It is December 31, 2021

As we approach the conclusion of the year, it is imperative to reflect on the unprecedented events that have transpired. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed the lives of millions worldwide, stands as the deadliest disease outbreak in American history, surpassing the 1918 Spanish flu.

The Spanish Flu, previously the deadliest disease event in the United States, resulted in approximately 675,000 fatalities over two years. As we approach two full years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the global death toll has reached an alarming 5,452,900 deaths.

In conclusion, it has been an unprecedented year. While we anticipated the conclusion of the pandemic, the emergence of Omicron has cast a shadow over our hopes. I trust that you have weathered the challenges of the past year and are taking precautions to safeguard your well-being as we navigate the future.

Let us shift our focus to a different topic: politics. This year has been marked by a series of events that have left me deeply concerned. Some individuals express skepticism toward traditional news media, favoring platforms like Twitter and Facebook as their primary sources of information. This has led to strained relationships with former acquaintances who have distanced themselves from me due to my unwavering belief in the prevailing narrative.

The erosion of respect and the prevalence of misinformation have been disheartening. The events of 2021 have left a lasting impact on my perception of the world. For instance, the Daily Show’s Jordan Klepper series provides a glimpse into the absurdity of certain political positions. While some may dismiss these as mere entertainment, I find it difficult to reconcile the reality with the content presented.

During a public outing, I conducted a test to assess individuals’ knowledge of popular culture. I posed questions such as, “Can you name the Avengers?” and typically received four to six correct responses without hesitation. Subsequently, I inquired, “How many presidents can you name?” Surprisingly, not one of the individuals under 35 could name more presidents than Avengers. I even asked a colleague if they supported Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, or Barack Obama as President. Two of the seven individuals provided answers. One individual expressed admiration for Richard Nixon, while the other two individuals were not American citizens and therefore should not have been considered for the presidency. I further tested their knowledge of state capitals by asking them to name Minnesota's capital. One individual was unable to identify the capital of Minnesota. This encounter occurred while I was waiting in line at Target.

I am struggling to maintain faith in the general intelligence levels I encounter. Alternatively, am I now responsible for keeping up with current trends and staying informed about today’s events, such as those on Facebook? How can I effectively respond to these challenges? Furthermore, I have encountered individuals who defend storming the Capitol as a form of free speech. Where will this trend lead?

Additionally, I have received criticism for getting vaccinated and consuming unknown and unproven medicine. While they indulge in unhealthy snacks like Cheetos, Taco Bell, and Mountain Dew, I am left questioning the ingredients in these products. As my grandfather once wisely stated, it is impossible to control stupidity.

Well, those were two depressing discussion points. What could be a positive discussion?

Having discontinued Zwift, I have transitioned to Rouvy for my indoor cycling sessions. Rouvy offers a wider variety of routes and a more relaxed atmosphere than Zwift. Cycling is an excellent low-impact aerobic exercise that can significantly enhance an individual’s health and fitness. It serves as a valuable form of exercise that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines as a mode of transportation, an everyday activity, or a competitive sport. Cycling enjoys widespread popularity due to its accessibility and suitability for a diverse range of fitness levels.

On average, I rode approximately 5 times per week, with distances ranging from 6 to 20 miles per ride. I connected my activities to Strava, and a sample ride can be viewed here. Regrettably, most of my Strava activities are not publicly accessible, so the general public cannot view all my rides. I acknowledge that the regular workouts are challenging, but I have noticed an improvement in my overall well-being. I am optimistic about continuing this journey into the year 2020. Over the next two weeks, I will incorporate additional exercise into my routine. 

Recently, a large tree fell, narrowly missing our house. The incident occurred earlier this week during a severe storm with winds reaching 50 MPH. Consequently, I will refrain from cutting wood tomorrow due to the forecasted temperatures, which are expected to drop to -6°F as a high and -20°F as a low.

I am eager to resume my photography endeavors. My work hours have decreased significantly over the past three months to approximately 48 hours per week, down from the 60+ hours I had been working in recent years. I am actively seeking ways to achieve a more balanced work-life balance, particularly as I approach the end of my two-year retirement timeline. While I remain hopeful about retiring, the ongoing pandemic and associated stress make it uncertain.

I will conclude this message without further digressions. I extend my best wishes for your well-being and safety. We will undoubtedly overcome this challenging period. Happy New Year!

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Getting cold, crashed again

I am fully cognizant that we are approaching another winter. The high temperature later this week is expected to be in the 40s. However, the clarity of the season’s holds eludes me as I have read numerous “projections.” One thing is sure, as George Carlin would say, “I guarantee it will get colder followed by warmth in the future.”

