Long ride

Today, despite experiencing persistent pain, I embarked on a cycling journey. I sustained a severe injury on the outer lower portion of my right calf, accompanied by substantial ankle and foot discomfort on my left side. Given the high temperature exceeding 90 degrees and minimal wind, it was not the optimal day to exert myself. Nevertheless, I carried 50 ounces of water and consumed it entirely.

My ride was 33.84 miles long (2:43:50) and had 1,483 feet of elevation gain. I seized the opportunity to identify the most efficient route to the assisted living facility where my mother will reside in a few weeks. The initial 17 miles presented a formidable challenge, yet I managed to conserve battery power effectively. Conversely, during the return journey, I had to rely on the battery for approximately half of the ride. I was particularly impressed by the comprehensive statistics recorded by Bosch during the ride.

Overall, the experience was satisfactory. My ankle and calf exhibited no significant discomfort, and I intend to assess my condition tomorrow morning. Given the inclement weather forecast, I anticipate taking a break from cycling tomorrow. Subsequently, it will be August, and it isn't easy to comprehend that I have been retired for six months.

Upon retirement, I resolved to refrain from obsessing over my weight and experiencing emotional distress in this regard. I will allow things to unfold naturally and evaluate my progress at my upcoming primary care checkup in December. During my April follow-up appointment, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had shed 14 pounds over the eight weeks of my retirement. I was delighted by this achievement.

Carry on my friends!

Old age or dormant lifestyle

Over the past month, I have experienced significant challenges in maintaining my fitness routine. Each day, a new pain manifests with intensity, while an existing pain gradually diminishes. My last workout took place on July 22, seven days ago. Concurrently, my preferred bicycle, the Surly Long Haul Trucker with the BIONX D500 has been unavailable. I am hopeful of its timely restoration, as it allows me to ride with electric assistance without excessive strain.

Furthermore, I have been grappling with stress and demanding work as I prepare to relocate my 81-year-old mother from our North Dakota farm to a new residence in the vicinity. My father passed away on May 6, 2023, while engaged in farm work in a remote location. I refrained from mentioning this earlier due to strained familial relations. I often wonder whether I should have tried to resolve the tension, but I didn't. Raised in a remote area, my parents resided there for nearly five years.

My 80-year-old mother expresses reluctance to leave her long-standing home. However, due to memory impairments, we are compelled to make the move. Her safety is compromised in rural North Dakota. Over the past few months, my sister and I have diligently searched for a suitable new home, provided care for our mother, and prepared for the relocation. The numerous extended drives to North Dakota’s countryside have taken a toll on our emotional well-being.

Save bags and boxes of empty treats

Huge box of unused dog medicine

Recently, we undertook a significant endeavor to declutter my mother's living space. The task proved arduous, and the extent of the hoarding was disheartening. I anticipate that once our mother is settled, the stress will abate, and some of the pain will alleviate. Additionally, I eagerly anticipate the return of my Bionx-equipped Surly bicycle and the resumption of a regular exercise regimen.

Recently, I have commenced attending Minnesota town ball games and reviewing Minnesota Town ball Fields. I have always been an avid enthusiast of townball and its storied history, finding it an effective means of escaping the complexities of my daily life.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Grandview 2024

Annually, Shelley hosts her kids and all the grandkids at Grandview Lodge each July.  They always have a blast, and today marks the start of their adventure. We kicked things off yesterday when three little ones were having a blast in the park, while the rest of the gang got ready to head over to Grandview!

On a recent day, Shelley and I accompanied Vera, Faye, and Maeve to Costco to procure provisions for the upcoming week. To our astonishment, the three young girls (ages 4, 7, and 9) proved to be remarkably helpful. However, loading the already-filled car presented a challenge. Despite the difficulties, we completed the task. Unfortunately, Vera was positioned between two watermelons and bags of chips. Fortunately, the remaining distance to our destination was only 12 miles.

Eric, Taylor, Allison, Leslie, Jack, and the Guillory grandchildren had previously visited Roadhouse Brewery until our arrival. At 5:00 PM, we were all checked in and settled for the week. Given the inclement weather, we decided to engage in indoor activities and prioritize rest for the days to come, allowing for enjoyable experiences.

We kicked off the day with a yummy breakfast of French toast, bacon, scrambled eggs, and fruit. Shelley nailed it with the food prep—we only had a couple of French toast slices left after Eric was totally hooked on the eggs! The group hit up the Grandview “north pool” for some fun, while I (Londell) dashed to the store because I’d totally forgotten the spices for the ribs! Shelley gave me a heads-up twice, but I totally spaced. When I got back, I decided to tidy up and chill out.

They got back around 12:00 Noon. Some went for a stroll, others took a nap (both adults and kids), and some got creative with arts and crafts. The little ones were super tired, so it was time for a break.

At 1:30 PM, I started cooking the ribs for dinner. I was planning to slow cook them on the grill for a 5:00 PM feast. The grill was a bit of a handful, so things didn’t go exactly as planned. But hey, it turned out to be a fantastic meal! Even little Jack discovered a love for ribs and watermelon! After dinner, we gobbled up a homemade mud cake (kind of like an Oreo cookie cake with ice cream). Once we were done, the group did a quick tidy-up before heading to the pool. There was a chance of rain, and right when they stepped outside, a massive downpour started! It was like, less than 10 minutes earlier, the sky was a brilliant 80 percent sunny, and then it just “popped up”! So strange!

I stayed and showered, followed by a deep clean of the place.  This will help reduce the stress when they return.  At about 7:30, the 4-year-old MH returned and cried in pain.  She did not take her goggles; the chlorine was a painful experience.  Nothing could comfort here!  That was too bad! 

The kids sure love the slides!

Once they all returned, they continued trying to start a fire. This was difficult as the hard rain soaked all the wood!  After using 1/5 a roll of paper towels, it was a success.  We started out and enjoyed the fire until the Mosquitoes drove most of us in by 10:15 PM.  Eric and TG stayed much later.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Posterior ankle impingement?

My left ankle has been experiencing intermittent severe pain, particularly during spasms. This has persisted for several weeks, with an increasing frequency of spasm-like pain. I have been investigating the potential causes, and based on my research, posterior ankle impingement is a likely diagnosis. This explanation aligns with the fact that the pain is most intense when I point my toes away from my knee or shin. However, stretching by leaning forward with my foot against the wall does not alleviate the pain.

Given the current circumstances, it is challenging to manage ankle pain, especially with the arrival of my girlfriend’s seven grandchildren and daughters, aged 18 months to nine years old, at Grandview Lodge. The presence of these children creates a chaotic environment, as three are from one daughter and the other. Due to their infrequent interactions, tension, arguments, and frustration have arisen.

My mother requires assistance with daily living, prompting me to research options with my sister as we plan to relocate her closer to us. She has resided on the farm since my father’s passing approximately 15 months ago and is experiencing significant loneliness. Engaging in social activities would undoubtedly enhance her well-being. Although it is difficult to ascertain the exact situation, we have identified a suitable residence approximately 13 miles from my location, which enables me to visit her conveniently by bicycle.

Reflecting on my recent retirement, I acknowledge that the initial excitement has diminished. While I remain content with my decision to retire, my days are now filled with numerous tasks that necessitate rest. These tasks include sealing the driveway, thoroughly cleaning the gutters, trimming trees, repairing deteriorating steps, and addressing various landscape edging issues. The list of functions continues to expand, resulting in increased exhaustion. This situation mirrors a common American experience, characterized by an inability to achieve a harmonious balance between happiness and health.

Carry on my friends, carry on!