triking the race set before me...

2010-06-11T11:23:00.010-04:00

06.11.10 Been a few miles around town since last posting.

My brain (*"If I only had the brain") just isn't as reliable as I wish. I know I've been triking. And I know I've taken pictures. And I know I've downloaded the pictures into Picasa. But, I cannot find them :-( I know I labeled them. I have a new (cheap) digital camera which has a functioning zoom. But, apparently I have not learned how to find where they are in Picasa.

Sad note re: recent traveling. Not traveling on my trike. Traveling in my Element. The other day, I stopped at the local Dollar Tree to buy a water gun for a friend's birthday. Well, that 25 cent water gun (4 in a pack, which cost $1) ended up costing me $46! Upon exiting the store, I reached in my pocket to retrieve my door unlocker clicky fob. It wasn't there. Then, I remembered that for some reason I wasn't paying attention between loading groceries into my Ele and driving over to the Dollar Tree. I had tossed all my keys into the front of the vehicle while I quickly transferred groceries from the Amigo cart because it was beginning to rain (aha, this is the aforementioned "for some reason"). Fortunately, I purchase AAA every September as a portion of my family's birthday gifts. UNfortunately, I've used all allowable roadside services until Sept 1st.

Last time I called AAA I specifically asked if there was a limit to the number of service calls I could make. I was informed there was no limit. At that time I was concerned they would cancel my policy b/c I'd made many calls to them lately (my brain doesn't work so well post accident). I was assured there was no limit.

Well, when I called for this week's "locked key in the vehicle", I was told I could pay for the locksmith or have a family member present when the locksmith arrived. All my family members were over 1 1/2 hrs away and I had a meeting in less than one hour. The AAA person said I'd used up all my service calls and said that someone had misinformed me re: no limit. :-( So, that water gun better be greatly treasured by my friend. Would've been much cheaper to purchase one at the grocery store.

Service calls w/i the past nine months: 2 @ YMCA (key locked inside); 1 @ college (key locked inside); 1 on OH turnpike (dead battery - left lights on); 1 @ clothing store (key locked inside). I guess AAA allows 5 calls. The water gun purchase was #6. That makes for 82 (EIGHTY-TWO) more days of making sure I don't: lock the key inside, run out of gas, leave the lights on, . . . . Perhaps, I should travel only by trike until 9/1.

I am sitting @ the Honda dealership getting routine maintenance completed and a couple (minor) warranty issues fixed. They are investigating whether my model makes a remoteless fob w/ the key inside it. That will help me immensely. In the long run, I imagine whatever it costs will be less than a few more locksmith calls. Also, I purchased a magnetic key holder to place underneath my vehicle. Trouble w/ that is I can't find much metal w/i arm's reach underneath the vehicle. I suppose I may have to always be attired (or keep coveralls in my Ele) to be able to lie down on a parking lot and slide underneath this machine which has the keys locked inside, to obtain the spare in the magnetic key holder.

My daughter suggested the magnetic key holder. I poo-pooed the idea thinking that car thieves would automatically check "all the right places" for the magnetic key holder, thereby making their "job" much easier. My daughter laughed at me. She said thieves need the thrill of breaking into a vehicle and hotwiring it. She assured me that if there was a magnetic key holder underneath the vehicle, theives would bypass my vehicle b/c it wouldn't be "fun" for them. I'm trusting her. She's WAY smarter than me. So, I bought one of those magnetic key holders and gave it to the Honda techie to tell me where to place it. Gosh, I hope he remembers to show me where he placed it or that I remember to ask.

Life is not easy. Should've brought my trike w/ me. Could've ridden it all around this city vs sitting in the children's play room in a cushioned rocking chair and ottoman. But, it's pouring rain. Glad I didn't go to the effort to load the trike, only to get here & not be able to ride b/c of the pouring rain. So far this morning, four little girls, ages: 3, 3, 2, 2, have come in for tea parties (all together for 1/2 hr). Two families of 3 & 2 yr olds. Their dads were terrific - they sat down and enjoyed all the food served by their little ones. NOW, wouldn't it have been cooler if the dads had prepared and served the food for their daughters? Life is not easy.

There are many more things I brought in my rolling backpack to address while waiting for "at least half a day" to get Ele's needs managed. Glad this blog is now caught up to date :-) Hopefully, I'll figure out how to find pictures and upload them to here. Supposed to get rain all weekend, therefore, likely not much triking anytime soon.

*When my "WAY smarter" daughter was really young (ages of the tea partiers this morning), she loved, L-O-V-E-D the movie, "The Wizard of Oz". She and her older brothers memorized that entire movie. With tremendous gusto, my daughter, very loudly & with a switch of articles, would sing the Scarecrow's song, "If I only had THE brain". I have A brain. All the information I use to have is in there. Just scrambled around. Seems like there must be THE brain that will make me not lock my keys in my car, nor leave the lights on, not forget how to transfer & locate pictures. I guess the good thing, better thing, is that I am much, much better at living in this one simple moment. Most of my focus goes here vs there, too. Even when I am walking through my house. Whatever I see if what I do, unless I turn my head. Then, I move on to the other thing, not remembering I was doing something else and didn't finish it. Simply living in "the here & now". Fortunately, I remembered to put the raw chicken in the refrigerator last night -- it was still cold (how do I put an image here of crossed fingers?).

GOD is and that is all that truly, eternally matters. Chicken can be re-bought. In Sept, AAA will, once again, pay a locksmith for retrieving the keys I lock inside my vehicle.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2010-05-30T15:36:00.011-04:00

05.30.10 11 miles: Memorial Day wkend (Sun) on the trail, following along the Flat River

I saw 4 groups of river floaters. What a perfect day to rest on the water! I wondered whether I'd rather be rafting down the river or triking alongside it. I decided that I'd rather be RUNNING alongside it and through it. I wonder if there are rivers in Heaven. I suppose it really doesn't matter b/c GOD will be all that matters.

On the trail between the lake and Hwy 91, this tree stands (below). At least for now, it stands. It appears to be dead. No green anything was on it. I wonder if it is cheaper to saw it down b/f anyone gets hurt or to wait and clean it up. I imagine it will be much more expensive to manage if someone gets hurt while it falls down. One good storm and it will surely fall. If no one is nearby, will a sound be made when it falls?

Summer snow. That's what the white, fluffy stuff is drifting up the grass. The pollen is covering the ground today as quickly as snow covers everything during winter.

NO WAY will I intentionally catch one of these "flakes" on my tongue. One of my favorite things to do during winter runs was to catch snowflakes on my tongue, while running. I imagine if anyone watched me they thought that I was "special". Only if they were from a Southern state :) People in the North do that sort of thing during the winter while out for walks or runs.

Here's an updated picture of the activity at the lake. This town is blessed w/ beautiful trails. I discovered another new one today. It zig-zags a hill from a special education camp to the lake. I triked UP it today. Next trike toward the lake, I will plan to zoom down it. Not sure if the camp is considered "private property". Gonna have to investigate that. The trail is amazing. There are places where I am guessing park benches will be placed to overlook the lake.

Speaking (blogging) of zooming: I got up to 27.7 mph going down the hill toward the lake. That is definitely the fastest I've gone down that hill. During today's outing, my chain came off twice - not sure what that's all about. Guess it's time for a tune-up. On Hillcrest, by the high school, I got up to 24.3 mph. Then, on the final street to my house, I got up to 20 mph (flat road). I guess my legs are stronger than I thought.

Today's 11 miles took 1 hr 20 mins. Not too bad. There are a plethora of hills in this town compared to where I was posted in the South, where there was a plethora of flatness. My legs lost their strength to conquer to hills as easily as last summer. I think it will take less time to recondition my legs this summer. My legs are certainly working well going down hills!

The top picture didn't upload after a few attempts. Now, it showed up, but at the top. It was supposed to go here. The billboard reads, "Say yes to a better life", w/ the city limit welcome sign below it. The billboard is sponsored by a town bank. Here I go wondering again, were they intentional about their advertisement by the town welcome sign? I guess "yes".

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2010-05-20T10:39:00.002-04:00

05.19.10 7.4 miles Back on the trail!

(May 28: catching up on this previously started post)
I triked a couple - 3 or 4 more times, also. Either forgot to take my (new) camera (w/working zoom) OR forgot to use it. And, no idea how many miles - changed my Cateye, but don't recall the number of addt'l miles -- 10 or so.

The 1st trike on the trail included around the lake. I just wanted to see everything that was there. At the lake, a worker told me they are constructing a winding trail up a cleared hill. One or two houses use to be there, if I recall accurately. I'm glad those people have jobs. Doesn't seem like the best way to use money in these poor economic times.

The other, recent times, I triked was to make my muscles work as hard as possible. I needed to RUN, but obviously cannot. Running would've been much more exhausting and leaving me w/ a sense of release. Triking just does not provide catharsis. Triking is more *fun*; running is EXERCISE - intense, engages every muscle, drains the brain.

Speaking of which, I need to make a decision re: "local" gym. I prefer the gym 19 miles from my house - it has "more" options of class times, 3 pools w/ very nice locker room. The gym 2 miles from my house is inhabited by local people. That is the greatest issue for me re: the 2 mile away gym. Not sure I'm ready for local people. Which would I attend more? IDK. 19 miles is not that far, but it will require an investment of time to drive there and back. I can be anonymous there. I can go do what I need to do and leave. Will I use this gym frequently? Will I go to the 2 mile away gym frequently if I do not want to "encounter" local people? A decision has to be made SOON. My body needs the movement exercises.

Numb today. Enough to catch up this post so I can put it out of my mind of things to finish.

blessings abound/.
-a-

2010-05-07T00:34:00.002-04:00

05.05.10 Wed @ VAB w/ R: 14 strenuous miles!
Very warm day. Very.

I triked 2 miles of this trail a few wks ago. Today, R & I tr(b)iked 14 miles: out & back (7 miles one-way). Took ~ 2 hrs.

The trail started out paved. Very nice - had to curtsey "stop" as we rode through a neighborhood. Then, the trail went through an "interpretive" area re: the Chesapeake Indians, including fitness work-out stations for children (& adults). Then the trail turned into sand, covered w/ pine needles. This provided for quick thinking & maneuvering reflexes not to end up in sand pits. This was fun & challenging.

This section (below) was very weird, compared w/ the rest of the trail. It's like death visited this area. We saw a huge bird nest atop one of the dead trees. Wondered if it was an eagle's nest. it was huge. (Friend, R)

Next came the difficult section of the trail. Mostly sand. I kept asking if the large body of water to our left was the ocean. It was a lot of water w/ a (small) beach. I'm thinking it was likely some portion of the Chesapeake Bay.

I had to dismount my trike a few times and pull it through sand pits. No traction whatsover!

This sign came as a surprise. I thought "poop" became manure, useful for fertilizing. (Sorry I forgot to flip it upright -- compiling this trike memory @ 1 am, two days after the outing .......... I'm pooped!)

Perhaps I will get one more NC trike outing before heading to MI. Thought about triking on the return trip to MI, but I have to remove the "seat" from the trike while carrying it on the hitch rack. Leaving it on creates drag, thereby decreasing fuel efficiency, so says the terratrike creators. It takes a bit of time to thread on and remove again. I'll wait and see if I want to put that much effort into triking in another state..... Also depends upon weather along the way.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2010-05-01T16:52:00.006-04:00

May 1, 2010. 11 miles

HOT weather. Too hot to have been out, perhaps. But, oh well, 11 miles done.

Tobacco is growing in NC - it is on the other side of that dirt path.

My friend, R, a self-professed "non-athletic white boy" rode w/ me today. He's from MD and is completing his first year at the college where I presently reside. R plans to attend a college, "back home" next year and do as much commuting, as possible, via bicycling - so, he's building up his endurance. Today's 11 miles is his new PR. We both leave NC very soon.

While riding we came across a man-made small lake. Various geese were around the lake. This fat duck was sitting in the grassy area when R & I pulled over for a water break. We believe this duckooster is a combo duck & rooster. The bill part looked like a rooster's bill.

Here's the lastest update on the house being built by the river. Its personality is beginning to form.

When I returned to my apt, after the ride, it made sense to wash my vehicle before showering. Not only did I wash my vehicle, but I washed a student's vehicle, also. This college has a rule that students cannot wash their vehicles on campus. Being that I am not a student, I washed the student's car. It was nasty!! Not any longer :-)

When I came into my apt, setting up my computer to update this blog a MOSQUITO bit me!!!! I am not ready to deal w/ mosquitoes. This one will not bother anyone else.

So, what did I learn today? I really miss running. It is much easier to do than pumping up tires, collecting all the gear (helmet, sunglasses, water, flag,) and getting it out the door and then back in the door.

I also learned I am easily bugged. I guess I knew that. I allow little things to accumulate, then the next little thing really annoys me. After cleaning my vehicle: washing, detailing, & drying, some students decided to use the waterhose by my apt to clean themselves off from birthday party gone wild. Well, the party gunk was sprayed onto my clean vehicle. I refilled my little green kitchen trash can and took it, w/ the cleaning supplies, out to them to clean my vehicle as they were hurrying into the residence hall. I do not mind good, clean fun, but I get bugged when people don't bother cleaning up after themselves. I always went the extra mile and did more than required when my fun interferred with someone else's space.

Maybe it's a generational difference. I dunno. Perhaps my isolated, small segment of the world is skewed. Young people seem to do just enough to get by, to fall under the radar screen. The highest goal seems to be acquiring a "passing grade" with as little, as possible, required from them. Granted, there are some who "give of (their) best to the Master," yet many more seem to give what's left-over after they get all they want (selfishness). And to all of us who do not require their "best" - SHAME ON US!

I guess I am sounding off today. The heat was hot today - it may be contributing to my frustrations. I do not like "good-byes". I do not like "leaving". Damn computer just truncated where I was in emoting! Grrrrr. I do not like ending books or chapters. I fear I haven't learned all I need to learn in order to move on. I guess I just need to "go w/ GOD", trusting GOD will continue offering opportunities for me to learn what is necessary/needed.

I still don't like it.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2010-04-17T21:48:00.002-04:00

04.17.10 SEVENTEEN miles. Light mist of rain for a few miles.

Two modes of transportation. I am truly blessed. Most people of world only have feet for transportation. Once, again, I thot I had the "rule" figured out for uploading pics in "correct" order - wrong! Thought this angle was clever -- recycle - get it?

Friend, R & her dog, Pepper, joined me on a 17 mile tr(b)ike ride this morning. I think Pepper burned as many calories as R & I. She shook from fear (rain, wind, etc), as well as produced muffled growls at other dogs on the trail.

We tr(b)iked the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail (I think it is technically in VA). Turns out that this morning was a 1/2 marathon event on this trail. I think it'd be a totally boring 1/2 marathon as it was an out & back run. Flat (good for timing) & much of the same visuals (road, canal on one side, fields on the other side). We passed the tail end of the final runners/walkers.

I am always amused by the line of porta-potties at running events. Seemed to be plenty of places where someone could've peed into the canal w/o having to wait in line.

The welcome sign:

Had this sign pic saved in the proper position, but for some reason blogspot wanted it sideways. Note: BEAR alert!

This is the only bear I saw this morning:

And here's proof that it once walked on the trail :-)

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2010-04-06T18:58:00.003-04:00

04.06.10 9 1/2 miles

THIS was still "there," but much more dried up. The temp was low 90's, so it got a good bakin' today.

Saw some friendly walkers while out.

My friend, R (another "R"), invited me to tr(b)ike this evening. Turns out that was a really good thing to transition my mind back to real time. I returned my daughter to ORF this afternoon for her trip back to CO. We shared several days & had a great time together: tr(b)iking, cooking, swinging, wal-marting (I do not like that store, but we needed things other than groceries, so did the one-stop-shop thing), OBXing, VABing, OGing, YMCAing, movie watching, etc. I'm glad she loves her job, condo, etc in CO (makes it easier for both of us when we part ways) & it makes for a wonderful break from my life to visit her there. Hopefully, this summer. Will have to see about driving there so I can take my trike to tr(b)ike w/ her in the mtns! Oh, the muscles to build in prep for that adventure.

Students are returning from Easter break for their final 3 1/2 wks of classes. I will miss the energy they give me when this semester is over. They keep me on my toes (HA! Been over 2 yrs since I've literally been able to stand on my toes) mentally, physically, & spiritually. An academic year of living in a residence hall w/ students probably saved me this past year. Likely, I would have gone insane (or worse) had I remained in MI this past winter.

Been pondering what's next. For now, I trust that GOD is revealing what is next (I just don't see it yet). For the immediate time, after this semester is completed, I will return to MI. Looking forward to seeing my flowers. Really looking foward to triking on the trail, which is a few hundred feet from my garage and triking around the lake. I've missed going around the lake. And I want to see if I can make it up "that" hill at the other end of the lake w/ greater ease this summer. I do have things to eagerly anticipate. . . .

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2010-04-05T10:13:00.005-04:00

04.03.10 - 10 miles of tr(b)iking + a smoothie & a frappe

My daughter (who resides in CO) & I tr(b)iked 10 miles today. Took a few hours. The only destinations were the "castle" & Muddy's. The goal was to enJOY each others company. That we did, extraordinarily!

I think this tree's blooms were white last week.

I've seen these yard ornaments for a long time. Finally took the occasion to ride into the owners' circular drive. Knocked on the door to get permission to photo their art. No one answered, so I shot the birds and fled! Fast, spinning out of the gravel drive.

Oh, this was a rare (I HOPE) & unexpected find. I think it was already dead before I ran over it, then backed up to see if it was what I thought it was. And it was. Oh my word! And it appears it was filled w/ love at the final moments. Unrequited love? Suicide? WEIRD!

The eagle at the beginning of this post is another yard ornament; been keeping my eye on this bird for a long, long time. Again, went up to owner's door. Knocked. A man unbarricaded his door, listened to my request, granted permission, then locked, what sounded like, a dozen door locks. Good thing this eagle keeps guard, too. I've always wondered what the top view of an eagle's wings looked like. Scripture says "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Is 40:31)

Now, I wonder what is wings like eagles? Mighty, wide spanse? I enjoy the view from an airplane, but not sure I'd like to have the wind blowing through my face and bugs splattering on my teeth. Soaring, though, would be amazing. I also wonder, what about triking and not growing weary? Since I can no longer run, I'd like to trike forever w/o getting tired. My next big goal is 50 miles. But, I think I may be weary at that point. Perhaps not if my hope is in the Lord :-) Walk and not faint? Walking would be awesome, too. I think I can walk and not faint (especially if staying hydrated), but walking w/o pain would be a miracle!! One I don't lose sight of, though. I keep pressing forward.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2010-04-01T13:04:00.005-04:00

03/31/10: 10 miles

Getting behind. Many tasks seem to consume my focus & energy and I'm not even doing the tasks -- they seem to remain stuck in motion in my brain. Going round & round & round - unable to stop the cog long enough to just do it. Probably there's a drug for this, too.

I am loathing taking meds. Need one to sleep. Then one to wake up. Need several to manage pain. And supplements to keep my cells from apoptosis. I need to investigate which one will help me actually get things done & out of my head & off the myriad lists.

For now, I desire to make brief blog posts re: each triking outing. Sometimes that may mean just a picture. Most times I remember to take my camera (need a new one w/ functioning zoom). I want to take a pic to remind me to make a post. I am learning a lot during the trike. Spiritual stuff. That's been resonating in my soul and splashes up in a scene that expresses what's been unutterable. I should take a voice recorder, also. So many things come to life when I'm out on that trike. THANK YOU, CITIZENS INSURANCE!

Writing is a great distractor, for now, from finding those lists. Brief commentary on the significance of the following pics, then off to find one of those lists.....

This is that house from an earlier post (which, may actually remain in a "draft" version, unposted yet.... list, where is that list?.....)

NOTICE the "DO NOT ENTER" sign. Friend, F, does not heed warnings. Yep, I followed, too. I challenge rules.

Oh, yeah, here's another one: ONE WAY -- note direction of my guide.

Looks serene, doesn't it? Perfect spring day. Gotta decide if I want to be "in training" mode this summer or que sera sera (reminds me of a call that's on one of those lists.... hang on..... hrs later, still trying to locate the correct phone number - keep getting transferred to the next person. THIS is why I can't stay focused. I finally sit down to do "one thing" and that one thing never gets done b/c of all the run around!!! Finally -- spoke w/ "the" person, who now needs to speak w/ others b/f finding out the next step. At least, the ball is out of my court . . . for right now.

Trees are blooming all over this town. Beautiful! I hear the cherry trees in DC are in full bloom right now. Seasonal changes are amazing to watch; just seems time doesn't stand still long enough to fully appreciate all the displays. Perhaps that's good -- makes me want to drink it all in as quickly as possible: 1) it won't last long & 2) I may die yet today. BOTTOM UP - CHEERS!

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2010-03-13T18:54:00.008-05:00

03/13/10: 6 miles of sunshine

I almost didn't trike today. The view from my perch on a chair in my apt was of drifting, menacing, dark clouds. The weather forecast called for "thunderstorms". Meteorologists annoy me. This pic below depicts most of my reality. After 4 attempts to load this picture in the correct position I give in. It is saved in the upright position in my computer. It turned every direction but the one preferred each time I re-loaded it into this blog. So, I give in. An upside down "Welcome" to you. Maybe there is some "down under" person reading this post who "gets it".

Spring is springing in the south. My trike's left front tire was flat again so I was uncertain how far I'd be able to trike today. I placed a friend "on alert", jic the trike & I needed to be rescued. The destination was Walgreens to pick up a partial-fill Rx. I am switching my Rx's to this pharmacy b/c the "other one" was continually making errors (including giving me a bottle of pills w/ over a dozen mutilated pills). Well, this one promises to be nearly as inept. They called a dr in the wrong state to acquire permission to fill the order. The wrong state?? Really??? The dr's name, STATE, & PHONE NUMBER are clearly printed on the Rx label. Do all the people w/ a "here's your sign" work in pharmacies????? Obviously, the dr called did not have me as a patient. No one from Walgreens called me to tell me "my" dr didn't claim me so they couldn't fill the script. The drug, in limbo, is necessary for me to be able to take another drug. Consequently, I haven't taken the other drug for a few days. Grrrrrrrrr!

Not only did I make it to Walgreen', but I risked going to the other side of town b/c it was such an inspiring day. People were out working in their yards, driving w/ windows down, walking, . . .
(Insert here the cute pic of 2 little kids in the covered red wagon posted at the beginning of this blog) --- again, grrr, I need lessons on how to make these pictures work in blog world. Parents were with these kids and granted permission for me to photo them.

While nearing the other side of town, I called my friend, C, to see if she was home and had water to spare. Yea! she was & did! She was "Jesus" to me today. I neglected strapping on the bag where I carry my water bottle. However, it was good to stop by and enjoy a glass of H2O and a cup of hot Morrocan tea (yummy!).

Upon leaving C's, I meandered slowly to spot signs of spring. This is MARCH, for goodness sake. The north won't see sights like these for many more weeks. In fact, the north grounds are probably white, no grass to be seen for a bit yet.

(The other pic that was inserted here disappeared - sigh)

I live beside a river. Can you detect the kayaker? He was gliding along just a little slower than I was triking. I stalked him for some distance. I need a new camera - my zoom feature is dead.

