SpokEasy

SpokEasy

December 2025

Tightened Up

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors, Training /

Tightened Up 😒 Am I ever tightened up! Last night I began doing flexibility exercises again. It was easy to see that I’ve tightened up a good deal. I don’t use any equipment for these exercises; I prefer not to get any more stuff.  Bodyweight training had better wait a while; although I did try a few right-sided crank planks. I don’t dare try them left-sided yet. I’m still in physical therapy; and now my left arm can get almost straight. It needs strengthening, though; and we’re starting to do some work on that. I’m glad I don’t have to go anyplace Monday morning, though. There’s a big chill coming Sunday night. Big Chill Coming! 🥶 I call it a big chill coming when the forecast predicts a low temperature barely above freezing; and wind gusts will be as high as 30 mph. That means a chill factor well below freezing! Going for a bicycle ride in such conditions is a real drag; especially when there’s a headwind on the way home.  But it probably won’t snow; the skies will be mostly clear.  People who must drive will be glad; after last January’s snowfall, the streets had slippery, packed-hard snow-ice all over them for several days. Cold weather means tightened-up muscles; and I, for one, don’t like that. It’s the season for cold weather; but when the mercury dips to the freezing point, it’s getting oo cold for me! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Tightened Up Read More »

What Happened to Nippy?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Where Did Nippy Go? 🤔 What happened to nippy? Yes, it was in the low 40s this morning; but before noon, the temperature had risen some 30 degrees! It looks like this trend will continue through the rest of the week. I was surprised at how fast it warmed up; but I don’t think I should put away the leg warmers yet. It probably will get cold again. Then I’ll stop wondering what happened to nippy. Wrapping It Up 🎁 I’m wrapping it up now as far as holiday preparations go; although I’ve done it without bicycle-themed gift wrap. What I get now for Christmas is last-minute add-ons: another can of cranberry sauce, for example. I already put it in the fridge to chill, to be sure I don’t forget. I’m not gift-shopping for kids; but for those of you who are, there’s quite a lot of stuff out there! We still have two weeks, so it’s not too late. As for me, I prefer to avoid the last-minute hyperdrive of crowded stores. When I was a kid, that was an exciting part of Christmas; but as I grew  older, I preferred to do holiday shopping away from the frantic mobs. I also like to spread out the outflow of cash a little. When I get everything early, wrapping it up is just the finishing touch! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

What Happened to Nippy? Read More »

Nippy

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors /

Nippy 🥶 It’s going to turn nippy tonight. The predicted low temperature is 45 degrees; and as far as I’m concerned, that’s nippy! It’s the kind of weather that drives me crazy when I’m riding, because my nose runs non-stop. My feet get cold, too. Now that I don’t have to ride at 5:15 am, I can wait until later in the morning, when it’s a bit warmer. When I may ride again; I’m still waiting for clearance from the orthopedic surgeon. It will be great when I can ride very early to see the full moon shining on the river! Keeping Warm 🧣 Of course I’m focusing on keeping warm. I don’t have to be outdoors for that to be a concern; it can get chilly indoors as well. Not, of course, like Winter 1880/1881 in DeSmet, South Dakota (still Dakota Territory at the time). But takes an annoyingly long time for the window unit in the living room to really get the place warm — probably  because I don’t leave it running overnight. Keeping warm means several layers when I have to go out and walk somewhere; and it would mean several layers on the bike, too! I like it best when it’s just cool enough for a light jacket; but legs without leg warmers are still tolerable. But I’d better get used to nippy weather. We have several months of Winter ahead. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Nippy Read More »

