Update

Here is an update on Lulu: she has not vomited in several days and appears to be improving. I often wonder if her symptoms are related to anxiety when people leave. This week, I have been able to work out more while away, including two weightlifting sessions at the gym. After my ride later today, I will have traveled over 100 miles; currently, I am at 93.25 miles. My legs have been sore, making walking sometimes tricky, and I feel very tight with lower back pain. I need to stretch more. I haven't been sleeping well, but I hope that will improve soon.

I completed several tasks for Jordan, including fixing his clogged sink and the loose gutter that rattles in the wind, both of which were causing him significant distress. The garage door squeaked loudly, but I repaired it. I moved the pegboard and tools, repositioned the bicycle hangers, and performed some basic lawn work. 

I also discovered something intriguing: “never not odd or even” reads the same backward. My brain often notices things that seem like a waste of energy, such as attempting to read words backward myself. This reminded me of when I realized long ago that Subaru spelled backwards is “U R A bus.”

Until next time, carry on.

Sick puppy

I took Jordan to the airport on Tuesday. The dog had vomited after the past three meals. I think she has issues with Kira in London and Jordan in Austin, TX. Although I was glad he was leaving, as he’s been short-tempered and mean. No matter what I do, he bugs me. I try to avoid him, but he always finds something negative to attack. I don’t know what’s wrong, but I feel like a slave and insignificant to him. I wonder what’s bothering him. His behavior reminds me of his mother, who was often short-tempered and self-centered.

On the first day, Lulu (the dog) vomited breakfast. I fed her pumpkin and slow meals, which made her less energetic. I worried about her when they were gone. Lulu held her supper but woke me at 12:30 AM, 2:15 AM, and 4:45 AM, worsening my exhaustion. Fortunately, she only woke me at 2:15 AM on Thursday, but I was still exhausted.

I did get out and do a few bike rides. I did 20.14 miles on Wednesday and 20.12 miles on Thursday. It was amusing that I had an average heart rate of 103 on both rides, which were on two different routes. However, I wonder if the heart rate monitor is accurate and if I may need a new battery, as I was under 65 BPM the first few miles, which is not the case. I decided to take Friday (today) off. I needed to clean up the house and wash clothes. I did get a short break, but it wasn't enough. I plan a long ride to the club, lift weights, and return tomorrow.  That is a 22-mile round trip. I still have several items on the list that Jordan wanted me to fix/look at/upgrade while I am here.

Until the next update, Carry on my friends, carry on!

A spring trip

On Saturday, I took a Delta flight to North Carolina to help my son with some home repairs, babysit the dog while they were away, and again when they ran their first 50K trail race. The weather in Minneapolis was 35 degrees and sunny, and I was headed to 70 degrees and sunny. The flight was smooth until the end. They warned of turbulence; I had only flown once before, when I thought I would get sick. This flight almost made me vomit, and it took about an hour to feel better again.

I arrived shortly after 6:00 PM and reached Jordan's by 7:00 PM. For some reason, this trip left me very stiff and sore. It was hard to walk without some minor pain. I went to bed early but slept poorly.

I was awake at 8:00 AM, and we moved the shelving into the garage, lubricated the garage doors, and made repairs. They were very noisy, and we attributed it to loose chains. Some bolts were loose.

North Carolina VS Louisville softball game

I attended the University of North Carolina vs. Louisville softball game at noon. They split the earlier games, and this was the third game to determine the series winner. It was a one-sided slugfest, with North Carolina hitting five home runs to win 14-3. While I have attended many games and watched North Carolina play in other sports, this was the first time I saw the logo at the bottom of a foot on the helmet and a black heel. It made me wonder how they came up with that mascot.

Familiar logo

Logo on helmets today

During the Civil War, North Carolina soldiers redefined the term's meaning and transformed an insult into a badge of honor. They called themselves “tar heels” as a source of state pride. Others adopted the name, and North Carolina became known as the “Tar Heel State.”

During the Civil War, North Carolina soldiers redefined the term's meaning and transformed an insult into a badge of honor. They called themselves “tar heels” as a source of state pride. Others adopted the name, and North Carolina became known as the “Tar Heel State.”

After the game, Jordan ran 14 miles while I biked 20 miles and handed out water at various points along the route. It was warm, and he needed more than 20 ounces of fluids. I’m glad I grabbed an extra bottle!

