The chimneys leak around their flashing, the house needs painted, the south side fence is on its last legs, and are you still going to re-design the kitchen? Doesn't she know I need to put on a good base to be able to do our cross country next year?! Women!
That was yesterday after a 34 mile Sunday ride with the SVRoadies. Actually, only 14 was with the Roadies on the Path to Frankfort. I had the need for speed. By doing intervals, hare sprints and barreling ahead and stopping to take pics as the group passed, I was able to do 17 plus mph to FF. But the group intenerary was to leave FF and go out to Plano Rd and back in SR550, stopping back at FF's Dairy Cone (something Spencer and I do almost every time we come to FF on the bikepath). I wanted to climb, not stop.
Getting no takers among the more experienced riders, I took off on my own and rode up Davis Hill Rd after traversing through Roxabel. The air was crisp even at 80º. The shade of the trees lining the climb on Davis Hill helped the steeper sections pass quickly. BUT the local pick up truck driver just HAD to buzz me with his accelerator floored as he slowly gained speed up the steep ascent; after all he had to slow down to get around me, saving that precious gas that he needed to burn through the idiocy that pervades the locals, sometimes. His neighbor in the jacked up Jeep® HAD to do the same thing two minutes later.
Topping out on SR 28 I headed east a bit until coming down into the saddle which meets Owl Creek Rd. Turning right onto Owl Creek Rd, I picked up more and more speed until I had to brake at a sweeping curve and registering 40 mph. The rolling hills of Owl Creek were a welcome change to the monotony that is the bike path is for me. I met US Rt 50 and picked up my pace to 24 mph using the new wide berm and ignoring the Sunday drivers returning from their afternoon jaunts into the Paint Valley countryside.
Back at home in under 50 minutes from the Brad Lightle Park, I quickly showered and C, Spencer and I piled in JCPaynes pick up to head to Fairfield County to finish the deal and pick up my "new" Cub Cadet from a fellow Craigslister just east of Lancaster.
This afternoon, after a whole bunch of busy work at the Temple and TWO HOURS at the opthmologist's (good report there, though) I was able to start the Cub and do a half hour of badly needed mowing at the Cabin.
Bro-in-law Ron called as I was on Alum Cliff Rd in the Jetta, going out to the cabin. We arranged for a ride at 1730 from the bike shop. Chickens tended and yard cut I headed back in to meet Ron and ride the Scioto Trails fire tower ride. WE burned the road up to the base of the fire tower hill arriving there averaging 17.9 mph for 31 miles. The climb and return yielded 17.6 overall which included the slow down of city streets on Paint St. I have emphasized exertion instead of miles this year. We'll see if it pays off next summer.
Note to Preston:
For next weekend at the Cabin... burgers and brats and pork butts smoked and pulled with hot and regular BBQ sauce on the side, Aunt E's potato salad made by Aunt Gretta, baked beans from Ernie Wills' fish fry recipe, fresh tomato salad and/or fresh salsa and chips. Turbo Dog on tap.
Bud Light iced down and some of the fireside fellowship that we have been holding back since you left.
Back to the dilemma at hand...
Hey Honey! What if I do the whole kitchen project before next Spring? That'll leave you with a new kitchen and me with the Spring riding season to beef up myself for the Oregon to Maryland trip... Whadda you say? Huh?
Living in Southern Ohio as a dad to five sons, a firefighter, paramedic, landlord, cyclist, VW Westfalia camper; Stephen wants to e-diary his thoughts and experiences for those who care to know them.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday August 21
Yes, Preston (from your 08-22-11 FB message) I had just listed some topics and had not fleshed them out, let alone edited them. You sort of caught me with the outhouse door open and sitting with my pants down... in a literary way. I had "posted" rather than "saved as draft"
BTW, We all can't wait to see you.
Spencer and Leila at the Ross County Fair:
Since C was still laid up from the emergency appendectomy, Spencer and I ventured out to a Wednesday at the Ross County Fair. I gave him carte blanche to any activity there. We spent the entire time at the midway, lunching at Uncle Al and Aunt Gretta's Lion's Club Diner. Kid Day at the Midway was one price for all afternoon.
