Few

Yes, I know that the posts have taken a plunge, but I have little control over it. The computer at the house crashed and was away getting cleaned up. Upon it's return I found out that the whole computer had been cleaned up and all of the valuables that were once stored in it.

As if that was not bad enough, the DSL modem is not working for some reason also. So I need to call the Qwest folks and see how this can be resolved. Oh well, at least that gives me more of an excuse to get out on the bike before next weekends race.

On the final note, My camera was obducted so I do not have a way to brighten things up with pictures. Hopefully the camera returns home safely along with it's obductor(aka my dad). He got selected to go do some work on one of these and should be back home Saturday sometime. Hopefully he got some great photos that I can share, to make up for my excuses and lack there of.
Thanks for reading.

Rockin' Away

My washer really does get to rockin' when it's in the spin cycle. The part that protrudes upward from the back, that has all the controls on it has some screws or something missing. So that piece really gets a workout, and maybe someday it might just fly off, who knows. It's all good and I am not complaining. I mean besides the rattling it gets the job done, which is the second most important factor. The most important one is that my brother was gracious enough to say, "Just come and pick them up(dryer also) and they are yours." He even helped me load them, what a guy!
At least I have a garage to put these appliances in, so the noise does not become a factor.

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Side Note:
I just killed one of these little devils that had made his home in between the dryer and the wall.

Enjoy

Getting colder

This was the lovely temperature at 9 a.m. as I headed off on my ride. I am glad that I grabbed some necessary items before heading out. 35 miles on a mountain bike gave us enough time to warm up and enjoy the day and ride. I have not been on a ride that long or that far in quite sometime. It took us a while to complete(which I won't confess), even though we did not push it too much, but rather enjoyed the scenery. I had forgotten how it feels to spend that much time in the saddle but definitely want to repeat it again very soon, and before it gets bitterly cold. I am sure that it is going to be one heck of a winter, with snow already on the mountains.

These are the La Plata's which are just west of Durango. The peaks only have snow but that will soon change. I could also see the mountains north of Durango, which have a substantial higher snow level. I am looking forward to winter, but definitely will miss summer.

The privilege....

Since getting out of the Navy over 2 years ago, I have fallen out of the routine of shaving on a daily basis.(At least during the week) Being in the military required to always have a presentable haircut and clean shaven or maintained moustache.

Luckily those days are over. I have had 2 different jobs upon getting out and both have been shaving optional. I find it very nice to get up in the morning and not have to shave before heading off to work. I also keep my hair short enough so that really is not a concern also. I usually shave at least once a week, but mainly only because it starts to itch as it grows. I have been debating on shaving it all off and starting over, but that requires the effort I have not put forth yet.

Anyways fall and winter are coming along so I think I might just let the winter coat come in. I should at least do some trimming though. It's not the best photo, but there are far worse ones.




Anyways these guys are in town this weekend, so I am excited since I missed them earlier in the year.
Have a good one and thank you for reading.

Crazy for Chicken

As I was slicing up some chicken for dinner, I came across a piece that I did not want to be included. So I threw it back into the bowl that I had defrosted it in. Upon finishing I was left with the deforsted chicken water, the chicken piece and some fat. As I wondered of how to dispose of it, I remembered the little red terrors in the back yard.

As I dropped it right outside of their hole, It was as if they sounded an alarm. In no time at all the two pieces were overcome. I am sure that they enjoyed what I wanted no part of. I did not make it back out there to see the progress, mainly because by the time I had finished my meal the rain was falling well. Hope they got most it down the hole before it or they got washed away. It's not the best photo but I think you get the idea.






I know this is lame but I am working on it.

Are you listening?

I hear the words coming out but I don't know if anyone is taking the time to take them in. How do I catch their attention and in a way that makes them want to return. As I hear others speak, I am suddenly drawn to them and find it diffcult having to wait until they decide to speak again.

Maybe it just really depends on the person and their imagination; or them just knowing how to come across to others the way that I wish I could but somehow find myself struggling to do. Whatever the case may be I think that I need to keep a notebook or something with me, so that I can keep better track of my ideas and inspirations when I become aware of them.

