side due to snow. So we missed the sun road. Per Ken, it's a must see. They spent 8 hours driving around the park, and have settled into a hotel in Kalispell. Tomorrow morning they will get tires, and then start the trek down the off-road trails.
Tonight they are enjoying the last night before starting that next leg.
We are doing well here at home - keeping the gutters cleaned out, the garden weeded, and life running as it needs to run.
Day 4 started out wet. Cut Rock had some pretty strong thunderstorms go through. Waiting out the storms caused them to miss the appointment at the Kalispell, MT Harley Dealer to get Ken's off-road tires mounted. After re-scheduling for Tuesday, they spent the day riding around Glacier National Park, taking the Going to the Sun Road. In Ken's words, "We have to go back".
We've been to Glacier, but were unable to get to the west side due to snow. So we missed the sun road. Per Ken, it's a must see. They spent 8 hours driving around the park, and have settled into a hotel in Kalispell. Tomorrow morning they will get tires, and then start the trek down the off-road trails.
Tonight they are enjoying the last night before starting that next leg.
We are doing well here at home - keeping the gutters cleaned out, the garden weeded, and life running as it needs to run.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Wild Hog Adventure...end of days 1 and 2
The boys have checked in off and on throughout the last two days of traveling.
Day 1 was full of adventure! They had wanted to leave by 8am, and were out of the driveway at 7:57! It was a great start to the trip. Many hugs and kisses before they left me teary eyed. So excited for them, but can't lie - I will miss him dearly. The first stop was Medford, WI - for breakfast and topping off with fuel. Then onto Ashland for a new headlight for my hubby's bike. (Not sure if that was planned - or something happened. They are only checking in with texts, so we don't get a lot of detail.)
The next check-in was around dinner time - when they were in Grand Rapids, MN having a Friday night fish fry (a WI/MN tradition) and a Grainbelt beer. (When in Minnesota, do as the Minnesotans do....) At that point, the trip was going really well, and the hubby gave it two thumbs up.
Next check in was not so cheery. "made it 2 bagley and daves bike shifter broke off. Motels r ful and he went to get it welded”. mmm. Through more texts (including one to Dave's wife), I found out that not only did his shifter break off, but Ken had to push him to get him moving (in order to get to a place to get it fixed. And Dave also blew the two main fuses in his bike, which also got fixed. Ken texted me off and on for quite awhile, as he sat on a park bench in Bagley, waiting for Dave. At that point they had not found a place to stay, so I got them a hotel in Grand Forks, ND - where they reached, and checked in somewhere around midnight. They relaxed with the gift from friend Keith (which gave them self-induced headaches to start day two.)
Day 2 - today - was much less eventful (a good thing!) with text pictures Devil's lake, Rugby, ND (the geographical center of North America), and Minot. They were in Ray, ND, the destination for the day, early - to spend the night at a friend's home, and relax, before heading onto Montana tomorrow to start the ride down the Continental Divide. There was some rain on the radar, but Ken never mentioned that it was difficult for them, so I'm not sure if they hit it at all.
I love hearing the adventures - and am only getting short texts. Could take a week just to hear all about it when they get home.
Day 1 was full of adventure! They had wanted to leave by 8am, and were out of the driveway at 7:57! It was a great start to the trip. Many hugs and kisses before they left me teary eyed. So excited for them, but can't lie - I will miss him dearly. The first stop was Medford, WI - for breakfast and topping off with fuel. Then onto Ashland for a new headlight for my hubby's bike. (Not sure if that was planned - or something happened. They are only checking in with texts, so we don't get a lot of detail.)
The next check-in was around dinner time - when they were in Grand Rapids, MN having a Friday night fish fry (a WI/MN tradition) and a Grainbelt beer. (When in Minnesota, do as the Minnesotans do....) At that point, the trip was going really well, and the hubby gave it two thumbs up.
Next check in was not so cheery. "made it 2 bagley and daves bike shifter broke off. Motels r ful and he went to get it welded”. mmm. Through more texts (including one to Dave's wife), I found out that not only did his shifter break off, but Ken had to push him to get him moving (in order to get to a place to get it fixed. And Dave also blew the two main fuses in his bike, which also got fixed. Ken texted me off and on for quite awhile, as he sat on a park bench in Bagley, waiting for Dave. At that point they had not found a place to stay, so I got them a hotel in Grand Forks, ND - where they reached, and checked in somewhere around midnight. They relaxed with the gift from friend Keith (which gave them self-induced headaches to start day two.)
Day 2 - today - was much less eventful (a good thing!) with text pictures Devil's lake, Rugby, ND (the geographical center of North America), and Minot. They were in Ray, ND, the destination for the day, early - to spend the night at a friend's home, and relax, before heading onto Montana tomorrow to start the ride down the Continental Divide. There was some rain on the radar, but Ken never mentioned that it was difficult for them, so I'm not sure if they hit it at all.
