Thursday, October 31, 2013

They Got It Right

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It rained.

It was a dark, wet, and dreary ride to work. I loved every minute of it!


The forecasters predicted 100% chance of rain and they got it right. It pretty much rained all day. By evening the leaves were definitely down and dangerous. Still using needing to get gas as an excuse I managed to stretch the home ride out to a little over an hour.

  • 65F/28C with light rain for the ride in.
  • 62F/17C with a steady rain for the homeward ride.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Foggy

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was a foggy ride in.

I don't know why this made me sad. Maybe this brought back a memory of a favorite item my daughter lost at the airport in Oklahoma City. She had a little bunny blanket. It got dropped somewhere. It was very sad and it was a very desolate and inconsolable almost a toddler on the plane ride back to Chicago. It was one of the many times my heart has broken in this lifetime I probably mistakenly call mine.

Hawthorne Street is a beautiful street any time, but I especially enjoy it when it is foggy.

After riding for a few years I can almost predict what conversation is going to greet me as I come into the Courthouse. Here was today's version of the fog talk.

"I bet you had fun riding this morning," she said to me with raised eyebrows and oozing skepticism.

"I did," I replied, " I dawdled a bit and even stopped to take some photos. I'd of loved to keep going. I love riding in the fog."

"Aren't you afraid the other drivers won't see you?"

"Truthfully, I never expect other drivers to see me even on a clear day."

"Well, that's true," she said as she walked away shaking her head.

Today was the last day for the hostas. It seemed to me a perfect day to say goodbye.

It is almost All Hallows Eve. And it is almost the season of riding home in the dark. I'm glad Halloween now comes when I'm still riding home in the light.

  • 58F/14C and fog for the ride to work.
  • 72F/22C, overcast with an occasional sprinkle for the home ride.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

For A Moment

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

I rode in the dark. My friend Maggie saw a sunrise. She lives South of the City. I saw nothing more than a faint orange glow toward the Southeast.

By mid-morning the rain began. This was pretty much the story of the day. The rain was seldom heavy. It never completely stopped either.

I rode home in a light but steady rain. It was the first day I was aware of the fallen leaves as hazards. The leaves are beautiful in the trees. On the streets they are dangerous when wet.

Tomorrow more rain is in the forecast with a high of 75deg F/24deg C. Ah, the return of Summer . . . for a moment.

  • 50F/10C and overcast for the ride to work.
  • 58F/14C with light rain/mist for the home ride.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Dangling

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

0710CDT
We continue to march toward the Dark.


But, we aren't there. We are in that marvelous in-between time full of color and playful light.

As a kid originally from the farm there are certain sights that astound me no matter how often I see them.


Window washers dangling from the tall buildings is definitely one of them.

Today it was back to being warm and there were bikes back in the lot again. Tomorrow looks like rain. We'll see how many are out and about then.

  • 38F/3C and clear for the ride to work.
  • 67F/19C with some clouds for the ride home.

Friday, October 25, 2013

I Wasn't Surprised

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

We experienced our first frost of the season. It was on the car windows. This was the first of this season's days I didn't have to scrape my car windows because I ride to work.

The frost also covered the grass in the clearings of Tower Grove Park.

As the sun appeared it made the still mostly green leaves look much more Autumn-ish than they did just moments before.


When I got to work I wasn't surprised to find no other riders.


On the way home I did meet up with a deputy who rides a 50cc Kymco scooter. He parks in a different area. He rides most days I do. He once told me, "The way I look at it, every day I ride it lets my wife sleep in." I have no idea how one leads to the other, but it seemed so sweet I didn't want to ask. Today she got to sleep in.

  • 30F/-1C and clear for the ride to work.
  • 54F/12C with a few clouds for the home ride.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Tonight May . . .

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was another cool morning, almost a carbon copy of yesterday. The wind came up during the day. This made it feel nearly ten degrees Fahrenheit colder then it actually was. Tonight may bring our first frost of the year. I'm most eager to see how the Hippo Hands perform. It has been really nice to be back wearing my favorite gloves. They'd been exchanged for my heavier, warmer, and bulky gloves. I'm planning to wear them tomorrow. Amazing.