I believe the outdoor bicycle season has concluded—not a moment too soon, as I experienced a second crash in two weeks. The first resulted in numerous baby bruises, but this one inflicted some flesh. The pain was less severe than the first one. The positive aspect is that there was no significant damage to the bicycle, and I will recover.

I have the Wahoo Kickr set up with my Surly Long Haul Trucker. I currently have my Zwift account active, and today, I joined Rouvy for six months. I will soon drop the Zwift account. They are solid, and I have many more route options in Rouvy. Here is the last ride data:  https://www.strava.com/activities/6230292557. Rouvy has significantly more data, but how to give public access?

One positive aspect of my life is the reduction in work demands. I feel significantly better with a 48-hour workweek and one weekend day off. I have already accumulated over 2,100 hours at my current rate per year, and this decrease in demand was essential. I have been experiencing burnout, and this change is necessary.

During the last ten days, I cared for the dog while Shelley was in Arkansas, spending time with her new grandchild. While there, she had the opportunity to meet her grandsons. With so many grandchildren, I often contemplate whether we will ever have the chance to engage in activities together again. This is simply the nature of life, not a complaint. The dog and I are accustomed to being alone in the large house.

 

Deacon

Sawyer

I hope you all stay healthy, happy, and wise.  

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Cold, Zwift, a bird and the end of being a grandpa.

Outdoor riding in 2021 is drawing to a close soon. The mornings are now in the low 30s, and the afternoons are in the high 40s to low 50s. The afternoon rides would be great, but the mornings are a bit too chilly for me. So, I’ve moved my Surly Long Haul Trucker to the basement and set it up on the Wahoo Kickr.  I've been using Zwift for the past two years, but I will try Rouvy this fall and see if I switch things up.

Since I haven’t been able to work out for the past few days, I’ve been busy with yardwork. It’s just how it is in Minnesota in the fall, especially when I live in a heavily wooded area.

I did get out one day for some fall photos. For years, I’ve been so impressed by friends who post bird pictures in their natural habitat. I finally took my second bird photo in seven years this weekend, and I’m still trying to get it right. The first photo is from 2017, and the second is from this past weekend. I’ll keep practicing!

I was going through some old posts on Friday and noticed I hadn’t shared some sad news. Very few people knew I had a grandson who was born with some medical challenges. He was my only grandchild, and he needed care throughout his life. Sadly, he passed away on June 30, 2021. It was such an unexpected loss, I have included the obituary below and the funeral video (not sure how long the video is, but it is posted in the same link).  The obituary reads:

Jacob Londell Williams, 20, passed away peacefully at Sanford Hospital, on June 30th, with his Father by his side. His bright, beautiful soul came into our lives on November 8, 2000 and the next 20 years were magical for anyone that knew him or spent time with him. Despite battling countless health issues his entire life, he was the happiest, kindest, sweetest, most positive humans. He always made sure you smiled along with him. He always did what he could to make you laugh. If you were sad he made sure you felt loved. His contagiously positive personality will be missed by everyone. He is survived by his Father, Topher Williams, Fargo. Grandparents, Sue and Brad Koch, Fargo and Londell Pease, Apple Valley MN. Mother, Alysia (Scott) Rufsvold, Jamestown. Brother Logan Wilson, Jamestown. And countless cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who will all miss him so dearly. 

My son, Christopher, and his mom, Susan, know Jacob best. They’ve been through a lot together, and it’s really affected them. Sadly, I’ve also had to face a lot of loss in my life. I remember when I was in third grade, a classmate passed away. Then, in seventh grade, a friend took their own life. Later, a friend collapsed in my high school yard, and just a few days later, my little nephew, who was only two, passed away. Those were the first of many challenging experiences I wish I hadn’t had. It’s never easy, but I think it’s easier to handle if you know what I mean.

As a father, albeit estranged, I’m still worried about my son, who’s feeling down but managing to keep it together. Since we haven’t talked much, I’m not sure I can really help him. All I can do is remind him, day by day, as they say.

Every day is a new beginning.  Take a deep breath, smile, and start again.   

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Pain from bicycle crash

Following the discomfort experienced from my bicycle accident, I sought medical attention at a clinic for a diagnosis. Regrettably, upon my arrival, my general practitioner informed me that I had arrived late for:

• My annual checkup should have been in July 2020—a little late. (Done)
• Needed the Flu Vaccine (Done)
• Was supposed to have shingle vaccine (Passed on it)
• Needed the Pneumococcal vaccine (Done)
• Blood work - since 2017, I have battled anemia
• Late for the echocardiogram (was supposed to be September 2020, scheduled)
• Upper GI due to the hernia and pain (passed on this one)

I spotted a growth on my right arm and left calf; they were concerned and scheduled a dermatologist appointment within 2 weeks. Those usually take months. I have had these growths for over five years, and they occasionally ooze and bleed. I was never concerned, as they did not grow.