Getting Festive

BACK ISSUES, Food, Outdoors /

Getting Festive 🎄  I’m getting festive! Today I put up some cling-gel decorations. I don’t have an actual Christmas tree; but this will serve well enough. I’ll probably be able to reuse these decorations at least several times, too; unlike a cut real tree that’s done for once Christmas is over. I also got some gourmet goodies at the local specialty store; as if I didn’t already have enough candy put away for December 25! I decided to try some Swedish candies. They’re expensive, but worth it. That’s really getting festive! How to Dress? 🧥 🩱 Getting festive is all very well; but I still hardly know how dress from day to day. Will it be warm enough for shorts? Or will a cold snap push through, and force everybody to bundle up? December 25 is still too far ahead for a forecast; but I hope it won’t get too cold. Christmas is when I expect cold weather; but sometimes it’s in the 80s! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Getting Festive Read More »

I Know Winter?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors, Personal Care /

I Know Winter? ❄️ 🥶 Did I think I know Winter? After watching this, I don’t think I even know what Winter is! I’m not sure I could survive a Winter like the one described, even with indoor electric heat. And if the power failed, I’d really be up a creek. The stove here is electric; and every time the power fails, I sure miss having a gas stove! I can’t cook; I can’t even heat water for hot chocolate. Fortunately the water heater is gas; but even so, who wants to take a shower in a frigid room, even if the water is hot? I had to do that in the first apartment I had; and it was not pleasant! In fact, I was prone to griping about it. So — do I know Winter? Bundle Up 🧥 I’d have to learn to bundle up, that’s for sure. I don’t like having heaps if clothing on me while I’m indoors, but if it’s cold enough to snow; and the electricity has gone out; then I’d have to do it.  Last January’s snowfall was a freak event; for us, weather cold enough for snow usually means we’ve had a cold front that pushed all the clouds away. Thus snow in New Orleans is a rare thrill; and, incidentally, one that’s likely to shut down the entire city. We locals don’t know how to drive in the white stuff. We’ve barely had Fall, so it might be early to think about Winter. Even when it comes, I’m highly unlikely to have to go into survival mode, like the Ingalls family. So no, I don’t think I know Winter. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

I Know Winter? Read More »

Pounding the Pavement

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Pounding the Pavement? 👣 I sure felt like I was pounding the pavement today. I wasn’t wearing my Hokas, though. It’s still wet out; so I wore my ancient sneakers that are all full of holes. It’s about a mile to the recreation center. After I left there, I hiked to the supermarket; and I think that was about another mile. Then a half-mile home. No wonder I seemed to be pounding the pavement. I remember hearing thatt “flatfoot” used to be a slang word for a policeman (those were the days when all police personnel were men). It stemmed from the days when a policeman walked his beat; and all that walking on hard sidewalks eventually resulted in fallen arches. Still Wet 🌧️ It’s still wet out there; and is likely to remain so through tomorrow. The temperature is low enough for me to feel cold all the time; the window unit doesn’t run long enough for the room to get warm and stay warm. I wish I had central air control! Riding outdoors would warm me up; but pedaling an indoor bike can get me too hot! Today my Arctic Air ran out of charge; and I had forgotten to remove my leg warmers before I began pedaling. So I was getting pretty uncomfortable. I’m debating whether to stay in tomorrow. It’s still wet; and I’m getting tired of finding a place to hang up a wet poncho! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Pounding the Pavement Read More »

Party Animal?

BACK ISSUES /

Party Animal? 🥳 Am I becoming a party animal? Well, it’s the season for it! I went to a party straight from physical therapy today. But a party at 10:00 am? The head of the division where I used to work is retiring; and I was invited to the retirement party. It was good to see people that I’d known at work; but there were a lot of faces that I didn’t recognize. A lot happens in almost three years! My elbow is getting closer and closer to being able to fully straighten; but it’s not ready for weight bearing yet. I’m looking for an “arm bike” at the recreation center, so I can start working to strengthen my arm without lifting weights. Lifting Weights 🏋️‍♀️ Lifting weights really isn’t my thing, anyway, although I know that off-bike fitness is an important part of cycling. Even if I did enjoy weight lifting, I couldn’t heave dumbbells around while being a party animal. The weather is still gray; and it looks like tomorrow will be rainy, too. I guess I’ll skip the salvage store; I don’t like to ask anyone to come get me in bad weather. I never enjoyed driving in the rain; and I suppose nobody else does, either. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Party Animal? Read More »