Admittedly, with more time we would have checked out more farm related displays, but he wanted to exercise his new found bravery on the rides... at 9 yrs and 11 months old he has discovered that spinning and bumping and whirling around is FUN! On a few previous outings he had ... well, lunch didn't always stay down.
After about an hour we ran into neighbor Connie and her granddaughter Leila. Together those two kids rode every ride they liked, mulitple times as Connie and I people watched. We walked out at 5pm when the passes ran out.
Dixie Bus:
On Thursday the 11th Colleen was given the green light on camping by Herb Sinning (her surgeon). No lifting, no running and lots of rest. So I got to do all the packing and prep on the trip to Rustic Knolls Campground just outside of Mount Vernon and DixieBus '11. Suffice it say that I forgot a few things and I appreciate her normal job of doing the packing more than ever. We had sandwiches without mustard and salads with borrowed dressing. No one starved. We didn't run out of beer. C enjoyed her birthday relaxing!
The weather was perfect for camping with warm sunny days and cool nights in the valley where the campground lies. We shared the weekend with nearly seventy other VW families, including Ty, Jen and Paisley along with the Prudhoes (our long time camper friends from BayVillage OH). Lots of VW talk and good times at the campfire. The regular campers ( you know the type... 40' rigs with bump out rooms) all paraded past our sites, ogling the "hippy rigs", almost always stopping to say "Hey, there's a modern one" at ours. Saturday night we had a garage band from the host's neighborhood. We really enjoyed their enthusiasm, if not their volume and timbre. The kids all got to join in playing tamborine, etc. Spencer, while dancing the whole night, became quite proficient with the oversized Hoola Hoop®.
The Temple: bathroom and plumbing projects at Temple are showing good progress. The ADA compliant men's room is very much needed for our aging group. I will post before and after pics as soon as we wrap it up. A leak out of an apartment drain has vexed me for over two weeks. At first, just before the campout I thought I had a toilet seal gone bad and took care of that. It wasn't fixed and the storeroom for Susies' Gifts got a shower over that weekend. RATS! After cleaning up the water mess and moving enough boxes of kitschy goods to choke ten horses, I was able to open up the tin metal ceiling to start analyzing the problem. BTW, I didn't know it before this project but the building was completely lathed and plastered BEFORE the stamped metal plates were attached. Now imagine the debris from a long time leak onto century old plaster held up there for who knows how long by top quality metal sheets expertly installed (providing quite a good seal). I had rigged a scaffolding-like platform above the nine foot tall shelving to be able to reach the 20 feet high ceiling tins on my tip toes. I was able to see, very happily I will add, that the leak was gray water from the kitchen sink above and NOT the brown water from the toilet. Making a long story a little shorter, after allowing the whole thing to dry I was able to avoid the knob and tube wiring just below the cast iron piping to replace the drain with PVC. YEA!!! After two weeks of messing about....It's done.
My Rube Goldberg scaffolding held and I never fell the twenty feet, not impaling myself on the pointy, fake garden gates below. Nephew Jeff and I will soon tackle a real brown water leak that has been drying out for 5 weeks; I am hoping to get it done just before the Lodge reopens from summer darkness in two weeks.
On the 18th I was FINALLY promoted. I have to be the longest serving acting LT in the department's 150 year history having been on the list for over seven years. Hopefully, this will be a short term Lieutenancy, as two of the three captains are due to retire early next year. I would like to be able to finish out my last years in the department in charge of a unit and not an outstation. But it won't ruin my day if I can't.