The most disheartening aspect is that I weigh 311 pounds fully clothed and wearing shoes. I still doubt I can deceive myself and claim to weigh under 300 pounds without being naked. I must shed at least 75 pounds. They recommended that I explore medical options, but I declined and resolved to exert greater effort. My primary concerns revolve around stress and work-related issues. Last year, I lost a significant amount of vacation time and worked nearly 3,000 hours. To clarify, this equates to an average of 8.2 hours per day, every day of the year—leaving me with no time for personal pursuits. I anticipate being eligible for retirement within three years. My most pressing concern is securing health insurance.

The political situation has turned my job into a real challenge. It feels like we’re stuck in a binary world—either super left or super right. I often find myself in the middle, and unfortunately, I’m getting blamed by both sides for the problems. The overall mood is really low, even worse than it was after the leadership change six years ago. I’m thinking I’ll retire in about 28 months, but I need to keep going to make that happen.

I deviated from the topic and returned to the clinic visit. Numerous other points were emphasized, but little was said about the reason for my visit. I suspect I have concussion symptoms, and my groin and bruises are pretty painful. There are also hard, painful lumps on my thighs. Despite my efforts, they did not address the areas that were most relevant to me.

On October 17th, Shelley’s birthday arrived. Her older daughter and two grandchildren flew in for three days from Nashabull (as the five-year-old refers to it—Nashville). This was one of the most thoughtful gifts she could have received on her birthday weekend. I was not even going to attempt to surpass their visit. 

However, I went overboard and purchased Kicr Core for her. I have one and love it in the winter with Zwift or Rouvy. For quite some time, she has expressed difficulty building good biking leg strength in the winter. Let's see if the level of use over the winter justifies the purchase.

Since she was occupied, I could get out over the weekend and take some fall photos; below is a small sample.

To enhance my well-being, I must prioritize self-care and allocate time away from work responsibilities. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is crucial for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout. However, I have observed that colleagues often anticipate completing tasks before they can commence their own work. Consequently, delays can have cascading effects. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that individual efforts alone cannot address all challenges.

Over the past two weekends, I have intentionally reduced my work hours on Saturday and Sunday, averaging 3-5 hours per day. This adjustment represents a positive step towards achieving a healthier work-life balance.

Tomorrow, I intend to commute to work by bicycle. The morning temperature forecast calls for a low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. While the cold weather may be uncomfortable, it can also provide a refreshing contrast to the usual indoor environment.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Wow, been a while

As we approach the second full year of the COVID-19 pandemic, I extend my heartfelt prayers for the continued well-being of all. Remarkably, a few years have elapsed, and I find myself contemplating the need for updates. Are there any significant developments that warrant attention?

In the spring of 2020, I decided to stop using Facebook. The divisive nature of interactions with friends and the emotional intensity they evoked were detrimental to my mental health. I made a political joke, which prompted several friends to express extreme reactions, including blocking me. The joke I made was as follows:

We call a "Gigantic" dinosaur "T Rex"

So why isn't "T Rump" a "Gigantic ASS"

It was a joke! The country's political polarization is affecting personal relationships, a concerning trend. This situation is a result of misinformation and the gullibility of some individuals, and it appears to be worsening.

In November 2020, I stated that I would not cut my hair or shave until I was vaccinated. However, in early April 2020, I was vaccinated, and I shaved and had a haircut. Here are some images that may provide some amusement.

3 Weeks before a haircut

Probably an automatic search by TSA?

My son thought there was a resemblance.

During the summer, I endeavored to ride a bicycle as often as possible. However, due to my remote work arrangement and my schedule, I was able to ride approximately twice a week. Since last summer, I have successfully lost 10 pounds. Notably, I visited my doctor for my annual checkup on the day I experienced a bicycle accident. Unfortunately, this was not an ideal time for a yearly checkup, as I sustained a minor concussion and severe bruising. I was disoriented and required several days to recover from the head injury. The accident occurred when I veered off the handlebars, causing the rear tire to follow me. A detailed account of the incident is beyond the scope of this summary, which was rushed and had limited visibility.

To the right is an image of my left leg, which appears more severely affected than my right.

Some things I miss and learned along the way.

