7am

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, this is for Martha, who wondered what the sky looks like here at 7am.

It isn't usually this dark, but the remnants of Hurricane Isaac brought clouds this morning, clouds but no rain. No rain, that is, until after I was safely sitting at my desk.

It rained on again, off again during the day. When I came out after work it was just sprinkling.

The rain picked up on the way home. At times it was heavy. At other times it was barely raining. Briefly the wind began gusting strong enough to push me around on the road, but after about a mile it died down.

There were some significant thunderstorms in the area, but mostly this has been the perfect rain for us, lots of opportunity for the water to soak in and not just run off. Here's hoping for two days of this.

• 79F/26C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 81F/27C with light rain for the home ride.

Perfect

Yes, I rode to work today.



Sometimes when I'm riding the "I" I have expended so my energy manufacturing and protecting goes missing. At these times there is no longer a world out there and no longer a me in here trying to make sense of it. All there is, is the ride. Does this happen every ride? No. But even when it doesn't happen something akin to it does. Riding allows my mind to open wide, to drink in the sights, the smells, the sensations, and the passing wonders usually hidden in plain sight. Some days my commutes are the only live color in a world of grays, browns, and whites. Other days, my commutes are the proverbial frosting on the cake. And, then there are those occasional days when a commute is transformed into "the ride".

Tonight on the ride home I passed a woman on a scooter. Our schedules must be somewhat similar. I often see her in the morning or the evening and once in a while both. I had just experienced one of those serendipity moments of being aware of a situation a driver was attempting to create before it could become a situation. It was one of those moments when "the ride" took care of me or my care for riding well took care of me. It was shortly after this experience I passed the woman on the scooter. In that moment I was very aware of the pulsing joy of life all around. She waved. I waved back. Perfect.

• 70F/21C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 95F/35C with plenty of sunshine for the home ride.

So Will I

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it was another gorgeous day in St. Louis.

With the recent rains even the areas that haven't been watered regularly have greened up. I suspect with the remnants of Isaac arriving on Friday and planning to spend most of the weekend, we will see more greening. Heaven knows those trees still able to enjoy it will welcome a nice slow moving soaker of a rain. Come to think of it, so will I.

• 68F/20C and not a cloud in the sky for the ride to work.
• 90F/32C with nothing but sunshine for the home ride.

Lucky Indeed

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, I was thinking how some mornings it seems like a chore to get geared up, push the bike out of the garage and face the morning commute.  I can never remember that being the case for the home ride. The ride home is generally more challenging. Traffic is heavier. People are in more of a hurry. I'm sure it is more dangerous. All that said, my heart sings when the Symba comes to life. I am ever so grateful to be able to ride off into my adventure of returning home. I am a lucky indeed.

• 66F/19C with a very few clouds for the ride to work.
• 92F/33C with lots of sunshine for the home ride.

Rainy Weekends

Yes, I rode to work today.

I rode in the rain over the weekend, but today it was dry. I don't think many complained about it raining on the weekend. Next weekend there is rain in the forecast also. Still, I doubt many will be upset by the prospect.

Speaking of rain, I hope Isaac brings replenishing rains and not horrible destruction to the Gulf Coast. I find since I began blogging my world of concern has grown. Blogging has connected me to people who live and ride in the areas that could be effected by this storm. Who knew blogging would make my heart bigger?

• 74F/23C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 88F/31C with a sky full of sunshine for the home ride.

Things Are Looking Up

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it's Friday.

Things are looking up.

Have a great weekend!
76F/24C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
91F/33C with a few more clouds, but plenty bright for the home ride.

A Surprise

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, I got a surprise on the ride home. One of the fellows who breakfasts at the same cafe I do pulled up next to me at a stop light. I'd passed him, but hadn't recognized him. He, of course, recognized my helmet and my flag.

It was folks like him and the woman I mentioned in last evening's post that inspired me to get a scooter and begin commuting to work. I like nice surprises.

• 71F/22C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 96F/36C and a little hazy for the home ride.