Spring colors seem to be the most vibrant, energy pulsing colors of the seasons. I love fall colors: deep, rich, powerful. Winter's snow color is brilliant, cleansing, dazzling. Summer colors are: life giving/sustaining, promise of permanence. Wow, poetic :-)

I wanted to photograph yellow daffodils, but didn't want to trespass into the person's lawn to get a close-up (need a new camera).

I almost didn't go out today. Glad I did. Glad a student stopped by my apt to tell me how warm it was outside. I would've remained inside trusting the weather report vs stepping outside to see for myself.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2010-01-18T20:26:00.002-05:00

January 18, 2010 Martin Luther King, Jr Day.

The following picture has absolutely nothing to do with MLK day. It is just a picture of today's feet attire selection. You cannot tell from this picture, but my socks are inside out because it seemed that the outside was softer than the inside & I wanted the softest side next to my skin.

Yes, I have a singular flip flop on my left foot (two flip flops wouldn't fit on this foot). Wearing my regular left shoe creates a significant height difference, which makes me hobble much more. Recall that my right leg is now 1" shorter than my left leg. Wearing the flip flop makes the difference a true 1" vs when wearing a regular shoe which makes the difference closer to 2". I am to wear this post-surgery shoe until ..... I really don't know how long. I return to the foot/ankle dr on 2/1. I guess I'll find out then what is next. This "shoe" prevents my toes from moving.

I sleep in this "shoe", also. The only time it is removed is when I shower. And I'm supposed to only weight bear through my heel. This "shoe" makes that the only option.

Well, I have a few other things to manage tonight before heading to sleep soon. Know that....
Blessings Abound!
~A~

2010-01-13T19:58:00.005-05:00

01/13/10: Wed eve --- missing triking.

WOW - been many places and done many things since last blog. None of which includes being out on my trike. I'm very much looking forward to that soon. I return to MI the 1st wk of Feb for follow-up dr appt re: my new SMART TOES (google: smart toes). Hopefully, then I can move my toes and go triking.

Over semester break, I drove 3,259.5 miles in my Element! And my body feels it. While in MI, my driver side seat cushion was re-modified, which makes my bones less pained. I also had surgery on all my R toes. The pic is below, so here is your warning: exit out of here if you don't want to see scars. In this pic the sutures have been removed. I wear a special shoe on my R foot, which keeps my toes from moving when I walk (heel weight bearing only). Problem is that there is no lift in this shoe, which creates discomfort (read: PAIN) in my entire body. It is amazing that when only one part of the body is harmed, the whole body seems to cry out in pain, as well. There is a 1" difference in leg length (from crushed R ankle), so I hobble even more now, which throws every spinal "joint" out of alignment. This is only temporary, so I will persevere through this. I can walk!! slowly. very slowly. I am discovering that the slower I walk, the less pain I feel.

I wonder what I am supposed to be learning through all this. The outcome of the accident has radically slowed down my life. Since 12/15/09 (smart toe implants) I move even slower. My brain feels like it is slowing down due to increase in pain meds. Seems if I get much slower then I will have to be dependent on someone, anyone. At least I have time to ponder this for the next few months. I'm open to suggestions / insights from "ya'll".

It is late. I have much to do tomorrow, in a slow sort of way. I have to plan more time now to do simple tasks. At least I have time to plan extra time :-)

Blessings (do) Abound!!
~A~

Pic below

SMART TOES implanted on 12/15/09

2009-11-26T23:09:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving Day 2009: I have no idea what today's "date" is. It's just "day next". I am not thankful that the back tire on my trike is unattached. I have zero idea how this occured. I rode once post OBX marathon and everything seemed "fine". I haven't been satisfied w/ the tune-up that was done in this town pre-marathon.

A friend will be returning to town tomorrow and I'll see if the two of us can get the tire re-attached to the trike. If not, I'll pack it up for the trip back to MI in a couple weeks.

I am grateful this semester is nearly over. I am amazed at how exhausted teaching one class makes me. The teaching part is fun. The prep and grading papers, projects, etc is not fun or fast. Class time seems to fly by too quickly. The information in the papers & projects is meaningful. I could spend days literally responding to points made in a single paper. Balance.

I believe I've established routine, but not balance. I'm better at looking at my schedule in the mornings to see where I have to be and doing what. The majority of time I remember to take my Rx b/f my body screams at me for forgetting.

I did not eat cafeteria food all week last week. I feel better inside. Healthier, even though I was eating salads over there. I'm going to continue this new routine and see if I will begin to feel more better.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-11-08T16:18:00.005-05:00

11/08/09: 26.2 miles + 3 or so miles

Had a fantastic time! The OBX Marathon organizers went above & beyond to make this a memorable event. I had 2 bicyclists escort me the entire route. We started 10 minutes before the actual start time so not to be in the way of the elite runners. Around the 1/2 way point we began passing 1/2 marathoners. DO NOT wear headphones of any type when exercising outdoors. Runners could not hear the bikers yelling, "Bikes on your left - move!" At times they literally pushed people out of our way.

The finish line came way too quickly. I did not keep track of the miles passed, just enjoyed the perfect weather and beautiful scenery. Of course, I did not have my camera w/ me b/c I didn't want to stop to take pics. Since I wasn't mentally prepared for the finish corral to be right around the corner I wasn't psychologically prepared to be done. Done. That simple.

Triking a marathon is vastly different from running one. Triking provided me VIP treatment. Running is everyone on their own. W/ running, there is the challenge of getting ahead of the person in front of me. W/ triking, getting in front of a slow 1/2 marathoner was an not fair advantage. Even climbing the bridge, I was a bit faster than most of the runners. I have to use my right arm to add pump motion to my right leg when climbing hills. I met a couple from Cleveland, OH while climbing the bridge. They left yucky weather in OH and was thrilled w/ the picture perfect, cloudless, blue sky day on the OBX. W/ running, there is always someone in every direction of my body. W/ triking, there was me, Robert, & Chad. We stopped for about 45 seconds near the Wright Memorial for the men to use the "nice" restroom facility. They each took another turn for urine relief on the rest of the trip. I think I was on so many meds, I didn't need any breaks. W/ running, it is common to see runners relieving their bladders behind trees, on the sides of the course, anywhere, especially if there is a line at the port-a-potties. I missed that experience since I was triking well ahead of the full marathoners. W/ running, every step of the last few miles is a physical cry for the torture to end and the finish line to hurry up and appear. W/ triking, I never even envisioned the finish line - hadn't even considered it really. Suddenly, it was there. My escorts were gone and it was all over. I wasn't ready. W/ running, my body would be completely aching for food, hydration, comfort, sleep, etc. W/ triking, I was a little thirsty & determined to eat the celebratory bagel and orange slices (there was other food available).

It amazes me that people would want to drink beer after a grueling workout. They've just put their body into dehydration mode and then to consume beer adds to the dehydration. Doesn't make sense to me. The bananas, peanut butter, carbs, oranges (sugar) - those make sense. Gatorade, water, yes. But not beer.

Well, now to decide on my next challenge. I think the greatest challenge, personally right now, is to decide where to plant myself come Januaray 2010. Deciding on my next triking goal will be a little easier. I believe I'll work toward a 50-miler. I need to find the point where my body is physically exhausted. Hitting the wall. The 37 mile jaunt did make me mentally hit the wall. And I survived it. It will be very easy to settle into apathy. And that even sounds tempting. In the meantime. . .

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-11-07T09:43:00.002-05:00

11/07/09 - a few miles on the OBX! Met up w/ one of the bicyclists who will be riding w/ me, er, I mean I'm riding w/ them, but they are going at my pace. They (2 w/me) are the lead crew for the marathon. This is new for me to be UP FRONT, hopefully, the entire event. I'll miss rehearsing, "just get around that next person" - I won't see anyone in front of me :-( However, there will be elite runners (attempting to set records and go on to Boston) who will be pushing my tail. I hope my furling flag doesn't get in their faces :-)

Tomorrow is 26.2+. I'm ready mentally and physically. Ready to be done, too.

Blessings Abound!!
~A~

2009-11-05T20:18:00.002-05:00

11/05/09 - 9 miles.

Thought this was in right direction when I uploaded it - turn your computer screen to see it. Very creative.

Blessings Abound (even when it seems a stretch to call "it" a blessing)!

~A~

2009-11-03T10:39:00.001-05:00

I forgot to say ............................
.................. in the previous post.

2009-11-03T09:47:00.005-05:00

Tuesday, 11/03/09 = 7 miles
Saturday, 10/31/09 = 16 miles

I know I've triked since 10/03. Guess just been too focused on training and not recording. Or perhaps I recorded and it's lost out in cyberworld.

THE EVENT is this coming Sun, 11/08 @ 7:20 am. I'm really thankful the organizers are permitting me to participate. Two from a bicycling group will ride w/ me to provide support. I guess I'll have to give the details once the event is completed. I cannot comprehend it yet. All I know is that I will be triking at the lead of a marathon. My finish time will not be computed against the runners' times; I have an advantage over them :-) This is their event. I get to "play" during this event - not race the person in front of me.

I am a tad bit anxious. I need to stay well in front of the runners and not get in their way. Imagine running along, in a "zone", and then BAM! falling over a slow triker. Wouldn't be good.

Following are some pics from last 2 trikes. Fall is here.

My friend, B, rode w/ me on Sat. This ride was for leisure; I didn't make B race w/ me, as I do w/ my frd, F.

This is a really cool house. Pink paint. Sublte pink. Very classy. And the pumpkins were not your typical round, happy pumpkins. These were bumpy, knotty, hardy.

This is a holly tree. Right now the berries are orange.

This family went all out in making their fall decos symmetrically organized. Several other displays adorned their yard. A bit OCD, but beautiful to gaze upon. "Today's catch" will return. This fishing boat was departing out to sea this morning. I imagine it will return w/ this evening's dinner.

Gotta take my trike back to the cycle place in town. They did a "tune-up" last week. The repair person said he does not want to work on my trike again - "too complicated" "took too much time". He got paid for his time. I cannot believe people complain about getting business!!!! Well, something in that tune "up" is causing my trike to function "down". I will take it back and get the major squealing out of my R front tire (huh, that's my limb that doesn't function so well - ha). There was zero squealing pre-tune-up. This squealing is so loud I want earplugs. Not good.

Oh, one more thing. As I was returning to home base, a work crew was demolishing a house. One of the men commented, "That thar looks like a real nice ride." Yes, it is (sans the squealing).

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-10-19T22:23:00.001-04:00

10/19/09; 8 miles. Bright blue & sunny sky. Many things to do, no time to expound.....

2009-10-03T15:59:00.004-04:00

10/03/09: 37 & 500 miles! I am frazzled - guzzling Gatorade b/c my brain is fried!! I triked 37 miles this morning - nonstop. Been stuffing sugar and salt into my body, along w/ mega amts of H2O & a qt of Gatorade. Had a lot of protein last night for dinner, but may need to consume more soon - the thought of protein just seems too thick to swallow & digest.

Here is my new flag. It is a PIRATE flag, which, I hear is a theme of the OBX Marathon (date = Nov 8th, 7:20 AM, EST) - Arrrrgh, Mate! I had a pirate bottle holder to secure my water bottle in my trike bottle holder, but on a trail today, apparently it was jostled out. I didn't want to take the time to go find it. It will be a special treat for a lucky scavenger along that trail.

I wondered if these birds were gathering over my head b/c they smelled my stinky body. I didn't shave my legs all week b/c at the university where I'm teaching a class this was spirit week. Friday was PIRATE vs NINJA. I was a pirate and wanted to have authentic legs (& yes, armpits, too). SO, when I saw these birds circling above, I knew I smelled bad, but wasn't aware of how bad I smelled :-)

This is a trail I found. I knew it was "somewhere", but didn't realize it was close to the route I rode today. As I was turning around to head back to my town, I saw people getting their bikes from inside their vehicle. SO, I triked on over and voila`, there was the trail. It was 3 miles long. At several places the tree routes caused the formerly smooth paved trail to be terribly bumpy. I assume it was on one of these such places that I lost my pirate bottle holder & my bottle of water. Time was important to me today so I didn't look for the really wonderful pirate bottle holder. Perhaps I'll collect another one someday. This split rail fence reminded me of the trails from back in MI.

A bridge on the trail. I think there was water underneath.

This was my view at MILE 500!!! I've triked (over) 500 miles outdoors since April of this year (2009). Ironically, perhaps, this is the house where I got dressed for my wedding. It was in a much more glorious state back in the day. Appears it hasn't been cared for the way the Clark family cared for it.

I picked up a couple kernels of corn as I crossed over a long, tall bridge today. But, I haven't photographed them yet. This bridge was more difficult than the bridge at the OBX crossing over to Manteo. But, I made it & it added strength to my leg muscles and confidence.

GOD is ever present. I am living by faith. Faith that GOD will provide the next "leg" of the journey I am on. I read these verses today and they fit the exact sentiment of my heart:

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. . . . Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you" (Psalm 25:16-17, 20-21).

This is all I have - hope in GOD. I believe GOD is in all matters of my life, guiding me, protecting me, guarding me, rescuing me, freeing me, hiding me. One of the things I love about triking is the opportunity to get away from the lists, unable to create any more lists. Oh, my thoughts turn to all the other things I need to add to the list, but after a few more pedal strokes I forget them. They do not matter (well, yes they do, but not when the list consumes my being). GOD is all that matters. ALL.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-09-27T22:48:00.004-04:00

09/27/09: another month is nearly over. Time is zooming!

Following are pics from recent trike-venture:

A view from atop THE Bridge on OBX. It is not as difficult as I imagined/feared it would be. This trike was ~ 5-6 miles crossing the bridge both ways.
This is me ascending THE bridge; camera case in my mouth so I wouldn't lose it from underneath my arm.

Here's a view of the bridge in front of me (of course, I do not know how to load these pics in order). I also triked an off-road portion of the marathon course just to see if my trike could manage the sand & aggregate surface. The distance of this trike was 8 miles. One portion of the trail was pine needle covered. No traction for my trike, so organizers have an alternate route planned for me. Sounds like I may have my very own personal guide biking w/ me. Should receive final confirmation soon. I completed the registration paper while visiting the hdqtrs.
Soybeans. Everywhere. Saw this field & many others while -iking w/ my friend, R. She lives in "the country"; we rode 18 miles on back roads.

Seems to never be enough time in a day or more likely the energy to do all that my mind wants to do. Already it is time to go to bed. I have a regular PT schedule for the next few weeks - this new place is going to be good, a "goodness of fit", as I'm teaching in my class re: development of people.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-09-24T22:24:00.002-04:00

09/24/09 -- I'll add pics later - I do have some, I believe. My camera batteries died today. NUTS week of activity.

Triked Tues for 18 miles w/ a new frd here at the college.
Triked Wed for 7 miles w/ a group of college people.

Plan to trike again soon.

Blessings Abound! Going to bed NOW (10:26 pm) -earliest in days..

~A~

2009-09-19T19:58:00.003-04:00

09/19/09: Addendum (the bulk of this post is in the previous edition; I forgot to add these amazing pics)
USCG base in this town. These pics are at the entrance to the base.

I think they are cool. A couple plane-copters flew over while I was out in this neck of the woods.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-09-19T19:08:00.002-04:00

09/19/09: 27 miles. Quite a feat :-)

I found another large animal is this town (in front of the truck). I've never noticed these kinds of yard ornaments in other towns in which I've lived.
There were about a dozen sailboats on the river in this neighborhood. Vehicles from all over the country were parked along the roads: MD, VA, AK, CA, NJ, & more; not recalling any license plates south of here.

This sail was the lone color.

I forgot to upload some other pics -- will add an addendum to this posting. My computer (wireless odometer, etc) came off its perch the other day. I wanted to log miles so I stuck it underneath my cushion. It worked. Today, I triked 27 miles total. I didn't take my computer the other day (12.63 mi), so the total mileage should be 427+12 = 439 outdoor miles.

This is 425.17 @ 0 mph. I stopped by a bike repair shop and the guy put the computer back in the right place. Now, I am good to go. But, not tomorrow!

I'll add the extra pics to a new post.....

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-09-17T23:23:00.003-04:00

09/17/09: 12.63 miles.

No pics again today. Focusing on adding on miles. The barometric pressure has been painful the past two days. However, pedaling this afternoon felt good (I was also under the influence of the powerful drug, which produced the good feeling). A new friend, R, rode her bike w/ me today. We ate a dinner of left-overs from my fridge and enjoyed dessert made by R of dark chocolate cupcakes w/ raspberry frosting drizzled w/ dark choco. R is an excellent cupcake maker. She makes these treats and places them in the student life center for people to taste and write comments. R's goal is to open/own a restaurant (in Hawaii) making delicious foods. Her cupcakes certainly qualify in the delicious food realm. She invited me to come to her house next week for an -ike ride and dinner. I can't wait! I very thankful she wants to try out her delicious foods on me :-)

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-09-17T23:21:00.000-04:00

09/14/09: twenty-four .2 miles!

2009-09-12T20:57:00.004-04:00

This picture was supposed to show up later in today's triking story. I pedaled really fast to catch up w/ the couple riding this tandem. I shared a www.terratrike.com card w/ them so they could check out the terra trike tandems (say that thrice quickly). There are a few tandem bikes in town.

09/12/09: 12 miles on a hot & sunny day. I started out heading to a softball tournament hosted by my U. I guess I didn't read the schedule very well b/c my U wasn't playing when I arrived. So, I decided to trike around that side of town and see the neighborhood. My U is wearing the green t-shirts.

Not far away is one of the apartments I lived in after graduating from this U. Actually, I lived in 3 different apts in this complex. Once as a summer sub-leasor, while married friends of mine were gone; a g/f and I sub-leased from them. Then, same g/f and I rented our own apt. Then, the one below is the one I lived in after mrg.

And, yes, here's proof that I've been to ............
...... this is the name of the apt complex. I noticed, while out triking, that there is now a Woodstock II and a Woodstock III. May be even more; I turned around to meander a different way.

I did eventually return to watch my U play a softball game, which they lost, but seemed to have a good time. I do not know the outcome of the tournament.

Somewhere on the way back to my present apt (not Woodstock) I followed roads which had quaint houses and yards. I think I'm gonna create a scavenger hunt where people have to find all the large animals in this town. Here is a bear carving in someone's yard. In a totally unrelated neighborhood from the giant cat.

I think I got too much sun today - have a headache that won't go away. Perhaps a storm is brewing. I don't watch tv or listen to the news. Kind of feel like I'm not in the world except for my occasional jaunts onto msn.com. I think I'll venture over to weather.com and see if the barometric pressure is changing - that will make my head hurt. Not the going to the weather site, but the barometric pressure change makes me head hurt. Never been a head-achey person. Until post-accident. I imagine my head slammed violently into the steering wheel milliseconds b/f the airbag deployed. My teeth hurt post-accid, too. Didn't use to. Off to check on the weather...

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-09-11T07:29:00.003-04:00

09/09/09: 8 miles, along w/5 other people. One more connected w/ us as we arrived back on campus. I did not organize this event. The Athletic Director is planning "bike hikes" every Wed afternoon. I will certainly participate, as my schedule permits.

Since, this bike hike was in an area I am familiar with and none of them were, I took them by the suit of armor standing guard at a house and the huge cat watching over a bird house.

I am worn nearly to my bones today. The weather has been unkind this week. My energy is zapped. Catch ya later..........

Blessings (still) Abound!

~A~

2009-09-08T19:53:00.007-04:00

09/07/09: TWENTY MILES! Happy Birthday to my oldest son!

Triked 20 miles on Monday afternoon - took 2 hrs. Not bad. At about 18 miles I felt done. But, since I was so close to my goal, I pumped harder. A couple of times, rainy mist covered my glasses, but felt refreshing.

I wanted to go to a place north of town (I think it was north -- I feel directionally confused here) where an overpass created a "hill". The "hill" was right around the 9 mile mark, which meant there would be 9 miles back to my point of origin. There is a greater "hill" a bit more north of this one. I'll tackle that for my next looooonnng triking venture.

One thing I am discovering about conquering these hills is that I really only have one leg doing the pumping. My right leg basically holds the pedal in place until my left leg completes the circle of the motion so it can press forward another foot (ha ha) up the hill. Another thing is that when I press my right hand onto my right leg I get a little more ummph into the push. And then my right thumb aches after a few pushes. I'll figure out a technique where all is smooth and pain-free :-) That's what training is all about, right? Finding out what works and what doesn't. And then capitalizing on what DOES work. Never, ever give up. Look from another angle.

Because I was utterly consumed w/ observing traffic and keeping the pedals moving I did not take any pictures. I did take my camera, but didn't slow down enough to snap any shots. I did see a turtle and a couple shed snake skins. The turtle was either deceased or sitting very still in the edge of the grass. That's something that's quite different here (not the turtle position): there is tall grass along the edge of the road. And there's barely any shoulder to the roads. No shoulder area does not make sense to me. Where do vehicles pull over if there's a fender bender?? Where does the snow get plowed to in the winter? OH yeah, no snow here.

Tomorrow (Wed), a group of students & instructors are going on a bike hike. I didn't organize this, so I have no idea what's happening. I'm just excited to go follow the crowd (that's so un-like me). Hopefully, we'll go slow enough that I can take pictures. If not, I'll just snap shots of them way ahead of me :-) It seems a bicycle travels faster than my trike b/c of the wheel circumference difference. I'll have to work harder than the bicyclists, I suppose. It will be fun!

Life is interesting. Much is happening in my life; more than I could ever place in this blog. I'm learning more about my energy. I'm getting tired more quickly b/c I'm doing so much more now. Consequently, this is helping me sleep better.

I think this accident experience has caused me to be passive, in several regards (thinking back to "following the crowd"). While lying in a hospital bed for months, I guess I acquiesced to medical personnel's directives. Sure, I wanted to get better to go home, but from observing me post hospital, I tend to go along with whatever I'm told. Without too much questioning, on my part. This is SO NOT me. My family may likely disagree w/ my perception of acquiescing. One story that I actually have a little memory of, actually it is my 1st memory post accident. Some of the details I don't really remember, but I recall elements of what my family told me. A nurse, Amy, was working w/ me to raise my sitting position from 45 degrees to 90 degrees. Apparently, this caused discomfort & confusion for me. I didn't think it was possible for me to do what she was instructing me to do. I kept telling her that I couldn't do that. She insisted I could. Finally, and this is the part I do remember, I said to her, in the most diplomatic tone of voice possible, "Apparently, Amy, one of us needs to leave the room right now, and I'm in no position to do so." I recall her asking me if she could do anything for me while she was out of the room. After thinking for a moment, I remember I was seething inside - indignant that she was wanting me to do something that hurt - I was HURT enough and she didn't need to cause more pain - after contemplating, I said to her, "Yes, would you draw a picture of what's happened to me b/c I cannot see my body?" She left and returned w/ the most amazing picture. I remember asking her to sign & date it b/c she would be famous someday for such a magnificent drawing. She had labeled every broken bone in my body on a stick figure person. And the most wonderful thing about this drawing, is that, after all my diplomatic tolerance of her, she drew a smiley face on my broken stick figure :-) This drawing is in every file of mine in MI and now NC. I'm not sure how, but GOD is orchestrating Amy's fame and benevolence toward me. This "first memory" was 4 days post accident. And then the memories get sketchy (ha ha) again for a few more months.