Baseball. The World Series doesn't come to town until Saturday. This town is Baseball crazy in normal times. The Cardinals being in the World Series turns it up a notch. I'm glad two of the three games here in St.Louis will be over the weekend. Facing the craziness on Monday will be enough and it shouldn't be too bad with it being a night game.

  • 40F/ and cloudy for the ride to work.
  • 46F/ and scattered clouds for the ride home.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

I Am Pleased.

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was the first ride with the new Hippo Hands.

Someone asked if the Hippo Hands were awkward. They are fine moving. It is very easy to get my hands in and out. There is lots of room inside the muff to deal with the controls easily. I have found one time when they are awkward. They are awkward in the garage as I manipulate Miss Billie back in her wee space in front of Heather's car.

As you can see the morning brought sunshine, but the afternoon brought clouds. I was surprised to experience a few raindrops on the way home. I was also surprised when I had to turn off the heated grips because my hands were too warm. What gloves did I have on? My light weight gloves with silk liners.

I am pleased.

  • 38F/3C with some clouds for the ride to work.
  • 47F/8C with a few sprinkles for the home ride.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Right On Time

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

The sky was on fire.

It is the season for sunrises and sunsets. I've moved through the Sun-In-My-Eyes Season, or at least until the time changes back from Daylight Savings Time. My memory is I will have some more blinding days then.


Still it won't be long and it will be the Dark Season, the time I ride to and from work in the cold and dark.


When I came out after work it was obvious the Motorcycles spirits are giving me lots of opportunities to ride in my least favorite conditions. However tonight it wasn't long before the sky opened up and the streets became plenty wet.


But, by the time Isabelle and I got to the Post Office the clouds were breaking up.


The stopping off at the Post Office was the reason I was riding Isabelle today. I had a package to pick up, a package for Billie.


Tomorrow it is supposed to be clear. And, we are under are first frost advisory.


Miss Billie's Hippo hands showed up right on time.

  • 39F/4C with a few clouds and lots of orange sky for the ride to work.
  • 60F/9C and a nice rain storm to ride through on the way home.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Billie Meets Another Admirer

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

As I was taking off my helmet in the parking area this morning a man came over and asked me how many miles to the gallon my bike got. I told him, "Over a hundred." We continued to talk. He wanted to know what kind of bike it was and where I got it. We talked about how there isn't any place to get one new in St. Louis, but to keep an eye on Craig's List. I know I'm not the only one who bought a Symba when they were available. It is funny, so many people seem infatuated with my Symba. Lots of people say they wish they could have a bike just like her, yet when they were available they weren't exactly a hot item.

As we finished our conversation he said, "I've seen that bike parked here and I wondered whose it was. I'm glad it is someone like you." I thanked him and said, "By the way, her name is Miss Billie." He laughed, and I added, "And it ain't because she sings the blues."

  • 50F/10C with some clouds for the ride to work.
  • 55F/13C and a little more cloudy than in the morning for the home ride.

Friday, October 18, 2013

I Was Impressed.

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was a beautiful morning. Hardly a cloud to be found in the sky and no wet pavement anywhere. I saw lots of motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles on the ride in.

This fellow waited out this light without putting a foot down. I was impressed.

By afternoon we had a wondrous blue sky.


This was looking East. Looking Southwest it was obvious things were changing.


By quitting time the clouds had rolled in.

People had rolled in, too. Tonight the Cardinals play the Dodgers in the National League Baseball Championship Series. The Budweiser Clydesdales were out as well. This is next to Joe Buck's Restaurant.

Traffic thinned once I was out of Downtown. I was grateful.

  • 47F/8C with a cloud here and there, but not many for the ride to work.
  • 60F/16C and mostly cloudy for the home ride.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Cold On The Inside

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

There was a light rain. The conditions again much like the other week when Billie and I went down. I was riding Isabelle today due to the need to ride out into the County after work. I suspect it will be a while before I have a mindless moment again while riding on a morning like this.

I am happy to announce this morning's ride was wondrously boring.

The climate inside the Courthouse continues to be cold. By afternoon I had more layers of clothing on then I did when I rode to work and I was still cold. I do not like it. I went out during afternoon break and found a patch of sun and warmed up some. I was glad when the day was done. Tomorrow I will dress even warmer. Maybe a parka. I suspect soon the heat will come on and it will suddenly become tropical.