Legitimately Beautiful

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it was another legitimately beautiful day here in Missouri. Tomorrow it may feel like August, but today it felt like June.

Speaking of June, it was about then when I noticed one of the regulars missing from the bike parking area. In addition the area being for motorcycles and scooters there are places for bicycles to be locked. All but one of the bicycle commuters take their bikes inside with them. Besides keeping her bike outside, this woman is different in some other ways. She isn't flashy. Her equipment is old school.

This lone rider who locks her bike up in back disappeared from the lot earlier in the summer. I knew she was still riding. Sometimes I would see her riding to work or heading home. It was clear she was taking her bike inside. The last couple of days her bike has been back in the spot I'm accustomed to seeing it.

Tonight she was leaving as I was approaching my Symba. I told her I was glad to see her back and made some comment about having been afraid it was something I said. She told me with the heat the seat of her bike just got too hot. Now it was cool enough to leave her bike back outside where she prefers it. I had thought perhaps she had joined the ranks of the folks with high tech road bikes and jerseys with all kinds of advertisements all over them. It turns out it wasn't a culture change, but rather climate change that drove her from the lot.

• 65F/18C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 93F/34C and rather cloudy, but bright for the home ride.

Marvelous

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, this morning I rode into a rapidly warming day. It was almost chilly as I left the cafe, but by the time I neared downtown I could feel the warmth of the sun on my shoulders. Marvelous.

Lots of people were out at lunch time.

The food trucks were doing a brisk business.

• 63F/17C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 87F/31C and nothing but blue sky for the ride home.

Confounding

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, the weather continues to be confounding.

And, the commute is settling into the school season nicely.

And, just about everyone behaved nicely on the road around me. Well, there was the car who determined the "No Left Turn" didn't apply to him. I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of horns going off. I know I felt if this was the worse I had to put up with on my commute today I would be grateful.

• 61F/16C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 86F/30C and rather cloudy, but not overcast for the home ride.

Where Is August?

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it was another beautiful day here in St. Louis--cool morning followed by a luscious afternoon. So, where is August? There was only one problem with the weather today, I was inside. I managed a short walk at lunch, but that was all. Oh well, that's what weekends are for, especially when the weather is supposed to be just like today both Saturday and Sunday.

Have a get weekend. I know that's my plan. After all, I have a new scooter to become acquainted with.

• 63F/17C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 82F/28C with fewer clouds and lots of sunshine for the home ride. 

A Few Sprinkles

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it was back to being warm.

It was hazy in the morning and there was a possibility of rain in the afternoon. For once it wasn't a tease...well in most parts of the area. A nice thunderstorm went through Downtown, but the pavement was hardly wet near the condo. The rain was pretty much done by the time I left work. All I caught was a few sprinkles.

My friend Will was playing at Stone Spiral. He was joined by Iggy on bass and Carol on flute. I met Heather there after work.

It was  a very nice gig. Even the dragon liked it and he is notoriously difficult.

A nice ride home capped the day.

• 76F/24C and hazy for the ride to work.
• 79F/26C , overcast with a few sprinkles for the ride after work. It had been 98F/37C before the rains came.
• 75F/24C and dark for the home ride.

Today There Were Four Of Us

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, the weather continues to be wonderful. We might even get some rain tomorrow.

Life in the neighborhoods I commute through seems to be settling down. It seems the pattern for this school season is beginning to take hold. No longer are there intersections with kids waiting for the school bus on all four corners. It will be a while yet before I have a handle on the bus routes, but it's coming.

Although, the Symba will continue to be my primary ride to work choice I want the new Kymco to be an option. The Symba has a very nice sticker on its right front fork proclaiming its right to park in the Motorcycle Parking Area. The Kymco needed one, too.

Gratuitous People 250S Photo. Taken this evening shortly after I put on the license plate.

I went to the Facilities Management Office this morning to get a parking permit for the Kymco. I found out one no longer needs a permit. Permits were the idea of a former Presiding Judge. The last couple of Presiding Judges didn't think it was necessary. I suspect their opinion is true. There are only a few of us using the parking area now.  I suspect the policy came about because of the last big scooter sales explosion. When I first started riding to work, if the weather was like today there could be fifteen or even twenty motorcycles and scooters packed in the area. Today there were four of us: A Harley, a Vulcan, a Piaiggo Fly, and my Symba. The most I've seen in the area this summer was seven.