Blessings Abound!!
~A~

2009-09-04T22:51:00.002-04:00

09/04/09: Brief update: tired & have tests/papers to evaluate.

On 09/02/09, I triked 12 miles. On back roads, went by the church I attend, and who knows where else. Likely, I couldn't replicate the trip. I saw many fields of soybeans, so seeing a field of soybeans won't trigger my memory of "oh, yeah, I was here". MANY fields of soybeans. Also, cotton. The cotton is just beginning to "ripen". Pretty sure that isn't the correct term. This is a picture of soybeans. I'll take a picture of cotton when it gets whiter.

On the 12 mile trike, I saw a couple different fenced in horse areas. May be boarding places. I was surprised by this since I thought I was still in "the city". I guess "city" is relative. These horses appear to have a great stock of food (underneath the tree).

This morning, 09/04, I triked out by the hospital where my sons were born. I do not remember what it looked like a quarter century ago, but I'm quite sure things have changed.

Since I had to pay attention to the real time this morning, I rode out 15 minutes, turned around at a neighborhood entry, and returned to my apt (all in all 5.5 miles). The hospital is ~ 1 mile from where I'm residing. This is where I currently attend PT. Life is different here. Not better or worse, merely different.

My desire is to be ready to go whenever/wherever GOD opens paths for me to serve. Here, is where I am, for now. I do not see many, any?, runners around here. Whoa, yes, I did see two the other day. Different from where I live in MI. Maybe more will be out when I'm out since the OBX (Outer Banks) Marathon is in November. Time to kick into training gear! Again, I lament that running was easier to get out the door and do than triking. I've resorted to placing a sticky note by my trike so I'll remember all the items I need to take w/ me: camera, water, sunglasses, flag, key, etc. Running only required a key. No place to store the other things. And there were plenty of places to grab a sip of water along the running trails. Different here.

I'm heading to Norfolk tomorrow to spend time w/ four other college friends. I'm looking forward to getting away from campus for a few hours. Norfolk is around one hour from here. Two friends will meet me & W here and then we'll all carpool to our 5th friend's house in VA. Last time I was at D's house (in VA) our babies played in the bathtub together. We each had only one child then.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-08-29T23:07:00.004-04:00

08/29/09: Sat, HOT, 17 miles, no idea re: time length.

Wal-Mart was the destination goal. Not to go shopping, but b/c I knew that it was 5.2 miles from my apt. That would make for 10.4 miles round-trip and then a few more miles to add for a 17 mile trike. My daughter & I triked 17 miles this summer. My next long trike will be a goal of 19 - 20 miles. Wal-Mart always looms in the distance, doesn't it? A student from near Charlottesville, VA says this company is fighting the local city gov't to move onto historical ground.

The intersection at Wal-Mart provides the only "hill" in this area. There is an overpass along the horizon if you look closely at the grade increase on the right side. And on the other side of that overpass is a dead-end. So, I turned around and came back over this "hill". This is my hill training exercise :-) Sometimes life seems this way, doesn't it? Make it over a hurdle only to turn around and re-visit the hurdle from the other side.

This sign appeared quickly on a back, country (seemed like country to me) road. The first time I went by it the reading was 11 & 13 mph. I wasn't sure it was accurate, plus I thought it'd make a cool picture, so I turned around while fumbling w/ my camera and attentiveness around traffic, and took a pic of my 7 mph recording. Life's like that, isn't it? We don't believe we're doing as well as we are so we turn around to boast in our success and boom! Pride wipes out the bottom.

If you've ever wondered why your knight in shining armor hasn't arrived it's b/c he's here (below). And he isn't so shiny. Kind of rusty, actually. He's standing guard at this house in a neighborhood. Life's like that, too, isn't it? We know "the one" will appear and when s/he does, rust accompanies her/him. I believe this armor can be cleaned spotless. Will take perseverance. Will take elbow grease. Will take admitting there is rust & commitment to the difficult work.

Prayer is good. I believe we should remain in conversation w/ GOD all day long. However, when there's work to be done, we have responsibility. Many people prayed for me, continue praying for me, since that auto accident. I believe I have responsibility to do all I can to honor the faith of those who pray for me. Praying, in and of itself, for that metal knight to become shiny will not work. Someone is going to have to do some scrubbing and polishing. I know nothing about metalsmith work. In my imagination of the process, a thorough polishing will prevent future rust. As w/ rust in my soul, if I cover myself w/ a thorough polishing w/ GOD's Words, when the weather batters my heart, I will be protected. I have to continually bathe (polish myself) in GOD's Words.

Not far, maybe 4-5 blocks, from the knight in rusty armor standing guard over the entrance into the front door of his owner's house, stands a gigantic cat guarding another owner's back door. After I passed this cat twice (I turned around again to take this pic) I realized there is a bird house just to the right, around the corner of the house. I wonder if birds are scared away.

Be prepared for blessings to pop into your sight, that were there all along, but you never considered it blessing. Look w/ new eyes to re-see what is blessing your life. Last summer I used a walker and wheelchair. The summer before that I was running. This summer I am walking. Sometimes w/ a cane. And triking!

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-08-26T21:31:00.009-04:00

08/26/09: 12 miles in 75 mins in the blazing sun. At the 10 mile point, I was at 60 minutes. Not too bad for triking in 90 + degreed sunshine! These pictures are in reverse order. You can see the sweated upon seat (coccyx) cushion after completing these 12 miles. I never sweated this much, on my trike, when in MI. But, to be fair, I never rode my trike in weather much over 80 degrees. I want to build my leg muscles; my R leg seems to be getting lazy on me; could be b/c my L leg is getting much stronger. I'll mention this at PT this Fri.

While out triking, I saw these friendly folks along the way. They are actually friends o'mine. I called B (the farmer woman) as I turned onto their street to tell her to come out front as I whizzed by. Her husband was home at the moment so I was able to greet them both, ever so briefly. She has shared many garden items w/ me since my arrival here. I hope to return to her gigantic garden this wkend. Incredible peas!

For the most part, drivers are very kind to me while I'm triking. As with running, there are jerks. When running, those who seemed to veer toward me fit into categories: 1) old. really old. Usually male. Like the people who started driving when vehicles were invented & the roads were first paved; they seem to take ownership of the road; 2) overweight. really overweight. Like their vehicles tilt to the driver's side; 3) eating ice cream. Can't tell you how many times people eating ice cream weren't paying attn to their driving. Sometimes 2 & 3 were the same person; 4) road ragers. red necks. bonafide jerks. These people are the same ones who are rude to grocery cashiers. Antisocial. Out looking to make someone else join their misery.

So far, while triking, I cannot fit anyone into such distinct categories. Well, except for old women. I chalk it up to they are just jealous. Old men gaze w/ intrigue. Younger men are fascinated w/ the design. Kids are excited about the "cool" factor. Women are jealous. That sums it up, I think. I know I am privileged to own this trike. Aside from the effects on my body from this accident, I would have never purchased this kind of exercise. I loved running. Still do; just can't do it now. I watch runners now and I am jealous. Sweat dripping from every pore on their bodies. That feels good. When done running. I remember the sense of fat melting out of my body. That may be part of what gives sweat such a strong odor. Imagine burning fat in a frying pan. It begins to emit a pungent odor when it begins burning. Same w/ running. That would be an interesting research project, if it hasn't already been done. Can fat cells be detected in runners' sweat? Is the fat content from runners' sweat different from lard mowers' sweat? (Re-reading the efforts of writing under the influence of my little blue pill this morning. I guess one of the effects is freudian slips. I meant to write LAWN, not lard :-) . Although I suppose mowing lawns in this kind of weather would also "mow" body "lard")

Triking does not seem to burn fat off my body, especially the way running did. I love eating! Won't stop that, but do need to increase my triking miles to accomodate my lusty appetite for F-O-O-D. The first word my youngest child learned to spell was f-o-o-d. When it was time to gather at the table to eat, I'd announce "f-o-o-d time". Funny. I can still see her, as a little girl, spelling that word. We were amazed that she caught on at such a young age.

When I go out to trike, I change the gears to maintain constant pedaling at a medium intensity. This gives for a great lower body workout. "Buns of steel", in my fantasies. Well, & then I guess my "buns" are lopsided b/c my L leg is definitely stronger than my R leg - that's got to be humorous to view when I'm walking. Hadn't thought of that before. One solid, sleek bun and one droopy bun :-) All my friends must be really kind to my face b/c no one has indicated that my backside is funky. Triking does not provide much upper body workout or aerobic workout. Perhaps my L arm gets a bit of a workout when I hold it up & out to signal turns!

I have a chiropractic appointment in the morning. Several local chiros would not take me as a patient b/c 1) too much paperwork since auto is involved, 2) been too long since date of accident, & 3) out of state auto insurance company and the locals feared not getting reimbursed for care provided. Well, I finally found one. He uses same techniques as my MI dr and shares many similarities in family size/arrangement. Plus this NC dr is from Canada & attended college in Chicago so we can talk about MI together. He's traveled b/t the two C's often. He understands the winters. That's partly why he's in NC & not up north. I look forward to getting to know him. He said he's "tentative" w/ adjusting me, pressure-wise, never worked on anyone w/ as many fractures. But, he will increase his confidence slowly. He also was IMPRESSED by the speed of my MI doctors getting info to him. I merely made calls and voila, papers zoomed to him. He said I must have "clout" w/ those drs for them to respond so quickly. I smiled. Those drs saved my life. Kept saving my life. Continue saving my life by speedily getting papers/charts to the right places for the next treatment. They've been very, very good and reliable to me. I feel like I owe them something (in addition to continued improvement) that I can never repay. Good thing they bill insurances, I guess. Reminds me of Jesus. What a price HE paid so that I can have eternal life. I feel like I owe HIM something, too. I pay HIM forward. I look for anonymous ways to share love, helpfulness, compassion to others. There are many, many good people all around us. People want to do good. And they do. I have to accept the best they can offer when they do good to me. Not judge their motives or efforts. That's b/t them and their Maker. I merely have to accept the goodness they offer. Squeezing into my space on the road is not goodness!

Okay, the little blue pill is kicking in; lines are blurring as I type. Good night!

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-08-24T23:35:00.005-04:00

08/24/09: 12 miles in 65 mins; avg 11.07 mph

I triked chiefly through residential areas this eve. I went alone. Enjoyed the architecture of the dwelling places.

On the previous day. I returned (in my element) from the beach and here's what I saw at one point.

If you can read backwards, this RED flag says, "No Smoking" I saved this last night b/c something didn't seem right about the previous sentence, but my brain under the influence of Lunesta could not figure out what was wrong about those words. The flag says, "NO SWIMMING". I guess the 60+ surfers out in the waves (which you cannot clearly see) were not technically "swimming". I remember, while in college here, as a storm was brewing off shore, that a group of my friends went to the ocean to catch the large waves (NOT ME, DAD). Well, Carl had to catch "one more" and one more and the final one. At his "last one," which turned out to be his last one, he was struck by lightning and dead in the water. That was a very difficult funeral to attend as a 20-something year old.

As I was taking my trike out of my apt last night, these 2 young women from here, were preparing to shove off from the dock to kayak in the river. Water is everywhere around here. The books & movies you've read or seen about the south eastern US accurately depict the vast amounts of waterways (Prince of Tides & Nights in Rodanthe, quickly come to mind). Everything connects to every place via waterways.

My goal this fall is to trike over the Washington Baum bridge which connects over to the island of Manteo. It is a TALL bridge. Very TALL. One attempt will make me want to conquer it again, I'm sure. The incline is way steeper and longer than the hill at the end of the lake that I conquered earlier this summer. I think I read that this bridge is over 1 mile in length, but close to 1/2 of that is downhill :-) I'll have to choose a day when the wind is not too strong, however I'll be close to the ground so I wonder if that will matter as much. Certainly less than if I was riding a bicycle.

Getting settled into routines. Hopefully, by the end of this week all my PT & dr appts will be set into a pattern. As I was arriving town people were leaving for trainings and vacations. Public school begins this week so I think everyone's into work mode now.

ADD is frustrating me. I think the ADD is increasing b/c I'm not fully settled into a routine. I'm keeping watch to see if this is something that's going to have to be medically treated for a while. I hope not! Pre-accident I was able to manage tasks to completion. I am driving myself crazy as I catch myself just getting up and walking away from something I need to finish. True to my style, I am able to camouflage this so that others aren't noticing. Perhaps I need to attend a 12-Step mtg and come out of the closet as having ADD. HA, would attendees even notice my presence? Likely they'd be so distracted themselves they wouldn't notice. Funny how we're like this, isn't it? Admit it, we all have "issues" we work over-time to keep in the closet. At least we think we are, but everyone else sees it b/f we usually do.

Time to go check my laundry. Can't just leave it until I remember. I'm setting "alarms" to remind me to get it done. Whatever works is good, right??

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-08-19T23:57:00.002-04:00

Tue, 08/18/09: 5 miles. I could likely guess the route I triked. People were quite friendly, giving me plenty of time & space on our shared road.

Again, people call out to affirm the cool factor of this trike.

I know I took pics, but in a state of not sure where my camera is located w/o getting out of bed. I am exhausted today. It seems there are magnetic forces pulling me toward the earth. I took a brief "nap" this afternoon. Past time for me to be in bed tonight. Been working to get the myriad activities organized for tomorrow. This way I'll get up, go, do, return. Going to be another long day. Discovering that my ADD is more an issue here. Perhaps b/c there are more deadlines.

I'll post whatever pic(s) I took soon. Heading to the OBX for time away and family celebrations. If the weather co-ops then I'll ride.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-08-16T21:34:00.003-04:00

08/16/09: No triking for a while. Been moving the trike and setting up a new locale for the trike. I am temporarily residing in NC doing a "work re-entry trial". Before departing MI I visited three first responder agencies which assisted at the scene of my accident. ALL 3 of them said they rarely get thanked for their job. Of course that isn't why they do their jobs, but they seemed humbled by my gesture of thanking them. I took ginormous sized bags of individually wrapped Lifesaver candies to express my gratitude for their efforts to save my life. All appts were scheduled so I didn't do a surprise visit. I specifically asked if I could meet the individuals who worked my case. The final stop was at the Sheriff's Dept of the county where the accident occurred. Veteran officers, who've worked at this particular dept for 19 - 30 yrs said they've never had anyone return to thank them. For thanking them they thanked me w/ this more than beautiful vase of roses.

They gave me 1 1/2 hrs of their time, answering all my questions, telling me about loved ones whose lives were significantly altered as a result of accidents, sharing a power point presentation of pictures from their investigative pictures. I was floored by their generosities. It was almost like we couldn't say good-bye. They escorted me to my Element and waved me out of their parking lot. It seemed too real to be true. Responders from all 3 depts said they were amazed I am alive. They thought I was dead when they arrived and felt certain I would die once they discovered I was alive. This is more than I can comprehend. However, a major piece of my broken puzzle has been connected. Whenever I encounter vehicle accidents I cry. Not due to the scene, but FOR the 1st Responders. It took a few accidents (believe me, there are many accidents in MI winter) for me to determine the agent of my tears, the trigger point. I was feeling burdened w/ compassion for the responders. These men and women never know what/who they will encounter when they leave on a call. They are trained to do their jobs well and that's all that matters to them in the moment.

People, thank your county's first responders. They are unsung heroes! Quite a few are volunteers. That is not said to minimize the efforts of the paid responders. I carried that vase of flowers everywhere w/ me around my house. The deputies had a box ready for me to transport the flowers home safely and on to NC. I placed them so that I could see them through my rear-view mirror on the drive down. They lasted well into my 1st week here. At this point, I plan to meet w/ some of the responders in Dec - we may make a training video from the "victim's" perspective re: reasons new recruits do their job. ...................THANK YOU! thank you!

Let me bring you through the front door of my NC apt. My good frd, who is a professor on campus, provided the furniture for my new digs.

Presently, my trike rests in my kitchen (through that door is my bedroom & bath - didn't think to take a pic of that space). Yes, those green plants are mine and survived the trip quite well. The plant on the floor right in front of my trike is an avocado tree. It grew from an avocado pit. Last summer, w/ nothing else to do, I sprouted avocado pits in plastic cups. This one is the only that produced a "trunk" that reached significant height to transfer into soil. Probably next week I plan to transfer it into a larger pot.

This is my living room. Doubting I'll have time or interest in watching TV. Along the right side of this photo is the door frame leading out into the residence hall. I leave my door open to meet new people (they all are new to me).

This seems to be my favorite perch. I use the ball for foot support/elevation. My coccyx cushion fits perfectly in the recliner. yes, this is an antique recliner. There is a bar behind the back of the seat, which pulls out and can be moved into different levels of pins to change the degree of recline.

I love this table! I've wanted a table/chairs for years. For many yrs when my kids were little we used a huge picnic table built for our dining room, but is now outside. Then we used the kitchen island/bar concept, which was perfect for family meeting meals. Now, I'm ready for the next phase. This little table is a start. The 4th chair is beside my recliner holding books that I never read today (there's always tomorrow).

Here's the best part - the sign above the table:

If you ever visit me, we will sit long and eat much. I have several wrinkles that need more filling.

When sitting in my recliner, to my right I can see the comings/goings of students. To my left, I see river activity. Very beautiful. Today was a gorgeous day.

Watercraft of many sizes enjoy this river.

I guess I forgot to post one of the nearby bridge. A little later in the evening, the bridge opened to permit a boat to pass through. Always surprises me how waterways need technology that I take for granted.

Before leaving MI, I wanted to determine to love my vehicle. I decided that if I could find letters to brand my Lemt (get it?) then I'd love it. Not only does this make my vehicle unique, it looks cool.

Also, found an online printer who makes decals. NO ONE ELSE IN THE WORLD has this sticker, I bet:

This is my Heb 12 motto: triking the race set before me w/ perseverance.

Figured out, for tonight, how to finally get the tireds pumped. May be able to postpone going to the bike shop for a lesson on how to pump your own tires. I have no problem asking. I just want to make sure if I load my trike in for a cart across town then I really need help. Maybe I finally learned the trick.

The sleeping Rx are kicking in. Overall, SO FAR, I've been sleeping better. I am encouraged.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-07-28T22:10:00.002-04:00

07/28/09: 9+ miles. No pics. Pedaled hard, sweated a lot. MANY dogs out w/ their owners tonight; all well behaved. Rode w/ J; today she brought home a new puppy of 6 wks and 2 days. J's 10 yo daughter named the puppy, Poochy (something Glory). Cute puppy. I do not have time in my life to care for a perpetual 2 yo "child". Animals never grow into caring for themselves. I don't buy arguments that cats come close. Close, but still no cigar. My kids wanted pets as they were growing up. Knowing that I'd become the caretaker for any pets I inquired whether they would like for us to afford snacks or pet food. They always opted for snacks. Whew! As they became teens and wanted pets I replied that their siblings were like pets - take them out for a walk. I know they each will have pets in their adult lives. And then they'll understand the position I held while they were young. I've told them that I'll gladly attend any of their therapy sessions where they want to tell me how I ruined their lives by not giving them pets as kids.

Sweat is good. Menopausal sweat is like a geyser spewing out of every pore of my skin! I cannot get the temp cool enough tonight. This too shall pass :-)

Today was a busy day. Took a pair of shoes to get a lift placed on the bottom. Repairman was out sick. They told me to return tomorrow. Took another pair of shoes to the hospital that places lifts onto shoes. Insurance pays for a specific number of shoes. No more than that specified # of shoes. Any more that I want modified I have to pay on my own. The repairman place is ~ $25 less than the hospital based place. He wins my personal business.

Living life well involves making difficult decisions. Unpopular decisions. I've never been amenable to popularity contests. I bow out. I do what I believe is the right thing b/c it is the right thing. Not because of what others want to manipulate or persuade me to do b/c it is convenient for them. Well, this morning I gave it to my insurance claims adjustor over a matter. Not a life or death matter. In retrospect, I am choosing to believe that this "giving in" on my end will ultimately benefit me. I will remind her, when necessary, that I conceded to her on this circumstance. She will not play w/ me and bend the laws of what I'm entitled to b/c I faithfully paid my auto insurance.

Remember, if anyone is reading this, the premise of this blog was to hold myself accountable in this journey of healing/recovery. The physical healing is "simple" compared to the mental, psychological, emotional healing aspects. Taking a pill reduces &/or eliminates physical pain. I haven't yet found a pill that reduces &/or eliminates the spiritual pain & suffering. I told someone this afternoon that I am grateful that GOD allows events into my life that keeps me desperately dependent upon GOD and GOD alone. I choose to remain in the "shadow" of the Lord GOD, Almighty (Psalm 91:1). If I remain in the shadow, 1) I am protected; 2) I don't run ahead of GOD and "fix" things, I wait to move with GOD; and 3) nothing comes out of my mouth or life that hasn't been covered & authorized by GOD. I'm living life in the shadow, not hiding, but rather abiding.

Good night!
Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-07-27T20:49:00.003-04:00

07/27/09 - It's been over a week since I last triked. We've had several storm fronts go through our area; never know when it's going to rain. Wouldn't you know? While I was on the return to home........

........ rain droplets began to fall. Not too bad; certainly didn't get wet. I love the colors of the flowers in my yard. Rich, deep colors.

Perhaps you've heard the news: We (our town) get to keep "our" lady........... for $3,800. She remains on her perch by the river.

I don't know these people, but I envy them. Running is such good exercise. It strengthens the whole body, works fat off the whole body, allows you to eat any & all you want w/o regard to gaining weight/fat. I always felt refreshed after a run. Nearly always dreaded getting out there to run, but after a mile I was glad I'd made the effort.

Triking is terrific, but it doesn't provide the complete body workout. I miss that. Even though I work hard in PT and pedal hard while triking, something is missing. Haven't put my finger on it yet. As a runner, people didn't comment on how much fun I was having as we passed each other. In fact, people didn't talk to me as a runner. I wasn't even really looking at people when I ran. They were obstacles to maneuver around so I could complete the course. If anyone smiled at me I rarely noticed b/c I was so absorbed in my own thoughts (almost to one mile, can't stop now, dessert later, 1/2 way done, on the home stretch, I hope I remember to do whatever when I get back home, etc). I notice people while triking. Maybe b/c I don't want to hit them or them to fall on top of me or step into my way. I am so low to the ground we could easily get into each other's space. Perhaps b/c I'm low to the ground I'm constantly looking up to make eye contact so we don't harm each other. People always smile when they see this contraption approach. Little kids stop & stare. They literally stop. Sometimes w/ their parent(s) nearly riding over them or falling over them. We notice each other, sometimes stop and chat, nearly always share positive comments.

I'm not really sure what the life lesson is here (my brain is full and I want a break -- nah, I take that back; I've had enough BREAKS). Perhaps that by being more grounded I'm able to make solid connections w/ others. More than "passing on your left" as when running. Some people don't know what that means - they step to their left, right into my path. Back in early Jan 08 I was praying for "a break". Life was utterly insane. I was taking 2 classes in GR: Organic Bio/Chem and Human Genetics. These were the last 2 pre-reqs I needed to admit into the 2nd degree accelerated BSN program. I was also teaching 2 graduate counseling classes at another U in GR. Plus, I was maintaining a full private practice. And keeping up w/all 3 of my kids' college lives/events. I had just witnessed little piggies get castrated. Life was full. Maybe even overflowing. I was sincere in asking GOD for "a break". I never envisioned that GOD would bless me w/ so many "breaks". Not only did my body incur 35+ broken bones, but I have been "off work" for 18+ months now. Life doesn't get any better, right? How have I found such favor from my GOD? The past 18+ mos have been a long healing process (in more ways than physical). I do believe GOD has blessed me w/ a break. An opportunity to take a break from the insane life I was creating. An opportunity to cherish what matters most. An opportunity to be desperate for GOD and GOD alone. That's all that matters. Getting so low to the ground (triking) that I have to constantly depend on provisions from Above.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-07-21T22:49:00.005-04:00

07/21/09: 6 miles; cut short by rain.

