Early Dismissal

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

We had early dismissal at 3:00 pm. This gave me an opportunity to ride a bit rather than come straight home.

It still surprises me how I can see something on my usual commute route for the first time. How many times have I gone by this tree and not noticed it dancing?

There is still a little color hanging on in Tower Grove Park.

Shortly after the Park I took some streets I travel less if at all.

I discovered this little Orthodox Church. I may have to visit it on a Sunday. It is really tiny.

At a stoplight next to a bus stop a guy yelled at me, "Ain't you cold?" I lifted the face-shield of my modular helmet so he could see my face and yelled back, "It could be worse, I could be waiting for a bus." He laughed and laughed. He thought that was pretty funny. It was a long light. Not only did I have time to put back down my face-shield I was able to sneak a photo.

He does look cold doesn't he?

On another street, I saw a couple of cement geese all dressed for the weather. There was a woman my age helping, I would later find out, her mother out of a car in front of the house with the geese. I believe I've mentioned before the dressing up of cement geese is something my mother, may her memory be a blessing, used to do. I normally don't take photos of cement geese, but I couldn't resist stopping and asking the elder if they were her geese. My question was greeted with the most wonderful smile. "Yes, they are," She said. I told her about my mother dressing them for the seasons and the other woman said, "So does Mom." When I asked if I could take a photo of the her geese the woman said, "Of course, you can."

And I did.

Later I saw some interesting vehicles.

One was a child's toy probably washed down the River during the recent storm.

The other . . .

I suspect is an adult's toy.

Truthfully, although we had early dismissal, I didn't get home all that much earlier then I usually do.

• 19F/-7C and clear for the ride in.
• 27F/-3C and still clear for the homeward ride about.

A Good Day

Yes, I rode to work today

But . . .

I did it later than normal. The morning brought first a dentist appointment for a cleaning and a routine exam. All went well there. Then it was on to the doctor for my annual physical. So far everything has gone well with this appointment as well. He was pleased with my 25lb weight loss and my improved blood pressure. Tomorrow I will get the results on cholesterol. Honestly I'm not expecting such good results. Both my sister and dad had high numbers before medication as did I. Then the question will be what to do about it. I was on statins for a number of years and experienced a lot of muscle and joint stiffness which disappeared when I went off. I'm not excited about a return performance. As my doctor said, perhaps with the changes I've made in diet the conversation won't be necessary.

My doctor, also, wanted to know how I was dealing with stress and managing my anxiety. Since the head injury I've been more than a little stress intolerant and subject to emotional and cognitive meltdowns. I reminded him I do very well when my environments stay reasonably stable. I went on to share with him how nearly all my environments with the exception of relationship have been turned upside down since I'd seen him last. That's the bad news. The good news is I was there in his office not being the one bringing up my issues with stress and anxiety. I figure this means I'm doing pretty darn good.

Because I did ride in later I rode in daylight again. I decided not to take my camera and of course I saw a great photo op, but I must say I think it was one of those which needed to get away. There was sewer work going on at one of the major intersections. The workers had cut a square hole in the pavement. I came to a stop next to the hole to wait for the light to change. I glanced into the hole and glimpsed a piece of St.Louis history. Apparently this was once a streetcar route. There exposed once again to the light of day was one of the rails. Also visible was a layer of cobblestone. The cobblestone and the rail were under about of foot of pavement. There are times as I ride through the older parts of the City when a sight will nearly draw me back in time. This was one of those moments.  I could see Route 66 in its day of using this road. I could wonder how many the kisses stolen on the streetcar. I could sense the echo of a once pulsing thriving overcrowded City. I could just simply wonder. I'm afraid a photo would have just looked like a layer cake.

Later as I was putting on my gear to leave work I glanced out the window and saw sunset and angles. I did have my smartphone with me. This is the photo I was meant to find today.

It was a great day.

• 40F/4C and overcast for the ride in.
• 35F/2C and partly cloudy for the home ride.

Surprises

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

The forecast for cold temperatures and wintry mix changed over night. I went to bed suspecting I wouldn't ride today.

0710CST

I woke to a gray dry morning. It wasn't even all that cold. These are the kind of surprises I like.

• 30F/-1C and overcast for the ride in.
• 37F/3C and overcast for the home ride.

Topic of Conversation

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

Apparently I was the major topic of conversation between some deputies and a judge. I heard about it from a deputy. They were impressed with my gear and how I look like I'm from Alaska. I find this funny since it was in the high 30'sdegF today. Not what I call particularly cold. It's, also, funny to me since I wear less gear than I used to. I often used to be caught wearing too many layers and getting hot and sweaty which leads to cold and miserable.