I hope this was not to deep or that I did not loose you somewhere along the way. For you that made it this far, thanks for reading.

What is the problem.....?

Are you having any problems with Blogger? On my Heroes post for some reason it is not posting the whole thing. I wonder why, I did not write anything bad. I will have to investigate it more when I have a little more time. Hope your day is going well.

Heroes....

What is your definition of one? As we are now at 5 years since our country was attacked, I have to ask this question. If you can name a few people whom you consider "heroes", how did you come to your decision?

Was/Is Pat Tillman a hero and why? Is he any greater because he gave up his millions and a career to go off and fight? What about those soldiers who never had riches and the luxurious life to give up. What about the soldiers who joined the military before we had been attacked and did it for love of country.

We often see war protests and parents of soldiers begging to bring their sons and daughters home from the middle east. The funny thing about that is that since the war has started, you would be extremely hard pressed to find someone who "signed up" on their current contract before we were attacked or went to war. Those soldiers are reenlisting and extended their carrers in the military. There has been no draft.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, just like it is my decision to agree or disagree with you. I simply have only stated fact in this post. My business is mine and your's is your's. I ask that no matter what your view on the war is, please don't forget that day and those who perished.

Cycling and me

Well my order finally arrived today. I have been waiting for it for almost 2 weeks. I guess that it was sent via snail mail.

I ordered some new tires and new brake pads. I guess I finally broke my shell of buying bike stuff. I have not really bought any new items for my bikes since I left Italy. A big reason was that I had not been very active on them. I figured that since I had spent all that money on them and I was not putting them to use, I did not deserve the privilege of picking up the latest thing or something new just because I liked it.

That has all changed since I am on the bike as much as possible and loving getting out there even if I am riding solo. I have also ordered a new pair of shoes and some knickers for the upcoming 'cross season. I am expecting them also sometime this week. All I have to do now, is to clean the bike up, get the tires and shoes/cleats switched out and have it tuned up. I have found the love and enjoyment again.

Thank you Cody, Shawn, Juan, Chris and Matt.

Another Day, Another....

Well the week is almost over and it just started. I am having a good week, and am happy that I have been able to squeeze some good rides in and looking forward to a few more before this week is gone.

Last night was a great one due to the fact that I spoke to Elaine in Florida for nearly an hour and got to catch up with her life at the present. Her husband Franky just picked up chief and is getting pinned on the 15th. Congrats to him!! I wished her a happy birthday since I knew she would be busy with work and all the rest today. Today I called Eliana in Napoli, Italia, since it was her birthday also. She is doing well and is back to work after taking some time off after having twin girls back in March. It was good catching up with her, even though I had to cut it short due to the long distance charges.

I just hope that everyone is making the most of each day and don't forget to keep smiling. I am happy that some old friends of mine are going to be in town this weekend. I have not seen them in quite some time. They have 3 sons and I am anxious to meet them. Thank you to all my friends and taking the time to read my rambles. Feel free to comment. I enjoy hearing from you guys also.

September

Can you believe it is already here? I am still having a tough time trying to accept it. I notice that the days are getting shorter and it is gettting cooler in the mornings and at night. I enjoy the fall and everything that comes with it. The fall colors in the mountains and the over looming presence of winter.

September also brings some birthdays of some memorable people of my life. First off is Elaine and Eliana, who share the day on the 6th. They are 2 remarkable women and a world away from each other and myself. One in Florida and the other in Italy. Secondly, is Emily on the 13th and her daddy Russ on the 16th. Also, I wish Juan a happy one on the 30th and thanks to him for all that he has done for me. I wish these five a wonderful and special day. If there is anyone that I have missed, Please excuse me.

Lastly September reminds me that I am only a month away from when I start racing my bike. I plan to do this mountain bike race and a cyclocross series when I am able to.

Lastly I know that it was a few days ago, but I wish Fabiana had a wonderful birthday and many more to come.