I rode to J's house to "pick her up" for a ride along the trail. We engaged in so much conversation that I never thot to take one picture. We were going to ride farther, but the rain finally began to drop faster and faster out of the sky. We took a short cut to my house hurriedly putting her bicycle in my Element & my trike in the garage. Then we decided to go inside and visit for a while longer. Our hearts enjoyed this exercise. We got a full body work-out this evening.

I don't know why GOD allows paths to journey alongside each other for merely a season vs a lifetime, but I'm totally grateful for the season. I know that journeying alongside is a major part of GOD's reason (like, who am I to question why GOD does or allows anything? GOD is GOD and that's all that matters.). We can edify and encourage and exhort each other along the journey. I am awed by the depth of love GOD bestows on me. Even in HIS chastisement I've grown to feel loved. I couldn't see the love part of that as a child when I was disciplined. I'm grateful that my parents loved GOD enough and had the foresight to discipline me so that I grew to know, love, & follow Christ. My friend, J, provided respite for my weary soul tonight.

Today was one of those days when the weather (barometric pressure, to be precise) demanded that I take a "big" pill (literally it is quite small but powerfully big in relief). This happened last week, also, when a storm moved through. Today, while in the car, I was in conversation w/ my daughter (who was driving, thankfully) and could not focus of what we were discussing b/c all I could think was "go away pain, go away pain". The pressure around me seemed to prevent me from breathing and I was aware that I was drawing my body into a protective position (curling my shoulders inward and pulling my legs up closer and tighter - sort of like a sitting up fetal position). Somewhere in this self-absorbed awareness (all outside sounds became muffled) I garnered the wherewithall to state out loud that I needed to take a pain pill. Then I snapped out of this bodily retreat to find a pill. Within moments I felt normal (those who know me well, please don't laugh at me while I'm so vulnerable sharing this intimate experience) and able to engage in conversation again. There, now the vulnerable part is over so you can laugh away :-)

I'm not sure if this level of experience means anything other than I'm terribly grateful for drugs. I'll discuss it w/ my neuropsychologist and family dr at the upcoming appts. Last week, I thought that sensation was odd. Now that it's happened again, perhaps it isn't odd, but merely normal at this stage. Sometimes it seems like all the hospital drugs aren't completely out of my system. I don't feel like I have complete control over my thinking yet; kind of like amnesia, as I would think amnesia would manifest. Like the world is happening around me and I can't interact w/ it - I'm not fully awake to interact w/ it; more like an out of body (mind) sensation. I think amnesia has more to do w/ loss of memory; it's more like stunned, paralyzed memory. I don't know how else to describe this. The rat is running around the maze but it is hypnotized (tranced) and dizzy. It doesn't happen all the time, but enough times that I'm beginning to notice a pattern. Maybe this is as good as it's gonna get. Maybe there's something I can do to prevent this. I guess I need to look for a pattern of precipitation.

Rambling. I love my trike and having the ability to get outside on it.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

PS: the Indy ride was 8 miles, not 10. It seemed like 10 long miles.

2009-07-19T19:51:00.003-04:00

Sun, 07/19/09 - I think 10 miles. I forgot to check the ending miles when we returned today. Starting mile was 236. We (son, d-i-l, dog, & me) had a great day outside. Son & I rode to the canal, which is in downtown Indy. We met d-i-l & dog there for a walk. I triked while they all walked. Many people were out enjoying the weather. Skies were heavily overcast and just as we returned back to the house, rain began slowly falling.

This son attends IUPUI (they pronounce it ou (as in the you sound) - ee - pou (again: you)- ee. Not the way it is "spelled" - i - ou- pou- i. He & I rode around campus after his wife & dog returned home. There was a professional tennis championship event happening on campus - we rode around the courts. Son said he thinks he saw Danica Patrik at his gym during the recent Indy 500. He's played basketball w/ Michael Bolton and his former room-mate played basketball w/ Obama. This campus is in the downtown area of Indy. Very impressive.

This is the bldg where this son spends his days and partial nights. Two more years of here, then he's off to wherever the AirForce sends him. I admire his perseverance and dedication to his program of study.

Here's the "family picture" w/ the Indy skyline in the background.

Life is difficult from time to time. Sometimes life outright stinks. And sometimes life is magnificent. Today I longed for "home" more than I have recently. I just wanna "be there". No more pain. No more tears. No more separation. We'll be there. In the presence of GOD for eternity.

I will drive back to my house tomorrow, stopping in GR for PT. This is a long drive. I had to stop and nap on the drive down. This is not typical pre-accident. I could make a 12 hr trip w/ maybe one bathroom/eating stop. Taking a 4 hr trip was a challenge on Friday. I also saw an auto accident before emergency vehicles were on the scene. A car was in the median of a 4-6 lane highway w/a completely smashed in driver door. Then all the sirens showed up on the interstate. My heart breaks w/ compassion for the responders. All I wanted to do was get far away. Perhaps someday I won't wail w/ grief when I pass an accident. Second thought, perhaps we all should wail w/ grief when we see an accident. I used to be desensitized to this type of scene. Just a quick prayer for safety (too late!) & comfort (for the victim?) and I was on my way to the next thing I had to do. I felt rather "good" about myself for pausing to utter a quick prayer. Now I weep for the loved ones of the victims. Their lives are getting turned upside down and they don't even know it yet. The police responding to my accident called my Dad first. I don't know how they knew to call him. Why not my family in my State? My Dad gave the police my husband's number. My husband called our kids. I was already at the hospital before any of them knew. Their lives were being set into a swirl of great magnitude before they even knew it. I couldn't help them. Any of them. When an accident occurs, lives are changed. Many lives. In many ways. A prayer for safety and comfort is nice. But, now I choose to pray that those affected will become desperate for the Giver of Life to give them Life. Real Life. Comfort & safety do not compare to receiving REAL LIFE. Even though my living is fraught w/ pain of many kinds, as is most people's, I experience REAL LIFE in the midst of it all. There is hope that all our lives will reach out in desperation for the only Source of Life while living here.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-07-18T17:01:00.003-04:00

Sat, 07/18/09: Barely 2.5 miles. We got off to a great start. I'm in Indy w/ my oldest son & daughter-in-law. The plan was to ride along Indy's rails-to-trails path. Rode city sidewalks for ~ 1/2 mile to a trail entrance.

My front left tire felt like it wasn't riding correctly. I stopped and sure enough, it wasn't correct. Not only was the tire flat, but we pulled out a small chunk of glass. My guess is that it came from GR yesterday (remember all that glass along the roads?) Son rode back to his house and brought his truck to pick up me and my bike. Then we met his wife back at their house before heading off to a bike repair shop with the trike in my Element. Shop dude said he pulled out a couple more pieces of glass. A few dollars later, my trike is ready to go again. Running is immensely cheaper!

I neglected rotating this pic before posting. This is my sitting on my trike in the back of my Element going to/from bike shop (very close to son's residence). I felt like Granny on the Beverly Hillbillies show - on her rocking chair on the back of their jalopy.

Perhaps we'll go for another ride tomorrow. Perhaps a longer ride.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-07-18T01:14:00.008-04:00

07/17/09: Today marked the 1-yr anniversary of my engaging in OT & PT @ OAM in GR. For the first 3 1/2 months after I returned home from the hospitals, I attended therapies in my residential town. That was a terrific place to begin. By going to GR, I get to work w/ more therapists and use more equipment.

UHAUL installed a hitch onto my Element this morning (8:30 appt). While that happened I triked to PT, which was 6.25 miles away one way). MUCH broken glass along the way and probably more cigarette butts.

I will take you on a tour @ OAM for just a moment: the front doors automatically open and either warm you up or cool you down, whichever is the opposite of the outside temp.

I rode my trike right into the bldg - no bike racks were found outside. I continued on through the bldg to the elevator. PT is on the lower level.

Right outside the elevators on the 1st floor is this beautiful staircase under sky lights. My hand specialist is on the top level. My neck/spine & foot/ankle specialists are on the 1st floor. My chief orthopaedic trauma specialist has an office downtown connected right to the hospital. My physiatrist's office is in the downtown area at another hospital. Ny neuropsychologist & psychiatrist are in a bldg behind where I formerly taught graduate counseling classes @ a satellite office in GR (pic will be farther down this entry).

Traveling from UHAUL to OAM and back required riding on two ultra busy roads. Fortunately, there is a huge, elevated shoulder along both sides of the Beltline. I had an entire "lane" to myself. People were kind and patient at intersections. I made sure to follow traffic rules and to secure eye contact and wave to vehicle drivers before crossing any intersections. I triked through W MI's busiest intersection: Beltline & 28th St. I had to enter the middle turn lane to cross the opposing traffic lane to return back to the UHAUL base. People were generous in giving me space and time to cross lanes. Recently, I purchased a trike rack so it can connect into the hitch. Then I'll be able to have both back seats in my Element and transport my trike on the outside. I'm at my older son & daughter-in-law's house this weekend in Indy. He will help me assemble the rack and learn to attach it to the hitch. (BTW, the 3 of us will ride sometime this wkend -- more blogging to come)

Can you see the dark clouds (pic below)? We've been promised thunderstorms for a few days. The barometric pressure must have been bouncing around today. When my teeth and head begin hurting I know to bring out & swallow the big guns. Actually, it is a very tiny, yet potent pill. I've chosen to keep it in my system; my body warns me when it's wearing out.

Here's the bldg where I use to teach. Behind this bldg is the place where neuro guys work.

Across the street from the brown bldg, as I called it, is the city limit sign . . .

. . . and the Calvin College sign. My camera battery died right before I could take a picture of the walkway over the highway. Calvin is a beautiful campus.

I was astounded by the plethora of cigarette butts on the sides of the roads. I expected some broken glass, but there was more than anticipated. I thot clean up crews managed that after a crash. I had no idea how many cigarette butts are discarded, w/o concern, out the window. Sad.

I missed seeing all the great colorful vegetation of my usual triking grounds. Occasionally, a wild flower forced itself to grow, causing me to smile at its determination to live.

Beautiful life can appear from cracks in hardened "soil". Underneath the hardened exterior has to be soft soil in order for the beauty to grow. That soft, fertile soil is inside each of us. Life wants to grow and produce beauty. So many things can interfere w/ that process. Toxins, poisons, strangulations of various kinds. Sometimes I face good struggles in making a choice to grow in spite of whatever gets thrown my way. Sometimes I throw garbage into my own life (over-eating, eating the wrong kinds of things, allowing the king of lies to tempt me into false beliefs about my abilities, etc). I guess things aren't always what they seem. Or just because someone hangs out with the "crack ups" doesn't mean they are a crack up. Who knows what beauty may burst forth.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-07-15T16:55:00.008-04:00

Flowers from J - grown in her friendship garden. She honored my love for daisies. Aren't they spectacular??!

One of the entries onto the trail I love. Fred Meijer is a mighty, mighty man in our neck of the woods. He uses his almighty dollars to make places beautiful and healthy.

The quarter in the road.

07/14/09: 8.5+ miles. An interesting day w/ my trike.

I did actually trike on 7/14, but am a day or so late recording the event. For many reasons. One, I was non-stop on the go via some form of transportation w/ errands & appts. Two, I fell asleep b/f typing. Tues morning I awakened w/ my glasses underneath me in my bed, in perfect condition. Odd, b/c sometimes I can just clean a lens and it will pop out. Wed morning I awakened to my cell phone being in my bed. I guess I'm falling asleep hard & fast.

While in PT, I rec'd a voice msg from Chaplain Dave w/ the fire department, which assisted in my rescue. After a warm conversation he invited me to the fire dept mtg later this week to meet the persons who were "there". I initiated this invitation a few weeks ago and am honored they are inviting me.

On the way home from PT I saw the man who lives in the red house just a few feet from the scene of the accident. ~ Two wks ago I saw him walking down the driveway from his mailbox and told myself that if I saw him outside again I was gonna muster up my courage and introduce myself to him. Well, there he was. Walking back to his house from the mailbox again. I turned into his drive, rolled down my window, introduced myself and asked if he remembered the accident from 01/22/08. He absolutely did. He aided the rescue workers by managing traffic until the police arrived to set up a detour. ((Aside: my younger son was 10-15 minutes traveling behind me on this same road. He was one of the first vehicles to be re-routed along the detour. I'm so thankful he was not one of the cars that passed by the scene. He told me later that he was thinking about calling me around the time of the accident to let me know he was on the road with me somewhere. I was returning from a class in GR; he was traveling to our town from GR; he usually called me to inform me of his ETA. For "some reason" he did not call me that morning. He struggled w/ guilt over not being there for me. This son o' mine was there continuously for me in the hospital. He picked my nose for me when I couldn't. He fed food to me. He kissed my feet.)) Back to the 72 yr old man. Yesterday was his birthday; I sang "Happy Birthday, Dear Vernon" to him. He was glad to know I became okay. He said I was in bad shape & the rescue workers were very concerned for me. I still cannot comprehend what happened & how my body survived. Much of me died in that accident. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

While the oil, etc was being changed in my vehicle, I took off on my trike, planning for just a short trip since the oil changing place was not busy. Well, once I got a taste of 26.2 mph going down hill by the golf course I was hooked. I wanted to go farther and faster. Most of this trike I stayed in the 3rd big gear (gear #s in the low 20's). I wanted to work my legs as hard as they could tolerate. Plenty of people were out biking, walking, walking dogs - why doesn't anyone walk a cat? Ended up taking the truck route back to the apts behind the HS, returning to the oil changing place. Great workout! Near the HS there is a quarter melted into the pavement. Often while running I'd check to make sure the quarter was still there. It was a landmark feature.

I enJOYed linner (lunch-dinner) w/ a frd, J. She brought the fabulous flowers pictured at the top. I am a blessed person to have such wonderful friends, like J. Thanks, again for the company and take home souvenir :-) I took them into Subway and sat them on the table. Our table was the only one decorated w/ flowers.

I am exhausted. I'm in the final weeks of wrapping things up at the homestead to go south for a few months. I am taking my trike w/ me! And I'll be exploring totally new areas on three wheels. I am eager to get there, which will mean details here have been finished. This is not a permanent move - just for a semester. I'll be closer to family (and "old" friends) which will allow me to participate in their world and celebrations for a few months. And I'll be teaching a class at my undergrad alma mater. This will be exciting. We are calling it a "work re-entry trial". I anticipate much support and feedback to help me get back on my feet :-) Anything that happens will be great!

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-07-12T13:25:00.011-04:00

07/12/09: And, we're off ..... perfect day for a 25K. The weather was gorgeous, well, still is, as I write this. I'm at my younger son's house near Kzoo. His place is very cool. I call his windows great framed living art. There are no window coverings. Sitting at my perch in his living room I can view nearly 180 degrees of outside w/ zero bugs bugging me. The sunlight filters through the trees; birds search for food in his yard; the wind shusses through the leaves; insects chatter; a gentle breeze stirs through this room; cars hum nearby; bugs bo-ing into the screens; fireflies glow at night - perfect! He sits across the room on his computer and here I am on mine. We can communicate w/each other in many ways.

My daughter joined me on the 25K adventure; she on her bike and me on my trike. This was my (& our) first "biking" event. Had no idea what to expect so decided to have no expectations. My child won a registration prize (she's very lucky at winning prizes) - I think that geeked her up even more. Our only instructions were to follow the green arrows.

We had a green map, but she's map reading impaired. Generally, I'm quite adept at reading maps, but this one confounded me. I could not follow it. It was a very clear map. I think I didn't know my orientation from the beginning so the directional arrow on the map made no sense to me. Worst case, which happened to us, is that we get off the marked roads. We didn't go far out of way. My nose knew something was off (besides the fact neither of us had showered pre-event).

You know how significant milestones occur in life and we remember exactly where we were and what we were doing? Like JFK being shot. Baptisms. Weddings. Babies being born. The Challenger blowing up. 9-11. Farrah Fawcett dying. Receiving bad news. Receiving good news. Sometimes milestones occur and we don't even pause to acknowledge them. Another birthday. An anniversary. Pet dying. A promotion. Spending time w/ someone you enjoy.

We treat events & people like ordinary occurrences. A moment that disappears; we expect another moment. One of those milestones happened along today's trip. I passed the 200 mile marker for outdoor miles on my trike. To capture the "where was I when this happened?" I took a picture for the visual reminder:

One place where we "got off track" was at a SAG (support & gear) stop. We assessed we didn't need anything so we passed by it. Turns out this was a point where the route doubles back for a few hundred feet. Once we figured out we were on the wrong road we returned to the SAG stop to get "support" in reading the map. Glad we stopped. Not only was this our food (Subway - veggie subs, nonetheless) & hydration (Gatorade & H2O) station, but it provided a porta-potty & technical support. Biking Dude (pictured below) helped her w/skill development, adjusted her seat and handlebars to help w/ her posture and comfort. She was elated to get this help.

There were several vineyards along our journey. If there'd been a wine tasting event we would have definitely stopped. Our legs were aching (& daughter's butt -- I think she needs to wear biking pants, but NOOOO, she's not gonna wear those "diaper" padded pants at her young age) and we were of mind that some good wine would make us forget about the aches & pains. Perhaps all the vineyards were owned by the same person and we were merely riding circles around the same vineyard :-)

I took pics of a couple roosters by the road, but they were in the shade by the time my finger hit the button. Surprisingly, I only saw daisies two times. Once was a single daisy by a driveway. Not a single bunch of daisies, but one solitary daisy. Odd. The other time there were several daisies, but I was zooming by too quickly for the picture to capture anything but a blur of white dots. We saw several chipmunks and many dead animals. The scenery along the journey was beautiful, but I guess I wasn't expecting so many hills. The brochure said, "gently rolling hills." I ran through Hell, MI several years ago and have the t-shirt to prove it. I suppose if one drove along the course through Hell, one could call it a "gently rolling hillside". It was torturous on my running legs. I think I would have been swearing if running today's course. Thankfully, I was triking. None of the "gently rolling hills" were as steep of grade as the one at my local lake, but the upgrade continued on and on and on. Cresting the hill was a thrill until I realized a series of new "gently rolling hills" was ahead. On one of the downgrades I zoomed up to 29.1 mph. That was amazing! Descending many of the other hills, I easily accelerated to the mid-2o's range.

My daughter and I rode like rubber bands. She was much quicker at ascending and I descended more quickly. Often, she'd linger at the top of the hill waiting for me to catch up, then I'd zoom by her and she'd pass me on the next ascent. During our connecting times we'd catch up w/ whatever we wanted to discuss. Isn't this how life goes? Especially when we're so busy. It is imperative we spend time together. Being intimate - being in time together. The here & now. Present.

We had a lovely time together. We'll talk about this the rest of our lives.

Running would've been a lot easier to prepare to do. All that's needed is good running shoes. Well, and socks. And moisture-wicking clothing. And a supportive athletic bra. And nipple guards or Vaseline if you're male. But, that's it. Triking requires all the above + a trike (or bike) and a helmet and loading/unloading muscles. Thank goodness for my muscular son today. HOWEVER, if I'd been running those hills today, I know I would've been swearing. But, I would've sweated and burned a lot more calories and felt like I'd actually done something when I finished. I miss running. Very much. Running events do not provide Subway at the mid-way point. No way. That was a bonus for today :-) And the ability to carry on a conversation while participating in an event was a reward. I'm working on re-framing how I view the inconveniences of triking and the loss of running. I am very grateful to be able to choose to trike. I am grateful to be able to choose to go outside whenever I desire. I am grateful. GOD is good in all things.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-07-05T21:00:00.005-04:00

07/05/09: 11.5 miles TADA: I conquered the hill! Remember that my goal was to conquer this hill at the lake by the end of July? Well, here I am, at the top, looking back down, and we've barely started July :-) No one had to push me up this time!

Pictures do not adequately depict reality. This hill really is quite steep. This second pic is from the bottom looking up. The hill looks like a short distance in the picture. I should've measured the length. Perhaps I'll climb it again. As I was going up, two men were stopped on their bikes. One of the chains broke. I offered tools, but they needed pliers. I'll add pliers to my tool kit. They informed me that I may need to use them if my chain breaks. Good to know. Other than this samaritan act I pedaled and pedaled up the hill. I used mental tactics learned while running: project ahead 10" - 12" in front of my foot and "take one more step" (one more pedal in this case); pedal just to the next leaf on the road or the next crack in the pavement or the next pebble on the road. Focus, focus, focus. Climbing this grade required every synapse to be focused on the task at hand, er foot. There were no reserves to think of pleasant things. Just git er done! Kind of like life, aye? Keep the plow to the task. Look ahead and remain focused on the task. Shoot for the prize.

I triked along the trail also. What was so cool about that was passing a runner! Oh, the joy of calling out "on your left." One bad thing about being on a low to the ground recumbent trike is that I'm very close to any dead animal on the road. And there were plenty today :-(

Along the way I plucked some wildflowers and made a bouquet to photograph to remember this ride. I love daisies. Make time to savor all the colors of summer. I "feel" winter coming. Not sure why that thought keeps coming to mind. I am much stronger heading into this coming winter. Last winter was tough. Many people talked me through those difficult days. I am grateful for their presence in my life.

On the next triking adventure I will pass the 200 mile mark! Woohoo. Just 3 1/2 miles from now. Kind of makes me want to get back out there tonight. I won't. Nor tomorrow or Tuesday. Maybe Wednesday. I understand that in biking terms this is a "second century."

In closing, I want to state again, I LOVE DAISIES. Such a happy flower.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-07-03T16:41:00.010-04:00

July 3, '09: 8.5 miles. Today was a journey of leisured errands. Kind of at the last minute I realized I could trike to this morning's chiro appt vs drive. So, I hurried to get my gear organized to head out the garage door. Triking takes far more time to organize than running. Running was wonderful - at any moment all I had to do was change shoes, throw on my running backpack (if "running errands"), and run out the front door. W/ triking, I have to put on the helmet, secure my baggage (for errands) to the trike, back the trike out of the garage, once the door is opened, get my coccyx pillow out of the Element, which means I had to grab keys to unlock the Element, close the garage door (garage opener battery is dead so I have to WALK back inside to the wall switch, then walk back out to the trike), and head off. Often, I cross my right hand over my left shoulder to locate the seat belt. Seems like I should secure myself into or onto the trike. Then I utter a "duh" and pedal away.