Pelotonia: On the 20th I was able to ride in the third Pelotonia out of Columbus. You can best learn about the amazing workings and structure of this multi-million dollar cancer fighting fund raiser by web searching "Pelotonia". Ty had formed a team from the Columbus Chapter of the US Green Building Coalition. On Thurday he learned that his riding partner couldn't make it and he suggested that I fill in. He also asked John P to join us. The ride was clearly a memorable one. The quality of the organizing of the stops, the cross road traffic control and the food was top notch! BUT the most special point was the constant roadside crowd in each community that we passed through. Bell ringing, well wishers and applause was somewhere at every mile. Ty started out in Columbus at 0700. We met him at Amanda-Clear Creek School at 0900. The route took us through Hocking County and some good climbs. In all Ty did 102 miles and we did 62. That was his longest ride to date and I believe he has broken the 1,000 mile mark for the year for the first time. Congrats, Ty. After the ride we met up with the boys' Uncle Jack and Aunt Suzie for a very welcome dip in their pool.
Sadly, our riding companion and friend Marsha Tootle, passed away as we finished our Pelotonia ride. She had fought ovarian cancer for nine years often appearing to have miraculously beaten it, only to have it come back. She bore the chemo and radiation with a smile especially when she was able to get out on her bike. She often credited her long term recovery to her miles in the saddle. She was an angel on earth and one of the nicest people I've ever known. Rest in peace Marsha, Godspeed.
At last Friday's cabin time, Evan mentioned that one of the guys had a connection to used golf carts. Most of the Creek dwellers have and use them as local jitneys for enjoying the road at a slow, quiet pace. I commented that we could go in together if we found one and the subject was pretty much dropped. Two hours into Pelotonia, as we prepared to climb the biggest hill on the ride ( Starner Hill Rd just outside of Clear Creek Metro Park) Evan caught me in a spot where cell coverage wasn't blocked by terrain. We had just bought an EZGo cart. Not yet out of breathe I told him to get it to the cabin and he did. It is a nice addition to our life at the creek, unlike our mowers and tractor it is purely for pleasure. C has made me promise to not let Spencer on the road for "quite some time". "Yes, Dear".
BTW, We all can't wait to see you.
Spencer and Leila at the Ross County Fair:
Since C was still laid up from the emergency appendectomy, Spencer and I ventured out to a Wednesday at the Ross County Fair. I gave him carte blanche to any activity there. We spent the entire time at the midway, lunching at Uncle Al and Aunt Gretta's Lion's Club Diner. Kid Day at the Midway was one price for all afternoon. |
| Big Drop! |
After about an hour we ran into neighbor Connie and her granddaughter Leila. Together those two kids rode every ride they liked, mulitple times as Connie and I people watched. We walked out at 5pm when the passes ran out.
Dixie Bus:
On Thursday the 11th Colleen was given the green light on camping by Herb Sinning (her surgeon). No lifting, no running and lots of rest. So I got to do all the packing and prep on the trip to Rustic Knolls Campground just outside of Mount Vernon and DixieBus '11. Suffice it say that I forgot a few things and I appreciate her normal job of doing the packing more than ever. We had sandwiches without mustard and salads with borrowed dressing. No one starved. We didn't run out of beer. C enjoyed her birthday relaxing!
 |
| Camper Girls: C, Pam, Fran, 'nother C and Nellie |
Tomatoes and chillies have dominated my gardening and cooking venues.
 |
| Ditto |
My Rube Goldberg scaffolding held and I never fell the twenty feet, not impaling myself on the pointy, fake garden gates below. Nephew Jeff and I will soon tackle a real brown water leak that has been drying out for 5 weeks; I am hoping to get it done just before the Lodge reopens from summer darkness in two weeks.
On the 18th I was FINALLY promoted. I have to be the longest serving acting LT in the department's 150 year history having been on the list for over seven years. Hopefully, this will be a short term Lieutenancy, as two of the three captains are due to retire early next year. I would like to be able to finish out my last years in the department in charge of a unit and not an outstation. But it won't ruin my day if I can't.
 |
| John, Ty and I in Athens post Pelotonia. |
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| Ev and Heather were very nice to pick us up. |
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| After cooling off at Ellis' pool. |
Sadly, our riding companion and friend Marsha Tootle, passed away as we finished our Pelotonia ride. She had fought ovarian cancer for nine years often appearing to have miraculously beaten it, only to have it come back. She bore the chemo and radiation with a smile especially when she was able to get out on her bike. She often credited her long term recovery to her miles in the saddle. She was an angel on earth and one of the nicest people I've ever known. Rest in peace Marsha, Godspeed.