I'm debating whether to take any sleep aids or try sleeping without anything again tonight. After last night, a second poor night of sleep isn't a good idea!

Carry on my friends!

Double up

I was up at 8:00 AM after sleeping for about 8 hours, 7 hours, and 40 minutes of restful sleep. The chart to the right shows my sleep number bed data for last night. Unfortunately, I did not feel fully rested. I decided to head downstairs and ride a Rouvy route to start the day. I rode the Vincoiurt to Gruson, France route.  t had gravel and other rough terrain, which the trainer adjusted accordingly. I was able to complete 10.51 miles in 39 minutes. I averaged 16.4 MPH and had an average heart rate of 129 BPM.

After breakfast, I visited Ace Hardware to buy M4 50 mm screws for a box I printed on the Bambu A1.  I was surprised that they were sold out of most of the M4 45-55 mm sizes. I don't know what the rush on the product is unless there's an increase in 3D printing in the city. So I will check another store tomorrow.

After cleaning, the temperature was nearly 60 degrees, so an outdoor ride seemed like a good option. I rode 17.4 miles in 1:09, climbing 1,027 feet. My average heart rate matched this morning's ride, 129 BMP.

As it was nearing 5:00 PM, I showered and started dinner. Shelley was surprised by the St. Patrick's Day Parade and would be delayed getting home. The timing was perfect, as I heard the garage door open right when dinner was on the table. However, she sat in the car for a while, and I almost finished eating when she entered the house. She said she needed to take care of a few things. I get frustrated because I usually eat alone when I make dinner and time it well for her arrival!

I am enjoying retirement without a schedule and can ride or do whatever I want on a whim. I was well prepared to retire. On the other hand, Shelley has done very little to prepare, and she says she is scared and not ready. She is one of those who will regret not retiring earlier as she gets older.

Until next time, carry on my friends, carry on!

Finally

The breathing, excessive phlegm, and hacking all day are about eliminated from my system. It's been almost two weeks, and several days are horizontal! I am looking forward to a good start to the week. I leave on Saturday for a three-week trip. I will babysit my son's dog for part of it, but I look forward to sightseeing, biking, and relaxing for most of the time away. I return on April 18, giving me two weeks at home before Selley joins the retirement ranks.

I did get outside for a ride on Thursday. I rode the Diamondback and used less than 10% battery.  The average heart rate (wee to the right) was 131 bpm.  Some wind made it difficult at times, but I enjoyed the ride.  Just nice to get fresh air!

I also took the time to clean the garage thoroughly.  It was such an unorganized mess, and I added to a peg board and a shelf and tossed so many items I rarely use.

Shelley has been gone all week as she moved her dad from the one-bedroom apartment to the small assisted-living unit. The small room has a bed, chair, dresser, and TV. How good is the quality of life when you get to that point? He needs help getting up to use the bathroom and can walk only small distances. It may improve in four years when he is 89. You know, as they say "Nothing’s better than being 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, or 97 years old. Those are the years you're in your prime."  That is a pun!

Tomorrow is St Patrick's Day; it will be just another day for me. As I age, many holidays lose their allure as celebrations. In addition, over the decades, many holidays have become commercialized, allowing people to spend money they do not have, get drunk, or act strange. It is not a celebration I recalled as a young child when it was about a feast of corned beef and other Irish foods with friends.

As I close, I have scanned in items from my mom's home when we moved her. I found the image below, which was taken as an award to my grandfather for a long time. The photo was taken with North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer and his wife, Nancy, a few months before his 100th birthday. He died on October 13, 1999, 21 days before his 100th birthday, so he did not make it.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Improving - time alone

It didn't take long for the snow to melt. The past three days have been in the 40s. I'm glad I raked the roof because it prevented potential nighttime ice dams. The snow on the roof has already melted, and I expect it to be completely gone by Tuesday. The forecast calls for highs up to 60 degrees.

I've been so sick with chest congestion. It was a little better when I cleared the snow and went downhill quickly. I've spent most of the past four days in bed. I started carrying makeshift spittoons with me, and the mucus is crazy!

Shelley's dad is being moved into skilled nursing care next week, so she will go to Lincoln, Nebraska, tomorrow and be gone for the week. I hope to recover and finally be able to do something, as my productivity and exercise over the past few weeks have been nonexistent.