He also wanted to know where I got "those things you have on your handlebars."  "HippoHands," I told him and he sent himself an email on his smartphone. He owns a Fury and a Goldwing, and while he would be the first to admit he's a fair weather rider he would like to be able to ride when it is "cold".

Cold. This weekend it is supposed to be cold. Next week, too. Let the fun begin.

• 38F/3C and dreary for the ride in.
• 37F/3C and overcast for the home ride.

It Rained

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It rained.

It rained for most of the day. It was just the type of rain we needed. It was nice and steady. One could almost hear the trees laughing.

I rode home in the dry. I would be happy to ride to work in the rain and home in the rain for about a week of days just like today. Of course, the weather is changing again. Here comes the cold just in time for the weekend.

• 45F/7C with light rain for the ride in.
• 51F/11C with a touch of fog for the home ride.

Drizzly

Yes, I rode to work today.

And, it was dry for the ride in. There was a possibility for rain later. I am willing it to rain. We need the rain, not the gully washer we had Sunday rather we need some good old fashioned Autumn soakers.

We did get a little rain during the day. And I did ride home in enough of a drizzle to call for me to hang my jacket and pants in the utility room. Maybe tomorrow will bring the kind of day my co-workers will complain about, but the poor trees will welcome as sweet relief. We'll see.

• 35F/2C with the sun peeking through the clouds during the ride in.
• 44F/7C and drizzly for the home ride.

Split

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Out of all the trees and limbs down from Sunday's storm there was one particular young tree which caught my attention yesterday on the ride to work. I was running a little late and there wasn't really a good opportunity to stop. I left a little early this morning.

It was still there and I was able to pull over.

Tonight when I got home I really didn't want to stop. It was such a beautiful clear evening. But, I did stop . . . . only long enough to switch rides.

I took Isabelle, my Kymco People 250S out for a short ride. I haven't been riding her much of late. Life has been very busy. I tried to take her out Veteran's Day, but she wouldn't start. I'd had trouble with the trickle charger before the wiring harness was replaced and hadn't gotten around to replacing it. It was still charging, I just wasn't sure it was cycling. I plug her in and took Miss Billie over to Jeff Barracks.

When I got back home the Kymco started right up on the first try. Yay. I left her on the charger for a few hours and when I came back the light on the charger had moved from orange to green. I guess it is cycling now. Tonight she started up without any issues.

It was a sweet ride.

• 34F/1C with a few clouds for the ride to work.
• 44F/7C and nearly perfect for the home ride and beyond.

More Seasonal Temperatures on the Way

Yes, I rode to work today.

0710 CST

On the ride in I saw marks of the damage from the storm yesterday. There were trees down in Tower Grove Park. There were some trees down on parked cars. I was planning to do a post this evening over at Twists and Leanings about yesterday's storm. I ended up having a nice long conversation with my daughter instead. We are both introverts and time can slip away without us being in touch. It is always grand when we do talk and if you're an introvert you will know why we don't do it more often.

The warm temperatures from the weekend are being replaced by more seasonal ones. I am definitely okay with that.

• 44F/7C and fair for the ride in.
• 52F/11C with a few clouds for the home ride.

It Figures.

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

The sun didn't get in my eyes.

Later the sun did make an appearance. The forecasters are saying rain for the weekend. Monday looks to be clear. Figures.

• 45F/7C and very cloudy for the ride in.
• 55F/13C and cloudy for the home ride.

What Can It Hurt?

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was warmer. It is supposed to be even warmer tomorrow. That wasn't much of a cold snap.

Today I was signing out the woman who cleans our area said to me, "You're the last one here again."

"Yeah," I responded, "That seems to happen a lot."

"You've got all that gear to put on."

"Well, there is that, but my Dad drilled into me if you're the first one at there in morning, do your work, and the last one to leave if things get tough for the company you'll be among the last left standing."

"I know that's right!" she said and laughed.

Sadly, I not sure it always works out that way, but what can it hurt?

• 30F/ with a few clouds for the ride in.
• 56F/ and the moon in the East for the home ride.

Tis' The Season

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was pretty much the same weather as yesterday, but with the promise of warmer temperatures on the ride home. I was surprised I didn't see any scooters or bikes.

I wasn't surprised to find Vulcan Rider parked in the lot. He comes in a good hour before I do. Someone mentioned that Prince rode a Vulcan. I don't know if that is true. I know this Vulcan gets ridden.

It would be dark when Vulcan Rider comes to work. For me it is dark for my ride home.