My chiropractor is the best! Typically we laugh about ourselves and talk about our fun plans. Today he told me that I look tired. I am tired. Not sleeping well, again. I wonder if my body builds a tolerance to my sleep Rx and then it's not effective. I'll discuss this w/ my neuropsych this coming week. July's an odd month. People go on vacations and aren't "in" for business. Of course, no one checks in w/ me to see if their week off fits into my schedule :-) If Martin isn't "in", then Amy will be, or Bob. Anna's always there and very eager to serve. I've tried not using it (sleep Rx) a few times; zero sleep is far worse than 3-5 hrs of sleep. And last night I got SIX hrs of sleep, yet I feel and look tired. When I woke up & saw my clock I wondered if I was okay b/c I'd slept so long. I wonder if this sleep deprivation (I truly sympathize w/ Michael Jackson re: inability to obtain adequate sleep - it makes one feel insane!) is a life-long malady. Another question to ask the right person....... Martin.

After leaving the chiro I mulled between taking the trail, which I love, or the streets to get to the bank: the next errand. I chose the streets b/c I haven't been on them for a while and the hills would provide a good workout in preparation for the 12th's 25K. I saw a yard sale and decided to stop. I haven't been to a yard sale in years. I don't have the patience for yard sales. Well, the organizer of this event arranged the tables and wares so that I could ride my trike around the displays. She (the organizer) said she deliberately arranges in this manner b/c many people attend who use walkers or motorized carts. And I was her 1st triker. Kudos to those who think of us alternatively-abled people. Someone ought to write a public article about that great lady. She's an un-sung hero. As I was triking away from the driveway, a lady was crossing the street in her electric cart. She had hip-replacement surgery recently. What a great world / country in which we live. Back in the day, people w/ physical restrictions had to remain in their houses. THANK YOU to whoever contributed to heightened awareness for the alternatively-abled. As I write this I think of a dear friend, N, who has a 24-ish year old son, who has abilities of a single digit month's old baby. She chooses to physically pick up this man-baby and take him out for errands, church, etc. Fortunately, there are many devices which assist w/ transporting him: adult-sized strollers, car seats, etc. Again, THANK YOU to whoever worked tirelessly to design devices and change policies so that most people can engage in enjoyable activities. If you know of any of the "whoevers" please inform me. I will personally thank them. Following is a picture of my $1 yard sale purchase today. I plan to invite people over to dunk foods into this chocolate pot. Kind of like a fondue. I've been considering re-igniting the fondue parties from the past, but haven't decided to make a splurge purchase. For one buck I can't lose. Even if it doesn't work (it looks brand new inside the box) I "donated" one dollar to someone who is desperate enough to part w/ this gadget. Times are tough. I guess people are willing to sell their cherished belongings to pay their bills. I've always wanted to have an open-house sale. Come in & buy whatever you want. Simplify. Really, if you die, what does it matter anyway? If your house burned down, what does it matter? Stuff. We, er I, surround myself w/TOO much. And I just purchased one more thing to add to my crowded cabinets. But, I will make some good memories (those cannot be sold or burned down) w/ this dollar treasure. Finally, here's the chocolate melting pot, "treat maker":

Oh, I didn't even have any cash on me, so "she" held the choco treat maker for me, while I triked on to my next errand: the credit union. There I did my deeds, including collecting a "free $100 bill" for my daughter who asked that I get one for her if they were being handed out today. I also collected some "ones" for me to return & claim my yard sale purchase and perhaps happen upon another yard sale.

The next errand on my list was to go to the medical aids store in town and exchange one of my compression stockings for another color. Weeks ago I purchased two pair of "natural" colored stockings. Well, they made my legs look "Asian" - more yellow toned. I don't mind that Asian tone, but it just does not work for the olive pigment color of my flesh. My lower legs looked jaundiced in those stockings. I had to wait several weeks for the store to obtain "suntan" colored compression stockings in my size. Well, these make my legs look kind of "Jamaican". I don't mind that Jamaican tone, but it looks a bit odd when it says "suntan". I guess I was thinking Caucasian "suntan", not Jamaican "suntan". So, exchanging the pair I haven't worn yet was on my list of errands for today. By the time I finished the bank and yard sale (an Anatomy/Physiology co-student was at the yard sale, too. We visited a while. Then when I zoomed out of the driveway a van stopped in front of me - turned out to be another friend from town, so we visited for a few mins), I was hungry and it was close to 1 pm. I left home at 9:40 am for the chiro appt :-)

Triking brings an aura of leisure that running never provided for me. GOD is so good to me by allowing me the opportunity to take up triking. My body shape is not what it was when I was running, but I'm working on it. After lunch and chatting for nearly an hour w/a cousin during my chomping on a salad in her ear, I headed to the post office for the 3rd errand on the list. As I headed down the street to steer me in the direction of the medical supply place, I saw this van going another direction:

Ready Ride was my transportation for one year. I decided I could trike fast enough to track it down given that it was going through traffic lights downtown. So, off I chased it. I found it here, in this parking lot, w/o a driver. Knowing that this company assists "medical patients", there were a few options of places to investigate. I was hoping for a gleeful reunion w/one of my former drivers. Not finding the driver in the nearby medical offices, I became fascinated w/ this:

Apologies for the poor camera quality. Being so low to the ground on the trike, the bright red against the white and green caught my attention. If I'd been running, I'd never have seen this ladybug nor taken the time to watch her on a mission to go from one place to another. I thought about picking her up and bringing her home as a pet, but didn't.

Back to the van..... I heard a door slam nearby and peeked around the corner to see a human in the van driver seat. I hurried onto my trike and went over to the driver side. I recognized the driver as one of original drivers. Bottom line is: I fired her. IMHO she was not a safe driver for me being so new out of the hospital from a near-fatal-auto-accident (nor a safe driver for anyone really). Several times I told her that I was fully alright w/ being late to an appointment if she would back off the car bumper traveling in front of us. Essentially, she told me I needed to get over my concerns b/c she had driven so many years and thousands of miles w/o ever having an accident. I responded that prior to January 22, 2008, I could have bragged about the same thing, but than a (jerk) crossed the center line and hit me head-on resulting in my need for her to provide safe transportation for me now. When I arrived at that day's medical appt I called her office and fired her. I put all that aside today when I triked up to the driver's window and offered a warm and friendly greeting to this lady. I thought maybe she didn't recognize me since I was wearing a helmet, so I offered her my name. She merely acknowledged, " I know," then said "hello", rolled her window back up and turned back to what she was doing. Well, now. Affirmation that my gut was right about her character. Sad. Hurts. My firing her did not reduce her work (she's related to the boss). I guess she just likes things to go her way. Oh well. And another thing: if Mr. (Jerk) had been following a safe distance from the vehicle in front of him, he would not have, as he claims, not been able to stop from hitting the vehicle in front of him, thereby losing control of his vehicle on ice and hitting me. Now, I'm not an accident recreation engineer, but (I know that contradicts what I just said, "but" I'm really NOT an accident recreation engineer, if that's even a title) if what he claims is true, then why did his vehicle "full head-on" collide w/ mine? Why didn't the side of his vehicle hit me? Why head-on? Would the results have been any different? My endearing term of "Mr. (Jerk)" does not intend to indict his nationality, as I'm sure, at some point, may become another whine of his. Yep, I'm angry right now. And very, very sad. My life is only getting better. In the midst of that, many people who love & support me have had to suffer too. I wish my suffering did not have to cause them to suffer.

Another blessing from GOD is daisies. I smile when I see daisies. (subject change JIC you're wondering) Maybe it takes me back to the childhood days (beginning sound of dai-sies - HA) when I really believed the magical power in "he loves me, he loves me not". Even when I picked a "he loves me not" daisy, I just selected another one until I found a "he loves me" one. I never settled for "he loves me not". Daisies are planted in my front yard in one spot. I think deer may have enjoyed them this year - I haven't seen them. Fortunately, these and many others abound around town (deer & daisies).

I hope they make you smile, too!

Right around the location of the daisies I saw another yard sale sign. Recall, I'm on my way to the medical supply store to exchange my Jamaican suntan stocking for Caucasian suntan ones. Assuming the yard sale was nearby I took off on another rabbit chase. About a mile later I found the "yard" sale. There were 3 tables, mostly cleared (good for their business), w/ remaining baby items. That phase is so very history for me. While briefly chatting w/ the two ladies sitting in the driveway a man leapt over the back deck to check out my trike. Not sure where he came from or to whom he belonged. The women didn't seem too bothered by his sudden presence. One of them said, "No, you are not getting one". I guess he belonged to her. I offered him a spin on my trike. He quickly assented to just sitting on it. He couldn't sit still so I suggested he just go to the end of their driveway and back. He went out into the street. This thing is addictive. Now I know what I'm addicted to (A friend recently asked me this question. I thought of oreos, self-help books, and not much more, that I'm aware of anyway. Now I can add my trike to that list!) People came from nowhere to check out the trike. I was the only person in the driveway when I arrived and then suddenly there were 15 more. I handed out terra trike cards like candy in a parade. TERRA TRIKE - add me as a commissioned employee!!! I'll settle for a tune-up / year for all the advertising I'm giving you. I left this out of the way, way out of the way, yard sale and headed back to the medical supply store.

We've had rain all week so no rain today was a treat. Air temp was a little cool, sky was fully overcast. But, it was great to be able to be outdoors on my trike w/ no agenda driving me to hurry on, except that the store likely had a closing time (Jamaican suntan, Asian yellow, or African black are my only options). I looked up to the sky as I felt sun penetrating my Caucasian skin. BLUE SKY! I pulled out my camera and without looking for the "perfect" position, just made a picture:

Do you see IT? Immediately, in addition to the sun's warmth I felt embraced by the SON's warmth. All that love (heart) for ME. GOD blesses me way more than I deserve. Honestly, I think I do deserve some blessings b/c I'm honest, loyal, faithful, committed, perseverant, etc. I'm more than satisfied w/ the blessings of shelter, food, air, ability to purchase clothing of my choice. That's quite enough for me. But GOD continues to overwhelm me w/ WAY MORE than the "simple" things for basic needs. I'm not talking about material things. I'm talking about the joy of engaging w/ the "shes" and "hes" in life, the sheer beauty of ladybugs and daisies, pictures in the clouds that appear just at the exact right moment I click my cheap little digital camera. You can see the grey overcast cloud in the background. That's what we had all day until the "heart" suddenly appeared. Nah, I don't believe in Jesus or Mary showing up on toast. But, I do believe in the transformation that can take place in a person's heart when they believe that GOD is real in their lives. That's grace. That's overwhelming blessing. I've lived a life that easily became too busy for me to openly cry out "thanks" to GOD for simple, yet magnificent, and transformative blessings. I don't want to return to that life. I want to move at a trike's pace and see the ladybugs in the grass.

Blessings Abound and Abound!

~A~

2009-06-27T22:54:00.005-04:00

Sat, 06/27/09: 15.67 miles - 25K worthy! We're ready! Daughter & I are participating in a 25K biking event in a couple weeks. 25 kilometer = 15.534 mile. Bring it! The dangling "carrot" for tonight's training ride was ice cream @ the 1/2 way point. The "carrot" in July will be the intrinsic triumph of completing an organized event. People who participate in these kinds of healthy events are good, healthy people. I'm looking forward to meeting some new people.

To get to the ice cream place, which BTW, is where the "good stuff" is if you're ever in this neck of the woods, we encountered many trials. Motorized vehicles were very kind to us; drivers generously shared the roads with us. When I ran, it was common to be literally "run off the road" by unhealthy looking and old people. I don't mean to discriminate, but there certainly was a theme among those who generally drove toward me when I was off the trail.

One trial, which repeated itself was the bugs - the blood sucking kind. Apparently there are unmarked crossways for swarms of mosquitos. You know, if that many ducks typically crossed the highway at about the same place, there'd be a warning sign. Not so for mosquitos. We must have interrupted a few dozen crossing paths of those hungry pests.

One of the busy roads in our area is being replaced by new everything, I guess. Not being a road design engineer, I have little idea what is being done. Except that, this reconstruction makes the otherwise busy & dangerous road perfect for triking/biking. Mostly, we had the road to ourselves. At one intersection, I discovered that my trike is not an ATV. I came to a quick & sudden stop in the sand. So, I had to push (as did my Daughter w/ her bike) the trike through the sand. All that sand behind my trike is immense. It's like The Dunes on the OBX.

About one mile past the dunes, we made it to Charley's. Daughter & I shared a hot fudge & caramel sundae. I don't care for ice cream and more importantly, it doesn't care for me, however Charley's ice cream doesn't bother me. Granted, I don't tempt fate (by eating too much); it was good. The portions are quite generous so we knew to share something since we had the other 1/2 of the trip to return home.

The bright sunshine was beginning to dim as we left Charley's. I felt something cool & moist hit my face and wondered if a bird had flown over me. And then it happened again. After consulting w/ Daughter, we determined we were gonna get rained on. Yep, but not too bad. It was great practice JIC it rains during the bike event day. Honestly, I'm not sure I really care to trike in the rain. Running in the rain was wonderful! It felt refreshing. And I had that competitive spirit which refused to succumb to moisture in the air on race day. I just don't feel competitive (at this moment anyway) re: this biking event. I want to enjoy the experience. Take my time. Pace w/ my Daughter. Enjoy conversation ("I wish I'd thought to wear something like that." "What do you want for dinner tonight?" "Did you see that?") Now, after the event I may declare that the bug bit me and I went all out for glory. It will be glory regardless. Sunday, July 12th, 8 am is event day. It's not a race, so far as I know. I've never even attended a biking event before so I have no idea what to expect. I sure hope they have t-shirts. One of the organizers emailed me today and I replied w/ an inquiry re: t-shirts. I ran for the t-shirt & FOOD! There's gotta be a "trophy" to take home from this biking event.

Well, there are probably just a few States where people post a sign year round advertising . . . . .

It just doesn't look right w/ green grass underneath it! Unemployment is ultra high in MI; I believe our County is in top position in the State. Well, if this person is one of the unemployed, I can see why they have no work right now! Or s/he could be an optimist. Call 'em up and see if they'd come move snow for you this coming week :-) Oh, the places my brain goes. I need to shut it down for the night and let it rest.

I think the concentrated cherry juice is helping my joints immensely. I feel no pain or stiffness tonight. I'll have to see if tomorrow brings complaints after the longest trike, to date. What a great night! Thanks, Daughter, for joining me in this venture. I'm sorry your butt & legs hurt tonight. Wanna drink some concentrated cherry juice? Well, it won't help your butt. Not sure what to do for that. Suggestions anyone??

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-06-25T19:47:00.006-04:00

06/25/09: 5 miles. HOT day! Glad I got an "early" start :-) Today's triking pics and musings are a tad different from previous posts. I'll start w/ last night (Wed). Insert: all people pictured in my postings have consented to being in these blogs. Now, back to last night. My frd, L, invited me to join her at one of her ballroom dance class lessons (she is the female in yellow). Dude is her dance instructor. While we didn't ride b/trikes to the dance class, we did ride in my Element, which eats every bug w/i a 10' radius of the windshield. Can you imagine that many bugs splattering onto your face while triking at night -- ugh! Perhaps I should take a pic of my windshield b/f I wash it - it is nas-ty! But, isn't L beautiful & graceful??

I felt a bit disoriented upon waking this morning. I couldn't get my head in a groove to figure out what to do first. NO WHERE on my list of possibilities was triking! But, that's where my spirit led me - out into the garage and onto the trike. My frd, above, left a book in my vehicle so I decided to take it to her work place in town: my chiro's ofc. ON my trike vs in my Element. So, at 10:24 am ..........

............... the outside temp was already 93 degrees F!!!. Who in their right mind goes traipsing off on a trike in that kind of heat??? Me. I was the only person that I saw out on a trike. However, I encountered several people taking slow walks. Very slow walks.

Today's front desk lady, L, posed for proof that I was there :-)

Then I hopped back on the trail and went downtown to The Health Store to get my joint lubricating meds. They even have a new tea for joint health - I'm gonna try it out in the morning along w/ the glucosamine chondroitin & concentrated cherry juice. They have a new bedtime tea, also, which I'm going to try tonight w/ the glucosamine & cherry juice. M, the worker (perhaps he owns the store??), was intrigued how I got there, so I took him outside to show him my ......

........ trike. And off he went. His Dad was there, too and they were having a conversation about holiday gifts looking like trikes as I left. I shared terra trike's business cards w/ them. Dad suggested I set up stake in the front window and begin making commission from selling these machines. You never know, maybe I'll become a terra trike rep. GO M!!

Along my merry trike through downtown, I opened the door of the Chamber ofc and called out for my frd, K, to come visit me. I didn't even have to get up from my trike to open the door. How "handicap accessible" is that?? K's been ultra busy lately fielding calls about our local "illegal alien" (aka: Little Mermaid). The little one was still on her perch as I triked by her twice this morning. If you're ever in town, stop by the Chamber and say "howdy" to K. She knows our town inside & out.

As I was crossing the foot bridge this morning there were many tire tracks (from bikes) on the freshly stained boards. I noticed that I didn't like following someone else's tracks; I prefer setting my own track, so I rode along the edge where no one had dared to go before (like that's a new revelation to anyone who knows me!) Sometimes it is too easy to go w/ the flow: nothing ventured, nothing gained. Often times it seems "we" (the collective us) go about living "w/ the flow" - talking like others, walking like others, dressing like others, believing like others - not slowing down inside ourselves to see who the I AM is. I guess I mean that in two ways: 1) the me -- who am I? What do I really believe, think, want, need, etc? Not what necessarily "fits in" w/ the mainstream; and 2) the I AM - Jehovah Yaweh. How would we live if I AM was all that mattered? Could we get a bit adventureous and get out of the rut on the foot bridge? Could we jump off the edge of the cliff believing I AM is everywhere? Not only "could" we? But, WOULD we? Do you have that kind of faith? To walk to the beat of a different drummer? To travel the path less traveled. To take the high road while ye take the low road? To walk through the briars and high grasses versus walking the highway everyone else is on? Yeah, that's the kind of faith I want to live. If you want to find me, usually it's where few people are tredding (or triking). And it is pure joy when "we" encounter each other off the beaten path.

A path, I sure as heck, didn't plan to travel led me to meeting the lady in the final pic for today. She was my 1st speech therapist when I was in a rehab hospital last year. S spoke & understood my language. I felt validated today when she affirmed that she can detect lingering TBI effects in my facial muscles, which affects my speech. She gave me some new exercises to do (Sorry S, I only remember one - email the others to me). The one I remember is to make spit balls and blow them through a straw. How fun will that be?? I cannot wait to be around someone and tell them that they are my target for speech therapy!! If you walk into my house and see spit balls all over the walls please invite me to get outside a bit more. In fact, gently take me by my hand (left one hurts less) and guide me out into the sunshine. S & I planned to meet today (nope, I didn't trike there) - first time we've seen each other since in-patient days. See? Even when you go places you never imagine going, wonderful people enter your life. Sometimes just for a season. And that makes the season so much more endurable until we get THERE, all together, as we sing our song joyfully....

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-06-21T18:17:00.012-04:00

06/21/09: 5.5 miles: HOT trike

Welcome to a sunny, warm day!
Today's triking venture was odiferous - whew! Wonderful and not so wonderful scents. For a while I wondered if I was downdraft of my own scent. Perhaps my olfactory glands were in over-drive. Or b/c of the low clouds all the aromas just hung in the air close to the ground, which is where I was positioned.

This is the Welcome sign to my house. It brightens my day every time I see it.

Following are pics of the flowers on the sides of my driveway. The colors are so vibrant I wanted to share them w/ you. I'm sending a bounty of flowers to you that will not die (in these pictures, that is). My daughter says that the man who captures her heart will not send her flowers b/c they die; that man will send her pizza!

I don't know whether you can see the bees swarming around these bushes, but there must have been 50 or so of them. I'm glad I didn't smell like a spiraea. The bees are busy making the flowers beautiful.

The day lillies burst forth just the other day. They look so happy to be awake. I'm always amazed that they return every year. A gardener I am not. GOD takes care of my foliage.

Purple coneflower - makes echinacea. Today's the 1st day I noticed the bloom. We've had lots of rain lately; my flowers are very happy!

I do not recall the name of this flower or the next, which are the same, just different shades. Delphinia. That's it. I love this shade of blue! I need to stake this upright - they literally grew over the last couple days.

And here's another brand of Delphinia - purple.

This summer my strawberries are for the birds and animals. I have not picked any. Not sure why exactly. I guess I just want to share this year.

The next pics are from the trail scenes today:

Old man and young boy fishing in the river. They seemed to be having a good time.

Four canoes swiftly manueuvered down the river. Their colors were a beautiful contrast to the dark water and greens all around. The river had a strong scent today - not very pleasant.

Also, I think every goose in MI flew over a portion of the trail I was on and deposited their lunch or breakfast left-overs right on the pavement.

These flowers are alongside one portion of the trail. These pictures do not capture the artistry of these colors. I'm really sad I cannot capture the 3-D reality of this stretch of the trail. Whoever thought to do this is genius!

Another portion of the trail that I love is the foot bridge. If you've been following my triking blog you'll recognize that I mention the foot bridge in most trikes. I think one of the reasons I enjoy it so much is that I was the 1st car in line when traffic was stopped as a huge crane began placing the bridge into place. I was on one end of the road bridge and was mesmerized by the amount of precise engineering that made a talked about dream become a reality. Believe me, I rushed home from wherever I was going to put on my running shoes. I'm guessing I may have been one of the 1st people to run across the foot bridge. Today as I approached the foot bridge I noticed a powerful scent. At the other end I could see where someone had stopped the water sealing project for the day. (I don't know how to rearrange pics so the foot bridge pic follows the road bridge picture. Sorry. Finally, sort of, figured out how to download the pictures backwards. What a mental challenge that is. I welcome any tips on how to make this process easier.)

This next picture is a view of the road bridge through the rails of the foot bridge.

And here's the foot bridge.

Perhaps you've heard about our town's woes re: "illegal" reproduction of The Little Mermaid. Here's our infamous icon. I hope the town works out a deal to keep her by the river. She's been stolen and vandalized a number of times, always to return to her perch by the river.

See the stop sign. That's about 1/2 way up the last little hill from the trail to my driveway, which is the garage you see across the road behind the white van. I can coast out of my garage all the way to the trail.

And here I return to "home sweet home".

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-06-19T19:52:00.008-04:00

Friday, 06/19/09: Following are my recent trekking adventures. Just downloaded pics from the camera. Immediately below is pic of my friend, W, triking around the lobby of a university residential hall, of which she is the Director. Fortunately, no students were on campus at the time so the secret is safe. I don't believe she will ever be satisfied w/ riding a traditional bike again.

See the glee...... All you want to do when on this trike is SMILE (you have to be careful w/ the wanton smiling when triking outside: bugs. 'nuff said).

-------------

My daughter is living w/ me this summer. She graduated from college in May and is looking for employment, preferably in CO in the probation officer field. Recently, she said she "just wants to shoot something." I contacted a friend whose son is a local expert on gunnery. We arranged to enjoy a dinner of home-made lasagna and then "shoot something." T, the son, arranged a myriad of targets just off their back deck. Oh, my, this was incredible! I think my daughter's blood has changed.

She's aiming at a target (water filled 2 ltr bottle) that was on the ground (picture above w/ the rifle). And she hit it! Dead on -- the water gurgled out until it could gurgle no more.

Notice the ear protection. KA-BOOM! Just pumping this gun should scare the be-jesus outta anyone. That's what she wants should anyone attempt to enter her dwelling place w/o an invitation. I forgot to ask T whether you put your ear protection on b/f cranking this thing when someone's breaking through your door: "Excuse me, intruder, I want to shoot you, but first I have to protect my ears from the thunder of this rifle. Please stop right there and at least let's level the playing field.

