Outdoors Archives - Page 21 of 47

Dreary Days

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

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Forget the Coyote

BACK ISSUES, Food, Outdoors / CAL

Forget the Coyote 🦃 Forget the coyote. If you want a “wile-e” critter, look no further than the wild turkey! Supposedly Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey as the United States’ national bird (see video at 8:40). Whether that’s myth or truth, the wild turkey is said to be an intelligent critter; and quite wily. That’s why I say, forget the coyote. On the other hand, domestic turkeys, so I hear, are literally too stupid to come in out of the rain. Maybe it’s a good thing it isn’t raining today! But it’s cold — for me, anyway. This morning the chill factor was 45 degrees! So I had an early feast; and I’ll go for a walk when it’s warmer. Early Feast 🍗 I had an early feast today — Thanksgiving breakfast, rather than Thanksgiving dinner. Yesterday I cooked up ground turkey in tomato sauce; and this morning I put a cupful of it over a slice of sourdough bread. I heated it in the microwave, and put some shredded cheese on top. On the side I had cranberry sauce and garlic-stuffed olives. It made a good feast! I wish I could go for a bicycle ride to burn off some of those calories; but alas, my elbow isn’t ready yet. Physical therapy tomorrow; and now it’s time to consider Christmas gifts! 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

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Chill In?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Outdoors / CAL

Chill IN? 🧊 Chill in? Whatever happened to chill out? Well, I expect I won’t spend a lot of time outdoors tomorrow; so I’ll chill in. The overnight low temperature will be below 50 degrees; and the wind will be pretty strong. If I eat ice cream, I’ll do so in front of the heater! I won’t be able to get in any pedaling tomorrow or Friday, as the recreation center will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. I have physical therapy on Friday, though; and my elbow is getting close to being able to straighten all the way! Can I ride soon? Can I Ride Soon? 🚲 I guess I’ll have to ask the orthopedic surgeon, can I ride soon. Unfortunately, it’s over two weeks until my next visit with him. Until then, it’s chill out — or maybe chill in. I think I’ll wait until later in the day to go for a walk, when the wind won’t feel so cold. A runny nose is annoying enough when I’m on foot; and can pull out a tissue. When I’m riding a bicycle, I can’t do that. I’ve got my Thanksgiving feast all planned. There was a cup of cooked, ground turkey in the freezer. I thawed it, and cooked it with tomato sauce; chopped onion; chopped red bell pepper; and some canned mushrooms. It’ll be great over sourdough bread, with a bit of cheese on top. I have whole-berry cranberry sauce; and Halo Top® ice cream. It’s too bad I can’t ride; because after all that indulgence, I’ll need some serious exercise! 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

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Stiff!

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Stiff! 😬 My arm feels stiff today. I guess that’s normal, considering that the weather has become much cooler. And the wind feels cutting. It wouldn’t be fun if I were riding on the levee! When I can finally start riding again, I’m sure to have stiff legs for a while. Stiff glutes, too. I remember that from my early days on two wheels. Speaking of cutting, I started for the local Supercuts® shortly before 9:00 am; and it felt so cold that I went back indoors! The haircut can wait until later this week; I’ve got four appointments over the next two days. Tomorrow will be a triple header — I have appointments for otolaryngology; audiology; and ophthalmology all in the same day! I’m glad they’re all at the same facility. The next day I have physical therapy again. Triple Header 👤 👤 👤 That triple header, though, will mean hanging around for several hours between the two morning appointments, and the one in mid-afternoon. I must check for places where I can get some lunch; cafeterias in medical centers are typically quite expensive. Coming home for lunch would be pushing it time-wise; and I don’t want to drag a lunch cooler with me. That’s too cumbersome! Tomorrow the temperature will be colder than it was today; but at least the wind is dying down. Maybe I can take public transit; I’m tired of costly taxis. And I think I saw an indoor walking route last time I was at that particular facility. I can go walking; and so what if it gives me stiff legs! 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

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Nosedive

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Nosedive ⬇️ We’re set for a nosedive in temperature overnight. The wind will be strong, too — so maybe it’s just as well that I won’t be trying to ride tomorrow. Wind 15 mph; with gusts twice as strong! That’s a chill factor of 34 degrees when it’s not gusting. At least the temperatures will be more seasonal for a day or two. Tomorrow night is supposed to be colder than tonight; but after that it will warm up again. See-Saw 🔄 So here we go again with this crazy see-saw. It happens every year. One night the temperature takes a nosedive; and one or two nights later it doesn’t fall below 60 degrees. In a way it’s easier during Summer, when we can be sure of one thing: it will be hot. We’ve also got something called a Red Flag warning for tomorrow. It’s been very dry, and that plus high winds means an increased fire risk; so beware of burning things outdoors. I’m glad I don’t live in the woods! Cold weather means that my nose will drive me crazy. That’s especially annoying when I’m riding; just try to use a handkerchief while pedaling. Well, I can hear that the wind has gotten much stronger in the last half-hour. So I’m glad I’m indoors. 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