• I no longer see Maria Barton strolling by the house on her morning runs. I hope she is still doing well.
• I no longer see the people in the neighborhood as much as we all crawled into a cave.
• The bullying and divisive tactics of the past President have created a divide among friends.
• I never imagined families who once were great friends would hate each other over a vaccine.
• I do not see events where old friends can catch up and enjoy a day.
• Cancel culture has us all afraid to speak. I even had someone chastise me for opening a door for a female. They said I was calling her a weaker person and that it was an insult. So, that is not appropriate.
• I was told that complimenting someone's literacy was a microaggression and that I should never repeat it.
• I miss people caring for one another instead of making themselves look better by bringing others down.

After losing over 120 hours of vacation from March 2020 to April 2021, I took some time off. In April, I flew to Houston to help my son and his girlfriend relocate to Cary, North Carolina, a city I now find more appealing than Houston. These were challenging yet enjoyable two weeks.

My girlfriend, Shelley, experienced a challenging year. Her life was filled with joy due to the proximity of her two daughters, who allowed her to visit her granddaughters and grandsons whenever she desired. However, her oldest daughter moved to Nashville, Tennessee, approximately nine months later, followed by her youngest daughter’s move to Fayetteville, Arkansas. This has resulted in a significant loss of happiness for Shelley, who often cries. Despite her outward composure, she has undergone a profound transformation, albeit not for the better.

It is unclear whether her daughters will ever comprehend the pain they inflicted upon their mother. I doubt it and intend to convey the negative consequences of their actions. Shelley’s current state of sadness deeply saddens me.

I could say so much more, yet it may get too long. As I assume many do, I see more downsides from COVID-19 and the politically divisive atmosphere than upsides. The main point is that despite highs and lows, we are still alive and taking each day as a gift.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Big move

It's not a move for me, but for my son. I was going to fly to Houston, and he and his girlfriend were moving to Cary, North Carolina. We would alternate the U-Haul and the car for the drive. They had been looking at houses and had purchased with the closing date of May 1.

I thought they would break up the day before I flew out. My son rode a bicycle and placed the keys on top of the car. Kira was unaware of this, and when she returned with a friend, they decided to get some items before the move. He came back and was very angry with her. He became more furious as she tried to defend herself, and it was a less-than-wise place to put the keys.

I took the flight after telling them they should break up and lose the earnest money on the house. Walking away may be the better solution. Jordan has my genetics and has yet to learn, as I did well into my 40s, that many issues are mine, but I made them another person's issue. It's not a good trait.

When I arrived, the van was packed, and a bit of cleaning remained. There was ice in the air, but at least they were cordial. We were able to get out of town by 9:30 AM. After about 60 miles, Kira said the Subaru's check engine light came on. Jordan and I were in the truck. We thought this was just another issue, and the move was cursed. We stopped at Buckee's to check the issue: the low-tire-pressure indicator. Since it appeared to be a slow leak, we filled the tire and proceeded. Jordan decided to drive with Kira while I was alone in the truck.

The drive was uneventful until we reached Georgia. There was a chain collision, and Jordan slowed for it, but I did not see it. I was looking at him when he slowed. Fortunately, he slowed way early, so I had a chance to see the issue and did not crash! Our luck was improving. Kira and Jordan were behind me, and I was looking in the mirror when I began to freak out. A car was coming up behind them at full speed. The car saw the issue, but it was too late. It swerved to avoid the vehicle in front of them (a few cars behind Jordan), but no luck. Another pileup and Jordan was spared by one car length!

We were just past the halfway point and found a place to stay. The tension between them dissipated during the car ride, which was a relief. We checked into a hotel, ate dinner, and decided that Kira and I would hang back and get the Subaru tire looked at while Jordan left earlier with the truck. We went to Walmart Auto Center and waited 30 minutes for it to open. Sure enough, there was a screw in the tire. It took 45 minutes to repair, meaning Jordan was over 90 miles ahead of us. I drove as hard as possible to catch him, but he was driving slightly above the speed limit, and I only caught him near Cary.

We took the truck to the house and parked it for the night. Kira was going to stay at a friend's, and Jordan and I stayed at Courtyard Parkside Town Commons in Cary. On Monday, we had the final walkthrough and closing. There were some larger issues, but fortunately, they did not affect the closing. It was about 3:00 PM when we started moving into the home, and we didn't finish until late.

I stayed there for a few days and helped them get settled before I flew back to Minnesota. They had a chance to meet some new neighbors who were very lovely and have a young daughter named Emma. They may become friends as they are all so much alike.

I am proud of what Jordan has accomplished. He appears to be happy and content with his life.

Carry on my friends, carry on!