I'm not complaining. In the City the night has its own beauty and fewer varmint dangers. But there are dangers nonetheless. Tonight I learned I have my "Winter Eyes".

A month ago I might not have even noticed this plastic bag among the leaves. Now my senses said, "Ice," even though the temperature was in the 40's degF for my ride home. After all it Tis' the season.

• 24F/ and plenty of sunshine for the ride in.
• 45F/ with a few clouds and plenty of dark for the home ride.

Coolish

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It was our first real "coolish" day.

It was clear, but didn't get quite as cold as they predicted. Nor, did we get any snow.

I did see two scooters and a Harley on my ride in. I like it when I'm not the only rider I see on the road. When I got to work Vulcan Rider was already there.

It is supposed to be chillier tomorrow. We'll see who's out and about then.

• 25F/-4C with a few clouds for the ride in.
• 33F/.5C and fair for the home ride.

New Computer

I have Veteran's Day off. So, no I didn't ride to work today. I did ride over to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

You, also, may have noticed I didn't post last Friday. I had some technical difficulty. My computer died. This is my first post on the new one. I'm still not all sorted out on photos yet. Windows 8 is different. Stay tuned.

We are supposed to get out first cold snap beginning tonight. Let the fun begin.

It Wasn't Raining

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It wasn't raining.

The sun was shining. Soon it will be back in my eyes again.

No sun in the evening, but I got moon.

And, lots of dark.

More sun tomorrow.

Vulcan rider was back today. He doesn't care for the rain, but it has to get pretty cold for him to pack it in. He's been on the job for a long time and has lots of vacation days. I never know if he chose not to ride or if he just didn't come in. I don't think his idea of riding a bicycle to work has made it to reality.

• 35F/2C and fair for the ride in.
• 52F/11C and a couple of clouds for the ride home.

Leaves

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

The over night rain really brought down the leaves. People think it's rain that's dangerous. This time of year it's much more the leaves. 

Beautiful and treacherous.

They look innocent, but if they are, how come they cluster at the stop signs? 

• 57F/14C and light rain for the ride in.
• 45F/7C and overcast for the home ride.

You Gotta Love Autumn

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

It rained.

I hate being the first in line at the intersections where the stoplights are connected sensors in the pavement. All I can do is sit there and wait to see if I tripped the sensor. If not, the light will cycle through and I'll have to move forward and motion to the driver behind me to move up, which is usually greeted with utter confusion. I happen to have breakfast at the same cafe as the chief traffic engineer does. He is a rider and is quick to reset any sensors I report having trouble with. The one at this intersection was readjusted sometime ago and I've not had any trouble, still . . . I am greatly relieved when the light changes. This morning all was well.

It wasn't raining for the ride home. The sun sets now before I leave the Courthouse. Add some cloud cover and I walk out into the night.

Billie, my Symba, has blown over twice in the parking area. The first time I wasn't sure if it was the wind or someone purposely tipped her over. When it happened a second time there was very little doubt.

My new strategy is to park her in this wee space. It seems well protected from the wind. Hopefully no more tip overs.

Tomorrow the forecasters are saying there is a 100% chance of rain. Sounds like they are pretty confident. Temperatures are suppose to plummet from a high of 60F/15C at 0900CST to 45F/7C by the time I ride home. You gotta love Autumn.

• 53F/12C with a nice light steady rain for the ride in.
• 60F/15C and overcast for the home ride. 

Dark

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

0710CST

Even with the overcast sky it was much brighter for the ride to work today than a week ago. I don't mind the time change, but it is difficult for me. It takes me a few days to calibrate the clock schedule to the light schedule.

There were hints of orange in the Eastern sky, but the clouds hung on until mid-afternoon. By evening time there was a stunning sunset. I didn't see it. I did see a photo a friend took of it. Alas, by the time I ventured home the only evidence was reflected off the Eagleton Federal Courthouse and the clouds in the southern sky.

By the time I made it out of Downtown it was getting quite dark.

With the darkness came the slight cognitive disorientation this sudden transition to riding home after sunset brings with it every year. It will be a few days before my new "normal" seats itself and my sense of being at ease with my surroundings will return.

I did stop once on the way home to collect myself. I pulled over and watched the traffic buzz by on Highway-40.

Rain is in the forecast. Fun times ahead.

• 48F/9C and overcast for the ride to work.
• 58F/14C and partly cloudy for the ride home.

Clearing

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .

The rain cleared out.

The day was cooler, but I heard no one complaining.

The color has finally arrived and it looks like this weekend may see its peak.

• 49F/9C with a few clouds for the ride in.
• 60F/15C and plenty of sunshine for the home ride.