At last Friday's cabin time, Evan mentioned that one of the guys had a connection to used golf carts. Most of the Creek dwellers have and use them as local jitneys for enjoying the road at a slow, quiet pace. I commented that we could go in together if we found one and the subject was pretty much dropped. Two hours into Pelotonia, as we prepared to climb the biggest hill on the ride ( Starner Hill Rd just outside of Clear Creek Metro Park) Evan caught me in a spot where cell coverage wasn't blocked by terrain. We had just bought an EZGo cart. Not yet out of breathe I told him to get it to the cabin and he did. It is a nice addition to our life at the creek, unlike our mowers and tractor it is purely for pleasure. C has made me promise to not let Spencer on the road for "quite some time". "Yes, Dear".
Monday, August 8, 2011
August 8. Monday
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| The creek cairn is up again. |
Blog drafts that I started since my last post...
7-13-11
Yesterday after tying up several loose ends, Spencer and I went out to the Creek for a dip and respite from the 95º heat. We hadn't been in the water more than a minute when Heather and Ev came down the rapids in their kayaks. It was a pleasant surprise. At about the same time we heard what turned out to be a helicopter trimming power lines with a multi-blade vertical cutter. We walked downstream on the road to watch a while. I was surprised that AEP or their contractor didn't notify us that the work would be going on. They will have to go within 60-75 feet of the cabin.
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More later, with some pics... but for now I need to get some things done and daylight is burning.
(Later)
Asplundh, the friggin' AEP contractors, invaded my woods with an earth scraping tracked vehicle two days after we saw the Helicopter. Even after I had asked to be notified and wanted to be on the property when they trimmed they did exactly what I DID NOT WANT. They cut the power line right-of-way back to the same line that they had erroneously cut in 1995!! 50' wide instead of the correct 20'. I was able to order the men off the property before they were directly behind the cabin. We have since had several phone conversations and several site visits with the district AEP manager and the district "forester" who "hires" and oversees the contractors. After three weeks we still haven't heard from their right-of-way manager. I guess I'll have to use an attorney to correct this problem.
7-28-11
We headed down to the mountains of NC on the headwaters of the New River for High Country Bus Festival. We pulled in mid afternoon Thursday and were the "Lucky Number 119". The 119th to register got a free "tee". The campout ended with over 200 vehicles registered. Only three Ohio Valley Tribers attended. Frank B had been to Florida and back and Baker's had come over from Cincy early on Monday. Lots of relaxing in the clear, cool water and doing not much but unwinding. Spencer found plenty of camper kids to play with and Colleen actually mixed with some people. She and several others took off for an adventure in Farnk's splittty going into Crumpler, visiting a spring and seeing the sights from a '60 bus.
There was some great music on Fri and Sat night. Friday's group featured a female singer who should be "found" soon. Saturday night's concert was interrupted by rain and for the first time in many years of camping, we were in bed and asleep by 2200. More pics of HCBF at the bottom.
8-5-11
Ty has good news on the employment front. I need to first make will make sure it's okay to pass along his good fortune. More later on that. Vera Paisley grows before our eyes. Ty is prepping for Pelotonia, the Columbus based cancer charity ride which has become a premiere bike community event in two short years. Ride strong, Tyler.
No news from Preston. He is in contact with Megan so I do know he's ok.
Parker is busy scheming and working in Brooklyn.
8-5-11
We had to postpone/cancel our planned reprise of the Indiana bike trip. {Colleen , Spencer and I were going back to southern IN to visit some of the places that MOBT rode last month. We were going for three days and two nights before returning home for Payne's Corn Roast on Saturday afternoon.}
Colleen became nauseous while out shopping for our trip Wednesday afternoon and by early evening had told me we should probably cancel our reservations for the trip. Thursday morning she went in to see her doctor who promptly sent her to the ER for tests. By 1700 she had an acute appendicitis Dx. They couldn't operate until Friday morning because of her Coumadin levels; having received 4 units of plasma Thursday night before the clotting factors were acceptable for laproscopty.