I love hearing the adventures - and am only getting short texts. Could take a week just to hear all about it when they get home.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Sending my Wild Hog off...
We are motorcycle drivers. My husband drives a Harley and I a Buell. We don't take long trips. But we love to ride. We are looking forward to being empty nesters - and then starting to take some longer rides.
About a year ago, my husband and a friend of his started talking about doing the Continental Divide - off road. At the time, I honestly never thought it would come to fruition. We don't have an off-road bike. My husband doesn't ride off road.
The hunt for the perfect bike began. He knew he wanted a Buell Ulysses. He's read up on them, wanted to stay with the Harley company, and wanted American made. We looked at them while on road trips, and he finally found one online for sale - in southern Wisconsin.
Once the bike was purchased, it became a blur. There was new riding clothes, a new helmet, maps, a new camera... and before I realized what was happening, he had 3 weeks of vacation planned, and the trip was on!
He is SOOO excited about this trip. I jokingly call it his mid-life crisis, but it truly is a trip of a lifetime for him. They will have an amazing time.
Sent them off this morning. Bikes loaded, they hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime. We had a long talk last night...We've never been apart this long. And I worry about him - riding off road, camping, etc. I will miss him incredibly, already do. He's my partner in life, and having to go solo for three weeks won't be nearly as fun. But in 3 weeks, he'll have pictures and stories to tell for a lifetime. I can't wait to hear them.
About a year ago, my husband and a friend of his started talking about doing the Continental Divide - off road. At the time, I honestly never thought it would come to fruition. We don't have an off-road bike. My husband doesn't ride off road.
Our Wild Hogs
But...The hunt for the perfect bike began. He knew he wanted a Buell Ulysses. He's read up on them, wanted to stay with the Harley company, and wanted American made. We looked at them while on road trips, and he finally found one online for sale - in southern Wisconsin.
His ride, loaded and ready.
Once the bike was purchased, it became a blur. There was new riding clothes, a new helmet, maps, a new camera... and before I realized what was happening, he had 3 weeks of vacation planned, and the trip was on!
He is SOOO excited about this trip. I jokingly call it his mid-life crisis, but it truly is a trip of a lifetime for him. They will have an amazing time.
Sent them off this morning. Bikes loaded, they hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime. We had a long talk last night...We've never been apart this long. And I worry about him - riding off road, camping, etc. I will miss him incredibly, already do. He's my partner in life, and having to go solo for three weeks won't be nearly as fun. But in 3 weeks, he'll have pictures and stories to tell for a lifetime. I can't wait to hear them.
Godspeed boys. Godspeed.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Fourth of July prep is on!
Every year we host a large bbq for the fourth of July. Our small town of 800 people celebrates the holiday in true small town American style - with a parade, a carnival, music and food, and of course fireworks. After the parade, family and friends migrate to our house for a big old-fashioned summer party. It is my FAVORITE time of the year. For hours, friends come and go, stopping by to say hello, have a drink, play some cards.... Sitting in the shade sipping lemonade and iced tea.... I know it sounds like a cliché, but it really is just a fantastic day....
The pork has been pulled, and the beans have been soaked. Today we will finish the mulching, clean house, and prepare the rest of the food. Our menu this year is a southern pork bbq - Pulled pork slaw burgers, baked beans, bacon green beans, cornbread, macaroni salad, and banana pudding, with Lynchburg Lemonades for the adults, and lemonade for the kids.
Every year, too many people try to bring food to share, resulting in TOO much going to waste. So this year we've started a new tradition - bringing food for our local food pantry instead! A chance to help local families. Icing on the cake of a beautiful holiday.
I can't wait for tomorrow. To have a house FULL of family and friends, sitting in the shade enjoying each other's company! A wonderful way to celebrate this amazing country we live in. Happy 4th of July. God Bless America!
The pork has been pulled, and the beans have been soaked. Today we will finish the mulching, clean house, and prepare the rest of the food. Our menu this year is a southern pork bbq - Pulled pork slaw burgers, baked beans, bacon green beans, cornbread, macaroni salad, and banana pudding, with Lynchburg Lemonades for the adults, and lemonade for the kids.
Every year, too many people try to bring food to share, resulting in TOO much going to waste. So this year we've started a new tradition - bringing food for our local food pantry instead! A chance to help local families. Icing on the cake of a beautiful holiday.
I can't wait for tomorrow. To have a house FULL of family and friends, sitting in the shade enjoying each other's company! A wonderful way to celebrate this amazing country we live in. Happy 4th of July. God Bless America!
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