Look at the determination on her face. I think after trying a couple styles of handguns she preferred a longer gun. I know there's a name for that; T told me; a rifle or shotgun. Not recalling the difference if there is one. I'm sure my daughter remembers. She's a good shooter w/ a handgun, but likes the sighting set-up on the longer barrel gun.

Here's an example of one of the targets. She decimated those orange disks. There were also paper targets and 2 ltr bottles filled w/ H2O. Of course, she will take classes should she decide to purchase a self-defense gun. At least now she knows what they feel like to touch and use. T is an excellent and patient instructor. He handled all my quirky questions w/ professionalism and sensitivity.

Thanks, T, for sharing your enthusiasm for responsible weapon management. We learned a LOT (Sorry I don't recall whether there's a difference b/t a rifle and shotgun. This is not a result of your teaching; it's a result of me..... read below re: TBI; add to that peri-menopause & that guns don't really intrigue me the way they do other people).

--------------

I had 4 dr appts and 3 days of PT this week. I also volunteered at a homeless event. Very wonderful ministry helping homeless people w/ free foot care provided by RNs, free hair cuts provided by cos students, free dinner, and free listeners (that was my role). I think next week looks like a boring week compared to the past 2 wks. I'm looking forward to staying in bed for a long, long time tomorrow. I may even bring my Rx and water to my bedroom tonight so I don't even have to get out of bed tomorrow. Sounds like a good idea, especially if it's still raining.

Tonight I ate salmon w/ mango salsa. The flavors were intense and memorable. I intentionally savored nearly every tasty bite. Have you been intentional lately about tasting your food WHILE you're eating it (not the after-taste)? Usually, I eat so fast I barely remember eating. Not tonight. I thanked GOD for the ability to taste the food and enjoy the contrast of flavors: sweet, tart, salty. Delicious! The rice was near the top of the list of "best I've ever had". I think it was jasmine flavored. Add that to the salmon and mango salsa -- I was sad to finish my meal (@ Bonefish Grill). This was my treat to myself for enduring a 2 hr "mental exam".

Due to the TBI (traumatic brain injury) from the accident I had to go through a series of mental tests to see if my brain is functional. I kept telling the psychologist, "I'm a Counselor, not a mathematician." I guess numbers are important. They hurt my brain. Make me very tired. I know I would have done better if I'd had paper, pencil, calculator, no time limit, and I could've called my younger son as a "help line". I know I would have done better. Oh well, it is what it is. I recall that Albert Einstein was an answer to one of the questions. And there were history questions... when he began one of those, I raised my hands and told him to not bother b/c I had no idea. He had to look up some things I told him b/c my answers were not in his keyed responses, but my responses were correct, also. I do not wish that experience on anyone. I told my daugher about it and she asked if I'will receive a sign that says, "I'm mental". I sure hope so. Then I'll have an excuse to ask people to just be nice to me b/c I know not what I say or do.

Remember to slow down and taste your food. Thank GOD for it as you eat it.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-06-14T21:17:00.003-04:00

06/14/09: 9 miles. Another BLESSING realized from that auto accident. Were it not for that accident, I'd still be running and never know the thrill of triking, and better yet, the unimaginable joy of triking w/ my daughter. Actually, she was biking.

Again, I forgot my camera. We had a lovely ride this evening around the 7 o'clock hour. From our driveway we hit the trail, traveled along the river, across the foot bridge, following the lazy & Flat River. We crossed 91, then rode through the woods, and then around the lake. As we were pedaling along, I heard my daughter scream in terror. When she calmed enough for me to understand her, this is when I realized another blessing from the accident, because she was coasting along on the outside edge of the road with me more toward the center of the road. Anyway, a chipmunk darted into her front tire and then jumped back to the grass on the edge of the road. When I am nervous or scared I laugh. Well, I was laughing at her and at the same time trying to console her (yes, she's an adult) b/c that had to be scary, but at the same time, whew! I was glad I wasn't on the outside edge of that road and out alone. People would've thought I was nuts, to just suddenly scream in terror (and I would have had I been the one the chipmunk tried to attack), and keep riding. Fortunately, for her, she had me to verify that she isn't nuts. Can you imagine? Just riding along, enjoying the beauty of the lake and them BAM! a chipmunk runs into your bicycle tire. I'm so glad it didn't die. We would have vomited right there.

When we made it back home we sat down at the counter w/ forks in hand and dug into a "Happy Birthday" cake, from our local grocery store, in honor of my daughter's former college room-mate. Happy B'day C!! Nope, b'day girl wasn't here, but we ate nearly 3/4 of that 1/4 sheetcake. We didn't eat all of it b/c we decided to only eat 8 miles worth of calories. That way, we actually lost one mile of calories. I know you make up dumb reasons and ways to count calories and eat what you shouldn't, also. My daughter and I create any reason to celebrate w/ cake. Last summer, we had a cake specially made. It was the size of the top layer of a wedding cake. It was decorated as a wedding cake - however, we called it the "un-wedding" cake. There's a long story, which has a short version, but I haven't requested permission to share it yet. Just suffice it to say, it was delicious and fit the occasion very splendidly. It is graduation open house season where we live. On the drive home from church, I was so tempted to stop at one of the sign posted parties and give a check to the graduate and sit down to enjoy the cake. That's how much I love those cakes. My Mom allowed me to eat cake for breakfast when I was a kid. My cousins thought that was the coolest thing. I allowed my kids to eat cake for breakfast, now and then. It has all the food groups: protein (egg), grain (flour), dairy (cream cheese frosting), fruit (cherry cream cheese frosting on a cherry cake), & fat/oil/sweets (butter, oil, sugar). ALL the necessary elements for a strong, healthy body. They all exercise as young adults so I don't think I harmed them too much. Or maybe that's why they exercise so well now ----- so they can still eat cake for breakfast (?).

Count your blessings. I didn't pay as close attention to daily blessings pre Jan 22, 08 as I do now. Little things that matter so much now. Like being able to stand up from the couch. Last summer, it took me, what seemed like, half a day to muster the energy and wherewithall (compound word?) to get myself off the couch. Physically, my body did not function in that manner. Tonight, I just got up and reflected back on last summer. I wasn't graceful tonight, but I didn't have to diligently work to twist my body in all directions trying to figure out how to make the different parts cooperate & coordinate with each other. I just got up w/o thinking about how to get up. A blessing. Another blessing.

I swept my tile floors today. Another blessing. It was a very, very slow endeavor. I wanted to do it, just to see if I could do it. My R thumb is a mess. At some point (when I can no longer tolerate the pain), it will receive a joint replacement. Due to its limitations in movement (it remains opposable, thank you) that sweeping motion creates quite a disturbance in the joint. Auto insurance pays for someone else to clean my house, for now. Another blessing. See how these blessings just stack higher and higher? This is progress, too. Last summer, I could barely stand up, let alone try to figure out how to hold a broom and make it sweep. I can sweep, but it is better for my thumb joint that I don't sweep. My hand dr wants me to care for that joint and postpone surgery as long as possible. He says a "young" woman, like me (bless his heart) who has many active years ahead shouldn't have this kind of surgery yet. So, I won't sweep again (for now). The house cleaner can do it next time :-)

This is a good summer. It is providing opportunity for me to see the incredible progress gained over the past year. And yet, I'm already anticipating MI winter :-( In spite of the splendor of summer, I sense winter's arrival. I can see it in the tree leaves. Even though they are beaming with green-ness right now, the fact that the leaves are growing means they will die, too soon. Like us, too, eh? Every breath we take is one breath closer to Eternity. Now, that's a great outcome! Even so, Lord Jesus, come! Back to nearly summer. This is gonna be a great summer. I feel it in my bones & in the metal that supports my bones :-)

Another blessing is less swelling in my legs. This allows the metal to be a bit more prominent. I can feel the metal in my legs. Odd sensation. When pedaling, I'm assuming that intermittent pain is muscle working around metal. That will be on my list of questions for my physiatrist visit tomorrow. Remember that kind of dr? He (in my case he is a "he") oversees all my rehabilitative care. He will likely say "not really sure, it could be". Then I'll ask my PT who will say "that is one of the variables." So, I'll determine for myself that that sensation is muscle trying to move around the fixed metal. I could be wrong on all counts. If anyone reading this has an opinion or similar experience please let me know.

Well, this has been a great day. Happy B'day to my friend, N! I'll eat more of that cake tomorrow in your honor! Thanks for a reason to continue the feast :-)

COUNT your blessings. Sometimes they are disguised. As always,
Blessings ABOUND!
~A~

2009-06-12T18:46:00.003-04:00

Fri, 06/12/09: 13 miles Now I know I can finish a 25K "biking" event. My 1st one is scheduled for July 12th.

I forgot my camera today :-( There was a variety of tree pollens floating through the air and accumulating on the grounds. I kept my mouth closed tightly to avoid inhaling those irritants. Even though an allergy irritant, the scene was pretty. Reminded me of blowing snow at times.

Today's ride was one of serenity. Everything was so beautiful. I kept reminding myself to "just notice," "pay attention" to the colors, such vibrant colors. I guess this afternoon was a partly sunny day. A rain front was moving into the area, but between the clouds the sky was amazingly blue. I hope you make time in your day to "notice" and "pay attention" to the colors, sounds, & scents. Things I take for granted, often breeze right by, and never notice how much GOD blesses us with art.

There were a few people out & about on the trails today. I exchanged "hellos" with strangers and friends. From my house, I entered the trail and went over the foot bridge, then under the Washington St bridge, through the woods, around the lake, back along the trail all the way to the bypass, around the streets by the apartments, along 57, then zoomed down Luray hill (24 mph) to home. That was a good outing.

On the return trip crossing the foot bridge, my R ankle started whining. I noticed that it felt like metal. I have no idea what metal really feels like in my ankle, but that sensation is what I imagine metal feels like underneath skin and screwed into bones. It seemed like the metal was doing the motion on the pedal, not my foot muscles. Odd. I promised it drugs when we got home and then took the longer way b/c I need to train for this upcoming 25K event. Plus, my concession was to promise my ankle not to have to climb any hills on the way home, which meant taking the longer route. We made it. Funny how my ankle, well that entire right leg actually, feels separate from me. I guess that's how I view it. Sometimes it requires thought and effort to coordinate me w/ that leg.

By taking the longer route I saw Peter Rabbit again. I believe this is the same one mentioned previously. The vicinity is between the river and a street I use to frequently run. Perhaps there is a family of rabbits who reside in the stretch of woods b/t the street & river.

Here's a joke I heard today. Do you know what psychopharmacology means? The suffix - ology, means "the study of". The prefix - psycho, means "dealing w/ the psyche/mind" or in slang, "just plain weird". The root word - pharm, usually means "medication". Hence, the study of medicines for the mind. However, if one is hearing this word for the first time and not actually seeing it written, the root word sounds like "FARM", meaning where animals are raised. In that case, psychofarmacology could mean "the study of just plain weird farm animals". If you're not laughing hysterically, I guess you just had to be there when I heard two girls having this conversation this morning. I roared w/ laughter - couldn't contain it. It still cracks me up everytime.

I worked hard in PT this morning. A lot of upper body & core strengthening. One of my play goals in PT is to balance completely on the physioball keeping all limbs and fingers/toes off the ground while I lay face down, curled around the ball. One on my aides can do it, so I'm gonna conquer it, too.

I had a great day! I kept a visit going all day w/ GOD. I guess I don't have to know the outcome of life events; I just have to have faith, keep moving forward to that prize, and offering praise to GOD in all things. Even the difficult things. When life stinks. I've been through enough stinky life to know that when I step out of GOD's way, the outcome is better than I ever imagined. I also know that faith gets stronger through the stinky days IF you CHOOSE.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-06-03T22:20:00.002-04:00

06/03/09: 4 1/2 miles tonight. This is the 1st time I've triked at night. I'm visiting friends on the mainland of NC. After an incredibly delicious, homemade Mexican dinner we went pedaling around the neighborhood. I forgot my camera and it was too dark for pics anyway. Our goal is to ride again tomorrow. Friend's husband and I pedaled as hard as we could. They live in a flat town (geographically, speaking); we got up to 17 mph. He was sweating; I was merely warming up :-)

There are many beautiful old Southern houses in this town. All those stories you read about the old South. Well, most of it is true. Mansions. Belief systems. Hospitality. Friendliness. Generosity. Humor.

I am a blessed person. At last count, I've lived in 19 houses. I have friends in many places. No wonder I'm healing so well from that accident. People everywhere petitioned GOD for my healing. Spiritually, many blessings have been poured upon me as a result of this accident: chiefly, meeting & talking w/ people I would not have otherwise met and talking about GOD's providential care in our lives. Grace.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-06-03T11:13:00.003-04:00

06/01/09: Not sure which language is read bottom to top, but that's the way these pictures showed up. Bear w/ me as I learn how to order pics the way I want to tell the story. For this entry, please scroll down to the bottom and read from the bottom pic up to this pic of a boy & his dog.

And here's the boy and his dog. My brother took the dog for a walk while we were out pedaling. We met up w/ him so the boy could play w/ the dog. I guess some things are the same regardless of which State you're in - love between a boy and his dog. Perhaps I should apologize to my kids (2 sons & 1 daughter) for never having a dog. Honestly, at that time, it came down to providing snacks for the kids or dog food for a dog. I gave the choice to the kids. They always chose snacks. My oldest received a dog along w/ taking a bride. My last 2 say they are going to get a dog. If they do I know they will be good pet owners.

And here's me w/ the crew sans Dad, who's taking the pic. Again, thank you, Andy.

Here's the crew standing in Andy Griffith's driveway on the OBX. I kid you not! We all are related to him (cousins) so we took family liberty of making this pic in his drive. THANKS, ANDY! I met him once. In a pharmacy on the OBX. He was not as pleasant as he seems on "The Andy Griffith Show". Maybe he was having a bad day.

Self protrait made by my Dad.

Here's the view from my rear view mirror: bringing up the rear. Hey, I can see my camera in the mirror, too. Kind of like life, eh? I can see where I've been, but have to have faith for where I'm heading.

This is us pedaling down the street. You've met the back of my daughter in an earlier post :-) We had a great trip. I wanted to take a pic of a full sailed sail boat on the Sound, but couldn't locate public property to make a stop on this jaunt. All in all we traveled 7 miles. I feel sad for the bottoms of my family members. I would not be able to ride one of those bicycle seats that far.

Here's Papaw on MY trike. My Dad. I believe he will either build one of these or purchase one. He's definitely hooked and thinking about all the ways to tweak this machine.

Here's Mamaw on my trike. My Mom. I think this fits her very well. She looks happy and comfortable!

Here's the boy on MY trike. The boy/man will be 16 yo in 2 mos. He's not excited about turning 16 b/c that means he "has to go back to school b/c summer vacation will be over". Smart kid. The boy led our triking venture this eve. At the end of the outing he took me deep into the woods where he and frds go quading (this is officially a new word now). OMW, it was totally cool! My trike was too wide to fit through some passes, so the boy dismounted his bike and manuevered me around on my trike to safety. Then he chose to push me through the other recesses of the quad paths. At one point a fallen tree stopped us. The boy said he'd move it. Yeah, right, I mean this was a TREE, not a branch off a tree. I guess all the weight lifting for football paid off. The boy moved the tree, then proceeded pushing me, on my trike, around the quad course. I hope we can return there before I head out of NC.

START HERE! My daughter and I are in NC. This is the inside of my Element packed w/ our luggage & trike/bike. We ended up having room for the front passenger seat to recline enough for resting during traveling. I drove the 1st day since daughter was sick. We stopped twice, soon after leaving our home, to allow her to vomit (I can't find a more descriptive word) on the tall grasses on the side of the interstate. She alway felt much better afterwards. On Mon afternoon we arrived at my parents' place on the OBX (Outer Banks of NC). Daughter will spend time visiting w/ her grandparents (& uncle & cousin) while I spend time w/a dear friend just over an hour away. This trip was daughter's idea. She wants opportunity to get to know her g'rents and for them to get to know her more before she moves away. This young woman has a wonderful heart.

2009-05-30T21:42:00.004-04:00

05/30/09: Terrific weather & 6+ miles!!

My new sunglasses -- very cool, eh? They fit perfectly over my eyeglasses, so I can still see where I'm going.

Promised (& permitted) pic of tall, dude PT on my trike. I can lift the trike in/out of my Element now, thanks to Scott.

Trike (that is a verb now, for you grammarians out there) was s'posed to be just to pick up a Rx for my daughter. But, the weather was so incredibly amazing I couldn't head right back home. Meterologist predicted T-storms for today; I bet he still has his job, again, despite being correct only about 50% of the time.

I triked down some neighborhoods I haven't been in for a long time. Mostly condo & rental areas. Not sure I could permanently live that close to others. I live pretty close in my neighborhood, but at least my walls don't join up to someone else's walls. Although, there would be the benefit of a quick "run around the wall" to borrow a cup of sugar :-)

What a beautiful day. And it was a pure surprise. I dragged myself out of bed right before 2 pm. I guess I should've opened the blinds and looked outside instead of believing what I was reading online. Better yet, I should've gone to the door and stepped outside. Ah, but there's always another day to do that.

As I was triking (have I used all the grammatical forms of "trike" in this post?), I kept uttering "Oh, My Word" (OMW) in reference to how completely spectacular the weather was today. My dear friend, Julia, always exclaimed, "Oh, my word". Her earthly birthday is approaching. I miss her. She's a grandmother now and has two son-in-laws. I know she is very pleased with her daughters. And she'd be thrilled for her husband who is teaching rock climbing classes and traveling anywhere there are mountains.

I'll be triking out of state the next few days - can't wait to share those adventures w/ you. I dream about triking across the country raising awareness for some charity. I think I need stronger legs first. HOWEVER, I moved into 3rd gear today. That was sweet! I had my triked tuned (say that 3 times quickly) last week. The gears shift much smoother now. And I can shift between the 3 speeds (I know that isn't the correct term). There's like a total of 27 gears or speeds (?), I think. I do not know the shifting lingo. When I say "3", I reference the tiers on the large chain holder in front of me. There is a chain holder on the back tire, but I think it is not as big as the front, large thing. I guess I don't know for sure b/c I can't see it when I'm pedaling. See, I told you I do not know the language. Please feel free to educate me :-) And the trike tuner switched my gear shifters to the opposite sides. That helps a lot! In the original position my right hand was doing most of the shifting. My right thumb is mostly useless, unless I want to experience pain. Someday, whenever I determine, I'll get a joint replacement in that thumb.

Well, I'm signing off because tomorrow I will not remain in bed until mid-afternoon. Those days only come once in a blue moon or when the weather person predicts t-storms and I don't have to pop up for appts.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-05-23T23:09:00.002-04:00

(I typed this in another document yesterday. While I did not do any triking yesterday [or today], this post is related to my trike. Plus, I think it shows another element [yes, that's the type of vehicle I drive] of this journey I'm on.)

TGIF 05/22/09

16 months post accident today. When I initially realized this I was relieved for the explanation of why I hadn’t been sleeping well lately, despite Lunesta (the little, blue butterfly pill - NOT that other kind of little blue pill). I hadn’t even thought about today’s anniversary.

I am making contact w/ a 20 yr younger woman from town re her journey from a “near-fatal” auto accident on the same road, one yr, nearly to the date, of my accident. I hope to see her tomorrow at a family celebration. (Update: I did meet her and her husband. We plan to visit again soon - this will be good for all 3 of us.)

I think the two, aforementioned, events influenced the flood of tears spraying from my soul this evening.

And, in today’s mail was a huge envelope from my attorney, which produced a 1” stack of court proceeding paper workings. Reviewing it made me sob. So many people were/are affected by that accident. My heart hurts b/c of the extent of disrupted lives. Fortunately, for my family, we are all Believers and this kind of challenge motivates us to be real and struggle through it together, supporting each other.

Plus, today was a great therapy day; I learned how to maneuver my trike into/out of my Element. Hopefully, I’ll remember the correct way to “use” my back, arms, and legs. My Fri PT took a short ride, HA, Dude’s over 6’ tall; his ride was literally short in 2 ways. Trike is built to personal specs: I’m 5’4” on left leg and 5’3” on right leg, so the pedals were a bit crowded and he had to get back inside for the next person's therapy session. I took photos, but will attain his permission and consent b/f posting them here.

I made beef & noodles for dinner. My daughter said wonderful things to my heart – she speaks truth! Another day, speaking of truth, I hope to tell you about a recent conversation she & I had about the inheritance she missed due to me surviving the crash.

Falling asleep
Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-05-21T15:51:00.004-04:00

Two Canadian Geese w/ their three goslings on our little, local lake.

A little closer image. They were paddling much faster than I.

"Yes, Sir, that's my Baby" ------- unrelated to HER, don't you love that pick up your dog poop sign?! If her brothers read this, PLEASE do not make this the topic at our next gathering.

Yesterday, Wed, 05/20/09: 87 degrees Fahrenheit!! And 8 miles (not the Enimen 8 miles, although that isn’t so far from here). Today, Th, 05/21/09, I'm recovering from 18 miles of triking over the past 2 days :-)

I had a “guest” journey with me today (yesterday's "today" since I'm posting this on Th). We had interesting and unusual conversation. You know, sometimes those conversations inside your head just sound plain weird and scary when uttered out loud. At least that’s what my daughter told me while we were conversing & pedaling through the dismal, swampy areas of our local trail. I’m glad she understands me, even at times is confused, by others, as being me ( a "mini-me"; much to her chagrin/delight).

Having my daughter join me today was akin to celebrating her birth and many of the other firsts in her life. She hasn’t ridden a bicycle in many, many years. In fact, when she was learning to ride, I was petrified that she would get lost going around our block. That was her style: playing out in the yard and ending up in some other neighborhood b/c she saw something pretty “over there”. Over there led to another “pretty over there”. So, we held a family meeting, one night, to discuss whether she was ready, er, whether we were ready, for her to ride around our simple, square block, ON the sidewalk. Her merely older brothers took it upon themselves to set up posts at the corners away from the sighting distance of our front yard. Meaning they went to the street behind our house and positioned themselves on their bikes at the intersections to prevent their little sister from wandering off. We did this a few times, until she understood that she had to turn left at every intersection. Very comical, in retrospect. Poor child, “bless her heart”! Even till today, she’s likely to end up somewhere entirely opposite of where she intends to go.

When she was in high school, she and a friend wanted to make a major road trip. Neither of them outright owned a vehicle nor had the financial resources to just get in a car and go. So, they invited me along. We were going to the Outer Banks of NC. I settled into the back seat, reading and napping, totally giving them reign over the vehicle and map. My sole function was to dispense money. At some point, well into the darkness, my dear daughter, awakened me and inquired whether we should go to NY or WV. We were quite far into PA, having departed earlier in the day from MI. Well, our initial itinerary did not include any part of PA. I figured out where we were, that’s when I decided that from then on, I have to purchase only large-print maps and keep a magnifying glass with the map, JIC, and decided upon another itinerary. Fortunately, we hadn’t made hotel reservations for that night. Unfortunately, we ended up “sleeping” across the street from some raucous truck driver convention, or something of the sorts.