• 65F/18C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 91F/33C and partly cloudy, but still lots of sunshine for the home ride.

My Buddy Is Back

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, my buddy is back.

I wonder if his return is related to the beginning of school. I suspect many a household schedule is changing this week. Speaking of change, I wasn't imagining it, there were more children at the bus stops. A large charter school with multiple locations closed this summer and dumped an estimated 3300 students back onto the public school district.

Happily there didn't seem to be as much chaos going on this morning. I'm looking forward to routines developing. I'm not complaining. One of the things I love about commuting on the Symba is being in the midst of neighborhoods living out their life, of witnessing the different seasons of activity.

Also, on the morning ride I noticed in my review mirror an old Honda passport. We were at a long light and I tried to catch a picture. Didn't get the bike hardly at all and I'm afraid the camera focused more on my fingers than the rider, still it seems fun. Don't you think he looks friendly even if a little blurry?  

• 64F with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 80F and overcast for the home ride.

School Beginning

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, the weather was simply a delight--a cool crisp morning and a cloudy, mild afternoon.

Also, I cannot get used to school beginning in August.

Today there seemed to be school buses everywhere. It may have just been me, but it seemed there were more children waiting for buses than last year. Then again, beginnings now always come to me as strangers. Perhaps in the days to come as I befriend this new situation I will note its familiarity. I may come to think it has always been so.

Sadly, I didn't see the woman I noticed last school year, she who walked behind her boys as they went to the bus stop. She certainly kept them under her watchful eye. I know she hasn't moved. I've seen her tending her flower garden. Maybe her boys are going to a different school. Maybe the bus route has changed. If so, I will miss observing her diligent act of caring.

• 68F/20C and partly cloudy for the ride to work.
• 77F/25C and overcast for the home ride.

I'm Told

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, my friend Maggie said of today, "It's a scooterful day in the neighborhood!" I couldn't agree more. I'm told the weekend promises more the same. I hope it is "scooterful" where you are and you have a great weekend! That is my plan.

• 67F/19C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 79F/26C with some clouds, but plenty of blue sky for the home ride.

It Was Cooler Today

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, there was rain in the area last night, but none in our part of the City. I went to bed with the forecasters thinking we'd have a 50% chance of rain today. By morning the chances had been reduced to 20%.

The day started out with clouds.

And, a reminder of how the days are shortening. It really won't be long before the sun will be back in my eyes for the ride to work.

It was cooler today. Tomorrow it may be even cooler. It seems the chance for rain has past us by once again.

• 71F/22C and mostly cloudy for the ride to work.
• Only 92F/33C with a few clouds for the home ride.

No Longer Pilloried

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it was a warmer ride in this morning. Monday and Tuesday were almost nippy...well, not really, but in comparison to what has come to be the norm it seemed that way.

Traffic was very light. I wondered if I was the only one going to work today. August is the traditional vacation month here. I suspect the schools starting in August is doing to change that. Today was the first day of school for some, but not apparently where I travel. I did see one school bus, but it was empty. A driver practicing? That would be my guess.

I noticed on the way to work the Honda dual-sport had escaped . It was no longer pilloried to the stop sign. I do hope it was set free and not "liberated".

• 79F/26C with some clouds for the ride to work.
• 90F/32C with plenty of blue sky for the home ride.

I Didn't Have A Chance

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, on the way to work I pulled up next to a man riding a Kymco People 150. It was the old style and silver. I've seen him a number of times but have never had the opportunity to talk to him. I told him I just bought a brand new 2010 Kymco 250S. He asked me how I liked it. I told him I didn't know. It was still in Kansas. But, I was sure I was going to love it. He told me he loved his, but wished it was a 250.  Then the light changed he zoomed off. I didn't have a chance to tell him not to tell anyone because I was keeping my purchase a secret until I actually had the scoot in my possession. But, since I don't think we know anyone in common, I'm confident my secret is safe.

