Journal/Blog

Another day in my life

And once again, I am sitting down and putting pen to paper...actually, putting keys to screen (is that like electrons, photons, anyone?


I woke up early again but decided to stay in bed. I had extreme balance issues several years ago and had to give up bicycling. I had asked my doc if certain medications (I'd done some research on the internet) might be causing my issues. My hands shook so bad I had issues trying to dial a phone. The doc sits back, thinks a minute, then tells me "Maybe" and that was the extent of his interest. I stopped taking the meds the next day and have never gone back to see him. Slowly, things improved.


I had traded in my bicycle several years ago and purchased an adult tricycle. Those things are setup for short people. I had to buy an extension kit to raise the seat up. The downside of this is it raises the center of balance and it becomes top heavy (especially if you're overweight like I am) and can easily be tipped over. I also didn't get much of a workout with it.


In my younger days, I was a walking fool. 10 miles or more was nothing to me, drunk or sober. (Navy days). Now, I get bored walking and after a few days my hips begin to complain. My balance has improved so I had been thinking about trying a bicycle again. Late last month I decided to give one a try.


I stopped in at a bike shop that I hadn't been in for a long time and talked to the clerk and explained my dilemma. He wasn't real excited about letting me try a bike that I might well fall with and scratch it up. Fortunately, the owner was there and after some fast talking, he let me try one. I pedaled around the parking lot without issue. That afternoon I came in and purchased a nice bicycle. I've been riding 5 days a week since (the weather has been cooperating but the past few rides it has been hot and humid (reminds me of the days I was stationed in Guam and used to run for lunch).


I'm working toward doing a 10 mile ride. I prefer to stay off the main roads as people in cars whizzing by at high speeds are a bit unnerving. I'm in an area that has been building up over the years so I'm able to ride through several subdivisions with less than 3 miles on the road. I also go early in the morning, trying to avoid the beginning of the commute hours for those that work.


Today I managed to do 9.66 miles (I have an app on my phone to track route and pertinent data). I had hoped to do 10 today but I ran out of gas. I could barely get into the house after I parked the bike. Considering when I woke up I had decided to not ride today, I'm satisfied.


Stay tuned for another day of my life tomorrow! I've also rekindled my interest in photograhy and I dabble with ham radio. I also have some very nice electronics test equipment, perhaps when the weather gets cold again, I'll get over to the test bench. No telling what I might have for a topic tomorrow!