\”Finders, keepers; losers, weepers\” was a phrase I heard quite often when I was a kid. It seemed to mean that, if you found something, great; and if you happened to lose something, tough luck.

Yesterday I thought I needed to buy a new water bottle. I dropped the bottle while trying to get it back into its cage; and that bidon rolled all the way down the side of the levee. I could see it; but retrieving it was another matter.

This happened as I rode through a section where the river side of the levee is both steep, and clad in concrete \”aprons\”, I believe they\’re called. I started down, but had to give up very soon. Cleats don\’t do well on a steeply slanted, cement surface. If I could have used my hands, maybe I could have managed the climb; but I didn\’t want to leave my bicycle lying there.

Then this morning I rode the hybrid to the salvage store. On the way, I watched for my \”lost\” water bottle; and sure enough, I saw it. This time I was wearing sneakers, so I parked the bike; eased myself down the side of the levee; and grabbed the bottle. Finders, keepers; and I\’ve saved seven bucks!

The salvage store is great for finders, keepers. Today I found dried cranberries! A hunt through the grab bag bins yielded, among other items, two FitCrunch bars! On the more mundane side, I got more (!) canned goods. Well — I\’ve got to get set for hurricane season. Those storms seem to start popping up earlier every year.

Getting Back Home

Getting back home was rather tough. I had a headwind (did I really need to say that?), and was hauling the trailer. Now that the weather is warmer, I need the trailer so I can bring the cooler. I never know when I\’ll find a good deal on cheese, or hummus. When I do, there\’s no point in finders, keepers if what I buy gets too warm before I can get it home.

I\’m glad the sky was mostly overcast. That kept me from getting too hot. Now I\’ve got an anxious eye on the forecast for tomorrow. Rain is likely, even T-storms, especially after 10 am; and the wind, 15-20 mph! Getting back home against a breeze like that won\’t be easy, even without rain. It\’s a good thing I went to the store today!