On my work yesterday I noticed this little beast bike locked to a stop sign. It was still there today. I wonder if it will be part of my daily commute. I must say, I'd think I could come up with a little less obvious place to park it. 

• 73F/23C and clear for the ride to work.
• 97F/36C with a few clouds for the home ride.

Maybe

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, I did something this morning that shows how hot it has been this summer. I wore a light jacket under my mesh jacket. Funny how 70F/21C can feel chilly after a string of much warmer mornings.

Yes, we had a break in the weather. It rained some over the weekend. The temperatures while still warm sure felt nice today. I saw many more joggers out this morning than I'm accustomed. I think everyone who could was trying to enjoy the morning's coolness. Soon schools will begin. Whatever happened to, "See you in September"? Oh well, admitting I remember the song probably dates me.

Maybe August will pull a surprise. The forecasters are suggesting a much more gentile week and possibly a weekend of "resort weather." May it be so.

• 70F/21C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 93F/34C and still a few clouds for the home ride.

Hello, August

Yes, I rode to work today.

And yes, I got a photo of the birds.

For years this space was occupied by an accountant. She moved out a while back and there have been signs in the windows proclaiming all the wonderful things this space could be. I don't know if it is rented yet or not, but I like the birds.

At lunchtime I went for a walk. It was only in the low 90's degree F, but the dew point was 75 degree F. The hot we've been experiencing has been a dry heat. Today I was reminded what real St. Louis heat feels like. Yep, it is all about the humidity. This was the first time all summer I returned to the Courthouse after my walk with perspiration showing on my shirt. Hello, August.

I ride past Busch Stadium nearly every evening. Usually when there is a ballgame I'm too busy watching out for what might happen to snap a photo, but tonight the stars aligned.

• 74F/23C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 95F/35C, hazy and humid for the home ride.

It Wasn't Taunting Me

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, when I got to the cafe I realized I had forgotten my wallet. Some of you reading this blog know there was a time not all that long ago, this would have at the least disoriented me. More than likely it would have destroyed much of my day. Today it was just a bleep. I went out, got on the Symba, rode over to the condo, and retrieved both my wallet and my phone. Yes, I'd also forgot my phone. One thing remained forgotten. I didn't remember to pick up my camera. I hadn't realized I forgotten it until I got back to the cafe. I spent most of my life not even owning a camera. I knew I could live today without one. That said, it felt strange being camera-less.

Over the years of living into my new normal I've learned the importance of giving myself lots of time, of leaving early. Stuff like forgetting wallets happens. It is no big deal to most folks, but for me it can be cognitively devastating. Having time to recover my senses means less stress. Less stress means better cognitive function and flexibility. Fortunately for me I was raised to be early for everything. In the aftermath of the head injury being early and having a plan became my greatest asset, it also was my greatest liability, but that's another story. This morning I not only had a plan, but I had a "Plan B". I, also, had plenty of time to handle a detour, and still make it to work, settle in, and have a productive day.

Of course, being camera-less meant I missed great photo opportunities. There was a great urban water crossing caused by the flushing of a water hydrant. I'd have liked to have a photo of that. And, there was no one parked in front of the birds someone has painted on the inside of the window of a storefront that is for rent. I've been wanting to get a photo of them, but haven't been able to because of cars blocking the way, but not today. Luckily today I know not to take it personally. Life perhaps was playing with me, but it wasn't taunting me.

It didn't reach triple digits Farenheit today. This, too, was a good thing.

• 78F/26C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 91F/33C and overcast, but no rain for the home ride.

A Fun Ride

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, the ride into work was lovely. The ride home? Hot.

I watched this fellow while I was eating my lunch. It looked like it would be a fun ride. I imagine it would be sort of a mix of the hours I spent while growing up on the tractor cultivating beans and corn, and riding my Symba.

More hot on the way, oh well.

• 78F/26C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 100F/38C with a few more clouds, but still plenty of sunshine for the home ride.