The evening ride was longish and uneventful. I had the heated grips on high and it really did make a difference in warming me up. I'm very grateful to have them.

Other news regarding staying warm. The present configuration of Billie's windscreen and mirrors will allow for Hippo Hands handlebar mitts. They are on the way. I'm excited. At least I'll be ready for cold weather outside if not on the inside.

  • 48F/9C and overcast for the ride to work.
  • 65F/18C with a few clouds for the home ride.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Wasn't That Thoughtful

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

The rain had moved out by this morniing, but . . .

One bank of clouds hung around to keep the sun from shining in my eyes.

  • 48F/9C with well placed clouds for the ride to work.
  • 59F/15C with a few more clouds, but lots more sunshine for the home ride.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Rainy

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It felt like Autumn today.

0710CDT

Rainy. Dark. I didn't miss out on riding in the rain. My gear got to prove it's still waterproof.


Great weather for bugs and Beetles.

In the Motorcycle Parking Area it was back to a familiar sight.


Billie and the Vulcan.
  • 63F/17C and light rain for the ride to work.
  • 68F/20C and overcast for the home ride.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Karma?

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was wonderful.

It seems the rougher the week, the better the riding. Karma? Maybe.

I'm glad it is Friday. This week Friday seemed to take its own sweet time coming. Perhaps this is because we are off Monday. Monday is Columbus Day. I'm not sure why we celebrate this. It wasn't a Holiday when I was growing up. I suppose I could look it up and see when it became a bank and Federal Holiday. I could, but I won't. Anyway, Monday being Columbus Day here means I have a three day weekend. Good timing. Karma? Maybe.

  • 58F/ and clear for the ride to work.
  • 80F/ and clear for the home ride.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Freedom

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

Bicycles continued to be a theme.

This morning in the Cafe I found this parked near the table where I usually sit. The rider was part of yet another small Bible study group. One of the old timers says this Cafe has become "Grand Central" for these groups. There certainly has been a proliferation of them over the last few months. I suspect it is all part of the "Seeker-friendly" model of "growing" a Church. It's fine with me as long as they leave me alone and stay away from "my" table.

I've always liked feathery clouds and was treated to some this morning.

Warm days and cool nights means fog in low lying areas. There was just enough to add some mystery.

One of the Courtroom Clerks and I were chatting today. He said, "It's kind of funny, we lock people away behind bars, and you find freedom behind bars, handlebars that is."

Yep.

  • 56F/14C and clear for the ride to work.
  • 79F/26C with some clouds for the home ride.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Interesting Choices

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was another beautiful day for riding.

I often see cyclists on my way to and from work. It was seeing them commuting which gave me the idea to get a little scooter. Since my knees don't like cycling it seemed to make sense. Fortunately, me being a head injury survivor neither occurred to me, nor has it presented a problem with the unfolding of one of the most satisfying things I have ever done in my life.

My eighty-five year old father bought a bicycle a few weeks back. I wouldn't want to venture a guess how long it had been since he'd even been on one. He has a bum big toe on one foot and can't walk for distance anymore. He rode a bicycle a lot as a young man, but then got a car. Now he's riding again. He was surprised at how easy bikes pedal now. He has ridden sixteen miles a couple of times. Seems like he made a good choice, a choice many would've have doubted the wisdom of. I guess we come from the same tree.

  • 50F/10C and blue sky for the ride to work.
  • 75F/24C with a few clouds for the ride home.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Clear and Calm

Yes, I rode to work today.

And,

It was clear and calm except for a little ground fog in Tower Grove Park.

The trees are still green. I've been seeing photos of Autumn color on other blogs. None here yet.

Finally after two years they are demolishing an old row house which has been falling down.

To the best of my knowledge there are still folks living in the one remaining building. There used to be three standing here. Two were abandoned. First the one nearest the corner went down and a crew came in and finished it off. Not long after the next ones east wall fell away. Soon it will be history. I think it is an optical illusion that the "good" house is leaning, but I will admit to wondering if its days are numbered as well.