I really need to organize the garage. Since we moved my mother and sold the farm five months ago, and I brought some of the tools from the farm, it has become an unorganized mess. I want to do that this week. However, I am unsure of the best way to get it done, which makes it more difficult. Do I really need to keep many of the tools? I have no clue!

Wish me luck.  Carry on my Friends, carry on!

Huge Snowstorm

I am still battling significant congestion, coughing, and difficulty breathing.  I use my inhalers much more than usual, but not above the prescription.  Sleeping is difficult.  Tonight, I took two prescription sleeping pills in hopes of a solid night's sleep!

Last night, we had snow, which I had not experienced in quite a few years.  This was not fluffy snow, but it was very wet and heavy as it was over 25 degrees.  The Ego snowblower struggled, and it took 5 total discharges and charges to clear the snow.  In several locations, it was 2 feet deep and VERY HEAVY!

The roof also had significant snow, melting faster with the 38-degree midday temperatures. I needed to rake the roof to minimize potential damage to ice dams. By the end of the snow clearing, I was exhausted.  Therefore, no indoor bicycle ride for me.  

With the forecast of 50 degrees for three days starting Sunday, this should start to melt quickly.  I have been editing the songs written in the past.  

There is one I called Deceiving, and I am pleased with the edits.  Back in 2004, I wrote the basis for the song was:

I always have the best shield to hide my pain, worry, and concern.  I was always telling jokes to hide the internal pain.  The smiles make my eyes show less shame and fear.  Deep inside, I know I am fake, and life is not real!  It's what people want to see.  Living two lives - one public and one private!

The lyrics are:

Under the bright lights of my old hometown

My laughter echos, never a frown

But deep inside, there's a stormy gale

A weary heart, a soul grown pale

Friends gather 'round, I show a happy grin

But they don't know the pain within

A mask I wear, a charade so grand

With every joke I tell, I sink into quicksand

[Chorus]

If I look so happy, why do I feel so sad

Living two lives, one good, one bad

The mirror shows a joyful face

But in my heart, only an empty space

Morning comes with the sun's first ray

Still fighting tears from yesterday

I put on my boots, face another mile

But it's getting harder to keep this smile

The jokes and laughter are my shields

A field of silence where pain is concealed

Hoping someday, light will break through

And may this sorrow bid me adieu

[Chorus]

If I look so happy, why do I feel so sad

Living two lives, one good, one bad

The mirror shows a joyful face

But in my heart, only an empty space

The jokes and laughter are my shields

A field of silence where pain is concealed

Hoping someday, light will break through

And may this sorrow bid me adieu

[Chorus]

If I look so happy, why do I feel so sad

Living two lives, one good, one bad

The mirror shows a joyful face

But in my heart, only an empty space

Carry on my friends, Carry on!

Good day

When I woke up this morning, I thought I would never get out of bed. My chest was so congested, and I had a headache. I couldn't imagine lying in bed all day, but that was the best thing I could think of to help me regain a healthy body! 

Yet, I crawled out of bed and decided to go through and purge old clothing. Since I retired, I no longer need professional clothing like before. So, after about three hours of going through the closets and dressers, trying on various clothes, and purging items, I had 10 grocery sacks stuffed with clothing (See to the right). I did keep seven pants, shirts, and two suits.

I started to feel better, and the congestion was less, as I was hacking for hours and removed more phlegm than I imagined a body could produce. 

I did make it out of the bedroom and decided to print a project for the 3D printer. A few weeks ago, I purchased a Bambu A1 with the AMS lite and found many useful items to print. Today, I was going to print eight bag clips.  They took 7 hours and 30 minutes to print the clips.  

3D Print Bag Clips

Today's outdoor bike ride!

The weather was nice—over 50 degrees and little to no wind. I decided a bicycle ride outside would be good for the lungs. I decided to ride the BIONX Long Haul Trucker. After eight years, it's by far my favorite bike. It's so quiet and smooth. It was a good ride, with an average heart rate of 128 BPM and a peak of 150 BPM.  This is the first ride in four days, and I am shaking in this cold or whatever ills me.

After the bike ride, I started spring clean-up in the rear yard.  This will be harder this spring since I was gone last fall for 5 weeks and did minimal fall clean-up. However, when Shelley got home, she said the leaves should stay on the perennials to protect them for at least another four weeks.  So tomorrow, I will reverse some of the work.  

The rest of the day was spent resting and letting the body heal.  I am hoping that I am on the upswing!

Carry on my friends, carry on!