She is home recuperating well. I get to cook, clean and care for her... willingly, I might add.
8-8-11
Today several things are on tap for work:
Evan is off on his last day before returning to full duty.
Three newbies report for their first day and...
I should get my promotion letter today.
Tyler is starting his new job today. He has already been doing conference calls and visiting sites owned by his new firm. I'll get something up on that soon.
Yesterday:
Recuperating from Paynes' Corn Roast on Saturday night: I ushered at church, came home to clean and get ready to ride (772-Blain Hwy-50) with the Sunday group ride.
We also spent a few hours at the creek. Spencer had some Cub Scout buddies
( Beechy's nephews) in the crawdaddy/creek mode. Lots of swimming, floating the rapids and dodging pinchers in paper cups. Evan showed up later, enjoying a quiet afternoon at the sand bar and then the porch as it rained a bit before dark.
(Later)
Asplundh, the friggin' AEP contractors, invaded my woods with an earth scraping tracked vehicle two days after we saw the Helicopter. Even after I had asked to be notified and wanted to be on the property when they trimmed they did exactly what I DID NOT WANT. They cut the power line right-of-way back to the same line that they had erroneously cut in 1995!! 50' wide instead of the correct 20'. I was able to order the men off the property before they were directly behind the cabin. We have since had several phone conversations and several site visits with the district AEP manager and the district "forester" who "hires" and oversees the contractors. After three weeks we still haven't heard from their right-of-way manager. I guess I'll have to use an attorney to correct this problem.
7-28-11
 |
| Miss Vicky's Stained glass raffle prize |
There was some great music on Fri and Sat night. Friday's group featured a female singer who should be "found" soon. Saturday night's concert was interrupted by rain and for the first time in many years of camping, we were in bed and asleep by 2200. More pics of HCBF at the bottom.
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| Bakers and C at a break on our return home. |
My five sons:
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| V P on her first Bus outing |
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| Evan's '74 Vespa... big boy and little bike. |
Evan is back to work on light duty in the box (dispatching). In a few days he should be back to full duty on the squads and engines. HIs surgery results, while physically good are not yielding the hormonal outputs that the doctors desired. In this area, too, I need permission to pass on more pertinent info. Pharmaceuticals loom in his future.
No news from Preston. He is in contact with Megan so I do know he's ok.
Parker is busy scheming and working in Brooklyn.
8-5-11
We had to postpone/cancel our planned reprise of the Indiana bike trip. {Colleen , Spencer and I were going back to southern IN to visit some of the places that MOBT rode last month. We were going for three days and two nights before returning home for Payne's Corn Roast on Saturday afternoon.}
 |
| She'll shoot me when she finds this pic on here. |
She is home recuperating well. I get to cook, clean and care for her... willingly, I might add.
8-8-11
Today several things are on tap for work:
Evan is off on his last day before returning to full duty.
Three newbies report for their first day and...
I should get my promotion letter today.
Tyler is starting his new job today. He has already been doing conference calls and visiting sites owned by his new firm. I'll get something up on that soon.
Yesterday:
Recuperating from Paynes' Corn Roast on Saturday night: I ushered at church, came home to clean and get ready to ride (772-Blain Hwy-50) with the Sunday group ride.
We also spent a few hours at the creek. Spencer had some Cub Scout buddies
( Beechy's nephews) in the crawdaddy/creek mode. Lots of swimming, floating the rapids and dodging pinchers in paper cups. Evan showed up later, enjoying a quiet afternoon at the sand bar and then the porch as it rained a bit before dark.
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| '78 in great shape |
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| I found Jesus on my ride to the end of the road. |
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| Happy cmper in the rain even. |
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| I picked up a folding bike. Shown here at the "Redneck Riviera". |
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| OVT at HCBF |
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