The sun has been moving lower in the West.


It is getting close to the time when I'll have sun in my eyes both in the morning and the evening.

  • 49F/9C and clear for the ride to work.
  • 74F/23C and fair for the home ride.

Yep,  even with the sun a gorgeous again.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Cloudy To Start

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

The day dawn cloudy, but with promise of plenty of sun later.
0710 CDT
By the time I neared Downtown the sun had risen above the cloud bank.

It looks more ominous in the photo than I experienced it. I suspect a big part of the reason for this was I knew the clouds held no rain. The St. Louis Metropolitan area is again officially experiencing drought conditions again. The bridge in the background is the MacArthur Bridge. It was once the crossing point for Route 66. It no longer carries automobile traffic just rail. Things change.

I took the long way home. It was good. Didn't take any photos. I wanted to just ride. It seems for a while transition time will be important to keep home sane.

  • 53F/12C and cloudy when I left for work, but overcast by the time I got Downtown.
  • 71F/22C with a few clouds for the home ride.


Friday, October 4, 2013

A Horse

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was another great day for riding.

And . . .

It was another challenging day at work.

My life is so much better than before I became one of broken brain, but I still hate it when I smash into my limitations. At work, I've done very well at compensating for my weaknesses and finding ways to bring my new strengths to the table. Ironically, this may be causing me some problems now. I'm experiencing a marked increase in the frequency of my dissociative responses to being overwhelmed. I'm being overwhelmed not only with information, but more by the group setting it is being given. I'm reminded of the Biblical line: "Now there arose up a new Pharaoh over Egypt, which knew not Joseph." And, this helps me to take the long few of my present "sufferings". This too will pass, or it won't and I will still survive. I might even thrive. But, for now it is difficult.


When I left the Courthouse tonight the sky seemed to let me know it sympathized with my less than tranquil state.


Later, it sent a horse to run with me for a while.

It helps to know I'm cared for by friends in High Places.

  • 70F/21C with a few scattered clouds for the ride to work.
  • 86F/30C with clouds in all the right places for the home ride.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Gorgeous

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was a gorgeous day.

With the baseball playoffs beginning today there was red everywhere. I didn't venture out. I'm pretty peopled out from the weekend and all the additional group meetings at work.

Fortunately the baseball game began at 4:00 PM CDT. This meant traffic was a breeze for the ride home. I stretched Billie's legs a little. It was nice to have some solitary riding time. Maybe some time will open up this weekend for a nice long ride. I'm thinking I'm due.

  • 70F/21C and sunny for the ride to work.
  • 86F/30C with scattered clouds for the ride home. 

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

No Longer Is There Screeching

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

There was a dense fog warning for the area.


I didn't see any fog, but there were patches where it had rained just enough to make the pavement wet. Sound familiar? Yep, similar conditions to the other morning when Billie and I decided to lie down for a few minutes during the ride to work. There was no repeat performance today. You can be sure I remembered to use my rear brake. And, last weekend Billie got new front brake pads. Boy does it make a difference. The old front brake pads have always grabbed and screamed. I figured the grabbing was the operator and the screaming was simply personality. It turns out some of the grabbing was the brakes and no longer is there any screeching before the brakes warm up. There was still plenty of pad, but something must have been funky with the old brakes. I'm really glad we changed them out.


The Demolition is nearing completion. I used to take the street that's been closed to traffic long before they began tearing down the building. It was the way I went to by-pass some of the bridges which can get icy. Perhaps this route will become an option again by the time what we call Winter comes.

  • 68F/20C and cloudy for the ride to work.
  • 80F/27C with just enough sprinkles to make me clear my visor after I got home.




Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Tired

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

I am tired. Between my Dad's visit and having to move Heather's Grandmother's stuff out of her apartment it was an exhausting weekend.


This is the three generations of the men in my family. Yes, unlike the general population we have gotten shorter over the generations. We enjoy looking up to our fathers.

The weather continues to be a mix of autumn and summer -- cool nights and warm afternoons. We did have fog this morning, but it stayed up making it appear overcast. By afternoon there was plenty of sunshine.

  • 66F/19C and seemingly overcast for the ride to work.
  • 81F/27C with some clouds for the ride home.