All in all, it was just short of a miracle that my daughter rode her bike yesterday and stayed close to me. I guess she’s learned a lot in her “old” age. With explicit directions, we departed paths while I had a massage and chiropractic visit. She seemed concerned/anxiety-ridden, about getting lost when I had to turn right and go 1/4 mile south from our divergent paths. She repeadtedly asked for verification of her directions: "Go straight across this road, turn right as soon as you see another paved path, otherwise, you’ll be in a parking lot. Go to the end of that paved path until you reach the park. Stay there until I come to get you.” It worked :-) The park essentially is in the back "yard" of the chiro ofc. Same park as mentioned yesterday (yesterday's yesterday), which our family helped build and we've spent many, many visits playing there. This girl (young woman) grew up in this town. "Bless her heart!"

My chiropractor is very intrigued by this trike. First time he’s seen it – he sat on it and fell in love. I bet I’m gonna see him triking around town some day. You can’t NOT love it. It is so comfortable: reclined position, head rest, elevated legs. Luxury. I am grateful to my auto insurance company and my parents for gifting me with this trike. Well, my parents’ portion was a gift. I think I’m still paying for it re: the portion from the insurance company (recovering from injuries sustained in that auto accident). People comment on how “good” I look (I take it to mean “not as mangled as we imagined” or as gauntly as when I came home from the hospital). I am feeling stronger in my core. The core provides balance & stability for the limbs. People, also, comment that I’ll “be back to running very soon because you look so ‘good’”. To which I respond, “I love my trike”.

I may want to run a 5K, just so I can say “this is my last run” and know it is. The last time I ran I didn’t know it was the last time. At least, I do have that memory – the Portland Winter Run on Sat, Jan 19, 2008. Gosh, it was cold. And snowing. Bitter is more descriptive than “cold”. But, the veggie chili afterwards was awesome. And talking forever with my friend, Tracy, was a special treat. My concern about running “one more time” is that it may hasten the inevitable damage in my joints, thereby hastening surgery and recovery (and dependence upon others…). I vacillate between: 1) Be Nike and “just do it” – cherish the opportunity – go out w/ a victory run, and

2) slow down the inevitable – take as long as possible to prolong the need for surgery.

I meet w/ the foot/ankle dr (who, I just learned, attends the same church as I) in July. I’ll ask his opinion. He’s young (-er than me) and will understand this conundrum.

A conversation that threaded from my massage therapist to the chiropractor is how we think we’ll respond when we see Jesus F2F the 1st time. Do you have an image of how you think you’ll respond? Won’t it be incredible? Maybe you believe that you’ve already encountered Jesus’ face when you’ve fed the poor, visited prisoners, and given your Bible away to someone w/o a Bible, joined in the mesmerization of a little child’s wonder over nature, etc. Will seeing Him the second time be less awesome than the first time? Or will the first time be the beginning of eternity- no day or night or tears or sorrow or pain or ….

Blessings Abound!
~A~

(BTW, yes, my daughter granted permission for me to share how much fun she makes love)

2009-05-19T12:24:00.004-04:00

Tues, 05/19/09 Perfect weather day: 71 degrees F....... 10 miles! woo hoo. Joints are a little achy, but my soul is soaring.

I forgot my camera today, doggone it. Let me start from the beginning:
Upon exiting my garage, I did not initiate one pedaling effort. I coasted down my driveway, across my street, "jogged" to the street across from my drive, and zoomed down that hill right onto the trail - no pedaling, all coasting! Yep, that yardage is included in the final 10 miles :-) In some aspects, I'm loving triking more than running. Running allowed me to eat all and anything I wanted w/o guilt. Triking, well, I can go faster :-)

I cut off the trail to go to the bank, then went around a side street to re-access the trail. If you live in a place w/o trails of our kind, I feel sad for you. For a small town, we are grateful to Fred & Lena Meijer for their generous investments in improving the quality of life here. Even on a rainy or blizzardy day, our trails are beautiful.

At the Kids' Kingdom, which is an incredible play ground built by our townspeople (including my family), I took a loop (former running path) off the trail and rode over to Industrial Drive (it is what it sounds like). I called a friend who lives in an apt over there, telling her that I was triking by her house. She and her partner came out onto their deck to wave happy greetings. I rang my bell in gleeful response :-) THEN, I reclaimed another portion of the infamous Hwy 57. Aside: I saw my hand dr yesterday and he always tells me that he can never be on or think about Hwy 57 w/o thinking of me. He's a fabulous person, related to Beethoven, I believe. And I'm related to Andy Griffith. Seriously.

At the river I rejoined the trail. Quite a few people are out today soaking in as much Vit D as their bodies will hold and then cherishing the beauty of today just because they can. At my 1st Century marker (100 miles) I pulled out my phone to call my neuropsychologist and exclaim this event. He's become a bicyclist in this past year and will participate in a 24-hour biking event on Father's Day wkend. He's lost 50 # while training. He looks strong & lean. Well, I don't have his phone # in my cell phone, so I was scrolling through my list to see who else would actually care, to the degree that Martin would, and along came Mary. A lady, probably in her 60's was walking toward me as I'm zagging all over the trail trying to hold my phone w/ both hands leaving other pedestrians at the mercy of my undriven trike. Mary struck up a conversation as we approached each other. So, I figured she was GOD's provision of a person w/whom to celebrate. And she was perfect! She's starting up walking again after increased arthritis. She was most curious about my trike and how comfortable it appears (IT IS). So, I gave her a business card for http://www.terratrike.com/. I'm taking my trike in for a tune-up this Fri and going to query about commission for distributing their cards and advertising their business. Mary attends our local Catholic church and says she hopes we can chat again on the trail. For some reason, I imagine we will. She was thrilled I had pedaled 100 miles. GOD is so good to me.

As I rounded the turn to head toward the lake, two elderly men (late 70's - mid 80's) stopped to have a look at this "contraption." They commented that I was "sitting down on the job". I agreed and said that I was still getting the job done. We talked a couple moments and I rode on wondering, why is it that some people think that if another is getting the job done in a more efficient manner then it must not be quite good enough? Well, that's the sentiment these two old geezers presented, but you know what? That isn't my problem. My problem is to keep on pedaling and to reach the 2nd century mark.

Oh, I wish I'd had my camera w/ me. This next section will thrill my daughter and her friends as I describe the fowl wildlife. At the south end of the lake two swans were "posed" for a free holiday bank calendar picture of May. Right around the bend, a 3rd swan stood guard while 6 ducks slept on a wooden dock. In the middle of the lake 2 other swans were "pedaling" in the sunshine. Beautiful, ain't it, girls :-)

I caught myself a couple times pedaling w/o noticing the moments. I don't want to live like that anymore. When I ran, usually it was to get that marked off my list and hurry on to the next thing (and to eat a lot and feel good inside). I'd plan to go to a neighboring town today to find some shoes, but decided during the triking adventure, that I'm not going to hurry about in life anymore. It will be what it will be. It is what it is. Que sera,sera. Savoring the opportunity to sweat and smell my sweatiness is enough for today. If other things get accomplished, so be it, but I could not cut my time short w/ GOD in nature, just to do the next thing. I realize that sometimes I will have to "hurry up". But, today is not one of those days. Pacing, choosing, remembering what's most important, connecting w/other humans - lightening their load (thereby lightening my load, also), giving Praise, basking in now, fully living in now.

Wow, I sound better than I use to. Last summer seems like a blur. I think I fought so hard to prove to myself and everyone else that I can do this by myself. I wished I'd relaxed more inside me. Next summer I don't want to think the same thing about this summer.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-05-17T22:36:00.002-04:00

Sun, 05/17/09 < 2miles

I cannot believe it is June 17th already. Seems every so often I "wake up" and realize a chunk of time has passed (again). I wonder if this is peri-menopause or TBI or both.

Today, I ate heartily after returning from church, then sat on the couch w/ my daughter, to watch "Chocolat," which was on TV. Next thing I knew I was waking up 3 hrs later! Another thing I cannot believe. That's the 1st time I've napped that long and w/o Lunesta or any of the myriad other sleep aids I've tested in the past many months. My daughter said I must have been tired. Guess she was right. When I woke up, I triked to the movie rental store to return "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Being outside felt good, but for some reason, I wanted to hurry back to be inside. I'm learning that when I resist what I "need" to do, I don't feel good about myself. Spend too much time second guessing. What a waste of energy- just be true to what you know you need, in the first place.

While I was out, I was reminded of an old joke as a V-formation of geese flew over my head (thank goodness they didn't drop any bombs on me). Do you know why one side of the V-formation is longer than the other side?
.........................................................................................................................................................................
more geese on that side. HA HA I chuckled when I observed the truth to that joke this evening.

Tomorrow (Mon) is my 1st solo drive to physical therapy. Maybe that's why I want to be inside more, some anxiety about being "out there" and vulnerable. I'll work through this, but I do have to be honest and admit that this is tough work. When I was a teenager taking my first trips alone, I felt quite confident and invincible. Age informs me there are many over-confident teens out there driving now. However, the man who hit me is close to my age. I wish I knew why he was in such a hurry. I may never know, but I've learned a huge lesson: nothing is important enough to hurry somewhere in a wreckless manner. Passing vehicles on an icy road in blustery weather. Not safe. I hope he is well. If you ever cause another person harm, please, at the very least, send them a card letting them know you pray for their healing. I pray for his healing - if he's human, his heart has to grieve. If he is "not" human, then I pray that he becomes human and grieves.

Last summer, I was significantly more impaired w/ mobility; using a platform walker and learning to walk w/ a cane. I also relied on a wheelchair when outside my house. This summer, I'm finding that I have to choose activities so to not overtax my endurance. My R leg/foot seem to only be able to sustain so much use. I look forward to what next summer will bring. At least I'm walking (still w/ a cane when out of my house) and TRIKING this summer.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-05-15T21:13:00.003-04:00

Thurs, 05/14/09 (only) 2 miles

It took every ounce of internal motivation I could muster to get out & trike. Due to procrastination I only had time to travel 2 miles. And due to more procrastination (& forgetfulness) I'm updating this blog on Fri eve.

Now, I'm remembering that I triked b/f going to PT on Th. I found out that only women work at this office on Th afternoons. For some reason, all the male therapists and aides do not work Th afternoons. Kind of makes me re-think going to PT on MWF. My main PT is a female and triathlete (competitive triathlete, that is). She only works MW and spends the other days with her 2 young sons (& husband). My secondary PT, who thinks he is my chief PT, is a male; I see him on Fridays. He spends Th afternoons w/ his wife and 4 young children. He makes pizza every Fri eve for their family dinner.

Last week I met a woman, who is a patient and has survived more than many people I know (in my career, I've heard stories of many losses). This lady is in for rehab after knee replacement. That sounds funny, doesn't it? We do ask each other, "What are you in for?" I imagine that's what people in prison ask each other, too. What if wait staff asked that question after seating us, "What are you in for?" Funny question, to me. Her young adult son was killed in an auto accident by a drunk driver; her husband died from cancer. She had breast cancer in one breast. Had a lumpectomy. Went back to dr for follow-up; cancer was discovered in her other breast, which was completely unrelated to the previous cancer. She opted for double radical mastectomy. Then reconstructive surgery. She said they pulled the fat up from her stomach to make new breasts. I commented that this was a new way to get rid of the tummy bulge. We laughed and laughed. She was there on Th, gosh, that was just yesterday. WOW, seems like days ago (Yep, I am tired). Yesterday, as Linda was leaving (I hadn't even noticed that she was there; I guess she was leaving soon after I arrived), she stopped by my table and called me by name (pronoucing it correctly). I felt so loved. Again, we found something to laugh about and hug. What a beautiful person she is! She knows how to love well despite losing the loves of her life.

I'm watching "Farrah's Story" as I type. Her story is painful & exhilerating to watch. I have little memory of being in the hospital. However, seeing scenes from Farrah's journey elicits some subconscious memory in my being. I'm experiencing flashbacks of shiny floors and inumerable needles. Her son believed her to be well and on the mend b/c she looked so good. People seem to only see what their eyes show them (and their hearts can contain, I guess). They cannot see the "cancer cells" on the inside, so they only see the outside. Like faith, huh? What's the purpose of faith if it is based on what we see?

I'm closing here while I can still see the screen (tears are gonna fly) - hoping to get in at least one triking session this wkend (weather depending).
Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-05-13T00:14:00.005-04:00

Tues, 5/11/09 - 3 miles.

Relatively simple course. What I noticed is that I am stronger. When I began triking outside (versus on the personal trainer for inside) I mostly used gears 1-5. I don't think I ever went under 5 today. Quite cool. This was a new "aha" for me to discover another way to guage my physical progress.

Seems I hadn't ridden in a while - 6 days. Sometimes it seems like 6 days are a fog; can't account for them. They're here, then they're gone. Blur. One of the gifts resulting from this accident is that I'm learning how to live in the "most things don't matter" attitude. So what? 6 days are gone. Many events happened during those days or days just prior. My youngest son graduated college and was informed yesterday that he is awared a graduate teaching assitantship, which will pay a living stipend and FULL tuition for his MA. He's a happy, happy guy. My youngest child, my daughter graduated from college this past weekend. She obtained a 4 yr degree in THREE yrs. Oh, I journeyed to witness my younger son's 1st participation in a 25K running event. He made great time -- under 2 1/2 hrs!

All these events have made me very fatigued. I spent the better part of today sitting in bed on my new coccyx cushion and completing phone calls, etc, I'm falling asleep now (should be - it's mid-night thirty a.m.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-05-05T21:25:00.004-04:00

Tues, 05/05/09. Painful triking this afternoon; just under 3 miles. Not listening to my body, determined to overcome the pain w/ movement, I triked a few errands in town. A storm front is moving in and I think that combined w/grueling, sweat producing therapy on Mon made my body ache. Turns out that the movement didn't really help. Should've spent more time reclining w/ my legs elevated. Oh well, another lesson learned. Sure I'll forget it though, b/c I LOVE triking!

Adults "casually" comment on the trike when I'm out. Usually a male will comment that the trike looks "interesting". Females don't generally speak out - not sure why, because I'd for sure, be chasing down someone on a trike like mine to ask a hundred questions :-)

Kids, however, again especially males, yell out what a "cool bike" this is and "where'd you get it?" Females kids tend to smile and say "wow". I wish I could purchase a trike for every kid out there walking around. Wouldn't that be "COOL"?

To all, I respond that this is a "fun trike" and "very cool ride". I hand out terra trike's business cards if I'm not flying by the commenter.

I wish everyone could take a ride on this kind of transportation. It is completely GREEN :-)
Today, I used my coccyx pillow (i.e., hemorrhoid donut); it provided extra comfort. Yesterday, I picked up two styles of coccyx pillows. One is larger and more square shaped w/ a "V" cut out where the coccyx goes. I use this one inside, like right now! It is too big (height wise) to use in my Element; it raises my foot off the floor so I'm unable to depress the accelerator w/ my foot, relying only on my toes (not safe). The one I used today w/ my trike is my Element cushion. It is, literally, a hemorrhoid donut. Looks just like it seems it would look. I suppose I could take pics of them and document this phase of recover :-) I'm waiting for my spine dr's ofc to call and schedule an appt. Discomfort is increasing in both ends of my spine. Cervical end had a few fractures from the accident. I wonder if the discomfort is arthritis creaking in. The other end, coccyx, well, not sure why it is more painful. Could be due to unequal use of hip muscles. Spine guy will check it out. Yep, it is odd having someone palpate my coccyx. All modesty went out the window after spending so much time in the hospital and being unable to attend to any of my needs for such a long time. If a dr can touch it and make it feel better, then I'm up for it!

What an odd ending (get the pun??) for this post. Not gonna trike tomorrow; storm may be here by then. I may apply for a meteorologist position someday....

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-05-05T00:39:00.002-04:00

Mon, 5/4/09: ~ 3 miles. Triked to Meijer to drop off scripts, then stopped by local gym. PT seems to be planting the seed that in a few months I will transition to individual therapy w/ a personal trainer, through a gym. Since the gym was between me and Meijer I stopped in for a visit. I've been advised to get a couple gym options so that I can compare my needs when presenting my research to my insurance company. I don't anticipate problems, but tonight, my nurse case manager (ncm) popped into my head being puzzled by the outcome of a recent script for a coccyx pillow. In this dialogue in my head, she didn't realize I'd need two types of pillows and wondered if that was excessive. In my head, I repeated the conversation I had w/ the order clerk at the home care supply business. Then, it hit me, I'm beginning to feel some anger. Anger, b/c, I may have to justify how one cushion does not fit all seats and sitting needs. For the rest of my life, I imagine I'll be in one conversation or another, advocating for my needs. What a reprieve it will be when Christ advocates for me b/f The Father and I won't have to. I need to think about this more. Any comments??

Somehow I always keep thinking I'll fully recover. I have recovered so much, more than expected from a medical standpoint. This afternoon, a formerly quiet space inside me roared up and asserted an acknowledgement that I won't easily go down. Today (& hopefully, tomorrow, I'll have the energy to advocate for myself again. Today's "deal" was only in my head, but that's a tip off that some confrontation is heading my way and I feel prepared.

Oh, GOD whispered her name to me this morning while out triking. I did a double take and questioned GOD what was happening, when all Iwas hearing was the single word, "whisper". Well, I was completely alone, on my trike and no one to speak to, let alone, whisper to. After a few more pedal pushes, I saw her in my Element and GOD again said "whisper". Now I know her name. Her name is "Whisper". Ironic, isn't it since she is a lion? It fits. I'm sure I'll learn more about how this fits. Wouldn't you know that as soon as I ask the question the answers begin appearing. I've been a loud lion in my life. Since this accident, my voice fades into a whisper as I tire, feel anxious, fearful, vulnerable, etc. I am still a lion in my heart. Now I am the kind that can lie down w/ a mouse and care for each other.

I'm typing this under the influence of sleep med. I had much energy today and started many tasks. I'm planning to complete these tasks tomorrow. As long as the energy holds out.
Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-05-02T04:17:00.000-04:00

Sat, 05/02/09 FAITH! Yeah, the kind of faith that can trike on water - amazing, eh? Of course, I have the kind of faith that says, "I'll watch you go first." I saw a woman run on this water, then I dipped my tires in, ever so slowly, thinking that maybe I shouldn't get my trike in the river. But, then determined "What the heck, Peter walked on water, so I can trike on water;" plus, I'd just witnessed the woman not sink. What I believe isn't the problem, it's the unbelief part that gets in my way of focusing on faith. I am like Thomas - no doubt about it. I'd want to poke my fingers in those holes and see if it was for real. Perhaps that's connected to another reason I'm fascinated w/ cadavers - I can poke around inside a human body and get an idea of what the insides of me look like. Of course, the insides of me gush blood if poked too hard. Not so w/ a cadaver, although some parts leak a variety of matter. Enough of this subject already.

A river runs through it, or more accurately a river runs over it. This is a beautiful portion of our local trail, which is paved. We have been blessed w/ an abundance of rain (and snow) this year, hence our river spilleth over and onto and into. I think we should plant rice b/c the fields are so wet. That's me treading water on my trike this morning. All in all, I triked 12+ miles for around 2 hrs. I stopped and visited a few times during the venture. The woman who ran on the water was gracious to take my picture triking over the water. The City had a barricade to stop people like her (& me) from entering this flooded portion of the trail. Well, those same barricades did not deter me a couple yrs ago when this portion of the trail was being constructed. Secretly, back then, I hoped a cop would lunge out from the trees and fine me for trespassing. My speech was prepared, "I am honored to pay for the right to run on this historic path and witness its transformation." I guess cops don't lunge, especially from trees. There are no Dunkin' Donuts or Krispy Kremes in my town; ahhh, now I remember, they gather at Big Boy. Where else?? No offense to any cops or relatives who may read this.

What a day of wonderment! Not to forego mentioning the beautiful weather, but I visited w/ a dear friend (from my former, pre-accident life). Her shouts of excitement made my day - she is hilarious (one of my favorite traits in people). I appreciate her candor in acknowledging that my face is different now. We (medical lingo for "doctors") think my "stiff upper lip" is due to nerve damage. I can feel it and can't make it loosen up; "we" notice nothing "unusual". Of course THEY didn't know me before. My lip, facial muscles, and voice quality are different. I don't drool as much as I did last summer. Speech therapy helped, but I suspect this may be as good as it gets. I think I'm in that phase of recovery where I'm accepting reality, "as is". When you see that label on a garment or appliance or any retail product you begin looking for what's missing or dented or malfunctioned. My personality resists "as is" - there's always room for improvement, which ultimately means nothing is "as good as it gets". That's my personality. GOD made me this way, right?

The perfect ending to an absolutely amazing day of graces was happenstancely (new word?) stopping by another friends when I "missed" the usual road home. Fortunately, she had just arrived home and had a fresh bouquet of flowers. "Bouquet" seems to minimize the enormity of this floral arrangement. She lavished flowers and readings and goodies for me to bring home. GOD never ceases to amaze me. I wonder if GOD says that about me??? When I merely go about going about GOD pours "more than I deserve" into my heart. I was perfectly content w/ the beauty of the day and being able to trike on water. That was enough. GOD gave me more than enough. Is that possible? I guess it really isn't "enough" unless GOD is in it, then the cup can overflow w/ GOoDness.

I look forward to sleeping (from my hips to my toes, every joint moans) and tomorrow's adventures. May you gain awareness and gratitude of your overflowing cup.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

PS: I made it up "that" hill on the other side of the lake (pic in some earlier post). Barely. Coach Mark walked behind me when I couldn't make one more pedal push. I regrouped my brain and breath and pressed on. By the end of July "that" hill will be a piece of cake! I love cake. Oh, and yeah, I started out this morning w/ former runner cohorts. Whenever I ran w/ this group I was always in the rear. Today, I zoomed ahead of them a couple times. In the end, they finished before me. Like I said, I stopped and visited a couple times :-)

2009-04-30T12:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, 04/29/09: triked errands mostly on roads, even the main drag through town. Total mileage was ~ 3 or so miles. Stopped at the post office - a man told me of a major biking tour through MI: DALMAC. I spent much time last night researching this event along w/the other events hosted by the Tri County Biking Club (or something like that). I'm seriously contemplating entering a 25K event this summer. I need to contact the organizer and make sure my trike is entry worthy. I know I stopped somewhere else yesterday, too, but I cannot remember....

TODAY, 04/30/09: 1st rain trike :-) I think today was ~ 4 or so miles. I've gotta place a pad of paper by my trike parking place to record miles. That would be helpful for me. I took my laptop downtown to get tweaked - scroll function is not working. There was no rain when I began, but it didn't take long for the sprinkling to start and then the thunder, then the lightning, then the downpour. WOW -- it felt so good. You know, I probably should've sought cover when the rumbles and lightning started, but I'm ready to GO. I'm not gonna go chasing lightning paths to purposely GO, but if I GO in the course of my daily living (or triking or driving or being a passenger), then I'm ready.

I am reclaiming Hwy 57 - the infamous road where many lives are claimed (almost mine). I triked ON it for about a mile today. Vehicle drivers were very courteous. I even saw a cop. No problems. My confidence was increased a hundredfold. GOD is good!!

Riding w/ the computer strapped just behind my head was a bit awkward, but manageable for the short trip. Of course, I took the long way to the computer shop which meant longer awkwardness. Yes, the computer was safe from the rain. Oh well, lessons learned today.