Dreary Days

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Dreary Days ☁︎ We’re getting some dreary days now. The weather has turned gray and rainy. After a long dry spell, dreary days tend to hang around once the rain finally begins. We’ve got several wet days ahead; and for a fact, riding wouldn’t be much fun. But I don’t think I’ll try to have fun by running around outdoors in bare feet; it’s too chilly for that. It isn’t cold enough for snow; and when I have to go places, I don’t want it to be that cold! Physical therapy continues; and I have a session scheduled for tomorrow morning. It might be raining then; and the forecast predicts an overnight low of 52 degrees. That’s cold enough for me! Physical Therapy Continues 😣 Physical therapy continues; and I don’t know how much longer it will go on. I’m still being followed by the orthopedic surgeon, too. I get tired of so many things medical! I have a follow-up with the surgeon a week before Christmas; and the biggest question on my mind, of course, is when I may ride again. I brought that up with the physical therapist yesterday; and he says, the orthopedic surgeon would be the best person to tell me that. Despite my dislike for getting wet while riding, though, being able to ride would make these dreary days a bit livelier! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Dreary Days Read More »

Teeth into It

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Teeth into It 🦷 We say, put your teeth into it, when faced with a difficult task. “Teeth” sounds like bicycle gears; and when I can ride again, I’ll have to put my teeth into it; both in terms of gears, and effort on my part. I’ve put my teeth into it in another way, too. After the accident, it was difficult to clean between my teeth for a month or more. The swelling in my left arm wouldn’t let me get my hand up to my face to use dental floss; and I wasn’t sure those gum-pick things alone were doing an adequate job. I was concerned about developing cavities as a result; not what I need with a tooth extraction coming up. So I scheduled an extra cleaning at the dentist’s. If my insurance won’t cover it, I figure it still costs less than expensive work farther down the road — and fortunately there were no cavities! 😀 This week I decided to send off Christmas gifts. I’m not about to wait until a week before the big day! It’s too hectic by then. Send Off 📦 I like to do the send off early; then I can be sure the Christmas gifts will reach their destinations well before December 25. Besides, as the holiday gets closer, FedEx; post offices; and other such businesses, will get more and more crowded. I can easily imagine folks who waited until the eleventh hour to ship things, getting all riled up because their packages won’t arrive in time for Christmas. I won’t be able to get my teeth into it this holiday — I’ve got oral surgery scheduled for December 23. But I got some cranberry sauce, which doesn’t require much chewing; and I’ll have my own “Christmas dinner” before surgery day. The hard part will be deciding what to get! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Teeth into It Read More »

Want for Christmas?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Want for Christmas? 🎄 It’s already time to think of what we want for Christmas. In fact, by today’s standards, it’s getting late for that. 🙄 I suppose that’s especially true if you’re shopping for kids. I don’t need to worry about my two front teeth; but what I want for Christmas is to be able to ride again. Using an exercise bike is better than nothing; but it’s not real riding! I have most or all of my shopping done; and in fact, I keep an eye peeled for gift ideas year round. Now I’ve got to get things shipped; and it’s irritating to see that the cost of shipping usually exceeds the cost of the gifts! But if I want Christmas presents get from here to there, that’s my only option. Here to There 🛣️ Shipping is how I get things from here to there. Even if I were going visiting for Christmas, I’d ship the gifts ahead. Frankly, I’m glad that I’m not trying to get myself from here to there for December 25. Both of my siblings live out of state. And not only out of state; they both live where it snows. If the weather three weeks from now will be  the same as it was recently, travel will be a nail-biter, to put it mildly. Not to mention all the tumult going on with airlines.  So I guess I’ll stay here; and how nice if I’ll be able to go for a ride! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Want for Christmas? Read More »