Real Scottish men...

...obviously have wide reading tastes.

Photo courtesy of my son, from a Glasgow branch of Tesco.

They're everywhere

You can take for granted driving along behind a giant sporran. The mind does boggle a bit however if you think about it for a minute...
And are you incentivised by this offer?

For readers wondering what use this disembodied sporran has, edited to add links to examples of sporrans 'in action', here and a festive and kitsch version here. Who says the Scots don't have a sense of humour?

Doing it Again!

I've decided that I'm going to do the 100 push-up challenge again.  It's surprising how quickly muscle tone is lost.   When  you begin the challenge you take a test to see how many consecutive pushups you can do.  The first time I could only do eleven.  This morning I did 35.  So I get to start this second round at week 3.  
Come join me and increase your upper body strength.  Do the hundred!

Putting a face to a name

One of the things rarely (if ever) mentioned about cycle touring, is trying to visualise a route in the planning phase. I'm not talking about picking out hills with a topographic map, or scouting the amenities in various towns along the way (as much fun as this can be). I'm referring to the more basic things, such as the terrain and scenery.
Last weekend two of the roads I used were no more than lines on a map. I had a 'vision' of what I'd be riding through, of course. It was based on other things I'd seen in the vicinity, yet when I actually arrived, I was astonished by just how different things really were. I knew of course that there would be a Clarence River gorge, but I had just imagined it looking completely different to the way it appeared on my arrival.
The thing is, now if I look at a map of that area (as I may do again when planning future long weekends), I actually have a clear picture in my mind, based on the experience of having ridden that road. The picture now seems to much clearer than the 'vision' I had before. This was especially true with many of the places I rode in New Zealand last year. Already I'm poring over various maps before my Scotland tour later in the year (even if I'm highly unlikely to stick to any route plan that I make now). I've even seen a few altitude profiles, but the excitement comes from wondering what I'm actually going to see when I get there, and just how things will pan out when I put a 'face' to those place names.

• In other news, it seems I have to update my blogroll again. I thought it was a bit of a gee-up when someone turned up with the same blog name that I'm using, but apparently it's for real. More importantly, Zen Rao has a great writing style, so go over and check it out.
  
• In other news, someone else has a blog. This guy doesn't write much, but I can't escape the fact that back in 1990, he was my hero.

"At the end of life, our questions are very simple: Did I live fully? Did I love well?" -Jack Kornfield

I have a not-so-secret desire to imprint a songbird. I know better than to actually do it, but it doesn't quell the want. Is the underlying reason that I was initially attracted to horticulture actually a quest to control nature?
This little wren flew into my window and knocked herself out. I didn't cage her; She flew away shortly after I took this picture.

First Ride of the Year on The Trace

You may wonder what has been happening since not many blog postings. Over the last 2 months, I had a CT scan that showed a mass in my left lung. Eight nights in the hospital for a biopsy - which showed the mass to be lung cancer.

My doctors let me make my trip to the mountain bike festivals - I needed the break. On return, it was more tests (MRI, PET scan, Pulmonary Function) and doctor appointments. We (doctors and I) decided to treat the mass with radiation.

A week of heavy, pin-pointed radiation treatment and all of the trips to the doctors took it toll on me.

The Spring was rainy. When I felt like riding, it was a pavement ride. Today, I decided it was time for this year's first ride on the Wabash Trace. While it was a bit windy (from the North) the temperature was perfect (mid 70s) with filtered sunshine. Parked the car in Silver City.

Mounted the GoPro camera on the handlebars of the mountain bike (my Trek 4300). Since I knew I would be battling the wind on the way back, I rode non-stop from Silver City to 305th Street. Ended up with a little over 40 minutes of video.

My original plan was hoping to make it as far as the Silver Creek Bridge. When I crossed the bridge, I felt pretty good, so continued another mile to 305th. This made the ride 5.5 miles one way. Figured that was plenty for this ride, knowing I will be riding into the wind on the way back.

Shut down the GoPro at 305th and stopped several times on the way back, taking still photos. This gave me time to rest at times on the way back. By the time I got back to Silver City, I was exhausted.

Lots of folks riding their bikes on The Trace today. Don't think I have ever seen so many along this section of the trail. Had to be 20 or more that I met on the trail in my 11 miles ride. Think everyone had the same idea - could not pass up a day like this without spending part of it on a bicycle.

Today's photo was taken about 1/2 mile North of 305th St. The foliage along the trail is very lush, not surprisingly with all of the rain, humidity, and heat over the last couple weeks.

GUILT

As the day has progressed, the wind has increased. It is beautifully sunny, but the wind is wild - not that I have felt any of it.





I have been happily occupied reading and sewing, but every time I look up one or other of the dogs gives a sigh ...



I am still confined to indoors because of my wretched toe; George has not found the time to get down (from the top shelf of the dressing room) the one pair of shoes which I think may fit me, despite my taped toes.





This could be a deliberate ploy, he knows how impatient I am to get moving again.





So I have been confined to quarters. All day long I have been made to feel guilty by two pairs of brown eyes - Pip and Toby. Pip is disappointed that I have not taken her to the wood so that she can take the opportunity to steal some food from the hens, Toby wants his normal walks.





George has walked them, but as far as they are concerned that is an optional extra. Only the walks that I take with them are counted.





Sorry dogs, I just can't do it - especially without shoes!





Your Dad has been busy working on the headers for the patio wall - photos will follow when I am able. It is looking really neat though, Jonny.





George very kindly took a photograph of some beautiful mushrooms which have grown

can you guess which part of the garden this is Jonny? Goodness knows what type they are, but we won't be making mushroom omelettes from them. Aren't they beautiful though?





This is what we are actually having for tea

I plan to roast them, along with some garlic, black pepper and olive oil,when they are almost done I will sprinkle them with grated cheese and put them back into the oven, along with some home-made garlic bread and we will have a feast.





It was wonderful having such a long chat with you this afternoon Jonny. You were looking really well.





Lots of love





Mum

xxx