Lessons learned: Rain happens. And that's a good thing. It nourishes Mother Earth and makes all the colors vibrant. You know what else happens, too, don't you? S**t happens. And that's a good thing too, if you choose for it to be. Everyone Poops. We can get bogged down in the messiness & stinkiness (Yep, mine does stink!) of it or we can view it as an opportunity for growth. Essentially, S**t is manure, if processed correctly. And manure is essential to plant growth. Just like when "S**t happens," this can be essential for human growth. It's all choice. I know it isn't always easy to choose " :-) " all the time. Pain produces healing, if you CHOOSE. What's that saying? "No pain, no gain". Truth in simplicity. I'm am thankful for today's rain. I bet if I sat outside I could actually see the plants growing. I bet we each can see each other growing when S**t happens, too.

Blessings Abound!
~A~
PS: I was going to take a picture of Peter Cottontail's descendant today as s/he quickly hopped across my path. But, I wasn't fast enough in getting the camera out. Perhaps there's a way to mount my camera on the trike........

2009-04-26T21:06:00.000-04:00

My traveling companion - I haven't named HER yet.

The pedal modification - one piece. Do you see the "O" ring by the right "accelerator"? That's the pull tab to remove the configuration so someone else can drive my vehicle. I cannot drive anyone else's vehicle (I have a medically restricted DL), including cannot rent a car or use a loaner while mine is being repaired. . . . That right "pedal" is actually a plate preventing me from accidentally engaging the actual accelerator. At some point, in the near future ("near" is relative when dealing w/ systems), the center console area to the right of the actual accelerator will be cut away so my right leg can stretch out for relief.

Sorry this is "crooked" - the modification for the gear shifter so I do not have to use my bum R thumb.

In my Element - this is the other way I get around. "Polished Metal Metallic" -isn't that the most redundant, sorry excuse of a color's name that you ever heard of? I would've called this color - galaxy grey or gunsmokin' grey. I like the latter.

Can you see that road at the other end of the lake? That's my goal to accomplish by the end of July - it is worse than "hell hill" - shorter distance and much steeper. I'll do it - one pedal at a time.

How many turtles do you count on that one log??

This is the view of my right "knee" . . .

. . . and this is the view of my left knee while triking :-)

This is the incredible "zoomer" - I am loving it!

o4/26/09: Sunday. Finally, adding pics, if I figure it out, again. I think I'm getting the gist of it... well, I think not, actually. I attempted cut/paste to arrange the pics in a different order. It is what it is (for now).

I haven't triked lately due to much needed rain. Actually, I think the last trike was last Sun (19th), when I participated in our town's annual Fitness event. There was a 5K run & a 1 mi walk. I registered as a walker, but triked the 5K course. I chatted w/ many walkers, runners, & runner/walkers. A 1st grader, named Alex, who I met at the starting line for the walkers, jogged alongside me for quite a distance. He was quite a chatterer - very friendly guy. His family followed, not too far behind, pushing Alex's younger brother in a stroller. One lady was wearing a light blue, long sleeved t-shirt w/ "Dashing through the snow" written on the back. It was from "yrs earlier"; I think that 5K was in IN in Feb. Makes sense that she dashed through the snow. A man who expressed great intrigue in my trike, as a possibility for his 70-something year old mother (I feel 70+ some days), was running the event b/c his employer pays entry fees for company wellness (Great Deal as fees can accumulate rapidly once you're addicted). Mike, or Sam, not recalling exactly what his name was - we never actually introduced ourselves until we'd finished talking about the trike and his running history. He's lost 500 # - not a typo: FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS. He's not focused on his weight so much now as his fitness. He was one of the runner/walkers I met.

I challenge you to get out there and participate in some charity run, bike, or walk this summer. You'll feel doubly good! If you cannot run, bike, or walk then invite someone to push you in a wheelchair. Get out; get moving; feel the air rushing around your face and into & out of your lungs.

Blessings Abound!

~A~

2009-04-18T00:10:00.001-04:00

04/17/09 (Fri) The beauty of today's weather was a foretaste of glory divine. Couldn't have been any more perfect.

My goal for today was to trike 10 miles. Did it!

Started out going UP Luray hill over to Marvel (aka: Hell Hill). My trike odometer peaked at 25 mph going DOWN Marvel before I started applying the brakes. I never ran that fast :-) IRunning down hills can hurt more than running up hills. Circled around the lake twice then went onto the trail to home. I took pics -- will work on getting them onto a post by Sun eve -- quite incredible pics, if I do say so myself. I won't describe them now.

I plan to participate in a fitness day here in town this Sun. You can either walk 1 mile or run 5K. Well, I rec'd permission to trike whichever path I want. IF the weather isn't wet, then I hope to go for the 5K, just b/c triking 1 mile won't take any time at all.

Back to today (Fri) - I chatted w/ many interesting people on my trike: a young family w/ Dad pushing one of the kids on a trike; a mom and 3 young kids out picking up garbage on the trail; a man who was completely intrigued by my trike (he was on a BIcycle); two men working in a yard wondering how fast my trike could go (25 mph down hill otherwise, as fast as my legs can make it go); a newly married woman who is also new to town (she moved from Kansas. As my good friend, Wendy would say about her being from Kansas, "Bless her heart"). I have a rear view mirror on the left steering hand thingie, which permitted me to observe many people turning around as I passed by them. This trike is awesome. I contacted someone from our local newspaper about me doing a volunteer column on the "unsung heroes" in town, like the mom and 3 kids cleaning the trail. I have the higher up name to contact next..... you never know what will transpire. I envision interviewing the ordinary people who use the trail in town - everyone is a hero to someone. We don't hear about these folks often enough.

I visited friends tonight who have encouraged me through the maze of legalities from being severely injured in an auto accident. The husband is a quadriplegic now from an auto accident about 5 yrs ago. I shared pics of my trike and new vehicle (again, will post pics by Sun eve). He has an electric 3-wheeler. Perhaps the three of us will hit the trail sometime this summer.

It is tomorrow already (Sat the 18th). I will be back.............

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-04-15T22:24:00.000-04:00

04/15/09 Happy Tax Day (Night) - you have a little less than 1 1/2 hrs to get that paperwork to the post office.

I triked to the post office this afternoon to drop off money for the gov't. It was a fast & furious trike b/c I had just a few minutes between arriving home from PT and needing to return home for an appt that didn't transpire (gutter people didn't show - guess they may lose my business). In my rushing about I saw the daughter of our family's adopted g'ma. Grandma Marie died last year while I was in the hospital. She was 98 or 99 yrs old. She was still a spry, alert woman until that last year. She was on my list of "things to do" the weekend after my accident. That was her b'day wkend. She lived in an adult foster care home just a few blocks from me. I stopped to visit her just about every week: taking her for errands (until she disappeared from church one day - someone took her out to eat w/o letting me know -- that was a fiasco, which resulted in her not being able to go to church any more per her family), running, literally, errands for her, polishing her nails, massaging her hands and feet, just loving on her and listening to whatever she wanted to talk about. I don't remember the event of her death - it occured during the "black hole," the 7-wk period that I don't have memory of. It was good to see G'ma Marie's daughter today. We all miss Marie & will do well to live and love as well as she did. She was very ready to go Home. I am, too.

Tomorrow is supposed to be another terrific weather day and several days after that, as well. Tomorrow is the final road test w/my newly modified vehicle. I'll tell you all about it by the end of this week. I'm not as excited about the vehicle as I am about going to the grocery store ON MY OWN.

Blessings Abound!
~A~

2009-04-09T18:56:00.000-04:00

Th, 04/09/09: Today's sky looked like a painting. Hardly a breeze which allowed the huge, blinding white, fluffy clouds to be suspended in the flawless blue sky. Wow - that's sounds beautiful, doesn't it? It was!

I triked an old running route today. From my garage to the trail (about 500' from my drive way), over to the truck route, around behind the middle & high school bldgs, past a new business in town (didn't know it was here), snaking around the curvy road by apts, past the bowling alley, to the main drag of town. That sidewalk really could use replacement. I stopped at the post ofc, then rode through down town, back to the trail by the gazebo park, and then to home. On that last leg, I saw a Dad & son resting from their bike ride and asked if the Dad would take a picture of me on the trike. The son jumped right over to look at the "cool bike" and to be in the pic. His name is Benjamin & 5 yrs old. Friendly guy. For now, he is with me on the main page. You can tell from the gloves & clothing that spring remains a little chilly yet. We'll get warmed up by the end of May; there may be a few warm days (no gloves & coat needed) between now and then. Just figured out how to upload a picture from today's trike onto this blog -- appears it popped up on the top.

May Blessings Abound in your heart this Resurrection weekend!

~A~

2009-04-08T20:55:00.000-04:00

Wed, 04/08/09 - The weather & sky were absolutely perfect today. At least for a MI spring day: 50's & sunny!

After 2 1/2 hrs of physical therapy (indoors) I couldn't tolerate staying inside when I came home today. A transportation company carts me to/from therapy appts which are 40 minutes from my house. That will end soon as I will have another set of wheels in a few days. It's been 15 months since I last drove. Yep, I am a bit anxious. Not about my driving skills. About other people. Like the man who crossed the center line and hit me head-on. People in a hurry. Not paying attention. Being distracted. Being careless. I've been having dreams (night & day) about being hit while riding my trike or driving my vehicle (I'll tell you what it is when I take possession of it). I know this is a symptom of PTSD. I'm dealing with it - the dreams are in relationship to being vulnerable (again) as a driver. Being a Counselor tends to complicate my emotional/mental health recovery. You'd think there would be the opposite effect. But, you know medical doctors think they can heal themselves, too :-) A nurse treats him/herself vs going to a dr. Cslrs are not much different. However, I am seeing a neuropsychologist 1-2 times each month, so I am taking care of myself! Plus, I'm taking meds to orchestrate neurochemistry balance in my brain (TBI). Initially, I tend to deny that I'm affected emotionally. I have been dealing w/ the grief & loss matters; and continue to.

Back to getting out in that sunshine today. I triked to my bank (accomplishing an errand always helps me get motivated to get out and exercise: two birds w/ one stone). The bank is 1/2 way to the house of an elderly friend, who, I found out yesterday, had knee replacement surgery recently. She's been in my thoughts so I decided to go see her. She is struggling w/ nausea, but her knee is doing quite well. Then I triked for pleasure through neighborhoods I haven't seen in over a year. It's amazing that one can live in the same town for many years and not see parts of the town for too long of a time. Well, my excuse has validity. This time.

The fowl were a plenty on this jaunt. A river runs through our town. Near one traffic bridge there is a dam. In the past year, the water has been returning to former levels providing terrific habitat for wildlife. A few "islands" remain in the river above the dam. A congregation (of fowl) was assembling on a larger island. A couple (2 fowl) on a neighboring island either left the meeting early or boycotted it. They looked odd standing off alone on their own island. I certainly know what it's like to be on my own island away from the support and camaraderie of neighbors. I bet we've all been in that position a few times in our lives. Isn't it amazing what we can think about if we just slow down and listen to our own thoughts. Maybe that's why I stayed so busy up until this accident. Maybe that's why I work harder in recovering so I can cover up much of the chatter in my heart. Running provided the time & space for me to listen to GOD; to listen to my heart in connecting w/ GOD. Triking is taking me there now. I love it! I preferred running alone so I could have uninterrupted spiritual communion w/ GOD. I "learned" to run w/ a local club. They taught me a lot. They taught me to run road races and marathons. I learned the basics and moved my running up a notch to enhance a connection with nature. Some run to get better and win races. Some run to obtain a Boston invite. I ran to eat & be "at one" w/ GOD. To be atoned. To atone.

That's another quirk of mine -- determining purpose of words and word arrangement. To play with words and re-think words. "Say what you mean and mean what you say." Take time to communicate as clearly as possible. For those in close relationship w/ me, this frustrates the life out of them.

I overdid the exercise today. The right half of my body is whining. I got out my platform walker tonight to assist in ambulating around the house -can't put pressure on my right foot. Lesson learned the hard way (IS there another way???): trike less the day of physical therapy :-)

I love hearing from you. I'm grateful we're on this journey (of life) together...

Blessings abound!!
~A~

2009-04-06T19:38:00.000-04:00

Mon, 04/06/09 -
No snow! I had a massage and chiropractic appt this afternoon, so I decided to trike over there (1.2 mi). It is chilly out there; I wore 4 layers of clothes and a head/face mask under the helmet. We'll see if the predicted snow shows tonight & tomorrow. Pray for all those attending the MSU/UNC B'ball game tonight in Detroit. Sounds like the weather is quite bad on that side of MI. Over 100K people w/o power in SE MI (Detroit area).

While triking, the name of this blog still bugged me. It wasn't right. Not sure it is exactly the message I wish to convey yet, but this is doggone close. It's a paraphrase of Heb 12. Endurance is definitely the theme of running a marathon &/or healing 35+ broken bones (and a myriad other issues). My massage therapist kneeded my quadriceps - she said she could feel the quad building up in my R leg. Feeling muscle growth is exciting. While I was in hospital beds for 70 days my muscles significantly atrophied. Due to loss of range of motion in my right ankle, it is possible that the calf (gastrocnemius) muscle will suffer considerable & permanent atrophy. Before I began running 6 yrs ago, I often joked about having muscular atrophy in all my muscles. I think it's called flab/fat.

I ran one season of track in high school - the 3 mile event. I definitely was not a stand out star, probably just one of the few morons who chose to run that far. Then I "ran" in college because guys wanted to run w/ Julia & me. This shouldn't be called running, because Julia & I had lots of fun being chased. I attempted to run two years after my last child was born with a friend. She was far more dedicated than I & taking care of 3 kids, ages 2, 3, & 4, consumed my dedication. My 1st born ran cross country his senior yr of high school. The transformation that took place within & without that kid o'mine was phenomenal. I craved what he had attained. So I took up running to challenge my husband to run farther than around our city block. From there the training began until I had completed two marathons & was training for my third. Running worked for me. I'd tried all the exercise fads over the years, but nothing stuck for me. Could be 'cause I chose to focus on keeping up with my kiddos' activities. Here, in MI, I ran 4 seasons. In all kinds of weather (sun, rain, hail, sleet, snow, thunderstorm, ice). The challenge greeting every day was getting out there: just do it! Well, I had very strong, lean leg muscles on Jan 21, 08. That's probably why my legs are as strong as they are now - better than drs anticipated!

On today's trike I saw one dog, two seagulls (go figure!), and quite a few people. I was surprised by the number of people out in the blustery winds. However, the sun was shining and that is a major lure to the outdoors for Michiganders, despite the temperature. The cold air smelled fresh and promising. Spring is coming........ and
Blessings abound!
~A~

2009-04-04T19:19:00.000-04:00

04/04/09: Brilliant sunny & blue sky! Triked my favorite route (previously outlined) early this afternoon. I wore 3 layers of clothing & was very comfortable. Under my helmet I wore a dry-weave face mask; it is long enough to cover my neck, too. The air was slightly brisk, especially while zooming down hills.

Was thinking about the name of this blog while out triking. I am NOT an advocate of using the word "try" in my vocabulary. "Try", to me, is a poor attempt at making an excuse for one's choices. I agree w/ Yoda, "There is no try; there is do or not do." I understand what someone is meaning when they genuinely put forth effort to accomplish a task and explain that process as "try" or "tried". However, that line of reasoning always leads to an explanation of what interferred and derailed completing a task. In other words, "try" serves to expect leniency for not keeping one's word. When someone genuinely puts forth effort, then I prefer to focus on the steps that were actually accomplished and the steps yet needing to occur. I feel more positive about myself when I focus on what I actually do vs what I don't get done. I choose to view the things I didn't get done as the next steps for accomplishment. When I say "I 'tried,'" I feel a sense of guilt over what I didn't complete. When I say "I did thus & such and need to do this & that next," there is a greater sense of accountability toward myself & others. Another more crude way to describe "try" is: piss or get off the pot. You either do or don't pee. You may pee a little bit, that is not a "try"; that is an accomplishment. You did pee a little. Or you didn't pee at all. Dribbling is peeing. If someone dribbled on your toilet seat, you'd say that person peed on the seat. They may not have meant to pee on the seat, in other words, they "tried" not to pee on the seat. Yet, they did. My Dad use to say, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." Not that peeing on the toilet seat leads one to Hell (although in my house, I'm sure that's what the males in the house feared when I sat on a wet toilet seat), but the intention is key. If you pee on the toilet seat, then you did not intend to hit the hole wholly. You were careless, unthoughtful, disrespectful, etc... Dr Randy Carlson of Family Life Radio spends much focus on living life intentionally. People do not "try" when they live intentional lives. They either do or not do. Be like Nike: Just Do It!

WOW - that's a long way to get back to "tryking" for the name of this blog. As I was triking, I thought about changing the i to a y. I liked the possibility of tryking. As in, try my KING. But, then I went back to the line of reasoning expounded in the previous paragraph. I do not want someone to "try" my King. I want them to fully immerse themselves in my King. Even when "trying" on clothes; you're still putting them on and taking them off - there is no "trying" involved. There are decisions to be made: does this make my butt look big? can you see too much of what I don't want to show? does this color make me look more green? Those are decisions. So, I decided to forego tryking.

While triking this afternoon, I saw a plethora of wildlife. A squirrel darted across the path in front of me near the river. Two cats were sunning on the trail near the dam. Twelve turtles were sunning on the same log in the swamp pond while there were 4 turtles on another log and 2 on a third log. At the lake there were four geese on the western side of the lake searching for their afternoon snack. There were five swans gracefully gliding in the lake's current. I know swans mate for life. Well, several years ago, a swan died on the lake. I believe the odd-man-out swan is the surviving mate returning every year. I suppose that swan could be the odd-woman-out. I don't know how to decipher gender of swans. Many dogs (not wild life b/c they were leashed) were out with their people; one was pulling his/her people who was on roller blades. Made me think about whether to get a dog to power my trike. There is a harness setup that accomodates 1-2 dogs running w/ a trike. I guess we trikers could initiate our own Iditarod event. 1,160 miles would be a long triking trek. But, I imagine it's a long event for the sledders (& dogs), too.

Today's trike took < one hour. The 1st time I triked this trek (my favorite route) took just over one hour. I guess my legs are getting stronger! Blogging about this part of my recovery will help me keep track of improvement and gains in my lower limb healing.

Jan 22, 09 - this all began then. That was the day of a "near fatal auto accident" in which I was hit, head on, by a large SUV. Just typing the word SUV reminds me of a story my husband tells me (is SUV a word?). When I was in Trauma ICU, I did not understand how I ended up in the hospital. He kept telling me that I was hit by an SUV. Each time, I'd respond, "What's an S-U-V?" I could not comprehend his description. I experience mild TBI (traumatic brain injury), more about that at some point in the future, and I'm sure the TBI + drugs + trauma aided in my inability to comprehend and remember what an SUV was.

On Tues of this week, a friend reminded me that I thought I had been hit while out running. I do not recall hearing that element of this story before. However, it is entirely possible she &/or others have told me this same story many times. Recently, another friend laughed when she told me that she's told me the same story three times since I've been home from the hospital (which is one year ago on April Fool's Day); as of right now, I do not remember what she told me, but I do remember us laughing together about me not remembering. Running was a near daily experience for me. I may have been on my way home to run. I don't know. Not sure why I thought I'd been hit while running. Could be because I had so many broken bones (35+; some shattered beyond repair) and it made less sense that I could be that injured in a car accident when my VW Passat had airbag protection and I always wore my seat belt. I've learned, "SUV trumps Passat! every time". To sum up where this paragraph began, my legs were severly injured and to be able to trike is a miracle and JOY! Keeping track of my legs' recovery through this blog will also help me mentally, emotionally, & spiritually.

With that said, I will stop for now. We're supposed to get snow tomorrow (Sun) -Tues. This is spring in MI :-) But Wed's coming and it's gonna be sunny again - in other words, triking times again........

Blessings abound! and GOD is good! ALL the time!! (which reminds me of a running story, ..... I'll tell you another time) ~A~

2009-04-02T17:50:00.001-04:00

2009-04-02T16:54:00.000-04:00

Now, I am a triker (picture to be obtained in the near future). Formerly, I was a runner (picture to be unburied in the near future). Two marathons under my belt (er, shoe soles), a plethora of 5Ks, and quite a few other road races in between. I had just started training for my 3rd marathon (OBX) on Jan 19, 08. My ultimate goal was to participate in a charity marathon in HAWAII for my 50th b'day.

I ran to eat. So, in a sense, running was my life :-) In many senses, running was my life - it managed stress, provided exercise, aided time management, enhanced self confidence, and most importantly of all, connected me with GOD through nature, sanctuary, and gratitude. I felt invincible while running. Even when I didn't want to get out there or get out of bed, I knew how much better I'd feel once the run was completed. Running motivated me to face all challenges. The marathoner's creed, "There will be days when I don't know if I can run a marathon. There will be a lifetime knowing I have.", encouraged me to keep moving forward.

January 22, 2008. I do not remember whether I ran that day or the day before that or the day before that. I do remember running the 5K Portland Winter Run (MI) on Jan 19th. Generally, I ran daily 5-6 days each week for no less than 30 mins and upward to several hours (while marathon training). My favorite length of run was 1 - 1 1/2 hours at least twice a week.

I began practicing to be a triker on 12/30/08. I have a new trike (THANK YOU CITIZEN'S AUTO INSURANCE) made by www.terratrike.com . For one week I rode my trike (yellow zoomer) inside my house using a "trainer". Then I ventured outside one sunny, wintery day and felt the rush of wind over my face and around my body again. Refreshing!!! Life-giving!!! My blood was pulsing through my veins again. Winter returned, along w/awful depression (not that depression is ever less than awful), so I merely looked at my trike, often, as I hobbled through my family room.

On Sat, 03/28/09, spring sprung and I was out zooming the trails in town. For ONE solid HOUR (you can coast while triking - this is quite cool as it is similar to a runner's high). What a glorious experience. I triked my favorite running course: across the street to the trail, across the foot bridge, around to go under the bridge, then across another foot bridge, to the dash across 91, through the woods, around the lake, up hell hill, by the elementary school, zooming across 57, down Luray hill, and home to park in my empty garage (well, okay, there is a lot of college kids' stuff in there).

Today, 04/02/09, I believe the sun shone just for me, the very few minutes it graced us as a winter storm is heading this way. Using much self-talk to motivate myself to carpe diem, I triked (troked??) nearly the same course outlined above, but with a couple detours to complete errands to the post office and bank. It is wonderful to be able to manage these, seemingly simple, tasks by myself. So many people have generously provided transportation & assistance for me these past 15 months. Today, I proudly proclaim, "I AM A TRIKER". It seems probable that I'll never be able to run again. More about that later. For today, I am a triker.

My goal is to use this blog as an accountability tool to keep on triking. To log my triking, similar to a "running log". To keep this process fascinating for me to review, I'll add personal commentary about my journey to becoming a triker, hence, triking times. Based on the sound of "triking times", there is similarity to "trying times". They may share similar meanings, as well. We'll see...

If you choose to join me in this journey, I look forward to hearing from you (unless you're correcting my grammar). Bear with me as I learn about blogging.

Blessings abound!!

~A~