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Last Fling

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Last Fling? 🎉 Is Summer having a last fling? So far, we’ve had little weather that really felt like Fall; and today it got into the 80s. But tomorrow night it’s supposed to drop to 43 degrees. For me, that’s cold! Fall to me means maple syrup. I love maple, but I try to use it sparingly. It’s not cheap; and I have to keep the prediabetes in mind! When I can ride again, I’ll start burning more calories; and my appetite (and my sweet tooth!) might be easier to control. Or at least I can get my accustomed exercise; and I hope our Winter weather won’t be too frigid. Winter Weather 🥶 ❄️ How much Winter weather will we get this season? Will it snow again; or will this be a Wnter-that-isn’t? Perhaps Summer isn’t having a last fling, after all! I’m glad chilly days waited until I was out of that splint. I don’t know how I could have dressed warmly enough with that contraption in the way; it was quite bulky, and I don’t have enough windbreakers with sleeves that could fit over it. Winter weather might still bring problems, such as the surgical scar being sensitive to cold. I’ve also heard about injured joints flaring up with weather changes. All I can do is see what Winter weather brings. 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

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Carry On

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

Carry On 📦 Today at physical therapy, I got to carry on. The therapist had me do a few exercises with small weights; but he says not to try them at home yet. Testing my strength, maybe? But I can’t yet carry a bicycle case, of course. Not even with my arm unweighted. Maybe my elbow isn’t sufficiently recovered to do the weight exercises daily; so if I want to carry on, I’ll have to use a backpack! At least my walking pace seems to have recovered; and that’s something. I seemed sluggish for weeks. Faster walking keeps me warmer; and I’ll need that soon. Per the forecast, the temperature will fall to the lower 40s Sunday night; so I’ve got to get the jacket ready. Get the Jacket Ready 🥶 Yep, get the jacket ready. Not only is it expected to get cold; the forecast is for some stiff wind. It’s not my favorite thing to carry on a bike ride in a headwind; so I think a part of me will actually be relieved that I’m not riding! When I can finally ride again, I’m going to start with rides in the park. It might be better to stay off the levee for a while; especially if the wind is strong! 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

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October!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors / CAL

October! 🎃 I wonder what Minnesota looks like in late October! Today really feels like October — now that October is near its end. It was only 59 degrees this morning; and the wind was strong enough that there was a wind advisory. Sometimes I reflect on those days of RAGBRAI; and the towns along the route. Is Brown Park coated in frost now? Is the photo-op tractor in Fairbank getting snowed on? Come to think of it, I suppose it’s been moved into a barn or garage. Or maybe covered by tarpaulins. Keep Warm ♨️ So now I’ve got to keep warm. It won’t be quite cold enough for hand warmers tomorrow; but 53 degrees is pretty darned chilly as far as I’m concerned. I want to go for a walk in the morning. How do I keep warm when that splint makes sleeves a problem? Maybe wear an arm warmer under the splint; and leave the arm inside the jacket? I’ll definitely need a head cover! The older I get, the more sensitive to cold my noggin becomes. Cooking would help keep my kitchen warm; but this activity is still a problem. I don’t seem quite ready for heavy-duty vegetable chopping; and the splint weighs down my arm. I hope I’m back up to it soon! 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

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Erratic

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Outdoors / CAL

Erratic ⧘ You know what a nail-biter it is when an erratic, wobbly rider is close to you. Sure, everyone can learn to ride a bike; but holding a steady line takes quite a lot of practice! When my elbow is all healed and I can ride again, I’m going to have to relearn that; and hope my line isn’t too erratic. Speaking of erratic, Melissa has reached hurricane strength since morning; and changed direction yet again. Now she’s heading West. Her forward motion is still very slow; and that’s not good news. If she keeps that line, poor Central America will take a hard hit. Wet! 🌧️ It looks like we’ll have wet weather tonight and tomorrow. I should have gone for a walk today; if it’s raining tomorrow, I’ll need to stay in so I don’t get my splint wet. I can’t count on rain gear to keep me dry. It’s rather odd how riding through a drenching rain doesn’t reduce the need for hydration, even in cold weather. I’ve got to have that Camel-Bak, no matter what the conditions. When I can ride again, I’ll have to re-learn having that weight on my back! I hope it won’t make my line erratic. 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

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Relief for Now

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors / CAL

Relief for Now 😮‍💨 We’ve got relief — for now. Or so I thought. Early this afternoon, Tropical Storm Melissa had reversed direction; and was pointing ESE. Now, six hours later, she’s turned again; and is heading North! Hurricane forecasters are probably tearing their hair out. So I haven’t ceased to think what to do if we can expect to feel some effects from Melissa. “Relief for now” is becoming wariness! But that’s hurricane season; and I’m used to it. What to Do? 🤔 What to do this weekend, while I still can’t ride? We’ve got relief for now from high temperatures in the 90s; but even so, some electrolyte drink might taste good. I must do my range-of-motion exercises that the therapist gave me; and I’m supposed to have three sessions a day. It’s a bit tiresome, I must say; but it doesn’t take all day. There’s a new bagel shop a few blocks away; and maybe I’ll go try it. Or would it be better to work at using the frozen foods that I have? The forecast looks like our weekend could be rainy; so what to do? I’m still in the arm splint; and I have to keep it dry. But I get so tired of being indoors! 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

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